tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79488621814863621232024-03-05T07:00:43.440-08:00Soda Is GoodSoda, Hostess Cupcakes, Sleeping Late, Pro Wrestling. You know you like this stuff. You know you don't want Six Pack Abs and a Six Figure Salary. Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-88893658170319823892017-12-27T13:20:00.001-08:002017-12-27T13:20:10.950-08:00The Last 30 DaysAs an incredibly motivated and successful person, I enjoy the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Its my time to reflect on the year I've had and think about everything I want to do in the new year. New Goals, new accomplishments, new strategies.<br />
<br />
But I also...almost always...wind up dedicating a few hours to reflecting on the month of December.<br />
<br />
Its not to re-review my past strategies or re-evaluate my month.<br />
Truthfully, it's to lament all the time <b>wasted</b> between Thanksgiving and Christmas.<br />
<br />
The shopping<br />
Getting boxes of decorations from attic and basement<br />
The wrapping<br />
The actual decorating <br />
Making lists, checking twice<br />
RETURNING purchases that Mrs. Defmall made<br />
Decorating OUTSIDE? The Worst....!<br />
Going places I don't want to go.<br />
Seeing people I only see once a year<br />
Buying food and leaving it at whatever party/gathering we attend.<br />
HOURS of cleaning up...re-cleaning...cleaning again...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
GAH! I can't stand it.<br />
<br />
Before you start using words like "Grinch" or "Scrooge", lets take a minute to be a little reasonable.<br />
<br />
1) I don't need a designated day to be charitable or to give gifts. I do it whenever I please.<br />
2) If you think Christmas is about shopping and gift giving, you are sadly mistaken<br />
3) Spending a month decorating for ONE day out of the year is horribly inefficient .. spending another week taking all the decorating DOWN and putting it away is just as bad.<br />
4) If it's a holiday, how come I don't get any sleep, any sex or any satisfaction from my efforts??<br />
<br />
Quite frankly, its a terrible waste of my time.<br />
I'm not saying YOU shouldn't celebrate Christmas...but I'm saying I shouldn't be forced to. Or even asked to. Or get looked at the way I do when I don't want to.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to be reasonable and rationale with my day to day efforts. I'm a busy, wealthy guy and I've got Highly Important Big Picture things to think about. Matching ceramic coffee mugs with a plastic tray isn't one of them.<br />
<br />
While dimwits argue "Happy Holidays vs. Merry Xmas", I'm thinking about how to get some quiet time away from flashing white-and-red lights. And the same 15 songs every damn year. Different artists, but the same songs. Over and Over again.<br />
<br />
Awful.<br />
<br />
As long as we're so concerned with Robots learning to do Human Activities, let's teach them to shop, clean and decorate. That would make my Christmas season 100 times easier on me.<br />
<br />
Here's to 2018. At least I get 11 months of sanity...<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-5241962430008871752017-12-26T17:07:00.000-08:002017-12-26T17:07:06.436-08:00The Tools of the Gym Another morning in the gym today, and in the euphoria of a successful workout I also have a chance to be a little observant and a little philosophical.<br />
<br />
Ever take stock of all the different kinds of "tools" in a gym?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXL-wqg5odrvqIIE3UGSBSqrRB6204fcGUzF6KWzeZktJV0AOskUjXXMI14JM6R96jg0lEwjkD3TuHz8glnutm1CP12o8Quq3TRMqt4t20FYzRMntuRjHus-tw2KtdcUPBe7bFT4xLr6V/s1600/weights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="354" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXL-wqg5odrvqIIE3UGSBSqrRB6204fcGUzF6KWzeZktJV0AOskUjXXMI14JM6R96jg0lEwjkD3TuHz8glnutm1CP12o8Quq3TRMqt4t20FYzRMntuRjHus-tw2KtdcUPBe7bFT4xLr6V/s320/weights.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=742027&u=156535&m=17362&urllink=&afftrack=">weights and machinery</a>....those are good tools.<br />
<br />
The guy who yells as loud as he can while lifting....he's just a goddam tool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=390728&u=156535&m=14276&urllink=&afftrack="> Hard Foam Blocks</a> for stretching...those are good tools.<br />
<br />
The guy who watches himself pose in the mirror while feeling his pecs....he's just a tool.<br />
<br />
<br />
A quality <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=452431&u=156535&m=45631&urllink=&afftrack=">Balance Board</a> for working on your entire core is a GREAT tool.<br />
<br />
The guy walking around with headphones on, singing loud and off key....effing tool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=389516&u=156535&m=14276&urllink=&afftrack="> Fitness Balls</a> for both core and upper body strength...good, versatile tools.<br />
<br />
2 guys having a personal conversation in front of the machine you are waiting patiently to use...those are poor, useless tools.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1084131&u=156535&m=14282&urllink=&afftrack="> MMA Gloves</a> are great tools for hitting heavy bags if your gym has them.<br />
But try to refrain from hitting those obnoxious tools walking around the gym.<br />
They may deserve it...but you'll just wind up with a lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Effing Tools....<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-33949496018932583052017-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:002017-12-22T18:47:46.583-08:00Millionaire Marriage ConundrumAfter another huge month of Six Figure sales, my girlfriend Angel and I are in the islands, celebrating and relaxing.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Everyone loves Angel. Not just because of pretty face and double-digit "breasts-to-waist" ratio, but because she's sweet. And she smiles a lot. And she's interested in all kinds of things.<br />
<br />
Yep, everyone likes Angel.<br />
Except for Mrs. Defmall.<br />
<br />
Most people, at this point, say "Hey, Jackson...if you are so successful why are you such a failure in your relationship." To which I reply Failure? I'm successfully managing TWO relationships right now. That's 2 more than most of you out there."<br />
<br />
But seriously...if there's a Mrs. Defmall, why is there an Angel?<br />
<br />
It simple - because Mrs. Defmall ISN'T Angel.<br />
<br />
<br />
Look, life is hard. People get hardened. They get unhappy. They get bitter. They complain a lot. They want to fight a lot. They want to sit and do nothing.<br />
<br />
Does that sound like the means to a happy marriage?<br />
Of course not.<br />
<br />
If you are a 1% High Achiever like me, you know you want to be surrounded by happy, successful, motivated, ambitious people.<br />
<br />
And swimsuit models.<br />
Lots of those.<br />
<br />
So WHY Marry?<br />
Because we don't all start off as wildly successful and smart. We start off wildly ambitious and optimistic. (Don't worry. Life's lessons will wipe that off your face in due time). We really believe we can make others happy, and that they can make us happy. We really believe we can weather all of the storms together.<br />
<br />
Then we wake up.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Marriage was invented a few years after man learned to write.<br />
That was back when Humans lived to be about 40 and no one knew that sex was fun even if you WEREN'T trying to make a baby.<br />
<br />
Today, people live twice as long.<br />
If you marry someone at the age of 25...you are likely going to spend the next 60 years with them.<br />
<br />
Newleyweds say "GREAT! That's the POINT"<br />
Yeah...that's because you are newlyweds.<br />
<br />
You'll grow. You'll evolve.<br />
You'll learn new things.<br />
You'll want new toys.<br />
<br />
Maybe your partner won't.<br />
