The Australian Bah-B-Q T shirt

There are about 73 million sheep in Australia and out of those 16 have qualified to adorn the latest creation from BahBah4U, the Australian Bah-B-Q shirt.

This is the coolest Tee around at the moment and it comes in many shapes and form, Muscle Tshirt, Men’s Slim Tee, Regular, Classic, Tank Top, Promo and yes you can actually have the design on your coffee mug.

The Australian designer Hans B’s. inspiration came from the Silence of the Lambs, no, not the movie but the silence of a flock of sheep he saw on a recent trip to the outback of Australia. They were all lined up, they were all looking at him so the idea of the Bah-B-Q was born.

However, I almost did not get away with it. The Six Teen Sheep were keen to put a few facts right as they said and I had to promise them to present “their case” on the internet and to do that I was graciously permitted to keep the profits from the sale of the t shirts to cover the cost of internet promotion. You’ll find the Australian Bah-B-Q tshirt by clicking here.

And here is the start of their story;

Our first impression of the bloke who stopped by one day outside our paddock was that here was a serious artist that wanted to paint us for posterity. We were quite happy to “pose” for him and he departed on good terms. He did not mention the fact that he intended to use the drawing on a tshirt. We have since agreed to that. Whilst we are not entirely happy with his choice of website name, www.bahbah4u.toctopus.com we have accepted that and are moving forward.

“Our  version”

The sheep says: Yes, we are all in on this, all 16 of us. We live down Cunnamulla way where we grass on a big property.

A while ago this car drove up and parked just in front of the fence. Out came a gentleman with a drawing board. He actually talked to us but none of understood what he was saying but we sort of nodded so I presume he took that for a yes and proceeded to draw us.

As we were all standing in a line we had to look over each others shoulders to catch a glimpse of his work and we were rather pleased when he attempted to show us the result but at the same time, silly as we are sometimes, we all ran away and, by the time we stopped and turned around he was gone! Just like that! Anyway,we were all in agreement that we wanted to be in on the drawing so hopefully we will see the result some time soon. Our little group of 16, (we call ourselves Six Teen Sheep) shall keep a look-out for passing tourists in case they are wearing “our” T-shirt. 

Remember Tennessee Ernie Ford and his signature song; Sixteen Tons ?

Here is “our” version.

 We were born one morning when the sun didn’t shine,

We stood up on shakylegs  and yes, felt fine.

We are  Six Teen Sheep and  happy as few

And we love our mother, the big fat yew !

.Of course, let’s be fair and let Mr. Sander give his view as well;  As you can see he was driven by a commercial interest whilst we want “to make history”

Australian Attractions Beyond the Big Cities

Taking a trip to Australia should create memories never to be forgotten. But Australia is such a huge place it can be difficult to decide exactly where you should explore. There are so many unusual and diverse destinations to see in the country and some of these are so unique it would be a shame to miss them.

Alice Springs is one of the most popular places visited, although in reality a simple country town in the outback it offers plenty of things to see and do. You will need at least a few days in this charming landscape. The Arrernte aboriginal tribe lived here for over 20,000 years before pioneers and missionaries arrived in the area and the scenery is something else with waterholes, gum trees, clashing colours and unique wildlife. For a genuine Australian outback visit Alice Springs, there are plenty of cheap hotels to be found.

One of the main reasons people come to Alice Springs is to see the massive Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock. A short bus journey will bring you to the wonder that is ‘the rock’ as there are no hotels in the near vicinity. You will see one of the most beautiful sunsets ever experienced at Uluru and the area itself is a World Heritage Area and stands nearly 350m high with a circumference of over 9km.

Alice Springs Desert Park is a real outback attraction where the secrets of the Central Australian deserts can be explored. Discover the Central Australian deserts and its unique varieties of plants and animals. You can also observe nighttime desert habitats by venturing on a walking track.

Within Alice Springs itself is the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame dedicated to conserving women’s role in history and celebrating their involvement in the heritage of Australia. Based at the Old Alice Springs Gaol, an interesting location in itself, visitors can meet the local Aboriginal women and share their cultures, stories and skills. Cheap hotels in Australia are easy to find, just reserve online for ease and to assure a room.

The display at the Museum of Central Australia demonstrates how the regions developed from the days of the ‘Big Bang’ to how it is today, check out the mammals, reptiles and fossils on show, in particular watch out for the giant freshwater crocodile, and Dromornis Stirtoni which dates back 8 million years.

For a cultural experience then head to The Aralauen Centre whose objective is to interest the local population in arts, crafts and theatre. There are exhibitions, an art gallery, a sculpture garden, and an art-craft studio. Local Aboriginal art is on display as well as paintings from Albert Namatjira and his mentor Rex Batterbee.

The Old Stuart Town Goal was built in 1907 by well known stone mason Jack Williams and is the oldest surviving building of the town. Used as a jail until 1938, in the ‘20s due to a lack of space and it being the coolest place in town it was also at times used as a school room.

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is situated on Aboriginal land on the outskirts of Alice Springs and offers everyone who is interested an insight into the Aboriginal people and their culture. Watarrka National Park contains the western end of the George Gill Range and is comprised of a picturesque landscape of craggy ranges, rock holes and ravines. In the park you will find plenty of curious animals and plants, the park is a major conservation area. Kings Canyon features ancient sandstone walls that have been formed by the elements, rising up 100m to a plateau of rocky domes. You need to spend at least a few days in this area to appreciate its whole beauty and vastness.

