Sudoku Puzzles

Hi Everyone,

I had no idea that this photo would be judged as offensive. However, I have noticed that the majority of people who have been offended are from the US, where the picture could be viewed in a different light. It didn't even occur to me when I let it through.

Sorry for the any bad feelings.

Cheers,
Gath

Onya Geoff!! Let's not forget the supply convoys to Europe, the landings at Normandy, the missiles of October and - not to trivialise for a moment - all that Teflon in Karen's kitchen. If she were a Brit, she should also be aware of the American contribution to the British battle in the Cold War.

You have nothing whatsoever to apologise for! You are the Keeper!

Hi all! Back from a frenetic bit of work - more to do before Christmas - hope it's happier than this page! Poor Gath - I say keep up a great site and I find the debate quite fascinating - as an onlooker, I'm definitely passing on this one! (I suspect someone somewhere will criticise me for that - there's sure a lot of flack around right now!)

Let's not twist the blade now. Enough has been said; 24 hours for review.
As you well know.
Will crack a Merlot since I can't go fishing again tonight like last night.
What a great surprise she planned; our closest friends down by the Lake shore. Great BBQ about 100 metres across from home.
Caught no fish, obviously, but what a great time at minimum expense.

Hilly...You're back!! I missed you!! You always have a new slant on these debates and I would read your views with interest, whether I agree or not.

The picture really does look like the 'first-footer' tradition and I think people should treat it as such and stop jumping to conclusions based on assumptions. If you all want to get you nickers in a knot over something (and it seems like some of you really do), take a look at the Dutch tradition More...

Hi Hilary,
Don't quite understand the motives of some at this time of year. Totally unnecessary, and, which bewilders me.
Anyway, McGuigan's Cabernet Sauvingnon Merlot '96 will pour oil over troubled Geoffrey.
Sweet dreams

Geoff..You're a fisherman? Salt or fresh and what part of the world are you in? I'm going out tomorrow somewhere around Hobart, weather permitting. Do you have a boat and if so what?

Sorry, lost the end. Anyway, they paint thier faces black and their lips big and red and walk around the street in big parades. To still depict St Nick's 'helper'as a black slave is worrying. Oddly, this tradition has gone on for years and is un-noticed by the rest of the world. Weird! Here's a link http://www.awfulgood.com/doa-archives/000212.php
Really bizaar!

Gath: I agree with Geoff, you have nothing to apologise for. I think it was a very vocal minority that jumped to conclusions. If I hadn't read the comments, I would never have associated the photo with African Americans. You had absolutely no way of knowing some people would be offended! Thanks for a great site!

Hi Paul, hi Geoff - I really am staying out of this one! Except...no, no, no! I want to get into the Christmas spirit! Of course there are still big issues everywhere in the world, but my aim over the next couple of weeks is to make my part of the world as much fun as possible! Good fishing to both of you!

And hi to jh! Haven't heard from you much lately - is all well with you?

And finally - can't shut up now! - must do some work, see you when this site is tomorrow (my afternoon - if you see what I mean)

Hilly!! See what I mean? Even without expressing an opinion you added a little perspective to the debate.
Must go now - up early for fishing - good to see you back. Night-night.

Paul and Geoff, thanks for the support! You sure know your history! I've enjoyed the comments about the First-Footers and Lady Modegreen. It's nice learning about customs, traditions, and cultures from around the world - one of the reasons I love this site.

HH - I haven't had much time More...

December is the month for all the tax updates and getting used to the new tax software. Then, I work like crazy from Jan until April 15th, when taxes are due. (Except I always manage to take a holiday in mid-March!!!!) I spent a week in Arizona visiting my stepdaughter and grandson. Went to the More...

Guys at a party with black makeup on.. Who cares?? And MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!!! No political correctness from me!
Oh, and I finished in 5:47...

Al Jolson's act was blackface. It involved parodying/enacting racial stereotypes about American blacks. The weird twist with Jolson is that he was Jewish - and was therefore himself banned from certain hotels, clubs, organizations, etc because of his racial identity.

And Karen from OZ, the people from the US who are responding are perhaps concerned about the problems of racism in their society. How are the riots in Sydney? How many Moslems have been beaten? And perhaps you'd like to update us on the treatment of Aborigines, too. Australia sounds like a swell place.......

4:28..07/29/06

3.40 Check.