thing55000

What was the first 'feminist' book you read and how did it impact on you?

The Australian Government is planning to filter or block 'objectionable' internet sites, such as porn, from Australian homes and schools.

They are going to do this using software at the ISP end of it (see link to news item: http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/labor-war...

They claim this is already done in the UK and European countries, including the Scandinavian countries, and that people are fine with it.

My question ~ is this true? Is there filtering of sites in the UK and in countries in Europe, and IF SO, how does it affect you?

Does it make the internet slow? Are kids still able to get around the filters? Do people have to phone their service providers and ask for the restrictions to be lifted?

As an Australian concerned about interference in internet accessibility, ANY info you can provide would be appreciated!

Thanks :-)

This question is especially for nikki, or others who'd like to post photos but whose Photobucket accounts give private details which seem to result in the questions being deleted.

Yahoo provides a free webspace for members, and also provides free advice about how to set it up. You can also call it something other than your own name, so that it is a little more private.

For more information, go to:

http://geocities.yahoo.com/gcp/

Cheers :-)

Do you think the anti-feminists and their girl supporters would go there and talk about interesting men's issues, or would they still hang about here asking if it's OK to wear the lacy underwear they borrowed from their neighbour's clotheslines?

Is it possible they would uncover some hitherto concealed cache of "men's" learning that has not yet been revealed in the mainstream, and deal the much vaunted but currently hidden stunning blow to feminist theory while they are at it?

Would they be too busy with their own stuff to visit this forum? Or would they still hang around here because they recognise that they need women's energy and ideas but don't want to admit it?

** Yeah, I know ~ but I'm feeling a bit snarky today :-) Must have been the red wine and the ritual feminist bloke burning ~ my hair is sooooooooo full of grit this morning! **

Cheers :-)

My grandmother wants to buy me a book for my birthday and has asked me to say what I'd like.

Usually I just ask for something from the Booker or Orange Prize shortlists but this year I've read them ~ or don't want to.

So, I thought I'd see what else is out there!

I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction, prefer 'serious' and 'literary'

(but not humourless) writers and would like recommendations of the books that 'grabbed' you this year.

Last years 'best books' for me were 'We Need To Talk About

Kevin', 'Pomegranate Soup', 'Purple Hibiscus' and 'The Kite Runner', plus two books about Italian art history.

I'm not keen on 'romance', 'action', 'conspiracy', 'self improvement' or 'throwaway' as genres, but don't mind elements of any of those in a book.

I'm a mature reader with a reasonable familiarity with the classics and a wide ranging interest.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks :-)

For the second time in thre months my two year old cat has developed a rash of small umps all over her 'face', especially around her eyes and eyebrows.

They are similar to blisters and seem to have 'broken', as several of them have formed small scabs which are rough to the touch.

They rash does not seem to trouble her.

She has a monthly dose of Revolution (like Frontline) for flease and other pests. She does go outside during the day, but has done so since she was a kitten and this is the first year this has happened.

The vet previously told us it is an allergy, and we had to give her cortisone tablets for weeks, which was a chore and which Ms Cat did NOT like. Also, surely it can't be good for her to take them all the time?

It's summer here now, so we have a couple more 'pollen' months, but I don't want her on tablets for months 0on end if it can be avoided.

I'm happy to take her to the vet, cost not the main thing, but want some info and advice on possible

Is it really anything like 'KFC'? No-one I know has ever had the 'real' thing, and I'd like to give them a treat.

Would love some genuine recipe advice!

Thanks :-)

My partner and I would like to take my parents to Xmas Lunch rather than have them spend the day at home.

We are willing to travel and cost is not the main consideration (although it IS a consideration, lol). We are looking for a seafood buffet, NOT a set menu.

We used to go to The Ranch Hotel (was El Rancho years ago) at Marsfield, but they've changed to a set menu this year, and it sounds very ordinary. Such a shame, it was a great way to spend Xmas Day!

So, somthing about that standard would be good ~ nice but not the Four Seasons, lol.

Any suggestions welcome :-)

(I've written it how it is pronounced ~ 'toe' then an 'ee' sound). Does it have any 'sexual' connotation? Would you be angry if someone said this about you (a man saying it about a woman?).

Or feel it was derogatory or negative?

(Australian question): James O'Loghlin on Radio 702 ABC local had an interesting show tonight ~ he phoned Aussies living O/S to ask what was being said in their local media about the election. Switzerland ~ nothing, Malaysia ~ the guy didn't now, China ~ WOW!

An Aussie wine importer told O'Loghlin there are over 4,000 Aussies resident in Beijing. He has lived there five years and said that Aussies are of great interest in China, and the Aussie election is front page news, to the extent that in October '07, there were 100 + articles in the two main Beijing dailies about the election, including the 'worm' controversy.

He said Rudd's ability to speak chinese is HUGE news ~ even the ordinary person in the street knows Rudd spoke to the Chinese premier in his own language when he was here in Oz, something very few national leaders are able to do.

It never before occurred to me how important it could be with China now a major player in the world economy.

