Meet your Match Anonymously and Securely, Locally or Internationally

~ January 14th, 2002 ~ Issue #76 ~

ThemesI, Michie, received an email a while back suggesting that we bring back themes to the Ezine. Most of you know that at one point nearly each issue of the Ezine had a "theme"; some disliked them while others enjoyed them. Well, we've decided that we would begin using themes once again because some of us feel they made making the Ezine more fun as well as making it more enjoyable to read. I hope you feel we've made the right choice. This weeks theme is Australia. It may seem a strange theme considering most of our staff is from the States, but with a little internet research I hope to find some things of interest (and hopefully the sites I use will be reliable!).

Australia Trivia
Thanks to many internet communities.Did you know:

• Australia is only slightly smaller than the 48 contiguous United States (this means it does not include Alaska or Hawaii).

• Australia is located between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

• Australian money is called dollars. $1.93 dollars in Australia is equal to $1 US dollar. $1.21 Australian dollars is worth $1 Canadian. (the exchange rates change often of course)

• Australia has absolutely NO land boundaries, of course that's what makes it an Island.

• Australia and it's islands cover 7,617,930 sq km of land (3,047,172 sq miles).

• Australia has 25,760 km (15971.2 miles) of coastline!

• Australia's climate is generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

• Australia's terrain is mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

• Australia's lowest point is Lake Eyre.
Australia's highest point is Mount Kosciuszko.

• Australia's natural resources are bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum.

• The Great Barrier Reef off Australia's northeast coast is the largest coral reef in the world and is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site.

• Australia's population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts.

• Australia is the sixth largest country.

• The regular, tropical sea breeze along the west coast in the summer is known as "The Doctor".

• The Australian gov't is democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign.

• Australia's capital is Canberra.

• Australia consists of 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia.

• The following areas are dependent of Australia: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island.

• Australia got it's independence on January 1, 1901.
The Constitution of July 9, 1900 went into effect on January 1, 1901.
Australia Day is January 26 (est. 1788)

• According to what I've found, though the government is democratic, there are no elections for the Executive Branch.
- The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general for a three-year term.
- Government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party
- Legislative Branch: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats - 12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories; one-half of the members elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (148 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve three-year terms; no state can have fewer than five representatives)

• Australian civilians are not allowed to own firearms.

• Australia has a capitalist economy.

• While it is winter here in the US & Canada it is Summer in Australia.

I found many, many more facts about Australia, as I'm sure you'd guess. There was just too much to include here. To learn more about Australia simply do a search with your favorite search engine!

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The Chathouse

~Chat Dominatrix~

Would You Use It?
In my last article I posted The spam email I received and asked for some thoughts on people using such a program. Below is the email, but since I'm not getting paid to advertise for this company's program, I replaced the name of it with "****".

Do You Suspect Your Spouse Is Having A Cyber Affair On Your Computer While You Are Away? Do You Wonder What Your Kids Or Employees REALLY DO Online?
Introducing...****-Secret Keystroke Recorder & Backup Utility. A Revolutionary New Secret Monitoring & Backup Utility No Computer User Should Ever Be Without!
* Monitor All Day.. All Night In Complete Secrecy!
* Pasword Protected Activity Logs!
* Completely Undetectable To The End User!
* **** can record start-up/shut down time of your computer
* **** can record windows captions of programs used.
* Records Chat Room And Instant Messaging Conversations!
* Record time stamp at time interval you specified.
**** is one of the only products on the market that can record such complete details of keyboard activity!

Replies
Essie - well .. if that were on my puter .. LOL .. I'd probably be in a whole lot of trouble! .. I do feel it is an invasion of privacy .. I understand that those of us who have children who use the puter a lot .. it is good to know what web sites they are surfing .. but that is easy enough to check on. I just feel that recording people's conversations isn't right .. whether or not they are innocent or not.

Hotblonde - Agrees with Essie

MagicLea - In regards to using the spying device to see what your partner is up to... I am of the belief that you only assume others are capable of being sneaky if you are as well. In other words feeling the need to hide things yourself creates a certain level of paranoia towards others. If your partner IS in fact being devious though, wouldnt it be a more constructive process to spend more time together and perhaps fill whatever void your partner is filling elsewhere?? Laying blame is a wasted exercise, achieves nothing and is infact a mirror towards yourself. Being able to say "Hey, I KNEW you were doing that" is not going to make your partner throw flowers at your feet by way of profuse apology, it will simply create a greater air of distrust... is that really conducive to saving a relationship??....or maybe its designed to get more alimony!

