scams

I figured it was only a matter of time before some people in the old establishment feared for their own livelihood and reputation when something new comes along that provides a better experience then what they are able to provide.

The experience with WoodMarvels.com

When I first launched woodmarvels,com, I had a number of haters, wood crafters hated the site because we provided blueprints and 3D animation for at an 80% discount to their “old” mail order businesses. Gone where the days of overpriced blueprints that took a week to receive in the mail. I saw messages saying “computer created blueprints are a dime a dozen”, “a real wood crafter doesn’t use computers”, “how can you build something without measurements!” and so on. What can I conclude? The haters out there seeing their livelihood which failed to evolve with the times facing obliteration, they are too lazy to learn how to create things in a computer which is far more efficient method (including environmentally friendly) but too entrenched in old methods of doing things. Other people support the site, it provides to them exactly what they need and want.

Experience with the International Association for the Study of Dreams

Here is an association that, to me, should be very welcoming of different and novel new ways of doing things… boy was I wrong! I posted a message on their forum that was full of anonymous posters helping others to interpret their dream that dreamclue.com is now available to them. The response? They deleted my post without even an explanation, not once but twice! I did the same on wikipedia with the same result. I can only conclude that dreamclue.com is their worst nightmare which they wished never saw the light of day! I had sent an e-mail to Dr. Van de Castle asking him to check dreamclue.com out to get his feedback and the response I got wasn’t what I was expecting.

“Dear Jon… In general, I’m not supportive of any approach to dreams in which a dictionary approach is made, and I don’t feel that represents a dynamic approach. To me, dynamic means an approach in which the dreamer’s individual and unique personality features are carefully examined in a way that the multilevel strands of meaning are carefully interwoven . ARBITRARILY TELLING anyone what their dream means is considered an unethical procedure, as you will note if you examine the ethical statement of our organization. The International Association for the Study of Dreams [ www.IASDreams.org ] ONLY the dreamer is entitled to say what their dream means . I am sending a copy of this response to our chair person in charge of ethics, so that she will be aware of your new venture, Sincerely, Robert Van de Castle , PH.D”

I thanked him for his time in my reply but to me there are a few points that he has failed to realize about dreamclue.com:

1. we are only providing ideas as to what a symbol means, it’s always up to the end user to decipher what the dream means to them, the first block of text on our home page clearly states this. Not only that, the journal available to members provides a field for just such a thing!
2. their own forum is full of strangers actually TELLING other strangers exactly what their dream means WITHOUT the systematic approach he preaches, yet their postings are not deleted like mine was.
3. there are “professional dream interpreters” out there charging 20 to 200 dollars AN HOUR to provide dream interpretations, selling tapes and books that cost a kings random. How the hell is this considered ethical when there is now a FREE, dynamic alternative with dreamclue.com?
4. we provide a feedback mechanism for others to post what a dream symbol meant to them, the term “arbitrary” is a term I consider an insult given the foundation that dreamclue.com is built upon.

Economic motives in maintaining the status quo

Now, I can’t blame them for hating what dreamclue.com represents, they make thousands of dollars a year selling “memberships” and have a vast store selling any and everything to do with dreams no matter how hookey they seem. Here, I am, a person providing a free alternative… I can’t blame them for deleting my posts within minutes of me posting on their site. I guess, if I was in their shoes, I would be shaking and hoping word didn’t get out too!

My challenge to dream interpreters the world over!

I challenge ANY “professional dream interpreter”, psychotherapist, metaphysician, psychologist, psychic, astrologist or otherwise to PROVE their books or sites helping others with their dream interpretations are any better then dreamclue.com. PROVE to me the superiority of your methods using the scientific method, otherwise, don’t even try to elevate yourselves above what dreamclue.com provides to its users.

The problem with the dream industry

Like the diet and health industries, the dream interpretation industry is ripe with gouging consumers in order to maintain the “professionalism” of this field. A field that is ripe with predators looking for a quick buck and creating dependent relationships that benefit only their pocket books. The dream industry should be open to new ideas and methods of doing things, not turning a blind-eye and discounting viable alternative out there. My goal is to provide tools that help people find out more about themselves, ultimately, to be self-reliant. This is exactly what this industry and many others I plan on conquering fear.

