Why do some people insist on calling Thanksgiving “turkey day”. We’re supposed to be giving thanks to each other, not thanks to our turkey. Or one of my other favorites is “have a happy turkey day”. Does anyone really believe their turkey is happy? It’s had its head chopped off, slaughtered, plucked and now sits on someone’s table waiting to be cut up. That wouldn’t make me too happy. Can we please call it Thanksgiving again? Stop trying to be cute and clever. Leave the unhappy turkey alone and thank each other instead.
I just read that Sydney, Australia has told Santa Clause(s) not to use the term “ho, ho, ho” because it could frighten children and is too close to the American slang term for prostitute. They’re “suggesting” Santas use “ha, ha, ha” instead. First of all, why would “ho, ho, ho” suddenly frighten children? Santa’s helpers have been saying this for decades. If children are frightened it’s because Mommy just turned junior over to some big, fat guy dressed in furry red pajamas. Unless Santa yells “ho, ho, ho” like one might yell “BOO” I’m pretty sure it won’t have anymore scary effect than saying Merry Christmas.
As for the American slang “ho”, that’s just plain ridiculous. It’s an American term, not an Australian term. There are many slang terms used in English-speaking countries, but are used exclusively by each country. Nappie, for diaper. Fag for cigarette. Those are just two terms that might be offensive to some Americans. But American Santas have never been discouraged to use the term “ho, ho, ho” in favor of “ha, ha, ha”.
So what do Australian Santa’s wanna-be helpers think about this? One gentlemen answered a newspaper ad and was actually warned by the Santa recruiting firm not to use the now offensive term, but most Santas are being left to use their own discretion when it comes to the “ho, ho, ho” vs. “ha, ha, ha” Santa greetings.
**This post and all others (included posts not published on here) can be read at my brand-new blog site: http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!
Many of my posts have pictures included. Mostly as headers. My pictures are either photos I’ve personally taken or pictures I get from free photo/graphics sites. All photos on my blog either directly link to the site I’ve downloaded them from, or have the original site’s name placed prominently on the photo.
I realize people search for certain photos, and WordPress shows me what links have been clicked on on my blog. If the link is a photo it’ll show me that as well. People can also do a photo search which can lead them to my photos and drawings. So, I’m assuming some of my pictures are being downloaded. Now, of course I have no claim to any photos or graphics I’ve gotten from free sites, but I certainly have a claim to my own personal photos and drawings. I know I could very easily add a copywrite notice on my blog site, but, let’s face it, that’s still not going to stop someone from downloading my photos. How in the world would I ever know where my photos will end up being used? Unless I stumble upon one of my photos on one of the billions of websites out in cyberspace I’ll really never know if someone’s stolen one. And, yes, I call it stealing. I’ve taken those photos. Often those photos include members of my family. I don’t know where a picture of one of my children will end up. And what right does someone have to use my personal property for their own use? So stop stealing my pictures. Ahh. I feel much better now that I’ve gotten that off my chest. 
***This post (and all others, including those not published here) can be read on my new blogging site, http://www.mylovesleftovers.com. Thanks for checking it out!
A convicted sex offender recently moved in down my street. I know this because both the local enforcement and the school system distribute flyers to all nearby residents whenever this becomes an issue. The flyers contain the offender’s name, address, age and the details of his arrest and conviction. It varies from neighbor to neighbor how they handle it. I know from neighborhood gossip everyone seems to have an opinion. It’s a small town afterall. Before I knew who the offender was and thought he was just another new neighbor I always waved to him when I walked or drove by. Now I find myself not knowing what to do.
I know most people will agree that sex offenders are the lowest of the low. Preying upon and violating innocent children is beyond comprehension. Offenders are cowards and, when sent to jail, are often the first inmates to be violated themselves by other prisoners. Even other inmates are repulsed by these animals. I have a daughter and if anyone ever so much as touched her in an inappropriate way I’d hunt him down and cut off his testicles. In fact, many people advocate the castration of these monsters.
People who commit crimes, are arrested, incarcerated, serve their time and are then released out into society just about everyday. They are left to live their lives. Some are rehabilitated. Some are not. Some go on to find jobs and live respective lives with their families. But sex offenders who are tried, convicted, serve time and are released can’t honestly say they’re allowed to live their lives privately. Most people argue that child molestors aren’t your typical criminal. I personally believe sexual predators can never be rehabilitated. Their criminal records follow them around wherever they go. They’re made to continue to keep their information up to date on the sex offender’s registry. Their neighbors know who they are and what they’ve done. They’ve been beaten, had their houses burned and been run out of neighborhoods. No one wants a pedophile living nextdoor. Some say the treatment of molestors after they’ve served their jail time is unconstitutional. Some say it’s the only crime that a criminal will continue to pay for for the rest of his life. I say it’s common sense.
