Top Christmas Toys for 2008 Oct 21, 2008
Barbie is as popular as ever this Christmas. Some of the hottest Barbie toys include Barbie & the Diamond Castle Playset and the Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist, which allows your little fashion diva to create her own designs on the computer. (Suite101.com)
Toymaker Profits Give Way to Holiday Fear Oct 21, 2008
Mattel, home to Barbie and Elmo, posted disappointing third-quarter results on Monday, while Hasbro, maker of the Monopoly game, topped Wall Street views. Shares in both traded lower, with Hasbro down 8 percent and Mattel slipping 5 percent despite a wider market rally. (ABC News -- Wire)
Toy makers brace for tough holiday Oct 21, 2008
Both Barbie maker Mattel Inc., the world's largest toy retailer, and rival Hasbro Inc. said as they announced third-quarter results Monday that price increases are helping offset rising costs, but noted that they could be hurt by the severity of the economic downturn ... Mattel still expects toys such as Elmo Live and the Barbie Diamond Castle dolls that are tied to a DVD to do well. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Shoppers Aren't In Jolly Mood For Holidays, Due To Economy Oct 21, 2008
On Oct. 1, the world's biggest retailer started selling 10 popular toys, such as Barbie Mariposa, for $10. The same day, rival Target () said it offers popular toys for $10 or less and that it will offer the "best price on most-wanted items.". (Investors Business Daily)
The generation of 'damaged' girls Oct 20, 2008
These outsell Barbie dolls in Britain by two to one and come dressed in miniskirts, fishnet stockings and feather boas. Disney's Little Mermaid or Pocahontas "which have more cleavage, fewer clothes and are depicted as sexier than characters of yesteryear" are also picked out. (Yahoo News -- Sex & Sexuality)
Mattel profit misses expectations Oct 20, 2008
Sales of Barbie remained weak, falling 1 per cent, but revenue from El Segundo, Calif. -based Mattel's Fisher-Price brands rose 4 per cent. Sales of American Girl toys rose 11 per cent, helped by the Kit Kittredge film. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Nunn promoting 'Victory Fund' Oct 17, 2008
So will the government too if he and his idiotic barbie is elected. By Duke. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Obama purchases half hour of primetime on CBS, also in talks with FOX, NBC... DEVELOPING... Oct 10, 2008
Can't wait to send him and Caribou Barbie packing home on Nov 4th. Posted by: Stevo. (The Drudge Report)
On Your Mind: A readers' comment section Oct 10, 2008
Arthur Dent wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:49 AM:" So in a McGoo/ Barbie Administration we will stay in Iraq but withdraw from Alaska? ". Catbert wrote on Oct 10, 2008 5:40 AM:" I don't understand todays poll. Why would they cancel the debate? This is McGoo's opportunity to go face to face with Obama and all of the things he has been accusing him of behind his back. ". (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Consumers likely to shop cautiously for toys Oct 8, 2008
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and KB Toys have each cut prices already on popular toys ranging from Mattel's Barbie to the Bakugan game to $10 or less, and Target Corp. said it is offering $10 toys as well, ahead of the holiday season. In addition to price cuts, KB Toys has expanded its value program, which offers promotions on new items each week, to include video games and DVD movies. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Christmas prices come early to Wal-Mart Oct 3, 2008
00 each, including certain Barbie Dolls, Play-Doh Ice Cream Shop, specific Hot Wheels toys and Bakugan by Spin Master, a game many experts cite as one of the "hot" toys this year. More from Forbes. (MSNBC -- Business)
Collectible store comes to Albany Sep 23, 2008
He discovered a Barbie doll at an antique store in California ... Soon he was selling Barbies at weekend shows, making more money than he was at his full-time job. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Education notes Sep 21, 2008
To volunteer or for more information, e-mail PTA President Barbie Linares at bml@nii. net. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Why so many bike fans are still high on the Hog Sep 18, 2008
The truth is, Harley at 105 is a smashingly successful story. From Thursday's Globe and Mail. (Globe and Mail)
The trees are coming! Sep 13, 2008
