Pimped by folk similar to a FRB, Cheaper in China is a concept where all manufacturing in the world is outsourced to China.
This is on the basis that the manufacturing will be cheaper, and on the surface it is cheaper, and there are reasons for this. Quality is a lot lower, short cuts are everywhere, working conditions are appalling, materials are inferior, good environmental practices are ignored etc etc.
But, the pimp of Cheaper in China in blissfully unaware of this, preferring to ignore these issues in the pursuit of a quick buck, and presumably to enjoy the jollies overseas to 'visit' suppliers.
Also, this is destroying manufacturing in every other country apart from China, not that the pimp cares about this, but they should, because without local manufacturing, there would be no local work to create the demand to engineer these products.
So the pimp would have to go and live in China, and then realise why it is so cheap to build over there.
As well as all manufacturing being transferred, unintentionally all IP is also communicated, these leads to counterfeit products, which are normally potential death traps due to the manufacturing methods and materials used. But the Cheaper In China pimp doesn't care for the legalities or the morality of this, he encourages it, because it means he can buy more landfill from the local store.
Property Managers
Closely related to the Real Estate Agent, the Property Manager normally deals with rentals.
I've experienced Property Managers from both sides of the fence, as a 'client' and as a 'punter'
In both capacities, they have caused more stress than I thought possible, communication is next to impossible, but only once they have you signed up.
However, one time that the communication lines finally fire up is when a property manager would like to tell you to leave the property, they will contact you via a faceless email, with all manner of excuses, which will often change with each subsequent communication.
Like the Real Estate Agent, truth is rarely used in communications, they'll normally 'forget' to turn up to appointments, which are normally scheduled by the Property Manager at the most inconvenient time for most folk who have a regular job.
I've experienced Property Managers from both sides of the fence, as a 'client' and as a 'punter'
In both capacities, they have caused more stress than I thought possible, communication is next to impossible, but only once they have you signed up.
However, one time that the communication lines finally fire up is when a property manager would like to tell you to leave the property, they will contact you via a faceless email, with all manner of excuses, which will often change with each subsequent communication.
Like the Real Estate Agent, truth is rarely used in communications, they'll normally 'forget' to turn up to appointments, which are normally scheduled by the Property Manager at the most inconvenient time for most folk who have a regular job.
Real Estate Agents
Moving from one property to the next is a stressfull business.
The inevitable involvement of a Real Estate Agent is a large contributor to this stress.
Seemingly incapable of telling the truth, the Real Estate Agent spreads rumour, and injects fear into anyone who deals with them, in order to inflate the local property market in order to increase their commission.
Once they have your phone number, they will hassle you with phone calls in order to try and trick you into buying a property which no one else wants.
At property viewings they turn up in their expensive car, claiming to be working like a dog, and using words like 'cosy', 'easy maintenance', 'good potential', 'classic'. When they really mean 'small', 'featureless', 'falling apart', 'old'.
I ask myself how they contribute to society, well, they don't.
The inevitable involvement of a Real Estate Agent is a large contributor to this stress.
Seemingly incapable of telling the truth, the Real Estate Agent spreads rumour, and injects fear into anyone who deals with them, in order to inflate the local property market in order to increase their commission.
Once they have your phone number, they will hassle you with phone calls in order to try and trick you into buying a property which no one else wants.
At property viewings they turn up in their expensive car, claiming to be working like a dog, and using words like 'cosy', 'easy maintenance', 'good potential', 'classic'. When they really mean 'small', 'featureless', 'falling apart', 'old'.
I ask myself how they contribute to society, well, they don't.
V8 SS Utes
V8 SS Utes, almost exclusively driven by Tradies, with the illusion that these are used for carrying tools etc for their job.
However, a V8 SS Ute, is impractical for such a task, and obviously so, so obviously that the vehicle flaunts its impracticality. It's no secret that these are sought by Tradies, because they are tax-deductible of the equivalent high powered saloon car.
Why is it that the tax-man doesn't realise this? The car manufacturers also flaunt this, as they produce the exact machine which enables the Tradie to get their tax deductable kicks.
Also, due to parking rules V8 SS Utes can be parked in Loading Zones, these are intended for Goods vehicles to park in while dropping off or loading goods, and as such are normally in places where parking is at a premium. Often V8 SS Ute drivers will leave their vehicles here all day, not while they are loading, but while they are working on a near by construction site, hence dodging parking fees, and preventing fair dinkum delivery of goods.
However, a V8 SS Ute, is impractical for such a task, and obviously so, so obviously that the vehicle flaunts its impracticality. It's no secret that these are sought by Tradies, because they are tax-deductible of the equivalent high powered saloon car.
Why is it that the tax-man doesn't realise this? The car manufacturers also flaunt this, as they produce the exact machine which enables the Tradie to get their tax deductable kicks.
Also, due to parking rules V8 SS Utes can be parked in Loading Zones, these are intended for Goods vehicles to park in while dropping off or loading goods, and as such are normally in places where parking is at a premium. Often V8 SS Ute drivers will leave their vehicles here all day, not while they are loading, but while they are working on a near by construction site, hence dodging parking fees, and preventing fair dinkum delivery of goods.
Woolies home delivery
I can see that Woolies home delivery is a lifeline for some people, for example, those that are house bound.
But, its also an excuse for Gen Y to further reduce their real world face to face contact. Do they really need to their shopping on line, it takes longer, its more expensive and invariable products which are out of stock are replaced with others which are completely different.
Its a sad reflection on society when folk can't be bothered to spend 5 minutes traveling to to the supermarket, but would rather spend an hour trying to order food on line, perhaps this is also to justify the purchase of Iproducts that aren't needed.
But, its also an excuse for Gen Y to further reduce their real world face to face contact. Do they really need to their shopping on line, it takes longer, its more expensive and invariable products which are out of stock are replaced with others which are completely different.
Its a sad reflection on society when folk can't be bothered to spend 5 minutes traveling to to the supermarket, but would rather spend an hour trying to order food on line, perhaps this is also to justify the purchase of Iproducts that aren't needed.
Macdonalds
The food has no nutritional vale, its full of sugar, but, they sell heaps of it.
Why, because its easy.
The same way as its easy for those who eat at Mcdonalds to throw the rubbish out of the car window, as they complete their tasteless 'meal'.
They also employ the youngest labour possible, presumably because those 'lucky' staff don't know any better. They sell them the dream of management, which is essentially management of a chip-shop. I'm glad they set the bar so high....
Why, because its easy.
The same way as its easy for those who eat at Mcdonalds to throw the rubbish out of the car window, as they complete their tasteless 'meal'.
They also employ the youngest labour possible, presumably because those 'lucky' staff don't know any better. They sell them the dream of management, which is essentially management of a chip-shop. I'm glad they set the bar so high....
'X' sports
The lifecycle of an Extreme sport is a mystery to me.
There was a time, when riding a bicycle on a unpaved surface, was seen as an Extreme sport.
Now, every Tom, Dick and Harry has a bike which can perform such a task, and most folk who perform the utilitarian task of commuting by bike, use such a bike.
What I don't understand is how a sport becomes extreme in the first place, and then without any change in the physical activity, it becomes 'non-extreme' and then mainstream.
This extremeness, managed to cross over into non sporting activities, such as extreme ironing. To further confuse matters, the act of extreme ironing then claimed to be a sport, and as such a World Championships occurred.
I suspect that our friends in the Marketing world have something to do with the lifestyle of 'X' sports.
There was a time, when riding a bicycle on a unpaved surface, was seen as an Extreme sport.
Now, every Tom, Dick and Harry has a bike which can perform such a task, and most folk who perform the utilitarian task of commuting by bike, use such a bike.
What I don't understand is how a sport becomes extreme in the first place, and then without any change in the physical activity, it becomes 'non-extreme' and then mainstream.
This extremeness, managed to cross over into non sporting activities, such as extreme ironing. To further confuse matters, the act of extreme ironing then claimed to be a sport, and as such a World Championships occurred.
I suspect that our friends in the Marketing world have something to do with the lifestyle of 'X' sports.
Caffeine based energy drinks
The marketing geniuses worked hard on this one.
Sell an 'energy' drink which claims to give energy from caffeine, but actually provides it from sugar.
Then, make a sugar free 'energy dink' which gives energy from caffeine.
Thats a great theory, clearly aimed at Gen Ys, because caffeine has no energy, it's a stimulant.
It amazes me that they can get away with this, but I guess Gen Y doesn't know any better.
Sell an 'energy' drink which claims to give energy from caffeine, but actually provides it from sugar.
Then, make a sugar free 'energy dink' which gives energy from caffeine.
Thats a great theory, clearly aimed at Gen Ys, because caffeine has no energy, it's a stimulant.
It amazes me that they can get away with this, but I guess Gen Y doesn't know any better.
Pumpkin
I come from a land where Pumpkin is fed to pigs.
The only other use of Pumpkin when I was growing up was at Halloween, but that was only by folk who were chasing the American dream.
It came as some surprise to me to see folk eating pumpkin in my adopted homeland, out of curiosity I tried a dish with pumpkin in, I then realised why they feed it to pigs.
The only other use of Pumpkin when I was growing up was at Halloween, but that was only by folk who were chasing the American dream.
It came as some surprise to me to see folk eating pumpkin in my adopted homeland, out of curiosity I tried a dish with pumpkin in, I then realised why they feed it to pigs.
Harvey Norman
The thought of passing through the doors of a Harvey Norman store makes me cringe.
The goods are overpriced, the staff aren't interested, the lights are too bright, the place is full of interest free deals, they sponsor egg-chasing, it smells of things are made in China.
