Sex and the City Billboards: Too Racy for Israel?

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:58 -0700

You won't find Carrie and Mr. Big making out on the street of Jerusalem. Sex and the City advertisers have decided to forgo marketing in Jerusalem and Petah Tikva, Israel, in order to avoid offending devoutly religious residents.

The ad company is worried that the word "Sex," as well as racy pictures of the films' stars could, provoke widespread objection. This isn't the first time SATC has employed a different marketing campaign in these locations. During the shows television heyday, a poster was modified to make Sarah Jessica Parker's outfit into a more modest ensemble.

Not wanting to be labeled prude, the city of Petah Tikva went out of its way to clarify that it had nothing to do with the decision. And, an official from Jerusalem called reports that the city had censored the billboards slanderous.

Are sexy posters offensive to even the non-religious? Is the company taking a paternalistic attitude toward these residents? Or are they just sensibly avoiding a confrontation and negative backlash?

Photo courtesy of New Line

Israeli City Using DNA to Stop Doggie-Dropping Disasters

LibertySugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

In an effort to clean up the neighborhood, the city government of Petah Tikva, Israel has created a dog-DNA database. In exchange for registering their pooches' DNA with the city vet, residents will be eligible for pet-food coupons and dog toys if they place doggie doo-doo in marked bins. But - if a pooch's poop is found on the street, the registered owner will get a ticket.

Officials say not only will this reduce the number of "land mines" around the city, but it could allow vets to research genetic disease in dogs and help the pound ID strays. Should city governments go further and require pet owners to register doggie DNA, or would this be legislating good manners?

Source

TresSugar

Sex and the City Billboards: Too Racy for Israel?

Israeli City Using DNA to Stop Doggie-Dropping Disasters