Don Fischer of Goulburn shares his love for his 1906 Sears Roebuck mail order catalogue, noting the eclectic range of items it includes, from quack medicines to horse-drawn wagons. Tim Parker of Balmain seeks input from readers on a disagreement with his partner over the definition of “plain” chocolate. Seppo Ranki of Glenhaven recalls a past article predicting the introduction of metric time, including the intriguing detail that the fortnight would be eliminated.
Paul Barber of Windsor shares his experience of wearing a decimal single hand watch that follows the French Revolutionary Time system, with 10-hour days, 100 minutes to the hour, and 100 seconds to the minute. Adrian Connelly of Springwood remembers a hoax circular about converting to metric time that fooled some individuals in his government department. Christo Curtis of Beaconsfield celebrates reaching a milestone when his odometer recently hit 345,678.9 km.
Sue Dowd of Norwest finds humor in a sign cautioning that a door is alarmed, feeling sympathy for the distressed doors. John Lees of Castlecrag wonders about creating the verb “disasterize” or “disasterise” based on the examples of “catastrophise” and “apostrophize.” Alan Robertson of Campbell (ACT) expresses surprise at the use of the word “disambiguate” in an article, later learning that it can be found in the Macquarie dictionary.
The readers’ submissions reflect a diverse range of interests and experiences, from nostalgic reflections on old catalogues to discussions about unconventional timekeeping systems. Humor and wordplay also feature prominently, adding a lighthearted touch to the observations shared. The intricacies of language and the quirks of everyday life are explored and contemplated in these brief anecdotes, offering readers a glimpse into the varied perspectives and musings of the contributors. The sense of community and camaraderie among the readers is evident in the shared laughter and curiosity that underlie these interactions.
The discussions touch on themes of tradition, innovation, and communication, as individuals grapple with differing interpretations of language and timekeeping. The blend of nostalgia, wit, and curiosity creates a lively and engaging atmosphere in which readers can participate and connect over shared experiences and observations. The playful banter and witty observations that populate the readers’ submissions serve as a reminder of the humor and humanity that unite us all, even in the midst of everyday misunderstandings and linguistic debates. From historical anecdotes to contemporary musings, the contributions offer a tapestry of voices and perspectives that together form a vivid portrait of the readers’ collective experiences and interests.
