October 19, 2007 Scare Tactics

Here’s something we need more of in this world. There’s so much going on out there, so many resources to attain information, and yet, people seem so ill-informed. I think we all know how to change this: Scare tactics! “A recent study has shown that eating cereal will lead to death.” Well, maybe SLIGHTLY misleading, but I sure bet it would make you want to listen or read more.

Here’s one that would get guys and gals to go to their doctors: “Recent medical studies have shown that untreated cases of certain STDs can lead to impotence, and in severe cases, and actual shrinking of the male reproductive organ.” Or “Studies have shown that women with untreated STDs have seen serious complications with birth, ranging from babies being born with mental retardation, to babies being born with multiple appendages.” Yep, 100% false, but I’m willing to bet that regular check ups would become a routine (and I’d buy some stock in any company selling condoms, as sales are likely to skyrocket).

People are always running around too busy to stop and listen to important information. Feeding off of last weeks article, it seems as if people are becoming more and more shut off so that they’re only interested in news or events that will directly affect them. What better a way to catch someone’s attention than to tell them that if they partake in certain life choices, body parts will start falling off. It pains me to say this, but in a time when news has become more tabloid and entertainment-based, the only redeeming quality of it (aside from Matt Lauer’s exquisitely soothing voice and refreshing personality) is their ability to use the scare tactic to catch the audience’s attention. Bravo news! Now I’m too afraid to leave my house in fear that a mad cow from England will wander into my front yard and step on an Afghani land-mine, triggering Iran to launch its test-phase nuclear capabilities, thus skyrocketing oil prices to over $100 a barrel, and in the end, when it all boils down to it, I’ll still be too afraid to send my kids to school because they’ll probably get shot.

Actually, come to think of it, maybe scare tactics aren’t such a good idea; we should all just abide by the good ol’ “ignorance is bliss” proverb. It helps me sleep better at night not knowing that there’s a higher chance for kids to die in school than on the streets of Fallujah, or that there’s been a significant increase in the number of pirate attacks worldwide. Think it can’t happen to you? You never know who might be a pirate behind closed doors . . .

Song of the Week: “Lectric” by Film School.

Quote of the Week: “Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink.” - Lady Astor to Winston Churchill. “Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it.” - His reply

Random Fact of the Week: Five Jell-O flavors that flopped: celery, coffee, cola, apple, and chocolate.

Picture of the Week: Che?

Until next week, Baby Ruth?


Fred