Monday, May 29, 2006

Re-Innovating Wendy's


First Wendy's 1
Originally uploaded by JPHansen.
In the greasy world of fast-food, there is no other chain that has the reputation for fresh, quality food like Wendy's. The thing people love about them, is not only are they the underdog, but they have an ever-expanding menu and are very adaptable to the changes in their customer's tastes. They were the first chain to feature a salad bar, had a chicken sandwich in 1980, offer stuffed baked potatoes and chili, and have a 99 cent menu introduced in 1989.

For the past 3 years, it's been a little tough for Wendy's since founder Dave passed away. It almost seemed as if they have lost their soul, their voice. Advertising became clunky - remember the totally awful Mr. Wendy spots? People kept going, but there was nothing new other than a chicken and salad revamp to get excited about. If Wendy's is about innovation, why were they trying to reinvent the wheel? Enter the new advertising and in store displays featuring the "do what tastes right tag" and start getting innovative again. With the intoduction of the deli-quality Frescata line, adding healthy alternatives to kids' menus, and developing a brand new breakfast line. Their test kitchen is busy again and Wendy's has posted the first month of growth in an over a year long slump. Being innovative does pay off in the end.

Accommodating the 5 Senses


Oil Blends
Originally uploaded by Eggybird.
Aromatherapy has been in vogue for a couple of years and hotels, well they've always been around (some more fashionable than others). It looks like many hotels are developing and implementing signature scents to accommodate all 5 senses to add to the experience of staying at a particular hotel. Most recently, Omni Hotels has created a Sensory Advisory Board, that includes companies like Elizabeth Arden, Whole Foods, and the Juilliard School of Music to develop the Sensory Bar in each room. Along with a cd, the bar includes pomegranate lip balm and mojito flavored jelly beans. At Westin, they are using the tag "sensory welcome" and has enlisted the Mayo Clinic to understand the effects that travel has on mind, body, and spirit. You'll also find signature lighting, music, and their white tea based scent.

Hotels aren't looking to just provide you with a bed to stay in during vacation anymore, they are looking to entice you and give you an experience that you will remember and look forward to again and again.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Learn While You Travel


The Contiki Bus
Originally uploaded by Andy and Tony.
If you see a tour bus unloading, don't assume they are all gray haired with fanny packs. The idea of vacations are changing as people both young and old would rather take the opportunity to actually DO something as opposed to laying out in the sun doing nothing.

It looks like a bunch of travel tour companies have built upon the idea of learning vacations and from the research I did, each company has clear goals of who they want to target. Some are going after the boomer set, with Da Vinci code tours, culinary expeditions, and art history jaunts. On the flipside, there are tour companies like Contiki going after the Millennial and X-er set with a more extreme view of touring by going to historic sites, camping, wine tastings, and "mixing it up with the locals." STA Travel caters to the college set too and makes it easier for students to study abroad. Tours aren't just about sightseeing anymore, they are about learning about different cultures and taking a participatory role in them.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Tastes Like Homemade


IMG_0165
Originally uploaded by FoxyCropper.
Making dinner after work for working families used to require a lot of effort. You'd get home around six, settle down for a couple of minutes, change, and then start cooking. For many families, getting a home cooked dinner meant eating at 8 o'clock in the evening with the television on, rather than at 6:30 when most families sit down. The time families had to spend together was dwindling - what to do?

The 30 Minute Meal revolution began, with the ever-perky Rachael Ray showing us how we could have great meals including prep and cook time in a half hour. But what happens on those nights when it's just easier to heat up some prepackaged meal or when the takeout menus are calling your name? Enter the advent of prep kitchen chains.

The concept goes like this - you go to a prep kitchen center where you can prepare anywhere between a week to a month's worth of food that you freeze and reheat. Sometimes, reheating can take up to an hour, but most people (mostly working moms) who have been to the centers feel that it is a big time and moneysaver and has also become a community center of sorts for the women. There are events held at the centers, and you can host a prepping party onsite. You can choose your menu ahead of time and when you get there, some chains like Dream Dinners feed you to as you are assembling your meals.

This trend is likely to spread like wildfire - ever since I first read about this in the New York Times in March, press attention has been getting louder and louder. Working moms have always been looking for ways to save time in the kitchen and bring their families together at the dinner table. It'll be no time before major brands court these centers providing their products exclusively.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Hot Topic Not So Hot

When I first saw a Hot Topic store in the New York area, it was in Roosevelt Field on Long Island well after my high school days. I thought it was cool, but a sellout. You see, I started high school in the late 80s, we had to go to places like 99X or Trash & Vaudeville in the city or Utopia on Long Island. Being goth, punk, new wave, or anything alternative required effort and lots of creativity. You really had to trek to the city to get a pair of Docs or Manic Panic hair dye. St. Mark's was not a punk rock Disneyland - it was true hardcore and some parts of the East Village were quite sketchy.

