The totally off-topic thread

[Archphoto]

Yes the "worker in the fields" look aka tanned is not at all liked. And they actually do tan just like we do, so covering up away from the sun to avoid this, is a big thing. Plus as Pushka pointed out, the sales of skin whitening products are astounding as are the adverts themselves.

 

[Austman]

I think I have had over 20 stays at the shaker, yet to set foot on any of those balconies.

Not even possible for the next weeks/months:


... trouble is you can't even open the door (even a bit) or any window. Many complaints according to the manager.

 

[get me outta here]

My elderly neighbour has just told me that having just done his tax return that if one does not claim any medical bills in a f/y, you can NEVER claim them for the rest of you life. Has anyone heard of this?

 

[markis10]

My elderly neighbour has just told me that having just done his tax return that if one does not claim any medical bills in a f/y, you can NEVER claim them for the rest of you life. Has anyone heard of this?

Not quite correct

If you received this offset in your 2012–13 income tax assessment, there is no change to the types of net medical expenses that you can claim.
If you did not receive this offset in your 2012–13 income tax assessment, you can only claim net medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care or aged care.

Its all going in 2019 anyway.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Offsets-you-can-claim/Medical-expenses/

 

[JohnK]

"Whiter skin is better" would be the (massive generalisation) prevailing thinking in most Asian nations.

And I doubt anyone said racism only exists in Western countries- have you ever read the letters section in a SIN newspaper? So many racist letters, especially against mainland Chinese.

I actually understand their concerns and POV but wouldn't pen my name to them in a paper!

I must read the SIN newspaper when I am there in 2 weeks.

Personally I find the mainland Chinese are some of the rudest people I have come across in my travels. That's not racism. That's reality and I am not afraid to speak up.

 

[TheEmu]

I must read the SIN newspaper when I am there in 2 weeks.

Personally I find the mainland Chinese are some of the rudest people I have come across in my travels. That's not racism. That's reality and I am not afraid to speak up.

Mainland chinese also among the most racist people I have come across, often very subtle (to your face) but also at times extremely and unashamedly blatant. Not just against (all) foreigners but also against any chinese minority. Any chinese (even Han) with even just an olive complexion is universally derided as "black". This from sophomore and junior uni students... I don't think it's going away any time soon.

 

[amaroo]

I must read the SIN newspaper when I am there in 2 weeks.

Personally I find the mainland Chinese are some of the rudest people I have come across in my travels. That's not racism. That's reality and I am not afraid to speak up.

Indeed....worse than the Russians.

 

[whatmeworry]

A friend was driving his Japanese FIL through Footscray and lets just say his views on the Vietnamese were not complimentary.

 

[JohnK]

Would you risk a 3h 55m unprotected connection in SIN on a TG-> QF connection. I believe they are both at T1? Or worse case scenario I collect bags and check-in again.

The CX flight BKK-SIN arrives ~8h before SIN flight and I don't really want to wait that long. And earlier TG flight BKK-SIN arrives close to CX flight.

 

[get me outta here]

This must adversely affect a lot of people I'm surprised that there is not a hue and cry. So, if I understand it correctly, if you are well in 2012-13 and don't claim net medical expesnes, and then the next year you are expensively unwell, you can't claim it. How did this ever get up?

Not quite correct

If you received this offset in your 2012–13 income tax assessment, there is no change to the types of net medical expenses that you can claim.
If you did not receive this offset in your 2012–13 income tax assessment, you can only claim net medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care or aged care.

Its all going in 2019 anyway.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Offsets-you-can-claim/Medical-expenses/

 

[markis10]

This must adversely affect a lot of people I'm surprised that there is not a hue and cry. So, if I understand it correctly, if you are well in 2012-13 and don't claim net medical expesnes, and then the next year you are expensively unwell, you can't claim it. How did this ever get up?

It was one of those parting budget gifts from Julia

 

[Pushka]

It was one of those parting budget gifts from Julia

My son who is on very limited wages has had surgery this FY and I knew nothing about this - I was consoling him by saying he could claim a rebate next year. Thanks Julia.

 

[get me outta here]

Well, whoever had this bright idea, why is it still there. Anyone in government can take it off.

It was one of those parting budget gifts from Julia

 

[Pushka]

Probably because they are busy unwinding other stuff.

 

[TomVexille]

Oven was leaking gas :shock:

Thankfully the landlord got someone out right away. However it's now day two of no stove or oven.

Takeaway here I come :mrgreen:

 

[Pushka]

Thankfully the landlord got someone out right away. However it's now day two of no stove or oven.

And the problem is?

 

[NFF]

Are generation x and y mainland chinese rude as well ?

 

[TomVexille]

And the problem is?

I like cooking

And I have a fridge full of food that I can't cook

 

[anat0l]

Are generation x and y mainland chinese rude as well ?

What generation are you comparing them with and what makes you think it was otherwise?

I like cooking

And I have a fridge full of food that I can't cook

How much know-how do you possess in using a zapper (a.k.a. microwave)?

Being sick over the last few days, I'm struggling with appetite and consequently the food in my part of the fridge is backing up, or rather I'm scared of it going off before eating it.

In addition, I have about a kilo of carrots which I've got to find some interesting ways to cook within the next week or so otherwise they will likely be forfeit. No, do not mention carrot sticks, carrot soup (had plenty of suggestions of this), carrot cake, carrot juice (just, no), carrot and zucchini patties......

 

[TomVexille]

How much know-how do you possess in using a zapper (a.k.a. microwave)?

Enough to make breakfast with it