Disqus - Latest Comments for emmstarr

Re: Replacing carpet and repainting

emmstarr — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:41:35 -0000

The problem isn't the tenant or the land-lord. It's the system.

The problem with renting in Australia is that our focus on the Australian 'dream' of (owning a quarter acre block) has created a culture where renting is perceived as a transient, short term housing option and not perceived as being a valid home. Unfortunately with housing prices as they are, renting is now becoming the only option for many people and there is no policy debate or changes in sight for the creation of long term tenanting options and the creation of rental 'homes'. Without long-term leasing options, more and more people will continue to be excluded from accessing the security of tenure that home ownership provides. Equally, because "...tenants last 2 or 3 years on average, carpets last 10 years, as does paint...", landlords will never have the incentive to be flexible or compromising on the paint and fixtures of their properties.

Until we can tackle current cultural and attitudinal biases towards renting and start recognising that renting is a legitimate long-term housing option, tenants will continue to be frustrated with their inability to create a home and landlords will be constrained to treating their properties as a mere investment and financial transaction.

Re: :: Gawd Struth. Enough Cougar Talk

emmstarr — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:27:05 -0000

Oh thank you Pip. I was worried that being a prude snuck up on me when I wasn't looking or something. It's nice to know it isn't just me that has a problem with all this cougar stuff.

Don't get me wrong, older women looking for relationships with younger men doesn't bother me. It's the whole 'cougar' thing that bothers me. Once they find a label for something, you know there's money to made - cougar conventions, tv shows, books, plastic surgery, therapy, divorce lawyers...need I go on?. If we really delve into what's driving the whole cougar thing then I think we will discover that it's really just another male fantasy . It's all about what men would like women to be sexually. The hidden message is men don't like real women who age. It's an insult to women and an insult to a hell of a lot of men too.

In regards to what animal I'd like to be...a turtle. I like the idea of being able to withdraw when it all gets to much!

Re: :: Le Space Creative :: Meme

emmstarr — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:15:26 -0000

Another exciting space but then I don't know a space I've visited that isn't exciting. There are so many clever and talented people out there.

Re: :: The Wonder Years : Growing Up Crafty....

emmstarr — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:17:53 -0000

Ahh they all trigger very similar memories in me too. It's funny to think back on it all now!

I was (and still am) a bit of a sci-fi geek. I was religiously addicted to Dr Who and I loved the land of the giants and seeing all the small things in our lives so large. I loved that a cotton reel was a rope and a safety pin was a giant hook.

Then there was the curiosity show and and all the interesting things I learnt and made like a torch with a small light bulb, a piece of foil and a rubber band. It was so cool.

I also have very fond memories of the BBC series of the 'Secret Garden' that they showed on channel 2. I absolutely loved the story, the discovery of a secret place that no-one knew about. I got lost in my imagination for hours!

Re: :: My Place & Yours...

emmstarr — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:14:03 -0000

Hello Pip! I had a bit of trouble posting last night but managed to get it working at around mid-night. The things you do! Sorry! I feel bad for joining and then not posting! It wasn't intended I promise.

Love the idea, it sounds like a really interesting way to get to know people. You're clever and thoughtful as always

Re: :: My Creative Space...

emmstarr — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:05:47 -0000

I love the colours in this shot - oh and the crochet, ofcourse! A lovely space

Re: :: Three Little Pick-Me-Ups....

emmstarr — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:04:59 -0000

crochet
friends &
inspiration

Re: :: Truth or Dare or Warts or Spin...

emmstarr — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:41:09 -0000

I am like you Kellie. I am not much of a warts and all blogger. It's a public forum and I don't want a public life. I also swear quite a bit from time to time and I certainly don't do that in my blog. But to say the blog is not me would be stretching it too. Friends that read say it is very me... but I know it's not all of me.

But if we really want to get analytical then I believe it all comes down to the interpretation of the reader, not the author. You can't control how people perceive you no matter how hard you try to influence them. I am sure none of the people whose blogs I read are anything like I imagine them to be and that's what makes it so enjoyable. You grow to like people who you may not even take a second look at in the real world.

Re: :: Here's Where I'm Up To...

emmstarr — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:21:25 -0000

Am playing and have posted. Thanks Pip. It was fun

Re: :: How Are We Not Perfect.?...

emmstarr — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:52:16 -0000

I hate feet. I think they are disgusting. They sit in sweaty horrible socks and shoes all day. I don't like people touching mine and I don't like touching others, except small kids.

I don't have my drivers licence (am about to turn 38)

I am really good at untangling knots. Have any tangled, mangled balls of wool? I'm your woman

and I love wearing my thong styled birkenstocks with japanese toe socks. It horrifies most people but I don't care. I wear them proudly everywhere

Re: :: How To Print Gocco : 20 Really Good Gocco Links....

emmstarr — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:43:16 -0000

Awesome! Thank you!

Re: :: Let's Talk About :: Craft Groups...

emmstarr — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:31:37 -0000

Oh I'd be interested in joining a Made n Thornbury group being a Thornburian and a neighbour of the Women's Neighbourhood house!

How do I get involved? Please contact me via my blog at http://emmstarr.blogspot.com

Re: :: Giveaway - Cat Rabbit Brooch..

emmstarr — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:20:49 -0000

My favourite kitten name is Wasabi.

Re: :: All About Growing Up...

emmstarr — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:29:31 -0000

thanks for posting it Pip. It was lovely, clever and poignant

Re: :: Monday Wondering - Does The Internet Make Us Happier? ::

emmstarr — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:03:58 -0000

all those thoughts have cross my mind lately too but I don't think there is a clear definitive answer. For every positive you mentioned there's no doubt that the negative is there too.

In the positive I think the distance of the internet gives some of us the confidence and the opportunity to have a voice, share who we are and make a difference in the big wide world where we would have normally been overlooked, silenced or never discovered. But it also gives some of us the confidence and the opportunity to attack, copy, take and criticise behind the protective facade of anonymity and/or distance.

But in the end I don't think the internet is necessarily to blame as such. It's the weaknesses of human nature that is the problem. A person's desire to feel popular, make money, feel hate, jealousy or envy is what gets in the way of seeing family and friends, having compassion and doing the right thing. Simply put the internet is an open and malleable communication tool and it is controlled by our individual values none of which are the same. It merely reflects the many strengths and flaws of the human race which in some instances is a great pity.

oh dear, does that sound too morbid?

Re: Free Things Friday :: Win Our Book!

emmstarr — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:57:54 -0000

Ok, I posted something which you've already seen but it's the most favourite thing I've made this year and it's fitting that it's my entry in this competition to win your book. =)

http://emmstarr.blogspot.com

Re: A Week Of Special Stuff...

emmstarr — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:07:14 -0000

I'll try, gulp. I don't know where I'll find the time...

Re: Zachary Rossman

emmstarr — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:26:14 -0000

Oh lovely. Yes. yes. so delicate