Media Head over 'Heelys' with 'Dangerous Toy' Hype

NewsBusters.org ^ | June 21, 2007 | Ken Shepherd

[freemarket_kenshepherd]

The Washington Post's Fredrick Kunkle let a leftist group skate away with the bland "nonprofit group" tag. The group, the Boston-based World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) named Heelys -- a pair of sneakers with small wheels recessed into the heel -- the worst toy of 2006.

But a review of WATCH's Web site reveals that the group is headed by a trial attorney who boasts of raking in "record-setting settlements and jury verdicts throughout the country."

Oh, and they don't like toy laser guns, although they, you know, don't actually shoot real lasers:

[ClearCase_guy]

Happy Fun Ball is still legal in 16 states. It’s happy. It’s fun. It’s Happy Fun Ball!

[Huntress]

My 10 year old nephew is on his second pair of Heelys, having outgrown the first pair. He loves them, and has not gotten hurt, so far as I know.

[KarlInOhio]

Am I the only one who gets the urge to clothesline some kid rolling by on his heelys while at a store?

[akorahil]

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

[Huntress]

Am I the only one who gets the urge to clothesline some kid rolling by on his heelys while at a store?

No.

[SJSAMPLE]

Happy Fun Ball contains a toxic, glowing substance that fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

[theDentist]

I’ve heard of them before. Some of their concerns are valid, small pieces that a toddler would put in mouth and swallow, but they also have some like toy guns that make noise, rubber knives etc because they promote violence instead of peaceful resolution.

[MarineBrat]

All who reject Happy Fun Ball can expect a ..... visit.

[Spok]

“Oh, and they don’t like toy laser guns, although they, you know, don’t actually shoot real lasers:”

And don’t get them started on gravity.

[theDentist]

Am I the only one who gets the urge to clothesline some kid rolling by on his heelys while at a store?

If he's 17, no. But be aware the store likely has video, and that's strong evidence in a lawsuit. :)

[massgopguy]

What about, Johnny Human Torch and Bag O Glass?

[Sybeck1]

What’s next? Lawndarts?

[angcat]

My daughter heelys all over the place including the mall. She loves them also but she did take a spill on the driveway one day, she was heeling on ice!

[ClearCase_guy]

I hope she didn’t spend too much time healing on the couch!

[MarineBrat]

>>What’s next? Lawndarts?

I really miss Jarts!

[angcat]

LOL

[chaos_5]

No, you are not alone.

[gnarledmaw]

"Am I the only one who gets the urge to clothesline some kid rolling by on his heelys while at a store?"

Apparently not. I was polled yesterday by a national organization as to whether "tennis shoes with little recessed wheels" should be outlawed or just banned from stores/malls.

[bigcheese]

Back in my day, all we had to play with was paper towel tubes, ping pong balls, duct tape, hairspray and a lighter. Wonder what these do-gooders would think about the toys we came up with?!?!?!