Every weekday, PR Daily associate editor Alan Pearcy highlights the day’s most compelling stories and amusing marginalia on the Web in this, #TheDailySpin.

Frequent visitors to Panera know the franchise serves its clam chowder on Fridays only. No big deal for someone like me, who prefers broccoli cheddar to the New England classic. But for Theresa Cook, an 84-year-old who is dying of pancreatic cancer, it’s another story. Panera made a touching exception to its Friday-only rule when her grandson called a Nashua, N.H., location asking if it would prepare a special batch for his hospitalized grandma who was craving the soup. Not only did they oblige, but the kind folks at the Panera did it free of charge and threw in cookies. No wonder a Facebook post from Cook’s grandson thanking Panera for its hospitality has gone viral, currently approaching 600,000 “likes.”

Another recent post I can’t help but like is from a high school student who asked on Yahoo! Answers for a summary of DC Pierson’s “The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep And Never Had To” in order to complete a book report. What I like is the response the question received—from the author. He was flattered that his work was suggested as summer reading, but saddened by the kid’s laziness. The post has since been removed.

[Related: It’s not over yet: Books you can still read this summer]

For anyone looking for answers from Ragu’s amusing, yet equally horrifying spot depicting a young boy who we all assume walks in on his parents having sex—I’m talking to you, One Million Moms—the pasta sauce brand has responded with an explanation.

While the commercial provokes laughter (and repressed memories), the mention of TV shows from my childhood kind of bores me. As Dog and Pony Show suggest, maybe in retrospect, some of our favorite cartoon programs weren’t so great after all. I still love “Captain Planet,” though.

Meanwhile, if your kids (or you—no judgment) prefer to consume daily vitamins in the shape of Disney or Marvel characters, it could warrant you a reimbursement. The Federal Trade Commission settled for $2.1 million in 2010 with gummy vitamin maker NBYT Inc., for deceptive allegations over its vitamins’ health benefits. If purchased, you can file for a refund claim here.

It’s scary to think that you can’t be so trusting, even when it comes to something like children’s vitamins. Nevertheless, after the London Olympics, it’s even scarier to consider how terrifying synchronized swimming is.



Speaking of the Summers Games, who walked away with potentially the biggest payday? CNBC lists the 10 most-marketable Olympians from London 2012.

Serena Williams might have brought home two golds from London in women’s tennis, but both her and her medals were outshined by the modeling of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who, alongside Williams, poses for the NFL’s new “It’s My Team” campaign.

As for current “Madam Secretary,” an amusing transcript from 2010 between Hillary Clinton and a panel in Kyrgyzstan is gaining traction on Facebook. An interviewer asks the former First Lady which designers she prefers. Clinton’s response: “Would you ever ask a man that question?”

Twitter, on the other hand, is more abuzz about #TheReturn of NBA star Derrick Rose, part of a new campaign by Adidas.



From athletes and politicians to an actual model, Carolyn Giles is none too pleased that an image of her from a 2007 Volvo ad was repurposed to make the 30-year-old look like a “low-class escort.” The New York Post has the full story here.

An image issue is also causing trouble for Big Tobacco in Australia, where a law was upheld that prohibits logos from appearing on packs of cigarettes. Instead, the packaging will display unbecoming photos of cancer-stricken victims, as well as texts that offer the grisly health effects of smoking.

After a long and health life, notable Hollywood publicist Irving Fein passed away last week at the age of 101. He managed the career of comedy legends, including Jack Benny and George Burns.

Is there something you think we should include in our next edition of #TheDailySpin? Tweet me @iquotesometimes with your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

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