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Punch on: Open thread 07/11/2011

Daniel Piotrowski

by Daniel Piotrowski

07 Nov 05:00am

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Filed under: Open Thread

122 comments

It’s the seventh day of the eleventh month, hence the picture below of a 7 Eleven convenience store which was ram raided. We’re presuming the ram raiders were targeting the ATM as we don’t really think hot chicken rolls are worth going to jail for.

The assailant was tall, with thick green foliage… Pic: Bill Hearne

Do you use convenience stores much? Do you find them convenient? Do you pretty much just buy lollies and gum, or are there other products you’re always happy to pay twice the normal price for? Does anyone remember a world before convenience stores? Apparently such a world existed as recently as the early 80s…

What else is on your mind today, Punchers?

Most commented

431Australia, you have nothing to fear but fear itself
390There's no one Thomson won't burn to save his skin
336Animal experiments won't cure me from cancer
313Thomson didn't answer the question everyone is asking
265Who murdered the Arts degree?
246A big day for Thomson, who thus far is guilty of nothing...
231Craig Thomson speaks. Meanwhile, in Australia...
231South Australia. It's the middle bottom bit.

122 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Mark G says:

      08:53am | 07/11/11

      The occupy LA article is awesome. Thanks for the link.

    • gobsmack says:

      08:56am | 07/11/11

      I like the link to Spearhead (a leading “ain’t if awful” site for white hetero males) where the contributor, having ploughed his way through the six volumes of Gibbons 18th Century “Rise and Decline of the Roman Empire”, has unearthed enough quotes to suggest that feminism and multiculturalism were key factors in the demise of the Roman Empire (there’s a lesson there guys).
      Which is a shame because there is much to be admired about the way the Romans did things.  Slavery and rule by fascists dictatorship have received much undeserved criticism (probably from those same pesky liberals).
      I look forward to the same contributor reviewing “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich”.  I’m sure there are lessons there as well.

    • Chopsmack says:

      12:41pm | 07/11/11

      Thanks for the link to Spearhead dude!

    • Knemon says:

      12:43pm | 07/11/11

      “Have some fucking respect” - I love it.

      “Spine-chilling” - “heart of darkness” Oooh yeah, scary stuff Erick.

    • stephen says:

      05:47pm | 07/11/11

      I clicked on Ringo’s pictures too, and the next time there’s an article on The Punch about drugs, replay it, would you ?
      Otherwise, as a critique of political activisms, it’s worthless.

    • bec says:

      06:08am | 07/11/11

      I am officially going to murder my neighbours, and no jury in the world will convict me. Creed playing loudly at one in the morning (on a school night!!) is just NOT COOL.

      Four weeks until holidays. Thank god.

      Reply

    • Mahhrat says:

      06:51am | 07/11/11

      Could be Nickelback.

      Just sayin’

    • jay-ded says:

      08:06am | 07/11/11

      You should get together with Fairsfair Bec, she’s been having problem with her neighbours too.

    • fairsfair says:

      08:51am | 07/11/11

      I’ll kill yours… you kill mine. We’ll develop elaborate alibies and nobody will ever suspect us due to distance….

      I would like you to poison mine with the break fluid from his stupid bus and then finish him off with his acoustic guitar. He also has one of those old milk creates on his front porch… I’m sure you could use that for something… 

      Mine were at their finest over the weekend too bec. I really have had enough. It is just so disrespectful. I’m not an unreasonable person - I am open to people having parties until the all hours every now and then. But being disrupted somehow each and every night for the past four or five months and is making me even more grumblier than usual.

      I would say it is nice to know I am not the only one - but I am not. I know exactly how you feel, and I would not wish the beautiful mix of frustration, anger and sleep deprivation on my worst enemy.

    • jay-ded says:

      09:44am | 07/11/11

      @ Fairfair.  May I suggest that once the “deed” has been done, that the neighbour be shoved into the milk-crate, the milk-crate placed and strapped to a skate board and then just let him go down the biggest hill/mountain that has a deep river at the end of it…..  smile

    • gobsmack says:

      10:33am | 07/11/11

      Claim you were sleep walking when you did it.  The automatism defence works a treat.

    • xar says:

      01:23pm | 07/11/11

      I like my neighbours most of the time - but this weekend past there was NICKELBACK loud enough to be heard through my earphones. I’m moving.

