2012/12/31
2012/12/25
Sydney - Hobart race
The latest news on the race HERE
And that's the official website for the race with all the fancy interactive maps and whatsnot ;)
2012/12/23
Another brilliant doco about Australia
You may know Tony Robinson from Blackadder (Czarna Żmija) - he was the loyal, if not very bright, servant to Rowan Atkinson.
Here he hosts a 6 episode documentary about Australian history and culture. A very comprehensive and quite funny take on these subjects. I'm linking the pilot episode which is longer (almost 2 hours) and you can find other parts in the video feed of the user who uploaded it.
Here he hosts a 6 episode documentary about Australian history and culture. A very comprehensive and quite funny take on these subjects. I'm linking the pilot episode which is longer (almost 2 hours) and you can find other parts in the video feed of the user who uploaded it.
It's not compulsory watching but the doco is great! So IF you have some spare time, have a look.
2012/12/18
Christmas in Australia in songs
Funny version:
Aussie Jingle Bells
Lyrics here. Pay attention to typically australian words and expressions.
The most beautiful "secular" Christmas song. Again the animation tells you a lot about what the holiday is like in Oz.
White wine in the Sun
Lyrics.
It IS a bit rude, so hope no one feels offended. The fun is guessing the words which rhyme with the end of the prevous line but are never actually pronounced.
Aussie Jingle Bells
Lyrics here. Pay attention to typically australian words and expressions.
The most beautiful "secular" Christmas song. Again the animation tells you a lot about what the holiday is like in Oz.
White wine in the Sun
"Rude" version:
Christmas Day Song
Lyrics.
It IS a bit rude, so hope no one feels offended. The fun is guessing the words which rhyme with the end of the prevous line but are never actually pronounced.
Kelpie
KOKO, the Red Cloud Kelpie which starred in hit Australian film Red Dog, has died peacefully in Perth.
The seven-year-old had been diagnosed with congestive heart disease in early 2012 and had been receiving treatment but succumbed to the disease.
Red Dog producer Nelson Woss, who became Koko's owner after forming a close bond with him during the film shoot, said he was devastated to have lost his best mate.
"Through the making of Red Dog, Koko became Australia’s favourite dog. He certainly changed my life forever," Mr Woss said.
"I will miss his companionship, his remarkable outgoing, friendly nature and the many long walks that we enjoyed together in Perth and around the country. His incredible journey has come to an end."
The film's director, Kriv Stenders, said he saddened by the loss of his star.
"Ironically it reflects the theme of the film it taught us about the cycles of life," Stenders said.
"The preciousness of friendship and loyalty, and I think personally I feel like I learnt a lot from Koko.
"I knew he was having a bit of battle, but he had reprieve a month ago.
"For a short seven years, he certainly made a big difference."
Feel-good film Red Dog was based on the novel by Louis de Bernieres, about the true story of the kelpie who wandered the WA outback in the 1970s.
Koko starred alongside actors Josh Lucas and Rachael Taylor in the film, which grossed more than $21 million at the Australian box office in 2011 and became the eighth-highest grossing Australian film of all time.
Koko was the true star of Red Dog and was awarded Best Dog in a Foreign Film at the inaugural Golden Collar Awards in Los Angeles. A portrait of him by artist Adam Cullen received a special commendation at the 2012 Archibald prize.
A video of Koko's audition has received more than 300,000 hits on YouTube. Originally a show dog, he learned more than 50 commands from animal trainer Luke Hura for the film.
Woss has suggested that Koko's fans make a donation in his name to the Shenton Park Dog Refuge where he was an unofficial ambassador.
2012/12/16
Christmas in Australia
More will come so watch this space, but we can start with this nostalgic clip ;)
2012/12/11
2012/12/09
Tuesday presentations
Just to remind you who is doing what:
GENERAL CLIMATE - Tasmania
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - Queensland
GENERAL GEOGRAPHY - Victoria
THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE - South Australia
Please make sure your presentations don't take longer than 8-9 minutes.
GENERAL CLIMATE - Tasmania
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - Queensland
GENERAL GEOGRAPHY - Victoria
THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE - South Australia
Please make sure your presentations don't take longer than 8-9 minutes.
2012/12/05
G: Gold Rush - cont.
From the australia.gov.au website:
Read more by clicking on the picture below.
Watch a video about Eureka Stockade - the only revolution ever in Australia.
Still want more details? Click here.
The gold rushes of the nineteenth century and the lives of those who worked the goldfields - known as 'diggers' - are etched into our national folklore.
There is no doubt that the gold rushes had a huge effect on the Australian economy and our development as a nation. It is also true to say that those heady times had a profound impact on the national psyche.
The camaraderie and 'mateship' that developed between diggers on the goldfields is still integral to how we - and others - perceive ourselves as Australians. The diggers' defiance and open disdain of authority during this time is still a dominant theme in any discussion of our history and national identity.
Indeed, mateship and defiance of authority have been central to the way our history has been told. Look at Australia's World War I 'diggers' (named after their goldfield predecessors) at Gallipoli and how they have been portrayed: mates in the trenches with a healthy disrespect for their 'English superiors'.
Even today, nothing evokes more widespread national pride than groups of irreverent Aussie 'blokes' beating the English at cricket, or any other sport for that matter!
It is this early flowering of a national identity that makes any study of the gold rush days so intriguing. It is also true to say that the idealisation of goldfield life excludes or overlooks the squalor, greed, crime, self-interest and racism that were part and parcel of the times.
Read more by clicking on the picture below.
Watch a video about Eureka Stockade - the only revolution ever in Australia.
Still want more details? Click here.
2012/12/03
G: Gold Rush and Great Depression
And we're back to Australian history. Two vital events this week. We'll spend around 20 minutes talking about gold discovery and its consequences (my presentation) and then we'll move on to some practical tasks connected with the Great Depression. Read and watch the materials below.
The Great Depression
Follow this link to read about historical background and the events that led to depression.
Visit our trusted Australian Screen website to watch some clips taken from a TV documentary "Bread and Dripping". Read teacher's notes to get a broader context.
Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3
Have fun and good luck in the class :)
The Great Depression
Follow this link to read about historical background and the events that led to depression.
Visit our trusted Australian Screen website to watch some clips taken from a TV documentary "Bread and Dripping". Read teacher's notes to get a broader context.
Clip 1Clip 2
Clip 3
Have fun and good luck in the class :)
2012/11/29
Remember the bioluminiscence?
Another algae breakout, this time in Sydney and Melbourne.
They sure are pretty, aren't they? :)
Read more: Astonishing red algae forces closure of Torquay beach
They sure are pretty, aren't they? :)
Read more: Astonishing red algae forces closure of Torquay beach
2012/11/27
F: follow-up
Further reading on natural disasters in Australia.
Homework: "road signs"
Include the most important information, preferably using visuals rather than text.
You can follow these links to create some warning signs online (and print them out later) -->
1) Safety Sign Generator.
