BARBIE CONVENTION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!: The convention was marvelous--thats the word from convention attendees! Don't miss Vicky's great page of convention photos, The convention souvenir doll is a stunner--she is a saloon girl in keeping with the convention theme of "Barbie In The Old West." Here is Vicky's picture of her!

Simply Gene Platinum Is now shipping! FAO tells me that they are expecting the doll next week. This doll is eagerly awaited, it is the FIRST Gene doll to have a swivel waist!

New Barbie Bazaar: Great issue--don' t miss the pull-out brochure on the Fashion Model Barbie collection!! The pictures are great. Also, the photo of the Morgan Le Fay doll on the cover shows an innovative use of head molds by Mattel--the FIRST person to e-mail me with the correct answer as to WHICH head mold has been used on this doll gets a Barbie Key Chain (e-mail me at collectdolls.guide@about.com HINT: The answer appears somewhere online on this site!) There is also an Ashton Drake ad for Madra in First Encounter, and and photos of the Sees Candy, victyorian holiday Barbie with Kelly set, and Goddess of Spring and Goddess of Beauty dolls. Plus, a BUNCH of excellent articles on vintage Barbie.

Theriaults Estate Auction: For my antique doll collectors, don't miss the lovely antique dolls for sale at Theriault's Avant Auction this week--including the lovely Heubach Googly Toddler shown here! There is also a stunning bisque portrait poupee by Jumeau (has a hairline) with a current bid of under $2,000! And, the current Ten2Go auctions have everything from Quints to cloth dolls to Arranbees.

Ever hear of the International Toy Collectors Association? This association travels all over the country to buy toys and dolls from original owners for the association members. There is an interesting article on how this association operates at Post-Gazette.com If anyone here is a member, I would love to hear about your experiences with this group in the Forum!

Big Mouth Billy Bass: OK, not a doll, but evidently the hit novelty toy of the year! This fish lip-synchs to "Take Me To The River" and other tunes. I don't know, for its $29.99 retail price, I'd personally rather have a Barbie or an outfit for Gene! Here is the scoop on this loud mouth fish: from the Montreal Gazette.com.

Upcoming Doll Events

• Timeless Treasures: The Story of Dolls in Canada is on display now through March 30, 2003 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. For more information on this huge (over 400 dolls) landmark exhibit, visit http://www.civilisations.ca/cmc/cmceng/pr113aeng.html
• International Convention 2000 of the Doll Artisan Guild: June 28 to July 1 at the Hilton in Walt Disney World. Held every 2 years; I'll be attending so come say hello!
• National UFDC Convention: Fin Du Millenaire: Chicago, July 16-21 2000. The National Convention; over 2000 doll collectors, sale room, modern and antique doll competition rooms, classes, seminars (your Guide will be teaching a seminar) , meal events and much more! Go to www.ufdc.org for more information
• Theriault Marquis Auction Weekend: July 16. Wyndham Hotel, Chicago Illinos. Catalogued and Discovery (uncatalogued) auctions.
• National Doll Festival: Chicago, July 15-19, Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. For information http://members.aol.com/natldoll/pub/
• National Gene Convention 2000 will be held Oct. 20-23 at the Arlington Heights Hilton in Arlington Heights, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). Registration is $325 and limited to 700. For more information, contact genecon99@aol.com
• Fashion Doll Convention 2000 San Diego, California August 12 to 14 2000 at the DoubleTree Hotel. Convention dolls are Daisy and Willow. For more information, http://members.aol.com/fashiondollsd or e-mal fashiondollsd@aol.com

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2000 Past Editions of Dolls This Week:

January
Madame Alexander 16" Fashion Doll; Mattel Execs Leave *
Doll Costumer Guild Announces New Publication; *
Barbie PC; Barbie Auction *
February
Jill Barad Resigns From Mattel *
All The Toy Fair News! *
Toy Fair Recap; Toy Fair Toys are Technological *
March
New Theriault's Auctions; Dorothy Coleman Dies *
TRU Big Event, Virginia Graves Carlson Dies *
April
New Doll Books; New Barbie Releases in Stores *
Jill-Neimrow Nelson Resigns; Americana 2000 Projects; Fashion Doll Convention *
Barbie for President, Sign Language Barbie; Betty Spagetty and eBay Antique Dealers *
Special Online Doll Auctions; Pleasant Co. Toys For Boys, Cool Collecting Barbie*
May
Pleasant Company Founder Retires/Doll Discounts/Harley Ken HOT! *
Who's Brave Enough to Run Mattel/Hello Kitty Barbie/Barbies in stores now *
Toysmart OUT of Business; Where are Asian Barbies; NEW Mattel CEO *
June
Barbie20001 line info; Gene News; Sailor Moon NEW USA Dolls! *
eBay users dislike advertisements; GI Joe in a Dress; new 16" Fashion Dolls *

For all 1999 editions of "Dolls This Week" please go to the 1999 Dolls This Week Archives.