aimed specifically at collectors, including porcelain versions, vintage reproductions, and
depictions of Barbie as a range of characters from television series such as The
Munsters and Star Trek. There are also collector's edition dolls depicting Barbie dolls
with a range of different ethnic identities. In 2004 Mattel introduced the Color Tier
system for its collector's edition Barbie dolls, ranging through pink, silver, gold and
platinum depending on how many of the dolls are produced.
Barbie celebrates her 50th anniversary in 2009, and Mattel released a new reproduction
of the original 1959 Barbie doll to mark the occasion.
depictions of Barbie as a range of characters from television series such as The
Munsters and Star Trek. There are also collector's edition dolls depicting Barbie dolls
with a range of different ethnic identities. In 2004 Mattel introduced the Color Tier
system for its collector's edition Barbie dolls, ranging through pink, silver, gold and
platinum depending on how many of the dolls are produced.
Barbie celebrates her 50th anniversary in 2009, and Mattel released a new reproduction
of the original 1959 Barbie doll to mark the occasion.
Mattel has created a range of companions for Barbie,
including Hispanic Teresa, Midge, African American Christie
and Steven (Christie's boyfriend). Barbie's siblings and
cousins were also created including Skipper, Tutti (Todd's
twin sister), Todd (Tutti's and Stacie's twin brother), Stacie
(Todd's twin sister), Kelly, Krissy, Francie, and Jazzie.
Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie
collectors. Ninety percent are women, at an average age of
40, purchasing more than twenty Barbie dolls each year.
Forty-five percent of them spend upwards of $1000 a year.
Vintage 1963 Bubble Cut Barbie in Career Girl on left, with
Mattel's 2006 reproduction on right.
Vintage Barbie dolls from the early years are the most valuable
at auction, and while the original Barbie was sold for $3.00 in
1959, a mint boxed Barbie from 1959 sold for $3552.50 on
eBay in October 2004. On September 26, 2006, a Barbie doll
set a world record at auction of £9,000 sterling (US $17,000)
at Christie's in London. The doll was a Barbie in Midnight Red
from 1965 and was part of a private collection of 4,000
Barbie dolls being sold by two Dutch women, Ietje Raebel and
her daughter Marina.
In recent years Mattel has sold a wide range of Barbie dolls
Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
In a series of novels published by Random
House in the 1960s, her parents' names are
given as George and Margaret Roberts from
the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.
Barbie attended Willows High School and
fictional Manhattan International High School
in New York City. She has an on-off romantic
In a series of novels published by Random
House in the 1960s, her parents' names are
given as George and Margaret Roberts from
the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.
Barbie attended Willows High School and
fictional Manhattan International High School
in New York City. She has an on-off romantic
Mattel Inc., the maker of Barbie, today sued the Nissan Motor Company over a
television commercial featuring a toy action figure, a Barbie-like doll and a remote-
control toy car.
The suit, filed in Federal District Court in Los Angeles, seeks an injunction to block
broadcasts of the commercial and unspecified damages and costs against the Japanese
car maker for causing ''irreparable injury to Mattel's name, business reputation and
goodwill.''
The 60-second spot, which was created by TBWA Chiat/Day, has drawn much
attention, as well as praise in the advertising trade media since it began running a year
ago. The spot starts with an action figure dropping out of the jaws of a plastic dinosaur
and coming to life to the the Van Halen recording of a Kinks song, ''You Really Got
Me.''
television commercial featuring a toy action figure, a Barbie-like doll and a remote-
control toy car.
The suit, filed in Federal District Court in Los Angeles, seeks an injunction to block
broadcasts of the commercial and unspecified damages and costs against the Japanese
car maker for causing ''irreparable injury to Mattel's name, business reputation and
goodwill.''
