What if Cigarette companies had retail outlets with playhouses for children?

What was your first reaction when you read the headline? Evil, crazy, disturbed? Of course it was, you're a decent human being who knows that encouraging children to spend time in an atmosphere full of cigarette propaganda is horrible, and of course it is. Or what if major cigarette companies like Export A or Belmont had a mascot that aimed directly at children, that would be wrong to. Wouldn't it?

This blog actually has nothing to do with Direct Marketing at all. But after watching "Supersize Me" last night, I couldn't resist not to write about this topic. Did you know that obesity is the number one cause of death in the United States of America. It absolutely shocks me that McDonald's is described as a socially acceptable company within the eyes of many North Americans. And why shouldn't they be. They continue to advertise how much their company donates to local charities. Hell, they even have their own charity.

Stunningly, scientists spoke with four children all under the age of seven. Every children was able to recognize Ronald McDonald. Only 3 could pinpoint a drawing of Jesus Christ and Abraham Lincoln. Wow!

Is it worse to be a pack a day smoker, or incredibly obese? Well, both are extremely harmful to your health. So here is my question.

If McDonald's is allowed to lure small children into a life full of sugar, obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Why can't Export A advertise to children to a life full of asthma, cancer and bad breath?

Note: This blog is not an argument surrounding advertising laws for cigarette companies. It's a topic that blows my mind of how McDonald's can get away with what they're doing to the lives of our youth.

Is--$2.00 OFF!--really enough?

Imagine you and your spouse are on a vacation in let's say, for example, Las Vegas. One day, a worker from the hotel hands you a tourism guide that is filled with information about places to see, restaurants and famous landmarks. It's already been discussed between the two you of about what sites you are prepared to visit that are within your budget. As your flipping through the pages you see a coupon for an event that is...now wait for it......$2.00 off.

I mean, really? Are these people serious? This isn't McDonalds.

If you were on vacation, and had a rough idea of sites you were interested in visiting. Would a two-dollar coupon shift your ideas? Keep in mind that a large majority of these events to visit are in the price range of twenty-five to fifty dollars.