Tan Family Blog

Only last month I was denouncing Apple products as overpriced, underpowered and anti-freedom. Yet, within the last two weeks, I have purchased not one but two Apple computers – a desktop and a notebook – both surplus to requirements and both at the more expensive end of the scale. I blame advertising.

Sure, I am expecting these to be reimbursed by my employer. And I admit that I have a fascination for gadgets. But it's vaguely satisfying to claim that more sinister forces are responsible, even though they rely on my personal weaknesses.

I am currently reading the Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson, an above-average mystery-thriller series, and one that makes frequent mention of Apple computers. I realised this after buying the second Mac, and attributed blame retrospectively for my recent spending spree. After all, if product placement in television shows and movies affects purchasing, the same must apply to books. Perhaps companies will start paying authors and publishing houses for this; or perhaps it has already happened and I have not realised. I had once  considered myself inherently suspicious of and therefore resistant to advertising, but I realised that this was just wishful thinking about 6 months ago when I found myself reaching for a banana at the same time that I was watching a television advertisement for bananas.

Oscar enjoyed his first week at school, although he was jealous that Adeline got to stay at home with Katharina. I am told that he has been enthusiastic and obedient so far, which is more than I can say when he is at home … just kidding! The biggest change he has had to deal with is that he no longer naps during the day. Although he has in the past been terribly cranky by late afternoon when he has not napped – a paternally inherited trait, I bet – his temperament is improving by leaps and bounds.

Speaking of overpriced, we visited South Bank Parklands on Sunday and rode the Wheel of Brisbane: Oscar and Adeline's idea, but they did agree to forgo ice-cream. Actually, the experience was not bad, although at the asking price ($42 for a family ticket) I would only recommend it for tourists.