November 14 – 20, 2020
News
Comment
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Political climate changes with Biden win
“Australia’s political leaders were among the first to declare their faith in America’s democracy when the Biden victory in the presidential election became clear. They realised that what was at stake was the credibility of a nation that for the past 75 years has claimed to be the leader of the ‘free world’.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Stage doyenne Nancye Hayes
After almost six distinguished decades in a notoriously fickle industry, Nancye Hayes is still captivating Australian theatre audiences with her indomitable mix of sass and charm. “Some people can’t stand musicals, but they’re joyful and moving. Music is very emotional and touches people.”
Music
Hey u x
New Zealand Spotify star Benee is preternaturally talented, but her debut album isn’t enough to drag her out of sludgy easy-listening playlists.
Poetry
Two poems
“Language no longer speaks to me. / Though I see its many bodies, I cannot be / Reached. When I return, I shudder in this God-given air / Praise what remains. Outside, a man has built a kookaburra / Fifteen feet tall, and put a laugh inside / Big enough for the world. I watch as the icon meets its makers / And they join in laughing.”
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Interruptions
“[Interrupting] Sorry. How this ban is referred to, I think, is quite dismissive of the seriousness of the issue, and I would ask media to stop referring to it in that way.”
The prime minister interrupts Anne Ruston as she begins to answer a question about her experience of misogyny in the government, which she said [interrupted].
Location
“Lawyer’s Press Conference at Four Season’s Landscaping, Philadelphia. Enjoy!”
The United States president announces a bizarre press conference at a small landscaping firm in suburban Philadelphia. Like Trump’s own life, it was stuck between a crematorium and a sex shop.
Faith
“When you lead out of an empty place, you make choices that have real and painful consequences.”
The Hillsong pastor who baptised Justin Bieber is sacked for cheating on his wife. These things happen, but especially to evangelicals.
War
“This will be difficult and hard news for Australians, I can assure you.”
The prime minister announces a special investigator will be appointed to consider allegations of war crimes committed by Australian troops. It’s a happy change from prosecuting the journalists who broke these stories.
Gambling
“The agreement between Crown and the government suggests any action taken ... could trigger a compensation claim.”
The independent MLC introduces a private member’s bill hoping to limit payments to Crown should an inquiry recommend strictures on its trading. As they say in New South Wales, the lower house never wins.
Politics
“His deep, varied experience and capacity to work with people all across the political spectrum is precisely what I need.”
The president-elect announces Ron Klain as his chief of staff. Klain is famous for his role as response co-ordinator in the 2014 Ebola crisis, which will come in handy for a country bleeding from its eyes and ears.
