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🤔 News theme of the week: Nothing!
This week was probably one of the most boring news cycles we've seen in a while. Not that they're normally riveting, but this week's focus on residential construction news was particularly stale and musty.
The only thing that springs to mind from reflecting on the week that was is hope.
Are we hopeful that things will get better? Are we hopeful that we can all afford a place to call home and raise a family (if we choose to)? Are we hopeful that we can live in peace, be free and happy, and work gainfully—knowing that our contributions mean we're getting closer to our hopes and dreams?
What's left once hope is taken away, or things feel hopeless?
That's the big question on my mind. If I were making political decisions right now, I'd be scared. People will not forget. Gen Z and beyond are young for a long time; they're tech-savvy, smart, and just a bit pissed off at the moment.
Once people feel they've had enough of others making decisions for them, what do you think is going to happen to politics and social discord?
Because it certainly doesn't feel like proactive measures are being taken to give entire generations hope that they can work, earn, and live the life we all seek: one of happiness and peace.
Sure, those in power might be focused on looking after themselves and making the most of the good times. But when the tide turns—and it will—where are they going to hide? You can’t truly hide from your community or your neighbours, because we all have to exist within and participate in the society we’re shaping.
It doesn’t matter how big your house is or how much money you make from lobbying in your life after politics; you still have to go to the shops to buy food. Unless, of course, you plan to survive on a lifetime supply of Uber Eats and never leave your compound again.
So why not do your best now—in this moment—to help your neighbour, your future neighbour, or your community? These are the people deeply impacted by the decisions we make. Don’t think it will affect you? Maybe not directly… but what about your children? Or their children? Decisions have consequences, either directly or indirectly.
It's time to stop thinking of people as numbers and bring humanity back into decision-making.
The choices being made now have real consequences—on the lives of your community, your state, and your country. Thoughts, prayers, and feigned compassion mean nothing without action. Raised voices and emotional speeches are empty if they aren't backed by meaningful change.
It’s time to sort it out and do something meaningful. The bill is due, and needs to be paid.
If Chuck Norris can do that with two ice cubes, why can't our government fix housing?
Their current approach—focusing on smaller homes and smaller deposits—doesn't solve the core issue.
These measures only stimulate more demand by, essentially, cutting the existing cake into smaller pieces. This might increase yield and density, but it also reduces privacy, parking, and general living standards, all without addressing the critical lack of supply. Ultimately, it just makes the problem worse.
🤗 Howdy Readers
In this newsletter, you'll find:
📬️ Post 1 - Your Data, Your Rules: Why It's Time for a Digital Bill of Rights #DBoR 😲
Ever feel like your personal data is being passed around online without your permission?
🤔 There's a new idea and its gaining momentum: a Global Digital Bill of Rights (DBOR).
This isn't just about your privacy—it's about putting you back in control of your own information.
And no, “I’ve got nothing to hide” doesn’t cut it anymore. Can you really trust companies with all your details? What happens when they’re compromised?
Do you want every click, search, and like scraped, analysed, and sold without your knowledge? It’s your data—so why aren’t you being paid for it? Why don’t you have a say in what happens to it?
👉 That’s exactly what a DBOR is all about: making sure you own your digital self. Ready to see what a fairer internet could look like? Read on to explore why this movement is so important.
Your data, your rights. Read why this fight can’t wait—and why we need you in it!
Anthony Painter
📬️ Post 2 - We Knew the Fixes in 2018—Why Aren’t They Done? 🧐
Seven years after the 2018 Shergold–Weir report laid out 24 fixes, why are we still tripping over the same building-quality pitfalls?
In this post we break down what the report promised—better documentation, clearer roles, real inspections—and what you should expect as a homeowner today.
Yes, governments issued an implementation plan and guidance—but uneven roll out means it’s on all of us to ask tougher questions and demand follow-through.
Use this post to compare the 2018 checklist with what you’re seeing on site in 2025—and email your local MP if your experience doesn’t match the promises that SHOULD have been delivered.
What’s the point of commissioning reports like this if nothing changes? Should we just shout into the wind instead?
👉 Click the link below to read the highlights from the Shergold-Weir Report
Anthony Painter
📬️ Post 3 - Beyond Helpful: How AI Learns Your Feelings to Keep You Scrolling 🤔
What if your “friendly” AI companion is quietly tuning itself to your mood to keep you hooked?
In this post we take a look at how deep tailoring, parasocial bonds, and dark patterns can make “care” slip into control—especially for teens.
You’ll read about real cases driving this shift—and why engagement-first design isn’t just a UX choice, it’s a risk.
Better is definitely possible: demanding a Digital Bill of Rights, protected research access, pre-launch risk checks, and non-profiling options give us all a safer path to interact with AI.
👉 If you use AI tools or have kids who are online, this guide shows what to look for and what to demand—read on.
Anthony Painter
🔒 Software of the Week: WeekToDo
(This isn’t a sponsored post—just software we used daily and thought we’d share it with you.)
Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? WeekToDo is a free, visual planner designed to simplify your day and week. Instead of a long task list, it gives you a clean, calendar-like view where you can drag and drop your most important tasks for each day.
This tool solves the problem of "productivity guilt"—that feeling where you're busy all day but haven't touched your real priorities. It’s a perfect fit for anyone feeling scattered, especially students, busy parents, or proactive professionals who want to focus on just 1-3 critical daily actions.
Its features are all about reducing stress:
- Colour-coding & subtasks: Quickly categorise tasks (like work vs. personal) and break big projects into manageable steps.
- Time estimates: Block out how long a task should take, helping you plan a realistic day.
- Specialised lists: Built-in templates for shopping, books, or movies keep everything organised in one place.
The best part? WeekToDo works on most desktop OS—it’s a web app that runs in any browser (like Chrome or Safari), and there are also free downloadable apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The core features are completely free to use.
We love it because it’s powerfully simple. It cuts through the noise of complex project managers and helps you focus on what truly needs to get done, eat that frog style.
👉 Ready to take back control of your week? Click through to explore WeekToDo firsthand and start planning with purpose 🚀
🛍️ Ad Of The Week
"The Most Badass Man in the World" - Chuck Norris Dos Equis Ad
Can't see the video embed below? Click here. to watch on Youtube.
🎧️ Music of the week
"Pump Up The Jam" - Technotronic (1989)
Our comment: The fanny pack! We jumped around like idiots enjoying this song! Ah, the 90's 😀
Can't see the video embed below? Click here. to watch on Youtube.
✅ Our Quality Checklists
Anthony Painter
C14 Tile Design & Installation Checklist recently added to the list 09-08-2025
Please note: You’ll need to be a member and to log in to access the content.
📜 Reader Survey: Should all builders display a quality rating score?
Tell us what you think. Can't see the embed below? Click here to open it (opens builder quality score rating survey)
