Halloween

[Wongo]

Thanks to daylight saving we were able to have dinner on the verandah tonight. It is great because the kids can make a big mess and I don’t have to clean up.:D

Sorry where were we?

Anyway we were feeding the birds:cool: , a lady and 2 girls came to put something in our mailbox. Can I help you I asked. “It is for the Halloween party, if you want the kids to come then tire this ribbon to your letterbox.” said the lady.

I said “hello win??”:D I paused and I gave her this “I don’t go out much so keep me up to date love, since when do we celebrate Halloween?” look.:cool: You know that look.:D

Then I said “No thanks but I will come to the thanksgiving party”:D

"Oh no we don't celebrate thanksgiving". She obviously didn't get it and she left.:cool: I was just being sarcastic:cool: :D

I realised that she is doing it for the kids, but hey if we want to do stuff with my kids then we have plenty of ancestors to worship you know.:p Halloween just isn’t on the to do list.:rolleyes:

So what is kicking guys?

[MikeK]

Wongo,

To each their own. Your post strikes me as a culture vs culture debate. Just because we haven't done it here in the past doesn't mean we (or others) shouldn't do it. Seems to me that she was being polite and saying that "if you want to do this, then mark your mailbox with a ribbon". Good on her if she wants to enrich her kids with something and make the effort to involve the community.

Regards,
Mike.

[graemet]

T
I realised that she is doing it for the kids, but hey if we want to do stuff with my kids then we have plenty of ancestors to worship you know.:p Halloween just isn’t on the to do list.:rolleyes:

Onya Scott!
She is trying to consolidate another Seppo commercial "festival" into our culture. It teaches kids that they can dress up and tour the neighbourhood, demanding gifts of sweets (treat), etc with the implied threat of "trick" if refused. This marketing exercise has no place here.
Cheers,
Scrooge!

aka Graeme

[Stuart]

Know what you mean Wongo, and love the subtle dig with the Thanksgiving reference.

However, I don't mind the kids coming to the door for halloween, and think it is a good idea being able to mark the letterbox if you are willing to play or not, with the onus being on those who will participate to tie the ribbon. Saves the young ones an unpleasant experience.

The kids who do it around here are generally sub 10 year olds, and they still believe in Santa, and that the world is a nice place. It's also a nice way to meet the neighbours, and get the kids on side - less likely to have problems with them as they get older. How is there a bad side? Cost me a few lollies each year. It won't last long in the modern society - too many sick ####ers out there anyway.

I also like the (very American) thing of Christmas lights on the houses, and I typically hang a few thousand lights on my place each year, and I don't care whose culture it is - if I like it, I'll adopt it.

[johnc]

I can see no reason to export American culture here, if I was in the U.S. it would be different. Even if we had large numbers of U.S. imigrants over here but we don't. We used to have Guy Fawkes night until most states banned fireworks, seems we didn't like seriously injuring our children and setting things alight. So if we let our pommy origins go why import someone else's when we are imaginative enough to invent our own. Why not lamington night far better than a pumpkin with a candle.

I'll start having thanksgiving right after Wongo has his.

John

[Gumby]

I reckon it's a good thing. i'm happy the local kids get to do something like halloween and i always have a bag of lollies ready.

if they don't come (like last year) I eat them myself. :D

i's got nothing to do with importing culture by the way. if you follow that theory, don't put up a Xmas tree.

[Stuart]

We export plenty of Aussie culture to the states, what's wrong with importing a bit back here?

[DavidG]

Only celebrated it once.

Decided to get a bit back by giving the kids a little scare.
Set up the relatively powerful stereo with both speakers just inside the front door.

Found a really good lion roar and taped it several times in a row.
Wound the level up to flat out and waited.

Knock on door. Pressed the play button.

You could hear the kid scream over the lion roar.

Poor kid. Took ages before the neighbour would talk to me again.
Mean old man scaring kids like that.:o

[duckman]

We export plenty of Aussie culture to the states, what's wrong with importing a bit back here?
Care to name any "Aussie culture" that has been adopted by Americans, Stuart?:confused:

[bennylaird]

Did we also celebrate Ramadan?
Cmon lets find celerbrations for every day of the year.
Tipusen would be good, we could all stick needles and hooks through our skin and hang heavy weights.

