Australia

The Australian Shepherd (known as 'Aussies') is a medium-sized dog, slightly larger than a Border Collie and are originally from ;the United States ;Adult males stand at 50 to 57.5 cm (20-23") and females at 45 to 52.5 cm (18-21"). A range of colours ;are available, including blue merle, red merle, solid black and solid red, and variations with white

Breeders say 'Aussies' have excellent temperaments which make them popular as a family pet, or an obedience or agility dog. They tend to bond with one person.
In the US, the Australian Shepherd is mainly considered a working dog with herding and guarding skills. More than half of the Australian Shepherds in the US are used as working dogs. They are also used for acting, police work, at rodeos and as guide dogs.

Australian Shepherds usually live between 11-13 years, and enjoy good health. Responsible breeders screen their animals for hip dysplasia.

Australian Shepherds can have many problems including hip problems, epilepsy and Thyroid problems are also appearing.

The coat is easy to maintain, grooming is ;once a fortnight for about 5-10 minutes, occasional bathing when necessary. However, during seasonal changes when hair is prone to matting they require more grooming.

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent breed, and is responsive to training. They thrive on the mental stimulation that agility circuits provide, but it is important to start training early.

Australian Shepherds do not have a problem with housetraining, and breeders claim that they can live comfortably indoors or outdoors. However, as they are an active breed, a backyard fence will need to be at least 2 metres high. These dogs should get at least 1-2 hours of ;daily exercise and can become extremely destructive if left alone in small places.

Australian Shepherds are well suited for young couples and ;work well with special needs children and babies. ;

When restless Australian Shepherds will often round up their owners which may include excessive jumping, snapping, and biting.

Australian shepherds are well known for digging up lawns, messing up gardens and ;sometimes chasing litte animals.

I have compiled a set of multiple choice questions, some are easy, some are hard and others you may be able to work out. Remember the answers are ‘slang’ answers and not literal answers. E.g – “A Salmon” is NOT a fish, but a $20 note because of its colour.

Good luck!

1. ; ; ;When something is called ‘classic’ it means that the thing is ?

A) ; ; ; old
B) ; ; ;excellent
C) ; ; ;an antique
D) ; ; ;holy

2. ; ; ;What is dosh?

A) ; ; ;food
B) ; ; ;drink
C) ; ; ;tickets
D) ; ; ;money

3. ; ; ;What is a sambo?

A) ; ; ;A sandwich
B) ; ; ;Rhyming slang for ammo
C) ; ; ;A type of dance
D) ; ; ;A type of drink

4. ; ; ;What does Munga mean?

A) ; ; ;A type of Japanese comic
B) ; ; ;A type of ninja
C) ; ; ;Food
D) ; ; ;A person with not a lot of money

5. ; ; ;What is a shock jock?

A) ; ; ;A sportsperson who is obscene
B) ; ; ;A jockey who is very bad at racing
C) ; ; ;A radio host who sensationalises news
D) ; ; ;None of the above

6. ; ; ;‘Get a wriggle on’ means to?

A) ; ; ;Have a dance
B) ; ; ;Hurry up
C) ; ; ;Get a job
D) ; ; ;Buy a pet

7. ; ; ;A ‘fang artist is a?’

A) ; ; ;A big eater
B) ; ; ;A faster driver
C) ; ; ;A person that draws fangs
D) ; ; ;A cheater

8. ; ; ;If something is the ‘cat’s pyjamas it is?’

A) ; ; ;Very dirty
B) ; ; ;Very bad
C) ; ; ;Very clean
D) ; ; ;Very good

9. ; ; ;What is a ‘lug’?

A) ; ; ;A type of insect
B) ; ; ;The ear
C) ; ; ;A bag
D) ; ; ;Heavy machinery

10. ; ; ;What is a jacko?

A) ; ; ;Another name for a farmer.
B) ; ; ;A good friend
C) ; ; ;A kookaburra
D) ; ; ;A kangaroo

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Answers:
1 – B. 2 – D. 3 – A. 4 – C. 5 – C. 6 – B. 7 – A. 8 – D. 9 – B. 10 – C

0 – 4
I’m sorry. You need to keep your ear to the ground and pay more attention. Most of the slang you’re hearing is flying right over ya.

5 – 7
All in all a good job. There is room for improvement but one could safely say you would understand most of the slang you hear.

8 – 10
Genius! A champion of your trade. You’re not someone that just understands slang but you probably create a lot of it yourself. Well done!

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Sydney has a great range of events and festivities throughout the year. Here are some:

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January – Sydney Festival

The Sydney festival showcases a great variety of local and international talent in the areas art, music and theatre. It’s shown at a variety of venues across the city.

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February –Tropfest

The world’s largest short film festival. Watch up and coming talent from across Australia on a big outdoor screen.

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March/April – The Royal Easter Show

Enjoy a traditional Easter farm show over 12 days.

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May – Australian Fashion Week

Fashion shows by leading Australian designers and renowned international guests.

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June – Sydney Film Festival

Two weeks of movies from filmmakers all across the world.

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July – The Good Food and Wine Show

Here there are over three hundred vendors offering food and wine samples, plus live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and much more.

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August – City to Surf

This is where around 50,000 people run from Hyde park to Bondi Beach. Or you can walk. The distance is 14 Km’s.

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September – Darling Harbour Latin Festival

Spanish and Latin American festival.

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October – Bathurst 1000

A 1000 Km race for touring cars featuring all the top racing companies. Since the 70’s a great rivalry has developed between Holden and Ford.

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November – Sculpture by the Sea

A sculpture exhibition along the coast walk from Bondi to Bronte spread over 10 days.

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December – New Year’s Eve

Sydney hosts one of the worlds most extravagant and spectacular firework displays in the world.