The 60-second spot, which was created by TBWA Chiat/Day, has drawn much
attention, as well as praise in the advertising trade media since it began running a year
ago. The spot starts with an action figure dropping out of the jaws of a plastic dinosaur
and coming to life to the the Van Halen recording of a Kinks song, ''You Really Got
Me.''
 |  |  |  |
| If you have a picture you'd like us to feature a picture in a future quiz, please email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10% discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book. |
 |  |  |  |
| Answer: Barbie, of course! |
| ********** |
| Click here to see results of 5th occasional photoquiz survey. |
| Answer to Quiz #201 - March 15, 2009 |
| ********** |
| ********** |
| If you enjoy our quizzes, don't forget to order our books! Click here. |
| Quiz #201 Results |
| Visit our blog at www.forensicgenealogy.info/blog. |
| This quiz was suggested by Marilyn Hamill. |
| ********** |
| I am an international celebrity who just turned 50 on March 9, 2009. Yet I don't have a gray hair or a wrinkle. I have been called by my agent "the most spectacular client in the world." All the top fashion designers have designed clothes just for me. Who am I? |
| Not actual silhouette. If you get stuck, I will give you her first name as a hint. |
| Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka Barbie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie |
| Congratulations to Our Winners! Jina (Barbara Millcent) Yi, Mr. Rick's Quiz Angel Dale Niesen Tamura Jones Mary Osmar Mike Swierczewski Margaret Bonar Dave Town Kitty Huddleston Sandra MacConathy Diane Burkett Margaret Bonar Beth Long Jim Kiser Bill Utterback Angela McLaughlin Phyllis Barattia Beth Tafel Celia Tomlin Sue Edminster Mary Lee Alderman Fred Stuart Brett Payne Carole Cropley Kathy Storm Margaret Waterman John Chulick Don Schulteis Laurel Fletchner Pegeen Soare Kate Johnson Delores Martin Betty Chambers Bill Burrows Venita Wilson Gina Hudson Maureen O'Connor Joshua Kreitzer Beth Long Frank P. Nollette Gary Sterne Mary South Mike Dalton Chris Tennant Dawn Colket Linda Dean Don Draper Caroline Pointer Sally Musemeche Alan Coombs Sandra Thompson Debbie Sterbinsky Dave Doucette Carolyn Cornelius Teresa Yu Dan Schlesinger Eric Goforth Rick Roof Alan Cullinan Dennis Brann Douglas G. Smith Joe Ruffner Harold Clupper Joan Collier Cari Thomas Ione Jolly Carl Blessing Milene Rawlinson Joe McCabe Wayne Douglas Anna Farris Brian Kemp Elaine C. Hebert Jocelyn Thayer Lisa Thayer Paula Harris Stan Read Fred Stuart Judy Pfaff Robin Depietro Karen Kay Bunting Larry Slavens Gerald Vanlingham Mick Reed Robert Edward McKenna, QPL |
| Comments from Our Readers |
She now has a tattoo. Dale Niesen
*****
Actually she's called Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie and she comes with temporary
tattoos and a gun with which to apply them. Dennis Brann
*****
That is just so wrong. Betty Chambers
*****
Good one! My mother was always wanting me to play with dolls (rather than play
baseball) but she refused to buy me a Barbie! But then she refused to buy me a mitt
either. Kitty Huddleston
*****
OMG!!! What's next -- multiple body piercings? I never had my own Barbie doll
(having just outgrown the playing-with-dolls stage before Barbie was introduced on my
10 1/2 birthday. I have, however, bought many Barbie dolls and sewn, knitted and
crocheted lots of doll clothes for my nieces' and grandnieces' Barbies over the years.
Diane Burkett
N.B. Looks like you have anticipated their next move. See
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1002812&t=modern and
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1003494&t=modern
****
I recall a cartoon about her 40th: in a bar, drinking alone, and ken was gone.