Something strange happened around 1992, the year I graduated from Cardozo High School in Queens - bands that were considered "alternative" or "college rock" were gaining popularity in the mainstream, and the alternative look hit the runways. Goth and punk also became increasingly popular and Hot Topic was pretty hot. Teens didn't need to trek to the city to get the look of teenage rebellion. Problem is, since it became more and more accepted in the mainstream, Hot Topic started being considered a store where poseurs shop. The store was slowly starting to be seen as a sellout.

The original concept was quite cool - provide teens who seem to identify with music subcultures with clothing, accessories and music that fit their lifestyle and fit their sense of individuality. Now that teens are more open minded with music, they don't want to be stuck in premade slots. As a result Hot Topic has been on a decline of profits. What can they do to remain relevant with today's teens?

Magic's in the Makeup


What's in my make-up bag
Originally uploaded by Nikita Kashner.
I remember going into the drugstore when I was in high school just to browse in the cosmetic section. The cheapest brand was (and still is) Wet n Wild, and I loved it because they had my black nail polish and eyeliner. Plus it was only 99 cents, so if you really wanted to try blue lipstick, it was no big deal. Wet n Wild has always been great for teens, because they are so affordable and really encourage experimentation and individuality.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the makeup market for teens is huge. There are tons of brands along with cosmetic only stores like Sephora which are wildly popular. A new cosmetic store called Missha which was a Korean chain recently opened their second location in Soho and their third in Queens Center is now open as well. They have a great signature line at very affordable prices, and they are attracting tons of teenage girls looking to try something new. Wet n' Wild is also still very popular on the drugstore circuit - they are having a contest for the next "Fresh Face" in conjunction with teen powerhouses Seventeen and MySpace for a new line of foundation that will be launching next year. Teens can vote online at the MySpace page while participating in the community. It's great that the potential of social networks continues to blossom - and by hitting the teen market, it's just smart.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Changing Fast Food


mcasian chicken salad
Originally uploaded by scaredy_kat.
Fast food will always be a convenience food. People don't have time to schedule their lunch breaks and they don't have time to cook. We live in 24/7 society, so it's really no wonder that some of us patronize fast food establishments as a last resort.

McDonald's has been under the microscope for quite a while as ground zero for the nation's obesity crisis. After "Super Size Me," McDonald's has been trying to reshape their image and add more "healthful" options to their menu like the McAsian Chicken Salad. And you know something, it's an honest attempt. Plus the Go Active meals that they're selling include exercise DVDs and telling consumers that the only way to beat obesity is to get out and be active. As much as I have critiqued McDonald's in the past, I do agree with this. The problem is not the food that we are eating, but rather it's the fact that no one makes the time to exercise anymore (myself included). Because we live in this fast-paced, multitasking world, we do not take the time out to really care for ourselves.

Instead of a new diet revolution, maybe we need a new fitness revolution instead.

Sears Getting on Target?


Sears
Originally uploaded by a lih.
When Sears & K-Mart joined forces, no one really knew what to expect. K-Mart was like the middle child, stuck in between the more stylish Target, and the cost-friendly giant called Wal-Mart. If the middle child was going to repolish and get a facelift, they needed to do something a little different. Sears also was going through the same thing, not being an upscale department store like Bloomingdale's but not a discounter like Wal-Mart. What would happen after they joined forces?

Enter "Sears Grand." The result is a new "one-stop shop" where you can get anything and everything for the home with tons of new services that you can't really find anywhere else like free popcorn, internet access, a play area for kids, and instructional classes on home improvement projects. Overall, the customer reaction is pretty good so far and the change is a welcome breath of fresh air.

Not Another Tie!


Golf lessons from T3
Originally uploaded by Cha-lot.
If your Dad is anything like mine, you are probably scratching your head as to what to give him for Father's Day. My Dad always give me the, "all I want is a hug" routine, but I just want to get him something besides cd's (getting a tie for him is completely worthless - my dad's a jeans and t-shirt guy, and that is just as lame).

Enter Excitations - they are a company that provides experiences to your dad that you can't put in a box. Why give golf clubs when you can provide a lesson with a pro? If your Dad is a car fanatic, he can learn to drive a racing car or drive his dream sports car for a day. In this day and age where everything is customized and catered to your personal needs and wants, giving an active gift along with a memory is way better than a passive gift that may be sitting in a box somewhere.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

What Ever Happened to Must See TV?


