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Shopping for kids seems to be getting harder every year. I hear from parents across the country who are shocked every time they shop — not just by the prices, but by the toys and other desirables on children’s wish lists. Do we really want our 4-year old princesses dressing dolls that look like street-walkers? Do we want our teenage daughters to dress that way? Do we want our adolescent sons spending hours playing video games that make a sport of killing policemen and prostitutes? What does it say about our country that some of the most popular products are...

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. (Nov. 25, 2005) -- In the fall of 1947, a woman named Diane handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked her husband, then-Marine Corps Reserve Major William Hendricks, to deliver the doll to an organization that would give it to a needy child on Christmas. When Hendricks told his wife that no organization existed, she suggested that he start one. That year, the project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign, according to the Toys for Tots Web site. Since, each...

TORONTO - Currently, little girls from Iraq to Morocco are crazy for Fulla, a creation of Syria's NewBoy Design Studio. A Barbie in a black hijab, with a smaller bust, and far more modest clothing, Fulla was created out of concern that Barbie would corrupt traditional values, turning Muslim girls into high-heeled wonders with vacant smiles. And while sloe-eyed, darkhaired Fulla does have a vacant smile, she also has abayas (traditional Muslim overdress), head scarves, a prayer mat, and outdoor (modest) versus indoor (anything where her plastic flesh shows) fashion. There will soon be "Teacher Fulla" and "Doctor Fulla." There...

Baghdad - The Iraqi army said on Thursday it had seized a number of booby-trapped children's dolls, accusing insurgents of using the explosive-filled toys to target children. The dolls were found in a car, each one containing a grenade or other explosive, said an army statement. The government said that two men driving the car had been arrested in the western Baghdad district of Abu Ghraib. "This is the same type of doll as that handed out on several occasions by US soldiers to children," said government spokesperson Leith Kubba. It was not immediately clear when the find was made...

It turns out that when suburban mothers buy American Girl dolls that look and dress exactly like their own little girls, they may unwittingly be purchasing tiny, lesbian partners for their children.... It turns out that when suburban mothers buy American Girl dolls that look and dress exactly like their own little girls, they may unwittingly be purchasing tiny, lesbian partners for their children. At least, that is the fear of the wacko, right-wing watchdogs who keep track of exotic threats to our children that most of us are too naive - or not nearly psychologically twisted enough - to...

Wednesday, November 2, 2005 American Girl boycottedAccused of luring youth into radical feminist ideology Posted: November 2, 20051:00 a.m. Eastern © 2005 WorldNetDaily.com After repeated unheeded warnings, a pro-life group launched a boycott yesterday against the popular doll maker American Girl for its association with a group that promotes abortion rights and lesbianism. "American Girl has refused to sever ties with pro-abortion Girls Incorporated," said Ann Scheidler, executive director of the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, "This leaves us no choice but to call for a boycott of American Girl dolls and accessories for the duration of the 2005 Christmas shopping season."...

Version October 31, 2005, 8:22 a.m. Innocence Lost Is American Girl a pro-abortion company? On Christmas morning, untold numbers of girls will rip open packages hoping to find an American Girl doll. The lucky ones will receive a prized possession of modern childhood, a little figurine to dress, comb, hug, and otherwise dote upon. Because these dolls are so loved, there aren't many companies with a more wholesome image than American Girl. So why is this popular dollmaker now giving money to a group that supports abortion rights? That's what a growing number of consumers want to know. Since...

American Girl Plays Down Ties to Pro-Abortion Group After Criticism Email this article Printer friendly page by Steven ErteltLifeNews.com Editor October 24, 2005 New York, NY (LifeNews.com) -- American Girl, the makers of a popular line of children's dolls, has lowered the profile of its partnership with a pro-abortion group following national criticism. A pro-life organization that has helped lead opposition says the company is removing some of its links to Girls Inc., a group that helps girls with self-esteem and scholastic issues but also backs abortion. "American Girl, maker of American Girl Dolls, must be receiving enough calls and emails to...

