Welcome to Five Great Reads, our daily summertime wrap of brilliant journalism and juicy writing, selected by me, Alyx Gorman, Guardian Australia’s sandals, sex and sandwiches editor.
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Big plans for New Year’s Eve across the country are looking a little wobbly this morning as Omicron brings climbing numbers to previously Covid-zero states, and NSW’s positive test rate jumps to 6.5% – an all-time high for the pandemic.
In South Africa preparations have begun for a week of mourning the 26 December death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the anti-Apartheid hero described by Bob Geldof as “one of the greatest men of our time” in a piece for the Guardian yesterday.
And, despite the spectre of Covid, the Ashes are on for the third Test today, with Australia leading the series 2-0. You can read all about that from people who didn’t have to look up either the current score or whether it to call today’s game a “Test” or a “match” right here from 10.30am.
Now, on to the reads.
1. Is it time to upgrade your mask?
Probably, argues “mask nerd” Aaron Collins.
Why? Because while cloth and surgical masks certainly offer protection (especially when people wear them properly), other options can be between five and 10 times better.
How does he know? “I embarked on a year-long mission to test, document, and review the best masks I could find. This eventually entailed building a mini aerosol laboratory in my bathroom, with scientific instruments capable of measuring particles 1/50,000th the width of a human hair.”
2. What do you say to the person who’s ‘waiting for Covax?’
That’s really up to you but reading this dive into data transparency around the crowdfunded Australian vaccine is probably a good first step.
How long will it take? You can read the whole thing in about five minutes. It’s worth every second to learn about a local vaccine candidate many have never heard of, but that thousands of Australians put their money into.
3. What’s the story behind this photograph?
Read about the stories behind the most arresting images of 2021 right here.
Yes, but tell me about the horse? It was a test by the Swiss army veterinary service that involved airlifting horses via helicopter.
Notable quote: “I couldn’t include the helicopter in the shot, as the cable was too long – almost 30 metres – but I think it gives the photograph a surreal air, just seeing a horse suspended like that,” the photographer said. “It is a very strange image. I think it is improved by not having the context of the helicopter.”
4. What was your most memorable gig?
For the Waifs, it involved being called onstage to sing with Bob Dylan – well after their after-party had started.
Notable quote: “Donna and I stripped off to our undies, cracked open a bottle of vodka and started up with the guys in the band to celebrate the tour’s wrap,” Vikki Thorn says. “We were a few shots in and feeling a little inebriated when Dylan’s stage manager burst through the door, announcing: ‘Stage lights down – Bob’s waiting for you two.’”
5. How do you bounce back from rock bottom?
John Crace shares the astonishing story of his heroin addiction and the friends who pulled him back from the brink.
How long does it take to read? About four minutes.
Notable quote: “It took time for relationships to mend, for former friends and members of my family to trust that my recovery wasn’t yet another flash in the pan. But slowly, after a lot of therapy – I am still with the same therapist 30 years on – things took shape.”
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