NBC Studios NY
Originally uploaded by Knot.
In the 80s & 90s, NBC owned Thursady's primetime lineup. There was no doubt about it as it was home to The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, Night Court, Hill Street Blues in the 80s & Seinfeld, Friends, and Mad About You in the 90s. As popularity faded and CBS took the number one slot, the slogan didn't seem to ring true anymore - it became more like "not see tv."

Now with the upfronts coming, NBC is praying for a hit. Let's see if they can reclaim their spot - I'm waiting for the next buzz worthy sitcom. Then again, this comes at a time where one in four teens cannot name the major networks, so is traditional broadcast TV even relevant anymore?

Monday, May 15, 2006

Sudoku Madness


Big pile o' Sudoku books
Originally uploaded by msabramo.
Newspaper puzzles have always been a nice little pastime - you go through the Jumbles or the crossword and that's about it. Now, sudoku has been added quite rapidly to the puzzle lovers arsenal - and what a craze it has become. It seems almost like you can't get on a subway without seeing someone's head buried in their sodoku puzzle book. Not bad for a math puzzle - but the math haters are told that it isn't real math, so it's okay. The first published sudoku puzzle was actually published here in the good ol' USA in 1979 under a different name. Somehow the Japanese and the Brits got a hold of it and it became a worldwide sensation.

Now there are hundreds of variations of the game, and tournaments being held worldwide. In Britain, there was actually a one-time tournament show which aired last summer called "Sudoku Live." Sudoku started popping up back here in the US last year and books, television stories, and tournaments have exploded. The craze is so popular, that it has spoofed the Hollywood Squares in an edition called "Celebrity Sudoku"

http://datelinehollywood.com/archives/2006/04/30/celebrity-sudoku-game-show-a-ratings-flop/

The Card Craze Goes Blackjack


Blackjack
Originally uploaded by michellej.
When competition poker first became a surprise hit on television, it dispelled the seediness of gambling. Casinos have been drawing a younger, hipper audience for the past couple of years, and Old Vegas has pretty much been demolished to much celebration. So has the image of seedy, smoky casinos with card sharks which has been replaced by a swanky, retro cool image harking back to the days of the Rat Pack. Atlantic City is next in line for a makeover, with new casinos going up and upscale cuisine hitting the shore. CBS is also taking its bets on big gambling by adding The Ultimate Blackjack tournament to the CBS Sports lineup.

XL at Obesity?


Big Tall
Originally uploaded by wmacphail.
It's official - a report that just came out shows that America leads the world's population in obesity. So what does a company known for selling attire to the category formerly known as the "big and tall" market do? Change the connotation, of course!

Casual Male stores used to be known as Big & Tall Male, but changed their name for this very reason. Their new slogan is "Generation XL" and goes with the tag "why be average when you can be XL." Doesn't that make the whole obesity thing sound a tad permissable? They are playing off the meaning of XL to mean "excel" - almost giving an image of power and strength to bulk. Sure, there is a need for these specialty shops, but with all the media attention around the obesity crisis, is this really a smart time to launch such a campaign?

Sunday, May 14, 2006

They're Baaaack!

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 80s? They were really cool books that were interactive and gave the reader the power to choose the outcome of the story. Just as they always say how everything comes back, these books are hitting bookshelves once again after about ten years.

The great thing about these books is the interactivity factor - the fact that you can have about 40 possible outcomes is amazing. A youngster reading it has a sense of empowerment by deciding what to do at the crossroads of the story and can start all over again, embarking on a whole new adventure. The timing couldn't be more perfect either in this age of hyper personalization.

Another cool thing is, the books were born from role playing games which were extremely popular in the late 70s when the books were conceived by a husband/wife team who really wanted to create a fun and educational book for children. Now, the stories are going further into interactive territory with a DVD series that gives children the power to decide. Looks like these books and it's influence will be around for a while.

Dance Dance Dance!


DDR-time
Originally uploaded by rocktoklezmer.
No matter what arcade you go to, you are sure to find DDR (that's Dance Dance Revolution to those of you out of the loop). It's usually packed with kids and teens as well as the occasional hipster striking some "ironic" poses. With all the success of DDR, CBS will be adding a dance competition show to their Saturday morning lineup in the fall.

DDR has become a worldwide phenomenon where tournaments are held and communities have formed on the blogosphere sharing techniques worldwide. It is also being used in schools as an exercise tool, and people have stated that this is a great tool to fight obesity and get people more active. The craze has become part of our pop culture, being included in music videos (Madonna's "Hung Up") and on TV shows such as Malcolm in the Middle.

With the popularity also of the adult show, "Dancing With The Stars," it looks like dance mania is upon us once again. Anyone ready to bring back Dance Fever or Solid Gold yet?

