The May 11 Edition

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Good Weekend

The May 11 Edition

Who has the right to speak on matters outside their recognised realm? It’s become one of the big debates of recent times, spanning not just sport but the arts and big business, too. Should an ASX 200 CEO have proclaimed their support for gay marriage when it was up for public debate? What about for the Voice? “Stay in your lane,” is the refrain of some. Your job is to make stuff, sell it, and improve the return for shareholders. The end. Actors, writers, netballers and cricketers are just some of those who’ve fielded similar criticism when they’ve dared to speak out on matters political or contested. For all our talk about the sanctity of free speech, we tend not to like it from those we don’t agree with. Usman Khawaja finds it all so perplexing: “At what stage do you qualify to have an opinion? If you get voted into politics, suddenly you can say whatever you want? Then if you don’t, you don’t have a voice, you can’t speak up?” The Australian Test cricketer talks about all this with The Age’s chief cricket writer, Daniel Brettig, for today’s cover story. Brettig traces how Pakistan-born Khawaja found his feet in one of the country’s whitest sports – then discovered his voice. – Editor, Katrina Strickland

13 stories
The May 11 Edition

Usman Khawaja used to shrug off racism. Then he stopped trying to please everyone

As a rising star, Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer kept his thoughts in check. Then he found his voice – and used it.

  • by Daniel Brettig
Scott Griffi ths and Steph Costa have been housesitting continuously for two years. They estimate they save about $40,000 to $50,000 a year on rent alone.

House-sitting: The cozzie-livs life hack saving some $40,000-plus a year

From young professionals to grey nomads, more people are bouncing rent-free between strangers’ homes. Indeed, for some it’s a lifestyle choice.

  • by Jonathan Seidler
Researchers say people are having less sex than they were 30 years ago, speculating the reasons may range from isolation caused by technology to conversations about consent.

Can a marriage work without sex?

Yes, say counsellors and a surprising number of happy couples.

  • by Amanda Montei
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‘Wit and grit’: Digging into her ancestry, Kathy Lette realises where she’s from

It’s no surprise to discover relatives who share similar looks. But parallel personality traits?

  • by Kathy Lette

Lowanna Grant stayed living with mum Karla into her 30s. Here’s why

The journalists work together, watch TV together – then there’s the tattoos ...

  • by Fenella Souter
Bonnie Garmus: “I hear from people all over the world who say, ‘You know what? I read your book, I quit my job and I went back to school.’ ”
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

Sexism at work made Bonnie Garmus start writing. It sold 7 million copies

The American author of Lessons in Chemistry on why her debut novel took so long – and what makes her happiest about it.

  • by Benjamin Law
Cabin Porn

Cabin Porn

Tracey couldn’t imagine leaving her family but just this weekend alone, after attending to chores, errands and the needs of others, she’d spent hours online. If she wasn’t watching videos of ingeniously designed, European micro-apartments, she was scrolling through pictures of stylised boltholes in the woods. Dreamily, she’d picture herself shedding her coat and boots inside their doors, then donning house slippers and an oversized cardigan – found, like everything else there, just where she’d left them. She’d then nurse a tea by the large windows and get down to the business of watching the setting sun play through the gently swaying trees. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.

Test your literature knowledge live.

Does Saturday mean The Quiz and Dicey Topics? Here’s where to join in live

Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.

  • by Karl Quinn, Barry Divola, Jonathan Seidler, Melanie Kembrey and Melissa Singer
Cilbir with Ramazan pidesi (Turkish eggs with flatbread).

‘One of my all-time favourites’: Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s punchy Turkish-style brunch

This Sunday, treat Mum to cilbir – poached eggs on a bed of garlic yoghurt smothered with chilli-infused melted butter.

  • by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
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Danielle Alvarez’s chocolate loaf cake with mascarpone icing.

This kid-friendly Mother’s Day chocolate cake is deliberately messy (and absolutely fabulous)

Its simple batter comes together in one bowl, and the mascarpone icing can be whipped up by hand.

  • by Danielle Alvarez
Baked egg, caviar, sweet corn puree.
Review
Ester

Good Food Guide editor reveals his go-to spot for a slap-up meal (and it’s Nigella approved)

There’s nothing quite like this caviar-topped dish in Sydney, and there isn’t a restaurant quite like Ester either.

  • by Callan Boys
Gemini is a cafe by day, and wine bar by night.

‘Tough economic climates are temporary, but community is forever’: Why Gemini is a gem

This crowd-funded cafe, bar, restaurant and pantry has changed Coburg for the better. If you’re local, you’re lucky.

  • by Dani Valent

Don’t like cabbage? This sweet, buttery and beautiful variety might change your mind

How does a simple fruit or vegetable emerge from nowhere to build its own niche brand, asks Terry Durack.

  • by Terry Durack
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