Here’s an interesting innovation spotted by my PA, Felicity, and check out my hot tip for the Cup tomorrow!

Shopping trolleys have always been something of a problem. They are just so gosh darn convenient, and as a result tend to go walkabout from shopping centres. Far too many end up abandoned on nature strips or in local parks.

Up until now the supermarkets have tried to fight back by making it necessary to insert a coin or token to use a trolley, in the hope that having some cash at stake would make us all a little more conscientious about returning trolleys to their homes.

But recently at a Coles supermarket in Lilydale, I saw the new breed of trolleys. They have an automatic wheel lock. So if you try to take one outside the carpark, the wheel locks and you can’t go any further.

What a simple and yet incredibly effective idea.  Mind you, I wonder if it’s a bit like a “Wet Paint” sign – the temptation to wheel a trolley to the boundary just to see what happens is almost overwhelming.

Melbourne Cup

Every year I remind you that my mate, Max Hitchins, has made a lifelong career of studying the Melbourne Cup, race that stops a nation, and this year will be no exception. Max has probably managed to pick the winner of the Cup more times than he has had hot feeds. So, if you are like me and one of the millions of people who have a flutter on the Cup, you can get his expert advice here.

My Cup Tip

My Cup Tip- Just like everybody else I’m not slow in providing you my thoughts on the winner of the Melbourne Cup. As I called a Phantom description of the Cup last Thursday night I think I’ll stick to the horse I called as the winner then… Cavalryman and have a saver on Fawkner.