[Jima64]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Actually, we could start a whole new tradition of a mascot for each dance. A bunch of rabbits for the bunny hop, some foxes (the animal, not the women) for the fox trot, and some stray kitties for the alley cat. God help us if anyone wants to do the locomotion

Thank you for my laugh of the day.

[gomoho]

At the risk of being attacked I would just like to say "this thread is the exact reason 100k seniors under one umbrella probably ain't such a good idea'

[FosterMomma]

There actually are service ponies... they have started using them because of their longevity versus that of a dog.

Originally Posted by rexxfan

As a recent new owner/snowbird I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all you year-round residents. Without you, The Villages simply wouldn't BE there for us to come back to. I'm very grateful to you all for that. Anyone who feels entitled to special treatment simply because they can afford to keep two homes is simply not worth worrying about. When someone insists on acting stupidly, I've found its often best to just let them. That said, if I had been away for the Summer and someone at the square welcomed me back, it would make me smile and feel like I was home again.

As to the pony, it does sound a bit out of place for a town square. If the appearance was pre-planned by someone, I'd certainly question their judgement as to the sort of entertainment appropriate for such a venue. But as to whether or not it was legal, I'd have to defer to someone more knowledgeable on the subject. I do cringe a bit when I observe crass exploitation of unfortunate animals for entertainment purposes, but unless there's obvious cruelty involved I doubt there's much that can be done from a legal standpoint. I don't see anything wrong with voicing your opinion though. If enough feel the same way and express theirs as well, maybe something can be done about it going forward. Good for you for speaking up.

Regarding statements about no coolers, seat saving and all the other behaviors that are generally frowned upon at the squares, I've never thought of them as laws per se (i.e. things that can result in fines or other penalties, that are "enforceable" in some official way), but rather more like standards of courteous, civilized behavior that we all wish everyone would observe. Sadly, there are always those who don't (and worse, the ones who don't are exactly the sort that might try to pick a fight with you if you try to convince them otherwise). To me, its just not worth the bother to try to rehabilitate them.
--
bc

Welcome to The Villages; it really is a great place to live.

[Hancle704]

Things have sure changed over the years. Folks used to go to square to be entertained and to enjoy a sociable evening with friends, neighbors and visitors. Now it seems that there is a small percentage of folks who believe they are special, deserve more, think they are different from everyone else and who somehow are convinced they are the entertainment. "Hey look at me, I'm an idiot."

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Originally Posted by MiaW1948

There actually are service ponies... they have started using them because of their longevity versus that of a dog.

Many years ago in another lifetime I interviewed applicants for public assistance and Food Stamps. One day I had a young man who was blind applying for Food Stamps for his service dog. Yes that exists. He said that he would rather have a trained horse because 1). He could ride it instead of walking everywhere and 2). he was allergic to dogs
that kinda made sense.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by LI SNOWBIRD

Many years ago in another lifetime I interviewed applicants for public assistance and Food Stamps. One day I had a young man who was blind applying for Food Stamps for his service dog. Yes that exists. He said that he would rather have a trained horse because 1). He could ride it instead of walking everywhere and 2). he was allergic to dogs
that kinda made sense.

FOOD STAMPS FOR DOGS!!!!! I am not even going to type what I think of THAT. But I will pose the following question---since the number of people on disability has increased from 3.5 million to 11 million in the last 20 years, has the number of dogs eating on my dime increased proportionately? On second thought, I really don't want to know. But being better fed (by the taxpayer) do they contribute to the "dog poop" issue?

[rexxfan]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

Things have sure changed over the years. Folks used to go to square to be entertained and to enjoy a sociable evening with friends, neighbors and visitors. Now it seems that there is a small percentage of folks who believe they are special, deserve more, think they are different from everyone else and who somehow are convinced they are the entertainment. "Hey look at me, I'm an idiot."

I think the percentage of the human population that exhibit that behavior is small, but fairly constant. So, as a particular population grows, you're just going to run into more or them. There's nothing to be done about it but move on and enjoy your life. You're not going to change them.
--
bc

[goodtimesintv]

Once again, no grownups in the picture. Instead, people make excuses that will encourage more people to bring farm and zoo animals, for the owners to get attention for themselves.

The problem is this quoted paragraph below. But here in TV the problem will be that nobody exercises authority to do what's right for the other 99.9% of people present, as the airline did in the linked article:

“If you ask one too many questions, you’re in legal trouble for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and could face fines of up to a hundred thousand dollars,” Kain said. “But, if you ask one too few questions, you’re probably not in trouble, and at worst will be given a slap on the wrist.”

‘Emotional support’ pig removed from airplane after defecating

‘Emotional support’ pig removed from airplane after defecating - The Washington Post

[genobambino]

I avoid the squares like the plague. I especially never go to one during the snowbird season.. It's ridiculous what goes on.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by genobambino

I avoid the squares like the plague. I especially never go to one during the snowbird season.. It's ridiculous what goes on.

Meh.

The weirdness is minimal, rare, easily ignored, and far outweighed by the fun.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by genobambino

I avoid the squares like the plague. I especially never go to one during the snowbird season.. It's ridiculous what goes on.

I agree. Plagues are no fun at all.

[GrandmaP]

And besides the transportation issue, do you suppose he brought a shovel to clean up after the pony? That kind of mess would be fun to dance around!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by genobambino

I avoid the squares like the plague. I especially never go to one during the snowbird season.. It's ridiculous what goes on.

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

The weirdness is minimal, rare, easily ignored, and far outweighed by the fun.

Or we can look at Geno's post in a positive way, one more seat for a Snowbird.

[Sandtrap328]

I avoid cliches like the plague!