Spot the Difference

The Great Emu War in Australia was a wildlife management program that escalated to a military operation. Emus were multiplying at alarming rates and destroying valuable crops. Crop destruction continued despite efforts, and humans lost the emu war.

Some countries call each other names that to some might be terms of endearment, but to others might be offensive. The Australian’s referring to the English as ‘poms’ is a good example of this. You’ll often hear an Aussie call a Brit a pom, pommie or pom, usually in good humor. When the Australian Advertising Standards Board received complaints regarding the use of the term in TV ads, they investigated and ruled the term pom is not offensive. It’s origins are debated, but the best-documented theory relates it to the fruit ‘pomegranate’, it being a rhyming-slang for the word ‘immigrant’ and also the color the English turned when they spent too long beneath the Australian sun!

In 2003, an episode of ‘The Simpsons’ aired where Homer gave his email address as ChunkyLover53@aol.com. Matt Selman, the episode’s writer, signed up for the email address beforehand and after the show aired, found his inbox completely packed to its limit within a matter of minutes!