Reads

[1] Ways to help save our brains from the cognitive cliff

I’ve become much more aware of when I might be ruminating and how I respond to stress. I work hard at problem solving and “getting over it”. I’ve really cut back my alcohol intake – not that it was ever high. I’m much more assiduous about my coronary risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure. Leafy greens, berries and yoghurt are more prominent in my diet, and moderate to vigorous exercise is not an optional extra in my life. Oh … and I’ve no intention of retiring. Retirement is bad for your brain.

[2] Removing algorithmic feed slop, by

I struggle to concentrate all the time — brains, innit — but it looks like algorithmic feeds of content, such as Instagram, TikTok and Bluesky (For You feed) have been doing a lot more damage to that existing problem than I thought.

Comics

> Young reader <

Tom Gauld's avatar
1w

My latest books cartoon for @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/books/pictur...

Title: Methods for Encouraging a Reluctant Young Reader Panel 1 Caption: Read Together Image: A small child sits on a sofa, face buried in a book, between two adults doing the same. Panel 2 Caption: Bribery Image: The small child sits on a treasure chest wearing a crown, face buried in a book, in a room full of coins, jewels and precious items. Panel 3 Caption: Element of danger Image: The small child sits, face buried in a book, precariously balanced on a thin branch in a tall tree. Panel 4 Caption: Reverse Psychology Image: The small child sits, face buried in a book, beside a huge bookshelf and a sign that reads “Adults Only” Panel 5 Caption: Pulleys and Pistons Image: The small child sits, face buried in a book, amidst a complicated mechanism that provides endless new books. Panel 6 Caption: Rituals and Incantations Image: The small child sits, face buried in a book, in a circle of candles amidst clouds of smoke and mysterious phrases.

> Get work done <

zach's avatar
3w

> Their problem <

theycantalk.bsky.social's avatar
1w

problem

> Come, child <

Sarah Andersen's avatar
2w

The image is of a four panel comic. The title above the first two panels reads, "Dog Toys". The first panel shows Sarah, the protagonist, holding a bone shaped dog toy. She says, "Look!" The second panel shows a dog wagging its tail. There is a speech bubble leading back to Sarah saying "It squeaks!" The title above the last two panels reads, "Cat Toys". In panel three we see Sarah again. She says "Come, child." Panel four shows a cat raising its paws in glee. We see Sarah's hands holding cat nip. We see a speech bubble leading back to Sarah saying "It is time to do drugs".