reflections

Parking Technology

I went to Chatswood Westfield a few days ago. As I was driving into the parking garage I noticed the usual sign telling me that certain levels were full. I did notice that the electronic board was constantly changing, but didn't pay too much attention to it.

When I drove inside, I noticed further signs saying full or telling me that 1 or 2 spots were available. However, I didn't pay any attention at first. However, as I had driven around for a minute or so I noticed that the signs were pointing down various parking aisles and the availability was constantly changing.

Still a little dubious, but with a faint hope I turned into an aisle that had just indicated that there were two spots available. There was a car in front of me and to my great surprise there were two spots available in the aisle. As I got out of the can, I noticed that there was a detector fitted above each parking spot keeping a constant track of availability.

Why hasn't this caught on yet? Apparently, Chatswood Westfield has had the technology for about a year. I haven't seen it anywhere else. What is going on? Is anyone as excited about this as I am? 

The redroomdvd

Clare and I stumbled onto a new DVD rental concept over the weekend. The redroomdvd is an automated DVD rental service.

You can browse for the DVD you want either at the store or online. You reserve it and then you simply go to the DVD dispenser to collect it. The dispenser is accessible 24 hours and you can borrow or return a DVD at anytime. It is also very cost effective with new releases costing as little as $2.95 for 6 hours or $4.95 overnight. You can become a member and get a prepaid card or you can borrow using your credit card. Love it!

Photo sourced from redroomdvd.

Chopping Onions

I love onions. I used them in most of my dishes. I find that onions work well with most ingredients to enhance the flavour. However, like most people I hate peeling and chopping onions. I can't do either without crying like a baby.

Clare gave me a very useful tip that has helped me and that I thought I would share. When chopping onions, make sure that you have cold water running from your tap nearby. For reasons unknown, it really reduces the sting. I still tear up, but definitely not as much as I used to.

I can see all the environmentalists bristling at the waste of water. So if you want to conserve it, let the water run into a bucket and then use it to wash your veggies, mop the floor, water the garden, etc. etc. :-)