"The private party, thrown by Stake.com co-founder Bijan Tehrani, was held at 29 St Georges Rd on Monday night with “every hot influencer in Melbourne” there, along with US rapper YG who put on a private show for guests.
Mia Fevola, Jordan De Goey, James Hachem, Tommy Bugg, Sam Guggenheimer, Jasmine Tavares, Hannah Dalsasso, and Shaun Wilson and Tess Shanahan"
Is that our a Thomas Bugg who we had for 10 min??
The old ghost house in Toorak, the other half of Stake.com bought it didnt he?
Bugg the Thug more infamous for decking Callum Mills behind play, dont think we missed much when he retired early.
Halloween is just commercial American BS at its worst and I cant believe we give it anytime in mini america once known as Ozstralia. Just shows you how much American culture has wormed its way into our culture and not for the better Imho.
Influencers need to get a real job and stop using/rorting vulnerable, lonely and gullible online viewers looking for direction in their life...just Parasites.
The old ghost house in Toorak, the other half of Stake.com bought it didnt he?
Bugg the Thug more infamous for decking Callum Mills behind play, dont think we missed much when he retired early.
Halloween is just commercial American BS at its worst and I cant believe we give it anytime in mini america once known as Ozstralia. Just shows you how much American culture has wormed its way into our culture and not for the better Imho.
Influencers need to get a real job and stop using/rorting vulnerable, lonely and gullible online viewers looking for direction in their life...just Parasites.
Agree, can't stand all the Halloween BS, just more US crap.
As for Bugg the Grub, retired early? We sacked him for stealing our membership list details for use in his private business didn't we?
Agree, can't stand all the Halloween BS, just more US crap.
As for Bugg the Grub, retired early? We sacked him for stealing our membership list details for use in his private business didn't we?
There were rumors about Bugg , think he stated he wanted to further his business interests which included online bikini models.....
As much as I agree, I think the Halloween thing is here to stay.
Decorations were in the shops for weeks before the event.
There was a huge crowd for the Halloween street parade here in bayside Queensland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8gbktt7NYY
Shops were giving away lollies by the bucket load.
...and that was on Saturday, two days before the 'trick or treaters' backed it up on the actual Halloween day.
Gold Coast nowadays aren’t you Lods…?
It’s a sad thing when the best of the Gold Coast is you and Wazza Capper… it’s a cesspit in my humble opinion, Halloween seems strangely fitting.
Gold Coast nowadays aren’t you Lods…?
It’s a sad thing when the best of the Gold Coast is you and Wazza Capper… it’s a cesspit in my humble opinion, Halloween seems strangely fitting.
A bit further North NB. We live in the Cleveland area of Brisbane. It's on the Bay not far from Wynnum- Manly. It's a nice residential area....very different from the Gold Coast. We've moved up here to watch the grandkids grow.
The only problem is you cant go out during day light hours because of the heat..or maybe that's the vampire kicking in. :D
I think Principal LODS is right, this Yank commercial cr@p is here to stay. If it's commercially viable even profitable, it'll spread like an unwanted rash.
Nice part of the world, LODS. I have friends in Manly (Qld) and liked it when I visited last many moons ago... but I just couldn't live up there, too damn hot & humid. As for the Gold Coast, I think others have summed up that plastic joint rather nicely.
Its a bit of fun. You dress up, the kids get lollies, some houses around mine here in Greensborough go all out and decorate like its Christmas.
The alternative is fine, but whats life without whimsy?
Halloween is the Christianised takeover of the pagan Samhain festival and the pumpkin carving (originally turnips) and trick or treating have been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years. Yes, it’s commercialised but what isn’t these days.
The only problem I have is that it’s the wrong time of the year to celebrate Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere. We should be celebrating Beltane on 1 Nov and Samhain on 1 May.
As Thry says, it’s a bit of family fun and where’s the harm in that.
And, getting back to Townsend’s post, does anyone know someone who was influenced by an “influencer”?
Halloween is the Christianised takeover of the pagan Samhain festival and the pumpkin carving (originally turnips) and trick or treating have been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years. Yes, it’s commercialised but what isn’t these days.
The only problem I have is that it’s the wrong time of the year to celebrate Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere. We should be celebrating Beltane on 1 Nov and Samhain on 1 May.
As Thry says, it’s a bit of family fun and where’s the harm in that.