    • fairsfair says:

      03:25pm | 07/11/11

      Poor Chad Kroger (AKA Paddle Pop Lion) - I saw an article somewhere recently about how Nickelback was voted the #1 romance killer too.

      Unfortunately I felt my toe tapping to their newest song only yesterday. It has different music to all their others. I worry what this means for me… If I start being able to distinguish Chilli Pepper songs I think I’ll really freak out.

    • Jason Todd says:

      09:40pm | 07/11/11

      Fairs - Don’t see too many people calling him the Paddlepop lion these days. I prefer ‘The Turt”.

      A Martin/Kavalee fan perchance?

      As for the murder plans, the “Strangers on a train” plotting really works better when it isn’t in a public forum. Just sayin’

    • Mahhrat says:

      06:53am | 07/11/11

      Hit 30 degrees in Hobart.  In November.  This is quite rare, from memory.

      Must be global warming.  Thank goodness we’re doing something about it.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      07:44am | 07/11/11

      The grass is growing like crazy around Benalla.  Looks like the guys in the CFA will be at risk again !

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      08:44am | 07/11/11

      Was in NZ over the weekend, definitely no global warming over there, shocking weather!!

      Glad to fly back into sydney, 29 degrees at 6pm!

    • ShamWow says:

      07:26am | 07/11/11

      Has anyone else had enough of petrol station attendants trying to up sell you?

      Reply

    • Bill says:

      08:04am | 07/11/11

      No. They’re just doing the job their employers have asked them to do. Is it really so hard to say no?

    • jay-ded says:

      08:05am | 07/11/11

      Upsell the petrol?  What?

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      08:48am | 07/11/11

      Had it last night, they ask if you want anything else from the shop or what chocolate bar or milk deals they have going on

    • Shane* says:

      09:12am | 07/11/11

      If you look up ‘First World Problems’ in the dictionary, this is on the list.

      “Oh God, I just filled up my car with petrol and while I’m paying the dude behind the counter wastes approximately half a second of my life by asking whether or not I want a Cherry Ripe. Kill me now!”

    • fairsfair says:

      09:44am | 07/11/11

      Ironic Shane* - whinging about people whinging could also be classified as a first world problem.

    • AdamC says:

      10:06am | 07/11/11

      Yeah, I wonder whether kids today even realise that the primary function of petrol stations is to sell petrol, as opposed to confectionary. You couldn’t blame children for being confused, those snack-lined service station shelves are an obesity epidemic in and of themselves. And the chocolate bar up-selling routine is like the poker machine problem gambling of the fatso set. Seriously, where are Wilkie and Xenophon on this one?

      Shane*, lighten up. Seriously, nobody is arguing that being prompted to buy two for one Snickers bars is equivalent to, say, having Hamas rockets fired at you. That doesn’t mean it isn’t mildly irritating.

    • gobsmack says:

      10:38am | 07/11/11

      There was a time when the petrol station attendant worked the petrol pump and while the tank was filling would clean your windscreen and ask if you wanted your oil checked (services provided free).
      I feel really old sometimes.

    • Simonious says:

      01:00pm | 07/11/11

      I dont mind the upsell so much as they are only doing their job that is asked of them. What gets up my goat is the the senario when you are the only one in the whole servo. They have seen you park in the car spaces, you walk in grab a can of coke and an ice cream, You walk up to the counter and say, ” just the coke and ice cream mate” and they look at you and say “any fuel with that.” That just comes across as someone who isnt paying attention to whats going on around him and really doesnt listen to what their customers are saying.

    • Elphaba says:

      01:17pm | 07/11/11

      “You there, fill it up with petroleum distillate!  And revulcanize my tires, post haste!”

    • NESLIHAN KUROSAWA says:

      07:36am | 07/11/11

      Hi Daniel,

      What a coincidence you should talk about this particular convenience store on this particular day!!  Since every one seems to have a car in Australia, why do not we do it like the Europeans & rely on petrol stations for our needs after hour!!  In thirty years, I only remember shopping in the Seven Eleven only a few times!!  I find it also very disturbing that such criminals are targeting small business owners!!

      I am wondering though why would you have an ATM at a convenience store anyway??  I also wonder if they are actually making a great deal of money, staying open all those long hours ??  At the end of the day, is it actually worth all the trouble they put up with??  Best regards to your editors.

