Aboriginal Art
I am a bit of a fan of Australian indigenous art and not just the way they use dots in their paintings but the way they join them as well. One of my favourites is 'Dot and the Kangaroo'. Traditionally, of course, Aboriginal art has been passed down from the traditional owners to entrepreneurial art dealers to on-sell from Melbourne galleries, at a highly inflated price, to adorn the walls of mansions in Toorak, and for this I apologise unreservedly.
I'm sorry.
On behalf of myself, I say 'sorry'.
On behalf of the Government, I say 'sorry'.
On behalf of the Australian people, I say, "sorry".
But you do have to understand that framing doesn't come cheap.
Adelaide
Adelaide is known as the City of Churches and is the only Australian city that adheres to a sensible bedtime.
AC/DC
A very loud Australian band that formed in 1973 and is still performing. You would think they would have grown out of that rebellious stage by now.
Personally, I preferred The Seekers in the 70s. A Guy called Athol was also my favourite television series and I had an autographed photo! We were both cool dudes with glasses!!
NOTE: AC/DC is an abbreviation for alternating current/direct current, which indicates that the electricity is being converted from alternating current (for example, from a wall outlet) to direct current (for example, an appliance). I think this is an important piece of information for the band to include in their album cover notes.
Airports
I used to love airports because they inevitably lead to plane trips but these days I have my very own plane. The one thing I miss about not going to proper airports anymore is filling out the little green departure card. Under 'Occupation' I used to write 'Diplomat' - just once I would love to be able to write 'PRIME MINISTER'! Be pretty impressive, verging on really 'cool', don't you think?!
Albury-Wodonga
Albury and Wodonga are two charming towns, joined at the hip by a bridge across the Murray River, which as part of the government's policy on climate change may one day be re-named the Murray Highway.
Alcohol
While alcohol is very much embedded in the Australian culture, my personal maxim for a Big Night Out is to think of alcoholic beverages as being akin to women's breasts - one is too few and three is too many. And any more than three can make you do silly things, like going into girlie bars in New York and doing even sillier things like phoning your wife to say you did it. You can check your level of sobriety online at www.rupissed.com.
Alice Springs
A famous Australian town that is in similar proximity to every beach in Australia. I recall my first visit to the Territory and asking an indigenous Australian what was the best way to get to Ayers Rock. He asked me if I would be walking or driving. I said I would be driving and he replied, "Yep, that would be the best way."
Anthony, Julie
Nobody does Advance Australia Fair like Our Julie and she was my second favourite female Seeker after Judith Durham (apologies to Louisa Wisseling who did an admirable job in between Judith and Julie).
Anzac Day
The most important Australian public holiday on the calendar and the only one important enough to have a biscuit named after it.
Arseholes
Firstly, I sincerely apologise for any offence caused by the printing of this word but, in Australia, the term is not only anatomical but also descriptive of personality traits (see 'Latham', 'Tuckey', 'Turnbull') and sometimes even physical traits as seen in the quaint Aussie phrase, "As ugly as a hatful of arseholes". (see Latham).
Australia
A darn fine movie. I give it four stars. But is it just me or has our Nicole had some work done? In her earlier movies she had a front like a back (but was still gorgeous!). And I should mention in passing that I have enjoyed the company of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman over dinner at Kirribilli House. Not that I'm a name-dropper. Their spouses, singer Keith Urban and actress Deborah Lee Furness were there as well. And I'm sure if I had become PM at a different time I would have got to meet Tom Cruise!
Automatic Teller Machines
While these machines are obviously a boon to the consumer, the working conditions for the person sitting inside distributing the money should be carefully monitored, although the overtime penalties may compensate for the cramped conditions. Note to self: a committee may be required.
Ayers Rock
Just like AC/DC, another example of Australian hard rock (I amuse myself sometimes!!). As big as this famous monolith is, apparently what we can see is only the 'tip of the iceberg' so to speak. (Note to my entrepreneurial other half, Therese: Potential business opportunity in developing world's first underground revolving restaurant? Apart from the geological delights, it could also appeal to diners with a fear of heights.)
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A
Aboriginal Art
Adelaide
AC/DC
Airports
Albury-Wodonga
Alcohol
Alice Springs
Anthony, Julie
Anzac Day
Arseholes
Australia
Automatic Teller Machines
Ayers Rock
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