Australia doesn't have birth right citizenship (Since 1986, apparently). Thus, as I was born after 1986, and legislation has recently changed, and owing to the fact that I do not have a current passport (long story), I now have to fill out an extremely detailed online application, and pay several hundred dollars, and then wait a month, to be sent "proof" that I am an Australian citizen by birth...
The thing is called a "Citizenship Certificate". Immigrants get one when they become citizens. I require this to then apply for a new passport.
This is despite my having my physical Birth Cert, and both my parents Birth Certs. And of course innumerate other forms of ID, both federal and state.
Just thought that was amusingly insane.
Abos don't have to do any of this, naturally. Even the ones born after 1986, lol. But yeah, it's nuts...
The online application system has been down for 24 hours, too, due to "overwhelming demand" for visas, apparently... Which means I have to pay more, now, because of EOFY "indexing".
All just a bit ludicrous, IMHO.
"Bureaucracy".
It's so strange how the Land Down Under can be so awful about so many things, yet so amazing in one very specific area:
In Australia, if you win money and/or prizes on a game show, that money is not taxable.
You keep every last cent.
Yep. Didn’t realize that wasn’t a thing elsewhere, lol…
To be fair though, personal income tax, etc., here, is very high, so… I guess that compensates somewhat?
I dunno. I honestly think we’re headed for a race/ideology civil war, at the rate things are going (much like so many other places), so…
Sadly I don’t think those winnings will count for much, when that comes, lol.
I'm just a lifelong fan of the genre, that's all.
I strongly believe that Sale of the Century is the second-greatest quiz show format ever designed, and it originated in your homeland, where it ran for 21 years (1980-2001).
Yeah, it was pretty great, hey?
Lol, unexpected (and I admit that I can only really remember the reruns, consciously), but you're not wrong, I'll say that much!
Have to ask you what the greatest is, in your opinion, then, I suppose..?
I'm not that much of a fan, by comparison, so I'm intrigued!
I did have an ex go on "Millionaire" (in Aus) once, though, lol. She was pretty pleased with herself, at the time, I believe...
Being an American, I'm basically obligated to say that the greatest is Jeopardy, which is approaching season 40. Brilliant in its simplicity.
Millionaire is certainly top five. Still surprised it didn't catch on as much elsewhere, other than its native Britain and the USA.