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Geek Prom


VIP Geek
Originally uploaded by massdistraction.
With prom season in full swing, some of us adults are starting to wax nostalgic on our high school days. Personally, I didn't go to the prom because I was firmly anti-establishment and didn't want to be seen as a poseur. Truth is, I couldn't get a date and didn't want to own up to it. Plus, I didn't feel like I really fit in. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to go to the prom, but hey, I'm not losing sleep over it.

Enter Geek Prom - an annual event for those of us outsiders who didn't get a chance to go the first time around or had a miserable experience at theirs. It was started in Duluth, MN by Paul Lundgren whose first event was in Minnesota in 2002. The whole point of the event is to let your inner geek out and not feel like you need to fit into any specific category of coolness. Sounds totally awesome to me.

With the popularity of Geek Prom, the idea of having an adult prom night has spread beyond Duluth as an evening of cheesy music, punch bowls, and pouffy dresses.

Trailer Chic


PBR
Originally uploaded by The Hoyt.
Only in America can white trash culture become hip. Go to any bar in Brooklyn, and you can order yourself a $2 can of PBR. Put on the television, and Britney is still making headlines along with her husband and partner in white trash pop culture, Kevin Federline.

In recent years, a swarm of trailer park to riches stories have immersed entertainment - from Hillary Swank to Eminem, and the trust fund babies like Paris and Nicole all want to emulate it.

Why is white trash so popular, when it's such a derogatory statement and appears to be erroding our culture? The term came about in the 1890s as a slur against poor and uneducated white families. The definition has evolved into an ironic hipster statement that college kids are eating up by throwing themed parties and going to themed bars like the Trailer Park Lounge here in New York City. There are mail order sites like White Trash Charms where you can get a charm of a Bud can to wear around your neck with pride. This is the part of the dumbing down of society that Pink is rebelling against with her brilliant song "Stupid Girls."

The fact that there is such a thing as white trash couture is both hysterical and frightening. It shows that there's an acceptance for our image of being dumb Americans. No wonder why the global society has portrayed us in this light - and it doesn't help with who we have in the White House.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Crazy New Summer Happy Meals


Image013.jpg
Originally uploaded by :: kna ::.
Two news stories hit this morning about McDonald's Happy Meals - one not so happy, the other sure to increase waistlines just in time for Back to School.

Disney has decided to end their relationship at the end of the summer with the fast food giant because they don't want to be linked to childhood obesity. That doesn't mean that other companies aren't looking to take their place.

A press release issued today by Mickey D's is declaring this the "Summer of Happy Meal Fun." They will kick off their summer blitz with a "historical" partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop - the toys will be plush toys with removable mix-and-match clothing. It looks like it's set up to be the biggest thing since the Beanie Baby promotion a few years back. After that are the back to back Disney promotions, one for "Cars," and the other for "Pirates of the Caribbean. Then comes a Polly Pocket meal collection, and finally a big "mystery" collection.

With childhood obesity in the height of crisis mode, there is strict criticism of whether or not there should be such toy and meal deals. By providing kids with a toy that they buy in a package, it appears that kids are rewarded for eating crap. There have been strides to ban these meals, but to be honest, the more money fast food makes, everyone from the toy companies down to clothing companies ("Hey, Mom, I can't fit into my clothes anymore!") are profiting, so don't expect to see the demise of Happy Meals any time soon.

Mixologists the Next Celebrities?


Vodka Party
Originally uploaded by Tracy27.
With the Food Network bringing celebrity chefs to the next level, entertaining and cocktail connoisseurs are now prepping for their turn in the spotlight. Smirnoff Vodka has just hired their very first Cocktail Consultant who will spend one year exploring trends and culture of all things cocktail.

This Saturday marks the 200th anniversary of the cocktail, and it's a big deal. Cocktails have defined how we entertain and have given us a glimpse into our pop culture. Cocktails can be seen as a sign of sophistication or retro chic. There are an infinite number of varieties from the classy Martini to the sassy Sex on the Beach. Bartender schools can be just as competitive as the top culinary schools. Speaking of competition, there are tons of professionals who compete their cocktail prowess on a national and international level.

The social acceptance of women consuming liquor can also be traced back to the invention of the cocktail. Bars were more hard liquor or beer establishments, and were "no place for a woman." In the 60s & 70s cocktails got a little promiscuous, adding Between the Sheets & Sex on the Beach to the cocktail vernacular. The most famous cocktail is the Cosmopolitan, which resurged in popularity in the late 90s when Sex and the City was at it's height. Yes, it's true, the signature cocktail of any given moment is the signature of the times.

Another Comic Spinoff


Dagwood was here!
Originally uploaded by floyduk.
No, it's not a movie based on a comic strip, but it's a sandwich shop. Named after the famous sandwich loving head of the household from the Blondie comic strip, Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppes, which is based in New Orleans, will be opening their first location in Florida.

