Still got computer problems, so expect updates here to be patchy. In the supermarket the other night… old folks in front of me buying “Farm House Milk.” I was buying “Rev.” Theirs has extra cream. Mine has less cream. I wonder if there’s a machine at the dairy that takes the cream out of the ... [More]
Came across this fascinating article from Joel Spolsky on how to price products. No, really, despite the use of graphs, it’s really interesting. He talks about software, but really it applies to anything. He makes some great points about companies getting people to pay what they’re willing to pay for a product, through market segmentation: ... [More]
We’ve got used to seeing advertising everywhere, but I must say the idea of advertising on clothes doesn’t quite sit right with me. Obviously if you’re paying for clothing promoting something because you’re a fan, that’s fair enough. Your favourite band or TV show or footy team. But have clothing companies earned the right to ... [More]
Last week I ran out of garbage bin liners, so I went to buy some more at the supermarket. When I got there I discovered the only ones in the correct size (34 litres) are scented. Mint scented, pine scented, lemon scented, something like that. I decided on the lemon. So now my rubbish bin ... [More]
The theory is that the Melbourne CBD is booming. Retail activity is through the roof, not just on weekdays but also evenings and weekends. Certainly from my point of view as a CBD worker-bee and occasional weekend visitor, it seems like much of the CBD is bustling for most of the time, no doubt helped ... [More]
My latest Ebay listing: LOTR Two Towers collector’s DVD – box and Gollum only Just the box and the Gollum This is the Australian DVD collector’s gift box of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers… but WITHOUT the discs… eg it’s just the gift box and the Gollum/Smeagol. Just to emphasise: No discs, no ... [More]
I’ve got a couple of days off work… happy dance, happy dance, nyah nyah. Actually it’s not really smugworthy, given I’m going to the dentist this morning. On Sunday I unexpectedly went on a consumer electronics buying spree. First, the VCR started misbehaving. Tape playback fuzzy. Same with a couple of other tapes. Found the ... [More]
“Hello, Mr Bowen? … blah blah drive shaft blah blah grease boot split blah blah steering rack problem blah blah exhaust muffler leakage blah blah $560…” I won’t even tell you what the eventual total cost of that service was, suffice to say that I may not be quite as extravagant with my Christmas gift-buying ... [More]
Christmas shopping… uhh, about 50% done. A way to go. Hmm, as a last resort, I suppose I could join in the 24 hour shopping brawl at Chadstone next Thursday night. I could walk from here… quicker than driving and looking for a park, I suspect. The Information Victoria shop on Collins Street has a ... [More]
I was just out fulfilling some of the most basic human needs. 1. The need for physical activity. I went for a walk. 2. The need to communicate. While on my walk I attempted to return a friend’s call. Alas he was otherwise engaged, but I left a message and he rang me back, but ... [More]
Ah the joys of real estate listings. It’s always the stuff they don’t mention that catches you out. Here’s a few samples I’ve encountered recently: A delightful 1950s brick four bedroom family home in a quiet cul de sac location so close to Chadstone Shopping Centre, Phoenix Park & the Malvern Valley Golf Course. — ... [More]
Last weekend I was plonked in front of the telly, and a Clearasil commercial came on. Some teenage girl was moaning about pimples and extolling the virtues of Clearasil, and how wonderful it was for clearing them up. The problem? She didn’t have any. Not that I could see. Granted my eyesight may not be ... [More]