6966: Obesity And Obscenity.

Hating Monday with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• A new study showed obesity and weight-related medical issues cost the U.S. about $147 billion in 2008. “If you really want to rein in health-care dollars, you have to get people dieting, exercising and living a healthier lifestyle,” said an expert from the study. “Otherwise somebody is going to be paying for treating these weight-related illnesses, either the government or employers.” Somebody ought to charge Mickey D’s. Although the fast feeder is probably responding to the news by updating its iconic signs to read, “Over 147 Billion Served.”

• Not surprisingly, the Henry Louis Gates, Jr. affair has inspired racist comments at The Root. Some of the remarks have been removed, but others will remain for public display. “For the most part, as long as the comments are not threats of violence, and the most vicious, nasty, racist comments, we leave them up,” said an editor for the site. Maybe they should bring in a special editorial board comprised of Michael Richards and Dog The Bounty Hunter.