Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Is rent control a solution to the housing crisis?
In the ongoing housing affordability crisis, government and non-government parties alike are searching for ways to ease the pressure on tenants. One of the potential solutions is rent control, which would allow for capped rental prices dependent on income. Rent control dictates that a tenant pay 30% of your income on your housing. City West Housing are…
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Amazon launches Alexa in virtual assistant race
Amazon is vying against corporate giants Google and Apple with its integrated voice technology. Despite a failed attempt at their own smartphone, Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos has a new angle on the company’s role in the future of sophisticated voice command technology. Amazon have found a new way of pitching for future supremacy in the rapidly…
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NAB interest rate rise is causing outrage
The National Australia Bank (NAB) is receiving heavy criticism for its decision to raise its interest rates yesterday, just hours after the US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates. The NAB raised its residential investment home loan variable rate by 25 basis points from 5.55% to 5.8% per annum. They also raised their standard variable rate for owner-occupiers…
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Malcolm Turnbull calls for unified effort on energy crisis
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called for a unified approach to the energy shortages threatening Australia, dismissing Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett’s proposal for unilateral federal control over the issue. Mr Turnbull told the Seven Network that while Mr Kennett may see the value in the Federal Government taking the lead on energy shortages, it was…
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Australian dollar surges above US 77c
The Australian dollar has reached its highest point in two years in the wake of a weakened US dollar and an increase in commodity prices. The Australian dollar is now worth over US 77 cents, reaching a high point of 77.07 US cents, which is an increase of 2%. The surge comes in the wake of…
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Government prepares $2bn Snowy Hydro expansion
The Federal Government will today unveil a plan for a $2 billion expansion of the Snowy Hydro electric scheme in order to stave off the impending energy crisis on Australia’s east coast. This expansion is set to increase the output of the hydroelectric power scheme by up to 50%. The move which is being heralded…
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Amazon’s Kindle terms take nine hours to read
Amazon has everything. That’s their entire appeal. If you want books, batteries or baking trays, Amazon is where you go. It’s easy enough to make an account and just easily click ‘yes’ to the terms and conditions. But do you know what you’re agreeing to? Australian consumer advocacy group Choice think not. That’s why they’ve…
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Donald Trump has his 2005 taxes revealed
After years of questions and contention, Donald Trump has finally released his tax returns. The White House revealed two pages of President Trump’s 2005 taxes after learning that the MSNBC had obtained the documents. Minutes before MSNBC journalist Rachel Maddow was set to air the release, the White House released the documents. BREAKING: We've got Trump…
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A rundown of the South Australia energy crisis
South Australia and their energy crises issues seem never ending. If it’s not the gas crisis, it’s the energy gridlock. Luckily, an exchange between two multi-millionaires has brought the spotlight on what South Australia can do in relation to their energy crisis. Elon Musk, the renowned founder of Tesla Motors, has released a new battery in…
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Snapchat shares hit an all-time low
Shares in Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc, have reached the lowest point since the company was publicly listed on 2 March. The all-time low of $20.50 is due to investor concerns about slowing user growth and a lack of profit. The company’s stock has mostly fallen since the Initial Public Offering of $24.48. Snap Inc…
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