BigMac FAQS

Four or five days ago (December 1st actually) there was a full-page ad in The New York Times espousing how proud McDonald’s is of their new Happy Meals. Less sodium. Fewer calories (accomplished by serving fewer fries). Reduction of trans fat (to zero). Like that--you see, very self-congratulatory.

In spite of this the Happy Meal still does not meet specific nutritional standards in some states and, as a result, they are not allowed to give away free toys.

In the exact same issue of The Times there is an article informing us that McDonald’s has pounced on that word “free” and, to get around the ban, they are charging an extra ten cents for their Happy Meals that includes a toy. (No, the toys cannot be bought without buying the HM’s.)

Those people at McDonald’s must be so pleased with themselves; smirking all the way to the bank. And, no doubt, proudly giving the finger to the rest of us because we are too stupid to understand the bait-and-switch.

In the meantime I tried to find out how much a full-page color ad costs in The NYT. Not being able to break through the “contact-your-account-manager" barrier I was only able to come-up with the half-page rate of $30,100. So a full page ad I surmise must be anywhere in the realm of $50,000 - $100,000. Can anybody help me out here?