Search Results for: australian families

Meet a Families.com Blogger – Dale Harcombe!

Today we are joined by the incomparable Dale Harcombe, who shares her taste in movies with me. Dale, thanks for chatting with me today. How long have you blogged for Families.com? Since mid-May 2007. I started just after coming back from Alpha 2 Omega, a Christian writers’ convention in Brisbane, Queensland. What topics do you blog about? At this stage Christian, though it seems to encompass different areas of life, since being a Christian affects all of living. What is your favorite thing about blogging for Families.com? I like the feeling of commmunity and interaction. Also when people let me … Continue reading →

Australian Ghost Ship is a Mystery

Last Wednesday, Australian rescuers spotted a 36-foot catamaran adrift about 80 nautical miles off the coast of Townsville, which is on the northeast coast of the country. But unlike other rescued boats, this one was a bit odd. Rescuers found no sign of the three-man crew on the catamaran, but they did find other odd evidences of life. The engine was running, the table was set as if someone were ready to eat, there was a laptop computer that was turned on, and all the boat’s electronics such as global positioning satellite (GPS) and radio were working. The rescuers do … Continue reading →

The History of the Australian Cattle Dog

It is known by many names –Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heelers, and Queensland Heeler– and there is some dispute about which breeds were ultimately responsible for its development. The only thing where there’s no room for debate is about where it originated: Australia. Origins The Australian Cattle Dog is a newer breed of dog. They are the result of early Australian settlers needing dogs to help them tend their livestock. The dogs they brought with them from the British Isles, Smithfields, weren’t suited to Australia’s terrain, nor were their dispositions entirely suited to herding (they bit too hard and made too … Continue reading →

56-Year-Old Australian Gives Birth; Fertility Clinic Under Investigation

Another older mom has given birth and caused a bit of controversy. The 56-year-old Australian, who conceived with the aid of IVF, is believed to be the oldest mother in Australia. The woman has three children aged mid-teens to mid-30s. Her husband is reported to be in his mid-30s also. What was strange about this report is that the family was forced to move from their home to another suburb because of “negativity towards her pregnancy.” I am hoping that this negativity didn’t go beyond verbal taunts. I would hate to think that there exist people who are so narrow-minded … Continue reading →

Australian Timeshares

More and more, people are looking into timeshares as a way of being able to travel without paying the high cost of hotels. With a timeshare program, you would be sharing an apartment, condominium, or home with other people, all buying into the same place. Between you and the other “owners” or “leasers”, you have a home away from home. I know that sometimes, I do not like feeling like staying in a hotel and with a timeshare, you have all the conveniences of home because it is your home. In addition to buying or leasing a timeshare in the … Continue reading →

Family Violence. An Australian Aboriginal Perspective.

Violence has become entrenched into our societies. Many individuals hold non-violence as a personal value and strive to end it. Despite laws that protect against assault, domestic and family violence (including incest, rape and sexual assault) continues to be a shameful mark on our progressive and contemporary ways of life. Reasons to explain domestic violence have long been pondered over and everyday community members question why women would stay in such dreadful situations. History and culture may go a long way to explain entrenched violence but too often, we each react from our own view of the world, rather than … Continue reading →

Lamingtons – An Australian Treat!

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Lamingtons are a favorite treat of Australians. These little sponge cakes are covered in chocolate and coconut – never a bad thing in my book! Lamingtons are the staple of Australian school and church fairs. It is believed they were named after Lord Lamington. He was the governor of Queensland between 1895 and 1901. Regardless of who they are named after, they are delicious! For this recipe, you will need butter, white sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, confectioner’s sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and flaked coconut. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour an … Continue reading →

The Australian Mist: A Shorthaired Delight

Formerly known as the Spotted Mist, these cats were developed in Sydney, Australia from a combination of more than thirty foundation cats, including Burmese, Abyssinian and Domestic shorthairs. The breed is the brainchild of Dr. Trude Straede (Nintu Cattery) and was developed over a period of nine years beginning in 1977. The breed was first recognized for champion status in the 1980s and the name “Australian Mist” was officially accepted in 1998. These lively and lovable house cats have inherited the best of all their sires; having the people-loving temperament of the Burmese, the intelligence and agility of the Abyssinian … Continue reading →

Work Hours and Marriage

Work life is making it harder for Australian marriage and families. I wonder if it is just as difficult in other countries. The problem seems to be there is not enough flexibility in work hours and arrangements. Despite the introduction of flexi time, job sharing and part time work, statistics show Australian families are not that much better off. Statistics show those with flexible hours in 2006 were sixty percent. In 2009 it was fifty eight percent. Hardly a significant improvement. The lack of choice of days worked has actually increased by one percent. From what I’ve read from time … Continue reading →

Growing Up Surrounded by Books Increases Adult Literacy

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How many books are in your home? A study found that immersing children in book-oriented environments benefits their later educational achievement, attainment, and occupational standing. Do your children have access to plenty of books at home? The study is titled: “Scholarly culture: How books in adolescence enhance adult literacy, numeracy and technology skills in 31 societies.” It was published in Social Science Research. It was led by Joanna Sikora of the Australian National University. The findings of the study indicate that the size of a home library equips youth with life-long tastes, skills, and knowledge. Whey these youths grow up to … Continue reading →