Good morning, happy Monday, and apologies to those who’ve returned from holidays today. You’ve found yourself a moment of reprieve with Five Great Reads, a weekday summer wrap of worthwhile writing selected by me, Alyx Gorman, Guardian Australia’s galoshes, goulash and galavanting editor.
If you’re in search of breaking news, allow me to redirect you to our live blog. And if you can feel a headache coming on, here’s a handy guide to exercising with migraines. Now, on to the reads!
1. Re-defecting to North Korea
Leaving one of the most oppressive regimes in the world is a difficult feat. But over the years, a small handful of North Koreans who fled the country have wound up returning. Justin McCurry looks at what makes them go back.
People go back? Yes. This year, Kim Woo-joo, a 29 year old former gymnast snuck through the heavily reinforced demilitarised zone to return to North Korea, a year after fleeing.
Then what happens? No one knows for sure. They may face harassment, interrogation or even imprisonment. And yet, they’re willing to take the risk.
2. Archaeology’s gender revolution
Increasingly sophisticated DNA analysis has overturned long-held beliefs about key archaeological finds.
What kind of beliefs? Well, one 1,500 year old grave site in Italy included a pair of skeletons buried together, holding hands. Dubbed the Lovers of Modena, we recently found out they were both men. At another grave site, presumed to belong to a Viking warrior because it was filled with weapons, it turned out the skeleton was biologically female.
How long will it take me to read? About four minutes.
3. Ridding your house of pollution
Everything from flame retardants to now-banned pesticides can linger in your home (and blood) for years, writes environment writer Anna Turns. Ridding your house of these persistent organic pollutants (or POPs) takes, as their name suggests, a lot of work.
So eco-friendly cleaners? Actually, the first tip in the story is you can mostly skip those.
What do I have to do then? To start with, dust your wifi router.
4. An ode to Spam
Divisive and suspiciously delicious, to Asian diaspora communities all over the world, Spam is the taste of home, writes Rosheen Kaul. She’s suggesting four recipes to cook with the product, each with a unique history behind it.
I’m vegetarian. No worries, there’s a plant based alternative that “looks and cooks just like Spam does”.
How long will it take me to make? Every one of these dishes is kid friendly and works as a weeknight meal, or even a WFH lunch – they can be ready in between 20 and 40 minutes.
5. Daring public dunnies
As Australians spend a summer outdoors, dodging Omicron, the value of excellent public facilities has never been clearer. Here, we pick out a few stunning loos.
I have opinions about this. Good! We want you to tell us what your favourite public toilet is too.