The Bottom Line

Waves are good… especially the ones you create yourself!

There are few things that get me going like multi-level marketers, “success coaches” and generally those who prey on the hopes of massive wealthy by those in this world least able to afford expensive programs that teach nothing but prolonged servitude.

The problem with these types of individuals

Not sure where to start but here is my run-down of why these type of people are not only a complete waste of time, but detrimental to your personal success in life.

Shifting the Power Balance

Let’s say you get yourself a success coach and you begin to see some changes in your life as a result, is it due to the success coach or yourself? The reason why I ask is that as soon as you find your “fortress of me”, you no longer need these people. They are like the Weight Watchers of the “success industry”, they tell you just enough to see things improve but don’t tell you everything because, to be quite frank, they need a job at the end of the day. Work on yourself, within yourself and onto yourself and success will come… give this inner power to somebody else to manage and you will always have this noose around your neck of which there is no escape. If you haven’t found this power within you yet… don’t give somebody else the remote control to your life when you are most vulnerable, that will simply create dependence instead of independence.

Waste of Money

These “success coaches” are like the psychics of the 21st century, they can promise absolutely nothing and it will forever be YOUR fault of you do not succeed. What? You didn’t double your income in 90 days or experience the extreme success that their tapes, CDs and books promised you? Well, hey, it isn’t their fault… it’s yours… and they are laughing all the way to the bank. They are in the business of making themselves money, NOT you. If you make money, it’s because you always had it in you, it would have happened without the “success coach”… believe in yourself, save your money, invest into your future and you will be far wealthier and happier. These guys aren’t cheap neither, you can easily spend a thousand dollars within a few months and having nothing more to show for it then a smaller bank account. Ask yourself, why do they all seem “so rich” with huge mansions, yachts and exotic cars? Well, get a few clients paying you a few thousand to teach them “success” and you too can seem successful. These guys are slicker then a used car salesmen of a bygone era… be EXTREMELY cautious.

The industry of “coached wealth and success”

Let’s say your life sucks, you have a job you hate, in debt and many broken relationships… the last thing you need is somebody to motivate you out of your rut. I believe you MUST hit bottom to realize, in the end, how lucky you are and dig your own ass out of the pit you created for yourself. There is an entire industry geared towards making money off your depraved situation, like obese people in the weight loss industry, there is an endless cycle of dependence where one profits off the others continual demise. Don’t get sucked into the hype and promises and you will be fine, otherwise, you will become a statistic.

Nobody cares about you but yourself

I have stated this several times throughout this blog, nobody cares as much about YOU as, well, YOU! If a success coach comes to you offering their services, tell them you have no money and that you where wondering if they could work on you for free. If they say yes, that means, free… meaning they give you the tapes, they phone you weekly to see how you are achieving your milestones… my bet is they will think of some excuse as to why this isn’t possible after a few weeks (if they last that long). If you can’t be bothered to invest in yourself both physically and emotionally, don’t expect paying money to make this happen will provide any better results.

Multi-Level Marketers

If you thought success coaches where scary, I hope you haven’t bumped into multi-level marketers… these guys come from deep under rocks selling you worthless products at “steep discounts” that aren’t worth the ink their contracts are printed on. These are the likes of HerbalLife, Mannatech and AMWAY… they are like flies at many real business networking events, trying to catch their next big fish. If somebody ever approaches you with a “home based” opportunity, please do yourself a favor and run the hell out of their sight. They are what nightmares are made of.

The Bottom Line

If somebody promises you the world, show them the door.

Please check out my confrontation with a Mannatech Representative – the results, they never came back after spewing their lies on my blog.

Looks like Mannatech is at it again, this time, revolutionizing water!

Background

I reviewed the company Mannatech a few weeks ago for their successful attempts at circumventing laws, selling nothing but useless overpriced sugar pills and telling those taking them it will cure their cancer, aids and a host of other outrageous claims.  (Mannatech: Overpriced Sugar Pills)

Well, I guess they are on fire now, apparently, they have discovered something new, truly revolutionizing… water! I have to give them credit though, they admit they are selling nothing but sugar pills, now they are selling water, at least they got some honesty (however perverse).