To each his own but no lollies at our place if kids come knocking.

[Doughboy]

We give fruit and nuts. Nice healthy fare!!!

Pete

[Iain]

Care to name any "Aussie culture" that has been adopted by Americans, Stuart?:confused:

Winning the America's Cup without cheating, no sorry, hasn't happened:rolleyes:

[Greg Ward]

You old lot of grouches.

I give them all the use-by-last-year stuff from the kitchen and an ice cream.

Let the kids have a little fun as a group without bringing your own prejudices come into play.

What does it matter where any celebration comes from. If anything can get the kids away from the TV for a while and have them walking around, it's fine by me
They grow up too fast as it is

Regards
Greg

[bennylaird]

If we are going to bring in all celebrations to keep the kids busy then why just stick to seppo culture?:confused: :confused:

Thaipusan is heaps of fun as well:D :D

[duckman]

You old lot of grouches.

I give them all the use-by-last-year stuff from the kitchen and an ice cream.

Let the kids have a little fun as a group without bringing your own prejudices come into play.

What does it matter where any celebration comes from. If anything can get the kids away from the TV for a while and have them walking around, it's fine by me
They grow up too fast as it is

Regards
Greg
Trick or treat has bugger all to do with Halloween. Its an American bastarised
addition, no doubt inspired by their love of junk food, to a festival that dates back to the Celts to celebrate the end of summer.

It has no relevance here.

[Honorary Bloke]

Those of you who would like to import Halloween to OZ can have it. I will gladly ship you my share postage prepaid. Over here it has gotten so out of hand that the sales of Halloween-related merchandise has almost approached that of Christmas. :eek: All Hallows Eve has been corrupted to Halloween and promoted vigorously by candy-makers, and decoration mongers (all of which decorations are made in China and I wonder what the poor Chinese worker tells his kids that he does for a living? Must be a right mystery to him. :confused: ).

Just another old curmudgeon I suppose. :D

[Felder]

It's my Wedding Anniversary today. :)

I thought it appropriate to get married on Halloween when I found out what a witch my wife was. :)








Just kidding. She's not a witch.

She's an ogre.:eek:





No wait. Gotta stop making misleading comments about my beautiful wife. She is fantastic and I only make those comments to rib her.:o

I'm not a fan of celebrating Halloween, BTW. I've got other things on my mind come the evening of the 31st of October. ;)

[bennylaird]

My Daughters Birthday, working on her witchcraft to practice later if she gets married.:)

I see you were typing away and your wife looked over your shoulder as you were Brendan? Good save mate.:D :D :D

[Tex B]

Well, we import lots holidays here. Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, Rosh Hashana, Orthodox Easter, Queen's Birthday, etc etc.

The problem with Halloween is the expectation that everyone will participate, so you don't get the choice.

Just turn your porch lights off if you don't want to play.

BTW I agree with Bob C, it's a dumb thing pounced on by commercial interests and celebrating .... what is it celebrating again?

Tex

[Bodgy]

Don't we already have enough American kulture shoved down our throats? Nothing against the Seppos, but one does tire of constantly hearing American accents from every TV in the house.

All Hallows Eve was corrupted to Halloween, but then so was the European midwinter solstice festival when the christians hi-jacked it to celebrate the alleged birth of their boss, even tho it was about 6 weeks adrift of Dec 25.

I just thank god that when Channel 9 tried to get gridiron up, they failed.

[bennylaird]

As bad a Valentines day, that's just for the card/florist/classified adds/chocolate industries.

If you love someone tell them everyday don't just make a fuss one day of the year.

[bennylaird]

Hijack time.......

India out of the way, no sub continent teams left. Null Zulland to put away then into the final for our first title. Seems amiss we haven't won it before????

And the test just days away, sorry Poms looks like your in for some pain.

