DEWshine. I Miss Blogging Sodas.

Well, I was part of the DEWmocracy years ago and used to have so much time to write about this stuff. Now, no time. Here's the short version, DEWshine is different. And different is good. 

I found it by chance at a Raley's in Suisun,CA of all places. It's not Mountain Dew but there's a familiar sweetness. It's not 7-UP, but there's a likeness to its crispness. It's just good. 

Go find one. 

Coca-Cola Life - Review

Coca-Cola Life is a new variant of Coca-Cola's classic soda, made with cane sugar and Stevia, to reduce calories while still being tasty.  Beside its familiar logo and design, this beverage's taste is similar enough to the real thing, I'd say it works.

First things first, I have always been a Pepsi fan over Coca-Cola, so this review may come with some Pepsi fanboy bias.  I also must admit, for the past few years I haven't been drinking sodas like I was before, trying instead to live and eat more healthy by reducing my sugar intake and almost completely removing soda from my diet.   But on to my review.

The look.  You'll notice the familiar logo and swooshing line on the packaging.  Although the famous red is green for the Life variant, it's unmistakably a Coca-Cola beverage.  The bottle too is the classic shape, but with a hint of green in the glass.

The taste.  My initial pour was odd.  The carbonation filled the glass as though the beverage was still warm and being poured into a cold glass of ice. It was not however, having sat in the fridge overnight to chill.  And, I'm not sure if this can be attributed to the first thing I noticed about the taste, but it seemed flat.  There was not the extra bite and tickle of the carbonation I attribute more to Coca-Cola than Pepsi.

I started over, drinking my next one straight from the bottle.  It was good, really good actually.  The flavor notes were typical to Coca-Cola Classic, with just a hint of the aftertaste that accompanies Stevia.  And while I use Stevia in my morning coffee rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners, I think others will not mind the mild aftertaste.  I think this is a really good alternate version of Coca-Cola.  But for what reason was this made?

The verdict.   Coca-Cola mentions on their site that Coca-Cola Life has 35 percent less calories than other sodas.  Although they also say they have a nutritional information section somewhere on the website, I couldn't find it to compare Life to the classic variant.  The Internet seemed to have a lot of differing nutrition labels for Classic too.  It's too much work for me, when I don't get paid to write this stuff.  I'd say, Classic is probably really close to that 35% mark, having around 33 more calories per 8 oz container than Life.  In my opinion, any reduction that doesn't sacrifice taste is a good thing.  I think this soda is a step in the right direction for soda drinkers, as it still tastes really good and is close to the original, while shedding a third of its calories; however, I also think this will not go anywhere as a product, as the classic version's market share is way too strong for much money to be spent on marketing Life.  Also, those that are looking to be more health conscious and who are willing to change from the classic version, are either going to be looking for a bigger reduction in calories and will be willing to sacrifice taste for the caloric reduction or will be looking for healthier options altogether by cutting out soda or find more natural options to fill their caffeine and soda taste buds.

Final thoughts.  I enjoyed Coca-Cola Life.  It was really close to the original to me, with only a hint of Stevia aftertaste.  While I don't see myself becoming a soda drinker again, this was a great soda, a nice change from the classic version, because there is a caloric reduction benefit.  And while I don't see Life lasting, I don't see it getting the negative press of Coke II or other flops that try to pass themselves off as Coca-Cola.

Why I Love Thanksgiving More Than Other Holidays

There are so many people who trash Thanksgiving for various reason.  Some attribute it to the taking of land from the Native Americans, while others post things like this.  Anyway, I love Thanksgiving more than other holidays because of a few F-Words.

1.  Food.  Of course this tops my list because I love to eat.  I love to mix my mashed potatoes with butter and gravy along with my buttery and salty corn.  I love brown sugar and butter mixed with yams to make sweet potatoes (slow and low simmer style).  I love homemade rolls with more butter.  Maybe it's the B-Word, BUTTER.  Turkey is okay too, but it's not really about the turkey.  Later, I love the pumpkin pie and a second round of all the fixings.  And maybe even later, I'll have a third round of the fixings.  And don't get me started on the leftovers on Friday.

