1983: Year of Toys for Children and Adults Nov 5, 2009
Another favorite of young girls was My Little Pony, a set of six colorful ponies at one point so popular they outsold Barbie dolls. And much to the delight of boys everywhere, the first Nintendo console, Famicom, the original Nintendo, was released in Japan. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Popular Products of 1979 Nov 3, 2009
They've featured the trendiest dolls from Barbie as well as the highly demanded cars and trucks like Hot Wheels. There have been space aliens named Gill Face and Veined Cranium, and handsome heroes such as Captain Kirk, G.I. Joe, and, of course, Ronald McDonald. (CBS News -- Early Show)
an inanely-obvious analysis of why children love Curious George Nov 3, 2009
Where can you purchase the Twilight Barbie dolls. As of right now there are. (Harper's Magazine)
Wal-Mart Announces Second Round of Toy Price Cuts Nov 2, 2009
After it reduced toy prices at the end of September, Target Corp responded with price cuts of as much as 50 percent on toys like Barbie and G.I. Joe. Analysts said many of these holiday price cuts are planned in advanced, allowing retailers to protect their margins. (ABC News -- Wire)
Lost in a maze Oct 31, 2009
In addition to the Mindflex game, Mattel said it's seeing strong demand for Barbie Fashionista, Rocky the Robot Truck and UNO Moo ... In addition to the Mindflex game, Mattel said it's seeing strong demand for Barbie Fashionista, Rocky the Robot Truck and UNO Moo. (New York Post -- News)
Jonathan Adler discusses his new Boston store Oct 29, 2009
Q. You recently worked on a line of Barbie-inspired products ... A. Well, just to explain, Barbie called me up and asked me to design her Malibu dream house for her 50th birthday ... I still feel guilty about decapitating my sister s Barbie and burying her in the backyard. (Boston Globe)
A diamond in the rough Oct 27, 2009
Pre-1965 Barbie dolls, GI Joe dolls and Shirley Temple dolls are especially attractive to collectors, too. Allen brought in a variety of items, including a doll originally purchased with Green Stamps, Beatles buttons, thimbles, funeral home fans and a tin soldier that was part of a set. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Mattel's Q3 Earnings Fall 3.5% on Sales Decline Oct 20, 2009
5% amid weak international Barbie sales, a lack of entertainment-inspired toys and unfavorable foreign-exchange rates ... Sales slid 8% as its major business unit was hurt by weak international sales of Barbie and sales of toys tied to movies and television programs ... Weakness in that category, which fell 15%, was mostly because last year's results were boosted by toys related to movies including "The Dark Knight" and "Kung Fu Panda." U.S. Barbie sales were flat. (SmartMoney)
Mattel 3rd-quarter earnings decline 3 percent Oct 16, 2009
Sales of Barbie declined 8 percent, while Fisher Price toy sales slipped 4 percent. Comments. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Mattel Lead Settlement Could Add up to $50M-Plus Oct 15, 2009
The affected toys include popular lines including certain Sesame Street toys, Dora the Explorer and Diego toys made by Fisher-Price, and certain Mattel toys, such as Batman, Polly Pocket, Barbie accessories, and Sarge cars. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Mattel toy settlement could total $50 million Oct 15, 2009
The affected toys include popular lines including certain Sesame Street toys, Dora the Explorer and Diego toys made by Fisher-Price, and certain Mattel toys, such as Batman, Polly Pocket, Barbie accessories, and Sarge cars. If approved by the court, the settlement will require Mattel and Fisher-Price to provide refunds to consumers and reimburse families who incurred costs for testing their children for lead exposure. (MSNBC -- Business)
Mattel settles lawsuit over high levels of lead in Chinese toys Oct 15, 2009
The affected toys include popular lines including certain toys, and Diego toys made by Fisher-Price, and certain Mattel toys, such as Batman, Polly Pocket, Barbie accessories, and Sarge cars. If approved by the court, the settlement will require Mattel and Fisher-Price to provide refunds to consumers and reimburse families who incurred costs for testing their children for lead exposure. (USA Today -- Money)
Saving $$ This Holiday Weekend Oct 10, 2009
Target responded by announcing its own discounts, including a $5 Barbie. Sears. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Gun-Toting Soccer Mom, Husband Found Dead Oct 9, 2009
Meleanie Hain, Who Became Voice of Gun-Rights Movement, Part of Apparent Murder-Suicide. Meleanie Hain, who was wearing her weapon, a loaded Glock 26, in a holster to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game, in this Sept., 23, 2008 file photo taken at Optimist Park in Lebanon, Pa. (CBS News)
