Corpus Christi Caller-Times from Corpus Christi, Texas • 20

callencom lbeaday February 16 1999187 Carpus (trial Ca IteNtimei LINER Widower gets shunned after remarrying FROM 36 Sister best friend who provided support during tough times are now 'just busy' Ann LANDERS (Now they run Hollywood) Not for the squeamish Rapping about politics The post-mortem of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal cop' Conversation with the People" at 7 tonight on CNN features host Jeff Greenfield and a diverse panel of thinkers and opinion-makers discussing the impact the Senate's verdict will have on the nation's future Scheduled to join in: Walter Cronkite rapper Chuck Dr: Drew Pinsky of MTV's "Love line" former Senate majority leader Howard Baker NAACP leader Kweisi Mfume Harvard psychologist Dr Alvin Poussaint commentator Arianna Huffington Rachel Campos of MTV's "Real WorldSan Francisco" and TV producer Norman Lear The program will run from 7- 8 pm break for an hour of "Larry King Live!" and then resume at 9 ter's birthday Since Gladys' divorce she is on the phone a lot with my husband They are very close and she discusses all her problems with him He must have said something to her about my concerns because instead of her usual Christmas card to "Mr John Doe" last year she sent it to "Mr John Doe and Family" My husband wonders why I am not friendlier to Gladys We get along only because I have never complained about the way she has slighted me Am I over'-sensitive? OUTSIDER IN THE FAMILY like to present another viewpoint on using the kitchen sink for personal hygiene Please don't call us slobs We have six people in our family and one bathroom To help alleviate "the problem" we keep a set of toothbrushes and toothpaste in the kitchen cabinet When the bathroom is tied up rather than delay the kids' Wtimes Fallow them to brush their teeth at the kitchen sink We sometimes wash their hair in the kitchen sink for the same reason Pm the one who has to clean the sink and believe me I would rather clean up after someone who brushed his or her teeth than after a spaghetti dinner MARILYN IN NEW JERSEY because others are doing them" said executive producer Paula Apse 11 And the others: I "World's Deadliest Storms: Caught on Tape" 7 pmThursdayABC This one-hour special looks at some of the world's worst natural disasters including tornadoes blizzards and hurricanes II "World's Wildest Police Videos: Chases Shootouts" 7 pmThursday Fox This network's tried and true-blue SWAT assault against NBC's must-see lineup "World's Most Shocking Medical Videos" 8 pm Thursday Fox Ewwww gross You don't want to know "Rats Among Us" 6 pm Friday Discovery The history of the common rat from trade routes out of China to the plagues of Europe and the little beast's transit to the New World Rats didn't make it to California until the Gold Rush DEAR ANN LANDERS: In March of 1992 I lost my wife to cancer "Jennie" and I had two small children at the time ages 4 and 10 When this tragedy occurred the three people closest to me were my sister my best friend and his wife They were there for me throughout the entire difficult ordeal Six years later I married a wonderful woman who treats my children as her own We also had another child whom my tiff) older children adore My problem is that the people who were closest to me when Jennie died barely speak to me flow Strange as it may seem Jennie's parents are more friendly and responsive to my second wife than my friends or family I have tried on many occasions to get together socially with my sister and my best fnend but for one reason or another they are never available wife keeps asking how many times I have to get hit over the head before I get the message I have been very blunt and asked "What's the problem?" They say "There's no problem We're just busy" Please tell me what gives SECOND TIME AROUND DEAR SECOND TIME: My guns is that your sister and best friend do not care for your new wife I suspect she is aware of this from her efforts to wise you up I suggest that you cultivate new friends Perhaps in time your sister and best friend will give you a call but I wouldn't hold my breath DEAR ANN LANDERS: Please tell me if I am being overly sensitive My husband's only sends cards and letters addressed only to him We have been married for 30 years and she has yet to put my name on anything and has never sent so much as a card to our three children I asked Gladys about this recently Her excuse was that we have too many kids for her to remember all their birthdays (Three is too many?) Incidentally' we always remember HER daugh 4 DEAR NJ: Why don't the