Punch on: Open thread 21/12/2011

the_pseudonym says:

07:42am | 21/12/11

It’s the Carbon Tax, the effects have already started, milder summers and warmer winters, it’s kind of like a global climate control, as you’d find comes standard in most modern cars.

jay-ded says:

08:08am | 21/12/11

Get out the board games S.L.  They’re the only things that keep my sane during school hols.

I am actually depressed now.  The smaller of my twins pointed out to me last night that he is now taller than me.  That makes me the smallest person in my family.  Waaaaaaaaaaah

John Smythe says:

11:32am | 21/12/11

ooo Hartley’s? Took my fam there when I went back, back in March/April. Was about $100 for the day, though we got there late. Kids loved it.

You could always break out the D&D as well. My boys like a small adventure we did with one of the boxed sets (with figurines)......the first sound of battle was the mage falling over unconscious!

ausspud says:

11:48am | 21/12/11

@jay-ded
I thought board games were the reason the divorce rates were so
high   I guess things must work differently in your household.
And now your the shortest in your family,jay-deds reign of terror is now over

jay-ded says:

12:45pm | 21/12/11

@ausspud - I maybe the shortest but I’m still Queen Bitch.  Once my boys can beat me at boggle then I shall hand over my reign.  Until that time, I shall continue to “word” it over them hehehehe

iansand says:

07:42am | 21/12/11

There seems to be no beer and wine option.  Unstrayan.

old fart says:

07:43am | 21/12/11

dont go to it, claim a papal dispensation it’s against your faith to do meetings in yuletide

Mahhrat says:

08:48am | 21/12/11

@iansand, given I work within the ATOD industry, I would respectfully suggest that hitting the pish during a work meeting would be somewhat contrary to one’s message.

What I have on the top shelf at home, however, is another matter entirely

Tim says:

09:14am | 21/12/11

Mahhrat,
I think you should go with a pudding.
Full of grog.
You’re not really drinking if the alcohol is in your food.

iansand says:

09:20am | 21/12/11

Mahhrat - But how can you advise your clients without experiencing their pain?

John Smythe says:

10:30am | 21/12/11

hahaha Ian…do you break laws to experience your clients’ situations as well?

Winston says:

07:39am | 21/12/11

and this…

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/case-study-software-pirates-it-berth/story-e6freoof-1226227153207

Peter says:

08:59am | 21/12/11

and this…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joh_Bjelke-Petersen

Troy says:

09:04am | 21/12/11

and this…

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/campbell-newman-and-wife-lisa-wont-cut-ties-to-family-firms/story-e6frgczx-1226163401121

James1 says:

09:20am | 21/12/11

That is what you took from the story?  I read one on the same thing over at ABC, and the thing I took from it is that the protesters specialise in topless protests.

Yeah.  Topless protests.  Turns out some feminists are awesome.

Tim says:

11:13am | 21/12/11

James1,
wrong.
Only the hot ones, only the hot ones.

Tim says:

08:34am | 21/12/11

I can’t believe ewe would stoop that low.

Alf says:

10:54am | 21/12/11

The Kiwi came to Oz because he thought the inland stock route was an annual event.

jay-ded says:

08:57am | 21/12/11

@Nes - Turkey and trimmings sound great, but honestly, this is Australia.  It’s too damn hot to spend all week in the kitchen cooking.  That’s why we do the hams, seafood etc.

SimonFromLakemba says:

10:10am | 21/12/11

My family always does a hot xmas lunch with hams etc on the side.

Wynston Cruso says:

06:14pm | 21/12/11

“more healthy recipes not containing so much meat!!”

I hope you realise that, had your ancestors not eaten red meat, that you would most certainly not be able to type on a keyboard, much less make informed comments over the interwebs.

NESLIHAN KUROSAWA says:

10:15pm | 21/12/11

Hi there,

Thanks for all your replies!  I only have one question for you all, “are you trying to say that vegetarians are not as intelligent & not able to do things for themselves”?  It is just a misconception, if you ask for my personal opinion.

