Soda and social networking don’t make a healthy combination.
Two days ago Pepsi Co. announced it’s version of the “Social Vending System,” in which people buy a soda from the vending machine and then “gift” a friend through typing in their name, cell number and personalized message into the machine. The text message will then be sent out to the intended recipient with a code and instructions to redeem a free soda at any other state of the art Pepsi Social Vending system.
It’s no secret that soda is not good for us and with the rising number of obesity in this country it’s no doubt that this new “state of the art” Pepsi machine is just continuing the cycle of obesity, which kills over 100,000 people a year. The Pepsi Co. needs to come up with a healthier alternative to bring in more profit. I know it sounds like an oxymoron- buy a soda and get something healthy, but hey, it’s a start.
It’s better for Pepsi to take the “healthy” route and try to incorporate some sort of healthy incentive to buy their products, rather than just start a cycle of buying soda after soda. This world already sees enough diabetes, cavities and other problems due to being overweight, the least this soda company can due is use this new vending machine to contribute to the improvement of our world, rather than help create more health problems through their products.
I’ve come up with some “healthier” alternatives that can still help Pepsi increase revenue, while still helping customers live better lives.
First, Pepsi can collaborate with some sort of fitness program, whether it be a gym, like Bally’s or 24 Hour Fitness or maybe DVD workouts like the creators of P90X. Instead of sending promotional codes to redeem a free soda, vending machine customers can send out two text messages, one to their phone and another to a friend. The code redeemed online can be used as a discount to some sort of workout class at a gym or a workout video. This way people can have a soda, but also have an option of working out and working off the calories afterwards. Who knows, maybe this will “open the door” for someone to start working out on a daily basis.
Another idea combines soda with philanthropic work. People always love an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. In the wake of the devastation in Japan and the tragedy of the tornadoes in the southern United States, the Pepsi Co. can team up with a charity like the Red Cross. Instead of typing in someone’s phone number, the customer can choose from a selection of causes to donate to (i.e. Japan, Southern States, Haiti, etc…). Pepsi will then proceed to date a portion on the money made off the beverage to a charity helping out with various devastations around our world. This may seem like a far-fetched idea, but helping those in need is always a compelling reason for people to by a soda.
The word “Social” in “Social Vending,” doesn’t have to always mean commenting on someone’s wall or tagging them in a picture. To be social can be to reach out and communicate with those around you for a greater good. In this case Pepsi has the ability to allow people to “gift” people with the gift of a healthier lifestyle or help during natural disasters.
Even though their business is soda, one of the unhealthiest beverages one could consume, The Pepsi Co. needs to recognize that they shouldn’t use their products and the latest technology to play with a person’s health. It is pretty obvious that these “social vending” machines will start a vicious cycle of consumers increasing their intake of Pepsi.
On the PepsiCo. Web site, Chief Innovation Officer, Mikel Durham said, “Our vision is to use innovative technology to empower consumers and create new ways for them to engage with our brands.” But I highly doubt this is empowering customers, especially if they are putting them in a position in which they will heighten their chances of obesity, diabetes and dental problems.
In 2009 The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research did a study linking soda intake to the rise of obesity in California. They found the following:
• Adults who drink one or more sodas a day are 27 percent more likely to be overweight or obese.
• Each additional serving of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60 percent.
• In the last 25 years, the obesity rate in California rose from 8.9 percent to 24 percent, which is about 1 in 4 Americans.
This really does put things into perspective. Christine Sister, VP, equipment innovation, PepsiCo. said on the web site, “Our approach to technology innovation is driven by what we know consumers want.” I understand what she’s saying, but ultimately I don’t think costumers want to become part of the chain of consumers that will contribute to the increase of obesity in this country.
The web site goes on to say, “Social vending also enables, ‘Random Acts of Refreshment’- the ability to buy a drink for a complete stranger through any other Social Vending system.” That’s great that Pepsi has good intentions in this area, but realistically they will be doing a better act if they promote less soda and more healthy habits, which can enable their loyal customers to live a longer life.