It's a retail, consumerism hell.
I take some pleasure in not buying goods from Harvey Norman, I'd much rather buy from somewhere that doesn't mark up prices 300%, and actually knows what they are selling. I get better value and service from everywhere else.
Gerry Harvey's 'crusade' for charging GST on privately imported goods showed the true colours of Gerry Harvey. One minute he's leading a campaign, next minute he steps away, but only when he's stirred up the pot and every other retailer is on board, he's a greedy cowered, and that's why i wont be lining his pockets.
The goods are overpriced, the staff aren't interested, the lights are too bright, the place is full of interest free deals, they sponsor egg-chasing, it smells of things are made in China.
It's a retail, consumerism hell.
I take some pleasure in not buying goods from Harvey Norman, I'd much rather buy from somewhere that doesn't mark up prices 300%, and actually knows what they are selling. I get better value and service from everywhere else.
Gerry Harvey's 'crusade' for charging GST on privately imported goods showed the true colours of Gerry Harvey. One minute he's leading a campaign, next minute he steps away, but only when he's stirred up the pot and every other retailer is on board, he's a greedy cowered, and that's why i wont be lining his pockets.
I don't understand social media.
And I don't see the need for it, it's almost as pointless as this blog.
But Gen Y have embraced it, presumably so they can avoid face to face contact.
Facebook is a tool which Gen Y use, normally to broadcast to the world their everyday events, such as not bothering to turn up for work, the size of their overdraft and their Credit Card PIN.
My issue with Facebook, is the way that it 'shares' information, and the way that anyone who is vaguely related in anyway to the poster, suddenly seems to have access to the whereabouts and goings on of them. I'm not 'on' Facebook, and never will be, but I get folk sending me emails with photos of me that they have found on Facebook.
One day I predict, it'll become clear that Facebook is a complete scam, and that all this personal information is being sold for no good, which is fine by me, because it'll mostly affect those stupid enough to use it in the first place.
And I don't see the need for it, it's almost as pointless as this blog.
But Gen Y have embraced it, presumably so they can avoid face to face contact.
Facebook is a tool which Gen Y use, normally to broadcast to the world their everyday events, such as not bothering to turn up for work, the size of their overdraft and their Credit Card PIN.
My issue with Facebook, is the way that it 'shares' information, and the way that anyone who is vaguely related in anyway to the poster, suddenly seems to have access to the whereabouts and goings on of them. I'm not 'on' Facebook, and never will be, but I get folk sending me emails with photos of me that they have found on Facebook.
One day I predict, it'll become clear that Facebook is a complete scam, and that all this personal information is being sold for no good, which is fine by me, because it'll mostly affect those stupid enough to use it in the first place.
Pandora Bracelets
My Significant Other has a Pandora Bracelet.
Like many other owners of Pandora Bracelets, my Significant Other has no idea why the need exists.
The Pandora bracelet, is yet another example of sly marketing toward Gen Y.
Overpriced, and of poor quality, Pandora bracelets sell by the bucket load. To the point where dedicated Pandora shops started to appear, and appear very quickly, presumably to cash in before folk realise what they are spending their hard earned on.
The Chinese counterfeiters were quick to catch on though, probably driven by FRB types, this has spread to the extent that when a Pandora Bracelet is presented to a Pandora shop with a query, the first action of the shop is to ask if its a Chinese fake.
The 'charms' which Pandora sell to adorn the bracelets are also overpriced rubbish, but once you own a bracelet, you 'need' to buy them to show your true colours in following the crowd.
The biggest rip off of all is the bracelet clasp. I'm sure this has been designed in such a way to make it almost impossible to open without special tools. To me, a special tool like this should cost a couple of dollars. But no, Pandora sell the tool, and being Silver with a 'Cubic Zircona' it costs many times more than a few dollars. There can't be many tools in the world made from Silver.....
Like many other owners of Pandora Bracelets, my Significant Other has no idea why the need exists.
The Pandora bracelet, is yet another example of sly marketing toward Gen Y.
Overpriced, and of poor quality, Pandora bracelets sell by the bucket load. To the point where dedicated Pandora shops started to appear, and appear very quickly, presumably to cash in before folk realise what they are spending their hard earned on.
The Chinese counterfeiters were quick to catch on though, probably driven by FRB types, this has spread to the extent that when a Pandora Bracelet is presented to a Pandora shop with a query, the first action of the shop is to ask if its a Chinese fake.
The 'charms' which Pandora sell to adorn the bracelets are also overpriced rubbish, but once you own a bracelet, you 'need' to buy them to show your true colours in following the crowd.
The biggest rip off of all is the bracelet clasp. I'm sure this has been designed in such a way to make it almost impossible to open without special tools. To me, a special tool like this should cost a couple of dollars. But no, Pandora sell the tool, and being Silver with a 'Cubic Zircona' it costs many times more than a few dollars. There can't be many tools in the world made from Silver.....
Geo-Caching
Geo-caching occurs when ones life is too easy, and one has too much time on ones hands.
Amusingly, Wikipedia lists this (non)treasure hunt as a sport, maybe it'll make the Olympics one day.
Trying to find a faux stone container, with a piece of paper inside, which serves no other purpose than to let others know that you have been there doesn't sound like fun to me. The fact that it requires multi-billion dollar infrastructure to find non-treasure seems a bit odd to me also.
What are the benefits? I really have no idea.
Maybe it to justify the purchase of that Iproduct. but your average user wouldn't have the attention span required to work out how the maps work, that is, if they knew what a map was in the first place.
Amusingly, Wikipedia lists this (non)treasure hunt as a sport, maybe it'll make the Olympics one day.
Trying to find a faux stone container, with a piece of paper inside, which serves no other purpose than to let others know that you have been there doesn't sound like fun to me. The fact that it requires multi-billion dollar infrastructure to find non-treasure seems a bit odd to me also.
What are the benefits? I really have no idea.
Maybe it to justify the purchase of that Iproduct. but your average user wouldn't have the attention span required to work out how the maps work, that is, if they knew what a map was in the first place.
I don't understand 'social media'.
And I don't see the need for it, it's almost as pointless as this blog.
But Gen Y have embraced it, presumably so they can avoid face to face contact.
Twitter is a tool which Gen Y use, normally to broadcast to the world their toilet habits, or how long the queue is in McDonalds. In my eyes, this defines Twitter as a waste of time.
Though once Twitter makes it's self into your workplace, you really have to question what's going on. Used by Marketing types, to convince others in the organisation that this is the way to broadcast your 'next best thing', in reality, nobody reads the information, and because it not accountable, who knows or cares, and only those with an attention span of less than 15 seconds tune in because the messages are so small.
And I don't see the need for it, it's almost as pointless as this blog.
But Gen Y have embraced it, presumably so they can avoid face to face contact.
Twitter is a tool which Gen Y use, normally to broadcast to the world their toilet habits, or how long the queue is in McDonalds. In my eyes, this defines Twitter as a waste of time.
Though once Twitter makes it's self into your workplace, you really have to question what's going on. Used by Marketing types, to convince others in the organisation that this is the way to broadcast your 'next best thing', in reality, nobody reads the information, and because it not accountable, who knows or cares, and only those with an attention span of less than 15 seconds tune in because the messages are so small.
Defence
I'm very uncomfortable with the idea of a Defence force.
I'm even more uncomfortable around folk that are part of that force.
It's a different world, loaded with excessive benefits because they are serving the country, anyone would think that this was unpaid and voluntary. But it's not, it pays well, and they are well looked after.
They are also quite happy to take advantage of this system, probably because they realise that when they eventually leave this cosy little world, its almost impossible to integrate into the real world.
The brainwashing is best summed up by 'we are saving lives', ahem.
I'm even more uncomfortable around folk that are part of that force.
It's a different world, loaded with excessive benefits because they are serving the country, anyone would think that this was unpaid and voluntary. But it's not, it pays well, and they are well looked after.
They are also quite happy to take advantage of this system, probably because they realise that when they eventually leave this cosy little world, its almost impossible to integrate into the real world.
The brainwashing is best summed up by 'we are saving lives', ahem.
Apps
As, you may recall, I like to eat apples.
I dont know if its possible to eat Apps, because I'm not that sure what they are.
I've been told by a Gen Y that an 'App' is Gen Y speak for 'Application' , which in my Gen X world, means a computer program.
So an App, is basically a free computer program, which is now not free. The marketing folk realise that those gullible Gen Y folk will pay to have an app which blows a dog whistle sound when the wind is NNE and there is a 'F' in the month.
I dont know if its possible to eat Apps, because I'm not that sure what they are.
I've been told by a Gen Y that an 'App' is Gen Y speak for 'Application' , which in my Gen X world, means a computer program.
So an App, is basically a free computer program, which is now not free. The marketing folk realise that those gullible Gen Y folk will pay to have an app which blows a dog whistle sound when the wind is NNE and there is a 'F' in the month.
Apple
I like to eat apples, especially Granny Smiths.
Though, I dislike Apple. They make overpriced inferior products, and have realised that just by putting a white apple logo on their products, they can sell them by the bucket load.
They also seem to think they are taking over the world, but this is only because of the Apple User, who is in the minority, but because they think they are so high and mighty, they make the most noise.
Their propitiatory software is appalling, take Itunes, the only software that can be used with an Ipod, invariably, it crashes your computer, makes it look like a Mac and scatters your files all over your PC never to be found again. This wouldnt be so bad, but its the only option that Apple give you to help put files on the Ipod, thanks for looking after the user Apple.
