Yahoo!7 Answers Blog Australia

I had some family time over the weekend and hung out with my little niece and nephew. They’re both at that age where they’re just old enough to play without worrying where Mum and Dad are. The older one is going through the ‘why’ phase and the younger one just wants to follow in her big brother’s footsteps.

I don’t see them very often so whenever I do, I like to take some good pictures of them. Getting good shots of kids (particularly toddlers) is quite the challenge. They pull some cute little face and by the time you’ve turned on the camera, zoomed in little and pressed the button, they’ve run off and all you’ve got is a blurred back in your photo.

I’ve got a fairly decent camera but it’s still an automatic one. I’ve had a bit of a look around Answers, and apparently if I really want to get good shots of the littles, I need a better camera. When Shannonwi14 asked which Sony camera was best for taking shots of kids, Elbert recommended choosing a camera with a small amount of shutter lag. He also said: “If you want almost instant shot to photo times, you should seriously look at DSLRs”. More

Hmm that advice seems to resonate around in other answers too. Internet dictionary says “SLR cameras are best for moving objects because with digital cameras u can adjust the shutter speed, iso and apperture hole for lighting purposes” More

I’ve always thought DSLRs might be too cumbersome for relaxed family photography although apparently if you can get one that is light and compact like the new Sony Alpha range, it’s just as easy to take family shots and you get a much better quality than with automatics.

Travel & Portrait photographer Ghada O Khunji has got some great tips for how us amateurs can take some great professional looking shots:

1. Don’t try to “steal” the image, befriend your subjects first and that’s when you get a true emotion from them
2. Don’t keep clicking away hoping to get the shot, be specific, look at the whole viewfinder and compose like you are painting on a canvas, a picture should not come out of a quantity of shots, but rather, from the quality of the few. More
   

To get some more photography tips check out the Yahoo!7 Photography page or visit the Photography sub-category on Answers.

Caitlin
Community Manager

I’m not sure if it is the economic crisis (people have more free time), because I’m getting older or because the seas are changing, but to me it looks like we’re in the middle of a new baby boom. A lot of people around me have had or are going to have kids soon: at work, among my friends, my family…

In fact, my sister is going to have a baby in three months and she’s starting to get everything prepared. I’ve been taking more interest in the Pregnancy & Parenting and Education categories to find out more about what she’s going through. I have to admit that it’s a much more complex world than what I first thought. For a start, as soon as you get pregnant everything becomes unclear: can you change your hair colour? what cheeses can you eat? can you keep your exercise routine?

Thanks to my sister and the Yahoo!7 Answers community I have discovered that most of these questions don’t actually have a yes/no answer (for example, you can eat almost anything as long as it is cooked,  you can practice certain sports like swimming or yoga, but you need to be careful with contact sports).

Getting ready for the baby also isn’t easy. Which stroller should I buy? is a common question, and now I understand why. Last week I went to buy one with my sister and it’s really hard to choose between a wide range of functionalities, features and colours! There are so many things to plan, from how to budget for a baby to what sort of things do you need to take to the hospital when the big day comes?

Then once you get the baby home, it’s a whole other ball game. How do you dress a baby? (it’s still hard for me to picture myself doing it some day) and how do you change a nappy? Once they get a little bit older, you’ve got to think about what food to give them, how to teach them to speak,  and how to entertain toddlers on a daily basis. I am sure that some of the tips will help first-time parents.

Now, here is my question (I’m sure my sister, among others, will be thankful for your responses!): What are your tips for first-time parents? Share your tricks to save money, how to make your baby sleep and what are the best techniques to relax after a hard day?

Share your knowledge!

This post is from our Guest Blogger – Silvia, the Spanish Yahoo! Answers Community Manager

Last week, the sixth “Harry Potter” film hit theatres. Anyone who read J.K. Rowling’s books knows how the story ends. However, that absence of suspense hasn’t stopped the overwhelming excitement. But Harry isn’t the undisputed king of teen lit anymore. Twilight is big and only getting bigger. Over the past several weeks, I’ve noticed a surge in questions on “Harry Potter” vs. “Twilight.”

By my count, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of questions asking which franchise is “better.” Of course, there is no right answer, but that hasn’t stopped many in the Yahoo!7 Answers community from giving passionate responses.

Alex, a Top Contributor to Yahoo!7 Answers writes that Twilight is the “worst book” he or she has ever read and compares the novel’s hunky vampire Edward to a “creepy stalker.” Ouch. Additionally, Alex argues that the characters in Harry Potter have a backstory and a unique personality in contrast to the stars of Twilight, who are “one dimensional.”

