On 2005-06-27, Louise Bremner <dame_zumari@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Ryan Ginstrom <ryan@ginstrom.com> wrote:
>
>> "JN" <ender13@execpc.com> wrote in message
>> news:EyBve.5823$H41.4129@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>> > Just so everyone knows:  Not all Americans confuse Austria (a land-locked
>> > country in Europe) with Australia (a much bigger country half way around
>> the
>> > world, occupying its own continent)  The article is very clear about the
>> > events occuring in Australia.
>> 
>> Hi JN:
>> 
>> That "Austria" bit is kind of a group in-joke, but there's no reason for you
>> to have known that.
>
> It's fairly common throughout Usenet, I believe--not just in this little
> patch of not-quite-Usenet. I frequent other groups where it's used. 

It's also fairly common outside of the Internet, I think. At least in the
US.

-- 
Die lewe is alleen draaglik as 'n mens 'n bietjie dronk is.
                   - Uys Krige