Though, I dislike Apple. They make overpriced inferior products, and have realised that just by putting a white apple logo on their products, they can sell them by the bucket load.
They also seem to think they are taking over the world, but this is only because of the Apple User, who is in the minority, but because they think they are so high and mighty, they make the most noise.
Their propitiatory software is appalling, take Itunes, the only software that can be used with an Ipod, invariably, it crashes your computer, makes it look like a Mac and scatters your files all over your PC never to be found again. This wouldnt be so bad, but its the only option that Apple give you to help put files on the Ipod, thanks for looking after the user Apple.
Iphones/Iproducts
This is simple.
Ask any Iphone wielding Gen-Y why they have an Iphone. You may get a blank look. Why is this? This is because they dont know why they have an Iphone. They don't know why they paid 10 times the price of a normal phone for an Iphone. They don't know why they 'have' to upgrade to the new model as soon as it comes out.
What they do know, is that all their friends have one, but they dont know why all their friends have one.
But they do know that this makes them want one.
Apple must be rubbing their hands together, they barely need to market the phone, because Gen-Y is creating a need where previously there was a want.
Obviously, I don't have an Iphone, but I'm told, that their functionally is not very good. So why such a demand for a poor product? Simple, most owners use 0.0001% of the functionality of the Iphone, if they were to try and use them to there full potential, my guess is they'd see that they were rubbish.Which adds further weight to the fact that most folk have no idea why they have them.
Ipods, make an MP3 player which has a non replaceable battery, great. 2 years down the line you have a dodgy dude on a market stall replace the battery. Still the battery doesn't work properly, why? because there is software in the Ipod which self calibrates the available battery charge, but it cant recognize a new battery, so it still thinks its the old one with a duff battery. So your new battery has a full capacity battery, but the Ipod thinks its the old one which isnt able to hold charge. Hmm, great product.
Ask any Iphone wielding Gen-Y why they have an Iphone. You may get a blank look. Why is this? This is because they dont know why they have an Iphone. They don't know why they paid 10 times the price of a normal phone for an Iphone. They don't know why they 'have' to upgrade to the new model as soon as it comes out.
What they do know, is that all their friends have one, but they dont know why all their friends have one.
But they do know that this makes them want one.
Apple must be rubbing their hands together, they barely need to market the phone, because Gen-Y is creating a need where previously there was a want.
Obviously, I don't have an Iphone, but I'm told, that their functionally is not very good. So why such a demand for a poor product? Simple, most owners use 0.0001% of the functionality of the Iphone, if they were to try and use them to there full potential, my guess is they'd see that they were rubbish.Which adds further weight to the fact that most folk have no idea why they have them.
Ipods, make an MP3 player which has a non replaceable battery, great. 2 years down the line you have a dodgy dude on a market stall replace the battery. Still the battery doesn't work properly, why? because there is software in the Ipod which self calibrates the available battery charge, but it cant recognize a new battery, so it still thinks its the old one with a duff battery. So your new battery has a full capacity battery, but the Ipod thinks its the old one which isnt able to hold charge. Hmm, great product.
Wii
Well, being a Gen X, I know little about the Wii.
What I do know, is that selling the Wii at shops which sell sporting equipment is plain wrong.
I'm told that you can play 'sports' on the Wii, how this is possible I have no idea.
I haven't yet seen anyone kicking a Wii around the park, but I have seen people kicking a football around the same park, playing the beautiful game.
It's a genius stroke of marketing, when an electronic box named after urine, can be sold as a tool to play sport.
This is not playing sport, this is simulated sport, the same way as a movie is fiction.
Of course, the Wii is marketed at Gen Ys who wouldn't dare leave their climate conditioned homes in the outer suburbs to play sport, they much much rather pretend to play sport on a television.
I'm so sad to be missing out.
GDE
The GDE is a road, and its an Capitilisation, so that's reason enough for me to dislike it, as roads are built for cars.
When the GDE was built, it was built with just one lane either way, this was despite the fact that it needed 2 lanes either way. As a result, once it was complete it was blocked with traffic every peak hour . Ok, so a few years latter it was decided to make it 2 lanes each way, during the construction the speed limit was reduced during roadworks, making the road even less functional.
Then, when they were duplicating a bridge, it collapsed.
Then, when they were part way through the 4 lane 'upgrade' they realised there would be a bottle neck at the end of the GDE at the Glenloch interchange, which, had just been upgraded costing millions over a few years.
And, why did we need this road, so the good people living in the new suburbs in Gungahlin could buy huge houses in the middle of nowhere (a Gen Y hotspot) and get to work in less than half an hour, forcing reliance on the car.
The GDE is a complete waste of time and money.
When the GDE was built, it was built with just one lane either way, this was despite the fact that it needed 2 lanes either way. As a result, once it was complete it was blocked with traffic every peak hour . Ok, so a few years latter it was decided to make it 2 lanes each way, during the construction the speed limit was reduced during roadworks, making the road even less functional.
Then, when they were duplicating a bridge, it collapsed.
Then, when they were part way through the 4 lane 'upgrade' they realised there would be a bottle neck at the end of the GDE at the Glenloch interchange, which, had just been upgraded costing millions over a few years.
And, why did we need this road, so the good people living in the new suburbs in Gungahlin could buy huge houses in the middle of nowhere (a Gen Y hotspot) and get to work in less than half an hour, forcing reliance on the car.
The GDE is a complete waste of time and money.
Acronyms
My issue with Acronyms is this, when people use a capitalisation they call it an acronym.
A bit like this:-
ANU (Australian National University) is a Capitalisation.
ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is an Acronym.
The difference being, that an Acronym makes another word 'ACT' is a word. ANU is not.
I can understand the confusion, as in the space of two years, the font of all knowledge which is Wikipedia has changed its definition of Capitalisation to be Initialsim, what ever way you look at it, its not an Acronym.
Gen Ys, have a need for Capitalisation, and try at all costs to include them in every sentence they write (on the rare occasion they actually write something), they would claim this is to save time, but the majority of the world knows that this is simply to exclude those not from Gen Y, as outsiders have no idea what they are talking about.
The last laugh however is normally on Gen Y, as too many capaitalisations serves as a flag to most of the non Gen Y population to ignore the conversation, because it's probably not worth the effort of decoding.
A bit like this:-
ANU (Australian National University) is a Capitalisation.
ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is an Acronym.
The difference being, that an Acronym makes another word 'ACT' is a word. ANU is not.
I can understand the confusion, as in the space of two years, the font of all knowledge which is Wikipedia has changed its definition of Capitalisation to be Initialsim, what ever way you look at it, its not an Acronym.
Gen Ys, have a need for Capitalisation, and try at all costs to include them in every sentence they write (on the rare occasion they actually write something), they would claim this is to save time, but the majority of the world knows that this is simply to exclude those not from Gen Y, as outsiders have no idea what they are talking about.
The last laugh however is normally on Gen Y, as too many capaitalisations serves as a flag to most of the non Gen Y population to ignore the conversation, because it's probably not worth the effort of decoding.
Cars
As an item in this world that is so clearly unsustainable, it amazes me just how popular the car is.
The majority of drivers seem blissfully unaware of the alternatives to the car, or the fact that it has a limited shelf life.
During my (pushbike) commute to work, I pass by car drivers, looking rather grim at the prospect of sitting in traffic, paying a fortune for fuel, rego/tax and having to use the car to get to a job they don't want to do, to help pay for this misery.
Once inside the steel clad box, most rational people seem to feel that they are invincible, from the weather, other road users and rational thought. This may be because there are so many safety systems in cars these days (which ironically I played a part in the development of) or it might be because they are in denial.
Which ever way you look at it, the car's days are numbered, so go get a bus timetable or a nice recumbent.
The majority of drivers seem blissfully unaware of the alternatives to the car, or the fact that it has a limited shelf life.
During my (pushbike) commute to work, I pass by car drivers, looking rather grim at the prospect of sitting in traffic, paying a fortune for fuel, rego/tax and having to use the car to get to a job they don't want to do, to help pay for this misery.
Once inside the steel clad box, most rational people seem to feel that they are invincible, from the weather, other road users and rational thought. This may be because there are so many safety systems in cars these days (which ironically I played a part in the development of) or it might be because they are in denial.
Which ever way you look at it, the car's days are numbered, so go get a bus timetable or a nice recumbent.
New Zealand Accents
I like folk from New Zealand, they come from a great country.
But I dislike the Kiwi accent, often mistaken or confused with the Australian accent, its actually streets apart.
With a knack of destroying the English language by replacing all vowels inappropriately with other vowels, the result is a garbled mess.
Worst still, a Kiwi can be heard above a crowd of non-Kiwis, such is the infuriating nature of this accent, like a high frequency dog whistle, just so painful to hear.
Television
Since December 2010, I have barely watched Television.Maybe as little as an hour a month. And even then this was normally a DVD, not a broadcast show.
This is not because the Television in my house does not work, or because the reception is poor. This is because Television is a complete waste of time.
I have better things to do with my time, like spending it with my Significant Other or fixing holes in my socks. There is little of worth on the Television, and most viewers know this, but because they feel they have invested so much time in their new huge television, they feel they should monitor it for hours on end, until perhaps, an advertisement worth watching comes on, probably for a new television.
My Significant Other has a very flash television, which I cant work out to operate, as I am unwilling to invest the time in this task. One day, I will take a chainsaw and cut it clean down the middle, (with permission from my Significant Other), then I'll be happy with a television free home.
Television seems to feed a strange desire in most people, where they desire propaganda and lies so they can believe them, Television has more negative effects than positive.