Dagwood is actually in Webster's with the meaning of a multi-layered sandwich and is entering a very competitive, fast growing quick service market. Even Wendy's has started pushing their Frescata sandwiches a lot lately. The difference is that Dagwood's is going straight for the Baby Boomers, the main demographic who reads the comic. Great differentiator, but with so many sandwich shops out there like Subway, Quiznos, Blimpie and Seattle Subs, how else will they stand out?

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Pooch Couture


Dog Clothing Shop
Originally uploaded by alibash.
Doggie clothes stores have been popping up all over the place lately, and luxury specialty brands having been cashing in. Jazzy Pooch caters only to smaller dogs, and claim to be the very first dog clothier to think of the dog first, not the owner. All of their products are hand made and can be tailored to fit each specific dog. The clothes are designed to not only be comfortable for the dog, but to boost their esteem as well. You can get formal wear, outerwear, "vintage" inspired clothes.

I've passed by a couple of stores lately and these places are decked out just like a children's clothing store. You can buy pretty much any type of outfit for every occasion, along with accessories, jewelry, and beds. In a few years, I wonder if people will gasp at the thought of a naked pooch.

Triple XLarge Me


freshly printed tshirts
Originally uploaded by woo.
How many brands have reissued their vintage logos on T-Shirts in the past couple of years? In NYC, if you take a trip to a place like Yellow Rat Bastard, you'll see tons of Tab, Mello Yello, Strawberry Shortcake, and Sesame Street Ts. Add McDonald's to this list now - jumping on the licensing faster than you can say the old school Big Mac slogan (come on now, you know it by heart: two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese....). Retailing at a whopping (whoops....) price of 55 bucks a pop, McDonald's feels that they will reach the all important teen market - including teen girls who generally have a negative impression of fast food (well, duh!). Of course, they are issuing the shirts in true retro style - using the old slogans and Playland characters such as the now forgotten Fry Guys, the Hamburglar, and Grimmace.

But do they come in a supersize? Inquiring minds would like to know!

Bogus Baby Boom


Stroller Parking
Originally uploaded by girlfactor.
So, you'd think that with all those Bugaboos you have to dodge in the street would be a surefire sign that we are in the middle of another baby boom. Well, think again - the US birth rate has held at a steady 4 million per year since the late 80s, but the media attention has increased rapidly. Lately it seems that it's hip to be a parent - it's the "in-crowd" thing. Celebrity pregnancies have been the rage for a few years now, increasingly saturating the media - and marketers are listening. If you told someone ten years ago that everyday people would be spending $700 and upwards for a stroller, they would have looked at you like you were crazy - but Bugaboo has become a household name and the Mercedes Benz of strollers.

The publishing world has taken notice as well, with titles such as Cookie and Wondertime hitting the newsstands giving a fresh approach alongside old-school standbys like American Baby, Parents, and Child. The new glossies are just that - glossier, fun to read, providing more upscale content from the advertising to the articles and are catering to people looking for a magazine that they can not only relate to, but are fun and not just plain functional.

Latino Shopping Habits



Originally uploaded by minusbaby.
Unilever just issued a comprehensive report assessing Hispanic consumers. They went through 3600 shoppers' reciepts and shopping diaries in NYC, LA, Houston, and Miami to uncover the needs of the Hispanic shopper.

They found out that each shopping trip is carefully planned out, especially since food is has such an important influence and is often the tie that binds Hispanic families together. They also buy more - they are more likely to buy in bulk as opposed to short, quick, convenience trips. They are value conscious and clip coupons. They are also more likely to frequent stores that are in walking distance, as most Hispanic shoppers either walk or take public transportation to get to the store.

Another interesting fact is that although Hispanic shoppers love and enjoy value, they are less likely to sign up for supermarket savings cards as they are more suspicious that their private information will be shared. Neither do I!

Name Brand or Store Brand?


super target groceries
Originally uploaded by mpmb.
Interesting story on Brandweek about the increasing quality of grocery store brands. I remember a time when Pathmark on Long Island called their private label brand "No Frills" brand and believe me, that's all it was. The packaging was bland and looked like they were trying to sell to welfare recipients rather than compete with the name brands.

In the past couple of years, I've noticed some changes in my local supermarket. The labels got brighter, the product shots looked more appetizing, and the selection has expanded - all at a lower cost. I personally think it's what I like to call the Targetization of store brands. Ever since Target has made a name for themselves as a powerhouse for high quality and great design for their house brand, it looks like other signature labels have followed their lead.

