Ancient cure: A high school student, Destany Sky Pete of the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes, uncovered a powerful cancer-fighting potential in a traditional Indigenous American recipe. Inspired by the health challenges in her community, Sky tested chokecherry pudding, a dish known as toishabui, for its medicinal properties. Collaborating with a biochemistry professor, she found that the pudding, made with crushed chokecherry pits, killed cancer cells within 24 hours in lab tests. Rooted in ancestral wisdom, this discovery earned her top honours at a science fair and drew attention to the health benefits of traditional diets. Sky's work blends ancient practices with modern science, proving that the past still holds life-changing secrets.

Mirrored skies: Stretching endlessly across Bolivia's southwest corner near the Chilean border, Salar de Uyuni is a surreal expanse of dazzling salt. As water coats its surface during the rainy season, this vast flatland, formed by ancient lakes, transforms into a massive mirror, creating breathtaking reflections of the sky. Whether the surface is wet or dry, the flat is a photographer's dream, offering endless creative opportunities for playing with perspective. Beyond its beauty, the flat contains immense lithium reserves, vital for powering modern devices, and its flawless surface is even used to calibrate satellite instruments. In this corner of the world, nature's artistry truly shines crystal clear, and salt never looked so sweet.

Plastic revolution: Nzambi Matee is transforming Kenya's plastic pollution problem by turning waste into durable building materials. Through her company, Gjenge Makers, she creates bricks from recycled plastic and sand, offering a sustainable alternative for construction projects like roads and housing. With a background in engineering, Matee began her research in a small lab before scaling up production with advanced facilities. Her bricks, made through high-temperature compression, are lightweight, long-lasting, and far more durable than traditional bricks. By tackling plastic waste while addressing housing needs, Matee proves that solutions to environmental challenges can build stronger communities and a healthier planet.

Reindeer defence: In Norway's snow-covered landscapes, reindeer herds have long puzzled predators with an extraordinary survival tactic a spiraling formation called a reindeer cyclone. This tightly packed, whirling motion makes it very difficult for hunters to isolate a single target. A documentary has captured this rare behaviour, combining vivid Viking hunt re-enactments with footage of the herds in motion. Reindeer were vital to Viking life, providing resources like food, hides, and antlers for tools and trade. Artifacts preserved in Norway's thawing ice reveal more about the tools Vikings used to hunt these elusive animals. In the end, nature's choreography can leave even the fiercest hunters spinning in circles.

Quiet people have the loudest minds. ~ Stephen Hawking

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. ~ Ralph H. Blum

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

1. What does the Japanese word judo mean?

2. The capital of Canada is Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa?

3. The Beatles were from what English city?

4. The loose skin hanging from a turkey's chin is called a tongue - T/F?

5. In what profession is the scruple used as a measure?

Whiskey plates: In the USA state of Minnesota, some drunk driving offenders get whiskey plates, special licence plates starting with a W. These plates let them drive for essential needs like work or school while marking their history of driving offenses.

Sneezing slumber: Sneezing is impossible during deep sleep because the muscles involved in the reflex temporarily shut down. This paralysis occurs during REM sleep, allowing the body to rest undisturbed by irritants like dust or pollen.

Oyster switch: Oysters start life as males and later transform into females, annually producing millions of eggs. This unique life cycle allows them to efficiently reproduce, ensuring their role in the ocean's delicate ecosystem.

Brow mystery: Painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, the Mona Lisa once had visible eyebrows and eyelashes, which were erased by years of previous restoration efforts. Scans also uncovered adjustments to her hands and other features.

Dog ban: In 1994, sled dogs were prohibited from Antarctica due to fears that they might spread illnesses to seals. These hardworking dogs had played a vital role in exploration before being replaced by mechanised transport.

Sports fan: Are baseball umpires good eaters? Waitress: Yes, they always clean their plate.

What kind of business did Mr. Gopher set up? A hole sale business.

I have a turtle who wears people-neck sweaters.

A van crashed, loaded with thesauruses. Witnesses were astonished, shocked, taken aback, surprised, startled.

I sacked the guy who I hired to mow the lawns.... he just didn't cut it.

1. The gentle way 2. Ottawa 3. Liverpool 4. False, a wattle 5. Pharmacy