Words About Things

When Ricky Gervais invented Flanimals he had no idea that one day they would be doing their bit to save the world. Gervais invented the characters 25 years ago to make his nephew laugh. Since then Blimble Sprent, Plumboid Doppler, Sprot Guzzlor and the rest have become the stars of bestselling books and a forthcoming movie. Now they are doing their bit to help the victims of HIV/AIDS by appearing on a series of charity Christmas cards.

The cards are part of a series of charity gifts being sold this Christmas by Oxfam as part of their Oxfam Unwrapped campaign. The money raised will go towards helping to prevent the spread of AIDS in developing countries.

“Everyone thought Flanimals were useless – I did. But this year they’re helping Oxfam change the world. There are five Flanimal gifts to choose from and the money goes to different things. It might improve sanitation – give someone clean water. It might give people a voice if they’re oppressed. It might help general humanitarian work work or it might go towards the prevention of HIV and Aids.”

Oxfam also sell less traditional gifts such as clean drinking water or a goat to help families in developing countries. More info can be found on their site here.

It seems like a strange idea but when you think about it why wouldn’t you buy your dad flowers for fathers day? When asked my dad usually says that all he wants is some peace and quiet and what he normally gets is a bottle of wine and some Turkish Delight. But why can’t you buy a man flowers? I guess the only reason would be if you don’t think he would gain any pleasure from them what so ever. But assuming that your dad is open minded there shouldn’t be a problem.

lemon-tree

People tend to buy men flowers that are described as ‘bold’ or even ‘architectural’ why I guess just means less delicate. Another approach is to get something that seems ‘more useful’ than just flowers (men like things that have a real use rather than being just decoration). An example would be a lemon tree or some herbs for those who enjoy cooking.

So why not consider surprising your dad with some flowers rather than getting him exactly what you gave him last year?