Dynamic faade: The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, UAE, feature a responsive shading system inspired by Islamic mashrabiya screens. Controlled by computers, hexagonal panels adjust to the sun's position, reducing heat and glare while improving energy efficiency. The screens, positioned outside the buildings, allow for naturally tinted glass that enhances lighting and views while lowering air conditioning needs. Combining cultural heritage with advanced engineering, this design earned the towers an innovation award for sustainability. The faade shows how smart architecture blends tradition and technology to create beauty and function, even in harsh desert environments.

Sharing sheds: Men's Sheds are transforming the humble shed into hubs of community, connection, and creativity. These shared spaces, supported by the United Kingdom Men's Sheds Association, aim to combat loneliness by bringing men together to work on meaningful projects, share skills, and foster friendships. This year's Shed of the Year finalists showcase diverse initiatives, from crafting public transportation solutions to repurposing old buildings into workshops. These efforts not only benefit the men involved but also strengthen local communities. With every project, the movement proves that shared purpose and teamwork can turn simple spaces into powerful tools for change.

Pricey rice: Kinmemai Premium, crafted by Japan's Toyo Rice Corporation, is the world's most expensive rice, priced at the equivalent of NZ$127kg. Holding a Guinness World Record, this rice features hand-selected grains from top varieties, carefully flavour-aged for six months, creating a rich taste and a jewel-like appearance. Known for its superior nutritional profile, this rice contains six times the immune-boosting lipopolysaccharides of regular rice, along with more fibre and vitamins. Its unique polishing process removes only the waxy layer, making it rinse-free and easy to prepare. Kinmemai Premium proves that something as simple as rice can be a delicacy.

Moss makeover: A Dutch startup company is using everyday moss to transform what is often dull-looking concrete into eco-friendly expanses of green with unique visual appeal. The company uses a bioreceptive concrete that encourages moss to thrive without damaging the walls or support beams of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Moss not only absorbs CO2 and purifies air and water, it also provides habitat for wildlife, shields surfaces from weather damage, requires minimal upkeep, and even discourages graffiti. Now refining its innovation by using recycled materials, the company is collaborating to green-up unique projects like wind turbine bases. Moss is the star of this simple solution that blends beauty and sustainability.

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not making decisions. ~ Catherine Cook

The need for fellowship is as deep as the need for food. ~ Joshua Liebman

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 vee@coffeenews.co.nz

1. Does a diamond carat measure weight, cut, or shine?

2. Aslan is an elephant in the Chronicles of Narnia - T/F?

3. Prague is the capital of what country?

4. This music form is a mix of samba and jazz.

5. Which part of the human body has the thinnest skin?

Star steps: The famous celebrity footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California USA, began by accident in 1927, when actress Norma Talmadge stepped into wet cement. Since then, this tradition has truly left its mark.

Knight's honour: Maryland USA stands out with jousting as its official state sport. This medieval activity, complete with lances and charging horses, reflects the state's unique historical pride and love for traditional competition.

Surprise comeback: After removal, tonsils can partially grow back if a bit of tissue remains behind. This leftover tissue has the potential to regenerate, although not necessarily to their original size.

Single-handed: Early mechanical clocks used just one hand to tell time. For centuries, tower clocks showed only the hour or quarter-hour, as daily life moved at a slower pace, and this simple design avoided confusion from extra hands.

Futon roll: Japanese police have a unique approach to handling aggression. Instead of force, officers often wrap unruly individuals in large futons, rolling them up like a burrito to safely transport them to the station for a cooldown.

Bartender to a brain: I'm not serving you, you're already out of your head.

Census taker: How many people work in your factory? Factory owner: I'd say one out of 10.

Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns dont work.

On the steps of the New York Public Library, a woman was reading between the lions.

1. Weight 2. False, a lion 3. Czech Republic 4. Bossa nova 5. Eyelid