The The Disposable Heroes of Hypocrisy summed it up best.
This is not because the Television in my house does not work, or because the reception is poor. This is because Television is a complete waste of time.
I have better things to do with my time, like spending it with my Significant Other or fixing holes in my socks. There is little of worth on the Television, and most viewers know this, but because they feel they have invested so much time in their new huge television, they feel they should monitor it for hours on end, until perhaps, an advertisement worth watching comes on, probably for a new television.
My Significant Other has a very flash television, which I cant work out to operate, as I am unwilling to invest the time in this task. One day, I will take a chainsaw and cut it clean down the middle, (with permission from my Significant Other), then I'll be happy with a television free home.
Television seems to feed a strange desire in most people, where they desire propaganda and lies so they can believe them, Television has more negative effects than positive.
The The Disposable Heroes of Hypocrisy summed it up best.
People who say: 'You've got an accent"
I've got a particularly thick accent, which hails from an area in the Mother Country which is not London.
Being resident in a location completely on the opposite side of the world, this is often troublesome for me, because those who are not accustomed to my accent often have great difficulty understanding me, that's fine by me, I just t a l k a b i t s l o w e r. Those that have known me for some time, soon get used to it, and have no trouble understanding me, or they are ignoring what I say, thanks either way.
People often say to me, "you've got a thick accent", and that's fine by me, I'm proud of my thick accent, its my roots.
What I dislike is folk telling me "You've got an accent". OK. I know that I've got an accent, because people keep telling me.
And, you've got an accent also (yes all of you), because, everyone has an accent, the accent might be the same as the other 21 million people on the island, but you still have an accent, do these people honestly think that they don't have an accent? Do they live in a house, surrounded by reflections of their own accent, assuming that this is totally 'accent neutral'.
I'm amazed to learn that there are businesses selling Accent Neutralization Services, maybe there is an ISO standard they need to achieve to pass.
Germans
Being a native of the mother country, I developed chip on my shoulder when it comes to Anglo-German relations.
I like aspects of the German way, for instance their Engineering is regarded as among the best in the world, I like the efficiency of the German way, I like the fact that public transport runs on time, so much so that you can set your watch by it. But, I dislike the folk that reside in the country.
This might be because of something programmed into me because of two world wars, it is more likely because of the fierce rivalry between the two national teams when it comes to the beautiful game. Germany knocking England out of the World cup in 1990 ,the defeat by the Germans in the last game played at Wembley Stadium, a bitter pill to swallow, as it was the site of England greatest victory against the Germans in 1966.
However it is more likely to be due to my interaction with Germans, at work and at play. Their instance with taking everything literally, with no room for any shade of grey between black and white drives me crazy. This leads to almost no sense of humour, and an inability to deal with anything which doesn't happen exactly as it should. This is regardless of the elements which make the sum, if the elements aren't perfect, the German wants to know why, and want's to know why they don't go together to produce an end result. This is why many see the Germans as 'robotic', because they seem to live in a binary world where every option is on or off, yes or no etc.
I've tried to learn to speak German, more times than I can remember, it always ends in me speaking like a robot. I'm not a robot, so i give up.
I look forward to reinforcing my views when they beat us in the football next (and probably on penalties in a major tournament).
This might be because of something programmed into me because of two world wars, it is more likely because of the fierce rivalry between the two national teams when it comes to the beautiful game. Germany knocking England out of the World cup in 1990 ,the defeat by the Germans in the last game played at Wembley Stadium, a bitter pill to swallow, as it was the site of England greatest victory against the Germans in 1966.
However it is more likely to be due to my interaction with Germans, at work and at play. Their instance with taking everything literally, with no room for any shade of grey between black and white drives me crazy. This leads to almost no sense of humour, and an inability to deal with anything which doesn't happen exactly as it should. This is regardless of the elements which make the sum, if the elements aren't perfect, the German wants to know why, and want's to know why they don't go together to produce an end result. This is why many see the Germans as 'robotic', because they seem to live in a binary world where every option is on or off, yes or no etc.
I've tried to learn to speak German, more times than I can remember, it always ends in me speaking like a robot. I'm not a robot, so i give up.
I look forward to reinforcing my views when they beat us in the football next (and probably on penalties in a major tournament).
Frenchy's
Being a native of the mother country, I developed chip on my shoulder when it comes to Franco-British relations.
I like France, and in particular I love the Alps, but, I dislike the folk that reside in the country. My first independent trips to France were full of frustration as residents of France try their best to destroy Franco-British relations.
As a vegetarian, I have a hard time finding good food in France, especially when trying to self cater, this is not helped by English speaking employees of French supermarkets and restaurants telling you that food with chicken in, is vegetarian. The oxymoron that is French vegetarian food does exist, I can personally recommend this place, thanks to my significant other for taking me there.
On the whole the French have a good grasp of English, but they refuse in their arrogance to use it. I experienced this on a coach in France, where the coach driver refused to turn the heater down on the coach because he couldn't understand the request made in English. As I left the coach I thanked the driver (In English) and he struck up a conversation with me in fluent English.
The French like a good old industrial strike, but almost all their industrial action seems to have a hidden agenda to affect as much trade in the UK as possible, but they'd never admit this.
I've worked in teams with French team members, I was always amazed how they would turn up to work at 10am, have 2 hour lunches and leave at 3pm, complaining that they have to work too hard and need an 8 week holiday. The French are very good at complaining in English.
Downloading Moosik
I'm a little bit old school/retro, call it what you will, so the idea of downloading moosik is quite foreign to me.
When I pay for something, I prefer to have something tangible to show for it, when downloading moosik, you have nothing tangible to show for it, and if you are unlucky enough to be using an 'I' product for listening to your moosik, the software will more than likely take the downloaded file, store it in a location that can never be found again, crash, then leave you with no moosik file.
This is why I only buy my moosik on compact discs, I like the fact that its mine for keeps, that I can actually see it, and I like the CD for the continuing employment it provides for creative graphic designers (and I appreciate this art).
I'm sure this is all driven by Gen Y, with their want it now, have it now, discard it now, like this now/dislike this now mentality.
We run the night
Triple J play some pretty average music, their playlist is also somewhat limited, so when a bad song makes it onto the playlist, this leads to lots of repetition, often multiple times in a few hours.
The song 'We run the night' is example of a poor song which is played to death on Triple J. Sounding more like a group of 10 year olds in a school yard, its just a load of rubbish.
The song 'We run the night' is example of a poor song which is played to death on Triple J. Sounding more like a group of 10 year olds in a school yard, its just a load of rubbish.
Pan and Move icons
From time to time, my employer requires that I use Solidworks.
In small doses I can cope with this, but my days as a full time user are over. With this new lease of life, I can look at the use of Solidworks with a fresh set of eyes.Year after year, this software has got more complicated with little gain to the end user (just like Word). Recently when using it, I discovered that 2 functions which are similar in their operation, but vastly different in their output, had the same mouse cursor icon. To the end user this creates some confusion, as you don't know which function you are using, leading to the potential for negatively changing much of your work without even realising it, you may well even save it, without realising that it's just to late.
I think we should just keep it simple and start using drawing boards again.
Lewis McKirdy
Triple J has a DJ who goes by the name of Lewis McKirdy, but on air this is 'Lewi' - oh how cool.
Now, part of the Australian Way is to be 'laid back', this is cool by me. However Lewis takes this to a new level. When on the radio he sounds like he isn't even there, almost like he's just got out of bed, or maybe still in bed, seemingly disinterested in his work and paying little attention to whats going, he is without doubt a model Gen Y example.
This disinterest in quite infectious, and makes me want to sleep, which is probably not what his employer expects as an output from his 'work'.
Lewis insists on repeating "I'll be outta here in about XX an hour" proving that he is a clock watching Gen Y. His show only lasts 3 hours, but often, he is heard to say just a few minutes into the show "I'll be outta here in about 3 hours", it cant come quick enough for me.
London
Being a native of the Mother Country, It is often presumed that I am from London.
I dislike this association, I'm not from London, and in 30 years of living in the Mother Country I only visited London a handful of times, and I'm happy to say never for an overnight trip. In recent times I have visited London more frequently, but only as a tour guide for my significant other.
When ever I cross the M25 on a trip into London, I feel like I'm on borrowed time, as the will to live is slowly sucked out of me. London is expensive, and shockingly so. London is dirty, and nobody there seems to care. London is busy, so busy you cant imagine where all these people sleep/work/play.
I think London wold benefit from being its own Nation, not a Micronation- but only because its too big, that way they could set their own pricing structures, continue to speak their own language, residents could continue to live their whole lives inside this nation (never traveling across the border into the 'UK') contain all the tourists that flock to London to see the Royal Family , Londoners can also foot the 69p per person that the UK currently pays out for royal family each year, and there is already a man made border, the M25.
Most tourists that visit the UK, from overseas never venture outside of London,apart from the token visit to Stonehenge.This is probably because of the way that the UK is sold to overseas visitors, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus etc etc, they are all in London, and that's the way the UK is marketed.
The most disappointing aspect of London is Heathrow Airport, its the gateway into the UK for most overseas visitors, and as such the first experience that these folk have of the UK, and its a disgrace, its dirty, smelly, slow, busy, expensive and impossible to get to. It reminds of a Zoo, maybe they should rename it Heathrow Zoo. Ahem.
FRB
With some embarrassment, I admit that when I saw FRB on my paper blog of hate, I had no idea what it was, or rather what the initialisation stood for.
After some searching on t'internet for the FRB i was none the wiser.