Friday, April 29, 2011
A royal message
It is now hours before the much- anticipated “Royal Wedding” between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. No one has been able to turn on the television without seeing every news reporter talking about Kate’s dress. We’ve seen coins, mugs and candy sporting the faces of the bride and groom to be. The news media has done a great job talking about all the superficial aspects of Will and Kate’s marriage, but the problem is that they are missing the point of the role of this royal couple. More needs to be done to shed light on the philanthropic work the couple plans to do, rather than wedding guest list.
Princess Diana was definitely a woman that was loved by all and stood out for her works of love, through helping the poor, needy and lonely around the world. It’s no wonder why so many people are attempting to compare how Kate will live up to her late mother-in-law. So if the world is going to compare Kate to Princess Diana, wouldn’t it only be natural for them to ask of the future Princess what she plans to do for the less fortunate of the world? But no… instead they are prying Lady Middleton to please let them know who is designing her wedding dress.
The truth is, Kate is her own person and deserves to be given room to carve her own path and make her own footsteps. So far we know that the couple asks that instead of wedding gifts, that their guests give money to a charity the couple have selected.
Journalists covering the wedding, need to ask questions that matter. Kate’s engagement ring and hats are nice, but they can only do so much for society. To be royal not only means to look good, but to do good as well. And this is something that people need to remember. When the guests have gone home and the honeymoon is over, how will William and Kate make their mark as husband and wife?
No doubt this wedding is monumental for a reason, but the underlying reason is because they have a big duty to accomplish. Too much is given much is expected. They have a duty to the people of their country, to reach out, just as Princess Diana did. To hold the hand of the sick person in the hospital, to inspire the young children in the school yard and let the lonely elderly person know that they are still valuable and wanted. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others is what makes being of a royal family so valuable.
I think news networks need to take a brake from talking about the latest dress Kate has worn and dedicate a segment to “The Future Works of the Royal Couple.” The segment could highlight several key issues of the bride and groom.
1) First it will highlight their philanthropic efforts thus far.
2) The reporter will touch upon the fact that William has decided that Kate will not be taking on full-time royal duties immediately after they are married, in order for her to become comfortable in her duty as a member of the royal family. Will these mean Kate will be involved in less charity work for the beginning days of their marriage?
3) The last part of the segment would highlight the couple’s future charity work. This would include discussing key issues that Will and Kate will focus on as a couple.
Hopefully people around the world won’t get lost in the hype of the glitz and glamour of these two lives coming together. Through the right kind of media attention, the public can begin to know what makes a royal marriage important- the ability to make a difference in live of those who need help, not those who need fashion tips.
Princess Diana was definitely a woman that was loved by all and stood out for her works of love, through helping the poor, needy and lonely around the world. It’s no wonder why so many people are attempting to compare how Kate will live up to her late mother-in-law. So if the world is going to compare Kate to Princess Diana, wouldn’t it only be natural for them to ask of the future Princess what she plans to do for the less fortunate of the world? But no… instead they are prying Lady Middleton to please let them know who is designing her wedding dress.
The truth is, Kate is her own person and deserves to be given room to carve her own path and make her own footsteps. So far we know that the couple asks that instead of wedding gifts, that their guests give money to a charity the couple have selected.
Journalists covering the wedding, need to ask questions that matter. Kate’s engagement ring and hats are nice, but they can only do so much for society. To be royal not only means to look good, but to do good as well. And this is something that people need to remember. When the guests have gone home and the honeymoon is over, how will William and Kate make their mark as husband and wife?
No doubt this wedding is monumental for a reason, but the underlying reason is because they have a big duty to accomplish. Too much is given much is expected. They have a duty to the people of their country, to reach out, just as Princess Diana did. To hold the hand of the sick person in the hospital, to inspire the young children in the school yard and let the lonely elderly person know that they are still valuable and wanted. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others is what makes being of a royal family so valuable.