2.  Family.  I actually do love my family.  The annoying ones are fun to watch and silently judge.  I'm such an ass, it doesn't bother me when they demand their way.  The loved ones I get to be with and enjoy.  The funny ones make me laugh and laugh along with my humor.  I just love family.

3.  Football.  There's always a game or two on Thanksgiving (or three this year).  What's great about the role football plays is how it prevents awkward silences.  It keeps things moving throughout the day.  Whether it's that time after the family sports competition or between meals or desserts, there's always a game on somewhere to break-up those times where we all run out of things to share with our family.

4.  Freedom.  This F-Word is a stretch, but it stands for the freedom in Thanksgiving to just enjoy the day without the stresses tradition brings in other holidays, where gift giving is required and expected.  Thanksgiving beats Christmas out in my holidays ranking list because I don't have to work on gift ideas for everyone I'm going to see.  The freedom to just enjoy the day and the people and the nourishment is what I love about Thanksgiving.

So here's my point:  ENJOY THANKSGIVING.  Be thankful for food, family, football, and freedom.  What more can we all be thankful for than these things.  What a great holiday.  What a great time of the year.

(For my Christian friends worried I'm not thankful for God's provision and in love with Christmas because we can celebrate Christ...settle down ya zealots.  The Father and Faith are also F-Words.)

My YouTube History...Because I Don't Have Time To Blog

I've wanted to post so many things to my blog, but I don't ever have time anymore.  And, because I make absolutely no money sitting at a computer writing my opinion, the blogging takes a backseat to the rest of my life.  But, in the interest of sharing some finds with my few followers, here are some videos from my YouTube History.

Depeche Mode has a new album coming the end of March.  Here is their first released video.


Here is Joe Getty from the "Armstrong and Getty Show" (on AM Talk 650) confirming that he can easily make a 37 yard field goal, unlike David Akers of the 49ers, who missed one in the NFC championship game.  Sure, Akers kicked a 63-yarder and tied the NFL record or something, but he missed the easy one.



Don't run from the police in Slavic countries.


The Trombone was never cooler, except when Commander Riker played his on Star Trek.


My next Ford?  I would love to drive an F150 again, and this concept is sweet.


What cold is in Los Angeles looks silly to the rest of the USA.


Now this is a video.  It's Fresh from Bel-Air.


Do not try this.  Double BMW Donuts.


Cool, crazy things people do.


Audi is about to make Google Maps, Earth, and Search part of its cars.  This video was made by my favorite car company using Google Maps/Street View.


The science of Guiness beer can really be hyped, to the point of making it seem like it's one of the wonders of the world.  Of course, it makes it look like it tastes amazing.


Science is fun.  Should you run or walk in the rain?

My Bright Idea #8 - Falling Down 2, The Law Makers Will Pay

My Bright Idea #8 - May 28, 2010
Someone needs to make the next installment of the movie "Falling Down", about a man who goes after the law makers who are telling him how to live and raise his kids.  Things that have set him off include: seat belt law, helmet law, no juice in daycare, schools monitoring kids lunches, no dodge-ball, blaming McDonald's for fat kids, etc.

My Bright Idea #5 - The Bean Spreader

My Bright Idea #4 - January 10, 2010
The Bean Spreader, a device that clamps onto a can of beans and helps spread beans out at an even amount, would be helpful in making nachos, quesadillas, and huevos rancheros.  Anything needing a thin layer of beans evenly spread over a large area would benefit from a bean spreading device.

My Bright Idea #3 - Taco Tree Should Franchise

My Bright Idea #3 - September 24, 2009
Taco Tree should franchise.  At the time I wrote this, the Krispy Kreme building in Roseville, CA was still empty and I thought that would be the perfect location for a Taco Tree.  Their food is fast and fresh and really great.  It's a quality fast food joint that makes memorable tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and even bun tacos.  Plus, they've sold the best tasting Pepsi products for at least 20 years I can remember.

