I went to buy an ink cartridge for my brand-name computer printer at a well-known discount store. The price for a single black cartridge? $49.88. I could have bought a printer - complete with ink cartridges - for $59! The ink cartridges are sold in plastic containers that can only be removed at the checkout. The operator told me that was because they were among the most-stolen items (along with razors, CDs and DVDs apparently). At those prices for some plastic, simple circuitry and ink, it's no wonder.

Regular visitors to this blog may notice a change in the top right-hand side menu. Through the wonders of syndication, I've incorporated links to items on the Queensland Newspaper arts and entertianment blog. If the headlines intrigue, clicking on them will take you to the full item. The "more" link will take you a list of recent entries on that blog.