Pop Art

Here's a little something you don't know about me: I like checking out new beverages. I'm not a drinker so I'm strictly talking about sodas and juices. Any time I'm going to be in the car for more than a short trip, I'll swing into a convenience store to pick up a drink. It usually takes me a couple minutes to check out the selection and settle on something. I'm always looking for the new thing.

This may stem from my childhood. My grandparents had a small bar in their basement, behind which was a spare refrigerator stocked with a variety of store brand sodas. My cousin and I, who are close in age, would be there a lot in the summer either visiting or being watched. We often "played bar" and mixed up sodas to make new tastes. I still do this today, especially if there is a self-serve soda fountain. (I highly recommend 75% Mountain Dew + 25% Fruit Punch)

Anyway, I happened into the local Cumberland Farms (they've gotten fewer and farther between lately) and found a new line of 88 cent flavored sodas. Of course I'd have to try them but what really sold me on them are the characters on each flavor. There's also a little blurb on the back of the bottle which I'll put below each photo.

Sucka Punch

Talk about a slobberknocker, Sucka Punch knocks out thirst and then some. 

Pineapple, orange, lemon, strawberry. It'll hit ya with everything it's got.

Anytime you have pineapple flavor without coconut, I'm there!
Verdict: Horrible! It starts out ok but the after taste reminds me of too many failed soda mixtures back in the day. I guess that's the Sucka Punch?

Razza Lemon
"Ooh a raspberry! Ooh another!" 
Razza is the loopy Lemon that skips around and seriously sweetens up your day. 
So take a sip, and smile like silly.

I especially enjoy lemonade on hot days.

I'm stockpiling Blue Raspberry Lemonade Kool-Aid.
Verdict: Good mix of Raspberry and Lemon. Win!

Lotta Melon
There's a whole Lotta Melon going on.
This mean green gives your taste buds a-shaking with a serious wallop.
It's like a watermelon to your face.
Whap! Mmmmm.

Probably the only flavor I like more than pineapple is watermelon!
Verdict: Not as liquid-candy sweet as the Jolly Rancher Watermelon soda, and that's a good thing!

I haven't tasted any of them yet but that will change! And then I'll be heading back to the store to pick up the other flavors. I didn't count but I know there's at least five more.

Memorial Day

To celebrate Memorial Day, I thought I'd share a little piece of family history. My grandfather served in the US Army Engineer Corps in World War II. He took some photos while they were moving through Germany. There are a few below and you can find the rest on Flickr. There's nothing disturbing in these photos and, in fact, aside from them being in uniform you can almost imagine they were having a vacation.

Grandpa in his dress uniform

My grandfather earned the nickname Brute from the other guys in his unit. Now, my grandfather was not a very large man, maybe 5'6" at his tallest. Whether it was one of those ironic nicknames (like calling a big guy Tiny) or if he earned it by his actions, I'll never know. He rarely talked about his time in the War (understandably) and we never asked.

That's my grandfather on the left. 

Not sure who the second guy in was but he looks like a tough customer.

Gramp is on the right in the shades.

This one is from one of their many reunions. My grandfather is on the left, holding a beer. I'm not sure when it was exactly but fashion (and my grandfather's mutton chops) would suggest late 70s' or early 80s'.

Geek Pride Day & Turning 35

Whether you're chillin in the Shire, knockin a few back in an intergalactic cantina, gaming with your buds on the Grid or exploring the wibbly-wobbly-ness of Time and Space, I hope you're letting your geek flag fly extra high today!

In case you weren't aware (?!) today also marks the 35th anniversary of Star Wars opening in the US. Nothing like your favorite movie turning 35 to make you feel a little older. I don't have many specific memories of seeing it back then, just some vague recollections. Sometimes when I watch the movies, I try to get back to that mindset of seeing them for the first time and really pay attention to things on the screen you come to ignore after 100+ viewings. Everyone knows about the Stormtrooper that hits his head. Some people know about the metallic dice hanging in the Falcon's cockpit and some know about the other landspeeder and Luke's T-16 Skyhopper that are in the garage where he cleans up the droids. Keep an eye out in the background next time you watch them and see what you notice!

I can honestly, and proudly, say Star Wars has changed my life. I know people say it all the time and it does sound a little cheesy. If nothing else, sharing an interest in the movies has allowed me to connect with some truly awesome people throughout my life. There's nothing like going to a Star Wars Celebration and being with thousands of strangers that all love the same thing. It makes waiting in long lines so much less painful.

The most important person it's allowed me to connect with is my wife of almost 10 years. She'll joke that the only reason I contacted her was because her online dating profile* said she liked Star Wars. It wasn't the only reason...but it was up there! I truly could never imagine being married to someone who doesn't like Star Wars, I don't think they would ever have put up with me long enough to get married.

Don't get jealous, but here's a pic of me after meeting Darth Vader.

* - Yes kids, people do find love on the internet through dating sites.