There was a Barbie Doll tree, a garden club tree, a sporting goods tree, a fishing tree including a guided trip, and one business created an airplane tree complete with model airplanes, airline tickets and an antique propellor. Other trees held gift certificates, vacations, clothing and jewelry among their twinkling lights anything that might represent the business or the idea they had in mind. (Havre Daily News, MT)
A change for real Sep 9, 2008
Caribou Barbie will not get my vote. " EDS wrote on Sep 6, 2008 3:06 AM:" McCain is a "POW songbird". (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
I lie for the sake of family and friends Sep 6, 2008
Ditto hatchets, swords, tomahawks, muskets, and Barbie. Second, I cannot tell a lie; had I been in that very same situation, there's no doubt in my mind that I'd have looked my beloved father straight in the eye and told a lie. (CNN)
Classified 8/28/08 Aug 29, 2008
Umbrella ons, Rug Shampooer, Vintage Barbie Dolls, Clothes sories. Dishes, Adult clothes, jewelry, Area rugs. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
The first day of the rest of their lives Aug 28, 2008
Gathering in the kindergarten classroom at Kings Mountain, Tristan sat cross-legged with 18 other students and stared wide-eyed at the class s new authority figure: Kindergarten teacher Barbara Princess Barbie Hutton, who introduced herself to the students in an airy voice dripping in honey. Here, we ll learn how to share, Hutton told her students. (Half Moon Bay Review, CA)
Barbie Shows Her Claws, Wins $100M Suit Aug 28, 2008
A three-month trial that pitted Mattel Inc. against Bratz-maker MGA Entertainment Inc. brought a $100 million jury award for the house of Barbie, but the legal battle is far from over. Still at question is whether MGA can continue to make and market its saucy, urban-influenced dolls and if it can, whether it will have to pay Mattel royalties for those rights. (ABC News -- Wire)
Read more... Aug 27, 2008
In addition, knowing the value that a smile brings to children fighting for their health, Mattel will continue its annual donation of more than 60,000 Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, Fisher Price mobiles and other toys to children in NACHRI-member children's hospitals throughout the year ... Make-A-Wish Foundation: Added as a Signature Partner in 2007, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will work with Mattel to grant American Girl, Barbie and Hot Wheels wishes for children facing life-threatening medical... (PNN Online)
Mattel Wins $99M In Bratz Lawsuit Aug 27, 2008
In the years following, Mattel's Barbie line saw sales unwind as the Bratz girls caught on. Bryant testified that he sketched and sculpted models for the Bratz dolls during a break in his employment from Mattel in the late 1990s. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Pixar Recruits Batman For Toy Story 3 Aug 26, 2008
Very exciting news coming out of Hollywood, as that our favorite , Michael Keaton, has joined the cast of Toy Story 3 as the voice of Barbie s boyfriend, Ken. Not much beyond that is known, and the film s plot itself is a bit of an enigma. (MTV.com)
Clinton Advisers Skipping Obama Speech... Aug 26, 2008
Politics Newsletter (M-F). The Presidential Field. (The Drudge Report)
Smackdown in Toyland Aug 20, 2008
However, Mega Brands doesn't have Lego's oomph when it comes to brand identity, said Ms. Zwiers, a former Mattel executive who was responsible for the successful relaunch of Barbie in the 1990s. Mega Brands' biggest opportunity is to really start nurturing a more consumer-oriented brand. (Globe and Mail)
These doll houses are not meant for Barbie and Ken Aug 5, 2008
By Nate Robson / The Citizen. Monday, August 4, 2008 11:41 AM EDT. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Apple: Out of Touch With Server Room Needs Aug 2, 2008
It's the company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels (not to mention Tumblin' Monkeys), so it certainly knows a thing or two about toys. Maybe its designers have enough time to put together an enterprise OS.. (Datamation)
The (comic) Force is with Seth Green in new DVD Jul 25, 2008
I had Boba Fett and Barbie go out on a date once my 12-inch Boba Fett and my sister's Barbie, he recalls. But who could fault Boba Fett for being smitten. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Countdown to Cabelas under way Jul 24, 2008