Adoption Officials Fight Nursery Events For Dolls Employees Dressed As Nurses Sell Dolls For $100POSTED: 9:20 am EDT October 24, 2005 NEW YORK -- A popular toy marketing campaign, in which girls browse through hospital-style nurseries to choose a lifelike doll to "adopt," has come under fire from prominent adoption advocates who say the program -- featured at scores of stores nationwide - conveys a harmful notion that adopted children are salable commodities. "Your campaign is insidiously offensive, stigmatizing and demeaning, and it should end," wrote Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, in a letter...

CULTURE DIGEST: ‘A Life of Faith’ dolls serve as alternative to American Girl; reports of N.O. euthanasia investigated By Erin Curry Oct 19, 2005 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--As news reports indicate proceeds from bracelets connected with the popular American Girl dolls are going to support homosexual and abortion-rights causes, many parents are searching for alternatives for daughters who treasure the doll collections that come with life stories and multiple accessories. A Life of Faith dolls, which are growing in popularity among Christians, provide role models that help girls imagine and experience a lifestyle of faith. This line of dolls features...

Attacking dolls truly un-American Thursday, October 20, 2005Connie SchultzPlain Dealer Columnist My friendship with an American Girl doll began when a black slave girl named Addy helped my 8-year-old daughter find her courage and define her values. American Girl dolls wear period clothing from various eras in our country's history. Each doll also stars in her own series of books designed to teach girls about American history. Ten years ago, many of my daughter's friends owned Samantha, the girl living with her wealthy grandmother in 1904, or bespectacled Molly, who was growing up during World War II. After reading...

http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/about/ An alternative to American Girl Dolls What a privilege to be the father of three precious daughters and husband to the greatest wife in the world. My constant prayer is that the Lord will continue to affirm them as women of God. This same prayer is the heart of our mission at Vision Forum. Since our founding in 1998, Vision Forum has been committed to the restoration of the Christian family. Our book catalog, our All-American Boy’s Adventure Catalog, and the Beautiful Girlhood Collection are all designed to tackle different aspects of the cultural battle for the family. We...

by Elizabeth Foss Other Articles by Elizabeth Foss American Girl vs. American Girls 10/15/05 Every night, when I put my daughters to sleep, I snuggle next to them under the pink, rose-festooned canopy over their bed. We talk about all sorts of things and I stay until they drift off. During the quiet time before the blanket of sleep envelopes my little girls, I gaze through the semi-darkness at the dolls on the shelves opposite the bed. The dolls are lined up after a day of play, a beautiful, tangible testimony to the innocence of girlhood. They are American Girl dolls...

To all friends of strong, smart, and bold girls: Girls Inc. has empowered girls for over 141 years, first as Girls Clubs of America and since 1990 as Girls Incorporated. In centers across the country, generations of girls have learned their strengths, explored their worlds, prepared for productive, interesting lives, and offered each other the support necessary in dealing with the challenges of growing up. Grounded in research and tested in the field, Girls Inc. programs address the whole girl. They build her athletic skills and competitive spirit, nurture her ability and interest in science, math and technology, equip her...

My wife is giving me information soon, which I'll post when I get it indicating that the publisher of books for young girls and the maker of several lines of expensive dolls and accessories is raising funds for Planned Parenthood. I wonder if they will come out with a line of books about "Heather" who can't grow up in the 70's because she was killed in the womb.

New York -- American Girl, manufacturer of a highly popular line of dolls and children's books, has become the target of conservative activists threatening a boycott unless the toy maker cuts off contributions to a youth organization that supports abortion rights and acceptance of lesbians. The protest is directed at an ongoing American Girl campaign in which proceeds from sales of a special "I Can" wristband help support educational and empowerment programs of Girls Inc., a national nonprofit organization which describes its mission as "inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold." American Girl, whose often patriotic products have long...

