Flack's Revenge

Forget Big Data. Now, There's "Big Soda" - and It's not Happy

Most who follow the tech field know that everything big data is hot these days. I like to write about tech, and also follow the NY tech industry (see my recent post on Handshake 2.0 about NY tech).

While techies love big data here, too, it is Big Soda that has been in the news, regarding NYC's plans to limit the size of soft drinks.

Just yesterday, the NY Times wrote about the soda companies' PR and lobbying campaign to battle NY City's ban on large soft drinks.  According to the Times:

...the American soft-drink industry is beginning an aggressive campaign to fight New York City’s proposed restrictions on large servings of sugary drinks.

Hoping for a debate about freedom, not fatness, the industry has created a coalition called New Yorkers for Beverage Choices to coordinate its public relations efforts in the city. 

I guess you can't blame the soft drink industry for trying. My view is that the city is getting up in our grills a bit too much (here in a nice motherly way, but the stop and frisk thing? I just don't understand it. Seems like a real bad move and draws tons of negative coverage).

Doesn't this place an unfair burden on the soft drink companies? I feel that we should be allowed to buy big gulps if we want them. 

On the other hand, I don't know if this is the hill that Big Soda really wants to die on, perhaps it would be a better move to give in and voluntarily reduce serving sizes. I doubt this campaign will incite people to rally in the streets and defend their rights to drink themselves silly and obese.

Fancy Ketchup ("Squirt in Mouth and Just Add Fries!")

Does anyone like those ketchup packets that they hand out at delis and fast food places?

Wall Street Journal wrote yesterday about this, and a new one that Heinz will be coming out with to improve on the ketchup packet design (excerpt below):

Some people rip off the corner of the packet with their teeth. Others, while driving, squirt the ketchup directly into their mouth, then add fries... After observing these and other "compensating behaviors," H. J. Heinz Co. says it spent three years developing a better ketchup packet.

Heinz says the new "Dip and Squeeze" packets will begin replacing the traditional rectangular ketchup packets later this year...

Squirt ketchup in mouth, add fries... now that is a neat trick, will need to try this. 

It all kind of reminds me of a comedy routine that Jim Gaffigan, one of my favorite comics, did on the subject.  Gaffigan is great, he has a very dry delivery and can make topics ranging from Hot Pockets, to ketchup to bowling and escalators outrageously funny.  Here is the text of Jim's riff on ketchup packets:

I do wish I was there when they decided on the size of those ketchup packets; I am not saying I need a gallon but maybe enough for more than one fry!

I always end up opening 20, I look like a heroin addict. "I'm gonna party once I get set up here!"

Does anyone ever use just one ketchup packet? "Do you have 1/2 of a quarter of an ounce of Ketchup? It's just so darn rich.  I need a resealable packet.  One that I can store in my purse!"

They always give you three packets... and when you go back up and ask for more, the guy handing them out always treats you like you're taking from his personal stash: "Hmmm, looks like my kids aren't having ketchup tonight!  Enjoy, ketchup glutton!"

Sometimes printed on the ketchup packet it will say "Not for resale" I didn't even know that was an issue... I've been to a lot of flea markets, no ketchup packets!  You know, if you're in a position where you have to sell ketchup packets, I don't think that's going to hold you back.

If you're lucky, you'll get a ketchup packet that's labeled "Fancy Ketchup"  Ketchup, you're being modest, you're way more than fancy, you're elegant!