Enhanced Water Technology

You got to be kidding, people actually believe this bull shit? Water, is made by two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming H2O. If it was H3O or HO3 then it isn’t water, it’s something else! Their new line of revolutionizing skin care product, dubbed “Optimal Skin Care System” is free of preservatives, fragrances and colorants… their marketing worked overtime on this one folks because the secret behind being able to do this is Enhanced Water Technology! WOW….

Tensa Water

I though this was a joke but apparently Mannatechs incredible water technology uses proprietary filtration and enhancement systems that creates a new form of water called Tensa Water. What is Tensa Water? Well, it’s like glyconutrients, a catch phrase that only exists in marketing departments as opposed to scientific ones. Tensa means Heavenly. So, to put this another way, Mannatechs Water Technology, the thing they spent so much R&D developing via prayer produces Heavenly Water.

Clinical Studies?

Mannatech is as synonymous to a clinical study as a boat is to an orange tree. They did a study that showed by using this incredible heavenly water called Tensa that people had increased skin moisture, smoothness and hydration… no shit… they are putting water on it! They even point to the fact that this study found out that radiance (incredibly subjective word that is scientifically useless) grew by 75% and skin moisture improved by 100%! Mannatech has to be laughing all the way to the bank on this one.

Ultra Pure Water

Well, apparently Tensa is a revolution and they have also invented Ultra Pure Water as well, with a mix of other naturally sourced ingredients such as trehalose, iris florentina root extract with isoflavone, yeast extract, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and artemia extract.

What’s Next?

Well, I am convinced that in a few months Mannatech will be selling dirt, after water and sugar, this has to be the next logical step… no? 75% of the Earth is covered by water, they got that market covered so the next 25% must come from the land itself as they have also cornered the vegetation growing on land. I think they may even be crazy enough to sell Holy Air which you add via compressed canister to all your meals to help triple it’s nutritional content. I can see the headline now “Mannatech Revolutionizes Air and Dirt with proprietary technology that infuses the Holy Spirit in every atom, leading to a total rejuvenation of mind and spirit”.

The Bottom Line

At least people buying overpriced water to put on their skin isn’t going to cause death or serious injury, unlike their sugar pill that some people take instead of sound medical knowledge. This company is a joke, ripping people off all while laughing all the way to the bank.

References
http://news.corporate.findlaw.com/prnewswire/20070405/05apr20070507.html

I wish I got a dollar for every new product that was released on the marketplace that was a scam because I would be a millionaire many times over by now. The latest fad out there hitting UK streets is called Serum No. 7, great marketing name but a scam no less.

Anti-Aging is an oxymoron

From the second you are conceived, you are on a one way trip towards aging. You cannot go back, the only time you are allowed to stop is when you die. The good news about aging is you can slow it down by proper exercise, diet and nutrition along with good habits that you must stick to throughout life. Aging is a compound element you see, it builds up, day after day, week after week and decade after decade. You don’t age all of a sudden, you age gradually. This is why any product that promotes itself as anti-aging should raise a red flag in your head.

I do believe anti-aging is possible but only through genetic DNA modification and re-sequencing which is sadly centuries away (if ever). In the meantime, save your money and send it to African to give a kid a chance.

What is Serum No. 7?

Developed by Stewart Long, distributed by Boots, Protect and Perfect (Serum No. 7) has slowly grown into a large scale phenomenon sweeping the country and sadly, now hitting North America. It promises to make you visibly younger =looking= in about four weeks. The key ingredients are Retinol which promotes skin cell activity and Tretinoin which is a powerful skin resurfacer. You already get plenty of Retinol by the way if you eat meat and is a known antioxidant vitamin with Tretinoin only available by prescription in most countries.

Why is Serum No. 7 a scam?

Well, even though the tests show some improvement in the structure of the skin, what about the BODY. I really don’t care if a product makes me -look- younger, the promise of Anti-Aging is just that, making me -actually, biologically- younger. I would prefer to look 100 years old with the internal organs of a 20 year old then look like a 20 year old with the internal organs of a 100 year old… wouldn’t you?

