Retailing has become very competitive in recent years and too many corporations, including some large retail chains, are using trickery and deception in marketing. Misleading advertisements, displays and labeling, and other sly tactics are too common. Beating competitor and consumer, preferably within limits of law, seems to be a retail marketing trend.

There are many ways: Store displays that attempt to sell items that appear to be on sale but aren't. Switch and bait selling. Marketing to kids. The use of shock to increase ratings and sales. Encouraging credit, gouging those that can’t afford exorbitant charges when interest rates are at 45-50 year lows.

For instance, I once tried to increase my abundance by applying principles of Feng Shui. So, I bought a $40.00 book which instructed me to enhance my "prosperity" by putting chimes on porch, an aquarium full of gold fish in front hallways and a jolly statue of a Buddha at front door. Before I knew it my phone was ringing off hook with people asking to" reserve a table for four at seven." Unfortunately what I really wanted was writing gigs!

I have also tried "clearing" my space, Native American Indian Way by doing a "smudge". This means walking around your house in a counter-wise circle with a flaming bundle of North American grasses. Well, I must of done something wrong, like perhaps accidently eliminate good vibes that were already in my house, because before I knew it, a bunch of nasty energy invaded my space - an angry landlord, neighbours and members of fire department all demanding to know what strange reek was and why I kept setting off fire alarm. It didn't help that I was doing this ritual "sky clad" which is witch-talk for buck-naked.