DynaSlim
When DynaMore first announced its revolutionary new diet product, it was met with a good deal of skepticism. After all, over the years countless products have been introduced proclaiming users would lose inches without dieting or exercise, would lose the fat and keep it off or could eat what they liked and still lose weight. Some manufacturers even went so far as to promise dieters they would shed unwanted pounds while they slept.
The weight-loss market was flooded with protein drinks, fat burners, metabolism boosters and appetite suppressants. Doctors, nutritionists, bodybuilders and celebrities touted weight-loss plans, exercise programs and diets that had people's heads spinning as they tried to keep count of not only the calories they consumed but also the number of grams of fat, carbohydrates, protein and fiber contained in their foods.
It was at the height of the low-carbohydrate diet craze that the first infomercials by an unknown company called DynaMore began appearing on late night and early morning slots on popular cable television stations. DynaMore not only guaranteed their product, DynaSlim, was one hundred percent effective at dissolving unsightly fat without the need of dieting or exercise, but it also offered a complimentary three-month trial supply of DynaSlim to anyone who called the eight hundred number shown on their TV screen. Muscular men and shapely women were paraded before the audience as examples of the success of DynaSlim.
Although most people scoffed at the idea, there were a few who actually believed they could shed pounds while sitting down in front of their television sets and consuming innumerable calories. These people, gullible enough to try any new diet product on the market, called the toll-free number for the free trial supply. They were not disappointed. Surprisingly, DynaSlim actually worked--far beyond anyone's expectations.
In just a few short months, these people achieved their ideal body weights without dieting and without hitting the gym. Furthermore, by taking just one DynaSlim capsule each day, they were able to keep the pounds off regardless of what or how much they ate. Word of DynaSlim's miraculous results spread quickly. In less than a year, millions of grateful, previously overweight people were shedding pounds while eating the foods they liked and without exercising, even while they slept--all thanks to DynaSlim.
Given the great success of DynaSlim, it was no wonder that when DynaMore announced its new concept in skin care, the world was no longer so skeptical. On the contrary, practically every man and woman near or over the age of forty rushed to the nearest DynaMore outlet, which, like Kaybee's, Walden's and the Verizon kiosks, seemed to be found in every shopping mall across America. Often referred to as "a fountain of youth in a little yellow pill," DynaSkin eliminated fine lines and wrinkles, thus making people appear years younger.
Teenagers and adolescents--although they had no need for its rejuvenating powers--discovered that no other product was as effective as DynaSkin at curing acne and preventing those embarrassing blemishes. People who suffered from psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and other skin disorders also found DynaMore's new product a godsend.
Thanks to these two products, both of which were understandably high in demand, the previously unknown DynaMore moved onto the list of the top ten Fortune 500 companies, and their success did not end there.
Phoenicia Stone, who looked more like a cover girl than a highly successful business executive, was the founder, president and CEO of DynaMore. Phoenicia, elegant and beautiful, projected the perfect image for her company, so much so that she personally appeared on TV to advertise its new line of low-priced cosmetics.
"DynaMetic powders, lotions, soaps and creams," she announced proudly, "none of which are tested on animals, are made of all natural ingredients and are available in most stores at affordable prices."
Unlike most artificial fragrances whose scents were overpowering at first and then quickly faded as the day wore on, DynaMetic's all-natural aromas, such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves and other herbs and spices, were not only long-lasting, but they proved to have significant aroma-therapeutic value as well.
After the introduction of DynaMetics, DynaMore found itself second only to Walmart in sales revenues, and it was about to leave Sam Walton's retail chain in the dust with the release of yet another phenomenal product.
Inexpensive, nonprescription, non-habit forming DynaMood was a powerful anti-depressant medication that also reduced stress, relieved anxiety and had a calming effect on those people prone to being hyperactive. In effect, DynaMood guaranteed complete emotional stability with none of those nasty side effects that accompanied the more traditional prescription drugs. With the advent of DynaMood, there was no longer any need for people to undergo psychoanalysis or use MAOIs. Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse plummeted to an all-time low and then became, for all intents and purposes, nonexistent. Thanks to DynaMood, man could finally be at peace with himself and the world around him.
* * *
DynaMore had indeed made an impact on society. An estimated ninety-two percent of the world's population over the age of thirteen took its daily dose of DynaSlim, DynaSkin and DynaMood and bathed with DynaMetic soaps and shampoos before applying DynaMetic deodorants and colognes. But DynaMore's greatest achievement was yet to come: a medical breakthrough that would have more of an impact on mankind than the invention of the automobile, the telephone and the microchip combined.
DynaMed was, without a doubt, the most unprecedented development in the medical world. This single preventative drug eliminated Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, cancer, heart disease and virtually every life-threatening or debilitating disease known to man.
DynaMore's astounding discoveries not only affected the everyday lives of most people worldwide, but they also had a major impact on the world's economy. Since the day DynaSlim took over the weight-loss market, thousands of businesses and, in many cases, whole industries failed. Quite understandably, the entire diet and fitness industry went "belly up." Treadmills, bicycles, steppers and rowing machines became obsolete. Gyms and health clubs closed their doors. Slimfast, Healthy Choice, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and South Beach diet products disappeared from grocery and drug store shelves.
