The Grumpy Old Gits Thread

Every Forum Must Have One
Just thought I'd start this and see if there was any response from some of the senior (in age) members of the forum. Don't regard myself as "old" particularly at 55, "grumpy" and "git", you have to make your own decision about.

I'll start with some of my main whinges.

Why Does Everyody In The Neighbourhood Regard Me As a Pervert

I'm a single dad and have been for 7 years. I have an 11 year old daughter. I do the washing, cleaning, cooking and the like. The courts gave my daughter the chance to make her decisions over a year ago and she chose me rather than her mother. She goes to see her mother once a fortnight. Every time I object to a neighbour playing loud music at 2 in the morning or take a picture of her playing with her friends, I'm a pervert.

Why do people under the age of 30 think no-one above that age knows anything about computers? Is it odd to still be interested in computer games at 55?

Why should your car be your most important possession?

I have no objections to under 40s replying, but bear in mind wold guys are a bit slow.

 

Age is irrelevant.

Most people don't know crap about computers.



I'm 31, btw.

 

We have members here who are a lot older and a lot grumpier than you, mustardcharlie

 

Single dad with daughter doing house chores...wish some under thirties knew how to go about that!rolleyes

Playing loud music at 2am...we have noise pollution laws here...simple case of calling the cops to stop that...but always preferable to approach party nicely first. Normal procedure here is to show neighbours courtesy of advising about party and that one will try to keep noise down after 11pm...some instances, depending on age of party goers, Police also advised about party about to happen.

Taking normal photos of own child seen as a pervert...wonder about your neighbours:confused However here, can't take photos of kids on beach or even people bathing on the beach without having cops tapping you on the shoulder. Tourists here should know about this also, particularly since it's a popular practice for women to go topless on our beaches, plus we also have some nudist beaches. I wouldn't worry too much about what people think if you know you're correct with what you're doing...I know many under 30s I regard as perverts!

As for cars being the "most important possession"...that's a regular problem for police with hoons under 30s' illegal racing their "most important possession" in public streets.

 

Hi Mustard Charlie :wave
As for your relationship with your daughter
Don't worry about what other people around you think, they obviously have shallow lives and have had no life experiences. They know nothing of what you have gone through with your personal life, and have absolutely no right to judge you

For people who play loud music at 2am - they have no respect for their neighbours, so why show them any respect....call the bizzies out. You don't have to leave your details If you were to approach them, you would be opening yourself up to all sorts of retribution

When you have a computer whizz kid who made a load of money in the 70's, do they then retire their skills? Nope, they are still the same person inside; but a lot wiser and more numbers on their birthday cake, thats all

You are only as old as you feel :hyper

G

 

:cry

 

Originally Posted by Grumbles: "You are only as old as you feel"

Aww, come on Shane...you're probably working too hard and too long

 

Who's old and grumpy? Excuse me a minute.......
"Hey, you kids get offa my lawn!!"
LOL

 

Hmm, well you sound pretty normal to me <shrug>. As for age. I'm not quite as old as you, and it may be true that you're only as old as you feel - but I don't feel a day over 98, eh. http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Zobor/orange_grump.gif

 

I don't need to...you are drawing attention to yourself

 

Being only 67 myself, I feel that your comments are a bit "immature" to say the least. (lol)

Me, I love computer games. If only my twitch reflex weren't so SLOW.

Soon, now, I'll be shooting my age on the golf course, and most of you chaps will have to wait a while to do that ---------------- so there.

I maintained throughout my entire 3.5 decades of my gynecologic career that
"you don't HAVE to be a pervert to be a good gynecologist, but it can't hurt!"

Hence, my sig. Eat more Tuna.

 

Awww...come on Phantom, you're starting to sound as bad as Shanemail!LOL

 

I beleive pervert is the word younger people use like older people call the younger ones punks.

 

Hope you realise I whinge, grump and whine for England on a professional basis, Lev.

 

Fine gensu, but don't you think that your children and/or grandchildren (if any) regard you as something out of the dark ages. Ask anyone under 25, how to write a batch file or programme something up in DOS and it's blank looks all round. (OK - don't blister me for that one young geeks - you know what I mean ) My physical capabilities allow me to compete with guys 10 to 15 years younger than me on a sports field. Mentally. I am well above average. Why am I regarded as only worthy of fading into a quiet obscurity?

