What We Don't Need

I've figured out what may be part of the problem with our contemporary society. This afternoon when I picked up my mail I found a new catalog offering up a selection of items that, for the most part, were pandering to people's fascination with unusual and unnecessary purchases.


Imagine ordering a 12 foot inflatable headless horseman for your front lawn? For a mere $299.95 you can own this blow up decoration. The horse's head turns from side to side while a moanful sound penetrates the atmosphere. This first in the neighborhood display inflates in one minute. You will need an outdoor plug in order to enjoy the animation.

Then there's a golf club that's a 33-in-1 club. No more decisions about what club you need --just dial the club from putter to driver. Because the club retracts it may be placed in your luggage when you travel.

If you have $350,000 around think about purchasing a 20 foot Animatronic Triceratops. You'll need a large great room for this twenty foot long beauty. Given sensors this beauty tracks subjects by moving his head and stomping a foot. Inside of this hulk a 1000 watt speaker emits a sound that attempts to emulate the sound of the original triceratops. Of course no one was around 67 million years ago so this sound may not be accurate.

Do you recall all the cotton candy you ate? Of course indulging is still possible, but why wait until you attend a baseball game or go to an amusement park. We are a society consumed by immediate gratification needs— so why wait—buy a tabletop cotton candy maker.

I imagine if I went through my house I 'd find too many items I never needed, but bought because I thought I needed them.