      Reply

    • jay-ded says:

      08:08am | 07/11/11

      Maybe we can export our pollies.  Do you think anyone would want them?

    • TimB says:

      09:05am | 07/11/11

      Jay-ded, I think Greece is shopping for new pollies. Maybe we can send them there.

    • Mark G says:

      09:06am | 07/11/11

      Sounds like scapegoating to me. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I’m closing down a production line. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I’m outsourcing jobs. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I’m raising the price of essential items. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I’m forcing up the cost of living. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I ram raided a seven eleven (thats for you daniel). ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I am the 1% that oppresses the 99%. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I threw my grandma down the stairs. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I voted for the greens. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I support renewable energy. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      I put a carbon tax through parliament. ‘The Carbon Tax made me do it’

      The carbon tax has become self aware and will soon take over the world!!!!! <—- This makes it more serious.

    • jay-ded says:

      09:40am | 07/11/11

      @TimB - Would we have to pay Greece to take them?

    • Carz says:

      07:56am | 07/11/11

      Back to the real world for me this week, after taking the kids to the Gold Coast for a holiday. I didn’t see any of the crime people talk about but did see several 7-11 stores. I even introduced my kids to Slurpees, which they have decided taste sooo much better than frozen Coke (They all taste much the same to me).

      Reply

    • TimB says:

      09:19am | 07/11/11

      I thought the 7-11 slurpees (well the cola ones) *were* frozen Coke.

      And you’re right, they all taste the same to me too.

    • xar says:

      01:29pm | 07/11/11

      they brought out a lemon lime and bitters one last summer which was FANTASTIC, there will be more new flavours this summer (11 in 11 weeks) mostly fruit ones this time- incidently today is Happy & Eleven Day - if you go in and say “happy 7 eleven day” you get a free small slurpie acording to facebook!

    • slushie addict says:

      01:44pm | 07/11/11

      No , no no no no… the correct terminolgy is Slushie, and 7-11 and Mc Donalds have the worst . If you want a good Slushie you need to go to the Balmoral or Southbank Cinemas in Brisbane, far superior product.

    • TRBNGR says:

      01:47pm | 07/11/11

      And one of the current flavours is Passionfruit.

      And as we know there is but one thing better than a passionfruit slurpee and that’s a FREE passionfruit slurpee! Yummo!

    • Rowdy says:

      03:37pm | 07/11/11

      I like my coke slurpees witha healthy dash of scotch….or bourbon…..not for the kids though….

    • Adam Diver says:

      08:01am | 07/11/11

      One thing I love about this country is our aversion to debt, (politically speaking). Sure Labor are useless, but at least they are trying to balance a budget. Look at the U.S

      2012
      Income: 2.627 Trillion
      Expenditure: 3.729 Trillion

      They are borrowing over a trillion dollars a year despite being “the brokest nation in history”. Thier budget and economy is just a giant ponzi scheme, being fueled by more debt and the republican candidates, and the current democrats seem non-plussed by it all.

      Is anyone else as concerned as I am?

      Reply

    • Adam Diver says:

      08:32am | 07/11/11

      Wow just noticed to more interesting facts, about US federal budget.

      “Mandatroy spending” is 2.382 trillion or 90% of thier income.

      242 billion on interest payments for thier debt. Thats just interest not debt reduction.

    • Elphaba says:

      08:33am | 07/11/11

      They’re acting like people who have enormous credit card debt - they just ignore the balance on the cards and make the minimum repayments, consigning themselves to having the debt forever.

      If things are going to fall apart, they’re going to fall apart.  There’s nothing the mere mortals can do except strap in and ride it out.

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      08:51am | 07/11/11

      Greece is somewhere near 150% of GDP and Ireland like 102%??, basically all of Europe is going down.

      Best bit about it though is you still have America going around the world telling people what to do and how the markets should be run etc.

      As much sh*t as Obama cops, I think its been 3 quarters of positive growth and added jobs.

    • Mark G says:

      09:17am | 07/11/11

      I said it the other day but I will say it again.

      Over expenditure and debt is NOT (sorry for the capitals) a ponzi scheme. For gods sake people, look up what a ponzi scheme is.
      There is even a good write up on them on wikipedia. Its not hard. There is no expenditure in a ponzi scheme. Its all borrowing against non-existent investments. As soon as you use the money that is loaned to you to buy real things, its no longer a Ponzi scheme. Even if you are borrowing too much.

