Sponsor's Message

However, every now and then, an online retailer slips up and advertises their products at give-away prices -- ie: for $0.00.

Of course we know they're not going to honour that price, because it's almost certain that such pricing is a genuine error and therefore they can't be bound by it.

However, I was surprised to discover just how many "genuine errors" appear on local e-commerce websites.

For example -- check out the BNC Network cables from Dick Smith Electronics on this page.

Or jump over to their competition, JayCar and check out this range of *free* merchandise.

Or if, like me, you're into the odd bit of metal-mangling, why not buy yourself a brand new "Precision Mini Metal Lathe" for just $35.95. That's a great price when you consider that the other precision mini metal lathe they sell costs a whopping $1,099. Not that I'd spend that much money on such a poorly-spec'd machine.

Word of Fanimatrix Spreads
I see that the mainstream media has picked up on the success of our own locally made Matrix fan-movie, and that's got to be a good thing -- right?

But I'm sure hoping that the guys and guyesses who made this excellent genre-type movie did their legal homework and got APRA clearance for the music clips they used.

Given the current climate of "sue first, ask questions later", I'd bet good money that the recording industry will come down on them like a tonne of bricks if they've not dotted all their I's and crossed all their T's from a legal perspective -- which is a shame. I might even go and buy one of the CDs from which part of the soundtrack was taken.

Lighten Up
Yes, it's Friday (again) and time to review the best and worst of the Net, especially the stuff that makes us laugh.

This story from the Onion would be funny, if it weren't so deeply based in fact.

If you've got a few minutes to kill and you left your own cute, cuddly teddy bear at home this morning then this site is for you.

Children, avert your eyes... Here's a screenshot that is allegedly from a genuine help-desk support request. The customer was apparently having an email problem -- look carefully.

Here's an invention that can't be beat -- yes, Scientific American investigates a patented self-flagellator. Hmm... I wonder if the guy with the email problem has read this?

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