<br />
And men, this isn't just a "great to be a man" thing.<br />
Women are not barefoot and in the kitchen anymore.<br />
THEY have interests too.<br />
And a smart phone.<br />
And social media.<br />
Maybe even...<a href="https://tinder.com/app/login">Tinder</a>.<br />
<br />
We grow and we evolve, so we cant all grow and evolve the exact same way at the exact same time.<br />
<br />
Remember when you were little and it was exciting to go to Burger King?<br />
Some of you STILL like Burger King.<br />
Some of you prefer a steak<br />
Some of your became a vegetarian<br />
(or a vegan...whatever the hell that is....)<br />
<br />
Point is, you are going to live well past 40. <br />
The idea of never touching another member of the opposite sex for the next 45 years should scare the hell out of you.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Will Angel last forever. Certainly not.<br />
At some point SHE will evolve. She'll stop wearing make up, she'll stop eating right, she won't want sex anymore. She'll start complaining.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's why every great business man has an Exit Strategy.</div>
<br />
Mrs. Defmall doesn't like it, but deep down inside she understands.<br />
She still gets 50% of everything this multi-millionaire makes. The kids are still spoiled rotten.<br />
<br />
And somewhere deep in her heart she fantasizes about sitting on a beach with someone just as angry and uninspired as she is.<br />
...<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-13377783213011489362017-12-20T12:54:00.000-08:002017-12-20T12:54:17.912-08:00Those that can't....Tweet When I was young there was a disparaging saying about teachers. It was something like "Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach.:<br />
<br />
Which of course, is rediculous.<br />
First off, you can't teach if you dont know how to do something.<br />
Second, most teachers teach because they LIKE to. They prefer to help others to get good at something rather than just keep the knowledge for themselves.<br />
<br />
But today there is a new age of Teacher.<br />
Folks running around Twitter posting uplifting messages in 144 characters or less.<br />
(Well...now it's 288 characters. More teaching!)<br />
<br />
All the messages look the same. It's one of two genres.<br />
Either some sweetie with a big heart saying:<i> Let the light in your heart shine for all the world to see. Go after your dream....</i><br />
<br />
Or some blowhard in his blazer and blue jeans saying: <i>The problem is YOU. YOU need to #hustle. You need to #grind. While you sleep, I eat the competition. I'm a mega jakked animal..</i>..<br />
<br />
<br />
But either way...is it really "teaching"?<br />
Just a series of mantras and advice.<br />
No real content. No real "how to"<br />
Just "you must" messages.<br />
<br />
You must keep going.<br />
You must have a positive attitude<br />
You must do whst others fear.<br />
<br />
Some of these guys tweet so often, I wonder when they have time to work.<br />
When do they work?<br />
(Oh! That's right...they make so much passive income that they don't HAVE to work anymore. They can vacation in the islands and count their money and tweet. Click the link in their profile if you want to make $250,000 this month....!)<br />
<br />
Advice is nice, but enough lecturing from the same blowhard or the same angel-faced "social media expert" gets tedious. It all sounds the same. It's like one repetitious loop of catch phrases.<br />
<br />
Don't tell me what I have to do.<br />
Teach me "how".<br />
<br />
Then we can <u>all</u> be "those that do"..<br />
<br />
Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-63230475188533523132017-12-16T19:32:00.001-08:002017-12-16T19:33:04.851-08:00Its not (entirely) your faultWhy am I super successful Software executive, a super healthy gym rat and a laser focused goal-slayer....while you and your peers aren't?<br />
<br />
Because statistically, that's the way it works.<br />
<br />
Over 90% of people who start a diet, fall off and regain the weight. Over 80% of people who buy a self-help book don't finish it, and of those who DO finish it never act on the things they learn.<br />
<br />
People hate change and hate hard work.<br />
It's just their nature.<br />
<br />
It's not your fault.<br />
<br />
We're told every day to grind, work hard, apply yourself .... believe in yourself.<br />
"You can do it!" you're told.<br />
<br />
Maybe you can't.<br />
Hey, it's not really your fault.<br />
<br />
Exceptional people are successful BECAUSE they're exceptional. Yes, they work hard. And "yes", you can work hard too.<br />
<br />
But you have to work hard every single day.<br />
Every hour of every day.<br />
You have to play hard, too.<br />
Hell, you even have to <i>sleep</i> hard.<br />
<br />
But that's not you, right?<br />
I mean, you're not adverse to hard work. But <i>EVERY DAY</i>? That's nutty, isn't it?<br />
<br />
When the weather is awful out, you don't really want to go to the gym....right?<br />
When you hear "no" 100 times ,,, it's time to go home and recharge, right?<br />
And if you get less than 7 hours of sleep, you're just miserable...aren't you,<br />
<br />
It's not entirely your fault.<br />
You've got good qualities! You're nice. People like you. You have a good heart. You use your directional signal when you drive on the highway.<br />
<br />
You just aren't mega wealthy with zero-percent body fat.<br />
<br />
And that's because life works that way.<br />
Statistically, your odds of being exceptional for long periods of time are VERY low.<br />
<br />
Maybe you're just "average"<br />
That's not so bad.<br />
"Below" average? That's not good.<br />
But average isn't awful.<br />
<br />
So embrace your inner average.<br />
It feels a lot better than 4 hours of sleep and diet devoid of carbs,,,,right?<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-78577926421061135562017-12-14T11:03:00.001-08:002017-12-14T11:04:04.586-08:00Happy New Year.- Maybe Success is NOT for YouSo I'm sitting with my yellow legal pad, 2 sharpened pencils and tall glass of Dr. Pepper. Looking over 2017 and planning for 2018. What will I do this year? How will I make the year better?<br />
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<br />
I'm thinking about the icons in the "success" arena - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/y8cbocx4">Brian Tracy</a>, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yb3tyytt">Tony Robbins</a>, <a href="https://grantcardone.com/blogs/grantcardone">Grant Cardone</a>. I'm thinking about all of the "would be's" who copy their material verbatim. Shamelessly verbatim.<br />
<br />
There are a LOT of folks talking about Success.<br />
Who's talking about "Average"?<br />
Who's accepted the fact that they are fat, or ugly, or uneducated or unpleasant or uninspiring.<br />
<br />
No one.<br />
<br />
Well...up until Today.<br />
<br />
Its time for me to wake up the world.<br />
Its time for me to remind the world that "hey...you might NOT be able to be successful. You might NOT get in great shape, you might NOT make six figures and you might NOT meet the person of your dreams."<br />
<br />
Don't hate.<br />
I'm just being fair and honest.<br />
<br />
There is a statistic showing how many people that set New Year's goals don't pursue them come February. Huge odds that you will quit your diet in a month. Tremendous chance that you wont marry a Perfect 10 who loves you in spite of all of your faults.<br />
<br />
I'm not making fun of you..<br />
I <i>accept</i> you.<br />
I accept you for how average and uninspiring you are.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I'm here to make you feel good about not feeling so good.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Defmall">@Defmall</a> is how to reach me in real time.<br />
