The totally off-topic thread

[Pushka]

ABC News had a piece on the Battle of Fromelles this evening Pushka. Didn't you say your brother (?) has gone over for the ceremony?

Yes - he was there with my sister in law and posted photos on his Facebook. Just watching it on TV I was very moved. My grandfather was just 18 when he fought there.

 

[JessicaTam]

A couple of grey nomads playing Uno in an exec lounge. No Pokemon here...

I like Uno.

 

[marki]

Uno on an iPhone? Maybe

 

[TheRealTMA]

Uno on an iPhone? Maybe

Play in the lounge with a mirror.

 

[whatmeworry]

Mother's Knee confirmed as being advanced osteoarthritis. GP recommends surgery, my "dear mother" not happy.

Asked the GP for the time being, that a steroi_ shot is in order. Mother thinks she convinced the GP when I did the persuasion.

I understand she hates hospitals, but the shots are only a temporary measure and can make the knee worse but she is still quite convinced she doesn't want a knee replacement.

 

[Pushka]

It is her choice as to whether she has surgery. You do not have to convince the GP of anything.

 

[whatmeworry]

It is her choice as to whether she has surgery. You do not have to convince the GP of anything.

If it was up to her she would have refused to have tumours removed from her colon.

 

[penegal]

Uno on an iPhone? Maybe

Regular playing cards... I thought it was "cute".

 

[Milboo]

I salary sacrifice a novated lease, and I have always been able to choose the insurer. If they are trying to force you into a particular insurance company I suggest you vote with your feet and look elsewhere.

I do the same. I picked up the identical insurance policy through Budget (Auto and General) for about 1/3rd the cost of doing it with Auto and General through Maxxia.

The main reason I like my novated lease is the lump sum for running comes out of my salary monthly so I never actually "see" that money. Making all the running costs to be paid seem a lot less painless!

 

[Milboo]

I still can't believe 7/11 is still in business. They take a 55% cut of profits excluding fuel. I guess that is why they still turn a blind eye to under paying workers. Modern day slavers.

It is certainly an interesting model - taking that of the gross profits but they also run the payroll and hold the leases/ pay the rent etc. Basically all the franchisee has to do is roll up and stand behind the counter and serve customers. 7 Eleven make their money especially from the initial fees and then the churn fees when a business is sold. Many of their franchisees purchase a franchise to enable them to apply for a visa - and thus are willing to pay a high fee in order to essentially secure that visa.

I heard that the franchisees only get a couple of cents per litre for the fuel sold. Rest goes to the franchisor.

 

[JohnK]

I understand she hates hospitals, but the shots are only a temporary measure and can make the knee worse but she is still quite convinced she doesn't want a knee replacement.

I wouldn't want a knee replacement either. Or hip replacement.

Yes chances are small but I know someone who suffered for years after hip replacement. Had to go back multiple times to fix the initial stuff up. I know another person who was a panel beater for many years and had pains in the shoulder. Had an operation and couldn't lift his arm past parallel. Multiple operations to try and correct it. Not sure of final outcome.

Avoid all operations unless life threatening or can't play golf....

 

[Mal]

I got up close to the 'America's Cup' today. Impressive size really, and it's Louis Vuitton carry case is definately impressive!

Not going to share any of my photos with the cup here - but check out this website for an image of the cup and carrying case! http://pursuitist.com/louis-vuitton-unveils-the-bespoke-case-for-americas-cup-trophy/

 

[Pushka]

If it was up to her she would have refused to have tumours removed from her colon.

She is entitled to do that also.

 

[Foreigner]

Captivating history of mars exploration :

http://www.gizmag.com/viking-mars-lander-40th-anniversary/43949/

 

[andye]

I wouldn't want a knee replacement either. Or hip replacement.

Yes chances are small but I know someone who suffered for years after hip replacement. Had to go back multiple times to fix the initial stuff up. I know another person who was a panel beater for many years and had pains in the shoulder. Had an operation and couldn't lift his arm past parallel. Multiple operations to try and correct it. Not sure of final outcome.

Avoid all operations unless life threatening or can't play golf....

Sorry to hear about your friend but in my experience joint replacements are one of the life-changing wonders of medicine.
Timing is important-not so early you might need a revision but don't leave it so late you are too frail for the op

 

[whatmeworry]

I wouldn't want a knee replacement either. Or hip replacement.

Yes chances are small but I know someone who suffered for years after hip replacement. Had to go back multiple times to fix the initial stuff up. I know another person who was a panel beater for many years and had pains in the shoulder. Had an operation and couldn't lift his arm past parallel. Multiple operations to try and correct it. Not sure of final outcome.

Avoid all operations unless life threatening or can't play golf....

I am hoping stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis will be available soon. Currently in the testing phase. Just found out there is trial in Melbourne which just stopped accepting participants. Damn.

https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366755

 

[marki]

It's being done in Europe as we speak ...... comes with plus and minuses that need to be looked into before committing.

I am hoping stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis will be available soon. Currently in the testing phase. Just found out there is trial in Melbourne which just stopped accepting participants. Damn.

https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366755

 

[Pushka]

I currently have bone on bone in my big toe for severe osteo - needs surgery for that but am putting it off for as long as I can walk in flat shoes. Podiatrist wont even look at helping unless I get the surgery. Currently high heels are out. The thought of weeks in a moon boot with unknown outcome isn't spurring me on for surgery. Dont think stem cell surgery works there. This was discovered last year after having to take off my shoes to walk to an event in Sydney, due to extreme pain. The events of February put any thoughts of surgery away for a while, just working through the health priorities right now. And weird things continue to happen - either off to Nephrologist or Urologist shortly but that will be after the rheumatologist in a couple of weeks. Lucky I was healthy a few months ago.

 

[JohnK]

I am hoping stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis will be available soon. Currently in the testing phase. Just found out there is trial in Melbourne which just stopped accepting participants. Damn.

https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366755

I feel stem cell research is still in the early days and not worth the risk.

 

[Hvr]

I feel stem cell research is still in the early days and not worth the risk.

The problem with such research is that someone has to be first. If it works then great, but if it doesn't work and there are problems they the person may be worse but, learning what happens benefits everyone after them.