Manukau Edition

Vol. 306-4  September 28, 2026

Phone Dean 09 243 1048


Everybody's Talking

Fishing prescription: In England, some health workers can now point patients toward a fishing session as part of care for anxiety or low mood. The option comes through Tackling Minds, a programme started by Dave Lyons after fishing helped steady his own life. Instead of a clinic visit, people join small groups by the water with volunteer coaches who bring gear and show the basics. The focus is simple get outside, slow down, and have something to do with your hands. The group works with the National Health Service under social prescribing, along-side other supports. It recently received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, a national honour. Organisers say they want more communities to have the same kind of access.

Language revival: In a remote part of northwest Australia, a small Aboriginal community is using a phone game to bring its traditional language back into daily life. Instead of classroom lessons, young players explore a digital landscape based on local landscapes while hearing words spoken by elders. Language is folded into simple tasks, letting learning happen through play. Community leaders chose this format knowing screens already hold kids' attention. Repeated interactions help rebuild familiarity with sounds and meanings that were fading. By tying words to places and everyday actions, the game keeps learning grounded. Organisers see it as an entry point for broader cultural learning using modern tools.

Hidden whales: Near Baja California, Mexico, scientists spotted two living ginkgo-toothed beaked whales, a species that had never been confirmed alive before. Researchers had recorded a strange underwater sound in the area for years but didn't know which animal made it. This sighting finally linked that sound to these whales, giving scientists a new way to track them. The team couldn't get a clear photo, so they used a very small skin sample to confirm the species. Beaked whales are hard to study because they surface briefly and avoid boats. Until now, most information came from whales found washed up on beaches after dying at sea. The discovery shows they regularly live off the coast of Mexico, not just far-off oceans.

Silent scores: In Germany, two short organ works believed to be early pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have finally been per-formed after about 320 years in storage. The music surfaced in an archive as handwritten pages without names or dates, leaving their origin uncertain for years. Close study of the writing style later linked them to Bach's early training period. Once experts felt confident, the pieces were prepared for performance at a church closely tied to Bach's working life. Hearing them added fresh detail to a composer thought to be fully documented. The moment showed that archives can still hold surprises. For listeners, it offered new sounds from a familiar name.

Quotable Quotes

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes including you." Anne Lamott

What's Happening

Wriggle & Rhyme, Manukau Library, every Tuesday during school-term. Join us for a programme that promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers. For ages 0-2 years old.

Live Stronger for Longer: Community strength and balance classes are a great opportunity to complete regular exercise whilst socialising and having fun with like-minded people in your community - www.livestronger.org.nz

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

Trivia

1. Which singer is known as "The Boss"?

2. What is the smallest state in the United States by area?

3. The human nose can detect more than one trillion different scents - T/F?

4. The Titanic began its maiden voyage from this English port in 1912.

5. This video-sharing website was acquired by Google in 2006.

Your Weekly Horoscope

ariesAries (March 21 - April 19)
You may be feeling pulled in different directions now. Instead of immediately acting, consider what is churning below the surface. An old wound may emerge to be resolved. Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 27, 30, 31, 38.
libraLibra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
At week's end, look for a subtle opportunity to deepen your romantic relationship. It may feel a bit uncomfortable at first but may well be worth it if you can stay flexible. Lucky numbers: 9, 16, 17, 20, 31, 39.
taurusTaurus (April 20- May 20)
At the beginning of the week, your energy level will more than likely be very high. Think of ways as to how may want to direct it for the few days this potential is in effect. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 12, 19, 30, 38.
scorpioScorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21)
There may be a lot of intensity in your romantic relationship this week. If you sense it, it could be close to a breaking point, try and focus on finding a gentler balance point. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 6, 24, 26, 40.
geminiGemini (May 21- June 21)
This week you may find things are shifting in sudden and unexpected ways. Finding solid ground again may require that you adjust your viewpoint to match this new dynamic. Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 11, 16, 26, 38.
sagittariusSagittarius (Nov22-Dec21)
You may experience the classic head versus heart dilemma at mid-week. If you can't find a way to break the stalemate, wait until this dynamic fades in a few days. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 21, 25, 29, 31.
cancerCancer (June 22 - July 22)
You may feel like hiding in your shell around mid-week, imitating the crab image that symbolises your sign. Quiet retreat and self-care are never a bad choice. Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 18, 24, 28, 36.
capricornCapricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)
You may find your ambition flagging at week's end. While you may resist, taking care of what you need is important. Remember, you don't have to always be the strong one. Lucky numbers: 5, 12, 18, 23, 25, 33.
leoLeo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Leos usually prefer charm to confrontation. At week's end, however, you may be spoiling for a fight. Take a deep breath and consider whether the issue is really worth it. Lucky numbers: 3, 6, 11, 17, 23, 31.
aquariusAquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
You may feel an urgency now to initiate and communicate about a project on behalf of the larger community. Be sure you are confident about the details or wait to act. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8, 14, 17, 18.
virgoVirgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Virgos are admired for their analytical skill and attention to detail. Perhaps you have been fully satisfied with this before but the next few weeks may leave you craving more. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 9, 21, 31, 34.
piscesPisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
Pisces can have a dreamy, other world quality that makes it difficult to manifest goals. Think about what you have let slip away in the past and what you would do differently. Lucky numbers: 2, 11, 13, 19, 23, 36.
Lucky numbers for the week: Lucky numbers this week: This week's odds favour Taurus winners with the luckiest number being 30.

Did you know

Lucy legacy: St. Lucia stands alone as the only sovereign nation named for an actual woman - St. Lucy of Syracuse. Its earlier indigenous title was later replaced as European sailors followed the custom of giving islands the names of saints.

Border pull: About 90 percent of Canadians live within roughly 160 kilometres of the USA border. This broad stretch offers gentler weather and easier connections, which is why most of the country's largest cities grew there rather than farther north.

Shifting stone: In India, the Taj Mahal's marble can look different as the light changes, giving the building soft tints from morning to evening. Its reflective Makrana stone is the reason for this shift, creating a subtle colour change throughout the day.

Granite glow: Grand Central Terminal in New York City USA gives off a tiny bit of radiation from the granite used in its construction. The stone holds small amounts of uranium, yet the levels remain low enough that visitors and staff stay within normal yearly exposure.

Ancient champion: Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza kept the title of tallest human-made structure for over 3,800 years. Its height stayed unmatched until a cathedral in Europe eventually rose past it, ending its long architectural streak.

On the lighter side

What kind of shoes do ninjas wear? Sneakers.

I used to be a banker until I lost interest.

A nickel and a penny jumped off a moving train together. But not the quarter. It had more cents.

Harry: What would you get if you crossed a baseball player with a Boy Scout? Larry: I don't know, but I bet he could pitch a tent!

A gambling gardener usually hedges his bets.

Answers

1. Bruce Springsteen 2. Rhode Island 3. True 4. Southampton 5. YouTube