American Girl Doll Maker Comes Under Fire for Supporting Abortion Email this article Printer friendly page by Steven ErteltLifeNews.com Editor October 12, 2005 Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Washington, DC -- Millions of young girls around the country play with American Girl dolls and millions more parents may buy the dolls or their extensive accessories as gifts this Christmas. However, a leading pro-life group says Mattel, the company that manufactures them, is teaming up with a group that backs abortion. Mattel is parterning with a group called Girls Inc. to sell a bracelet, the "I Can" band, which financially supports Girls Inc. Seventy...

Robotic dolls that behave like babies addicted to drugs and alcohol are being used to teach teenagers on Teesside the dangers of drink and drugs. The dolls simulate the appearance of babies born with foetal alcohol syndrome and addicted to drugs They shake and scream as they go through withdrawal and teenagers in the area will be asked to look after them single handedly for two nights. The scheme is run by the Fairbridge charity from its Middlesbrough base. The normal dolls used by the charity weigh 7.5lbs but the drug and alcohol dolls weigh 3.5lbs. 'Shock effect' Linda Porter,...

According to a recent Associated Press story, Japanese “toymakers are designing new dolls . . . not for the young but for the lonely elderly.” These dolls are “companions which can sleep next to them and offer caring words they may never hear otherwise.” The dolls, called Yumel in Japanese, have a vocabulary of 1,200 phrases. The makers are marketing Yumel not as toys but as “healing partners” for elderly Japanese. Since their limited introduction three months ago, more than 6,000 Yumel have been sold. Some of the customers are so taken with their dolls that it bothers them when...

Inventors Find Niche in Office Toys Sat Mar 5, 2005 By Jan Paschal NEW YORK (Reuters) - If your bonus wasn't big enough, tell MoneyMan. Or if you'd like to tell your boss where to go, download your disgust -- without fear -- on BossMan. Sure, they're plastic and just 6 inches high. These new action figures -- and techie counterpart GeekMan -- are "everyday superheroes" that give adults a way to let off steam or get some laughs out of the absurdities of the workplace. "We're geeks. So we started with GeekMan," said Shirley Yee, 29, who creates the...

TOKYO (AFP) - As Japan produces fewer children and more retirees, toymakers are designing new dolls designed not for the young but for the lonely elderly -- companions which can sleep next to them and offer caring words they may never hear otherwise. Talking toys have become such a hit that some elderly people have embraced them as substitutes for the children who have grown old and deserted entire neighborhoods in the rapidly greying country. The Yumel doll, which looks like a baby boy and has a vocabulary of 1,200 phrases, is billed as a "healing partner" for the elderly...

CHICAGO — Stephanie Logan rushed to Chicago's American Girl (search) store to buy the doll maker's latest collectible, “Marisol,” for her 4-year-old. "I wasn't sure if they were going to take it off the line or off the market, so I wanted to be sure she could have one, just so she could understand the content of the doll later on," Logan said. That content is attracting plenty of controversy. Like all American Girl dolls, Marisol comes with a book. In her story line, the Mexican-American doll lives in Pilsen, a predominantly Hispanic community in Chicago. But on page 17,...

Euro scum!

Religious Action Figures? Huh?  In the same vein as HanoverBaptist.org and Betty "I'm A Better Christian Than You" Bowers, comes the apparently fictional Jesus Christ Superstore. The primary item up for "sale" are action figures for all the world's major religions.The Christian section includes figures of "God Almighty," complete with Kingdom-Come Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle and wearing the "Hallowed cloak of invulnerability." There are also figures of "The Pope" (with Holy Cross Kali sticks, 'Meek and Mild' Walther PPK handgun and wearing his blood red Vatican Assault uniform) and Jesus Christ (includes Ninja-Messiah throwing nails and Death Killer-Cross pump action over-under...