I still think they should franchise, and by starting in a location where people know the name, they will only have continued success.

Make 7, Up Yours...7UP Retro Review

It's been a while since I've done a full beverage review.  Why?  Besides the fact that my wife and I have been working on reducing our sugar intake, nothing has grabbed my attention.  I'm sure most people who follow my Twitter account or read my blog regularly, have seen that Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback are now back for good.  These are the "real sugar" varieties of the originals.  Dr. Pepper has also done the real sugar thing.  And now 7UP, the uncola, is doing it.

Apparently, if you are a Celebrity Apprentice fan you already knew this was coming, but I'm not a fan.  I did hear about it through the grapevine (my wife), but I only heard about the lame can designs.  When I saw these glass bottles in the store for the first time, I got excited and purchased a 6-pack.  The green glass, retro logo styling, and the use of real sugar made this Retro a "must review" for this amateur.  I mean, it's an excuse to drink a soda and voice my opinion, with some obvious stuff to write about.  Like all my reviews, I smelled it first, poured it into a glass with 3 pieces of ice (to prevent too much diluting) and reviewed the color, bubbles, and taste.

Smell, Color, and Bubbles:
There is nothing to report for smell. There wasn't a smell.  I even had my wife check it.  There was maybe a super subtle hint of lemon/lime, but it was so super subtle the smell could have been from earlier at dinner, when I squeezed lime on my taco salad.  Weird huh?  Actually, in reviewing the label, it's printed in big letters over the "nutrition facts" that this beverage "CONTAINS NO JUICE".

Interesting enough the color goes right along with the smell.  There is no color.  In fact, some people in the more rural areas around me might think their drinking water has more color than this soda.

The bubbles were huge.  In contrast, the Pepsi Natural's and Pepsi Throwback's bubbles were much smaller, which I thought might have to do with the sugar verses HFCS.  I might have been wrong.  I'm no scientist, you know.  It's probably just the CO2 they use.  Anyway, big bubbles were nice, giving the drink a really crisp texture.

Taste:
At first, I recognized the familiar 7UP flavor.  It made me think of being home, sick from school growing up. My mom would treat me to 7UP and Nabisco Saltine Crackers.  But, I enjoying this Retro 7UP. In the 90 degree shade of my backyard, while I watched my boys play in the water from the garden hose, I ended up finding the 7UP incredibly refreshing.  It wasn't heavy or too sweet.  It wasn't overly flavorful or dramatic.  It was bubbling, cool, crisp and refreshing goodness, with a subtle hint of lemon/lime (which is not lemon or lime, since it CONTAINS NO JUICE).

What it does contain is water, sugar, acid, natural flavors, and some other stuff I'm sure is okay for you in moderation.  All-in-all, I give this a thumbs up.  I felt refreshed and really enjoyed the drink.  I love the look.  I enjoyed the taste.  And with NO CAFFEINE, I can drink it at night and not worry about being kept up late.  YES!, I'm that old now, and drinks that contain caffeine affect me at night.

Good job 7UP.  I was actually ready to knock you as "the uncola".  I had a conversation with a Pepsi marketing person this week, who told me "7UP is called the UNCOLA for a reason, because it is".  And, while I'm not sure I understood her meaning, I think she was saying 7UP is not her competition for Pepsi.  Though this may be true, and Sierra Mist Natural may be outselling 7UP (which I say, not based on fact, but pure speculation), 7UP did a good job here with the Retro 7UP.  I hope this brings some good brand recognition to them.  I think commercials they SHOULD run need to include the "Make 7, Up Yours" campaign from back a few years ago.  Nevertheless, Dr. Pepper/Seven UP, Inc. is doing some interesting things and I hope it works for them.

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Mountain Dew Designed a Pinball-like Skate Park

I love Mountain Dew.  I wish I could skate.  Since I've owned a pair of Vans since 1988, doesn't that make me an honorary skater?  No?  Well, this is cool.


