From Perth, Western Australia

I wouldn't worry too much about this far-flung critic, if I were you, ScottL.

Australians are - from the perspective of world culture - primarily known for their undead media moguls (Rupert Murdock), underperforming sports stars (Ian Thorpe), transvestite comedians (Barry Humphries), whack-job animal-abusing naturalists (Steve Irwin), attractive-and-yet-still-somewhat-creepy starlets (Nicole Kidman & Naomi Watts), and face-lifted has-beens (Paul Hogan).

And, as anyone who has been subjected to garden-variety Aussie conversation (either in a 'pub,' 'R.S.L.,' 'beer garden,' or equivalent) knows, it is - in fact - a compliment of the highest order to be told that one is boring by an Aussie.

To keep an Australian's interest, it is important to;
- frequently mention 'footy' (or, if dealing with almost-undifferentiated New Zealanders, ‘union’)
- frequently deride people from non-English speaking backgrounds (including native Aboriginals, for some reason)
- swear at least once every eight words (once every four in all-male groupings)
- allow them to successfully play their "I have a pet kangaroo, really" and "We need to clear Koala Bears off the Harbour Bridge each morning, really" tricks on you, or they will become horribly depressed and likely commit suicide (which is a favourite pastime, especially among rural youth)
- drink Victoria Bitter beer (and never Foster's)
- drink extra and additional Victoria Bitter, just in case
- make no reference to the fact that the most important day in the Australian calendar - A.N.Z.A.C Day - is, in fact, the commemoration of an incredibly well-planned and spectacularly successful retreat from the Dardanelles in North-Western Turkey during WWI
- offer them U.S. Dollars when paying them for products or services

I like Aussies. A lot, I should say. It’s just that – like foolish puppies – it’s unreasonable to expect too much of them.

And, having said all that, ScottL, we could use more guests and less chit-chat. What were you guys thinking, anyway?

I take great offense to your above reply - what is the point of it?? I realise you don't post your nationality in your comments - I wonder why? Fear of retaliation?

I don't think your comments are even mildly humourous - did it take you a while to come up with such wit and sarcasm? Hmmm... I wonder what your problem is with Aussies - perhaps you were outclassed by one? Perhaps we beat you at some sport? Who knows and who cares? Keep your comments to yourself, or at least say something which would perhaps indicate that you actually have intelligence.

Scott L, please remove this thread.

Hi Justin!

I too love the Mysterious Universe podcast! I subscribe to a lot of podcasts and I end up going into "catch up" mode every so often, but MU is so very interesting I try to catch 'em all.

Levels are something we fight with a lot. Just when we think they're all set correctly, something happens and it gets reconfigured. It's a constant struggle and even a fancy new couple-of-hundred-US-dollar hardware thing didn't make the job any easier. It looks good--blue with lots of knobs and flashing lights, but even it acts up sometimes. I think maintaining levels around here is like trying to herd cats.

But we are trying to perfect the mystical art of level levelling!

~~==- Doug -==~~
co-host, Ghostly Talk
panelist, Paranormal Minds
fan of everything Indie

Thanks Doug - that is all I wanted to hear... something intelligent and constructive, unlike the buffoon who replied to my question.

Thank you for the show - it's brilliant. Have you heard the Haunted New Jersey podcast? They're pretty good, but not as good as GT.

Anyway, cheers - talk later.

Justin