I think news networks need to take a brake from talking about the latest dress Kate has worn and dedicate a segment to “The Future Works of the Royal Couple.” The segment could highlight several key issues of the bride and groom.
1) First it will highlight their philanthropic efforts thus far.
2) The reporter will touch upon the fact that William has decided that Kate will not be taking on full-time royal duties immediately after they are married, in order for her to become comfortable in her duty as a member of the royal family. Will these mean Kate will be involved in less charity work for the beginning days of their marriage?
3) The last part of the segment would highlight the couple’s future charity work. This would include discussing key issues that Will and Kate will focus on as a couple.
Hopefully people around the world won’t get lost in the hype of the glitz and glamour of these two lives coming together. Through the right kind of media attention, the public can begin to know what makes a royal marriage important- the ability to make a difference in live of those who need help, not those who need fashion tips.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A lesson for television news
Here’s the $15 million question: in the rough state of our economy, why are news networks paying their anchors an insane amount of money, despite declining ratings? Some people on television make too much money, for doing too little. Networks must rethink their strategies if they want their programs to survive an era when television news is struggling… to say the least.
Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer (just to name a few) all make a whopping $15 million a year, while Matt Lauer makes $13 million. When Katie Couric became anchor of CBS evening news, CBS employers all over the world felt it. Many were laid off just to compensate for Couric’s salary.
The indifference these on air “talents” have towards the repercussions of their high salaries is part of the key issue here. The other part is that these networks are still willing to negotiate extremely high salaries with these anchors, despite their dropped ratings.
Yes, these people you see reporting on network news are hardworking and talented, but to be quite frank, reading off a teleprompter,and 25 second copy stories about political reports and maybe an "exclusive interview" here and there is hardly worth earning more than $10 million dollars.
As a broadcast journalism major myself I know the inside world of broadcast news, and I will be the first to admit that the salaries these people on network news make is ridiculous. I propose a change be made in the world of news.
Here’s the $10 solution:
First of all the presidents of these networks need to come to terms that the quality of their news programs are declining, because of their limited staff. Many talented on air reporters, producers, writers, and camera crews were laid off after the networks couldn’t afford to pay them, because they decided an anchor was way more important. Many were left without work and the networks were stuck with limitations on their resources.
The solution to this is simple. (Drum roll please…) Pay your anchors less. If they don’t like it, then let them leave. I know for a fact there are tons of people who would gladly take Couric or Sawyer’s job for less money, without complaint. Many of these people are not essential to the news anyways. If they leave because they won’t get paid as much it’s ok. After all, they never did increase ratings from the beginning. Networks have nothing to lose.
Many people within the network news companies may argue that it’s not so simple to fix this dilemma, but they are getting it all wrong. Their theory is, pay a well-known person more to grab more viewers. The sad reality is that this strategy is not working. It may even be a plus if these on- air people leave. Networks need to diversify to grab a larger audience. Most anchors are Caucasians in their fifties to sixties. I highly doubt this will grab the attention of college students or minorities, especially those who don’t have a keen interest in the news. Networks need young minorities reporting the news. They are more relatable, specifically to the minority population of our nation.
Instead of spending their company’s money on high salaries, networks need to use the money on training younger reporters and correspondents around the world. It’s all about investing in the young talent today, so that news networks can have seasoned, diverse reporters for the future; Not just one anchor the network is banking on to draw in viewers.No pun intended. It may also inspire the next generation of broadcast journalists to be less greedy. After all, making the most money shouldn’t be what journalism is all about.
Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer (just to name a few) all make a whopping $15 million a year, while Matt Lauer makes $13 million. When Katie Couric became anchor of CBS evening news, CBS employers all over the world felt it. Many were laid off just to compensate for Couric’s salary.