2) Sign Generator Widgets
Have fun with it! :)
And here is the link to the presentation on FEDERATION. We haven't done it yet, but we will be discussing this topic in coming classes. Treat it simply as a summary. Let me know in the comments section if you have any problems accessing it.
NOW ATTENTION EVERYBODY!
For the class in two weeks I want each team to choose one of the topics below, and prepare a short presentation (up to 8 minutes). Please let me know which topic you're choosing in the comments.
GENERAL CLIMATE - Tasmania
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - Queensland
GENERAL GEOGRAPHY - Victoria
THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE - South Australia
useful links:
Geography 1
Geography 2
Climate
Great Barrier Reef
Great Dividing Range
Homework: "road signs"
Include the most important information, preferably using visuals rather than text.
You can follow these links to create some warning signs online (and print them out later) -->
1) Safety Sign Generator.
2) Sign Generator Widgets
Have fun with it! :)
And here is the link to the presentation on FEDERATION. We haven't done it yet, but we will be discussing this topic in coming classes. Treat it simply as a summary. Let me know in the comments section if you have any problems accessing it.
NOW ATTENTION EVERYBODY!
For the class in two weeks I want each team to choose one of the topics below, and prepare a short presentation (up to 8 minutes). Please let me know which topic you're choosing in the comments.
GENERAL CLIMATE - Tasmania
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - Queensland
GENERAL GEOGRAPHY - Victoria
THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE - South Australia
useful links:
Geography 1
Geography 2
Climate
Great Barrier Reef
Great Dividing Range
2012/11/26
F: Fire & Floods - the land of extremes.
*
"At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 1900, as the clock ticked into 1901 and the 20th century, whistles, gongs, church bells, rattles, pots, pans, accordions and all manner of noise-makers joined the sirens of boats on Sydney Harbour.
"At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 1900, as the clock ticked into 1901 and the 20th century, whistles, gongs, church bells, rattles, pots, pans, accordions and all manner of noise-makers joined the sirens of boats on Sydney Harbour.
It was to be a special day"
Let's hear more form the historians because it will lead us to other topics.
"Just after that midnight, a storm broke and winds gusting up to 50 miles an hour swept into Sydney. Forty points of rain drenched the harbour city.
But the New Year’s Day morning of 1901 broke clear and fine, and an eight-kilometre procession headed out to Centennial Park, just beyond Paddington, where the federation rites, uniting the erstwhile separate British colonies into one federal Commonwealth, finally took place."
Australian weather has never been easy on the settlers. Southern regions suffer from severe fires, while the North often faces tropical cyclones and floods.
Click the picture above to watch a heartbreaking account of Black Saturday - the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
Click the picture below to learn more about the 2009 Queensland Flood.
You will find more information about floods clicking on the little poor fellow below.
We touched upon the topic of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia very briefly last week. This time we'll have a closer look at their work and importance for communities living in distant, remote areas of Australia.
(click on the picture)
IMPORTANT: YOU WILL HAVE SOME PRACTICAL TASKS TO DO IN THE CLASS SO PLEASE BRING SOME COLOURED MARKERS! :-)
***
2012/11/19
E: Entertainment, Environment and Education
Here we go again with the letter "E".
1. Entertainment.
This is a topic we're going to be getting back to again and again. Australians have a distinct sense of humour which - although shares some features with British - mostly retains the flavours of Australia's humble beginnings and the Convict Code.
We'll start with a brief introduction to some of my favourite Aussie comedians and TV personalities.
ANDREW DENTON
Andrew is best known as the host of a TV chat show "Enough Rope" (sadly discontibued). He has a very calm, open, inviting persona and is one of the best interviewers I know. Click on the picture to see him talk to Nigella Lawson.
ADAM HILLS
Adam is probably the most recognisable Aussie comedian outside Oz. I love him to bits! ;-)
Click on the picture to sample his stand-up comedy.
TIM MINCHIN
Click on the picture to listen to Tim perform his song/poem "Mitsubishi Colt". Here you will find the lyrics. Pay attention to accents. Tim is quoting a conversation between two people and he uses standard and broad Aussie accents to help to differenciate them.
And finally follow this link to watch and listen to Tim's wonderful spoof of "ecological anthems" that are so often associated with artist supporting PETA or "Live World". He has a gentle jab at how some musicians think too much of themselves and are too obsessed with creating their own artistic persona.
This clip is also a wonderful link to our second topic:
2. Endangered and Extinct Species.
Read about the factors that threaten Australian wildlife here.
Click the picture to browse around and learn about some species that are facing extinction.
And we are going to spend some time talking about the fate of this unfortunate little fellow. Click on the picture to learn more.
3. And finally a few words about (long distance) education.
This video unfortunatelly has a Danish commentary, but it still gives a wonderful insight into what The School of the Air is and how it operates. Have a look:
Here you can read about The School of the Air.
1. Entertainment.
This is a topic we're going to be getting back to again and again. Australians have a distinct sense of humour which - although shares some features with British - mostly retains the flavours of Australia's humble beginnings and the Convict Code.
We'll start with a brief introduction to some of my favourite Aussie comedians and TV personalities.
ANDREW DENTON
Andrew is best known as the host of a TV chat show "Enough Rope" (sadly discontibued). He has a very calm, open, inviting persona and is one of the best interviewers I know. Click on the picture to see him talk to Nigella Lawson.
ADAM HILLS
Adam is probably the most recognisable Aussie comedian outside Oz. I love him to bits! ;-)
Click on the picture to sample his stand-up comedy.
TIM MINCHIN
Click on the picture to listen to Tim perform his song/poem "Mitsubishi Colt". Here you will find the lyrics. Pay attention to accents. Tim is quoting a conversation between two people and he uses standard and broad Aussie accents to help to differenciate them.
And finally follow this link to watch and listen to Tim's wonderful spoof of "ecological anthems" that are so often associated with artist supporting PETA or "Live World". He has a gentle jab at how some musicians think too much of themselves and are too obsessed with creating their own artistic persona.
This clip is also a wonderful link to our second topic:
2. Endangered and Extinct Species.
Read about the factors that threaten Australian wildlife here.
Click the picture to browse around and learn about some species that are facing extinction.
And we are going to spend some time talking about the fate of this unfortunate little fellow. Click on the picture to learn more.
3. And finally a few words about (long distance) education.
This video unfortunatelly has a Danish commentary, but it still gives a wonderful insight into what The School of the Air is and how it operates. Have a look:
Here you can read about The School of the Air.
(Click on the picture to visit Alice Springs School of the Air website).
2012/11/11
D & E - or going back in time
And here we go with another set of topics. This week we'll have history mixed with some cultural information.
The topics are:
1. Diggers and Discipline
So far we had a look at the beginning of colony from the point of view of Aborigines, convicts and free settlers. The last group affected were the British soldiers and convict overseers. They may seem as the most priviliged group, but that's not entirely true.