Mike Dalton
*****
Well there seems to be some arguments as to the real start of this young lady now a
Senior Citizen at the age of fifty. She still looks like twenty. Ann Farris
*****
I wonder was plastic surgery involved ? Ha Ha. Alan Cullinan
*****
Why it's my very first crush (even if she was plastic): Barbie Millicent Roberts. Happy
Birthday, Barbie! Joe McCabe
*****
Happy Birthday Barbie!!!!!!!! This quiz made me feel old. If Barbie is 50, then I am
....well never mind how old I am, let's just say Barbie would have been a year ahead of
me in school. Angela McLaughlin
*****
It's Barbie, of course! One of her latest collections designed by a New Zealand fashion
house, no less. My daughters are all past the Barbie stage, now, thank goodness, so I
haven't had the need to investigate tattoos and the like. No doubt it comes as some sort
of transfer which the child can put anywhere she feels the urge to (and which her
parents would absolutely refuse to permit!!!). Brett Payne
*****
I googled "birthday March 9, 1959" and Barbie popped right up. I didn't know you
could do that with Google--seems like a good trick to know. Carole Cropley
*****
BARBIE!!! man, she is almost as old as Mr. Rick...and there are times he wishes he
was Ken...(Mr. Rick-thank you so much for this insight ,Jina...sure this will sit well
with the Ms!) Jina Yi, Mr. Rick's Quiz Angel
*****
It's gotta be Barbie, the abundantly endowed fashion doll. I was a little too old for dolls
when she came out but my younger cousin was on the bandwagon and still has her
first Barbie doll after all these years. Venita Wilson
*****
I was too old when Barbie came out and we didn't have the income for all of it when
my daughter was young. I wasn't aware of most of the things I learned about that
whole phenomenon. Gina Hudson
*****
I thought I heard recently that Barbie turned 50 years old. I had to double check with
my 8 year old daughter. She still cannot believe that she has a middle and a last name. I
still have a Barbie Doll form the 60's. She had a pony tail and a crown. My mom even
knitted her a dress and made her a slip (so she could be a proper lady). On researching
I found out that Ruth Handler who created Barbie was inspired by a German doll called
Bild Lilli. Thanks for the quiz and for bringing back some great memories. I don't thank
you for getting the "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world" song stuck in my head for 2
days:) Dawn Colket
*****
I was interested to learn about the innovations that influenced Barbie's appearance
during my daughter, Alice's, formative years. In 1971: she experienced another facelift,
by way of Malibu Barbie, the all-time favourite Barbie for Canadian women. As well,
she got an open smile and, inspired by the groundswell of feminism, eyes that face
forward for the first time.In 1983, Barbie was given larger, rounder eyes, a more
"delicate" face and paler skin.I felt really out of touch when I found out that Barbie and
Ken split up in 2004. I guess they are still friends though. Nice! Don Draper
*****
I wasn't going to spend much time on this quiz but I decided to research her name as I
was curious about the offered hint. And I was fascinated by the history of this little
plastic cash cow. The Wikipedia article is excellent. Here is my favorite of the many
articles on her birthday. Crocheted Edwardian costumes no less.
www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/victorianews/lifestyles/40387083.html
Carolyn Cornelius
*****
A friend of mine sent me a parody of a Cougar Barbie - a 50-something Barbie with too
much makeup trying to date 20-somethings.
I have had so many Barbies in my life. I'm sure if I hadn't played with them they'd be
worth something by now but I could never not open the boxes. Some of my favorites
were the international Barbies - French and Scottish in particular. Teresa Yu
*****
I can't believe I had to look this up! With all the news features the last few weeks
Barbie didn't automatically come to mind. DUHH!!! Milene Rawlinson
*****
Actually she's called Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie and she comes with temporary
tattoos and a gun with which to apply them. Dennis Brann
*****
That is just so wrong. Betty Chambers
*****
Good one! My mother was always wanting me to play with dolls (rather than play
baseball) but she refused to buy me a Barbie! But then she refused to buy me a mitt
either. Kitty Huddleston
*****
OMG!!! What's next -- multiple body piercings? I never had my own Barbie doll
(having just outgrown the playing-with-dolls stage before Barbie was introduced on my
10 1/2 birthday. I have, however, bought many Barbie dolls and sewn, knitted and
crocheted lots of doll clothes for my nieces' and grandnieces' Barbies over the years.
