To some, it is known as the aisle of shame, to others merely the “middle aisle”. But to most, it is the mecca of impulse buying and surprises in an otherwise highly predictable supermarket. I suspect many FiftyUp Club members may keep more than a fleeting eye on the unlikely bargains which pop up ever so fleetingly at Aldi stores every Wednesday and Saturday from 8.30 am. Sometimes there’... read more>

The rich are known for their willingness to pay ridiculous prices to show everyone else they are indeed very well off. Fancy a Tiffany tennis ball can for just $1500, that Louis Vuitton skateboard - only $8,250 - or a carbon fibre toilet seat a snip at $249? But now it seems prices are going through the roof for almost everything: meat, new cars, hire cars, building materials, labour, fru... read more>

When looking back on life, a common refrain is the illusion of the ‘good old days’ and, in certain ways, it all seems somehow better. It’s a fruitless if fun argument to have a younger generation along the lines of music and LPs versus MP3, although the truth as ever lies nearer in the middle. (i.e. they both are different) This Easter, I’ve been reminded of the paper-thin aerogrammes tha... read more>

With much hullabaloo, after two years a cruise ship has returned to Sydney Harbour as the industry gears up to relive its glory days after the Covid shutdown. P&O cruises’ flagship, the Pacific Explorer, was given a mighty maritime welcome. The line says bookings for Australian cruises are approaching the pre-pandemic levels, and they expect a nearly normal season for next summer. Mor... read more>

As if you needed reminding, the election is on. If the prime minister or aspirant leader walked into your pub, club or café. What would you say? And how might they reply? Pensioner Ray Drury, aged 73, gave the PM an earful at the Edgeworth Tavern in Newcastle this month on his claim of low financial support for older Australians. Mr Morrison's response was conciliatory but soon forgotten:... read more>