I'm gonna keep it real for you.<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-15129378409273442952017-08-03T11:12:00.003-07:002017-08-03T11:12:55.841-07:00Happy Anniversary to ME<br />
Well...not to "me" per se.<br />
To the Blog.<br />
<br />
I haven't been here in a while, and when I looked at the blog today I realized that our anniversary month is...AUGUST!<br />
<br />
Is that Karma or WHAT?!<br />
<br />
So here is the update on Soda:<br />
<br />
1) I still drink a lot more water than I do soda. I drink a lot more Iced Tea than I drink soda. Come to think of it...I drink very little soda.<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
2) I am still FASCINATED with soda! The colors! The brands! It's one of life's fun little treasures! We ALL know Coke and Pepsi...but when I come across a brand or a soda I never heard of before, it ALWAYS makes me smile. š<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Its OK to love things that aren't good for you. Think of some of the people you've dated in your past!<br />
Soda is never going to win any Health awards ... but as long as it's colorful, ice cold and fizzy, it will always be a winner in the "Generated Most Smiles" category.Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-30245860251642187262015-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:002015-10-01T11:03:39.034-07:00Return to Five GuysFor no pre-planned reason at all I stumbled over a blog entry I wrote YEARS ago about <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/five-guys-burgers-and-friesand-sodas.html">my trip to Fie Guys</a> Burgers and Fries.<br />
<br />
<br />
And, of course I documented all the soda-interactions I had.<br />
Otherwise, I wouldn't have written it ... right?<br />
<br />
Well, since I accidentally revisited the blog post, I should tell you what happened when I revisited the restaurant.<br />
<br />
Driving home from basketball practice 2 weeks ago, I asked my son and his friend if they'd like to stop at Arby's. (this is because THEY had basketball practice. I didn't).<br />
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<br />
<br />
They were on the fence about Arby's and when we stopped at a traffic light they saw 5 Guys and petitioned to go THERE.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I really, really wanted Arby's to be honesy.<br />
But I'd not been to Five Guys in some time, (maybe only once or twice since the blog, to be honest) so I relented. After all, it was the friend's favorite place to eat so I wanted to come off as "the coolest dad ever".<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_uwWXaAKN-isjoOKz4mbAFVk0w-kLxq82lq4WwE8b91RUmQaIbXthjXJgXq26f0NcYJa4XsB2klFgtq7mKfJsB209wcngDZ3gcBXf4GhLbAneym5esRhEUWG3YMqozea0XwtyOHI-ojW/s1600/appreciate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_uwWXaAKN-isjoOKz4mbAFVk0w-kLxq82lq4WwE8b91RUmQaIbXthjXJgXq26f0NcYJa4XsB2klFgtq7mKfJsB209wcngDZ3gcBXf4GhLbAneym5esRhEUWG3YMqozea0XwtyOHI-ojW/s200/appreciate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We got inside, and I don't see any prices on the Giant Sized Menu behind the counter, so I said the "Coolest Dad Ever" thing.<br />
I said "Go ahead and order whatever you want. Just please eat whatever you order."<br />
<br />
As I recall, the order looked like this:<br />
Son = Burger, fries, Soda<br />
Friend = 2 Burgers, fries, Soda<br />
Dad = 1 burger, 1 hot dog, soda<br />
<br />
Bill = $57.90<br />
<br />
FOR LUNCH!??!?!?!?<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Ah, HELLLLLLLL NOOOOOOO.<br />
<br />
Well, on the INSIDE I said "ah hell no"<br />
On the Outside I glared at my son and just...paid it.<br />
After all, I'm the Coolest Dad Ever.<br />
<br />
I'm also the broke-est dad ever.<br />
I ALSO set a new rule with my son.<br />
NO MORE FIVE GUYS<br />
We can go to McDonald's if we want a hamburger...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qM66etA6lQnRSnmD7g3KSzZJn_3VJyBuyDa4D2s8hNaa0d6z2Dt4zicBF-aT252NpY3QDpFixqdqn-Hfw-8a9ylgWFB0Pzxnp56Q-vqeemkVDM85Xb-uZH9nMUDqViNX1qVaB4JvF65n/s1600/MCDonalds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qM66etA6lQnRSnmD7g3KSzZJn_3VJyBuyDa4D2s8hNaa0d6z2Dt4zicBF-aT252NpY3QDpFixqdqn-Hfw-8a9ylgWFB0Pzxnp56Q-vqeemkVDM85Xb-uZH9nMUDqViNX1qVaB4JvF65n/s1600/MCDonalds.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-16532347333453733242015-08-20T09:35:00.001-07:002015-08-20T09:35:27.675-07:00Happy Anniversary, Soda IS Good!!Today marks yet another year that this blog has been kicking around in cyberspace.<br />
<br />
Sure, it's quirky and niche'....but whenever I see a can of soda somewhere my first thought is "can I blog about this???"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DalVz76Q_4X12Pf65rGcHcJPPA0Tpfz1m0wLnk11WaB4FS-G3_L5WXwdHUVeaBkJbqld2DqfngXkqseDkDgWxfhWHnWyRR5wLDGdvUPTBs5hk7iCEgvQPpcG-Jn27J4WrmCmKhxOXMIO/s1600/I+Can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DalVz76Q_4X12Pf65rGcHcJPPA0Tpfz1m0wLnk11WaB4FS-G3_L5WXwdHUVeaBkJbqld2DqfngXkqseDkDgWxfhWHnWyRR5wLDGdvUPTBs5hk7iCEgvQPpcG-Jn27J4WrmCmKhxOXMIO/s200/I+Can.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I never told Mrs. Soda about this blog, and one day last year it sorta came out.<br />
She said to me "Who ARE you?! You blog about SODA?!?! I never knew that!!!"<br />
Yeah...it's a deep, dark secret.<br />
I mean...Soda?!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwypgM019DOqRGjg0z4RO5wy4Dt2BiijwcHZKVqr6tW6gSmjQ_VKc0oqkys83HsfZmEa6dM6BQAgSCZYHy5XYPAuaiDF_Ry6jT_OsIOy67C8Rj8eegaDi15xaTiASheqcxQoVgJlLlUd-/s1600/soda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwypgM019DOqRGjg0z4RO5wy4Dt2BiijwcHZKVqr6tW6gSmjQ_VKc0oqkys83HsfZmEa6dM6BQAgSCZYHy5XYPAuaiDF_Ry6jT_OsIOy67C8Rj8eegaDi15xaTiASheqcxQoVgJlLlUd-/s200/soda.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Here's the irony.<br />
Here's the deepest, darkest secret:<br />
I drink very little soda these days.<br />
<br />
IT'S TRUE<br />
I got back in the gym in March and it's been 80% Water, 10% Iced Tea and the remaining 10% is Soda.<br />
Unless it's a Sunday when Football is on.<br />
Then it's about the Beer!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzdQSh4_LySUY8qOmn2gIg4VmxXfrrmihLdCWx8hec7RB5ph6SxgtpwyEUpE2yEHvr7u-plToqIqZ-hv5GZW_KwQ8t-lxh8z2UQoN78tVDSILQfr08KcVLPG51Qp4TZouepSS493xaA58/s1600/beer+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzdQSh4_LySUY8qOmn2gIg4VmxXfrrmihLdCWx8hec7RB5ph6SxgtpwyEUpE2yEHvr7u-plToqIqZ-hv5GZW_KwQ8t-lxh8z2UQoN78tVDSILQfr08KcVLPG51Qp4TZouepSS493xaA58/s200/beer+ball.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But I love soda.<br />
I love all the flavors and colors and styles and brands.<br />
I love discovering a new brand I never heard of before.<br />
<br />
I mean...<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=20385&userID=156535&productID=494627669">Chocolate Mud Pie soda</a>?! Mmmmmmmmmmmm<br />
And <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=20385&userID=156535&productID=544412247">Chocloate BACON Soda</a>??!! #Weird<br />
Or <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=40465&userID=156535&productID=496735998">Blumer's 16 pack</a>?! #Awesome<br />
<br />
Yeah, there is more than just Coke and Pepsi out there in the World.<br />
And I keep finding it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR3Te3BJPHP5r6Z35KL6Qh_oW6Bvczvt7fWkiL8maBV3gwyBObP2n85-NZ5qQmUPwyVFGE2MeiFmhjXErg30xlvI36vgwMTW-B0YW8ZbUa-EVeKRk1F52Bh2i6K12tUfVenlMgIP8m50K/s1600/success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR3Te3BJPHP5r6Z35KL6Qh_oW6Bvczvt7fWkiL8maBV3gwyBObP2n85-NZ5qQmUPwyVFGE2MeiFmhjXErg30xlvI36vgwMTW-B0YW8ZbUa-EVeKRk1F52Bh2i6K12tUfVenlMgIP8m50K/s200/success.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-37082952396850524942015-07-30T08:46:00.002-07:002015-07-30T08:46:46.991-07:00Maybe Soda is NOT so Good?I know...in this day and age it's not an incredible new or earth shattering question.<br />
<br />
But it TASTES so good!<br />