The indifference these on air “talents” have towards the repercussions of their high salaries is part of the key issue here. The other part is that these networks are still willing to negotiate extremely high salaries with these anchors, despite their dropped ratings.
Yes, these people you see reporting on network news are hardworking and talented, but to be quite frank, reading off a teleprompter,and 25 second copy stories about political reports and maybe an "exclusive interview" here and there is hardly worth earning more than $10 million dollars.
As a broadcast journalism major myself I know the inside world of broadcast news, and I will be the first to admit that the salaries these people on network news make is ridiculous. I propose a change be made in the world of news.
Here’s the $10 solution:
First of all the presidents of these networks need to come to terms that the quality of their news programs are declining, because of their limited staff. Many talented on air reporters, producers, writers, and camera crews were laid off after the networks couldn’t afford to pay them, because they decided an anchor was way more important. Many were left without work and the networks were stuck with limitations on their resources.
The solution to this is simple. (Drum roll please…) Pay your anchors less. If they don’t like it, then let them leave. I know for a fact there are tons of people who would gladly take Couric or Sawyer’s job for less money, without complaint. Many of these people are not essential to the news anyways. If they leave because they won’t get paid as much it’s ok. After all, they never did increase ratings from the beginning. Networks have nothing to lose.
Many people within the network news companies may argue that it’s not so simple to fix this dilemma, but they are getting it all wrong. Their theory is, pay a well-known person more to grab more viewers. The sad reality is that this strategy is not working. It may even be a plus if these on- air people leave. Networks need to diversify to grab a larger audience. Most anchors are Caucasians in their fifties to sixties. I highly doubt this will grab the attention of college students or minorities, especially those who don’t have a keen interest in the news. Networks need young minorities reporting the news. They are more relatable, specifically to the minority population of our nation.
Instead of spending their company’s money on high salaries, networks need to use the money on training younger reporters and correspondents around the world. It’s all about investing in the young talent today, so that news networks can have seasoned, diverse reporters for the future; Not just one anchor the network is banking on to draw in viewers.No pun intended. It may also inspire the next generation of broadcast journalists to be less greedy. After all, making the most money shouldn’t be what journalism is all about.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
PUBLIC SQUARE Giving a Voice to the Silenced: The Missing Women of Juarez
Everyday dozens of girls go missing in the Mexican city of Juarez, Chihuahua. They seem to just disappear with out a trace in site. No notes, no leads. Just mothers’ tears and fathers’ questions of what happened to their child.
Hundred of “Missing Women” flyers line the walls of Juarez buildings. They show the pictures and description of girls, ages fifteen to their early twenties.; Attempts of families trying to find answers.
One cannot help but wonder, where is the government in this mess? The corruption of the countries police force is quite evident, but still no justified excuse as to why so many innocent lives with so much potential are taken away, especially with no closure given to their families.
According to a report done by reporter Girish Gupta of New Statesman, since current Mexican president, Felipe Calderon took office in 2006 the number of women vanishing or being killed has risen. If the country’s president cannot come to the assistance of these young women, then surely this gives a reflection of the political state of the country.
Now, before I elaborate on this issue I would like to add a note about Mexico. It truly is a wonderful country with beautiful people, nature and culture. And this piece is in no way trying to tarnish the reputation of this country with rich history. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the people of Mexico. But the hard truth is that, like any country, there is corruption; A virus that is taking away valuable members of society. This “femicide” needs to stop. The women of Juarez deserve their dignity back, their protection back and the life God gave them.
The women kidnapped are presumed to be pressured to partake in sex trafficking then dumped. The mere fact that these women are low income and probably couldn’t afford a ransom doesn’t help their situation either. The government is allowing the impoverished to be taken advantage of. If the “strong” cannot even protect the “weak,” then surely the country cannot progress as a nation.
The truth is, the Mexican government needs to make a harder effort to protect their young female citizens and gain justice for the families of victims.
The victims tend to be slender with dark hair and dark eyes. The similar physical appearance among the missing girls is a clue. Anyone can see that a certain group is being targeted.