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Head to Starbucks for a Half-Price Frappuccino

I just received a Gold Card member email from Starbucks about a deal on Frappuccinos, and I thought I'd do a little advertising for them. I may or may not be a huge fan.

According to the email, you can enjoy half-priced Frappuccino blended beverages - May 6-15, from 3-5 p.m.  Not going to lie, working where I do, in such close proximity to a Starbucks everyday, I'll probably partake at least twice during this special.

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My Starbucks Affair...From Logos to Gold Cards

Starbucks has updated their logo, and I love the new look of the Siren.  She is out of the circle and able to do so much more to represent the Starbucks brand.  The logo is still so recognizable as Starbucks, without the need for the name to be part of it.  I think this will allow the company to do more great things.

Also, to celebrate their 40th year, Starbucks wants us all to enjoy some anniversary cake...or a treat with our coffee this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I've talked to a lot of my friends and people at work about my Starbucks Gold Card, but I wanted to really explain why (if you like coffee or tea) you should get with it and register a Starbucks gift card.  First, it's easy.  All you need to do is register an Starbucks gift card at starbucks.com.  You now get a free drink on your birthday.  Next, use the registered card 5 times to reach Green Level status.  This earns you free syrups and milk, free refills on brewed coffees or teas, and a free beverage with any whole bean purchase. And finally, at 30 uses you reach Gold Level status and a personalized gold card is sent to you. A Gold Level card adds to the freebies of the Green Level.  Besides coupons and special offers, every 15 uses of your gold card earns you a free drink. It's awesome and easy.

Now, I wanted to mention the latest and coolest feature Starbucks offers registered card members.  You can use the Starbucks Mobile Card app to pay with your registered cards.  The app allows you to check your balances, add money if necessary, track rewards, add new cards, pay for your purchases, and more.  To pay, you launch the app and turn the bar code toward the Starbucks scanner.  It's cool.

It really is awesome.  I love the app.  I love my rewards.  I love Starbucks.

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My Review of Virgil's Zero Cream Soda and Zero Root Beer by Reed's Inc.

This was a hard review to write, as I am not a diet soda drinker. Virgil's Zero Root Beer and Zero Cream Soda are just that, and it is not going to be easy to review them fairly...or will it be?

I am a huge Reed's Inc. fan because of their amazing products. Reed's Ginger Brew lines and Virgil's Root Beer and Cream Sodas are on the short list of my favorite soft drinks. I've talked about Reed's Inc. before in November of 2009 and in December of 2009. But this is going to be a different and difficult review because I am a soda fan, not a diet soda fan. I've always said that diet sodas shouldn't even be made. Why? Because they taste nothing like the original beverage they are supposed to be similar to (except for Diet Dr. Pepper). In fact, most people that like Coca-Cola tell me they like Diet Pepsi better than Diet Coke. And the same for Pepsi fans; they usually say they drink Diet Coke first.

Virgil's Root Beer is one of the best root beers out there. It's brewed by Reed's Inc. using natural ingredients from around the world, and it IS "So Rich and Creamy You’ll Swear it was Made in Heaven", as their slogan goes. Virgil's Zero line of sodas are made naturally too, just like the regular line, but with zero sugar and zero calories.  Because my wife recently put us on a low sugar, low carbohydrate diet, I've been looking for alternatives to sugar based foods and drinks. This so-called "life style change" she has us on only allows for only 15 grams of sugar a day and 6 servings of carbs (a serving is considered 5-20 grams of carbs).  Enter Virgil's Zero Root Beer and Zero Cream Soda.  These all natural diet sodas are made with natural stevia, a sweetener with no calories.  It is a decent alternative sweetener because it is natural, not a chemical like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame.   Just like all alternative sweeteners, however, stevia does not taste like sugar and has an aftertaste. So on to the review.

