Hundred Percent Juice

Advertising never lies. At least under the watchful eyes of authorities. However advertising can stretch the truth. That's right, a deception that blinds you into a shopping binge that defies any logical explanation. Yes I have been in advertising for more than 20 out of my 52 years to know how it works. And it's pretty shitty. To make it worst, the authorities can't do much because they are perfectly legal. So if you want to be a wiser shopper from now on, here are 5 deceptions (out of many) to watch out for. See if any of these sounds familiar.

1. Up to 80% Discount
How many times have you been tricked into entering a store with a big poster that screams 80% with a tiny 'up to'..next to it? Your first impression is everything in the shop is up for grabs at 80% off. But you are not that stupid. Uh uh. Only stupid enough to be drawn into the store hoping to check out what's up for 80%. You meandered round the store 5 times but still cannot locate the slashed price items. You gave up and awkwardly ask for assistance. She then point you to the bargain bin with just 2 items that are marked 80% off. You glare at the second-hand looking products with sheer disappointment. You look up and felt even more upset when you found yourself surrounded by a sea of 10% discount tags all over the store! But its too late. You are already at the cashier fishing out your credit card on something you don't need at 5% discount.

2. Only 2 Dollars A Day
The monthly statement you received from your credit card somethings comes with an extra bulk of leaflets merchandising products or services. They are called junk mails by the way. One of the common junks provided by the establishment is insurance. It's not easy to get someone to buy insurance these days. But the leaflet headline have a way of making you believe you can afford to buy up a policy and you won't feel a pinch. So the leaflet screamed..Hey You...Now You Can Feel Secure Forever With Only 2 Dollars A Day. What about in one year? Ok, you do the maths. Perhaps I should come up with an insurance scheme that says..Only 5 Cents A Minute.

3. Branded Frames only $10
'Yes its true sir' said the young but suspiciously unqualified optician. 'All these frames from Armani to Gucci are going for just $10 a piece. Please sit down and try some of them. I am sure one will fit your good looks' said the young patronizing girl. Seems like a great deal I thought to myself while adjusting a Guess on my nose bridge. I even suspect it may be imitation. But by the snug fit, it seems to rest comfortably around my ears unlike the non-branded ones. Anyhooo, to cut a long story short, I ended up paying $1200. No sirree! Not $10 but $1200! You see, what the Optical shops never include in the big posters are the prices of the lens. 'Oh sir, if you want high index lens, that will be extra $500. Multi-focus another $1000' said the cunning optician. (Me stretching the truth a bit here) Wink wink!
4. Best Buys
Don't be con by this one. If you see this poster hanging above some items, chances are they are not discounted because the store haven't yet apply for a permit to do a fancy store wide sales. They can only apply for it 4 times a year each time lasting about a month. So what is permitted is the word BEST BUYS during their quiet business period! Those 2 words does have an effect of a GOOD DEAL! But they don't. Trust me. I am in this ad business long enough. I know.

5. Aloe Vera 100% Gel
You heard about the healing effects of Aloe Vera extracts on dry skin or even wrinkles. You rush to a pharmacy and want to get something that is Aloe Vera based. But surprise surprise! You can't believe your eyes! You see a tube staring at you with a big word that says Aloe Vera 100% Gel. The price is also very agreeable. What more can you ask for? Its 100%. Totally pure. Right? WRONG. Read carefully. It says Aloe Vera 100% Gel. Still don't get it? OK, let me put it this way. It didn't say 100% Aloe Vera Gel. By law, advertising cannot claim that the gel is 100% Aloe Vera because it is not. They are a mixture of preservative compounds and artificial fragrances that forms the gel. However its not wrong to say that the mixture of gel is 100%. So the next time you want to reach out for a pack that says: Orange 100% Juice. You can be sure its not 100% Orange Juice.

There are lots more of these legal trickery but I'll let you tell me if you are observant enough. Happy shopping... Oops I mean happy spotting.

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Bangkok Revisited

Going to Bangkok seems like an annual affair for the past 6 years. Last year after returning from Bangkok, I told my traveling pals I dont think I will be going to Bangkok again anytime soon. At least not for a while. Not that I don't like Bangkok anymore. After all its one of the best vacation city in the world and its just right next door to Malaysia. But after 6 visits in a roll, stayed in the same street, ate the same (but great) Thai food, tour the same spots, there isn't much else to do. However encouraged by good company and cheap airfare, I found myself walking the bustling streets of Bangkok before I can finish saying 'Sawasdee Krub'.

So how was it this time around? I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself because the huge difference is, I was traveling with a big bunch of great friends. All 8 of them out of which one a Singaporean and the other a Japanese. The joy of seeing friends enjoying themselves is rewarding enough since I played a small part in guiding the tour.

So there I was in the month of early March 2008, spending my first Thai Baht on my favourite bottles of freshly squeezed orange lime juice (see photo) right outside Swiss Lodge where we were staying. The bustling streets, the street food, the friendly Thais, the shopping malls, clubs and bars, the sights and sound seem all too familiar but set against the backdrop of great friends and laughters, its a whole new way of enjoying Bangkok all over again.

The bottom line is wherever you are, friends make a big difference in our lives. More so when they are trusting and supportive. Especially when one hit pass 50, good and caring friends are hard to come by. It shouldn't take a Bangkok revisited trip to realise that. Thank you my dear friends. You know who you are.


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Views from Mind's Eyes

A friend once asked me why I don't have a theme to my blog. Like gardening, cooking, exotic pets or automobiles. I told him how much more obvious do you want this blog's title to get. How to Monkey Around at Fifty? or Life begins At Fifty? I would be lying to my face if life is going to get any rosier past 50 years old. You will know what I mean when you reach my age. The constant aches on the back, the tired eyes. If you are already past this age, I am sure you can relate to my rambling. For those who missed what I am trying to spin, Half of My Life is all about experiences I encountered at this point of my life. Views from my fifty year old mind's eyes. Good or bad.

So wassup for me at this point of my writing? Its end of January 2008. It seems as though nothing much has changed since one year ago. If I don't analyze my life that is. If I don't analyze it too much, it feels like life has been kind to my face. But if I poke my nose around, I can see more scratched marks on my car. Wall paper started to peel from my room. Plants giving up on me due to lack of care. Rust crept in on my gate. Dining chairs losing their bounces. Seems like things around me are beginning to fall apart if I poke my nose around. However life isn't so bad. The car, room, plants, gate and chairs are still around me in fixable conditions.

So here you are dear friend, the one who havent yet figured out the theme of my blog, I hope by now you have. Sharing this Half of My Life with you. Have a good new year 2008 and to whoever is reading this too.