The marketing campaign has been very straightforward. The tagline for the ads read “Dr Pepper 10: It’s not for women.” The TV spots show a guy in a mercenary outfit running through some sort of action scene with lasers in the jungle while informing the audience that Dr Pepper 10 is “manly”. Honestly, the ad appears at first to be a joke, but once the words “Not for women” appear on screen, you realize that someone seriously wanted to keep women from touching their product.

Why would they do this?

In recent years, the trends have shown that men are not as likely to purchase diet sodas as women are because they sometimes feel that diet sodas aren’t manly or that they are “wimpy drinks”. Dr Pepper was looking for a way to create a low calorie alternative to Diet Dr Pepper, and thus 10 was born.

Dr Pepper is not the first to do this. In fact they are a bit late. Pepsi release Pepsi Max a couple years ago as a zero calorie alternative to Diet Pepsi. The name “Max” seems to cater towards athletes or active people, men and women. Coca-Cola release Coke Zero and Sprite Zero simultaneously. As you can see, there was certainly a demand to tap into the crowd that wanted low calorie soda, but didn’t want to go “diet”.

Dr Pepper, hover, broke all the rules. They attempted to make Dr Pepper 10 a “Holy Grail” that only men could touch. I contemplated the possibility that maybe they were trying reverse psychology to try to make women attempt to defy them by drinking Dr Pepper 10, but then I realized that nothing that cerebral went into this marketing campaign. I mean seriously. You saw the commercial. He punched a snake.

The question still remains to be answered as to whether or not they’ve failed. From the perspective of dignity, they’ve abandoned everything. I even feel disinclined to buy regular Dr Pepper now, because of it’s association with 10. While they’ve brushed women aside, it remains to be see whether men actually will purchase the drink. Then again, that may be a moot point in many families. If a women does the shopping for the family, she will not likely buy Dr Pepper 10 if she’s familiar with the ads.

What could they have done differently?

Well, they could have made a better marketing strategy for one thing. They could have released an ad showing athletes and rock climbers or something. There are so many “non-wimpy” ways to market a low-calorie soda that is gender neutral that they could have gone with. Perhaps someone in marketing there at Dr Pepper will take some advice from Pepsi and Coke, but in the meantime, they probably shouldn’t expect sales to soar, especially since they are excluding 3.5 billion people.

Why do people use drugs?
Drug users & drug addicts mostly have a motive to use the drug, the motives are different, like younger people try drugs out just to experiment.
Some use it because they have problems at home, others because they just like to be under the influence of the drug and there are a lot more motives.
But drugs stimulate your moods/emotions. So if you use it, it’s better to feel good than feel bad, because if you are feeling bad your emotions will be much stronger. In a good or in a bad way…

Kinds of drugs
There are several kinds of drugs. For instance: stimulating drugs, narcotic drugs, and drugs with a mixed effect.
* Stimulating drugs
When using this type of drug, the user gets the feeling he has more energy and he is more alert. This sort of drug is especially being used by party animals and workaholics. Examples of this type of drugs are: speed, cocaine, but also coffee and tabacco.
* Narcotic drugs
This type of drugs has got a relaxing and calming effect. The user becomes sleepy and he doesn’t see the bad things of life. Drugs with a narcotic effect are particularly being used by people with sleeping problems and people who have fears, but also by individuals with personal and social problems. Specimens for this type of drugs are: heroine, sleeping medicines and alcohol.
* Awareness changing drugs
The consequence of this drug is that the user -for his feeling- is living in a different world. He sees wonderful colors. It can also happen that the user becomes a glutton, he gets very active or tired and it can also happen that the user can’t stop laughing. This type of drug is for the biggest part being used by younger people who are curious to know the effect of the drug. Older people who are looking for a new mental experience are also a big part of users from this drug. Examples from awareness changing drugs are: LSD, weed and hashish.
* Drugs with a mixed effect
An example of this drug is XTC. This drug is stimulating, but it also changes the awareness. Depending on the situation and dose hashish and weed can also have a narcotic effect.

