Discreet Peeing for Golfers

The Euro Golf Club apparently must have been all the rage in the 90s.  I am unsure as to why it didn't catch on and become a household name.  The following 30 second clip sums it all quite nicely.

According to Marwell & Schmitt's Taxonomy Influence Tactics, the tactic used to sell the Euro Golf Club is garnered  from the negative esteem of others.  The ad leads the audience to believe that since the restrooms are so far away, everyone would have to wait for you to get there and then make it back.  Obviously this is a huge inconvenience.  Using a formal restroom delays everyone's game, UNLESS of course you purchase the Euro Golf Club.  Then all your problems relating to your bladder can be condensed within this handy golf club.  

You see, there is a lid that can be unscrewed at the top of the pretend golf club.  This specialized club also comes with a green towel.  The towel serves as a sneaky curtain to mask the contents being released into the club.  It is a win-win situation.  No one could surmise that you are doing anything other than checking the handle of the golf club underneath the green towel.  Days of carefree golfing are in your future if you purchase this club, for only $49.95.  It does seem to be a bit of a sexist design though. What about female golfers?

The fourth process premises are evident in the selling points outlined with the Euro Club.  First of all, there is a standard of reassurance.  The green towel is a guise that provides security so that the behavior of urinating in public will go unnoticed.  Second, the commercial explains that the club will work in a predictable manner, without leaking and it is completely sanitary.  I guess you probably shouldn't share this club.   The final premise focuses on the use of rewards.  No longer is it necessary to delay the game with friends because you need to use the restroom.  With the Euro Golf Club in your arsenal of clubs, you will be ready to relieve any pressing matters, on your bladder that is.  

Out of class - Hip Pocket - Like attracts like

I presented my hip pocket speech to a group of my peers, fellow DCP members.  I shared with them about the law of attraction, as discussed in The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.  I began with a story about how I was trapped in a relationship.   It wasn't until I decided that even if I left, everything would work out, but I had to take that first step.

I explained that the greatest hurdle I encountered was myself, and that my mindset was to stay in that relationship to provide for my children and myself, as I had for many years.  Once I believed that it would work out if I would just step out of my comfort zone, that is when I noticed that things began to change.  I needed to believe that I was successful and happy, and then I began to draw those experiences to me.

I transitioned into something that relates to most, getting stopped at red lights.  A simple way to test the power of one's mindset and to more focus on positive things is by attracting green lights.  By picturing yourself driving through green lights, and saying to yourself, "I experience green lights," you will begin to attract them.  The trick is to really believe that you will get green lights. Then the universe desires to give you what you want, so you will attract them.  This also works for red lights.  If you announce that you only get red lights, then the universe will provide that too, plenty of red lights.

The next transition was about bills and debt.  When dreading getting the mail, because you "believe" that you only get bills in the mail, then that is what you will find, more bills and debt.  A simple change in attitude can cause a change in what you receive.  Instead try believing and saying, "I receive checks in the mail."  It will begin to change your experience with your mailbox.  The universe
gives you what you ask for, you just have to have a positive mindset and focus on the things you want, believing that you already have it. Don't focus on what you don't want.

In conclusion, I talked about how there is no need to feel trapped, and that anyone can achieve or receive anything that they desire.  The first step is to believe.

The feedback I received for my speech was very helpful.  I found that I needed to get to my point quicker, I spent too much time talking about the situation in which I was stuck.  I also learned that my transitions needed to coincide with my slides better, I needed more rehearsal.  Another thing I could work on is dynamics of speech. There were opportunities to show excitement in my speech and I didn't seize them. I was pleased that the audience found me to look confident, maintain eye contact, and that I was able to hold my places within the speaker's triangle without fidgeting or pacing.   Overall, the experience helped me to understand where I can improve and gave me accolades that helped me feel like I was gaining experience.

Government Surveillance

Is Big Brother watching us?  

How much of what we do online and on phones is monitored? 

According to Christopher Soghoian, hacking is a favorite past time of many governments around the world.   His speech relates directly with the Reich's Cultural Parable, Rot at the Top.  This parable speaks to the powerful elite and the authoritative government which uses control and conspiracy against the rights of the common man.

Soghoian explains how most people know that governments can hack into phone calls and text messages, but believe they are safe on their computers and private Skypes.  This is not the case. There are companies that sell software only to governments which will hack into your computer, enable your microphone, webcam, and even steal documents from your computer.  Now you can be monitored without your knowledge, in your own home, and your webcam light won't even light up to alert you.

This speech created an awareness for and had an affective consequence because it presented the actions of governments which can effect the common citizen from most countries.  Soghoain shared with the audience a paper trail discovered when Egypt's Secret Police Office was raided in 2011, after it fell.  Gamma International, a company that sells surveillance software only to governments, had sent them free demo software, which is what the police had been using to spy on the people.


The second process premise was in play throughout Soghain's speech.  The emotions of fear and anger were both experienced.  There was fear that this technology was available. Then the fear changed into anger because governments were buying them.  Anger turned to outrage that these technologies were then used to spy on citizens without search warrants or consent.  Regardless of the country, there is a certain amount of privacy that everyone is entitled to, especially in their own home.

As Soghain illustrates, the reason this technology is of great concern is because while the government may placate the people by saying it is to target pedophiles, or terrorists, or drug dealers, there is no clear line drawn. We all use computers, and we all use phones.  If the government can hack into theirs they can hack into ours.  While technology is good, in the wrong, untempered hands it can be risky for us, that are not in the know.  The governments, as described in The Rot at the Top, is in charge of who and when people deserve to be hacked.   He certainly succeeded in making his point and explaining why we, as citizens, should be concerned.