7 September 2024 - Saturday Squiz

The wind always makes us feel a bit on edge - and so it was this week. But this Saturday, if you have a seasonal tradition, a tech release you’re excited about, or anything else you want to tell us about, hit reply.

⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes

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🤷‍♀️ IDK: What are Aussies doing when the first week of September hits?

This week's top stories

Aussie politics tops and tails the top 5 list this week. We’re entering that part of the cycle…

1. It’s the economy, stupid… - The week started with Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying interest rate rises have “smashed the economy” and ended with Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock saying she understood the cost of living crunch may see some Aussies “ultimately make the difficult decision to sell their homes.” Throw some anaemic economic growth numbers in there, and it’s been quite a week…

2. Gold for Australia - Google Trends data says this was the most searched-for news story this week. We’re coming ninth on the medal tally, and there are so many fab stories, like Alexa Leary’s phenomenal effort in the pool and Lauren Parker becoming the first dual-sport Paralympic medallist at the same Games in 44 years… There’s still a weekend of events before Monday morning’s closing ceremony.

3. Anger in Israel - There have been huge strikes and protests there this week - those involved are aiming to push their government to prioritise the release of hostages above the immediate defeat of Hamas after the bodies of 6 Israeli hostages were recovered on Sunday. It’s been one of the biggest displays of wartime dissent in Israel’s history, but PM Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to change course.

4. Wild weather whips big parts of Oz - This was our lead story on Monday after Tasmania and Victoria really copped it with high winds and storms, leaving thousands without power and roads/schools closed. Next up: bushfire warnings…

5. Bye bye Bill… - NDIS Minister/former Labor leader/former top unionist is off to embark on a new career as boss of Canberra Uni - at 57yo, he reckons it’s time to try something else. Known for his daggy dancing, epic zingers, and rapport with the people, there were many who wished him well.

S’Quiz me real good…

Reckon you know which website Bluey fans crashed this week? Have a crack at the Squiz Quiz.

Picture of the Week

This is Australian long jumper Vanessa Low setting a new world record at the Paralympics - an effort that saw her win gold for the third time in a row. What a legend.

Question of the week

What’s your home design bugbear?

Who would have thought - the Grand Designs presenter knows what he’s talking about… Here’s some of what Squizers thought:

Excessive, some say - “Too many cushions and an artfully draped ‘throw rug’ on the bed.”

Keepin’ it real - “I just cannot see the reason to have all of these complicated and rare knick-knacks around your house. People only come over to see the kitchen, let’s be real.”

Essential life skills - “Shrines to overconsumption are nothing short of awful. No one needs a home theatre, plus you'd spend half your life cleaning the place. There's nothing like a robust argument about what you're going to watch on telly each night...”

In the Kitchen

This almond and white choc cake is a winner for a few reasons… You need 5 ingredients to make the cake (serving embellishments are additional…), it’s simple, and everyone will rave about it. And we’re all here for the applause, right?

Giving a boost to local heroes

Stories about local people making a positive impact in their local communities really float our boat - and so does the Westfield Local Heroes program. It’s about shining a light on individuals making a difference and helping them to achieve their goals faster with financial support, raising awareness of their work, and receiving some community recognition. You can vote for your local hero and help them receive their share of $30,000 worth of grants at each Westfield destination at westfield.com.au/local-heroes

What we Squized this week

Your Squiz Shortcut to PFAS - the forever chemicals. In this Shortcut, we explain what this is all about, where these forever chemicals have been found and what impacts they can have. Read or listen to the Shortcut here. 

Our latest Newsmakers episode with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. For our final episode of this series, Kate Watson sits down with Dr Karl - the nation’s go-to science guy. His latest endeavour is his memoir called A Periodic Table, which tells the story of his fascinating life. Listen to the podcast on Apple or Spotify (and hit follow while you’re there…)

Squiz the Week

Saturday - Reserve any judgment you have about facial hair for World Beard Day. And the Aussie basketball NBL pre-season comp begins in the Gold Coast (on until 14 September)

Sunday - At 6am, you can watch the US Open women's singles final between Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka on 9Now 

Monday - The 2024 Paris Paralympics Closing Ceremony and the US Open men’s singles final (players TBC) both kick off at 4am - and both can be found on 9Now 

Tuesday - If you’re into the latest tech, keep your eyes peeled for the release of the iPhone 16 👀

Wednesday - If you achieve one thing, celebrate Make Your Bed Day 

Thursday - Check-in on someone for R U OK? Day. And at 7pm catch the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award announcement (and maybe you want to get ahead with some weekend reading…)

Friday - The first round of the NRL finals kicks off. School’s out for Queensland kiddos ✌️ 

*All times in AEST

Double-Tapping

The first week of September marks the start of the lead-up to Halloween in the US. And with Friday the 13th coming up next week, this showcase of a ghost doggie doing good work seemed apt…

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