Chicken, Cows and the Constitution

July 29, 2012 by 5 Comments
Chick-fil-A brand ad image

Chick-fil-A brand ad image

This post is part of a 2012 monthly series of MySheCave.com posts on the topic of the U.S Constitution.

Want another example of how U.S. Constitution-related issues surface in our everyday lives?

This week, Dan Cathy, President and COO of one of America’s most famous fast-food chains, Chick-fil-A, made comments in the press that have been interpreted by some as against same-sex marriage, raising a controversy among gay rights activists and politicians.

In response to Cathy’s comments, three big-city mayors, Thomas Menino (Boston), Rahm Emanuel (Chicago) and Edwin Lee (San Francisco), publicly stated that they disagreed with Cathy and would discourage the presence of Chick-Fil-A establishments in their cities.  For example, Emanuel stated, “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” and Lee tweeted, “Closest #ChickFilA to San Francisco is 40 miles away & I strongly recommend that they try not to come any closer.”

So, how does this controversy relate to the U.S. Constitution?  Well, the controversy has raised questions related to our rights to freedom of religion and speech — both of which are rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Specifically, Amendment I “prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peacefully assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.”

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has publicly disagreed with Menino, Emmanuel and Lee by stating, “trampling on the freedom to marry whoever you want is the same as trampling on your freedom to open a store.”

What do you think?  Do you agree that a COO of a privately-held company like Dan Cathy has a Constitutionally protected right to state his beliefs about gay marriage?  And, do you think that city mayors, like Menino, Emanuel and Lee should have the power to prevent a restaurant like Chick-fil-A from opening in their cities based on the religious-based statements made by that restaurant’s COO?

On a lighter note, I have a question for all of you marketers out there:  what do you think of Chick-fil-A’s 17-year-running renegade Cows brand advertising campaign?

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Firelight and You

July 22, 2012 by 1 Comment
Majorettes with flaming batons

Majorettes with flaming batons

Today, the Olympic torch relay began its final leg before the 2012 Summer Olympic Games officially begin in London on July 27.

The torch will be used to light the Olympic Flame, an inspirational symbol of the Games, which will burn until the Olympics conclude on August 12.

Fire and fiery flames are often associated with danger and negativity (ex. the recent, devastating Colorado wildfires), so it’s interesting to consider all of the positive spirit associated with the Olympic torch and flame.

Beyond the Olympic torch or a romantic fireplace with flames providing warmth on a cold winter’s day, are you aware of other instances when fire is viewed or used in positive ways?  I can think of a couple of examples.

As a young girl, I remember watching majorettes in the local high school band twirling their flaming batons.  I can recall how excited and amazed I was to watch each majorette throw her flaming baton in the air, twirl around, and then successfully catch the baton.

And, who could forget all the lighters aflame at the end of rock concerts, when the attendees light portable flames to signal their appreciation and want of more to the performing artists?

Some people propose that an individual can have “a fire within.”  Would you agree?

Do you think that people can be lights to inspire others?  Has anyone ever lit a fire within you and inspired you to be and achieve more?

Which individuals or what things have been the firelight in your life so far?

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Jacks in Boxes, Surprises and You

July 15, 2012 by 2 Comments
Jack-in-the-box

image of Jack-in-the-box toy online at growingtreetoys.com

According to Dictionary.com, a surprise is “a completely unexpected occurrence.”

As a writer, I appreciate reading stories where the surprise factor is included.

Surprise endings to books, plays and movies often heighten their entertainment factor.  For example, check out this fun, “Top 15 Amazing Movie Endings” list to be reminded of movies with last moments that were, according to Listverse.com,  “simply astounding.”

Not every writer can successfully weave the surprise factor into a narrative.  However, it’s pretty safe to assume that all writers have successfully experienced real-life surprises.

In fact, it seems that all of us experience surprises starting at an early age.  I can still recall playing with a Jack-in-the-box as a child and being thrilled each time the jester popped out of the box and surprised me.

What about you?  How do you feel about surprises?  Do you enjoy being surprised, or are you uncomfortable with experiencing unforeseen moments?

Finally, what surprises, good and bad, have been the most memorable in your life so far?

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Finding Unexpected Pairs

July 8, 2012 by 1 Comment

My husband’s ancestral origins link to Galicia, Spain.  Galicia, known as “the Green Spain, ” is a place where you can sometimes find the unexpected.  Below are three images from the town of Gondomar in Galicia that seem to reveal a somewhat unexpected pairing of things.

What do you think?  Do you think these pairings are unusual?  For example, when you think of a church, do you also think of wine? And, when you think of crosses and religion, do you also think of cannons and war?  Last, when you think of wine receptacles, do you think about small, white porcelain cups?

I’d love to know whether you think these three pairs of images convey any element of surprise, and, I’d also enjoy seeing any unexpected pairings that you’ve captured.

Church and Vines in Gondomar, Spain

Church and Vines in Gondomar, Spain.

Cannon and Cross in Congomar, Spain

Cannon and Cross in Gondomar, Spain. May 2012.

"Glasses" of vino in Gondomar, Spain

“Glasses” and Vino in Gondomar, Spain. May 2012.

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Read East, Young Man!

July 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Go East graphicThe first day of summer, or Summer Solstice, was Wednesday, June 20, 2012, so, summer is officially underway here in the U.S.

Each year with its arrival, summer brings the return of fun rituals, such as catching rays at the local pool, making road trips to beaches, attending outdoor parties and picnics and, of course, participating in the major U.S. summer holiday celebration, the Fourth of July.

Another summertime ritual is the promotion of summertime reading lists by countless U.S. online and print publications — the idea being that summer, a time when a majority of Americans take vacations, is an opportune time for individuals to slow down, relax and read.

Have you established your 2012 summertime reading list yet?

If not, I’d like to remind you of the fact that you’re now living in what many are referring to as “the Asian Century” and suggest two books for your summer reading that will specifically enhance your knowledge regarding China as a player in the evolving global economy:

  • Winner Takes All – this book centers around the commodity dynamics that the world will be facing in the near future and highlights China’s current resource campaign to secure hard and soft commodities, a campaign that will have multiple global implications.
  • What Chinese Want: Culture, Communism and the Modern Chinese Consumer – this book sheds light on the worldview that is driving Chinese businesses and consumers.

If you would prefer to read a book about modern day China that is a little “lighter,” I would suggest a book that I already own:

To conclude, when it comes to expanding your reading horizons this summer, my advice is opposite from Horace Greeley’s advice and is, instead, “Go East, young man.”

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