Local News (10/5/09-10/11/09)

10/12/2009
Local, News
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NYC Students Get Promoted, 10/10/09, New York Daily News (NYDN)

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Good news in education! The number of students being promoted in NYC schools is higher this year than last year.

Two Teens Hit by a Car, 10/10/09, NYDN

Angela D’Ambrose and Terrence Semler, a Queens couple, were hit by a car while crossing the street. Angela, 15, died while Terrence, 18, is still in the hospital. The driver, who stayed at the scene, is not being charged. I won’t comment on the age thing here, but be careful girls!

Funeral Held for Queens Boy Struck by Stray Bullet, 10/10/09, NYDN

*Oct 09 - 00:05*

Last week, Kevin Miller was struck by a stray bullet while walking home from school; the 13-year-old was killed. The two teens who have been arrested in the shooting are rival gang members. His funeral was held this week, with many community leaders speaking out about the violence and the senseless tragedy.

Teen Grazed by a Bullet in Class, 10/9/09, NYDN

An 18-year-old high school student in Long Island was grazed by a bullet while sitting in class at Mattituck HS. “Miraculously, she suffered only a scratch and was treated by the school nurse.” Seriously.

Brooklynites Back Home After Being Jailed in Antigua, 10/9/09, NYDN

*Oct 09 - 00:05*

Six friends from Brooklyn (four girls and two guys in their 20s) went to Antigua on vacay. While there, they got into an argument with a cabbie they thought was trying to overcharge them. He took them to the police department where they say cops attacked them and cops say they started a fight. They got locked up and detail the horrific conditions of the jail and its effect on their lives back home. smh…

Homeless Mom Sacrifices to Give Kids a Better Life, 10/8/09, NYDN

*Oct 06 - 00:05*

Herminia Rojas, a homeless mom from the Bronx, travels from a shelter there to Brooklyn everyday so that she can send her kids to school. Their morning starts at 5:30 a.m., so they can make the long trek on the D train through three boroughs.The single mom values education and wants her kids to have  a better life.

Ban on Texting While Driving?, 10/5/09, NY1

New York Senator Charles Schumer wants a nationwide ban in texting while driving. According to the article, “Schumer cites Department of Transportation statistics that show nearly 100 teenagers have died in the last five years in New York City and on Long Island in texting-related accidents.” Also, texting while driving is “already illegal in New Jersey; a ban in New York State takes effect November 1st.” Safety first, y’all.

Cops Shoot Teen, 10/5/09, NYDN

Peter Colon, a 19-year-old man, was shot in the stairwell of the Gouverneur Morris Houses in the Bronx by a city housing cop. The police say that Colon has a gun, which the cop tried to take from him; they fought; the female officer was hit in the face; Colon pointed the gun at her; and her partner shot Colon.  Colon’s brother-in-law, who said he saw the fight, disagreed with that report, saying “”They shot this boy,” he said. “He had no gun. They tripped him. They kicked him.” He is currently in the hospital.

National News (10/5/09-10/11/09)

10/12/2009
National, News
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Gay Rights March in D.C., 10/11/09, New York Times (NYT)

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There’s a new president in office and new changes being made around the country. On Sunday, people took to the streets in D.C. to  rally for “equality across America,” specifically for the LGBTQ community.

Six-Year  Old Suspended, 10/11/09, NYT

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A six-year-old Delaware boy was suspended from school because he took a “camping utensil that can serve as a knife, fork and spoon to school.” He was excited about joining Cub Scouts and the school saw it as a weapon. This also opened up a debate on zero-tolerance weapons policies at schools.

High School Dropouts More Likely to go to Jail, 10/8/09, NYT

A new study was released that revealed the consequences of dropping out of high school, including: jail, unemployment, low-paying jobs, struggling in general, and, JAIL. This is particularly bad news for many black men who are incarcerated at higher rates than anyone. smh…stay in school, kids!