And, getting back to Townsend’s post, does anyone know someone who was influenced by an “influencer”?
Plenty of people get influenced, there called suckers and places like YouTube provide a steady income by allowing them to ply their BS.i know a kid who makes 300k a year, drives a Tesla, new home and gives financial advice on how to invest, he is a uni dropout with no qualifications who signs people up to his courses then provides BS info you can get for nothing on websites and he isn't the only one.
Plenty of people get influenced, there called suckers and places like YouTube provide a steady income by allowing them to ply their BS.i know a kid who makes 300k a year, drives a Tesla, new home and gives financial advice on how to invest, he is a uni dropout with no qualifications who signs people up to his courses then provides BS info you can get for nothing on websites and he isn't the only one.
Never give a sucker an even break... WC Fields I believe.
Where there's a market ripe for exploitation, you'll find opportunists and suckers. But there are many layers... as 3 Leos and Principal LODS point out, it's fun for communities and creates connection and joy, that is great. The kids and parents I saw roaming the streets and shops were just bloody happy. I joined in with one young girl pretending to be frightened by her spooky outfit, she played up to it, mum laughed.
But then another part of my brain pops up with concerns about getting hooked on sugar, then I'm wrapped that small businesses get a loot hit selling their sweets and costumes, then I wonder about those who exploit the day for greedy gains... Time to go outside, play with the dog, water the veggie garden and see what's new on Netflix.
Never give a sucker an even break... WC Fields I believe.
Where there's a market ripe for exploitation, you'll find opportunists and suckers. But there are many layers... as 3 Leos and Principal LODS point out, it's fun for communities and creates connection and joy, that is great. The kids and parents I saw roaming the streets and shops were just bloody happy. I joined in with one young girl pretending to be frightened by her spooky outfit, she played up to it, mum laughed.
But then another part of my brain pops up with concerns about getting hooked on sugar, then I'm wrapped that small businesses get a loot hit selling their sweets and costumes, then I wonder about those who exploit the day for greedy gains... Time to go outside, play with the dog, water the veggie garden and see what's new on Netflix.
A couple in our district tried handing out small gifts, books etc rather than lollies. They were abused and had their house egged. They now hide and pretend to be not at home when the trick or treaters call.
I keep hearing how it’s a “traditional celebration”
It may be but not in Oz.
Never existed here 45 years ago, it’s an import.
Unless we’ve had a rise of religious types in our midst…?
I'm not a fan of small kids going around to random houses knocking on doors begging for lollies.
You just don't know who or what is behind the door and what danger exists with what they are given.
I keep hearing how it’s a “traditional celebration”
It may be but not in Oz.
Never existed here 45 years ago, it’s an import.
Unless we’ve had a rise of religious types in our midst…?
Yep, we used to celebrate Guy Fawkes day
back all those years ago and blow up letter boxes with Penny Bungers tied together and launch Skyrockets from Coke bottles. Then we would have a huge bonfire down at the local park or creek in our case and have a late evening game of cricket with the fire as our lights.Bomb making 101, that was fun Oz style and we all grew up normal...😳
Yep, we used to celebrate Guy Fawkes day
back all those years ago and blow up letter boxes with Penny Bungers tied together and launch Skyrockets from Coke bottles. Then we would have a huge bonfire down at the local park or creek in our case and have a late evening game of cricket with the fire as our lights.Bomb making 101, that was fun Oz style and we all grew up normal...😳
Come to the Territory, every 1 July we get to blow shiite up 🤣
It’s like downtown Beirut 😎
Except the injuries are usually on the minor side…
Plenty of people get influenced, there called suckers and places like YouTube provide a steady income by allowing them to ply their BS.i know a kid who makes 300k a year, drives a Tesla, new home and gives financial advice on how to invest, he is a uni dropout with no qualifications who signs people up to his courses then provides BS info you can get for nothing on websites and he isn't the only one.
But do you actually know anyone who has been “influenced”?
Yep, we used to celebrate Guy Fawkes day
back all those years ago and blow up letter boxes with Penny Bungers tied together and launch Skyrockets from Coke bottles. Then we would have a huge bonfire down at the local park or creek in our case and have a late evening game of cricket with the fire as our lights.Bomb making 101, that was fun Oz style and we all grew up normal...😳
Ahh the memories, Guy Fawkes Night. Walk down to the Milk Bar, buy enough fireworks to make Moomba look lame for about $10 and let em rip. Letter boxes, Tonka Trucks, mates back pockets were all fair game. Still got all my digits, eyesight and hearing so I couldn't have been too dangerous. They were the days.