In the fishing section, Spider-Man and Barbie fishing kits await children headed for the lake with grandpa. Rows and rows of shiny bright lures are ready for anglers seeking a prize catch. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
To The Point Jul 21, 2008
Mattel () was helped by a weaker dollar, a price hike and toys tied to summer blockbuster movies such as "Batman: The Dark Knight," "Speed Racer" and "Kung Fu Panda." Sales were up for core brands like Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, but declined 6% for Barbie. Shares surged 13% to 20. (Investors Business Daily)
Could Mattel End Up With Bratz? Jul 20, 2008
It was the Battle of the Dolls, and Barbie has won ... The July 17 decision represents a rare shot of good news for Mattel, which has suffered a major loss of market share for its flagship Barbie brand since the Bratz launch ... Barbie sales worldwide fell 6. (BusinessWeek)
* Business Quick Take Jul 20, 2008
The worlds largest toy maker, Mattel, on Friday won a court case against competitor MGA, maker of the Bratz dolls that have drawn customers away from its classic Barbie dolls. A 10-member federal jury in Riverside, California, ruled that the design for the Bratz, with their modern, urban look and cartoonish large heads and eyes, was conceived by designer Carter Bryant while he was working under contract at Mattel. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Mattel's 2Q Profit Falls Sharply, but Tops View Jul 19, 2008
In this Feb. 14, 2008 file photo Barbie High School Musical is displayed at the American. In this Feb. 14, 2008 file photo Barbie High School Musical is displayed at the American International Toy Fair in New York ... Toy maker Mattel Inc. said Friday, July 18, 2008, its second-quarter profit fell by nearly half, hurt by lower global demand for Barbie toys and higher costs, but results still beat Wall Street expectations. (ABC News -- Wire)
El Segundo-Based Mattel Claims Victory In 'Bratz' Trial Jul 18, 2008
Mattel alleged that doll designer developed the concept for the Bratz dolls while under contract with Mattel and took the idea to MGA, which manufactured the figures, displacing Barbie as queen of the dollhouse ... By that time, Bratz had chipped away at Barbie's market share ... In its first quarter earnings report, filed in April, Mattel reported a 12 percent decline in domestic Barbie sales. (NBC4.tv, CA)
The generation of 'damaged' girls Jul 18, 2008
These outsell Barbie dolls in Britain by two to one and come dressed in miniskirts, fishnet stockings and feather boas. Disney's Little Mermaid or Pocahontas "which have more cleavage, fewer clothes and are depicted as sexier than characters of yesteryear" are also picked out. (Yahoo News -- Sex & Sexuality)
Jury finds in favor of Mattel in Bratz trial Jul 18, 2008
Bratz dolls surround a Barbie in a Dream Toys 2004 exhibition ... A nine-member federal jury in California found the creator of the multi-ethnic, big-headed dolls, Carter Bryant, created their characters and the name while he was under contract as a Barbie designer at Mattel. (USA Today -- Money)
Stocks open lower on Google, Microsoft earnings Jul 18, 2008
Toy maker Mattel said its second-quarter profit fell by nearly half, hurt by lower global demand for Barbie toys and higher costs, but results still beat Wall Street expectations. The maker of Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price toys reported quarterly profit dropped 48% to $11. (USA Today -- Money)
Why husband's IQ plummets Jul 15, 2008
Let s ask the Barbie Bandit Parents ... The Barbie Bandits parents gave up on them way too soon. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Shoot for the moon, girl Space Campers told Jul 8, 2008
Scout grads listen to pilot's pep talk; Barbie runs late ... A special group of Girl Scouts was to help introduce a new, limited-edition 2008 Space Camp Barbie here last week, but the doll's been delayed ... The special Barbie - is that redundant. (AL.com)
Doll makers try to keep up with times Jul 6, 2008
The industry, which has had mixed success harnessing the high-tech fads, has been relying on dolls like Wet-and-Wipe Paul and the classic, Barbie, to buoy sales in an uncertain economic climate ... Just 15 years ago, there was far less choice in dolls the selection was mostly limited to collectibles, babies or Barbie ... Barbie, the longtime queen of toy sales, shocked observers when she underwent a kind of midlife crisis a few years ago (the doll was created in 1959) and was dethroned from her... (New Haven Register, CT)