      The occupy protest uses the same stupid statement.

    • Adam Diver says:

      11:04am | 07/11/11

      Sorry Mark G, not technically a ponzi scheme but has similar characteristics, perhaps their is a better description for borrowing to pay back borrowings that you can allude me to?

      Still crazy figures right?

      @ Elphaba, I planning on starting an orchard, hopefully that will help me ride it out.

    • Elphaba says:

      11:34am | 07/11/11

      @Adam, nice move.  I get no sun on my balcony, so growing things usually ends in heartbreak. 

      I need to find a patch of sun where I can be sure the neighbours won’t steal my spoils…

    • Mark G says:

      02:10pm | 07/11/11

      @Adam Diver

      Yeah crazy figures.

      “perhaps their is a better description for borrowing to pay back borrowings that you can allude me to?”

      Yeah there is a term for it. “Stupid”.

      It is the national version of debt consolidation loans that seem to have come into fashion in Australia. The line about free yourself from debt with a debt consolidation loan. That doesn’t reduce your debt, it just puts it all in one place and often at a higher interest rate (unless all you debt is on credit card in which case you have bigger problems). There is only one way to get rid of debt and thats to reduce your spending. On a national level this translates to reducing your expenditure on investments that provide zero return. Invest in infrastructure not welfare. On industry and not on zero return defence expenditure (this is not all defence expenditure).

    • Adam Diver says:

      02:59pm | 07/11/11

      “Yeah there is a term for it. “Stupid”. “

      I think you have nailed it.

    • OMG says:

      08:03am | 07/11/11

      Sooo… the fit, healthy and virile young men at ADFA have been chasing the fit, healthy and virile young women who live on the same campus.  Who would have imagined it?  Oh the horror.

      Reply

    • acotrel says:

      08:28am | 07/11/11

      Better than fraternising with the enemy !

    • Mark G says:

      09:19am | 07/11/11

      OMG,

      And dont forget. Making rude jokes about the opposite sex. God forbid. What has come over our young Australians.

    • Shane* says:

      09:52am | 07/11/11

      Next you’ll be telling us that fit, healthy and hormonally charged athletes at the Olympic Village have been spotted holding hands. Preposterous.

    • lee enfield says:

      09:55am | 07/11/11

      and who would have thought that there would be a warrior culture where the strongest and fittest thrive in an organisation that trains for and goes to war.  shock horror.

    • marley says:

      12:42pm | 07/11/11

      @lee enfield - and who would have thought a warrior culture requires you to attack your own side first?

    • Elphaba says:

      08:07am | 07/11/11

      The closest 7-11 to work closed down a week ago, so I have to find the next closest one for my free Slurpee today.

      In other ews, I got a flatmate, woo hoo!  I won’t be out of pocket, it means I won’t be looking for one over the Christmas rush - excellent.

      Reply

    • jay-ded says:

      08:23am | 07/11/11

      Congrats Elphaba.  The only thing worse than a flatmate is having to pay the rent and expenses by yourself.

    • Dash says:

      08:41am | 07/11/11

      Congrats - Boy or Girl Elph?

    • Elphaba says:

      08:49am | 07/11/11

      @jay-ded, tell me about it.  I have emergency money up my sleeve for a couple of months, but I’d rather not have to do that.  I’d rather increase that little cache of money and turn it into something decent, like an investment portfolio.

      It is very quiet out there at the moment - I imagine people are staying put until after Christmas.  No matter - I have Christmas sorted, I can go away for my holidays, and then if I don’t like her come New Year I can just get someone else!

    • TimB says:

      08:58am | 07/11/11

      Aren’t you in the city Elphaba?

      There’s a 7-11 on like every block wink

    • Elphaba says:

      09:12am | 07/11/11

      @Dash - girl.  It’s better that way.  If I get up in the middle of the night for a drink in a singlet top and undies, there’s no awkwardness. smile

      @TimB, not in the city, no.  I’ll have to get one on the way home instead of at lunch.

