And today is .......
- Thread starter tiger_one
- Start date
It was something that Australia hadn’t experienced. The whole country united to help and it showed how powerful unity can be.
Hilariously we all know what today is yet we still had to look 🤣
December 26
Today, we remember the Boxing Day Tsunami when, on Sunday morning 26 December 2004 at 00:58:53 UTC, a massive earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale struck off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The epicentre was 30 kilometres under the seabed and approximately 250 kilometres south to south-west of Banda Aceh. The earthquake generated a series of towering waves which could travel at 80 km/h in shallow water, with the largest impact felt in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In the nine hours following the earthquake, 14 aftershocks with magnitudes between 5.7 and 7.3 occurred along the arc from Sumatra towards Nicobar and the Andaman Islands.
Within 15 minutes of the earthquake, waves began striking the coasts of northern Sumatra and the Nicobar Islands. Waves of up to 30 metres were recorded as the tsunami swept through Aceh, the hardest hit region of Indonesia. Around two hours after the earthquake struck, waves reached Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. An hour later they reached the Maldives, and, more than seven hours after the initial quake, the tsunami was observed in Mauritius and along the east coast of Africa.
The tsunami waves caused widespread death and injuries, displaced thousands, destroyed towns, homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, and wrecked coastal areas.
Twenty-six Australians lost their lives.
Due to the scale of destruction estimates for total lives lost vary, according to the United Nations approximately 227,000 people were killed in fourteen countries. Data published by the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition indicated at least 275,000 people were killed. Across the region there are still people believed to have been swept away who have never been accounted for. Measured in lives lost, this makes it one of the 10 worst earthquakes in recorded history, as well as the single worst tsunami in history.
The Prime Minister of the day, John Howard, pledged A$1 billion over five years to rebuild tsunami-hit areas of Indonesia in "the single largest aid contribution ever made by Australia." The Australian government also pledged aid to other affected countries, while public and corporate donors contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to those affected.
Subsequently, the tsunami prompted the largest Australian peacetime overseas operation for relief and recovery, and led to major investment in a national tsunami warning system - Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre - to protect our own coastlines from similar events, though Australia experienced only minor coastal impacts like strong currents in WA and small wave heights in Sydney Harbour.
Today, we remember.
Those who were lost.
And the amazing Australians who joined other amazing relief and support humanitarian services in the recovery and restoration works to enable all affected to regain some normality in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters ever.
"Worse than a war movie"
“Help. Help.”
“A wake-up call for humanity."
"There will always be the time before the tsunami, and after the tsunami"
Today, we remember the Boxing Day Tsunami when, on Sunday morning 26 December 2004 at 00:58:53 UTC, a massive earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale struck off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The epicentre was 30 kilometres under the seabed and approximately 250 kilometres south to south-west of Banda Aceh. The earthquake generated a series of towering waves which could travel at 80 km/h in shallow water, with the largest impact felt in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In the nine hours following the earthquake, 14 aftershocks with magnitudes between 5.7 and 7.3 occurred along the arc from Sumatra towards Nicobar and the Andaman Islands.
Within 15 minutes of the earthquake, waves began striking the coasts of northern Sumatra and the Nicobar Islands. Waves of up to 30 metres were recorded as the tsunami swept through Aceh, the hardest hit region of Indonesia. Around two hours after the earthquake struck, waves reached Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. An hour later they reached the Maldives, and, more than seven hours after the initial quake, the tsunami was observed in Mauritius and along the east coast of Africa.
The tsunami waves caused widespread death and injuries, displaced thousands, destroyed towns, homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, and wrecked coastal areas.
Twenty-six Australians lost their lives.
Due to the scale of destruction estimates for total lives lost vary, according to the United Nations approximately 227,000 people were killed in fourteen countries. Data published by the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition indicated at least 275,000 people were killed. Across the region there are still people believed to have been swept away who have never been accounted for. Measured in lives lost, this makes it one of the 10 worst earthquakes in recorded history, as well as the single worst tsunami in history.