Dolls With Down Syndrome May Help Kids Jun 28, 2008
"When these children pick up a doll such as a Barbie they can't see themselves, and they needed something to identify with.". The Down syndrome dolls which feature physical characteristics including almond-shaped eyes, a small mouth, a slightly protruding tongue and low-set ears reflect many of the same developmental features brought about by the genetic condition. (ABC News)
Sexy music videos face Saturday morning TV ban Jun 27, 2008
There is more to life than being a barbie doll, where are the Alanis Morrisette's, Dana Scully's- strong, smart women 00003E97 of this generation. And why isn't the media doing anything about it. (NEWS.com.au)
All that glitters is not old Jun 21, 2008
Barbara Little of Apex never played with the early Barbie doll collection she brought in. It included a stern-looking blond No. 3 Barbie that Zalkin considers a relatively rare find and a full wardrobe of satin ball gowns, high-heel shoes and wigs. (News & Observer)
Retailers, Brand Owners Seek Fortunes at Licensing Show Jun 11, 2008
At the event, being attended by about 25,000 people, owners of brands -- from toys like Barbie and G.I. Joe to beverages like Dr. Pepper -- meet manufacturers who seek the rights to use the brands on their products ... At rival and top U.S. toymaker Mattel Inc , Barbie T-shirts, bags, and golf clubs, and similar Hot Wheels products were on display prominently. (ABC News -- Wire)
Osian's Mumbai chapter set to gather steam Jun 8, 2008
Osian's Mumbai chapter set to gather steam - ExpressIndia. Osian's Mumbai chapter set to gather steam. (Expressindia.com)
Europe on the cheap Jun 7, 2008
Klaus Barbie strutted down the halls. And artifacts include a spy's radio transmitter concealed in a suitcase and letters from the doomed. (Globe and Mail)
Classifieds 6/4/08 Jun 5, 2008
4 family, holiday Barbies, adult and child s clothing ... Barbie Jeep, French Doors, boys stingray bike, crib, Dora items, port a/c, record player, clothes, infant toys , books and more. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Thomas the Tank coming to Hill City Jun 5, 2008
According to the Strong Museum Web site, there are 38 toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame, including Candy Land, Teddy Bear, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head and Barbie. If Thomas is inducted, Warder said she thinks it would recognize him for the impact he has had on families and kids worldwide. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
The spending trap: Parents struggle with spending on their children, especially in difficult economic times Jun 4, 2008
I ve never heard someone say I really wish my mom would have gotten me that Barbie. I hear people saying I wish that my mom and dad had been home more or listened to me more or that I felt more loved. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Doll Makers Go to War: Barbie vs. Bratz May 30, 2008
Barbie Goes to Court ... Clinton vs. Obama it may not be, but the battle of Barbie vs. Bratz is a showdown that could net hundreds of millions of dollars for the world's largest toy maker ... The makers of Barbie and Bratz are in a heated legal battle. (ABC News -- Business)
Brawl over Barbie doll is heading to trial May 24, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Four years ago, Mattel Inc. exhorted its executives to help save Barbie from a new doll clique called the Bratz. "The House is on Fire!" said an internal presentation on the decline of its iconic Barbie doll franchise ... Barbie needed to be more "aggressive, revolutionary, and ruthless.". (AZCentral -- News)
It's no longer enough to just be a toy May 22, 2008
Mattel's Barbie brand has been languishing and Littlest Pet Shop has thrived, she said. The line of collectible toy pets already has a Web site, Littlest Pet Shop VIPs, where girls can enter a virtual world with their pet, and coming soon will be three different games for the Nintendo DS based on the line, Mr. Goldner said. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Jury selection starts in Mattel lawsuit over Bratz May 21, 2008
LOS ANGELES Marketed as a group of girls with a passion for fashion, Bratz dolls have been nothing but a financial headache for Barbie-maker Mattel Inc.. Barbie sales have slumped since the pouty-lipped Bratz line hit shelves in 2001 and girls were drawn to their edgy, urban design themes ... 6 million loss in the first quarter with Barbie sales flat and a 13 percent drop in worldwide sales for its Fisher-Price brand. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Mattel Settles Suit With Bratz Inventor May 20, 2008