Click on the link in the title to learn a little more.
And you can play this song in the background as you read:
2. Darwin
Now something cheerful to follow the previous topic- click on the picture to watch a clip showing Darwin from the point of view of an insider.
And then read the inevitable bit of historical trivia. [But please do not memorise the names of ships or numbers of casulties, I'm not going to quiz you on that! ;-) ]
3. Demographics (ethnic groups)
The topics are:
1. Diggers and Discipline
So far we had a look at the beginning of colony from the point of view of Aborigines, convicts and free settlers. The last group affected were the British soldiers and convict overseers. They may seem as the most priviliged group, but that's not entirely true.
Click on the link in the title to learn a little more.
And you can play this song in the background as you read:
2. Darwin
Now something cheerful to follow the previous topic- click on the picture to watch a clip showing Darwin from the point of view of an insider.
And then read the inevitable bit of historical trivia. [But please do not memorise the names of ships or numbers of casulties, I'm not going to quiz you on that! ;-) ]
3. Demographics (ethnic groups)
4. Exploration
A. Let's start with European discovery and colonisation. We have already talked about James Cook and the First Fleet, but this time please concentrate on non English explorers. Click the map to get some information (focus on nationalities only). Go here to see the chronology of landings, and here to see a cute animation.
B. Our second topic is a little tricky - excavation. But we will not be talking about gold - not just yet! ;-)
In fact what we are going to discuss is Australia's fossil past. Click on the picture to read some fascinating facts.
***
***
A. Let's start with European discovery and colonisation. We have already talked about James Cook and the First Fleet, but this time please concentrate on non English explorers. Click the map to get some information (focus on nationalities only). Go here to see the chronology of landings, and here to see a cute animation.
B. Our second topic is a little tricky - excavation. But we will not be talking about gold - not just yet! ;-)
In fact what we are going to discuss is Australia's fossil past. Click on the picture to read some fascinating facts.
***
***
2012/11/08
Australia IS dangerous...
Today's news:
From: http://www.news.com.au/national/taipan-kills-worker-in-central-queensland/story-fncynjr2-1226513253987
THE snake that killed a power company worker in central Queensland is one of the deadliest on the planet, an expert says.
Ergon Energy crew leader Andrew Vaughan, 57, and two co-workers were trying to find a path to a power pole in thick scrub at Yeppoon when he was bitten last Thursday.
Ergon's Peter Billing told AAP the men were talking but could not see each other through thick lantana.
He said Mr Vaughan's colleagues knew something was wrong when he stopped answering them and his mobile phone rang out.
"As soon as contact was lost they raised the alarm," Mr Billing said.
Ergon Energy hired a helicopter to search for Mr Vaughan alongside police and SES workers.
He was reported missing about 2.30pm (AEST) and was found more than three hours later about 60 metres away from where the men were originally working.
The 57-year-old father had worked for Ergon for more than 20 years.
Mr Billing said it had been confirmed Mr Vaughan was bitten by a taipan and is believed to have died almost instantly.
His funeral will be held in Yeppoon on Friday.
"He was a well loved and highly respected gentleman and ... we expect there'll be a large turnout," Mr Billing said.
Dr Andrew Amey, from the Queensland Museum, said only one person is know to have survived a taipan bite without being given antivenom.
"There's all sorts of ways of ranking how dangerous snakes are, but the inland taipan has the most toxic venomn of any snake known," Dr Amey told AAP.
"And the coastal taipan, which is the species which would have bitten this man, is not too far behind."
Taipans are now on the move as the weather warms and the males go in search of a mate.
Dr Amey said they are found throughout inland Queensland and right along the coast.
"Our museum records show they have been caught as far south as Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland.
"Generally snakes will retreat if they can, and that is the case with the taipan, but it does have the reputation of being more active in defending itself if it feels threatened."
The only person ever to survive a taipan bite without antivenom was a pastor, George Rosendale, who was bitten in 1949 at the age of 19 as he sorted timber near a church at Hopevale, near Cooktown, in far north Queensland.
He lost consciousness after 15 minutes and was taken 50km to Cooktown on the back of a truck.
A visiting doctor on holiday from Victoria treated him, and despite pronouncing him dead four times, managed to repeatedly revive him.
He was taken to Cairns Hospital where he recovered after about two weeks, but he lost his sense of taste for six months and turned grey at 21.
From: http://www.news.com.au/national/taipan-kills-worker-in-central-queensland/story-fncynjr2-1226513253987
2012/11/05
C - part 2: customs, cars, cinema & capital city
As you remember our course is about BOTH Australian history and its culture.
This week we are going to step aside from the chronological path for a moment in order to delve deeper into the Aussie soul.
We'll be talking about following topics:
1. customs
A very interesting (if somewhat ridiculous) read here: Department of Immigration and Citizenship ;-)
Drinking etiquette as described on my favourite website.
Click on the picture to see a really thought-provoking social commentary on The Australian Citizenship Test.
2. car fetishism
Aussies LOVE their cars. Watch the clips and try to work out which two cars have cult status in Australia.
car 1:
Road Warrior (1981)
Love the Beast (2009)
car 2:
Two Hands (1999)
[it's a very vague clue, pay attention to the first shot]
If you are still confused go here, type the title(s) in the search box, and then read "plot" and "trivia" sections.
***For movie buffs only***
The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) - a film from Peter Weir, the same director who later shot the cult classic Picnic at Hanging Rock, and such films as Dead Poets Society and recently Master and Commander.
3. cinema (industry and film festivals)
Australian Tropfest is the world's largest short film festival. Visit their official site, browse around, and find out some information about the rules and the venue. You can also watch some competition films. They are all under 7 minutes long, so it won't take you too long ;-)
The ones which I would recommend are: The Story of Bubble Boy and An Imaginary Life.
4. Canberra
This week we are going to step aside from the chronological path for a moment in order to delve deeper into the Aussie soul.
We'll be talking about following topics:
1. customs
A very interesting (if somewhat ridiculous) read here: Department of Immigration and Citizenship ;-)
Drinking etiquette as described on my favourite website.
Click on the picture to see a really thought-provoking social commentary on The Australian Citizenship Test.
2. car fetishism
Aussies LOVE their cars. Watch the clips and try to work out which two cars have cult status in Australia.
car 1:
Road Warrior (1981)
Love the Beast (2009)
car 2:
Two Hands (1999)
[it's a very vague clue, pay attention to the first shot]
If you are still confused go here, type the title(s) in the search box, and then read "plot" and "trivia" sections.
***For movie buffs only***
The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) - a film from Peter Weir, the same director who later shot the cult classic Picnic at Hanging Rock, and such films as Dead Poets Society and recently Master and Commander.
3. cinema (industry and film festivals)
Australian Tropfest is the world's largest short film festival. Visit their official site, browse around, and find out some information about the rules and the venue. You can also watch some competition films. They are all under 7 minutes long, so it won't take you too long ;-)
The ones which I would recommend are: The Story of Bubble Boy and An Imaginary Life.
