Squiz Today – Friday, 18 January

SQUIZ SAYINGS

“I mean there's a lot of anger there, but obviously I'm pleased he's just alive."

Said cranky/relieved boat skipper Peter Rockliff who thought he’d lost fisherman Steve Gallagher overboard off Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Wednesday. After a 12-hour-plus search using eight helicopters, two fixed-wing aircrafts, one jet, two water police boats, two fishing vessels and a Coast Guard launch, the man was found… sleeping onboard in a floor compartment under some ropes. All’s well that ends well.

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A WARNING FOR THE WORLD

THE SQUIZ
The breakdown of relations between the most powerful nations has reached “crisis levels” risking a massive global trade war that could significantly damage the world’s economy, according to the 2019 Global Risks Report released by the World Economic Forum. The report, which surveyed 1,000 politicians, government officials, business leaders and academics, makes for sobering reading.

SO WHAT?
It means that while world leaders are going hammer and tongs at each other over things like increasing tariffs, finding solutions to serious/imminent challenges like climate change and cyber attacks are taking a back seat, the report says. And it’s climate change-related issues that are the biggest worry (just ask Fiji’s PM Frank Bainimarama...). Are leaders going to take the pressure down this year? ‘Nope’ was the overwhelming consensus of those surveyed. (Maybe when they hear their coffee habit might have to change it’ll hit home...)

WHERE IS THIS GOING?
The report is the starting point for the World Economic Forum’s annual pow-wow in Davos, Switzerland, kicking off on Tuesday next week. US President Donald Trump was scheduled to go but cancelled because of the partial government shutdown. Bill Gates, Jacinda Ardern, Prince William (not to be confused with will.i.am who will also be there…) are on the guest list. Our government is sending Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Trade Minister Simon Birmingham. Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo is said to be attending at his own expense.

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SQUIZ THE REST

PRINCE PHILIP SHAKEN BUT NOT HURT IN CRASH
Breaking news this morning, reports say the 97yo Duke of Edinburgh was driving a Range Rover and was pulling out of a driveway close to Sandringham estate in Norfolk when the accident happened. Another vehicle was involved and the Prince had to be helped out of his overturned car. He is said to be very shocked and shaken, but unhurt. The picture that has been released shows it was no small bingle.

ISRAELI WOMAN TALKING TO SISTER WHEN ATTACKED
Police yesterday said they believe the killing of 21yo Israeli student Aiia Maasarwe in Melbourne’s Bundoora was a random attack. Maasarwe was on a FaceTime call with her sister when she was attacked after getting off a tram just after midnight on Wednesday. “Sadly her sister was talking to her and she appeared to fall to the ground and then she couldn't contact her," Homicide Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said. He said all available resources were being used to find her killer.

And while we have you… two sad cases from outback Australia. The body of missing German tourist Monika Billen, who had not been seen since New Year’s Day, has been found. She had been walking near Emily’s Gap (near Alice Springs). And the body of missing Pilbara woman Felicity Shadbolt has been found near a caravan park in Tom Price. She was last seen on Sunday morning and police have the asked the community not to speculate on the cause of her death as inquiries continue.

AUSTRALIA DAY DEBATE OFF AND RUNNING
Brooke Boney, who is the new entertainment reporter on Nine's Today breakfast show, yesterday said she doesn’t want to celebrate Australia Day. A Gamilaroi woman from northern NSW, Boney said she wasn’t telling anyone what they should do, but the fact that indigenous men are more likely to go to jail, and indigenous women are more likely to experience violence was something she could not separate from the day. With her socials going off, Boney later tweeted “My love for this country and for all of you is stronger than the hate in any comments section.” Indigenous music legends Yothu Yindi have called for “unity” as their involvement in the official Oz Day program was announced. Expect the debate about the most appropriate date to celebrate Australia Day to continue into next week.

TALKING AND TALKING AND TALKING ON BREXIT
Having survived yesterday’s no-confidence vote 325 to 306, UK PM Theresa May will meet with crossbench MPs in an attempt to find some way forward on Brexit when it returns for a parliamentary vote on Monday. May will also have to put time into talking to her errant colleagues - a third of whom voted against her proposed plan to exit the European Union. Labour has refused to join the talks. Pundits say talking is not a plan, and with no changes to the deal in the offing, it will be difficult for May to get a different result next week. In anticipation, EU nations are bracing for a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

WHO IS THE RICHEST OF THEM ALL?
Gina Rinehart. The mining magnate (who is definitely not an heiress) with an estimated fortune of $13.8 billion toped the updated Forbes 50 Richest Aussies List. And then it’s three repeat successes - property guy Harry Triguboff ($9 billion), dancing cardboard box guy Anthony Pratt ($6.8 billion), and shopping centre guy Frank Lowy ($6.5 billion). In fifth spot are our youngest billionaires, 39yos Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes of Atlassian fame with $6.4 billion each. Miner/reheated politician Clive Palmer is back in the top 50 with $1.8 billion. That’s a lot of text messages…

FRIDAY LITES - THREE THINGS WE LIKED THIS WEEK
Social media, eh? If it’s not entertaining you with a 10-year challenge, it’s (possibly) training facial recognition algorithms on age progression. And then you find gems like this. Behold this delightful story from the Museum of English Rural Life. Spoiler alert: a chicken in pants is involved…

Every wondered why celebs use iPhone Notes to draft their social media apologies? Weirdly enough we have. This read was a good one.

The weather has been so hot that there have been reports of fruit cooking on the tree. Which made us think “mmmm, grilled stonefruit.” So, no recipe required - here’s what you do. 1 x peach per person; 1 x teaspoon brown sugar. Cut the peaches in half, separate and take the stone out. Put on a tray cut-side up, sprinkle with the sugar, and put in the oven for 3mins at 180C, then under the griller for 3mins on medium/high. Serve with ice-cream. Delish. And if you’re a pineapple person and/or looking for an easy summer dessert recipe, go no further than this.

SQUIZ THE DAY

Friday
1.20pm (AEDT) - Cricket One Day Match - Australia v India - Melbourne

ABS Data Release - Overseas Arrivals and Departures, November

Start of the Tamworth Country Music Festival (on until 27 January)

Birthday for Angelique Kerber, second seed in the Australian Open

Saturday
Women's March 2019 - Washington DC

Anniversary of the death of former Aussie cricketer David Hookes (2004). His untimely death led to national discussions on violence and organ donation

Sunday
3.30am (AEDT) - Netball Quad Series - Australia v New Zealand (broadcast on 9Gem)

Donald Trump marks two years as American President

Penguin Awareness Day

Monday
5.00am (AEDT) - Netball Quad Series - Australia v England (broadcast on 9Gem)