Have you noticed a pronounced ‘deteriation’ in pronunciation lately?

I’m resigned to hearing relatively simple words mispronounced, not just in casual conversation, but on radio and TV, and particularly in advertising.

Even the ABC, whose news readers and presenters once set the gold standard for clear diction and correct pronunciation, is ‘vunerable’.

Has Aunty stopped caring about such things?

Then there’s ‘renumeration’.

I’d like to be remunerated with a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one.

And here’s another question for Aunty.

She makes much of the claim that her programs are advertising-free.

So why the incessant flogging on TV and radio of merchandise on sale at ABC shops and centres, news agents and on line?

Granted, it mightn’t be paid advertising, but it sounds awfully like advertising to me, no matter what Aunty likes to call it, promotion or whatever.

Certainly, she needs a bit of cash flow so that she can operate at all, given the miserly government funding of the national broadcaster for years, and it’s fair enough to to cry poor, but to boast about being advertising-free is a bit rich.

Maleny warmth
Belated response to Maleny AAT reader Janice O’Connor, who had some thoughts about my recent piece on the ridiculous push to move the official start of spring to August 1 instead of September 1.

She thinks we should fall into line with the northern hemisphere, with winter and summer starting on the shortest and longest days.

“I've always felt that it doesn't really get cold until June 21 and summer definitely runs through to March,” Janiice writes.

She doesn’t put her winter woollies away until the beginning of October which is understandable since she has only recently moved from the Coast up to Maleny, where it can turn on a chilly day any time in the year.

Nice to read, though, that Janice finds compensating warmth even on
the coldest day.

“I love the community feel and the locals are friendly and caring, so much so that I decided that's where I wanted to live.”

I share your warm regard for Maleny, Janice, and I love getting up there for lunch and a wander.

Glorious scenery, lot of interesting but not kitschy shops, a happy hunting ground for coffee lovers and foodies.

And a great mix of residents, from the long-established farming families to the now ageing alternative lifestylers to the new wave of professionals running businesses, some of them world-encircling, from their range hideaways.

Yes, you’ve chosen well, Janice.

And Another Thing

The Sunshine Council’s attractive new publication, Encompass, helpfully includes a map showing the location of the various divisions.

I’m wondering, though, why sizeable places like Mooloolaba and Yandina aren’t shown, while Ringtail Creek, up in the Noosa hinterland, gets a guernsey.

Ringtail Creek?

Is it Noosa’s best kept secret, or what?

Have I missed something here?

Overall, though, Encompass is welcome in my mailbox.

Congratulations to all who put it together.

rich.29@bigpond.net.au