So the latest line of cutified characters-as-action-figures for kids from Hasbro is one based on the Indiana Jones franchise. Like the X-Men line and it's innappropriate use of a character who was killed, autopsied and then returned from the dead (Elektra) this line, too, has a questionably chosen character who has been cutified. In this case, it's the Nazi mechanic from the first and best Indy movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark". There's something that says "not kid-friendly" about this adorable little guy. Maybe it's the fact that in the movie this same character's face gets sliced off by a plane-propeller. Yeah, that's probably it. Elsewhere in the Indy line of cutified action figures: The incredibly precious Cairo Swordsman whom an equally adorable bewipped Indy can fell with a single shot from his cartonishly huge pistol. A truly cutified (and blueified) ghost from the ark who's cinematic counterpart melted faces. An adorably animated mummy, inhabited by a snake. In the original "Raiders" the pair terrorized Marion (though only the snake was animated). One other thing is worth noting regarding the set I picked up--the Nazi Mechanic isn't even referred to on the label as the Nazi Mechanic--he's simply called a "German" Mechanic. Leaving the word "Nazi" off of the label not only keeps kids "safe" from asking depressing questions but also turns the whole of the Hasbro toy company into Holocaust deniers. Yay! Hasbro hates the Jews!

During Servant Saturday in Jackson, MI we cleaned and sorted gently used toys for the Priceless Gift Toy Store in Jackson - allowing parents to redeem a voucher to select toys for their children for Christmas. A donated toddler's toy is being cleaned and inspected to be placed on the shelf for another family to enjoy for Christmas.