Cheap Australian hotels can be booked online before you travel guaranteeing you accommodation when you arrive at your destination. Rydges Hotels is a rapidly expanding Australian-owned hotel chain with hotels in Australia and New Zealand offering accommodation at affordable rates. Go online to find cheap hotels in Melbourne City, accommodation in Sydney, New York and Las Vegas hotels or accommodation anywhere else in the world.

Australian Outback: the Ultimate Journey

It begins with an imperceptible quickening of the pulse upon seeing birds in flight, the muted flap of wings silhouetted serenely against the crimson backdrop of sunset. Or listening to the ephemeral caress of the wind rustling tranquilly through the trees, you perceive an ancient whisper suspended in time, gently urging you onward to a place where magic can still be found…

For those who long to “get away from it all”, if even for a long deserved vacation, an area still remains where one can follow that inner voice which promises to free the spirit, and rejuvenate the senses.

The Australian Outback. Mysterious, vast and uncompromising, its awe-inspiring vistas and sun-drenched deserts await the intrepid traveler who believes the journey, is as important as the destination.

Although the word “outback” describes the arid interior of Australia, the term more accurately denotes a feeling rather than a precise set of parameters. The ethereal stillness and expansive quality of the land induces a state of psychological emptiness, a meditative paradise of subtropical wetlands, stunning sanguine deserts, breathtaking waterfalls, red rock formations, rain forest and savanna, all teeming with diverse, exotic wildlife.

The history of the outback derives from it’s first inhabitants, the Aboriginal Anagu people, who have lived within the majestic solitude of Australia’s sacred inner regions for more than 40,000 years.

Their deep respect for the land was forged from the belief that every significant event or activity occurring at a particular location leaves behind a vibrational imprint, which can be accessed by what they refer to as “Dreamtime”.

Through “Dreaming”, the hidden power of mountains, riverbeds, waterholes and rocks is revealed, reconfirming the inherent connection between man and nature, which, with the passage of time, has gradually been forgotten.

What better place to reestablish that bond than the legendary area known as Ayers Rock. Located in the heart of the continent, this formidable outcropping of sandstone looming above the desert plain symbolizes the essence of the Australian outback.

Also known as “Uluru” by the Aborigines, they believe that dwelling within the spectacular formation is a source of energy called “Tjukurpa’”, and that light can often be seen emanating from it’s timeless walls.

The surface of Uluru is also notable for changing color throughout the day, often appearing to glow inexplicably with various hues of red, blue, and violet… a dancing, sporadic play of lustrous iridescence that gradually gives way to twilight, the sun setting in regal splendor below the seemingly infinite horizon.

Uluru has been an important focus of the spiritual life of the Aborigines for time immemorial. Hundreds of paintings which depict Aboriginal life cover the walls of caves that are interspersed throughout the revered monolith, a pictorial testimony to the traditions and beliefs of a people who have lived in harmony with the natural flow of the earth, and in doing so, receive emotional and spiritual sustenance from the source of all that was, all that is, and all that will be……

Australian Open – Top Men’s Seeds Lead the Way

The tennis match started rather late at 11 pm as the first match turned out to be a classic encounter between Jelena Dokic and Ana Ivanovic’s conqueror, Alisa Kleybanova which Dokic won, 7-5, 5-7, 8-6 in a match that also went beyond three hours.

The men’s side has not produce the stunning upsets that the women’s side has produced but it was interesting to see the contrasting forms of the top four tennis players as they played on the court. Roger Federer was almost a victim of the upset axe as Tomas Berdych found a way to break Federer’s serve a lot of times to even take the first and second sets at 4-6, (4) 6-7. Berdych was spritely and matched Federer stroke per stroke and was even finding the angles and painting the corners as his shot making produced winners that Federer found it impossible to reach. To compound Federer’s woes, he was committing a lot of unforced errors that didn’t help his cause.

The breakthrough came in the third set as Berdych appeared to be getting tired which Federer took advantage of to finally win his first set 6-4. Berdych tried to battle back but it was obvious that his strength was fading abruptly. He eventually lost the fourth set 4-6 before finally giving up the fight at 2-6. Federer appeared to be on the ropes the first two sets. He might have been able  to fight back but what if Berdych still had the energy to fight tooth and nail for every point? Perhaps Federer might have been ousted by now.

Djokovic, I think, still has consistency issues. He let Baghdatis win the third set when he should have really fought to take it and finish the game early. He should improve on his mental toughness and not get rattled easily by what his opponent is doing across the net.

As I write this, Andy Murray is engaged in a battle with Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. All I can say is that Verdasco is Murray’s first big test as his previous wins were not against high ranking players. As I checked the live Australian Open scores at scorespro.com, Murray and Verdasco have won two sets each with a score of  6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 3-6. Murray leads the fifth set 3-2. Is the hype surrounding Murray justifiable? I guess I have to wait for the outcome of that match.

Rafael Nadal is in an outstanding form at the moment. His last tennis match against Tommy Haas showed why he is exactly the top ranked player at the moment. Haas is no slouch as a tennis player but Nadal brushed him off in three sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. He only had 8 unforced errors throughout that match against Haas’ 25. But Nadal hitan awesome number of winners with 53 to Haas’ 25.

You think that is fantastic? Wait till you see what he did this morning. He beat Fernando Gonzales of Chile in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. What was amazing about this victory was that Gonzales picked his game up to the next level and led the third set at 3-0. Nadal then answered back and won the next four points as Gonzales’ challenge soon fizzled out. Nadal finished the match with just 11 unforced errors to Gonzales’ 35 and he hit more winners with 33 to his opponent’s 22.

With the way he is playing, he must be the odds on favorite to win the Australian Open men’s crown, unless of course the others step up their game and prove otherwise.

Get the latest tennis match results at ScoresPro.com/tennis/