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What's Going On Down Under ?

Chris Evans | 06:30 UK time, Tuesday, 10 August 2010

I've been offered some strange deals in my time, but none more stranger than yesterday - when somebody offered me a car - in exchange for persuading Rolf Harris not to retire.

Now obviously I think it was a joke, but here's the thing: A) I had no idea lovely Rolf was even thinking about retiring - which would be a real shame; but B) I wondered if the car might be an Australian car? Then I got to thinking, have the Australians ever made a car ?

In fact - as good as they are to have around - what have the Australians ever made ? The boomerang - ok, we'll give them that and the didge, yes, we'll give them that as too, plus I suppose, yer regulation beers...but now I'm struggling.

So my band of Breakfast Show Blog Bravehearts - is it possible for us to come up with The Top Ten Aussie produced objects together.

Who knows - even the top fifty ?

Made in Australia - really ?

CLP

2010

X.

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    morning big cheese and the bloggers/blogettes
    hope you're well?

    I think the Aussies invented self-confidence and a will to win (when it comes to sport), well, obviously the didn't 'invent' it but man they ooze it. Something I quite like and wish I had had a smidgen of really.

    How are you all? Apologies for my absence but I really don't have much spare time now, do miss the banter on here, the diverse input and of course Chris' daily musings.
    Work is crazysexycool, family are all lovely, I haven't been able to run for a fortnight due to shin-splints (not nice) which has been weird as I've come to almost crave the day I can get the sneakers on and pound the Norfolk countryside again. Oh and the pot belly that's arriving isn't attractive either!

    Have yourselves a lovely day, take care of you

    bonnet de douche

    KWx

  • Comment number 2.

    Mornin' Christoff. Well now, I haven't a shadow of a doubt in my mind that the greatest thing ever made in Australia was the late, great nutter Steve Irwin.

    Boo hoo. Any road up I have it on good authority from the ex-hubby that the Double-Thrutch Turbo Infection Threshin' Machine. Or summat like that. Oh, and bank notes. They have them funny ones yous can't set fire to don't they. Like the Northern Ireland fivers that get me thrown outa Starbucks in Wigan, marvellous.

    Oh. An' Vegemite. Tastes like engine oil but am told it Keeps Your Blood i' Good Order.

    Mornin' Ginge. An' everyone.

    Clodagh.xx

  • Comment number 3.

    ... ooo and Ugg boots. Of course. Make yous look like yous should 'ave a slot in top of your head, but comfy.

    An' yous know my aul Granny's saying. Tight shoes show on your face.

    Clodagh.xx

  • Comment number 4.

    The best Aussie export is my son, Innes. Entirely Aussie designed, produced and manufactured 2 years ago!

  • Comment number 5.

    they invented the black box for aircraft

  • Comment number 6.

    Morning everyone

    Austraila proved that ciminality is not genetic!

    And my bestset mate is marrying an aussie bean counter next year so there must be something in that?

    From previous blog - Rips - no worries on the song choice, a lot of the 90's stuff is coming back to me, I'll let you know if I think about any other crackers - in the mean time this is a song I love which is not on youtube but called Boy wonder from Speedy - and is the reason I call Mr Bp 'boy wonder'!

    Baggy cat - who got wet today in the rain - grrrrrrrrrrrr

  • Comment number 7.

    G'day cobbers!

    KW - lovely to "see" you, but ouch to the shin splints. Not nice.

    The Aussies gave us the greatest gift to nurses .... Shane Warne! I hear he's mighty good at cricket too.

    Keeping a low profile at the mo as having a few probs at work, but thinking of you all and will keep up when I can. I've also set up the CLP Bloggers Fantasy Football thingy again - I put it on Twitter and FaceAche if you're interested. It's free and it's fun. Honest!

    Right, time to go ..... :-(

    Deevs
    x




  • Comment number 8.

