18 January 2025 - Saturday Squiz

January 18, 2025

Well, 2025 has hit the ground running, and we’re seriously considering investing in a stay-at-home dog to help out… This week, if you have a life lesson you live by, a take on a traditional recipe, or anything else you’d like to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

🎧 Get the Weekly Wrap podcast with Kate Watson and Claire Kimball

🤷‍♀️ IDK: What you did on your Friday, but we had a chat with the PM… He picked The Squiz to be his first in what will no doubt be a run of podcast appearances this election year. That will be out early next week.

This week's top stories

Streem Leading News Stories - 11-17 January

1. A deal is done - After more than 15 months of fighting in the deadliest war in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a ceasefire is set to come into effect tomorrow - if one more thing happens... The deal was approved by Israel’s security cabinet yesterday and is expected to get sign off from the full cabinet today, so watch this space.

2. Los Angeles burns - Four fires, driven on by wind speeds typically found in hurricanes, have burned an area roughly 3 times the size of Manhattan, destroying more than 12,000 homes and businesses and killing at least 25 people. The 2 largest fires are yet to be contained. As you can imagine, the conversation has already turned to how this could happen…

3. Getting behind the Demon - For Aussie tennis fans to note - Alex De Minaur plays Argentina’s Franciso Cerundolo in the Australian Open’s third round this afternoon (2pm AEDT). And if John isn’t one of the cutest things you’ve ever seen, we’ll eat our racquets…

4. A cold day in Washington DC - Former US President Donald Trump becomes the current US President after his inauguration Tuesday morning our time. And we’re not making a comment via that headline - the weather forecast is that it will be the coldest day for the ceremony in 40 years, so they’ve just taken the decision to move it indoors.

5. Getting to the bottom of what happened to Oscar Jenkins - He was an Aussie volunteer soldier in Ukraine’s war when he was reportedly captured by Russians last month… Our officials are still trying to work out what’s happened to him, but reports say he’s been killed by Russian forces - soldiers who served alongside Jenkins say they believe he was executed. If that happened, he would be the first Australian prisoner of war killed by a foreign power since WWII.

S’Quiz me real good…

Reckon you know which music legend the NSW town of Parkes celebrates with its annual festival? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz here.

Picture of the Week

It’s the end of a 50-year American political career. Joe Biden signed off this week with a farewell address - and the late-night TV hosts had a field day…

Question of the Week

We’re settling the debate…

It may not be traditional, but the sweet golden circles prevail. Here’s what Squizers had to say…

It’s a yay from the little munchkins - “As a parent with extremely picky eaters, the ham and pineapple pizza is a saviour.”

We want the recipe - “Freshly grilled pineapple, slithers of red onion and smoked off the bone ham on top fresh buffalo mozzarella is where it’s at.”

No need to shout… - “IF I WANTED FRUIT SALAD I WOULD HAVE ORDERED IT”

Squiz Recommends

Reading - Say Nothing: A True Story Of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe. He’s an acclaimed author who won a 2019 Orwell Prize for this book - it’s a harrowing but great read. We got onto it because it was made into a TV series late last year, and we’re the ‘book before the TV series’ type.

Downloading - We’re keeping the New Year’s recommendations rolling with the Doctor’s Kitchen application. This recipe app is full of science-backed recipes that take the guesswork out of achieving a balanced diet. We also rate it because it serves you recipes based on what you do/don’t like to eat and is tailored to your goals. Did we mention there’s a 2-week free trial…

Watching - We enjoyed My Old Ass on Prime Video. It stars Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, White Lotus) and Maisy Stella (Nashville) in this rom-com with a bit of these to it. We watched it last weekend and we’re still thinking about it…

Turning water into shine

Sleep is the best, right? If you’re tossing and turning over picking a new mattress, Sleep Republic is a top choice for comfort and support. Recommended by CHOICE and backed by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, their award-winning 'mattress-in-a-box' is all about comfort. Experience the Sleep Republic difference with a 100-night trial, and get ready to dream.

In the Kitchen

We’re all about balance here at The Squiz, and this recommendation is more for nourishing the soul… This Anzac caramel slice is a level up from the humble biscuit. It includes a layer of delicious caramel and Anzac biscuit crumble over the top. It’s simple to make and makes plenty for sharing.

What we Shortcut for you this week

Squiz Shortcuts on Joe Biden’s legacy - On 20 January, President Joe Biden’s first and only term as President of the United States will end as Donald Trump starts his second term. So, before the chapter comes to an end, we’re taking the opportunity to get you across his legacy. Tune into the podcast here.  

News Club’s Year Ahead series: Politics - With an election looming, we had Claire Harvey - the Editorial Director at The Australian and host of The Front podcast - give us a look at what’s on her political radar for 2025. We discussed the rise of anti-Semitism, cost-of-living pressures, and the influences of teals and independents. Tune into the podcast here or watch it on YouTube.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The 12th and final stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia is on from 1am, and broadcast live on SBS - Aussie Daniel Sandars is currently in first position 

Sunday - The 22-day-long Midsumma Carnival begins in Melbourne, and Dolly Parton is celebrating her 79th birthday

Monday - The Women’s Ashes continue at 6.45pm with the First T20I: Aus v England in Sydney, and broadcast live on Kayo 

Tuesday - At 4am, Donald Trump's 2025 Presidential inauguration begins in Washington DC 

Wednesday - It’s a big week for the Trumps with Donald and Melania celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. And the Men’s Cricket Big Bash League series finals begin 

Thursday - Some entertainment out of America with the X Games starting in Aspen and the Sundance Film Festival beginning in Utah

Friday - Australian of the Year 2025 events kick off in Canberra with lunch at Parliament House, followed by a reception at the GG’s residence - Government House

Double-Tapping

We held our first Squiz event at the end of 2024, and we asked them to describe The Squiz in 3 words…