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Australian Interesting History - Fun Facts

The ORIGINS of GOLF

May 31st 2009 08:21

Lorena Ochoa, currently World No.1 female golfer.

The origins of golf can be a little murky as some researchers claim they have discovered references to a form of golf from Egyptian hieroglyphics, while in China, Chui Wan ("chui" = striking and "wan" = small ball) a game of driving a ball with a stick into holes in the ground, was first mentioned in records from the 11th century.

The Dutch game also seemed to have an early version played with a stick and leather ball, while the Scottish game of 'goulf' was mentioned in two ancient laws prohibiting its play.

These games in their various forms are best considered to be the ancestors of golf, while the modern game as played today originated in Scotland in the 12th century, with shepherds knocking stones into rabbit holes, right upon the land where the famous St Andrews Golf Club is situated today.

The earliest, permanent, golf course originated there, along with the 1st written rules of the game, and the 18-hole circuit.
Competitions were arranged between different Scottish cities, and over time, the game spread to England and on to the rest of the world.

In 2005, Golf Digest calculated that the countries with most golf courses per capita, were: Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, Wales, United States, Sweden, and England.

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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: American, Australian, Britain, Countries, Interesting History, Sports

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FOOTBALL, MEAT PIES, KANGAROOS AND HOLDEN CARS!!!

May 12th 2009 10:10

Yesterday while setting up the lesson on lamingtons, I began thinking back to my younger days and the tune of "Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars."

I couldn't remember what is what for exactly as I was pretty young at the time, but thanks to the wondrous combination of the Internet and YouTube, I was able to refresh my memory. It was the jingle used to sell GM Holdens during the 70's (showing my age now aren't I!), and it's stuck with me ever since.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Animals, Australian, Food, Interesting History, Loose Ends

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A LESSON IN LAMINGTONS!!!

May 11th 2009 09:19

The chocolate Lamington is as Australian as meat pies, kangaroos and Holdens. (Who else remembers that song/chant from way back when - "Football, meat-pies, kangaroos and Holden cars...?")

For years lamingtons have been a way of putting stale or over-cooked sponge cake to good use, but where did it actually start?
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Australian, Food, Interesting Facts, Interesting History

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One SHIP Of A Coincidence!

February 3rd 2008 23:30

Some coincidences and incidents in life are just so bizarre it beggars belief!
However such strange coincidences do occur, but still you cannot help but shake your head and wonder.

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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Australian, Coincidences, Countries, Interesting History, Strange Occurences

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Santa Claus/ Father Christmas/ St Nicholas - A Man Of Many Names.

December 15th 2007 00:05

Santa Claus/ Father Christmas/ St Nicholas/ Kris Kringle, whatever name you call him, this is one man of which it can be said he has many names.

Depending on the country you're in, he could very well be called more than one name. In Australia he's usually referred to as Santa Claus, but occasionally other names pop up.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: American, Australian, Children, Countries, Interesting Facts, Interesting History

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ANZAC DAY

April 25th 2007 00:20

Australia and New Zealand commemorate the ANZAC Day holiday on 25 April every year to remember members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who landed and fell at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I.

The commemoration begins with a dawn service.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Australian, Interesting Facts, Interesting History

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Fantastic April Fools Day Pranks Of The Past!

April 2nd 2007 00:25

I'm sure most (if not all) of you have cottoned onto the real story behind yesterdays post. Indeed there is nothing actually wrong with the skywalk. (Yes, it is real the only fabrication was the closing down again part.) So after yesterdays post I thought enlighten you with some other April fools day pranks of the past.

* The Guardian printed a supplement in 1977 praising the location of a fictional resort - San Serriffe, its two main islands (Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse), its capital (Bodoni), and its leader (General Pica). Intrigued readers were later disappointed to learn that San Serriffe (sans serif) did not exist except as references to typeface terminology.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: American, Australian, Humour, Interesting Facts, Interesting History, Loose Ends

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Previous Daylight Saving Time Issues

March 23rd 2007 00:25

With Daylight Saving Time ending this weekend for some states of Australia, (That’s right boys and girls – be prepared to put your watches and clocks BACKWARDS one hour.)

I thought I’d remind you all of some relevant mishaps that can be found at webexhibits.org.
These are occasions when Daylight Saving Time caused slightly more than an issue or two due to the actual changing of the time.

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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: American, Australian, Countries, Humour, Interesting Facts, Interesting History, Loose Ends

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The Sydney Harbour Bridge Birthday Bash!

March 16th 2007 00:49

The spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge is turning 75 this weekend, the 19th of March to be precise. To this day it is still the world's largest steel, single span, arched bridge.

Standing at 135 metres above sea level and 1149 metres long, and at an approximate weight of 39,000 tonnes, the old Coathanger has earned itself a place in the heart of every Australian and every tourist that has ever had the opportunity to visit it.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Australian, Interesting Facts, Interesting History

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Even More Australian Facts

February 20th 2007 00:25

Parliament House, Canberra

* In 1977, Alan Jones scored a surprise victory in the Austrian Grand Prix. Initially officials were going to play the Austrian anthem but then realised that Australia and Austria were not the same country. Unfortunately, they didn't have the Australian anthem so instead a local drunk played "Happy Birthday to You" on a trumpet.

* In 1983, the yacht "Australia II" ended the Americans 132 year dominance of the America's cup.
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Posted By: MelissaA - Category: Animals, Australian, Humour, Interesting Facts, Interesting History

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