One of the world's greatest marketing machines...

Last night A's elementary school "sponsored" a night at McDonald's. I had seen this advertised on the marquee of the McDonald's and was hoping my daughter would not mention it. When I arrived home from work both A. and M. were all excited about McDonald's. Apparently A's teacher really talked up McDonald's to her class. So much so I practically had no choice but to take them, especially since A's teacher was going to be there (actually Dianna took them since I wasn't feeling good). Of course, the hook to all of this was that A's elementary would get a "portion" of the evenings proceeds. So here's a gripe...I pay some of the highest property (read, school) taxes anywhere but, apparently the local schools don't get enough money so they sponsor McDonald's night. McDonald's just hopes they have a good turnout and get a few kids addicted to their garbage food. I guess some of my tax money will go to the medical care of these McD's addicts when they get older. OK....so I am really exaggerating. If you want some real entertainment at McDonald's expense please watch Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me DVD. If you watch it don't miss the bonus features, including The Smoking Fry. For a intellectually stimulating read try Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (not the DVD). The book explores fast food chains targeting children and the link between fast food/empty calorie drinks and obesity.

I am not sure that pure capitalism and fast food mix. Think about this example...you are an executive for a multi-billion dollar fast food empire. You pressure your beef supplier to sell their beef for one cent less/lb., and their is no discernible taste difference. In turn you save several million dollars. This supplier in-turn makes operational compromises to maintain a profit yet meet your lower price demand. So, do you see the point I am trying to make? For most of these companies it's about the almighty dollar...these guys worry about their bonuses and answering to shareholders, not the health of their fast food consumers.

If you don't have children you may not have experienced the McD's child marketing machine....the playgrounds, the happy meals with their "exclusive" toys, the characters, etc.


Need more proof this incredible marketing machine works? Today, while in a significant recession, McDonald's reported their 3rd quarter earnings....their comparable sales increased over 7%. I will have to remember this investment strategy the next time we go into a recession...go long on MCD and short EAT. I used to tell my wife that in the end it will just be WalMart and Microsoft. Now it will be WalMart and Google(they will outlast Microsoft) with the addition McDonald's. Oh well, I could go for a Big Mac right about now.....not really :)

Musical Review - Mamma Mia!

First, let me preface this post by making a statement to some of my friends: yes, I still have my man card.

Reminder...my reviews are not your typical synopsis, just my perspective based on expectations.

Ok. Last Friday Dianna and I got to see my favorite musical - Mamma Mia!, after great meal at the Fort Worth location of Gloria's. (I have got to go back there to take Dianna salsa dancing.)
This is a must see....for every ABBA fan. I didn't really listen to music on the radio until my junior high years. Prior to that my music listening experienced consisted of two things....a little bit of radio music while driving home with my parents from Santa Fe Downs waiting for the horse racing results to be announced to us after leaving the track early and, playing 8 track tapes from my Dad's Columbia House collection. I think for the most part he just let the selection of the month be sent by default. There was everything from the Eagles, Diana Ross, ELO, Commodores, Ferrante & Teicher, John Williams, Willie Nelson, etc., and there were a couple of ABBA 8 tracks. Although, I gave most of the 8 track tapes equal play, the ABBA was on my heavy rotation. ABBA actually ranks in my top 10 favorite bands. Keep in mind I think I have one of the most diverse tastes in music (or, so I think); everything from Nirvana, Offspring, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Van Hagar, Cinderella, Poison, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Metallica, La Onda, Kumbia Kings, Blink 182, Greenday, Kanye West, Blackeyed Peas, Death Cab for Cutie, Weezer, etc, etc......

Anyways, ABBA is definitely good stuff (ok, great stuff). They were a talented band. And, Mamma Mia! amazingly interweaves 22 ABBA songs into a musical production with a story line that matches the songs. This is somewhat similar to the All Shook Up musical based on Elvis Presley tunes. Every song performed was fantastic with the exception of Under Attack. This song opens the Act II and is what I refer to as a 'dream sequence.' It doesn't fit. The rest of the songs do....I just wish the Mamma Mia song list included Fernando (Ferny is a nickname for Fernando)....for this song to fit they would have to change one the characters name to Fernando. And, if they would ask me I would tell them to include this song.

This was great evening of entertainment. Next time I plan on taking my mom to see this musical.