Sex Crime Charges Shock Ore. Town Oct 9, 2009
"Barbie So In Style" Dolls Are a Far Cry From Christie, the First Black Barbie Doll Introduced in the 1960s. President Obama and His Family Scan the Stars from the White House Lawn. (CBS News)
Mattel Introduces Black Barbies Oct 9, 2009
This photo released by Mattel shows "Barbie So In Style" shows the Trichelle and Janessa dolls ... Barbie can bring you some decent dollars if you collect different versions and wait long enough to sell ... (AP) Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbie dolls with fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones - a far cry from Christie, Barbie's black friend who debuted in the 1960s and was essentially a white doll painted brown. (CBS News)
Hollywood's New Toys Oct 4, 2009
have bought the rights to Lego, Dreamworks bought View-Master, and Universal bought Ouija, Candyland, Battleship, and Barbie. Why It's a Gamble. (Suite101.com)
Toy Stories: Hottest Cheap Toys for the Holidays Oct 3, 2009
Robot Hamsters and Fashionable Barbies Are Expected to Be Hot Items This Season ... The latest Barbie incarnation, Barbie Fashionistas, whcih retail for $12 each, is expected to be one of the hottest toys this holiday season, according to Timetoplaymag ... The annual list of the toys predicted to be the breakout hits of the holiday season, include a fashion-conscious Barbie, a battery-operated hamster, a "Star Wars" spacecraft from Lego, a robotic riff on the old yellow dump truck and a video... (ABC News -- Business)
Wal-Mart supersizes holiday toy program Oct 2, 2009
Wal-Mart is offering more than 100 toys, including Barbie dolls and board games, for $10 each, throughout the Christmas shopping season ... This year, the retailer has ramped up the program and is offering more than 100 toys, including Barbie dolls and board games, for $10 each, throughout the Christmas shopping season. (MSNBC -- Business)
16 hottest holiday toys -- kid tested Oct 2, 2009
com picks Barbie Fashionistas, Crayola Crayon Town and LEGO Star Wars among the top toys of the year. Our experts, all under the age of 10, weigh in. (CNN -- Money)
Wal-Mart selling 100 $10 toys for holidays Oct 1, 2009
Some of the toys Wal-Mart is promoting this holiday include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, and My Little Pony So Soft Newborn. Several board games are available for $10, including Connect 4, Battleship, Monopoly, Trouble and Jenga, among others. (AZCentral -- Business)
Wal-Mart’s list of $10 toys grows Oct 1, 2009
Some of the toys that Wal-Mart is promoting this holiday season include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, and My Little Pony So Soft Newborn. Several board games are available for $10, as well, including Connect 4, Battleship, Monopoly, Trouble, and Jenga, among others. (Boston Globe)
Holiday Bargain: Wal-Mart To Offer 100 Toys For $10 Oct 1, 2009
Toys to be promoted include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, My Little Pony So Soft Newborn and others, according to Wal-Mart Stores Inc.. Toy retailers are ramping up competition for consumers' dollars. (KWTX.com, TX)
Wal-Mart expands $10 toy lineup for frugal shoppers Oct 1, 2009
Wal-Mart said it had worked with its suppliers over the last year to offer an assortment of top brands, classic toys and newly released items for $10, including Barbie dolls and Transformers action figures. "This year it's bigger, it's better," Laura Phillips, vice president of toys for the company's U.S. division, said in an interview. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Soprano family values Oct 1, 2009
Barbie from the block got mixed reviews from city girls inspecting the newest spin on the old-school toy. Lifestyle Stories. (Yahoo News -- The Sopranos)
MOVIE BLOG: Barbie - the new leading lady? Sep 25, 2009
MOVIE BLOG: Barbie - the new leading lady ... But I suppose a live-action Barbie movie does make sense ... The cartoon, which Universal also distributes, has done relatively well, and if Waldo of Wheres Waldo and Stretch Armstrong can get their own movies, Barbie certainly takes the proverbial cake when it comes popular toys that would make popular movies. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Toys R Us plans Twin Cities pop-up-shops Sep 25, 2009
Earlier this week to open a pop-up Barbie doll store in the Mall of America ... Barbie and Toys 'R' Us are the only pop-up stores planned at the Mall of America this year ... The popular American Girl doll line, which like Barbie is owned by El Segundo, Calif. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Spin Master Goes Up Against Barbie Sep 16, 2009