With the increase in design and value, store brands have also been seeing increased action in sales - consumers are not as loyal to a specific brand anymore, as long as the quality is the same. People want to be smart and savvy shoppers, and that means keeping a few extra dollars in their pockets.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Changing The Face of Mom's Day


Mother's Day I
Originally uploaded by k1rsty.
Alrighty, so you noticed from my prior post that gift giving on Mother's Day has changed just a wee bit, but an article today shows that the cards that we give have also changed culturally with the times.

If you go into any greeting card store right now, you'll see the massive selection. From ethnic inspired cards (Latina moms, African American moms) to Moms to Be, and even cards to Pet Mommies, you can get a little overwhelmed. Today's mother is a total Superwoman, multitasking from the boardroom to soccer practice to being the housekeeper.

Now, it is very common to give your pregnant friends or family members cards on Mother's Day, as it seems like for the past couple of years, baby has been on the mind for many celebrities.

I guess I need to head over to the card store this week and get my stash before all the good ones are gone - right now the count stands at 5...the card industry must love me.

The What The.....Files: Thongs For Mother's Day??!!


IMG_1641small
Originally uploaded by nucleophile2.
When I'm looking to get my Mom a gift for Mother's Day it usually goes like this: perfume, jewelry, a nice shirt - nothing too crazy. But a thong? Hell no! Buying underwear for my Mom has never crossed my mind, and it just seems a little wrong.

Smart Ass thongs, a Canadian company just announced a Mother's Day line of thongs, complete with sayings like "Yummy Mummy" or "Domestic Diva." They say that it takes the faux pas out of thong exposure, I think it just takes it to another level. They say it makes a perfect gift to add to Mom's lingerie drawer and that it's sure to make her smile. Uh....sure.

Plagiarism, Schmagerism....


Economic Development
Originally uploaded by Bright Green Pants.
Call me crazy, but when I was in college, I loved writing papers. Sure, there were the kids out there who would pay someone else to write it for them, but you really had to go out there and ask. Not anymore. Since the web has become a part of everyday life, and Millennials who can't recall a time before the PC, term paper writing services have popped up all over the web such as EssayTown.com.

EssayTown provides custom research material and unique papers to those who shell out $34.99 for an example paper. For a more hefty, per page customized paper, it'll cost you anywhere from $18 to $38 per page.

It's crazy that they've made such a business out of this, but not surprising. They have a staff of 150 essay "experts" incuding novelists, research experts and academic journal writers. They do have a caveat on their site talking about the evils of plagiarism and likening their service to Cliff's Notes. More like a REALLY expensive version of it. Of course they say that they are offering reference material for their clients, but come on, I'm sure that these papers are really being submitted, which is a shame.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Making Over Mickey D's


Good Bye McDonalds
Originally uploaded by supercooldave.
Some things hardly ever change. A McDonald's burger will taste exactly the same in New York as it will in Hong Kong and that's part of it's appeal as a global brand. But, for 30 years the decor has been quite utilitarian from the plastic tables to the red roof. In fact, the last time Mickey D's got a makeover in it's overall global design was about 30 years ago. Time for a makever. A big article in Business Week shows just how it's going to be done - and it's massive: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_20/b3984065.htm

With Wifi access, comfortable armchairs, and a new color scheme (don't worry red and yellow are still the main colors, but adding to the palette are sage & olive green), it looks like a daunting task. New roofs will replace the now-dated, yet iconic red roofs. The golden arches will still play a prominent role, because hey, some things need to remain sacred! The dining areas will also have three distinct areas - a play area, family area, and a solo dining area.

Hmmmmm - an image change now? Maybe it's to get a more positive image after that whole obesity thing.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Albuquerque Here We Come!


DSC_4839
Originally uploaded by tish575.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute - I'm not moving to Albuquerque, but it sure looks like a lot of businesses are, according to Forbes. They just named the city as the Number One metropolitan area in the country for business and careers. That's probably because the city boasts the lowest operating costs in the country, and has a very educated population (ie: people make more here). Lots of high-tech and healthcare/pharmaceuticals are out here, so it makes a little bit of sense. Oh, yes - they also apparently have 300 days of sunshine a year, not to mention their annual Balloon Fiesta. Also, their minor league baseball team is named the Albuquerque Isotopes - partially named after a Simpsons episode reference, and partially because the city is known for being a center of nuclear research. Yahoo!

The Smell of Happiness


play-doh-smile
Originally uploaded by Rocke99582.
You know you can't resist opening a bottle of Play-Doh to take in the scent of instant childhood.

To celebrate Play-Doh's 50th birthday, Demeter, the fragrance company that has made its name by making perfumes out of the most unlikely scents will mark this milestone by making a signature, yet limited edition fragrance out of it.