Interesting, yes or no?

This journalist seems to capture something very essential about Australian society and culture, especially as it has been in the last three or four decades.

It's also interesting the guy who wrote it is an immigrant ~ from the US, nice cultural comparison stuff ...

What do you think?

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/10/26/11929413...

In winter I have cooked oats (oatmeal) and in summer muesli (which I make myself with shop bought ingredients), both with 'light' soy milk and no added sugar.

Plus, usually I have a glass of soy milk, or occasionally a glass of orange juice.

On Sundays I also indulge myself with a freshly brewed coffee as well.

Reading some of the questions and answers here has got me wondering ~ is there a better alternative?

I'm 'mature' and need something that will carry me through a long drive to work and until lunch time, plus give a little energy boost!

Ideas and reasons would be very greatly appreciated :-)

My partner cuts up polystyrene (plastic foam) as a way of recycling materials for packaging. It's very efficient but the build up of static electricity slows the job down and drives her crazy.

She uses a wooden board and a steel knife with a bone handle, cuts the polystyrene into cubes about the size of a dice, and then puts them into a carboard box before going onto the next piece.

The static electricity build up causes the little cubes to cling to everything and sometimes to 'refuse' to go into the box!

As you can imagine, it slows the whole process down.

Any ideas about how to reduce the build up of static electricity?

Thanks!

I'd be interested to hear what you think the three main issues are for voters where you are. Or even just 'THE' main issue!

If you answer, could you say which country you are in and when the elections will be (if you know).

Thanks!

I think this is an urban myth, but my friend swears a nurse she knows told her it works and loads of medical type people do it.

The theory is, the speed camera cannot 'see' through undeveloped x-ray film placed over the car number plate.

The number plate is supposedly still visible to the naked eye, however, so if a human cop sees you he or she will not notice anything amiss.

My reason for thinking it is an urban myth is that if it was true, why don't we hear about people doing it? There are lots of people who would be lining up to take advantage of something like this if it was true.

Her argument to that is, how would ordinary people get undeveloped x-ray film, it's only available via medical channels and those folks are used to keeping their mouths shut!

If you have any facts, a web site, an informed opinion or just a good theory ~ please let me know.

I'd really like to win this one :-D

Please Note: I am NOT planning to try this, even if it is true!

1 week

English language, not signed or anything spectacular, just true copies of the original screenplays.

My friend has already tried EBay, so no links there, please.

Thanks for any help :-)

I think this is an urban myth, but my friend swears a nurse she knows told her it works and loads of medical type people do it.

The theory is, the speed camera cannot 'see' through undeveloped x-ray film placed over the car number plate.

The number plate is supposedly still visible to the naked eye, however, so if a human cop sees you he or she will not notice anything amiss.

My reason for thinking it is an urban myth is that if it was true, why don't we hear about people doing it? There are lots of people who would be lining up to take advantage of something like this if it was true.

Her argument to that is, how would ordinary people get undeveloped x-ray film, it's only available via medical channels and those folks are used to keeping their mouths shut!

If you have any facts, a web site, an informed opinion or just a good theory ~ please let me know.

I'd really like to win this one :-D

Please Note: I am NOT planning to try this, even if it is true!

I have a major sooty mould problem which has spread to three somewhat concealed plants during winter.

They are located in a somewhat damp spot which does not have all day sun and are shaded by some older gums (very tall).

I am reluctant to simply cut them out due to privacy concerns and would prefer to try treating them first.

If you are able to suggest a homemade product, could you say how to make it or where I might find the recipe!

I am in western Sydney, Australia.

Thanks so much!

Here it is:

Hello thing55000,

You have received a message from another user!

From: vitalsign77

Subject: Look here you ******* ****

Message: You are ******* with the wrong ****** whore, you report me one more time on yahoo and i will tear your ******* heart out and choke your kids to death with it.

~*~

Strong stuff, eh, especially the bit about feeding my asterisks to my children. The asterisks came with the email, don't know if it was him or Yahoo's own filters.

The 'Question' was a solicitaion for a female to join him and his slave-woman for sex. I said I was reporting him for advertising, and got this message after the question was deleted.

Other emails I receive (even from the guys in Women's Studies who can be so naughty) have always been courteous, even in serious disagreement!

The question was deleted promptly, which shows that Yahoo's system does work. I've sent them a copy of this too, for giggles (and action)!

Guess I'm not his type!

My friend has just had a baby after a difficult pregnancy and I'd like to get her a voucher for a remedial massage session or day spa care. She lives in Brisbane's south eastern suburbs.

Can anyone recommend a baby-friendly spa or a home visit massage therapist?

Close by would be great but if recommending somewhere in another part of Brizzy, any idea re travel time would be great.

BTW, I have already tried the phone book and tourist advice but don't know Brisbane well enough to know which place is nearby her home.

Thanks for any suggestions :-)

*** Please spare me the s.ex jokes! I know there are winkwink naughty massage workers, but I don't want to hire one for my friend and her baby!!!! ***