 

I wouldn't expect anything less

 

Bloody Halloween tomorrow! The day when we encourage our kids in pagan rituals and to go out and grab as many sweeties as possible while terrifying the weak and elderly. Nasty little pagan ritual re-designed to make money for corporate businesses or not....?

 

Different folks, different strokes...you can always show your disapproval by keeping your lights out and ignoring any knocks to your door

 

being almost 20 im gonna throw some comments in here. The relationship with your daughter is your relationship. No one should be able to get between that, no matter what they think or say. Those who judge like that are hiding something anyway. The car being my most precious possession, yeah my truck is pretty important, my being in college i only own two things, my truck and my computer. Everything else is either rented or leased. Just wanted to throw my two cents in.....

 

The schools my grandchildren attend have carnivals and the towns discourage trick or treating, it's even banned in some places in California. So they have activities that earn money for the schools, works out well.

 

I'm 51, and have raised (still raising) kids my bro left me 7 years ago. I am a plain speaking man, and would not hesitate to cut loose anyone who even insuated something like that to me. Someone who would suggest something like that is the pervert.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I like giving out candy and seeing the cosutumes. Most years I decorate the house to make it as scary as I can. I do like to keep an eye on things though, some of the teens like to engage in mischief.

I remember answering the door one time and looking down at a 2 year old. "Boo" I said, and with his head tilte way back looking at me, he clearly said, "Don't scare me!". I let him leave with a double handfull of the good stuff.

 

Well I am older than you, but I am not ready to be called a senior yet...maybe next year..lol

As for being a pervert, a 24 year old just got arrested here today at a local hospital for having sex in the morgue with a dead woman 95 years old...Now that is a pervert..

Yes, tomorrow is Halloween, and I supported the big corporations by decorating, and buying candy, the only problem is, nobody knows I live up here on top of the hill so that means more candy for me..lolol

 

I made a lot of timer circuits with 2 red LEDs, rigged to chain off each other so one 9V battery could power em up. I deliberately vary the values of some of the parts so they are all different. I put em in bushes, so now the bushes are full of red eyes looking from everywhere. It is very spooky.

I also print my own posters off the inkjet, and use black lights to help the mood. My best year (where I had drawn in flouresent chalk a dead body outline, in several pieces, with monster feet walking away from the scene. One of my kids heard the parents saying "He has candy, go ahead." Don't know if they screwed up their courage or not.

I also give quantity inversly porportional to age. Older teens get one piece of hard candy, 2 year olds get double fistfulls.

 

Sounds like a load of fun Bill...many of my friends celebrate Halloween also. Already had an adults Halloween party, and I contributed finger biscuits which were a riot. Here's the recipe I posted in the Lounge thread "Recipes:

Finger Biscuits (for Halloween….muharharharharhar)

Makes 30

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 30 blanched almonds
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1/2 confectioners' sugar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 and 2/3 cup all purpose flour

Method

1. Preheat oven (@ 350 degrees)
2. Use two nonstick baking dishes (or line 2 baking dishes with nonstick baking paper)
3. Use a brush (small paint brush or glazing brush) to colour one side of each almond with red food colouring (it should look like red nail polish on a lady's finger). Leave these to dry.
4. Separate egg white into a cup.
5. In a small bowl, whisk yolk, add egg white, almond extract and vanilla extract.
6. Using a clean bowl with an electric mixer with beaters for making dough:
7. Mix butter, confectioners' sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
8. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
9. Then add egg mixture, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
10. Add the flour, and mix on low speed just until incorporated.
11. Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
12. Divide the dough in half.
13. Work with one piece at a time, keeping remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and chilled.
14. Divide the first half into fifteen pieces.
15. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes (use your fingers as models for shaping), 3 to 4 inches long.
16. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles (that look similar to your own).
17. Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife.
18. Transfer fingers to prepared baking dishes.
19. Repeat with remaining dough.
20. When all fingers are formed, brush lightly with egg white. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach.
21. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes.
22. Cool completely

.