The smell of Play-Doh is so synonymous with nursery school that it's very interesting to learn that it was actually discovered by mistake as scientists were trying to develop wallpaper cleaner. They discovered that their mishap had potential to be a great children's toy and was introduced at the 1956 Toy Fair. Nursery school would never be the same!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Recall Redux: The Natural Slingshot


Slingshot
Originally uploaded by davebrosha.
Ah yes, the slingshot - the small hand-powered projectile weapon we all love. A new model dubbed "The Natural" by Daisy was a "revolutionary" slingshot that is ergonomically correct. And aiming seemed more natural than ever before!

So, today after a 12 year-old was blinded, a 16 year-old reported decreased vision, and an 11 year-old lost a few teeth, the Consumer Product Safety Commission along with the manufacturer Daisy, decided to recall it.

Okay folks, a slingshot is a weapon, not a toy. Does anyone ever think that the slingshot might misfire and give serious injury? Instead of a recall, don't you think a weapon like this shouldn't be sold to minors? Sounds like a no brainer, you think?

Soda's Out, What's Next


Sugar Hyper
Originally uploaded by pupil.
You must already know about the ban of soda machines being kicked out of schools across the country. This seems to be a major win in the battle on obesity, but the war still goes on.

There are still snack vending machines, and companies like McDonald's still supply schools with food, so I'm sure those are the next things to be tossed out of schools in the coming months.

With all this talk of childhood obesity, I can't help but think back to the days when I was in high school. In the late 80s-early 90s, we were thrilled when we got a VeryFine juice machine. We had an SO (student organization) run store that was only open during lunch periods, and although our cafeteria served pizza (the kind you can only get from a public school cafeteria), we had at least three other options. In elementary school, the only beverage choices we had for lunch were milk or chocolate milk - I brown bagged, so I had my sandwich, a small snack, and my juice box. More kids were brown bagging than eating cafeteria food. I wonder how many kids get the brown bag treatment these days...

For Breakfast?


Chick-Fil-A
Originally uploaded by LauraFries.com.
I've heard of stranger things (nothing's coming to me now) but Chick-Fil-A is now heavily promoting their chicken for breakfast. They are launching a massive outdoor campaign featuring their now famous cows urging customers to "Eat Mor Chik'n" for breakfast. The question is, will it work? Cruising around some foodie message boards, I've learned a couple of things:

1- It isn't a brand new concept, in fact Chick-Fil-A has had it a part of their breakfast menu for some time now.
2- Most people aren't really convinced that chicken is for breakfast. A lot of people are equating this with eating a hamburger for breakfast.
3- If you start having more chicken for breakfast, you are adding to the fast food obesity crisis.

Alright, let's see what we can have: Chick'n minis, chicken biscuit, a chicken breakfast burrito, chicken egg & cheese on a bagel, a chicken platter (scrambled eggs, biscuit, an chicken patty), and a slew of other non-chicken breakfast items.

Taking a look at the offerings, it does seem a little odd, but it just may work. Hey, when breakfast burritos started popping up everywhere, people scratched their heads too.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Everyone's Going Organic!


Otherworldly shelves 2
Originally uploaded by alalsacienne.
Organic products have seen quite a boom in the past couple of years. It seems that supermarket shelves have been filling up with "organic" products rapidly lately. Of course this is a good thing, and I love the fact that there are organic supermarkets like Trader Joes and Whole Foods out there. Now it seems as if Wal-Mart is seeing the potential profit they can make from this trend.

Of course they're listening. Organic sales have gone up from $1 billion in 1990 to $12.2 billion in 2004 - so going organic is a bona fide moneymaker these days. The thought of organic supermarkets and products have radically changed in the past few years, from crunchy granola-eating hippie, to healthy and open minded. What this will do to the small, family owned "natural food" stores no one really knows, as Whole Foods and the other major retailers haven't really absorbed all corners of the country.

Football & Green Tea


Enthuze, Vancouver
Originally uploaded by AgnesK.
Bigelow Teas have just announced that father/son NFL stars Phil & Chris Simms are the new face for their green teas. Green tea & football - just the two things that I always thought would go perfectly together.

Not Your Mama's Gym


game over
Originally uploaded by djuless.
Life Time Fitness Centers are not like your typical Bally's or even Crunch. What they are doing is using the YMCA concept of gym as community center as their model, and it seems to be working.

The centers are larger than a Home Depot, if you can imagine that, and inside is a rock climbing wall, child care center, spa, indoor pool, along with all of your traditional gym amenities. They also have a huge cafe and nutrition center. You can take dance classes, join a league, or get your yoga going. To this New Yorker, it sounds familiar, but for people across the country, something on this scale has not been seen at other health clubs. Plus, with the trend of having everything catered to a family experience, I expect to see their first centers hitting Long Island or Jersey by next year.

