Pictures from Oz

[Jinx FD]

So I'm home from Australia, slightly rested, still jet lagged, freezing cold extra much because I just left mid-summer, and I keep looking the wrong way before crossing the street. What does this mean?

1) Yay I can lock lots of threads and yell a lot
2) Pictures! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29522220@N00/sets/72157603768573042/)

edit: going to add a couple highlights here.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2210350131_f8f6a5c9f2.jpg
NYE in Sydney

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2210364351_cf369acb92.jpg
Fireworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2210372149_52a096cf92.jpg
Nice play to spend New Years Day--start the year off right!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2210683008_274bc87cf5.jpg
I has a sea shell!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2210005965_e43c82f749.jpg
Me and the infamous Mr. Ned Kelly. Werd.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2210843960_0985b7a268.jpg
Watching the cricket, eating a meatpie. Practically a native!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/2211331942_07e5f67b0d.jpg
OMG adorable kangaroo!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2210258399_bf3329d3e7.jpg
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier... I totally choked up

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2210218947_2092d03836.jpg
View from the War Memorial straight to Parliament House in Canberra. That's planning!

[Jinx FD]

So I'm home from Australia, slightly rested, still jet lagged, freezing cold extra much because I just left mid-summer, and I keep looking the wrong way before crossing the street. What does this mean?

1) Yay I can lock lots of threads and yell a lot
2) Pictures! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29522220@N00/sets/72157603768573042/)

edit: going to add a couple highlights here.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2210350131_f8f6a5c9f2.jpg
NYE in Sydney

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2210364351_cf369acb92.jpg
Fireworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2210372149_52a096cf92.jpg
Nice play to spend New Years Day--start the year off right!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2210683008_274bc87cf5.jpg
I has a sea shell!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2210005965_e43c82f749.jpg
Me and the infamous Mr. Ned Kelly. Werd.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2210843960_0985b7a268.jpg
Watching the cricket, eating a meatpie. Practically a native!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/2211331942_07e5f67b0d.jpg
OMG adorable kangaroo!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2210258399_bf3329d3e7.jpg
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier... I totally choked up

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2210218947_2092d03836.jpg
View from the War Memorial straight to Parliament House in Canberra. That's planning!

[Boomhower0311]

Welcome home, there's nothing like summer to winter to make you realize how weird flying really is.

[Brimtown]

Don't worry, you really didn't miss anything important. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-tongue.gif

Sounds like you had a great time Down Under!

[Ninja Kn1ght]

Welcome back jinxy http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[zeeEVIL1]

did you bring me anything? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/winky.gif

[It_all_Began...]

Man! I want to go to Australia... I didn't know they also had a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier... neat. I hope my first deployment is a west pac - so I can get there and maybe New Zealand too...

[seductivpancake]

The kangaroo looks tasty.

[Captain JeB]

I hope you brought me back something nice...Don't worry I will pay for shipping http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Jinx FD]

Vegemite!

[Captain JeB]

Never had it, but I will try anything once....tis it good?

[JJ Rage]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
Vegemite! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif Ick...

[MusicDan]

Welcome back Jinx glad to hear you had a good time. Sydney looks beautiful. And I bet the change in temprature it was a real shock, I've got family in western Australia and I know how hot it can get. I'd love to get to go out there one day and see the county, I did a project on it for school some years ago and there's so many places I'd like to see like the blue mountains http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&safe=off&q=aust...ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi (http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&safe=off&q=australia+blue+mountains&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi) for example. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Ninja_Raiden]

Canberra's the capital right? How many pairs of sunglasses do you have?! How can you look the wrong way when crossing? Look both ways willya!

We're starting to get hot summers now (not Australia hot, obviously) - it's pretty weird. Gimme cold and rain damnit!

[dropK1CK_ninJA]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2210683008_274bc87cf5.jpg
I has a sea shell!
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That, ma'am, is a fossil. Not a sea shell.

*offended*

And call him Mr. Bivalvia!

[MuttonChopYaz]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
Vegemite! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Captainjeb:
Never had it, but I will try anything once....tis it good? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
This (http://youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew) will have to do for now. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/winky.gif

[seductivpancake]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JJ Rage:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
Vegemite! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif Ick... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
O snap! New avatar.

[brookelyn_FD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Reply </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
These pics are getting me so pumped for my Honeymoon in May. JB and I will also visit Australia. Jinx is it true you can bring a Koala home for a day? I heard this rumor on Real World Australia and if this is true, OMG I really cant wait to go.

[Jinx FD]

um, not where i went. I touched one, but only because it was sleeping. If you can rent a pet koala that would be pretty rad though.