The hardest hit by the success of DynaMore, however, were the pharmaceutical companies and members of the medical profession. Although people still consulted doctors and went to hospitals for broken bones, cuts, abrasions and other accidental injuries, a vast number of pills, antibiotics, vaccines and other remedies were no longer needed. Many hospitals closed, and countless doctors, with the exception of obstetricians and plastic surgeons, had to take in their shingles and seek employment in other fields.
Yet despite these losses, the world's economy--based on the time-honored concept of supply and demand--actually flourished. People who no longer had to worry about weight gain consumed food at an alarming rate. In order to keep up with the increasing demand for meat, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, land developers--in complete contrast to past trends--tore down strip malls and office buildings to reclaim the valuable farmland beneath. Ironically, the state of New Jersey eventually became the Garden State it had long proclaimed itself to be.
Furthermore, since DynaSlim maintained body weight so effectively, people began to over-indulge in the high calorie foods that they had previously avoided. Chocolate sales, in particular, climbed so high that the Hershey Corporation was soon competing with Exxon Mobil for its spot on the Fortune 500 list.
The tobacco industry also boomed. Cigarette sales, which had been steadily decreasing in prior years, did a complete turnabout after the release of DynaMed. And when Phoenicia Stone introduced the new DynaSmoke mesquite and hickory flavored cigarettes, chain smoking became an accepted social practice. After all, there was no longer any danger of heart disease, lung cancer or emphysema, so why not light up?
Clothing sales, too, skyrocketed. Women who before they discovered DynaSlim bought plus size clothes at K-Mart's blue light specials were now spending vast sums of money on high-priced fashions that complimented their new trimmer figures. Along with clothing, the sales of shoes, lingerie, jewelry and other accessories increased proportionately.
Furthermore, once people began to look and feel years younger, entertainment of every sort gained wider popularity. People flocked to theaters, sports arenas, concert halls and amusement parks. Couples were no longer content to stay home watching television. Trendy restaurants, in particular, became the hottest spots in town, and entrepreneurs were continually competing with each other to offer the latest in dining pleasure.
* * *
Phoenicia Stone sat in her classic 2003 Ferrari Enzo Coupe, waiting for the traffic light to change. She looked out the dark-tinted windows at the pedestrians hurrying along the crowded city street. She admired their lean bodies and smooth, flawless skin that, in all probability, were due to DynaMore. It amused Phoenicia to think that just a few short years ago she had been a mere waitress working her way through culinary arts school. Today she was the head of the most successful corporation on earth.
The light finally turned green, and she continued on her way, passing the Hard Rock Café on the right and Planet Hollywood on the left. She smiled to herself and thought: Move over Bruce and Arnold! Once I open my restaurant, I'll bury the competition!
When Phoenicia Stone arrived at her office, she was introduced by her human resources director to a tall, handsome, extremely muscular young man who was applying for a job in DynaMore's marketing department. Phoenicia keenly appraised the modern day Adonis--not an ounce of fat on him!
Smiling seductively, she suggested to him, "I was just about to make an important phone call, but perhaps you'd care to join me for lunch."
Young Adonis couldn't believe his good fortune and accepted her luncheon invitation with alacrity. "Why don't you come upstairs with me? I have a private lounge where I sometimes go to relax. You can wait in there if you'd like."
As the two physically perfect young people rode the scenic glass elevator to the top floor of the skyscraper, Adonis stared open-mouthed at the dazzling view.
When the elevator came to a stop, Phoenicia stepped out and unlocked the door to the lounge, which contained everything from a sauna to a Jacuzzi, and suggested the muscular young man try the tanning booth.
"There is a changing room behind that door. I'm sure you can find a towel that fits," she laughed.
In the privacy of her office, Phoenicia paced the floor, waiting for her call to go through. These long distance connections took so long! Finally, she made contact.
"This is Phoenicia Stone. I'm happy to announce that everything is ready to go. The new restaurant will open next week as planned," she assured the advertising genius at the other end of the line. "The cuisine will be a unique combination of American, Chinese, Indian, Italian, French, Mexican--basically a potpourri of ethnic dishes. We will offer something for everyone. Oh, and don't forget to stress in the ads that all our entrees are low in fat.... The name?" she repeated the ad man's question, realizing she'd given no thought to what she'd call the establishment. Then she remembered the restaurants she'd passed on her way to the office that morning and suggested with a laugh, "Why don't we just call it Planet Earth?"
Phoenicia signed off, knowing the ships full of ravenous patrons from her own planet would be landing before the week was out. Suddenly her stomach growled, and she realized she was getting hungry. Phoenicia walked into the lounge and checked inside the tanning booth. Young Adonis was slightly charred. The ginger seasoning in his DynaMetics after-shave and the mesquite tenderizer in his DynaSmoke cigarettes made Phoenicia's mouth water. Mmmm... Hungry as she was, though, she decided to leave young Adonis broil a while longer. She had, after all, always preferred her meat well done.
Salem loves the idea of losing weight without having to exercise or give up his Godiva chocolates.
