TLM280249

Thanks - glad you liked it. Like the USA Australia has state and federal elections. The Australian Electoral Commission will normally send out a reminder to enrol prior to the first election (either state or federal) after you become 18. Once you have enrolled a registration card is sent out to each voter prior to election day telling them where their polling place is.

Thanks - glad you liked it.

If you know you're going to be out of your voting region on election day you're supposed to either vote early or get a postal vote.

I was sitting at my desk staring at my notes and wondering why the hell I had decided to take drama as a minor when I had enough of it in my life already. I heard the faint sound of a door closing and then feet thumping up the stairs and sighed. I knew what the first thing out of his mouth would be and I didn't really want to be here right now. Curtis bounded into the room and flopped on my bed with a cheesy grin and wiggled his eyebrows. "So! Have you been yet?" I looked at him an

Ben has a decision to make. Curtis decides to help him along.

Don't know if this was autobiographical in any way but I could feel the emotions coming out as I read it. Amazing.

If anyone's dtill looking he's at: http://juliengregg.acannex.us/

Just checking - is there a bit missing from the end of this chapter?

Loved the story but so many loose ends...... Hope you're planning either a sequel or a continuation.

Just been to the Dr Who Symphonic Spectacular - introduced by the 5th doctor with "guest" appearances from The Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians, Venetian vampires, the Ood, the Silence, the Ice Warriors and many more. Not to mention the music which was "spectacular".

Ireland win their first game - Next week will be a test against Wales but Ireland have the Home ground advantage. Let's hope they use it.

I often wonder if everyone just ignored their antics how these "spoiled brats" would cope. Seems to me it's like a 2 year old throwing a tantrum .

Welcome to Australia - enjoy yourselves but be careful:- Funnel-Web Spiders are deadly and aggressive The male Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is the world's most deadly spider. Both the male and female Sydney Funnel-Web Spider carry atraxotoxin, the world's most dangerous toxin to humans as produced in the animal kingdom. The male Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is six times more toxic than the female, and it is he whom is most often encountered by humans, during their intrepid search for a female to reproduce. Red-Back Spiders HIGHLY VENOMOUS - DANGEROUS - CAN BE DEADLY Toxicity of venom - the Red-Back Spider can inflict a painful bite which can be fatal, especially to the young and elderly. An effective anti-venom was developed in 1956. Only a small amount of venom can cause serious illness, as the poison attacks the nervous system. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. White-tail Spiders VENOMOUS - CAN BE DANGEROUS White-tail spider bites can cause burning pain followed by swelling and itchiness. In some cases, blistering or local ulceration have been reported – conditions known medically as necrotising arachnidism. Minor bacterial infection of the wound caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans carried by the spider, may be a contributory factor in such cases. A debate continues about the involvement of White-tail spider bite in cases of severe ulcerative skin lesions seen in patients diagnosed as probable spider bite victims. Typically, in such cases no direct evidence of spider bite is available. Area of distribution - found across Australia, including Tasmania. Mouse Spiders DANGEROUS - venomous - painful bite Although normally not aggressive, the male mouse spider will bite if provoked, and should be considered dangerous to humans. This spider has been known to cause severe illness, especially to young children. It has large hard fangs which can cause a painful bite with a deep gash. Black House Spiders are venomous - nausea Venom toxicity - the bite of the Black House Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Certain people bitten experience severe pain around the bite site, heavy sweating, muscular pains, vomiting, headaches and giddiness. First aid and medical attention (ambulance) should be sought as soon as possible. Area of distribution - Australia-wide. Spider Identification - adults are about 15 mm in body length and of a dark brown to black velvet textured appearance. Wolf Spiders are venomous - non-aggressive Venom toxicity - the bite of the Wolf Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Although non-aggressive, they bite freely if provoked and should be considered dangerous to humans. The bite may be very painful. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, particularly as to children or the elderly. Area of distribution - Australia-wide. Spider Identification - an adult is 15 mm to 30 mm in body length - mottled grey to brown in colour, with a distinct Union Jack impression on it's back. The female carries it's young on it's back. Trap-Door Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive FEMALE Venom toxicity - the bite of the Trap-Door Spider is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. It is a non-aggressive spider - usually timid but may stand up and present it's fangs if harassed. Rarely bites - but if so it can be painful. Area of distribution - Australia-wide. Spider Identification - an adult is about 35 mm in body length - brown to dark brown in colour - heavily covered with fine hairs. The male has distinct boxing glove-shaped palps, that is, the two "sensory feelers" at front of it's head. Orb-Weaving Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive Venom toxicity - the bite of Orb-Weaving Spiders is of low risk (not toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. Seldom bite. Be careful not to walk into their webs at night - the fright of this spider crawling over one's face can be terrifying and may cause a heart attack, particularly to the susceptible over 40 year olds. Area of distribution - Australia-wide, particularly common in bushland along the eastern coastal areas. Spider Identification - an adult is about 20 mm to 30 mm in body length - has a bulbous abdomen - often colorful - dark to light brown pattern. The common Golden Orb-Weaver Spider has a purplish bulbous abdomen with fine hairs. St Andrews Cross Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive Venom toxicity - the bite of the St Andrews Cross is of low risk (non-toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. Area of distribution - Australia-wide. Spider Identification - adult 5 to 15 mm in body length - abdomen striped yellow and brown - as illustrated. The St Andrews Cross Spider usually sits, upside down, in the middle of it's web forming a cross - as illustrated. Huntsman Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive Venom toxicity - the bite of Huntsman Spiders is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. However, a large individual can give a painful bite. Beware in summer when the female Huntsman Spider is guarding her egg sacs or young. Area of distribution - Australia-wide. Spider Identification - an adult varies greatly around 15 mm in body length - has long legs - the diameter of an adult including legs may reach 45 mm - the first 2 pairs of legs are longer than rear two - it is hairy - buff to beige brown in colour, with dark patches on the body. Be careful! Be wary!

Hi all - been here for a while but only just discovered this posting. I've read a lot of the stories and I've loved all of them. Keep on writing and I'll keep on reading.