Brits Say Dakota Fanning Was Too Risque In Marc Jacob Ad

With her angelic features and humble personality, provocative is the last word that comes to mind when describing Dakota Fanning. But apparently citizens of the U.K. think otherwise. The ad, that features Fanning holding the latest Marc Jacobs flower perfume, is being banned from British shores. The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority said the photo is provocative and vulnerable to "serious offense" is due to the fact that Dakota Fanning is a minor, and her poses and facial expressions could be deemed inappropriate for a minor.  Even though there are much more provocative ads out there, the ASA still thinks the Marc Jacobs ad should be censored. Since Fanning is made to look a lot younger than she really is, the ad is may be received as presenting children in a sexual way. The title of the perfume is called "Oh Lola!", which resembles the title of the movie, Lolita.

My View:
After taking a good look at the ad, I can see why people could take the ad as sexy and inappropriate. Dakota Fanning is made to look younger than she really is and her pose is a little suggesting, but it doesn't mean that it should be banned. Clearly the perfume takes on after the movie Lolita, which is about a young girl who is seduced by an older man. Marc Jacobs was trying to convey the meaning behind "Oh Lola!" through its ads, otherwise how will it get people's attention? It's inevitable that sex sells because it gets people's attention and sparks interest in people, and Jacobs definitely got people's attention this time. I don't think people should look too much into this ad, but if it is unacceptable by British standards, then I suggest Jacobs remove the ad there in order to avoid any more controversy and incoming problems from overseas. At the end of the day, it is important for a company to do everything to protect its brand's image.

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/thefamous/british-censors-ban-dakota-fanning-provocative-ad-194052605.html

Kardashian's Bag Line Copying Designs Of Prominent Designers

The Kardashian sisters have always been known for their erratic family and keen fashion choices, so it's no surprise they would want to share their passion for fashion with their fans by coming out with an affordable, chic line of bags. After examining the bag line, some people have questioned whether or not the designs have been copied off big brand-name designers like Chloe and Balenciaga. There are around eleven bags that closely resemble big brand-name bags. Yet, Khloe and Kim Kardashian have claimed that they were "extensively involved in the whole process" and that they designed everything.

My View:
After examining the Kardashian bag line, it is safe to say that these bags do look a lot like those of Chanel, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. This are highly respected designers who put years into coming up with these designs and to have some just copy their work is an infringement of their trademarks and brands. The line could be sued for creating knockoffs off of brands, which could potentially destroy its path to sucess. But the Kardashians may have made a smart business move considering how bad the economy is right now, people can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on a bag so this line can offer people more affordable options.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/latest-kardashian-scandal-kardashian-kollection-bags-look-a-lot-like-knockoffs-2611637/#photoViewer=7

The limited time sandwich, McRib, from McDonalds is surrounded by quite of bit of controversy t
these days. The Humane Society of the United States has filed a complaint against Smithfield Farms, which apparently supplies McDonalds with the pork to make the McRib sandwich. The Humane Society has recently discovered the story behind the mistreatment of the pigs at the Smithfield farms. It was reported that the pigs were kept in unsanitary, inhumane conditions and there were claims that some pigs were walking around covered in blood, leading to speculations of animal abuse. The HSUS even got footage of how the animals were being treated at this farms. Besides the mistreatment of animals, another allegation towards the McRib deals with the ingredients that are put into this sandwich. Studies have shown that it is not quality pork that's being incorporated into the sandwich, but mashed up tripe, heart, and stomach. What makes it the sandwich even worse is the amount of chemical additives that are being added to it.

My View:
When McDonald came out with the McRib sandwich, people went nuts for it because it was only going to be available for a limited time. It hasn't been officially added to the menu so people were excited to take advantage of this offering. With these lawsuits and complaints against the chain, people are definitely going to think twice before buying this sandwich. These days, people are all about getting healthy and choosing the healthiest options when eating out, so I can safely say that after reading these allegations, people are going to go for other options. These allegations is definitely going to take a toll on the McRib's sales and it could foreshadow a potential "dumping" of the product.t

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/04/mcrib-lawsuit-humane-society-smithfield-farms_n_1075992.html?1320416650&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C109903

On Friday, October 31, the company that started group discounts, Groupon, went public. The moment the company announced that it was going public, its stock price increased dramatically, showing just how much in demand this company is. According to analysts, this high increase in stock prices is common for companies who have gone public. Just to provide a little background information on the company, Groupon is a company who sends out emails to its subscribers about discounts, anything from spa treatments to vacation getaways. The company makes revenue by taking a portion of what people pay and handing the rest over to the merchant. Even though there have been other companies who have tried to do the same thing Groupon is doing, the company still manages to differentiate itself and outrun its competitors. 


