Tween Dora?

After Dora uproar, Nick and Mattel soothe moms
March 16, 2009, 10:16 AM EST
NEW YORK (AP) -- When toy maker Mattel, working with Nickelodeon, announced earlier this month that a "tween" version of Nick's beloved "Dora the Explorer" cartoon character would be unveiled in the fall, the response was overwhelming ... overwhelmingly negative.

Dora the streetwalker. A sexed-up version of a children's icon. A poor example for kids.

Those were just some of the terms tossed around the blogosphere after Mattel released a silhouette of the "new" Dora, whose image was drastically changed from the endearing tomboy look Dora fans grew to love, with her bowl-cut hairdo, T-shirt and red shorts. This new Dora appeared to have long flowing hair, and was wearing what seemed a scanty skirt, emphasizing her long, shapely legs.

"Did Mattel turn Dora the Explorer into a Tramp?" read one headline from The Huffington Post.

But not so fast.

Mattel and Nickelodeon both say there are two major misconceptions about the new Dora, which is not replacing the "Dora the Explorer" cartoon, but will be a new interactive doll aimed at the 5- to 8-year-old, or tween market.

"People care so deeply about this brand and this character," Leigh Anne Brodsky, president of Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products, says. "The Dora that we all know and love is not going away."

"I think there was just a misconception in terms of where we were going with this," Gina Sirard, vice president of marketing at Mattel, says. "Pretty much the moms who are petitioning aging Dora up certainly don't understand. ... I think they're going to be pleasantly happy once this is available in October, and once they understand this certainly isn't what they are conjuring up."

Part of the confusion stemmed from the silhouette that was released, which made Dora look more like a Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan than a young girl. For the record, the doll does not wear a short dress, but a tunic and leggings. And while she looks older (she's supposed to be about 10), with longer jewelry and longer hair, she doesn't have makeup and seems pretty much like a 10-year-old girl.

Nickelodeon and Mattel say that as part of unrelated research, they found parents wanted a way to keep Dora in their children's lives and have their daughters move on to a toy that was age appropriate.

"The idea is Dora for more girls," Brodsky says. "The whole point was this was created because moms said help us."

But the new version is a significant switch from the Dora many preschoolers have known, aging her so the kids who tend to drop Dora once they hit kindergarten and first grade remain connected to the new character, who has a new group of girlfriends to go exploring with (Sorry, but Boots, the Map, Swiper and other characters from the show didn't make the transition).

The doll, which comes with a USB port and is compatible with online story lines that take Dora and four friends on new adventures involving the environment, social action and more, still has, as Sirard called it, the "Dora DNA."

"What would Dora be if she grew up? You'd have what you'd have before you: a very sweet, wholesome adventurous. ... She's a perfect role model in that regard."

But as Coca-Cola infamously discovered when it trotted out "new Coke" almost 25 years ago and Tropicana recently found out when it changed — then reverted to — its famous cover design after public confusion and outcry, making any changes, or even additions, to a famous brand can upset consumers.

In this case, Dora is more than a just a cartoon character. The bilingual adventurer, praised for encouraging kids to explore and use their imaginations, is a not only a TV sensation, but a global brand that attracts millions of kids through dolls, clothes, touring shows, DVDs and other merchandising and events.

"A lot of people think of Dora as something for their small kids. And part of the reason people like Dora is because it teaches their kids to be inquisitive and curious in an educational way, because no one wants their kids to grow up fast," says Jean-Pierre Dube, professor of marketing at the University of Chicago's graduate school of business.

Dube says it's not uncommon for children's characters or products to evolve and mature with their age group, but Mattel and Nickelodeon may have complicated matters because instead of aging the actual character, they are introducing an extension of it.

"What we learned from this is people really cherish and value what Dora represents, and if you start trying to license that out or extend that brand, this is a really risky thing to do," he says.

"We could certainly make a case that the public is overreacting and that they're drawing conclusions that aren't there, but there's some important information there, and that is, 'Don't mess with this brand unless you're very careful.'"


