Ronald McDonald on the Chopping Block?

Plenty of McDonald's news lately. We've had new items, free samples and changing recipes, but now comes the news that McDonald's is under pressure to drop Ronald McDonald due to supposed flat advertising and from pressure groups who claim McDonald's uses Ronald to market unhealthy food to kids, which they say, is contributing to childhood obesity.

According to the Arizona Republic's article, McDonald's says the idea of getting rid of the spokesclown is out of the question. Even so, that hasn't stopped groups like Corporate Accountability International (CAI) from taking out full-page ads in newspapers and saying just because Ronald is the face of Ronald McDonald House Charities, that does not excuse them "for marketing junk food to kids." In fact, CAI says that is McDonald's "having their burger and eating it too."

The whole story made Grimace, grimace.  What do you think?

Taste of the Nation in Scottsdale

This Friday, May 13th, Taste of the Nation Arizona is taking place at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, located at 7575 E. Princess Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255. You can buy general admission tickets for $100 or $200 for V.I.P.  All the proceeds go to charities involved in fighting childhood hunger.  Here's how the event is described:

"The evening will begin with a cocktail competition in which 14 mixologists will square off, featuring recipes representative of various cities from throughout the nation. Guests will have an opportunity to sample these liquid creations and vote for their favorite cocktails. Guests will then enjoy a seated meal prepared tableside by some of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s most talented chefs. Each table will sample a different menu from a different restaurant. Each table of ten guests will be treated to a five course dinner with wine and specialty cocktail pairings prepared exclusively for their table by one of the featured chefs. As each chef will showcase cuisine from a different part of the country, guests will enjoy a true “Taste of the Nation.” Participating restaurants include: Brittlebush Bar & Grill, Bourbon Steak, Deseo, elements, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, La Hacienda, L’Auberge de Sedona, Province, 5th and Wine, Talavera, T. Cook’s, Smart Kitchen, Chef Aaron May, Fred’s at Barney’s and Nourish."

The event takes place from 5pm to 9:30pm w/VIP tickets and 5:30pm to 9:30pm w/General Admission tickets. According to the site, there will also be a silent and live auction during the event. Local charities that will benefit include St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance and the Association of Arizona Food Banks.