When a colleague of mine suggested that the 'F' might stand for a common prefix around these parts, the search became a little easier, now I was just looking for RB. We quickly realised what this was, and has similarities with the OWC, but unlike the OWC, I'm not going tell of what RB stands for.
The FRB, is like a second hand car salesman, and is very good at selling terrible ideas to a gullible audience, in this situation, there will always be those who can see through the FRB, but the FRB's trade is well developed, he targets the gullible in the group until the general enthusiasm dwarfs those who can see through the FRB.
When a colleague of mine suggested that the 'F' might stand for a common prefix around these parts, the search became a little easier, now I was just looking for RB. We quickly realised what this was, and has similarities with the OWC, but unlike the OWC, I'm not going tell of what RB stands for.
The FRB, is like a second hand car salesman, and is very good at selling terrible ideas to a gullible audience, in this situation, there will always be those who can see through the FRB, but the FRB's trade is well developed, he targets the gullible in the group until the general enthusiasm dwarfs those who can see through the FRB.
The FRB never finishes a project which he starts, and posses a finely tuned ability to start a project and run with it until it is just about to go Pete Tong, just before it goes Pete Tong, the FRB handovers the project (presumably to start a new project) with no suggestion that the project is doomed for failure. Months are spent trying to untangle the mess after handover. The FRB blissfully continues ignorant of these problems, starting more projects with dead ends.
The FRB has a love affair with off-shore manufacturing, and is obsessive in the quest to move all manufacturing to China in an attempt to save costs. The FRB also takes great pleasure in encouraging Chinese manufacturers to plagiarise the products and ideas of others, in the mind of a FRB this is a great business decision, but because the FRB never sees a project through to completion, the FRB never has to deal with the fall out from Manufacturing in China, which often leads to months of rework and upgrades to prevent legs being lost to machinery (something which must be a design feature in Chinese manufacturing).
Self Service Checkouts
Grocery shopping is a fact of life, there is not much enjoyment in the weekly shop (apart from spending quality time with your significant other).
For me, the least enjoyable phase of the weekly shop, is getting to the checkout, not because I cringe at handing over significant amounts of cash for freeze dried fresh food that goes off in 2 days, or because I dread the interaction with the checkout staff who invariable pack your toilet cleaning chemicals with your $15/kg banana, but because the process seems so inefficient (and I dislike wasting time).
During my weekly shop I spend more time at the checkout than I do running the supermarket sweep around the aisles. Some bright supermarket marketing executive must have shared my view, and realised that time spent at the checkout was time not spent filling your trolley with overpriced groceries. I'm sure this is where the idea of self service checkouts was born, these are now commonplace in stores that begin with a 'W' in Australia, unless forced, I refuse to use them.
A store local to me, practically removes all staff after 7pm at night, so they can face shelves, this leaves the shopper with the self service checkout as the only option, I like choices, and in this situation I'd rather not make a purchase than feed my hard earned to a robot.
These things never work properly, they incorporate some kind of 'smarts' in an attempt to outwit potential thieves, and goes along the lines of comparing the basket weight and bag weight during the scanning process, the slightest delay in packing your bag, and the 'unexpected item in the bagging area' message shows and the subsequent 'here's the theif' red light starts to flash, alerting all to your dislike of robots.
The line to use them (normally in a bank of 6 robots) is always slower than the line for a single checkout, you can see the look of the inevitable in the eyes of these poor souls as they hope to dodge the red light of shame.
If you pay with a credit card and decide to sign for your transaction, a member of staff has to verify your signature, this slows down the process, as the member of staff on duty is normally trying to fix one of the self service checkouts, as its a given that at least one will be out of order at any one time.
Though, what really bothers me, is that this is taking folk out of the work force, a bank of 6 checkouts is operated by 1 member of staff, that's like taking 5 members of staff out of the store. Now, I'm realistic and I know that its inevitable that automation replaces repetitive work of humans, and this is fine, but when this happens you would expect their to be a cost saving for the end user, not in this case. Firstly, this is not automation, as the end user is providing the labour for the store, and there is no cost saving to the end user as the shopping still costs the same, its the just the store owner that makes even more money.
I will continue my boycott of these robots.
For me, the least enjoyable phase of the weekly shop, is getting to the checkout, not because I cringe at handing over significant amounts of cash for freeze dried fresh food that goes off in 2 days, or because I dread the interaction with the checkout staff who invariable pack your toilet cleaning chemicals with your $15/kg banana, but because the process seems so inefficient (and I dislike wasting time).
During my weekly shop I spend more time at the checkout than I do running the supermarket sweep around the aisles. Some bright supermarket marketing executive must have shared my view, and realised that time spent at the checkout was time not spent filling your trolley with overpriced groceries. I'm sure this is where the idea of self service checkouts was born, these are now commonplace in stores that begin with a 'W' in Australia, unless forced, I refuse to use them.
A store local to me, practically removes all staff after 7pm at night, so they can face shelves, this leaves the shopper with the self service checkout as the only option, I like choices, and in this situation I'd rather not make a purchase than feed my hard earned to a robot.
These things never work properly, they incorporate some kind of 'smarts' in an attempt to outwit potential thieves, and goes along the lines of comparing the basket weight and bag weight during the scanning process, the slightest delay in packing your bag, and the 'unexpected item in the bagging area' message shows and the subsequent 'here's the theif' red light starts to flash, alerting all to your dislike of robots.
The line to use them (normally in a bank of 6 robots) is always slower than the line for a single checkout, you can see the look of the inevitable in the eyes of these poor souls as they hope to dodge the red light of shame.
If you pay with a credit card and decide to sign for your transaction, a member of staff has to verify your signature, this slows down the process, as the member of staff on duty is normally trying to fix one of the self service checkouts, as its a given that at least one will be out of order at any one time.
Though, what really bothers me, is that this is taking folk out of the work force, a bank of 6 checkouts is operated by 1 member of staff, that's like taking 5 members of staff out of the store. Now, I'm realistic and I know that its inevitable that automation replaces repetitive work of humans, and this is fine, but when this happens you would expect their to be a cost saving for the end user, not in this case. Firstly, this is not automation, as the end user is providing the labour for the store, and there is no cost saving to the end user as the shopping still costs the same, its the just the store owner that makes even more money.
I will continue my boycott of these robots.
Whyalla
From time to time I am required by my employer to travel to Whyalla, SA.
At first I struggled to find Whyalla on my paper atlas, with hindsight, this was probably because the author of the map had also been to Whyalla, and had decided to omit Whyalla because they thought it wasn't worthy of a visit.
When I'm in Whyalla, I really enjoy breathing in the heavily polluted air, I particularly enjoy getting back home and coughing up black balls of phlegm and fact that my clothes need washing several times before the graphite particles that float around in the air are removed.
Working in Whyalla is an experience though, despite being in South Australia and in the South Australian Time Zone, residents of Whyalla tend to work on 'Whyalla Time', essentially this means never turning up at an agreed time, often hours late, sometimes days, usually without any communication to say so.
Sometimes this is because of the 'Whyalla Vortex' a local phenomenon where people or materials have been known to disappear, usually this is only temporary, but on rare occasions this is permanent.
Many of the smaller businesses in Whyalla feel that they run some sort of Mafia style operation, they do this by attempting to force use of local Whyalla businesses. For instance, if I'd eaten in a local Whyalla eatery, and had a particularly bad case of gastro the next day, I'd engage a plumber to remove the blockage in my toilet, if I were bold enough to engage a plumber from a neighbouring town, (Port Augusta) and word of this got out to the Whyalla contractor mafia collective, members of the said collective would start to inflate their prices by an unreasonable amount, in attempt have me pay for my crime.
This small town mentality is extended to the subject of travel, while some might dream of a trip to the Caribbean, Europe or an exotic trip to Asia, in Whyalla, aspirations are far more down to earth, a working trip to Wollongong is for most Whyalla residents the pinnacle of foreign travel, how disappointed many must be to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a passport, only to find that during the trip to Wollongong it is not required.
Whyalla would make a successful Micronation, its remoteness from the rest of the civilised world be a good start. Though there would have to be a name change, perhaps Mars would be an appropriate name, because of the red dust that coats the CBD area of Whyalla, it would give an idea of what an inhabited Mars might look like.
The red dust is a serious issue, but most Whyalla residents seem to laugh it off, there is no question that the pollution originates from sections of the steelworks, recently the steel works offered to clean houses which were affected by the discoloration, take up rate was very low, presumably because the residents didn't want to upset the steelworks, given that they pretty much run the town.
The red dust is such a given in Whyalla, that many buildings are now being finished in the same red colour, presumably in defeat to the inevitable red staining of the building.
Coles
The Australian Supermarket world is something of a farce as far as the consumer goes, as there are only two main players in the game, Coles and Woolworths, this duopoly is probably the reason why food prices have risen so quickly over the past few years in Australia, as their is little real competition.
For some reason Coles is seen as the 'higher' end of the market by many, and a certain snobbery exists in this, for instance I often hear "I only shop at Coles", but never hear "I only shop at Woolworths", I'm sure the Coles shoppers are actually saying, "I never shop at Woolworths".
Coles Marketing people must know this, and their advertising plays on this, putting a glossy 'celebrity chef' shine on the advertising, such as the "Curtis Stone's feed your family for under $10", these advertisements caused controversy, when it was discovered it was assumed that most of the ingredients for such a scheme were already in your cupboard.
In reality Coles and Woolworths are in real world terms exactly the same, from the food they stock on the shelf to the way they are taking over the Australian retail petrol industry, Coles just seem to have elevated themselves a step up the supermarket snobbery ladder.