Being Number 2


Dunkin Afterglow
Originally uploaded by ez2axs.
There's nothing wrong with second place. Rooting for the underdog is a tradition that us Americans love. In NYC, you gotta love the Mets, because a win for them is far more exciting than a Yankees (expected) win. You drink Pepsi because it's not Coke. You prefer Burger King becuase it's just better than McDonald's.

Being Number One is also part of the American dream - everyone strives to be number one, so being the best is always going to be a challenge. You will root for number two, because there's always the hope and excitement that they will pull in first place eventually.

So, it's no wonder that Dunkin Donuts is groomed for second place in the so-called "coffee wars" (the millennial version of the cola wars). An article in Ad Age was talking about the new owners of Dunkin and what their strategy should be, which is this: be the anti-Starbucks. Great number two brands are the antithesis of the leading brand. The overall consumer attitude toward Dunkin leaves a down-to-earth, friendly, just good coffee alternative. The attitude toward Starbucks is that it's expensive and snobby and has a white collar "yuppie" image portraying its consumer. Dunkin shouldn't focus on cost, but rather the hard-work ethic and the "just good coffee" people love about them. Oh, and that they don't take forever to brew your 15 syllable concoction.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Cingular Reverting to AT&T


cingular, raising the bar...
Originally uploaded by NancyK!.
Alright, so you are a company that spends billion dollars rolling over accounts from an old stodgy, yet trusted name to a newer, hipper brand. So, logically you decide to do a rethink of the whole thing and re-re-brand yourself back to the old crusty image. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense!

When Bell South bought AT&T Wireless, we didn't know that AT&T was thinking of going back to the wireless biz. Everyone thought it was the end of the road for them. Now, AT&T is in the process of acquiring Bell South, and that includes all of Cingular, so of course they want naming rights.

So, next year, Jack will be tossed aside like a bunch of pick up sticks and that ominous glow of the (boring) AT&T glow will replace it. Ho-hum.

AT&T sees this as an "elegant solution" where customers have a one stop shop from landlines to wireless and internet, but others see this reverting back to "Dad's brand" - unhip and conservative. With so many newcomers like Vonage and Ampd, will Cingular's customer base jump ship?

Monday, May 01, 2006

Do You See The Connection?


KFC Bucket
Originally uploaded by agilitynut.
Yum Brands, owner of fine dining establishments such as KFC and Taco Bell are now the "official sponsor" of the Kentucky Derby. The closest thing to mint juleps that they have could possibly be Mountain Dew.

In what appears to be a move to sell more genetically modified "food," Yum is actually trying to sell more shares. Attracting investors is the goal of the KFC connection.

The main issue though is most people don't know who Yum is. The general television watching public is not going to know that it's the parent company of KFC & Taco Bell, and they aren't going to care. This concerned is echoed by branding experts saying that it's just another sellout. Let's see how this one goes - apparently Yum has a 5 year deal with the Derby.

World's Fair Back In New York?

Here's a picture of the Chrysler Pavilion in it's 1964 glory. According to a couple of news reports, the Bureau of International Exhibitions has asked NYC if it would be interested in hosting a World's Fair, er, Expo in 2012 or 2015.

Of course community leaders are thrilled - anyone who has been to Flushing Meadows knows how abandoned it looks, and it seems that the only thing going for it is the US Tennis Center & Shea Stadium (go Mets!). The area surrounding the park, Willets Point and downtown Flushing need some revitalization as well. This would be the first World's Fair to be hosted in the USA since 1984.

This also goes to show you the whole trend of "family values" that I mentioned in my prior post. If NYC (or the US, for that instance) were offered a chance at hosting a World's Fair 10 years ago, the attitude would be one of indifference. Now, it seems like from the articles I've read, the feedback is generally more positive. People love to hear about new trends and try new products out and the future will always hold intrigue to our present.

Trendspot: Bowling


shoe again?
Originally uploaded by hoopty.
"Bowling is sexy!," declares an article in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer. A few years ago, if you asked people what they thought of bowling, most would say "smelly shoes" and a wholesome throwback image, harking on 1950s "family fun."

In this day and age, families are tighter - doing more together, and being wholesome in 21st century fashion. Parents tend to be friends with their kids and kids like to hang out with their parents more. Sure the food is a little better, the retro furnishings a little sleeker, but the draw of it all is that people are coming together and interacting. The new trend seems to be steering (a little) away from the passive interraction of playing internet based games at home and going out and having active interraction. This also ties into the high regard of "family values" that are making the Oh-Oh's more and more like the '50s (just look at any generational study and you will see the pattern).