It’s not just the economy that’s taken a hit in the past several months: Celebrity endorsements are also down for the count, pummeled by the rapid-fire of media revelations about the personal lives of Michael Phelps, Chris Brown, and Alex Rodriguez. This time, however, the shocking news is not so much that these athletes and artists are human, but that the public is holding the sponsor companies like Kellogg’s, Subway, and Wrigley just as responsible as the celebrities themselves

A celebrity endorsement is obviously a mutually beneficial concept: Famous people get a load of money to associate with a particular brand, creating a very powerful halo effect that enhances people’s interest in and perceptions of a brand’s quality and relevance. But does this tactic really work? Mintel Research revealed in 2005 that out of nearly 1,000 consumers, less than 10 percent would buy celebrity-endorsed foods and drinks, even when it was someone they “admire or trust.”

 According to the Notable Names Database, McDonald’s has signed at least 41 celebrity endorsement deals over the years. Though associations with squeaky-clean personalities like Mary Lou Retton and Michael Jordan proved great for the company, Kobe Bryant was just one of many celebrities including the Olsen twins, Donald Trump, Dennis Rodman, Charles Barkley, and Britney Spears who gave the Golden Arches cause for disappointment at times.

But reputation fallout for some brands, of course, can be cool “props” for another. Burger King signed with Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2006, despite the musician’s past association with weapons and drugs. Similarly, Paris Hilton’s explicit videotape infamy is probably what gave her the street cred to star in an eye-popping car-washing commercial for Carl’s Jr.

Even White Castle’s brand experienced a relevance revival when it green-lighted the use of its trademark-protected name in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” a movie connecting pot smoking to cravings for the restaurant’s food.

Then there are other times that good or bad reputations are less of an issue than simply a lack of fit. A few years ago, award-winning celebrity chef Rick Bayless, known for his authentic haute-Mexican restaurants in Chicago, endorsed Burger King’s new low-fat chicken sandwich, causing a disapproving uproar in the foodie community (particularly the Slow Food Organization he had previously supported). Similarly, some Food Network fans were puzzled last year to see home cook Rachael Ray, who loves her EVOO, promoting Dunkin’ Donuts products in TV commercials

So what does the future hold? Should operators trade real people for fictional icons like Ronald McDonald and the King? Should lawyers write even...

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After many years of being irritated by employees losing and breaking stuff, I made a change this year.  Every year I always do Christmas bonuses for all employees and it  has always been based on senority, the longer you work the more you get.  This year I am starting with the $7,500 that I usually give for employee bonuses.  Each time I have to buy new silverware, plates, spatulas, spoons,...

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So there is this long rambling message on the anwering machine regarding a steak dinner 4 days before. She was upset at the price because she didn't read it on the menu before ordering, said the well done steak was burnt, but slightly pink in one  area ( the steak had a coffee/herb rub on it which can have a slight crunch) She didn't complain or send it back before eating the WHOLE meal because she felt that if she started...

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