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Good Weekend

The October 12 Edition

Conventional wisdom has it that journalists don’t profile defamation barristers. The lawyers will either get more work out of it or sue us – neither good for the fourth estate. But Jane Cadzow and I made an exception for Sue Chrysanthou, today’s cover subject, for a number of reasons. Firstly, Sydney is the defamation capital of the world (let that sink in), which means we’ve all seen her striding in and out of court, becoming almost as recognisable as her high-profile clients. Secondly – and profile writers love a bit of colour – she rescues wildlife in her spare time, by all accounts is very funny, and is as disliked by many in the media (and some in the law) as she is loved by her clients. Thirdly, she’s had a controversial stint in the witness box herself. Just as journalists don’t profile such lawyers, such people don’t tend to agree to talk to us, either. Thankfully others did, and Cadzow was able to pen a fascinating portrait of a lawyer in demand. Editor, Katrina Strickland

13 stories
The October 12 Edition
Chrysanthou has “main-character energy”, says friend, broadcaster Ben Fordham. “When Sue walks into a room, everyone knows that she’s there.”

Avenging angel or lethal opportunist: Celebrity lawyer Sue Chrysanthou

She’s the barrister du jour in the defamation capital of the world. Then came the day she found herself in the witness box ...

  • by Jane Cadzow
Keith Urban backstage during a festival in Nashville, Tennessee, last year. He says his songs always have their roots in real people: “I’m not creating something completely fictional.”

He may not still call Australia home, but Keith Urban’s ‘always Aussie in spirit’

The country star has lived in Nashville longer than anywhere else – but misses the bluntness of a hometown crowd.

  • by Ed Potton
Caroline Baum with her mother, Judith, in 2019.

Mum’s 90, French and finds gratitude demeaning … can family therapy help?

Convincing an elderly parent to appreciate the art of giving thanks takes work – and self-reflection.

  • by Caroline Baum
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Simmone Logue and twin Joey on love, loss – and lunch with Alan Jones

Best friends as well as twins, the celebrity cook and artist have weathered depression, dementia and death.

  • by Nicole Abadee
“As an Aboriginal person, you’re meant to be really spiritual and connected. For most of my life, I couldn’t say that was true for me.”
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For Indigenous artist Jonathan Jones, even painting a landscape is ‘political’

The Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man on engaging with nature and each other – and a favourite NSW bushwalk.

  • by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru

A lesbian friend has asked me to donate sperm, but my new girlfriend’s not happy

While it’s a life-changing gift, there are long-term risks, writes our Modern Guru.

  • by Danny Katz
Mariya Takeuchi’s 1984 city pop anthem, Plastic Love, has been revived.

Smooth ’70s grooves and convertibles: Inside the ‘city pop’ revival

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

  • by Barry Divola, Katrina Strickland, David Swan, Frances Mocnik and Damien Woolnough
Helen Goh’s tomato, cheese and onion tart.

Tomato, cheese and onion tart

Before summer ripens the fruit, here’s a tart that makes use of the tinned variety.

  • by Helen Goh
Braised chicken with peas and lettuce.

Braised chicken with peas and lettuce

A French-style one-pan dish celebrating fresh, spring produce.

  • by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
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Nour

It’s easy to see why this Middle Eastern restaurant is thronging every Saturday lunchtime

Nour’s new chef sure knows how to have fun with Middle Eastern food.

  • by Callan Boys
Go-to dish: Char kwai teow.

This humble Malaysian mainstay in the suburbs is a restaurant to treasure

Danny Ko is 78 and his trusty wok has just turned 22. Together, they have made thousands of char kwai teow.

  • by Dani Valent

What do the silver and gold medals on wine bottles mean, and how do show judges decide?

The factors that determine the difference between a silver medal (90-94 points) and a gold (95-plus) can be subjective.

  • by Huon Hooke
Good Weekend Quiz online index image

Good Weekend Quiz

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge.

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-october-12-edition-20240813-p5k1xg.html