1.This day in 1893, NZ women got to vote in their first general election! NZ was the first country in the world to give women the vote. Thank you Kate Shepherd and all your fellow suffragettes and hard workers.

2. The Hobbit premiere is tonight NZ time! They rolled the red carpet out in Wellybob yesterday and anyone who is anyone will be down there checking out the new movie. I wish I could be there, but there was no way to justify that spending. Anyway, I'm sure I'll watch some of it on TV tonight, as one of the channels has a special on from 4pm (not that I'm home by then, but I'll watch some later). I'm not taping because I imagine there will be a lot of nothing going on for much of it, but I'll poke my nose in when I can.

Happy Hobbit Day!

Things are still crazy down in Christchurch, but they are doing an amazing job of taking care of people and finding those still trapped. If anyone is wanting to donate to help the people of Christchurch, the NZ Red Cross does an excellent job. Though their site does not currently have a specific fund set up for the earthquake, you can still give under their general fund. I'm unable to get into the link right now as it's very busy or I'd post it here. I'm sure there are prbably other international services which you could donate to in your own area though, if you are feeling so inclined.

Thanks to everyone here for their thoughts and support. It's not affecting me directly, but I am feeling a little out of sorts and full of worry for those affected, so I do appreciate you taking time out to comment on my post yesterday or to e-mail me to make sure I'm okay. *hugs*

In completely unrelated news and for a little light relief, this headline made me snigger:

Virgin rejects pregnancy discrimination

It was about a serious matter, but the name of the employer was unfortunate. At times like this, you do need to laugh a little.