Dodgy restaurants feel the heat
CookIn a dramatic illustration of the power of user-generated internet content, consumers have embraced a NSW Government website that 'names and shames' dodgy restaurants, the ABC reports.
The NSW Food Safety Act was amended earlier this year to allow the Food Authority to publish details of restaurants that receive penalty notices via its website.
According to the report, dozens of eateries have already been reported to the website by consumers. Complaint topics include pest control, faulty equipment and poor hygiene.
The online service has been receiving up to 1,200 hits a day since its introduction last month.
Romance blooms for 8 in 10 workers
CoupleLove is in the air at Australian workplaces. A new study indicates an unprecedented number of workers are becoming romantically involved with a colleague, news.com.au reports.
The research shows 11 per cent of workers are in a workplace relationship at any one time, while 80 per cent have admitted to being involved with a colleague at some point in their career.
Onetest's Matthew Neale says the trend reflects the fact that people are spending more time at work which means they have less time to meet partners elsewhere.
He says the workplace is seen as a safe option to get to know a potential lover (as opposed to a bar situation), as there is plenty of time to gather information on a romantic target.
Alternatives to meetings
MeetingThere can be times when meetings are more painful than having teeth pulled.
With this contention in mind, a recent lifehack post suggests it's worth considering some alternatives before automatically agreeing to a chat-fest.
Here are a few non-meeting meeting options:
Instant messaging - a quick and focused way to have your questions answered minus the small talk and it allows you to keep a record of communications
Teleconferencing - a travel time saving solution that's ideal when a personal touch is required; many teleconferencing systems can also create meeting transcripts
Wikis - when real time interaction isn't necessary wikis enable coworkers to collaborate using software that enables users to easily self-organise, create and edit documents
Collaboration software - project management software can enable coworkers to be on the same page with regard to the exchange of information and the assignment of tasks
¿Do netbooks have the IT factor?
Forget the notebook, IT's hottest new trend is the netbook, according to a recent Age article.
It's claimed netbooks are proving a hit with both everyday computer users and technology enthusiasts because of the device's pared down 'only what you need' functions.
For example, a netbook might only include applications like internet tools for email, chat and surfing as well as programs for writing, music or watching videos.
For greater mobility, these new generation computers are generally the size of an A4 sheet of paper and can weight as little as one kilogram. Sounds good? Do you want to buy calendars ? Order calendars here.
Netbooks retail for between $500 and $600.