Barbie's Half-Century Reign ... Barbie has fought off dozens of rivals during her five-decade reign as the industry's top doll ... It also gave its characters four friends from an imaginary high school backstories and imperfections that make them seem more real than the aspirational Barbie astronauts, beauty queens, and Presidential candidates. (BusinessWeek)
Appropriate at a kids party to have winners and losers? Sep 12, 2009
I ve done pool parties, Chuck E. Cheese, Dixieland, Discovery Zone, Barbie parties, sleep overs, but none consisted of anything competitive. Yes, kids need to learn that they won t win every time. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
WTBD: Hurrah for the Teddy! Sep 9, 2009
These cuddly, oh-so-cute stuffed toys have long stood the test of time, battling the likes of GI Joes, Barbie dolls and new-age motor cars, proving to be the most adorable companions for kids and adults worldwide ... Unlike action figures, Barbie dolls or video games, which are constantly being updated and upgraded, a teddy bear is just one big, fluffy ball of reassurance. (India Times, India)
* [THE WEEKENDER] Cloud Gate trilogy brings Chinese characters to life Sep 7, 2009
That doll image proved to be correct, for after all the men but Li Tsung-hsuen (va) exit the stage, he began to play with Sheu like she was a Barbie with flexible joints, posing her this way and that until he finally tires of the game and leaves. At this point the rest of the men return and begin to play with Sheu. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Kids Bathroom Dcor Tips Sep 4, 2009
Whether a bathroom is done up in a Superman theme or a Barbie-doll one, the idea is to appeal to tiny yet definite aesthetic sensibilities ... For instance, using Barbie as a theme will mean Barbie doll waterproof pictures on the wall, pink and white colored walls or Barbie wallpaper, with silver trimmings and silver and pink wall and ceiling stickers in the shape of tiaras, wands and ball gowns ... For instance, anti-skid mats for a Barbie themed bath can be pink in color while grab rails can... (Suite101.com)
Water recedes but troubles linger Sep 4, 2009
Another man gave her pickup a tuneup, $100, clothes, a Barbie doll for her 5-year-old daughter and free passes to play mini golf. "I was poor many times in my life, so when I see something like this, I like to give a hand," said the man, a local business owner who asked not to be named. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Rocky Mountain high, raining fire in the sky (1) Aug 31, 2009
Before Barbie came along, my escape from childhood boredom (and three pesky brothers) was watching 3-D images on a paper reel through the lens of a View-Master. This binocular-shaped device was my prized childhood possession (mostly because I didn t have to share it with my brothers. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
GI Joe, post-American hero Aug 29, 2009
Mattel, the maker of Joe's original inspiration and big sister, Barbie, was the other ... Barbie's little brother Hasbro first brought Joe to market in 1964 ... He was essentially a Barbie for boys, a soldier doll you could dress in that "Ike" jacket with the red scarf or a "beachhead assault fatigue shirt", then undress, and take into that pup tent with you for the night. (Asia Times Online)
She's got balls Aug 26, 2009
" Lumped togetherThere is however evidence that testosterone can affect behaviour, particularly exposure prenatally: a little girl whose mother had a relatively high level of the hormone when pregnant may display a preference for Bob over Barbie, and for what are deemed more male forms of play. We have lumped a number of characteristics into one to come up with a unitary view of gender that doesn't bear up to scrutiny Professor Melissa HinesCambridge University This phenomenon of gender-specific... (BBC News -- Health)
MORE: Klum says baby No. 4 is her last Aug 20, 2009
Alternate careers aside, Klum is looking forward to a busy fall, which includes the launch of a Heidi Klum Barbie doll in September. Klum also will release another makeup line, this one Indian-inspired, later this year. (USA Today -- Life)
Clean ending for 'Monk' Aug 6, 2009
Moore plays independent and confident nurse Candy Sullivan, a character who comes across as cotton candy, Barbie and a Playboy centerfold all rolled into one. PASADENA - The final episodes for one of television's most quirky detectives, "Monk," start airing this week. (Fresno Bee)
9 to 5 to 9: Build-A-Bear becomes expensive obsession Jul 28, 2009
It's fitting that Build-A-Bears entered our home the same time Barbie left ... - to streamline, I callously hauled a crate of two dozen mint-condition Barbies to Goodwill last week ... I like my Christmas tree Barbies and a few vintage dolls much better, so they got to stay. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Profits up for American Girl owner Mattel Jul 20, 2009