Ellen Page Writing Comedy Series About Brooklyn for HBO, 10/8/09, New York Daily News

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One of our fave “sassy” actresses, Ellen Page (of Juno and Whip It fame) is writing and producing a comdedy series for HBO. The show, “titled “Stitch N’ Bitch,” [is] about a pair of hipster girls from Williamsburg who move to Los Angeles to make it in the arts, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Brining Brooklyn to the big screen? I’m feeling that, in theory.

Tracing Michelle Obama’s Roots, 10/7/09, NYT

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Someone thought it would be a good idea to trace First Lady Michelle Obama’s roots from slavery…It’s true that it’s important to know where you came from, but…seriously? Anyway, here it is if you’re interested.

Nationwide Ban on Texting While Driving?, 10/5/09, NY1

New York Senator Charles Schumer wants a nationwide ban in texting while driving. According to the article, “Schumer cites Department of Transportation statistics that show nearly 100 teenagers have died in the last five years in New York City and on Long Island in texting-related accidents.” Also, texting while driving is “already illegal in New Jersey; a ban in New York State takes effect November 1st.” Safety first, y’all.

Global News (10/5/09-10/11/09)

10/12/2009
Global, News
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Follow One Pakistani Girl’s Journey, 10/11/09 New York Times (NYT)

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In all the news about war, some of the most interesting stories are not on the front lines. A few NY Times Reporters write a blog on war-torn areas like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. One of them followed a Pakistani family for several months and produced a piece on the daughter’s journey throughout her family’s difficult journey. Check out the video here. Read more about Pakistan here.

Single Moms Get Support in Korea, October 7, 2009, NYT

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So, here in the U.S., single moms (and ladies) are no big deal. It’s not uncommon to find unwed mothers having babies (or even “babies having babies), bt in Korea, it’s still a very big deal. Being an unwed mother is so taboo, that women are frequently pressured into having abortions or giving their babies up for adoption to save them from the shame of being a single mother. Well a group of women is now trying to change that, by starting :the country’s first unwed mothers association to defend their right to raise their own children.” Interesting story, check it out.

The Nobel Prizes were awarded- President Obama won one; and first prize for a woman in Econ.

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Here’s a little background, courtesy of Nobelprize.org, “Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize. Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma, and a cash award.”

President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

Another winner from the U.S., Elinor Ostrom, became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in economics. Yay! Congrats!

See a full list of all the winners here.

Women Targeted in Violence in Guinea, 10/5/09 (NYT)

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According to news reports, there was a political demonstration in Guinea last week ad soldiers came in to shut it down. It was violent and people were killed. There is also evidence (cell phone photos) that women, in particular, were being targeted- beaten, raped, and abused. Here’s more info. on Guinea.

Mobile Phones Becoming Popular in Uganda and other Rural Areas, 10/5/09, NYT

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In rural parts of Uganda, there is almost no electricity and practically no Internet. So people there are using cell phones to get and send information- about crops, sports scores, money transfers, and to sell things. According to the article, “Africa has the fastest-growing mobile phone market worldwide.” MOre info. on Uganda here.

Monsoons in India, 10/5/09, NYT

INDIA

After a drought in India, four days of heavy rain leave 240 people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. Here’s more info. on India.

Fall’s Here! So is Flu Prevention: Don’t Get Sick in the City

10/05/2009
Health
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Fall is upon us…and no one wants to get the flu or H1N1 (the “preferred” name for swine flu). So what do we do? In a city bursting with people crammed onto sidewalks and into subway cars, apartments and schools, the old saying an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” seems appropriate. So where can you get the facts?

Well the NYC government has set up a nice, handy dandy website where you can get information on the flu, H1N1 and what you can do to help prevent catching either one. Basically:

  1. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  2. Wash your hands (frequently and thoroughly) with soap and water. Those hand-cleansers are handy, but you still need to wash your hands.
  3. If you are sick, stay home and treat your symptoms.
  4. Try to avoid being around sick people.

It seems simple enough, but doesn’t always work. Especially here in NYC. So, you also might want to get vaccinated.

Where can you get a flu vaccine? Go here.

