Thursday, 22 June 2006

Something Shocking

Something struck me today that strikes me almost every day I work in Japan but I don't think I've ever even mentioned it here before!

I had no idea how much of my English was slang unique to Australia (and occassionally New Zealand or the UK). This revelation happens almost on a daily basis while working with people from the US when simply having a conversation.
For example, I had the flu something shocky this week and said as much to another teacher yesterday but he wasn't sure what I meant. Apparently that use of something shocking is Australian slang.

I never really had this problem in Australia as much as there were basically no Americans at my university in Sydney and even while working in the city, the only Americans I met were tourists (who would ask me questions like "Do you celebrate Independence Day?"). As far as I can tell, Americans don't seem to travel (for long periods) outside of their country as much as other nationalities.

Had lots of Canadian friends, but almost all of them could understand Aussie and Brit slangage.

Think lots of Aussie slang is shared with the Brits? Think again. Mentioned to a guy from Engand that I had heaps of free time this weekend. Turns out that use of heaps is unique to Australia (and the occassional Kiwi). That really suprised me.

When you think Australian slang, you think mate, wanker, etc but there's so much more that you're not aware of... until you speak to an American.

I'm not taking the piss out of Americans, I'm just talking about my experiences in Australia and Japan and thought I'd share it to get people thinking.

Maybe MTV USA should start airing some eps of Home and Away and Neighbours next season.

Monday, 12 June 2006

I found Sailor Moon!

Went to a fun Sailor Moon thing with a few friends on Sunday and had a blast. People say Sailor Moon's not real, but check this out! haha.

Pretty good costume actually!

Friday, 9 June 2006

Glow Spinning in Yoyogi

Took part in a kickarse picnic in Yoyogi park last weekend with about 30 or so other people and had a blast. Picked up a new green glo staff in the morning and took it with me to the park to practice. We stuck around until it was dark and here's a clip of me twirling. Be amazed.

Cheers to Lena for filming me with my phone.

Friday, 2 June 2006

Tribe Members Wanted (a great opportunity!)

Hey everyone! Two nights ago I made an impulse purchase that I don't regret at all! I signed up for this very cool advanture called TribeWanted that's searching for 5000 people around the world to go and stay on an almost untouched island off of Fiji within the next three years!

It was started by these two British guys who are basically renting the island for three years and... there's just soe much to talk about concerning TribeWanted, I don't know where to start! It's not a scam, looks very legit, has been featured a lot on different news medias this week as the word is getting out there about this great opportunity to live on a natural paradise.

As of this writing there are about 4400 positions left. Once the 5000 are taken, that's it. Noone else will be allowed to visit the island! Sign up everyone! It'll be great and definitly a lifetime experience that you'll look back on fondly.

Ever watched Survivor and thought you could do a lot better at, well... surviving? This is your chance!

I'm hyped. I can't wait!

Check out www.TribeWanted.com for more info and if you do sign up (with PayPal) remember to mention in that empty comment box on the pay confirmation page that "Brad Stephenson, member 446" refered you. There are like bonuses and stuff for existing members that refer new ones to fill the 5000 aim. But I'm not posting this for referals. I'm truely hyped about this. Hell, I've signed up for it myself (and paid about AU$220 in the process).

This is something I hope everyone who reads this site signs up for before the option isn't there anymore.