Barbie Power
Barbie finally understands that you can’t go wrong honoring women. Matel is honoring six women of science with dolls. These six women all played a significant role in the fight against COVID-19. They are British vaccinologist Sarah Gilbert, U.S. health care workers Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, emergency room nurse Amy O’Sullivan, Canadian doctor and advocate against systemic racism in health care Chicka Stacy Oriuwa, Brazilian biomedical researcher Dr. Jaqueline Goes de Jesus and Australian doctor and protective gown developer Kirby White. NPR reports:
Barbie recognizes that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel. “To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories.” She added that she hopes the new launch “inspires the next generation to take after these heroes. As of this year, only 35% of STEM students are women, according to STEM.
NPR: Mattel’s Barbie Turns Women Of Science, Including COVID Vaccine Developer, Into Dolls
This is a good use of the power of Barbie. There will be little girls everywhere who will learn more about these STEM jobs and the importance of women in the field. Overall, this is pretty cool. I like it.
Rule Breakers
CNN is not playing games. They fired three employees this week for not getting vaccinated in violation of their safety protocols. ~ish is getting real. Last year, CNN announced its policy that employees would need to be vaccinated in order to return the office. They do not, however, require proof of vaccinations.
“In the past week, we have been made aware of three employees who were coming to the office unvaccinated. All three have been terminated,” CNN’s president, Jeff Zucker, wrote in an internal memo on Thursday that The New York Times obtained. “Let me be clear — we have a zero-tolerance policy on this.” Mr. Zucker did not say where the employees worked, what positions they held or how their violations of the vaccine mandate were discovered. CNN declined to comment beyond his memo.
NYT
Yo, who snitched? That is kinda funny. Everyone needs to remember that you have the right to choose your actions but not your consequences. New York Times: CNN fires three employees who went into the office unvaccinated.
Rumble in Delta
Competing for the Most Ineffective Governor Award, Ron DeSantis of Florida is the current front runner. While the White House is trying to do something about the rising COVID numbers, Biden asked GOP governors to get out of the way. DeSantis’ response was he didn’t want to “hear a blip about COVID from you, thank you,” adding, “Why don’t you do your job?” DeSantis is likely thinking this is a good campaign strategy as he is up for reelection next year. His name is also being floated as a potential 2024 presidential contender. So this has a two part pay-off for him. He gets to talk crap to a democratic president and talk crazy for GOP voters. And we all know how much they love loud, crazy-talking madmen. And it looks like Biden is over it too. Maybe they can box it out in a ring and the entry fee can be getting a vaccine? Just a thought. AP News: DeSantis feuds with Biden White House as COVID cases rise
What’s that Smell?
While everyone knows IKEA is a home goods store, apparently some people go there just for the Swedish meatballs sold in the store. Thus, IKEA has put the smell of its meatballs into a candle fragrance called HUVUDROLL.
“IKEA is giving away hundreds of its limited-edition HUVUDROLL candles for the 10th anniversary of its free loyalty program. From August 6 to the 22nd, members of the chain’s Family program can enter for a chance to win a “Store in a Box.” The gift box is meant to recreate the experience of shopping at IKEA at home, down to the smell of the store’s cafeteria.” Mental Floss: Make Your Home Smell Like Swedish Meatballs With IKEA’s New HUVUDROLL Candle I cannot condone this? Am I the only who thinks this is gross? Why would you want your home to smell like an IKEA food court? I am honestly confused.
The Culture Commentary 