4. Canberra
2012/10/29
NO CLASS TOMORROW :(
Dear all,
I went down with flu and will not have classes with you tomorrow.
But I will post some links soon, so you can start preparing for next week.
XXX
JL
I went down with flu and will not have classes with you tomorrow.
But I will post some links soon, so you can start preparing for next week.
XXX
JL
2012/10/21
Aborigines, eclipse and spiritual meaning
Elders from Ramingining are discussing the total solar eclipse of 2012. The eclipse's point of totality will travel over Arnhem Land (Top End, Northern Territory) at sunrise on 14th November.
See http://yolngueclipse.org to learn more about moieties and what happens when the Moon marries the Sun.
Also this page makes a fascinating reading: http://yolngueclipse.org/cultural-awareness
2012/10/20
C: Convicts
This week we are going to be talking about:
- convicts: historical background (have a look at the TIMELINE), settlement, life conditions, pardons and famous prisoners
- convicts in popular culture: songs, stories, art
- the impact of convict past on Aussie mentality and national pride (concentrate on "social psychology" and "why?" in this article; we'll also touch upon the concept of "mateship")
(the Fremantle Prison flogging post)
CLICK BELOW to read more about:
Convict Daily Life
Convict Biographies
Convict Escapes
(downloadable PDFs)
and...
- crocodiles
(click on the picture)
*
- convicts: historical background (have a look at the TIMELINE), settlement, life conditions, pardons and famous prisoners
- convicts in popular culture: songs, stories, art
- the impact of convict past on Aussie mentality and national pride (concentrate on "social psychology" and "why?" in this article; we'll also touch upon the concept of "mateship")
(the Fremantle Prison flogging post)
CLICK BELOW to read more about:
Convict Daily Life
Convict Biographies
Convict Escapes
(downloadable PDFs)
and...
- crocodiles
(click on the picture)
*
2012/10/15
B: Botany Bay
So far we have a pretty good understanding of what Australia was like when its shores were still untouched by the white man. But the first contact was inevitable.
In three weeks (letter "E" - European exploration) we'll be talking about French and Dutch expeditions, but today we'll go straight to captain James Cook and his landing in Botany Bay.
To get you in the proper mood first listen to this Irish shantie - The Shores of Botany Bay
(go here to see the lyrics)
Captain James Cook did not "discover" Australia, but his landing in Botany Bay on 29th of April, 1770 symbolicaly marked the beginning of colonisation.
It was just a quick stop for Cook, and Botany Bay remained quiet and peaceful for the next 18 years. The British Empire welcomed the "discovery" of the new land - and a potential colony - but that part of the world was not politically or economically significant enough to claim these lands for the British Crown just yet.
However the situation changed with a rather rapid development of events in America, and year 1788 saw the arrival of First Fleet to Botany Bay.
Watch this video to see what impact it had on the local Aboriginal population.
Now let's have a look at these events from the point of view of the English - Redcoats, sailors and convicts. Go here to read about FIRST FLEET and the problems they encountered on their arrival to Australia.
All right, to have a short break from history overload let's move now for a moment to present day Botany Bay and its biodiversity.
Have a look at this video:
Follow the link in video description on YouTube to find answers to following questions:
1. What was Botany Bay called before it received its present name?
2. What is Eastern Blue Grouper, and why is it important?
Got a bit tired and hungry doing all the research, eh? ;-) Watch this 1984 commercial featuring Paul "Crocodile Dundee" Hogan. It is a great introduction to two more topics: BBQ and beaches.
See if you know answers to these questions:
1. What is the etymology of the word "barbecue"?
2. What fuels do Aussies use?
Here is a reminder of some social rules concering BBQ ;-)
(click to see bigger version)
And finally click here to see a stunning picture. Read the description. I'll ask you some questions on it.
In three weeks (letter "E" - European exploration) we'll be talking about French and Dutch expeditions, but today we'll go straight to captain James Cook and his landing in Botany Bay.
To get you in the proper mood first listen to this Irish shantie - The Shores of Botany Bay
(go here to see the lyrics)
Captain James Cook did not "discover" Australia, but his landing in Botany Bay on 29th of April, 1770 symbolicaly marked the beginning of colonisation.
It was just a quick stop for Cook, and Botany Bay remained quiet and peaceful for the next 18 years. The British Empire welcomed the "discovery" of the new land - and a potential colony - but that part of the world was not politically or economically significant enough to claim these lands for the British Crown just yet.
However the situation changed with a rather rapid development of events in America, and year 1788 saw the arrival of First Fleet to Botany Bay.
Watch this video to see what impact it had on the local Aboriginal population.
Now let's have a look at these events from the point of view of the English - Redcoats, sailors and convicts. Go here to read about FIRST FLEET and the problems they encountered on their arrival to Australia.
***
All right, to have a short break from history overload let's move now for a moment to present day Botany Bay and its biodiversity.
Have a look at this video:
Follow the link in video description on YouTube to find answers to following questions:
1. What was Botany Bay called before it received its present name?
2. What is Eastern Blue Grouper, and why is it important?
***
Got a bit tired and hungry doing all the research, eh? ;-) Watch this 1984 commercial featuring Paul "Crocodile Dundee" Hogan. It is a great introduction to two more topics: BBQ and beaches.
See if you know answers to these questions:
1. What is the etymology of the word "barbecue"?
2. What fuels do Aussies use?
Here is a reminder of some social rules concering BBQ ;-)
(click to see bigger version)
And finally click here to see a stunning picture. Read the description. I'll ask you some questions on it.
***
2012/10/09
A - aftermath
Read more about kinship terms, moieties and skins HERE.