And if you look at brands like <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=20385&userID=156535&productID=494627669">Bacon Freak</a> and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=40465&userID=156535&productID=496735998">Blumer's Premium</a> you will see flavours you never heard of before, but probably want to TRY!!<br />
<br />
That being said, this infographic from a U.K. pharmacist named Niraj Naik has apparently gone viral, and that might leave some soda drinkers concerned. Or curious.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevefTEiH4yqN-vgiBYcmOCNvSY_HzcdktF5gtM6qagYUCsA08IQC__4vvJ8fja41PwBZNjtKQxyfyRvPDzRrxZwhG8kyJpL5WOdag8aLhNQCid8-I6SgylXU7nleNiVvO3JzkSeknFwc6/s1600/coke.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevefTEiH4yqN-vgiBYcmOCNvSY_HzcdktF5gtM6qagYUCsA08IQC__4vvJ8fja41PwBZNjtKQxyfyRvPDzRrxZwhG8kyJpL5WOdag8aLhNQCid8-I6SgylXU7nleNiVvO3JzkSeknFwc6/s640/coke.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've blogged previously about <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2014/09/healthy-sodas.html">healthy sodas</a>...sodas that do not have such a high sugar content.<br />
Zevia makes a pretty good <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=50305&userID=156535&productID=534400752">Ginger Ale</a>. and a good <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=50305&userID=156535&productID=534396457">Cream Soda</a>, too!<br />
<br />
What I think the info graphic is lacking, however, is the fact that this information is being given in a vacuum.. What if you ate a lot earlier? What if you have a high tolerance for sugar spike? What if you traditionally have a LOW blood sugar count?<br />
<br />
Is this the results of one can of Coke "always"...or for folks who usually don't drink soda...or for folks who drink it daily??<br />
<br />
Remember...anything in moderation is OK.<br />
<br />
Except rudeness. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-27362459487771522612015-07-21T13:19:00.000-07:002015-07-21T13:19:33.815-07:00Soda Stream offers Free Shipping Soda...mmm...yummy.<br />
...but Expensive!<br />
<br />
Unless, of course, you make your own.<br />
<br />
Don't scoff.<br />
You COULD go out for breakfast every morning, or you can fry your own eggs and microwave some bacon, right?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFlDVMTaajV_6jhGFILMoezHT2kxEI8dpcIH0Ca9I5uS-ERG4tvDb94rFPQCqPXtVApXDgvUU_X2OZJEgb_uEB-qmdjIsUWMW5Tv-TvxYlBPtMjWUdnTHKdWzkrs76Vxl83-WHAjsumB_/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFlDVMTaajV_6jhGFILMoezHT2kxEI8dpcIH0Ca9I5uS-ERG4tvDb94rFPQCqPXtVApXDgvUU_X2OZJEgb_uEB-qmdjIsUWMW5Tv-TvxYlBPtMjWUdnTHKdWzkrs76Vxl83-WHAjsumB_/s200/breakfast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You COULD go out for dinner every night, but that costs an arm and a leg!<br />
That's why you cook, right?<br />
<br />
Making your own soda with a reliable soda maker is a low cost way to get your favorite flavored beverage without leaving the house! (So you don't spend extra for GAS, either. See?!?!?)<br />
<br />
AND...when made right...soda made in house is healthier because it lacks the additives and chemicals that are used when mass-produced and then stored on shelves.<br />
<br />
Would you like to make your own delicious, healthy soda?<br />
<br />
This baby sits comfortably on your kitchen counter...like a blender or a coffee maker! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSJJLjsLiL8_t6Y-8Hwh9VHDWNyUYC8gzcRvtdzAm1kar9HxEsXwnM7l7XxddaSBQ5RicGKEz7de3dXbJUHg14OA_3Jq0AcHi8J2OjNwElP3IvaOF0QkExB5k8fexmBIAhuzNcNsDD2wH/s1600/sodaMaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSJJLjsLiL8_t6Y-8Hwh9VHDWNyUYC8gzcRvtdzAm1kar9HxEsXwnM7l7XxddaSBQ5RicGKEz7de3dXbJUHg14OA_3Jq0AcHi8J2OjNwElP3IvaOF0QkExB5k8fexmBIAhuzNcNsDD2wH/s200/sodaMaker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
But there are MANY to choose from!<br />
<br />
And they all are Soda Makers that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=p4T/bPsOB8E&offerid=101418.10000069&type=3&subid=0%22%20%3EFREE%20SHIPPING%20on%20all%20Home%20Soda%20Maker%20orders%20with%20Promo%20Code:%20FREEFIZZ%3C/a%3E%3CIMG%20border=0%20width=1%20height=1%20src=%22http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=p4T/bPsOB8E&bids=101418.10000069&type=3&subid=0%22%20%3E">now feature FREE SHIPPING</a>?<br />
(Go ahead...click the link and see for yourself!)<br />
<br />
<br />
Make yourself a sparkling water drink....flavor it as you wish...and enjoy the beverage right in your own home for nickels at a time!!!<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-17494706463908089262015-07-15T10:43:00.001-07:002015-07-15T10:43:05.586-07:00The Return of Stop Killer CokeAll the way back in 2008 I learned about a campaign called Stop Killer Coke.<br />
I even <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7948862181486362123#allposts">blogged about it</a>, although at the time I took it somewhat lightly. I didn't exactly blog an in-depth history of the campaign.<br />
<br />
There does not seem to be a real plethora of press on the issue since, so while I feel I was slightly negligent, I dont think I missed out on (or misrepresented) a major news topic. Maybe a few articles from 2010 show up on Google.<br />
<br />
<br />
But the Stop Killer Coke website IS <a href="http://killercoke.org/">still active</a>.<br />
<br />
And I noticed that after 2 years of inactivity, the Stop Killer Coke <a href="https://twitter.com/stopkillercoke">Twitter Account</a> started rolling again in late June.<br />
(the Twitter feed does not seem to be exclusive to the South American Murders, but rather to the negativity of Coke/soda in general)<br />
<br />
Ironically, this past September <a href="http://www.latintimes.com/coca-cola-life-markets-healthy-coke-south-america-it-really-better-you-259837">Mexico was introduced to Coca Cola Life</a> ...which is being positioned as a "healthy" soda given that it has half the calories of a 'regular' can of Coke.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEu9ET7obN6le_wphfAbixtBaMwMrfsuh3hqQ3j44cvFW30tRuXXaAjkF44K3wf0WOfOVj-zUSbydVrwJ2PCn4CdyZNTzRWoFS2fRfYKOZacVesb-IZCGw7uMJ3kzx5ukmew6PhzTkrAY/s1600/coca-cola-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEu9ET7obN6le_wphfAbixtBaMwMrfsuh3hqQ3j44cvFW30tRuXXaAjkF44K3wf0WOfOVj-zUSbydVrwJ2PCn4CdyZNTzRWoFS2fRfYKOZacVesb-IZCGw7uMJ3kzx5ukmew6PhzTkrAY/s200/coca-cola-life.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Further ironic (is there an expression for THREE items all contradictory?) is that Mexico has since instituted a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/mexican-soda-tax-cuts-sales-first-year">Soda Tax</a> as a way to compensate for the effort to fight obesity in-country.<br />
<br />
South South America has a push-pull relationship with Soda, in several directions!<br />
<br />
I'll cover Mexico's love for soda and the corresponding soda tax in later blog posts, but I originally put these thoughts together as I looked back into whether the Stop Killer Coke campaign took on any global traction.<br />
<br />
It appears, at least based on my quick research, it hasnt come to much here in the states.<br />
<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-78437977261770805012015-07-14T19:35:00.001-07:002015-07-14T19:35:54.211-07:00Finally, Pleasant Mello Yello NewsA can this nice looking should always come with an enjoyable experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhML5jteuFXArv2P87hyphenhyphenyVTrGqGfQlS8uOWCHp1IwxpZEfB_10nyX481NKBcvTQXOp3wu7I7pbbhrAqArUsT7-JIBXuowqSiIwMwUfOajXmMfvI_KuvriWr7uvFk3jvA5EbYPFdo0MhSdzT/s1600/mello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhML5jteuFXArv2P87hyphenhyphenyVTrGqGfQlS8uOWCHp1IwxpZEfB_10nyX481NKBcvTQXOp3wu7I7pbbhrAqArUsT7-JIBXuowqSiIwMwUfOajXmMfvI_KuvriWr7uvFk3jvA5EbYPFdo0MhSdzT/s200/mello.jpg" width="102" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But the last few times I blogged about Mello Yello, it was bad news.<br />
