Yahoo!7 Answers Blog Australia

Although it’s already the 3rd of March over here in Australia, it’s still the 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere and so the celebrations for Yahoo!’s 15th Birthday continue…

Be sure to check out the special birthday message from Yahoo! Founders David Filo and Jerry Yang. Here’s a snippet:

We want to share our pride, gratitude and excitement on this 15^th birthday, with all Yahoo! users (600 million of them), customers and partners.  It continues to be an incredible ride for the two of us, as well as for thousands of Yahoo! employees we have had the privilege of working with over the years.

We’ve had the unique opportunity to help create an industry and shape the online world, and will continue to focus on the values that brought us here —working hard, having fun, being passionate about your ideas, believing in each other, and always trying to invent the future.  And as we celebrate 15 years today, we are even more excited than ever about what lies ahead, and the potential of Yahoo! and the Internet.

And from the Yahoo! Messenger team:

Thanks to you, the users, for continuing to support us and use products like Yahoo! Messenger. We’ll be celebrating at all the Yahoo! offices today and know that if we could, we’d send each of you a slice of Yahoo! birthday cake.

Here are some images from celebrations in other Yahoo! offices:

Yahoo! 15th birthday celebration in Singapore. Photo by Yodel Anecdotal.

Yahoo! 15th birthday celebration in the Philippines. Photo by Yodel Anecdotal.

How did you celebrate? Leave a comment below!

Kate
Community Manager

Yahoo! turns 15 today!

And what’s a birthday party without cake? There are celebrations happening at Yahoo! offices all over the world on this special occasion. This is the cake we had in the Yahoo!7 offices this morning.

We all had different birthday cakes growing up, mostly homemade – my Mum’s specialities were different Sesame Street characters. My favourite was Big Bird!

Which brings me to this question:

• What is the best birthday cake you have ever had?

Happy Birthday and best wishes to each and every one of you, you are all part of what makes Yahoo!7 a great place to be

Kate
Community Manager

The party season is now officially over…

Gone are the endless rounds of parties, excess of food and drink, general relaxing and celebrating with friends and loved ones. It was a busy, heady couple of weeks but, unfortunately, it’s back to reality for the majority of us.

Synonymous with New Year celebrations are New Year’s resolutions. Traditionally, a New Year’s resolution is a commitment one makes to change something, to start something new or to improve an element of their lives and surroundings.

With the above in mind, we posed the following question:

• What is your New Year’s resolution?

We all like to start the new year, fresh with good intentions, but the reality is that many people either struggle to keep their resolutions or just do not bother at all. It takes great determination to stick something out for an entire year! I am definitely guilty of this one myself

There’s something different about this year though… Maybe it’s the aftermath of the GFC or maybe people are just tired of never accomplishing what they set out to do, but it would people appear to be enthused about making this year THE year they achieve their goals.

The single, biggest hurdle is sticking to your resolution(s) as best you can, no matter how hard it may be. After that, it’s all downhill.

• How will you ensure you keep to your New Year’s resolutions?

I am no exception to this trend… I am blessed with a fantastic job, loving partner and family, amazing friends and a large range of social activities I regularly participate in. Everyone around me appears to be getting married, buying homes, having children and just generally settling down. The clock’s not ticking just yet; however I am acutely aware that I could be better preparing myself for the future.

Here are my resolutions, in no particular order:

• Get my personal finances in order, including building some savings.
• Get fit.
• Get closer to completing my degree.

The first is already underway! I am taking the huge step of cancelling my credit card and consolidating, that will be completed within the next few days. Next the middle one, I have some old injuries to try and work around and you already know that I play sports. I will be asking many questions of the Answers community about the best way to do things and for hints and tips, so be prepared for a year long challenge! The last is already underway, I am enrolled in subjects for the year ahead.

Here’s to a productive year ahead in 2010!

Kate
Community Manager

It’s hard to believe that yet another year is over and another is about to begin, where did the time go?

Whether we have a quiet one at home with friends and family, throw or attend a party, head out on the town or take the family to see the fireworks, we all tend to see the new year in, in some fashion.

• How will you celebrate the New Year?

From everyone on the Yahoo!7 Answers Team, all the best this evening and here’s to an amazing 2010!

