23 November 2024 - Saturday Squiz

Negotiating whatever terrain you’re in can be tricky at the best of times, let alone as we approach the festive season. Here’s hope you’re doing a better job of it than Aussie F1 driver Oscar Piastri backing in a trailer… This Saturday, if you’re dreaming of going out on top, have a favourite vinegar to recommend or anything else to tell us, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 8 minutes

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

🤷‍♀️ IDK: How the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ and the ‘Great Average Middle’ are the same thing…

This week's top stories

1. A tragic end to a dream adventure - Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones died on Thursday and her best friend Holly Bowles died yesterday after they fell sick following a night out. It’s suspected the 19yos are 2 of 14 people with methanol poisoning that has so far claimed the lives of 6 tourists. Reports late yesterday said the owner of a backpacker hostel where the young women were staying has been detained by police for questioning.

2. A high profile arrest - Alan Jones has been a very public figure in Australia since the ’80s when he started on radio - he ‘retired’ a couple of years ago, but an investigation by Nine newspapers’ Kate McClymont last year that he’d assaulted several young men led this week to 26 charges. He’s out on bail and will be in court next month.

3. A million people breathe a sigh of relief… - That’s how many people use Sydney’s train system each day - they were able to catch a train yesterday and can over the weekend after strike action was averted. The state government and the union now have a couple of weeks to hammer out a pay deal…

4. Bunnings’ not-so-handy surveillance… - Facial recognition technology used in store to keep staff safe and track thieves breached our privacy laws, the Privacy Commissioner found this week. The popular home improvement retailer has been told to destroy the data and not do it again. Its fellow Wesfarmers stablemate Kmart is still under investigation…

5. Scrolling through age limits on social media - The Albanese Government this week introduced legislation to implement an age limit of 16yo for social media access, with penalties for online platforms that do not comply. In short – we don’t know exactly how it will work yet, but the obligation is on the platforms to “take reasonable steps to prevent age-restricted users from having an account”.

S’Quiz me real good…

Reckon you know what came first - the chicken or the egg? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz.

Picture of the Week

An image we’ve been accustomed to seeing so often is Rafael Nadal dominating the tennis court - and this week he officially retired. It was an unsuccessful Davis Cup outing for his country Spain that set the scene for his last-ever professional match. “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,” he said.

Question of the week

Everyday tasks…

Squizers are busy, so having a robot around the home to help with chores would be a bit of a blessing. Some are sceptical though, and we get it…

Genius - “I’d have an outdoor one that disposes of dog poop.”

Say it louder - “50 years of washing dishes, vacuuming dust bunnies and picking up after others is enough. Now it's my time to sit back and let someone else do it… And the best part is apparently robots don't *beep* about it.”

Has seen too much - “Has nobody seen The Terminator? I, for one, do not wish to welcome any new robot overlords...”

In the Kitchen

We made this Adam Liaw slow cooker lamb last weekend, and it pleased the masses. It’s easy, doesn’t require many ingredients, just a little bit of time on a Sunday afternoon - but the time pays off.

🎄It’s not too early for some Christmas picks…

We’re here to help this Squizmas with gift ideas for those you love…or maybe a treat just for you:

🌿Skipper - Eco-friendly home and body care, just add water. Build your own bundle and save up to $120.

✨Bescher Beauty - Skincare infused with sea cucumber collagen - 30% off and freebies on select buys.

🍷Naked Wines - Curate 12 bottles of Aussie and Kiwi wines and get $100 off your first case. Effortless gifting, sorted.

_{*If you buy products using these links, The Squiz could get a little commission.}

What we’re Squizin’

Squiz Shortcuts on Alan Jones’s arrest - That happened in Sydney on Monday morning, he was later charged after NSW Police conducted a 9-month investigation into allegations that the 83yo indecently assaulted and inappropriately touched a number of young men. So we get you across who he is, the claims made against him, and what happens next. Tune into the podcast here.

News Club interview with Arthur Sinodinos - He was our Ambassador to the US for part of Trump’s first stint in the White House, and he shares his thoughts on why the American people voted for Trump again and how Australia is placed with our most important ally for the coming 4 years. Tune into the interview on YouTube - and hit subscribe while you’re there.

Squiz the Week

Saturday - The AFLW Grand Final deciders are on - at 3:05pm the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos play Port Adelaide in Melbourne, and at 7.30pm Brisbane play Adelaide in Brisbane, both games are live on 7Plus 

Sunday - Indulge yourself for Unique Talent Day, and if you don’t have one, you can always participate in Fairy Bread Day…

Monday - The Wallabies will be looking for 3 wins on the trot in their 12.40am match against Scotland. It’s the start of the final federal parliamentary sitting week of the year. And a PSA: it's a month until Christmas… 

Tuesday - If housing policy is something you’re into, catch the National Press Club’s policy debate featuring the Coalition and Greens (and not the Labor Government…) from 12.30pm on ABC TV

Wednesday -  The Bureau of Stats is releasing the monthly economic indicator that tells us where consumers are spending their money 👀 

Thursday - Get around your favourite Aussie artist (and all the workers that support them) for Ausmusic T-Shirt Day 

Friday - If you need us, catch us early in the day ahead of Team Squiz’s Christmas lunch ✌️

*Times in AEDT

Double-Tapping

Charli XCX aka the artist behind ‘Brat Summer’ appeared on SNL last weekend. They recreated a skit that was previously done with Ariana Grande, and the internet loved it, so we’re sharing it with you, too…

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