<br />
Like the time I <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/mello-yello-and-seasick-fisherman.html">had one while Fishing</a>.<br />
<br />
Or the time I had one while <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2008/09/cola-please-no-more-mello-yello.html">helping a friend move</a>.<br />
<br />
When it got harder to find the soda here in the North East, I figured the problem was past me.<br />
<br />
<br />
But as of late, I've been having a GOOD experience with my Soda nemesis.<br />
<br />
A while back, Burger King put a new soda machine in their stores.<br />
Instead of standard 4 or 8 sodas to choose from, you get a TON of flavors to choose from!<br />
It's like a library of Soda Flavors!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMJ8HD9zJQmv4Rhv4dQBjm6nF9DfXieG6OogbpYAXRmS7CvU-0vLVRfCaIzjQ68_vedUcvvul8bzrgOemmhgD-GVZlnDCsWSow6poCS_2ux916Frq0RUBuvpJ5MrTop_UBgvtS09yywiY/s1600/soda+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMJ8HD9zJQmv4Rhv4dQBjm6nF9DfXieG6OogbpYAXRmS7CvU-0vLVRfCaIzjQ68_vedUcvvul8bzrgOemmhgD-GVZlnDCsWSow6poCS_2ux916Frq0RUBuvpJ5MrTop_UBgvtS09yywiY/s200/soda+machine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
See all the buttons?<br />
And those buttons reveal MORE buttons!<br />
<br />
I remember seeing this "kind" of machine <a href="http://www.sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2010/08/taco-bell-puts-16-sodas-in-1-machine.html">in a Taco Bell</a> in the past.<br />
But it's here, in my neighborhood, and it's got...<br />
<br />
...yes!....<br />
<br />
...Mello Yello.<br />
<br />
In FACT, it's got 3 flavors of Mello Yello!<br />
Regular! Peach! Cherry!<br />
<br />
And the "good"news, is that once a month my son and I go to Burger King and I get myself a nice tall Mello Yello (regular)...and I don't get sick.<br />
<br />
Welcome back, my yellow friend!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-13965014340883625032014-12-30T13:28:00.002-08:002014-12-30T13:28:48.047-08:00Little Bottles of DewMan I just LOVE this stuff!<br />
<br />
I know it isnt good for me...but I really, really like it...!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDXkgcy05opPDsNgRYnUZsxth4XcJGYCXv62XR3Kxsm0Etr5mpGFDtmGbpcTxnrODH-PTR25ruHAC4WTETxL48dB4Vy3GX9VAzz2QyfbIcv3y2xECH7MPyslb1fAAYGcfG9M2TzJqe3RP/s1600/Dew+Bots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDXkgcy05opPDsNgRYnUZsxth4XcJGYCXv62XR3Kxsm0Etr5mpGFDtmGbpcTxnrODH-PTR25ruHAC4WTETxL48dB4Vy3GX9VAzz2QyfbIcv3y2xECH7MPyslb1fAAYGcfG9M2TzJqe3RP/s1600/Dew+Bots.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Ice cold, it beats a beer some days.<br />
And it's smoother than a Cola...carbonated but not fiercely.<br />
<br />
Do the Dew!Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-62528712153352612362014-12-02T05:58:00.000-08:002014-12-02T05:58:22.343-08:00It's All About the Soda, Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW9ak-l3x7ZLkcXweD3wDlSQW7g1Fl7UX_q0bR_j5hgVP_A8u8QZL0whSlWLE9yPgdC_xe4oMNxDfmkRNruwksSbXld0OXAmZRpl4qnIzCoMJLxTAu94tMklBRFrigM3UYpUorcmqavUm/s1600/baby+COLA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, how well do you think THIS ad would fare today?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW9ak-l3x7ZLkcXweD3wDlSQW7g1Fl7UX_q0bR_j5hgVP_A8u8QZL0whSlWLE9yPgdC_xe4oMNxDfmkRNruwksSbXld0OXAmZRpl4qnIzCoMJLxTAu94tMklBRFrigM3UYpUorcmqavUm/s1600/baby+COLA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW9ak-l3x7ZLkcXweD3wDlSQW7g1Fl7UX_q0bR_j5hgVP_A8u8QZL0whSlWLE9yPgdC_xe4oMNxDfmkRNruwksSbXld0OXAmZRpl4qnIzCoMJLxTAu94tMklBRFrigM3UYpUorcmqavUm/s1600/baby+COLA.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;">Wait, wait wait...what about THIS one????</span></a></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black;"> </span></u><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAfAt5VJRmBpcBQkJxDvsT4v84oZxWjYOIkaDeHnBiDvUKnR0mQzl084p6mv4nq8zlQK28RWsMHrfhDGEY3SXkZd-eXFqv6Y_d6ZzGzKS4-FkF7WPGg9iKQ-wlonu1Dn9AaaVMNsHNtyD/s1600/baby+UP.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="233" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Man I would LOVE to see the faces on some parents thumbing thru "parenting" magazine if THESE ads popped up! :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-71074386459605889282014-10-24T06:27:00.001-07:002014-10-24T06:27:30.136-07:00Almost Jealous of that Pepsi Paper!I got "mentioned" on Twitter today. (<a href="https://twitter.com/Defmall">@Defmall</a>)<br />
<br />
I was somewhat taken aback because it doesnt happen much, and almost NEVER by strangers.<br />
(I usually have to initiate the conversation)<br />
<br />
So I looked to see who was calling me out, and it's <a href="https://twitter.com/BrockmanRichie">@BrockmanRichie</a><br />
Never heard of him.<br />
<br />
But he mentioned me because he put together one of these free, online newspaper pages.<br />
His is all about Pepsi Cola (and apparently there is a connection to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Richie">Nicole Ritchie</a>)<br />
<br />
From an SEO-standpoint, <a href="http://paper.li/nonajackson/1366473212">this page ROCKS</a>.<br />
It mentions Pepsi, Michael Jackson, Blanket, Nicole Ritchie... <br />
and for Pepsi-specific content, Its putting this blog to shame. LOL!<br />
<br />
Half of the page is in another language that clearly is "Spanish" but I dont want to guess the dialect wrong. (If you read the page and know the answer, please comment the blog and let me know!)<br />
<br />
Any, mad props to the Brockman...his family member Nicole...and his Pepsi Page.<br />
It's the page of a New Generation!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-73687827854537837012014-10-22T06:30:00.002-07:002014-10-22T06:41:08.239-07:00Jones and the Scary Sodas*sigh* well, it's that time again....!<br />
<br />
With Halloween right around the corner, <a href="http://www.jonessoda.com/products">Jones Soda</a> has it's new scary flavors popping up!<br />
<br />
Surely you are familiar with Jones Soda?<br />
The guys who let you <a href="http://www.jonessoda.com/code/standard.php?cook=t">Private Label your own beverages</a>?!<br />
The guys who create all KINDS of flavors..<a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2007/11/neither-nor-pepsi-nor-cocal-cola-do.html">.even HOLIDAY flavors</a>?! <br />
<br />
Well..I'm walking through Target last night, and I see:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24WjBwIUSqSbv_bYi-hUBVDc20Nn5u3QlvNmFhP0WMr6TWRTTP5oHQWERc_e5BHP8g2ryl6au9Mlvbht8_j8fmJ65p3f-i5bU-Sg5ldr1zgrjFdvF5QFWmQUac-_TF5nJ6FkofwvUpA67/s1600/Jones+halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24WjBwIUSqSbv_bYi-hUBVDc20Nn5u3QlvNmFhP0WMr6TWRTTP5oHQWERc_e5BHP8g2ryl6au9Mlvbht8_j8fmJ65p3f-i5bU-Sg5ldr1zgrjFdvF5QFWmQUac-_TF5nJ6FkofwvUpA67/s1600/Jones+halloween.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
Mr. Jones has apparently decorated for Halloween!<br />
<br />
Here, let me give you a better view:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEs1pQa9ydV9LE5boEQA-hzVXSjBY75Ig0pf9rm8JpLthJevhfa6-HyECw8cP7c8qXoromY5OGQZydCXEJeq5rtacCZJi8APGMMagLi95qXTuCmNigaI19p4dJ1UPKosaIGLYtfwCCH0W/s1600/scary+jones+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEs1pQa9ydV9LE5boEQA-hzVXSjBY75Ig0pf9rm8JpLthJevhfa6-HyECw8cP7c8qXoromY5OGQZydCXEJeq5rtacCZJi8APGMMagLi95qXTuCmNigaI19p4dJ1UPKosaIGLYtfwCCH0W/s1600/scary+jones+2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Crazy flavours for this crazy time of year!<br />
<br />
If you are hosting a Halloween party...or you're just tired of generic colas....seek out Jones Sodas for Halloween and live it up a bit!<br />
<br />
<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-29428451272195309062014-10-14T05:58:00.002-07:002014-10-14T05:58:59.973-07:00Say Hello to my Little FriendThe guys wanted to go out to eat lunch yesterday, instead of ordering in.<br />