Diane Burkett
N.B. Looks like you have anticipated their next move. See
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1002812&t=modern and
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1003494&t=modern
****
I recall a cartoon about her 40th: in a bar, drinking alone, and ken was gone.
Mike Dalton
*****
Well there seems to be some arguments as to the real start of this young lady now a
Senior Citizen at the age of fifty. She still looks like twenty. Ann Farris
*****
I wonder was plastic surgery involved ? Ha Ha. Alan Cullinan
*****
Why it's my very first crush (even if she was plastic): Barbie Millicent Roberts. Happy
Birthday, Barbie! Joe McCabe
*****
Happy Birthday Barbie!!!!!!!! This quiz made me feel old. If Barbie is 50, then I am
....well never mind how old I am, let's just say Barbie would have been a year ahead of
me in school. Angela McLaughlin
*****
It's Barbie, of course! One of her latest collections designed by a New Zealand fashion
house, no less. My daughters are all past the Barbie stage, now, thank goodness, so I
haven't had the need to investigate tattoos and the like. No doubt it comes as some sort
of transfer which the child can put anywhere she feels the urge to (and which her
parents would absolutely refuse to permit!!!). Brett Payne
*****
I googled "birthday March 9, 1959" and Barbie popped right up. I didn't know you
could do that with Google--seems like a good trick to know. Carole Cropley
*****
BARBIE!!! man, she is almost as old as Mr. Rick...and there are times he wishes he
was Ken...(Mr. Rick-thank you so much for this insight ,Jina...sure this will sit well
with the Ms!) Jina Yi, Mr. Rick's Quiz Angel
*****
It's gotta be Barbie, the abundantly endowed fashion doll. I was a little too old for dolls
when she came out but my younger cousin was on the bandwagon and still has her
first Barbie doll after all these years. Venita Wilson
*****
I was too old when Barbie came out and we didn't have the income for all of it when
my daughter was young. I wasn't aware of most of the things I learned about that
whole phenomenon. Gina Hudson
*****
I thought I heard recently that Barbie turned 50 years old. I had to double check with
my 8 year old daughter. She still cannot believe that she has a middle and a last name. I
still have a Barbie Doll form the 60's. She had a pony tail and a crown. My mom even
knitted her a dress and made her a slip (so she could be a proper lady). On researching
I found out that Ruth Handler who created Barbie was inspired by a German doll called
Bild Lilli. Thanks for the quiz and for bringing back some great memories. I don't thank
you for getting the "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world" song stuck in my head for 2
days:) Dawn Colket
*****
I was interested to learn about the innovations that influenced Barbie's appearance
during my daughter, Alice's, formative years. In 1971: she experienced another facelift,
by way of Malibu Barbie, the all-time favourite Barbie for Canadian women. As well,
she got an open smile and, inspired by the groundswell of feminism, eyes that face
forward for the first time.In 1983, Barbie was given larger, rounder eyes, a more
"delicate" face and paler skin.I felt really out of touch when I found out that Barbie and
Ken split up in 2004. I guess they are still friends though. Nice! Don Draper
*****
I wasn't going to spend much time on this quiz but I decided to research her name as I
was curious about the offered hint. And I was fascinated by the history of this little
plastic cash cow. The Wikipedia article is excellent. Here is my favorite of the many
articles on her birthday. Crocheted Edwardian costumes no less.
www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/victorianews/lifestyles/40387083.html
Carolyn Cornelius
*****
A friend of mine sent me a parody of a Cougar Barbie - a 50-something Barbie with too
much makeup trying to date 20-somethings.