When will enough be enough for the police to wake up and recognize the gravity of this issue? In Mexico, as in any other country, there are drug problems and human trafficking, so if the government is trying to gain a better image for their country, it’s interesting to observe that they aren’t making a more valiant effort to try and find these women. To say that there are just too many missing to try and find them all is no valid reason. Neither is playing the blame game.
The Mexican Government blames the victims. They claim the young women are simply running away from home with their boyfriends. But I doubt the families of the 900 women that were captured, tortured and killed between 1993 and 2010 would have agreed with this reasoning.
Another theory police have is that there is a rapist on the lurk kidnapping women and killing them. Well I’m sure there are several, but for one man to kidnap 900 hundred is just too naïve of an idea.
According to the Juarez Project, an advocacy organization aimed at helping the women of Juarez, about 90 percent of the women who go missing are employed by sweatshops, otherwise known as the maquiladora sector. These factories export products to the United States, which is to be assumed because Juarez borders the Texas city of El Paso.
I think it’s safe to say that something inhumane is lurking around the streets of Juarez, more than just rapists. Let’s look at the bigger picture. Hundreds of women, with similar physical characteristics are going missing (and many found dead) in a town filled with drug cartel and human trafficking. And the police have the audacity to tell everyone that they don’t know what could have happened to these girls. Not one clue? The best they can come up with is that these girls, with dreams, goals, educations, are running away with their boyfriends? Give me a break. Justice is not being served. Someone is preying on the weak. And the authorities are not telling on that someone.
These women going missing are no coincidences. Someone is making a profitable business on these girls and they do not like how the community is starting to react. Advocacy groups have begun to emerge. These organizations are comprised of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and people who care about their fellow sisters whose stories deserve to be told.
Susan Chavez was a leader in the advocacy movement to push Juarez authorities to find out what is happening to all these women. Chavez was found murdered outside an abandoned house three months ago. This was such a loss to the people of Juarez that the police tried to keep her murder covered up to keep from causing unrest within the Juarez community. I think it’s fair to reason that there has been unrest since these women have begun to disappear.
Had the women all going missing been a coincidence, then no one would have targeted Chavez, a prominent advocate for the missing women and their families since the early 1990s. Gupta wrote in his article that Chavez, “ came up with the slogan, ‘Ni una muerte mas,” or, “Not one more death.” They wanted her silenced. She was an obstacle to them, another voice that had the potential to shed light on a “business” no one would speak about. There is no for sure answer as to what this “business” is, but whatever it is, it involves the lives of innocent women.
It’s hard to address a problem if its root cannot be located. Although authorities have very obvious leads to work with (i.e. drug cartels, human trafficking rings, etc…). Maybe they’re scared? Maybe they know, but fear for their lives? But what people do know is that the people of Juarez need to stand up for their protection and for the lives of their women. Maybe, just maybe, they can push the government to really do something for the innocent women who deserved to live. There can still be hope. There can still be prevention. Lessons can be learned, and in turn lives can be saved. Good always overcomes evil. The women of Juarez are forced to be slaves of fear, but now only the truth can set them free.
Hundred of “Missing Women” flyers line the walls of Juarez buildings. They show the pictures and description of girls, ages fifteen to their early twenties.; Attempts of families trying to find answers.
One cannot help but wonder, where is the government in this mess? The corruption of the countries police force is quite evident, but still no justified excuse as to why so many innocent lives with so much potential are taken away, especially with no closure given to their families.
According to a report done by reporter Girish Gupta of New Statesman, since current Mexican president, Felipe Calderon took office in 2006 the number of women vanishing or being killed has risen. If the country’s president cannot come to the assistance of these young women, then surely this gives a reflection of the political state of the country.