Hell, we were slow due to the Columbus Day Holiday, so I was ok with it.<br />
<br />
We walked about 5 blocks to an "authentic Mexican restaurant"<br />
Read: It wasn' Taco Bell.<br />
(No disrespect there. <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2010/08/taco-bell-puts-16-sodas-in-1-machine.html">I <i>like</i> Taco Bell</a>...!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, we each ordered an entree...and since I knew It was going to be hot (both temperature hot and spicy hot) I made sure I ordered a Coke with it.<br />
<br />
Ans since we were noshing on chips an salsa while WAITING for said entree, I was pleased to see the waitress bring our sodas right away.<br />
<br />
Well...I was pleased until she got there.<br />
<br />
Being an 'authentic' Mexican restaurant, they brought my Coke in an authentic, glass, bottle.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WG5mPpH8ShlYlS-BaR1CvdYtpYfKjFrzKh1xTk9BgiwllRpqK1Wpsn9BHcGWP6BblAYKs1iMrttCpCanvficCy31uKVNJf5fLwkGLQDdNybnyGvNl64rCY0zpVa22ePZn6n_wqnYFIQ/s1600/littlecoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WG5mPpH8ShlYlS-BaR1CvdYtpYfKjFrzKh1xTk9BgiwllRpqK1Wpsn9BHcGWP6BblAYKs1iMrttCpCanvficCy31uKVNJf5fLwkGLQDdNybnyGvNl64rCY0zpVa22ePZn6n_wqnYFIQ/s1600/littlecoke.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
But if you look closely, you'll see it wasn't much larger than the salt shaker!<br />
Which means they charged my over $2.00 for a lot of glass and a little soda.<br />
Which ALSO means <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2007/11/what-happened-to-fre-refills.html">no Free Refills</a>.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
So I nursed my Little Coke for as long as I could.<br />
<br />
Then, instead of ordering another <i>Coca </i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps"><i>sin hielo</i> I had to ask for a<i> </i></span></span><i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">vaso de agua</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">That's what I get for<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Mexican-20th-Anniversary-Ed/dp/0061373265/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413291477&sr=1-1&keywords=authentic+mexican"> being authentic</a>. </span></span><i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span></i>Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-69673701372546611322014-10-05T15:58:00.000-07:002014-10-05T15:58:41.436-07:00A Very Sanitary RefilSome time ago I lamented how a fast food restaurant <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2008/08/roy-rogers-no-free-refills-and-no-honey.html">would not refill my soda</a>.<br />
<br />
Which restaurant? <a href="http://www.royrogers.com/">Roy Rogers</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIhesPDiZ_-jULccMNz_D12Dy7do06e3XmMxfy6gmyW22W1XYg1n2v-9m0-pbteBCuPwSzYJZqU1YXdAP_-E6cr4Cn3ylQQ1wqsua79u0ivP5JrfHtMghL6bTRoLdvxA5RenESujo8Sxe/s1600/roy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIhesPDiZ_-jULccMNz_D12Dy7do06e3XmMxfy6gmyW22W1XYg1n2v-9m0-pbteBCuPwSzYJZqU1YXdAP_-E6cr4Cn3ylQQ1wqsua79u0ivP5JrfHtMghL6bTRoLdvxA5RenESujo8Sxe/s1600/roy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
(How could such a congenial cowboy not give free refills? Right?!)<br />
<br />
Well, let me tell you about their change of heart...<br />
<br />
Due to the fact that my son and wife feel they have the best Roast Beef anywhere, I have been unable to completely boycott Roy.<br />
<br />
So once and again they talk me into going back.<br />
Begrudgingly, of course.<br />
<br />
So yesterday we were there....and it occurred to me that the young lady taking my order was rather nice. Uncharacteristically nice given my past experiences here.<br />
<br />
While it's been a long while since my LAST bad experience, the soda fountain is still behind the counter...so you still have refills on lock down.<br />
<br />
Or do you?<br />
<br />
I took my empty cup to the counter, found the smiling young lady and innocently asked "Do you refill here?"<br />
<br />
"Oh of COURSE." she smiled.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_1AHC2Bm3rNRkW4b3MQZCoAkeBSugolrrg1-Ek-hg36E_erPA12nGFzpds0kRaNvXY4mVfZX4wCqaWdYYBNSFiLjE4p2_BxjUQo_xteh4DDrvdFmpDrs26rhWKy7ezMUv0xmDgDgMDgA/s1600/success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_1AHC2Bm3rNRkW4b3MQZCoAkeBSugolrrg1-Ek-hg36E_erPA12nGFzpds0kRaNvXY4mVfZX4wCqaWdYYBNSFiLjE4p2_BxjUQo_xteh4DDrvdFmpDrs26rhWKy7ezMUv0xmDgDgMDgA/s1600/success.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I handed her my cup, and she looked a little concerned for a moment.<br />
<br />
"Just take the lid off of it for me, please." she replied.<br />
<br />
O-kaaaaaay.<br />
<br />
I took off the lid and she smiled again and refilled my soda.<br />
<br />
Handing it back to me she said 'It's a sanitary issue. We dont want to touch the lid or the straw."<br />
<br />
Ah! Ok, I GET that.<br />
I APPRECIATE that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdiAMWtfQiZgMcJiwbeD5Jc1e5XW85ym6vs46XlEC70LwaRfphsL5y0ZWNu3ulsOICElZxCQL6czurcorQtQ56tZnPXitgjVRJWFN0WfbmCBHbonB-uPPoAdfHVHEVZsIfXuHrMsb5uv/s1600/appreciate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdiAMWtfQiZgMcJiwbeD5Jc1e5XW85ym6vs46XlEC70LwaRfphsL5y0ZWNu3ulsOICElZxCQL6czurcorQtQ56tZnPXitgjVRJWFN0WfbmCBHbonB-uPPoAdfHVHEVZsIfXuHrMsb5uv/s1600/appreciate.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
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So Roy...while I lambasted you in the past for poor refill procedures, I commend you today for your new policies. The cleanest, most sanitary refill I've ever experienced.<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-67985608527627955912014-09-30T10:59:00.000-07:002014-09-30T11:00:18.393-07:00Healthy Sodas?Online I found a post from Rodale News that discusses <a href="http://www.rodalenews.com/healthy-soda-0">Healthy Sodas</a>.<br />
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I could not, for the life of me, determine when the article was written, so I decided instead of google each of the 9 sodas they recommended to just to see if ANYthing came up!<br />
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Steaz Sparkling Green Tea - yep, you can find the Steaz website <a href="http://www.steaz.com/">here</a>. And not only do they offer a sparking green tea, but they also have broken into the "<a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2008/06/energy-drinkskicking-sodas-ass.html">energy drink</a>" market.<br />
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Reed's Light Extra Ginger Brew - yep, found it <a href="http://reedsinc.com/product/reeds-extra-55-ligh/">here</a>. Unlike traditional "Ginger Ale" sodas, Reed's prides itself on all natural and much less sugar!<br />
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Virgil's Root Beer - ok, waitaminit! Virgil's sodas show up on REED's website, <a href="http://reedsinc.com/product/virgils-root-beer/">here</a>. You'll also notice that it's the ingredients, not the high calorie count, that put Virgil on this list. By the way, did I mention that my <a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2007/10/root-beer-son.html">son loves Root Beer</a>?<br />
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Bionade - this is a German beverage, and I have to tell you...the name alone is awesome. I dont care WHAT flavor it is, I want to try it! The website, sadly, was in German. Well, sad for ME since I cannot read German. But I DID find <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/healthy-soft-drink-bionade-takes-on-cocacola-20140407-3685l.html">this recent article</a> which I thought was pretty interesting.<br />
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Oogave - Man these names get better and better! The <a href="http://www.oogave.com/">website is here</a> and the <a href="http://www.beveragesdirect.com/Search.aspx?k=oogave">flavor list</a> is incredibly delicious!<br />