I have had so many Barbies in my life. I'm sure if I hadn't played with them they'd be
worth something by now but I could never not open the boxes. Some of my favorites
were the international Barbies - French and Scottish in particular. Teresa Yu
*****
I can't believe I had to look this up! With all the news features the last few weeks
Barbie didn't automatically come to mind. DUHH!!! Milene Rawlinson
| ********** |
| The original Barbie Doll www.barbiemedia.com... |
| THE MOST FAMOUS DOLL You don't look 50 years of age, Your hair, eyes and ruby lips, You've kept yourself in great shape, That of course, includes your hips. Too bad Barbie is just a doll, That is a real doll, Doll, But if she were a real live girl, Every man would certainly fall. Robert Edward McKenna Quiz Poet Laureate ***** Barbie's 50 but looks much younger How can that ever be? Judging from my own creased eyes She's had tons of plastic surgery. Colleen Fitzpatrick Understudy to Quiz Poet Laureate Robert Edward McKenna |
| ********** |
| Barbie Birthday Video Click here. |
| Barbie Facts http://www.barbiemedia.com/?subcat=23 |
| Barbie is from Willows, Wisconsin. She attended Willows High School Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, brought her vision of a three-dimensional doll to life with the introduction of Barbie in 1959 Barbie first appeared in the now-famous black-and- white striped swimsuit and signature ponytail Barbie has four sisters: Skipper (1964), Stacie (1992), Kelly (1995) and Krissy (1995) Barbie’s first pet was a horse named Dancer The first Barbie doll sold for $3.00 (1959) Barbie’s signature color is Barbie pink: PMS 219 Barbie’s first boyfriend, Ken, debuted two years after Barbie in 1961 Ken was named after the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler Ken and Barbie broke up on Valentine’s Day in 2004 after being together more than 43 years The best-selling Barbie doll ever was 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with hair from the top of her head to her toes Barbie has been outfitted by more than 70 famous couturiers Barbie has had more than 108 inspirational careers |
| Barbie by the Numbers http://www.barbiemedia.com/?subcat=24 |
1 billion (estimated): fashions produced for Barbie and friends since 1959
105 million: yards of fabric used in making Barbie and friends’ fashions, making Mattel
one the largest apparel manufacturers in the world
74.5 million: Google results using the search term “Barbie”
18 million: registered worldwide users on BarbieGirls.com
300,000: Barbie dolls sold in 1959
$27,450: current estimated selling price of the original 1959 Barbie doll in mint
condition
1,000: YouTube Channels dedicated to Barbie
300: Facebook pages in Barbie’s likeness
108: careers Barbie has had in her lifetime
100: people, designers, seamstresses, pattern makers and stylists needed to create a
single Barbie outfit and look
90: percent of U.S. girls ages 3-10 who own at least one Barbie doll
105 million: yards of fabric used in making Barbie and friends’ fashions, making Mattel
one the largest apparel manufacturers in the world
74.5 million: Google results using the search term “Barbie”
18 million: registered worldwide users on BarbieGirls.com
300,000: Barbie dolls sold in 1959
$27,450: current estimated selling price of the original 1959 Barbie doll in mint
condition
1,000: YouTube Channels dedicated to Barbie
300: Facebook pages in Barbie’s likeness
108: careers Barbie has had in her lifetime
100: people, designers, seamstresses, pattern makers and stylists needed to create a
single Barbie outfit and look
90: percent of U.S. girls ages 3-10 who own at least one Barbie doll
| ********** |
| ********** |
| Mattel's Barbie-Related Lawsuits http://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/20/business/mattel-sues-nissan-over-tv-commercial.html |
| Check out Aqua's Barbie video. Click here. |
The figure leaps into a toy Nissan
and picks up a Barbie-like doll.
Mattel contends that the commercial violates a number of its trademarks and
copyrights, saying that the action figure ''bears a striking resemblance'' to its G.I. Joe
toy and that the doll looks like Barbie. Other toys shown in the spot also resemble
Mattel toys, the suit contends.
Nissan officials could not be reached for comment.
Last week, Mattel sued MCA over the hit song ''Barbie Doll,'' by the Danish group
Aqua, saying the use of the name was unauthorized and that the lyrics were sexually
suggestive and did not conform with the image of the Barbie doll.
copyrights, saying that the action figure ''bears a striking resemblance'' to its G.I. Joe
toy and that the doll looks like Barbie. Other toys shown in the spot also resemble
Mattel toys, the suit contends.
