DAILY DIARY – DEBUNK THE JUNK, APRIL 20, 2004

“There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.” <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

–  George Santayana, 1863-1952

Day 20:  A sad day for the Golden Arches.  Under the leadership of CEO Jim Cantalupo, McDonalds focused on providing its clients with healthful, tastier food and faster service.  The sudden death of Cantalupo came during a big push to promote healthier lifestyles with new offerings such as salads and McGriddle sandwiches. One wonders if his death will put a damper on the release of the exciting new products and change direction that the Golden Arches will be taking in the future.

New offerings at McDonalds are not just limited to tasty healthier food offerings, such as an Adult Happy Meal with salad, water and a pedometer and healthier options for the Children’s Happy Meal.  In an effort to keep up with a demand for connectivity to the World Wide Web, McDonalds will now be offering Wi Fi in select stores around the country on May 1st.  Imagine getting a stock quote with your Big Mac and glass of milk, this might also encourage people to sit and take a little time with their meals rather than just rushing off in their cars to eat on the road.  Quiet enjoyment of a meal is much better for digestion than being under stress.

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Cantalupo’s family and the McDonalds corporation for the loss of such an important person who encouraged the new look of the golden arches menu and a new sensibility to the health needs of their clients.