The opium law and the two main drug groups: soft- & hard drugs
The opium law includes all the rules about drugs. There are two kinds of drugs: soft drugs and hard drugs. In the opium law, the rules about hard drugs are named in list one. The rules about soft drugs are named in list two.
Hard drugs, like heroine, cocaine, LSD and XTC can have an unacceptable big effect. They are more dangerous than the products that belong to list two
List two names all sorts of hemp products, like hashish and weed. Also sedatives like Valium and Seresta (belongs to the soft drugs named in list two. The punishments for using hard drugs are stricter than the punishment for using soft drugs.
But not all matters of list two are soft drugs, like hypnotics and sedative drugs. These matters don’t fall under the category soft- or hard drugs. Because you can get them on prescription, as a medication. You also got alcohol and Tobacco. These should also actually fall under hard drugs, because they’re as harmful and sometimes also as addictive. But because the society accepted these matters through times this isn’t the case.
This means that everything what has to do with drugs, like trade, production and possession is an offence. But the strange thing is that the use of soft drugs in The Netherlands isn’t an offence. This is because of the Drugs Policy of The Netherlands, it’s tolerated in a certain way. And it’s also proven that when it is allowed to use soft drugs, less people will take them.

Examples of drugs
-Name: ethanol/alcohol/Booze/Angels Water/Special Water (often said by Shoaling Monks)

-Appearance: liquid. Alcoholic beverages for the biggest part exist of water. Ethyl alcohol is made out of ferment fruit, vegetables and corn.
Strong drinks contains around 50% alcohol.
-Duration: multiple hours, depending of the dose.
-How to use it: drink
-Positive: the user gets (after a small amount of drinks) less inhibited, happier, more relaxing.
-Negative: alcohol is addictive. The user can get dependent of alcohol, and has to drink
more to get the same effect.
It’s very difficult to predict the short period effects of alcohol. Sometimes small amounts cause aggression and mood changes.
Bigger amounts cause lack of coordination , difficulty in speeking and extremely emotional reactions.
After big amounts you can: see double (double vision), change balance- & awareness.
The consequences of exuberant alcohol use are: hangovers, with the symptoms: headache, fear, dehydration and nervousness.
-Long term effects: addiction, stomach- & liver ailment, brain damage.
Tip: Don’t drink to much. Vary alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages. One of the most common causes of a hangover are: dehydration, drinking non alcoholic-beverages can relieve these symptoms.

-Name: Caffeine
-Appearance: in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soda’s.
-Duration: up to 4 hours.
-How to use it: drink, eat
-Positive: caffeine is a mild stimulating drug, it’s been used to stay awake and alert.
-Negative: sleepless nights, stomach complaints. It’s bad for people with high blood pressure. Heavy users can get dependent of the drug.

-Name: Cannabis, or: marijuana, grass, weed, pot, hashish.
-Appearance:
*Marihuana, it contains the flowered bud of the Cannabis sativa plant. The flowered bud contains the most important psychoactive matter: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
*Hashish, is a preparation of cannabis composed of the compressed resin collected from the cannabis plant. It contains the same active ingredients but in higher concentrations than other parts of the plant such as the buds or the leaves.
*Cannabis oil, a dirty, fat, dark brown substance, that is made by drenching the plant in a solvent. It’s packaged in paper or plastic and you can cut it with a heated knife.
-How to use: all three forms can be smoked (joint/blunt/bong/crack pipe), what also is the most common way of using the matter, mixed with tobacco or in a pure form.
It can also be eaten, mostly incorporated with cakes (space cake) or in a pure form.
-Duration: around 2 hours.
-Positive: increased feeling of well-being, happiness, relaxation.
Users claim to get better intensive insight, more sensitive senses and even hallucinations (hardly ever occurs) with higher amounts. It’s probably the most “safe” drug, it doesn’t work addictive (not physically, can only be a sort of mental addiction) and causes less or no hangovers. Death because of a overdose of cannabis has never been reported yet. But they do say that eating 800grams at once is deadly.
-Negative: red eyes, wide pupils, raised pulse, dry throat & mouth, fatigue & raised appetite.
-Long term effects (over the years): amnesia, depression, loss of motivation, brain damage and sometimes even Schizophrenia.
-Tip: smoking cannabis is easier to keep under control than eating it. When eating it you have to be prepared for a more dramatic effect than when smoking it. If you’re going to smoke cannabis have something to drink or eat with you (dehydration etc.)

