How lucky are you, there were electricians during the Brisbane floods who charged $500 on the spot to 'make safe' flooded houses.  Of course the electricity supply company had turned off the power long before and all the electrician did was turn off the switch at the power board, but that didn't stop them making a few dollars out of people's misery.  It is a fair bet they didn't tell Tax either.

Speaking of which, a couple of electricians have been playing ducks and drakes over some work I have to be done.  Of course the bids they made for the work were outrageous, but then they are in undersupply.  What they did though was come back with increased quotes beyong what they had tendered only weeks before.  One withdrew and the remaining one has renegged on his quote part way through and is demanding an hourly rate of $75.

Would you like to hear about the chippie and the cr@p diver (plumber/drainer) who like wise charge like Brahman bulls and are just as unreliable (and short-cut their work of course)?

Frankly, I have a numbetr of realtives who are, or are becoming medical specialists and God knows, they really are put through the wringer for years to get where they are.  These are vocations that few would ever try for again in hindsight.  In  fact no GP would do it again, just ask them.  How many here would be willing to dedicate years of their life to getting through the training and stress?  For starters they don't have a social life -any social life- until they are in their thirties.  Those are lots of years out of a life of three score and ten, but their professional lives do not extend that laong either.  Did I mention the insurance for a litigious society?

Still, there are politicians and entrepreneurs who would like to give you a 'choice' of 'cheaper' medical services  The Australian (British, US, Canadian etc) medical colleges have too high standards these spruikers say and they could get you cheap ops tomorrow if you like.  Got a will?

I had to call the gas co. 'AGL" to check the heater,

$99. and $32 per quarter of an hour.

What a rip off.

Seggie. Call out fees are all around $100 and then as you say, Seth, so much per quarter of an hour. How do we know if we are being taken for a ride as regards their time? They could pretend to take longer than necessary. I know.  Been taken on quite a few rides and not enjoying it one bit but what else can you do? You ring a recommended tradesman and he's too busy. You ring around and hope, hands clasped in prayer, that you will eventually find an honest one.