Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

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…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In today’s digital age, the convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the way we make purchases. However, as Edmond discovered during his recent visit to BigW, the disparity between online and in-store prices can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration for customers. BigW, a prominent retail chain in Australia, prides itself on offering a wide…

In the shadows of the justice system lurk unsettling truths and ethical quandaries, often shrouded in secrecy. One such revelation has surfaced with the spotlight on Absolute Standards, a Connecticut-based company embroiled in controversy for its alleged involvement in supplying drugs for lethal injections. The curtain was pulled back on Absolute Standards when investigative efforts…

In a recent development, the Federal Court has wielded its authority, ordering Bloomex, an online florist and gift retailer, to pay a hefty penalty of $1 million. The reason? Bloomex confessed to breaching the Australian Consumer Law by propagating false and deceptive representations on its website. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner, Liza…