-Name: Cocaine/coke, crack (smoke), snow, yayo It’s obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.
-Appearance: a white powder
-How to use it: it can be smoked(crack)/injected/snuff, or can be rubbed on the teeth or gums
-Duration: 30 to 60 minutes, the after effect can last to 24hours
-Positive: cocaine gives you the feeling that you can manage the whole world.
Users experience a feeling of agitation, pleasure, luck, self-confidence and energy. The drug reduces the need to sleep and food. It is a subtle drug because users carried itself rather inconspicuous.
-Negative: high blood pressure, increased pulsation, body temperature and breathing tempo. A small number of users got breathing difficulties, some with fatal result. Others complain about over stimulation. For a long time it was adopted that cocaine was only psychologically addictive, but today is suspected that there also a physical dependence appears.
A overdose of cocaine is very rare.
-Long term effects: brain damage, depressed mood states, damage to the bone between your nose, bad teeth
-Tips: a gentle tranquilizer can moderate some unpleasant side effects of the drug.

-Name: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or XTC
-Appearance: tablets, less reliable forms of the drug are even available in capsules(they often contain acid & speed). There is a new form of mdma, powder. You can also call it crystal meth
-Duration: depending on the quality
-How to use it: by swallowing tablet(s)
-Positive: as with most drugs, the effects depend on the mood you’re in,
People who want to dance for hours, like the energy that they get out of the drug by listening to music. Others prefer a quite, “chill”, environment (it can be with other people that they feel comfortable with).
-Negative: eyes get wider, different mood changes, to much energy (more risk of getting dehydrated) , it ruins your body (it isn’t a matter that you can find in nature, it’s made in a chemical laboratory), it’s dangerous (it’s a chemical drug), hallucinations.
-Tip: this is a dangerous drugs, cause some people are to sensitive and your not 100% clear what’s inside the tablet.

-Name: Heroine/smack, H brown sugar
-Appearance: in it’s purest heroin is a white (fluffy) powder. On “the streets” it often has a brown color.
-Duration: about 30 minutes to 3hours. When it’s injected you’ll immediately get a rush (you get it less if you smoke it or sniff it)
-How to use it: heroin can be injected, sniffed, or in pure form smoked on a piece of tin foil. You can also eat it, but because it’s bad for your stomach, the people who use heroin think it’s a waste of money.
-Positive: lightens psychical pain, because it’s generating the feeling of euphoria. People who’re using the drug (might) feel the following things: getting hot, a protected feeling, they feel free and dizzy.
-Negative: heroin can get you ill, makes you want to puke, itching skin.
The drug is most addictive when it gets injected, or smoked, or sniffed.

-Name: Tobacco/ -The drug effect of tobacco is caused by the matter nicotine. Nicotine is a gentle stimulating matter en gives you a kick. One or 2 cigarettes can cause stimulation and a bit of excitement.
-Appearance: dry leaves of the Tobacco plant
-How to use: Smoke, snuff, chew
-Duration: depends on the user,
-Positive: it’s gives you a stimulating effect, release stress. Prevent fatigue and monotony
-Negative: the smoke contains tar, nicotine, Carbon monoxide and other gas.
Cigarettes raise the blood pressures and the pulsation, and reduce the appetite. Beginners can become dizzy or even get ill. Tolerance develops very fast. Long term effects are an increased risk on hearts and vessel sicknesses, heart attacks, infections of the air ways, and lungs, mouths and throat cancer.
-Tip: try to smoke less!

