Kidneys for iPads?
The iPad is getting a lot of attention since yesterday, when a report came out that a Chinese teen named Zheng, took to the Internet to find a way to raise money so he could buy himself an iPad 2, according to Chinese news agencies. This was very dangerous of course, and the teen did not inform his family beforehand, but went as instructed to a hospital that was later found to be not certified for the removal of organs or for performing transplants. Zheng’s mother, reasonably concerned, took him immediately to the police upon noticing the very dark red scar and asking questions after he came home with new tech goodies and some money. The hospital where the surgery was performed had no records of the kidney removal, since the room where the surgery took place was not under their jurisdiction.
When asked why he gave up a kidney, Zheng said, “I wanted to buy an iPad 2 but could not afford it. A broker contacted me on the Internet and said he could help me sell one kidney for 20,000 yuan.”
This should be a warning to young people everywhere, that there are indeed predatory surgeons in the world seeking to obtain healthy organs for transplants by whatever unethical means they must. Since the surgery, the teen has developed some complications related to the kidney surgery.
Giveaway Police
In other news, Apple has decided to fix its own attention on, what else, iPad giveaways. Apparently, Apple is concerned about the tacky way some companies display its products for promotional giveaways. The following guidelines were released today:
“If you choose to give the product away in any form of promotion or use Apple products in promotional materials such as advertising, you must follow these guidelines. Strict adherence is essential because you and/or your company may be held responsible if your use of Apple products for promotional purposes do not conform with the following guidelines. In any event, we reserve the right to revoke our consent to your use of Apple products in your promotion at any time and for any reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Apple products” include: iMac, Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod classic, Time Capsule, Apple TV, Apple Gift Cards and iTunes Gift Cards. iPod touch is only allowed to be used in special circumstances and requires a minimum purchase of 250 units. iPad, iPhone and the iPhone Gift Card may not be used in third-party promotions. Please contact a sales representative for more information. ”Free” as a Modifier in Apple Product References.The use of “free” as a modifier in any Apple product reference in a prominent manner (headlines, callouts, etc.) is prohibited. Additionally, “free” as an modifier of Apple products in a less prominent context is strongly discouraged unless it is clear to the end consumer that the third party, not Apple, is gifting the product in return for some transaction. (Ex. “Sign up for a checking account and we’ll give you an iPod shuffle.” or “Win an iPod nano when you refer a 10 friends to [INSERT COMPANY NAME]“). All Promotional Materials Require Apple’s Review.You must submit all marketing materials related to the promotion of Apple products to Apple for review. Please provide materials to your Apple account representative with sufficient leadtime to enable Apple to complete its review before you begin use of the materials.Use of Apple Products In Promotions—General.You may NOT use Apple products or photographs thereof in any manner that falsely suggests an association with Apple or is likely to reduce, diminish or damage the goodwill, value or reputation associated with Apple products or Apple, itself.Use of Photography and Product Imagery.If you are using the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, or iPod touch in your promotion, your Apple representative can supply you with a product image that you may use in your materials.”