Where in Australia are you planning to go?

[brookelyn_FD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
um, not where i went. I touched one, but only because it was sleeping. If you can rent a pet koala that would be pretty rad though.

Where in Australia are you planning to go? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sydney and taking a train somewhere but cant remember the name of it right now. JB whats the answer to this Q?

[emp_wordsmith]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brookelyn_FD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
um, not where i went. I touched one, but only because it was sleeping. If you can rent a pet koala that would be pretty rad though.

Where in Australia are you planning to go? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sydney and taking a train somewhere but cant remember the name of it right now. JB whats the answer to this Q? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I heartily recommend that you read Bill Bryson's In A Sunburned Country (http://www.amazon.com/Sunburned-Country-Bill-Bryson/dp/0767903862/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201644841&sr=8-1) before (or on the way to) Australia. If your trip is open-ended, it might give you some ideas. Even if not, it's got a tremendous amount of history on the nation. Oh, and Bryson is hilarious, in the "i actually found myself rofl hysterically" sort of way.

[CreativePlug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
Vegemite! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

...is awesome http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[TW_Night_Fox]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">These pics are getting me so pumped for my Honeymoon in May. JB and I will also visit Australia. Jinx is it true you can bring a Koala home for a day? I heard this rumor on Real World Australia and if this is true, OMG I really cant wait to go </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You do realize that Koalas are, um.. Bears? Just because they are small doesen't mean they wouldn't hesitate to take a bite out of you.

[Jinx FD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by emp_wordsmith:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brookelyn_FD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
um, not where i went. I touched one, but only because it was sleeping. If you can rent a pet koala that would be pretty rad though.

Where in Australia are you planning to go? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sydney and taking a train somewhere but cant remember the name of it right now. JB whats the answer to this Q? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I heartily recommend that you read Bill Bryson's In A Sunburned Country (http://www.amazon.com/Sunburned-Country-Bill-Bryson/dp/0767903862/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201644841&sr=8-1) before (or on the way to) Australia. If your trip is open-ended, it might give you some ideas. Even if not, it's got a tremendous amount of history on the nation. Oh, and Bryson is hilarious, in the "i actually found myself rofl hysterically" sort of way. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I loved this book. Bill Bryson is a hilarious writer and I love his interpretations of interactions with other people. Not to mention his take on radio cricket.

the book is also sometimes published as "Down Under" for some mysterious reason.

[It_all_Began...]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TW_Night_Fox:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">These pics are getting me so pumped for my Honeymoon in May. JB and I will also visit Australia. Jinx is it true you can bring a Koala home for a day? I heard this rumor on Real World Australia and if this is true, OMG I really cant wait to go </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You do realize that Koalas are, um.. Bears? Just because they are small doesen't mean they wouldn't hesitate to take a bite out of you. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And, aren't they very territorial and aggressive? I am definitely under the impression that they don't live up to their cute and cuddly stereotype.

[Jinx FD]

They're fun to pet when they're asleep. When I was little I had a stuffed koala bear and it had a wonderful temperament... what did I do with that stuffed koala, anyway? It must be in a box somewhere in some house far away. Lonely.

http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/bigtears.gif

[emp_wordsmith]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
the book is also sometimes published as "Down Under" for some mysterious reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bryson's books are indeed occasionally published under alternative titles in Europe, much in the same way as some films. It IS rather puzzling.

[XBLirael]

Aww! I had a stuffed koala... probably lonely in a box somewhere too! The lives of unused toys are so sad.

Sad news from the Australian Koala Foundation:

2. Are koalas permitted to be kept as pets?
No, it is not permitted anywhere in the world. It is illegal to have a koala as a pet anywhere, even in Australia. The only people who are permitted to have a koala in their possession, besides suitably authorised zoos, are, occasionally, scientists, and the people who are taking care of sick or injured koalas or orphaned joeys. These people must have a special permit from wildlife authorities to do this work and the carers must return the animals to the wild as soon as they are well enough or, in the case of joeys, old enough, to take care of themselves. Because of koalas' unique physiological and dietary needs, it is a specialised job to take care of them and requires training from people who have experience in doing it. Koalas are wild animals. Don't you think they are better off in the wild eucalyptus forests that are their natural home?

http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-sad.gif

[the_Brayn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">think they are better off in the wild eucalyptus forests that are their natura </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Great pictures Jinxy. Looks like you had a lot of fun in Australia. I really like the view of the Parliament House from the War Memorial, any idea how far they are apart?