Mattel had said he conceived the big-headed, pouty-lipped toys while he worked at the company as a Barbie designer ... A federal judge in California last month cleared the way for Barbie doll maker Mattel to go forward with its lawsuit ... Sales of Barbie dolls have waned in recent years amid fierce competition from Bratz dolls, which burst onto the market in 2001. (ABC News -- Wire)
The resurgence of 'pocketbook patriotism' May 20, 2008
Then came the mass recalls of well-known toys: Thomas the Tank Engine, Barbie, Dora the Explorer. Next it was suspected issues with medicine and even candy. (MSNBC -- Business)
Classified 5/16/08 May 17, 2008
Lots of barbies and barbie furniture. Dress up clothes and lots of toys and games. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Serious playtime May 10, 2008
VIRTUAL WORLD NUMBERS Habbo - 90m accounts NeoPets - 45m accounts IMVU - 20m accounts Club Penguin - 15m accounts Star Doll - 15m accounts Gaia - 12m accounts Barbie Girls - 12m accounts Source: K Zero ... For instance, he said, the Barbie Girls was won when a child got hold of the Barbie MP3 player. (BBC News -- Technology)
Memories of Mom and the button cup May 8, 2008
It seemed all my clothes were knit in Barbie pink - you know the color if you've walked down the hot-pink, headache-inducing aisle at Toys R Us. Mom must have bought out every skein of bright pink yarn at the fabric store; she had a seemingly endless supply from which she made outfits for my dolls and stuffed animals that matched mine. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Political Grapevine May 2, 2008
Study co-author Noel Kennlyside says it's a temporary reprieve adding, "We thought a lot about the way to present this because we don't want it to be turned around in the wrong way. I hope it doesn't become a message of Exxon Mobil and other skeptics.'' Past Due Comedian turned politician Al Franken has admitted not paying taxes in 17 states dating back to the year 2003. Franken is currently vying for the Democratic nomination to face incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman this fall. Franken... (Fox News)
Barbie, Ready For Global Domination May 2, 2008
Iran takes new shot at Barbie, calling US doll 'destructive. Article:Iran takes new shot at Barbie, calling US doll 'destruc:/n/a/2008/04/28/international/i075803D40 ... DTL Article:Iran takes new shot at Barbie, calling US doll 'destruc:/n/a/2008/04/28/international/i075803D40. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Letters to the Editor May 2, 2008
Barbie Linares President Georgetown PTA Please support Suzanne Lind To the editor. I am writing this letter in support of Mrs. Suzanne Lind, who is a candidate for election to the Georgetown Housing Authority. (Georgetown Record, MA)
A yard sale for the troops May 2, 2008
Someone donated hundreds of brand new Barbie dolls, said Moody. Someone else donated a brand new set of golf clubs, to top off a collection of used clubs. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Iran Blasts "Barbie" May 2, 2008
Iranian shopkeeper Hamid Reza Delband displays American Barbie dolls at his shop, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, April 28, 2008 ... (AP) A top Iranian judiciary official is warning against the "destructive" cultural and social consequences of importing Barbie dolls and other Western toys ... In the latest salvo in a more than decade-old government campaign against Barbie, Prosecutor General Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi said in an official letter to Vice President Parviz Davoudi that the doll and other... (CBS News -- World)
The Top Internet Toy Stores Apr 22, 2008
These internet toy stores are the best places to buy toys online; from Barbie to Hot Wheels and even eclectic toys, try one of these online toy stores today ... Whether you re looking for a popular toy like the latest Barbie Doll or an eclectic Waldorf-inspired doll, one of these top internet toy stores will have what you re looking for. (Suite101.com)
Mattel cites costs for 1Q loss; Hasbro earns rise 14 pct Apr 22, 2008
Barbie maker Mattel Inc., struggling with higher costs and a big drop in sales of its Fisher-Price toys following last year's lead-related recalls, disappointed Wall Street on Monday with a $46. 6 million loss in the first quarter. (ABC News -- Wire)
