Grapevine: Cold War over fast food?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...
East vs. West
The Cold War -- over fast food.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The battle continues between Russia and McDonalds.
The Russian government has closed a fourth branch of the American fast-food giant just in the last week -- all being cited for possible breaches in sanitary rules.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia -- is not buying it.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Quote--
"Obviously-- it's driven by the political issues surrounding Ukraine. Is this going to be a knock on the door -- or is this going to be the beginning of a campaign?"
Earlier this month Russia banned many imports from the U.S. and the European Union -- as retaliation for sanctions imposed over the Ukraine crisis.
The Deputy Prime Minister tells Russian media-- no one is talking about banning McDonalds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bacon-Wrapped Controversy
Bacon-- breakfast staple -- friend to lettuce and tomato -- and an offensive word that caused one small restaurant in Vermont-- to take down an advertisement.
This is Sneaker's Bistro's – ‘yield for bacon’ sign.
Seems innocent -- but the word bacon rubbed one resident the wrong way.
She is Muslim and said it is offensive to those who do not eat pork.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}So the Bistro owners removed it saying --
"We are here to serve people breakfast, not politics. We removed the sign that was located on public property as a gesture of respect for our diverse community. We still love bacon."
Some are calling it political correctness run amok.
One resident told a local TV station --
"I'm pretty sure the First Amendment extends to bacon and the selling of it."
Monkey Business
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Finally – a copyright battle for the modern age.
Over this selfie -- taken by-- obviously- a monkey.
Photographer David Slater -- claims he owns the image because he set up the shot-- using his own camera.
The monkey just pushed the button.
But others claim that since Slater did not take the photo -- he holds no rights to it.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cue the U.S. Copyright Office --which stated, quote--
"The Office will not register works produced by nature-- animals-- or plants."
It gives as an example-- a photograph taken by a monkey.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}And yes-- the document was updated earlier this month.