Now, before I elaborate on this issue I would like to add a note about Mexico. It truly is a wonderful country with beautiful people, nature and culture. And this piece is in no way trying to tarnish the reputation of this country with rich history. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the people of Mexico. But the hard truth is that, like any country, there is corruption; A virus that is taking away valuable members of society. This “femicide” needs to stop. The women of Juarez deserve their dignity back, their protection back and the life God gave them.
The women kidnapped are presumed to be pressured to partake in sex trafficking then dumped. The mere fact that these women are low income and probably couldn’t afford a ransom doesn’t help their situation either. The government is allowing the impoverished to be taken advantage of. If the “strong” cannot even protect the “weak,” then surely the country cannot progress as a nation.
The truth is, the Mexican government needs to make a harder effort to protect their young female citizens and gain justice for the families of victims.
The victims tend to be slender with dark hair and dark eyes. The similar physical appearance among the missing girls is a clue. Anyone can see that a certain group is being targeted.
When will enough be enough for the police to wake up and recognize the gravity of this issue? In Mexico, as in any other country, there are drug problems and human trafficking, so if the government is trying to gain a better image for their country, it’s interesting to observe that they aren’t making a more valiant effort to try and find these women. To say that there are just too many missing to try and find them all is no valid reason. Neither is playing the blame game.
The Mexican Government blames the victims. They claim the young women are simply running away from home with their boyfriends. But I doubt the families of the 900 women that were captured, tortured and killed between 1993 and 2010 would have agreed with this reasoning.
Another theory police have is that there is a rapist on the lurk kidnapping women and killing them. Well I’m sure there are several, but for one man to kidnap 900 hundred is just too naïve of an idea.
According to the Juarez Project, an advocacy organization aimed at helping the women of Juarez, about 90 percent of the women who go missing are employed by sweatshops, otherwise known as the maquiladora sector. These factories export products to the United States, which is to be assumed because Juarez borders the Texas city of El Paso.
I think it’s safe to say that something inhumane is lurking around the streets of Juarez, more than just rapists. Let’s look at the bigger picture. Hundreds of women, with similar physical characteristics are going missing (and many found dead) in a town filled with drug cartel and human trafficking. And the police have the audacity to tell everyone that they don’t know what could have happened to these girls. Not one clue? The best they can come up with is that these girls, with dreams, goals, educations, are running away with their boyfriends? Give me a break. Justice is not being served. Someone is preying on the weak. And the authorities are not telling on that someone.
These women going missing are no coincidences. Someone is making a profitable business on these girls and they do not like how the community is starting to react. Advocacy groups have begun to emerge. These organizations are comprised of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and people who care about their fellow sisters whose stories deserve to be told.
Susan Chavez was a leader in the advocacy movement to push Juarez authorities to find out what is happening to all these women. Chavez was found murdered outside an abandoned house three months ago. This was such a loss to the people of Juarez that the police tried to keep her murder covered up to keep from causing unrest within the Juarez community. I think it’s fair to reason that there has been unrest since these women have begun to disappear.
Had the women all going missing been a coincidence, then no one would have targeted Chavez, a prominent advocate for the missing women and their families since the early 1990s. Gupta wrote in his article that Chavez, “ came up with the slogan, ‘Ni una muerte mas,” or, “Not one more death.” They wanted her silenced. She was an obstacle to them, another voice that had the potential to shed light on a “business” no one would speak about. There is no for sure answer as to what this “business” is, but whatever it is, it involves the lives of innocent women.
It’s hard to address a problem if its root cannot be located. Although authorities have very obvious leads to work with (i.e. drug cartels, human trafficking rings, etc…). Maybe they’re scared? Maybe they know, but fear for their lives? But what people do know is that the people of Juarez need to stand up for their protection and for the lives of their women. Maybe, just maybe, they can push the government to really do something for the innocent women who deserved to live. There can still be hope. There can still be prevention. Lessons can be learned, and in turn lives can be saved. Good always overcomes evil. The women of Juarez are forced to be slaves of fear, but now only the truth can set them free.
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