For some reason Coles is seen as the 'higher' end of the market by many, and a certain snobbery exists in this, for instance I often hear "I only shop at Coles", but never hear "I only shop at Woolworths", I'm sure the Coles shoppers are actually saying, "I never shop at Woolworths".
Coles Marketing people must know this, and their advertising plays on this, putting a glossy 'celebrity chef' shine on the advertising, such as the "Curtis Stone's feed your family for under $10", these advertisements caused controversy, when it was discovered it was assumed that most of the ingredients for such a scheme were already in your cupboard.
In reality Coles and Woolworths are in real world terms exactly the same, from the food they stock on the shelf to the way they are taking over the Australian retail petrol industry, Coles just seem to have elevated themselves a step up the supermarket snobbery ladder.
Fixies
I like to ride a bike.
There are many variants of bike on the street, one of which is known as a fixie, the fixie evolved as a tool of utility, for bicycle messengers and commuters around the world to have a bike which was based on pure function and required as little maintenance as possible.
Fixies were normally bodged together using old bike parts, in keeping with the need for a cheap, reliable, simple bike.
Fixies are devoid of brakes, this requires a 'fixed' back wheel. i.e. when you stop pedalling, your back wheel stops (and acts as your brake), there is no freewheeling mechanism. Because of this fixies take a lot of skill to ride, this can be seen in the movie Fast Friday.
At some point in the last few years, fixies moved from being an underground movement, to a mainstream movement, this was presumably because bike multinationals thought they could make some profit here.
It's at this point that my dislike for fixies start, I've got respect for those that use a fixie for their job, it's a tool of need, where as the Gen Ys who generally ride 'manufactered' fixies are riding the bike purely for fashion, this is typically Gen Y.
Due to the advanced levels of skill required to ride a fixie, most Gen Ys who ride a fixie invariably come off the worse for it, as they are typically arrogant in their understanding of the skill required to ride one.
There are many variants of bike on the street, one of which is known as a fixie, the fixie evolved as a tool of utility, for bicycle messengers and commuters around the world to have a bike which was based on pure function and required as little maintenance as possible.
Fixies were normally bodged together using old bike parts, in keeping with the need for a cheap, reliable, simple bike.
Fixies are devoid of brakes, this requires a 'fixed' back wheel. i.e. when you stop pedalling, your back wheel stops (and acts as your brake), there is no freewheeling mechanism. Because of this fixies take a lot of skill to ride, this can be seen in the movie Fast Friday.
At some point in the last few years, fixies moved from being an underground movement, to a mainstream movement, this was presumably because bike multinationals thought they could make some profit here.
It's at this point that my dislike for fixies start, I've got respect for those that use a fixie for their job, it's a tool of need, where as the Gen Ys who generally ride 'manufactered' fixies are riding the bike purely for fashion, this is typically Gen Y.
Due to the advanced levels of skill required to ride a fixie, most Gen Ys who ride a fixie invariably come off the worse for it, as they are typically arrogant in their understanding of the skill required to ride one.
Recumbent
I like to ride a bike.
There are many variants of bike on the street, one of which is known as a Recumbent , from what I can gather there main advantage is that they have a smaller drag coefficient than a regular bike (known as a wedgie in recumbent circles) and hence are more efficient.
Increased efficiency on a bike is great, because your legs are the engine, but their are so many disadvantages to the recumbent its a wonder anyone rides them.
They are noticeably slower on even the most gentle up hill inclines, and in a world where a road is rarely as flat as pool table, this is a significant disadvantage to progress.
Because of their low height, they are frequently invisible to other road users, this is often countered by utilising an orange flag, this only acts as a target for most road users, and should probably be a white flag in defeat to regular bikes (the flag would also increase wind resistance somewhat).
All recumbent riders seem to have a beard of some type, I really don't understand why, because beards are so uncommon in bike riding community (they interfere with helmet straps), perhaps the massive expense in buying the recumbent is at the cost of razors.
There are many variants of bike on the street, one of which is known as a Recumbent , from what I can gather there main advantage is that they have a smaller drag coefficient than a regular bike (known as a wedgie in recumbent circles) and hence are more efficient.
Increased efficiency on a bike is great, because your legs are the engine, but their are so many disadvantages to the recumbent its a wonder anyone rides them.
They are noticeably slower on even the most gentle up hill inclines, and in a world where a road is rarely as flat as pool table, this is a significant disadvantage to progress.
Because of their low height, they are frequently invisible to other road users, this is often countered by utilising an orange flag, this only acts as a target for most road users, and should probably be a white flag in defeat to regular bikes (the flag would also increase wind resistance somewhat).
All recumbent riders seem to have a beard of some type, I really don't understand why, because beards are so uncommon in bike riding community (they interfere with helmet straps), perhaps the massive expense in buying the recumbent is at the cost of razors.
ANU
Generally I dislike the idea of Universities, even though I'm University educated, I feel my 4 years of time would have been better spent in the real world.
My gripe with Universities is that they are disconnected from the real world, so they are a breading ground for misinformation. It goes like this, university lecturers become lecturers because (for what ever reason) they cannot function in the real world, so they carry around a false perception in their minds of what the real world is, they unwittingly pass this on to their students.
When the students graduate, they generally have two paths to take, firstly look for employment in the real world, this can be a failure dependent on the amount of misinformation they have been fed during their study. When this fails (or by choice) they end up back at their university, they find easy employment here, because they know the system and have similar failed ideas as those that employ them, eventually they might find themselves as lecturers, feeding the same misinformation to their students. You can see the loop.
The ANU is a perfect example of this, in my dealings with the ANU, you would think that the ANU is simply on a different planet when it comes to real world dealings. Those who are employed there like this security, as it is a cosy little world, so much so that the ANU is known as the 'retirement village'.
My gripe with Universities is that they are disconnected from the real world, so they are a breading ground for misinformation. It goes like this, university lecturers become lecturers because (for what ever reason) they cannot function in the real world, so they carry around a false perception in their minds of what the real world is, they unwittingly pass this on to their students.
When the students graduate, they generally have two paths to take, firstly look for employment in the real world, this can be a failure dependent on the amount of misinformation they have been fed during their study. When this fails (or by choice) they end up back at their university, they find easy employment here, because they know the system and have similar failed ideas as those that employ them, eventually they might find themselves as lecturers, feeding the same misinformation to their students. You can see the loop.
The ANU is a perfect example of this, in my dealings with the ANU, you would think that the ANU is simply on a different planet when it comes to real world dealings. Those who are employed there like this security, as it is a cosy little world, so much so that the ANU is known as the 'retirement village'.
Word
I'm not a big fan of technology.
I prefer to keep things simple, and while technology improves the life of many, it also increases the misery of more than it improves.
Microsoft Word is a great example of the effect technology has on people's lives. I'd imagine when Word was first released, that it was quantum leap in technology, from paper to electronic documents is a huge improvement.
Subsequent releases of Word, have sought to make the software ever more complicated, adding waves of pointless features (remember the paperclip?), which increase the frustration of users as they hunt around trying to find the features that they actually want, such as writing a paragraph.
When the Word developers run out of new features, they move all the menu structures around so it takes you the next 2 months trying to work out how to open a new document.
This is all part of a bigger conspiracy, that works like this.
This loop benefits the software manufactures and the PC manufacturers because they can pedal more gear, and nobody else benefits.
The trouble with this, is the consumer has to get on this train, because of backwards compatibility issues.
If a new Word release came out tomorrow, which was stripped down with none of the fancy graphics, and 'we'll fix your errors before you know you've made them, and fix the things that are right to start off with' feature, I'd be the first to embrace it.
I prefer to keep things simple, and while technology improves the life of many, it also increases the misery of more than it improves.
Microsoft Word is a great example of the effect technology has on people's lives. I'd imagine when Word was first released, that it was quantum leap in technology, from paper to electronic documents is a huge improvement.
Subsequent releases of Word, have sought to make the software ever more complicated, adding waves of pointless features (remember the paperclip?), which increase the frustration of users as they hunt around trying to find the features that they actually want, such as writing a paragraph.
When the Word developers run out of new features, they move all the menu structures around so it takes you the next 2 months trying to work out how to open a new document.
This is all part of a bigger conspiracy, that works like this.
- PC manufacturer brings out a faster PC, so Word can run faster.
- Word developers see that there is excess capacity to run software, so they use this in the new release to add non value features.
- Word struggles on the fast PC because of all the bells and whistles.
- PC manufacturer brings out a faster PC to address this and with extra capacity so word can run faster.
- Word developers see that there is excess capacity to run software, so they use this in the new release to add non value features.
- Word struggles on the fast PC because of all the bells and whistles.
- PC manufacturer brings out a faster PC to address this and with extra capacity so word can run faster.
This loop benefits the software manufactures and the PC manufacturers because they can pedal more gear, and nobody else benefits.
The trouble with this, is the consumer has to get on this train, because of backwards compatibility issues.
If a new Word release came out tomorrow, which was stripped down with none of the fancy graphics, and 'we'll fix your errors before you know you've made them, and fix the things that are right to start off with' feature, I'd be the first to embrace it.
AFL
The main reason I dislike AFL, is because I don't understand it.
Also, it's played with another egg, is called football with only limited foot to ball contact, but more foot contact than rugby.
What I don't understand, is the running through hand made banners as the players enter the field, the singing of strange war-like songs at the end of the game, the wearing of gurnseys/jumpers without any sleeves, the changing of rules on such a frequent basis that many of players are not aware of the rules, in fact, all these things scare me so much I dare not write anymore.
