I mostly live “off the grid” in terms of the news

Social media bubbles along without my participation

I have also chosen not to consult the news media

My self imposed news exile lowers my stress level

I believe that people will tell me if something important happens

I am blessed with the means to travel frequently

To view the world from a different perspective

Sample other cultures away from home

See how others live their lives

Break bread at the table of others

Get their opinion of my own homeland

I recently came back refreshed from a long voyage

Attending a Super Bowl party on my first day back

It was strange to see commercial TV

I normally only stream non-commercial programs 

The commercials were less entertaining than I expected

What really struck me was the content

Almost exclusively for fast food and boozy alcoholic drinks

Perhaps not surprising for a nation that worships consumption

But something was different this year

In addition to the “lets all eat and drink ourselves stupid” mantra

Commercials appeared for weight loss by injecting drugs

Corporate America is tapping into the overweight guilt

Its OK to eat pizza and guzzle endless amounts of beer

Now you can buy expensive drugs to curb your appetite

Its a big fork in the road for many Americans

Stay addicted to fast food and booze

Or switch your addiction to GLP-1 injections

I suspect the more wealthy individuals will get a lot thinner

While those of lesser means will become more rounded

In both cases the drug companies will earn huge profits

Overweight folks with have more health issues and require medication

Slimmed down folks will keep paying for the “keep me thin” drugs

I observed that people in Europe simply eat much less

They appreciate the flavors more than the portion size

The culture divide is wider than the Atlantic Ocean

Eat well and eat responsibly like a good cheeky monkey