24 Hour Energy

Only a few years ago, there was no such thing as an energy drink. The only things comparable were coffee and tea. Their modest caffeine content made them the go-to beverages to start one's day, or for that afternoon pick-me-up that most of us need.
Just about every aspect of humans today was better in previous generations. Evolution and technology have crippled us all.
One of the many handicaps that many of us have adopted is a lack of energy and a craving for an easy solution.
One of the many sad facts of those still living generations, is that the majority of us don't work as hard, but have less energy than our forebearers.
Whereas the previous generation would labor for almost every hour of daylight, for only a hot meal and a few hours of pipe smoking, my generation will show up late to an eight our shift, take a two hour lunch break, and strike if they don't get a few smoke breaks in between; all the while pounding Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy, and espresso (breath). I am utterly exhausted after writing that sentence. Feel free to take five, and then finish reading this post.

My generation depends on any of hundreds of energy drinks, thriving in a billion-dollar market. These drinks are a far cry from the coffee and tea our ancestors drank. Our drinks are packed with not only caffeine, but all kinds of vitamins, and exotic roots & herbs that would otherwise remain obscure.
Not only do these drinks create a dependence on them, but they wreck our insides. Our brains, hearts, and kidneys could allow us to live to be a hundred years old, if we don't poison them with such drinks. Unfortunately, it is the teenagers that embrace the energy drink industry, dooming them to an unhealthy addiction, and life of energy levels rising, then crashing for every conscious hour.

I'm not saying that I'll never drink another Red Bull, but I will try to opt for a splash of cold water to the face, or a good old cup of joe if need be, before I open the "energy cooler" at 7-Eleven. Afterall, am I not my father's son?