Shell-shocked at the shops
Sydney Morning Herald
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mount Keira resident Dermot Perry shared a perplexing experience while shopping for walnuts, questioning the validity of "Real Walnuts" and whether "Unreal Walnuts" could be superior. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts like Manbir Singh Kohli highlighted the astronomical prices of contemporary artworks at auctions, such as Robert Ryman's Bridge fetching $20.6 million in 2015, while Kazimir Malevich’s White on White was speculated to sell for over $50 million. These anecdotes reflect broader trends in consumer experiences and market dynamics.
Janice Creenaune of Austinmer found humor in her husband’s fascination with a blue triangle at the Tate Modern, which turned out to be an exit sign. This lighthearted moment underscores how everyday objects can spark curiosity and appreciation for design. Similarly, Odille Esmonde-Morgan pointed out the practicality of red flags on US mailboxes, noting their vulnerability to theft despite their historical use.
Boundary roads emerged as a recurring theme, with Jack Dikian of Mosman likening them to shared Netflix accounts—ubiquitous yet underfunded. George Zivkovic revealed that while Tom Hanson’s claim of a single Boundary Road in Northmead is accurate, AI data shows at least 60 instances across NSW, rooted in historical land grants and council boundaries. This highlights the complexities of urban planning and infrastructure management.
John Crowe of Cherrybrook admitted to hiding Easter eggs for years, looking forward to finding the final three in 2025. These personal anecdotes add a human touch, illustrating how everyday activities like shopping, art appreciation, and holiday traditions can reveal deeper insights into consumer behavior, economic trends, and cultural practices.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026