Pink Princess Fairytale Flakes; Candy Bars For Breakfast

I’m not sure which tweaks me more, junk food glop dyed pink in stereotyped splendor, “berry” cereals that have nothing remotely resembling fruit, or confusing callouts, (vitamin-D, calcium, lightly sweetened) that make people believe this crud is actually consumable, as a ‘healthy’ start to your day. Leave it to General Mills to have all three apply in the newly launched … [Read more...]

Joe Camel Meets Pink Think: Will the FDA rule?

“It strains the imagination that this is not aimed at anyone other than 15-, 16-, 17-year-old girls," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in today’s fuming brouhaha over whether the FDA should regulate tobacco products. (note the NYTimes adjacent photo & pithy feature) Josephine Camel seems to be taking on sleek black leather stiletto heels and sexy hot pink glamorama … [Read more...]

Positive Coaching Alliance Offers Media Tips & Life Lessons

Last week MSNBC editorialized on the essential factors of a classic sports movie: “Feature Underdog(s), Stick it to the Man, Make Men Cry, Provide Memorable Quotes, and Inspire Real Athletes.” Writer Bob Cook lists his favorite top ten films, and in scanning them I realized every single sports movie had a life lesson, feel-good premise, or positive message for kids! Since … [Read more...]

Can Somethin’ Be Done About All This Consumption?

Does a stuffed animal REALLY need its OWN designer camera cell phone, ipod, silver sequined belt, 'pawsport' to travel, sneakers, underpanties, headband, matching outfit and gazillion accessories? Every time I see the master marketing behind Build-A-Bear (complete with barkers at the door to entice people inside and computerized ‘birth certificates’ to capture kids’ data) I … [Read more...]

Wrigley Field Now Sounds Like a Deodorant

There's "ad creep" in the outfield. Under Armour logos will now blare through the historic ivy-covered walls of venerable Wrigley Field. Hard to imagine the two doors in left and right field that were painstakingly painted green to blend with the ivy in 1937 will now have the big ol’ Under Armour sports apparel logo smack dab in the center as a shout-out to … [Read more...]