John Wilkins posted a comment on the thread about favorite countries. He said,
Nobody likes Australia, because nobody has ever heard of it. And that's just the way we like it. So don't spoil it, hey?I take that as a challenge. I think there are lots of reasons for not liking Australia so I'm going to put it to the test. Anyone reading this post will have heard of Australia and I'm even showing you where it is on a world map (see below). Now let's see if people start liking Australia.
I've heard of Australia. My aunt and uncle live in Melbourne so it is hard for me not to.
ReplyDeleteBTW, you might want to change the filename on that picture.
The file name is fine because the red line is actually circling New Zealand. Australia is the big green blob to the right.
ReplyDeletePart of the joke, I'm sure.
I know the circle is around New Zealand, but the whole point is that people who don't know about Australia wouldn't realize that. A quick glance at the filename, however, would tell them something is amiss. It gives away the joke.
ReplyDeleteThe more relevant point is perhaps that there is a slight degree of rivalry between Australia and NZ; accusing a Kiwi of being an Aussie is like accusing a Canadian of being an American...
ReplyDeleteI have been to Australia. It's a nice place, but their beer is cold and fizzy.
ReplyDeleteCharles Darwin didn't rate the place very much:
"Farewell, Australia! you are a rising child, and doubtless some day will reign a great princess in the South: but you are too great and ambitious for affection, yet not great enough for respect. I leave your shores without sorrow or regret." (Voyage of the Beagle, Ch.19)
I'm curious about the filename. Todd, why do you see the name of the image file. Did you click on it to expand or are you using a browser that reveals the names of all files in the posting?
ReplyDeleteIn other words, would a typical reader even know what the filename was? I sure don't see it in my browser unles I make an effort.
Hmmmm .... I figured it out. On some browsers the name of the figure appears in a bar at the top of bottom of the browser. I never bothered looking at that but I guess others do.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to be more careful with image names in the future.
I'm using firefox. It uses the image filename as the name of the tab, and since the image is under a different domain than the blog itself firefox automatically opens it in a new background tab (per my firefox settings). Thus, in order to see the picture I must click the tab. That requires that I look at the tab name in order to properly aim the mouse. Anybody using a browser with tabs that has that browser open remote links in a new tab will see the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the issue has already been rectified.
No! That's worse! New Zealand is where I want to retire, because they are still all ornery individualists there (it's enacted by law). I don't want it spoiled by wealthy Canadians and Americans!
ReplyDeleteWho could like people who are against podes?
ReplyDeleteCatshark, you said:
ReplyDeleteWho could like people who are against podes?
You'd have to be drunk* to be against podes...
*(or legless as we Brits sometimes say)
ur experience with Aussies has been great. About 20 years ago, we met a married couple in a line at the USA pavilion at Epcot Centre in Florida. We are still good friends today. They have visited us and we have gone on an African safari together (www.geocities.com/cwr_beach/safari).
ReplyDeleteWe are planning to visit them (Adelaide) next year and they want to be our tour guides.
They are very good at keeping in touch with the outside world.
Living on a remote island does make them want to travel a lot.
Not so strange actually. I understand that in NZ (which of course comprises north and south islands), Australia is widely known as the "West Island".
ReplyDeleteAndrew
Larry that map looks like you fell for the "Sydney Harbour Bridge goes between Sydney and Auckland" urban legend.
ReplyDeleteI live in Australia!
ReplyDeleteIn a little country town in the middle of nowhere! and i can tell you, It is the best country in the world to live in.