I do have a lot of vegetarian friends with very high IQ’s, who also happen to be very intelligent & successful people I have ever known!  I guess it is just a personal choice, however we all know that consuming large amounts of red meat especially after a certain age, does cause more harm to our bodies than you could all imagine. Think of the food pyramid & you will be fine.  Kind regards.

nossy says:

08:32am | 21/12/11

@jay-ded Happy Hump Day jay-ded!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u74qiPFI1VQ

jay-ded says:

09:05am | 21/12/11

Thanks nossy.  Nice song. 

Tim says:

08:37am | 21/12/11

A lot of new buildings are built with the lessons learned from 911 and the twin towers so it’s not that far off the mark.
It’s not unforseeable, it’s just the level of risk that people are willing to take vs the cost of doing something about it.

John Smythe says:

09:54am | 21/12/11

I posted a wiki link to the downfalls of tepco and the Fukushima plant. Everything that went wrong was solely due to human negligence and falsified reports. The sea wall was only like 5m instead of the Nuclear Authority pointed 10m (though the tsunami itself was 11m I still think it would have done a much better job).

[Here is the link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_Daiichi_nuclear_disaster ]  See : Safety History

The incident was magnified by the fact they also didn’t have thick cement walls below and around the plant in order to prevent contaminated water seeping through to underground water tables and/or to the sea. And much much more.

Again, all a result of human negligence, intentional as well, by not conforming with specific standards. I believe the Nuclear Authority was due to come in and inspect them on the 12th, the earthquake and subsequent tsunami was the 11th.

Here is a uni professor who has been riding the government hard on their, and TEPCOs failures. http://takedanet.com/  Bring a translator with you for that one.

Japan is a good example of how government on corporate corruption can screw an entire nation. Sites like the Punch are very transparent in their anti-nuclear stance by simply focussing on the incident without doing much research, preferring the sky is falling scare tactics surrounding nuclear power.

In contrast to Japan, France has been successfully running and maintaining nuclear power for decades. They have their own independent nuclear authority with the power to shut down power stations if standards are not met. operators fear these people, and the backlash from the population, not only of France, but surrounding nations as well, should they be shut down.

As mentioned yesterday, Australia is in prime position to learn as much as it can from both France and Japan, and dominate the nuclear industry from primary resources right through to waste management. But our career politicians only see their future in short terms…and do anything to hold onto power as long as possible.

Sad really.

sneakers says:

02:37pm | 21/12/11

Vivian, let me ask you a question.

What are your thoughts on spent nuclear fuel rods and their disposal?

Genuinely curious.

John Smythe says:

03:06pm | 21/12/11

Sneakers, I imagine that is something the French could educate us on.

There is a whole industry potential here for Australia.

jay-ded says:

09:08am | 21/12/11

Great music nossy.  But the film clip!  OMG I think I’m gonna upchuck!

iansand says:

09:18am | 21/12/11

Very cool.  Some of it (a very small some) I have driven.  Some I will be driving in January.  LA to San Fran on Hwy 1, then back through the southwest from Telluride to Anaheim via Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, and Vegas.

nossy says:

10:44am | 21/12/11

@iansand sounds like a magic holiday iansand which I am sure you will enjoy. Best wishes.

iansand says:

01:24pm | 21/12/11

nossy - Little bit of skiing as well.  I will send Mr Sharwood photos.

SimonFromLakemba says:

08:46am | 21/12/11

Bike helmets?

Aitch B says:

08:48am | 21/12/11

Pretty difficult to wrap but I’d say the best medical insurance possible!

fairsfair says:

09:01am | 21/12/11

What about some brand name stuff? “Fox” or whatever the brands are. Or maybe a detailing kit or somethin so they can look at their bikes. A little tool kit? My brother was obsessed with cars from age 4 and his most ultimate all time remembered gift was the Macguires detailing bucket he got (poor boy).

jay-ded says:

09:02am | 21/12/11

Life insurance. 

Just joking.  Do they have the specified helmets and boots that they’ll need to support ankles etc?

