Full Version: Where I live
For some reason I can't really describe LA, but I do like living in it!
I was born and raised in Michigan, and have never lived elsewhere. It has been a number of different environments however.
My dad told me that mother woke him up and said, "It's time to go to the hospital." He drove to the hospital alone, and a neighbor drove mother. The doctor who delivered me did not survive long enough to sign my birth certificate. Mother had been his office nurse. Dad rolled the car en route to the hospital, and arrived well after I was born. Mother asked him for the car keys, and never let him drive again. I developed the habit of walking at an early age. A couple of weeks ago, at 57, my wife finally got me to drive a car across a state line.
I grew up in Grand Rapids, then still calling itself "The furniture capital of the world." At the time, I think American Seating, Steelcase, and Carl Forslund were about the only furniture makers left. I could look out my bedroom window, and read the time on a large clock several miles away. People would describe Michigan to me as a flat state, and I could not begin to see a flat spot anywhere in that area of the state. As I walked out my front door, it was probably 10 feet above the sidewalk. To the left, there was a retaining wall that dropped about 5 feet to let them build a house next door. To the right, we could step onto the roof of the neighbor's garage. The four corners of that city block were all at different elevations. The city still had one street paved with stones, and one paved with bricks for historical preservation. Sometime after I married my first wife, my mother-in-law told me that she had a contract on me if I ever came back to town. Fortunately, she's been dead about 15 years now, as I occasionally find reason to visit the city.
I moved to Midland, where I worked for Dow Chemical for thirty years. A departing newspaper editor once wrote that he would "miss the city's hills, both of them; and the city's hotly contested elections, the Republican primaries." I remember looking at an elevation map once. The river dropped less than 20 feet in the 20 miles or so to Lake Huron. Flood stage for the city was about 11 feet above normal river level. My memories of Dow are of pipelines, electrical conduits, and tank farms. While there were several "buildings" inside the 6400 acres or so inside the fenceline, they commonly had no walls. I had lived there for probably more than 20 years before I first discovered the Dow Gardens. They are the only place I have ever seen signs which read "Please walk on the grass." There is a bakery on Main street which produced donuts so delicious that I could identify them day old and blindfolded. I generally walked to and from work when I lived close enough. Omelets and More opened on Main street near the end of my career. If I was getting off the midnight shift, they would see me walking down the street, and breakfast and the morning paper would be waiting for me. It was a city built largely of ranch houses. A building more than 28 feet tall required a special deviation from the building dept. Dow Chemical had its own building dept., fire dept., police, and hospital.
I moved to Muskegon a few years ago for a job at the paper mill. The paper mill grinds up tons of trees on a daily basis. A history professor once told me that the lumber barons clear cut Michigan at least three times. Except for photographs that show the size of the trees that once grew here, you would find that hard to believe. Most of that lumber was shipped from Ports in Bay City and Muskegon.
Our yard is shaded with trees. There is about 25 square feet in front of my garage that gets wet in a light rain. The rest is caught by the leaves on the oak trees, and I have a number of pines in my yard as well. Somewhere in the process of moving here, I underwent a series of seizures, and while it took a while to sink in, I have forgotten how to practice the trades I was once trained in. When I started to read this thread, and saw which direction the toilet's flush, I thought "Micro-Motion." A couple hours later, I made the link in my head to "Coriolis Effect." I used to be able to explain quite rationally to an engineer that he could not place two Coriolis Effect meters in series, because they would interact with one another. (Coriolis first described the phenomenon that water goes down the drain at different speeds and directions depending on the latitude.) I still prefer walking to driving, but If I'm going very far, I carry a portable GPS unit with me. When I remember how to use it, it is very helpful. Unfortunately, it's telling me the car is parked in North Carolina at the moment, so I have to go in and erase a file or two. Our house is located probably less than a mile from Lake Michigan, with a sand mine and a large dune protecting us from the prevailing winds. The sand mine, when all the permits are in place will become a very expensive housing project.
Downtown Muskegon is in transition. The owner of the downtown Mall failed to meet mortgage payments, and it is currently vacant. Plans being discussed range from a cross lake ferry service to Milwaukee, and an unlikely Casino. A restaurant downtown, in business for 21 years, has been given 30 days to vacate according to yesterday's newspaper. The latest census figures show that the area is shrinking. It is below 40,000 for the first time since 1920. A couple of abandoned factories downtown are currently being converted to expensive apartments. It seems to me, an odd gamble in an area where people who can afford to, usually buy their home for the long term investment value.
Our daughter is in a school program that we have a commitment to stay in through next June. At that point, we will likely look at moving. It will be an interesting process. I'm unemployed, with no real job prospects at all, and no real idea as to where to move to. We have a friend looking at a house in North Carolina, and encouraging us to move there too. It seems so many miles, and so many unknowns away.
My dad told me that mother woke him up and said, "It's time to go to the hospital." He drove to the hospital alone, and a neighbor drove mother. The doctor who delivered me did not survive long enough to sign my birth certificate. Mother had been his office nurse. Dad rolled the car en route to the hospital, and arrived well after I was born. Mother asked him for the car keys, and never let him drive again. I developed the habit of walking at an early age. A couple of weeks ago, at 57, my wife finally got me to drive a car across a state line.
I grew up in Grand Rapids, then still calling itself "The furniture capital of the world." At the time, I think American Seating, Steelcase, and Carl Forslund were about the only furniture makers left. I could look out my bedroom window, and read the time on a large clock several miles away. People would describe Michigan to me as a flat state, and I could not begin to see a flat spot anywhere in that area of the state. As I walked out my front door, it was probably 10 feet above the sidewalk. To the left, there was a retaining wall that dropped about 5 feet to let them build a house next door. To the right, we could step onto the roof of the neighbor's garage. The four corners of that city block were all at different elevations. The city still had one street paved with stones, and one paved with bricks for historical preservation. Sometime after I married my first wife, my mother-in-law told me that she had a contract on me if I ever came back to town. Fortunately, she's been dead about 15 years now, as I occasionally find reason to visit the city.