    • Dash says:

      09:38am | 07/11/11

      Yeah but boys can be easier to deal with! Hard to understand who would feel awkward! wink

    • Elphaba says:

      10:09am | 07/11/11

      @Dash, I’ve lived with both guys and girls and there’s little difference between the two.  The outgoing flatmate (female) is as irresponsible as f*ck.  I lived with a guy in Bondi once who, in his mid-30, still went out pinging on Friday and Saturday nights and then spent Sunday sleeping it off, in between drinking all the viable liquid in the house, including my cordial and juice.  That I could barely afford.

      Meh.  I take ‘em as they come.  I’m not against living with a guy if he’s a responsibe flatmate, but the incoming girl was first cab off the rank, loved the place, and we had a good rapport.  I have learnt that you can interview 1 person or 10, and the decision isn’t any easier - you’re still making the decision to live with someone after 10-20 mins of conversation. smile

    • Dash says:

      10:35am | 07/11/11

      @Elph - I’ve never done the flat mate thing before, so who am I to comment. You need a probation period so if they are gross, untidy and smelly you can ship em out without penalty!

    • Elphaba says:

      10:48am | 07/11/11

      @Dash, there really isn’t any penalty to pay if I want them gone.  They don’t sign a contract or a lease, all they sign is a bond form.  I can kick them out whenever I want, so long as I can cover the rent if I need to (often you fill the room so fast, you break even, which is what happened this time).  Sub-letting - the joy!

    • fairsfair says:

      01:07pm | 07/11/11

      There are no 711s in Cairns. Shock Horror!

    • TimB says:

      01:39pm | 07/11/11

      Cairns is clearly a hole. You should move to somewhere with civilisation.

    • fairsfair says:

      02:06pm | 07/11/11

      Damn right its a hole TimB, but its MY hole…

      (poorly worded)

    • Elphaba says:

      02:12pm | 07/11/11

      lol @Fairs.

      I’ve never looked for a 7-11 when I’ve been up there.  Now what am I going to do in the eleventy-hundred degree heat of summer?!  Macca’s it is…

    • fairsfair says:

      02:28pm | 07/11/11

      @Elph *sing it with me* “NightOwl that Whooooooooooo”

      I think they sell slurpees. Never got on the Slurpee bandwagon. Don’t see the attraction just quietly.

    • Elphaba says:

      03:07pm | 07/11/11

      @Fairs, ahh, yes, of course!  smile

    • jay-ded says:

      08:20am | 07/11/11

      Back at work after a gruelling weekend of cleaning, gardening, laying pavers, shopping, washing, ironing etc.  Makes me wonder why I do it.  Oh, that’s right - mortgage.  Maybe I should just sell my house, quite my job and go on the dole.  I’m sure the government will find me a nice place for me to stay and pay me a fortnightly wage for sitting home doing nothing. 

      I know I’m never going to do it because I love my creature comforts too much, but I can dream.  Dreams are free….

      Reply

    • Mark G says:

      09:08am | 07/11/11

      Maybe you should just join the ‘occupy’ protests. You dont have to work to do that.

    • jay-ded says:

      09:42am | 07/11/11

      @ Mark G - Doesn’t pay though does it.

    • Mark G says:

      10:12am | 07/11/11

      Mark G,

      Jay-ded. It will pay when the 1% collapse and give back all the resources (aka money) to the people. Come on, get with the program.

    • Dash says:

      11:22am | 07/11/11

      jay-ded - I hate laying pavers!!!! You need to delegate.

    • jay-ded says:

      11:30am | 07/11/11

      @ Mark G.  I have a bridge to sell if you’re interested.  smile

    • Aitch B says:

      09:11am | 07/11/11

      Daniel…... 7-11 hot chicken rolls aren’t even worth going to a 7-11 for!!

      Only in an emergency will I use one. There are a number of traditional ‘mum and dad milk bars’ in my area and I’d rather give them the business.

      Reply

    • S.L says:

      09:38am | 07/11/11

      Well this seems to happen all too much.
      I was driving at 4.45am this morning listening to BBC world service on ABC news radio. They were broadcasting the EPL game between Fulham and Totenham, it was 3-2 to Spurs with Fulham pushing hard for an equalizer in injury time when a silky voiced announcer from the main studio butted in and told me they HAD to go to the news and would tell us what happened in the last few minutes when they returned to the game commentary!
      It reminded me of Channel 9 crossing to a horse race just when Dean Jones was to get 200 at the Adelaide oval and to cap it off Merv Hughes hit a massive 6 before the horses crossed the line! (I know this because I was lucky enough to get regoinal ABC). Why do producers hold us in such comtempt? Why does news HAVE to be on the hour? Whats wrong with a bit of leeway? I don’t understand it!