Stay safe and enjoy what’s left of 2009

Kate
Community Manager

It’s that time of year again… when we’re all running around like headless chooks attempting to get our Christmas shopping done in time!

What to get for Dad? Would Mum prefer a book or some toiletries? Will Nana like the soap I got her? I don’t get on well with that cousin, so something cheap will do; but I like this cousin better, so I’ll get her a nice pot plant. Barbies for the nieces, toy cars for the nephews, concert tickets for my sisters, socks and undies for my brothers… the list and decisions are never-ending.

Partners, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends, neighbours, teachers, co-workers, even the postman… yes my Mum gives our postman a present, last year was a bottle of Jamaican whisky which he absolutely loved. With so many people in our lives, it’s very hard to decide who to get something for and what to get for them. How much should I spend? Do you get the same thing for everyone? Do you forgo all the retail hype and make something instead? Do you shop online or in person?

• What would be the best present you could give someone for Christmas and why?

If you’re like me, then you are probably procrastinating still about facing the hordes of shoppers. Christmas is only 9 days away, I guess I’d better get started!

Kate
Community Manager

Check out our Christmas greeting to you all!

Make your own snowman and send it to all your friends and relatives

You can share it on Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo!7 Mail, Yahoo!7 Messenger or copy the link and paste it wherever you please.

Kate
Community Manager

Sometimes Dads get the raw end of the deal. We make a huge deal out of Mother’s Day – flowers are sent, breakfast in bed served, we take them out for lunch or give them a present of their favourite pampering products.

Father’s Day, however, doesn’t get quite the same amount of attention. There are many reasons for this. Father’s Day is a later invention – Mother’s Day originates from an official day in the church calendar church when servants would be given the day off work on Mothering Sunday to return to their Mother church / parish and see their families. Later on it became Mother’s Day and even later Father’s Day was invented by a young girl whose father raised her and her siblings after her mother died.

There are other obvious reasons why Mother’s Day gets more attention. For years, mothers were the main presence in the household. Mums were the ones who did all the cooking, cleaning and parenting of the little darlings. From a kid’s perspective, Dad just turned up at 7pm expecting his tea cooked and slippers waiting for him.

These days though, there are other reasons why Father’s Day isn’t celebrated as much. In some families, the dad isn’t around due to divorce or other similar circumstances. Or as Ming (I’m a girl!) says ‘My mum’s gift is always better than my dad’s. Only because my mum is a little more demanding and plus they gave birth to us.’ Good point… Half takes the commercial view: ‘The commercial business is booming more for mums. Much more profits, jewelry, clothes, etc., It’s all about MONEY nowadays.’ Silly Fart believes it’s ‘Because mothers care more. I said happy father’s day to my dad today and he just about grunted lol. But my mum wants cards, flowers etc..’

Maybe Dads just don’t want to appear demanding but really do want to be spoilt on Father’s Day? In this day and age, most Dads have an integral role in bringing their kids up and do a wonderful job. Perhaps for many of them, their affection isn’t as transparent as a mother’s love but underneath all the toughness, lots of them are big softies.

So Dads out there: How do you want your kids to thank you for being a great Dad? Do you want a home brewing set or do you want to be taken out for lunch or shouted a trip to the footy? Maybe you just want some time out like this Dad? Or perhaps the best gift would just be to spend some quality time with your kids?

If you’re a Dad, tell us how you’d like to spend Father’s Day in the comments section below. And if you’re not, do you think we spoil our Dads enough on Father’s Day?

Caitlin
Community Manager

For most of us, this weekend we’re blessed with an extra day off for the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. Lucky us! Want to escape the rat-race? Here are some good ideas:

What’s a good place in/near Victoria to go for a weekend?

Find a house that the group of you can rent for the weekend. You can either get an apartment at (say) Docklands, and go out to party all night. Or you could get a house down the peninsula or anywhere along the coast; but make sure it has a jacuzzi/spa. Pack the car with towels, sheets, blankets and food. Sitting in the spa drinking champagne or magheritas; barbecue up eggs and bacon for brunch; bring heaps of games to play – wii, nintendo/playstation or anything on DVD. For around $300-$350 you can get a place for the weekend that sleeps 6-8 people (around $45 per person per night). You can then spend more money on having a great time. More

Where are some weekend getaway suggestions within a 4 hour drive of Sydney?