So, you take this product, you look younger, well, so what? You can get a face lift and look younger as well, same with a chemical peel… but that doesn’t change your internal chemistry nor DNA damage. Anti-Aging is synonymous with the fountain of youth. People since the beginning of time have wanted to not only look younger, but BE younger. Labeling this product as making you look younger is simply a way of protecting them from liability while maintaining the illusion in peoples heads that they have bought a bottle of water straight from the fountain of youth. Facial beauty comes from the inside literally and is a one way mechanism, there is no cream that you can apply on your face to improve your internals.

So, to summarize, this product doesn’t make you younger, promoting itself as such indirectly is a lie and as such, a scam. Yet again, more people will be wasting money for a product that does nothing to improve health, nothing to improve positive habit forming and like the pills, potions and magic rocks that preceded it, lead to a bunch of unhappy ripped off people when they realize that they have bought into a myth.

You want to look younger? Take care of yourself, it’s free and will actually benefit your entire body (including your skin). No product is stronger then the power of internal revitalization. Always read the fine print and please realize that there is a reason why certain words are used instead of others on promotional documents.

The Bottom Line

The myth of anti-aging portrayed by the beauty industry is equivalent to those of health by the diet industry.

References

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3282943&page=1

This past Friday, the FDA has approved yet another over-the-counter weight loss pill that promises weight loss to the legions of self-diagnosed slow metabolites eating at fast food joints around the world. It’s called Orlistat, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

How does Orlistat work?

Well, Orlistat pills come in 60 mg size which is half the prescribed weight and they basically prevent the colon from absorbing a large proportion of the fat you ingest. During a three month trial, the average human guinea pig lost about 2.7 kilos (some lost more, others less) but, my friends, this comes at the cost of bloating, diarrhea, urgent and incontrollable orange colors bowel movements, stomach pain, irregular menstrual periods, gas with discharge, leakage and oily discharges that come without warning. Get this, as soon as you stop taking these pills, which by the way run at about 50$ a month… the kilos you lost return and if you don’t take a multi-vitamin or have a good diet, you may suffer from malnutrition!

Who buys this crap anyways?

No pun intended but I am constantly astounded by the free spenders who find money to buy this worthless crap. What is the point of keeping 2.7 kilos off if it means you may shit yourself at any moment? Oh, hi mom and dad… where is your bathroom… I am taking Orlistat to make me unnoticeably thinner but I need to change my diaper before super. This pill does come with a warning not to take it for an extended period of time, but my guess is that most weight loss lemmings will ignore this warning and double the dose to get the prescription strength results without the need for a prescription. I hate to burst your bubble but3 kilos across your entire body is barely noticeable.

Why is this a scam?

To be quite blunt, the manufacturer says that a reduced caloric diet, low fat diet and exercise program should be performed with this pill for maximum results… hmmm… wouldn’t this alone make you lose weight? This is a scam, pure and simple because once you get off Orlistat, the weight returns, so really, you either need to go on this pill at 600$ a year FOR LIFE (which the manufacturer expressly warns against you doing) or you just wasted your 50$ a month. If you don’t go on the lifelong plan, guess what, you have been had as there will be no net positive results in your life except for some money lost… which to me, is the definition of a scam. The suggestion also put the onus on the client if they do not see results, it must be their fault… they didn’t take Orlistat and perform activities prescribed with enough vigor. If you got that much money to burn, guy yourself a gym membership, you will lose more then 2.7 kilos and feel great in the process without worrying about shitting in your pants (or worse).

Where did things go wrong?

I believe the FDA does the best it can with the limited resource it’s comparatively given (ei: defense). I believe anything that says the words weight loss should be completely banned from being sold over the counter, I don’t care if it’s a natural supplement, weight watchers centers nor pharmaceutical grade products. If you want to lose weight, stop trying to buy or eat your way out of it. Your body NEEDS fat, it NEEDS carbohydrates and it NEEDS plenty of whole foods. Go see a doctor, go see a personal trainer and get some common sense lessons.

Calling people with weight problems Lemmings, Guinea Pigs and Stupid isn’t very nice!

