Rain roof: Fresh water is gathered in a way that's become part of everyday life in Bermuda, and central to how homes are built. Because there are no lakes or rivers, each house uses a stepped white roof to catch rainfall and guide it into an underground tank for drinking and washing. The method dates back centuries and is still used on new buildings. Builders carve the roof slabs from the same limestone used for the foundation, letting the stone help cool the house in hot weather. During storms, the sturdy design holds up well, which is one reason the tradition hasn't changed. Many families still watch their tank levels closely, knowing their roof is the main reason the island can support so many people.

Cow groove: On a farm near Bolton in England, a local jazz group recently played a live set for a herd of dairy cows to test whether gentle music might support better milk production. Staff invited the sextet after hearing that slower tunes could influence how comfortably the animals settle while feeding. The musicians mixed lively pieces with quieter ones as the cows wandered closer, watching from behind the fence. Several of the cows lingered nearby throughout the performance, seeming to take an interest in the shifting rhythms. The idea came after a short online video showed the animals responding well to recorded music. Farmers say the trial added a light moment to the day and may guide future routines.

Beaver builders: A beaver colony in the Brdy region of the Czech Republic surprised officials by finishing a series of natural dams long before any planned construction could begin. Their work formed a wetland in the exact spot where a major restoration project was meant to take place, saving authorities a significant amount of funding in the process. The animals used an old gully that once carried water away from the area, turning it into a calm set of pools that help many species thrive. While agencies were still sorting out permits, the beavers simply moved ahead on their own. The result shows how animals sometimes solve problems long before people finish talking about them.

Auction spotlight: Three landscape paintings by artist Bob Ross brought in about US$600,000 at a USA fundraiser for public television, renewing interest in the gentle painter behind the long-running art show. The pieces came from a carefully held collection that preserved many of the scenes he became known for throughout his career. His calm style still attracts viewers, even though his work rarely appears in major auctions. The paintings were released to support stations facing budget pressure, and the bids rose quickly. Some discovered Ross through online videos, while others watched him on TV, but they're still drawn to his approach. The success has encouraged organisers to offer more pieces later on.

You have to be where you are to get where you need to go. ~ Amy Poehler

One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. ~ Malala Yousafzai

Live Stronger for Longer: Community strength and balance classes are a great opportunity to complete regular exercise whilst socialising and having fun with like-minded people in your community - www.livestronger.org.nz

Wriggle & Rhyme, Manukau Library, every Tuesday during school-term. Join us for a programme that promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers. For ages 0-2 years old.

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

1. George Lucas directed not only Star Wars: A New Hope but also American _____.

2. Your body contains enough iron to make a nail - T/F?

3. Benjamin Franklin flew this in a thunderstorm to understand electric charge.

4. The Spring Equinox is the longest day of the year. - T/F?

5. Michael Jordan played basketball for the Bulls, Celtics, or Lakers?

Dusty drizzle: So-called blood rain isn't actually as mysterious as it sounds. The phenomenon occurs when desert dust mixes with passing rain clouds, tinting the drops and leaving behind a thin, reddish film. The rare effect can travel far on the wind.

Penny pick: Portland, Oregon USA, got its name from a coin flip after two founders disagreed on what to call their new settlement. One wanted to honour his hometown of Boston, while the other hoped to use the name Portland, and the winning toss decided it.

Bread beginnings: The sandwich may be named after an English earl, but people have been eating bread filled with food for centuries. From ancient flatbreads to modern subs, the idea of stacking flavours between bread has never gone out of style.

Border pull: About 90% of Canadians live within roughly 160 kilometres of the USA border. This broad stretch offers gentler weather and easier connections, which is why most of the country's largest cities grew there rather than farther north.

Giant bloom: A rare plant in Indonesia's rainforests produces the world's largest single flower, stretching several feet across. The Rafflesia arnoldii draws nutrients from a host plant and releases a powerful scent that makes its presence hard to miss.

What do you call a girl with a frog on her head? Lily.

I changed my cell phone name to Titanic. It's syncing now.

I had a pun about misplacement, but I lost it.

Customer: Do you have any camouflage jackets? Clerk: We have dozens but I can't find them.

Did you hear about the very old lady named Anne Teak?

To draw cartoons for a living requires someone who is very animated.

1. Graffiti 2. True 3. Kite 4. False, Summer Solstice 5. Bulls