Codename's Consumer Criticisms

I feel it is my duty as a full-time consumer to every now and then post my thoughts on new products I find on the market, in an effort to help others weed out the plethora of junk that is available to them. Really, I got this idea at Sobey's today when I saw this:

This is Jones Soda Company's new "Jones Jumble Mixed Flavor Soda". First off I should note that I may be slightly biased towards this company as they were the first to ever publish one of my photographs on their label. (probably 7 years ago now)

The label is extremely eye-catching, and with the added "Limited Edition Bottle 3/3" on the side, this bottle entices the inner-collector in me. So far so good...

Huh...

...that isn't all that bad, shockingly! First whiffs put off a mild grape-soda scent, but with a hint of blueberry thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure how to describe the taste beyond saying it "tastes like childhood" - instantly, it conjures up latent memories of a younger Ryan playing bartender with my friend and mixing every pop we had together in one glass. Except this is actually good! You can definitely taste the inclusion of Cream Soda and FuFu Berry flavours, but for the most part it all just blends together to create an all new taste experience. Now I'm not much of a soda drinker anymore, but if I were this one would definitely find a permanent spot in my fridge!

PS - If I'm going to do more of these Criticisms I'm going to need a rating system (like two thumbs up, or 5 stars, etc.) Any ideas?

The Dentist Conspiracy!!

Today I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, and I just knew I would be disappointed at the end. You see, back in the days of my youth I bought anything and everything that was Root Beer flavoured and my trips to the dentist were no exception. When the inevitable question was asked, "what flavour of fluoride would you like" the only obvious answer was "Root Beer Float". This was my go to flavour for years and years, until one day the hygienist told me they didn't carry it anymore.

"What do you mean, you don't carry it anymore? Why wouldn't you carry The Best flavour?!?"

"I don't know son, how would you like bubblegum? Kids love bubblegum!"

"Psh, bubblegum... if I wanted that flavour I'd have some gum or something..."

"...what was that?"

"Hhhhhhh....nothing...."

Years and years went by, and my love affair for all things Root Beer slowly dwindled away...seemingly brought about by my disappointment in the dental chair that day.

So anyways, flash forward to today and that inevitable question arrises again. I told her, "I know there is no way I'm going to get the flavour I want, but I'll ask for it again anyways. Root Beer, please."

"Root Beer fluoride?? I've been a dental hygienist for 30 years and I've never heard of that."

Had I stumbled upon some strange, unintelligible dental conspiracy? Has the Canadian Dental Association buried this "flavour from the Gods" so deep that the mere mention of it now is met with a blank stare from even the most experienced of Dental professionals? If anyone out there has any information, please let me know!!

PS - I could totally smell Starbucks while she was cleaning my teeth, haha!

Summer of Concerts, Continued

Well this one was certainly easier on my budget! Last Friday Cecilia and I saw Bryan Adams play a special show at Telus Field in Edmonton. He was brought here to ceremonially open the next Oilers season, and as a season ticket holder I got our floor tickets for free! Since I've already seen Nickelback, The Tragically Hip and Shania Twain, now all that's left on my "Best Canadian Bands" list, is Celine Dion! :P

They're Back!

Okay okay, so it's not the best specialty flavour at Starbucks, but it is the first of many that come out in the Fall/Winter and that is awesome because they are all rockin'! I stopped off at the nearest SB's today at break and was delighted to see the new posters advertising the Pumpkin Spice Latte, so I ordered my first pumpkin of the season - the girl even announced to the rest of the store that I was the first to order it, haha!

PS - The best specialty flavour is obviously the uber-rare Shortbread Latte which I have only ever found twice. (Second place goes to the Peppermint Twist Latte, naturally.)