Monday, September 15, 2014

Time is not equal


If you pay attention to anyone on the conservative side of politics in Australia recently, you will notice that one of their favourite topics of conversation is how much should people be paid if they have to work on the weekend. 

In their opinion, every day is the same and the weekend no longer exists in modern day society, so therefore any government regulation of private business is an infringement on their individual’s right to make a profit.

Paying people more during the weekends (plus times such as evenings and nights) is a millstone around the neck of business and this money should be reinvested into making a profit.

I’ve always found this idea that the whole conservative discussion around the weekend a little confusing.

To being with isn’t conservative supposed to be pro “traditional family values”, so what are they trying to do by not compensating people who work when they would traditionally spend with their families and friends?  

Also, many on the right of the political spectrum argue that Australian society has changed and that notions of the weekend is no longer what it was in the past. The majority of people no longer go to church on Sundays or spend it quietly with their friends hanging out at home.

People now expect shops to be open, restaurants and cafés be fully operational so that they are able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or brunch before moving on to the popular “Sunday Session” at the local suburban pub. All these venues (not to mention movie cinemas, concert halls, swimming pools and gyms, etc) all need to be fully staffed in order to provide the level of service that we have come to expect in this country.

While what people might do on the weekend might be different in 2014, I don’t think it that it means that the concept of weekend has diminished. Australians still value Saturday and Sunday (plus any time outside work such as evenings) to be special and exclusively theirs to do what they want.     

Many conservatives would argue that because of the changing nature of the workforce and the rise of the “fly-in-fly-out” workforce, the idea of communal time off is no longer current.

Although they have a point, in that the working week is no longer constrained to 9-5 and Monday to Friday, I don’t think that Australian society is at the stage yet where Tuesday or Wednesday morning has the same value as the weekend.

If you have been out at all on Sunday mornings in your local area, you will know that they are quieter than a normal weekday morning. This is because it is the weekend and most people are enjoying a sleep in and a chance to get up slowly.

Those of you who use public transport, you will know it is a lot harder to get around on weekends. In all their wisdom, the people at the public transport department still believe that fewer buses and trains are needed on weekends (especially Sundays) because fewer people are out and about during this time of the week.


I will not believe that the weekend has equal value as the other 5 days of week until there are no separate public transport timetables for the weekend and those culturally important events happen on a Tuesday morning. Until then those who work unsocialable hours will continue to expect penalty rates as compensation for not spending time with our friends and family.


Saturday, September 13, 2014

Sixteen Ounces of a good time




I love Saturday morning breakfasts out, especially when a good café is involved and I get to spend time with an especially good friend.

Last Saturday was a lovely sunny spring day, a friend and I picked out a local café to enjoy breakfast, drink coffee and chat.

I’ve always wanted to try Sixteen Ounces, as I have heard lots of good things about this café and I’ve only been there to pick a takeaway coffee before work.

This café is a relatively new place but is as good as any of the more established cafés in the immediate area. Unlike the others, Sixteen Ounces has a defiant cooler vibe to it, thanks to its funky décor.

The staff were very friendly and efficient. They who soon took our order and before we knew it, our food came out.

I ordered an Avocado Smash which includes avocado on bread with a sprinkle of Feta and my friend had Hollandaise Bratwurst Toast.

We both like them and agreed that they were at the upper end of not bad; not that they was anything wrong with them, but they were a little ordinary and needed a little chutney or a bit of garlic and lemon to add a bit of zing and punch. They were well presented and just the right size.



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Our coffees were lovely and looked good. You are able to enjoy the house blend as well as the single origin blend but the HB is the one that they use in their default grinder. My latte was good but I liked my Long Mac more as it had more flavour but I am just a strong coffee kinda gal.  

They also have a wide range of snacks and cakes and would be perfect for afternoon tea but get in early because they shut at 4.30. 





This brings me to their opening hours. It would be great if 16 Ounces could open longer as its cool atmosphere would make it perfect for younger people to meet for dessert and coffee later in the day. The Imp Cafe (East Vic Park) does it and it would be great to have a cooler cafe closer where I could stop off for coffee on the way home after a late shift.   


This café is great. The vibe is great, the staff are great and the food is nice. What more could you possibly ask for in your local café? We will defiantly be back!  







Sixteen Ounces on Urbanspoon  
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