Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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The Design Flaws of the Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush: A Mold Growth Concern
The Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush has gained a reputation for effective plaque removal, but it’s also been criticized for design features that inadvertently create conditions conducive to mold growth. While brand reputation and functionality are essential, thoughtful design is crucial in oral care products. Here, we’ll delve into some of the design flaws…
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Is It Time for Australia to Embrace Republicanism? A Growing Sentiment for Independence
Australia stands at a pivotal moment in its constitutional history. As King Charles III and Queen Camilla embark on their royal tour, recent events have reignited discussions about Australia’s ties to the British monarchy and the broader Commonwealth. The actions and sentiments expressed by key figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Lidia Thorpe,…
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Dark Web Nightmare: How DigiDirect Exposed My Personal Data
In today’s world, data security is paramount. We all trust that when we hand over our personal details to companies, they’ll be safeguarded. Unfortunately, this trust was shattered for me and over 300,000 other customers of the Australian electronics retailer, DigiDirect. As someone affected by this breach, I want to call out the individuals responsible…
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Navigating the Trailboss Towbar Installation for the BYD ATTO 3 CL4
As an avid DIY enthusiast, I recently took on the challenge of installing a Trailboss Towbar (model QTBD001L) on my BYD ATTO 3 CL4. While the end result was a successful installation, the process was not without its challenges. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience and highlight the issues I encountered along the…
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“The Strata Trap”: A Deep Dive into Australia’s Strata Industry
The Australian housing landscape is rapidly changing, with high-density living becoming the norm for many urban dwellers. However, the recent Four Corners episode titled “The Strata Trap” sheds light on the dark underbelly of the strata management industry, revealing how apartment owners are often caught in a web of exploitation and unethical practices. The Housing…
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Avis Announces Data Breach Impacting Customer Information
On August 5, 2024, Avis, the well-known car rental company, discovered that an unauthorized third party had gained access to one of their business applications. This breach occurred between August 3-6, 2024, and compromised the personal information of some Avis customers. According to the notice, the following customer data was accessed by the unauthorized party:…
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The Hidden Cost of Buying Lottery Tickets with Your Commonwealth Bank Australia Credit Card: A $4 Surprise
Have you ever made a quick purchase with your Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) credit card, only to notice an unexpected fee on your statement later? That’s exactly what happened on August 31, 2024, with a small transaction that led to a $4 charge labeled as a “CBA OTHER CASH ADV FEE.” And here’s the catch—it…
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The Good Guys in Hot Water Over Alleged Store Credit Shenanigans
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched legal action against The Good Guys, alleging the electronics retailer misled customers about store credit promotions and failed to honour them in numerous instances. The ACCC claims that between July 2019 and August 2023, The Good Guys ran 116 promotions offering store credit or “StoreCash” to…
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When Convenience Fails: A Year with the Kogan KASPEMHA Smart Plug
Introduction Smart home devices have revolutionized the way we interact with our living spaces, offering unparalleled convenience and control. The Kogan KASPEMHA Smart Plug with Energy Meter is one such device that promises to simplify our lives by enabling remote control, energy saving, and even theft prevention. However, what happens when the convenience of smart…
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Is Your Smartwatch Warranty Short-Changing You? Exploring Unfair Warranty Periods
Smartwatches, like the TicWatch GTH, have become increasingly popular tools for fitness tracking, communication, and more. However, what happens when your device malfunctions shortly after the warranty expires? This situation raises concerns about the fairness of warranty periods and the options available to consumers. The Case of the TicWatch GTH: Recently, a TicWatch GTH user…
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