Hello Ketty

Has anyone ever actually seen a Hello Kitty cartoon? Where did she come from anyway? I have to ask because Hello Kitty runs the show in Taiwan. There can't be a more powerful brand in this country. No matter where you go you can see Hello Kitty merchandise or imagery- there are Hello Kitty planes, a Hello Kitty ferris wheel (in Japan she has a whole amusement park), Hello Kitty stores, Hello Kitty diamond jewelery, Hello Kitty cell phones, Hello Kitty happy meals, there's a restaurant and even a Hello Kitty maternity hospital!

Without further ado, here are some of the random Hello Kitty products I've spotted so far (and keep in mind I've only been here two weeks- who knows what else is out there):


If you'd like to have the world's most offensive feet, Hello Kitty Crocs are now available.


The aforementioned Hello Kitty maternity hospital. Chick in the bed looks pretty happy about it all.


We were at a Hello Kitty store last weekend and there were big signs announcing the new Hello Kitty TARTAN, but unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures. Instead, please reference the above creepy image of this amazing new tartan.


Hello Kitty lotto!!


It's a Hello Kitty toaster oven! I bet Mariah Carey has one in every room.


More is revealed about this character: according to this coffee mug she is "as heavy as three apples". Time for a diet, dude.


*the shame*


Hello Kitty offers a surprising variety of foods at the grocery store, one of my favorites is her brand of curry. It's just such an odd bit of branding...


And last but not least, if you're pinching pennies I'm sure your loved one won't even notice that you've bought her a "Hello KETTY" brand t-shirt instead of the real deal. We are in a recession after all, you can't be buying brand names all of the time.