Virgil's Zero Root Beer
Like the original, Virgil's Zero Root Beer is creamy, with a vanilla and Birch root bite.  Its initial smell and taste are that of a fine root beer, similar to the original.  But, once I swallowed the root beer and the sweetness of the soda on my tongue was able to react with the air in my mouth, the familiar aftertaste that all alternative, diet sweeteners leave.  It was disappointing.  And because I've been on this low sugar diet for almost two weeks now, I'm more use to the stevia aftertaste.  But it was not a nice finish to the Virgil's Zero Root Beer.  Now, diet soda drinkers will probably think it's something they can deal with, after all, they drink other diets with the aftertaste issue and other harmful chemical issues too.  At least with stevia there are not health concerns. But for a true soda fan, it was not the finish I was hoping to have from a soda company like Reed's.

Virgil's Zero Cream Soda
Again, like the original, Virgil's Zero Cream Soda has a nice cream, vanilla, and caramel, start, with a sweet aroma and hints of other spices.  It first hits your mouth just like the original Virgil's Cream Soda.  But once the soda is swallowed, the aftertaste from the stevia ruins the finish.  I'm not really sure what to say here.  What is the point of a diet soda that tastes bad?  I'm talking all diets, not just these two.  Why do we have to gain weight for something as wonderful as sugar?  How do diet soda drinkers handle that lousy aftertaste that non-sugar sweeteners leave?  Is there not a way to make a sweet tasting cream soda with no calories and no chemicals?  Is there not a way for us to enjoy a beverage, without the sugar content causing us to gain massive amounts of weight?  I was so hopeful and now I feel like giving up on the diet thing.  It's not worth not enjoying my favorite beverages.

Conclusion
I really don't want to say anything more.  As a fan of the company and their regular sugar based soft drinks, it is hard to say something that feels harmful or hurtful.  They make amazing drinks.  And these diet drinks are probably great in comparison to other diet soft drinks, but I can not endorse them.  I can not say that the Zero line is good.  I think it is something that could be a work in progress; maybe with some adjustments to the stevia levels the drink would turn out better (reduce, less may be more).  But the current formula did not work for me.  And again, I'm not, never have been, nor ever see myself becoming, a diet soda fan.  Maybe that makes my review unfair, but I had high hopes for this and it didn't live up to those dreams.

Sorry Reed's, Inc.  I am still a huge fan of the regular sugar line of soft drinks.  You make a premium line of sodas and I love them.  I've talked about wanting to work for you, own your stock, and promote your products.  I hope this review doesn't hurt too bad, as I did not expect this when I promised my readers a review.

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Pepsi Next?

I don't know anything about this, except what I've read at BevReview.com  Basically, it looks like Pepsi's description is soda with less ingredients.  The can says 60 calories, which is 90 less than a normal can of Pepsi.  I'm not holding my breath, but I'm hopeful.


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If I Were CEO...PepsiCo (Updated)

Once again, I've decided to dream. Also, I learned from my Grammar Girl friend that my series should be called, "If I Were CEO" because this is really a fantasy series. Using the word "was" is for things that are or could be, where the use of "were" is for the dream world. You can read or listen to the whole explanation from Grammar Girl here.  And, as you can see, I've changed the title to reflect "were" in this and my past posts in the series.  I figure since this one is going to be on my favorite beverage company, about one of my favorite topic, and contain a list of "if" statements that are easily achievable by Pepsi, I'd work hard to make this a grammatically correct post.  You never know when PepsiCo may follow you, right?

I've been a Pepsi fan since having my first "soda".  I have a specific memory of drinking a Mountain Dew (made by PepsiCo) when my dad was a maintenance/music pastor/landscaper at a church we attended when I was in elementary school.  That means, I've been a fan now for over 20 years.  I also remember being in a contest in Jr. High where I did a blind taste test of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, RC Cola, and PC Cola (the generic brand from Lucky Supermarkets where PC stood for President's Choice not Politically Correct).  I was able to decipher which soda was which just by taste even back then.  I've loved a variety of sodas made and sold by PepsiCo too.  Pepsi, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Vanilla Pepsi, Crystal Pepsi, Pepsi Natural, Mountain Dew, Code Red, Live Wire, White Out, and even Dr. Slice are some of my all time favorites.

