RSVP Blog
"Belief is a beautiful armor, but makes for the heaviest sword..." John Mayer

Mayer goes on to say that "we're never going to stop the war... if belief is what we're fighting for". Do you agree with this statement? Regardless of your belief systems, I've discovered that respect for differing beliefs is rare. Is this the reason that religion is amongst the few topics that will always invoke an argument? Does prejudice exist when it comes to belief? It is no secret, there are common biases from one religion to the next, but shouldn't we respect each others beliefs no matter what they are?
Belief is a beautiful thing and there isn't any right or wrong belief to have as long as whatever you believe offers you solace in times where you simply can't find any and gives you hope and faith where there is none. With this in mind, why do you think there tends to be such intolerance across different religious beliefs? Shouldn't we all be entitled to our own beliefs? On a large scale, why do you think there is little harmony amongst the major religions?
Posted by in Jewish Junction at 11:11 AM
Comments (63)Everyone has the travel bug!

It seems like everyone I've come across recently is planning a holiday, is about to go on holiday or is actually on holiday! Is it that time of year? If so, I am definitely missing something. Perhaps everyone is escaping the Aussie winter? Is it the cheaper rates becoming available due to a struggling economy? Is this what people have chosen to spend their stimulus package on? Is it that, by this time of year, these people have managed to finish paying off their credit and have stuck to their new year's resolutions of saving enough money to take a trip?
Are you any of the above mentioned? Where have you been lately? Where are you planning to go? Where are the places that you really want to travel to in the next 12 months? What are the current hotspots? What places are on your most urgent wish list and must be visited immediately or else they'll spoil?
Posted by in The Jet Set archive at 4:57 PM
Comments (16)Tennis Characters

The Current ATP and WTA circuits are awash with glamour pin-ups, muscled man mountains and fascinating characters. Many of these are renowned more for their off-court exploits rather than their racquet prowess. However with big money now on the line players seem more professional and focussed than ever before.
While the big hitters such as Nadal, Federer, the Williams sisters and Sharapova continue to serve up some of the most exciting Tennis seen in years, many others are earn their fame or notoriety by livening up the tour with their zealous behaviour. Many recall the years gone by when the John McEnroe's, Jimmy Conner's and Karsten Braasch's (who refreshed between sets by puffing down a quick cigarette) were loved or loathed as Tennis characters.
So how does the current crop stand against these beacons of nutty Tennis athletes?
We have seen Novak Djokovic appear on American late night television cleverly impersonating his fellow tour circuit members and the fashionably wild Jarko Tipsarevic. Do they have the flair and charisma that will leave us with memories of on and off court antics for years to come? While we are on the current Tennis superstars, who has the most sex appeal?? Is a player's flamboyant personality more attractive than their uncompromising game face or does their not-an-inch-of-fat perfectly chiselled frame trump their off court wit?
Posted by in Tennis Aces at 4:17 PM
Comments (1)Men's style, limited?

Is it just my observation, or is there more variety in women's fashion and accessories than in men's? Arguably, men aren't as interested in the art of style. Could this be the reason? It seems the metro man has begged to differ for some time. But even the metro-sexual was starting to look a little stock standard in his final days. The same old skinny jeans teamed with blazers. Do you feel that lately, you are likely to see 1 of the 2 outfits every guy is donning? Only 1 in 600 (ballpark figure) fashion and style magazines are targeted at men! What's the deal?
Now that the metro-sexual man may be on his way out, does this mean there will be even less fashion choice for men? If you like the tradie manly-man types, do you also like their style? Are the Hard Yakka daks and a chesty bonds tank working for you, or are you starting to miss that tighter than tight jean clinging to every second man? What do you like to see the males dressed in? Which celebrity/public figure do you think is the best dressed man? Whose fashion sense inspires and whose leaves a lot to be desired?
Posted by in Tradie For A Lady at 3:43 PM
Comments (61)Holiday Romance

