Wig and Taped Mouth

Thought this was a pretty scary mannequin. 

Aside from the disheveled hair covering her head and half her face. 

You can see that her mouth and nose is taped over with clear masking tape!

Clearly she looks like she has been abused or worse, and the image is that she can’t even scream for help. 

Why anyone would advertise women’s fashion in this misogynist way should be beyond all of us. 

There are a lot of crazy nuts out there.

This photo is a small reminder of what we face in terms of ugliness in this world. 

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

On Taste And Smell

Just wanted to share this saying (translated from Hebrew) that I like:

On taste and smell, there is no argument.

What tastes or smells good or bad to one person versus another is not up for debate. 

Each person has their own taste buds and odor senses.

Some people may be more or less sensitive to different tastes and smells. 

So there is no arguing there.

You either like or you don’t like. 

That’s your prerogative!

Don’t make a big stink about it. 😉

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Never Say Anything

So I overhear this conversation…

Woman:  “Never say never and never say always.”

Man: “Well then what should I say?”

Woman: “Just keep your mouth shut!”

Yeah, that’s one for the books.

Anyway, thinking about this a little more–there is an exception to every rule. 

Never say never is itself violating this rule of thumb. 

Hence one conclusion perhaps is that many rules are so stupid to begin with! 🙂

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Getting Your Message Out With Impact

There is an old Jewish parable about the body parts arguing which is most important. 

Each makes it’s case that without that part, we just couldn’t function. (No jokes here now!)

But in the end, the tongue that harnesses the power of speech demonstrates that it is most important, because it is through our words that we may live or die. 

– Say the right thing–something smart and influence the masses–and you can change or even save the world.

– Say the wrong thing–something stupid, inflammatory, and damaging–and it can literally mean your or someone else’s life.

From an early age, we come to recognize that communication is so important to our success. 

Hey, I need a bottle or diaper changed…please!

Or answer the (interview) questions well, and you can land yourself in the best schools and jobs and even with the best ladies. 🙂

Those that succeed with communication, can we make themselves and their positions heard, understood, and accepted.

What are some common communication strategies people employ?

Well as we’ve all learned, it’s not always the one who is the boldest, screams the loudest, or repeats themselves the most that wins the argument–although at times, that too can work when force of debate, undeterred passion, and a little crazy can hammer the points home. 

Having the best laid out and most rationale argument–some people will rightfully be influenced by logic and common sense. 

Sincerity, integrity, honesty, and appealing to people’s gut and emotions–this certainly goes a long way as many people are driven by their feelings as well as their instincts and genuine character assessment of others. 

Making people confront what scares the hell out of them–fear is a big motivator for action and everyone is afraid of something and usually many things. 

Oh, of course, the religious argument that “It’s what G-d wants” and there will be fire and brimstone if you don’t do it that way–well reward and punishment, heaven and hell, divine justice–that certainly will move masses. 

“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

For those who can effectively harness the power of their speech and intellect, the sky is the limit. 😉

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)