Daily review 16/09/2026

7 comments on “Daily review 16/09/2026”

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1. 1

   Good news for those of us who are lifelong readers. Research shows that this delays cognitive decline and dementia.

   reading at any age improves brain and mental health, enhances cognitive performance and reduces the risk of mental decline.

   Benefits to learning and development begin early, and carry on right through their lives.

   children who begin reading for pleasure early in life have a better attention span, memory and problem-solving skills.

   …

   Those children tend to perform better at school, have fewer mental health problems, and lead healthier lifestyles – including more sleep and less screen time.

   Link to the news article, rather than to the actual research.

   https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmx2zdp1wvl1o

   Reply
   1. 1.1

      Absolutely! And the more you read, the more you want to know, so it becomes a lifelong cycle of reading, learning, reading etc. and the pleasure derived. It also helps to maintain a good imagination which is an essential ingredient for a healthy mind – and body.

      I have a brother, 3 years younger, and he used to boast that he never read books. We are both octogenarians now and his cognitive abilities are in rapid decline. Dementia is just around the corner.

      Reply
   2. 1.2

      Did you see this https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/16/singapore-pays-citizens-read-books how about that for policy!

      I've always read & a great day is sitting in my garden with a good book (currently the Expanse series with the Killbot series in between). When my dad finally retired he got his first library card & he started on the A authors which I thought was hilarious but makes sense too I guess. It's actually been a great bonding experience for us both as we recommend books to each other (we both recently read the Flashman series together & enjoyed).

      Reply
2. 2

   Luxon touting Christchurch and Cantabury as an 'economic powerhouse', reckons we can do the same in the rest of NZ 'without an earthquake'.

   https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch/project-canterbury-luxon-praises-christchurch-tech-growth-rebuild-and-startups/ODSOCICXVZEGTBAY4NOETO3UJA/

   The government estimated a $8.5 bi government investment in the region post-quake. Additionally, extra affordable housing stock was built, enabling a fair housing and rental market.

   https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-spend-85b-rebuilding-christchurch

   Sure, invest that amount in each region, build adequate housing and watch it flourish.

   Reply
3. 3

   Bryce Edwards on national's pay for play scam.

   Winton Land has been one of the property development sector’s most prominent companies, with its founder Chris Meehan celebrated as a “visionary” businessman with close connections to politicians. Now the company is in turmoil, facing workplace allegations, falling share prices and a succession of departures from its board and senior management. Yesterday Meehan finally announced his resignation as a director, effective 14 September. Yet he and his wife retain majority control of the company.

   What does Winton’s rise and subsequent turmoil tell us about business and political power in New Zealand?

   https://archive.li/CrSKH

   https://x.com/bryce_edwards/status/2098660588335542747

   Reply
4. 4

   A bit of fun from Norway's ForbrukerRadet on planned obsolecence.

   Reply
   1. 4.1

      The link to the website https://www.forbrukerradet.no/shortlife/

      Reply