Shopping Anxiety

While shopping at Von’s today, I felt inundated and eventually overwhelmed by the sheer number of messages vying for my attention. Yes, I experienced marketing overload. Welcome to the 2008 shopping experience. 

While shopping at Von's, I was constantly bombarded by advertising; even while stuck in the checkout line. Madison Avenue and Von's executives are lining their pockets with cash because of my poor choices.

Getting Fat

Americans are getting fatter because they have been programmed to love Big Macs and Ding Dongs. Do we really need that sugary cereal and pizza? In retrospect, we probably could all save money and our health by choosing healthier fare. Do we really need to be part of this programmed lifestyle? Can we avoid being the victims of the massive marketing onslaught?

Checkout Isle Tabloids

If you need behavioral confirmation of just how susceptible Americans are to marketing, just ask the party girls that populate the tabloids at the grocery store checkout isle. These bimbos are ubiquitous and offer America an image of bliss and despair. 

Again, this train of thought came to me while shopping at Von’s. I wonder what goes through the minds of impressionable children when they are in the throws of shopping at Safeway, HEB, Ralph's, etc. What information have they internalized?

Albertson's Knows What’s Best

Albertson's has taken marketing to a new level. They have televisions blaring commercials while you’re perusing vegetables, meat and other fare. Is nothing sacred anymore? More information (crap) is televised while you’re in the checkout line. Some customers seem to like the obnoxious noise. I continue to avoid Albertson’s and the anxiety. By the way, do you care?

-30-

Nikon D3: Sucha' Great Camera

Yes, I already own a Hasselblad, a 4x5, various Nikon, Canon and Minolta SLRs but what I really want is a new Nikon D3. What a great camera.

---

I have been taking pictures since the mid-60s and this is by far the most exciting and useful camera I have ever laid my eyes upon. Now all I have to do is ante up about $20,000. No easy feat.

Here is my proposed shopping (wish) list:

• Nikon D3
  
• SB-800 AF Speedlight
  
• AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D
  
• AF NIKKOR 35mm f/2D
  
• AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
  
• AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D
  
• AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
  
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f/2.8G ED
  
• AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
  

My primary setup would be the D3 matched with a Nikkor 35mm prime lens. That combination would be great for documentary work. The Nikon can shoot at 1,600 ASA without a problem. In the early 70s, I and other photojournalists had to resort to special processing to get that ASA. Now all you have to do is flip a switch. How about 3,200… Wow!



I figure in two years I will spend the dough required to at least get the latest Nikon and one quality lens. In the interim, I will have to be content to scan my Hassy negs. So far, this hasn’t been a problem. My prints from my scans have been good enough for exhibitions and books.

Tell me what you think about my proposed setup. Yes, it is a lot of stuff to lug around, but the equipment would fit nicely in a hard case. I estimate 80 percent of my shooting would be with the 35mm lens. Now that would be sweet. I just can't wait.

-30-

Porky Pig Pundits

The pigs are wallowing in the mud again. Oink oink! It is election season and the right-wing are up to their usual dirty tricks. Then, what would you expect from a pig? Are you tired of these rude and obnoxious personalities? I feel they have a monopoly on the airwaves. Again, what do you think?

Pundits more often than not have guests that reflect their narrow agenda. Nothing makes these conservative right-wing hate mongers happier than to be on the boob tube spouting their vitriolic message. They are pros at spreading half-truths and slinging mud (they are pigs after all).

What can we do to decrease the influence of these misinformation miscreants? Well, to start off, we should not watch their programs. Instead we should choose fare that is more diverse. America needs to recognize the difference between the self-absorbed right and mainstream America. Lets make the "right" choices, if you know what I mean.

-30-