Medical use of drugs
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system ( CNS). People still don’t know the cause of MS and there isn’t a cure for it yet.
Thanks to research they discovered that the use of marijuana helps as a muscle amplifier, just like the other medications, but without side effects.
Marijuana is also used by people who have cancer, specific those who are having chemotherapy. A lot of people who have chemotherapy often have to puke. A lot of them are also dealing with weight loss, and because of those 2 problems they also get less appetite.
Marijuana gives you an eating kick, so you’ll get your appetite back, and it’s a pain reliever.
Scientists are still working to get the marijuana better, by trying to get rid of the (negative)side effects.

How do addicts lose their addiction?
Health care
People in their environment.
Self-help. Talk with other addicts, or people that were related with addicts
( “N.A.” narcotics anonymous.” = a well know example)
Specific paramedic exists out of 2 main groups:
-At the persons’ home. Extramural health care
-The help centers are there to life a drug free life. You can go there if you want to stop using drugs.

Image via Wikipedia

I remember when MyCokeRewards first came out.  I didn’t have high hopes of ever getting anything big, but when I was browsing through the rewards catalogue, I saw some pretty cool things for lots of points.  This was all I needed to save all of the codes I got with my many Coke products and beverages.

For about two years, I didn’t buy a thing!  I never saw anything great again.  There was nothing I really needed that they had.  I was a little disappointed but I figured I would keep after my points regardless, and that maybe one day something decent would come up.

My thinking with this changed.  A few weeks ago, I went to the movies with my fiance.  We were shocked at how much movie tickets had cost; the price seemingly rose!

This caused me to remember that I had seen movie tickets and packages for this on the Coke site.  Once I got back on the computer to check it out, I saw a deal that was perfect for us; two tickets with some drinks and popcorn!  I ordered it up, but was disappointed to read that this would take nearly 8 weeks to arrive!  I don’t understand why this could not be a print-off type of item.

Even though we are not avid movie-goers, it will be a nice treat to get out of a night and go see anything, for basically free!  It’s nice to get something back and have sort of a simple treat.

I have also seen car rentals on the site, which I plan to take advantage of for an upcoming trip.  Why should I put the miles on my car?  I also plan to get a fairly economical car to save on gas, which helps even more since my own car is very gasoline hungry.

The rewards that Coke offer can come in handy, as you see.  It’s certainly worth it in my opinion to do through the simple steps to add your points and get rewarded!

Still, at first glance, you might wonder what could be the differences between these two beverages and their consumers. Probably what you are thinking is: “well, some just prefer Coke, while others prefer Pepsi”…but, is it really all that simple?

Web service by the name of hunch.com published during this year some interesting researches and facts regarding habits of the average Coca-Cola and Pepsi fans. You should take in consideration, however, that this study is related to the American market and their consumers.

Here are some of the most interesting results:

-There are increased chances that the fans of Coca-Cola finished college and speak at least one foreign language.

-Coke fans are more pron to enjoying delicate meals, while Pepsi fans are more into fast food.

-Apparently, Coca Cola fans like to read the New York Times magazine.

-Coke fans are never late, while Pepsi fans can either be on time or late (both options are in the game).

-Fans of Coca Cola will visit art exhibitions, while Pepsi fans will more likely spend their time at home watching TV.

Well, this might sound like obviously going in favor of Coca-Cola, so I hope the researches were based on objective principles.

And how about you? Which beverage do you prefer more and why?

Would you agree with any of the research facts that are written here?

Feel free to comment, it is always appreciated, especially if you add value to the conversation. Thank you for your attention.

Some researchers say that drinking certain sodas can actually weaken your bones, but that the carbonation is not the issue; it’s the caffeine. In a study in 2001, people lost a good amount of calcium after drinking sodas.

Other people even say that carbonated water, on the other hand, is actually a pretty healthy alternative to soda. While it still is a bit acidic, it has been found to not actually harm your teeth. There are some other rumors that carbonated waters harm your throat and stomach, but that is really only an issue if you have acid reflux. Carbonated water is actually no worse or better for you than plain water. Although, some carbonated waters contain healthy minerals. 