Vince says:

09:08am | 21/12/11

How about you buy them the gift of sanity?  And have them do some research, like this:

http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.html

Anubis says:

09:11am | 21/12/11

@ Nathen E you say “They like motorbikes, and are getting dirt bikes for Christmas’

Maybe a Health Insurance policy might be a good supplement to their main present?

Nathan Explosion says:

09:12am | 21/12/11

LOL at all these suggestions!

Pretty sure they have all the pads and helmets, but the detailing or tool kits sound great!

Tim says:

09:19am | 21/12/11

Dirtbikes for Christmas?
Geez some kids are spoiled.

Buy them a first aid kit, they’re going to need it.

iansand says:

09:23am | 21/12/11

Bandaids.

Nathan Explosion says:

09:49am | 21/12/11

@Tim

Tell me about it!

I think the most outrageous present I ever got was when Dad got me the Region 1 edition of X-Men for Christmas because it hadn’t come out in Australia yet. Definatley a lot cheaper than a dirt bike!

When I was 12 I got Use Your Illusion 1 and 2 on CD! I still play them (although 2 is better than 1).

Sarah says:

10:07am | 21/12/11

@Nathan Explosion.

My male cousins received dirt bikes a few years ago and regularly go off for motorbiking/dirt biking weekends with their dad and other kids and their dads to go mental in some muddy paddock in Tenterfield.

The best presents that the rest of us, ever bought those boys were items of amusement that were easily carryable - such as MP3 players, Nintendo DS’s etc etc - because when they got tired from biking it all day long, or if the weather was terrible and they were trapped inside the shed in the middle of whoop whoop, they cracked out a game of something or other, on their DS’s and PSPs.

Just a thought for you - but I must say its worked beautifully for those kids,

Ben C says:

10:20am | 21/12/11

@ Nathan Explosion

A pressure cleaner. Karcher or Gerni? Doesn’t matter, as long as it does the job.

fairsfair says:

10:58am | 21/12/11

@ BenC - excellent idea!

Also, what about digital cameras that can be bashed around and work on a lanyard? Perhaps they might be interested in documenting their adventures….

I think you can get fairly decent digital cameras these days for quite cheap.

holden says:

11:20am | 21/12/11

For them, health insurance. For their parents, therapy.

ausspud says:

12:08pm | 21/12/11

Why not Tattoo’s,or you can be a lazy arse like myself & get a gift certificate.

JulesG says:

10:06am | 21/12/11

Hi Fairsfair, I’m not sure of the significance of this or where it fits in the scheme of things - BUT…..

This is a clip of American women’s behavioural proclivities performed by a man in drag!!!! That’s got to be funnier than the clip itself.

PS: It is so true but less so for Australian women don’t you think? You’d never get an Aussie gal behaving like that - ha ha

Have a great Chrissy Jules

fairsfair says:

10:27am | 21/12/11

hahah - I thought it was hilarious Jules.

Particuarly the the listen, listen, listen bit and the chips. Dead right - you’d never catch any Australian girls saying some of these things, but at the same time it is funny to look at how similar we all are. 

It has been done by a Canadian gay couple (one of them is the star). I had a read through their twitter feed (they post a daily “thing” that girls say). It is randomly funny. You never hear a man say “I am just in such a weird mood today”

A very Merry Christmas too you Jules! I hope you continue to keep well and we all have a better 2012!

fairsfair says:

10:20am | 21/12/11

I agree Rosie. I am just so tired of all the fighting, the spin and the bullshit that is being broadcast. This isn’t the opposition’s fault. I am glad they refused the support the Govt’s push for offshore processing in recent months as it would have allowed that stupid Malaysian deal to go ahead.

The government need to fix this. They are the only ones who can. Why aren’t the hard questions and the demands for answers being put to them by the media and the public? Who gives two sh*ts what Tony Abbott wants - he is in no position to effect change and I totally agree that there is no point for them to get together to discuss anything until the Government has a workable policy that they can actually discuss. Instead we must dwell on Julia’s terse letter that she wrote him. Grow up Julia Gillard and do your job.

