~★~♥~♥~★~ El Morno! ♥~★~★~♥ ~
January 26, 2013

★~ Today’s Quote:  “Today is your special day, even if today might be tomorrow to an Australian. And even though you’re not Australian, it doesn’t negate the fact that today may or may not be tomorrow.” ― Jarod Kintz

★~ Australian Day:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/h7y6iE0aB5s[/youtube]

On January 26, 1788, the 11 ships of Great Britain’s First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson, which now contains Sydney Harbour. The First Fleet was led by Captain Arthur Philip, who established the Colony of New South Wales, the first penal colony in Australia. By 1808, January 26 was being celebrated by Australians as “First Landing Day” or “Foundation Day” with drinking and merriment. Thirty years after the arrival of the First Fleet, in 1818, the Governor of Australia ordered a 30-gun salute, hosted a dinner ball at Government House, and declared a holiday. Today, Aussies gathered in their homes, backyards, and at the beach to reflect on the true meaning of Australianness. More often than not, this amounts to firing up the barby, drinking large quantities of beer, and celebrating Australia with friends.

In honor of Australian day, our Aussie El Morno friend Antoinette, agreed to answer a few questions to better educate us about her country…

Are there really kangaroos in the street?
Well, that would depend on how much you’ve been drinking.

Is it really possible to walk from Perth to Sydney by following the railroad tracks?
Absolutely, it’s only three thousand miles, be sure to take lots of water.

Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia? 
I think we need a brief geography lesson. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not… oh never mind. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked.

Which direction is north in Australia?
Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we’ll send the rest of the directions.

Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia?
Only at Christmas.

Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round?
No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Will I be able to speak English most places I go? 
Yes, but you’ll have to learn it first. I can help.

 

★~Spouses Day:

Spouse’s Day is a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half. You can use this day as a prelude or warm up to Valentine’s Day, perhaps. But, its not as much of a gift giving event. Rather, use it as a time to show your spouse that you care and appreciate all of the things that he/she does for you and for the household. Military Spouses day is held in May

★~ Peanut Brittle Day:

Brittle was one of the first types of candy ever made. Many ancient cultures that had access to molasses, honey, or sugar, produced some form of it.The first peanut brittle recipe appeared in an American cookbook, but the exact origin of the confection is uncertain. According to one account, peanut brittle was a Celtic dessert. The Celts covered peanuts in sugar and baked them, and this eventually evolved into a caramel bark. Peanut brittle can be a little tricky to make. Most recipes call for a candy thermometer to allow the baker to regulate the exact temperature, and the results can be affected by weather! If brittle is made on a humid day it will not hold its shape. See’s Candies makes a wonderful peanut brittle but if you are inspired to make some this recipe is rated 5 stars by intermediate cooks.  Peanut Brittle Recipe

★~ Today in History:

♥~ 1784 – Ben Franklin wrote to his daughter to tell her that he was unhappy that the bald eagle had been chosen as the national bird of the United States. He mentioned that he believed the turkey would have been a much more respectable choice.

♥~ 1837 –Michigan became the 26th state of America. Named Michigan after the American Indian word, Michigama, meaning great or large lake, Michigan borders four of the Great Lakes, and is divided into two peninsulas by the Straits of Mackinac that connect Lakes Michigan and Huron. The two peninsulas are recognized in the state motto: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you. In Latin: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice . The state bird is the robin; the state flower: apple blossom; state tree: white pine; state fish: trout; state gem: Isle Royal Greenstone aka Chlorastrolite.

♥~ 1988 – Phantom Of Operas broadway opening. On Apr 4, 2007, it became the first Broadway show to reach 8,000 performances.

♥~ 2012 – Australia Day CockRoach Races,  Brisbane, Queensland. “The greatest gathering of thoroughbred cockroaches in the known universe.” Cockroach race enthusiasts celebrate Australia Day at the Story Bridge Hotel, where icky insects (Cocky Balboa, Lord of the Drains or other such) compete. Race includes steeplechase. Also: music, “Miss Cocky” pageant, “Best Dressed” contest and more. Why does Australia get to have all the fun!

★~Born Today:

♥~ 1880 – Douglas MacArthur U.S. Army General and Commander of Allied Forces, WWII: “I shall return.”, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”; died Apr 5, 1964

♥~ 1925 – Paul Newman Academy Award-winning actor: The Color of Money, [1986], Cool Hand Luke, Hud, The Sting, The Hudsucker Proxy, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict, Exodus; director: Rachel, Rachel, Harry and Son; race car driver; salad dressing and spaghetti sauce maker; died Sep 26, 2008

♥~ 1958 – Ellen DeGeneres Emmy Award-winning comedienne, actress: Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show [2004, 2005]; Emmy Award-winning writer: Ellen [1994]; Open House, Mr. Wrong, Finding Nemo [voice]

★~ Did You Know:  In Odd News This Week…..

♥~ Donkey failed as getaway vehicle:  Three thieves dropped in through the roof and robbed a store at 2AM in Juan de Acosta, Colombia. They took rum and a variety of food and loaded the goods onto their getaway vehicle -a donkey they had stolen earlier. However, the donkey, a 10-year-old animal named Xavi, did not want to cooperate and began braying loudly. The commotion drew the attention of police in the small town, and the thieves fled on foot. The stolen items and the donkey were returned to their respective owners.

♥~ Welsh Tourist Wrestles Australian Shark: Paul Marshallsea of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, was barbecuing at Bulcock Beach in Australia when he heard bathers yell “Shark!” The 62-year-old tourist saw a shark approaching children and ran into the water, grabbed the shark, and pulled it away from the youngsters. Helicopters and lifesavers on water bikes later lured the shark out to sea with the tide. An Australian coastguard spokesman said: “We don’t recommend manhandling sharks but this gentleman did a great job.”The six-foot dusky shark snapped at Marshallsea’s leg, but missed by a fraction of an inch. A nearby TV crew caught the action on video.

♥~ Chicken Wing Fowl:  The day of the Super Bowl is the second-biggest day for eating in America, ranked just behind Thanksgiving. A game day staple, the chicken wing, will be scarcer and more expense this year. Chicken producers raised fewer birds this year due to the high price of feed corn, which was affected by the nationwide drought. Only 1.23 billion wing segments will be available on Super Bowl weekend, which is 12.3 million less than the number consumed last year. The wholesale price of chicken wings is at an all-time high, at $2.11 a pound in the northeast.

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I’m not sure how my Saturday will shape up yet. I suppose it will be a little of this and a little of that. What does the day hold in store for you?

Odd Loves Company! 

 ♥