Skin system (taken from: http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/en/Heritage-and-Culture/Aboriginal-culture/Lifestyles-and-traditions/Aboriginal-kinship/)
Kinship terms (taken from: http://www.ausanthrop.net/research/kinship/kinship2.php)
Skin system (taken from: http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/en/Heritage-and-Culture/Aboriginal-culture/Lifestyles-and-traditions/Aboriginal-kinship/)
Kinship terms (taken from: http://www.ausanthrop.net/research/kinship/kinship2.php)
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 - one year after the tabling of the report Bringing them Home, May 1997. The report was the result of an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission into the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
Read more about STOLEN GENERATIONS
2012/10/04
TEAMS 2012-2013
We have our first teams! :)
Say hello to
1) QUEENSLAND
Karolina Kmak
Paulina Bałuszyńska
Beata Gałat
Małgorzata Miśkowiec
2) VICTORIA
Bartłomiej Figiel
Natalia Owsianka
Sylwia Kurowska
Joanna Gawlik
3) TASMANIA
Edyta Bodziony
Paulina Mróz
Joanna Młynarczyk
Magdalena Waligóra
4) SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Tomasz Góra
Ewa Wiśniowska
Dominika Piasecka
Natalia Pych
Patrycja Baran
Below you will find the list I was sent by Ms Kukiełka Król. If your name is not on the list, please leave your ID information (name, group) in the comments section, and I'll try to sort it out. I was informed I can have a group of maximum 18 students. It's currently 15 so there are three more spots for grabs :)
FAKULTET: Geografia i kultura Australii
Język angielski-Translatoryka- GR.3
Prowadzący: mgr Joanna Loesch
Say hello to
1) QUEENSLAND
Karolina Kmak
Paulina Bałuszyńska
Beata Gałat
Małgorzata Miśkowiec
2) VICTORIA
Bartłomiej Figiel
Natalia Owsianka
Sylwia Kurowska
Joanna Gawlik
3) TASMANIA
Edyta Bodziony
Paulina Mróz
Joanna Młynarczyk
Magdalena Waligóra
4) SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Tomasz Góra
Ewa Wiśniowska
Dominika Piasecka
Natalia Pych
Patrycja Baran
Below you will find the list I was sent by Ms Kukiełka Król. If your name is not on the list, please leave your ID information (name, group) in the comments section, and I'll try to sort it out. I was informed I can have a group of maximum 18 students. It's currently 15 so there are three more spots for grabs :)
FAKULTET: Geografia i kultura Australii
Język angielski-Translatoryka- GR.3
Prowadzący: mgr Joanna Loesch
- Bałuszyńska Paulina
- Baran Patrycja
- Bodziony Edyta
- Figiel Bartłomiej
- Gałat Beata
- Góra Tomasz
- Kmak Karolina
- Kurowska Sylwia
- Miśkowiec Małgorzata
- Młynarczyk Joanna
- Mróz Paulina
- Owsianka Natalia
- Piasecka Dominika
- Pych Natalia
- Wiśniowska Ewa
- Waligóra Magdalena
- Joanna Gawlik
2012/10/02
A - Aboriginal Australia
In the class next week we'll be talking about the first inhabitants of the continent. We'll try to understand the special connection they have with the land, the way they understand the world, the complexities of their society, and the special family ties they have.
We'll also discuss the topic of so called Stolen Generations.
Please get yourself ready by reading/watching the materials below.
1. Dreaming.
Dreaming is essential to Aboriginal cultures. It explains the special bond the people have to their land. Below you will find three short clips taken from Australian Screen - an amazing website which archives the best of Aussie TV and film.
Dog Dreaming is a documentary about the journey of two ancestral dogs across the land that became a Dreaming story. In the land that belongs to the people who speak Mengerrdji, two dogs – the male dog called Adjumalar and the female Womarr – named sites as they crossed the land. Jacob Nayinggu follows their path, telling us what happened to Adjumalar and Womarr as they crossed the country, and how Womarr eventually became a dreaming place at the point where she sank into the ground.
Dog Dreaming is an interesting documentary that invites us into Indigenous cultural beliefs about the land being created by ancestral beings. As Jacob Nayinggu follows the dogs’ journey, he informs us what happened to them and the significance of the sites as a result of the dogs’ passage. Here, we gain an insight into how story is a way of mapping territory, and Jacob Nayinggu can tell us what landmark – a waterhole for example – was created and the name the dogs gave it. But it is the story of Dog Dreaming that Jacob follows as he moves through the land.
- Dog Dreaming part 1
- Dog Dreaming part 2
- Dog Dreaming part 3
2. Aboriginal Flag
The Australian Aboriginal flag represents the indigenous people of Australia. It was designed in 1971 by the Aboriginal artist Harold Thomas. Australian government officially recognized it as a flag of Australia on the 14th of July, 1995.
It consists of three colors (red, yellow, and black).
The black is said to represent the Aboriginal people of Australia, the red is said to represent the red ochre of the outback, and the yellow of the sun. Other interpretations of the colors used in the flag say that the red symbolizes the blood spilled when Europeans first came to Australia.
The designer of the flag Harold Thomas was quoted as saying "I wanted to make it unsettling. In normal circumstances you'd have the darker color at the bottom and the lighter color on top and that would be visibly appropriate for anybody looking at it. It wouldn't unsettle you. To give a shock to the viewer to have it on top had a dual purpose, was to unsettle.. The other factor why I had it on top was the Aboriginal people walk on top of the land. It's an obvious fact as well. So it had.. that was the reason why the black was on top was visibly unsettling and because of how I was trained at art school, not to make things too obvious but to have a bit of a shock but also to say that the people walk on the land."
Official Australian buildings often display the Australian Flag and the Aboriginal Flag side by side. The colors of the Aboriginal flag have also become powerful symbols of pride and strength for the indigenous people of Australia.
(from: IndexOz)
3. Adelaide
And a short clip from my favourite traveller/YT poster Overlander
4. Animation in Australia and New Zealand
See if you can see the connection? What do the following have in common?
- The Lord of the Rings
- King Kong
- District 9
- The Hobbit
- Avatar
WETA Digital is one of the leading CG/FX houses in the world, along George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. Follow the links to visit their website and be sure to watch their commercials (especially "Snowball" ;-) ) and reels.
Australian animated feature films and shorts have won many awards. Here are just two examples.
- Oscar winning short: Harvie Krumpet
The odd biography of a man who has Tourette's Syndrome, chronic bad luck, menial jobs, nudist tendencies, and a book of "fakts" hung around his neck.
- some clips from Happy Feet (click the picture below)
We'll also discuss the topic of so called Stolen Generations.
Please get yourself ready by reading/watching the materials below.
1. Dreaming.
Dreaming is essential to Aboriginal cultures. It explains the special bond the people have to their land. Below you will find three short clips taken from Australian Screen - an amazing website which archives the best of Aussie TV and film.
Curator’s notes
Dog Dreaming is an interesting documentary that invites us into Indigenous cultural beliefs about the land being created by ancestral beings. As Jacob Nayinggu follows the dogs’ journey, he informs us what happened to them and the significance of the sites as a result of the dogs’ passage. Here, we gain an insight into how story is a way of mapping territory, and Jacob Nayinggu can tell us what landmark – a waterhole for example – was created and the name the dogs gave it. But it is the story of Dog Dreaming that Jacob follows as he moves through the land.
- Dog Dreaming part 1
- Dog Dreaming part 2
- Dog Dreaming part 3
2. Aboriginal Flag
The Australian Aboriginal flag represents the indigenous people of Australia. It was designed in 1971 by the Aboriginal artist Harold Thomas. Australian government officially recognized it as a flag of Australia on the 14th of July, 1995.
It consists of three colors (red, yellow, and black).
The black is said to represent the Aboriginal people of Australia, the red is said to represent the red ochre of the outback, and the yellow of the sun. Other interpretations of the colors used in the flag say that the red symbolizes the blood spilled when Europeans first came to Australia.