Rugby League and Union
I have no idea what the difference between these two forms of rugby are.
But I know that they are not football, I know this because the beautiful game is played with a round ball, and rugby is played with an egg shaped ball, 'egg-chasing'.
I dislike rugby being called football, from what I can tell, a rugby egg rarely touches the feet anyways, so they got the football bit wrong from the start.
The task of chasing the egg, looks unskilled when compared to the beautiful game, and it does seem that the participants take great pleasure in trying to push their teammates heads into their oppositions backsides.
Why the followers of egg chasing call the beautiful game 'soccer' is a mystery to me, this is an American term, and to my knowledge its not used anywhere else in the world, to follow this logic perhaps rugby should be called American football.
Rugby players are also well paid, and seemingly above the law, yes, they can drink drive, treat females inappropriately, urinate in peoples letter boxes, assault innocent passers by- and still remain role models, It'd be interesting to see how their employment contracts handle this, perhaps its a points system, where they need to commit enough crimes in a season, to earn enough points to be elevated to role model status.
Perhaps my biggest gripe with rugby, is the insistence of the adoption of team names, teams are not named on their location, but rather by completely random names such as the Bush Spatchcocks, Sea Dogs or Mountain Sharks, this is Americanisation at its worst, and manages to be extremely intimidating to anyone new followers of the sport.
Presumably, this is why few people turn up to watch the 'games'.
OWC
I'm not a fan of initialisms, but OWC was created to mask identities.
An Old Woman's Cock, is essentially dead wood in the working environment.
These individuals turn up late to meetings, often as the meeting is about to end, or don't bother to turn up at all, nobody bothers to challenge their absence, because, they have nothing to add so it's a waste of ones time.
On the rare occasion that they turn up to meetings, they will report on progress with buzz phrases such as 'I'm in a holding pattern' or 'nothing to report', often the presence of an OWC at a meeting is totally overlooked because of its insignificance.
In meetings, the OWC will often mask their lack of understanding by repeating what others have just said, for regurgitating material presented by others from earlier in the meeting, after a few successful attempts using this strategy, the OWC will universally be ignored.
An OWC has a tendency for inappropriate clapping, often at the end of meetings, for no apparent reason. Usually the OWC doesn't not know he is clapping.
An OWC has a tendency for inappropriate clapping, often at the end of meetings, for no apparent reason. Usually the OWC doesn't not know he is clapping.
OWC has a stroke face which they can turn on or off at will, this is normally used to great effect in meetings, when difficult questions are being asked, the presence of a stroke face is normally enough to deflect any asking of such questions, due to pity.
On occasion, the OWC will let their guard down, by making comment on a subject, as though they were a 5 year old, this is normally followed by an extended toilet break (mid meeting), with no return, well, that toilet flush is a bit temperamental.
The OWC does generate output in the workplace, but this work is closely guarded, its not for internal distribution, and will often be hidden deeply in a folder structure, this makes finding it more of an effort than its worth.
When the OWC does generate output which is worthy of internal distribution, (normally as a paper copy, which is expected to be returned to the OWC after review, as they wouldn't want anybody plagiarsing their work), the normal route to its completion is as follows.
OWC writes a terrible document.
OWC gets a friendly colleague to review the document.
The document returns to the OWC almost completely revamped to the required standard.
OWC claims the complete work as their own.
OWC then loses the document, or decides to eat the only paper copy.
IMB
IMB is a building society, or for the purpose of this blog IMB is a bank, in their everyday function they work just like a bank does.
I dislike Australian Banks.
They make huge profits, but claim to be keeping their heads just above water. They charge for just about every transaction that you make (my experience with overseas banks is largely transaction fee free), I have in the past been charged a transaction fee for something as minor as checking my balance on screen at an ATM, I fail to see how this costs the bank anything.
Some time ago I purchased a house, which among other things, required a large cheque from my bank the day before settlement. Naturally, this cheque needed to be a 'bankers' cheque, nothing unusual there.
So I made my way to the local IMB branch to obtain the said cheque, and explained what I needed the cheque for, after paying the obligatory fee, I made my way to my solicitors for the home run.
I presented the cheque to the the solicitor, I was then advised that this was not a bankers cheque, and I needed to go back to the bank and get another.
On the way back to the bank, I met the real estate agent who was handling the sale, I told her of this predicament, she advised that this cheque would be OK, and it happens all the time.
With the stakes being so high (non presentation of the cheque results in interest and fees on a daily basis), I called the IMB to be told, oh yes that our standard cheque, the solicitor is wrong.
Still unsure, and with a solicitor who was refusing to accept my cheque, I visited a different branch of the bank. Here I was told that my cheque was almost worthless, and that the IMB couldn't produce bankers cheques.
So here we have a Bank who can't write cheques, that's quite unique isn't it?
Even worse when they will sell you a cheque, in full knowledge that its not what you want.
The end result, IMB had to make a cheque out to another bank on my behalf (who they have a 'trusted' relationship with), with an additional cost to me.
I then had to visit the other bank, to have this cashed and have another bankers cheque made out, again with another 2 fees.
This was way more stress than it should have been, and took much more than the 5 minutes that you'd expect to get a cheque made out, thanks IMB for making a stressful process even more stressful.
I dislike Australian Banks.
They make huge profits, but claim to be keeping their heads just above water. They charge for just about every transaction that you make (my experience with overseas banks is largely transaction fee free), I have in the past been charged a transaction fee for something as minor as checking my balance on screen at an ATM, I fail to see how this costs the bank anything.
Some time ago I purchased a house, which among other things, required a large cheque from my bank the day before settlement. Naturally, this cheque needed to be a 'bankers' cheque, nothing unusual there.
So I made my way to the local IMB branch to obtain the said cheque, and explained what I needed the cheque for, after paying the obligatory fee, I made my way to my solicitors for the home run.
I presented the cheque to the the solicitor, I was then advised that this was not a bankers cheque, and I needed to go back to the bank and get another.
On the way back to the bank, I met the real estate agent who was handling the sale, I told her of this predicament, she advised that this cheque would be OK, and it happens all the time.
With the stakes being so high (non presentation of the cheque results in interest and fees on a daily basis), I called the IMB to be told, oh yes that our standard cheque, the solicitor is wrong.
Still unsure, and with a solicitor who was refusing to accept my cheque, I visited a different branch of the bank. Here I was told that my cheque was almost worthless, and that the IMB couldn't produce bankers cheques.
So here we have a Bank who can't write cheques, that's quite unique isn't it?
Even worse when they will sell you a cheque, in full knowledge that its not what you want.
The end result, IMB had to make a cheque out to another bank on my behalf (who they have a 'trusted' relationship with), with an additional cost to me.
I then had to visit the other bank, to have this cashed and have another bankers cheque made out, again with another 2 fees.
This was way more stress than it should have been, and took much more than the 5 minutes that you'd expect to get a cheque made out, thanks IMB for making a stressful process even more stressful.
Jon Stanhope
There are two simple reasons I dislike Jon Stanhope.
Firstly, he was a politician, and I don't like politicians. (he was a politican when the paper blog was written)
Secondly, he never seemed to be interested in the what he was doing, which maybe was just the way he came across via the media. But honestly, if I was that bad on the media, I'd just never stand in front of a camera lens.
Firstly, he was a politician, and I don't like politicians. (he was a politican when the paper blog was written)
Secondly, he never seemed to be interested in the what he was doing, which maybe was just the way he came across via the media. But honestly, if I was that bad on the media, I'd just never stand in front of a camera lens.
Zed Seselja
There are two simple reasons I dislike Zed Seselja.
Firstly, he's a politician, and I don't like politicians.
Secondly, he's way too young to have the life experience be a politician, he's probably a Gen Y, but even if he isn't, he does a good job of acting like one, and this shows in his level of arrogance, he is probably the most arrogant person I've ever seen.
Firstly, he's a politician, and I don't like politicians.
Secondly, he's way too young to have the life experience be a politician, he's probably a Gen Y, but even if he isn't, he does a good job of acting like one, and this shows in his level of arrogance, he is probably the most arrogant person I've ever seen.
James O'Loghlin
James O'Loghlin presents a Television Show on ABC called The New Inventors.
In The New Inventors, Australian 'Inventors' are able to showcase their 'inventions'.
But, it is clear that by the time these products are on the television show, they are far developed from being merely an invention, they are often ideas which are well into advanced stages of development, with extensive prototyping.
Presumably, the 'inventors' have invested considerable (years) of effort and would normally be self funded, these people deserve enormous respect for putting so much effort into their dreams.
The New Inventors largely manages to give the respect that these folk deserve, they have an expert and professional panel, who understand these efforts. But, then there is James O'Loghlin, who manages with his comedic comments to make these poor 'inventors' look very ordinary, with completely inappropriate comments, I'd imagine most of the 'inventors' are broken when they leave the show.
James O'Loghlin is one of the many reasons I don't watch television anymore.
Jamie Oliver
My dislike of Jamie Oliver, is based on his ability to be a Mock Cockney, an achievement which has spawned its own word, Mockney.
As you may read in other places in this blog, I am quite sensitive to accents. Oliver's adoption of the cockney accent, in an attempt to increase sales of his books, kitchenware, used underpants etc, is a low act in my opinion. This is even more distasteful as his parents are quite wealthy, I reckon Oliver got the idea from Pulp's Common People.
