Yup

Group finds China toy factory conditions "brutal"

HONG KONG (Reuters) - A U.S.-based workers' rights group said it found "brutal conditions" and labor violations at eight Chinese plants that make toys for big multinationals, and called on the companies to take steps for better standards.

China Labor Watch said in a report issued on Tuesday after several months of investigation that the manufacturers -- which served a handful of global players, including Disney, Bandai and Hasbro -- paid "little heed to the most basic standards of the country."

"Wages are low, benefits are non-existent, work environments are dangerous and living conditions are humiliating," it said.

We kinda figured this out back when we saw the video of the 12-year-old girls painting action figures.

Fave quote:

"Instead of concentrating on improving product safety and workers' lives, companies spend their energy creating beautiful pamphlets on social responsibility, disputing critical reports and shifting blame," it said.

They're learning from us! *proud*

Walt Disney Company International said that it and its affiliates take claims of unfair labor practices very seriously, investigate any such allegations thoroughly and take remedial action.

"We have a firm commitment to the safety and well-being of workers, and fair and just labor standards," spokeswoman Alannah Goss said in an e-mailed statement.

"We're so upset, we might have to make another colorful pamphlet!"

Awwwww!

Look at the cute widdle tentacles!!!

Puppy goodness

This is from the Disney pet care line, Disney Tails.

( woof )

What are you wearing?

Today, we're doing Science, and wearing our exclusive Dr. Jumba Jookiba watch!

( what time is it? )

Via Pharyngula

All must buy. From Amazon, or from your favorite purveyor of Cephalopodia.

Squiddie

Gama-Go released this Squid hoodie whilst we were in Mongolia. Which may either be kind of fortunate (from the standpoint of tiki's diminishing bank account), or kind of mean (from the point of view of "OMG SQUID!").

We will probably weaken and order one. Everyone needs a hoodie, after all, as hurricane season is rapidly approaching. When the levies break, don't get caught without your Cephalojacket.

Auctions

Sometimes, we grow impatient with Yahoo Japan.

We leaf through pages and pages of familiar-looking plushies, and uninspired cell phone mascots, and think to ourselves, "Woe is us, but what is it all for?"

And then, we click on a new page.



And then, the awesome.

We are not worthy.

All Mod Cons

Though it seems to be new in the Southland, the so-called "modesty" movement has already marched through Seattle. We saw news reports of a "modest" fashion show back when women hereabouts still routinely donned t-shirts stolen from toddler-aged siblings. tiki did not disapprove at that point of the Mod-i-acs, as, no matter the motivation, we endorse any philosophy that will cause our view to be less blighted with blobbity girlie spare tires (to our eyes, the worst example of cringe-inducing skin exposure since the great chest hair uncovering of the 70s). Seriously, unless you are aged 19 or less and sized 2 or less, not the best look.

As to the Mod Cons, the Concept, in sum: women must cover their boobies, and their bras, bra straps, bra strap lines under clothes, and any clothes that might actually suggest that they indeed possess breasts and are thus are in need of a bra. The authors of the movement helpfully point out unintentional and unexpected ways of boobie exposure (Like a too deep neckline! Or, through the arm hole! Be ever wary!). Because, if men think of teh sex, it is all your fault. Cause, boobies.

Though, tiki is thinking, if the goal of the Modest-oids is really to eliminate thoughts of all boobies from male minds, something more than fashion, like, for example, heavy dosages of antipsychotic drugs, or perhaps psychosurgery, will eventually be needed.

Additionally, evidently, in Modest-o, men remain perfectly free to frolic with abandon, dressed like this:



So, in sum, the Modsylvanians, perhaps a tad too boobie-phobic, but maybe not all bad.