The designer of the flag Harold Thomas was quoted as saying "I wanted to make it unsettling. In normal circumstances you'd have the darker color at the bottom and the lighter color on top and that would be visibly appropriate for anybody looking at it. It wouldn't unsettle you. To give a shock to the viewer to have it on top had a dual purpose, was to unsettle.. The other factor why I had it on top was the Aboriginal people walk on top of the land. It's an obvious fact as well. So it had.. that was the reason why the black was on top was visibly unsettling and because of how I was trained at art school, not to make things too obvious but to have a bit of a shock but also to say that the people walk on the land."
Official Australian buildings often display the Australian Flag and the Aboriginal Flag side by side. The colors of the Aboriginal flag have also become powerful symbols of pride and strength for the indigenous people of Australia.
(from: IndexOz)
3. Adelaide
And a short clip from my favourite traveller/YT poster Overlander
4. Animation in Australia and New Zealand
See if you can see the connection? What do the following have in common?
- The Lord of the Rings
- King Kong
- District 9
- The Hobbit
- Avatar
WETA Digital is one of the leading CG/FX houses in the world, along George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. Follow the links to visit their website and be sure to watch their commercials (especially "Snowball" ;-) ) and reels.
Australian animated feature films and shorts have won many awards. Here are just two examples.
- Oscar winning short: Harvie Krumpet
The odd biography of a man who has Tourette's Syndrome, chronic bad luck, menial jobs, nudist tendencies, and a book of "fakts" hung around his neck.
- some clips from Happy Feet (click the picture below)
G'day!
Hello everyone!
So you have successfully made it here. Well done! ;-)
Please check this space regularly - I will be adding tons of materials, clips, links and pictures related to the topics of our classes.
Also please feel free to comment and add your own recommendations. They are most welcome!
Happy exploring!
So, how does it work exactly?
Well, I DO hope you listened carefully in the class, but if someone is still a little confused here is the general idea again:
1. In each class we will be talking about an array of Australia-related topics, all of which will begin with a given letter of the alphabet.
2. You will know these topics in advance, so you'll be able to find out some information beforehand.
3. In class, first I'll give a short presentation with audio/video materials, and then will be asking you some very tricky questions.
4. You will have a chance to score points (marks) for giving me answers which are not only correct but also interesting.
Still confused?
Well, then watch this clip. It comes from "QI" - a gameshow hosted by the brilliant Stephen Fry [no, he isn't Australian but he can do a very convincing Aussie accent ;-) ]. Anyway, our classes will be based on the same format as QI. Is that clear now? ;-)
Please remember to use the comments below to let me know who is in your group, and what you choose to call it.
The choices are the following:
VICTORIA
NEW SOUTH WALES
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
NORTHERN TERRITORY
TASMANIA
I will post later today the reading list for next week.
So you have successfully made it here. Well done! ;-)
Please check this space regularly - I will be adding tons of materials, clips, links and pictures related to the topics of our classes.
Also please feel free to comment and add your own recommendations. They are most welcome!
Happy exploring!
So, how does it work exactly?
Well, I DO hope you listened carefully in the class, but if someone is still a little confused here is the general idea again:
1. In each class we will be talking about an array of Australia-related topics, all of which will begin with a given letter of the alphabet.
2. You will know these topics in advance, so you'll be able to find out some information beforehand.
3. In class, first I'll give a short presentation with audio/video materials, and then will be asking you some very tricky questions.
4. You will have a chance to score points (marks) for giving me answers which are not only correct but also interesting.
Still confused?
Well, then watch this clip. It comes from "QI" - a gameshow hosted by the brilliant Stephen Fry [no, he isn't Australian but he can do a very convincing Aussie accent ;-) ]. Anyway, our classes will be based on the same format as QI. Is that clear now? ;-)
Please remember to use the comments below to let me know who is in your group, and what you choose to call it.
The choices are the following:
VICTORIA
NEW SOUTH WALES
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
NORTHERN TERRITORY
TASMANIA
I will post later today the reading list for next week.
2012/06/14
Y, X and Z
1. Youth culture and youth problems
Romper Stomper is a film which kick-started the career of Russel Crove and which tackles the difficult topic of bullying and subcultures. A raw and brutal film, but one of the most iconic in Australian cinematography.
Here is the trailer.
On a slightly brigther note - a trailer for Muriel's Wedding.
And here are two movie tips. Both films are a perfect illustration of the topic of youth problems.
Both deal with the insecurities of young people: loneliness, lack of understanding, problems with defining one's identity, lure of the big world and its temptations, and so on...
Both star a very talented female - Abbie Cornish - who is well on her way to become next Cate Blanchett.
In both she co-stars with two Australian actors representing the young generation whose potential has been recognised by Hollywood.
Here are the trailers for you:
Candy (2006)
Somersault (2004)
2. Time Zones
3. Zoos
Sydney Aquarium - Amazing - The most amazing videos are a click away
Romper Stomper is a film which kick-started the career of Russel Crove and which tackles the difficult topic of bullying and subcultures. A raw and brutal film, but one of the most iconic in Australian cinematography.
Here is the trailer.
On a slightly brigther note - a trailer for Muriel's Wedding.
And here are two movie tips. Both films are a perfect illustration of the topic of youth problems.
Both deal with the insecurities of young people: loneliness, lack of understanding, problems with defining one's identity, lure of the big world and its temptations, and so on...
Both star a very talented female - Abbie Cornish - who is well on her way to become next Cate Blanchett.
In both she co-stars with two Australian actors representing the young generation whose potential has been recognised by Hollywood.
Here are the trailers for you:
Candy (2006)
Somersault (2004)
2. Time Zones
Australia has 3 Time Zones
- EST - Eastern Standard Time
Australian Capital Territory,
New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria - CST - Central Standard Time
Northern Territory and South Australia - WST - Western Standard Time
Western Australia
| Standard Time | Daylight Savings | ||
| 1 | Western Australia | + 8.0 hours GMT | no change |
| 2 | Northern Territory | + 9.5 hours GMT | no change |
| 3 | South Australia | + 9.5 hours GMT | + 10.5 hours GMT |
| 4 | Queensland | + 10.0 hours GMT | no change |
| 4 | Lord Howe Island | + 10.5 hours GMT | + 11.5 hours GMT |
| 5 | New South Wales | + 10.0 hours GMT | + 11.0 hours GMT |
| 5 | ACT | + 10.0 hours GMT | + 11.0 hours GMT |
| 6 | Victoria | + 10.0 hours GMT | + 11.0 hours GMT |
| 7 | Tasmania | + 10.0 hours GMT | + 11.0 hours GMT |
3. Zoos
Sydney Aquarium - Amazing - The most amazing videos are a click away
Waltzing Matilda
Original song (or at least one of its existing lyrics versions)
Lyrics and glossary.
And here is the promised version in the style of Eminem ;-)
And here you can look up the "updated" lyrics.
Lyrics and glossary.