If I were CEO of PepsiCo, the first thing I would do is return to real sugar for all the products under the brand.  Yes, this would be more expensive than HFCS, but it would be the start to a move towards more natural ingredients.  I would market the soda that way.  I would provide the research and funding to show that sugar is more easily digested than HFCS.  I would move Pepsi and the other products toward a healthier choice in soda consumption.  Even as I'm writing this, I'm seeing a new line of Sierra Mist Natural commercials that are done exactly the way I would want them to be done.  Go here and click on "see the ads".

If I were CEO of PepsiCo, I would also change all diet formulas to use Stevia instead of the chemical sweetener, Aspartame, currently being used.  Once again, I would show the benefits of a natural ingredient over a chemical one.  These two sweetener changes would instantly give PepsiCo a leg up on the competition because of its health benefits.  The body can deal with natural ingredients much better than chemicals and chemically altered sweeteners.

If I were CEO of PepsiCo, I would bring back the option of glass bottles for all the soda lines.  I would offer this option because there are so many people that feel like glass doesn't leave an after taste.  Also, glass is an environmentally friendly option because it is easy to recycle and doesn't have the same harmful properties of plastics.  I would offer only the 12 oz bottles, similar to those of the Pepsi Natural (pictured below) or current "made in Mexico" style (pictured above) because it could be made to work for all brands and streamline the manufacturing.  I would research using the Pepsi Natural bottle, with the Pepsi Logo stamped in the glass for all brands to bring the company's brands together (similar to GM badges on all their lines, although this may not be a great idea).  I would re-introduce the glass bottle 6-pack at $5.00 per pack.  This price is easily recognized as less than $1 per bottle, but is not so cheap that production costs would make it too expensive to offer.

If I were CEO of PepsiCo, I would introduce an entire line of "Natural" labeled beverages, made with no artificial flavors or ingredients.  I would start by re-introducing Pepsi Natural.  I would market the beverage as the healthier, all natural soda.  And, unlike the first round with Pepsi Natural, I would spend some money on the campaign with TV, radio, and Internet advertisements, very similar to what is being done with the Sierra Mist Natural campaign.  Again, go here and click on "see the ads".  I would look into the Whole Foods/Trader Joe's type stores and work on qualifications for that market as well.  I would move on to a "Natural Mountain Dew", providing real citrus flavors with a natural caffeine and sweetness required by Dew drinkers.  I would go after the Hansens soda line with a whole new line of Sierra Mist Natural flavored soft drinks.  I would introduce all the classic flavors, such as, black cherry, citrus, cranberry, lemon/lime, and others.  I would take Sierra Mist to the natural food stores as an alternative to Hansens.

Finally, I would continue the Refresh Everything campaign.  Pepsi is handing out grants to people that come up with great ideas for the planet, community, environment, education, etc.  This is a great way to let everyday people have a chance to make a difference in the world.  I would also continue the Green Label Art and Green Label Sound.  I would continue the Dew Labs and other social networking programs that let the everyday people feel like they are part of the company.  I know when @pepsi or @mtn_dew retweet something I write on Twitter, or when they ask my opinion in designing a new flavor, I feel like I'm already a part of the company.  I love it.  It builds on my loyalty to the brand...even if my original flavor choice didn't win in the DEWmocracy 2 campaign.  I can admit, I picked the wrong flavor to back and help design (although it would have done better if my ideas were more closely followed, heehee).  I ended up liking White Out more than Distortion anyway.  I love PepsiCo.  I hope they hear me and some of this happens.  But even if they don't, I'll still drink the "Nectar of Life" (my catch phrase for Mountain Dew), and the beverage of choice will always be Pepsi.

Update:  PepsiCo wrote me on Twitter and told me they enjoyed my post.  They also provided some links to some things they are doing along the same lines.  Check out how PepsiCo is changing the way they innovate, here.  And read this about the way they are working toward nutrition and "good for you" products.

