Toy for Tots rejects talking Jesus Dolls

I'm not really all that concerned that "A talking Jesus doll has been turned down by the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program," but I am a little worried that this doll looks more like Johnny Damon than Jesus.   Judge for yourself:

Toys for Tots rejects talking Jesus dolls

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A talking Jesus doll has been turned down by the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program.

A Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 of the 1-foot-tall dolls, which quote Bible verses, for distribution to needy children this holiday season.

The battery-powered Jesus is one of several dolls manufactured by one2believe, a division of the Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., based on biblical figures. (Watch to see and hear the Bible-quoting dolls -- 1:52)

But the charity balked because of the dolls' religious nature.

Toys are donated to kids based on financial need and "we don't know anything about their background, their religious affiliations," said Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Virginia.

As a government entity, Marines "don't profess one religion over another," Grein said Tuesday. "We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family."

Michael La Roe, director of business development for both companies, said the charity's decision left him "surprised and disappointed."

"The idea was for them to be three-dimensional teaching tools for kids," La Roe said. "I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible."

According to the company's Web site, the button-activated, bearded Jesus, dressed in hand-sewn cloth outfits and sandals, recites Scripture such as "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." It has a $20 retail value.

Grein questioned whether children would welcome a gift designed for religious instruction.

"Kids want a gift for the holiday season that is fun," he said.

The program distributed 18 million stuffed animals, games, toy trucks and other gifts to children in 2005.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/14/toy.jesus.ap/index.html

Error with the counter

I'm not sure why, but the counter on this page has been reset yet again.  Currently is shows 3 views, should be closer to 1,000.   All, well.  At least I know there are a few people checking out this journal.

Magic: The Best Defense Against Robbers!!!

Apparently, magic isn't just entertainment; and it can also be a crime deterrent.  Last April, magician David Copperfield "and two female assistants were walking from the Kravis Center (in South Florida) to their tour bus when they were approached by the teens."   The teens robbed Copperfiled's assistants, however, "the illusionist turned his pockets inside out to reveal nothing, although he was carrying his passport, wallet and cell phone."

Dude, you used your "powers" to save yourself, but didn't help your assistants?  Couldn't you make a lion appear out of thin air to chase off the crooks?  Nope, you made your belongings disappear, saving yourself from being robbed, while your assistants were left to fend for themselves.   Punk!

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Thief tricked by David Copperfield pleads guilty

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) -- One of three teenagers charged with attempting to rob illusionist David Copperfield as he left a performance has pleaded guilty.

Terrance Riley, 17, was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison for three counts of robbery with a weapon and one count of attempted robbery. He will be housed with other inmates under the age of 21.

Circuit Judge Edward Garrison also ordered Riley to testify against his two co-defendants, his brother Dwayne Riley, 18, and Markeith Jones, 17.

Copperfield, 50, and two female assistants were walking from the Kravis Center to their tour bus when they were approached by the teens April 23. The assistants handed over money and a cellphone, but the illusionist turned his pockets inside out to reveal nothing, although he was carrying his passport, wallet and cell phone.

"He said in depositions that he had things on him, but it wasn't difficult to make it seem like there was nothing there," prosecutor Sherri Collins said.

"Terrance was remorseful for what occurred, has told the truth about his involvement and would like everything to disappear," said his attorney, Franklin Prince. Prince said Riley hopes to finish high school behind bars.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/10/copperfield.robbed.ap/index.html