      Reply

    • lee enfield says:

      09:50am | 07/11/11

      one more sleep till call of duty modern warfare 3 and two more sleeps till the fourth and last book of the eragon series,  inheritance.

      Reply

    • Max, of Rocky says:

      11:48am | 07/11/11

      What box are you running Call of Duty on ?

      What in your opinion is best games box and why ?

      Great name - great rifles in their day.  grin

    • Mahhrat says:

      12:38pm | 07/11/11

      Team Fortress 2 is the best of the current crop, because it stops trying to convince everyone how real it is, and just enjoys itself.

    • fairsfair says:

      09:52am | 07/11/11

      What does everyone think about the Bali kid’s parents selling his story for money?

      Personally, I am not surprised - but I am annoyed that people can profit from crime and our media and population sit idly by and in some cases even support it. I won’t be watching.

      Reply

    • Elphaba says:

      10:02am | 07/11/11

      I was sympathetic towards the Government’s efforts to bring him home, because I don’t believe a 14 year-old should be forced to spend time in a place like Kerobokan for what, under our laws, is a pretty small crime.

      Now I think a stretch in jail might be just what that little twerp and his parents deserve.  Lock them up - all 3 of them.

    • TimB says:

      10:15am | 07/11/11

      It’s crap is what it is. The media does no-one any favours by encouraging this sort of trash. If this kid gets off lightly & earns a wad of cash whilst doing so, how many other idiot kids are going to be tempted to risk Indonesian justice for the same result?

      The BoltA had a good article on it today, and apparently the parents have decided to knock back the offer because of the negative publicity & the potential reaction from the Indonesians (who would be quite rightly pissed off).

      http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/index.php/heraldsun/comments/column_pssst_want_some_pot_and_a_lot_of_fame/#commentsmore

      The other point to consider is, wouldn’t this sort of thing come under the whole ‘proceeds of crime’ laws? Even if he does get paid, I hope the government confiscates the cash & puts it into the budget for our embassy in Indonesia.

    • Mark G says:

      10:18am | 07/11/11

      Unfortunately you cant move against family members selling the story. If he was convicted and he sold his story, you could have a borderline proceeds of crime case. Would be hard to argue though because the media would not be looking for details of the crime they would be looking for details of his detainment. So they are not really selling the crime.

      I hate this and have commented previously about the fact the I will be pissed off if he gets a heros welcome back to Australia.

    • AdamC says:

      10:31am | 07/11/11

      His parents are morons. Imagine the pressure this will put on the Indonesian prosecutors to throw the book at the silly kid. It completely undermines his ‘I’m really, really sorry’ defence.

    • Jade says:

      10:33am | 07/11/11

      They said on the news that there was never a deal now… wait to see what happens when he gets convicted/let go I suppose. Personally I think it is BS.

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      10:40am | 07/11/11

      The family reeks of Bogan anyways, just another Corby stain on Australia

      The kid has admitted he smokes pot heaps back in Aus, and then at 14 gets caught with it in Bali after what has happened previously?

      If anything they should be thanking the Indonesian authorities for showing compassion ( for Indonesia ) towards him.

    • jay-ded says:

      11:33am | 07/11/11

      @fairsfair.  My 14 y.o son cleaned the inside and outside of the 4WD yesterday.  First time he’s ever done it!  Do you think the media will pay me to sell his story?  It’s gotta be more exciting than watching a show about this moron.

    • fairsfair says:

      01:18pm | 07/11/11

      Jay-ded, Surely you can at least sell the photos to New Idea?

    • jay-ded says:

      02:24pm | 07/11/11

      @Fairsfair - Nooooooooooo!  Forgot to take the photo!  I did ask my eldest boy to catch the 14 y.o on video working, but he was too busy playing his new PS3.

    • fairsfair says:

      03:22pm | 07/11/11

      Seriously Jayded, what were you thinking?? Just like the fools who answer the phone with “Harlow?” and not “I wake up with Today” - you’ve missed out on a windfall dear lady. I’m sorry to break this to yo LOL.