Anonymous - OMG tell me that kind of program isn`t available? I think it would increase the divorce rate, increase the unemployment rate...and get alot of kids grounded from the computer! *ggl*

Chathouse News

New Webring
I've started a new Chathouse Webring for the chatters of the Chathouse and their websites. A page will be added in the Chathouse and all in the Webring will have their websites listed so everyone can start meeting their neighboring chatters!
I should have the main Webring page done within the next few days, and then would like to start getting chatters added! If you have a website and would like to be in the Chathouse Webring, please send me an email!
Thank you!

Email Address
There have been many times, including recently due to starting the Webring, that I have gone to send some of you email through the Message Center.
But more often than not, I find chatters have clicked to accept Anon E Mail. To recap Anon E Mail, when someone sends you an email by using this feature, the only thing they ever see or know is your handle! Even if you reply to them, by using this feature that is.
Their email to you gets forwarded to the email address that you used to sign up with the Chathouse for that handle, and all you see of that person is their registered Chathouse handle. Since you will not ever get Anon E Mail from anyone unless you click the preference that you wish to, take a minute out to check if your status is accepting Anon E Mail

House Errors
Due to banner redecorating, chatters are now having some back scrolling problems. This should hopefully be fixed soon. If you are having any other problems, besides the back scrolling or links not opening in new pages, please leave a note in the complaints forum! Sometimes hearing from you is the only way these things are found out and fixed!

My New Tag
The deadline for submitting tags is in two weeks! Click above to see the tags that have been sent in so far, and then email in yours! And Thanks to those who have taken the time to send in pictures!

Added Quotes
Three quotes were picked this week to be added to the Random Quotes.

The first was sent in by - tazzy -- The Wild West Wing
² "Ye who laughs last...didn't get it!!" - Adrienne Gusoff

The second one was sent in by - Sally Brown -- The Ladies Room
² "Not only is life a bitch, it has puppies."

The third one was sent in by - ~ CC ~
² "The moral majority is neither."

To submit your favorite quote, joke, bumper sticker or motto for a chance to win and be added to the Random Quotes, email it in, along with your handle to,
quotes@chathouse.com

Click the Chathouse links below!

New Chatters

RantMaster's Theater The News Page

chatdominatrix@hotmail.com

Australian Recipes
Once again, thanks to internet search engines
Port of Fremantle

Florentines

INGREDIENTS

Biscuits
2 Tbsp macadamias
2 Tbsp blanched almonds
2 Tbsp pecans or walnuts
3 Tbsp soft brown sugar
3 Tbsp plain flour
1 Tbsp sultanas
1 Tbsp glace cherries,
chopped into small pieces
1 Tbsp crystallized ginger
1 Tbsp mixed peel
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder

Chocolate Topping
200g dark chocolate
1 tsp butter
2 tsp Grand Marnier
or Cointreau (optional)

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180C. Line a large rectangular biscuit tray with baking paper. Chop nuts and mix with the flour, sultanas, cherries, ginger, peel and cinnamon. In a small pan, over medium heat, melt butter and mix with sugar, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
Stir butter/sugar mixture into the dry ingredients. Put dollops onto the baking tray leaving 3 or 4cms around each to allow for spread.
Press down to form circles.
Bake for 7 or 8 minutes (less in a fan-forced oven).
When they're cooked, shape neatly with a knife while still hot. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack. Melt chocolate in basin over a pan of hot water and stir in butter. When smooth mixture is achieved, stir in the Grand Marnier or Cointreau (if using). Apply melted chocolate to the biscuit with a spoon, spreading to coat evenly.
Finish by running the tines of a fork across the chocolate to make a striped pattern.

Crocodile Kebabs with Native Pepperleaf Mustard

Ingredients:

500 grams Crocodile tail Fillet
2-3 Kiwi Fruit
1 cup of whole seed mustard
1/4 cup of Honey
2-3 dessert spoons of dried Native Pepperleaf (infused in warm white vinegar)

Native pepperleaf (also known as Dorrigo Pepper, Mountain Pepperleaf and Tasmanian Pepperleaf) is sold by a number of bush tucker suppliers most of whom welcome e-mail-orders.