Check back for updates about the flu vaccine in the city:

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Bronx Homegirl Sonia Sotomayor

10/05/2009
Culture, Latino, News, the Bronx
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It’s Hispanic Heritage Week, y’all!!! (I thought it was a month-long celebration from Sept. 15-Oct. 15?) I have been slacking, I know, but I’m ready to catch up.

So, what better place to start than a story (and video) from NY1 on our newest United States Supreme Court Justice (and Bronx Homegirl) Sonia Sotomayor?  Today, the first Monday in October, is her first day on the Supreme Court, as the court begins its new term.

sotomayorQuick facts, just in case you haven’t been paying attention. Sonia Sotomayor was born in the Bronx in 1954 to two Puerto Rican immigrants. Her father, who did not speak English or have much formal, worked in a factory and her mother was a telephone operator and later a nurse. Sotomayor was diagnosed with diabetes at age 8 and her father died when she was 9.  She was raised in the Bronxdale Housing Projects where her family lived.

Sonia Sotomayor went to Princeton for college and graduated with the highest honors. She then went to Yale Law School. She married her high school sweetheart right before going to law school, but the marriage didn’t last. In law school, like in high school, she was an excellent student.

After law school, she worked as an assistant district attorney in NYC for five years, which began her distinguished legal career as both a prosecutor and a judge. In May of this year, President Obama nominated Sotomayor to the highest court in the country. She was confirmed, making her the first Hispanic judge on the Supreme Court, and the third woman, ever. Yes, you can. Or I should say, Si, se puede.

Read more about her, her experience, and views on controversial issues here.  And about her “wise Latina woman” statement (and effect on the culture) here.

Global News (9/24/09-10/4/09)

10/05/2009
Global, News
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A lot has been going on globally in the past week, here are some of the details:

Iran Plans to Allow Inspectors, Finally, 10/04/09, New York Times (NYT)

Iran has agreed to allow UN inspectors access to one of their new nuclear facilities. See the article for details.

Spotlight on the Glossier Side of Sub-Saharan Africa, 10/4/09, NYT

The stories our of Africa are, let’s face it, usually depressing and tragic. But they don’t tell the whole story. The times has a piece on the glamourous life in sub-saharan Africa- money, cars and lots of clothes.

Indonesian Rocked by Earthquakes, 10/2/09, NYT

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In late September, two earthquakes rocked Indonesia. According to the Times, “On the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia, a 7.6-magnitude quake struck Wednesday evening just 30 miles off the coast of the city of Padang, killing at least 200 people and trapping thousands in buildings.” Then, “A second earthquake struck western Indonesia on Thursday morning more than 100 miles from the epicenter of the quake on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.” And finally, “Early on Tuesday in the Samoas, an underwater 8.0 magnitude quake produced a tsunami that struck with little warning after dawn, causing at least 103 deaths and 145 injuries, destroying villages throughout the islands. “It is the worst one we have had,” said Lilo Malava, the police commissioner of Samoa, in a telephone interview.” Tragic.

London Teen Did not Die from HPV Vaccine, New York Daily News (NYDN)

When Natalie Morton, a 14-year-old teenage girl in London, died shortly after receiving the HPV vaccine, many thought the vaccine was to blame. (intelligent person side eye). It was not. She died from “a malignant chest tumour and not by a reaction to the vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.” So smart girls…read more about the vaccine here.

Roman Polanski- Child Rapist/Famed Director Brouhaha, 09/29/09 (NYT)

Roman Polanski, a famed director, was arrested in Switzerland “31 years after he fled the United States following a guilty plea to having had sex with a 13-year old girl.” And the drama ensues. Some in Hollywood have signed a petition urging his release …as others demand he be punished for his crime. Read the article for details on their reasoning. You know our stance- we don’t play with the safety and lives and girls over here. Not at all. Here’s Chris Rock’s take-

South African Children March for Better Schools, 09/24/09, NYT

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According to the article, the children were marching for libraries and librarians. ‘“We want more information and knowledge,” said a ninth grader, Abongile Ndesi.’ Amazing.