    • marley says:

      10:09am | 07/11/11

      I don’t know why girls under 17 are being visaed, but there’s not much DIAC can do about girls 18 and older.  The girls are adults and theoretically at least capable of making their own decisions.  If the relationship appears bona fide, the visa pretty much has to be issued.

    • AdamC says:

      10:18am | 07/11/11

      I certainly think that anyone who comes in on a ‘prospective spouse’ visa should be 18 years old. That is just common sense. Another point to consider is whether the system of spousal visas should itself be tightened. I am not especially au fait with the current rules, but it would be of concern to me if people are simply able to import spouses from ‘the old country’ whom they haven’t already developed a committed, domestic relationship with.

    • styledirect says:

      10:42am | 07/11/11

      Dirty old muslim men as opposed to the white guy that flood Thailand/Vietnam doing the same thing?

      I know you hate muslims from all your previous mosts, but its getting abit tiresome.

      BTW, I dont agree with it, I think its sick to be honest, not sure why the Government doesnt smell a rat in these instances, unless they are lying on the application papers.

    • Anna C says:

      11:55am | 07/11/11

      “Dirty old muslim men as opposed to the white guy that flood Thailand/Vietnam doing the same thing?”

      styledirect, the Australian government cannot stop what happens in other countries but that doesn’t mean that we should allow it to happen here. I don’t care who these dirty old men are, but this practice of importing underage girls as child brides in Australia must stop.

      Outdated practices like this by the Muslim community are giving all us wogs a bad and this is causing a backlash against multiculturalism in general within the Australian community.

    • Anna C says:

      11:56am | 07/11/11

      “Dirty old muslim men as opposed to the white guy that flood Thailand/Vietnam doing the same thing?”

      styledirect, the Australian government cannot stop what happens in other countries but that doesn’t mean that we should allow it to happen here. I don’t care who these dirty old men are, but this practice of importing underage girls as child brides in Australia must stop.

      Outdated practices like this by the Muslim community are giving all us wogs a bad name and this is causing a backlash against multiculturalism in general within the Australian community.

    • Elphaba says:

      10:25am | 07/11/11

      Agreed.  The story sounded so improbable when it came out, that I figured he’s got nothing to worry about.  Let them swab away to determine the baby isn’t his, and then sue her. 

      She should have seen this coming…

    • Anna C says:

      10:30am | 07/11/11

      I’m suprised that he could even impregnate someone. He only looks about 10 to me.

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      10:46am | 07/11/11

      Shes so bloody ugly, she never had a hope in hell of this story turning out to be true, as if Beiber would knock her up in the backstage area..lol

    • AdamC says:

      12:41pm | 07/11/11

      I agree with all these comments, but was thinking maybe it wouldn’t be so bad for the Bieb if he were suspected of siring a love child. After all, his fanbase are ageing fast, and it wouldn’t hurt to get a bit of an edge. Sure, it’s not the ideal sort of edge, but it is an edge nonetheless. And, with his look, he could use the implicit boost to his perceived virility. He looks quite androgynous to start with, and with those diamond earrings and eyeliner, he is almost unbelievably girly.

    • fairsfair says:

      10:29am | 07/11/11

      So… I went and saw that “I Don’t Know How She Does It’ movie over the weekend starring SarHay JessicOats Parker… It was enjoyable, I laughed a couple of times and on the face of it thought it was quite enjoyable.
      However, since leaving the cinema I have put my “Film Study Cap” on and thought I would share with you the underlying themes that I have taken away.

      1) All stay at home mum’s are vain, vaccuous b*tches who detest working mothers and portray fake happiness.
      2) All working mothers have a ray of sunshine that fires out their anus.
      3) Even emotionally distant woman, who have limited social relationships will change into a loveable character once they have a baby.
      4) Your workplace will bend over backwards to accommodate you if you give them an ultimatum about your children.
      5) All fathers who work long hours have it really easy.
      6) If you are a woman who works really hard (refer point 3) and doesn’t have any desire to have a baby, you really are a bit of a failure and can only be fixed by becoming a single mother.
      7) A working mother working in close quarters with a male colleague regailing him with tales of her home life will inevitably lead to that emotionally stunted man falling in love with her and wanting to slot into her life where her husband currently sits.
      8) It will all work out in the end for both you and your employer when you try and balance both worlds because all people around you will compromise to fit in with your own desires.