I moved to Midland, where I worked for Dow Chemical for thirty years. A departing newspaper editor once wrote that he would "miss the city's hills, both of them; and the city's hotly contested elections, the Republican primaries." I remember looking at an elevation map once. The river dropped less than 20 feet in the 20 miles or so to Lake Huron. Flood stage for the city was about 11 feet above normal river level. My memories of Dow are of pipelines, electrical conduits, and tank farms. While there were several "buildings" inside the 6400 acres or so inside the fenceline, they commonly had no walls. I had lived there for probably more than 20 years before I first discovered the Dow Gardens. They are the only place I have ever seen signs which read "Please walk on the grass." There is a bakery on Main street which produced donuts so delicious that I could identify them day old and blindfolded. I generally walked to and from work when I lived close enough. Omelets and More opened on Main street near the end of my career. If I was getting off the midnight shift, they would see me walking down the street, and breakfast and the morning paper would be waiting for me. It was a city built largely of ranch houses. A building more than 28 feet tall required a special deviation from the building dept. Dow Chemical had its own building dept., fire dept., police, and hospital.
I moved to Muskegon a few years ago for a job at the paper mill. The paper mill grinds up tons of trees on a daily basis. A history professor once told me that the lumber barons clear cut Michigan at least three times. Except for photographs that show the size of the trees that once grew here, you would find that hard to believe. Most of that lumber was shipped from Ports in Bay City and Muskegon.
Our yard is shaded with trees. There is about 25 square feet in front of my garage that gets wet in a light rain. The rest is caught by the leaves on the oak trees, and I have a number of pines in my yard as well. Somewhere in the process of moving here, I underwent a series of seizures, and while it took a while to sink in, I have forgotten how to practice the trades I was once trained in. When I started to read this thread, and saw which direction the toilet's flush, I thought "Micro-Motion." A couple hours later, I made the link in my head to "Coriolis Effect." I used to be able to explain quite rationally to an engineer that he could not place two Coriolis Effect meters in series, because they would interact with one another. (Coriolis first described the phenomenon that water goes down the drain at different speeds and directions depending on the latitude.) I still prefer walking to driving, but If I'm going very far, I carry a portable GPS unit with me. When I remember how to use it, it is very helpful. Unfortunately, it's telling me the car is parked in North Carolina at the moment, so I have to go in and erase a file or two. Our house is located probably less than a mile from Lake Michigan, with a sand mine and a large dune protecting us from the prevailing winds. The sand mine, when all the permits are in place will become a very expensive housing project.
Downtown Muskegon is in transition. The owner of the downtown Mall failed to meet mortgage payments, and it is currently vacant. Plans being discussed range from a cross lake ferry service to Milwaukee, and an unlikely Casino. A restaurant downtown, in business for 21 years, has been given 30 days to vacate according to yesterday's newspaper. The latest census figures show that the area is shrinking. It is below 40,000 for the first time since 1920. A couple of abandoned factories downtown are currently being converted to expensive apartments. It seems to me, an odd gamble in an area where people who can afford to, usually buy their home for the long term investment value.
Our daughter is in a school program that we have a commitment to stay in through next June. At that point, we will likely look at moving. It will be an interesting process. I'm unemployed, with no real job prospects at all, and no real idea as to where to move to. We have a friend looking at a house in North Carolina, and encouraging us to move there too. It seems so many miles, and so many unknowns away.
Brick, NJ. Ocean Co., on da Joisey Shore - You got a problem wit dat? Yeah, YOU, I'm talkin to YOU!
Although I live in Reno, Nevada now, I was born in Ogden, Utah.
Utah has quite possibly the most amazing rock formations in the country, maybe even in the top 5 places in the world.
Here is a link to some of the national parks:
http://www.areaparks.com/utah.html
Check out Bryce Canyon and the Arches in particular. Most of the rock formations were created by Lake Bonneville, which used to encompass most of the state of Utah 15,000 years or so ago. It later receded into what we now call The Great Salt lake.
Info on Lake Bonneville:
http://www.ugs.state.ut.us/online/PI-39/pi39pg01.htm
The Great Salt Lake, is just that. It's one of the largest lakes in the United States and has no outlets, which is why there is so much salt, it isn't carried away from the lake. Another thing left over from Lake Bonneville is the Bonneville salt flats, info here:
http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/bonneville_salt.htm
But, aside from all that, probably the most noted thing about Utah is it's culture. It's one of the very few places that a single religion has remained together in a comparatively small space. They have branched out worldwide of course through missionaries and the sort, but the majority are still living in Utah. Although the mormons have probably one of the worst reputations, coming from actual experience living there, they are the most friendly and generous people as a group I've ever met.
As for Nevada, I'll try and stick with the city or Reno as it's almost a completely different place than Las Vegas.
Nevada itself used to be part of the "Utah Territory", basically if you just erase the utah/nevada border, that's the utah territory. Most Nevada cities started off as trading posts for the mormon settlers. Reno became a mining town. Later, when the casinos started thriving, it became a tourist town. For a quick tour of Reno's history, click this:
http://www.nevadaweb.com/cnt/r-t/reno.html
Las Vegas gets the contracts for the biggest and baddest attractions, so Reno has fallen short in tourism over the last few decades. The great thing about Reno is your relatively close to just about anything you'd want to see and do. We're within an hour of Hiking, snow skiing, water skiing at many lakes including the awesome Lake Tahoe, off roading, historical landmarks such as Virginia City(fairly well preserved town from the Old west shoot-em-up days), our state capital and of course gambling if you so choose.
Both states have roughly the same climate in the north, very cold in winter, fairly hot in summer. Utah gets more precipitation than Nevada though.
