This monthly newsletter is becoming more like a half-yearly publication. The last issue was in November! I blame my 15 month old son, Will, for the delay. When I had just one child, (Jack, almost 4), there were two adults and one child in the household, so we were busy, but I managed to have plenty of time for my other creation, Feral Cheryl.

However, change the mix to two adults and two children, and work time is a precious commodity and spare time is something that existed in a previous life. Of course the boys are gorgeous and I love my time with them, but their feral sibling l has been a wee bit neglected.

I have really enjoyed putting this newsletter together though, and have promised myself I won't leave it so long again before the next issue. Hope you enjoy it, and if you have any feedback please send it to me at Lee@feralcheryl.com.au

One of the motivations for making Feral Cheryl was to counter the ridiculous body image of the Barbie doll. That's why FC has sturdy shaped legs, with thighs, and feet planted firmly on the ground. She also has a body that's in proportion for her height. However, Feral Cheryl is not a model of a larger size woman.

Recently such a doll has come on the market, the Emme doll, which is based on a size 16 model called , (of course), Emme. I wasn't familiar with this woman, but have since seen her website and found out more about the doll.

While I think it's great to have a doll representing women more than size 10, I was less than impressed to see that this doll, is made in China. Considering she costs about US$100, I would expect her to be hand made in America. But no, once again the attraction of cheap foreign factories has lured the manufacturers. You can bet the people clothing this Emme don't see much of the $100!

TOYS OF MISERY

I'm not aware of the particular conditions in the factory making Emme, but I have read quite a bit about factories in China and none of it good. This year the U.S National Labor Committee released a report called "Toys of Misery", and you can guess from the title that this is not a pretty picture.

I urge you to read the summary of this report available at www.nlcnet.org.

Some of the findings include workers doing 15 to 16 hour shifts , seven days a week for 12 to 14cents/hour in 104 degree temperatures, handling toxic glues, plastics, solvents etc. You get the picture. Speak out, get sick or try to organise, and be fired.

Please read the article.

Cartoon by Carol Simpson, whose work can be found in labor, alternative and business publications across North America, see more at www.cartoonwork.com .