Nissan officials could not be reached for comment.
Last week, Mattel sued MCA over the hit song ''Barbie Doll,'' by the Danish group
Aqua, saying the use of the name was unauthorized and that the lyrics were sexually
suggestive and did not conform with the image of the Barbie doll.
| ********** |
relationship with her beau Ken (Ken Carson), who first appeared in 1961. Like Barbie,
Ken shares his name with one of Ruth Handler's children. A news release from Mattel
in February 2004 announced that Barbie and Ken had decided to split up, but in
February 2006 they were back together again. Barbie's Dream House, 1962Barbie has
had over forty pets including cats and dogs, horses, a panda, a lion cub, and a zebra.
She has owned a wide range of vehicles, including pink Corvette convertibles, trailers
and jeeps. She also holds a pilot's license, and operates commercial airliners in addition
to serving as a flight attendant. Barbie's careers are designed to show that women can
take on a variety of roles in life, and the doll has been sold with a wide range of titles
including Miss Astronaut Barbie (1965), Doctor Barbie (1988) and Nascar Barbie
(1998).
Ken shares his name with one of Ruth Handler's children. A news release from Mattel
in February 2004 announced that Barbie and Ken had decided to split up, but in
February 2006 they were back together again. Barbie's Dream House, 1962Barbie has
had over forty pets including cats and dogs, horses, a panda, a lion cub, and a zebra.
She has owned a wide range of vehicles, including pink Corvette convertibles, trailers
and jeeps. She also holds a pilot's license, and operates commercial airliners in addition
to serving as a flight attendant. Barbie's careers are designed to show that women can
take on a variety of roles in life, and the doll has been sold with a wide range of titles
including Miss Astronaut Barbie (1965), Doctor Barbie (1988) and Nascar Barbie
(1998).
http://www.barbiemedia.
com/admin//uploads/UKBarbie
50thPressMaterials.zip
com/admin//uploads/UKBarbie
50thPressMaterials.zip
| The Barbies of eBay |
| India Bride |
| Ballerina Barbie 1960s |
| Bicycling Barbie 1994 |
| 1994 Barbie Victorian Elegance |
| Elizabeth Taylor Barbie as Cleopatra |
| Barbie Bride |
| ********** |
| Barbie in Famous Movie Roles |
| Barbie in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds |
| Barbie as Glinda the Good Witch of the North |
| Barbie's Careers http://www.barbiemedia.com/?page=18 |
1959 Teenage Fashion Model
1960 Fashion Editor
1961 American Airlines Flight Attendant
Ballerina
Registered Nurse
Singer
1962 Tennis Pro
Ice Skater
1963 Executive (Career Girl)
1964 Candy Striper Volunteer
1965 Astronaut
Student Teacher
1966 Pan Am Flight Attendant
1967 Junior Designer
1973 Surgeon
United Airlines Flight Attendant
1974 Miss America
1975 Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast
Olympic Downhill Skier
Figure Skater
1976 Ballerina
1977 Actress
1979 Miss America
1984 Aerobics Instructor
1985 Business Exec
Dress Designer
TV News Reporter
Veterinarian
Teacher
1986 Astronaut
Rock Star
1987 Ballerina
1988 Doctor
1989 UNICEF Ambassador
Doctor
US Army Officer
United Airlines Flight Attendant
1990 US Air Force Pilot
Summit Diplomat
Olympic Downhill Skier
Ice Capades Star
1991 Music Video Star
US Navy Petty Officer
1992 Rap Musician
US Marine Corps Sergeant
Teacher
Chef
Business Executive
Doctor
Presidential Candidate
1993 US Army Medic
Police Officer
Radio City Music Hall Rockette
Baseball Player
1960 Fashion Editor
1961 American Airlines Flight Attendant
