Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/111460
bush telegraph Learn to speak Strine* Tourism Australia has published a handbook to help overseas visitors who can't make head or tail of our local lingo. A fair dinkum Aussie Dictionary includes a long list of Aussie slang that doesn't appear in guidebooks or any English dictionary. Tourists will finally be able to tell the difference between a tinnie and a tin lid, and order a round of schooners like a pro. The book is part of the 'There's Nothing Like Australia' campaign that showcases our unique qualities as a destination to the world. www.australia.com Have you taken your meditation? Doctors are delving deeper into something that Buddhists have understood for centuries: the power of meditation. Studies show that regular meditation – which involves holding your attention on a subject, object or process – can help you to manage and prevent a range of mental and physical health issues, such as those related to stress. GP and Monash University lecturer Dr Craig Hassed has studied the subject extensively. According to Dr Hassed, as many as one in six doctors in Australia now prescribes meditation to patients. Dr Hassed believes its potential benefits are so great that it warrants attracting a Medicare rebate. "The evidence [of its health benefits] is just getting better and better," he says. XIV *Australian slang. According to the handbook, we are masters at slurring words together, as in 'emmachisit' (how much is it), as well as shortening as many words as possible. Mark your turf The Australian climate is perfect for spending hours outside, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air, and there seems to be no end to festivals and outdoor events to encourage our love of this lifestyle. Mark your circle of turf in style with this new picnic-friendly offering from Kathmandu. Designed as a 'little island of luxury', the set includes a fleecy rug with four matching padded cushions that zips together for a quick and easy move when you spy that little patch closer to the front. Kathmandu Deluxe Picnic Rug and Cushions $99.98, www.kathmandu.com.au