BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 03:25 PM

thanks Bob, its the difference between someone who copied a list of stuff from a site, (me) and someone who knew the person who did it, plus so much more about her - thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 02:34 AM

You taught us how to spell beer as XXXX

Some great fims too... Walkabout, Rabbit Proof Fence.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 01:21 PM

We're struck dumb with admiration of his erudition, so there!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 09:07 AM

Well, Bob, that killed the conversation stone dead....

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 09:51 PM

Errr ... G'day again,

Just a minor correction ... My listing should have read:

- the main force behind our first (Australian) National Folk Festival (38 years ago).

Our first Australian Folk Festival was in Sydney, in 1954 (51 years ago), but Shirley was the one that made the National Folk Festival happen ... and work - and become the first event that helped conquer Australia's "tyranny of distance", in the folk music sphere.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 09:43 PM

G'day Freda Underhill,

I don't usually bother with this type of thread, but I was skimming through and noticed your comprehensive (if occasionally contentious) list of 28 January.

In re your entry:

Lithium as a treatment for manic depression.

Do you happen to know who developed that treatment (and discredited the previous use of bromides on depressed persons) ... ? It was Shirley Andrews ...

- the main force behind our first (Australian) Folk Festival (38 years ago)

- the main force behind the "Bush Dance" revival of the 1970s / '80s

- an ardent worker for for Reconciliation ... and an Apology ... and a Treaty with Australia's Aboriginal people (She was a guest of honour at the great Sydney Harbour Bridge March ... unfortunately, she had to be ferried in a car, at the head of the March, due to her broken hip.)

Shirley was a credit to the Australian folk music scene!

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: hilda fish
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 01:20 AM

Really, we only gave the world everything accidently. If you look at it we didn't give nothing - just left it lying around for whoever to pick up. We are very nice but really, we were chucking a sickie and were actually at the beach having a good time.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:29 PM

WE SUCK UP TO THE YANKS
LAUGH AT THE POMS
FEEL SORRY FOR THE KIWIS MOST HAVE MOVED HERE

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 09:27 AM

More euphamisms for being sick than the rest of the world put together....

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 05:34 AM

William Ricketts
Slim Dusty
Sir Les Paterson
Henry Lawson
and the lovely word 'Drongo'

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: rich-joy
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 04:28 AM

well, as far as Mudcat is concerned : STEWIE in Darwin!!!!!!
(a most wonderful, generous, and exceedingly knowledgable man)
.
.
.
.
and following on from Helen's Jan 28 post : I recall that a spiritual channel referred to Australia as "the heart chakra of the world" - but then again, that WAS before Little Johnny came to power ...

:-(

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,John O'Lennaine
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 03:02 AM

Surf life saving clubs

The lagerphone

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Pogo
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 10:50 PM

Banjo Patterson {O)

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 07:14 PM

a few fly by nighters

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

thank you micca - and also Bob Bolton (the real star) Hilda Fish (more of a comet) John o lennaine, john from Brisbane, and a whole lot of other fly by nights (and post by daze)!!

hugs

freda

ps

and dont forget..... Vladimir the Inhaler, Vampire Villain, and his little chum, or should that be his little chomp, Magenta

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Micca
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 07:02 PM

JennyO, Rhymin Simon, Joybelle
and the STAR
Freda Underhill!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Fergie
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 03:19 PM

And LAMINGTONS

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 03:02 PM

Not that much, brucie. Idanoe's still on third.      Tw

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 09:09 AM

The world's first Labour government, in Queensland. Mind you, it only lasted a week, but you have to start somewhere.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:15 PM

Last I heard he was on first. Now, he's a doctor. Times change.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:56 PM

And to think that we sold you Dr Who...

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:37 PM

Yes, Foolestroupe, and got some gullible overseas networks to pay for.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:48 PM

Australia: That's that big island off the west coast of New Zealand, isn't it?

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:40 PM

... which we finally managed to send out of the country....

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:33 PM

Neighbours, Cell Block H, and half a dozen other of the most appalling soap operas in existence...

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:26 PM

Utterly repulsive screaming win-at-all-cost smart-alec little bad-loser gloating winner racist abusive cock-a-hoop ugly freckled tennis players.

(God, I feel better).

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:23 AM

"Pop artist..."

Oh yes, didn't you inflict that awful Kylie Minogue on the world?

Mind you, you do have Judith Durham.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:16 AM

Crocodile Dundee
Shrimp on the barbie
Outback Steakhouse
Pavlova
black opals


Sorry - someone had to say it.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:02 AM

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God went missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired of God, "Where have you been?" God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look Michael, look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet,- replied God, "and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance".