    Bless your man Dr. IchyCoffski there wit 'is yawnin' theory. But am still in the dark as to why yawnin' is contageous.

    Surely it can't just be the power of suggestion. I mean. If you see somebody stub their toe you don't run off an' kick a lamp-post.

    An' why do your eyes water.

    Not that I'm an expert meself. Don't do a lot a yawnin' personally. Just see everybody else doin' it in my immediate vicinity.

    Any road. Must be off. Things to do, eejits to meet.

    Yawn.

    Clodagh.xx

  • Comment number 9.

    Morrrrrrnin alllll.
    CLP - Australia has given us one thing and one thing alone - Kylie Minouge. Do we need to say anymore ?????
    Ok, so other things it may have given us:
    - Teen Soaps (Neighbours & ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and Away)
    - Kangaroos and Koala Bears
    - Fosters Beer
    - INXS
    - Wolf Creek (seriously scary movie)
    - Mel Gibson
    - Didgeridoo
    - Wolf Blass Wine (+others)
    - Convicts ????
    - Kylie Minouge (think I may have mentioned her)
    Wow, I really cant thing of anything else. Need a lie down after all that thinking (and not just about Kylie).
    Have a good days peeps

  • Comment number 10.

    Morning blogsters - yet another attempt by me to remember to log in and post something rather than just lurking in the background.

    The Aussies were responsible for inventing the cochlear implant, xerox photocopying and the garage roller door (or at least they were according to Google)

    They were also responsible for Aussie rules football, which I'm still pretty convinced has no rules at all.

    I've signed up to Deevs' Fantasy footie league. Since I'm a Portsmouth supporter I obviously know nothing about football, so I chose all the ones with the nicest legs instead.

  • Comment number 11.

    Digigeridoos (however it's spelt!)
    The Harbour Bridge
    Great Barrier Reef (okay so not so much made by Australians but it's part of the general area right?
    Kylie Minogue/Jason Donovan (depending on which you prefer)
    Natalie Umbruglia (or Umbrella as my brother used to say!)
    ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and Away (snore fest!)
    Neighbours (was good/okay before the change to Channel Five and now its just got a bit silly - Come off it Steph is too much of a friend to Libby to have let a one night stand happen!)


    I would sign up for Deevs Fantasy Football but I don't actually know how to play :( (I get the idea of actual football but not fantasy football lol)

  • Comment number 12.

    What have the Ozzies ever done for us . . .

    1. Holden super-saloons (think Lotus Carlton)
    2. Blundstone (boots)
    3. Castlemaine 4x
    4. Fosters
    5. Kangaroo meat
    6. Flights to Sydney


    Alright, alright, I didnt even get halfway . . .

    DtM x

    Have a great one . . .

  • Comment number 13.

    Too much time on my hands me thinks as found some more:

    Combine Harvesters
    The Self propelled rotary Hoe
    The Catamaran
    Cement Trucks
    Electric Drill
    Kiwi Shoe polish
    Latex Gloves
    The notepad
    Prepaid postage
    Xerox photocopying
    Refrigerators
    Pacemakers
    Penicillin
    Internet Wifi
    Google Maps
    Speedo Swimwear
    The Dual flush toilet
    And coming soon..........the bionic eye !!!!

  • Comment number 14.

    Hello!

    Seza xx

    ps Hello to all but specially KW, glad to hear the job is what you wanted

  • Comment number 15.

    Hello CLP & Everyone.

    Well Possoms the Aussies gave us our favourite housewife Dame Edna Everage.

    Then there's that great singing sensation who regularly graces our screens, the one and only Peter Andre.

    And don't forget the one who rescued so many children from mine shafts, Skippy.

    G'day.

    MM x

  • Comment number 16.

    PS-Cars>

    Holdon Commodore

    Toyota Camry

    Ford Falcon

    Beauty Poms!

  • Comment number 17.

    hello CLP and assorted bloggers!

    Back on my sofa and in virtual ciculation!

