June 10 – 16, 2017
News
Comment
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Playing the blame game on terror attacks
“Politicians playing the blame game are nothing new, especially in the current febrile climate. It is made all the harder for Turnbull because he is under fire from within his own ranks for not being more outspoken on ‘Islamic’ terrorism. As a result, it is a term he and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop are now employing more. ”
Comment
Tony Windsor
Inland rail a hollow promise
“Is Inland Rail a real goer or is it just doing the political rounds as once again the Nationals are threatened by One Nation? Will anything actually be done before the next federal election? Going by Australian Rail Track Corporation documents prepared for the government in 2015, there is still much to talk about, including the all-important route determinations – after 21 years of deliberation.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Leigh Carmichael’s dark arts at MONA
For Leigh Carmichael, meeting MONA founder David Walsh was a life-changing moment. Now, as the creative director of DarkLab, Carmichael is changing the way people see culture.
Television
The Return of Twin Peaks
As the latest Twin Peaks again pushes the boundaries of everyday morality, the viewer ponders its creator’s desire to illuminate the darkness in our souls.
Portrait
Theatre director Adena Jacobs
“The play begins with a long, steady gaze at stillness. A white wall and a floor white with snow: we are in the avant-garde; we are in old, winter Europe; the vacancy of memory. In reality it’s chunks of polystyrene. And eventually there is the softest rustle and a small hand flutters into view. ‘I never see on the stage what I originally thought,’ says Adena Jacobs, director and co-creator of this scene.”
Food
Beef brisket braised in mead and pickled walnuts
“Brisket is a favourite braising cut. Depending on the breed, it is usually well marbled and contains plenty of interconnective tissue, which transforms into a lovely gelatinous mass. Don’t attempt this if you are in a rush, though. ”
Books
Life
Travel
Rao’s restaurant in a New York winter
To get a table at quintessential New York Italian restaurant Rao’s you need to have got your name in the book in 1977 – or know someone who did. Yet the warm welcome you’ll get once inside, will stave off the winter cold.
The Quiz
Quotes
RELEVANCE
“You see a bit of it in Australia – people that just feel as though they have got to constantly be commentating, and I just don’t think I’ll do that.”
The former prime minister of New Zealand takes a veiled swipe at Tony Abbott. Key intends to go back to a quiet life of pulling waitresses’ ponytails and joking that Maoris are cannibals.
MEDIA
“That wasn’t how these stories usually work.”
The Woman’s Day journalist whose story is the subject of a defamation action by Rebel Wilson defends not contacting the actor over claims she lied about her age and name. Wilson says she lost two film roles and gained six years because of the piece.
COAL
“I Googled it and found Abraham Lincoln had a modification. ‘Things may come to those who wait, but those who hustle get what is left.’ ”
The resources minister misquotes the great American president, overcome by his enthusiasm for the Adani coalmine. While you’re there, Matt, other fun searches include “climate change facts” and “self-serving opportunism”.
COMMENTARY
“I don’t really fight nice if I’m pushed too far.”
The conservative commentator responds to being sprayed with glitter and allegedly punched. In a kind of interpretive physical theatre based on one of his columns, he hit one man in the face and the other in the groin.
INTELLIGENCE
“He said he had nothing to do with Russia, had not been involved with hookers in Russia, and always assumed he was being recorded when in Russia.”
The former FBI chief details exchanges in which Donald Trump pressured him to drop investigations into Russian connections. Trump was as shocked as anyone to learn the spies with which his campaign collaborated were Russian.
DEATH
“To all the girls with books and pens, I hope your voices will be heard, that the extraordinary privilege that comes with being published will one day be yours.”
The celebrated journalist offers wisdom to young women entering the profession. She died this week, aged 60.