The Prime Minister of the day, John Howard, pledged A$1 billion over five years to rebuild tsunami-hit areas of Indonesia in "the single largest aid contribution ever made by Australia." The Australian government also pledged aid to other affected countries, while public and corporate donors contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to those affected.
Subsequently, the tsunami prompted the largest Australian peacetime overseas operation for relief and recovery, and led to major investment in a national tsunami warning system - Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre - to protect our own coastlines from similar events, though Australia experienced only minor coastal impacts like strong currents in WA and small wave heights in Sydney Harbour.
Today, we remember.
Those who were lost.
And the amazing Australians who joined other amazing relief and support humanitarian services in the recovery and restoration works to enable all affected to regain some normality in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters ever.
"Worse than a war movie"
“Help. Help.”
“A wake-up call for humanity."
"There will always be the time before the tsunami, and after the tsunami"
December 27
National Fruitcake Day is celebrated on December 27 when we can indulge in variations of this classic cake, popular all over the world.
Today is a fun annual observance dedicated to celebrating the rich, historic, and often debated holiday treat made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, sometimes soaked in spirits, encouraging people to share, enjoy, or even make their own versions.
Where once a fruitcake symbolized prosperity and celebration., the fruitcake today is simply popular as a treat, to enjoy on its own or as an aside to a cup of tea or coffee. Iced or plain, and one of a zillion recipe variations, the proof is always in the eating.
This day, strategically placed between Christmas and New Year's Day, provides a perfect post-Christmas moment to savour this dense, festive dessert and taper down after all the rich festive treats.
Much like many foods that enhance the Christmas period, the humble fruit cake symbolizes tradition, family, and festivity, shared and pivotal in family and friends “breaking cake” and being together for all the right reasons. Some families celebrate by slicing into a fruitcake they’ve been saving for the occasion, while others use the day to bake their own fruitcakes, experimenting with recipes and adding personal touches.
Every cook and baker has “their” recipe for a fruitcake, with it also being common to be handed-down from generation to generation. However common to most is a combination of dark brown sugar, spices, and sometimes a hint of cocoa, contributing to a moist, dense cake that's rich in taste yet subtle enough to let the fruits shine. There again, individual bakers will not generally share their own little cooking tricks!
These days, in a typical refrigerator freezer, fruitcake can usually be stored for at least six months. Similar to regular storage, it needs to be wrapped in plastic wrap, then wrapped in foil, and placed in an airtight container, and in the freezer. But mostly, fruitcakes are cooked and eaten just about straight away, so wonderful is the inviting cake aroma!
A slice?
Yes please!
Fun Fact: The chemical composition of a traditional fruitcake makes it possible to keep for a 100 years. Indeed, its density prevents bacteria and mould from proliferating, and its alcohol content makes it more sanitized, which also has an impact on its conservation. (The best alcohol for aging fruitcake is strong spirits with high alcohol content, such as brandy, rum, whiskey, or bourbon, because they preserve the cake and enhance its flavour.)
"Fruitcake is the answer, no matter the question."
"Fruitcake is not just a food, it's a shared emotion."
"Slicing into the holiday spirit."
"Fruitcake is a celebration of life."
National Fruitcake Day is celebrated on December 27 when we can indulge in variations of this classic cake, popular all over the world.
Today is a fun annual observance dedicated to celebrating the rich, historic, and often debated holiday treat made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, sometimes soaked in spirits, encouraging people to share, enjoy, or even make their own versions.
Where once a fruitcake symbolized prosperity and celebration., the fruitcake today is simply popular as a treat, to enjoy on its own or as an aside to a cup of tea or coffee. Iced or plain, and one of a zillion recipe variations, the proof is always in the eating.
This day, strategically placed between Christmas and New Year's Day, provides a perfect post-Christmas moment to savour this dense, festive dessert and taper down after all the rich festive treats.