    Aussies invented Fairy Bread - white sliced bread spread with butter and 100s & 1000s; Lammingtons and the phrase G'day!

    Right off to see what you lot have up to whilst I have been totally spoilt at my BFF's

    debs
    x

  • Comment number 18.

    oh my

    HOW could i forget - Aussie Chardonnay - Lady Chards Chards of choice - Little Penguin!

    And the Fairy (or little) Penguin

    debs
    x

  • Comment number 19.

    Eucalyptus!

  • Comment number 20.

    bless you maddy

  • Comment number 21.

    Did someone call?

    Maybe not!

    Busy busy busy.

    So just a quick hellooooooo toyou all.

    MTF.xx



  • Comment number 22.

    Tuesday Hellos Ter CLP & ALL...

    Bingo Star 'ere...

    CLP - The Aussies have given us a lot from Dame Edna Everage ter Kylie Monague.... As for cars... A know of one very awesome form of car stuff that they have.....

    See this for more info:



    Bye!

  • Comment number 23.

    #22 And totally by chance!!!!!

    THIS is a very good omen for the rest of me day!!!!

    Bye!

  • Comment number 24.

    PS And not ter foget one of the best F1 drivers & definately the 'grittiest' & most 'onest we have at present.....



    Bye yet again!

  • Comment number 25.

    Chris

    Australia would be a great place, if it wasn't for the Australians.

    I think a lot of the things mentioned have been inflicted on, rather than given to the world.

    PS any more variations on the spelling of Kylie Minogue?

  • Comment number 26.

    Barney- A didn't mean the singer: Kylie Minogue, although yes she too comes from Australia, a coincidence in itself!!!!
    I was refering to the other Kylie Monague who was very well known in the 80's in a popular Aussie soap about a group of neighbours!!!!!

    'ope this 'elps!

  • Comment number 27.

    Oh 'eck!!

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 28.

    Or should that be 'strewth?'

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 29.

    HIya

    convesation in the office

    other person: have you booked your time to IT helpdesk?
    me: no because I don't need to book my time
    Other person: why not?
    Me: becuase you cannot bill out my time therefore its worthless
    other person: that sounds about right!

    So - in an effort to cheer myself up and feel that I might have a worth to someone - pick CLP and 5 bloggers and say something you like about them

    CLP - hes an amazing bloke with a great outlook on life

    Deev: knows what she wants in life and goes out and gets it
    Debs: always there to help with job situations
    Clodagh: great person and very funny
    Seza: is always there with a kind word
    Ali: (where are you) much respect for the zim orphanage thing!

    Sorry for all those I missed

    Baggy (feeling a little unloved)

  • Comment number 30.

    Bingo - I knew a Kyyyyyyylie Minogue once. She used to pop up on a classic sitcom 'Men Behaving Badly'.

    She also appeared on many occasions in my dreams.......

    Gotta luv the Ozi Lasses.

  • Comment number 31.

    and Crcodile Dundee!

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 32.

    Oops!

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 33.

    MikeyMikey - WHATTA COINCIDENCE!!!!!!!!!@!!@!!!!!

    She too 'as appeared in my dreams often too!!!!
    But the fact that she's a gemini.... i've come to logical senses & realised it wouldn't work due to astrological reasons!!!!!!!

    Talking of dreams.... I've 'ad another weird one last night!!!!!
    I should be & INDEED was lucky that this one didn't involve Des O'Connor or Freddie Starr!!!!!!

    I'll tell ALL tomorrow!!!!!!

    Gotta go... off to the golf range to practice for the 2016 British Open!!!!!!!

    Bye!

  • Comment number 34.

    #33 - another good omen: #22 + 'alf of #22 = #33!!!!!

  • Comment number 35.

    Bingo - I'm a Gemini, does that elp my chances with KM ????

  • Comment number 36.