[bennylaird]

I wonder? If enough of us find Halloween offensive will the mods wipe the thread? Just a thought.:confused: :confused: :confused:


:D :p :D :p :D :p

[Flowboy]

When I lived in Bahstan, I used to see kids and their parents walking through small areas of Brookline, with their little bags and houses with light on waiting to welcome them. In Oct. over there its getting pretty cold and its dark before 5PM. It was nice to see. We lived in an Apartment block and every year my wife would get some goodies, but noone ever called.
I personally don't see anything wrong with it as I relate it directly to All Hallows' eve and the Druid Winter Soltice ceremonies.
Still, I wouldn't mind if the kids and their parents were to knock, heaven knows I don't know many of the neighbours now. Problem is, I think kids in Eaglemont and Ivanhoe order in!!

Regards,

Rob

[bennylaird]

Kids these days seem to prefer to ring and leave a burning bag of dog crap instead:D :D :D

[craigb]

I'm with the curmudgeons on this one. :D

It's yet another attempt to turn us into ersatz Americans.

When the kiddies come around, I give them an apple. :D

Personnaly, I blame the parents. :mad: :D

[Buzzer]

To put it simply.............it's an American thing!!

[Honorary Bloke]

Hijack time.......

India out of the way, no sub continent teams left. Null Zulland to put away then into the final for our first title. Seems amiss we haven't won it before????

And the test just days away, sorry Poms looks like your in for some pain.

Cricket, Benny? Footy season starts 30 March. :D

[Gumby]

Care to name any "Aussie culture" that has been adopted by Americans, Stuart?:confused:

How about 'shrimps' on a barby :D

[duckman]

How about 'shrimps' on a barby :D
:eek: I'll pay that.:D

[bennylaird]

Who cooks prawns on the Barby??????

[bennylaird]

Yabbies, in the old copper boiler, with vinegar, pepper and salt, bread and butter all after a day of sunburn and tinnies with a bit of string and some off meat then scooped up with a net of fencing wire and some chicken wire.

Anyone else remember that?

[Felder]

Yabbies, in the old copper boiler, with vinegar, pepper and salt, bread and butter all after a day of sunburn and tinnies with a bit of string and some off meat then scooped up with a net of fencing wire and some chicken wire.

Anyone else remember that?

No.

[bennylaird]

That is other than the younsters:p :p :p

[Gumby]

They are Yabbies in Werribee, prawns in Ferntree Gully and shrimps in Armadale. But a Barby is a barby is a Barby, unless you're in Brighton of course. :D

[Stuart]

Care to name any "Aussie culture" that has been adopted by Americans, Stuart?:confused:
I know that Gumby has started answering that, but holy #### batman where've you been?

The Americans were shattered over Steve Irwin, and that was widely touted as being adoption of Australian culture and values, there was the whole Crocodile Dundee thing (and still is), the "Shrimps on a Barby" came from that era. There is the large Australian cultural festival held in LA each year, which is hugely popular, because the Americans love the Aussie culture.

These are just a few off the top of my head - I'm sure there are a tonne more examples out there.

So we haven't exported Australian Rules football, or ANZAC day, but Australia has done a lot of getting the local culture and values seen (and loved) in the US.

[bennylaird]

They are Yabbies in Werribee, prawns in Ferntree Gully and shrimps in Armadale. But a Barby is a barby is a Barby, unless you're in Brighton of course. :D


Yabbies in Kaniva, way up bush where the cream of the crop were born:D :D :D

[Bleedin Thumb]

That brings up an interesting point Stuart.
Halloween is more than another bit of absorbed American culture. It is an active celebration of an American Cultural phenominon.
Its perhaps this subtle difference that gets some of use a bit defensive.

Its OK that we absorb different cultural influences as the world gets smaller, but do we have to actively participate in celebrating a different cultures festivals?
I'm not gay so I dont want to participate in the Mardi Gras. I'm not Muslum so I dont want to celebrate Ramadam, I'm not a pom so I dont want to celebrate the Queens Birthday...but I still want the public holiday.

[bitingmidge]

Will you guys keep it down?

I'm trying to watch the Daytona World Series Superbowl here.

