Bad Economy Uplifts

It's nice to know that even though people are without jobs, sufficient income, and the government is sliding more into debt that there are those that refuse to let people live without the basic necessities. An interesting example of this is Panera's "Pay What you Can" Cafe.
What's even more interesting is it's success. Here's the article...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43050301/ns/business-retail

There are a few key things to take away from this type of social outreach. First of all, it works. It works because people are real about giving what they can, when they can. It would be extremely easy to pay a dollar everyday and completely screw Panera. But that is exactly the opposite of what is happening. Hats off to the honest people that are making this work.

A face-lift for community kitchens:
Just because people aren't stereotypically clad like homeless, poor people on the street doesn't mean they are not struggling in the current economy. The typical image that comes to mind is a soup kitchen line full of obviously impoverished people asking for a hand. Panera has taken a step towards recognizing that people need help, without creating a spectacle out of their situations.

They are making profits.. and they are putting those profits to good use. As mentioned in the article the few thousand dollars earned in profit each month is being used constructively for at-risk youths. 'Nuff said.

Is this a new trend getting ready to take off across the nation? Unfortunately, I doubt it. But it is most definitely a great sign and a drop of hope. And who knows, perhaps other business will also recognize the need for this type of assistance in communities and employ their own type of community service. I look forward to seeing the results of such a successful campaign from Panera. Either way, thanks for the optimism.

Bulimia Barbie

I came across this article last week and I just found it extremely interesting. I highly encourage you to read it too. I'll put the link at the bottom of this post. You may want to read it before reading my commentary on it.

I think Mattel should take this revelation as a sign of the times... and a sign that a new Barbie campaign should be in the works. When Barbie was first released to the world she was very befitting of the idea of an American woman: Petite, elegent mom at home. And while I (much like the creator of the life-sized barbie)played with her as a kid and bear no hard feelings toward the doll, I do believe that Mattel has fallen behind in keeping Barbie up with important social happenings and issues.

Barbie has developed a vast cultural line, including different races of Barbie as well as Barbies from a variety of different countries. But they are all variations of a theme: no different from the original aside from color and clothing (and perhaps a different set of accessories). Even the modeling world is, albeit slowly, branching out into 'plus' size and shorter than average models.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating for an obese Barbie to visually display the current struggle that is sweeping the US. But what about a normal, averagely proportioned Barbie? What a great tool to talk with young kids about bodies, self-esteem, and confidence in being yourself. Barbie has such an influential potential with little kids and parents alike. I think Mattel has a great opportunity to jump on board with changes to make kids healthier and all the wiser when it comes to growing up both physically and mentally secure. Healthy school lunches, campaigns with companies such as Dove, and other attempts to correct our society's twisted view of ourselves and how we "should" be are opening doors for those, like Mattel, to not only cash in but assist in making sure the changing times are for the better.

So, Mattel. Get on it.

Here's the article:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20055694-10391704.html