    Baggy -
    CLP - because he gave me a christmas present money can't buy (the boot!)
    1. You - for being so positive and also for wearing one of MrsW's dresses x
    2. Gaby - lush, just lush x
    3. Keith not so big un - what a top bloke and all round nice guy
    4. EmmaM - my local running partner who is doing the Run10k with me in October
    5. B's mum - for badgering CLP about said boot xx

    Shouldn't really play these games as it leaves others out.
    So big special mention to Clo, Bingo, Seza, ChrissieS, Mary, Cheryl the Diva, SusanS, Missy and all you other lovelies xxx

  • Comment number 37.

    Afternoon Chris and all you lovely bloggers,

    I loved Australia when we went there a few years back. Wonderful, friendly people. Amazing wildlife, a beautiful coral reef and they drive on the same side of the road as us! And not only are their dollars fireproof but also waterproof, so if leave your money in your trunks they don't go wet when you go swimming!
    Rolf Harris always comes across as a delightful,talented man and it would be a shame if he does retire, but at 80 I think that he is entitled to take things a little easy.

    Mcw x

  • Comment number 38.

    Fair Dinkum Wombats!

    I love you blokes & sheilas equally depending on your posts at the time.

    What about the duck billed platypus, the dingo and the wallaby?

    Strewth, must go to the dunny!

    MM x

  • Comment number 39.

    Soggy cat - dont feel unloved, I know your work life is stressy, but you have here to contribute and vent off - and lets face it - you have had more mini meets with the Ripster than any of us! And Rips - you have had more mini meets with our lovely baggy than any of us!

    Right off to do a MM and find the dunny! Trouble is for me - I have to go on me bum backwards up the stairs to get there so need to plan ahead!

    but in the spirit of top people on here - # 1 top person, Beezles - always will be (smile)

    laters taters
    debs
    x

  • Comment number 40.

    Thanks debs - but what are you saying about me and Rips, we have a friendship based on the blog and the fact we are both in London at silly o clock in the morning!

  • Comment number 41.

    oh and dont forget the late great Heath Ledger

  • Comment number 42.

    comment #36...

    ...see it's easy to forget people.
    rips - the top man himself and Debs, a classy lady.

    KWx

  • Comment number 43.

    KW

    May I add that I believe your lovely wife is also going to dress my sister and all four bridesmaids (inc me) next year!

    Thanks xx

  • Comment number 44.

    Afternoon playmates

    I'm home now so can come out to play, but just wanted to say I lurked a wee bit this arvo and Baggy, thank you. I've also been feeling unloved in the 9-5 department of late, but your post made me smile. Ditto KW.

    So, to throw my tuppence h'apenny in the hat:-

    CLP - thank you for bringing us all together. Without you and this 'ere blog the last 4 years (and my future!) would have been very different indeedy.

    Bloggers:-
    1. My lovely Nic, of course. My soul mate. My future.
    2. Crumpy. I would never have got through Jane's funeral without you
    3. MTF - always there but never, ever intrusive. And always wise!
    4. DebbieC - a true blog friend, the first one of you I met in person, 2 years ago this month
    5. Beez - missed every single bloody day. Needed her more than anything this last week :-(

    That was such a difficult thing to do without upsetting anyone, but also special mentions in dispatches for Baggy, Lady Chards, JG, MC, Gingembre, DanTheMan, Wickerman, Sigh_Not_Simon, Uncle Carl, Bids, Tiggs, Keith, Hazel Love, Day Dreaming Daisy, Lyndyloo ...... yikes, I've missed loads of you but you know who you all are.

    No quiz tonight, so may imbibe in a bottle of red with my lovely man - goes so well with sausage egg and chips!

    Deevs
    x


  • Comment number 45.

    See ..... I missed AnnieG, Bingo, Suzie, Sam, Seza, AliB, MissP .... I could be here all night!

    x

  • Comment number 46.

    Ello back ter Chezza The Diva & Gingembre!!!!!!

