2 March 2024 - Saturday Squiz

“Yay it’s autumn and that means it’s soup season” said no one ever… And you know our view on soup - it’s not food because it’s a liquid (derr…). This weekend, if you have an annoying communication style, a soft spot for mice, or anything else you want to share, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes

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

🤷‍♀️ IDK: If it’s ok to ignore a voice note like we do the 25 voicemail messages on our phone…

This week's top stories

It’s been a huge news week - the Squiz team has worked hard to stay on top of the developments unfolding from the early morning to late evening…

1. Bodies found - It took several days, but the accused murderer talked to detectives and the remains of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were found on Tuesday on a property near Goulburn, NSW. And the organisers of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras asked NSW Police not to march in the annual parade tonight - in the end, an agreement was struck where they will be there in plainclothes (or, in keeping with the vibe of the event, it might be more accurate to say they’re out of plainclothes?)

2. A shooting in Sydney’s centre - We didn’t cover this one, but on Wednesday, a 79yo man went to an office in the CBD and shot a 77yo property lawyer. The lawyer survived, and reports say the shooter held a grudge against the victim’s brother who represented him in the late 90s. It’s uncertain if it’s a case of mistaken identity…

3. Hot and firey in Victoria - Conditions eased towards the end of the week, but when it came to Wednesday, half the state was under an extreme fire danger warning and 30,000 people were urged to leave their homes.

4. Talk of a ceasefire - US President Joe Biden said he is hopeful there will be a ceasefire in Gaza by next week. Negotiations have been grinding on in Qatar - but Biden reckons “we’re close”. This war was also in the news a lot late in the week when more than 100 Palestinians were killed at a food aid drop.

5. Show us the money… - For the first time under new reporting laws, the gender pay gaps for Australia’s companies that employ more than 100 people were disclosed. We’re tackling it in next week’s News Club, so follow us on Instagram and hold that thought…

It’s the Squiz Quiz…

Reckon you know what eye-opening news the boss of ASIO disclosed this week? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz.

Picture of the week

The Matildas and Harper (Katrina Gorry’s daughter) celebrated after their 10-0 win against Uzbekistan on Wednesday, securing their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. And by ticket, we mean Qantas gave them an actual ticket...

Question of the week

Voice notes - a useful way to keep in touch or a horrendous imposition?

So that’s a decisive result… And here are 3 of our favourite responses.

Thinking about the ramifications - “It’s not that I can’t fit it in a text, it’s if I put it in a text it can be used as evidence… And no one remembers to save a voice message so I am safe.”

It might be generational - “My daughter sometimes leaves me voice notes if she has a short bit of news to tell when I'm at work. They are always brief. On the other hand, my mother has dementia and leaves really long voice messages that go for 10 minutes! I think she thinks I'm actually on the phone.” 

Ignorance is bliss - “I have no idea what a ‘voice note’ is and am quite happy to remain ignorant! If one text won't do the job, then call.”

Squiz Recommends

Reading - This article from The Guardian on Fred Again. He popped up on our socials this week after he announced a show on Tuesday morning for Tuesday evening… at the Sydney Opera House… and it sold out. What the what?

Buying - Have you heard of Scrub Daddy Australia’s Scrub Mummy? We’re fans because it has a soft and tough side for different surfaces, remains firm in cold water and then turns soft in warm water. We’re not calling it magic, but it’s super handy. 

Watching - Wicked the Musical. We saw this when it was on in Sydney and rated it so much that we need to tell anyone who can get to Melbourne in April to go and watch it. We just had a really great time. 

In the Kitchen

We’re not ready to accept that summer is over, so this watermelon feta salad is keeping the spirit alive for a little longer. Better yet, it’s 5 ingredients and doesn’t require any cooking.

What we Squized this week

A Squiz Shortcut on by-elections - A by-election weekend’s a good weekend and we thought it would be useful to start at the beginning - what is a by-election, what role do they have in our politics, and then we get into the issues at play for Dunkley. Have a read or listen here. 

News Club - This week, Claire and Kate dive into the BBQ stopper of our time - supermarkets, their market power, and the prices us consumers pay. There is heaps going on in this space, and it seemed like a great time to have a chat about it and hear what Squizers think. Have a read or listen here.  

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The polls open in the Dunkley by-election at 8am, and in Sydney, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade starts at 6.00pm… PM Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers also share a birthday

Sunday - The NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas… At 1.30pm, it’s the Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs. At 3.30pm, it’s the Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos. Both games are broadcast live on Nine 

Monday - The 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit begins in Melbourne 

Tuesday - Skol a beer it’s the anniversary of Bob Hawke becoming PM in 1983

Wednesday - We’ll be waking up to the 2024 presidential primary Super Tuesday results from 15 US states and one territory

Thursday - A sporty day… The Australian Olympic uniform will be unveiled at 12.30pm and the first game of the AFL season kicks off with Carlton v Richmond at 7.30pm at the MCG 

Friday - It’s International Women’s Day, and The Squiz is celebrating our 7th birthday… And if you want to know a bit more about our backstory give our News Club episode a listen

*All times in AEDT

Double-Tapping

This very cute and opportunistic mouse was caught seizing the moment. While the mouse might be squeaky clean by mouse standards, it’s still not welcome in our home…