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Oh dear what has become of this world?

June 23, 2026 — BarryK

I miss cars from about 15 years ago. New cars now... I won't go there, something else has happened that I find alarming...

I am currently renting an apartment, previously did own one, but now renting. Anyway, the light in the lounge room failed, so got a ladder to change the light globe. Took off the cover, and was shocked. This is what I saw:

img3

...a complete assembly. Sent an email to the rental agent, she booked an electrician, who came this morning.

Electricians are in high demand here, so I imagine the call-out fee will be high, perhaps around AU$100. Asked Google AI:

In Perth, a typical electrician call-out fee ranges from $80 to $160. This fixed charge covers travel time, fuel, vehicle costs, and usually the first 15 to 30 minutes of on-site assessment. It is billed separately from the standard hourly labor rate, which generally sits between $90 and $150

This is what they fitted, a ROBUS RLUS1824CCT3-01:

https://perthbuildingmaterials.com.au/product/slim-lustre-dual-wattage-18w-24w-cct-sel-ledrlus1824cct3-01/

...AU$163.46 OK, that is probably the retail price. It is only guaranteed for 3 years.

There was a time when I would have just gone down to the local shopping centre and bought a new LED globe for about 15 dollars. I am left muttering, oh dear...   

Tags: ethos