    MikeyMikey - Another coincidence you being a gemini!!!!!!!!!
    Yes this does make you both made for each other.... it must be very painful to know your made for each other but probably will never be together!!!!!!!

    Reminds me very much of me situation with Cheryl Tweedy & Claudia Winkleman!!!!!!!!!

  • Comment number 47.

    Never say never Bingles .... just don't go getting arrested over it!!

    x

  • Comment number 48.

    Deev - Cluadia is 'appily married... so it's over there!!!!!

    And The Cheryl Tweedy... there's rumours she's getting together with one of 'ers dancers.... it's all too much for me mind... am off to listen to this song ter drown me sorrows:





  • Comment number 49.

    ..... and Mariella, and Errol, and CSN, and CaptainStella, and DissingDave, and MWK, and Highland Lass, and Dogwithnobrain .....


    David Badiel on The One Show ... kinda hot! (and I always fancied Rob Newman!!)

    x

  • Comment number 50.

    Evening each

    Australia makes wine, doesn't it? Haven't tasted it myself but I'm sure I've seen it on the shelves.

    Back later when I've had a peek at the posts.

    xxxx

  • Comment number 51.

    Might have known Debs would get that one before me!!

    Hallo Gingembre - funny, was just thinking about you and Missy earlier, thought you might have gone off us. How's Missy?

    Right, back to reading.

    xxxx

  • Comment number 52.

    ozzie things... *scratch head and ponder* contrary to my nickname, it didn't produce me. To be honest, I can't think of anything ozzie either, and I guess I've been beaten to the few things I might have thought of by now!

    Off to the pub in a mo to see if I can memorise what it looks like before the big refit starts tomorrow!

    Oz

  • Comment number 53.

    KW - Bless you! You never know who is lurking........

    Keith the
    NotSoBigUn
    xx

    P.S Deeves.....Blush! x-x-x

  • Comment number 54.

    Evening chaps,

    Never been Down Under but it's top of my wish list along with NZ. Can't come up with anything else that Australia has given the world...

    A rare sunny day here in the 'burgh today. Had a brief look at the festival but have been feeling so knackered today that I couldn't be bothered hanging around too much. Am so looking forward to getting into my bed (complete with lovely clean, line dried sheets)

    Hello to everyone out there

    Rx

  • Comment number 55.

    Enjoy your bed Rosie. Know exactly what you mean - couldn't wait to get into mine yesterday after babysitting the 9 month old from 7.45 till 6pm.

    Am planning to be in Edinburgh with the man in the cupboard on Saturday to see what's going on at the Festival.

    xx

  • Comment number 56.

    Great blog Chris - seems to have woken the blog up a bit, if I can say that without offending anyone.

    Can't think of anything that the Aussies have invented except for the natural assumption that they are better at everything - speaking purely from personal experiences.
    What's the sketch that features an Aussie bleating on in that laboured monotonous tone "You bloody Pommes, you whinge and you moan and you whinge and you moan etc etc etc......Haha! Love it.

    Barney - Couldn't agree more with your post (25), just insert the word 'Welsh' instead ;-p

    Just a joke!

    I'm not doing the Favourite Five thing - it's too subjective and far too restricted.
    Suffice to say that there is not a person on here that I wouldn't buy a beer - or fruit based drink for the ladies.

    Lovely to see so many old names back, please stay!

    Mwol and partner in crime - where are you?

    Rips

    x

  • Comment number 57.

    Rips - MWA's PiC is still thrashing me at Scrabs on Faceache. One day, I WILL beat him!!!!

    And as Brucie says ... you're my favorite!

    Right, Himself due home within the next 10 mins, bearing beer, so time to switch lappy orf for the night.

    Have a pleasant evenink everyone.

    Deevs
    x

  • Comment number 58.

