The November 22 edition
“Reach for the stars” is a phrase that is often bandied about when people are being urged to chase their dreams. It seems unassuming Aussie Adam Gilmour took this advice quite literally. His attempt to launch his company’s Australian-made rocket has made global headlines – not least after the mission suffered a spectacular setback earlier this year, crashing shortly after liftoff in North Queensland. Liam Mannix, national science writer for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, looks at what makes Gilmour tick and the drivers behind this ambitious goal in today’s cover story. Also to file under “unassuming”: the identical twins in the Two of Us column, Bruno and Otto Bell. A childhood fascination with creepy-crawlies has evolved into the pair becoming widely known experts in weevils and snails. And for anyone who might be thinking about reneging on their weekend plans, Katrina Strickland’s Quick Take on why we can’t keep our social commitments any more is required reading. – Melissa Stevens, editor
Adam wants to live on the moon – and he’s spending millions to get there
In a Gold Coast factory, former banker and gymnast Adam Gilmour is working on a rocket design that could take a slice of Elon Musk’s SpaceX business.
- by Liam Mannix
Baby boomers have always rewritten the rules. Now they are reinventing funerals
We may have little say over when we’re going to die, but an increasing number are seizing control over how they’ll be celebrated after the fact.
- by Sue Williams
Amanda carries a taser, mace and a pistol. She’s not a gang member, she’s a US librarian
Amanda Jones spoke out against censorship at her local public library and walked straight into the battle to ban books playing out across the US.
- by Liz Gooch
You have to work for this travel experience, but the result left me awestruck
Returning to his native Tasmania, a writer finds meaning in the chase for the aurora australis.
- by Ben Buckland
Bruno and Otto are identical twins. They’re also among Australia’s top weevil experts
Bruno and Otto Bell grew up in Tasmania obsessed with the natural world. They’re now renowned entomologists, specialising in weevils.
- by Tim Elliott
Larissa Waters believes in the goodness of humanity. She lost a little faith after this
The federal Greens leader speaks on what’s changed since she entered politics – and what hasn’t. Plus: the advice she’d give her younger self.
- by Benjamin Law
As the dinner approaches, I keep an eagle eye on my WhatsApp. Who’s going to cancel first?
There’s a new meaning to “cancel culture” that seems so very 2025.
- by Katrina Strickland
Todd McKenney’s advice for the next Aussie biopic star
Having played the late Peter Allen in a staggering 1076 performances of The Boy from Oz, McKenney knows the pressure of taking on a national treasure.
- by Andrew Hornery
Should I tell a fellow bus passenger she has grass in her ponytail?
You can assume she’d want to know that her head looked like it had a nest of bush rats living on it, counsels our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Broad bean, squid and chorizo crostini
These toasts make for a light, easy meal or an excellent snack to enjoy over a drink with friends.
- by Danielle Alvarez
Opinion
Opinion
All that and a bag of… Why the best snack is the one you have to work for
What your favourite snack says about you.
- by Terry Durack
Review
From Here By Mike
Why our critic was blown away by this newly hatted Melbourne hotel restaurant
It was a tough sell, but Sydney chef Mike McEnearney’s From Here By Mike is one of the openings of the year.
- by Dani Valent
Review
The Palomar
The hotel might be naff but there’s a lot to like about Mitch Orr’s new London-inspired venue
The menu leans Middle Eastern and Mediterranean yet still feels very Sydney at the Australian spin-off of The Palomar, the hotel restaurant at the new Olympia.
- by Callan Boys
Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?
Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-november-22-edition-20251114-p5nfhk.html