Oh, to you savannah'ns, I just watched the movie "The legend of Bagger Vance". Although I can't confirm that the movie was filmed in Savannah, it was depicted as Savannah, GA in the movie. If that's where it was filmed, that's a beautiful place.
Utah has quite possibly the most amazing rock formations in the country, maybe even in the top 5 places in the world.
Here is a link to some of the national parks:
http://www.areaparks.com/utah.html
Check out Bryce Canyon and the Arches in particular. Most of the rock formations were created by Lake Bonneville, which used to encompass most of the state of Utah 15,000 years or so ago. It later receded into what we now call The Great Salt lake.
Info on Lake Bonneville:
http://www.ugs.state.ut.us/online/PI-39/pi39pg01.htm
The Great Salt Lake, is just that. It's one of the largest lakes in the United States and has no outlets, which is why there is so much salt, it isn't carried away from the lake. Another thing left over from Lake Bonneville is the Bonneville salt flats, info here:
http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/bonneville_salt.htm
But, aside from all that, probably the most noted thing about Utah is it's culture. It's one of the very few places that a single religion has remained together in a comparatively small space. They have branched out worldwide of course through missionaries and the sort, but the majority are still living in Utah. Although the mormons have probably one of the worst reputations, coming from actual experience living there, they are the most friendly and generous people as a group I've ever met.
As for Nevada, I'll try and stick with the city or Reno as it's almost a completely different place than Las Vegas.
Nevada itself used to be part of the "Utah Territory", basically if you just erase the utah/nevada border, that's the utah territory. Most Nevada cities started off as trading posts for the mormon settlers. Reno became a mining town. Later, when the casinos started thriving, it became a tourist town. For a quick tour of Reno's history, click this:
http://www.nevadaweb.com/cnt/r-t/reno.html
Las Vegas gets the contracts for the biggest and baddest attractions, so Reno has fallen short in tourism over the last few decades. The great thing about Reno is your relatively close to just about anything you'd want to see and do. We're within an hour of Hiking, snow skiing, water skiing at many lakes including the awesome Lake Tahoe, off roading, historical landmarks such as Virginia City(fairly well preserved town from the Old west shoot-em-up days), our state capital and of course gambling if you so choose.
Both states have roughly the same climate in the north, very cold in winter, fairly hot in summer. Utah gets more precipitation than Nevada though.
Oh, to you savannah'ns, I just watched the movie "The legend of Bagger Vance". Although I can't confirm that the movie was filmed in Savannah, it was depicted as Savannah, GA in the movie. If that's where it was filmed, that's a beautiful place.
My turn I guess. 
I live in the Kingdom of Fife, in east central Scotland. Scotland, as you probably know, is part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is made up of Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales) and Northern Ireland. Scotland is the 2nd largest nation in the United Kingdom after England, with a population around 5 million.
Im not entirely sure why we are called a Kingdom. The old Scottish capital, Dunfermline, may be the reason. Plus we have the Scottish royal palace, Falkland Palace, here. Fife is the 2nd largest council region in Scotland after Glasgow with a population of 350,000. We are also the home of golf! Sorry about that!
So lets do some Scotland stereotypes
First off, we dont wear kilts and tartan. I have worn a kilt once and that was to my senior year prom. There are a few oddballs who do go around in the full kit, but they are just that - oddballs.
There is no Loch Ness monster. Sorry! Although maybe I shouldnt say that considering how much of our economy depends on sales of green Nessie toys to Japanese tourists. Althouh Loch Ness is a must visit site, its very beautiful and peaceful up there.
We dont hate the English. Well i dont, and every other normal Scot doesnt. I try not to associate with people obsessed with William Wallace and ancient history between our two nations, as my mum works in Mental Health Care and I know how dangerous these types of people can be.
Anyway its a nice place really, and the weather isnt all that bad. Sure it rains for like 60% of the time, but how else would we make the best whiskey in the world! Not that Im against an occasional American corn whisky for a change mind you, but Im pretty much a Bells and Famous Grouse-a-holic
I live in the Kingdom of Fife, in east central Scotland. Scotland, as you probably know, is part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is made up of Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales) and Northern Ireland. Scotland is the 2nd largest nation in the United Kingdom after England, with a population around 5 million.
Im not entirely sure why we are called a Kingdom. The old Scottish capital, Dunfermline, may be the reason. Plus we have the Scottish royal palace, Falkland Palace, here. Fife is the 2nd largest council region in Scotland after Glasgow with a population of 350,000. We are also the home of golf! Sorry about that!
So lets do some Scotland stereotypes
First off, we dont wear kilts and tartan. I have worn a kilt once and that was to my senior year prom. There are a few oddballs who do go around in the full kit, but they are just that - oddballs.
There is no Loch Ness monster. Sorry! Although maybe I shouldnt say that considering how much of our economy depends on sales of green Nessie toys to Japanese tourists. Althouh Loch Ness is a must visit site, its very beautiful and peaceful up there.
We dont hate the English. Well i dont, and every other normal Scot doesnt. I try not to associate with people obsessed with William Wallace and ancient history between our two nations, as my mum works in Mental Health Care and I know how dangerous these types of people can be.
Anyway its a nice place really, and the weather isnt all that bad. Sure it rains for like 60% of the time, but how else would we make the best whiskey in the world! Not that Im against an occasional American corn whisky for a change mind you, but Im pretty much a Bells and Famous Grouse-a-holic
QUOTE
They're all descended from transported criminals
.As well as that swirling backwards water.. lets not forget the light switches go down for on, and up for off..
And if you see a sign advertising "Loose Single Grannies"'..why, thats just apples they are selling!
Hi, everyone. I'm exactly half-way between Sydney and Brisbane, on Australia's east coast, near Coffs Harbour.