Another typical rumor about carbonated water, is that it has higher levels of sodium in it. That is not necessarily a fact. While some will have more, some will also have less. 

Another damaging factor of sodas, is its levels of phosphoric acid. It is hard on your kidneys and disrupts your production of calcium.This calcium-phosphorous duo can even put you at a much higher risk for getting kidney stones. 

Drinking many of these acidic drinks can off-balance your body’s natural pH scale, so be very careful with how much you consume. 

Oftentimes, sodas are even called Osteoporosis in a Can. And this is sadly rightfully true, considering the fact that the acids weaken your bones tremendously. 

Although, when it comes to caffeine, not all of its aspects are bad. It gives you an energy boost, and some research even shows that it helps stimulate brain function. On the other hand, it can also cause Type 2 Diabetes and even Parkinson’s Disease. It is also highly addictive. Sadly, it can even increase your risks of sleeping disorders, increases of blood pressure, and increase your risk of having a miscarriage, as well as encouraging heart problems. 

Another factor when considering sodas, is the high fructose corn syrup. It converts to fat more and quicker than any other sugar. This is one of the greatest causes of obesity. If you really want to lose weight, try going fructose free. 

Carbonated sodas are probably one of the worst things we can drink, and yet we completely ignore our common sense and drink it anyways. If you simply enjoy the fizzy taste, then go for carbonated water, as it is much healthier for you. 

1. Keep it simple to start with. For example flicking the hair, wearing tropical flavoured lip gloss (and applying it in slow motion in front of the ‘victim’). Make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing, you don’t have to nor should you feel any pressure to do anything that you deem inappropriate, gross or just plain wrong.

2. Learn to use the truth in a way that makes them think of certain things for example spilling ‘coke’ over your white top. Or on an instant message on line tool accidentally say something like ‘o don’t you love the feel of your legs after shaving, it’s sooo smooth an then say shit wrong person it works, every time.

3. Be confident in yourself, there is NOTHING more sexy

4. Learn what makes him tick it will help you have more fun

5. Don’t over do it, starting simple and building up from there is fine but never go crazy. It could give the wrong impression be aware of the line between slutty and a tease…..slutty means no clothes/slutty outfits etc where as a tease is more suggestive and cheeky. 

6. HAVE FUN don’t take it seriously, it’s meant to be enjoyable not a chore.

More diet links

Health benefits of 10 common foods

Health benefits of 10 common fruits

5 foods for a low sodium diet

Image via Wikipedia

A famous early rapper saw television as an influence holding back change, keeping people at home. He saw them as self indulgent and lazy – when they should have been out on the streets. The rapper was Gil Scott-Heron and his single The Revolution will not be televised was a breakthrough for rap. It was a call saying if you want change in your life – you have to make your voice heard.

2011 has seen his rap become redundant as protesters throughout much of the Arab world have taken to the streets. The movements in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have been inspired by TV, Twitter – and the Internet. Protesters came out to join the crowds they saw on TV – and the revolutions began.

News and information spread at the rocket speed of new technology. Old regimes were sleeping, unprepared for the improvised but efficient organisation of the rioters.

Scott-Heron’s rap was issued in 1970 but his lyrics make fascinating listening today as he references the culture of the 70’s to make his points. The pro LSD campaigner Timothy Leary is quoted, the message is, you will not be able to turn on, tune in and drop out – because the revolution will not be televised.

President Nixon, Vietnam War leader General Adams, Steve McQueen and Natalie Woods will not be seen – the revolution will not be televised. Neither will the Beverly Hillbillies and Jackie Onassis. The toothpaste that gives your mouth sex appeal will not be televised. You will not be 5lbs thinner, things will not go better with Coke. No one will have to worry about the Dove in your bedroom, the tiger in your tank and the giant in in your toilet.

Gil Scott-Heron has been hailed as the Godfather of rap. His lyrics slam the message home - the revolution will not be televised.  

But he has been overtaken by technology. Revolutions are taking off and catching fire on television - right now.