Hungry owls: No one wants to use chemical pesticides to protect crops, and apple farmers in Japan don't have to. That's because a natural predator is available to help keep their orchards free of field voles. That predator is the Ural owl (Strix uralensis). These birds build nests in the hollows of trees near the orchards, and farmers even supply manmade structures to attract them. The night hunters do swift work of nabbing voles, which can do considerable damage to apple trees and cut into the profits of the farm.

Inked all over: Some people get a tattoo (or two) somewhere on their bodies, but Kerstin Tristan decided to get her whole body tattooed. The grandmother from Leipzig, Germany, started on her tattoo odyssey in 2015 when she got her first one. Now, her arms, legs, torso, hands, and feet are almost completely covered. The tattoos range from flowers to butterflies to women's faces to leopard spots to strings of pearls. Tristan has spent, so far, about NZ50,000 on her body art, and she doesn't regret it. She intends to keep filling the blank spots with more tattoos.

Mural mandate: A mural on the side of a building in Warsaw, Poland, helps clear the air of pollutants. Located near a busy metro station, the mural is made of special photocatalytic paint that lures pollutants from the air. The pollutants are then changed into harmless particles, which are washed away when it rains. The mural features flowers with smiling faces, with the foliage wrapped around tall buildings. The project was part of the City Forests campaign. Several other cities around the world are part of the movement, including Bogot, Columbia; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Melbourne, Australia.

Cat lady: A woman who lives in Muscat, Oman, is a true animal lover. In fact, she loves animals so much that her home has become a shelter for homeless cats and dogs. Maryam al-Balushi didn't always appreciate animals. Her affection for felines began in 2008 when her son brought home a Persian cat, which she grew to adore. She started taking pity on strays, and today she has nearly 500 cats and about a dozen dogs. It costs almost $8,000 per month for food and vet care, which at first she paid herself, but now donors help her with the bills. She hopes everyone will understand that animals need to be treated with compassion.

We heed no instincts but our own. ~ Jean de La Fontaine

Tell him to live by yes and no yes to everything good, no to everything bad. ~ William James

Widowed men and women - from around 50-mid 70s. We offer monthly meetings with support and friendship with regular activities such as dinners, movies, walks etc. New members welcome. Ph Claire 3543976 or Carol 9814125

Herb Hacks at Home at Shirley Primary on Monday evenings next term is all about sustainability. Create your own products straight from herbs in your garden! Txt Vera: 0277821329

Linwood Village Market Saturday 1st February, 9 am to 1pm corner of Worcester Street & Stanmore Road Antiques, art, books, This & That, vintage & retro, recycled & upcycled, sometimes music and dance, sometimes singing, sometimes even fresh bread! First Saturday of the month from October till May (but cancelled if wet)

Do you enjoy singing? A small group invite you to join them in singing entertainment for senior groups. Popular songs from all decades. Ring City People on 9814363 for more information

Line Dance Classes for absolute beginners commencing early February, Bromley, Woolston Linwood & Templeton areas. For further details call Mary 3898809 or 0212163382

Gamblers Anonymous. Monday nights @ 7.30 Oasis centre 126 Bealey Ave

Rotary New horizons. Want to make a difference in your community? With Rotary - Together we can! For more information visit rotarynewhorizons.org.nz 0800 4 Rotary

Free notices for not for profits lucas@coffeenews.co.nz

1. Which country produces the most tea in the world China, India, or Sri Lanka?

2. One fathom is equal to 1.8 metres, 2.4 metres or 3.6 metres?

3. What is a chanterelle?

4. The Caladrius, the Phoenix, and the Roc are types of what?

5. What creates a phenomenon called a fogbow or white rainbow?

Famous relative: The famous F. Scott Fitzgerald was named after his distant relative, who may be even more famous. Francis Scott Key wrote the words to The Star-Spangled Banner, America's national anthem.

Landlocked: The Lao People's Democratic Republic, known as Laos, is landlocked and shares borders with China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Burma (Myanmar). The capital of Laos is Vientiane, and the country's official language is Lao.

Cold lovers: Yakutian horses live in Yakutia (Sakha) Republic, in the Siberian region of Russia, where temperatures in the winter can dip to -70C. These small horses are heavy for their size because they have a layer of fat, as well as a thick mane, to keep them warm.

Unique design: For a unique, personalised cooking and eating space, people may choose to have a bespoke kitchen. That means that the area is custom designed for the owner's exact preferences.

Runny nose: Having a runny nose is a common consequence of eating spicy foods. That's because the chilli peppers in spicy dishes contain the chemical capsaicin, which is a natural decongestant.

Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide.

A three-year-old had received a severe sunburn that reached the peeling stage. His mother heard him saying to himself as he was washing up for dinner, Only three years old, and wearing out already.

Three men were in a boat. It capsized, but only two got their hair wet. Why? One was bald.

Dentist: You need a crown. Patient: Finally, someone who understands me!

Did you hear about the umbrella salesman who saved his money for a sunny day?

1. China 2. 1.8meter 3. Type of mushroom 4. Mythical birds 5. Light refracted in fog