Shop Talk

… today’s my 23rd birthday.

 I feel so incredibly old.

And what did I say? … Not like anyone couldn’t see it was coming …

McDonald’s Sued Over Ingredients of Fries

Oh, it’s always about money these days … I wonder how long these people (the plantiffs) have been eating the fries with or without allergic reactions … hmmm.

I should honestly be asleep right now, but I’m not … obviously. I set my alarm on my ever trusty cell phone (as I have not yet purchased a new alarm clock after somehow heaving stuff on my old one causing it to break) and always pray that it shall go off on the days that I am interning. So far, so good. I believe I am 8/8.

Adding to my previous post about McDonald’s - Interestingly enough, a few days ago the fast food conglomerate dropped another ‘big one’ by admitting that they have used potential allergens (wheat and dairy ingredients) to flavor their fries.

An article from the Washington Post states the following:

McDonald’s had said until recently that its fries were free of gluten and milk or wheat allergens and safe to eat for those with dietary issues related to the consumption of dairy items. But the fast-food company quietly added “Contains wheat and milk ingredients” this month to the french fries listing on its Web site.

The company said the move came in response to new rules by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the packaged foods industry, including one requiring that the presence of common allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, fish or peanuts be reported. As a restaurant operator, Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s does not have to comply but is doing so voluntarily.

I’m all for Corporate Social Responsibility, but give me a break. Why is there all of this admission all of a sudden? I think that if the corporation were really committed toward truthful reporting, it would have done so eons ago without “voluntarily” providing this information as per new guidelines by the Food and Drug Administration.

I’m still thinking of my last post and wondering how many people will still try to sue with the argument of negligence on behalf of the company in informing its consumers of any potential threats and/or dangers.

As a consumer who every so often purchases a product from McDonald’s, I know that what I’m putting into my body is, to say the least, unhealthy, but I am smart and informed whereas I think many people feign ignorance and choose to take out their personal problems on the companies they purchase products or services from.

I’m just going to end it there before I become severely annoyed.

In other news, I presented to the Chamber of Commerce earlier today … er, yesterday. I was more than prepared, it seems. They didn’t have the capabilities to run a Power Point, so I did my best and printed it out for the Chamber members. I also attached all of the forms and letters that I had created for their review. They seemed to be very receptive of the ideas I presented and enthused about working on the campaign. One member commented that I had opened him up to a completely new way of thinking. I’ve worked really hard on this campaign so far … well, the research end of it, I should say. In addition to the forms, I’ve created a new mission statement and goals which they wholeheartedly approved. My internship supervisor who also happens to be the university’s Director of Public Affairs seemed very pleased and copied me to an email she sent to my department’s internship program coordinator. What she said in the email really made me smile. I feel very accomplished in such a short amount of time. Pressing on, today will entail getting membership letters out, working on the written PR plan, and whatever else I have on my ‘to do’ list.

Oh … what else? In other news - my group is going to present on the persuasive messages of Victoria’s Secret for our persuasion course. We have many articles and resources to draw from. That could get VERY interesting.

It is almost 1 a.m. and I have to wake up in five hours. I think I shall end my ranting and call it an evening.

In an effort of good faith, or perhaps increased pressure from “health conscious” consumers, fast food giant McDonald’s is rolling out new packaging that will let consumers know just how many calories and grams of fat they’re stuffing down their throats in one sitting.

The debut is in Torino, Italy, current host of the Winter Olympics which is surprise, surprise sponsored in part by the company.

On a related note, McDonald’s also announced that their delectable french fries contain more trans fat than originally thought.

I wonder how many people will try to sue the corporation now that this has been revealed.

I can see it now — “I didn’t know that eating several boxes of fries per week would help harden my arteries.”

Is it really possible for a fast-food corporation to re-brand itself in a healthier fashion?

 

I am thinking beyond my current internship and what I would like to do this summer before graduate school. Yes, I am applying. The school I am applying to (did I mention this already?) has a partnership with one of the better known PR firms in Pittsburgh. That would help tremendously with getting my foot in the door, I think.

Getting back to summer — I’m thinking of re-applying to a few agencies I applied with this past semester. There’s also non-profit which I didn’t really go after. I’m still interested in the Arts or Sports Community Outreach so I will try my darndest to apply with the various organizations in the city. It couldn’t hurt, right? I just need to really open up my network again. It’s gone a little downhill in the past month or so. I’m working on something right now that may be able to help, but I don’t want to get too overly excited in case it doesn’t work out.

When I apply, I’m definitely going to use the resume that I originally had developed with the help and suggestions of some awesome professionals. 

Now, cover letters are a whole different ballgame. I hate them. For some reason, I never know what to write. I can research and understand the company, but I go blank when I try to convey what I can do with what they want in a fashion that’s both brief and clear. I also find myself getting too flowery and “sentimental” and I know that shouldn’t happen, either. I blame those damn high school advanced/AP English classes.

The internship is going fairly well. I feel as if I have accomplished much already. I’ll actually be making a presentation to Chambers members in about two weeks to update them on what I have been working on and my recommendation as to what direction the Chamber should pursue.

The unfortunate aspect is pace. I work at a fast pace. I can recall how many things I finished on my second day and it was a bit much. I make myself a to-do list and follow that. Some things are ongoing, but I still accomplish other tasks in an efficient manner, thus leaving me a little bored.

I’m not sure why. I think it’s a little slow in the office right now, so I’m primarily working on this campaign. I’m thinking, however, as I said in a comment on a post by Erin, I’m not meant to sit at a desk all day. I think I’m more into running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I’m planning to apply again this summer to various agencies. I hope that I will be constantly busy and running around. I think that’s why I want to be in Community Relations in the Arts or Sports or opening my own event planning firm. I know I can busy myself with event planning, appearances and such - stressed out no less, but I would be extremely happy.