I keep hearing how it’s a “traditional celebration”
It may be but not in Oz.
Never existed here 45 years ago, it’s an import.
Unless we’ve had a rise of religious types in our midst…?
NB when I become PM, Im banning Halloween celebration in Oz.
But do you actually know anyone who has been “influenced”?
Several relations, looking for quick fixes in life. Margin loans are for experienced investors who know what they are doing, not inexperienced wannabes who get sucked into thinking they are getting the inside scoop on how to make easy money.
Buy off the plan with your superannuation and then watch your money lose value and get stuck with a lemon property because it was over valued to begin with.
But they told me they got the good oil on YouTube and a podcast from an expert...that's after wanting me to help them with bailout loans
Several relations, looking for quick fixes in life. Margin loans are for experienced investors who know what they are doing, not inexperienced wannabes who get sucked into thinking they are getting the inside scoop on how to make easy money.
Buy off the plan with your superannuation and then watch your money lose value and get stuck with a lemon property because it was over valued to begin with.
But they told me they got the good oil on YouTube and a podcast from an expert...that's after wanting me to help them with bailout loans
Much truth in the old adage, if it seems to good to be true ...it probably is.
Come to the Territory, every 1 July we get to blow shiite up 🤣
It’s like downtown Beirut 😎
Except the injuries are usually on the minor side…
It has become pretty expensive in NT nowadays has it not?
It has become pretty expensive in NT nowadays has it not?
Explosives ?
They were never cheap !
It used to be a 1 week license to print money, but more regulation has come in and only an 8hr window to sell.
They still sell by the truckload though.
Ahh the memories, Guy Fawkes Night. Walk down to the Milk Bar, buy enough fireworks to make Moomba look lame for about $10 and let em rip. Letter boxes, Tonka Trucks, mates back pockets were all fair game. Still got all my digits, eyesight and hearing so I couldn't have been too dangerous. They were the days.
Fond memories! A mate of mine dropped a bunger into an empty jerrycan. Ended up with no eyelashes and a very interesting hairdo.
Ahh the memories, Guy Fawkes Night. Walk down to the Milk Bar, buy enough fireworks to make Moomba look lame for about $10 and let em rip. Letter boxes, Tonka Trucks, mates back pockets were all fair game. Still got all my digits, eyesight and hearing so I couldn't have been too dangerous. They were the days.
Yep, the Milk Bar was the source of our weaponry too, go down there to buy your explosives of choice and then nip into the Fish and Chippery next door to get your three potato cakes for 5 cents.
It has become pretty expensive in NT nowadays has it not?
No. I meant to live there.
I'm not a fan of small kids going around to random houses knocking on doors begging for lollies.
You just don't know who or what is behind the door and what danger exists with what they are given.
Same concern occurred to me which I failed to mention in one of my previous mental meanderings on this topic. Fortunately all the kids I saw roaming the streets in all manner of costume were accompanied by an adult, and being a country town most folks in the area know each other. But... it does worry me when kids go out by themselves, sad reality is that (in bigger cities/towns in particular) behind some doors danger could lurk.
Fond memories! A mate of mine dropped a bunger into an empty jerrycan. Ended up with no eyelashes and a very interesting hairdo.
Remember the double bunger, with the wick coming out of the middle? My mate and I put one in an old tin flip top letterbox -- Mr Hunter, I still remember it to this day -- it blew the top off and sides bulged, this was followed by a small fire in the letterbox... his mail. He flew out of the front door and we bolted up the street, Mr Hunter caught up with us and kicked us both in the @rse a few times.
My neighbour set off fireworks at 12.15 on Sunday morning. It was quite spectacular through our closed blinds, and very loud.
One of the dogs gave a couple of barks and the horse galloped around his paddock for a while.
I was tempted to open the gun safe and return fire 😕
Fond memories! A mate of mine dropped a bunger into an empty jerrycan. Ended up with no eyelashes and a very interesting hairdo.