A children's toy sold at a local mall is upsetting some people. It bears the picture of Osama bin Laden. Area veterans and one mother say the toy has no place under anyone's tree. It all began with a shopping trip at Mall of the Mainland in Texas City. But what was found at one store inside has ignited a chain reaction of complaints. The store sells merchandise advertised for just about a dollar, including small toys. It's attractive to a young mother on a budget. But she was startled by what she found with her son. "I was kind...

Hillary Clinton, the action hero SUNDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2004 02:36:49 PM LONDON: She might not be Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Hillary Clinton has surely inspired an action figure. According to Ananova , a new action figure of Hilary Clinton will be available from November 1. The doll can be pre-ordered on the internet from the US makers, hero builders for $19.95 dollars. The doll comes with a navy blue suit and shoes with a light blue blouse and lily white underwear.

Angry doll marketer threatens to market Schwarzenegger urinal cakes Fri Aug 13, 2:34 PM ET LOS ANGELES (AFP) - An angry businessman who was sued by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites) for marketing bobblehead dolls in his likeness said he would now market "Arnie" urinal cakes. Washington lobbyist John Edgell was one of the defendants sued by the movie star politician for marketing a nodding bobblehead doll of Schwarzenegger brandishing an assault rifle. Earlier this month, the doll's manufacturers settled the lawsuit and agreed to disarm the mini-Terminator, but furious Edgell -- who had a deal with...

Look out Bush and Kerry, Barbie's making a run for the White House. No. 1 toy manufacturer Mattel Inc. launched a presidential campaign for its popular fashion doll at the flagship Toys R Us store in Manhattan's Times Square on Thursday. The promotion is being conducted in partnership with the White House Project, a group that encourages women to run for public office. Dozens of girls aged 3 to 12 attended the "press conference" wearing shirts emblazoned with slogans like "Future Frontrunner" and carrying signs that said "Go Vote. Go Run. Go Lead. Go Girl." The event comes months after...

Settlement term: No gun for future Arnold dolls Companies representing marketing aspects of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's acting career say they've settled their lawsuit against an Ohio company which sold bobblehead dolls that looked by the actor's "Terminator" movie character -- with a kinder, gentler Schwarzenegger bobblehead emerging. Two lawsuits filed by Oak Productions Inc. and Fitness Publications Inc. against Ohio Discount Merchandise Inc. and Todd and Toby Bosley have been resolved. Financial terms to the settlement were not disclosed. The suits, filed in Los Angeles, were in connection with the sale of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger bobblehead dolls and the...

Barbie's new surfer boyfriend Blaine had better look out. He's about to meet his match — but the love rival isn't a man, it's another woman. And she's a New Yorker. "Bobbie Doll" goes on sale this week as the world's first lesbian action figure in an edgy new toy series called DYKEdolls. With her leather jacket, muscle T-shirt, tattoo and downtown attitude, 12-inch-high Bobbie is poised to take the doll world by storm. And her New York creator cheekily believes she might even "catch the eye" of her West Coast plastic counterpart — the ultimate California girl, Barbie, who...

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Several peace groups are demanding the Minnesota Twins abandon plans to give G.I. Joe action figures to 5,000 children as part of a team promotion honoring local military personnel. The Minnesota Twins will present Duke, ``the calm and determined battlefield commander of the G.I. Joe team,'' at Monday night's game against the Kansas City Royals in the first patriotic giveaway in the major leagues this season. ``I think the Twins are way off base with this idea,'' said John Varone, a Vietnam veteran and president of the Twin Cities chapter of Veterans for Peace. ``For gosh sakes,...

The popular doll from Mattel Inc. (MAT: down $0.16 to $18.09, Research, Estimates) has a new love in her life, an Australian surfer named Blaine, the world's largest toymaker said Tuesday. Over the past few weeks, Mattel said more than 2 million people worldwide logged on to Barbie.com to help the world's most famous plastic-looking girl choose a new beau after Ken, her previous long-term boyfriend, was ditched earlier this year. The Blaine doll was the undisputed winner, the company said. After 43 years as one of the world's best-looking couples, Mattel announced the breakup of Barbie and Ken in...