So..because I was bored and maybe someone will take my advice, I created my own "Tween Dora" from the silouette they released.

What do you think? I'd be ok if she looked like this. Don't change her "style" or cloting colors, that was your audience will still make the connection.

The pain is gone, but the worry is still there

Yesterday didn't start out so well.

Danielle and I were up most of the night. She had an on again, off again fever ranging from 101 degrees to 103 degrees. She was just miserable, poor baby.

To top it all off, around 3 am I started to feel strange. I had this piercing sharp pain in my lower abdomen that would hit really hard, then go away with no pain. It was so odd. It was so random, that I was able to sleep through some of it. Then when 'morning' came (for us that's about 6:30 am) it was MUCH worse.

I passed it off as just gas, and decided I'd be fine and I had better figure out when to take Danielle to the doctor for her fever.

Matt was pretty worried since this kind of pain for me is unusual. I convinced him I'd be ok and let him go to work. 7:00 rolls around and I'm hurting so much that I don't think I can even drive the kiddos to school. Luckily my Dad was still home, so he and my Mom came over and picked us ALL up. They dropped Annabelle and Gabriel off at school. I was getting much worse and Dad decided I needed to go to Urgent Care. So Mom took Danielle home and may take her to the doctor later if her fever wasn't getting better, and Dad drove me down-the-hill.

The drive sucked. Every bump make me hurt worse and the pain was still off and on every few minutes. Got to the new Urgent Care Center in Poway. Waited for 15 min until they opened at 9am. All this time I haven't eaten anything and I had only had 1/2 cup of coffee. Was in Urgent Care for only an hour, and I was in pain about half the time. Every time the Dr. walked in I was fine, whenever he left and the nurses were there, I was in agony. They took my blood (poor nurse, took her 4 times to find my teeny veins) then they gave me a lovely shot of a fabulous pain killer and scheduled an ultrasound.

Unfortunately, I was unable to have the ultrasound until 3:30pm. The Dr. was reluctant to send me home for fear that the pain would get worse, but there were no other ultrasound machines apparently until then.

The meds hit me about half-way home, I could still feel the pain, but it was a lot duller (is that a word?)

Got to my Mom's house and hung out on the couch the rest of the afternoon. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink ANYTHING until after my ultrasound. :( Watched a lot of TLC's What Not To Wear and HGTV's home shows. They make me happy.

Matt left work early to take me to my radiology appointment. I totally forgot that I was supposed to drink a bunch of water before my appointment, so since I was starving, I chugged a few bottles on the drive down.

To make this seemingly long story, a bit shorter.... got to the appointment. They checked my upper and lower abdomen and found the problem.

Lucky me, I had a ovarian cyst that had ruptured. Ouch. The pain I was experiencing was the process of the burst. I guess I'm happy it wasn't anything more serious. I was nervous about the possibility of surgery, understandably.

I don't know how or why I got this cyst. After reading up on it, I guess they're pretty common. But am I at higher risk since I have had my "tubes tied"? What do I do if this happens again? Who knows. I was just so relieved at being ok, that I neglected to ask a bunch of questions.

Now I am to make an appointment with my OG/GYN for follow-up. Hooray! Maybe she will know my future risks and possible complication. :(

And just in case you were wondering, Danielle is all better this morning. Her fever broke early this morning and she's back to her mischievous self. :)

Garaginization

Today I woke up bright and early... ready to tackle my house and kick it in gear.

I dropped off Annabelle at school, and went to work.

I started by moving almost everything out of my garage and onto my driveway. It now looks like I am having a yard sale. I'm half hoping that someone will walk by and "steal" some stuff for me. lol (not really)

I'm definetly not looking forward to the next part of this task.

PUTTING IT ALL BACK!!!

Here's what I'm sorting through:

40% Matts tools
15% Photos and Paperwork
20% Keepsakes (USMC stuff, kids baby clothes, toys)
10% Holiday
5% Clothes that we don't have room for, don't fit, etc
1% Sporting goods
1% Furniture
3% I guess junk?

