Month: September 2010

American physicians have developed a commercial that advertises the dangers of a McDonald’s diet. McDonald’s has faced adversity before in the form of negative media attention, which forces them to market themselves differently.  The title itself suggests ethical controversy – and accompanied by these screenshots from advertisement we can see just how far the doctors decided to go.



“High cholesterol. High blood pressure. Heart Attacks.”

This advertisement directly targets McDonald’s high fat foods by insinuating a direct causation to death. The commercial highlights that McDonald’s fast food is unhealthy – which is no news to most people, especially since the release of the popular jaw-dropping documentary: Super Size Me. What makes McDonald’s consider the doctors’ ad “Outrageous!” and “Misleading propaganda”? The graphic image of a corpse under a sheet on a hospital bed made me squirm – it was the image of a man who looked average enough to be anyone’s father or friend. McDonald’s must have been upset with the direct relation as the ad features their logo as well as a trademark burger in the man’s dead hands. I am curious as to whether/how they will rebuttle – because we all know it’s scary, but it’s true!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/doctors-mcdonalds-attack-ad/article1708573/?view=picks

“Germany’s exporting prowess is leaving the rest of the euro area behind”

“stronger foreign demand for German-type products”

The German economy seems to be carrying the economic weight of all of Europe on its shoulders. The continuation of the euro was at one point questionable, and Germany has been contributing more than expected to the European economy. In the last quarter, Germany’s success helped Europe outperform both America and Japan. Because of their export-based economy, Germany has been increasing output, contributing to a lowered unemployment rate.

Along with Germany’s low unemployment rate, they are succeeding economically with the automobile industry. The currently strong Japanese yen is causing issues for their own car industry, which is good for Germany who considers them tough competition. Last year german Merecedes’ sales to China rose by 120% (over a year). Many plants such as BMW and VW are seeing full capacity again, contributing to the low unemployment rate.

As the rest (or most) of Europe is experiencing independent economic distress, Germany has proven themself by maximizing exports. Whether they are strategic or lucky, Germany is doing something right, and the rest of Europe could learn a lesson or two from them.

http://www.economist.com/node/16542836?story_id=16542836&CFID=147783173&CFTOKEN=43103424

http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2010/09/europes_economy