My View:
Groupon has been growing ever since its launch in 2008. The company has been getting more customers and its demand grows significantly ever year. I am not surprised many people have decided to invest in this company because it is a worthwhile company to invest in. If people see that a company has a steady record of continuous success, they are going to take that opportunity and invest their money in it. Groupon offers many good deals and it is fully sustainable. Advesrtising can cost a company thounsands or millions of dollars, but Groupon allows businesses to advertise through it by offering them extreme discounts. People see the benefits of this company and clearly Groupon must be doing something right if people keep flocking to its company and not to its rivals.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Groupon-shares-soars-in-apf-2236203133.html?x=0

Seaweed To Take Over Store Shelves?

Recently, there's been buzz about the superfood, acai berry, and its health benefits. Companies were coming out with products that contained this health food and people were shelling out money to get their hands on this. But perhaps we have a new competitor in the market. People are been talking about seaweed and all the essential benefits it provides, like weight loss and aiding in cardiovascular health. Since there are been so many controversies about obesity in America, people have been changing their lifestyles and leaving their junk food days behind and turning to heath foods. There are many products that contain seaweed such as seaweed salads or seaweed chips. People are leaving snacks, such as Doritos and M&M, in the dust and taking interest in healthier, more nutritious options.

My View:
Obesity is a disease that affects many people in the U.S. and people are fed up with it taking over their lives. That is why many people are taking interest in health foods that aid in proper cardiovascular and digestive health, all while helping weight loss. When marketing researchers find out that seaweed is the new superfood, they are going to take the opportunity to position themselves in the market. Marketers could try to create products that differentiate themselves from other products, such as snacks or candies that contain seaweed. Since seaweed is so in demand now, people will definitely stock up on these goodies, knowing that they will be receiving many health benefits from their choice.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/is-seaweed-the-next-big-superfood-2598756

Macy's Expansion Of Its Shoe Department

Macy is one of the largest and most popular retailers in the world. Now they have set a new objective for themselves, which is to create the largest shoe department in the world. This plan is set to cost the retailer $400 million, which will cover redesigning the department, updating other departments, and adding new, luxury brands to their collections. Also, Macy will have a coffee, wine, and chocolate bar restaurant on the 6th floor, as well as dining eateries on the lower levels. The store also plans to take advantage of advancing technology by incorporating a shoe locater into their systems so people can find what their looking for quickly and efficiently. Sidewalks near the entrances will also have welcome mats paved into the ground. The plan also includes 300 new fitting rooms and restrooms and expansion of men's merchandise. 


My View:
Macy's motive for creating and carrying out this plan it to attract more customers into its store. Perhaps there is another popular retailers it needs to compete with and by taking advantage of technological advances, Macys can differentiate itself amongst it rivals. Macys is adding new products to an already existing product line in order to create more interest in potential consumers. Also, all these production costs will definitely cause an increase in prices in order to cover costs and make profit. For a while, Macys will probably try to cover its costs and then make revenue but its main concern is spurring more interest in people to shop at its store. 


http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/dnainfo/macy-plans-world-largest-shoe-store-145817438.html?bouchon=501,ny

Decisions Over A One-Child Policy

World's population is growing every second and researchers have said that the number could reach up to 10 billion in the next 10 years. Even though it is in our nature to mate and reproduce, more people means there will be more demand for food, energy, space, and resources. The problem is that there might sufficient amount of these things to provide for everyone. The controversy lies in the question "How can we curb this growth?" One of the few answers to this question is to adopt a one-child per family policy, which has already been implemented in China. Another idea is to get the government to support policies that aim to reduce fertility rate through contraceptives.

My View: 
Like the article stated, it is in our nature to reproduce and mate with  one another, so why should anyone tell us to do otherwise? We have the freedom to decided certain things for ourselves, and whether or not we want to have a child is one of them. Women should have the sole right to decide what they want to do to their bodies and how they want to live their lives. The last thing we need is the government telling us when and if we can bear children.

http://news.yahoo.com/countdown-7-billion-world-adopt-one-child-policy-125405754.html