Call control: In the late 1800s frustration led Almon B. Strowger, a funeral director in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, to suspect a telephone operator was redirecting his calls to a competitor. Determined to fix this, he created a system that connected calls without operators. Using simple materials, he built an early version of an automatic switch that selected numbers through electrical pulses. With an electrician's help, he refined his idea and patented it. Initially met with skepticism, his device gained traction after a successful demonstration, leading him to found the Strowger Automatic Telephone Company. His invention revolutionised communication, replacing operators with automated dialing and reshaping the telephone industry.

Hidden waters: Kayakers in USA are discovering a whole new world beneath the surface, paddling through hidden waterways carved into caves and abandoned mines. From the vast flooded chambers of Kentucky's Red River Gorge to the submerged caverns of Missouri, these secluded routes offer an escape from crowded rivers. Some tours glide through crystal-clear water in see-through kayaks, while others illuminate the darkness with glowing LED lights. Traces of old mining operations, from rusted pipes to forgotten tunnels, add a sense of mystery to the journey. These eerie yet mesmerising spaces provide an unexpected mix of history, geology, and adventure.

Chess duel: An age-old tradition brings history to life in Marostica, in northern Italy, with a game of human chess. Dating back to a legendary contest between two suitors, this event replaces sword fights with strategy, turning a town square into a giant chessboard. Every two years, hundreds of costumed actors, musicians, and flag bearers recreate the spectacle, complete with fireworks and medieval pageantry. The moves, borrowed from famous chess matches, add to the drama. Spectators gather around the marble board in Piazza Castello, watching as the fate of the players unfolds. This blend of history, theatre, and competition proves that in Marostica, even a centuries-old love story can be won with a well-placed move.

Cartoon cafe: A unique cafe in Montville, New Jersey USA, transports visitors into a world of hand-drawn artistry. 2D Cafe Tornado, covered entirely in black-and-white sketches, creates the illusion of stepping inside a comic book. Every surface from grand pianos to spiral staircases is drawn with black-ink markers, making the space feel surreal yet inviting. Beyond the immersive design, the menu offers coffee, teas, and East Asian-inspired treats. The owners brought this concept from Asia, working with local artists to craft the environment with meticulous detail. Whether stopping in for a drink or admiring the walls, visitors find themselves in a space where reality and imagination seamlessly blend.

Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation. ~ Tennessee Williams

Of all the gifts that wise Providence grants us to make life full and happy, friendship is the most beautiful. ~ Epicurus

Franklin Bridge Club at 20 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe, is the place to learn and play the most popular mind sport (card game) in the World. Enjoy a warm welcome at our very friendly club where all ages are welcome. Enquiries to Maureen on 022 156 4511.

Volunteer Community Patrollers wanted – Can you spare a minimum of 4 hours per month? Full training provided. Clean driver licence required. Waiuku 021 030 4062, Pukekohe 021 138 0135

Volunteers needed for Drury Riding for the Disabled. No previous experience necessary, full training provided. Mon, Tue or Thu flexible hours. Work with horses, riders or in a support role. Call 021 727 390 or email admin@southaucklandrda.org

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

1. The Franklin Stove was named after this American founding father.

2. The Colosseum is in Athens - T/F?

3. Who composed Fanfare for the Common Man?

4. What gas is typically used to lift a blimp?

5. Zambia and ____ are the only two countries that begin with Z.

Whispering woods: When animals munch on acacia leaves, the trees release chemicals into the air, warning nearby trees to boost toxins in their leaves. This defence makes the leaves less appetising, helping to protect them from being overgrazed.

Fake fever: During World War II, Dr. Eugene Lazowski tricked the Nazis into believing a dangerous typhus outbreak had spread, forcing them to quarantine villages. His deception saved thousands of Jewish lives. His clever mind was a valuable weapon.

Knighted penguin: A king penguin named Nils Olav became an honorary member of the Norwegian Army after soldiers adopted him at a Scottish Zoo. Over the years, he earned multiple promotions, eventually receiving a knighthood.

Ancient flow: The Nile River wasn't always the mighty waterway it is today. Over time, shifting landscapes and overflowing lakes connected separate streams, creating the world's longest river and linking Africa's interior to the Mediterranean Sea.

Lunar legacy: Before leaving the moon, astronaut Eugene Cernan carved his daughter's initials into the dust. With no wind to erase them, his mark may remain for generations, a personal tribute among humanity's lunar footprints.

Every path has a few puddles.

Rick: I sell pillows for a living. Nick: That sounds like a soft job!

Why was the tugboat so mad? He was docked a day's pay.

The dog obedience school has a large barking lot.

I took my car to the mechanic as it was making a terrible noise. He took the Mariah Carey CD out and now it's fine!

1. Benjamin Franklin 2. False, Rome 3. Aaron Copland 4. Helium 5. Zimbabwe