Here's a local tourist link..
http://www.escapenorth.com.au
I live in Northern France. The main city, Lille, is located only 15km from the Belgian border and it deserves its name of capital of the North. The population in town is about 40.000 but we are part of a town council that groups about 1 million people in all. We locals like to name ourselves the Ch'ti, which roughly means "The ones from these parts" in local dialect. Guess you have to maintain old traditions alive, haven't you? 
The landscape is quite diverse and it looks a bit like Kent (for those of you who've ever been to England), a bit like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to give you an idea of the state of industry. The weather is quite consistent : we get our share of rolling clouds, cold wind and pouring rains more than we need, all year round!
The countryside to the East (Avesnois) is beautiful with hills, meadows, forests and cottages. It's a must see in summer... Having been to other places in the world, I have to say this area ranges in my current top 3, with the shores of Brittany and the highs of Sedona in Arizona.
The shores of the Opale Coast are a wonder of beauty too. 
We have many different traditions, including the legendary carnival of Dunkirk and Saint Nicolas fest in the East. At the beginning of the 20th century, many people spoke Dutch, but French has won over in just a few decades. The Northerners are an interesting folk indeed, at the crossroads of Europe and its traditions.
We're only two hours away in car from Amsterdam, one hour from Brussels, two hours from Paris and one hour and fourty minutes from London in train! Four European capitals within easy reach, what are we asking for?
Here are a few links, if you're interested :
http://www.crt-nordpasdecalais.fr/an/
http://www.cdt-nord.fr/an/index.htm
http://www.mincoin.com/galeriephotos.php
http://www.mincoin.com/fondecran/fonda.php
Enjoy!
The landscape is quite diverse and it looks a bit like Kent (for those of you who've ever been to England), a bit like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to give you an idea of the state of industry. The weather is quite consistent : we get our share of rolling clouds, cold wind and pouring rains more than we need, all year round!
The countryside to the East (Avesnois) is beautiful with hills, meadows, forests and cottages. It's a must see in summer... Having been to other places in the world, I have to say this area ranges in my current top 3, with the shores of Brittany and the highs of Sedona in Arizona.
The shores of the Opale Coast are a wonder of beauty too. We have many different traditions, including the legendary carnival of Dunkirk and Saint Nicolas fest in the East. At the beginning of the 20th century, many people spoke Dutch, but French has won over in just a few decades. The Northerners are an interesting folk indeed, at the crossroads of Europe and its traditions.
We're only two hours away in car from Amsterdam, one hour from Brussels, two hours from Paris and one hour and fourty minutes from London in train! Four European capitals within easy reach, what are we asking for?
Here are a few links, if you're interested :
http://www.crt-nordpasdecalais.fr/an/
http://www.cdt-nord.fr/an/index.htm
http://www.mincoin.com/galeriephotos.php
http://www.mincoin.com/fondecran/fonda.php
Enjoy!
I live within fifteen minutes from the Sphinx, Paris, Venice, and Rome. Unfortunately, their very miniaturized versions with bright lights and numerous slot machines. 
Away from the strip, there's a lot of desert, but on the bright side you can do and see pretty much anything here, and it's usually warm.
Away from the strip, there's a lot of desert, but on the bright side you can do and see pretty much anything here, and it's usually warm.
I live in beautiful Midland, Michigan where... well, where Curmudgeon apparantly lived for 30 years - you can read about it in his post above.
It's a great place to live if you can do without good restaurants and hills, and if you don't mind the Michigan weather, which I don't.
It's a great place to live if you can do without good restaurants and hills, and if you don't mind the Michigan weather, which I don't.
I live in Del Mar, which is a little coastal town in San Diego county located about halfway between the border of Mx. and Orange County.
As our house sits atop a little cliff we can see the pacific ocean from the decks outside our bedrooms. Sunsets are the very best. Being close to the water we also get a large part of the morning marine layer that those living 2-3miles inland don't get. It usually burns off by 10am.
between Del Mar and Solana beach coastal, there are open farm areas from which hot air balloons take off and float in a direct path over our house. sometime as many as 6 or 7 at a time. sometimes flying so low as to hear our "Heeeeellooooos," as we all wave to each other. Happens everyday at 6pm.
beautiful things happening all the time in SoCal.
(I would upload a picture from my pic file if I knew how.)
As our house sits atop a little cliff we can see the pacific ocean from the decks outside our bedrooms. Sunsets are the very best. Being close to the water we also get a large part of the morning marine layer that those living 2-3miles inland don't get. It usually burns off by 10am.
between Del Mar and Solana beach coastal, there are open farm areas from which hot air balloons take off and float in a direct path over our house. sometime as many as 6 or 7 at a time. sometimes flying so low as to hear our "Heeeeellooooos," as we all wave to each other. Happens everyday at 6pm.
beautiful things happening all the time in SoCal.
(I would upload a picture from my pic file if I knew how.)
Hey - SoCal - if you'd like, you may email the pic to Mike and he can upload them for you. This goes for anyone who would like us to do this for their hometown pics.
Thank you all for sharing about the area in which you live. I think it really helps to bring all of us a little closer together.
Thank you all for sharing about the area in which you live. I think it really helps to bring all of us a little closer together.
Vegemite is produced as a yeast by-product from beer production...it seems surprising, in that case, given the Aussie fondness for the Amber Fluid, that it is not free.... 
Meat pies...a hold-over from the street food of 18th century England, and available anytime, anywhere, and in an infinite range of types of filling.
QUOTE
. Is there any other food that you would say defines Australia?
Meat pies...a hold-over from the street food of 18th century England, and available anytime, anywhere, and in an infinite range of types of filling.
QUOTE(jjirout @ Nov 21 2002, 08:25 AM)
I heard an American from New Jersey say that he never met anyone as rude as the couple of Aussies he knows.
I never found that to be the case. The Aussies I've known have been very kind, although they have been quite boisterous, too, especially once they get a bit of alcohol in them.
By the way, the Aussies I've known didn't count the nights they were drunk, they counted the nights they were sober. Hardest drinking bunch of Caucasians I've ever known!
