So I think about writing about the Mayor and sex. Then I think, nah.

So I think about writing about the President and sex. Then I think, nah.

So I think about writing about Barbie and sex. Now that's something we all care deeply about.

This fall, Mattel will introduce some new smart Barbies, designed to show that the world's most popular toy -- there are more Barbies than Americans -- is not just a bimbo. She's a brainy bimbo.

Making Barbie smart is like making G.I. Joe a conscientious objector. But the new crop, marking Barbie's 38th nubile year, includes a Talk With Me Barbie, a $90 doll with a little computer on a pink desk and a PC-compatible CD-ROM to personalize her comments. Her lips move in sync with her words. (Let's hope boys don't get hold of that software.)

Then there is Dentist Barbie. ''Dressed in a white dentist's coatdress, Dentist Barbie gives positive feedback to her patient with two different phrases, 'Let's brush,' and 'Great checkup!' '' says the press release. ''Her fully poseable upper torso enables her to simulate brushing, and girls can activate the sounds of teethbrushing and water spray while Barbie treats her patient.''