    Evening campers,

    Rips, I'd share a sherbert with you any day of the week.
    And , everyone else too , and i'd even give anyone my last Rolo ............. er............ can i get back to you on the Rolo bit .......... i'd let you have a look at it, but errrrrr , mmmmmm, errrrrrrr , well, its the last one , and well, oh , g'won then . Race ya .

    MC xxxx

  • Comment number 59.

    Enjoy Annie, I'll be in work on Saturday and probably cursing tourists! Town was actually quieter than I expected, not sure if the masses just haven't arrived yet.

    Rips, hope you enjoyed your recent jaunt in the 'burgh. You were drinking in The Mitre? One of the nicest Royal Mile pubs I think

    Rx

  • Comment number 60.

    Hey Rosie,

    It was indeed, and any pub that has Peroni on draught wins my seal of approval...
    Such a great atmosphere around that place.

    Take care x

    I'm heading up

    Rips

    x

  • Comment number 61.

    Rosie, I remember when I worked in Edinburgh and truly hated the tourists during my lunch hour. Why oh why do they stop dead in the middle of Princes Street?

    Might try the Mitre myself on Saturday.

    xxxx

  • Comment number 62.

    Apricot Brandy please Rips

  • Comment number 63.

    Exactly Annie! Sooo annoying!

    Rx

  • Comment number 64.

    Hi All
    Has Australia ever made a car?? Here are some facts for you boys and girls.
    Holden has made over 6,000,000 of them since 1948.
    Australian made cars and components are sold on every continent in the world.
    Most Chevrolets and Buicks sold in the Middle East and South Africa are in fact manufactured by Holden in Australia.
    Even Saab use an Australian made v6 engine in their premium level models.
    You don't see many Australian products here because they are primarily active in other markets such as South East Asia and those mentioned above.
    Wasn't the new Wembley stadium built by Australian construction giant Multiplex?.

  • Comment number 65.

    Rips my usual please!!

    Deevs, thank you for such a compliment.x If you want a rethink, I dont mind. (just you dare. LOL!)

    Lots of people have called me wise lately. Its funny really, that I can listen and add advice to others, while my own situation is far from perfect. But, c'est la vie!

    I have had a few messages recently concerned about the blog 'slowing down?'

    I haven't looked back to this time last year, but kind of sense that once the nights start to draw in, that figures will rise again.

    Now, I am very excited about something that I heard on the Leeza (filling in for Mayo) Show!

    Apparently, there is such a thing as a........

    Dashboard dancing Elvis!!!

    I WANT one.

    Bingo, have you got one and if so, where from??

    MTF.xx




  • Comment number 66.

    Richardaus, welcome to the blog (oops - wrote bog and had to correct myself).

    Your post has made me think we Brits are very provincial and don't really look outside our little island very often.

    Apropos of nothing: Is Dunfermline playing at home or am I imagining roars from down the road?

    xxxx

  • Comment number 67.

    Right am hitting the sack now, I am shattered!

    Night night all

    Rx

  • Comment number 68.

    Night Rosie

    Yep, Dunfermline are definitely playing at home - just heard the boos - they must be losing.

    xx

  • Comment number 69.

    Evening all

    Sorry been MIA since the Brum meet but have had a nasty virus on and off - well the lappy has anyway!! LOL

    Off to Edinburgh for the day with new job next Thurs - that should be fun.

    Hugs and kisses for those that need them - have eventually caught up at last.

    Susan xx

  • Comment number 70.

    Susan - so you will be doing a Rips and not meeting up with me and Rosie then?

    xxx

  • Comment number 71.

    Hi Richardaus, aren't they all under the guise of GM though. Much like anything Vauxhall?
    Please don't get me started on Multiplex.

    How many companies went bust because of their ludicrous logistics and general poor organisation?
    On budget was it?
    You failed to point out that Westfield is also a Multiplex project albeit well hidden....
    If you could point me thd direction of nod of your directors sovthdy I can discuss the embarrassingly inadequate running of that site I would appreciate it, as we ( as a small company) lost £12000 bringing joy to the masses. It's also the reason that we have turned down all tenders for Westfield Stratford.
    Last time. They ate our profits. This time, we might not be so lucky!
    I am watching with interest to see how close to programme Westfield Stratford is completed by.
    Also - in your inductions, why do Multiplex start off by separating themselves from Westfield.