Enjoy eating these Fingers

 

In the UK we used to "celebrate" the foiling of "The Gunpowder Plot" on the 5th November, with fireworks, baked potatoes, bonfires and "parkin" (got a good recipe for that by the way legal!) and lots of other "goodies". We still do, although it's on a more organised basis now, usually on the weekend after and well-controlled by the local fire authority. While I do not really begrudge the children their festivities, I resent them being encouraged to walk around and "blackmail" adults into giving them stuff with threats of "Tricks or Treats". My mother is in her eighties, suffers from arthritis and is deeply religious. Every year she needs to bring her dustbin inside, put a notice on the door (Waste of time really) saying "Please do not knock" and put a bowl of sweets outside, because of the introduction of some USA tradition. Let me put it this way: If you are a citizen of the USA and your kids started to ask you for a 5th November (Bonfire Night) party, where you had to burn an effigy of a failed conspirator/terrorist who tried to blow up the British Houses of Parliament because of their religious beliefs, what would you tell them? Bear in mind that your local hyperstore or whatever you want to call it would be pushing this like crazy. Guy Fawkes masks, fireworks available in the shops, "All the other kids are doing it" etc. etc.....

 

Personally I don't think most children or some adults even know the origin of most holidays or celebrations. As long as it involves candy, fun.
drink (adults) they don't even care where it started.
Interesting the different customs in other countries.

http://bestsmileys.com/halloween1/25.gif

 

Truth, the younger set aren't blackmailing anyone, they're just mooching for the good stuff, and getting to pretend they're someone else. That part is harmless. The older teenagers now, they don't ask, and most of the "good" ones concentrate on each others houses. The remainder is why I'm glad I have dogs (big dogs), they are a problem even when it isn't Halloween, it is just an excuse to stir up trouble.

The tradition in the states is also not to knock if the porch light is off, but amongst the younger set hope springs eternal.

Given the ratio of weirdo's to normals in this country though, we generally don't let the kids eat homemade snacks, which is a shame. Wasn't that way when I was a kid. There is also movement to try to stop it, but cities and states that do are fighting a strong tradition, I don't think they'll win on this one.

I can understand why you don't like it, but this really is a case of choosing the positive or negative. Go with the positive and enjoy it, the kids most certainly do, so it's going to happen either way. I never understood Guy Faulks day when I lived in Britain, but the movie "V" explained it pretty well.

I didn't get to prepare being out of town for the last week dealing with my Dad's affairs, but I'm going to enjoy giving candy out tonight.

 

But that's my point Darlene! Would you celebrate Ramadan (or the end of it it say, Seker Bayram, the sugar holiday), just because your kids wanted more sweeties and the other kids were doing it. If your local supermarket started putting in sweeties for this period and was Muslim owned, would you let them indulge? Eggs at the Vernal Equinox is an ancient pagan ritual (as is rabbit - :yum). They have evolved into British tradition. Halloween is not a British tradition. The customs of other countries are interesting but we should not indulge in them just because our local retailer tells us to.

 

Yeah, well, I handed out the sweeties and gave a couple of the older kids (talking 15-16+ here) a piece of my mind. My daughter is home with a large bag of stuff. Yes, I did enjoy it. I still resent other peoples culture and tradition replacing our own though.

You like "V For Vendetta" Bill? Top notch guy. In my home town, my old school had a house (Do Americans know what a school house is? I'm not sure.) called "Fawkes" (Along with Duncan, Cave and Fairfax - some very British names there). The Horton-Fawkes family still live in the area as far as I know.

Remember, remember, the 5th of November.
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.

 

Wow mustardcharlie you really are a grumpy old man,did you ever think about grumpy old men when you were a kid who wernt nice to you,spoiled the fun and think I'll never be like that,cmon you must have?

Its all about the kids and kids love dressing up like large pumpkins,if ramadan were as much fun I think more of us would do that but it aint you have to starve yourself and pray and whip yourself and stuff not much fun

 

Mustardcharlie, I understand the points you are trying to make, but I also believe that people in general don't necessarily indulge retailers because they are told to do so, nor do I believe that children can have such an influence on parents. Certainly not from the children I've seen and/or know of. It still falls down to whether or not people want to indulge for the fun of it.

Down here, there are pockets of areas that indulge in Halloween, and more often than not because of friends (eg, I have a mix of friends of different nationalities, including American, so Halloween is celebrated.)

Also, like Darlene said: "As long as it involves candy, fun, drink (adults) they don't even care where it started...". It all boils down to a matter of choice and having a bit of fun, whatever the reason. Down Under, we'll grab any excuse to have a bit of fun. And why not. What's wrong with having a bit of fun.