Crocodile meat is readily available. Please note that crocodile meat is easy to overcook and will become tough and dry if overdone. however if you are able to marinate it for 24 hours it will be much more forgiving.

Directions:

To prepare the mustard, combine roughly chopped Kiwis, purchased mustard, honey and Pepperleaf in a food processor until kiwis are pureed.
Cut crocodile tail into strips and thread onto bamboo skewers.
Cover with mustard mix and put in fridge to marinate for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight if possible)

Serving Suggestion: To serve, pre-heat pan, or the barbie, and cook kebabs for about 2 minutes on each side and serve on a salad of mixed greens, slow roasted tomato and warm char grilled eggplant and zucchini.

MMMMMMMm sounds tasty, eh?

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My Two Cents

by My2CentsDealW/it!

Dear2c@HoTMaiL.com

My Two Cents on
The Black Pledge of Allegiance

We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green , Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle, and to the land we must obtain. One nation of Black people, with one God for us all, Totally united in the struggle for Black Love, Black Freedom, and Black determination.

I found this on a public school district website whose student population is, interestingly enough, majority black. (So much for desegregation, huh?) It is also interesting that the school district defends it's posting, citing that it talks of Love, Freedom and Determination, but admits that they were not aware of the origin of the pledge. The pledge surfaced during Black Awareness (Cultural Awareness) studies and was deemed suitable for posting on the district website without further investigation.

Now, before I go on, I ask you to read this pledge again and clarify in your own mind what it says to YOU. The school district posted it on their website just below the American Pledge of Allegiance, which was posted somewhat more prominently. If you would like to see it for yourself and in complete context, you can see it at the Millwood Public School District.

You should now have your view of this pledge and it's appropriateness or inappropriateness for a public school clearly in mind. So we can now move on to the origins of this pledge and then my opinion of this. First, however, let me share with you the pledge in it's proper form. (You would think a school website would at least be free of typos, wouldn't ya?)

WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE RED, BLACK, AND GREEN, OUR FLAG, THE SYMBOL OF OUR ETERNAL STRUGGLE, AND TO THE LAND WE MUST OBTAIN; ONE NATION OF BLACK PEOPLE, WITH ONE GOD OF US ALL, TOTALLY UNITED IN THE STRUGGLE, FOR BLACK LOVE, BLACK FREEDOM, AND BLACK SELF-DETERMINATION.

Origin of the Flag of Pan-Africanism and/or Black Nationalism Red is for the Blood. Black is the Black People. Green is for the Land. The colors were established in 1920 as the banner of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), and adopted as the symbol of Africans in America at the convention of the Negro People's of the World. It is a symbol of the devotion of all African people to the liberation of the African Continent, and the establishment of a Nation in Africa ruled by descendents of slaves from the Western World.

In addition, with the formation of the Republic of News Africa, it has become the symbol of devotion for African people in America to establish an independent African nation on the North American Continent. (That would be America or Canada, hmmmmmm...) - source: Melanet®: Kwanzaa Information Center

What do I think about it? Let me begin by making this challenge to you...

Read the pledge again and substitute WHITE everywhere that it says BLACK...

WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN, OUR FLAG, THE SYMBOL OF OUR ETERNAL STRUGGLE, AND TO THE LAND WE MUST OBTAIN; ONE NATION OF WHITE PEOPLE, WITH ONE GOD OF US ALL, TOTALLY UNITED IN THE STRUGGLE, FOR WHITE LOVE, WHITE FREEDOM, AND WHITE SELF-DETERMINATION.

How long would a pledge like that stay up on a public school website, or better yet would such a pledge ever make it up on a public school website? How does this compare to the American Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the UNITED States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, ONE NATION under God, INDIVISIBLE, with Justice and Liberty for ALL. The American Pledge uses words like United, One Nation, Indivisible, Liberty and Justice for ALL. No separation of color, race, ethnicity, religion or any other division, INDIVISIBLE. Whereas the "Black Pledge" speaks of struggles and materialism ("land we must obtain", not purchase or earn, but obtain). It speaks of freedom, love and self-determination, but ONLY for "Black People". It is a pledge of violent separatism and division. While "Black Leaders" preach that the white must must give the black man equal access to jobs and schools and we must all look beyond the color of skin, other "Black Leaders" embrace the ideology behind this "Black Pledge". When Black 'educators' in predominantly black schools feel justified in posting something as divisive and violently separatist as this pledge on a school website, then it is crystal clear that we still have a long way to go in the area of race relations and "color-blindness". The fact that our government would allow this, or that nobody has seen fit to press for its removal speaks volumes as well. One might argue that its 'acceptability' is evidence that those who believe in that separatist philosophy have succeeded to some extent in their quest for a "independent African Nation" in North America. Affirmative action, racial quotas, minority preferences (government contract bids for example), etc. all add up to Blacks and other minorities in America being a little MORE equal than the majority White, Anglo-Saxon American. So much so, that even the words 'black' and 'white' have new meanings and connotations. Black pride, Black history, etc. all have a positive connotation and carry a sense of heritage with them. However, White Pride or White history have come to carry the baggage of racism and bigotry. (As illustrated in the WHITE version of the pledge above)

