Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Those of us who attended the Whole Life Expo last year were sorely disappointed to find that our efforts to explore the alternative reality of holistic health were circumvented by eagle eyed holistic gatekeepers. None too happy with our intended presence, the people running the show had some of us followed as we perused the booths, publicly warned the exhibition hall about our presence and eventually decided to kick us out and take our pictures after we had independently decided to leave.
In an effort to make our visit this year as non-problematic for us as possible, this year our group will be taking some precautions. By now each one of you who have been recruited to attend should have your instructions and a gift bag graciously provided by our sponsors. This year’s bag includes fluoride drops for the whole family and medication samples galore!
Blending In
Clik here to view.
Just a small sample of the skeptics recruited to attend!
The primary problem with last year’s visit was that we were detected early. This year’s visit will depend on how well we fit in with the other show attendees. We should make every effort to look and behave in a non-threatening way. If we do our job well, the organizers should not be able to tell the difference between us and the other attendees.
We have been able to recruit a large and diverse group of people this year to attend, both older and younger. We’re very excited to hear that many of you will be bringing your children as well. Infants and toddlers in strollers are not likely to be met with much suspicion by Expo staff, but if you can dress your kids in the muted tones of naturally dyed organic fibres, you’ll blend in nicely.
Whatever you decide to do in order to blend in, be careful and don’t express doubt about any of the dubious claims you will see. Be polite, smile and compliment the vendors handing out free samples. Please do this even if their granola bars taste like sawdust held together with light sweet crude.
Taking Photos
During a visit to the Whole Life Expo two years ago, skeptics were able to purchase their tickets and freely explore the booths in the exhibition hall, had friendly conversations with exhibitioners and were able to openly take photos. Last year we found that the organizers had abruptly changed their policy, no longer allowing show attendees to take photos as they wished.
Yet, there are things at the Expo that really do need to be seen to be believed, and so we encourage everyone who attends to take photos and/or video where and when they can. While you might not be able to take regular photographic equipment with you, you should have no problems snapping pictures with your cell phones. Just try to make it look like you’re texting someone. We’re hoping to get some great photos this year, so as an incentive we’ve decided that the person who sends us the best photo from the expo will win free flu shots for life.
What to Anticipate
There is really quite a range of vendors, booths and presentations at the Expo. Below are some of my personal favourites.
Booth 98 – Eradicator There are quite a few exhibitors that sell products that purportedly protect you from electromagnetic frequencies, but this vendor sticks out from the pack. If you visit their website you’ll find instructions on how to test yourself and your household devices for harmful radiation using dowsing rods. Really. The website recommends that you test your bed and your shoes using dowsing rods for evidence of “geopathic stress”.
Booth 104, 105 – Meridian Energies Group Ever heard of a “Biontologist”? Neither have I. At this booth you can find out how to become a certified practitioner.
Booth 77 – Institute of Soul Healing and Enlightenment For $70, you can purchase “1 Million Layer Divine Soul Mind Body Transplants of Divine Removing Stress”. A “treasure” you can get for yourself or your pets.
Booth 94 – Sound Reiki Institute I believe that the lady that runs this booth basically claims to be able to treat health problems by singing at you.
You can see the entire list of exhibitors here. From organic food, to dowsing rods, karma diagnosis, healing pyramids and beyond; there really is something to interest anyone that will be attending the show. This year will see the largest skeptic presence at the show yet. We can’t wait to hear about everyone’s experiences.