P
:rolleyes:

[bennylaird]

World series???? Wow:eek: :eek: :eek: ..... How many countries are playing?:confused: :confused: :rolleyes:

[coastie]

One:D

[Stuart]

Definitely a valid point Bleedin, and perhaps it is the degree of adoption of the cultural event.

I'm likely to crack the ####s too if it gets to the extremes that the US take it (as Bob has pointed out). A few kids dressed up coming around once a year fine, but you are right, it will get out of hand very quickly. (I see the supermarkets are already trying to flog pumpkins for $20 each for halloween, so I guess it has begun).

Perhaps our resistance to it (in part) is not so much the adoption of another country's culture, but how much the retail world ####s it up for everyone - Christmas decorations being sold in supermarkets in September being a perfect example

[Gra]

Slight problem here. Halloween, isnt an american festival its irish..... The Americans just imported it.

[Gumby]

Halloween isn't the issue here. It's Birthdays. Who imported them :mad:

:D

[bennylaird]

Halloween isn't the issue here. It's Birthdays. Who imported them :mad:

:D



:D :D :D Happy Halloween Gumby!!!!!!!!:D :D :D

[Flowboy]

I'm with the curmudgeons on this one. :D

When the kiddies come around, I give them an apple. :D

Personnaly, I blame the parents. :mad: :D

It's a fair cop and we will be charging them too.

Aren't Curmudgeons where caviar comes from?

[Flowboy]

Who cooks prawns on the Barby??????

Ken?

[duckman]

I know that Gumby has started answering that, but holy #### batman where've you been?

The Americans were shattered over Steve Irwin, and that was widely touted as being adoption of Australian culture and values,
Irwin was representitive of Australian culture? :eek: You really are drawing a long bow there, Stu.

there was the whole Crocodile Dundee thing (and still is), the "Shrimps on a Barby" came from that era.A fad built around a movie, nothing more. The novelty value was at work there.

There is the large Australian cultural festival held in LA each year, which is hugely popular, because the Americans love the Aussie culture. No doubt attended mainly by ex-pat Aussies with a few Kiwi's thrown in for good measure.

So we haven't exported Australian Rules football, or ANZAC day, but Australia has done a lot of getting the local culture and values seen (and loved) in the US.
Sorry, Stuart but short lived fads and the celebration of the cult of celebrity do not count as culture in my book. None of that sort of thing is lasting.
How many Americans have adopted Australian words and terminology? "No worries" is becoming increasingly used over there and possibly "yeah, no..." and "yes, no...." also but there are far more American words used here than the other way around. American spelling is prevalent, particularly in Fairfax publications which I find galling.

How many Americans wear Akubra hats versus Australians wearing baseball caps? That can apply to any fashion.

And look and the vomit inducing fawning of our so-called 'glitterati' every year at the Logies when some 'big name' *cough, cough* star comes out from America. Talk about a cultural cringe and from the very people who never miss a chance to whinge and moan about the demise of Australian culture and how their industry ought to be protected from American invasion.

I've yet to be convinced that this cultural exchange is a two way street.

Cheers,

Mark.

[Bleedin Thumb]

I must admit I have been known to vehemently slag off Halloween for the same reasons as others have stated here.:o
However this year, as the kids are now getting to the age of influence (they get caught up by the commercial hype and influence us by exerting pressure) we celebrated Halloween in a uniquely Aussie fashion.

Last weekend the kids had a disco at the local Surf LIfe Saving Club as the adults stood around the barbie out the back sucking p!ss and eating sausage sangas.:)

I guess the moral is that if we must celebrate these festivals we should Ockerfy them......

Ockerfy, ockerfied, ockerfication me thinks these maybe new words.:cool:

[bennylaird]

Hmmm what about a day off for it? I can celerate it the same way I do the Melbourne cup, home in the shed:D :D :D

[Honorary Bloke]

How about 'shrimps' on a barby :D

I tried to put some shrimps on the Barbie, but she refused.:rolleyes:

[Bleedin Thumb]

Hmmm what about a day off for it? :D

Too right, Halloween long weekend, and Thanksgiving day. What about we adopt that festival they have in Spain.. the running with the bulls ..we could ockerify that to ...standen around speaken bull.

