Can anyone tell me why so many advertisements for upmarket loungers feature dogs reclining, jumping or snoozing on them, asks Paul Vincent of Bayview. "The dogs can be aristocratic, aloof or playful. Presumably however the lounges are intended for people but the advertisers obviously prefer to pitch their products at man's best friend. One wonders whether this carries through when the purchaser gets the product home."
Gabrielle Bluett (C8 dog at a Spit restaurant) shouldn't venture to the UK suggests Kathleen Molloy of Thornleigh. "Dogs are treated as welcome guests in pubs and restaurants. It is commonplace for these pets to be fed and watered from the dining table and to my horror, patted and cuddled by the wait staff, who then go on to serve your food and pour your drinks."
"Gabrielle, if a dog wouldn't finish the remains of the chicken entree perhaps you should consider eating elsewhere," suggests Robert Sharpe of Bronte.
"I knew about dysgraphia Tim Ingall (MB BS, PhD (University of Sydney) department of neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA), (C8) because it was googleable." Thanks Jeff Marsh of Dulwich Hill.
If the moon looks smaller than usual on February 19, it's because it's at its apogee i.e. the furthest away from Earth, advises Dave Horsfall of North Gosford. "I'll bet not even Column 8's mighty powers can prevent that." [C8: Showers/cloud forecast.]
From Graham Russell, Clovelly. "I have recently noticed that ABC Lateline male presenters are tieless. Is this part of ABC budget cuts? Will the next round of budget cuts remove their jackets? Big savings there."
John Grinter reckons this column's most prolific contributor, George Manojlovic, doesn't exist, and claims he is a clever piece of software, notes Paul Hunt of Engadine. "If John is correct, it means that I, as a living human being, should replace Mr Manojlovic as the most prodigious Column 8 contributor. I came second in the recent survey, having been beaten by just two contributions. If I receive a monetary award, I will donate all of it to the superannuation fund that Column 8's editor belongs to." [C8: Have emailed member details just in case.]
And from George Manojlovic of Mangerton: "John Grinter, cogito ergo sum. There, that's off my chest. Now I can relax and study the form guide. I'm no gambler, I just like to put Descartes before the horse."
Twitter: @Column8SMH