No matter how commonplace it has become, flying, even within the United States, might not be as safe as we would like to think. According to a recent study by the Center for Public Integrity, public airline safety within the United States has considerable room for improvement. And surprisingly, that's not even the bad news.
Sports fans from all over the country who tuned into the NBA playoffs last week caught a rare glimpse of a high-class public service announcement. Tucked in between the ads for cars, beer, soft drinks and running shoes came Amnesty International's star-studded call for the defense of human rights -- featuring Michael Stipe, Alanis Morrissette, Mario Cuomo, Harry Belafonte and Gabriel Byrne.While commercials aired during such coveted time slots are infamous for their elaborate production and high costs, how does a non-profit in the business of defending human rights compete with the likes of Coca-Cola and General Motors?
On June 2, California voters will be faced with an initiative that will have a direct impact on the state's numerous nonprofit organizations. Proposition 226, if passed, will drastically limit the role of non-profits in participating in the development of local and state-wide public policy. Specifically, nonprofits will be limited in their efforts to educate the public and give support to such causes as clean water and ancient forests through payroll deductions to the United Way or Earth Share.
Budweiser received a hearty toast earlier this week when it was awarded the "This Bud's For You, This Kid's For Us - Hook 'Em Early So They're Yours For Life" award at the 2nd annual "Schmios" ceremony for using cartoon characters (frogs not camels) to target kids early. "Kids for Sale" was the theme of the event, touted as the un-celebration of the ad industry's achievements. Worst advertisers for kids include: Budweiser, Coca Cola, MTV and Sears. Other dishonors go to: Candies, DeBeers and Sprite.
