Strange sight: People looking out their kitchen windows in northern Scotland usually don't expect to see a monkey in their yards. But Carl Nagle, a resident of Kincraig, saw just that. A monkey was by the fence, eating nuts that had fallen from the birdfeeder. Nagle observed that the monkey looked as though he knew he shouldn't have been there. The little fellow turned out to be an escapee from the Highland Wildlife Park, where a troop of 37 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, make their home. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland runs the park, which is located within the Cairngorms National Park in Kingussie.

Sunken dreams: Empires of the Deep was an expensive cinematic venture funded by Chinese billionaire Jon Jiang about a human-mermaid love story. It started as the cornerstone of a trilogy. This ambitious project aimed not only to grace the silver screen but also to launch an animated series, video game, and even a theme park. However, the undertaking encountered turbulent waters. The screenplay underwent 40 drafts, with A-list actors like Sharon Stone and Monica Bellucci briefly flirting with the project before leaving. Directors came and went, and the film languished in post-production for years. Despite an underwhelming trailer, the film has never been released.

Happy reunion: A dog named Lottie and an escaped male cockatiel called Ernie had a happy reunion in a suburb of Manchester, England. Ernie had disappeared from his home during a storm and was found several weeks later, singing on a bench in a community 6.4 kilometres away. He was turned over to local animal services, where his chattiness charmed his caregivers. They recorded the bird singing and put the recordings on social media. Ernie's owners saw it, and soon the bird was reunited with his best friend, Lottie. Now the two are back to their old antics, with Ernie perching on Lottie's back for free rides.

Nasal notes: A woman from Aurora, Ontario, Canada, sure knows how to whistle. LuLu Lotus recently earned a spot in the Guinness World Record book with her ability to whistle through her nose. She set the record with a blast that reached 44.1 decibels. Inspired by a documentary she had watched about a person who had set a world record, Lotus knew she could really nose whistle, and when she discovered no one had ever applied for the record, she went for it. She met the strict requirements for earning the distinction by working with Aercoustics Engineering, Ltd., acoustical consultants in the nearby city of Mississauga.

Always do what you are afraid to do. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The opposite of war isn't peace. It's creation. ~ Jonathan Larson

Social gatherings for older people: Selwyn Centres in Waiuku and Tuakau offer morning tea and a social time together for the over 65's. Tuakau : St John’s Anglican Church, George St, Tues and Wed 9.30am-midday.Contact Sue 021 060 9688. Waiuku: St Andrews Centre, Queen St Thursdays 9.30am-midday. Contact Lynn 0274 952 360. Transport can be provided at both venues.

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 Robert on 021 0265 9159.

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

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

1. In 2023, what US city held the first Formula 1 race since 1982?

2. Mount Rushmore is located in which US state?

3. How many minutes are in a full week?

4. How many elements are in the periodic table?

5. How many faces does a Dodecahedron have?

Hot shot: American actor, director, and writer Ben Affleck, who commands millions for his work, isn't just good at Hollywood things. In 2004, he won the California State Poker Championship, earning a cool $356,400.

Wooden barrel maker: Pirates on ships of the past had many roles. On larger ships, the cooper was responsible for the wooden barrels that stored food, water, and other items. A very important position indeed!

Shivering: People are bound to get the shivers when reading this fact. In 1947 in Snag, a small village in Canada's Yukon, a temperature of -63C was recorded. That's about the same temperature as the surface of Mars.

Red and white: Bird watchers love to spot northern cardinals because of their brilliant red plumage. These birds don't migrate, so seeing their bright colour against a snowy background is a treat.

Big jump: If you thought dogs could jump higher than cats, you'd be wrong. With their powerful back legs, the average cat can jump up to seven times their height, which is much greater than their canine friends.

Is there a silent C in Connecticut? No, but there's a noisy ocean offshore.

When you borrow money, find a pessimist. He won't expect you to pay it back.

Joe: When did you decide to be a parachutist? Mo: When the plane caught on fire.

What colour is the wind? - Blew

What do you get when you pour Red Bull onto a clock? A waste of time and energy.

What is a survivalists favourite soda? Dr. Prepper.

1. Las Vegas 2. South Dakota 3. 10,080 4. 118 5. 12