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We've enjoyed an email currently doing the rounds, looking for the rest of Saddam Hussein's noxious clan now that Uday and Qusay have been eliminated. US authorities have listed a lot of the lesser-known family members they are now seeking, including, among the brothers, Sooflay – the restaurateur, Guday – the half-Australian brother, Sashay – the gay brother, Ojay – the stalker/murderer, Ebay – the internet czar, Biliray – the country music star, Ecksray – the radiologist, Regay – the half-Jamaican brother, and Tupay – the one with bad hair.

Among the sisters, there are: Lattay – the coffee shop owner, Bufay – the 300 pound sister, Phayray – the zoo worker in the gorilla house, Sapheway – the grocery store owner, Ollay – the half-Mexican sister and Gudlay – the prostitute.

If you fancy an hilarious night of fun and frivolity, all for a good cause, then head for a "not so secret night of women's business" at the Byron Bay Bowling Club this Saturday, September 13, at 8pm. The night will feature comedians Mandy Nolan, Chris Vose and Tom Roberts, with proceeds going to the Natural Birth Education and Research Centre Inc. Admission is $20, which includes a glass of wine and nibbles. And there are prizes for the people who turn up in the silliest costume. Phone 6685 6202 to book or just turn up. And blokes are welcome too.

For ladies who like their lippy, Avon is flogging a $10 lipstick next week as a fundraiser for breast cancer research.

Trivia buffs and women's mag fans may like to know that former Democrats leader Natasha Stott-Despoja got married on the beach in Byron Bay last Friday. And those of you who just asked "Who are the Democrats?" have summed up the importance of the occasion. Speaking of weddings, Prime Minister John Howard is giving away his lawyer daughter, Melanie, on September 27. Being a sports nut, we suspect Mr Howard winced when he was told the date – it's the AFL grand final (go the Swannies!). The taxpayer battlers of Australia have already given their wedding present – the reception is being held at the PM's Sydney harbourside residence, Kirribili House.

The Australian Red Cross is celebrating World First Aid Day this Saturday, September 13. The Day celebrates the vital and potentially life-saving role ordinary people trained in first aid play in our communities and the workplace.

Red Cross regional instructor Kevin Butwell said first aid is like the old Boy Scout motto, 'Be Prepared'.

"Recently, a student returned on day two of a Senior First Aid course to advise me that he had to use first aid the night before on a friend who had collapsed. He had felt confident enough to perform basic life support, which ultimately saved his mate's life. The student's friends who witnessed the collapse were amazed by his knowledge. If he hadn't enrolled in the course his friend may have lost his life."

• Red Cross is one of the region's leading first aid training ogranisations and if you've never completed a first aid course, think about enrolling in one. If you have, is it time for a refresher course on expiration of your certificate to update your skills?

And here's something for free – Red Cross is offering Echo readers a free CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation course, valued at $50) to the first 10 people who call Jennifer on 6622 3244.

The Grey Butcherbird, like the magpie, can also be responsible for swooping during Spring in an effort to protect their young.

While Spring has sprung and the blooms are bursting, it also means it's family time for wildlife. And that means magpies dive bombing unsuspecting passers by.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger, Lisa Walker, said they receive many phone calls about swooping magpies at this time of year.

"Magpies are very protective parents and they may swoop anyone seen as an intruder who might harm their chicks. In the vast majority of cases this action is simply bluff, however there have been magpie attacks in recent years where people have received injuries to their head as a result of dive-bombing magpies" she said.

Lisa said you can take preventative steps to avoid magpie attacks, including: wearing a hat or helmet to protect your head; holding an umbrella or stick above your head to deter attacks; hurrying past nesting sites confidently and quickly; or, if on a bike, dismounting to avoid falling off, and moving away quickly.

Facing the bird or drawing eyes on the back of a hat can also discourage them since most birds come from behind.

But it's not just magpies. Other species known for occasional swooping behaviour include the Grey Butcherbird, Masked Lapwing (or plover) and Red Wattlebird.

"This aggressive behaviour only lasts a few weeks. For the rest of the year the magpie is quite peaceful and valuable as an insect eater," Lisa said.

Most attacks are centred on the nest area, with swoops occurring about 30-50m from the nest tree – or double that distance for cyclists. If possible, avoid the area altogether.

Magpies live in groups, with dominant male/female pairs, and actively defend their territory from other birds. They exhibit strong territorial behaviour during the breeding season.

Magpies are a protected species and it is against the law to kill them, collect their eggs, or harm their young.

If a magpie is causing concern, it should be reported to the local NPWS office and a warning sign may be erected.

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