What really bugs me, is that when Oliver went into UK schools to 'improve' their school dinners, he felt the need to turn up to the school in his huge Chelsea taxi, I'm not a fan of cars, so I couldn't tell you what type of car it was, but It looked like it was worth more than the schools he was visiting, very distasteful when you are portraying the image of someone who is helping underprivileged kids.
As you may read in other places in this blog, I am quite sensitive to accents. Oliver's adoption of the cockney accent, in an attempt to increase sales of his books, kitchenware, used underpants etc, is a low act in my opinion. This is even more distasteful as his parents are quite wealthy, I reckon Oliver got the idea from Pulp's Common People.
Oliver lives in a seemingly perfect world, with a perfect wife and perfect friends, that is if you believe the television advertisements that he made for Sainsbury's, time after time Oliver stated that he wouldn't be doing any more of these advertisements, as felt he had sold out. Time after time, Oliver continued to do more advertisements, presumably so he could charge a higher fee.
Dr. Karl
Wikipedia, tells us that Triple J is intended for listeners between 18 and 30 years of age, perhaps Wikipedia should tell us of the of the target audience expressed in IQ of Triple J, because I would hazard a guess that Dr. Karl's show is aimed at the very low end of that IQ range.
'Listeners' call in with science questions, just by Triple J answering the phone, the lucky caller is elevated to the status of Dr.(say Bruce), presumably this is similar to the method in which Dr. Karl obtained his status as a Doctor, because the way that Dr. Karl answers questions invariably falls into the following categories.
- Dr. Karl has no idea what the answer of the question is, so he makes up the answer, and it such a way that it is very obviously made up.
- Dr. Karl has no idea what the answer of the question is, so he steers the answer in a direction that is vaguely related to the question.
- Dr. Karl has no idea what the answer of the question is, so he asks other 'Doctors' (low IQ listeners) to call in with the answer.
- Dr. Karl has no idea what the answer of the question is, so he talks about the earth's magnetic field.
I honestly can't remember hearing Dr. Karl answer a question with an answer that sounded slightly plausible, because of this I feel that Dr. Karl is a charlatan.
Gen Y
Gen Y have an easy life, but they seem to think its very hard.
I'm convinced that the Buy it Now button on eBay was created just to satisfy Gen Y.
It does seem that Gen Y live their life with a Buy it Now mentality.
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that things exist out side of the material world, and the belief that only real things are for sale, Gen Y live on credit, with little regard for the mechanism that might provide the funds for these material pleasures.
I'm sure if on eBay a buy it now, and a have it now function existed, Gen Y would be over the moon, that they could click a button and have the latest pointless product in their hands. They'd also be real happy that this function was created just for them.
Sickies are a situation where Gen Ys really show their true colours, invariably they will be sick on a Monday or Friday, and if you are lucky enough to be told by a Gen Y that they are sick they will probably do it by a faceless email or worse sms (to ill to turn the PC on).
Gen Ys also think it's their born right to have the best job that exists, the best car that exists, and the best house that exists, this is of course before they even get on the career ladder.
Face to face communication or worse still communication via a phone call seems to be a skill very foreign to Gen Y, two Gen Ys sitting within sight of each other will always go for the 'safe' option and send an email, if feeling brave they might send a sms, the thought of face to face communication, with its threat of the spread of disease, or worse still communication of some type of emotion, is terrifying for Gen Y.
I'm convinced that the Buy it Now button on eBay was created just to satisfy Gen Y.
It does seem that Gen Y live their life with a Buy it Now mentality.
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that things exist out side of the material world, and the belief that only real things are for sale, Gen Y live on credit, with little regard for the mechanism that might provide the funds for these material pleasures.
I'm sure if on eBay a buy it now, and a have it now function existed, Gen Y would be over the moon, that they could click a button and have the latest pointless product in their hands. They'd also be real happy that this function was created just for them.
Sickies are a situation where Gen Ys really show their true colours, invariably they will be sick on a Monday or Friday, and if you are lucky enough to be told by a Gen Y that they are sick they will probably do it by a faceless email or worse sms (to ill to turn the PC on).
Gen Ys also think it's their born right to have the best job that exists, the best car that exists, and the best house that exists, this is of course before they even get on the career ladder.
Gen Ys never have any money. When Gen Ys tell you this, they are actually saying, I get paid really well, and all my money is going towards my IProduct/Tattoos/Gym Membership/Fake body parts/car repayments rather than spending it on life's staples, such as food, rent, mortgage etc.
When Gen X has all retired, it'll be interesting to see what Gen Y do when they run the world....
Australia Post
Customer service is top of the list for the happy folk who work under the guise of Australia Post.
Some time ago, my mail was being kept in a post restante service by Australia Post, daily, I would stop by the collection office ~15mins before closing time. On a regular basis the front door would be locked, but the lights would be on, I assumed there was a plausible reason for this, and gave the benefit of the doubt.
However, one day I arrived ~30mins before closing time as I was expecting an important package, when I tried to open the door, it was locked, and at the very same time, I watched (through) the glass window of the door, as three work shy Australia Post staff hid for cover behind the counter, in a similar fashion to meerkats. Quite what they were doing remains a mystery to this day.
Shortly after, I found a park bench to live on with a mail box, and post restante was history in my mind.
I enjoy receiving parcels from overseas, particularly when I'm avoiding lining the pockets of Gerry Harvey . Australia post have proved to me on many occasions a total lack of understanding when linking the addressee of parcel with the parcel, which you would think was their core business.
My last parcel which disappeared into the Australia Post void, was apparently signed for by a "John Smith"*, at my home address, at a time when I was at home, needless to say my name is not John Smith.
To my amazement, Australia Post's call center, had no record of this delivery, despite the fact that I could see this on Australia Post's on line tracking website. When I explained to the unhelpful operator on the telephone, she claimed that an internet check on her computer also showed that the parcel had not been delivered.
With this I visited my friendly local Post Office, and explained the situation, I was told that John Smith was the delivery driver, and had probably signed for it himself. No explanation was given to the likely whereabouts of the said parcel.
I gave John Smith the benefit of the doubt, and assumed he had delivered the parcel, and it had been stolen. A week later the parcel appeared on my doorstep, I can only assume that my studded leather g-string was too small for John Smith.
*Name of Australia Post employee changed to protect identity.
The staff at my local post office are a happy bunch, seemingly happy to work as slow as possible when the highest volume of traffic comes through their doors (4-5pm - as GST dodging folk come to collect their parcels from overseas). Of late, the consequence of this go-slow by the three staff (well, 2 and a half if I'm honest) at my local Post Office results in a queue out of the door from about 4.15pm. If by 4.30pm you haven't secured your place in the queue, you can look forward to playing Russian roulette in the queue, as at 4.55pm, the counter closes and all those folk in the queue are ungracefully asked to leave the store empty handed, presumably so the staff can consult with John Smith on the days cache.
I understand that Australia Post needs to bring new blood into the organisation from time to time, though recently I was amazed to see in busiest post office in town, a trainee working the only open counter (out of six) during the busiest time of the day (lunchtime - desk jockeys need to stretch their legs at least once a day). I always try to give trainees an additional time allowance, as I understand this is a stressful period of a new job and, its probably not their choosing to be dropped in the deep end.
However, this trainee was clearly green on this given task (posting a letter overseas) , her supervisor was less than helpful seemingly waiting for her to almost have a breakdown before offering advice on every step of the process. 15 minutes later when I expected that the transaction was complete, (normally a 2 minute task), and after my letter had been taken behind the counter and placed into a void through a letter box type portal (by the supervisor), I was asked by the trainee, what postcode the letter was going to. This was after I had paid for the transaction, and the letter had been taken from my possession and my sight. When I told her that I had no idea what the postcode was, and it was on the letter, I was told that the 'computer needed the postcode, otherwise the letter would not be delivered'. I expected that a human might read the postcode on the letter and help it to its destination (without a computer), with this I left the store, past a queue of 20 or so shaking desk jockeys.
I like postie bikes, they are uniquely Australian. What i don't understand is why there are able to ride on footpaths, when push bikes are not allowed to. What infuriates me more though is that they take a short cut through my circular drive, even when I have no mail.
On line tracking of mail is a great use of t'internet , I like the way is exposes Australia posts dragging of heels when it comes to international postage. How does a parcel from the other side of the world, take 2 days to travel to Australia, take 1 day to clear customs, then take 2 weeks to travel the last 300kms? Perhaps Gerry Harvey is screening all the parcels.
Mail forwarding is a service which has saved me a lot of hassle over the years, and I'm grateful that Australia Post offer this service, my nomadic state appreciates it. Though some time after parting with 50+ bucks for 6 months of mail forwarding, I started to get suspicious when I was getting no forwarded mail.
I contacted Australia post, and was told that the postie, was probably 'forgetting' to stick the labels on the post which indicate the forwarding of mail. I asked Australia post to explain the process... it turns out that the postie is expected to carry around a heap of labels for each mail direction on his round, and when he gets to a house with a letter that requires a label, he is expected to stick a label on, and take it back to the sorting office. I explained to Australia post how this might be a flawed system - in that the postie has to remember every name and address of forwarded letters, and apply a label to each of these, and that this was just not practical. His reply was 'well that's why they don't do it!', so rather than change a system that doesn't work so it works, Australia post prefer to just ignore it, but expect that customers carry on paying for it.
To add insult to injury, towards the end of my 6 months forwarding, I was sent a letter from Australia Post offering to extend my forwarding, free of charge due to this very problem, Australia post obviously don't realise, that after 6 months you've normally got your house in order and have updated your addresses with all the folk you need to. Or maybe Australia Post think that we should all pay for forwarding for ever - how convenient.
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