If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): barack obama doll

This year the choice was between Cobbler and Gobbler (via an online social media vote), two 19 week-old, 40 pound birds. Elementary school students in Rockingham County, Virginia - the native area of the turkeys - chose the names.

While one of the turkeys is recognized as the National Thanksgiving Turkey – chosen for the first time by the American public through an online contest this year – the president traditionally pardons both turkeys, one serving as an alternate.

above: The presidentially pardoned turkey Cobbler, whose distinguishing mark from his brother, Gobbler, is a small black mark on the beak, arrives at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Nov. 21, where he and his brother will live out their days under the property's care following a pardon by President Barack Obama. (Photo: M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO)

"If for some reason Cobbler cannot fulfill his duties as the official White House Turkey, Gobbler will be waiting in the wings," Obama said.

With the turkey gobbling away nearby, Obama teased about new beginnings.
"They say that life is all about second chances, and this November I could not agree more," he said, joking about his re-election. "So in the spirit of the season, I have one more gift to give and it goes to a pair of turkeys."

Following the pardoning, the turkeys will be taken to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, where the winning turkey will be on display for visitors during "Christmas at Mount Vernon." They'll stay on the property after the holidays. The birds grew up on a farm near Harrisonburg, Virginia under National Turkey Federation Chairman Steve Willardsen's supervision.

above: Cobbler and Gobbler arrive at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Va., where they will live out their days under the care of the property following a presidential pardon, Nov. 21, by President Barack Obama. (Photo: M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO)

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the turkey presentation. In his remarks, Obama also thanked the troops overseas and asked Americans to remember the victims of Superstorm Sandy, which killed dozens in the U.S. and wreaked major devastation across the Northeast last month.

Concluding his comments, the president gave one final blessing to the turkey.
"You are hereby pardoned. Congratulations, Cobbler," the president said. "You'll have a great life."

Photos and info courtesy of The White House, CNN and Reuters

For the real collector, there are several lines of Barbie dolls... everything from artist and designer series to DC Comics, Dolls of the world and dolls ranked by 'label' (platinum, gold, etc.). I don't want to bog you down with the details (of which there are many) but instead want to share with you some of the Barbie Dolls you probably had no idea were ever created (unless you have tween girls at home or are a collector yourself). Barbie certainly ain't what she used to be...

The Pivotal Mod Squad collection of Pop Life dolls for 2009 is fun, modern and frankly, fabulous. This new set of Pivotal dolls... the follow up to last year's Jazz Baby dolls brings the new POP Life! dolls.

Retro fashion dolls wear mod shapes in shift dresses and elephant bells, mixed with black-and-white graphics and a burst of color and texture! Celebrate the Mod Era with three fully-posable, Pivotal™ body dolls from the Barbie® Fashion Model Collection.

Based on the Pivotal body, each doll comes dressed in Mod prints and features nostalgic face sculpting. Barbie and Christie share the TNT face sculpt, while Kelly is a Steffie face sculpt.

Mod Barbie:

Mod Christie:

Mod Kelly:

Price approx. $54.95 each. Release date is TBA, but the mod dolls, each sold separately, can be pre-ordered here. Or here.

Other "hip" Barbies worth noting:

2008 Hard Rock Barbie