TresSugar

Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Ee-I-Ee-I . . . Oh!

GiggleSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:02:00 -0700

With a tickle, tickle here. And a giggle, giggle there . . .

No Playing Around - Iran Steps Up Effort to Take Down Barbie

LibertySugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:15:32 -0700

Iranian children must be protected from, not by, Batman and Superman. These Western superheroes, along with Barbie and Harry Potter, are alarming Iranian officials.

Iran's prosecutor general spoke out against the fictional figures last weekend saying: “These toys, which do not respect the required norms, present dangers for the health of children and affect the survival of toy factories in this country."

Barbie specifically is guilty of disobeying Iran's rule against showing curves - women, including plastic ones, must hide all their contours. A while back, police raided toy shops, hiding Barbie's body with black stickers. The prosecutor general is again pushing measures to stop the smuggling of these toys, which have been banned for six years.

To counter Western influence, Iran has its own version of Barbie and Ken dolls- Sara and Dara - two siblings that respect Islamic rules, and turn to their parents for guidance. The government hopes that these dolls will become more popular than the well-liked American version.

Is it commendable that the Iranian government is promoting toys that promote their cultural and religious values, or is it an affront on freedom? Is it so bad that they are pursuing an alternative to a scantly clad, busty- skinny blond role model?

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Cussing Caterpillar Teaches Kids the Alphabet

GiggleSugar — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

The Leapfrog Alphabet Pal is a cute toy caterpillar that's supposed to teach tykes the ABCs. Each of the caterpillar's 26 legs says a different letter of the alphabet. Kids press, play, and learn - but they're learning a little more than their ABCs! Listen in:

Flashback: Pie Face

GiggleSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0800

We've seen many effed-up games come out of the '60s, but this one takes the ~~cake~~ pie. Or actually, the players do. They sit around, wind a handle, and wait for a pie to smack 'em in the mug. Let me get this straight: a self-deprecating game that makes a mess and gives everyone a reason to laugh and belittle someone for having bad luck? Well, by golly Wally! What a swell way to pass the time.

Did Elmo Go to Rehab and Sober Up?

GiggleSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I always considered Elmo a sloppy drunk - that off-balance, giggle-me-overkill routine was a little telling. But it looks like he's done himself some good in the past few months. He's now singing, dancing, beatboxing, and even busting out the ol' jazz hands. Ta-dah! Alright, on second thought, Elmo needs a stiff drink. For more vids of the red monster at play (cracking jokes and telling stories), click here.

Flashback: Kiddie Submachine Gun Set

GiggleSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:22:05 -0800

Back in the day when toys cost a measly three bucks, Mattel had submachine guns and pistols on the market. If modern day video games influence young children in negative ways, then how about the smoke-firing guns, holsters, and ammo little dudes used to play target practice with a few decades ago? The more things change, the more they stay the same- surprise, surprise, with a little "bang, bang!" thrown in to boot.

Product of the Day: Adopt-A-Critters

GiggleSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

This charming fellow Bobby arrived in the mail for Future Girl and I bet she was happy about it! If you'd like to get a one-of-a-kind handmade plushy toy, go to Etsy's Adopt-A-Critters site. This is a face that only a weirdo could love, and I know I am a weirdo.

View 9 Photos ›

Trouble in Paradise

GiggleSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0800

Barbie and Ken had a falling out. She got the dream house, he got the mid-life crisis.

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Unfortunately Named Toy Is a Real Headache

GiggleSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:02:00 -0800

If you thought playing with LEGOs was difficult, try playing with these.

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Which of These Is Not Like The Others?

GiggleSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:30:00 -0800

It's the vest. If he had a cape, he'd be a hyper-masculine bad ass in no time.

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