[bennylaird]

Too right, Halloween long weekend, and Thanksgiving day. What about we adopt that festival they have in Spain.. the running with the bulls ..we could ockerify that to ...standen around speaken bull.

Sortof like the friday thread but that's sitting round typing bull:D :D :D

[Gumby]

I tried to put some shrimps on the Barbie, but she refused.:rolleyes:

If I responded to that one Bob, we'd all be off the the Orange room. :rolleyes: :)

[Stuart]

You forgot "Crikey"

[Rossluck]

Irwin was representitive of Australian culture? :eek: You really are drawing a long bow there, Stu.



I've got to stand up for my deceased mate Steve Irwin here. I like to think that Americans saw in him what a lot of people from around the world saw in him, that he was a "couldn't really give a stuff what you think of me" genuine person. I don't cringe at the idea of having people like him representing Australia in the minds of overseas peoples.

On the transfer of culture thing, it always strikes me as amusing how much we worry about American imperialism and how little Americans know or care about us. A lot of them don't even know where Australia is, let alone care about our culture.

The Simpsons "Australian" episode brings all this to light. Apparently we all speak with a Cockney accent, can't drink anything but beer, our PM wears a wig like a high court judge, and we're determined to kick American butts. Hang on, from what I've seen on this forum, that last one rings true .....http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon12.gif

[duckman]

On the transfer of culture thing, it always strikes me as amusing how much we worry about American imperialism and how little Americans know or care about us. A lot of them don't even know where Australia is, let alone care about our culture.

Precisely my point. Its not a two way street.

And as for their knowledge of us take a gander at this:

This bloke is already a US Congressman but wants to be a Senator.:eek:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20656046-2,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20657896-2703,00.html

[Bleedin Thumb]

I've got to stand up for my deceased mate Steve Irwin here. I like to think that Americans saw in him what a lot of people from around the world saw in him, that he was a "couldn't really give a stuff what you think of me" genuine person. I don't cringe at the idea of having people like him representing Australia in the minds of overseas peoples.

On the transfer of culture thing, it always strikes me as amusing how much we worry about American imperialism and how little Americans know or care about us. A lot of them don't even know where Australia is, let alone care about our culture.

The Simpsons "Australian" episode brings all this to light. Apparently we all speak with a Cockney accent, can't drink anything but beer, our PM wears a wig like a high court judge, and we're determined to kick American butts. Hang on, from what I've seen on this forum, that last one rings true .....http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon12.gif

On your first point I cant agree. Just because he was a popular TV personality doesnt make him a representative of Australian culture. Really if anything the bloke was a caricature of an "Australian Male" as was Crocodile Dundee. This "Australian Male" that is wheeled out by politicians and advertising exec's when they are trying to sell something.:cool:

Your second point about finding it amusing that we worry about the dillution of our culture by the steady import from the States when Americans know little or even care about our culture...well I wouldn't describe that as amusing I think its rather sad.:(

Look at TV footage from the 50's and 60's and we all spoke with Aussie accents and had a rich local idiom that is almost lost now.
So I think that we have good reason (as has the rest of the planet) to complain about American Cultural Imperialism. I dont really blame the Americans, we were the ones that bought the TV shows that bombarded us with a constant stream of Californication.
I guess we got our own back with skippy.

[Rossluck]

On your first point I cant agree. Just because he was a popular TV personality doesnt make him a representative of Australian culture. Really if anything the bloke was a caricature of an "Australian Male" as was Crocodile Dundee. This "Australian Male" that is wheeled out by politicians and advertising exec's when they are trying to sell something.:cool:

Your second point about finding it amusing that we worry about the dillution of our culture by the steady import from the States when Americans know little or even care about our culture...well I wouldn't describe that as amusing I think its rather sad.:(

Look at TV footage from the 50's and 60's and we all spoke with Aussie accents and had a rich local idiom that is almost lost now.
So I think that we have good reason (as has the rest of the planet) to complain about American Cultural Imperialism. I dont really blame the Americans, we were the ones that bought the TV shows that bombarded us with a constant stream of Californication.
I guess we got our own back with skippy.