And so the rest of the world must be constrained to protect the idiots from themselves! ;D
A Nasty Teabagging (Trust me read on!);
I worked at a place once that banned teabags outside the lunchroom, because a moron dropped a piping hot teat bag into somebodies back pocket and it scalded them, apparently being branded with Liptons on your ar5e is quite distressing! The moron kept his job, the rest of us had to suffer because of that by not being allowed to brew a cuppa on the run!
In life we can probably be fairly lucky. As kids many of us played on dirt mounds or sand dunes with plastic soldiers, tanks and artillery that fired Tom Thumbs, caps and other incendiary gadgets. Roman Candle guns were very popular around Guy Fawkes. Most of us survived unharmed, we didn't cause bush fires, burn down houses or kill the cat, the dirt was probably full of asbestos or heavy metals and most likely more dangerous than the explosives.
Now if you see a kid with a Guy Fawkes mask you probably have to be more worried that they might be hacking your bank account!
Guy Fawkes was great fun back when WE were kids. A different time and different culture. God help us all if todays generation got there hands on anything explosive.
Halloween has always been a bug bear with me. Hate the slow Americanization of our country (lets not forget Valentines day). I used to have constant battles with my kids about it. Called me a wet blanket and a scrooge. Couldn't understand my point of view. One year they were old enough to make the effort of going to the store to pick up the lollies and whatnot for the neighbourhood kids when they came. That lasted a year. Now the "need not apply" sign is back up.
Guy Fawkes was great fun back when WE were kids. A different time and different culture. God help us all if todays generation got there hands on anything explosive.
Halloween has always been a bug bear with me. Hate the slow Americanization of our country (lets not forget Valentines day). I used to have constant battles with my kids about it. Called me a wet blanket and a scrooge. Couldn't understand my point of view. One year they were old enough to make the effort of going to the store to pick up the lollies and whatnot for the neighbourhood kids when they came. That lasted a year. Now the "need not apply" sign is back up.
My daughters have always been the scrooges. Every year they'd want to put up a sign "no trick or treating here", I always said to them there is no need to do that as I thought it was rude, just politely don't answer the door as if no one is home.
In our neighbourhood, households that want to take part in Halloween put decorations by the front gate. The children know not to bother at un-decorated properties … and it’s usually around 60m from the gate to the house 🙂
I think that arrangement would work well elsewhere.
Bit of fun for the kids - they get to dress up and walk around the neighbourhood, go to houses that welcome them for trick or treat and everyone is in a good mood and having a good time.
No one is bothered if you participate or don't.
The reserve that I grew up across the road from had a row of pine trees. Every Guy Fawkes night the fire truck was required to come to put out a fire in the pine trees, caused by fireworks.
When I was a young lad, we had two bonfire nights; British Empire Day and Guy Fawkes. Fireworks usually went on sale about a month before bonfire night and unsold stock was available for a week or so after bonfire night.
If you saved your paper round money and didn’t go all out on bonfire nights, you could have fireworks from the start of May through till the end of November.
Threepenny bungers were phased out around the time I was old enough to buy fireworks so penny bungers were the most powerful crackers I used. Apart from throwing them at friends and enemies, blowing up letterboxes, deterring savage dogs, and generally causing havoc, they provided the propellant charge for cracker guns that fired marbles or large ball bearings over impressive distances.
One year we all stocked up on skyrockets, reversed the handlebars on our bikes and fired skyrockets at each other as well as unsuspecting pedestrians and motorists.
Bonfire night was held on the railway reserve at the end of our street. We collected flammable material in the weeks before bonfire night and made a huge pile. It included discarded furniture, car tyres and other stuff that shouldn’t be burned. Most participants received minor burns to go with a lung full of toxic smoke and there were always a couple of folk who got hit by skyrockets. As far as I can remember, only one kid from our neighbourhood suffered a serious eye injury.
No. I meant to live there.
Again it was never really cheap, esp if you were a renter, always had high rentals here.
Freight hurts us and certainly will for the foreseeable future but if you don’t need a Myer or David Jones in your life you’re fine as we’ve got most of the other big stores.
Commuting is easy too.
Penny bungers when separated into singletons were excellent when squewered through a cumquat, lit and lobbed over parked cars, well me and my mate thought so but it seemed his older sisters boyfriend didn’t… just can’t figure some people… 😇
We used to make home made fireworks out of a small pringles can, sparklers (one in tact for a fuse, the rest stripped into the container) and a battery of some kind. Light them in the middle of an oval and watch from a safe distance. Fireworks were never easy to come by, but we found a way.