Ballerina
Registered Nurse
Singer
1962 Tennis Pro
Ice Skater
1963 Executive (Career Girl)
1964 Candy Striper Volunteer
1965 Astronaut
Student Teacher
1966 Pan Am Flight Attendant
1967 Junior Designer
1973 Surgeon
United Airlines Flight Attendant
1974 Miss America
1975 Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast
Olympic Downhill Skier
Figure Skater
1976 Ballerina
1977 Actress
1979 Miss America
1984 Aerobics Instructor
1985 Business Exec
Dress Designer
TV News Reporter
Veterinarian
Teacher
1986 Astronaut
Rock Star
1987 Ballerina
1988 Doctor
1989 UNICEF Ambassador
Doctor
US Army Officer
United Airlines Flight Attendant
1990 US Air Force Pilot
Summit Diplomat
Olympic Downhill Skier
Ice Capades Star
1991 Music Video Star
US Navy Petty Officer
1992 Rap Musician
US Marine Corps Sergeant
Teacher
Chef
Business Executive
Doctor
Presidential Candidate
1993 US Army Medic
Police Officer
Radio City Music Hall Rockette
Baseball Player
1994 Scuba Diver
Pediatrician
Astronaut
USAF Thunderbird Squadron Leader
1995 Teacher
Lifeguard
Firefighter
1996 Olympic Gymnast
Pet Doctor
Engineer
1997 Dentist
Paleontologist
1998 Rock Star
NASCAR Driver
WNBA Player (Dallas)
Boutique Owner
Olympic Skater
1999 Major League Baseball Player
Women's World Cup Soccer Player
Business Executive
Pilot
NASCAR Driver
2000 Olympic Swimmer
Presidential Candidate
Formula One Driver
2001 Children's Doctor
Sign Language Teacher
2002 Art Teacher
Olympic Ice Skater
2003 Producer
2004 Presidential Candidate (Afr Amer)
Presidential Candidate
2005 American Idol Winner
Baby Doctor
Pet Doctor
Teacher
2006 Baby Doctor
Zoologist
Teacher
Ballerina
2007 Pet Sitter
Baby Photographer
Teacher
Cake Baker
Ballet Teacher
2008 Swim Instructor
Soccer Coach
TV Chef
Zoo Doctor
Space Camp Instructor
Presidential Instructor
2009 SeaWorld Trainer
Nursery Doctor
Preschool Teacher
PetVet
Gymnastics Coach
Fashion Magazine Intern
Pediatrician
Astronaut
USAF Thunderbird Squadron Leader
1995 Teacher
Lifeguard
Firefighter
1996 Olympic Gymnast
Pet Doctor
Engineer
1997 Dentist
Paleontologist
1998 Rock Star
NASCAR Driver
WNBA Player (Dallas)
Boutique Owner
Olympic Skater
1999 Major League Baseball Player
Women's World Cup Soccer Player
Business Executive
Pilot
NASCAR Driver
2000 Olympic Swimmer
Presidential Candidate
Formula One Driver
2001 Children's Doctor
Sign Language Teacher
2002 Art Teacher
Olympic Ice Skater
2003 Producer
2004 Presidential Candidate (Afr Amer)
Presidential Candidate
2005 American Idol Winner
Baby Doctor
Pet Doctor
Teacher
2006 Baby Doctor
Zoologist
Teacher
Ballerina
2007 Pet Sitter
Baby Photographer
Teacher
Cake Baker
Ballet Teacher
2008 Swim Instructor
Soccer Coach
TV Chef
Zoo Doctor
Space Camp Instructor
Presidential Instructor
2009 SeaWorld Trainer
Nursery Doctor
Preschool Teacher
PetVet
Gymnastics Coach
Fashion Magazine Intern
| Ruth Handler, Barbie's "Mom" (November 4, 1916 – April 27, 2002) http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbarbiedoll.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Handler |
Ruth Handler was an American businesswoman, born to Polish
immigrants Jacob and Ida Moskowicz, the president of the toy
manufacturer Mattel, Inc., and is remembered primarily for her
role in marketing the Barbie doll. Barbie was introduced to the
world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. The doll was
intended to be a teenage fashion doll. There has been some
controversy over Barbie's figure when it realized that if Barbie was
a real person her measurements would be an impossible 36-18-38.