Local News 09/28/09-10/4/09

10/05/2009
Local, News
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Queens Teen Arrested For Shooting 13-year-old Boy, 10/05/09, New York Post (NYP)

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Kevin Miller, 13, was struck by a bullet on his way home from school by one of  two high-school students who were fighting (and shooting) nearby. The gunman has been arrested. r.i.p.

David Letterman Blackmailed over Affairs with Staff Members, 10/02/09 New York Daily News (NYDN)

Apparently NY-based late-night host David Letterman had sex with several employees and/or interns on his show. (Wow. now. that. is. a. shock.) A CBS News producer tried to extort $2M dollars out of him to keep it a secret, so Letterman refused to pay and instead told all on his show. Insert jokes here.

Aspiring Victoria’s Secret Models Audition at Yankee Stadium, 10/4/09, NYDN

Ever want to be a Vickie’s Secret Model? Well the company recently came to Yankee Stadium looking for a few new models.

Queens Teen Saves Kids, 09/30/09, NYP

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Rachel Guzy, a 17-year-old Queens camp counselor, saved nine kids after she jumped behind the wheel of the bus carrying the kids after the driver had a heart attack, back in August. She has been nominated for a New York Post Liberty Medal in the Young Heart category.

DeBlasio and Liu Win, 09/29/09, New York Times (NYT)

On Tuesday, there was a Democratic Runoff election for the offices of public advocate and comptroller.(Meaning, the top candidates from the Democratic party went up against each other to find out who would be the party’s candidate in the November election). Bill de Blasio (from Brooklyn) is now the Democratic nominee for Public Advocate and John Liu (from Queens) is their pick for Comptroller.

Popular High School in Queens Overcrowded, 09/28/09 NYT

Francis Lewis High School in Queens is a good school…so good it’s now overcrowded, trying to accommodate the kids and “middle class parents” who want their kids to go there.

National News (9/28/09-10/4/09)

10/05/2009
National
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Texas Boy Commits Suicide After Being Bullied, 10/3/09, Star-Telegram, New York Post (NYP)

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Hunter Layland, a 15-year-old boy from Cleburne, Texas, committed suicide last Wednesday to escape from a life of constant bullying, according to family and friends. His funeral was held this Saturday. r.i.p.

Chicago Lost Bid to Host 2012 Olympics, 10/2/09, USA Today

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Chicago (along with heavy hitters President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah) was campaigning to host the 2012 Olympics last week. They lost that bid when they were eliminated in the first round. The 2010 games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Arlington Teen Wins Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, 10/02/09, NYP

Jamara Hogan, a 17-year-old member of  the Arlington (Texas) Boys and Girls Club is a good student and active in her community- volunteering about 1500 hours of community service. She was recently awarded the Youth of the Year Award, which comes with both a cash prize and a renewable scholarship. Inspiring little video.

No Sex in the Tufts Dorm Room (While Your Roomie is There), 10/1/09, Associated Press

Tufts University (located in Massachusetts) has instituted a new policy regulating sex in the dorm rooms- you can do it, just not while your roommate is there. seriously.

Woman (Allegedly) Locked Teen Son in Closet for Years, 09/30/09, NYP

An Oklahoma City-woman who was arrested and charged with severely abusing and neglecting her 14-year-old son. The details are disturbing, including the fact that the woman previously served (very little) time for starving her 2-year-old daughter to death in the Bronx. smh. Where is the justice?

Teen Beaten to Death in Chicago, 09/28/09, New York Daily News (NYDN)

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A group of teens were caught on cell phone video beating another teen to death near a school. The victim, 16-year-old  Derrion Albert, allegedly was beaten for refusing to join a gang. smh. Four teens have been charged in his murder. The Chicago Tribune has a photo gallery of the funeral.

Four Teens Sued Over Fake Facebook Profile, 09/28/09, Arstechnica.com

Four teens created a fake fb profile for one of their classmates “representing him as a sexually obscene racist,” they added friends, posted real photos, and his real contact info. They are now being sued by the real teen’s mother for the damage it caused her son.

National Dating Seminars Combat Teen Violence, 09/28/09, NPR

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Dating violence is a huge problem among teens and in high schools. So, a new program is being tested in some middle and high schools across the country to try to educated young people.

