The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 25

Women strike back A Does your child have the potential to improve his or her grades? After school tuition programmes in English, Mathematics and Japanese. Ltoiff Catering for all and abilities cona-nt rat ion, confidence and intercut in school CoitojioikIi'iic' programmes also available KUMON INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION KUMON tfUIUiWiI Tel. Free: (008) 25 2792 Level 3, 22 Atch.son Street. St Leonards NSW 2065 Phone: (UZJ 43o ZWU 1 fmini i AVENGING ANGELS? Th Mm Man imxMs with compr Rob Quart. edge of the pool and the audience votes confiden tially for who's hot stuff.

By ANDREA JONES IN Roman times they threw brave men to the lions. But in the Seven Networks new game show, Man Man, hapless males are instead thrown to the mercy of 150 giggling, tipsy women. At least, that was the evidence on show in Melbourne on Friday night at the show's first taping. The sexism on display was shameless: simply imagine a show in reverse where women were pushed into a swimming pool because they were deemed unattractive, or where they were made to stand in skimpy swimwear next to a body builder of breathtaking perfection just so the audience could have a good giggle. Male bonding groups will be outraged.

But for women at least the 150 chanting, jeering females who took part in the first episode (to air on Saturday, February 5, at 7.30pm) inflicting public humiliation on men who fancy themselves is quite a thrill. The idea has already been a hit in Spain and Germany and Seven is so confident of its success it dug a 10-metre pool into its Melbourne studio just for the show. The Phantom Of The Opera star Rob Guest is the unlikely host but with his debonair delivery he manages to emerge as the only man unscathed. Clusters of 20-some-thing, excitable women sit at little cafe tables where they are liberally plied with champagne to get them into that girls-night-out kind of mood. By the time the contestants arrive the audience is braying for fun.

"Hi," says one contestant. "I'm a great guy because I'm going to do something with my hands and mouth I'm sure the ladies haven't seen in some time." Whoooo! says the crowd. "Hi! Ira going to show you the little child in me," promises another. The audience giggles and sniggers. Then, like lambs to the slaughter, the 10 young men are lined up along the Ever had a family holiday that actually started with a great night out? With the votes tallied, a posse of comely models (females, of course) slowly parades by the men whose eyes, by this time, are wide with terror.

If they've received approval from the crowd they get a kiss from the model If not, they are pushed boots and all into the pool. The malicious smirk on the model's face says it all. Years of pent-up anger and suffering from sleazy come-ons are vented in that hefty shove. Agonisingly, 10 brave men are condemned to the dunking through elimination rounds where they're required to display their talents from dancing technique to quick thinking when the audience puts probing questions to find out how sensitive they relly are. Sneaking up through the field is Phil, a pint-sized nerd with picket teeth, glasses, not much chin and a receding hairline.

He's hamming his way through the show, proving girls do love a man with a sense of humour. Hirsute Phil, with love handles marginally wider than his shoulders, asks rhetorically: "Has anyone got a comb for my back?" The only answer is: if Man Man's a rating winner boy boy, it's a sad commentary on the battle of the sexes. J'. What a wonderful way to begin a family drive holiday to Tasmania. Out in the middle of the ocean, cruising aboard the spectacular new Spirit of Tasmania.

And the convenience of taking your own car along for the nde. A memorable night of fun enjoying a wide range of attractions specially designed for the family. A night that starts off with dinner in Nauticals. our family style buffet full of delicious fixxl to suit everyone's taste. The fun really kicks off in the Galaclica Centre which is a video heaven for older kids and adults alike.

This high tech electronic games arcade is full of the latest video machines as well as the old favourite pinball machines. Naturally, younger kids haven't been forgotten with a supen-ised play centre. Crows Nest, situated close by and for the As your night draws to a close you can head off to the cosy surroundings of our specially designed 2 and 4 berth family cabins which offer private facilities, the chance of porthole views and comfortable single bunk accommodation. 4 i friendly lifestyle and a whole hot of fami'y attractions you'll discowr thrimghout Tasmania. 9 nights from $575.

To enjoy the Spirit and Tasmania, book a Tasmania's Temptations Holidays paikage by contacting your local travel agent or Tasmanlan Travel Centre. Tackages include 2 nights In a family cabin on the ship. trannirt of ore standard size car and 7 nights In self contained accommtlation in Tasmania per person, twin share (conditions apply). Children's priLCs start from $221. Tasmania's Holidays Fire fund millions have few takers ONLY a fraction of the estimated $12 million being raised in the bushfire appeals looks like reaching its victims because of a shortage of sufferers.

More than 20 funds are collecting donations as the community's heart goes out to firefighters and the people who lost their homes in the 600km front of blazes throughout NSW. Insurers say there were 72,000 claims and $860m was paid out after the earthquake that ravaged Newcastle in 1989. This overshadows the scale of the bushfires, which caused 1,500 claims, including 154 for total loss of home and contents. The total claim bill has been revised down to $60m, according to Insurance Council regional manager Chris Henri. Nearly $8m was donated to the Newcastle disaster appeal and virtually all the 3000 cases of people and businesses who formally applied for help received it.

About 700 fire victims have sought help and the Government appealed for more victims to come forward. The Red Cross, which has raised is preparing to close its fund down at the end of the month and is wondering what to do with the money. The Lord Mayor's Bushfire Appeal, which has raised more than S6m, has decided to spend excess money on volunteer bushfire fighters' equipment, the restoration of fauna and flora from burnt out areas and fire prevention. JOHN SVNNOTT under i's there's a toddlers playroom called Shrimps. While the kids are taken care of.

parents can have a ball with a choice of bars, casino, pool, gym and sauna, shopping and much more. For a special treat, head for our Visitors Centre. A fascinating audio and visual feast displaying highlights of the ship, as well as major attractions of Tasmania to whet your appetite for the holiday ahead. In the morning you can wake fresh to start your big adventure in your own car exploring the spectacular wilderness scenery, fascinating historical sites. XJ SPIRIT TASMANIA THE SliN-HI PAI I), l.nn.ry I'4.