(please don't correct my math if my percentages don't add up to 100% Maybe there is room in my garage for air! hehehe

Wish me luck. I really shouldn't be blogging, I should be WORKING!!!

Justice? We'll have to wait and see.

Se we get a phone call that some of my stolen belongings have been recovered. And then later on I read this news story. Seems too much of a coincidence... don't you think?

We had traced Matt's cell GPS to a San Diego address, and the news says she was heading to her home in San Diego... wow!

I haven't claimed my stuff yet, the detective who has it is off today, but wish me luck!!

Here's the news story:


http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080709-0712-1bo09vanchase.html


Theft suspect sparks chase, crashes into van



UNION-TRIBUNE

7:12 a.m. July 9, 2008

POWAY: A woman who led authorities on a chase through Ramona and Poway yesterday afternoon was arrested after she crashed into the back of a van, deputies said.

The woman was suspected in a vehicle burglary at Grace Community Church on Barger Place in Ramona about 11:35 a.m. When deputies tried to stop her on southbound state Route 67, she drove away at speeds of more than 100 mph, sheriff's Sgt. Mike Strong said.

Poway deputies pursued the woman west on Poway Road, where she rear-ended a van carrying an adult and two children. The two vehicles' fenders locked and both hit a guardrail, crossed eastbound lanes and stopped.

The woman ran from her vehicle but was caught. Deputies extinguished a small fire that broke out in the engine compartment of her car, Strong said.

Those in the van had minor injuries that did not need treatment.

The woman, Katherine Hildebrand of San diego, was taken to a hospital for a leg injury. She was arrested on suspicion of vehicle burglary and felony evading officers, and is being investigated for a series of car break-ins around Poway, Ramona and Santee, Strong said.

–P.R. & A.M.

Home Sweet Home

Your home should be your sanctcuary, the place where you feel the most comfortable and safe.

Well... good feeling's gone, at least for me.

Let's start at the very beginning.

4th of July. INDEPENDANCE DAY. A fabulous day for Matt and I. A great reason to celebrate. Not only is it our Nations' day of indepenadance from England; this day also carries special meaning for us personally. It's the day we had our first kiss. 10 years ago. In fact, I had originally wanted to get married on the 4th of July for this reason.

So, this year, we decided to take the family to the San Diego County Fair to just hang out. No agenda, just plain "do-what-we-want-fun." We got there as soon as it opened. As I do everytime Matt and I are together, I put his cell phone and wallet in my purse, it just makes it easier for him to cary kids, etc. withour the extra stuff. Well, we spent only 3 hours playing the carnival games, looking at the sports theme room and seeing the animals. And then we were tired and hungry, so we took off.

Next stop, Taco Bell. Ahhh, that's good eatin'. Hey! It's better than "Fair Food." We used our debit card here and we called a few people on the way home, too.

As usual, all three kiddos fell asleep in the car by the time we pulled in the driveway. We woke Annabelle up and Matt and I carried in Gabe and Danielle and put them in their beds. Then we had to take care of a few things, like kids and potty, dogs with their water and letting them outside, and so on.

A half an hour passes and Matt needs his cell to call Kevin. I remember that I left my purse in the car. (Since I had to carry Danielle in, and I always hit her in the face when I lay her down if I have my purse on my shoulder, I didn't grab it.) So Matt checks in my car and can't find my purse. I figure I must've brought it in. So we search the house for a few minutes. Then, to save time, I call my cell to help in our hunt. Straight to voicemail. Weird, I knew it was on. So I call Matt's cell... voicemail. Hmmm.... we ALWAYS have service here at home.

At this point, I'm tearing the car apart looking for my purse, even though I am POSITIVE that I left it at my feet in the car. Then we both tear apart the house and make triple sure that the kiddos didn't "help" us bring it in.

No luck. It's most certainly stolen.

