Backbencher

I recently read and studied the July-September 2007 issue of Australian Geographic magazine, which is the Journal of The Australian Geographic Society. The magazine emphasizes landscape, native species of animals, insects, and plants of Australia. The main articles and topics involve fresh waters of Australia, such as billabongs, as well as the surrounding ocean. Other articles included the history of the land and the people. The main purpose of this magazine is to inform and educate natives of Australia as well as persuading them to buy goods with the various advertisements throughout the magazine. Australians are the main audience for this magazine. This can be assumed, because of the contact information from the back of the magazine that states, "Drop into any Australian Geographic store." However, it may also be meant for other countries due to the fact that the magazine provides an international telephone number to call for a subscription.
One of the articles I found intriguing is titled, "Adventures Branch Out: Modern-Day Explorers Climb the Tallest Tropical Trees." It amazed me to see the pictures of scientists/adventurists climbing trees as high as 85.7 meters; one of the world's tallest beanstock koompassia trees. I had no idea people actually do this sort of thing for a living especially in Australia. Another article that caught my attention dealt with leeches, richardsoniamus australis, being used as microsurgical aides. Australia is home to over 40 leech species that have treated insomnia, gout, headaches, cancer, and even obesity for over 3000 years. It is incredibly interesting to know that leeches are caught in nets and commonly used in Australia to assist with reattachment of fingers and toes. Also intriguing are the benefits in plastic surgery by relieving congestion and re-establishing blood flow.