<p>NEW YORK — She’s newly single, has trendier clothes and new managers. But can Barbie (search) compete with a hip gang of girls with a "passion for fashion?"</p> <p>On the heels of some recent bad sales news for Barbie, Mattel announced plans to revamp the all-American doll with a modern style. But experts say that Barbie will have to be tough to take on spunky Bratz (search) dolls, which have continued to grow in popularity since they were unveiled in 2001.</p>

<p>NEW YORK — One of America's most famous couples is calling it quits. Are you sitting down?</p> <p>After 43 years together, Barbie and Ken (search) — as in the dolls — have decided that breaking up is hard to do, but do it they must.</p>

<p>LIVONIA — Watch out, Barbie. There’s a new girl in toy town, and she doesn’t have long blonde hair or a waist the diameter of a dime. Her name is Razanne, and with her flowing clothes and traditional Muslim head scarf called a hijab, she’s putting a Livonia company on the map by creating dolls targeted to Muslim girls.</p>

<p>LONDON — Stick-wielding Saudi religious police were raiding toy stores and gift shops in the desert kingdom to seize anything related to the Western holiday season, including flowers, candles, stuffed animals, Barbie dolls and other items considered evil.</p> <p>The squads of police from the "Authority for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" are targeting the New Year period, which is considered a non-Muslim festival, in an attempt to eliminate Western corrupting influences.</p>

HOUSTON - If Barbie is attracted to leaders of the free world, Ken may have a rival or two. Toy Presidents Inc., a tiny Houston company, is selling 13-inch-high dolls of President Bush that utter 25 different phrases from the commander in chief. He's the first of a series that will include former presidents Clinton, Reagan, Kennedy, Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. Each presidential doll wears clothing reminiscent of his era, such as Lincoln's top hat and Bush's navy suit, red tie and black cowboy boots adorned with the presidential seal. "We almost want them to be little time...

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has banned the importation of female dolls and stuffed animals, giving merchants three months to dispose of such stock, a state-guided newspaper reported Wednesday. Interior Minister Prince Nayef ordered the ban which was relayed around the country by the national Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites) and Industry, Al-Riyadh said. The daily gave no reason for the ban, which could not be confirmed with government officials Wednesday. Strict interpretations of Islamic law ban representations of living beings and any exposure of the female figure. The ban singled out stuffed-animal toys and female dolls....

Saudi Arabia has banned the importation of female dolls and teddy bears, giving merchants three months to dispose of such stock, said a state-controlled newspaper yesterday. Prince Nayef, the interior minister, ordered the ban which was relayed around the country by the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Al-Riyadh. The daily gave no reason for the ban, which could not be confirmed with government officials. The edict singled out stuffed-animal toys and female dolls, but it was not clear whether male dolls were included. The order also prohibited importation of crucifixes and models of Buddha, said the newspaper. The...

Saudi Arabia has banned the importation of female dolls and teddy bears, giving merchants three months to dispose of such stock, a state-guided newspaper reported Wednesday. Interior Minister Prince Nayef ordered the ban which was relayed around the country by the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al-Riyadh said. The daily gave no reason for the ban, which could not be confirmed with government officials Wednesday. The ban singled out stuffed-animal toys and dolls of brides. It made no mention of male dolls and it was not clear if these were banned as well. The order also prohibited the importation...

NEW YORK (AFP) - It didn't take long, and just in time for the holidays, the "Captured Saddam," action figure, presumably fresh out of an imaginary spider-hole, has been rushed to store shelves. "We got him," advertises Herobuilders.com. "We are thrilled at the fact that we can respond to new world circumstances within 24 hours. "We still mold and hand paint each and every action figure right here in the Good Old USA," adds the company which specializes in political playthings, and also is proud to feature Uday Hussein and macabre DOA (dead on arrival) Uday dolls. Also in the...

