The disposable Russian bride

Not so long ago, before a guy with a Russian sounding name brought the financial institutions to their knees, the Australian industry was crying out for skilled workers in all fields. The Australian Government, like any good and democratically elected government, has quickly reacted to this and has promptly increased the immigration numbers, adding a special visa for the skilled migrants.
Australia has always been in this privileged situation - whenever there was a shortage, the immigration gates would open.
It seems that now the Chinese economy is recovering faster that expected, so companies who have been laying off staff like there was no tomorrow are again crying out for skilled workforce.
But like so many men affected by mid-life crisis who have had enough of their wives cooking and are looking for some fresh Russian borscht, these companies are doing the same.
They are telling the government that the old workforce is way too old and it is impossible to re-train old staff (even though the staff would be doing the same job).
And the government, like any good and democratically elected government, seems to be embarking again in searching for the disposable Russian bride.

What to do with poor old women left behind?

Economic doomsters

Almost half a year to go and some people believe 2009 is not a good year.
I say, there is still time.
Before you spend your money on rope and soap, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the ride. You'll get there, eventually. Why rush into it?

Current world economy - corporate suicide

I found this on a window and I am wondering if it's wishful thinking or a premonition?
It is hard to believe it is true when you consider that corporations are getting stronger through mergers and acquisitions. especially in times like this.
Some corporations may fail, like those Blues Brothers, but others will get fatter.

Unemployment in Australia at 5.7%

UNEMPLOYED

WILL DO ANY

PAID

WORK

Holden just doesn't get it

On the day General Motors has filed for bankruptcy, Holden, their Asia-Pacific subsidiary has announced they're in a great position. They are in the process of implementing some revolutionary technologies to their six cylinder engines which power their enormous Australian cars. Australians are already lining up to spend their Rudd government stimulus package on the new engines.

Out of excitement, millions of Australians who are losing their jobs due to the economic downturn are buying Holdens from their separation packages.

Downsizing Italian style - 4

General Motors may survive bankruptcy - great news! Maybe this time around they will learn to make what people need!

Ironing - one of the victims of the Economic downturn

One of the first luxuries to go in recession is ironing. Why would you need pressed clothes if you are unemployed and losing your home?

Downsizing Italian style 3

With the Australian Government confident that Australia will be out of recession this Christmas, following yesterday's assessment by the Reserve Bank, there will be a long time before you'll see these cars on Australian roads.

Recycling

In a move to reduce cost, car manufacturers have gone to extremes after massive layoffs have failed to bring results. From July, all new cars will have between 10% and 90% recycled parts.
The good news - recycled parts have been extensively tested.

Fighting the recession

In these tough times, to survive, you need to think inside the square. That's where the cashed-up tourists are.

Good news in Wayne Swan's Budget

Retailers are the big winners from yesterday's budget, as Australians are lining up to spend the Rudd government's stimulus package on the new belt developed by the CSIRO.

The belt is said to be 25% stronger and 30% shorter than a normal belt and it is expected to last a minimum of ten years.

The belt is expected to drastically reduce the obesity rate in Australia and the carbon emissions.

Downsizing Italian style (2)

GM Holden have announced the introduction in production of a new compact car.

To get the support of the public, management have decided to replace all Company cars with small cars (see picture), effective immediately.

The move is expected to allow Australia to reach its carbon emissions target and has been welcome by the Greens.

Happy Mother's day!

Found these flowers heavily discounted at the supermarket and I thought I'll share them with all the mothers in the world. It is encouraging to see that supermarkets are helping the community celebrate Mother's day in this economic climate.
Happy Mother's day!

Borrowing has become harder in the current climate

Small businesses are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, as it becomes harder to borrow money from the banks.

Downsizing Italian style 1

No wonder FIAT is buying General Motors.

A while ago, a friend of mine went for a job interview with Mitsubishi in Adelaide.

He told them that the future for the Australian car manufacturers would no doubt be to build small cars. They laughed and sent him away.

Who are they now, I hear you say, and rightly so.