      ... I am sure you can see the themes here.. there were many more. Linking this back to the article last week about “learning to become a father” I had a bit of an epiphany over the weekend. It is not that I don’t want to hear about people’s children or see the photos or share in their achievements - I love kids - I just don’t want to hear about your kids under the selfish prism of how if changes YOUR life and YOUR abilities as a parentperson. I received varied responses to my comment on that article last week and I have realised that it is not the culture of the child that is the issue in current times, it is nacissistic parent syndrome that I cannot abide.

      Reply

    • Elphaba says:

      10:44am | 07/11/11

      Well said, on all points.

      I’ll give the flick a miss then. smile

    • TimB says:

      10:48am | 07/11/11

      “2) All working mothers have a ray of sunshine that fires out their anus.”

      I snickered at this. I imgaine such a thing to be like the Care Bear stare.

    • jay-ded says:

      11:26am | 07/11/11

      @ TimB - OMG the Care Bears, haven’t seen that show since my eldest was about 4 years old, so I gotta laugh at your snicker! hehehehe

      @ Fairsfair - Tend to stay away from chick flicks anyway.  Your analysis just confirms why…  smile

    • Max, of Rocky says:

      11:33am | 07/11/11

      @ Fairs

      great analysis, I never liked this kind of pic. 

      Being a mere (grouchy) old male, I really don’t get off on achy breaky heart or family situation films.  I survived enough, and still participate, in real life to prefer something lighter.

      Onya Fairs   grin

    • fairsfair says:

      12:42pm | 07/11/11

      LOL at Care Bear stare!

      I have to say, I am partial to the odd chick flick, which are typically lighthearted trash - but this one wasn’t the best. Clearly, if you were a mum, you’d love it and I knew that going in to see it (we really only chose it because it was showing in the new flash cinema and I wanted to try out the larger leather seats).

      It was enjoyable, it was light entertainment, like most movies should be - but I was thinking about how false it all seemed after it was over. It was a bit rediculous really and I am a bit over this perpetuation of the divide between women in society. Its has gone on a bit long and the repetitive stereotyping of the different types of women with the explicit intention of just making women hate other women more is not a positive in my book.

      It should be retitled “Social Shitstirring For the Modern Woman”. 

      Yep, give me a comedy anyday.

    • TimB says:

      01:55pm | 07/11/11

      Hehe Jay-ded, I haven’t seen it since *I* was 4. Ah the 80’s.

      And for your amusement, an XKCD comic featuring the iconic stare.

      http://xkcd.com/146/

    • jay-ded says:

      02:22pm | 07/11/11

      @TimB - Oh Good.  Now I know I’m an old f*rt !

      Blast from the Past! smile

    • Max, of Rocky says:

      11:15am | 07/11/11

      I remember the old family owned corner stores where you did not have to walk more than a block or two in any direction to get the basics.

      Now you have to drive across suburbs to shopping centres or to service stations to get the basics.

      What a great improvement.  :-(

      Reply

    • Knemon says:

      01:04pm | 07/11/11

      I’m looking forward to Q&A tonight; a good panel assembled for the final show of the year…my eagerness has nothing to do with Kate!
      wink

      Reply

    • Shenanigans says:

      01:38pm | 07/11/11

      7-11’s, if I had never of been to Queensland i wouldn’t know what one is because i’ve never seen one in Canberra.

      Reply

    • TimB says:

      02:07pm | 07/11/11

      Canberra is a hole too. Move.

      First Fairs and now you. Awful.

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      02:15pm | 07/11/11

      Pretty sure all the Mobil’s are being revamped as 7-11 in Canberra

    • Shenanigans says:

      02:27pm | 07/11/11

      TimB I have hopes of moving to Queensland, preferably Brisbane. Can’t stand Canberra and Sydney is just too big.

      if they are i haven’t noticed, i stay away from the bogan parts of town, as teh bogans in Canberra are a dangerous bunch

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      02:59pm | 07/11/11

      Canberra was great when I was there, will be going back when older.

      Sydney is good for what I want now in life

    • Apu Nahasapeemapetilon says:

      03:42pm | 07/11/11

      Thank you!! Come again!!

    • bella starkey says:

      02:32pm | 07/11/11

      I live in a spot where I can walk 15 metres to a very over priced convenience store, 100 metres to a small, kind of pricey super market or 500 metres to a regular supermarket. Proximity wins every time.

      Reply
 
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