Of course, not everyone agrees with Alex’s assessment. For example, Yahoo!7 Answers member “Doctor Orange!” feels that Twilight is “more realistic” (presumably, that’s a good thing). Another responder writes that while it may be true that many readers enjoy the Twilight books because Edward is an amazingly handsome fella, the real reason for Twilight’s popularity has to do with the way the author lets readers into the mind of the narrator, a conflicted young woman.

Most literature experts, including Stephen King, argue that J.K. Rowling is far and away the superior writer. What do you guys think? Do you prefer one franchise to the other? Or is the whole debate like comparing apples and bowling balls (i.e, totally pointless)? Leave a comment below.

Mike

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

A few weeks ago, a poll was conducted in the US asking which celebrity you’d choose as a babysitter for your kids. Comedienne Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia deRossi topped the poll as the most popular celebrity baby sitter, beating Brad & Ange, Oprah and even super mum Jennifer Garner. The Answers team wondered if Australians would choose differently… so we asked you guys, the Answers community, Which celebrity would you most feel comfortable leaving your kids with?

Although many of you said things like “I wouldn’t trust any of them with my kids. I don’t know them and I don’t leave the care of my kids with strangers.” (Nemo), as Kaihla mentioned: “It’s just a bit of fun. It’s not real. It’s hypothetical.” Exactly, you’re never going to drop little Timmy off at Britney Spears’ place and expect him to be fed, entertained and put to bed (not sure if even her own kids expect that).

So which celebrities did you think would be good at looking after your little monsters? It seems Aussie stars were particularly admired – Ellen & Portia (one half Aussie couple) were still a popular choice, closely followed by Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban, Hugh Jackman & Deborah Lee Furness and Cate Blanchett. Chimney said:

If I had kids (only 18) I would be more than happy to leave them with Ellen and Portia! I love those two! Not to add he/she would have fun from the minute they got there until the minute they didn’t want to leave because of how fun and hyperactive Ellen can be! I would be assured that my child would sleep great that night!

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deb. They are Aussie and definitely seem like grounded parents. – Jmketsy

Others thought more about the values some celebrities seem to uphold:

Reese Witherspoon–I’ve read some interviews and agree with some of her values regarding children - Naomi

Tom Hanks. He is a family man who has been happily married for 22 years and has 4 kids. He hasn’t received any critisism for being mentally challenged or for child abuse or anything along those lines. -Hornet

Jennifer Garner. I actually have met her once. She is very down to earth and very smart. She also has kids of her own. So she would be my first pick. – BrooklynS

Quite a few people said Michael Jackson and Gary Glitter, although I’m pretty sure they were joking. Jen had other reservations:

Well I wouldn’t leave them with Madonna or Angelina- they might try and adopt them!

Fur_shizzel seems to be having a bad day with his/her kids: None, I wouldn’t do that to any celebrity, even the ones I don’t like! Oh dear!!

Caitlin
Community Manager

It’s humpday, it’s cold outside and it feels like ages since we’ve had a long weekend. I know, I know, we shouldn’t still be upset about missing out on an ANZAC Day long weekend but it really does feel like a long time since there’s been a chance for a Monday sleep in. Unfortunately we’ve still got a few weeks until the June Queen’s Birthday Holiday (although WA gets their long weekend a week before the rest of us).

So for the mid May humpday blues, here are some pick me ups!

Q: What’s the most uplifting and happy song to you?

A: Love Inc. Your A Superstar
Taking the Long Way – Dixie Chicks
Garth Brooks – Standing outside the fire
Sheryl Crow – if it makes you happy
Alanis Morisette – Ironic
Alicia Keys – No One
Amy McDonald – Mr. Rock n Roll
Cher – Just Like Jesse James
Letters to Cleo – I want you to want More

Q: What are some happy movies that make you smile?

A: I loved “Ever After” with Drew Barrymore
and “Never been Kissed” also with Drew.
I also liked “The Wedding Date” with Debra Messing & Dermot Mulroney.
And I liked “Enchanted” even though I’m a grown up! LOL
I hope these help! More

Q: What things do your kids do that makes you smile?

A: Well the random I love yous are the best by far.. or the goofy pictures he draws me to hang at my desk at work… But the most recent smiles I get from him, is how well he does with his new sister. Every night he has to tell her he loves her and kiss her (which usually wakes her up lol, but I have to deal with it haha) When she was 2 weeks old she had a stuffy nose and started screeming, my son ran into my room (it was about 3am) he jumped on my bed and asked what was wrong, I said I don’t know as I hadn’t figured it out yet, and said would you like me to sing her a lullaby? He sang to her as I calmed her and he didn’t go back to sleep until he knew she was ok. More

Q: What is the funniest joke you have ever heard?