The claims of no opposition policy re assylum seekers is shitting me off too. They do have a policy.” Apparently” it is completely ineffectual and inhumane, yet it wasn’t a patch on the inhumanity of the Malaysia plan and it kinda seemed to work when it was in action. I appreciate people’s opinions with regard to the push/pull factors around that time etc, but at least trying it again and seeing if it still works would have to be better than what we are doing now.  How many times do they opposition to defend their stand when this is the clearest of all policies in our current political environment? So frustrating and frankly, I am sick of hearing them do it. 

I personally believe that this is Gillard and Labor’s last chance. If they can’t introduce immediate and sweeping change to this issue in the first half of 2012 they are gone. This is massive. It is heartbreaking to see these people meet such a horrific end, all because we have a Government that is too gutless and ineffectual to make change. They are too proud to admit they made a mistake dismantling the previous system so quickly and rather than just face the music and move on with the respect that would earn them, they are happy to continue watching people die and have a slap fight with people who hold no power in this situation at all.

I am so angry about this and I almost feel ashamed to be an Australian when I hear of and see images of people drowning when there are demonstrated effective ways to stop them making that journey in the first place - yet our politicians won’t do a thing to try and stop it.

Tim says:

11:11am | 21/12/11

fairsfair,
C’mon you can’t absolve Abbott wholly of this.
He rejected the Malaysian deal for political reasons rather than ideology

You say the government should fix this. Well they tried and it got blocked by both the Greens and the Libs. Minority government is failing and if Labor had some balls they’d call an election. But they know they’d lose, so it won’t happen.

If we had real parliamentarians who actually cared about this issue and what’s best for the country, they would negotiate with each other in good faith. Unfortunately, we have imbeciles who would rather pointscore for their own benefit. Scumbags the lot of them.

fairsfair says:

11:36am | 21/12/11

I don’t absolve him fully Tim - he is a clown - but I just fail to see at this current point in time how it all seems to “rest” on him. According to the media, that seems to be the case though. I am just so sick of his mug on the telly.

I don’t think they only rejected it for political reasons. It was a stupid notion, you have to acknowledge that. And just like the original ETS - nobody ever seems to remember that the Greens were also a party to the fall of the policy, if there is such outrage, why isn’t any of it directed at them (like Rosie says).

Hi5 to your final paragraph. Well said good man. I would also add though, that there is no point in them getting together to chat until such time as the ALP can table a policy, or at least an outline for one (that doesn’t involve dusting their hands of human life into the care of another country). Otherwise where do they even start? Immediate change is required, there is no time to faff about.

Lowell says:

12:07pm | 21/12/11

Bit naive aren’t you fairsfair?

“The government need to fix this. They are the only ones who can”
This is a minority government. The government needs other parties or individuals to enact legislation. What part of this don’t you understand?

“Why aren’t the hard questions and the demands for answers being put to them by the media and the public? “
They have been, don’t you get mainstream media in the deep north?

“Who gives two sh*ts what Tony Abbott wants - he is in no position to effect change”
Abbott is in a position to effect change. He is an elected member of parliament and gets to vote on the issues of the day. He or others in the LNP could provide the necessary votes to ensure that off-shore processing is legal.

To refuse to sit down with the minority government and come up with a solution to a NATIONAL problem is a disgrace and exposes for the political clown he is and how dangerous he would be if ever in power.

nossy says:

12:23pm | 21/12/11

Dr No says “NO NO NO” again this time to help solve the impasse re the Asylum Seeker issue. In a Minority Government Gillard needs all hands on deck and surely this issue should be one attacked from a bi-partisan point of view - human lives are at stake. But no good old Dr NO continues to bluster onwards. I mean this was the weak individual who said coming into the 2010 election he would have the RAN drive Asylum Seeker boats back to sea! And he wants to be PM! Be gone with you Abbott you weak weak wretch of a man!
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/greens-lashed-by-chris-bowen-on-onshore-solution/story-fn9hm1gu-1226227404394

the_pseudonym says:

12:28pm | 21/12/11

With the vote of both the Greens and indies in the house of reps the Malaysia deal would have passed, also it would have passed in the Senate as well, once again with the Prime Ministers party voting yes on it.  This didn’t need Tony Abbott or the Libs to pass.  In fact the legislation was never presented to parliament by the gutless MP’s and leader we have in government.