My last day at Newlands High School was marked by an assembly of all form 6 students during which the principal gave us a pep talk about our futures. His talk was punctuated by a series of explosions from different parts of the school.
One of my mates had taped sticks of incense to penny bungers and attached the wicks at different points on the incense sticks, creating time delay fuses of different durations. The bungers were placed in lockers all round the school and the incense sticks ignited. :D
My daughters have always been the scrooges. Every year they'd want to put up a sign "no trick or treating here", I always said to them there is no need to do that as I thought it was rude, just politely don't answer the door as if no one is home.
We have a very large German Shepherd who handles security at our house and plenty of signage indicating his presence which seems to deter Happy Halloween visitors....as well as Posties, Couriers, Religious salespersons and those annoying Energy salesman and lighting clowns who want to change our light globes and make our lives more green.
We have a very large German Shepherd who handles security at our house and plenty of signage indicating his presence which seems to deter Happy Halloween visitors....as well as Posties, Couriers, Religious salespersons and those annoying Energy salesman and lighting clowns who want to change our light globes and make our lives more green.
Unfortunately my current head of security a.k.a guard dog (Gus the GSP) would gladly let the Happy Halloween visitors....as well as Posties, Couriers, Religious salespersons and those annoying Energy salesman and lighting clowns who want to change our light globes and make our lives more green into the house and probably make them and espresso.
Unfortunately my current head of security a.k.a guard dog (Gus the GSP) would gladly let the Happy Halloween visitors....as well as Posties, Couriers, Religious salespersons and those annoying Energy salesman and lighting clowns who want to change our light globes and make our lives more green into the house and probably make them and espresso.
Our two Staghounds are a bit like that, but they are large and look intimidating.
I found a great sign for our front gate; “Caution dogs on property.” It’s sufficiently neutral in the event that they did injure someone but still deters casual visitors.
Reading this thread makes me wonder for the future of csc.
I can't help but read every post thinking it is missing the obligatory...
"Back in my day..." *shaking the walking stick and pushing the glasses back up on the nose and leaning back into the rocking chair tucking themselves back under the blanket*
I feel like a toddler because my age starts with a '4'.
Halloween is very much about having a little fun. The origins mean little nowadays.
It's a bit like Easter. Original meaning is largely lost (to the younger generations at least) and its just about having a bit of fun with the kids.
To those who disagree, can you tell me what the Easter bunny has to do with Jesus? Chocolates? Eggs??
Halloween pre-dates the Americans, so you can get that bee out of your bonnet too.
Reading this thread makes me wonder for the future of csc.
I can't help but read every post thinking it is missing the obligatory...
"Back in my day..." *shaking the walking stick and pushing the glasses back up on the nose and leaning back into the rocking chair tucking themselves back under the blanket*
I feel like a toddler because my age starts with a '4'.
Halloween is very much about having a little fun. The origins mean little nowadays.
It's a bit like Easter. Original meaning is largely lost (to the younger generations at least) and its just about having a bit of fun with the kids.
To those who disagree, can you tell me what the Easter bunny has to do with Jesus? Chocolates? Eggs??
Halloween pre-dates the Americans, so you can get that bee out of your bonnet too.
Listen kid, I don’t even do xmas.
As far as I’m concerned if you want to “celebrate” xmas you should need to show a card that you’ve been god bothering at least 20 maybe 30 times a year so if there’s no regular god bothering then there’s no xmas birthday cake !
Same for the ritual nailing some clown to a wooden cross.
I’m happy to respect those who think their invisible sky friend helps to make them better people but I have zero time for those who just want 4 days of paid holidays.
Halloween pre-dates the Americans, so you can get that bee out of your bonnet too.
It's the Americans that have been the 'influencer' though.
We only know about it in our country because of American movies and television.
And that's the funny thing.... the older ones of us, 60+, are more 'Americanised' than the young folks realise.
Off the top of my head I can name about half a dozen indigenous Australian tribes.
I can tell you over 30 native American groups. ;D
Our heroes weren't Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth or Burke and Wills...they were Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett, Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp (brave, courageous and bold), Bat Masterson and Casey Jones (old Redrock and Fireman Wally too).
We played Cowboys and Indians, and there wasn't many of us who didn't have a toy set of those. (they sometimes came in the Corn Flakes.)
