The August 23 Edition
I tend to think of myself as a person who can be sentimental but not one easily moved to tears. I had to revise this self-characterisation after reading staff writer Tim Elliott’s piece about the grief he felt when his daughters moved out of home. There is abundant advice for most stages of parenting, as Elliott notes, but perhaps not enough to help navigate the emotions that come as your children reach adulthood. Whether you’ve gone or are going through the grief of empty-nester syndrome yourself, or it looms in your future, this beautiful piece will give you pause for thought. Elsewhere in the magazine today, our cover story looks at the lives of those who keep our communities ticking over as part of the night-time workforce, which now includes some 4 million Aussies. It’s fascinating to gain some insight into the worlds of those who clock on as we are all clocking off. – Melissa Stevens, editor.
From fatigue and fear to quiet beauty: The secret lives of night-shift workers
Our 24-hour economy is boosting the ranks of night-shift workers, turning sleep cycles and social lives upside down. But for some, there is light amid the darkness.
- by Jenna Price
This is the part of parenting no one warned me about
There’s plenty of advice for parents, but what no one tells you is how devastating it is when your kids leave home.
- by Tim Elliott
The surprising fashion item that might be worth a fortune
Amid a wave of band nostalgia, reproduction T-shirts are everywhere – but owning a decades-old original could be a goldmine.
- by Rob Crossan
‘Uber did us a favour’: Why drivers of London’s black cabs still have a future
Despite the rise of ride-hailing apps and the prospect of autonomous taxis, people are still signing up to drive the city’s iconic cabs.
Two of Us
Two of Us
Military camps, malaria and dysentery: How ‘a naive couple’ tested their love
TV producer PJ Madam and documentary-maker Tim Noonan came up with the ultimate project to see if their relationship could last the distance.
- by Dani Valent
Tim Flannery on when it’s ‘game over’ for climate culture wars
The scientist, author and former Australian of the Year on when bickering over clean energy will reach its use-by date – and the joys of being in one’s 60s.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
Will cleaning the house in front of my wife help us get down and dirty?
A little nook-tidying will not necessarily result in a bit of nooky, says our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
There be dragons
Freddie was dreaming of dragons when he woke to a sound like fire-breathing coming from outside. Dashing to the door, he heard the loud whooshing again. Stepping, trembling, into a frosty morning, he scanned the azure sky for a swooping Smaug or a twisting Toothless. Instead, one, then two hot-air balloons resembling kaleidoscopic thunderheads loomed into view and drifted low, so low, overhead. Awed, he waved. Someone in the second balloon’s basket waved back and a warm flush enveloped him. Then, before he could rouse his parents, the airships’ furnaces roared to life and carried the balloons away. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
An orangutan reached for Natalie’s hand. It was a defining moment for her
Through often-startling stories detailing the wonder of wildlife, a Melbourne environmentalist hopes to convince people that the natural world is worth saving.
- by Clare Stephens
Life after Hoges and Lara: The new faces selling Aussie holidays to the world
A Chinese heartthrob and the daughter of a cricket legend are two of the new faces bringing international tourists to Australia.
- by Andrew Hornery
How to style sweatpants: Easy ways to elevate your look
Karl Lagerfeld once described track pants as “a sign of defeat” – but a new generation of style leaders is proving him wrong.
- by Damien Woolnough
Piedmontese polenta biscuits
These delicate Italian bikkies are perfect with an espresso.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Review
Baix
Is Baix the luxe European restaurant boujee Brighton locals have been waiting for?
Chef and Brighton local Ian Curley’s first restaurant as sole owner spans a fine-ish dining room and wine bar. Dani Valent compares three courses in both spaces.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Hey Rosey
This busy 20-seater is one of the best wine bars in the state (and isn’t where you’d expect)
Hey Rosey serves a daily-changing menu largely based on what local farmers are dropping off that week.
- by Callan Boys
Why do we call white wine ‘white’ when it’s not?
“Blanc” in French, “bianco” in Italian, “blanco” in Spanish. It’s the universal word for wine that’s not red, pink or amber.
- by Huon Hooke
