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The May 2 edition

When the television series Girls debuted in 2012, it was a watershed moment in popular culture, heralding the arrival of the Millennial generation. A course correction to the confection of Gen X’s Sex and the City, Girls was a coming-of-age story centred around four 20-something New Yorkers. A show that was, quite possibly, talked about more than it was actually watched, it came to both represent, and act as, the prism through which to analyse Millennials themselves: their privilege, their perceived self-obsessiveness and their character. At the forefront of this focus was Girls creator Lena Dunham, who played Hannah Horvath in the show. It may not have been intentional that Hannah was speaking as a proxy for Dunham when she told her parents in the pilot, “I think that I may be the voice of my generation … or at least a voice of a generation,” but it has proved prescient. Dunham has long been the poster child for Millennials – highly scrutinised and, often, criticised. Now about to turn 40, Dunham reflects on what that period of her life was like in a thoughtful and thought-provoking interview. – Melissa Stevens, editor

14 stories
‘Myopic millennial’, ‘hapless feminist’, ‘liberal twit’: Lena Dunham has heard it all, and moved on from her critics.

‘Why won’t she shut up?’: The blunt verdict that Lena Dunham was dreading on her new memoir

She was hailed as a voice of the Millennial generation – yet it’s only now that Dunham is beginning to process the pain and self-loathing she had at the time.

  • David Marchese
Hair loss may be optional given the effectiveness of baldness drug Finasteride, but many men are also finding there are costs including depression and diminished sexual performance.

Men can now pop a pill to cure their baldness. The catch? It may also wreck their sex life

Follically challenged men can now pop a pill to cure their baldness. The catch? It may also wreck their sex life.

  • Susan Dominus
King Charles with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles’ masterful exercise of soft power as he steps out of his mother’s shadow

On the centenary of the late queen’s birth, a new book casts an insider’s light on her family debacles – and her instinctive sympathy for the “spares”.

  • Judith Woods
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‘You better watch your mouth’: How Brittnee keeps drama at bay for colleague Lochie

Five years ago, Lachlan Robertson, a world-record-holding sheep shearer, was looking for a wool classer – and found an unexpected best mate.

  • Stephen Lacey
Tanya Hennessy: “I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do. I never live with regret.”

‘I’d rather be homeless than not meet my baby’: Inside Tanya’s long road to motherhood

The comedian, podcaster, TV presenter and author on her surprise first career, her yearning to become a mum – and chance meetings with politicians.

  • Benjamin Law
About 25 to 30 people drown in rips each year.

Caught in a rip? Remember this one crucial rule

If you’re swimming at a surf beach without flags or lifeguards, keep these tips in mind.

  • Tim Elliott
Meghan’s Melbourne masterclass.

How to layer knits like a pro: The secret to staying warm without the bulk

When cooler weather sets in, knitwear has some very particular attractions.

  • Damien Woolnough
Busy mums need easy wardrobe solutions.

9 easy wardrobe pieces for time-poor mums

Capsule-wardrobe goals for busy women everywhere.

  • Kim Wilson
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I find my husband’s nighttime habit to be unhygienic. He disagrees

Multitasking is an ingenious way of extending our limited brushing time, advises our Modern Guru.

  • Danny Katz
Helen Goh's almond and raspberry ripple cake.
EASY

Almond and raspberry ripple cake

With its marbled interior and pink icing, this delicious almond butter cake is perfect for Mother’s Day.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Helen Goh
Bar Lourinha's bric-a-brac filled wall.
Good Food hat15/20

Why this 20-year-old treasure should be on every Melburnian’s list of go-to restaurants

Dani Valent raises a glass of sherry to two decades of eating, drinking and being merry.

  • Dani Valent
Beef flank wonton noodle soup.
13/20

The wonton noodle soup at this BYO Chinese takeaway has been recognised by the UN

Like all “proper 𝄒90s suburban” eateries, Canton Noodle House in Riverwood offers almost everything, including this soup.

  • David Matthews

What style of wine − and how many bottles − should you take to a dinner party?

Ideally, suit the wine to the meal, your host and the other guests, writes Huon Hooke.

  • Huon Hooke
Test yourself with the May 2 Good Weekend quiz

Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz

Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?

Other editions

The June 13 edition

Our next football superstar is here | Capturing beauty in 360-degree detail | A planner and protester on bridging differences | Tasma Walton on dicey topics

  • 10 stories

The June 6 edition

The Style Edit | Cinema icon Tony Leung | Kate Ceberano on staying in the game | Vintage fashion’s new moment | Sartorial tricks from the celebrity realm

  • 16 stories