Much like many foods that enhance the Christmas period, the humble fruit cake symbolizes tradition, family, and festivity, shared and pivotal in family and friends “breaking cake” and being together for all the right reasons. Some families celebrate by slicing into a fruitcake they’ve been saving for the occasion, while others use the day to bake their own fruitcakes, experimenting with recipes and adding personal touches.
Every cook and baker has “their” recipe for a fruitcake, with it also being common to be handed-down from generation to generation. However common to most is a combination of dark brown sugar, spices, and sometimes a hint of cocoa, contributing to a moist, dense cake that's rich in taste yet subtle enough to let the fruits shine. There again, individual bakers will not generally share their own little cooking tricks!
These days, in a typical refrigerator freezer, fruitcake can usually be stored for at least six months. Similar to regular storage, it needs to be wrapped in plastic wrap, then wrapped in foil, and placed in an airtight container, and in the freezer. But mostly, fruitcakes are cooked and eaten just about straight away, so wonderful is the inviting cake aroma!
A slice?
Yes please!
Fun Fact: The chemical composition of a traditional fruitcake makes it possible to keep for a 100 years. Indeed, its density prevents bacteria and mould from proliferating, and its alcohol content makes it more sanitized, which also has an impact on its conservation. (The best alcohol for aging fruitcake is strong spirits with high alcohol content, such as brandy, rum, whiskey, or bourbon, because they preserve the cake and enhance its flavour.)
"Fruitcake is the answer, no matter the question."
"Fruitcake is not just a food, it's a shared emotion."
"Slicing into the holiday spirit."
"Fruitcake is a celebration of life."
December 28
December 28 in Australian history is notable for remembering the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, our country's only fatal earthquake, which killed 13 people and injured 160.
At 10.27am on that Thursday morning, Newcastle was devastated by a 5.6 (on the (Richter scale) earthquake. This was one of the most significant natural disasters in Australia's history.
Before the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, it was a bustling Australian city with historic buildings and normal life, but it had underlying coal mining subsidence issues ("the creep"); after, it was a disaster zone with 13 deaths, 160 injuries, massive damage (especially the Workers Club), widespread homelessness, and a total rebuild, leading to stricter building codes, but it showcased incredible community resilience and recovery, forever changing the city's landscape and infrastructure.
(In 2009, it was determined that a major contributing cause of the earthquake was due to the 200 years of coal mining that has been done close to an existing fault.)
However, as time passed and with the resilience and application of the old-fashioned Aussie spirit, Newcastle slowly recovered and remains one of this country’s most valued and beautiful places to live, enjoy and explore.
"We thought a truck had hit our building at first."
"I saw the road move like a wave had rippled across."
"The earth lifted me up and down and our house shook like a tree."
“We heard sirens in the panic”
December 28 in Australian history is notable for remembering the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, our country's only fatal earthquake, which killed 13 people and injured 160.
At 10.27am on that Thursday morning, Newcastle was devastated by a 5.6 (on the (Richter scale) earthquake. This was one of the most significant natural disasters in Australia's history.
- The epicentre was approximately 15 km SW of the Newcastle CBD (near Boolaroo) and the focus was calculated to be at a depth of about 11 km
- The mid-morning quake lasted only six seconds.
- The earthquake claimed 13 lives: nine people died at the Newcastle Workers Club, three people were killed along Beaumont Street in Hamilton, and one person died of shock
- 300,000 people were affected and 1,000 were made homeless
- 50,000 buildings were damaged (approximately 35,000 of these were homes)
- 300 buildings were demolished
- 160 people required hospitalization, while the Royal Newcastle Hospital was evacuated
- It left a damage bill estimated over $4 billion (Insurance Council of Australia) - normalized to 2017 values
- 100os of tradesmen, insurance assessors, structural engineers and other support professionals moved temporarily into the Newcastle area to undertake the enormous and widespread restoration of Newcastle and its environs. (Because of the damage in the city centre, all “visitors” were required to not enter a 7 kilometre safety buffer zone, unless with approved authority.)