There is something particularly special about meeting someone abroad. Even a holiday up the coast can lift you from your comfort zone and into your holiday head space where you're more likely to be a little more courageous and far more open-minded. For this reason, a holiday romance can be the most unforgettable kind. Pessimists argue it's the excitement of the unknown and the uncertainty of the encounter; optimists and romantics call it serendipity.
What do you think? Have you ever experienced a whirlwind romance whilst holidaying or travelling abroad? Did it end with the packing of your baggage and boarding of your flight? Have you had a lasting relationship with someone you met on holiday? Do you think the pessimists are right about holiday love or are you siding with the romantics? I know who I’m siding with...
Posted by in Adventure Travellers at 5:29 PM
Comments (9)Stimulus Party?

Yes, people are using their stimulus packages to throw some mean parties! For some party animals, any excuse will do. Whilst for other party animals, financial sensibility is kicking into gear. The downturn has meant fewer outings and more staying in for some regular party-goers. Have you had to cut back on your preferred weekend pastimes because of the gloomy economy? How has the financial crisis affected your entertainment spend? Are you budgeting, less drinks out on the town, more DVDs at home?
Are you that much of a party animal, that you're taking advantage of your stimulus package and tearing up the dance floor because suddenly you have a bigger bar tab? How are you managing your leisurely activities during the global financial crisis? Have you had to make sacrifices? Are your friends staying in more, causing you to do the same? Let's face it, we won't all be able to throw a Rudd-fest!
Posted by in Party Animals at 4:40 PM
Comments (3)Mother's Day Wish List

With Mother's Day around the corner, we're calling all single mothers to the blog and inviting you to have a vent about your dating views and experiences and basically whatever you want, because it's your day! What better way to make sure you have a happy Mother's day than to publicise your gift wish lists (in hopes your kids will cotton on) and/or a wish list of what you seek in a potential date (in hopes our eligible members will cotton on!)?
If you're tired of the same old foot spa, scarf, and bunch of pink carnations, it may be time you voiced your Mother's Day requirements! And if you're tired of RSVP members who don't seem to read about your ideal partner, you might want to clear it up here as well! What would you love to wake up to on Mother's Day? Breakfast in bed? A hand crafted work of art from your kids? What are some of your most memorable Mother's Day moments? You can also share your views and experiences in our survey!
Posted by in Single Parents at 3:17 PM
Comments (12)Mining joins Australian Film industry

Hunter Valley NSW is primarily known for its wine. Do you ever think "Hunter Valley, famous for its coal mining!"? Probably not. Well, soon the mining industry will gain some public attention with the third annual Dungog Film Festival set to hit the Valley region, sponsored by NSW Mining. The Hunter is a major contributor to the NSW economy through its huge coal reserves and of course it's tourism assets. In a sluggish economy, do you think this could be a boost for NSW? Do you think that bringing popular cultural events to regional Australia is a good idea?
Would you visit a film festival by the countryside? Do you think the Australian film industry will benefit from such an event, seeing that it might not be as accessible to urban folk? Would you take a day trip or weekend to visit such an event? Has anyone here been to the Dungog Film Festival? Would you recommend it? Could this be the perfect romantic escape complete with fine wines, films and picturesque landscape?
Posted by in Mining Men at 12:21 PM
Comments (4)So you think you can write children's books?

Kylie, Whoopi Goldberg, Jools Oliver, Jamie Lee Curtis and even the wholesome Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Madonna have tried their hand at writing children's story books. What is it with the celebrities thinking they can sell just about anything? Most of the above would not strike me as being the ideal candidates for writing books targeted at children (or writing books, full stop!). What do you think?
Why have children's books become a popular choice for these amateur authors? Have you had a nosey look or even purchased one of these publications? Are their books any good? Is there any credibility there or is this simply another means to capitalise on celebrity status? Would you buy these books for your kids, nieces/nephews, siblings etc?
Posted by in Book Worms at 3:17 PM
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