In the quarter, the maker of Barbie and Fisher-Price toys earned $21 ... Among its brands are Barbie and Hot Wheels. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Cost cuts see Mattel profits jump Jul 18, 2009
Sales of Mattel's key Barbie dolls were down 15 ... The results at the company, best known for its Barbie doll, were much better than analysts had expected ... Sales of Barbie dolls fell by 15%, while those of Hot Wheels, another of the company's best-known and most popular toys, fell by 10. (BBC News -- Business)
Mattel 2Q Profit Rises 82 Percent on Cost-Cutting Jul 18, 2009
In this photo made Monday, March 9, 2009, decorations are seen at Barbie's Real-Life Malibu Dream. In this photo made Monday, March 9, 2009, decorations are seen at Barbie's Real-Life Malibu Dream House, Monday, March 09, 2009 in Malibu, Calif ... Toy maker Mattel Inc. said Friday sales of Barbie and other toys sank in the second quarter, but profit rose 82 percent, beating analyst expectations, as the company cut down on expenses. (ABC News -- Business)
Read the story Jul 6, 2009
"Looks like bloggers are not the only ones who smell another potential and damaging GOP ratfest. by flora68 July 4, 2009 8:58 AM PDT I don't care WHY she bailed on her job; stick a fork in her- Sarah Palin is DONE. You don't ditch an ELECTED gig halfway through, especially for vague, incoherent reasons, and expect voters to vote for you AGAIN. This "post turtle" is OFF the post now, for whatever reasons, and the chances that somebody else is going to be silly enough to lift her up there again is... (CBS News -- Evening News)
Palin A "Shooting Star Crashing To Earth"? Jul 5, 2009
Reagan was not a Quitter though He was Tough and went the Distance on his own merits Caribou Barbie is a Quitter, Just last week she came out saying she had the stamina to go the distance that she could beat anyone with her "go get it attitude". Hurrah, it was all show, no substance. (CBS News)
Click to read:Palin Attorney Threatens Lawsuits Jul 5, 2009
Once again Caribou Barbie shows how woefully unprepared she is for public office ... "LOLROTFLMAO!!! half way thru her term as Governor she QUITS because she can't deal with the hot water, too ripe!!!And THIS caribou barbie is the one that COULD have been Vice Presidnet or President of the USA!! Imagine how it might have been halfway thru the Presidential term if she decided she had enough and announces she is QUITTING?What a loser! by BornFreeLiveFree July 4, 2009 8:25 PM PDT Hmmmmmmmmm just... (CBS News)
Barbie collector says goodbye to dolls Jul 4, 2009
Roxanne Hosfelt, left, and Ellen Jenkins look over a large collection of Barbies that was donated by Meaghan McDermott to help raise money for the youth group ministry at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Carlisle ... Jennifer Adams, right, and her daughter, Emma, 4, look over a large collection of Barbies ... She set about 280 Barbie dolls and other toys out for sale on the lawn of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Carlisle Thursday to raise money for the churchs youth group and to keep the... (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
He-Man and the Infinite Sadness Jul 3, 2009
Slate's create-your-own-toy-movie contest. - By Dana Stevens - Slate Magazine. (Slate)
Playing with toys - and gender Jun 24, 2009
Playing with toys - and gender - The Boston Globe. Local Search Site Search. (Boston Globe)
Mattel, Fisher-Price to Pay $2.3 Million Civil Penalty for Violating Federal Lead Paint Ban Jun 6, 2009
Mattel imported up to 900,000 non-compliant toys between September 2006 and August 2007, including the "Sarge" toy car and numerous Barbie accessory toys, and distributed most of them to its retail customers for sale to U.S. consumers. The "Sarge" car was recalled in August 2007 and the Barbie toys were recalled in September 2007. (PR Newswire)
Not so tickled... Jun 6, 2009
The fine, the commission's largest for a toymaker, involves 95 toy models, from Barbie accessories to "Sarge" cars, commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said today. "This penalty should serve notice to toymakers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children, to reducing their exposure to lead and to the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act," Thomas Moore, acting chairman of the commission, said in a statement. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Newsweek: Does reality TV hate women? Jun 4, 2009