- The effects were felt over an area of about 200,000 sq. km, with isolated reports of shaking felt up to 800 km from Newcastle
- Damage to buildings and facilities occurred over a 9000 sq. km region, an area equivalent to over 160 times the size of the Sydney Harbour
- The damage was most severe on soft sediments from the Hunter River, with shaking intensity observed at many locations
- One aftershock registering 2.1 was recorded on 29 December 1989
Before the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, it was a bustling Australian city with historic buildings and normal life, but it had underlying coal mining subsidence issues ("the creep"); after, it was a disaster zone with 13 deaths, 160 injuries, massive damage (especially the Workers Club), widespread homelessness, and a total rebuild, leading to stricter building codes, but it showcased incredible community resilience and recovery, forever changing the city's landscape and infrastructure.
(In 2009, it was determined that a major contributing cause of the earthquake was due to the 200 years of coal mining that has been done close to an existing fault.)
However, as time passed and with the resilience and application of the old-fashioned Aussie spirit, Newcastle slowly recovered and remains one of this country’s most valued and beautiful places to live, enjoy and explore.
"We thought a truck had hit our building at first."
"I saw the road move like a wave had rippled across."
"The earth lifted me up and down and our house shook like a tree."
“We heard sirens in the panic”
December 29
Tick Tock Day, held on 29 December, reminds us to work through our to-do list and finish any odd jobs so that we can leave our worries behind, and focus on the future.
Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock… This is the sound of the year, and indeed all our lives, slowly slipping away. Every moment not spent living life to the fullest is another moment that is gone forever, impossible to reclaim.
Today, Tick Tock Day, is an urgent reminder that the year is almost at an end, and there are things still left to be done, and in fact, only two days left to do them in. Don’t let the year end with regret! Get out there and beat the Tick Tock!
Today enables everyone to start the following year with a clear head. It can ensure that we start the next chapter of our life in the best possible way, giving us the greatest shot of having a successful year ahead.
One of the most important things to do on Tick Tock Day is to stop worrying about the time that has passed. A lot of us spend so much time worrying about what we haven’t done, instead of focusing on what we can do.
This special day has become a symbolic moment of reflection for many. It encourages individuals to pause, review their achievements, and make space for new beginnings.
Procrastinators might seek temporary solace but the truth is: The past was; today is now; the future is just around the corner. The very act of delaying tasks intended to avoid stress and discomfort actually creates more of both.
And time does not wait. The time for positive action is not soon or tomorrow – it’s now.
Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock…
It’s in all our courts.
“Precastinators rejoice”
“It’s your choice”
“The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started”
Tick Tock Day, held on 29 December, reminds us to work through our to-do list and finish any odd jobs so that we can leave our worries behind, and focus on the future.
Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock… This is the sound of the year, and indeed all our lives, slowly slipping away. Every moment not spent living life to the fullest is another moment that is gone forever, impossible to reclaim.
Today, Tick Tock Day, is an urgent reminder that the year is almost at an end, and there are things still left to be done, and in fact, only two days left to do them in. Don’t let the year end with regret! Get out there and beat the Tick Tock!
Today enables everyone to start the following year with a clear head. It can ensure that we start the next chapter of our life in the best possible way, giving us the greatest shot of having a successful year ahead.
One of the most important things to do on Tick Tock Day is to stop worrying about the time that has passed. A lot of us spend so much time worrying about what we haven’t done, instead of focusing on what we can do.
This special day has become a symbolic moment of reflection for many. It encourages individuals to pause, review their achievements, and make space for new beginnings.
Procrastinators might seek temporary solace but the truth is: The past was; today is now; the future is just around the corner. The very act of delaying tasks intended to avoid stress and discomfort actually creates more of both.
And time does not wait. The time for positive action is not soon or tomorrow – it’s now.
Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock…
It’s in all our courts.
