Back Stabbing Political Marketing

Every four years, since I first registered myself to vote at age 18, I have listened to politicians talk maliciously about their opponents. It has gotten progressively worse over the years too, which I believe partly contributes to kids' propensity towards bullying (that's my theory anyway). Wouldn't it be nice if politicians left the name calling to young elementary school children who are just learning to get along on the playground and don't know any better yet?

I am tired of politicians during debates, slam their opponents with nothing more than rumors and viciousness. I get even sicker watching an individual on the receiving end of the abuse, sinking down to the abuser's level and coming back with even worse things to say in return. Negative campaign attack ads are nothing more than public bullying, and we wonder why this is a problem in our nation's schools. It's like no one is smart or imaginative enough anymore to come up with real things to talk about, so they have to resort to immature political bashing.

When I heard that Donald Trump would possibly be running for president, I initially thought he would be a good choice, since he is such a successful businessman. I quickly changed my mind when I saw his most recent speech on WPTV News, and remembered that he is the king of drama. He loves to talk nasty about others and stir the pot, coming off as the proverbial "schoolyard tormentor." This is how he gains publicity and is able to successfully market himself for any position he wants. We need someone with maturity and a touch of sophistication, in addition to business expertise this time around, which does not accurately describe The Donald. Personally, I believe he may be better off sticking to being on television shows. After all, he is more of a character than a political figure.

I want to hear about a candidate's qualifications, dreams for the country's future, an actual outlined plan for reaching stated goals, and why the candidate's experience will make him or her the best president. What do you want to hear America? I also want to see some intelligent, thoughtful ads this time around. Why would I want to hear a candidate talk bad about someone else (borrr-ing)? I suppose that kind of thing appeals to a lot of people, but then we have to ask ourselves as Americans, "why?" Why don't we just leave the dirt digging to the media? They can very successfully bury a bad politician. I challenge any future contenders for the presidency to keep the negative talk at bay, and lean towards a more positive approach when marketing themselves. Let's elect a grownup into office in 2012!

Veggie Express

I was watching the Today show this morning, and they showed this produce market in Thailand that sits right next to the rails of a train track. Although I thought the Thai people to be a bit odd for placing their veggies where they can possibly be smushed, apparently due to the lack of space, this is probably the only place they can set up. This market is actually a tourist hot spot for those who are visiting that area (they even throw in swimming monkeys). According to Richard Barrow who keeps a blog on Thailand, some of the produce is actually kept on trays with wheels, so they can easily be rolled out of the way of the train. It really is an ingenious use of space in a pinch and, as long as everyone is aware of when the train is coming, no one gets hurt.

To Nip or Not to Tuck... That is the Question.

Cosmetic surgery is on the rise in the United States and I, for one, find the obsession with recreational procedures, both odd and a little disturbing. I remember when I was a kid, my grandmother used to call it "plastic" surgery, and it was not as widely accepted back then as it is today. It was only for the wealthy. I remember as a little kid, hearing not so nice comments, as well as, snickering going on behind the backs of well to do Palm Beachers. It is kind of sad that today there are so many people unhappy with who they are, that they need to have surgery to change themselves. Of course it is a personal choice, and far be it from me to ever judge anyone for wanting to look their best. However, eating right, exercising, having a good beauty regimen and doing things in moderation can go a long way in maintaining a nice appearance. Below are several good reasons not to get caught up in the drama of cosmetic surgery:

1. The most important reason is that going under the knife is risky, no matter who does it. Even good doctors make mistakes. Some people have anatomy that is different from the norm, and they can end up disfigured or even worse, dead. Check out this video and then comment below on whether you would ever consider doing this to yourself. These women spent years recovering from botched surgeries. Is it really worth it?

2. Life is all about the way we live it. If you like going places, exercising, gardening, socializing, volunteering, etc. then you may want to reconsider any major cosmetic procedures. For example, if you are laid up for several weeks because you were sliced open, or can't go outside because you had your skin chemically peeled, where is the fun in that? That is time you will never get back.

3. Your real friends are going to like you no matter how old you get or how small your boobs are, so why sweat the small stuff?

4. It costs a lot of money (no need to elaborate).

5. Lastly, it's called plastic for a reason. If you get enough of these procedures done, you'll look plastic. Anything like this requires periodic maintenance, and the older one gets, the more maintenance is necessary to keep the plastic from spreading (just an analogy).

With all that being said, there are people who have been disfigured by an accident or illness and cosmetic surgery can do wonders for them. For everyone else, God made you the way he wanted you to be. It is understandable that we all want to look our best, but at what cost?