'Dear Marc," writes David. "Are you the Marc Wilson who wrote the recent column about mental health for the Listener?" My spidey-sense, attuned to criticism after decades of anonymous student evaluations, suggests I may have offended a reader. That and the email subject line: "Despicable". I respond to the leader of the Act Party [David Seymour] that, yes I am that Marc Wilson, inquiring if he's unhappy with my reference in my August 5 column to contested 2015 reports that he told distressed folks to harden up. "Yes, and you've just confirmed everything I've suspected. Again, the subject line says it all," he replies. No signature this time. You can't win 'em all.
Tim, on the other hand, writes to say he liked the column, offering a brilliant tip for brain health: standing on one foot while brushing your teeth. It sounds a small thing, particularly to 20- and 30-somethings, but pulling on a sock standing on one leg shouldn't be taken for granted. Line up average folk aged 10, 20, 30 and so on to 80 and ask them to stand on one leg for as long as they can and it's like watching dominoes.
Denne historien er fra September 23-29 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra September 23-29 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