That's TV for you, when for most of our youth the shows came mostly from the States.
And now the Halloween push has been very much taken over and driven by the Woolworths, Coles, K Marts, Big W, and the $2 shops.
There has been Halloween stuff in the stores for over a month now.
Yep..the kids are embracing it and it will continue to grow and prosper...and by the time their kids are grown up it will be entrenched as part of the Australian celebratory season.
And the shops will make a lot of money with the scary stuff. ;)
It's the Americans that have been the 'influencer' though.
We only know about it in our country because of American movies and television.
And that's funny thing.... the older ones of us, 60+, are more 'Americanised' than the young folks realise.
Off the top of my head I can name about half a dozen indigenous Australian tribes.
I can tell you over 30 native American groups. ;D
Our heroes weren't Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth or Burke and Wills...they were Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett, Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp (brave, courageous and bold), Bat Masterson and Casey Jones (old Redrock and Fireman Wally too).
We played Cowboys and Indians, and there wasn't many of us who didn't have a toy set of those. (they sometimes came in the Corn Flakes.)
That's TV for you, when for most of our youth the shows came mostly from the States.
And now the Halloween push has been very much taken over and driven by the Woolworths, Coles, K Marts, Big W, and the $2 shops.
There has been Halloween stuff in the stores for over a month now.
Yep..the kids are embracing it and it will continue to grow and prosper...and by the time their kids are grown up it will be entrenched as part of the Australian celebratory season.
And the shops will make a lot of money with the scary stuff. ;)
Marketing to kids is often a big earner, fallow ground for the influencers.
Marketing to kids is often a big earner, fallow ground for the influencers.
I think that's the thing...
I don't mind the kids having fun. My grandkids dressed up as a Skeleton and a Fireman and had a great time at the Wynnum parade.
But we should understand that kids having a good time is mostly due to a push from the marketeers who are increasing the profile of the day with each passing year.
Lot's of money to be made.
It's why it's not going away.
Anyway...it's time to get the turkey fattened up for Thanksgiving. ;D
Listen kid, I don’t even do xmas.
As far as I’m concerned if you want to “celebrate” xmas you should need to show a card that you’ve been god bothering at least 20 maybe 30 times a year so if there’s no regular god bothering then there’s no xmas birthday cake !
Same for the ritual nailing some clown to a wooden cross.
I’m happy to respect those who think their invisible sky friend helps to make them better people but I have zero time for those who just want 4 days of paid holidays.
I disagree.
For me a true Christian understands that the Church of God has nothing to do with priests, churches made of bricks and mortar, and showing others how good a Christian you can be.
Its about reconciling your own version of morality. It also means that Christ being crucified and paying the ultimate price was for all of humanity's salvation irrespective of how they behave on this plane of existence. The idea of hell and purgatory is a human one and not understanding the aforementioned, and actually causing yourself mental anguish. That is the proverbial hell on earth.
Whether or not others agree with this viewpoint is up to them. Christmas irrespective of why the holiday exists, is a time of bringing family and friends together so if it achieves nothing else, it is great for social and mental health.
The ruling powers that be would love nothing more than a society of slaves to the wage with no public holidays.
It's the Americans that have been the 'influencer' though.
We only know about it in our country because of American movies and television.
And that's the funny thing.... the older ones of us, 60+, are more 'Americanised' than the young folks realise.
Off the top of my head I can name about half a dozen indigenous Australian tribes.
I can tell you over 30 native American groups. ;D
Our heroes weren't Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth or Burke and Wills...they were Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett, Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp (brave, courageous and bold), Bat Masterson and Casey Jones (old Redrock and Fireman Wally too).
We played Cowboys and Indians, and there wasn't many of us who didn't have a toy set of those. (they sometimes came in the Corn Flakes.)
That's TV for you, when for most of our youth the shows came mostly from the States.
And now the Halloween push has been very much taken over and driven by the Woolworths, Coles, K Marts, Big W, and the $2 shops.
There has been Halloween stuff in the stores for over a month now.
Yep..the kids are embracing it and it will continue to grow and prosper...and by the time their kids are grown up it will be entrenched as part of the Australian celebratory season.