A bike ride to Wollombi is one you will never forget – go via Wisemen’s Ferry. A stop off at the Wollombi Tavern is a must. Then head on to Pokolbin, flip a coin and go to one of the many wineries. Tintilla Winery is lovely and the staff there really know their wines and have a really good knowledge of the area so they can advise you where to go to get a nice feed or probably to stay as well. We were there a couple of months ago and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough. I think the woman’s name there was Winn, or maybe Lynn, she is really lovely and very helpful. More

What’s cool to do on my weekend in Hobart?

Salamanca markets Saturday morning, the Cascade Brewery tour (you’ll have to book), the Nth Hobart pubs (they will all have some type of band on) and restaurants. Depending if you want to spend a bit of money try the cruise around Bruny Island or the Tasman Peninsular. More

Of course, if you’re like me and haven’t got organised enough to do book anything for the long weekend, you might need some inspiration for some fun things to do at home. Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered!

What are some good activities you can do with a 2 1/2 yr old on a rainy weekend?

At this age attention span is small so it will be short activities. Water play with washing up bowl full of water and some washing up liquid for bubbles. They learn filling, pouring and general have fun which is what it is about to learn. Make some play dough out of flour, water and add a bit of food colouring to change colour red is good or green not blue for some reason they do not like blue. You can throw it away after and also get some shape cutters and a small rolling pin for them to play with. (put drop of food colour in water before you mix for good even colour) More

What are some different activities to do on the weekend?

Hire a kayak, go cycling, look in shops at things you’d like to buy, go to the zoo, go to the museum, go bush walking, go on a picnic, catch a bus or the train to where-ever, go ice-skating, go roller-skating, go to an amusement place, go to the park and kick a ball around, take a ride on a tram, build a tree hut, do some baking, go visit someone, catch the ferry, go horse riding, go to your local ‘Information Centre’ and get pamphlets on places and activities to do and see in your area. More

We want to do something different with our kids this weekend, any ideas?

When our boys were the same age as your boys, we had scavenger hunts… they loved them…. we went through the neighbourhood and asked for some everyday type items and then some not so ordinary items…. also might think about a treasure hunt… with the final treasure at a favourite park or something like that. More

Are there any special events in Sydney for the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend?

There is HEAPS going on, such as the Sydney International Film Festival which starts this week. The Sydney Italian Festival has been going for a while but finishes on the long weekend. The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues festival and Luminous will also be on over the long weekend. More

Wow that’s definitely getting me inspired… So, what are your plans for the long weekend?

Caitlin
Community Manager

Being a Mum is a tough job and they deserve some thanks. You only have to look in the Pregnancy and Parenting section of Answers to see the proliferation of mums getting advice on everything from how to ensure the baby is healthy in pregnancy to how to teach adult children about responsibilities. There are Mums from all around the world on Answers 24/7 asking questions about how to be the best mother they can be.

Sometimes we forget the sacrifice our Mums have made for us, so fortunately there’s one day a year that we can specifically say ‘Thank you Mum’. What do you want to thank your mum for on Mother’s Day this year?

While it’s always nice to thank Mum with a gift, if you’re feeling the pinch of the recession, a shopping spree is out of the question. Doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on showing your Mum how much you appreciate her though. 

Many mums say the best gift they’ve ever received has been something their child has made for them. For kids, sentimental ideas like this one from Syd are a particular favourite:

You could create a coupon book of extra chores you will do around the house and/or gym to help her out. It sounds cheesy, but mums love that kind of thing…and really appreciate the extra help too!

For us adults, this is a nice idea from chicagokat72:

Write her a letter and thank her for being your Mum and for everything she’s ever done for you. Make sure it’s a letter though – not some pre-made card, written by someone else.
I’m a Mum and hearing my daughter’s feelings – with a thank you every now and then mean more to me than anything she could ever buy me.