people who use the kitchen sink dean up after themselves? That's the way it is in most families I recommend it DEAR OUTSIDER: Probably not Accept the fact that your husband and Gladys will continue to be very dose and he will always take her side Her divorce may pose an additional problem because she will now lean on your husband even more The ideal solution would be to find Gladys a man Failing that be as gracious as possible You're trapped Elaine Liner is the Ca IlerlImes media critic She can be mocha' at 886-3688 or by email at linereecalleccom Write to Am Landers In care of the Callor-Times Box 9136 Corpus Christi 78469 MMIE BIRDWATCH DEAR ANN LANDERS: I'd Creators Syndicate Center100 Shoreline Those wishing to have lunch should come over by 11:15 am Anyone interested in joining the club may call membership chairman Randy Berryhill at 883-0586 Fight the power Scorpio Independence day for Sagittarius FROM 86 be reached at (512) 994-1167 For information prospective counters can call (800) 843-2473 The Coastal Bend Chapter of the Sierra Club will meet today at noon at the Art Community 0 Sydney OMARR Phyllis l'ochem a Corpus Christi resident hos 'studied birds ot Texas since 1960 Bobby WOLFF 02-16-A Hors d'oeuvres are arranged in oriental design Pisces (Feb 19-March 20): Feeling of being trapped is temporary Welcome delay play waiting game Aggressive Taurus declares "You will learn you cannot really do anything without me" Regard this as a joke If February 16 is your birthday: You are sensitive to degree of being psychic You are fascinated by the mantic arts and sciences including astmlogyPiscesVirgo persons play significant roles in your life will have these letters initials in names New love on horizon practice or rehearse being a glamorous figure Dash of red could be part of color scheme Be ready for shake up during May marriage or change of residence or both The Aces on Bridge "Where there is no hope there NORTH can be no endeavour" 4 95 IP Q10 0 108752 4 A87 deadlines Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Power play day fighting spirit will see you through to victory Tonight you gain new allies including Aries and Libra Outline aims fulfill obligations and then let go Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21): Make fresh start emphasize independence ori4inality willingness to participate in hot love session Leo Aquarius persons play featured roles You gain critical acclaim Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19): Saturn and the moon combine you benefit as result You'll be sighing "People really do like me" Cancer native insists "I will constantly be at your side for better or worse" Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 111): Popularity increases you'll be counted on to provide entertainment Sagittarian missing of late comes back in dramatic fashion Aries (March 21-April 19): New moon solar eclipse in your Eleventh House wish is fulfilled in extraordinary manner Questions pertaining to marriage loom large Cancer native hivolved 'burns (April 20-May 20): Give full rein to intellectual curiosity ask questions demand answers You will be questioned concerning wide variety of subjects from international affairs to modern fashions (May 21-June 20): Mechanical objects at home will cause worry until repaired Be willing to revise review rewrite and rebuild Taurus Leo Scorpio persons play amazing roles in today's scenario Cancer (June 21-July 22): What seemed out-of-place will soon fit perfectly You'll be asking "Ain't life amazing?" Spotlight on dis seminating information reading and writing (July 23-Aug 22): Attention revolves around home protection of family insurance music that fits your mood People find you fascinating confidence builds as you find your way in rough-and-ready times Virgo (Aug 234ept 22): You'll be dealing with Pisces and another Virgo key is to be on guard against deception Don't make federal case of it but make crystal clear "Don't let it happen it again" Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22): A lbesday you won't soon forget! New moon solar eclipse in last degree of Aquarius your "House of Joy" You'll be asked to complete project within budget under EAST 6 A K843 "984 0 J9 4 3 WEST 676 IF 7532 43 4 Q10964 SOUTH 10 2 IP A 6 A 6 5 2 Los Angeles Times Syndicate Vulnerable: North-South Dealer East North 3 NT The bidding: East South a I NT Pau Pass BARBIE tom B6 West Pass Pass Opening bad: Spade seven BID WITH THE ACES "And Barbie's world is insistently white" Rogers adds Mattel In 1968 when the company sold Christythe first African-American doll in the Barbie