Teen Reality Show Stars Get Paid…A lot, 09/28/09, The Daily Beast

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This article reveals the salaries of teen stars of the MTV reality shows The Hills and Laguna Beach.

The October Issues

10/05/2009
Contest, Magazines, pop culture, Writing
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Hey all! So the magazine world likes to do things months in advance. So the October issue comes out in September and the editors are most likely already working on the February  issue. I’m a little behind, but I was waiting to get more information on the Girl’s Life Oct. issue. So, if you have not seen them, here are

The October Issues

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The September/October 2009 issue of New Youth Communications (NYC) Teen Magazine focuses on food- what you choose to eat and what’s inside what you’re eating. Good idea. There’s an interview with the man responsible for NYC public school food, articles on: a farm in the city, obesity in the country, trying to be a vegetarian in a family that eats meat, why bad food is good,  two very NY-centric pieces on healthy options from the bodega and why they’re aren’t more healthy options in them (something I’ve wondered myself), and food movie reviews. Sounds good. So check it out- articles written by NYC teens and available for free online.

There’s also a writing contest question- How do you think technology will change in the next 30 years? How will it affect our lives and behavior? Describe the typical day of a New York City teen in 2039.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50

You must be 14-19 to enter. The deadline is October 26, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck!

Represent Magazine Fall 2009

The Fall 2009 issue of Represent is about Art: “Making it,” and “How Art Transforms Us.” There are articles in this issue on writing, alter egos, dancing, fashion, music, Broadway musicals, arts therapy and (my fav) misogyny in hip hop. There’s also a book review and a comic. Good ish.

There is a reader survey you can complete and maybe even win some money. Fill it out here and they will pick three names at random for cash prizes. First name drawn $100, Second name drawn $50, Third name drawn $25. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, so complete it by the December 1st deadline.

Represent also has a writing contest question-Imagine President Obama has chosen you to be his top adviser on foster care reform (improving the system). Write him a letter describing the three most important things that should be done to make foster care better, and why. Good one; that’s deep.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50. The deadline is November 1, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck, chicas!

Teen Vogue has that warewolf dude from Twilight on the cover. Ok, ok. His name is Taylor Lautner, not warewolf dude (although that is the first thing I thought when I saw the cover). And I’m sure he’s a great guy (we’re talking about Jacob in the movie, not Taylor in real life although I’m sure he’s plenty nice, too) but…I’m still team Edward. Yeah, I said it.

On to the October issue. I must say that I’m impressed with Teen Vogue, in general. I wrote them off sometime last year (or the one before) and just let my subscription die in a fit a rage. But this issue actually has more than one article I’m excited to read. And can I add that I see more diversity in this magazine (in both ads and editorial content) than I do in most others. (mini hand clap)

I’m checking for:

“Breaking the Mold”- Plus-sized model Crystal Renn discusses finding happiness with her body personally and professionally after starving herself as a teen and struggling with an eating disorder. I like this chick. She should write something for us.

KeKe Palmer in the “Leaders of the Pack” young Hollywood feature…Hmm…I’m not sure how official that list is, but Keke is is a fave so I’m glad to see her on there. They also did a piece on her last month in Style Blogger- great look.

“Little Miss Perfect”- Examines what we give up trying to be such good girls all the time. (Sidebar-When I first saw the cover line I was like, are you serious? I’ve had that article idea for ages! Don’t you hate it when that happens? You see someone implement an idea that you had and didn’t pursue? Or you did pursue and didn’t get too far with? Well, lesson learned…Act on your ideas or don’t get tight when someone else does.)

“Character Development”- Condola Rashad, 22 year-old-daughter of the actress, beauty,  everymom Phylicia Rashad, is finally getting some face time and print space. I love it! Good job, Teen Vogue, very good job. I’m definitely checking for her.

AND they actually have an article on Debt! (seriously). How very…apropos…and responsible of them.

I’d say check it out  (for free at the library, like I did, if nothing else).