My point about Steve Irwin is that he was a genuine person. He may have been represented in various ways by money people, but in the end he was above all of that in himself. His interest was in the animals. My strong impression of him is that he allowed himself to be carried along by it, as long as he could see a way to help wildlife conservation.

So far as American imperialism is concerned, I'm not a big fan of it at all. I mean, I listen exclusively to ABC radio so I can get as far away from it as possible. But I also have an attitude of "whatever will be will be" when it comes to the global village aspect of culture. Trying actively to identify and then to hold onto a particular culture (or really, a subculture) seems to me to be a futile exercise. It's prescriptive and controlling and, as history tells us, a bit of a waste of time. For instance, in the 50s, 60s and 70s rock and roll was shunned by your "adults" here in Australia with the Aussie accents and rich local idiom, while the younger generations pulled it into the country. You just can't stop these things, you have to roll with them (excuse the pun).

[ian]

It's my Wedding Anniversary today. :)

I thought it appropriate to get married on Halloween when I found out what a witch my wife was. :)

Just kidding. She's not a witch.

She's an ogre.:eek:

No wait. Gotta stop making misleading comments about my beautiful wife.Brendon
curisious and curiouser, tomorrow is All Saints Day
so you felt the need to invoke ALL the Saints so you could face teh world the day after your wedding :p

[Waldo]

G'day,

I had the perfect solution to how to avoid the kids around the neighbourhood knocking on my door for halloween.

I locked the screen door purposely leaving the front door open to give the idea that someone is home, nicked over the road for a few beers and watched from across the road as kids rang on my door bell (V8 sound fx :cool: ) and patiently waited for an answer and lollies to follow.

Haha! :eek:

Mind you before I could get across the road with some VBs, the neighbour to which I was heading noticed, and directed the kids from his place to mine. I tried pretending that I didn't hear him nor the kids coming down the driveway and tried a quick exit to the shed, but they caught up with me - but all they got was a trick.

Haha! :eek:

Hopefully the kids have ticked no. 29 off as a cranky old bugger who didn't answer the door. :cool:

For what's ticking me off, check my thread under "Nothing to do with woodwork"

Well that's it, I'm off to watch Jessica Alba wearing next to nothing in "Into the Blue" :) :cool:

[Stuart]

Well that's it, I'm off to watch Jessica Alba wearing next to nothing in "Into the Blue" :) :cool:Think I'll join ya.

[Wongo]

Geez guys 5 pages:eek:

I just think the whole Halloween thing is all about marketing. It has very little to do with culture or kids.

[duckman]

Geez guys 5 pages:eek:

I just think the whole Halloween thing is all about marketing. It has very little to do with culture or kids.

You've got that right. It seems that the French are over it too.

"
French shun Halloween 'gimmicks'
Halloween pumpkin
Halloween is seen as "too American" by some
Halloween is said to be dying in France after a short-lived bonanza, according to media reports.... "
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6103436.stm

[bennylaird]

Besides we have much more to celebrate on Tuesday. A horse race.:D :D :D

[Greg Ward]

I watched the kids and (adults as well) wandering around our streets yesterday afternoon.

Some with white faces, some with strange wigs, some fathers wearing red devil horns looking a litel embarrased, all carrying bags and all smiling.
The mums following up the rear.

They were having a great time.
Little kids love dressing up.
Little kids love getting free lollies (What grandma doesn't have a lolly jar?)
The community was having fun.
People wwere taking photos.
Neighbours were waving and old people had young kids actually interacting with them at their doorway.

And you-all get emotional because its perceived in your wisdom to be all about the US.

It was about kids having a bit of fun.
It was about the community actually talking together
Lighten up

Regards
Greg

[echnidna]

I watched the kids and (adults as well) wandering around our streets yesterday afternoon.

Some with white faces, some with strange wigs, some fathers wearing red devil horns looking a litel embarrased, all carrying bags and all smiling.
The mums following up the rear.

