Shopping in Dunnes Stores recently, I was very impressed by the gorgeous range of items they have in stock for the season; cuddly snowmen, oversized stockings, golden wreaths, and, of course, let’s not forget that old festive favourite: voodoo dolls.

Yes, there on the shelf, as part of the novelty gift range for men were voodoo dolls of three varieties; 'nagging girlfriend', 'nagging mother-in-law' and 'nagging boss'.

Is it just me, or is this the most heinous Christmas gift idea ever?

Already I hear people moaning that I'm overreacting, and that these dolls are just for 'a laugh'. But how funny would it be if somebody with an axe to grind was sticking pins in a doll that represented you? Or even worse, someone you dearly loved?

My English partner, a rugby fanatic, often wonders if Jonny Wilkinson's recurrent injury troubles stem back to the 2003 World Cup, when Sydney's Daily Telegraph printed a cut-out voodoo doll of the English fly-half. Readers were advised to stick pins in the doll whenever Jonny looked like scoring. Although England were victorious, he has barely played since.

Cynics may dismiss Wilkinson's woes as mere coincidence, and maybe they're right, maybe these things have no power whatsoever. But my point is, at a time of love and goodwill to all, why would you even try to find out?

If, however, you still feel the urge to teach someone a lesson through the use of a voodoo doll, perhaps it would be prudent to make sure you know exactly what you're dealing with. In all forms of witchcraft (even the cutesy consumer-friendly kind), it is widely accepted that what one sends out into the ether will eventually find its way back to its source threefold.

Focusing negative energy around a specific person, even if you feel it is deserved or just for 'fun', has no apparent benefits as far as I can see. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that it's toxic for all involved.

So for those who are considering sticking pins into a doll representing a 'nagging' girlfriend, boss, or mother-in-law this Christmas, for your own sake as well as theirs, I implore you; DON'T do that voodoo.

oooh, kewl doll.

Without the pins, that is.

Mach said:

Yeah, OR kill Turkeys.

HamsterHuey said:

Steadwood said:

I am going to mak a Santa voodoo doll

Mach said:

Are you gonna shove one in his sack

I could use a few of those

Steadwood said:

I'm not that kinda girl

Even the French law does not prohibit, who are YOU?



http://www.guardian.co.uk...doo-france

A Nicolas Sarkozy voodoo doll that became a bestselling cult classic when the president tried to have it banned is to remain on sale after a French court threw out the case today.

A judge ruled that Nicolas Sarkozy: The Voodoo Manual, which features a doll, a set of pins and a book explaining how to put the evil eye on the president, fell within the boundaries of "free expression" and the "right to humour".

The president's lawyer had argued that, like any French person, Sarkozy owned the right to his own image, which was violated by the sale of the doll.

The highly litigious president was ridiculed by his critics for launching the legal action - his sixth lawsuit since his election - and the doll instantly became a must-have.

The Socialist Ségolène Royal, who was the subject of a similar voodoo doll but didn't sue, hailed the verdict as a victory for the freedom to "caricature the world's most powerful". Royal, who once filed a legal complaint against someone who hit her with a custard pie, said she did not sue over her doll because she had a sense of humour.

The lawyer for the doll makers said he was pleased the judge had recognised the existence of a "right to humour".

It is not known whether Sarkozy will appeal.

Earlier this year, Sarkozy and Carla Bruni won a case against the low-cost Irish airline Ryanair for using their image in an advert without their permission. The single advert in a Paris newspaper showed the couple with a caption beside Bruni reading: "With Ryanair, my whole family can come to my wedding."

Sarkozy has also launched a legal case against a French company that produced novelty T-shirts bearing his name and a target sign, saying "Sarkozy Tolerance zero".

luv4u said:

I have one particular person in mind right now( especially if they want overtime for the Christmas holiday)

Mach said:

That's not what Santa told me

HamsterHuey said:

Wow !

Steadwood said:

Santa lies

Mach said:

He told me you'ld say the too

Steadwood said:

I am baking banana bread and watching belly dance vids

Mach said:

and maybe not in that order

Steadwood said:

Lemme go see if I can find a vid I am waching on youtube

Mach said:

Steadwood said:

My good friend and dance sister Lisa Z

MagnificentVoodoo said:

Mach said:

Wooooo Hooooo!!!

...Need any help measuring up?

HamsterHuey said:

I'm from New Orleans, so the power of a voodoo doll is something I don't f**k with....especially since I know that there are quite a few folks out there who would LOVE to stick more than a few pins in a "ME" doll....



...so listen to Mach....NO VOODOO THIS CHRISTMAS!!!!

there will be no voodoo here...