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Good Weekend

The August 24 Edition

Not so long ago, if you talked about soccer as “football”, Australians would divide into two camps: those who’d say of course it’s football, it’s the world game, the beautiful game, the only real game; and those who’d say “football” here means Aussie rules, league or rugby – soccer’s just that … soccer. Today, thanks to a growing interest in the sport – including our national embrace of the Matildas – people are smart enough to work out which code is being referred to by the context of the conversation. But that former divide helps explain why one of our greatest football exports, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou, is still sceptical about Australia’s relationship with the game – and more particularly, with him. He speaks about this and more in today’s cover story by Vince Rugari, who has also penned a new book on the coach, Angeball. It seems that, all too often, we still only truly appreciate our compatriots when they’ve “made it” overseas. Speaking of which, for stirring evidence of the reverence with which Postecoglou is held by Spurs fans, watch the YouTube video of them serenading him last year with their own version of Robbie Williams’ Angels. It’s an instant mood-lifter. – Editor, Katrina Strickland

15 stories
The August 24 Edition

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Ange Postecoglou soaks up the adulation of the Tottenham Hotspur fans in August last year. “So much of my childhood was trying to overcome having Postecoglou as a surname, and now they’re making it into songs … It’s crazy.”

Spurs fans are loving ‘Big Ange’. If only he’d been shown such respect here

In Australia, some struggled with Ange Postecoglou’s name. In the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, tens of thousands of Brits chant it.

  • by Vince Rugari
“If you haven’t pissed people off and you’re an activist, then you’re doing it wrong,” says Westerman, who boxes to release stress.

‘Help your mob’: The psychologist building an ‘army’ to tackle Indigenous suicide

She grew up in the only Aboriginal family in a remote Pilbara mining town. Now Tracy Westerman is fighting for the lives of at-risk youth in communities like hers.

  • by Victoria Laurie
A 31-year-old consultant from Darlinghurst: “It’s almost chic to do mushrooms … It comes in a beautiful paper bag, it’s all branded … gorgeous. Like a luxury item.”

‘From LA to Byron to Sydney’: The trippy treat popular among Millennial mums

This rising “It” drug looks like designer chocolate, is micro-dosed among the monied set – and is illegal.

  • by Jonathan Seidler
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Mandela slipped away from his itinerary, which included an appearance at the Sydney Opera House, to meet Indigenous representatives.

‘A very serious mistake’: What Mandela regretted during his first visit to Australia

As the statesman’s physician, Dr Peter Friedland thought he understood much about Nelson Mandela. Then Friedland announced he was moving to Australia ...

  • by Jill Margo

For a long time, Alli didn’t ‘understand’ her mum. Now they’re running a bar together

At Catherine’s and Alli’s bar in Sydney’s inner west, family dynamics can be as challenging as new cocktail recipes.

  • by Dani Valent
“We go 65km/h down a hill sometimes. If you crash … well, the blood thinners I’m on aren’t reversible.”
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

‘There are crashes ...’ Paralympian Madison de Rozario on an occupational hazard

The gold medal hopeful on what could happen when going down a hill at 65km/h, her near-death experience – and getting it right when talking about disability.

  • by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru

They have a driveway, but park in the street: what to do with road-hog neighbours?

Try this classic problem-solving technique, writes our Modern Guru.

  • by Danny Katz

Before pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto died, his son filmed a spellbinding swansong

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

  • by Barry Divola, Melanie Kembrey, Frances Mocnik and David Swan
The betrayal

The betrayal

Jill came home to find Leroy in front of the TV. “What the hell?” she said. “We were watching that together! I can’t believe you!” Leroy, caught red-handed, scrambled to retrieve the situation. “I’ve only watched two episodes,” he said. “I’ll wait for you to catch up.” Jill took a moment. “Doesn’t help us now, though, does it? We’ll have to watch something else. What about …” And she paused, ready to sink the knife in … “Bridgerton?” Cantilevered breasts or not, he’d rather stick pins in his eyes, but what could he say? Atonement was expected. “Sure,” he sighed. “Sounds great.” Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.

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Jonathen (left) Nicola (right).
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Ending the cycle: our family’s call for a better health system

This article discusses themes of suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a mental health professional or contact a crisis support service. In Australia, you can call Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 support.

  • by Josephine Parsons
Sicilian citrus salad.

Sicilian citrus and fennel salad

Sweet, savoury, salty and sour, this salad is so good you won’t want winter to end (maybe!).

  • by Danielle Alvarez
You won’t easily forget this cake “for lost things”.

Saint Phanourios cake (aka fanouropita) with orange, apple and walnut

You won’t easily forget this cake “for lost things”.

  • by Helen Goh
Chef Philippa Sibley’s drawings (left) decorate the walls of the bistro.

‘Like a general store in a country town’: This 13-year-old local favourite finally gets a hat

Charming neighbourhood bistro Pinotta is experiencing a golden period under chef Philippa Sibley.

  • by Dani Valent
Allta’s timber slats arch over diners like a blond wood Hokusai wave.
Review
Allta

‘One to watch and then some’: Two-hatted newcomer is fancy, but also a lot of fun

Allta is one of Sydney’s best new restaurants to open this year. It’s also the most expensive.

  • by Callan Boys

How to tell if a red wine will age well

A quick guide to avoid ending up with a tired and stale old wine.

  • by Huon Hooke
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Good Weekend Quiz

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge.

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/the-august-24-edition-20240712-p5jt99.html