They were having a great time.
Little kids love dressing up.
Little kids love getting free lollies (What grandma doesn't have a lolly jar?)
The community was having fun.
People wwere taking photos.
Neighbours were waving and old people had young kids actually interacting with them at their doorway.

And you-all get emotional because its perceived in your wisdom to be all about the US.

It was about kids having a bit of fun.
It was about the community actually talking together
Lighten up

Regards
Greg

:)

[bennylaird]

I watched the kids and (adults as well) wandering around our streets yesterday afternoon.

Some with white faces, some with strange wigs, some fathers wearing red devil horns looking a litel embarrased, all carrying bags and all smiling.
The mums following up the rear.

They were having a great time.
Little kids love dressing up.
Little kids love getting free lollies (What grandma doesn't have a lolly jar?)
The community was having fun.
People wwere taking photos.
Neighbours were waving and old people had young kids actually interacting with them at their doorway.

And you-all get emotional because its perceived in your wisdom to be all about the US.

It was about kids having a bit of fun.
It was about the community actually talking together
Lighten up

Regards
Greg



Bah Humbug! They get plenty of fun without wandering the streets begging.

[Greg Ward]

Time to go back into your shed.

Easy does it.

Watch the step .....and.... one....two.

There you go

Now you just have a good lie down.

Greg

[duckman]

And you-all get emotional because its perceived in your wisdom to be all about the US.

It was about kids having a bit of fun.
It was about the community actually talking together
Lighten up

Regards
Greg

And exactly which part of Halloween is "Trick or Treat". How many of your neighbours' kids have any idea of what Halloween as opposed to Trick or Treat is?

Bah! Today's Trick or Treaters are tomorrow's beggars.:p

You've sold out to rampant commecialism, Greg. Get a grip.

[Wongo]

I have no problem with kids having fun. That is not my argument. If you tell the kids to go out asking for lollies everyday. THEY WILL.

Ask any merchandiser the reason of having Halloween. If they say it is for kids to have fun then they are lying.

[AlexS]

I really don't go much on Halloween, but a few years ago I was staying at the youth hostel at Bundanoon during the week. There was another bloke who I thought was a nice enough bloke but a bit of a no hoper.

For a couple of days around Halloween, there were also some refugee kids, mainly eastern European.

On Halloween, this bloke had carved a pumpkin, set up candle lights. I dashed out & bought a heap of junk food for the kids. I've never seen kids enjoy themselves so much, & felt a bit ashamed that I hadn't thought of doing it m'self. Their teachers later said it had been the highlight of the kids' excursion.

[Felder]

I thought I'd do the right thing by any prospective trick or treaters and bought a few bags of lollies on my way home last night.

Just because I don't neccessarily agree with the whole Halloween thing, doesn't mean I am going to shatter the dreams of some wide eyed kid by refusing to give them lollies and giving them a lecture about the adoption of American culture, etc....

Turns out my good gesture was in vain. Not one trick or treater. Which is lucky, as me and the missus had finished most of the lollies by 8pm. :D

[silentC]

No sign of a ghost, witch or goblin out our way either.

Safe for another year...

[Felder]

No sign of a ghost, witch or goblin out our way either.

Safe for another year...

That reminds me of a very naughty joke. :D

Maybe even too naughty for Open Slather. :eek:

Q. When is an elf not an elf?:confused:

No, I'd better not.:D

[Auld Bassoon]

Besides we have much more to celebrate on Tuesday. A horse race.:D :D :D
Nah, Benny, bugger the horse race, it's a day in the shed :D Monday too, if the right buttons can be pushed :D :D :D

[bennylaird]

Me too, just stopped in at Get Woodworking on the way home, Leda 6" jointer looks good.

A record 9" vice as well, what sort of price should they be?

[Bob Willson]

6" is not big enough.
Ask anybody.
You should really have an 8" tool.
Not kidding!

[echnidna]

Poor fella hasn't

Sad,

:cool: :cool:

[Groggy]

Me too, just stopped in at Get Woodworking on the way home, Leda 6" jointer looks good.

A record 9" vice as well, what sort of price should they be?Benny, if you want to look at the 8" Leda give me a PM and we can arrange it for this weekend. I'm in Hoppers.