A mute point
“My technique for dealing with these robotic receptionists (C8) is to not say a word until a human eventually appears on the line,” advises Dave Horsfall of North Gosford. “Being in IT for decades, I regard computers as my vassals, not my equals.”
“When the Herald transitioned from broadsheet (C8) to a compact size (I dare not call it ‘tabloid’), I had a letter published in the very first, smaller edition which said: ‘Those of us with shorter arms salute you’,” says Alicia Dawson of Balmain. “I still stand by that.”
“In the 1950s and for many years following, the Leaving Certificate (HSC equivalent) started on the first Tuesday in November – Melbourne Cup Day,” says Kathy Earls of Hunters Hill. “My sister was a boarder at a school in Glebe. Students caught the tram to the old Fort Street High School where many schools gathered to sit the final exams (C8). The English paper commenced after lunch. At about 3pm the students were told to put their pens down, the wireless was turned on, and they listened to the Cup. When the race ended, they were directed to pick up pens and continue the exam. I wonder if the same will happen in 2026 for Investigating Science and French Continuers students.”
Aidan Cuddington of Umina Beach says that, “like Sally Deves (C8), I was taught mental arithmetic at an early age (and it was the only branch of mathematics at which I excelled), but my ability to calculate unit prices was greatly enhanced by a lifetime of darts and cribbage.”
“Why is it that interest rates are hiked, yet water levels are raised, blood pressure is elevated, danger is heightened, search efforts are expanded, the debt is enlarged, and threat levels are escalated?” We’ll get back to you, Geoff Goodfellow of Moss Vale.
“It is not only biscuits suffering shrinkflation (C8),” alleges Janice Creenaune of Austinmer. Metre-long, snake-like coils of licorice were once two to a packet. Now reduced to one for a similar price. ‘Buyer beware’ has never been truer.”
Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach was “much impressed by the amazing properties reported in the Herald’s Sydney’s 10 most beautiful apartments feature last Monday, and I am now inspired to put my two-bedroom cottage forward for the new category of Sydney’s 10 most amazingly ordinary houses, should such a category arise. Kindly keep me informed.”
Column8@smh.com.au
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