The Fox television organization has just announced plans for two new cable networks -- the Girlz Channel and the Boyz Channel. Fox Family Channel CEO Rich Cronin says "there are clearly certain types of entertainment that boys hate and girls love, and it's positive to have something that recognizes the difference." WFF can't wait -- the boy's channel will undoubtedly have lots of blood n' guts, and be fueled by advertising for violent video games and action toys. Switch to the girl's channel to get Barbie, Barbie, Barbie and Barbie. Her advertiser will be Barbie. The Children's Television Workshop has already weighed in with their concerns. All families with kids should be concerned about this -- the last thing we need going into the 21st Century is a TV world populated with strong and violent boys balanced by weak, looks-obsessed, dependent girls. If you think this is a bad idea, tell Cronin at fax 310-235-9557. If they must go ahead (and they probably will), Fox can show good faith by appointing an advisory board with gender equity experts, parents and PTA groups.

Rosie O'Donnell has a great promotion going to get yourself a little gift and care for your health at the same time. For every mammogram receipt within calendar year '98, the show send you an "I Got Squished '98" t-shirt. Rosie also features women singing their original "mammogram songs" if they're lively and entertaining. Get squished and get your t-shirt from G.M. Concept Cure, "I Got Squished", P.O. Box 65695, Salt Lake City, Utah 84165-0695. Submit mammogram songs to Rosie's Mammogram Songs, P.O. Box 5218, New York, NY 10185.

We're heading for Gramma's for Tofurkey (We're not making this up. It's a marketer's idea of vegetarian holiday fare, now on supermarket shelves). Look for us Dec. 4th.

JUSTICE MOVES AGAINST ABORTION TERROISTS

Thanks to women's groups led by the Feminist Majority, Attorney General Janet Reno announced this week that she is establishing a national task force to investigate abortion related violence. The task force will work closely with local law enforcement and step up training, establish a central clearinghouse, and enhance safeguards for at-risk providers. It's about time the feds recognized this domestic terrorism for what it is. Give Reno a thumbs-up at fax 202-514-4371.

SO LONG NEWT! WFF is glad to see Gingrich the grinch get outta town, but don't be fooled by press reports that the Republican party is moving toward moderation. Steve Largent (R-OK well not ok, just from Oklahoma), has been on TV saying there's "no middle ground" on abortion, and railing against the "sin" of homosexuality. Largent hopes to replace the aptly named Dick Armey (R-TX) as House Majority Leader. And Robert Livingston (R-LA), heir apparent to Newt, is as rabid anti-abortion as anyone in the House. The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League rates the voting records of the entire present and potential leadership roster at 100% anti-abortion, except for Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-WA) at 83%. NARAL has challenged Livingston to reduce the need for abortion by making women's reporductive health programs a priority, and to hold extremist rhetoric in check. Add your voice to theirs by contacting Livingston at 202-225-3015, fax 202-225-3015 or by e-mail.

The total number of women in the new House of Representatives, at 56, will be higher than ever! All of the new women were elected in open seats (once more indicating that big money favors ole-boy incumbents), all are pro-choice, and all were endorsed by the National Women's Political Caucus. Congratulations to Republican Judy Biggert (IL) and Dems Shelley Berkley (NV), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Grace Napolitano (CA), Jan Schakowsky (IL) and Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (OH). Baldwin is the first openly lesbian candidate ever elected to the House. The women's vote is being credited with saving the Senate seats of Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Harry Reid (D-NV), and contributing greatly to defeats of anti-woman hardliners Alphonse D'Amato in New York and Lauch Faircloth in North Carolina. The number of women in the Senate won't change -- Carol Moseley Braun was defeated in Illinois, but Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D) added a seat from Arkansas. Thanks to all who voted and helped get out the vote!

Despite the best efforts of activists, affirmative action was outlawed in the State of Washington (WFF 10/30). But the GOOD news is that state abortion bans in Washington and Colorado were defeated, and state Equal Rights Amendments passed in both Florida and Iowa.

Most people don't realize that stalkers and domestic abusers often track down their victims through Social Security numbers. In the past, victims have had a very hard time changing their numbers because they had to prove abuse, prove stalking, and prove the connection with SSN. A change in policy announced this week by Vice President Gore will reduce these onerous requirements, making new numbers easier to come by for hundreds of women every year who seek SSNs to escape abusers. Thank the Veep at fax 202-456-7044 (or send him an e-mail) and check it out on the web at www.ssa.gov