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot."

"Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people" God continued, pointing to different countries. And over there, I call this place America. North America will be rich and powerful and cold, while South America will be poor, and hot and friendly. And the little spot in the middle is Central America which is a hot spot. Can you see the balance?"

"Yes" said the Archangel, impressed by Gods work, then he pointed to a large land mass and asked, "What's that one?"

"Ah" said God. "That's Australia, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful mountains, rainforests, rivers, stream and an exquisite coast line. The people are good looking, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found travelling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high-achieving, and they will be throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace. I'm also going to give them super-human, undefeatable cricket and rugby players who will be admired and feared by all who come across them".

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then "You said there will be BALANCE!"

God replied wisely. "Wait until you see the ugly, whining, sheep rooting, Kiwi bastards I'm putting next to them".

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:47 AM

An Aussie journalist was in New Zealand doing stories where he saw a Kiwi farmer doing unnatural things with a sheep. He approached the Kiwi and firstly asked, "What sort of sheep is that?" He scribbled down the farmer's reply - "a Merino". The next question was, "Do you shear them?" The farmer replied hastily, "No! Go and find yer own!"



(You'll need to know how a Kiwi's accent sounds to appreciate this joke.)

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:41 AM

Gives the Kiwi's somewhere to make jokes about.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,freda
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:26 AM

artist Emily Kngwarreye

Pop artist Martin Sharp

photographer tracy moffat   

musician and artist Reg Mombassa

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM

WOMEN GOT THE VOTE?

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:24 AM

Ah, Freda -- no, women had the vote in Wyoming in 1869, Utah(!) in 1870. In fact, they were originally enfranchised in New Jersey in the 18th Century, but it was taken from them. Iceland gave some women voting rights in 1882 -- although it was not extended to all Icelandic women until 1911.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: number 6
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:46 AM

The location for the novel and movie "on the beach"

The Flying Doctor

Benny Hill

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:38 AM

we speak normally, its everyone else who talks funny.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:35 AM

Australia gave me the ability to perceive the world as a spheroid. It gave me the understanding that gravity actually worked elst how could people there walk on their feet and Australia made it possible for me to get a grip on evolution. There is no way anyone could actually dream up a platypus--well, maybe in the 1960s, but not before or since. It also gave me one of the best friends I have ever had.

Oh, yeah, gave us all a song with really strange words: matilda, billabong, swagman, billy. It was reading about Australia that made me see the importance of voting in elections--even if all I do is mar a ballot. They fine ya and publish your name in the paper if ya don't vote. They seem to take their elections seriously. Australia also gave the world the biggest rock on the planet: Ayer's. Neat place, IMO, and it seems to be filled with friendly and well-spoken 'catters, even though 'they talk funny'. LOL

BM

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:15 AM

And it's now beginning to be understood that the imported 'Smoky the Bear' attitudes to the bush have been responsible for the serious damaging bush fires - the original inhabitants not only gradually changed the plants and animals by their 'firestick farming' but continued to upkeep it so that damaging fires did not happen - over the last 200 years we have stuffed that up.

An Aussie corresponded with the Wright Brothers - who were inspired by some of his ideas...

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:45 AM

its interesting manitas. genetic tracking hs come up with this:

Some nuclear DNA sequences (including Y-chromosome data) and mtDNA indicate that modern humans originated and migrated relatively recently from a subset of the African population, putting Africa as the home of modern humanity. A study of human Y-chromosome variation in a worldwide sample of over 1,000 men determined that Africans and non-African males shared a common ancestor 59,000 years ago and that the non-African branch of humanity left Africa about 44,000 years ago. Such time estimates are based on the molecular clock hypothesis . Y-chromosome studies tend to misinterpret demographic events related to the origin and spread of populations, underestimating the age of those events. Mike Hammer (1995) at the University of Arizona, sequenced 2,400 bases in the same Y chromosome region from 16 ethnically diverse humans and four chimpanzees, and dated the common ancestral human Y chromosome at 188,000 years with a 95 percent confidence interval from 51,000 to 411,000 years. Other data shows that Africans and non-Africans split about 156,000 years ago (Underhill, et al, 2000), (Ingman, 2000). Within Africa the oldest modern human fossil is just less than 160,000 years old and represented by Homo sapiens idaltu. (http://www.ecotao.com/holism/hu_mod.htm)

but in australia, we are talking about a continuous, uninterrupted and unchanged culture that has existed here since at least 60,000 years ago, and as far as i know, this is the oldest surviving CULTURE on the planet. Aborigines have the oldest religion, the first demonstrable burial rites, and practised very sophisticated ways of fire-stick farming and fish harvesting. Their deep knowledge of and respect for country and their oral tradition of 'song lines' are still only partially comprehended by newer australians..