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Mountain Dew Stole My Description...Sort Of

Anyone who knows me has heard me refer to Mountain Dew as the "nectar of life". Now, MD has stolen that description, modified it to be confusing, and called the new White Out the "nectar of gods". I'm not saying I'm upset, but nectar of gods sounds stupid. My wife even thought it was not really as clear as mine. "Nectar of Life" is my description of the original Mountain Dew; and really, it is.


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Cherry Coke or Coke Cherry Poll

I don't really drink much of anything from Coca-Cola.  Most of you know I'm a huge Pepsi fan.  But I will admit, the beverage pictured above, I call "Cherry Coke", is very good.  That and Mr. Pibb (officially called Pibb Xtra now, but I will never call it that) are the only two Coca-Cola products I will drink.  And now that McDonald's has switched to Dr. Pepper from Mr. Pibb (at least here in California), I don't even drink Mr. Pibb anymore.

But, what do you call the beverage pictured above?  Because Coca-Cola isn't even sure.  Their website calls it "cherry Coke" (with the "c" in "cherry" lower-case).  But their bottle calls it "Coke Cherry" and "Coca-Cola Cherry" on the same bottle.

What do you call it?


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Summer of Soda...so Far

It looks like it's going to be another summer of soft drinks for me. Pepsi announced their "Summer of Cherry" starting with the redesign of the Wild Cherry Pepsi bottle.

Pepsi also introduced Cherry Vanilla Pepsi.

Mountain Dew had DEWmocracy 2 with 3 new flavors. If you missed it, I was part of the Mtn_Dew Labs, helping to design one of the flavors (the biggest loser).

White Out (winner), Typhoon (grossest), and Distortion (loser)

Trader Joe's introduced their own brand of cola and root beer.

And finally (for now), Costco brought in Pepsi, ridding the world of one more place Coca-Cola has their strangle hold on soda (now we just need McDonald's to switch so Pepsi can be the largest).

I'm loving the Summer of Soda.

DEWmocracy 2 Winner

I really didn't keep up with the DEWmocracy info, after seeing the name, label design, and overall poor job my team did with the lime flavored Dew. Distortion was not as good a name as Lime Light or Sublime that I wanted. And the label design was too dark and boring to draw people to it. Also, the colors were way to similar to Original Mountain Dew, making it hard to recognize which one was Distortion. Anyway, the winner is:

Click image to enlarge

White Out actually became my favorite. It reminds me of Squirt. When I did my taste test, in seemed like a watered down version of Mountain Dew. But, when it came out in stores, it really had a good flavor that, coupled with the benefits of caffeine Mountain Dew is known for, made this a great choice of beverage. While the lime flavored Distortion was my original choice, Techy Ted and I agreed that White Out was the best. And I'm glad that it is the winner. I voted for it (sorry team).

FREE Fryday this Friday!

Hey Jimmy the Gun, After years of research, months of planning and several hours of trance-based meditation, I've decided to reinvent my French fries. I call them . . . My New French Fries. Felt like it was more important to spend time crafting the fries themselves, not the name. They're crispy, golden, delicious and salted just right for your tasting pleasure. In honor of this groundbreaking news, I've decided to have a FREE Fryday on Friday, April 16th. All you have to do is walk in and ask for them. No coupons or anything. And just to be clear, everyone gets one free small fry. Like, an order of them. Not just one single fry. That would be silly. - Jack Offer not valid in Spokane, WA and Tulsa, OK. Friday, April 16th, 2010 only. One offer per person. At participating restaurants. No purchase necessary. Small fry only.

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FOOD IS BAD FOR YOU!

I just saw the movie "Food, Inc." and now I don't ever want to eat food from the grocery store or a fast food restaurant ever again. The first thing I looked up after the movie was locally grown food. I found Placer Grown's website. I now want to boycott so many things. We are all going to die! Go see this movie. Go buy organic. Find local farmers who grow and/or raise their crops and animals, instead of eating "food" from companies that produce, manufacture, or create it in a lab.