[Ninja_Raiden]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by emp_wordsmith:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
the book is also sometimes published as "Down Under" for some mysterious reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bryson's books are indeed occasionally published under alternative titles in Europe, much in the same way as some films. It IS rather puzzling. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm guessing it's because "In a Sunburned Country" is a pretty unspecific (no idea if that's even a word so... non-specific then) title for the book.

I had a stuffed bear sort of thing called Jody (I'm not sure if that was a name I gave it or the brand name). My sister, a year younger than me, owned its' twin. Plus I had a dog with grey droopy ears

I think koala bears are an endangered species aren't they?

[XBLirael]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ninja_Raiden:
I think koala bears are an endangered species aren't they? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The koala is on the IUCN's red list as "near threatened" which is less critical than the cheetah or blue whale, but more critical than, say, a rat.

I bet you all wanted to know that. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Ghengis_John]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by XBLirael:
Don't you think they are better off in the wild eucalyptus forests that are their natural home?

http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-sad.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If Brook is anything like my mother and her fondness for adopting anything that walks up to her door the answer will be a resounding "no".

Flash frame to a Koala, sitting on brooklyn and Jb's couch, watching TV.

[Jinx FD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ninja_Raiden:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by emp_wordsmith:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
the book is also sometimes published as "Down Under" for some mysterious reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bryson's books are indeed occasionally published under alternative titles in Europe, much in the same way as some films. It IS rather puzzling. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm guessing it's because "In a Sunburned Country" is a pretty unspecific (no idea if that's even a word so... non-specific then) title for the book.

I had a stuffed bear sort of thing called Jody (I'm not sure if that was a name I gave it or the brand name). My sister, a year younger than me, owned its' twin. Plus I had a dog with grey droopy ears

I think koala bears are an endangered species aren't they? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure... "In a Sunburned Country" is actually a reference to an iconic Australian poem called "My Country," so in that sense it is definitely an Australian reference (though the exact term in the poem is 'a sunburnt country' but I can see how that might not fly as a grammatically correct title).

[It_all_Began...]

From wiki: Koala behavior (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koala#Ecology_and_behaviour)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Koalas that are disturbed are known to be violent, their teeth and claws capable of causing considerable injury to humans; special handling requirements are as such applicable. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry guys!

[OtnemeM_IroM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by It_all_Began...:
From wiki: Koala behavior (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koala#Ecology_and_behaviour)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Koalas that are disturbed are known to be violent, their teeth and claws capable of causing considerable injury to humans; special handling requirements are as such applicable. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry guys! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
"My apartment is infested with koala bears. It's the cutest infestation ever. Way better than cockroaches. When I turn on the light, a bunch of koala bears scatter, and I don't want them to! "Hey - hold on fellas! Let me hold one of you, and feed you a leaf." Koala bears are so cute, why do they have to be so far away from me? We need to ship a few over, so I can hold one, and pat it on its head." -- Mitch Hedburg (RIP)

[Ninja_Raiden]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ninja_Raiden:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by emp_wordsmith:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jinx FD:
the book is also sometimes published as "Down Under" for some mysterious reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bryson's books are indeed occasionally published under alternative titles in Europe, much in the same way as some films. It IS rather puzzling. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm guessing it's because "In a Sunburned Country" is a pretty unspecific (no idea if that's even a word so... non-specific then) title for the book. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure... "In a Sunburned Country" is actually a reference to an iconic Australian poem called "My Country," so in that sense it is definitely an Australian reference (though the exact term in the poem is 'a sunburnt country' but I can see how that might not fly as a grammatically correct title). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I see... *goes looking for that poem and to find out who Mitch Hedburg is*

Oh, you know what I was saying about cold and rain? Well, the weather's been going mental here - we got snow, wind and blinding sunshine... ever try walking against a gale force wind so cold you get tears in your eyes? Someone's taking the ****!

[Ghengis_John]

That would not stop my mom Began. She tried to trap a wild racoon and be-pettify it. She is intimidated by no prospect of danger if the target is furry enough.

Mitch Hedburg, Raiden, was a fantastic comedian who's life ended much too soon. You should go to you tube or something and see if you can't find a clip of his acts. You need to hear him speak, to get his cadence, to get the most from his jokes. Mitch on escalators:

"An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You would never see an "Escalator Temporarily Out Of Order" sign, just "Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the convenience.""

[klew]

I love Australia, been there twice since 2000. Too bad you didn't stay until Australia Day, it's an even bigger party than NYE.

Regarding koalas, they no longer let you hold them, but you can pet them and take photos as the keeper holds them. Stuff about how they get agitated as they get passed around to strangers, and probably liability issues from potential injuries. They're also marsupials, not bears.