Deception Knows No Time Limits
When I started this blog I decided to add a little historical humor to include advertisements that were both humorous and deceptive. I received a favorable response and will include some more in the future if the trademark rights have expired.
However on a recent trip for a meeting of the fellows (and gals) of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers I discovered that potential “deceptive” practices are still in vogue in 2017.
After unsuccessfully completing my airlines crossword puzzle, I skimmed through the rest of the magazine and came across a “clinically approved” baseball cap that would allow the user to regrow hair for both men and women in a dignified manner. At age 76 there isn’t much I can do that requires me doing any task in a dignified manner so I was heartened to read further and discovered that the protector of the public from all dangerous products and pharmaceutical drugs the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), had “cleared” the hat device for “safe use” and I could use the product safely. However the initial price of slightly under $800.00 for the cheapest model set me back so I have decided to make use of slightly cheaper shampoo products ($4.99/bottle) to try and hold onto my remaining hair before it turns loose.
I decided to get over my hair sorrows by ordering one of the New York Bronx Stromboli sandwiches loaded with 2,500 calories at one of the airport terminals fast food eateries. To offset the dietary abuse of my senior body I purchased a bottle of water that had been filtered through the lava and volcanic rock from an island several thousand miles away from the mainland of California.
Having been declared that it was the “Earth’s finest water” by either the hand of God Joel Osteen or Revered Ike, I knew that it also had to be cleared by the FDA and gleefully plunked down my $5.00 to enjoy the anticipated quencher of my thirst and spiritual elation.
Another interesting example of the effect of advertising occurred when I was seated on a flight from Charlotte by a young lady who was wearing blue jeans with several holes in them. When I inquired as to the price of the dungarees and told her that I used to buy a pair of Lee or Levi Strauss jeans (remember I am old) for $4.99 she sheepishly replied that her hole filled garments were on sale and only cost $50.00. She quickly stated that hers were “stone washed” and my reply was that mine were “soap washed.”
Obviously deceptive advertising is not limited to the legal profession.
I encourage you to buy local products and hire local, reputable attorneys!