“Precastinators rejoice”
“It’s your choice”
“The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started”
Buttface
Well-known member
Is that some kind of caramel slice on ya place Suz?
We had a packet one delivered by mistake, it was the best thing I’d eaten in a month
Sort of. It's "Christmas crack". Saladas, butter and brown sugar caramel, then dark chocolate and salt on top. Yummo
Suz was on the crack again 🤣
Maaaate! I've had so much! It's delicious!!!
Odessa
Well-known member
Santa's crack
@Buttface
30 December
National Bacon Day is a biggie for food lovers everywhere and is celebrated on each 30 December.
Older readers will remember the phenomenon of “Beatle–mania” when the English band turned music on its head in the Swinging Sixties. Well, as big as that was, just think about this: “Bacon-mania” was huge before them; was huge too also back then; and is still top of the foodie charts everywhere to this very day!
Wow, I’m not wanting to say anything rash but I can smell the bacon cooking even now …..
Fry up a crispy, meaty treat for every meal of the day or try weird or whatever crispy creation that appeals, and life just gets better 100%.
Admittedly, there are very few things in this world that don’t taste better when paired with a bit of bacon.
Whether it’s bacon on your burger, cheeseburger, with eggs for brekkie, on a sambo with sauce (or without sauce), everyone’s a winner as the song goes. It’s hard to deny that bacon is a delicious, tasty treat anytime.
Christmas has gone; New Years is almost here: and there’s just a tinsy space to sit back and salivate – because today’s all about the bacon!
A great start would be by going to an all-you-can-eat breakfast place that has bacon on the menu. These do exist and they are great!
Then, later in the day, head on out to a favourite lunch place and get a club sandwich or some other bacon-y treat. Some might prefer a cheeseburger with extra bacon! Whatever bacon-y goodness is chosen, be sure to share it with friends and loved ones so they, too, can enjoy National Bacon Day!
And we Aussies are ever so lucky when it comes to the bacon we enjoy. Local Australian bacon is different from overseas bacon due to its cut (more loin/less belly), a hot-curing/smoking process (making it chewier and drier/more like ham before cooking) and often containing more water, resulting in a firmer, pinker, less fatty product. It’s all in the eating. Our bacon can be 'rind on' or 'rindless' (the rind is the skin of the pig, also seen as crispy crackling on roast pork).
Bacon rind on = YUMM.
Rindless bacon = also YUMM.
There’s even a healthier type of bacon to satisfy our porky wants. Nitrate-free bacon is now widely available in Australia where the manufacturing process cures (celery salt, salt, sugar) or dry-cures for authentic flavour without synthetic nitrates/nitrites; this marvellous, tasty option can be found at specialty butchers, farmers' markets, and online grocers. These options offer a bacon with a rich, smoky taste, with a less pink hue, using free-range or organic pork for a healthier choice.
Whatever you choose ,the results in your tummy just spell out: “More please!” Maybe a classic bacon & egg roll, or pan-fried, maybe a BLT, or in an air fryer for crispy results, or used in everything from sandwiches to dips. YUMM!!
Oh, did I mention that irresistible smell that only bacon has? (Translated, that smell says: “come to me”)
OK, stop reading now – just get out and start cooking!
Fun Fat about bacon:
"Bringing Home the Bacon" – Going back to 12th-century England, a side of bacon was given to couples who hadn't argued in a year, making "bringing home the bacon" a sign of a good marriage.
“That’s too much bacon.” - No One Ever
“Love is in the air. No wait, that’s bacon.”
“Don’t go bacon my heart”
“Flip it, fry it, love it.”
30 December
National Bacon Day is a biggie for food lovers everywhere and is celebrated on each 30 December.
Older readers will remember the phenomenon of “Beatle–mania” when the English band turned music on its head in the Swinging Sixties. Well, as big as that was, just think about this: “Bacon-mania” was huge before them; was huge too also back then; and is still top of the foodie charts everywhere to this very day!