I would have loved a show on how to throw a wedding on the cheap when I was getting married instead of Barbie dolls fighting over "the best of the best" on Platinum Weddings. And now they've made it worse with this other horrible show, She's Got the Look, whose whole point seems to be that all women, no matter how successful in other fields, just want to be models. (MSNBC -- News)
WCPS driver to be featured on The Early Show Jun 3, 2009
Juliana has discovered her mothers old toys and Barbie dolls. Theyre getting a second go-around, Sirbaugh said. (The Herald-Mail Online)
Bikers organize bar crawl benefit for Toys for Tots Jun 3, 2009
LOADING Jun 03, 2009 - 04:02:06 CDT By RACHEL ALBIN Bismarck Tribune A band of motorcyclists will zip from bar to bar Saturday with Hot Wheels, Barbie and Elmo in mind. The Mandan chapter of Dakota Riders M.C. and the Silver Dollar Bar in Mandan are collaborating to raise money for the local Toys for Tots branch. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Enough With the Princesses! Jun 2, 2009
when I accidentally called my granddaughter's video "Barbie and the Twelve Dancing Priestesses". Princesses are now priestesses. (Slate)
Jewish NYC doll joins American Girl lineup May 30, 2009
-based Mattel Inc., the nation's largest maker of toys including Barbie dolls. . (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Princess pedestal May 28, 2009
Barbie has many princess-oriented items, including a top-selling "Princess and the Pauper" DVD. Even seemingly tougher girls like Dora the Explorer occasionally don crowns, too ... Though they've given in on a few princess items for their daughter, he says he and his wife have drawn the line on Barbie and Bratz dolls, which he calls "empty-headed girly-girl products." Coincidentally, Mattel Inc., which makes Barbie, recently won a copyright infringement battle that may mean the end of Bratz, a... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Jewish NYC Doll Rebecca Joins American Girl Lineup May 26, 2009
-based Mattel Inc., the nation's largest maker of toys including Barbie dolls. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (ABC News -- Wire)
Money: I spend too much of it May 17, 2009
When I was done, it made me think of the movie The Incredible Shrinking Woman, where Lily Tomlin shrinks to Barbie size and has to live in a doll house, because of the interactions of all the chemicals and products she s been using. - Advertisement. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Volunteers help clear city waterways of litter May 10, 2009
Her best find: a slimy, naked doll tangled in twigs that she called "River Trash Barbie." ... River Trash Barbie maybe would have won, if only there was a bad hair day category, Hertert joked. (Anchorage Daily News)
Jackman: Action Figures Like Voodoo Dolls May 7, 2009
Mattel is also getting into the act with a series of "Star Trek" items, including remote control Enterprise and Romulan Bird of Prey ships from the original series, a Hot Wheels versions of the Enterprise and other ships, and movie dolls of Barbie as Uhura (Saldana), Ken as Spock (Quinto) and Ken as Kirk (Pine). Terminator Salvation' The Terminator is back -- without Arnold Schwarzenegger -- with a fourth "Terminator" movie, and there's a host of toys to come with it. (KIRO TV, WA)
A hamburger X-rayed May 7, 2009
From Barbie to the Big Mac, these everyday items have been given the X-ray treatment ... See through: The insides of this Barbie doll are highlighted in Stuelke's amazing Radiology Art. (Harper's Magazine)
Church offers help at homeless camp May 7, 2009
" Barbie wrote on May 6, 2009 4:18 PM:" We have been blessed to be apart of Servant Week, which invovles more than the homeless camps. It is great to see lives touched. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Toymaker plans new, bigger doll May 4, 2009
The new line, expected out in January, will be priced between Groovy Girls or Mattel Inc. s Barbie lines, which generally cost $10 to $20 per doll, and American Girl (another Mattel product), which sells at about $100 per doll. dolls, still in development, will be large dolls about 15 inches tall, a bit shorter than American Girls but Klein said the as-yet-unnamed doll isn t intended as a direct competitor. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Toys R Us playing house with detergents, food May 1, 2009
is expanding its selection beyond Barbie and Tonka to include Pampers and Similac. The Wayne, N.J. chain has added store-within-store shops, called R Markets, to the front of 260 of its 585 stores, including three in Greater Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Can Toys "R" Us Sell Toilet Paper? Apr 29, 2009
Here's a real shocker: at Wal-Mart, a "Surf's Up" Barbie doll basically, Barbie in a bathing suit costs just $5. 44. (Time.com)