Barely a day after being captured, Saddam Hussein the captive has been released in doll version. Americans can now buy a heavily bearded doll of the defeated dictator. The doll comes complete with shaggy beard and an ace of spades T-shirt -- a reference to the U.S. most wanted deck of cards. The site admits: "At first you might not recognize this action figure. U.S. soldiers didn't recognize the man either, with his ratty hair and wild beard." The web site also has an action figure of Saddam with a mustache, which can be fitted with S&M gear at an...

THE world's first talking gay dolls are set to come out of the toy box in Australia in time for Christmas. Openly gay Elton the Biker and his plastic partner, Marshall, have racked up 300,000 sales in the US and Europe since their release 11 months ago despite an outcry from family and church groups. Their imminent arrival in Australia has brought similar outrage. The president of the Australian Family Association, Bill Muehlenberg, failed to see any humour in the dolls. "Given what a high-risk lifestyle it is, I'm against anything that encourages kids to explore it," Mr Muehlenberg said....

http://www.talkingpresidents.com/products-af-coulter.shtml Ann Coulter Talking Action Figure $29.99 plus S&H Accepting Pre-Orders Now! Orders will ship first week of November, 2003. Please be advised, if you order other products, the entire order will not ship until then. Listen To Her speak! Below are only a few of the 14 different phrases that the Ann Coulter Action figure says when you press her button. Batteries Included DON'T FORGET EXTRA BATTERIES!

New dolls to be released in November 2003!!! Great Christmas gifts!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio Jenna Debryn shows off a Razanne doll at her home. LIVONIA, Mich. -- At first glance, this new girl on the block doesn't give Barbie much of a run for her money. After all, Barbie is everything Razanne is not -- curvaceous, flashy and loaded with sex appeal.But that's exactly why many Muslim Americans prefer Razanne, with her long-sleeved dresses, head scarf and, by her creator Ammar Saadeh's own admission, a not-so-buxom bustline.For Saadeh, the doll not only fills a marketing void but also offers Muslim girls someone they can relate to."The main message we try...

LIVONIA, Mich. — At first glance, this new girl on the block doesn't give Barbie much of a run for her money. After all, Barbie is everything Razanne is not — curvaceous, flashy and loaded with sex appeal.

Muslim Girls Get More Demure Barbie Alternative Wednesday, October 08, 2003 LIVONIA, Mich. — At first glance, this new girl on the block doesn't give Barbie much of a run for her money. After all, Barbie is everything Razanne is not — curvaceous, flashy and loaded with sex appeal. But that's exactly why many Muslim Americans prefer Razanne (search), with her long-sleeved dresses, head scarf and, by her creator Ammar Saadeh's own admission, a not-so-buxom bustline. For Saadeh, the doll not only fills a marketing void but also offers Muslim girls someone they can relate to. "The main message we...

Primary pupils to get lesbian doll lessons JASON CUMMING CONTROVERSIAL dolls are set to be used to teach Capital primary schoolchildren about same-sex relationships. But the Lottery-funded project was today branded inappropriate by church leaders and drew criticism from opposition councillors for focusing on the differences between people. The Lesbian Mothers Scotland group has set up the scheme after being given a £4819 You and Your Community Award from the Millennium Commission to create so-called Persona Dolls which will be used at the city’s Leith Walk Primary school. Backers claim that the dolls offer opportunities to discuss issues including...

Wacko Saudis Condemn 'Jewish' Barbie Doll The only plastic Malibu Barbie we know of who's Jewish is Barbra Streisand, but Saudi Arabia's thought police claim the toy is a Semitic conspiracy. "Jewish Barbie dolls, with their revealing clothes and shameful postures, accessories and tools are a symbol of decadence to the perverted West. Let us beware of her dangers and be careful," raged the kingdom's Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The new campaign against Barbie, banned for more than 10 years in Saudi Arabia, coincides with the start of the school year to remind children...