Overheard at the coffee shop, week 22 2026

It was busy this morning. “New research shows green isn’t a real colour” (I… may have misheard that, but I thought it was funny). “I coach a team … the aquatic centre across the street … they’re not playing soccer in the pool, I can tell you that much.” “Lot of Sydney trucks Trains going past this morning, wonder if there’s an issue? Wait, Sydney trucks Trains. SYDNEY. TRAINS. TRUCKS.” American accent: “Yeah, I got the hell out of dodge!” “I dunno, it has some AI bullshit in it. I work in the social sciences … it’s worse than useless. Just give me monkeys at typewriters, please” (that might be my new favourite). “What do you have, besides pickled fish?” “Did the upgrade work yesterday? [indecipherable] Broadcom strikes again.” “It’s a new thing they’re trying. It’s the same as the old thing. How does that Who song go? No not that one, the one about things being the same.” “Can I get a double shot please? That’s two shots, right?” By Ruben Schade in Sydney, 2026-05-27.