So, I ask you, Is the 'Black Pledge' the sort of ideology and philosophy that you want your children exposed to in school? Or is the American ideal of a 'melting pot' where all races, groups and peoples blend together and become ONE, as AMERICANS, the better way? Hyphenated Americans are just another example of this sort of separatism. I'm not a white-american, tan-brown-pink-purple-black-american or a french-dutch-irish-american, but simply AN AMERICAN. As an American, I cannot sit idly by as such divisiveness and separatist philosophies and ideologies are being perpetrated on our youth.

Comments?
I'd love to hear them at Dear2c@HoTMaiL.com
or if you would like to let this school district know your feelings...
General information questions about Millwood Public Schools can be directed to the Superintendent's Office by e-mail to mpsd@millwood.k12.ok.us.

That's My Two Cents, Deal With It!

Dear2c@HoTMaiL.com

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Shop AustraliaJust a link to a few places where you can pick up some Aussie goodies!

• Arnotts Online! Arnotts is the maker of the best Australian biscuits. I've had their Tim Tams and all I can say is... YUMMMMY, oh and THANKS BAXY!!!! www.arnotts.com.au.

• www.about-australia-shop.com is your guide to buying vegemite online! They also have Koala bears and some other things for sale.

• www.ngashop.com.au here you can order poster prints of art pieces found in the Canberra museum as well as clothes, stationary and other goodies.

• www.upfromaustralia.com has gifts and souvenirs as well as other things of interest.

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Horoscopes

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

For week beginning January 7, 2002

Aries.... March 21 - April 19
Ruling Planet: Mars. MASCULINE, FIRE
Key Words: Assertive, Urgent.
Positive Traits: Pioneering and adventurous spirit. Enterprising, Direct, Highly energetic, Loving freedom.
Negative Traits: Selfish, Unsubtle, Always put themselves first, Impulsive, Impatient, Quick tempered.

If you currently do not have employment, you may decide that the time is right to find a part time job in one of the caring professions. The more you consider this, the more excited you will become at the idea.

Taurus.... April 20 - May 20
Ruling Planet: Venus. FEMININE, EARTH
Key Words: Possessive, Permanent.
Positive Traits: Practical, Reliable, Good business sense, Love of luxury and good foods, Persistent, Affectionate, Trustworthy.
Negative Traits: Possessive, Lazy, Stubborn, Lacks flexibility, Obsessed with routine.

You could find that you need to make some plans for your future, these could involve a journey over water. If so, plans for travel in July look particularly good.

Gemini.... May 21 - June 20
Ruling Planet: Mercury. MASCULINE, AIR
Key Words: Communicative, Adaptable, Versatile.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, Versatile, Logical, Spontaneous, Talkative, Flair for languages, Always youthful in outlook and appearance.
Negative Traits: Changeable, Restless, Cunning, Superficial, A gossip

There will be little that could happen near the end of the week to shake your confidence. You won't be frightened to make decisions, if you decide something is not exactly right for you, then you will find a diplomatic and tactful way to explain your reasoning.

Cancer.... June 21 - July 22
Ruling Planet: Moon. FEMININE, WATER
Key Words: Protective, Sensitive.
Positive Traits: Kind, Sensitive, Sympathetic, Powerful imagination, A good parent, Protective, Cautious, Thrifty, A good home maker.
Negative Traits: Over-emotional, Hyper-sensitive, Touchy, Moody, Sharp tempered, Self pity, Untidy, Unforgiving.

An argument at the moment will not be in your best interests, you certainly will not feel emotionally capable to deal with this at present. If you don't want to make things worse, wait till another time to sort problems out.