And here is the promised version in the style of Eminem ;-)
And here you can look up the "updated" lyrics.
Australians at war
This class is all devoted to Australians at war - WWI, WWII and Vietnam.
1. The Boer War
This was the first major conflict Australians were involved in (or rather dragged into by the British) before they even became the Federation. One of the most controversial events of the war was the trial of Harry Morant and his two colleagues. The story was brought to screens in the famous Australian film, Breaker Mornat. Watch the trailer below.
Synopsis:
Breaker Morant concerns the murder trial of three Australian Army officers of the Bushveldt Carbineers serving in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton are accused of the murder of one Boer prisoner and the subsequent murders of six more. In addition, Morant and Handcock are accused of the sniper-style assassination of a German missionary, the Rev. H.C.V. Hesse. Their defence counsel, J.F. Thomas, has had only one day to prepare their defence.
Great Australian War Drama based on a true story.
2. World War I (the "Great War")
Australian were sent to both Eastern and Western fronts.
Read this general introduction first.
Click the picture below to enter a great interactive website that will help you learn the story behind the tragic Battle of Gallipoli. As you remember it was a turning point in Australian history and an abrupt change in Australia/Britain relations. It gave rise to a strong sense of Aussie identity and resulted in development of "broad" Aussie accent.
Western Front and the controversy of "voluntary" enlisting - click here.
3. World War II
WWII for Australians meant involvement in the military operations in the Pacific Ocean arena (e.g. bombing od Darwin), but Aussie soldiers were also fighting in Europe. It was another importan time for shaping national identity.
4. Vietnam
The Vietnam War was the longest war Australia was ever involved in. Australian involvement in the Vietnam War was marked by controversy and significant levels of public opposition to conscription and concern about casualties. The Vietnam War was also the first war witnessed 'live' on television.
It was also a war in which ANZAC fought a battle against all odds, one that they should have lost - 108 people against Viet Cong's troops of 1,500-2,500. They didn't have any chance to win... but they did.
Below is a truly brilliant documentary on the Battle of Long Tan. It may make a difficult listening (no subtitles) but I think it is really worth your while. Such honest and heartwrenching accounts of human bravery and mateship are rare these days.
5. Recent Australian involvement
I think Aussie attitude is best summarised in this short clip.
1. The Boer War
This was the first major conflict Australians were involved in (or rather dragged into by the British) before they even became the Federation. One of the most controversial events of the war was the trial of Harry Morant and his two colleagues. The story was brought to screens in the famous Australian film, Breaker Mornat. Watch the trailer below.
Synopsis:
Breaker Morant concerns the murder trial of three Australian Army officers of the Bushveldt Carbineers serving in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton are accused of the murder of one Boer prisoner and the subsequent murders of six more. In addition, Morant and Handcock are accused of the sniper-style assassination of a German missionary, the Rev. H.C.V. Hesse. Their defence counsel, J.F. Thomas, has had only one day to prepare their defence.
Great Australian War Drama based on a true story.
2. World War I (the "Great War")
Australian were sent to both Eastern and Western fronts.
Read this general introduction first.
Click the picture below to enter a great interactive website that will help you learn the story behind the tragic Battle of Gallipoli. As you remember it was a turning point in Australian history and an abrupt change in Australia/Britain relations. It gave rise to a strong sense of Aussie identity and resulted in development of "broad" Aussie accent.
Western Front and the controversy of "voluntary" enlisting - click here.
3. World War II
WWII for Australians meant involvement in the military operations in the Pacific Ocean arena (e.g. bombing od Darwin), but Aussie soldiers were also fighting in Europe. It was another importan time for shaping national identity.
Mateship was defined through the experience of trench warfare, concentration camps, hunger, injury, forced labour and the boredom and terror of war.
In the [Japanese POW] camps the Australians discarded their differences and became a tribe, a tribe which was always the most successful group. The core of this success was an ethos of mateship and egalitarianism which not only survived the ultimate dehumanising duress of the death camps, but shone through as the dominant Australian characteristic.Mateship between soldiers helped define their manhood, and in turn, this helped define Australia as a nation.
Paul Sheehan, Among the Barbarians, 1998
4. Vietnam
The Vietnam War was the longest war Australia was ever involved in. Australian involvement in the Vietnam War was marked by controversy and significant levels of public opposition to conscription and concern about casualties. The Vietnam War was also the first war witnessed 'live' on television.
It was also a war in which ANZAC fought a battle against all odds, one that they should have lost - 108 people against Viet Cong's troops of 1,500-2,500. They didn't have any chance to win... but they did.
Below is a truly brilliant documentary on the Battle of Long Tan. It may make a difficult listening (no subtitles) but I think it is really worth your while. Such honest and heartwrenching accounts of human bravery and mateship are rare these days.
5. Recent Australian involvement
I think Aussie attitude is best summarised in this short clip.
2012/05/31
"If you're still around to think about it, you know you are OK."
I may be old fashioned and sentimental, but this is why I love Australian attitude to everything...
A BRISBANE soldier wounded while dragging an Afghan soldier to safety is being hailed a hero.
Father of two Private TJ Findlay who suffered minor abrasions and a mild concussion during an incident on Wednesday, is expected to make a full recovery as he rests at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
The 21-year-old said he was about 10 meters from an Afghan National Army vehicle when it hit an improvised explosive device.
"I just got picked up and thrown back," he told reporters.
Amid the swirling dust, he saw the driver trying to climb out the truck window.
"You don't really think about it. You know that there's another person and that the car is on fire and you know there's stuff in the back," he said.
"He was falling in and out of consciousness. Next thing I know the ammunition in the back of the Ford Ranger started cooking off, popping, exploding and shooting out bits and pieces."
Private Findlay said recent events prepared him for the incident.
"We had been encountering IEDs for the last three days," he said.
"We had been finding every one of them. That one just caught us."
A modest Private Findlay said he does not consider himself a hero.
"I wouldn't really label it as a hero act or anything like that. Anyone seeing a car accident on the freeway would have done the same. It's just what you do," he said.
"If you're still around to think about it, you know you are OK."
A BRISBANE soldier wounded while dragging an Afghan soldier to safety is being hailed a hero.
Father of two Private TJ Findlay who suffered minor abrasions and a mild concussion during an incident on Wednesday, is expected to make a full recovery as he rests at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
The 21-year-old said he was about 10 meters from an Afghan National Army vehicle when it hit an improvised explosive device.
"I just got picked up and thrown back," he told reporters.
Amid the swirling dust, he saw the driver trying to climb out the truck window.
"You don't really think about it. You know that there's another person and that the car is on fire and you know there's stuff in the back," he said.
"He was falling in and out of consciousness. Next thing I know the ammunition in the back of the Ford Ranger started cooking off, popping, exploding and shooting out bits and pieces."
Private Findlay said recent events prepared him for the incident.
"We had been encountering IEDs for the last three days," he said.