A: A bus carrying only ugly people crashes into an oncoming truck, and everyone inside dies. They then get to meet their maker and because of the grief they have experienced; he decides to grant them one wish each, before they enter Paradise.
They’re all lined up, and God asks the first one what the wish is. “I want to be gorgeous,” and so God snaps His fingers, and it is done.
The second one in line hears this and says “I want to be gorgeous too.” Another snap of His fingers and the wish is granted.
This goes on for a while with each one asking to be gorgeous but when God is halfway down the line the last guy in the line starts laughing.
When there are only ten people left, this guy is rolling on the floor, laughing his head off. Finally, God reaches this last guy and asks him what his wish will be. The guy eventually calms down and says: “Make ‘em all ugly again”. More

Last month, 2008 Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic asked the community What are your tips for feeling great on the inside and looking good on the outside? She got some great responses, but one of our favourites was:

Nothing beats, the “smile”. Smiling helps keep yyou feeling good, but makes you look better on the outside too. A warning though, it is contagious. Smiling will eventually pass onto others making others feel good too. haha… As a bus ticket once told me, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”

If you want to see Laura’s tips, check out the video below.

How about you? How do you get over the humpday blues?

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

We’re into February, a time when the weather seems to get even hotter and the traffic into work slower as parents around Australia take their children back to school.

For many kids, it’s an exciting time. They’re back with their friends, they’ve made their way up into the next grade and have a new teacher or new subjects. For others, it’s a daunting proposition. A whole new group of 5-year-olds are leaving Mum behind and starting ‘big school’ and the 12-year-olds are going from being the ‘big fish in a small pond to the little fish in a big pond’.

Fortunately with Yahoo!7 Answers, Mums and Dads can get some well meaning advice from other parents who have been there before. For some Mums this year, all they’ve needed is some reassurance that their child’s first day of school won’t be too tough. Others are looking for some tips on how to help their child learn to read and for some yummy and healthy lunch box ideas. This Mum has received some blunt but well meaning advice to help her son avoid fights at the bus stop, and other parents have been discussing whether private or public schools offer the best form of education.

In the next few weeks, it will be first semester for many young adults who are be embarking on the next phase of their education – university or TAFE. Over the last few months, offers were being released for various establishments inviting discussion on Answers about the comparisons between RMIT and Monash Unis and what the difference is between studying Dental Science and Oral Health. As they begin to accept their places, students have been coming to Answers for advice on how to access their uni portals and looking for explanations on HECS and Commonwealth support.

For all those new students out there, we hope 2009 is a year full of enlightenment and learning. Don’t forget that if you get stuck, you never know what you might find in the Homework Help, Primary & Secondary Education and Higher Education (University+) sections of the Education & Reference category!

Caitlin
Community Manager

I really don’t envy them. Thousands of year 12 students across the country are currently gearing up for their final exams. All 13 years of study seem to resolve around these final exams, and the stress isn’t pleasant.

Remember the feeling of leaving school? Suddenly at the age of 15, you’re forced to make seemingly huge decisions about your future by deciding on the subjects you want to study in senior school. Teachers tell you those subjects determine the marks you get and the career you eventually pursue. All your future seems wrapped up in one small decision.

When you get to year 12, the pressure is definitely on. School becomes serious, teachers start talking about study plans and your friends are discussing the best way to cram to get maximum results. Parents suddenly restrict your social hours and give you funny looks every time you sit down in front of the TV: “Don’t you have an essay due tomorrow?”

Finally it’s exam time. You know that the marks you get in the forthcoming examinations are the product of 13 years of education. Your class mates look like pale shells of themselves as they clutch notes and glance nervously at each other before entering the exam room. It seems that your entire future is riding on three hours of pencil scribbling, head scratching and nervous sweats.

Except that it’s not. Anyone who has been through final exams knows that it pales into insignificance as soon as you’ve started your next phase in life. At uni, TAFE or in the workplace, no one cares what score you got. Even if you don’t get into your chosen course, there are so many alternative ways of doing what you want to do that you should never feel like the path is closed.

The most important thing about the final exams is the rite of passage it symbolises and the skills it teaches. You learn about working towards a goal, about how to prepare for a huge life challenge and you join in the camaraderie of finality with your fellow students. As many say – it’s the journey, not the destination that counts.

Good luck, and enjoy those exultant post exam celebrations!

Caitlin
Community Manager