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:39 AM

Tasmanian hand Fish Brachionichthyidae?

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:07 AM

Perhaps I being a bit naive but haven't Africans lived in Africa for a lot longer than 60,000 years?

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:00 AM

and furthermore..

nanotechnology - A machine 1.5 billionths of a metre in size with moving parts only several molecules wide. It can be sent into the body by doctors wanting to detect drugs or viruses in the blood, or to identify gene sequences for diagnosing genetic disorders.

A contact lens that can be worn continuously for a month has been developed in Australia.

A contact lens designed specifically for the Asian eye has been developed in Sydney.

The Modular Ceramic Knee combines ceramics and a metal alloy to provide a lighter, stronger and more stable artificial knee. The largely ceramic nature of the knee allows better lubrication between surfaces than in metal prostheses, resulting in less friction and wear.

The multiple Olympic gold medal winning superbike.

the concept car and electronic car

carbon fibre guitars incidentally, Graham Caldersmith who invented these guitars was my science teacher at school, and used to come round to our home on Sunday nights, with his mate eric bogle, for our family sessions.

okay, enough already...!

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:35 AM

Swagmans Kiss and other great wines, Mr Winding Road, Enda Kenney, and especially enda's brother Ken (another great singer) and all the other Perth based singers who made us so welcome when we toured over there.
Vic

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:31 AM

First place in the world to have a secret ballot in elections (1856)

First Place in the world to give women the vote. (1894)

An Australian invented the worlds first method of land registration,(Torrens Title) now in use in many countries around the world.

The bionic ear, a device that enables some deaf children to hear.

Flexible wine casks... the bag in the box.

The boomerang. Ancient weapon of the aborigines. Other cultures have throwing sticks but none came back to the thrower if it missed the target.

The Notepad. In the whole history of paper, it had been sold and used in single sheets until in 1902 JA Birchall thought it would be a good idea to stack a pile of half sheets together, back it with cardboard and glue one end.

The Electric Drill was the invention of Arthur James Arnot, who patented it in 1889.

Postage stamps. The world's first pre paid postage system was introduced at Sydney in 1838.

The world's first refrigeration plant was an Australian invention of 1858.
To our collective shame, the worlds first bathing beauty contest was held in Australia in 1920.

The famous "black box" flight recorder for recording aeroplane movements was invented in Australia in 1958.

Also in 1958 the worlds first regular 'round the world' airline service was begun.

The inflatable aircraft escape slide, which becomes a raft if the aeroplane ditches in water was an Australian invention of 1965.

The Automatic letter sorting machine - 1930

Two stroke lawn mower.

The rotary hoist washing line.

Lithium as a treatment for manic depression.

Latex gloves 1945

we are the largest Island in the world.

The flagpole at Parliament house in Canberra is the largest aluminium object in the world.

Sydney Tower is the highest building in the southern hemisphere.

Kalgoorlie in WA is the worlds largest electorate 2,255,278 sq km

The Australian Labor Party is the oldest surviving labor party in the world. (1891)

The worlds largest cattle property is Strangeray Springs in S.A. over 30,000 sq km

and the oldest surviving culture in the world indigenous australians have lived here for over 60,000 years.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 06:46 AM

Sandra, I'm told that is an inferior Marmite ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 06:43 AM

Vegemite!!

Tim Tams (I had trouble remembering their name as I'm not a bikkie eater)

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 06:21 AM

Rolf Harris!

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 06:08 AM

Nothing, Foolsetroupe, all the swine want to do is beat us at cricket!

That said, maybe one day, I'll go over there and sort you lot out. I do have a brother and family out there. They moved to Golden Beach from the UK a year or maybe two ago and seem to be loving it there.

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:24 AM

Not all, Ted, there's a few still lurking around.
Did I say a few?

"As I walk the path you opened
in eternal gratitude,
convict, settler, migrant, hero,
from your future I salute" (Circular Quay, Jan 2005)

Subject: RE: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: GUEST,Flamenco Ted
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:20 AM

Australia has been great for England, very handy place for deporting all our criminals to.

Subject: BS: What have the Aussies ever done 4 us?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:10 AM

Taking in to account the large number of topics already taken in this line, I feel I should stake my claim! Aussies have their place too....

Robin