Actually, I believe some people need to hear the truth as bluntly as possible to get the message, I am not a big proponent of political correctness. Remember phen phen (fen phen), people where DYING trying to lose weight. This growing obsession on finding pills to replace lazy attitudes about health has got to stop. Not only are Orlistat pills DANGEROUS, not only will Orlistat wreck your internal chemistry (that is how they work, notice the side effects?), not only will Orlistat put a dent in your wallet but no amount of pills, potions or magic rocks will replace a SOUND diet, SUPERVISED exercise regimen and a freaking book. NOTHING. Get out of your head that you can buy yourself out of the neglect you have invested into your body. If you take these products because a friend does, you are nothing but an uneducated lemming in my book and when the FDA eventually bans this product because somebody took 5x the non-prescribed dose and their family gets a class action suit against GlaxoSmithKline, you will feel like you where nothing but a guinea pig. Follow my FREE advice from somebody who cares or waste your money, it’s your choice.

Caveat

Of course, there are internal and external reasons why some people need to take Orlistat pills, this is why they are available on a prescription basis whose assessment is based on sound medical supervision and knowledge. My problem is when pharmaceuticals try to profit off peoples ignorance by giving them a way to circumvent the medical profession. I am sure 9 out of 10 people visiting their doctors would be told that this pill isn’t for them (in a more diplomatic manner then what I have outlined). The problem is by simply buying Orlistat over the counter, these 9 out of 10 people will get access to something that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise… to the further detriment of their body and self-esteem.

The Bottom Line

If you are fat, go seek medical help, stop throwing your money away and simply do as GlaxoSmithKline says WITHOUT buying Orlistat!

References

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/06/15/diet-pill.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601244.html

I recently read and saw a show about Mannatech on ABC News and was surprised by quite a few things so I decided to take a closer look on my own.

Mannatech Background: From their own site

I visited their website to get some information about their products and services, a few things jump out to me right away.

• a disclaimer saying that statements said on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA, this is standard fare in the health industry, so no big deal but where IS any documentation showing ANY of the products being sold HAVE been evaluated by the FDA?
• WARNING #1: Page dedicated to the “Science of Wellness”. Wellness is NOT a science, this is equivalent to using the “Science of Creationism” to explain our beginnings. In other words, wellness is a belief, not a scientifically proven fact.
• WARNING #2: Scare tactic about how you may not be getting “enough” glyconutrients in your diet due to pollution, industrial farming etc… simple solution would be to simply eat more fruit and vegetables if you are really eating that BAD a diet or if you are that concerned, set-up your own hydroponics system or backyard garden.
• WARNING #3: Multi-level marketing approach, I would dismiss this entire company simply based on this. Does the Herbal Life plague ring a bell?
• WARNING #4: The CEO of Manatech is also the founder of Mannarelief Ministries who uses the “love of God through world-changing nutritional products designed to improve the quality of life and health.” I guess this explains Warning #1 quite well.
• WARNING #5: Pharmaceuticals are highly complex, require extensive testing and are promoted by highly skilled people. Although this company isn’t a pharmaceutical company and makes no mentions otherwise, it IS blurring the lines extensively throughout it’s web site.
• WARNING #6: Board member on the Council for Responsible Nutrition. This is an association that aggressively pushes for self-regulation of the supplements industry and keeping the FDA as far away from said supplements as humanly possible. This is no different then the Better Business Bureau approach which has no jurisdiction for any type of enforcement and simply take your money to become a member. Why NOT put stringent double blind, pharmaceutical grade testing and evaluation on all supplements?

Clarification regarding warning #4

Regarding warning #4, I absolutely give high praise for whatever the CEO of Mannutech can do to change the fate of under-privileged and poverty stricken children around the world, no matter his methods nor beliefs. What I don’t like is this mix of God and Science, simply believing something doesn’t make it a fact.

Mannatech Background: Based on ABC News Findings

When ABC News takes the time to not only write an article about your company but a three month investigation, heads are going to roll. In this case, I am very happy they put the spotlight to confirm my suspicions that arose simply by visiting Mannatechs own website.