Now, I ask you. Who steals a purse off a floorboard of a car in broad daylight in the driveway of a cul-de-sac? What are the odds?

Whoever did this was paying CLOSE attention to us. I mean, they had to see us come home with sleeping kids and notice that I didn't have my purse to even consider walking up to my car to check inside. How brazen was this guy/gal?

They made off with a LOT of loot, too. My purse had my wallet, complete with driver license, etc, my cell, all my cute photos (some are irreplaceable), Matt's wallet, complete with license, firefighter id, Matt's car keys, credit cards, paychecks from Friday, Matt's work cell phone, $65 cash, checkbook, and my work entrance pass. What a disaster.

Needless to say, we're up a creek without a paddle. No one answers their phones on July 4th. Luckily, most businesses have 24 hour service, so we got our cards blocked within 30 min of the theft. Now I'm just worried that someone could cash Matt's paychecks before his work can replace them. That would be awful.

So, I'm a wreck. I know it's just stuff. That's not what bugs me the most. Almost everything can be replaced. I just feel:

a) stupid for leaving my purse in the car
b) guilty for having ALL Matt's stuff there
c) pissed at whoever is mean enough to do this
d) sad that someone is so desperate
e) scared to live here

This is my HOME!!! I don't even feel safe here, now. I am seriously considering survellance cameras and a security system. It's too late now. But let's face it, I'm not exactly in a prime location. Matt really wants to move now. He never liked 14th Street, but I talked him into living here, since I figured that our street was off the beaten path and cul-de-sacs should be safer.

Well... you live you learn. But it I start acting slightly more paranoid, you'll know why. Now I don't even want my kids to play with the neighbor kids since I suspect EVERYONE on my block. Hey, they could have heard us though the windows to know we were distracted and taken the chance. Who knows?

I'm not even comfortable here now that Matt's gone to the fire station, either. He's gone for 24 hours and I really don't want to be home alone every Saturday. This sucks.

I know it's mean, but I really hope that Karma is a true phenomone. I know that GOD is the only one toe bring justice and that prayer changes things. So, even though it's REALLY tough, I am praying for the poor soul who robbed us. Poor guy/girl. You have to be a sad person to do this. I hope they find peace in their heart to at least return Matt's wallet with id's. Keep the cash, that was totally my fault and it should serve as a lesson to me. But don't punish my husband. He didn't do anything wrong. I also really want my pictures back. I had a photo from Matt from the first week we were dating that he wrote a cute inscription on that always cheers me up.

I'm just really sad now. I don't know if I can find joy in the 4th of July if this is going to be my new memory of it.

I also hope that in time, I will find saftey in my house again. If I don't feel safe here, I don't know what I'll do. We certainly can't move again. We just got here! I want to raise my kids in a nice, quiet neighborhood, though. I'm at such a loss.

Please join me in prayer for the continues safety and well-being of our little family. And also, if you would, say a little prayer for the thief. She/He needs God a lot more than I do. I think knowing the Lord may help this person turn their life around.

God Bless you, everyone! :)

the seven year itch

hahaha, yeah right!

Well, Matt and I made it! SEVEN years! Woohoo!

June 20, 2001 we were married in Lost Wages (*cough*) I mean Las Vegas.

and here we are, on our 6th home (3 apartments, 3 houses), three kiddos, 9 vehicles, 2 computers, 4 dogs, 1 cat (not all at the same time, mind you) and we are going strong!

I love my Matt more than words can ever express. And I know that he loves me.

There's really not much more to say. God has blessed us in so many ways and we are so thankful to be on this ride together.

My baby girl!

Danielle is growing up and hitting all these milestones all this week!

May 2nd - First tooth, discovered by Tricia!

May 3rd - got up on her knees and scooted... backwards!

May 7th - woke up this morning yelling ( screaming and laughing) "Ma-Ma" over and over! hooray!

I can't wait to see what's next... then again, I'd like her to take her time. They're only babies for such a teeny amount of time.