Wow, I’m not wanting to say anything rash but I can smell the bacon cooking even now …..
Fry up a crispy, meaty treat for every meal of the day or try weird or whatever crispy creation that appeals, and life just gets better 100%.
Admittedly, there are very few things in this world that don’t taste better when paired with a bit of bacon.
Whether it’s bacon on your burger, cheeseburger, with eggs for brekkie, on a sambo with sauce (or without sauce), everyone’s a winner as the song goes. It’s hard to deny that bacon is a delicious, tasty treat anytime.
Christmas has gone; New Years is almost here: and there’s just a tinsy space to sit back and salivate – because today’s all about the bacon!
A great start would be by going to an all-you-can-eat breakfast place that has bacon on the menu. These do exist and they are great!
Then, later in the day, head on out to a favourite lunch place and get a club sandwich or some other bacon-y treat. Some might prefer a cheeseburger with extra bacon! Whatever bacon-y goodness is chosen, be sure to share it with friends and loved ones so they, too, can enjoy National Bacon Day!
And we Aussies are ever so lucky when it comes to the bacon we enjoy. Local Australian bacon is different from overseas bacon due to its cut (more loin/less belly), a hot-curing/smoking process (making it chewier and drier/more like ham before cooking) and often containing more water, resulting in a firmer, pinker, less fatty product. It’s all in the eating. Our bacon can be 'rind on' or 'rindless' (the rind is the skin of the pig, also seen as crispy crackling on roast pork).
Bacon rind on = YUMM.
Rindless bacon = also YUMM.
There’s even a healthier type of bacon to satisfy our porky wants. Nitrate-free bacon is now widely available in Australia where the manufacturing process cures (celery salt, salt, sugar) or dry-cures for authentic flavour without synthetic nitrates/nitrites; this marvellous, tasty option can be found at specialty butchers, farmers' markets, and online grocers. These options offer a bacon with a rich, smoky taste, with a less pink hue, using free-range or organic pork for a healthier choice.
Whatever you choose ,the results in your tummy just spell out: “More please!” Maybe a classic bacon & egg roll, or pan-fried, maybe a BLT, or in an air fryer for crispy results, or used in everything from sandwiches to dips. YUMM!!
Oh, did I mention that irresistible smell that only bacon has? (Translated, that smell says: “come to me”)
OK, stop reading now – just get out and start cooking!
Fun Fat about bacon:
"Bringing Home the Bacon" – Going back to 12th-century England, a side of bacon was given to couples who hadn't argued in a year, making "bringing home the bacon" a sign of a good marriage.
“That’s too much bacon.” - No One Ever
“Love is in the air. No wait, that’s bacon.”
“Don’t go bacon my heart”
“Flip it, fry it, love it.”
Buttface
Well-known member
WOO HOO!!!
You lost me at Bacon. 🥓
Don’t go Bacon my heart.
Bacon makes everything better.
Guess what the free prize is?
A Bacon Jerky key ring. For those lonely moments that need making better.
Buttface
Well-known member
Love ya work t_o.
Tips for Bacon:
Rind on V Rindless = if you have the rind on you need to cook the bacon extra crispy or the rind is like an elastic band.
Crispy is well done. Black is just burnt bacon. It will get crispier as it dries on the paper towel.
Don’t cook the medallions crispy they just become jerky, always put the in later and on top of ya tails.
And my big tip for extra crispy bacon, and this usually blows minds, add water to your pan.
Champion @Buttface, my wife peels raw ginger, boils it and then uses that water when cooking bacon - absolutely the best!!
Actually, she also uses that ginger water after she has caramelized veggies like cauliflower, pumpkin etc and it adds great taste.
You rotten bugger,i have already eaten my weetbix to keep my doctor happy and i see THIS and it is deadset driving me insane.
Oh well bacon for lunch is definately on my agenda.
Yep, bacon for lunch is on our list, too!
Buttface
Well-known member
Not a fan of ginger unless it’s the colour of your hair.
