Well, in the wake of numerous legal challenges and reprimands to similar companies’ one energy jeweler… oops sorry nano, biofield, therapeutic bracelet thingy, company seems to be increasing its advertising. Of course I’m referring to the iRenew products. (And yes their lack of creativity has lead them to copy the Macintosh marketing device of using the small “I” in the naming of their product).
My initial response to these companies was to ridicule them and their believers. But even that’s becoming difficult, in light of the legal hits taken by companies like “Power Balance,” who sells virtually identical products. Unfortunately iRenew continues to push its product undaunted by the negative reflection on itself. If the rest of the American public is anything like me they are more than a little tired of seeing pitchman Art Edmonds showing video of his goons setting up camp in shopping malls and performing the same old stupid balance tests on passersby. The kids performing the tests also deserve comment. They’re always twenty- somethings who look like they just finished working a double tending bar at Appleby’s and thought they’d drop by the mall for a bit, to see if they could make up a few extra dollars to afford that flat screen TV for their otherwise sparse apartments. And the only way the ads could get any more annoying is if instead of Art, they featured Vince Offer, of Sham- Wow fame.
One interesting point to note is the presence of a gorilla by the name of “Scott Becker MD.” The man of letters makes the innocuous claim that “Once you balance your body’s energy with iRenew, you balance your overall health.” The iRenew company evidently thought so much of this tag line they put it on the screen in quotes, and cited Scott Becker MD, Becker Hilton Medical Institute. This led me to wonder whether or not the Becker Hilton Medical Institute (BHMI) was a real medical facility or just a medical “think tank” dedicated to endorsing iRenew. I can’t be sure, but at best, BHMI seems like it’s devoted to finding homeopathic and alternative remedies to hormone problems like menopause and andropause or male menopause (something I’m uncomfortable mentioning and I’d rather know nothing about). Reviews of the company were nearly all negative and focused on Dr. Becker’s endorsement of the iRenew bracelet. This whole racket is so oily and disreputable it makes what to throw something at the television every time I see the commercial. To see more on the balance tests check out Tyler Tx Directory’s YouTube account where you’ll find further explanation.
I have been amazed, and admittedly annoyed by the energy bracelet scam. It seems every few months some ugly new jewelry product is unveiled that promises to in some way harmonize the energy of the wearer, and promote greater balance, increased energy, a generally more tranquil mind, and so forth and so on. Actually, one reviewer I read made an excellent point. The advertisers don’t promise those results directly, but instead promise to inspire those results! I watched a lot of promo vids for these things on YouTube. Eventually I had to stop for a couple of reasons. First off, I actually do have a life. Secondly, I was starting to become annoyed by the research subjects and lastly, and most importantly, the demos are all the same! Evidently these energy jewelers are at least partially multi- level managed. The vids all featured some salesmen who had set up a both at some job fair or other, performing ridiculous and absurd balance tests on passersby.
Magnetic Bracelets
I found about five different companies producing energy jewelry, or at least five different names for the same company. In addition to a bracelet and necklace, one company offered holographic stickers (Cia Aura) it claimed possessed some kind of magnetic charge. These are supposedly a favorite of surfers who stick them to either end of their boards to help improve their balance. Allegedly the water passing over the stickers recharges their energy. I understand aspiring golfers are also partial to this product. As I watched these compelling infomercials my next question became: Do people really buy these things?! While researching for this article I did find comments by supposedly satisfied customers defending the products, but of course I have no way knowing that they didn’t work for one of the companies marketing the stuff. Patrons claimed results like increased energy and the disappearance of aches and pains. Certainly the degree to which they did experience a change can be chalked up to the placebo effect. Thanks but I think I’d rather take my chances with a television faith healer! As silly as I find the Snuggy, I’m pretty sure it probably does what the ads say it does; keep the wearer warm, and allow him or her to move their arms freely. I do not however come anywhere near believing any of the claims made by the energy jewelers. If you’re looking for an energy boost, greater balance or a sense of well being I suggest trying an energy drink, vitamin supplement and regular church attendance. I’m sure you’ll be amazed by the results!
