Painted illusion: Artist Alexa Meade blurs the line between reality and painting, transforming people and spaces into two-dimensional illusions. By painting directly onto live models and surroundings, she creates immersive installations where visitors become part of the artwork. Her work extends beyond galleries, with large-scale activations, brand collaborations, and even virtual reality projects. Using advanced imaging technology, she recreates her painted environments in virtual reality, allowing audiences to step inside her work in new ways. Whether through live performances, physical installations, or digital experiences, her art invites people to question what they see.

Opera revived: Morgiane, which may be the oldest surviving opera by a Black American composer, was finally performed 138 years after its composition. Edmond Dd, a musician from New Orleans in Louisiana, overcame racial barriers to pursue his craft, eventually finding recognition in France. But the American classical world ignored him, so he worked as a conductor while composing in the shadows. His opera remained unheard until its lost manuscript surfaced in a Paris music shop and reached Harvard University's archives. Opera Crole and Opera Lafayette recently gave Morgiane the long-denied debut. Restoring Dd's overlooked legacy shows how Black composers have shaped classical music.

Shell sensors: In Warsaw, Poland, an unexpected team of mussels fitted with sensors, helps monitor water quality. These mollusks are highly sensitive to pollutants and their shell movements provide early warnings of contamination. Fixed to pedestals with safe adhesives, they send real-time data to monitoring teams. If multiple mussels close their shells in response to poor conditions, testing is triggered, and the water supply may be shut off. This natural detection system complements modern equipment, ensuring safer drinking water. After three months, the mussels are released back into the wild. By blending technology with nature, Warsaw keeps water clean with minimal disruption to the ecosystem.

Perception shift: Physical challenges don't just seem harder due to fatigue. They're also influenced by social support. Studies show that hills appear less steep when individuals are with a supportive friend or even thinking about one. This effect isn't due to mood but rather to the psychological boost that strong relationships provide. Just as carrying a heavy load makes a hill seem steeper, having social support makes it feel less daunting. Research suggests this influence comes from how social connections ease stress and enhance confidence in overcoming obstacles. The presence of support, real or imagined, doesn't just change emotions, but it also alters how people visually perceive the world.

Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily. ~ Epictetus

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. ~ Scott Adams

Neighbours helping Neighbours. Want to get a Neighbourhood Support Group going? Contact Dave Wilkinson on 03 420 9944 or www.christchurch.getsready.net

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

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

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

1. How many bones are in the human knee?

2. This poetic form of Japanese origin has 17 syllables.

3. The Mississippi River is considered the muddiest in the world - T/F?

4. Which tropical breakfast fruit has over 1,000 varieties worldwide?

5. What sport was first known as aquaplaning?

Coastal charm: Sweden's Gothenburg archipelago is a mix of history, nature, and seaside adventure. With car-free islands, Viking-age villages, and fishing traditions, its old-world charm meets modern relaxation by the sea. Tofu tale Tofu has been a part of Chinese cuisine for over 2,000 years, first made during the Western Han Dynasty. Since then, this versatile, soy-based food has spread across the world, becoming a staple in many different dishes.

Reptile reps: Lizards aren't just exercising when they do push ups. They're sending a message. Some species use the movement to display strength, ward off rivals, or impress potential mates. For lizards, a good workout can mean survival.

Old timer's day: The oldest player to ever appear in a USA Major League Baseball (MLB) game was Satchel Paige. The right-hander pitched three scoreless innings at age 59 for the Kansas City Athletics against the Boston Red Sox on September 25, 1965.

Lucky fourteen: The 13 American colonies famously broke away from the British in 1776. It was 14 years later that the newborn nation gained its first addition, with the state of Vermont joining the union on March 4, 1791.

Who collects taxes in Hades? The Inferno revenue services.

The rubber man tried to join the circus, but he got bounced.

Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.

People are always skeptical when I say I climbed Mount Everest, But it's true, I made it up!

Patty: That cow just got married! Matty: I guess that makes her a honeymooer.

1. Four 2. Haiku 3. False, Yellow River 4. Banana 5. Water skiing