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GT's Enlightened Organic Raw Kombucha - Ok, theory blown. The name is too long and I have no idea what Kombucha is. Sounds complicated. I tried to open the website that Google offers. (www.Synergydrinks.com YOU try it....!) but no avail. But I DID <a href="http://www.amazon.com/GTs-Enlightened-Organic-Kombucha-Gingerade/dp/B00B04BCFC">find it on Amazon</a>. You will notice that a) it is very expensive and b) the reviews were evenly mixed. That is, evenly spread over a score of 1-5....<br />
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Hot Lips Soda - FINALLY! Something as cutting edge as "<a href="http://sodaisgood.blogspot.com/2007/11/jones-soda-vs-red-bull.html">Jones Soda</a>"! All natural, and look at the <a href="http://hotlipssoda.com/our-sodas/">flavor list</a>. based on seasonal fruit, this list changes periodically.<br />
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Fizzy Lizzy - ahhhh.... saved the best for last. Just fruit juice and soda water. What's not to like?? <a href="http://www.whiterockbeverages.com/fizzy-lizzy/">Look at the flavors</a>! Refreshing AND good for you!<br />
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You will notice, by the way, that none of these "healthy sodas" boast a Cola.<br />
I guess you can only put so much caramel and corn syrup in a beverage before it's not healthy anymore... <br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-27807344485859596672014-09-24T12:25:00.001-07:002014-09-24T12:26:48.175-07:00Personalized Coke BottlesSo, I lurk around Twitter.<br />
You'll never find me...because you won't know how to look for me.<br />
But I'm there.<br />
<br />
I follow all KIND of folks.<br />
Successful Power Brokers....high school seniors....Pro Wrestlers....<br />
My tastes are wide.<br />
<br />
Today I saw a tweet from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Benioff">Mark Benioff</a><br />
You know - the Sultan of <a href="http://www.salesforce.com/">Salesforce</a>.<br />
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He shared <a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/514852419532898304">this tweet</a> and this pic:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3_ZcatgiMpHcjsPpA_3Z3M9F2mV16FBP23gRPMAcdOwyWfCojdEnu3OhfFTeIJPrrZYyQt_N89HNlmvRjKNyMzChg0d_BuO9IOwN49E9YkSgOqVIHtZywQNf30XQr_T7MJG3Q4aJF6_j/s1600/benieoff+coke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3_ZcatgiMpHcjsPpA_3Z3M9F2mV16FBP23gRPMAcdOwyWfCojdEnu3OhfFTeIJPrrZYyQt_N89HNlmvRjKNyMzChg0d_BuO9IOwN49E9YkSgOqVIHtZywQNf30XQr_T7MJG3Q4aJF6_j/s1600/benieoff+coke.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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A trade show as big as Dreamforce should indeed feature personalized Coke bottles, right?<br />
SUPER choice of a sponsor.<br />
(Unless, of course, you're a Pepsi drinker)<br />
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But someone right away asked where THEY can get personalized Coke bottles.<br />
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So I thought I'd share the answer:<br />
Simply <a href="http://www.shareacoke.com/#bottle">click here</a> and you are on your way to having YOUR name or event on Coke bottles.<br />
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Suddenly, Coke is sponsoring YOU.<br />
(or you, them, if you think about it....) <br />
<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-78163142319829534242014-09-19T10:21:00.000-07:002014-09-19T10:21:33.733-07:00Not going Back in Blak?<div class="slidetitle">
The article on MSN was called <span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>10 foods we'll never get to eat again </i>and somewhere in the middle of the article was a reference to Coca Cola BlÄK.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg56cTHgSdnXXi3BBxD1BJhfPMeHQSSasQ12g8ByeLxJkDZL-HazXgSWINUsMKhdOyjxVU6A4Kr2mOASIxyeKlK_L1ZS2XWCsDpiPKkUa71toNZJAtV3LnpNPzH30hcykdKJYIuIRSa2F/s1600/Blak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg56cTHgSdnXXi3BBxD1BJhfPMeHQSSasQ12g8ByeLxJkDZL-HazXgSWINUsMKhdOyjxVU6A4Kr2mOASIxyeKlK_L1ZS2XWCsDpiPKkUa71toNZJAtV3LnpNPzH30hcykdKJYIuIRSa2F/s1600/Blak.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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This variation on Coke was flavored like coffee, but it didn't last long. In fact, it only had a public life of two years: 2006 to 2008. </div>
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(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola_Bl%C4%81K">Blak</a> was first <a class="opennew" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">introduced in France</a>, but by Spring of 2006 it launched the United States and by Summer in Canada.)</div>
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So what was Blak about? </div>
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Blak was a coffee-flavored cola.</div>
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And it only lasted 2 years?!</div>
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Here we are in 2014 and you'd think a coffee-flavored beverage would FLY off the shelves.</div>
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(Pun not intended).</div>
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I mean, aren't there all KINDS of <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2014/08/best-iced-coffee-drinks-at-the-supermarket/index.htm">iced-coffee beverages</a> in cans and bottles in YOUR grocery store?</div>
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Sleek looking bottle, popular flavor, mega-powerful manufacturer/distributor...wouldn't you think Blak should be back? </div>
Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-66314043477246834102014-09-16T06:09:00.002-07:002014-09-16T06:10:51.180-07:00Does this count as a Comeback? I read to day that the soda Surge is making a comeback.<br />
You can read that too, <a href="http://www.today.com/food/surge-soda-makes-comeback-here-are-6-retro-treats-we-1D80148685?__source=xfinity|mod&par=xfinity">here</a>. <br />
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Surge is Coke's version of Mountain Dew.<br />
And if you know me you know I loooooooooooooove Mountain Dew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7BW9RsJdBkS1hXPkfcGlPG20CYSADvLWsLlMAD9lqv7RsDgaSt4z7OtIJ2zms-qzHR-gQBmPuQpe0ZnciRPxF30pLvC2urofFQ9qYiCkrDjCRsCUBdNrzS4SLlSTCuM9cU98Pv_XYJoS/s1600/Dew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7BW9RsJdBkS1hXPkfcGlPG20CYSADvLWsLlMAD9lqv7RsDgaSt4z7OtIJ2zms-qzHR-gQBmPuQpe0ZnciRPxF30pLvC2urofFQ9qYiCkrDjCRsCUBdNrzS4SLlSTCuM9cU98Pv_XYJoS/s1600/Dew.jpg" /></a></div>
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In fact, I have a can with lunch 5 days a week, and a can with Dinner (roughly) 5 days a week.<br />
Sure, it's not very healthy...but I drink water the rest of the day, so it's cool.<br />
<br />
But the further I read, the more concerned I got.<br />
The Author START by saying "Surge, the cult-favorite citrus soda still beloved by many, is making a comeback."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasPxgW7A83hqpkkU-701dNhSpVVtIe48TFZ3h0l1vw07xYxA_aFqA7wylYIC-zRXf76682UdK-0IKrHOdLGRbwPcN3-f8H8NbVI7ykbz9QILzT_trCZbIX_5VCkas2F8eSiRLRGgkcLxD/s1600/surge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasPxgW7A83hqpkkU-701dNhSpVVtIe48TFZ3h0l1vw07xYxA_aFqA7wylYIC-zRXf76682UdK-0IKrHOdLGRbwPcN3-f8H8NbVI7ykbz9QILzT_trCZbIX_5VCkas2F8eSiRLRGgkcLxD/s1600/surge.jpg" /></a></div>
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But later in the article it says "Coca-Cola has decided to bring it back, available exclusively on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M2OGS08/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Amazon.com</a>.