Like Darlene said: "Interesting the different customs in other countries." Down here we are conscious of other cultures given we live in a multicultural environment. Celebration of other cultural activities is often offered as well...because it involves an interchange of ideas, understanding and respecting those from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Again, one isn't forced to buy products for such celebrations, but accepting invitations to participate I personally would consider an honour.

Acknowledging other cultures'/countries celebrations doesn't take away from maintaining our own country's traditions, it is simply expanding our knowledge of other cultures, imo.

 

Like I said, I spent 3 years in Britain. I was pretty young at the time (6-8), I there was a lot I didn't understand at the time. The money, for example, I never did understand, I figured out many years later it was Base 12 (if that had been explained in those terms I think I would have gotten it). I remember Guy Fawkes day, but never did understand what it was about. A lot of that is being a Air Force Brat, we were taught US history. I think a mix would have been more interesting.

I definately enjoyed the movie "V".

You have to remember that the US is nothing but other peoples traditions. We soak em up, and make them ours. From what little I've heard Britain has bigger problems than Halloween, a once a year event, with the EU. It's getting where a man can't buy a pint anymore (although I think I heard that was exempted). Not that it matters, but Marsden is about as british as Cantibury.

 

Ah! A reply from England at last. No I didn't Ricky! When I was a kid back in the 50s and 60s, we had fun, dressed up, had our "Bonfire Night" and the like. "Mischief Night" was the night before, where we could knock on people's doors and run away. Everybody knew not to answer the door. Nobody emptied anyone's dustbin over their front lawn and if the kids stepped out of line then whole area would be out to give you a smack round the head.

When I was young, if the local "Bobby" (Police Officer on foot for anybody that doesn't understand the term) caught you stealing, he would kick your backside and then offer the "Mother Of All Ultimatums" - "Do it again and I'll tell your Dad". We had fun. We didn't persecute the elderly or the disadvantaged.

As far as Ramadan is concerned, it has nothing to do with whips. It is a Holy Muslim ritual and far more deeply honoured than say, most so-called Christians will observe Lent. Learn about this sort of thing please before you post, otherwise, I will say something rude and get myself banned. I have friends of most faiths, creeds and colours. They respect my beliefs, I respect theirs.

 

Marsden is a rock solid "North of England" name mate. The local butcher had the name and there is "nowt" wrong with that or any other name. One of my best friends goes by the name of "Khomeni". He gets a lot of stick from his family 'cos he drinks alcohol.
It is not the adoption of other cultures that I object to. it is the imposition of a so-called culture, especially when it comes from a "New World" country. You as an American would resent it if the UK started to impose 5th November celebrations on you. Why, then, do we have to have Halloween here, if it is not a money making excercise for big business?

 

Your points are noted, legal, but you're in Oz, just coming round to summer and all that. In the UK we are waiting for a long winter after a pretty crap summer.

I would be interested in a non-USA take on this one. Do you think the USA dominates your life?

 

Feel sorry for you re Winter coming on after a crappy Summer...I'm "solar powered" so love Summer.

Re your query:
Nope. USA doesn't dominate my life, nor any of my American/other friends/work colleagues. Having worked mostly for American corporations tiered here in Australia, our culture and ethics still applied. The only way US dominated us, was regarding ensuring our business figures were met according to overall plan. That's expected, given results were to mother company.

We really are very multicultural down here Mustardcharlie...personally I see US influence only when it comes to mainstream movies and music which I enjoy...that's about it.

 

Love the "Solar Powered " stuff legal. Unfortunately I don't get enough here. You should meet me when I'm fully charged.

I was talking about social and moral stuff and you came up with some business stuff though. Explain to a poor ignorant Pom, how your culture and ethics are any different from those espoused by our beloved Yank cousins please. Do the local kids come banging on your door demanding sweets on 31/10 and if so how do you absorb that into Aussie culture?