• When asked point blank during an interview by ABC News if Mannutech products cured cancer or where promoted as such, the answer completely dodged the question.
• Video after video of sales demonstrations purporting that their product Ambrotose is able to cure cancer. I saw this bull shit at The Health Expo in Toronto last year and it turned my stomach.
• Unless you have a congenital defect, your body DOES produce enough glyconutrients that Mannatech tries to scare you otherwise.
• Proof that the science behind Mannatechs Ambrotose works is funded by the company itself, sure sounds like Atkins all over again doesn’t it?
• CEO of Mannatech, Sam Caster has a history of selling things that either didn’t work or didn’t even come close to what was claimed, sure sounds like another Kevin Trudeau doesn’t it?
• Sales associates (ei: multi-level distributors) telling others how to work around legal restrictions about their products

Mannatech isn’t all bad

I don’t believe everything Mannatech does is bad, it does help children around the world with SOME of its profits, for that, again, I give them praise. They are providing income streams for people around the world who wouldn’t have them otherwise. They are putting “health” into the forefront for massive amounts of people, although highly misguided and biased with a strong profit motive.

As this is a Christian company doing Gods work through an affiliated Ministry…

… then they should not only show their values but live by them. From what I see, they have broken Commandment #3 (do not misuse the name of God), Commandment #8 (do not steal) and of course Commandment #9 (do not lie). Mannutech and its distributors tie in faith to their product in various subtle ways, they steal lives from individuals who could possibly be saved using proven medical science (who cares about the wasted money) and lie to get their stuff out the door. If their stuff REALLY cures the plagues of this world, spend 25% of your estimated half a billion dollars worth on double blind studies in a clinical setting with a few hundred Cancer, HIV Positive and other patience. If I had any of these conditions, you would be the last people I would ask for help.

The Bottom Line

I believe, God being my witness, that Mannatech is no different then an Evangelized Herbal Life, I really do wish the FDA clamps down on the entire supplements industry to put an end to all this *wellness* nonsense.

References
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Story?id=3228488&page=1
http://www.mannatech.com

The avalanche begins with a pair of little red shoes… beware!

We are the ONLY animals on this planet that has any concept of finances - and what’s worse, some of us even harm others in its pursuit.

What is materialism?

Materialism means the pursuit of stuff to improve our status, self-esteem (emotional value) or perceived value both personal and culturally. It has no limits other then how much stuff you can acquire over a lifetime. For some, materialism is defined by how much land you can acquire, how much you can grow your net worth by or things as trivial as how many different types of hockey cards you can collect.

Materialism gone wild

I see this mostly in the industrialized world because unlike developing countries, we have the financial resources and spare time to accumulate things not required for our own survival. Some people must always have the latest and greatest while for others it’s a numbers game. As for me, I couldn’t care less what I have much less what others think I should have which makes me a marketers worse nightmare

The good side of being materialistic

There are positive aspects of being a materialistic person. The most obvious is that there are constant challenges as marketers create “must-haves” in smaller product development cycles - before a product would be updated maybe once a year, now for somethings, it’s down to a few months for such things as cell phones. Materialistic people that I know feel great comfort being surrounded by “their stuff”, they get a feeling of accomplishment by looking at what they worked to acquire and if there is ever a nuclear war - these pack rats are a mana from God!

The bad side of materialism

Although there are heavy environmental, social and economic costs in creating a bunch of useless junk, I believe the largest is to ones self. If all your time, effort and investment is put into “stuff” and not “yourself” - what happens when all that stuff goes away? Our culture teaches kids that what you look like and acquire makes who you are as a person - nothing can be further from the truth but sadly, most people take the words from the modern marketing engine over those from within.

One persons junks….

… is another’s treasure - we have all heard this many times… and I think it highlights exactly how worthless our “stuff” really is. If you had 10 000 pounds of chocolate in the Mayan culture you would probably be treated like a living God - purchase 10 000 chocolate bars from Walmart and people will question your sanity! This same analogy can be applied towards just about every other thing we carry around with us, from designer jeans to even rocks… yes, in the 1970s, there was a huge fad across the USA where people would spend lots of money buying “pet rocks”.

Need to Want

I think this ever increasing trend towards materialism started when we no longer had to hunt, gather or build for our survival. When people make so much money (even the working poor) that they can afford to purchase their own food and purchase a roof over their heads then it means they are open to splurging on non-essential items. It may begin with brand name shampoo and as the wealth increases, goes onto cars, boats and even jets for the “lucky” few.

