The July 26 Edition
Humans are really good at making dire predictions about the world – and really bad at doing anything about it. Most of us accept the science of climate change – we only have to open our eyes to recognise how global weather patterns are changing – but the vast majority of us do little or nothing to help stave off the worst-case scenarios scientists have repeatedly warned us about. That’s in part because we feel powerless, have busy, overwrought lives, or just feel overwhelmed by the tidal wave of bad news hitting us daily. Sarah Wilson, of I Quit Sugar and MasterChef fame, and the subject of our cover story this week by Gay Alcorn, concedes she’s not a climatologist or scientist. However, she is an excellent communicator who has consulted experts across the globe to bring us some timely warnings about preparedness. It’s not a simple event that causes civilisations to fall, Wilson warns, but a complex interaction of escalating weather disasters, food shortages, millions of climate refugees, urban breakdown and wars over resources. Wilson bursts the bubble of our complacency – with good reason. – Greg Callaghan, acting editor.
First, she quit sugar. Now, she’s ditched ‘hopium’: Sarah Wilson’s urgent new mission
The self-described renegade’s career has taken her from teen model to magazine editor to bestselling author. Her new focus: civilisational collapse.
- by Gay Alcorn
‘I hear a soft moaning’: Inside the chaos of the 2004 Jakarta embassy bombing
A member of Australia’s diplomatic staff at the time describes his dramatic survival – and considers whether such an attack is likely to happen again.
- by Grant Dooley
Practising ‘relationship skills’ – and other ‘bomb-drop’ advice for desperate parents
Caught in the middle of a kiddie meltdown? A new breed of educators on social media is delivering help for mums and dads feeling out of their depth.
- by Sarah Berry
‘It has a soul’: While the hammer falls on more old pianos, diehard fans persist
Once a proud possession, the upright piano – despite a recent heart-warming TV series celebrating its street players – is being binned.
- by Stephanie Wood
‘A baby-shaped hole’: When creativity clashes with the call of motherhood
Contemplating whether to have a child, a 30-something woman faces her fears.
- by Loribelle Spirovski
Two of Us
For subscribers
‘Your siblings don’t define you’: These twins took their own singular directions
Gemma and Claudia Hollingsworth spent their entire lives together, until their careers – one on the stage, the other on the world’s running tracks – took off.
- by Konrad Marshall
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘I’m super-cute’: Comedian Urzila Carlson’s struggle to stay single
The South African-New Zealander on growing up in the apartheid era, coming out – and why she never fights with her ex.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
Stockpiling for lunch from hotel breakfast buffets: Can I give thieves a serve?
While some fellow guests might go back for second, third and fourth helpings, others prefer to make the meal an all-day option, says our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
The real housewives of Australia: How ‘Red’ Bond led the way
Eileen Bond’s death marks the end of Australia’s socially connected, cashed-up and indomitable women.
- by Andrew Hornery
Taste test: We try Australia’s new lab-grown foie gras alternative
Last month, the country’s food regulator deemed a particular form of lab-grown meat – cell-cultured quail – as safe.
- by Dani Valent
Almond and sesame caramel cake
Tahini adds a gentle sesame depth to this twist on the classic Swedish toscakaka.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Good Weekend
Bet you’ve never had steak and pepper sauce like this before, Melbourne
Gambino restaurant and rooftop bar brings tricksy Italian dishes and Big Night Out energy to the ’burbs.
- by Dani Valent
Review
McCarrs
‘Beaut little hub’: This rebadged suburban spot crackles with community spirit
McCarrs on Mona Vale Road is an excellent place to sit by the fire and share pizza slices topped with pepperoni, honey and chilli.
- by Callan Boys
What is the wine industry doing to combat the effects of climate change?
Huon Hooke looks at the challenges facing winemakers, including heat and humidity.
- by Huon Hooke
Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-july-26-edition-20250609-p5m5vr.html