Tag Archives: maturation

The U.S. Humane Society vs. McDonald’s

Usually, I write about PETA taking on some company for violation of animal rights. This time, it is the U.S. Humane Society (USHS) and McDonald’s engaging in a cage match – literally. The USHS asked McDonald’s to raise 5% of its egg-producing hens outside of battery cages. Right now, six to eight hens are confined in a cage in which each hen just 72 square inches, which means space that is smaller than the size of a 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper. The USHS pointed out that while cage-free isn’t cruelty-free, the hens do “generally have better lives.” … Continue reading →

Gimmie that Fish!

Like millions of others around the world, my 5-year-old is hooked on McDonald’s catchy commercial for its Filet-o-Fish sandwich. Unless you’ve been living under the sea, then you’ve probably seen the ad, which features Big Mouth Billy Bass belting out: Gimme back that Filet-O-Fish. Gimme that fish! Gimme back that Filet-O-Fish. Gimme me that fish! What if it were you hanging up on this wall? If it were you in that sandwich, you wouldn’t be laughing at all! So give me back that Filet-O-Fish, give me that fish! Yes, nothing says, “Welcome to Lent,” more effectively than a stuffed fish … Continue reading →

Consumers Sue Fast Food Chains for Cancer-Causing Chicken

When I go to a fast food restaurant, I often order the chicken, thinking that is the better, more natural choice over a burger. However, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Friendly Ice Cream are being sued by consumers for selling grilled chicken that contains a cancer causing chemical. The chain restaurants were part of a class action suit filed by Cancer Project in the Hartford, Conn. Superior Court Wednesday. The lawsuit claims that the grilled chicken served by the restaurants contains the compound PhIP. McDonalds has been selling their grilled chicken sandwiches since October 2006. Last month, a similar lawsuit was … Continue reading →

Changes Coming to McDonald’s Dollar Menu—-So Long Cheap Eats

Who among us has not ordered off McDonald’s dollar menu at some point in our lives? Whether you are a hurried mom, a cash-strapped teen or a starving dad, you’ve likely taken advantage of the one-dollar options the fast-food giant has to offer. Double cheeseburger-loving moms, dads, kids… I have bad news for you: it appears McDonald’s is not as “recession-resistant” as it once claimed to be. According to news reports, the fast-food leader is prepping to make a super-sized announcement regarding its popular dollar menu. Despite rising sales in October, and the fact that studies show fast-food consumption goes … Continue reading →

Devo Gets Mad-O at McDonald’s and Lilo’s Mystery Sis

If they could really “Whip It” they would probably choose to do so right at burger giant McDonald’s. Cult classic rockers Devo are furious that fast food chain McDonald’s is using the band’s likeness (or so claims the musical group) in a Happy Meal toy. The 80s hitmakers claim the “American Idol” tribute figure, New Wave Nigel, was based on their famous image, as seen in their popular “Whip It” video. Regarding the McDonald’s brouhaha, Devo bass player Gerald Casale, who came up with the punk rock band’s odd jumpsuited look, told news reporters: We’re in the midst of suing … Continue reading →

Help Kids See How Far They’ve Come

Growing up can be daunting, painful, and scary–in addition to being fun and joyous too. Kids get overwhelmed, stressed and feel stuck just like adults do. As parents, we can help our children when they hit bumpy times and are afraid of what is to come by helping them look back and see what they have already accomplished. Kids tend to be incredibly short-sided. It is just the nature of the developing child to be focused on what is in front of them. The past is gone and the future is sometimes imaginary and unattainable. This can be a great … Continue reading →

Fast Food Kids’ Meals—How Healthy Are They?

My small fry loves French fries more than I would like her to… but I know she isn’t the only 3-year-old out there who begs for the greasy potato strings when driven by those famous golden arches. What about you? What are your children eating for dinner tonight? If your answer contains the words: Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions (you get the idea)… then this blog is for you. I happen to be a parent who loathes having to stop at fast food restaurants for any meal. However, since we do travel quite a bit I … Continue reading →

Prince Charles vs. McDonald’s

In this corner… we have His Royal Highness, Charles, the Prince of Wales: A 58-year-old father of two who likes to grow his own organic vegetables. And, in this corner, it’s the MacDaddy of all fast-food giants, home of the clown bearing its name, and a host of other greasy (yet yummy) menu options–McDonald’s. Ding! Ding! Let’s get ready to rumble! Okay, perhaps, I am overdoing it a bit. After all, the alleged feud between the famous British royal and the fast food chain may not be as bad as many first thought. So how did all of this get … Continue reading →

How Carefully Do You Watch TV?

In previous blogs I mentioned the method by which I “watch” television. Typically, I utilize my ears more than my eyes. Most moms will tell you that watching television (even the news) is a rare luxury. It is for me anyway. In addition, in our home the television may be on, but that doesn’t necessarily mean someone is in front of it (one of my pet peeves). What’s more, in our household “watching” could be defined as any number of things. For example, did you know it was possible for some husbands to “watch” television through a newspaper? Or, how … Continue reading →

McDonald’s Makeover—Strawberry Shakes and Stationary Bikes

Shakes and stationary bikes? French Fries and foosball? Big Macs and basketball? McDonald’s is getting a makeover… one the fast food giant hopes will be a hit with both parents and children. Say so long to the slides found at the traditional McDonald’s PlayPlace, the burger-and-fries company is ripping them out and replacing them with climbing ropes, stationary bicycles and electronic dancing games at SOME of its restaurants. If the new R Gyms (R as in Ronald McDonald) prove to be successful in their test restaurants you may soon see them popping up at your neighborhood McDonald’s. The R Gyms … Continue reading →