Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. Well, Mattel has come out with their new line of Barbie dolls hoping to boost sales that have been on a decline since 2012.
Interestingly after being introduced in 1959 (57-years-old and still looking good), the Barbie line still contributes 27 percent of their total revenue. This year (available sometime in March) they have introduced three new body types in an attempt to present a more “normal/realistic” body to all the little girls who buy and play with these dolls.
Now girls can get Barbie in curvy, tall and petite sizes, and even before the dolls have hit the shelves, Twitter is all aflame because they used the word “curvy.” I have no dog in that fight so they can battle that out, but I do have a question. Where the heck is the realistic Ken? Where is Dad Ken? Ken has not changed much since he was introduced several years after Barbie. Full head of hair, chisel chest and abs, driving a cool convertible. Does Ken even have to work for a living?
Same goes for other action figures like GI Joe, bulging muscles with broad shoulders and tiny waist. Talk about image relationship issues! We guys have some self-esteem, too! We want a “curvy” Ken dad-doll, too. One with thinning hair, bifocals, a sag in his shoulders as he trudges off to work in his 10-year-old pick-up truck. For weekends he has these big baggy shorts that barely stay up, wearing a “What’s Up” T-shirt that is now a tad too tight, a big straw hat, half-day beard stubble, sandals with socks, pulling a beat up ice chest. Now that is a million dollar idea if I ever seen one!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind…then it doesn’t matter.” – Satchel Paige
SCALES
A lady noticed her husband standing on the bathroom scale, sucking in his stomach. Thinking he was trying to weigh less with this maneuver, she commented, “I don’t think that’s going to help.” “Sure it does,” he said. “It’s the only way I can see the numbers.”
I believe that is all I have today. A little short but I think this is Valentine’s week so need to get my caboose in gear and get those cards mailed. I know it is old fashion but I still think it is nice to receive a cute card in the mail every once in a while. As always be good, do good, play safe and remember Happy Valentine’s Day from the Dogpound!
JR