Leo.... July 23 - August 22
Ruling Planet: Sun. MASCULINE, FIRE
Key Words: Creative, Impressive, Powerful.
Positive Traits: Magnanimous, Generous, Creative, Enthusiastic, A good organizer, Broad minded, A sense of drama.
Negative Traits: Dogmatic, Bully, Pompous, Snobbish, Intolerant, Patronizing, Power mad, Conceited.

It seems probable that friends or other family members are playing cupid at the moment, perhaps you are being set up with a new partner. If so, don't be annoyed, it seems likely that they will succeed in bringing a new happiness into your life.

Virgo.... August 23 - September 22
Ruling Planet: Mercury. FEMININE, EARTH
Key Words: Critical, Analytical.
Positive Traits: Discriminating, Analytical, Careful/Exact, Modest, Tidy.
Negative Traits: Fussy, A warrior, Hypercritical, Conventional

A great start to the week, for all of you, whether you are single or in a relationship. You will find that Monday is dominated by love and romance. Those of you that are single, may discover that you have a secret admirer.

Libra.... September 23 - October 22
Ruling Planet: Venus. MASCULINE, AIR
Key Words: Harmonious, Together.
Positive Traits: Charming, Easy going, Romantic, Diplomatic, Idealistic, Refined.
Negative Traits: Indecisive, Resentful, Changeable, Gullible, Frivolous.

You will find it easy to express your emotions and to tell someone how much you love them. Perhaps this is what they have been waiting to hear for a long time! Try to spend a romantic time together later this week.

Scorpio.... October 23 - November 21
Ruling Planet: Pluto, (Traditionally Mars) FEMININE, WATER
Key Words: Intense, Passionate.
Positive Traits: Strong feelings and emotions, A sense of purpose, Very imaginative, Discerning, Subtle, Persistent, Determined.
Negative Traits: Jealous, Resentful, Stubborn, Obstinate, Secretive, Suspicious.

A job application you make this week, may be the one that brings you the rewards you long for. If you are already working, then perhaps a change in career could be about to take place. Whatever occurs that affects the way you spend your time and make your money will prove beneficial to your future.

Sagittarius.... November 22 - December 21
Ruling Planet: Jupiter. MASCULINE, FIRE
Key Words: Exploring, Free.
Positive Traits: Jovial, Optimistic, Versatile, Open minded, Dependable, Sincere, Good judgment.
Negative Traits: Exaggerates, tactless, careless, irresponsible, Extremist.

It will be important to you to gain some time away from your children. Perhaps arranging for them to stay the night at a relations will give you and your partner a much needed break and the chance to indulge in a romantic evening and night together.

Capricorn.... December 22 - January 19
Ruling Planet: Saturn. FEMININE, EARTH
Key Words: Prudent, Calculated.
Positive Traits: Reliable, Determined, Ambitious, Careful, Prudent, Good sense of humor, Patient.
Negative Traits: Pessimistic, Miserly, Conventional, Rigid outlook.

Input that you offer, will be listened to and considered carefully by all concerned. You stand a good chance of impressing everyone. This therefore, will be a good period to either try for a promotion, pay rise or to even have an interview for a new job.

Aquarius.... January 20 - February 18
Ruling Planet: Uranus (Traditionally Saturn) MASCULINE, AIR.
Key Words: Independent, Humane.
Positive Traits: Humanitarian, Independent, Friendly, Willing, Original, Inventive, Faithful, Loyal, Idealistic, Intellectual.
Negative Traits: Unpredictable, Eccentric, Rebellious, Tactless, Perverse, Tries too hard to be unconventional.

Try to take your time, if you don't make the assumption that people already understand what it is you have to say, perhaps you could succeed in explaining yourself better and so avoid a lot of frustration.

Pisces.... February 19 - March 20
Ruling Planet: Neptune. FEMININE, WATER.
Key Words: Impressionable.
Positive Traits: Humble, Compassionate, Sympathetic, Sensitive, Adaptable, Kind, Intuitive, Receptive.
Negative Traits: Vague, Careless, Secretive, Easily confused, weak willed, Indecisive.

Cash flow may now be becoming your biggest worry. There are possibly large bills awaiting payment, and little if any money available to pay them. You will have feelings of frustration, as you are probably convinced that plans you have been working on recently are only a few weeks away from finally paying off. If only the bills had come next month, instead of now, all would have been ok, or so you may believe.

Click For More
Detailed Horoscopes

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