Monthly Archives: April 2020

Doll Creates an Uncomfortable Space

Out of this world

Since 1986, American Girl Doll has become a household name.  The 18-inch dolls bear likenesses of young girls with different ethnicities, and the persona of each doll is developed into a character.  The introduction of the aspiring astronaut doll, Luciana Vega, in 2018 has caused more damage than intended. According to a recent lawsuit filed against American Girl Doll and its parent company Mattel, the Luciana doll is based off of a real person.  Lucianne Walkowicz did not approve of the representation and is suing the doll maker for trademark infringement. Continue reading →

Flying Towards Conflict

Refund refusal?

Despite the current state of the nation and the world, American Airlines, among other flight companies, have continued to operate.  While many individuals have opted to cancel travel plans, others are left with no other choice than to travel internationally or across state lines. The airlines initially appeared to take a flexible approach to the mass request for refunds and cancellations.  Many customers, however, claim that when they asked for their money back, American Airlines’ response was unfavorable, leaving many to blame the airline of deceptive business practices.  As a result of this alleged mishandling, customers have taken legal action. Continue reading →

Erasing History?

Highway draws to a close

At the beginning of 2018, the ownership rights to the local attraction, Centralia Graffiti Highway, fell into the hands of neighboring property owners, including Pagnotti Enterprises.  The State of Pennsylvania gave up rights to the road once it was determined the road would never be safe again to use as a highway.  Although the easement was lifted, Graffiti Highway continued to attract visitors from all areas.  About three quarters of a mile in length, the highway was covered with public art, colorful drawings, words, and images.  Interested parties would ignore the ‘no trespassing’ signs to experience the obviously unique spectacle.  Pagnotti Enterprises, which now owns a majority of the road, has made a bold decision that some feel is disrespectful to the legacy of Centralia.  Others see Pagnotti Enterprises’ choice to pave over the road as a solution to the overpopulation of visitors to the area. Continue reading →

Cruising for Compensation

Avoid the wobble

Most of us have witnessed motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic on the highways and cruising through neighborhoods.  While some love the acceleration and adrenaline, others worry about the safety aspect.  A recently filed lawsuit may push people in the middle to the side of the latter.  A North Carolina motorcycle owner, William Rouse, is taking legal action against well-known Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for injuries sustained after his bike crashed. Continue reading →

Fighting Against Extinction

Save the wolverines!

Wolverines may soon join the list of extinct species, next to the passenger pigeon, the golden toad, and the Caspian tiger.  Despite efforts to push for a wolverine listing under the Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has not made any substantial moves.  In response to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s less than proactive approach in working to preserve the wolverine population, nine conservation groups have banded together in filing a lawsuit.  Filed on March 18, the conservation groups are hoping for a judge to institute a firm deadline by which the US Fish and Wildlife Service must make their decision in listing the animal as endangered. Continue reading →