f0xymoron

We're off to the Gold Coast in August for ten days with an eight year old and a nine year old - apart from the obvious theme parks etc does anyone have any recommendations for any interesting places to go, nice restaurants, things to do and so on while we're there? We're also staying at Hervey Bay for four days to hopefully see some whales - again, if anyone has any advice or comments I'd be grateful to hear them!

Thanks

I'm a radio DJ and thought I might theme tomorrow's show to commemorate (in a not entirely serious way) Charlton Heston's death today by having all songs or bands related in some way to guns. Any ideas for songs would be greatly appreciated! Also, if you have any little comments about why you've picked the song, that'd be great :o)

I am having problems with my insurance company over what should be a relatively simple claim, and I believe they are delaying things as much as possible in the hope I will give up and go away - is this a common tactic? To briefly summarise: work was done in my absence (in November), and a builder caused a flood - his insurance admitted liability and agreed to pay. My insurance said I should claim through them and to go ahead with repairs which they would fully cover, and they would send damp specialists out. I am still waiting. On complaining, they said they had suspended my claim pending investigation of occupancy of the house - I sent supporting documents, bills and witness statements to show I have a house-sitter and 3 months later, we are no further on. I have faxed, emailed, written and called and have had no response to the claim since December. I am now claiming through the builders insurance. I'm now complaining to the Financial Ombudsman. Anyone had similar experience?

I currently live in Brunei (South East Asia) and will be returning to the UK in one year, bringing two neutered, domestic house cats with me. Both cats have been vaccinated fully, including rabies shots. I have had conflicting advice re quarantining them on my return, and would be grateful for the advice of anyone with knowledge in this area. I have heard that the normal six month quarantine can be shortened to one month if the cats are microchipped and have had two clear blood tests - is this the case? I have also heard that it is possible to circumvent quarantine altogether by travelling via some European countries and having blood tests done there before returning to the UK. I understand the importance of quarantines (before anyone comments!) but these cats have always lived indoors and are fully vaccinated and if I can avoid their having to be stuck in a cattery for six months, I will. Also, when they are quarantined, will they be able to be caged together? Thanks.

I have been asked to order books for a library which is run totally by volunteers (ie we don't have any expert librarians!) and I have been given the task of ordering for children in two age groups - 6-10 and 11 upwards. Although I know of many great childrens authors, I would be really grateful if any of you could list your favourite books or authors for children in these categories as we have limited funds, and I want to order the best I can.

Thanks in advance!

I am returning to the UK from overseas for a month or so and will need to hire a car while I'm there. I have a full driving licence which I have managed to mislay somewhere and all the car hire websites say that I must present my licence on collection of the car. A few years back, I hired a van while my licence was at the DVLA having the address changed, and the hire company phoned the DVLA for a licence check, and I got the van (they didn't do cars). Does anyone know of any hire companies which will hire me a car on the basis of a DVLA check on me without me having to present the actual licence?

I can't get a replacement licence until I'm actually in the UK (no time to get the forms sent out here, and they don't offer an online service) so that's not an option.

My 8 week old kitten is very good at using her litter tray, but when she's not actually using it, she likes to roll about in it and fling the litter all over the place - I don't want to put her off using the tray by chastising her, but it's a bit of a pain! I keep the tray very clean, and she hasn't rolled in it when it's dirty (thank goodness) but only when it's clean. Any ideas?

I paid £3499 for a fridge freezer from a leading retailer on 14/7, their website said there were more that 10 in stock. I asked for delivery in August and was told this was fine. I then discovered that they were custom made abroad and would take 8 weeks, I complained and was lent a small fridge. In September, they delivered a fridge that was the wrong model. Two weeks later, they delivered the right model, but badly damaged. 3 weeks after that, they delivered the right model, but managed to smash the glass during delivery. 2 weeks ago, they delivered another one while I wasn't there and left it in the dining room (plumbing it in was inclusive in price). Last week, they came back and while putting it in the kitchen, they damaged 6 of my floor tiles. They say they will fix the floor. Now, they have promised I am to receive compensation, but will not discuss the amount until after everything is resolved - they had my money for 4 months - what would you say is fair compensation?