The Bottom Line

Materialism is a temporary state of being - don’t allow it to define your actions or self-worth.

Sadly, most people choose to allow marketing to educate them about their own health. From “alternative medicines” that say they can cure everything from the common cold to cancer to bogus “medical” certifications given to anybody with money and a free weekend.

Profiting from the weak & dying

Hope is all you have when you are sick, finding out you have been scammed and cheated out of hard earned money is just deplorable. I don’t know how people who knowingly cheat others of hope can sleep at night. No wonder many people have lost hope in improving themselves and their bodies, just about every worthless piece of trash out there that promises them big changes in their bodies with little or no work is trusted into their consciousness. When will people realize that there is no magic pill or product that will cure them from bad lifestyle choices?

Who would say no to becoming GOD?

If you find the cure (or vaxxine) for AIDS, you are guaranteed a Nobel Prize, more money then you can spend in multiple lifetimes and worldwide fame - INSTANTLY. Your face will be plastered everywhere and you will be regarded as a living GOD. Who wouldn’t want this? I absolutely would- but I sure as hell wouldn’t be on a late night infomercial or in a booth selling this potion at $19.99 and telling people the reason why I am not at the U.N. doing a speech in front of the world is because the evil pharmaceutical industry is against me.

If big pharmaceuticals still haven’t found the cure to a common disease after spending billions of dollars and decades in research, a person with a marketing firm behind them probably isn’t something you should take too seriously.

Deception creeps from under a rock

I recently read an article on abcnews.com about Kevin Trudeau, whose “cure everything” infomercials try to masquerade themselves as a non-biased late night talk show. Although the format and focus is actually quite effective from a marketing standpoint, I never believed for one second what he was saying. If it sounds too good to be true - it usually is, especially when money is involved.

How to protect yourself

quackwatch.org, I find this site absolutely fantastic and I wish I found it years ago. It gives you a glimpse of the market forces out there in addition to actually researched articles for but mostly against “proven” products and services. Although I may not agree with everything, I believe it is definitely a site you should visit to learn more about your conditions and products you may have used in the past or still using. I don’t believe science is the answer to everything, I believe its track record is by far better then the “alternative”. I still take my supplements religiously even if it does end up being just an expensive sugar pill - it makes me fell better at the very least :

Another site you should also add to your bookmark list is Infomercialscams.com, its great to read about people who feel they where scammed out of the promises they where sold. Next time you’re tempted in purchasing an infomercial product, visit this site first.

Trust is earned, not given

Let common sense prevail, if you go to a trade show, watching TV or hear an influential speaker tell you what you want to hear but for a price, be not only skeptical but question them. Rest assured you are definitely not the only one with concerns about a product.

People selling bogus products are usually very slick and will easily be able to convince you, some even have medical degrees, PhDs and other high levels of education. No matter their education, background or how nice they may appear, do not give your trust out so blindly - trust must be earned, not given.

The Bottom Line

If you want to achieve something in life, you must work towards it. Money can buy many things but there are no shortcuts towards achieving good health.

Atkins, South Beach, Beverly Hills, Fat Flush, Mediterranean etc. - what do all these names have in common? They are all diet plans, some stricter then others and they are all the self-proclaimed “proven way to permanent weight loss”. Let me tell you a little secret, although they all have different foods and nutritional plans they ALL rely on one thing to make you loose weight is yep, it’s that little thing called calorie reduction. Truth is, you can actually gain weight on any of these programs if you eat more then what your body needs - put another way, excess calories are stored by the body as fat. The very thing paying to get rid of!

You may ask then, why are there so many diet plans out there? Simple answer is money! Now, you may say - it worked for me! Fantastic, but if you want to keep the new you and not get into the cycle of jumping into another program in the coming months, hence feeding the diet industry more of your hard earned cash, you need to do the following. Workout with weights, monitor your diet and measurements - including your BMI. Before you do anything, you should consult a certified nutritionist, doctor and an experienced personal trainer. All those diets should be seen as a stepping stone to getting you on a diet that YOU can live with. What you want to do is turn the motivation of reaching one goal towards reaching future healthy lifestyle achievements.