I'm with you on the ads for funeral insurance! The last thing I want when relaxing in front of the TV is to think about my impending death.

As for energy drinks, though ... I have never really tried them (I think I had a V once, but don't remember any amazing energy boost so must be wrong). Either they're a sham or they're dangerous when consumed excessively. I'd say it's a bit of both.

What I don't like about them is that they bring out the same whingers as coffee. You know, the people who blame their mid-morning vagueness on the coffee 'not kicking in yet'. I'm not entirely convinced that a single cup of coffee has significant enough physiological effects to 'kick in' and make some vague git a bit less vague. I'm sure I've read of studies that prove otherwise. So it's a placebo - it's the experience of having coffee that wakes someone up, rather than the coffee itself. The needy convince themselves that they are ready to face the world now that they've had their coffee.

But back to energy drinks - I suspect the same is true. I used to teach at a school very close to a Night Owl convenience store, and the trail of discarded Red Bull/Monster/Mother/Whatever cans from the store to the school was noticeable, as was the kids' belief that they couldn't function because they'd only had one Mother today. It's hooking them in at a young age and giving them an excuse for lethargy. Clever marketing, I guess, but irritating for those of us who aren't substance abusers and just want to get on with our days.