Ben C says:

12:40pm | 21/12/11

@ Lowell

A minority government is still a government, is it not? This government has the support of Oakeshott, Wilkie, Windsor and Bandt - there’s your majority of the House of Representatives. They would have the guaranteed support of those four if they could come up with some plausible legislation.

Tony Abbott - he wants to go back to Nauru, which was working reasonably well until Rudd came into power. The offer was there from Tony, but Gillard refused to talk. Who’s not talking to who there?

I find it disgraceful that a government can take down a policy that was working as required, and blame the Opposition for the problems that have arisen ever since.

fairsfair says:

01:00pm | 21/12/11

@ Lowell

“The government needs other parties or individuals to enact legislation.”

I am fully aware of that - Pseudonym states it well -the ALP has those numbers with the independents and the Greens. So, the coalition really can’t effect change. They don’t have the agreement with those MPs like the Government does. Julia has all of the independents onside and the Greens - she needs to table a solution that, in the even the coalition don’t agree, the Greens and the independents will. She has the numbers and she can’t get her shit together. That is ineffectual leadership and has nothing to do with the opposition. Like Tim says, the only thing that would fix this would be to call an election - but they will not. That is some national interest right there that they choose not to address.

Re the news - all I have caught on ABC today is discussions on Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison press conferences, hardly relevant. I haven’t heard the PM speak on this matter once in headline news, where as I would have expected that she’d be “wearing out her shoe leather” on this one.

Your final paragraph really brings home the current discourse - enough of the blaming, the PRIME MINISTER needs to do something, because she is in charge.

I just have no respect for any of them anymore.

John Smythe says:

01:15pm | 21/12/11

Same with FF, I’m sick of the petty bickering on these forums and the media trying to blame Abbott, rather than holding the current government and the current PM responsible for not effecting anything yet.

To sit there and cry…he said NO is pathetic, childish, irresponsible, and completely void of any concern or desire to see the problem at hand be resolved.

Pathetic really.

Blind Freddy says:

01:19pm | 21/12/11

The Libs don’t want to discuss anything all they want is for Labor to present a policy so that they can say “no” to it.

NicoleG says:

01:49pm | 21/12/11

Actually Lowel, she’s extremely knowledgeable, well rounded and 100% correct. You on the other hand come across as an insipid, rude twit.

Her ‘Malaysian Solution’ is inhumane. Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention. She is the Prime Minister, she has the numbers, so why doesn’t she sit down with The Greens and Independents and get them on side? Because pointing the finger at Abbott is clearly the easy thing to do.

Abbott has a solution and prior to it being scrapped by Rudd, it worked. Abbott called for her to re-open Parliament a few weeks ago, but would she do it? No. She has bought all this upon herself. The right thing to do would be call an election, but we know she won’t do that. She is a power tripping, manipulating, liar, who will do anything to stay there.

Rosie says:

02:13pm | 21/12/11

The “Dr No” thing is wearing thin! It is being used by the lazy thinkers as an excuse to push the blame on to the Opposition.

If our PM was a great leader she wouldn’t have to rely on the so called “Dr No” to bail her out when she finds the government she leads has no solution for such a humanitarian problem. We as a nation wouldn’t find ourselves in this awful embarrassing unpleasant predicament!

So much wasted energy by this minority government to remain in power!

Rosie says:

02:28pm | 21/12/11

The problem with Gillard’s ministry is the emphasizes placed on the positions they have been given rather then how the job should and could be handled to benefit the nation and its people.

First female PM, first female AG, Labor’s connection with our female GG, the faceless men being credited for creating all these “firsts” etc etc

fairsfair says:

02:30pm | 21/12/11

LOl @ well rounded NicoleG. The bootcamp is helping.

Wasted energy - you got it in one Rosie. That is exactly how I feel. Tired of people justifying their existance in a stagnate system.

