10 February 2024 - Saturday Squiz

We feel like the volume has been set to about 9 this week. Politics, royals, crime, entertainment - so much news. But let’s use Saturday to relax a bit, so if you have a big-haired past, a tale about a colleague who did you over, or anything else you want to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes

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🤷‍♀️ IDK: Why you would do that to a perfectly good hot dog…

This week's top stories

King Charles’ health was the big one this week, as were the movements of his family members - particularly his son, who lives in California… What we’re trying to say is it is a story with several angles that got a lot of coverage.

1. King Charles has cancer - And the news came not long after getting treatment for an enlarged prostate... We don’t know what cancer he has, but what happens to his head of state duties was a big talking point.

2. The search continues for Samantha Murphy - All eyes are on Ballarat, where search crews and volunteers have been looking for the 51yo mother. She disappeared after leaving for a jog last Sunday, and yesterday, the Missing Persons Squad took over the investigation.

3. Stage 3 tax cut changes get the tick - The Coalition signed off on Labor’s plan to use the income tax rate realignment as cost of living relief. The plan is to have changes come into effect on 1 July.

4. Israel rejects a new ceasefire deal - Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu this week called the terms set out by Hamas for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza “bizarre”. He says Israel will instead aim for “complete and final victory” by eliminating Hamas.

5. Yang Hengjun is sentenced to death - The Aussie writer and democracy activist’s suspended death sentence in a Beijing court was a shock to his supporters and the government. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the government will continue to advocate for justice and the wellbeing of Dr Yang.

It’s the Squiz Quiz…

Reckon you know what Taylor Swift's lawyers served up this week? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz.

Picture of the week

Miley Cyrus’s mix of big hair and sequins at this week’s Grammys was a talking point, and as it turns out it was a nod to her godmother Dolly Parton. Regardless of her fashion choices, Miley was riding the high of winning her first-ever Grammy (and then another) that she even slipped it into her live performance.

Question of the week

The question: Which Aussie restaurant would earn your 3-star rating?

The story: The Ledbury made history as the first Aussie-led eatery to be awarded 3 Michelin stars. It’s located in London, and we note that no Australian-based eatery has been given the fancy-pants status...

Steff Boys, not scared off by a snake - “Wheelers Restaurant in Pambula, NSW. The food is consistently beautiful, fresh and locally sourced and the desserts are superb. The owners and staff are very friendly and caring - they also know how to deal with the occasional snake in the restaurant!”

Marc Brandon, a true blue - “I’m not sure it’s exactly haute cuisine, nor Michelin star worthy, but who can ever go past a Bunnings Sausage sizzle... And much cheaper too.”

Tenita Campton, the Squiz’s pasta queen - "Albertos Restaurant in Sydney. Modern Italian food that lives rent-free in my mind for months after eating there."

Squiz Recommends

Reading - We’ve been getting into the latest ABC TV series Nemesis and enjoyed this behind-the-scenes read of how the show came together over 18 months. Forget the politics - this is a tale of epic planning, researching, coercing, and interviewing…

Listening - The Ezra Klein Show is usually a good listen, and the recent episode titled What Relationships Would You Want, If You Believed They Were Possible? fits the brief. It covers the decline of marriage, what it means for families, caring responsibilities, monogamy and growing old. Just the small stuff… 

Watching - Mr & Mrs Smith is the movie that put Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on the relationship map back in 2005. And now the omni-talented Donald Glover is behind the reimagined Amazon Prime series. We’re 2 eps down, and excited to continue - great for that time when you’ve disconnected from work…

In the Kitchen

RecipeTin Eats is a fan favourite for a reason. These pork carnitas are super easy to prep (only 15 mins), but you need 6 hours to slow-cook the pork shoulder. The magic then happens when you fry the meat off in the slow-cooked juices... And while you can use the yummy meat in any dish, the best way has to be in a taco. Yum.

What we Squized this week

Warming up with News Club - Last week, we spruiked our new podcast series, and this week, we put out the first episode… Longtime Squizers know we’re not much into talking about ourselves. But in the spirit of sharing, Claire and Kate have recorded a pre-News Club podcast about how The Squiz came to be and why News Club is the next step. Give it a listen on Apple or Spotify.

A Squiz Shortcut on Imran Khan and Pakistan’s election - That election was this week, and by Khan’s telling, he’s been banged up in jail to keep him and his supporters from power. So in this Shortcut, we look at Pakistan’s political history, Khan’s rise and fall, and what might happen in this election. Have a read or listen here. 

Squiz the Week

Saturday - Hello Wood Dragons, it’s the start of the Lunar New Year, and there are plenty of free celebrations across Oz to attend… And in the evening, the best of Aussie film and television will be recognised at the 2024 AACTA Awards - watch it live on Ten/10Play

Sunday - Get your Bunsen burner/lab coat out it’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science 

Monday - All eyes will be on the Superbowl from 10.30am for a peek at Taylor Swift, the half-time entertainment with Usher, and maybe even the sport itself… And it’s the start of National Apprenticeship Week

Tuesday - It’s National Apology Day which marks 16 years since then PM Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for the Stolen Generations. And tune into your favourite station for World Radio Day 

Wednesday - Professors Rod Sims and Ross Garnaut will address the National Press Club on Australian climate and energy policy at 12.30pm. Indonesia is holding a general election. And why not give a gift to your bookworm friend on International Book Giving Day 

Thursday - A few arts festivals are kicking off around the country with the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Mona Foma in Tasmania 

Friday - It’s Taylor-time - Swift touches down in Melbourne to kick off the Aussie leg of the Eras Tour. In other festival news, the National Multicultural Festival is on in Canberra, and the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras kick-off for 2 weeks of celebration in Sydney

*All times in AEDT

Double-Tapping

You've heard of a game-day special, right? Well, this hot dog, cannoli, string cheese, and canned chilli concoction has been doing the rounds on socials, and we can't decide if it fits the brief... It’s ‘special’, but maybe not in a good way…