QUOTE(Cyan @ Nov 21 2002, 04:52 PM)
So what exactly is vegemite? What is it made of? When do you eat it? What does it taste like? etc. I'm just curious, because that's one of the items that Americans always associate with Australia.
I developed a taste for Vegemite a while back. It's good stuff, but one must treat it with respect. I've found it goes well with lunch meat as a substitution for mayonnaise.
By the way, I am born and bred a Kansan, the greatest state of the fifty.
A fun little tidbit: The Kansas-Missouri rivalry is the greatest college and sporting rivalry in the United States. Why? Because of the situation in Kansas in the 1850's and 1860's. Missouri Bushwackers, most notably William Clarke Quantrill (
) and Kansas Jayhawkers fought out the issue of whether Kansas would enter the Union a slave or a free state. Among the atrocities that were committed was the burning of Lawrence, Kansas, by Quantrill ( ) and the slaughter of several of its residents. Lawrence was the unofficial home of the Kansas abolitionist movement. It later became the home of the University of Kansas.
Long story short: The Kansas-Missouri rivalry is the greatest rivalry because it's the only one in which hundreds of people were killed because of it.
For the record, we haven't had a killing in a while.
A fun little tidbit: The Kansas-Missouri rivalry is the greatest college and sporting rivalry in the United States. Why? Because of the situation in Kansas in the 1850's and 1860's. Missouri Bushwackers, most notably William Clarke Quantrill (
) and Kansas Jayhawkers fought out the issue of whether Kansas would enter the Union a slave or a free state. Among the atrocities that were committed was the burning of Lawrence, Kansas, by Quantrill ( ) and the slaughter of several of its residents. Lawrence was the unofficial home of the Kansas abolitionist movement. It later became the home of the University of Kansas.Long story short: The Kansas-Missouri rivalry is the greatest rivalry because it's the only one in which hundreds of people were killed because of it.
For the record, we haven't had a killing in a while.
QUOTE(Conagher78 @ Oct 25 2003, 02:59 AM)
QUOTE(jjirout @ Nov 21 2002, 08:25 AM)
I heard an American from New Jersey say that he never met anyone as rude as the couple of Aussies he knows.
I never found that to be the case. The Aussies I've known have been very kind, although they have been quite boisterous, too, especially once they get a bit of alcohol in them.
By the way, the Aussies I've known didn't count the nights they were drunk, they counted the nights they were sober. Hardest drinking bunch of Caucasians I've ever known!
QUOTE(Cyan @ Nov 21 2002, 04:52 PM)
So what exactly is vegemite? What is it made of? When do you eat it? What does it taste like? etc. I'm just curious, because that's one of the items that Americans always associate with Australia.
I developed a taste for Vegemite a while back. It's good stuff, but one must treat it with respect. I've found it goes well with lunch meat as a substitution for mayonnaise.
I believe anyone who actually enjoys the taste of vegemite is flavour-impaired. No offence to you, sir. Concentrated yeast extract is just not a nice thing.
The real triumph of Australia (actually discovered by a Russian lady, but I'm not worried about "semantics") is pavlova cake. So popular, that New Zealand wants to claim it as their own under the belief that, just because they share almost an identical and sometimes comical accent, they can deceive the world into believing the recipe belongs to them. But they're wrong.
Me standing outside a church in my hometown.
QUOTE(Alan Wood @ Nov 21 2002, 09:05 AM)
You think you have forgotten 'Proper English".
The 'true blue' Aussies hang, draw and quarter it........ie...
G'Day.....hello.
Onya....well done.
Cardie...wooly jumper.
Owyagoing?........how are you.
Its like a foreign language...
The 'true blue' Aussies hang, draw and quarter it........ie...
G'Day.....hello.
Onya....well done.
Cardie...wooly jumper.
Owyagoing?........how are you.
Its like a foreign language...
I was a fan of fairdinkum....for real or for true...something like that.
I also was a huge fan of the Scarborough/Doubleview areas in Perth, although Peppermint Grove was always fun to visit.
The Swan River is a real beauty, but the beaches are the best. They are much better than those in Hawaii. I personally liked the beach areas around Cottesloe and Mossman park area, but Rockingham is not to bad either.
I have been to Thornlie, but did not get all the way down the Armadale line. Midland was really hot in the summer and I totally understand the 43 plus weather, but most of my time was spent living around the Mossman Park and Doubleview areas. I spent some time in Girrawheen, but I preferred to be closer to the Universities.
It was really fun reading all your posts about the land down under. I am now back in the states and wondering where my next venture will take me. Perhaps I can find a company that will transfer me to Italy. I think that would be cool for a while.
Malaysia is also a really neat place, but I think I would prefer the European scene next.
Wow I'm surprised that no Texans have post about it yet. One of my favorite jokes is "how do you know if someone is a Texan? Cause he'll tell you!
Well besides our pride there is another stereotype that I think is pretty much true, that is everything is bigger in Texas! EVERYTHING!
I am from Houston and have always travelled alot. I never knew how great Texas was until I left. here are a few things that I can think of:
I have heard more songs about Texas then all of the other states put together. Probably more than the US itself. I think it has to do with the pride thing I mentioned before.
Tex-Mex food. We have our own food and thats if you don't include chili and BBQ which we probably didn't invent but perfected.
We also have our own language but Y'ALL wouldn't understand.
Southern Hospitality is very under appreciated. After being transplanted in New England it is a total culture shock.
There are four large cities in Texas each with its on specialty.
Dallas is an economic center and has alot of large companies headquartered here. There is alot of oil money floating around and the high priced stores reflect it.
Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, is the industrial city home to the third largest port, largest refineries, and a large Hospital district. It is also home to the Astrodome the "eighth wonder of the world", NASA JSC, the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo, and the Illustrious Battleship Texas the first Battleship memorial in th US and the most powerful weapon when she was launched. Houston was a great city for because it had all the amenities of the largest cities but everything wasn't up in your face or it didn't have a large cost of living. The only three bad things I can think of is the smog which is tied to reason to the next thing of lack of public transportation. Texas was design as a autopolis, it's freeways dissect the city like a bullseye and the streets run straight from one end to the next. Houston has been also named the United States most obese city two or three years running. They blame it on cheap meat and it too hot to exercise, I blame it on the Tex-Mex. I don't really see any obese people, but a good part about the heat is the real skimpy clothing we can get away with.
San Antonio is our culturally tourist city. It's home to the Alamo, the riverwalk, Seaworld, and world champion San Antonio Spurs.
Austin is our state capital and was elected as one of the best places to live by MSN for the past two or three years.
Other Honorable mentions for the state is the proximity to Mexico and the Gulf, Big Bend National Park, and cheap gas. I could go on for a while but do want to take up too much space. I would also do a profile on New England but we can't curse on this website.
Well besides our pride there is another stereotype that I think is pretty much true, that is everything is bigger in Texas! EVERYTHING!
I am from Houston and have always travelled alot. I never knew how great Texas was until I left. here are a few things that I can think of:
I have heard more songs about Texas then all of the other states put together. Probably more than the US itself. I think it has to do with the pride thing I mentioned before.
Tex-Mex food. We have our own food and thats if you don't include chili and BBQ which we probably didn't invent but perfected.
We also have our own language but Y'ALL wouldn't understand.
Southern Hospitality is very under appreciated. After being transplanted in New England it is a total culture shock.
There are four large cities in Texas each with its on specialty.
Dallas is an economic center and has alot of large companies headquartered here. There is alot of oil money floating around and the high priced stores reflect it.
Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, is the industrial city home to the third largest port, largest refineries, and a large Hospital district. It is also home to the Astrodome the "eighth wonder of the world", NASA JSC, the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo, and the Illustrious Battleship Texas the first Battleship memorial in th US and the most powerful weapon when she was launched. Houston was a great city for because it had all the amenities of the largest cities but everything wasn't up in your face or it didn't have a large cost of living. The only three bad things I can think of is the smog which is tied to reason to the next thing of lack of public transportation. Texas was design as a autopolis, it's freeways dissect the city like a bullseye and the streets run straight from one end to the next. Houston has been also named the United States most obese city two or three years running. They blame it on cheap meat and it too hot to exercise, I blame it on the Tex-Mex. I don't really see any obese people, but a good part about the heat is the real skimpy clothing we can get away with.
San Antonio is our culturally tourist city. It's home to the Alamo, the riverwalk, Seaworld, and world champion San Antonio Spurs.
Austin is our state capital and was elected as one of the best places to live by MSN for the past two or three years.
Other Honorable mentions for the state is the proximity to Mexico and the Gulf, Big Bend National Park, and cheap gas. I could go on for a while but do want to take up too much space. I would also do a profile on New England but we can't curse on this website.
Thanks, Rev. You saved me a lot of writing.
Ahhh...smell that...it's New Jersey. Folks who don't live here seem not to like it...but natives tend to love the "odor" of Northern New Jersey. Folks who don't live here also seem to think that we are obnoxious people as well...those obnoxious people tend to be lost New Yorkers. New Jersey is a fast moving, fast talking state, who doesn't love that? New Jersey is home to the most recognizable American symbol on the planet...the Statue of Liberty. New Jersey has mastered several ethnic foods, such as, my personal favorite, Italian food. The best Italian food joints are located in New Jersey, between Point Pleasant and Jersey City/Newark...and I'm not talking about that Olive Garden, "when your here your family" crap either, this is genuine Italian food. What else...we are home to 2 football teams, yeah, that's right the "NEW YORK" Giants and the "NEW YORK JETS" play in scenic East Rutherford, along with the more fairly named New York-New Jersey Metrostars. The first American football games ever to be played took place between Rutgers and Princeton U here. So that's my state...home of Lady Liberty, the Jets, and the best damn Italian food on the planet.
CP
CP
QUOTE(Corvus @ Nov 2 2003, 07:08 AM)
The real triumph of Australia (actually discovered by a Russian lady, but I'm not worried about "semantics") is pavlova cake. So popular, that New Zealand wants to claim it as their own under the belief that, just because they share almost an identical and sometimes comical accent, they can deceive the world into believing the recipe belongs to them. But they're wrong.
Hey
We did invent Pavlova in NZ !!!!Prove we didn't!!
Pavlova
Please don't post full, copyrighted articles. We can all click on the link.
I would, but the patriotic fury you're in is just too cute.
Okay, I concede. It came from New Zealand, but nationalistic rivalry made me write otherwise
Okay, I concede. It came from New Zealand, but nationalistic rivalry made me write otherwise
G'day everyone. I found this thread while searching for information on Vegemite for some Texan friends. I live in a tiny, tiny town called Lindenow South. It's kind of on the bottom right hand corner of Oz, near the coast, in a region called East Gippsland. It has a population of around 250 and consists of a general store, a school (23 pupils) and the 'Footy Club', which is the hub of the community. There is about 30,000 sheep who live in the general area too, along with a sizeable number of cows and dogs.
It's a stunning area as far as natural features go. The biggest inland lake system in Australia, mountains two hours north, five major rivers, and it all lies just inside the coastline, in fact in some parts of the lakes, it's just a uick walk across the sand dunes to the ocean. I feel like I'm on holidays all the time living here....
I noticed that the Aussie/Kiwi thingf has reared it's head here. Yes, we do have a long tradition of rivalry. We make jokes about them and I'm sure they make jokes about us ( although they wouldn't be anywhere near as funny....
Anyway, I thought this document might clarify a few things about this issue and a few others.....
It's a stunning area as far as natural features go. The biggest inland lake system in Australia, mountains two hours north, five major rivers, and it all lies just inside the coastline, in fact in some parts of the lakes, it's just a uick walk across the sand dunes to the ocean. I feel like I'm on holidays all the time living here....