NicoleG says:

03:55pm | 21/12/11

Hahaha You know what I meant ff

nossy says:

04:15pm | 21/12/11

@Rosie   wait till we roll into 2012 Rosie my love - if you think DR NO has had a hard time so far think again!  Ohhh how low can he go that DR NO playing with man live snow - shame shame shame DR NO!

Lowell says:

04:36pm | 21/12/11

fairsfair
“I am fully aware of that - Pseudonym states it well -the ALP has those numbers with the independents and the Greens. So, the coalition really can’t effect change. “
Very disingenuous or naive fairsfair - you fell for pseudo’s ridiculous statement and his sock puppet strategy using BenC’s. 
Independents have agreed not to block supply. That is all they have agreed to. Everything else requires negotiation. The greens for one do not support of-shore processing, so they would never vote or it. So your statement that she has the numbers is seriously flawed. This issue has everything to do with the opposition. Both parties support off-shore processing, but for political reasons Abbott is playing his NO game. It’s the only game he knows.
My statement “The government needs other parties or individuals to enact legislation.” Is obvious to all but the blind who will not see.

Nossy
Remember the boatphone? Abbott was to talk with the commander and turn the boats around. I understand Pyne was to carry the phone around and walk behind Abbott wherever he went.

NicoleG
You come across as a pig ignorant bogan from the mid north coast, or was it Frankston.

Rosie
You underestimate the power of NO. Look what it has done to your ability to think independently.

John Smythe says:

05:13pm | 21/12/11

No, Lowell. It is their (read: current government) responsibility to provide well thought out policy, not just anything, and certainly not something they know will be blocked.

This would work irrespective of which side is in current politics.

I believe Fairs’ point with the Greens is they are in coalition with “her” government, so instead of whining about Abbott, she should be exercising her power as PM and ensuring they are onboard. By not doing so and constantly blaming Abbott, shows a very weak individual indeed.

Christ, is accepting responsibility gone with common sense these days?

NicoleG says:

06:43pm | 21/12/11

Thank you for proving my point. Now, you seem to know quite a bit about me. I feel the need to know who you really are. I want you off my Christmas card list. That won’t be hard. Nothing a lovely bottle of wine won’t fix. Just remember pet, it is not what you know, it is who you know. That is all.

nossy says:

07:21pm | 21/12/11

@Lowell I must correct you about NicoleG fella - she is a Punch regular whose contributions not only reflect her ideaologies but contain much wit and charm - Nicole is a “must read” blogger - a bogan she is NOT!

fairsfair says:

08:23pm | 21/12/11

Do my comments read condescending or like I am in a defensive mood all the time? That is not my intention anyway. Other people can say their piece and have others challenge them and build upon it, I really take a lot away from those conversations (even when I am not involved). I have had no luck with that of late.

This website is about is about having a conversation and I have to admit, I rarely engage in discussions on serious issues. I am usually just speaking crap about nothing (I’m the first to admit that).

I have had two seperate people call me names today. I am naive, an idiot, pathetic, my logic is flawed, I can’t spell etc etc. I don’t usually engage with people who call me names (nobody should) but my day of punching was really shit today because for some reason I have offended sensibilities with my opinions. Well for that I do apologise.

We don’t all have to agree all the time. It would be freaking boring if we did, but I’m done with the punch for 2011.

Merry Christmas all. Shall speak to you again in 2012.

Simonfromlakemba says:

09:01pm | 21/12/11

Could be worse fairsfair..raised in canberra, supports labor and defends muslims on the punch not a popular combo.

When people call others names its generally because they have lost the argument or being a keyboard warrior.

fairsfair says:

10:56am | 21/12/11

Hmm, interesting and very true Mr C…

...alcohol products
foodstuffs
BBQ utensils
Non-Fiction books…???

Alf says:

11:00am | 21/12/11

@AdamC. You can’t go wrong with a book. Just match persons interests with book - hey presto - thoughtful and personal gift.

fairsfair says:

11:00am | 21/12/11

@ Ant - you’d fully have to read ut un the eccent ay!