    Sorry mate - raw nerve!

    Rips

    X

  • Comment number 72.

    Sorry Annie but I don't think I'll have time to meet up but as it's my first visit there for work I'll suss stuff out and hopefully meet up next time xx

  • Comment number 73.

    All I want for Christmas is a dashboard dancing Elvis.

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 74.

    MTF you said the 'C' word!!

  • Comment number 75.

    And someone to organise an Edinburgh meet, as hinted at last week :)

    MTF.xx

  • Comment number 76.

    MTF: Beez will be hopping mad with you, lady.

    xxxx

  • Comment number 77.

    PS: Edinburgh meet during the Festival is being organised as we speak MTF.
    xxxx

  • Comment number 78.

    Wow - apologies for all the mistakes in the last post - grammatically speaking.

    Bloody phones!

    Probably Australian ;-)

    Rips

    X

  • Comment number 79.

    Or was it the Australian wine Rips???
    xxxx

  • Comment number 80.

    Well, I wasn't going to name my five favourite bloggers as I thought it might upset those left out, but on reflection I felt it only proper to let them know my true feelings.

    So with apologies to those who didn't make the list, my top five bloggers are....

    1. Tought_Task_Ted
    2. Kyle_Simons
    3. Aunty_Karen
    4. MrLoveSpuds
    5. Mrs_Mary_Evans

    As for Australians


  • Comment number 81.

    Hi Rips

    Lets talk about Holden first. Yes it is true they are a wholly owned division of G.M. But they enjoy a high degree of autonomy and produce a car that is specifically designed for the needs of Australia. Most of their designers are Australian nationals. The 6,000,000 sales are in no small part due to the fact that especially between 1948-1970, most British and American imports were fragile and troublesome in their conditions.
    So they developed their own creation which was hugely successful and has been exported right around the world.

    Chris asked on air this Am if Australia had ever made a car. My answer still stands.
    I am not an expert in Multiplex or Westfield or how they do business but mentioned this to highlight that large Australian companies are making things and are active in lots of areas.
    I have lived half my life in Aus and half my life in the U.K. It is my view that despite the strong cultural ties between the two countries, both have commonly held stereotypes about the other that are generally not true.
    Case in point. A client of mine told me recently that she would love to visit Australia but would never go because of the sharks, snakes and spiders. Fact: Those 3 combined would rarely take even one life in a year. The reality is that if you visit Aus and you are going to die, it will probably be in a car crash which is 1000 times more likely to occur.

    I came on here because I felt that Chris was (in an admittedly jocular way) putting forward a stereotypical view of Australia that is not strictly true.

  • Comment number 82.

    Hi Richardaus,

    I should apologise for my slightly worse for wear rant last night.
    Good response - no arguments.

    I shall wind my my neck back in.

    As I say, apologies.

    Cheers

    Rips

  • Comment number 83.

    Rolf Harris may be a professional Australian in the UK but I think you'll find that most actual Australians -irregardless of their opinions of his talents- consider his connections to australia rather dated and tenuous
    actually I think Brits find Australia much more agreeable than Aussies find the UK which many report as being increasingly these days a very foreign place

  • Comment number 84.

    Lots of people have called me wise lately. Its funny really, that I can listen and add advice to others, while my own situation is far from perfect. But, c'est la vie!

    I have had a few messages recently concerned about the blog 'slowing down?'

    I haven't looked back to this time last year, but kind of sense that once the nights start to draw in, that figures will rise again.

    Now, I am very excited about something that I heard on the Leeza (filling in for Mayo) Show!

    I work for some and I can tell you that it has a lot to recomend it.

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