China has become a massively popular destination and is high on the list of ‘places to go – soon’ for many an intrepid globe trotter. As the Bamboo Curtain goes up in smoke, millions of websites are taking root in the burgeoning – and potentially very lucrative – travel market....

Did you know that the date chosen for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is about the luckiest and most auspicious date in the Chinese calendar? The connection is to do with the sound of the word in Chinese; ‘eight’ sounds similar to ‘prosperity’ and that’s what makes it lucky. So...

Everybody loves a trip to the cinema. But what happens when you’ve seen all of the chick flicks, or want to see something that he’ll enjoy too? The answer is simple. Treat yourself to a bit of fantasy (buff men in spandex) and check out a superhero movie. The latest super hero movie to hit...

Needing a boost of inspiration, I opened a book I almost forgot I had. It’s called A Thousand Paths to Wisdom, by David Baird, and contains many wise and inspiring quotes. Here are some that I found particularly sagacious… * To those with wisdom, happiness is not about getting what you want, it’s...

With so many babies out there, I always wonder how people choose names. First names and middle names mostly of course, but on occasion people choose a surname as well. But I want to talk about first and middle names. Some cultures have traditions about their names, especially religions. Some people choose...

I had a button fall off a shoe a few weeks ago. I’d been walking through town and on a bus so I had no idea where it had fallen off. Now these were a beautiful pair of shoes – black slip ons, very comfortable and tres chic! So naturally I was devastated to find that one of my favourite pairs...

Music today is ubiquitous. It’s an age of shopping malls, each with its own soundtrack, and likewise the stores inside. In my retail world the latest source of background music is Australia’s sweetheart’s ‘grown-up’ album, Delta. The ‘grown-up’ Delta Goodrem is incredibly interesting and...

I love it when friends let me in on zany sites they find on the Net. A great woman I recently met told me about these two sites and I think they’re definitely worth a look. EXPLODING DOG On this site, an artist known as Sam Brown, encourages you to email phrases that you like. If your phrase inspires...

Every day, everywhere, fashion crimes are being committed across the nation. They simply must be stopped! The wearing of sunglasses indoors is absurd. As their name indicates, they are for wearing in the sun. The sun is outside, not inside! Overalls should be banned on all people with the exception of...

There is no better way to pamper yourself, than to take a holiday. But what if you would like to make that holiday last a bit longer and maybe get involved with the local scene? Charlotte Pinnock is part of the expert crew at Overseas Working Holidays. She has answered some of our most pressing questions...

My biggest guilty pleasure is sifting through celebrity gossip blogs. Somehow reading about the dramas, turmoil, and glamorous lifestyles of Hollywood’s elite makes for a very interesting way to kill time. I may be called evil, but I especially like it when the paparazzi capture stars without make-up...

What a relief World Youth Day has drawn to a conclusion! While I am more than happy for our beautiful city of Sydney to be placed on the international stage, I found the additional human traffic overwhelming. It was great to see the youth of the world enjoying their pilgrimage in Oz, while also displaying...

Travel is my ultimate indulgence. While I could put my savings towards a car or laser eye surgery, I can’t resist the temptation of an overseas adventure. Hence the reason I’m emptying out my piggy bank for a trip to Mexico and Cuba next month. I figure I can put up with a few inconveniences (like...

It’s morning. I’m (again) running out the door of my flat looking for my keys, sunglasses and my always elusive left shoe. Let’s just say that morning TV shows or even newspapers are not the best ways for me to get a daily info-fix. But we all like to be in the know. In my opinion accessing the...