Friday 15 May 2009

A Biblical Fuss Over Toys

Thought for the day; what a diverse and interesting world we live in...sometimes.

Occasionally, however, one is left scratching one's antennae at what horrifies some folk of this world.

Now let's take Playmobil toys for example. Those pie faced, smiley little characters have been filling toy boxes the world over for around 32 years and have become one of the most successful toy brands in the world.

Recently, though, they have offended...or at least their use has been interpreted as offensive by the über toy maker! Despite backing from the Pope, Father Markus Bomhard has been ordered to scrap his Playmobil Children's Bible Plan which incorporated scenes from the Bible using Playmobil figures.




His award winning plan, hatched some 3 years ago, was lauded by Church groups and German-born Pope Benedict XVI even congratulated the priest, writing last November: "May your project make the Holy Bible more approachable for many children as well as adults and grown-ups".

Perhaps rather than be horrified that the "scenes could offend people of other religions", Playmobil should have got on board if for no other reason than the terrific marketing opportunity it represented.

Now they have that anyway...only in the negative.

Boo hiss

Bumble

Monday 11 May 2009

Spring and the Eternal Hope Therein

Time and it's ability to sweep on by as if we were stood still really is fascinating, even for a humble bee...or should that be a bumble bee?

The reason for this musing is that it has been almost two weeks since I Bumbled my beelog and I really don't know where the time went or, for that matter, what I did. Perhaps my memory and the activities of this period got blown and/or washed away during the worst start to May in West Scotland since records began...or at the very least since May 2008!

Anyway it's a quiet time of year and we've been busy bees working on the book in between periods, but then Easter and the period immediately after always does seem very quiet. I think it will remain quiet until September...

However, hope springs eternal! Apparently with Easter falling in April this year and the summery weather arriving there is optimism for the toy market in the next few months. Personally I'm not sure what difference Easter makes - to anything - and as for the weather...don't make me want to come over there and sting you!

Buzzzz

Bumble