Sumeba Miyako

There are only about 10 television channels in English here. There are lots of syndicated sitcoms and the occasional good chick flick. My favorite parts about these channels are the Military TV commercials peppered throughout. John and I like to make fun of the many ridiculous topics they cover, the kind of basic stuff you'd see on Sesame Street, like "When you work out, be sure to drink lot's of water." Good thing I went to a Montessori Pre-K where we were well versed in topics of hydration. There’s lots of animation, CG and impressive acting….your tax dollars at work.

Although, upon reexamination, (and smugness aside) perhaps those 30 second sound bites of wisdom have value for even the most urbane city folk. Some of whom are my nearest and dearest.

For Example:

"Coffee and Cigarettes don't make a balanced diet, DON’T SKIP MEALS"....Vic

"I will stand up against wrongdoing and abuse in the workplace"...Camilla

"Fad diets, like calorie-counting forks (seriously?), don't work. Eat sensible meals"... Mom

"When in foreign lands, you are subject to both US laws, and the laws of your host nation, so respect both."....John Golden

"Never shake a baby"...Lu

“Don’t beat your family members.”…well that one’s and important message for all of us, isn’t it?