And the shops will make a lot of money with the scary stuff. ;)
In our local community, folk of Irish heritage are claiming continuous Halloween observance from Samhain to the present. Some are even maintaining that it is an exclusively Irish tradition that was introduced to America in the post potato famine migration. In fact, the Puritans banned Halloween in New England in the 1600s and Samhain/Halloween was and is celebrated across the British Isles. My northern English ancestors carved turnips into jack-o-lanterns.
Celluloid heroes have certainly shaped popular culture and our understanding of historical (and semi-historical) figures. However, the English film and television industries played a significant role in that process with Francis Drake, Robin Hood, King Arthur, Captain Bligh, etc.
Of course, Halloween in its current guise presents a commercial opportunity for small and large business. Without their promotion, Halloween in Australia would have remained a fringe celebration.
Day of the Dead celebrations could also be a factor with Spanish, Italian and Caribbean heritage.
I disagree.
For me a true Christian understands that the Church of God has nothing to do with priests, churches made of bricks and mortar, and showing others how good a Christian you can be.
Its about reconciling your own version of morality. It also means that Christ being crucified and paying the ultimate price was for all of humanity's salvation irrespective of how they behave on this plane of existence. The idea of hell and purgatory is a human one and not understanding the aforementioned, and actually causing yourself mental anguish. That is the proverbial hell on earth.
Whether or not others agree with this viewpoint is up to them. Christmas irrespective of why the holiday exists, is a time of bringing family and friends together so if it achieves nothing else, it is great for social and mental health.
The ruling powers that be would love nothing more than a society of slaves to the wage with no public holidays.
In all seriousness I have no problem with what you have written, but as an outlandish generalisation I'm seeing less goodwill and more "whats in it for me" in our world nowadays.
The doctrine of the Atonement has a lot to answer for.
It's the Americans that have been the 'influencer' though.
Only because we (and plenty of the rest of the world) look up to America as our big brother and teacher.
We breathe in their culture like we do oxygen.
As mentioned elsewhere, other countries do their own thing which pre-dates american commercialization of it.
It's the Americans that have been the 'influencer' though.
I can't think of anything American that I like or influences me (Im talking, sport, culture, food, automotive, travel etc). Maybe the odd American movie but that's about it (I dont consider that influencing but rather entertainment)
I am heavily influenced by my Australian Nationality and my Italian heritage.
The point I'm making is this....the version of Halloween our young folk are embracing is the American model.
The characters the children dress up as come mostly from the American interpretation of them.
We know of these 'trick or treat' activities... the dressing up etc because our kids grow up watching American movies and TV shows.
We grew up watching our favourite American TV families celebrating Halloween.
That's why the yanks get the blame.
That US model may come from old European and Pagan origins but it's the American interpretation of the Ghosts, Vampires, Zombies....and popular film and comic characters etc that the kids embrace.
Do you know what the most popular figure by my reckoning (in terms of numbers wearing that costume) was at the Wynnum parade.
It was DC movie/comics...Harley Quinn
( just as an aside....My favourite at the parade was a guy who had what looked like a body bag slung over his shoulder. He was carrying a shovel. There were a couple of guys walking behind me when this guy appeared and one said..."This is probably the one night of the year when you could get away with actually burying someone like that for real" ;D
The point I'm making is this....the version of Halloween our young folk are embracing is the American model.
The characters the children dress up as come mostly from the American interpretation of them.
We know of these 'trick or treat' activities... the dressing up etc because our kids grow up watching American movies and TV shows.
We grew up watching our favourite American TV families celebrating Halloween.
That's why the yanks get the blame.
That US model may come from old European and Pagan origins but it's the American interpretation of the Ghosts, Vampires, Zombies....and popular film and comic characters etc that the kids embrace.
Do you know what the most popular figure by my reckoning (in terms of numbers wearing that costume) was at the Wynnum parade.
It wasn't a ghost, goblin or mummy
It was DC movie/comics...Harley Quinn
( just as an aside....My favourite at the parade was a guy who had what looked like a body bag slung over his shoulder. He was carrying a shovel. There were a couple of guys walking behind me when this guy appeared and one said..."This is probably the one night of the year when you could get away with actually burying someone like that for real" ;D
re last part first.
My favourite horror movie (and franchise) is the original Halloween (1978), and all its sequels/remakes/reboots/re-imaginings etc which are very average by comparison, but do use that concept....a masked killer walking amongst other masked individuals and nobody bats an eye.
I don't disagree with us being americanised, but i don't blame the americans for it. I blame us.