Oh Seventeen…is it just me? Or does this cover never change? I guess you go with what works. The cover girl is Whitney Port, whom you may know from the MTV show “The Hills” or her current show “The City.” Can’t say I’m a fan- maybe I need to up my tv watching, although I am really loath to do that. Anyway, there’s an article in here on girls who are changing the world and making a difference (p. 154) and that sounds totally inspiring. Other than that, it’s usual Seventeen stuff- clothes, boys, advice, makeup, quizzes. There is a piece in the Heath+Sex+Fitness section on loving the breasts you have (yay!) and a piece in the Dating section on having a hot Halloween. See the website for details.

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Now, Girl’s Life publishes two issues at a time, so this is the October and November issue for them. The cover girl is Kay Panabaker of the movie Fame, fame. She’s a newcomer (or at least not that popular yet) so it could be interesting. At the very least it’s not someone  you’ve read about a million times already. There really isn’t anything in this issue I’m interested in reading. But there is an article on managing your hectic schedule which could be helpful-

GL Life: Under Pressure?
Tons of To Do’s have you frazzled? How to manage your hectic schedule while still keeping your sanity in check.

Lots of articles on what to wear, clothing and quizzes if you’re in to that sort of thing. Go to the website for more details on this issue. GL is giving away some things though and tis the season to get free stuff, so have at it:

WIN a wardrobe for winter
Warm up with cozy-cute coats and furrific boots. We’re givin’ away must-have winter essentials all through October. Our GRAND PRIZE? One stylin’ fashionista scores a WHOLE winter wardrobe from Pink Cookie. CLICK HERE to download the October’s Clothes 4 Chilly Chicas Giveaway Calendar now!

Win a DS and a Wii
From snappin’ shots with digi cams to pluggin’ in your tunes with an iPod Touch, this November we’ve got awesome hi-tech freebies. Plus! One gamer girl gets the ultimate prize pack with Wii console, DS console and the entire new line of Charm Girls Club video games from EA. CLICK HERE to download the November’s Totally Tech Giveaway Calendar!

Good luck with that! Be back soon with more on November!

Black(er) Barbie?

09/30/2009
Beauty, pop culture, Self-Esteem
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What IS it about Barbie?

Vogue Italia Cover

Vogue Italia Cover

Rapper Lil’ Kim (Brooklyn girl) likens herself to one- “Black Barbie.”

Kimberly Jones in high school
Kimberly Jones in high school
Lil Kim as Black Barbie
Lil Kim as “Black Barbie”
As does rapper Nicki Minaj (Queens Girl) who calls herself “Harajuku Barbie.”
Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

In a box

In a box

As "Harajuku Barbie"

As "Harajuku Barbie"

"All girls are Barbie," Nicki says.

"All girls are Barbie," Nicki says.

And Now…Mattel has a new line of Barbie Dolls out … black Barbie dolls, from the new “So In Style” line, which are supposed look more like real live black girls and “[feature] more authentic-looking facial features such as fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair.” According to a Mattel press release,

“The So In Style(TM) line features Grace(TM), Kara(TM) and Trichelle(TM) dolls, three best friends who are all about fashion, fun and friendship. Each of the dolls features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three varying skin tones. The S.I.S.(TM) line also introduces a mentoring theme; each doll is accompanied by a smaller doll or “little sister” and has different interests – from music and math to science and drill team. The big and little sister dolls are meant to introduce and inspire girls with mentoring themes.

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eh…if you say so Mattel…who knew Barbie needed a mission statement?

Here’s what the designer had to say,

Thoughts? Now, granted, I could critique the dolls (that hair weave), as nothing is perfect but hey, we’ve got to start somewhere, right?

So, talk to me. You all, I’m sure, no longer play with Barbie Dolls, so I doubt any of you will be running out to pick one up for yourselves. (Or maybe you will) But what about your little sisters, cousins, or daughters? How important do you think it is for young girls to see themselves represented in the toys that they play with? Or for teenage girls to see themselves represented on tv programs, on the runway, in ads, on commercials  or in the movies? And what, seriously, do you think about these dolls?