 

Sorry Mustardcharlie, missed what you were asking

As mentioned earlier, Halloween is only celebrated in pockets of areas about...I haven't seen, heard or read of any complaints as it is accepted in good humour hereabouts. Plus the children are escorted by their parents/adult, so kids are pretty young. There's no "banging on your door demanding sweets on 31/10". It is done politely, and the kids are cute dressed up and coy asking for sweets with their "Trick or Treat?" threat. Big kids (eg teenagers) don't do it...it would be considered "dorky" by their matesLOL So that would only reaffirm that the US doesn't dominate us...definitely not for Halloween

Our problem times are at Christmas...that's when kids coming home/going to parties/outings tend to get rowdy and out of hand.

 

Now don't get me started on the C-word, legal. Not before Advent. My daughter is allowed to mention it once, just to give me some idea of how I'm going to be coerced into spending my money. However I demand a certain pause between Halloween/Guy Fawkes Night and any mention of the C-word. Under no circumstances in October, under duress in November, be prepared for my anti-C******** rant at some point in early December.

And come on the rest of you "over a certain age" people. Let's hear some of your whinges, whines, moans and rants. You've all told me about how you love Halloween, think America is wonderful etc. etc. etc. Don't care if it's your husband's underwear or the way your wife eats asparagus, this is "The Grumpy Old Gits Thread" Whine about BOFs who put up Grumpy threads if you like!

 

Anybody heard about these Scots that started to throw stuff at firefighters (somewhere near Dundee, I believe). Brainless scum or what?

 

This behaviour has been going on all over the country for the last 7 or 8 years. Bricks, bottles and golf clubs are the favourites - usually deliberate fires so that the gangs can ambush the emergency services.
Wee laddies from 10 to 14 yr olds mainly.

 

Correction there mate, we in Scotland would have celebrated had he succeeded.
:celebrate

 

Lighten up before you post its called Humour TBH I dont understand how you can compare ramadan with halloween,a holy religious festival and a fun time for kids?

Maybe now you understand why I couldnt take such an idea seriously and had to add some humour.

 

This just about sums up your own answers for you to many of the posts you have made in this thread that veer too close to offending various groups, including Americans, Christians and Australians. For someone who considers themself respectful of all faiths, creeds and colors, your choice of language sadly often leaves a lot to be desired.

But back to my point. If your mother (and others) struggle with aggression on Halloween with trash cans being emptied on her front yard, I can assure you this is not a tradition brought over from the "trick and treat" celebratory style of the USA. That evening went very peacefully over in my corner of the world - all kids, adolescents, young adults and parents that came by did so politely and in fun. There was no pressure to partake, and personally I didn't as it is not something I choose celebrate. (Celebrating is a choice!) However, my son and husband did, and they had a great time with the kids that came around. No one is forcing you to celebrate it, as some one else pointed out earlier. No one is forcing you either to celebrate Christmas. In fact, I would go as far to say if a person is not a believer in Christ, why on earth would they want to celebrate Christmas anyway. Christmas is not a four-letter word and does not need starring out, btw. That is one of those disrespect things I mentioned earlier. If you don't like it, don't talk about it.

As to bringing celebrations over to the USA that have very little understanding by Americans, you are very wrong. I celebrate Bonfire Night both with family, neighbors and friends, and my co-workers. America is founded and built on freedom, and that includes the freedom to celebrate whatever holiday I want to. Because this country has those roots it is very open minded and welcoming of learning and participating in other cultural events. It is part of the very reason that I love this country and hold so much respect for its citizens.

Now back to your original posting - where the topic began as you feeling that you are labeled a pervert by your neighbors. Have you stopped to observe with their eyes how your home life looks? You are not exactly leading the life many men of your age do. Not only are you a single Dad, but your child is a young girl. This is not the norm for society to be seeing. You may know hundreds of Dads in your situation through your involvement with Fathers For Freedom, but you have to remember that in itself will cause you to be judged, as some of their more active members have gained undesirable media attention over the years. Being a single Dad, you automatically carry that label and judgement. That is what people do best. The same as in this thread alone you have judged many by their actions, race, beliefs etc.

To want others to not judge and assume about us, we have to not judge and assume about them. Two way street. Rikky makes a good point - lighten up, and pick uncontroversial topics while you learn the nature of these forums and the extremely friendly, easy-going members who have been here many years

 

I pity the fool that says "age is irrelevant"

 

I have more pity for the fool who thinks it does.

 

I pity the fool that says "age is irrelevant"

 

So...does your age have anything to do with the fact that you forgot you just said this very thing two posts and 12 minutes prior?

Maybe age in your case isn't irrelevant.