THINKING OUTSIDE THE BUN LEADS TO LEGAL ACTION The Story of 50 Cent vs. Taco Bell
In 2008, rapper 50 Cent filed an unlikely lawsuit against the fast-food chain Taco Bell. Was it an endorsement deal gone wrong? Quite the opposite. According to the rapper, the company had implied an endorsement deal in the media when there was none. Taco Bell, known for their quirky and humorous ads, had released a print ad formatted as a faux“letter”to 50 Cent, requesting that 50 Cent change his name to 79, 89, or 99 Cent as a part of their latest promotion. The letter reached the national press and even television … except for 50 Cent’s actual mailbox. In fact, 50 Cent had no idea Taco Bell used his name. By releasing the letter, 50 Cent became the face of Taco Bell’s whole campaign, too. The letter was part of a larger hip hop-themed campaign, and customers could go to the Taco Bell website and participate in a“Rap Name Creator”to discover their rap name. They also had a“Why Pay Mo’Rhyme Generator”that played hip hop music and a montage of“hip hop-themed scenes,”according to the rapper’s lawyer, Peter D. Raymond. As soon as 50 Cent found out about the letter on the news, he wasn't happy. On July 23, 2008, 50 Cent — whose real name is Curtis Jackson — filed a federal lawsuit saying they featured the rapper in an ad campaign without his permission and profited directly from
his celebrity status without paying him a multimillion-dollar fee. Raymond said his client sought $4 million in damages. In response, Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch issued a statement saying:“We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89 or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.”
In the end, both sides settled, keeping the terms of the settlement confidential and paying their own legal fees. So, it’s possible that 50 Cent was paid after all, but we’ll never know the exact terms of their legal agreement, except“both sides are satisfied,”according to Raymond. Since then, more companies have been careful about using celebrity names in their marketing without permission. It pays to think inside the bun, after all.
Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact or Fiction? A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Who doesn’t want a brighter and whiter smile? After all, they don’t call them pearly whites just because. White teeth point to good health and hygiene
scrubbing your teeth with these ingredients too often can wear away your enamel and leave your teeth looking even more discolored. ACIDIC FRUITS Many believe that scrubbing with acidic fruits, such as lemons and oranges, can whiten your teeth because they contain digestive enzymes. However, just like with charcoal, prolonging your contact with these acidic foods can harm and eat away at the enamel on your teeth and potentially even lead to decay and cavities. OILS AND SPICES Oil pulling, which involves swishing oils such as coconut oil in your mouth, or relying on spices such as turmeric is said to have whitening effects. However, scientific research does not back this up. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Instead, some of the best natural ways to maintain a bright and white smile are to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss daily, limit staining foods (such as red wine, coffee, and tea), and avoid smoking or using tobacco products. Lastly, don’t forget to make it in to see us for your regular checkups and cleanings!
and are usually regarded as a very attractive attribute!
Recently, especially during the pandemic, DIY teeth whitening methods have taken those in the market for teeth whitening by storm.You may have seen natural methods on social media platforms that include oil pulling, charcoal, or even turmeric. However, it’s important to keep in mind that just because a method uses natural ingredients, it may not necessarily mean that it’s safe or healthy. Here are some truths surrounding some of the most popular natural whitening methods: SCRUBS Activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used to scrub away stains and add a polishing whitening effect to your teeth. However, according to the September 2017 edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association, there is not any evidence supporting charcoal being a safe or effective whitening ingredient. It should also be noted that using highly abrasive materials or
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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