line Mattel was one of the few big toy companies to reflect any racial diversity Today Mattel makes Barbie and related characters of every race and many ethnic backgrounds The doll is sold in 140 countries and Mattel's chief executiveJill Barad has described Barbie as "a global power brand" 02-16-13 Against today's no-trump game prospects looked dim for East after he won the first trick Look over the entire layout and see if you can find the desperate play East found to beat the game West led his top spade and East faced his first decision Should he win the trick or should he merely encourage? A look at dummy gave him the answer With North's strength added to South's promised values what could he expect West to contribute to a waiting defense? Nothing of course so it was time for decisive action What did East do? He won his spade king and unflinchingly shifted to his king of dubs! This desperate play might have cost him an overtrick However the rewards could be huge if he could con South and find the magic club holding with West Expecting East to hold both club honors South took East's club king with dummy's ace and led a spade to establish two winners in the suit These together with three hearts two diamonds and two clubs would cinch his game He might even score an overtrick Big surprise! East took his spade ace to lead a second club bringing a crimson flush to South's face when West ran the club suit for two down Could South have made the game by refusing to win the first club? Yes he could and probably should have However East's diabolical shift sold South a scam many would buy Moral? In desperate times a defender must do desperate things 't' l' 7 2 4 '4 I o- 47' --f" 1- 1 4 -74 '1-L '-41- 4t I- 't: --ty --z1 S1- 4 1 pr 4 gl --c- All t- 1 -14 l' -vw- 14- 1 irv 'z Ai '''''til' si 144 fir 4'f '-4 i :4 $4 rt -N 3 7 ''''7 3' 1 1031- 1: Igo 11 7 iat -'1' 4' 4 '''it1- 61fir '007' --m '-vc'A -woc Iii -HI444-4 to South holds: A 8 4 3 984 9 KS South North 14 1 NT ANSWER: Pass North has fewer than 10 or 11 HCP and no spade support With game prospects dim settle for a partscore knight Ridder Last year Barbie and related gear generated sales of roughly $1-9 billion according to her maker Mattel Inc However some criticize the doll's unrealistic measurements and her extravagant spending on real estate and fancy cam II Local games: Monday Wednesday 12:30 pm Illesday 1 7 pm Thursday Friday 1 pm Saturday Sunday 2 pm not foing to have a body like Barbie and they're probably not going to be able to afford all those toys like Barbie and they're not necessarily going to have the perfect partner like Barbie "The disappointment lingers" For Informafion call 852-4700 991-1702 or 853-1954 II II Vogel) and asks for more every holiday and birthday The reason? Barbie is Rachel's 115-inch-tall soulmate They've gone camping together and they've flown to the moon Sometimes they play dress-up sometimes they just hang out For all the controversy that's dogged Barbie nobody disputes this if Barbie is a staple of American life it's largely because girls too young to understand why they silouldn't enjoy her do "She's my friend" Rachel says "I love her" One billion and counting There's another thing everybody agrees about Barbie: She's huge 'Consumers have bought more than 1 billion Barbies in the past 40 years making her sort of the Big Mac of toys Last yea Barbie and related gear generated sales of roughly $19 billion according to her maker Mattel Inc At last count (1996) the average American girl owned eight Berbies and 99 out of 100 women and girls could name the doll on sight according to statistics cited in "Barbie Culture" But Barbie isn't just for kids Adults collect her for fun and profit (A Barbie recently sold in Newport Beach Calif for $14350 and the monthly Barbie trading show at the Disneyland Hotel is billed as the world's biggest) At least two documentaries have been made about Barbie and she has had walk-on (OK carry-on) roles in at least a half-dozen feature films In 1976 she was buried in the time capsule to mark the US Bicentennial This year according to Mattel the US Postal Service will put Barbie's face on a stamp and a horticulturists' group will declare a conuneznorative "Barbie" rose And as of this month Barbie is the subject of her second fullbloivn social deconstruction Rogers' "Barbie Culture" "Until I did the book I had no idea she was so big" Rogers says "She's everywhere" Not a feminist Barbie has been issued in no fewer than 59 careet outfits from Stromi Wald leoie El Collectibles Dolls Bears Gifts En Hooked on spending In 1958 the year before Mattel sold