The Ken doll was named after Ruth's son.
Ruth Handler had noted that her daughter Barbara, who was
immigrants Jacob and Ida Moskowicz, the president of the toy
manufacturer Mattel, Inc., and is remembered primarily for her
role in marketing the Barbie doll. Barbie was introduced to the
world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. The doll was
intended to be a teenage fashion doll. There has been some
controversy over Barbie's figure when it realized that if Barbie was
a real person her measurements would be an impossible 36-18-38.
The Ken doll was named after Ruth's son.
Ruth Handler had noted that her daughter Barbara, who was
becoming a pre-teen, preferred playing with her infant paper
dolls and giving them adult roles. She wanted to produce a
plastic doll with an adult body but her husband and Mr.
Handler thought it wouldn't sell. But when the Handlers were
on a European trip, Ruth Handler saw the German Bild Lilli doll
(which was not meant for children at all; rather a gag gift for
adults) in a Swiss shop and bought it.
Back home she reworked the design of the doll and re-named
her Barbie after her daughter. Barbie debuted at the New York
toy fair on March 9, 1959. Barbie became an instant success,
rocketing the Handlers and their toy company toward fame, if
not fortune as well. Later, they would add a boyfriend for
Barbie named Ken, after Handler's son as well any many more
other "friends and family" for Barbie's world.
After fighting breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy in
1970 Ruth Handler, one of the creators of the Barbie Doll,
surveyed the market for a suitable prosthetic breast.
Disappointed in the options available, she set about designing a
replacement breast that was more similar to a natural one. In
1975, Handler received a patent for Nearly Me, a prosthesis
made of material close in weight and density to natural breasts.
Handler was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S.
Business Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 2002, at the age of 85, she died while in surgery for colon
cancer. She was buried next to her son, Ken (who died from
an HIV-related illness in June 1994), in the Hillside Memorial
Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
dolls and giving them adult roles. She wanted to produce a
plastic doll with an adult body but her husband and Mr.
Handler thought it wouldn't sell. But when the Handlers were
on a European trip, Ruth Handler saw the German Bild Lilli doll
(which was not meant for children at all; rather a gag gift for
adults) in a Swiss shop and bought it.
Back home she reworked the design of the doll and re-named
her Barbie after her daughter. Barbie debuted at the New York
toy fair on March 9, 1959. Barbie became an instant success,
rocketing the Handlers and their toy company toward fame, if
not fortune as well. Later, they would add a boyfriend for
Barbie named Ken, after Handler's son as well any many more
other "friends and family" for Barbie's world.
After fighting breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy in
1970 Ruth Handler, one of the creators of the Barbie Doll,
surveyed the market for a suitable prosthetic breast.
Disappointed in the options available, she set about designing a
replacement breast that was more similar to a natural one. In
1975, Handler received a patent for Nearly Me, a prosthesis
made of material close in weight and density to natural breasts.
Handler was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S.
Business Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 2002, at the age of 85, she died while in surgery for colon
cancer. She was buried next to her son, Ken (who died from
an HIV-related illness in June 1994), in the Hillside Memorial
Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
| Bild Lilli (top), the original Barbie (center) both had a resemblance to Marlene Dietrich (bottom). Read story. Click here. |
| ********** |
| Comments from Paula Harris |
| The doll all my granddaughters received for many birthdays and Christmas. Some loved her and some, well, let's just say Barbies can be used for scuba divers in toy wagons, too. On a beautiful summer day, you fill your brother's red wagon with water and "swim" your Barbies in it. Our granddaughter (who very much takes after her grandma) never really liked dolls but, as is often the case, people gave hr Barbies for every occasion just because she was a little girl! Well, she did find a way to play with them, though it was hard on Barbie. Completely wrecked her hair and complexion!! Paula Harris |