For many of us, part of the ritual of thanking Mum is all about the perfect Breakfast in Bed, and you can’t go past this recipe by smdiner:

Traditional Eggs Benedict

1 teaspoon vinegar; 4 eggs; 4 thin slices bacon; 2 English muffins.
Hollandaise sauce: 3 egg yolks; 1 tablespoon hot water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 stick melted and hot
unsalted butter; salt and pepper; paprika; chopped parsley

In a large skillet, bring 2 inches of water and the vinegar to a boil. Crack one egg into a glass. Reduce water to a simmer and pour egg into water in one quick motion. Quickly add remaining eggs. Let eggs cook for 4-5 minutes. The white should be firm but the yellow should be runny. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. In a non-stick skillet heat the bacon until warm. Toast the English muffins until golden.

For the sauce: Place yolks, water and lemon juice into blender. Blend for 1 minute. With blender running, pour butter through open hole of blender lid. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.

To assemble eggs benedict: Top each muffin with bacon and a poached egg. Pour warm sauce over and garnish with paprika and chopped parsley.

Alternatives: Vegetarian: Substitute wilted spinach and a grilled tomato for the ham.

YUM! Here are some more ideas if your mum is looking for a more low calorie option, or if you’ve got kids making the breakfast in bed.

What are some other budget friendly ways to thank Mum?

Caitlin
Community Manager

The war memorial at Lone Pine, Gallipoli

This year, Anzac Day means just that little bit more to me. It’s not that I ever shunned it – I’ve always felt it was one of the most important days for Aussies and Kiwis, a time to thank our predecessors for the ultimate sacrifice – dying for our country.

However this year I feel I understand it more than ever. Last November I had the privilege of visiting the amazing Gallipoli site in Turkey. This was a particular important pilgrimage, one that was definitely a must-see in the land of ancient ruins, crystal clear waters and the best kebabs in the world.

So what is it about visiting this site that makes you really appreciate the ANZAC legacy? Well if you remember back to school or watched the film Gallipoli with Mel Gibson in it, you probably remember the basic storyline but I’ll give you a refresher:

Most of the men recruited into the Australian Imperial Force at the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 were sent to Egypt to meet the threat which the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) posed to British interests in the Middle East and to the Suez Canal. After four and a half months of training near Cairo, the Australians departed by ship for the Gallipoli peninsula, together with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. The aim of this deployment was to assist a British naval operation which aimed to force the Dardanelles Strait and capture the Turkish capital, Constantinople. More

However things didn’t really go to plan.

First, British and French warships attempted to sail between the peninsula and the Turkish mainland, a stretch of sea which had been heavily mined by the Turks and was commanded by large numbers of gun emplacements. The naval attack was a disaster, many ships being sunk or run aground. The land attack by French, British and ANZAC troops was badly planned, badly directed and made without any proper maps of the area.

(The) errors in range finding and a drifting tide meant that most of the proper landing points were obscured and the troops were going to land in the wrong area. By landing in the wrong areas, there were no pre-prepared plans of attack and the troops were not able to get off the beaches as the cliffs were insurmountable and the Turks were putting up a strong resistance. More

The peninsular

So basically the men who did survive were stuck in trenches for 8 months in all kinds of stinking hot, wet or freezing cold weather with limited medicines and food such as bully beef (the WW1 slang for tinned corned beef which was mostly fat), and hard tack.

When you visit, it becomes all too real how awful it must have been. The trenches are only a matter of metres apart, so close that during truces, troops would exchange food and cigarettes by throwing them across no man’s land. It was examples of this camaraderie that inspired ‘The Anzac Spirit’.

These qualities of the Anzac Spirit cluster around several ideas, including endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, and mateship. According to this concept, the soldiers are perceived to have been innocent and fit, stoical and laconic, irreverent in the face of authority, naturally egalitarian and disdainful of British class differences. More

The importance of mateship between soldiers and countries was even commented on by Kemal Attaturk, the Prime Minister of Turkey after the war and highly regarded as the Father of modern day Turkey.

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.” More

Seeing these trenches, it really hit home how awful the conditions would have been and made me realise that these were young men who were bravely fighting for our country.

For me, Anzac Day is a day to say thank you to all these young men and women who have stood up and fought for our country’s freedom in every war. It’s a time to remember the hardship they endured and to have hope that one day, we won’t feel the need to fight each other.

What does Anzac Day mean to you?

Caitlin
Community Manager