its first Barbie Bank of America and American Express issued their first credit cards Somehow Barbie watchers say the timing made sense SeeBarbie buys stuffThere isof course Barbie's well-known love of shoes and clothing but that's just an appetizer shopping-wise Barbie is at least as hooked on real estate as she is on fashion Initially Barbie's real estate deals didn't look much different from those of other lucky suburbanites She started in the 1960s with the Barbie Dream House moving up to the Deluxe Dream House and an even bigger spread the Country Living Home (She briefly broke the trade-up cycle during the mid-1970s with the Barbie Townhouse but inflation was in double digits then and downsizing made some sense) In the past 15 years Barbie has gone positively real estate crazy buying a Barbie Dream Cottage a Barbie Glamour Home and in 1990the Barbie Magical Mansion Naturallycollege-age Barbie has had sports cars (an Austin-Healey a Ferrari a Classy Corvette a Porsche a Mustang and a Jaguar to name a few) as well a Jeep-type vehicle a bus a scooter skateboard and assorted bicycles roller skates and walking shoes The upshot of it all some say is that Barbie is a Pied Piper of consumption leading little kids down the path of spending "She's a total icon of consumerism" Rogers says "When I talked with middle-school kids about what they liked about Barbie they all said 'her stuff' "I don't think that's a result of the dollbut she's certainly reflecting something that's going on in society" Rogers adds JlistlaakAtiffizaLJEgCargy Bs Potpourri II 4- tO 4or Teenage Fashion Model to Presidential Candidate Most including the Policewoman Barbie that comes with a gown to wear to the Policeman's Ball and the Marine Corps Sgt Barbie that comes with a hairbrush inserted in the beltloop that might otherwise hold a gun come with something to remind the world that Barbie is a girl It's the brush that ticks off Helen Grieco president of the California chapter of the National Organization for Women "That brush just says how inactive Barbie is supposed to be how the most important thins in her life is supposed to be her hair" Grieco says Still Grieco 44 says she played with Barbie as a child And she gives the doll as a gift to her niece Reluctantly "My niece is crazy about Barbie" Grieco says "But from me she gets the (Marine) Barbie and she gets her without that brush" Grieco is laughing but she's not joking Like many feminists Grieco also doesn't like Barbie's body Grieco says the body which would measure 39-18-34 if stretched over a 5- foot-10 frame is a powerful force on young girls "It's just a totally destructive message" But thin-is-good isn't the only alleged Barbie message that Grieco and others find fault with "It's the whole Barbie fantasy that's the problem" Grieco says "See girls want to grow up to be like Barbie But the truth isthey're 1 dw 444 Muffy Daddy Long Lep Peaceable Planet Cottage Collectibles Cdebrity Bears Lou Rankht Mary Meyer Mohair Bears Rabbits Scatted Candles MP Pillows Pocket Dragons Lee Middleton Dons Bamm Beano Baseball Silk Flowers Retired Beanies An independent woman Not everybody who describes herself as a feminist or who SUpports women's rights sees Barbie as a totally negative influence "I do disagree with her body but I think that Barbie overall sends a bigger message than that" says Roberta Jackson an insurance executive in Rancho Santa Margarita Calif whose 10-yearold daughter Katrina is a big Barbie fan Jackson points out that Barbie isn't focused on getting a man (Barbie and Ken remain unmarriedofficially although Barbie has been seen wearing wedding gowns) which she views as healthy Jackson also sees Barbie's evolving careers as evidence of Barbie's fundamental independence "The basic message that girls get from Barbie is that she can do anything she sets her mind to When girls see that they believe they can do anything too" Jackson says Another Barbie message according to some observers is that it is better to be white than not "1 think Barbie has more to say about race in America than it does about femininity and that's saying something because she has a lot to say about femininity" says "Barbie Culture" author Rogers 8 31 4 '111 qtt7 I I 1 I I 1 I Just Arrived Mohair Planet Plush Mimes Plush Ice Limited Treasures NFL Collecticritters Puffkins Sa IlyWhicy Mohair Planet Pl ush LimitedMinetTreasuresPlugh 17NPI Collecticritters Pufficins i nri A P4 111p1k etS1) r' gh'i7 le 41 t'1 --7'' g-- vS ii i i 11101A1'9-64 itlik fhl lat it IP A tnlik 1741 VAIr4 t' it'4 111p 4 100' 3 1' 4'41) tek- IU V- Nte natragialaRMERCIECIS le I) 1.