I noticed that the Aussie/Kiwi thingf has reared it's head here. Yes, we do have a long tradition of rivalry. We make jokes about them and I'm sure they make jokes about us ( although they wouldn't be anywhere near as funny....
Anyway, I thought this document might clarify a few things about this issue and a few others.....SPAM Removed - we would like to hear about Australia in your own words - not something that has been pasted over the internet a bunch of times (378 according to google)
As Artemise posted earlier, I too live in Anchorage AK (really, we should probably meet sometime I suppose LOL)- But another interesting fact , 90% of the Alaskan infrastructure was built AFTER 1980- making us one of the newest places on the planet and one of the fastest growing population and infrastructure-wise as well. We are one of the largest cities for our latitude on the planet, or is it the largest at our latitude? I forget! Alaska is also super huge, having a land mass that is 1/3 the size of the entire US (including that little dinky state called Texas LOL) - we have a joke we tell to Texans when they arrive - if Texas doesn't shut up about being big, we are going to cut Alaska in half and make it the THIRD biggest state.
We call poeple from "outside" in the "lower 48" - "Cheechakos"- which is what the natives here called all white men from the US, because the first men they met said they were from "Chicago"- and it came to mean all folks up here that have been here less than 2 winters. When you have lived here 2 winters, you are then a "Sourdough".
Anchorage winters are actually very mild by northern city standards, due to the warm Japanese current that we recieve due to our proximity to the the Gulf of Alaska, in a way we are the terminus of that Gulf, we live on a penisula as a city, situated on the "turnagin arm"- we have frequent 6 foot boar tides that crazy surfers catch in the spring, similar to what you may have read about the Bay of Fundy on the east coast.
This land is achingly beautiful, and can be horribly fatal very quickly, or as my brother says "Remember, once you get out of your car, you are part of the food chain"
We call poeple from "outside" in the "lower 48" - "Cheechakos"- which is what the natives here called all white men from the US, because the first men they met said they were from "Chicago"- and it came to mean all folks up here that have been here less than 2 winters. When you have lived here 2 winters, you are then a "Sourdough".
Anchorage winters are actually very mild by northern city standards, due to the warm Japanese current that we recieve due to our proximity to the the Gulf of Alaska, in a way we are the terminus of that Gulf, we live on a penisula as a city, situated on the "turnagin arm"- we have frequent 6 foot boar tides that crazy surfers catch in the spring, similar to what you may have read about the Bay of Fundy on the east coast.
This land is achingly beautiful, and can be horribly fatal very quickly, or as my brother says "Remember, once you get out of your car, you are part of the food chain"
The other morning at about 6:30 am we had a moose at the kitchen windows, eating my dead summer flowers, quite a mess he/she made, pulling all the potted dead plants all over the yard. The Moose then stood , nose up 2 steps at my front door as if wishing for an invitation inside. Im sure if I opened the front door it would have come in. At anytime we could have reached out and touched, there was no way to leave the house with the moose there. I think Ak or Canada is the only place you can use 'moose on the front lawn' as an excuse to be late for work.
Youre right CR, we should meet for coffee or an Alaskan Amber.
Youre right CR, we should meet for coffee or an Alaskan Amber.
I am always down for a Kaladi bros coffee! (another Anchorage factoid-you can find a coffee shop about every 30 ft, swear to god! )
)
QUOTE
QUOTE (jjirout @ Nov 21 2002, 09:25 AM)
Is there something in the Aussie culture that lends itself to... brashness?
They're all descended from transported criminals.
Wertz Posted: Nov 21 2002, 06:17 PM Is there something in the Aussie culture that lends itself to... brashness?
They're all descended from transported criminals.
Interesting fact for Americans, Australians and all you other colonial monkeys...
Criminals were only transported to Australia from 1788 when the first penal colony was founded. This is because they had been transporting criminal to America (since 1615) instead, but had to stop in 1783 because of some daft wee revolution they had then. So thats about 168 years of criminals being transported to N. America compared to only 80 years of tranportatin to Australia (the last transport arrived in 1868).
So not only are Australians descended from transported criminals , but a lot of Americans are too. Especially those whose families go back to pre-revolution times.
So you're all descended from criminal scum
And the Scottish aren't,
Ha
QUOTE(nikachu @ Dec 17 2003, 02:37 AM)
So not only are Australians descended from transported criminals , but a lot of Americans are too. Especially those whose families go back to pre-revolution times.
So you're all descended from criminal scum
You know, that explains A LOT about our history....Incidentally, I live in Las Vegas, which was founded by the organized crime ring within this country of descendants of transported criminals!
Lets get some context here in this circle of self-depreciation. Many of the "criminal" you're talking about were people in debtors prison; hardly the murderers and rapists we more commonly associate with the term crime.
Some interesting facts about Toronto? Well, I'm from there. Aside from that, the main roads in the old city were actually modelled after the layout of Paris.
Some interesting facts about Toronto? Well, I'm from there. Aside from that, the main roads in the old city were actually modelled after the layout of Paris.
It's amazing how many people see their country as a symbol of freedom. Australia didn't rise from the ashes of a battle for independence, nor did it need a war to realise slavery is wrong. Australians, practical people that they are, easily reached a consensus over those matters.
Now, let's bury the myth that Australians are all descended from convicts. As has been stated, criminals were transported here up until 1868, but they weren't the only ones that called this place home. In 1837, sheep farming became popular, and in 1840s, copper and gold were discovered, which served to attract large populations of British and Irish seeking to become wealthy. (This also happened in New Zealand). Australia has always had the reputation of a land of opportunity for those people wiling to work hard enough. I'm fortunate enough to live in a coastal town where it's not too hot. (I'm about 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney). But all over Australia, the image of the tough, honest worker is one that has most shaped what is regarded as truly Australian, even when, in recent times, migrants from Asia and Europe came here to escape poverty and make their fortune.