"We had been finding every one of them. That one just caught us."
A modest Private Findlay said he does not consider himself a hero.
"I wouldn't really label it as a hero act or anything like that. Anyone seeing a car accident on the freeway would have done the same. It's just what you do," he said.
"If you're still around to think about it, you know you are OK."
2012/05/30
The letter "T"
I'll do a presentation on the letters "W" and "V", but we'll also be talking about the following:
1) Tourism revisited ;-)
2) TV
Now, where do I even start... ;-)
Inevitably this topic is going to be very arbitrary. Imagine that a foreigner asks you to recommend best 10 programmes/soaps/talk shows on Polish television now and in the past. Yes? Well? Czterej Pancerni or Szymon Majewski Show? I bet everyone would come with a unique list...
I've been nagging my Aussie friends for suggestions, plus I've discovered some gems of Aussie TV on my own. It will be a very incomplete list, but I feel that's the only way I can do it - just to share with you my personal favs.
First visit the infallible Culture Portal for a comphehensive insight into the history of TV in Australia.
And now you are ready to look at Top 10 Programmes (or rather categories - but let's not be too pedantic, eh? ;-) )
1. comedians: Adam Hills, Tim Minchin, Judith Lucy
You've seen some clips with Adam and Tim already, but now have a look at the one which unites them on screen :-)
And this one shows Judith at her sarcastic best. :-D I rarely find female comedians funny, but her style of comedy never fails to entertain me.
2. radio presenters guesting on TV shows: Hamish and Andy, Myf Warhurst
Hamish and Andy are a comedy duo with their own radio programme but often appear on Spicks and Specks and Rove.
Here is a little clip in which they instruct their mothers to play pranks on Mother's Day. It is not very highbrow humour, mind you, but it's endearing nevertheless :-)
Look for the expression of sheer dread in the boys' faces when they realise what they have made their moms do. And you have to admit that the ladies are really game to take on any challenge ;-)
Myf appears as team captain on Spicks and Specks. She is the heartwarming, adorable, gentle soul of the show. But her being the only girl in the gang, the host - Adam Hills and Kiwi team captain Alan Brough never miss an opportunity to put Myf in an embarrassing situation ;-)
Here is what happened one of the very rare times when Myf's team actually won...
3. talk show hosts: Rove McManus, Andrew Denton, Paul McDermott
4. comedy shows: Spicks and Specks (an episode on YouTube)
5. kids TV: The Wiggles, The Upside Down Show, High 5, Marine Girl, Silversun
6. soaps: Neighbours, Home and Away, Blue Heelers
7. modern TV dramas: Love My Way
8. "mystery"/sci-fi: Bryan Brown's Twisted, Two Twisted
From Two Twisted promo: 'Two Twisted' follows on from the 'Twisted Tales'(1996) series produced by Australian actor/producer Bryan Brown. These Australian series' follow the tradition of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' and 'The Twighlight Zone', of short dark thrillers which develop with a surprising twist. 'Two Twisted' consists of 14 episodes of 30 minutes each, screened in pairs, with a link connecting each of the two episodes. Can you spot the link?
It's another show which I love to bits! :-) Mostly because when I was your age I used to write such sting-in-the-end stories. Nice to see they sometimes make it to the screen.
Hare is the trailer:
9. spoof documentary: The Games
Love the dry humour!
10. entertainment: Strictly Come Dancing
*
1) Tourism revisited ;-)
2) TV
Now, where do I even start... ;-)
Inevitably this topic is going to be very arbitrary. Imagine that a foreigner asks you to recommend best 10 programmes/soaps/talk shows on Polish television now and in the past. Yes? Well? Czterej Pancerni or Szymon Majewski Show? I bet everyone would come with a unique list...
I've been nagging my Aussie friends for suggestions, plus I've discovered some gems of Aussie TV on my own. It will be a very incomplete list, but I feel that's the only way I can do it - just to share with you my personal favs.
First visit the infallible Culture Portal for a comphehensive insight into the history of TV in Australia.
And now you are ready to look at Top 10 Programmes (or rather categories - but let's not be too pedantic, eh? ;-) )
1. comedians: Adam Hills, Tim Minchin, Judith Lucy
You've seen some clips with Adam and Tim already, but now have a look at the one which unites them on screen :-)
And this one shows Judith at her sarcastic best. :-D I rarely find female comedians funny, but her style of comedy never fails to entertain me.
2. radio presenters guesting on TV shows: Hamish and Andy, Myf Warhurst
Hamish and Andy are a comedy duo with their own radio programme but often appear on Spicks and Specks and Rove.
Here is a little clip in which they instruct their mothers to play pranks on Mother's Day. It is not very highbrow humour, mind you, but it's endearing nevertheless :-)
Look for the expression of sheer dread in the boys' faces when they realise what they have made their moms do. And you have to admit that the ladies are really game to take on any challenge ;-)
Myf appears as team captain on Spicks and Specks. She is the heartwarming, adorable, gentle soul of the show. But her being the only girl in the gang, the host - Adam Hills and Kiwi team captain Alan Brough never miss an opportunity to put Myf in an embarrassing situation ;-)
Here is what happened one of the very rare times when Myf's team actually won...
3. talk show hosts: Rove McManus, Andrew Denton, Paul McDermott
4. comedy shows: Spicks and Specks (an episode on YouTube)
5. kids TV: The Wiggles, The Upside Down Show, High 5, Marine Girl, Silversun
6. soaps: Neighbours, Home and Away, Blue Heelers
7. modern TV dramas: Love My Way
8. "mystery"/sci-fi: Bryan Brown's Twisted, Two Twisted
From Two Twisted promo: 'Two Twisted' follows on from the 'Twisted Tales'(1996) series produced by Australian actor/producer Bryan Brown. These Australian series' follow the tradition of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' and 'The Twighlight Zone', of short dark thrillers which develop with a surprising twist. 'Two Twisted' consists of 14 episodes of 30 minutes each, screened in pairs, with a link connecting each of the two episodes. Can you spot the link?
It's another show which I love to bits! :-) Mostly because when I was your age I used to write such sting-in-the-end stories. Nice to see they sometimes make it to the screen.
Hare is the trailer:
9. spoof documentary: The Games
Love the dry humour!
10. entertainment: Strictly Come Dancing
*
2012/05/23
Letters "S" and "U"
1. Australian Symbols
Begin with some serious reading here.
And then visit my beloved site for a less "purist" take on Aussie symbols ;-)
(click the pic below)
EUREKA FLAG
GOLDEN WATTLE
2. In the second part of the class we are going to celebrate the life and heritage of Steve Irwin, or as we came to know him better - The Crocodile Hunter.
How could you just not love this guy? ;-)
First part of a great interview. You'll find part 2 and 3 on You Tube.
3. Live, Universe and Everything
That's mostly Aboriginal Astronomy. I'll show you a presentation I prepared for Open Days two years ago. You don't need to read anything.
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