The world of conservative punditry is in a tizzy after Michelle Malkin wondered if Dunkin' Donuts spokescheerleader Rachael Ray wasn't wearing a keffiyeh in a recent television ad. Just to be safe, Dunkin' Donuts pulled the ad.

I won't launch into any ad hominem attacks of Michelle Malkin, much as I'd like to right now. But I will offer up a few facts:

• The keffiyeh is an ancient traditional headdress worn by men, and is most connected to the Bedouins. While the keffiyeh was worn by both Yasser Arafat and Che Guevara, it was also worn by bohemian American girls in the 1980s.
• Critics of the keffiyeh's symbolism point to its connection with Palestinians and Fatah. However, Palestinians themselves wear the headdresses no matter what their party affiliation or political leanings.
• Arabs are not all terrorists. In fact, most Arabs are not terrorists. Connecting an ancient traditional garment worn by millions across dozens of countries to a tiny (no matter how awful) faction of criminals seems racist.
• Rachael Ray is not wearing a keffiyeh in this picture. She is wearing a paisley scarf with a fringe, selected by her stylist. Honestly, I don't think it looks great on her, but what do I know.

For Dunkin' Donuts to pull an ad based on the rantings of an ultra-conservative columnist? Far more worthy of boycott than being accused of having a spokeswoman who might wear a paisley scarf while drinking a Cool Latte. One liberal pundit says she's sticking with Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX until the ad comes back. What do you think?

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Oh, how the sugary have fallen. Ten years ago, even five, you and I both know how this would have come out. In the standoff between longtime national fried-dough pusher Dunkin' Donuts and upstart sweet freak Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD), Krispy reigned supreme. The chain was rolling out new franchises as fast as dough circles could parade around its restaurants on shiny metal racks, and each time it did local police stations did overtime directing traffic.

Somehow, the mighty fell after the considerable sugar high, largely connected to poorly-managed finances, badly-handled expansion, and a sudden national fear of carbohydrates. All the while, Dunkin' Donut managers everywhere continued to plod along, making the doughnuts, and quietly stirring a blue-collar breakfast revolution. One day America woke up and realized, hey, Dunkin' Donuts' coffee is good! Someone named it "Better than Starbucks" and it soon became clear that the product guys had realized something: we make a lotta money off of coffee. Actually, more than half of the company's revenue.

In an effort to appeal to a broader demographic, department-store name Kohl's (NYSE: KSS), known for its broad selection of modestly-priced items, is focusing its efforts on unique product lines, including clothing branded by Vera Wang and fresh additions to its housewares department. Earlier this week, the retailer unveiled a new line of kitchenware, emblazoned with the Food Network brand.

The new Food-Network tools range in price from $10 to $400 and include cookware and bakeware, utensils and gadgets, pantryware, dinnerware, and textiles/linens. To coincide with the new line, Kohl's will launch a marketing campaign to include advertisements, promotions, and direct mail.

The cable network, which can be seen in about 90 million households in the U.S., features programs hosted by celebrity chefs such as Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, and Ina Garten (aka "The Barefoot Contessa"). Kohl's already offers a small line of Rachael Ray-sanctioned cutlery, cookware, and serving pieces, so the deal with the Food Network seems like a natural progression.

Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.