The only problem is that it's a poor intellectual atmosphere, and Australian literature is awful. I suppose it has its quaint naturaliste charm, but it still isn't very good. To the pleasure of Nikachu, I'd prefer James Hogg to Banjo Patterson.
Scotland is great because the Scottish invented television and the Proclaimers.
Oh, and it's worth nothing that one of the most interesting attractions in my area would have to be our buddhist temple. The Nan Tien Temple. Every now and then the monks come here to do sand mandalas. That's impressive.
Now, let's bury the myth that Australians are all descended from convicts. As has been stated, criminals were transported here up until 1868, but they weren't the only ones that called this place home. In 1837, sheep farming became popular, and in 1840s, copper and gold were discovered, which served to attract large populations of British and Irish seeking to become wealthy. (This also happened in New Zealand). Australia has always had the reputation of a land of opportunity for those people wiling to work hard enough. I'm fortunate enough to live in a coastal town where it's not too hot. (I'm about 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney). But all over Australia, the image of the tough, honest worker is one that has most shaped what is regarded as truly Australian, even when, in recent times, migrants from Asia and Europe came here to escape poverty and make their fortune.
The only problem is that it's a poor intellectual atmosphere, and Australian literature is awful. I suppose it has its quaint naturaliste charm, but it still isn't very good. To the pleasure of Nikachu, I'd prefer James Hogg to Banjo Patterson.
Scotland is great because the Scottish invented television and the Proclaimers.
Oh, and it's worth nothing that one of the most interesting attractions in my area would have to be our buddhist temple. The Nan Tien Temple. Every now and then the monks come here to do sand mandalas. That's impressive.
Nobody from asia? no?
ah well, I'm from Hong Kong. Located in the south-eastern tip of China, this city has a busted population of 6 million people, and more people are coming down from mainland China everyday!
Anyway, a little history: Hong Kong was occupied by the British in 1841, and it went back to the Chinese in 1st July 1997.
Hong Kong is a hilly city, with tall skyscapers everywhere. there are often traffic jams
and a lot of people on the streets. air pollution is bad here (you guys are lucky over there) And you can't see any big areas of green (grass + trees), and stars are impossible to see (don't even think of them...), some of the skyscrapers are quite nice, though, (e.g. the bank of china)
Here are some websites on Hong Kong:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/hk.html
ah well, I'm from Hong Kong. Located in the south-eastern tip of China, this city has a busted population of 6 million people, and more people are coming down from mainland China everyday!
Anyway, a little history: Hong Kong was occupied by the British in 1841, and it went back to the Chinese in 1st July 1997.Hong Kong is a hilly city, with tall skyscapers everywhere. there are often traffic jams
and a lot of people on the streets. air pollution is bad here (you guys are lucky over there) And you can't see any big areas of green (grass + trees), and stars are impossible to see (don't even think of them...), some of the skyscrapers are quite nice, though, (e.g. the bank of china)Here are some websites on Hong Kong:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/hk.html
Facts about the State of Georgia:
http://www.informationheadquarters.com/Cou...s/Georgia.shtml
------------------
Southerners are often called 'Rednecks or Hillbillies' and we don't generally mind A farming state from the start.
Go Here: Appalachian Vocabulary--provides definitions/colloquialisms for this area
http://www.apptrav.com/glossary.html
http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/rednecks/rednecks.html
-----------------
Those interested in genealogical research might find this site helpfu; the site owner and friends have provided many links including a variety of interests.
Overview of the History of Georgia:
http://patsabin.com/georgia/
http://www.patsabin.com/HistoryLinks.htm
'America As It Was'/early 20C tour of the US
http://patsabin.com/VintagePostcards/
================================
The City of Atlanta:
History of the City of Atlanta----
http://www.buckhead.org/history/
The Atlanta History Center:
http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/teache...sourceshome.htm
==========================================
DeKalb County---my home: (Just beyond the city limits of Atlanta).
http://www.segenealogy.com/georgia/ga_county/dk.htm
=====================================
It is big, we have a lot of traffic and that will continue to increase.
Corporate headquarters for many companies--the most notable, IMO, being Coca Cola. The hometown guys done good--as we might say here--amongst ourselves--speaking Southern.
Having lived here all my life--sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it.
Which is probably true of many people--wherever they are.
I would like to travel--can't think of another place that I would want to relocate to--
and there is no need --because the World has relocated to Atlanta.
susaninatlanta
http://www.informationheadquarters.com/Cou...s/Georgia.shtml
------------------
Southerners are often called 'Rednecks or Hillbillies' and we don't generally mind
A farming state from the start.Go Here: Appalachian Vocabulary--provides definitions/colloquialisms for this area
http://www.apptrav.com/glossary.html
http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/rednecks/rednecks.html
-----------------
Those interested in genealogical research might find this site helpfu; the site owner and friends have provided many links including a variety of interests.
Overview of the History of Georgia:
http://patsabin.com/georgia/
http://www.patsabin.com/HistoryLinks.htm
'America As It Was'/early 20C tour of the US
http://patsabin.com/VintagePostcards/
================================
The City of Atlanta:
History of the City of Atlanta----
http://www.buckhead.org/history/
The Atlanta History Center:
http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/teache...sourceshome.htm
==========================================
DeKalb County---my home: (Just beyond the city limits of Atlanta).
http://www.segenealogy.com/georgia/ga_county/dk.htm
=====================================
It is big, we have a lot of traffic and that will continue to increase.
Corporate headquarters for many companies--the most notable, IMO, being Coca Cola. The hometown guys done good--as we might say here--amongst ourselves--speaking Southern.
Having lived here all my life--sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it.
Which is probably true of many people--wherever they are.
I would like to travel--can't think of another place that I would want to relocate to--
and there is no need --because the World has relocated to Atlanta.
susaninatlanta
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