Skywarp! 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 The tounge-in-cheek way that the article treats this as a real breakup is hilarious. From AOL.com: Barbie and Ken 'Split' After 43 Years Toymaker Says 'Romance Has Come to an End,' But They 'Will Remain Friends' By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL, AP NEW YORK (Feb. 12) - Just like J.Lo and Ben, the romance is over for Barbie and Ken. After 43 years as one of the world's prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time - apart." "Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end," said Arons, who quickly added that the duo "will remain friends." Arons denied that there was any truth to rumors that the breakup was linked to the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie, arriving in stores now. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie will wear board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings, and have a deeper tan. This new style already has attracted a new admirer, Blaine the Australian boogie boarder. KRT Barbie met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961. Barbie - the most popular fashion doll in the world, according to toy maker Mattel - met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961, and they have been inseparable ever since. Arons hinted Wednesday that the separation may be partially due to Ken's reluctance to getting married. All those bridal Barbie dolls in toy chests around the globe are really just examples of Barbie's wishful thinking, he explained. Another possible factor is Barbie's career. The doll who was "born" Barbie Millicent Roberts in 1959 has been everything from a rock star to military medic, and she's currently marketed in more than 150 countries. According to Mattel, every second, three Barbie dolls are sold somewhere in the world. So where does that leave Ken? Said Arons: "He will head for other waves." 02/12/04 11:17 EST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LivingLegendGaryColeman 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 Somehow I get the feeling in a couple weeks there will be another article, talking about getting with the times and Ken has a new lover named Steve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Youth N Asia 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 Yeah, time for them to reach out to a new market and bring a new man into Ken's life. Actually I thought this was going to happen a long time ago. This is the gayest toy ever Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 Wow. The AP really covers the important news these days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BUTT 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 I don't get this. Is this just part of a plan to phase out the Ken doll? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermortal 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2004 It's all about Midge, anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LivingLegendGaryColeman 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2004 Another possibility I thought of is maybe Barbie caught Ken with a couple of them skank-ass Bratz dolls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Renegade 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2004 Girl on girl barbie then? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cuban Linx 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2004 Truly a sad day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 13, 2004 U'd figure after 43 years, Anatomically Incorrect Ken would run out of things to do with Barbie... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted February 14, 2004 And so close to Valentine's Day, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spiny norman 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2004 I've heard that in 1967-8 they stopped running Ken dolls, but then brought them back. I figure the same will happen here. Being male, I know very little about Barbie. But I know that with Barbie goes Ken, and I think they will be forced to bring him back shortly. Barbie and Blaine just doesn't sound right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted February 14, 2004 Here we have them breaking up a long and successful marraige for no good reason, yet they claim gay marraige will undermine the sanctity of marraige as if it's still sacred. I bought the cock ring Ken and kept the article on it from my local paper. It didn't turn into the collectable I hoped it would become. By the way, is it bad for a straight man to admit to playing with Barbies as a kid? I had GI Joes and all the other 80's boys toys too...damnit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2004 Perhaps Ken needs the little blue diamond... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Murmuring Beast 0 Report post Posted February 14, 2004 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites