Tuesday, December 8, 2009
GOING TOO FAR
Among the many life threatening diseases AIDS has been on the rise since the late 80’s. With the death rates rapidly increasing by the year, it is no wonder that organizations have worked hard to put the “safe sex” message out there. However how far is too far to get the message across? I recently saw a German AIDS awareness ad,that shocked and disgusted me! The ad “featured” an Adolf Hitler look alike having sex with a naked woman, the organization also released two other versions with Josef Stalin and Saddam Hussein. The tag line of the ads… “Aids Is a mass murderer”. This may be true since AIDS claims 30 million lives (worldwide) a year but using politically insensitive images to get a point across is disturbing and outrageous. Something far from what one usually thinks of an organization. When TIME magazine reported the story, UK AIDS charity organizer Dirk Silz said … “ The campaign is designed to shake people up…reverse the trend of unprotected sex by showing the ugliness of the illness, not of aids victims.” Not only do the images spark controversy, but the fact that the ad does not even talk about prevention such as the use of condoms, confuses many. By using an emotional appeal, organizers are trying to scare people into being safe. However I do not think many appreciate the images, therefore the message seems ineffective. When I look at the ad, I immediately feel offended and do not even care to consider the message. Before these particular ads were released there were a handful of other ads from the same organization that were also considered controversial. Some of the previous ads featured pretty women in sexual positions with deadly insects such as a scorpion suggesting that having unprotected sex was like having sex with a deadly insect. I found those images to be weird and disgusting however, they seem much more “tame and acceptable”. Although the organization is trying to protect people, there are still limits to how you do it. I do not think using insensitive techniques teaches anyone the right way to having safe sex. Despite what I think is a failed attempt at spreading a message, I would have to give the organization some credit, after all their controversy has spread throughout the world.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Alcohol Killer
With little time for fun, Alcohol Killer insures you can have a good time, without a hangover slowing you down the next day. College is a time for experiences, becoming a more independent person and learning new things and with how expensive college is, many students find themselves overwhelmed with work, clubs, volunteering or sports. But of course all work and no play can make anybody’s life a bit dull. I try to do my homework ahead of time so I can go out on the weekends and breathe some fresh air. But what is the point of going out when all your friends are at home doing homework or trying to get a goodnights rest to study for an exam? Unfortunately were not all “superhuman” and we cannot slow down time but there is a way we can have fun without the side effects of a crazy night. Alcohol Killer was recently introduced to the United States but was only distributed in a handful of states (In fear that some people may use it as an excuse to abuse alcohol or drink and drive). AK is a carbonated, citrus tasting beverage that contains all natural ingredients. The ingredients contained in the drink “stimulate the natural processes in your body to help metabolize alcohol (lowering BAC) and prevent hangovers”. Slowly AK is making its way to college towns as well AM/PM stores and select liquor stores. My friend introduced me to the drink about two months ago, and like most people I was very skeptical, even after reading the natural ingredients, I still felt that there was a catch. But I had to try it out for myself. After participating in a 6hr “experiment” I drank a cold AK (trust me you DO NOT want to drink it warm!) and used my friend’s breathalyzer, within minutes my BAC was lowered by .02, however the real test would be whether or not I woke up with a hangover. I was nervous because I had work the next morning, along with a study group and a pile of homework to do after. I fell asleep and at the sound of my alarm at 9am, I woke up feeling a tad tired but I had no headaches, upset stomachs or any sign of a hangover. Of course being the “scientist” I am I had to try this experiment more than once. I now drink AK when I think there is a possibility of a hangover. Surprisingly I have been able to go out more without worrying how I will feel the next day at work or feel while studying.
Soft Core Porn and Hamburgers
There is no doubt that sex sells. No one knows this better than Carls Jr.Most fast food companies are marketed towards families who are looking for fast and affordable meals. It is rare that we see a fast food commercial without a family or couple laughing with a burger and drink in hand. However in May 2005 a controversial Carl’s Jr. commercial starring Paris Hilton was aired. In the commercial Hilton was wearing a black bikini and high heels, while soaping up a Bentley (and herself), pausing once to take a bite out of the Carl’s Jr six dollar BBQ burger (while seductively crawling on the floor). Many people disapproved of the campaign because of Paris Hilton’s sex tape past as well as the fact it had nothing to do with eating a hamburger. The media quoted people saying the campaign was “tasteless” and “soft core porn”. I too was disturbed by the fact Carl’s Jr. was stooping down and using sex to sell their food. However almost 70% of fast food consumers are male. So after much thinking, I have to say I admire Carls Jr.’s bravery to take a risk. They used the appeal of sex to grab consumers (mainly males!) attention. Most ads make a guy feel like they should buy a product so they to can have a hot women or an expensive car. However i feel that by using an attractive, rich woman scrubbing an expenisve luxurious car, while taking a bite out of a hamburger and licking her messy hands clean, marketers really just want the sexy image playing in a guys head with the image of a delicious hamburger from their restraunt. Since the Paris Hilton commercial, there has been two other provocative commercials starring; Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef) and Audrina Patridge (The Hills). The head marketer of the company; Brad Haley said “Our Company set out to build a lifestyle-oriented site that would put people in “an idealized young male consumer’s world”. It does not make sense to chase the family-kids-Mom market”. And since using these tactics Carl’s Jr has seen more profit, especially when these scandalous commercials are being shown. Although it may seem like just a trend whenever these commercials are on, Carl’s Jr is successful because it targets consumers into trying something new which they will keep coming back to. Although these commercials may not win the hearts of the families who are looking for the fast and affordable meals, they leave many men's mouths drooling for more... Thats HOT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gby0zfCYiA
The SPICY sauce: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8nJKa13sBo
The BIKINI Burger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB2MDYzx5OY
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Everywhere you go, you see it; the plastic cup with a green straw. Without saying anymore, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Coffee has gone far beyond the 12 o’clock caffeine boost, all thanks to Starbucks. At the mall I’ll see girls giggling and shopping with a frappuccino in hand. I admit, I was one of those girls. I convinced myself I needed an extra caffeine boost for the grueling stresses of shopping (I also convinced myself it had caffeine, if you’re looking for a boost fraps are not the way to go). I look back at it now and I can honestly say that I drank them because they were trendy. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I know I’m not the only one that thought these drinks were cool. The funny thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any kind of advertisement for Starbucks. That is why I’m convinced Starbucks pays celebrities like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan to drink their coffee. I’m not going to lie, at such a young impressionable age, I fell into this media trap. Even though I no longer believe in the whole “I’ll be cool if I drink this thing”, I still find myself choosing Starbucks over any other coffee.
P.S. If you’re looking to try a new flavor… Cinnamon Dolce Latte (or frap) and of course White mocha anything!
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