"Home" for the Holidays?

Nov 21, 2009 - Most of my life I've often wondered why Thanksgiving seemed to be for many families a trigger word for family dysfuction.  Why individuals couldn't just let that disagreement with another family member go for one bloody day and enjoy some good food and conversation with more pleasant family members.  I have to keep reminding my self that I'm pragmatic by nature and that is apparently unusual. I found an article with some helpful tips.   Holidays are meant to be happy, joyous and life-affirming times. - 30 Comments

Sorry, No Ladies Only Holidays

Nov 18, 2009 - Judge rules against women-only holidays   By Norrie Ross Herald Sun November 18, 2009 12:01am A judge ruled that women-only holidays cannot be advertised because it could breach the human rights of men / File

• Plans to start a women-only holiday service
• Wanted exemption to Equal Opportunity Act
• Judge refuses, say it is not necessary

A SINGLE-sex travel company for women who want to avoid boozy, bed-hopping mixed tour groups has been grounded. A judge ruled yesterday that former tour guide Erin Maitland cannot advertise women-only holidays because it could breach the human rights of men.  Judge Marilyn Harbison refused to grant Ms Maitland an exemption to the Equal Opportunity Act, ruling that she had not proved it was reasonable or necessary, the Herald Sun reports. "The exemption may well be convenient and practical in the establishment of her business, but it cannot be justified on human rights principles," said the vice-president of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.  In her evidence to VCAT Ms Maitland said she wanted to set up Travel Sisters after hearing stories from her friends who would not travel in mixed tour groups because of "drinking and bed-hopping". - 2 Comments

Rise of conservative women

Nov 18, 2009 - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/15/michele-bachmann-president-sarah-palin   She is much more Religious Right then I like in Conservative politicians, but I still found her interesting.   The new wave of female firebrands striking fear into liberal America Right-wing radicals are already pinning presidential ambitions on a mother-of-five from Minnesota who calls herself a 'fool for Christ' and condemns Obama as a socialist at the head of a gangster regime

• Buzz up!
• Digg it

• • Paul Harris in New York
  • The Observer, Sunday 15 November 2009
  • Article history

Michele Bachmann gestures as she speaks at the Republican National Convention in 2008. Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP She is a striking brunette with a decidedly outspoken attitude. - 8 Comments

FACT CHECK: Palin Goes Rogue on Some Details

Nov 13, 2009 - WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sarah Palin's new book reprises familiar claims from the 2008 presidential campaign that haven't become any truer over time. Ignoring substantial parts of her record if not the facts, she depicts herself as a frugal traveler on the taxpayer's dime, a reformer without ties to powerful interests and a politician roguishly indifferent to high ambition. Palin goes adrift, at times, on more contemporary issues, too. - 5 Comments