(Though when we tried to order some on Monday morning, the site seemed
to be sold out...)" <br />
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That's not much of a comeback, is it?<br />
<br />
I've notice that Coca Cola machines are showing up in some fast food restaurants.<br />
You know..the ones that let you select from DOZENS of flavours.<br />
Why not put Surge in THESE and test the market that way, instead of advertising a comeback and not having inventory?<br />
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Being that Surge is green, and tastes like Mountain Dew, I am ABSOLUTELY going to buy some when it comes back around.<br />
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But for now...I think we have a lot of waiting to do.<br />
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<br />Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-65157526911521937062011-11-04T13:38:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:42:35.693-07:00Coke Bottle Lighting!Who would have thought?<br />Something as simple as a 2 liter Coke bottle...some water...and some chlorine.<br /><br />What do you get?<br />No, not a carbonation fountain.<br />No, not a new way to play Spin-the-Bottle.<br /><br />What you get is a creative, low cost way to put lighting in third world homes that are otherwise dealing with darkness almost all day!<br /><br />It's green, it's safe, it's ecologically friendly, it brings work to small towns.<br /><br />In all, it's really worth checking out!<br /><br />See <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBWi3NtND68">here</a>.<br /><br />In fact, the e-mail I received about it said:<br /><span style="color:#006600;">This is really interesting and very exciting for these poor people! The simplicity of this concept is fantastic!Used plastic bottles filled with water + a tablespoon of bleach,<br />Will light up people's lives.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thanks, Dad.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span>Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948862181486362123.post-86010351015090044362011-10-25T10:29:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:30:41.743-07:00I donāt really āhateā Root beer.You might recall in a previous post that I mentioned how I got my son to drink root beer. Well, I didnāt āgetā him to drink it, I opened a can of it thinking it was Cream soda, and I understand the look on my face was a hysterical picture of horror when I learned I had grabbed the wrong can off the shelf. (Damn store-brand soda!)<br /><br />My exact words, if I recall, was āRoot beer! I HATE Root beer!ā Followed by my sonās first gulp of the beverage.<br /><br />In truth, I donāt āHATEā root beer. I just donāt like it. It takes a lot to get me to HATE something. But I DO hate some things. Let me see if I can think of any:<br /><br />1 āRudeness ā this is a major pet peeve of mine. It takes virtually NO effort to be pleasant. You donāt have to be an award winning cheermeisterā¦but I smile or a kind word is SO easy to do. Do you have any idea how much effort goes into being nasty? You canāt possibly be a jerk and not know you are doing it. If you donāt know you are doing it, you are a BIGGER jerkā¦and itās still inexcusable.<br /><br />2 ā Bullies ā Ok, this is NOT because I was always the smallest, ugliest kid in the classroom. No, really. But in general, I think Bullying is ā1aā to #1 above. Using your position of strength (physical or otherwise) to humble those who literately cannot stand up to you is unconscionable. Iād like to think for every bully there is a Big Guy waiting to kick his ass. This is only true 50% of the trueā¦<br /><br />3 ā Traffic ā Not the band, but rather the long line of cars that are not moving. (If you were born before 1975 you likely never heard of Traffic, and probably WOULD hate themā¦) Here is my beef with traffic: I understand that accidents āhappenā. Itās the long line of people NOT in the accident that have to stop and stare at it. GET OUT OF MY WAY! I donāt care who got hurt, or why. Odds are, they are ok. If they are not, odds are there is a nice policeman handling it. If you are rubbernecking at something on the other side of the highway, you should be dragged out of your car and beaten. Sorry, Iām in a bit of a rushā¦<br /><br />4 ā the Commercialization of X-mas ā In and of itself, Christmas is a nice idea. As a kid, it was about peace and love and harmony. Today, itās about the long, long line of people I am obligated to buy presents for. *sigh*. Please, for the love of Baby Jesus, do not buy me a gift. And in return, I wonāt feel obligated to buy YOU a gift. And now we can be friends without that awkward āwhat kind of present do I have to hope they will like that is not expensive or hard to get?ā Donāt get me wrong, I LIKE to buy presents for my friendsā¦but I donāt want to feel like I HAVE to because itās late December. I donāt want YOU to feel that way, either.<br /><br />5 ā Crowds - yeah, I need some room, please. I donāt know you well enough to have your hands anywhere near my butt, nor do I want to smell your breath or have you step on my new sneakers. Again. If I canāt turn around without head-butting a stranger, then I am likely NOT somewhere I am normally comfortable being. <br /><br />6 ā Parades ā I know, I knowā¦Really, Iām a nice fun-loving guy. I really am! But standing around watching people dressed up asā¦asā¦geez what ARE these gals dressed up as? And why are they waving to me? Hi, hello, yesā¦move on. Ok, so I stand here and just watch these giant balloons walk by? But that would put me in a CROWD (see above). And I have to stand still for this long line of dressed up people and large balloons? Oh MAN. How long IS this line anywayā¦?<br /><br />7 ā Cold Weather - as a New Jersey resident, you would think that I would be used to the changing seasons. You would think that I would welcome the change every 3 months. I donāt. I donāt like to be cold. Iād rather be too warm than even a LITTLE cold. I donāt ski, I donāt snow board, I donāt watch Live Football. I donāt like to shovel snow, I donāt like to fall down in snow. I donāt like to go sledding. Why not sledding? BECAUSE THERE IS SNOW! My take on Winter has become very general over the years: If I canāt take off my shirt, catch a tan and enjoy this cold beer, Iām disappointed. If I can see my breath and have to dress in layers, Iām angry. In fact, thatās the REAL sticking point: Jacket = no problem. Gloves, scarves, boots, ear muffs and/or a hat? DONE. Heading to Floridaā¦<br /><br />8 ā Reality shows about rich, stupid people ā this may have become my biggest pet peeve as of late. First off, there are many more Hot Women on this planet that TV will ever show you. Just because your daddy is rich, does NOT mean you are ācelebrityā material. Kim Kardashian ā tell me again what your skill set is? Right, I thought so. Paris Hilton ā tell me again what your skill set is? Right you are sister! These 2 ādaughters of the richāā¦along with the 10,000 other wanna bees that MTV has churned outā¦are embarrassing. And they are too stupid to BE embarrassed, which is MORE embarrassing. Please Please Please just shut up and try on some perfume over THEREā¦.<br />But wait, thatās not all! Now, if you are a wealthy āhouse wifeā you get on TV, too! Hey, if you have 8 kids at onceā¦if you are a washed up B-level actress and/or if you were married to anyone who was wealthy and then went to jailā¦you get a TV show! YAY YOU!!! Now you get to PROVE that Americans will watch anything that features a size 2 girl wearing mascara! <br /><br />BLEAUGHGHGH! I'll wash you reality tv twits with a nice cold Root Beer.Defmallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364139750815732105noreply@blogger.com0