James1 says:

11:04am | 21/12/11

Without doubt.  Every Christmas I am thankful I live with two girls, because the fall-backs are so easy.

I don’t think there really are any fall-backs for men, as such, because men come in so many different types, and there are no catch-alls like jewellery or perfume (my wife gets weak at the knees over either of those gifts).  I once thought of fancy flasks as the catch-all fall-back for men, until I gave one to a reformed alcoholic.  Some nice Scotch or Irish whisk(e)y or similar is another fall-back for men, but again you hit the problem of reformed alcoholics.

The only assistance I can offer is a voucher for a place that sells a few different things - like JB Hifi or Dick Smith.  Surely given a choice of electronics, movies, DVDs, video games or computer stuff, anyone could find something they like.  Or am I projecting?

Tim says:

11:12am | 21/12/11

Gift vouchers.

Tatty_Anne says:

11:30am | 21/12/11

Anthony,

A book for “an NRL-loving bloke”.....

isn’t that an oxymoron?

Seanr says:

11:59am | 21/12/11

Decent aftershave, cufflinks and belt buckles if they are well dressed office worker.

Definitely easier buying gifts for women or children

ausspud says:

12:22pm | 21/12/11

@AdamC
There are only three things men like-
1) Electronics
2) Tools
3) Bbq stuff
But if you dont like them then get them some clothes.
Nothing say’s i hate you like clothes

SimonFromLakemba says:

12:59pm | 21/12/11

Anything to do with naked women, or to get away from women..lol

Markus says:

01:00pm | 21/12/11

As someone who is regularly accused of being the worst person in the world to buy gifts for (I don’t ever want many things, and what I do I will just get myself), JB gift cards are definitely the ultimate fallback.
I know some people worry that gift cards are thoughtless, but I’ve never taken more than a fortnight to burn through the ones I’ve received.

And while books take a bit more thought, they are also a good one if you know the guy is at all partial to reading.
Aussie war books are a good one I’ve found, as the majority of guys would find the topic interesting. Peter Fitzsimons in particular has written some crackers.

AdamC says:

01:08pm | 21/12/11

@Sharwood, I am from Victoria. We don’t do Rugby League down here.

@James1, I can’t say I know that many reformed reformed alcoholics. But, even as a potential future reformed alcoholic (or a drinker, at least) I dunno how I would respond to receiving a hip flask as a gift. I might wonder if someone wasn’t trying to tell me something ...

@Everyone Thanks for the suggestions, all. And I am glad it is not me who notices the difference in gift-finding between sexes!

Blind Freddy says:

01:57pm | 21/12/11

I noticed some people suggest gift cards- why?

They restrict the recipient to spending the money in said store- instead give the universal gift card, cash. It is redeemable in all stores.

Markus says:

06:49pm | 21/12/11

@Blind Freddy, because for some reason cash is a cardinal sin in this country, despite being more useful and, let’s be honest, taking no less thought than 90% of the presents that get thrown around each Christmas.

LJ Dots says:

07:03pm | 21/12/11

@AdamC - a mini RC chopper, 4 channel (hint: search 103 RC heli). Cheap as chips, almost indestructible and a hell of a lot of fun for all ages. The family Heli-jousting tournament is already pencilled in for Boxing Day.

ausspud says:

12:26pm | 21/12/11

I cant believe they invented such a stupid idea.
It’s a thief’s wet dream.

Alf says:

01:00pm | 21/12/11

@ausspud. Bond is eternal. When he shows any sign of a wrinkle or gray hair…it is game over.  There is a conveyor belt, somewhere in Hollywood producing an endless supply of replacment Bond stud-muffins.

Although, what is very disappointing with the new Bond(s) is their propensity to fall in love. The earlier versions whould shag anything with a pulse (including the bosses secretary - Ms Moneypenny).

Seth Brundle says:

01:50pm | 21/12/11

I think the newest “Casino Royale” is the most interesting Bond film yet.  I actually like the new Bond makeover and the darker character they have given him.  Seems like a more “adult” version of bond.