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02/09/2007: Soda triumphs and jaguar masks.

Uh, wow. The soda article clocked over 75,000 unique readers today, and that’s…uh, wow. Pretty sure it’s never happened before, and we’re close to 200,000 unique readers landing at that one article in under four days. I can’t explain it. Sometimes, stuff just hits. It’s luck and chance and stars aligned, but it feels damned good, and even being stuck in Camden, NJ right now can’t steal the deliciousness that is this week. Thanks to all the sites that’ve linked in, and if you’re a new reader, picture me saying “hello” like Mrs. Doubtfire five times in a row.

Actually, I’m not in Camden — I’m just working there by day, at the Tweeter Center. We’re shooting stuff for some “Go, Diego, Go!” live show. Diego = Dora’s cousin, for the uninformed. I was warned that Camden was something like Beirut, but the area we’re working in isn’t so bad. You’re not going to invite too many drive-by shootings at a place that hosts live shows where audiences are asked to hold up little paper jaguar masks and make meowing sounds.

I’m at a hotel in Philly now, happily drinking overpriced liquor from the room’s mini-bar and waiting to see if the soda article manages to clock an additional forty-million unique visitors in the next hour. I haven’t been writing articles too often lately. Maybe this was God’s way of saying, “Hey asshole, stop not doing that.” Or maybe people just like pictures of Surge.

PS, I don’t know if anyone caught Joanie Laurer’s appearance on Larry King tonight, “mourning” Anna Nicole and being called out on being a big phony idiot, but seeing that was almost as satisfying as the soda triumph.


Posted by Matt. E-mail me!

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Discussion Thread: 103 comments

Wow, first post. I remember Coke II, it was available until pretty recently in Chicago.

Ghosted by Dave @ 02/09/2007 1:37 AM EST

First! After all this time lurking!

Ghosted by Crizag @ 02/09/2007 1:38 AM EST

Well shucks…color me embarrassed.

Or Badd.

Whatever.

Ghosted by Crizag @ 02/09/2007 1:39 AM EST

The soda article certainly was amaizing. And good luck with the live diego event.

Ghosted by asdfnick @ 02/09/2007 1:39 AM EST

You poor, poor demented little child. Forced between gritty, faux environmentalist children’s shows and caustic, acidic, destructive soda.

Ghosted by TRUKK NOT MUNKY @ 02/09/2007 1:48 AM EST

The area around the Tweeter Center isn’t bad at all. It’s just across the river from Philly. I’ve been there a couple times, living in Philly and liking concerts, it’s only natural, go into town and then take the ferry. The soda article ruled. Peace.

Ghosted by Joe @ 02/09/2007 2:01 AM EST

Just chiming in again because I remembered something. The commercials for Coke II has this jingle that simply went “OOoooo-oooooh Coke II”, which sounded more like “EEEEWWWW Coke II”. No wonder it didn’t last.

Ghosted by Joe @ 02/09/2007 2:07 AM EST

You made the digg.com front page, thats were all those hits came from.

Ghosted by sdp @ 02/09/2007 2:15 AM EST

Matt reviews dead sodas. On Surge: “It’s good, and it’s really green. It’s like drinking magic juice”
Farkers have clicked on the above link 26975 times

I submitted this headline, and got you a greenlit link on Fark.com as well. So there’s almost 30,000 hits as well. Loved the article, hope it brought you some new readers.

Ghosted by Chuckie @ 02/09/2007 2:19 AM EST

Don’t listen to these fancy people and their link websites. It was, indeed, a sign from God.

Ghosted by Ragnarok @ 02/09/2007 2:33 AM EST

the only diego I recognize is Carmen San.

Ghosted by canoesforshoes @ 02/09/2007 2:43 AM EST

Wow, FINALLY a new blog to comment on. I see it’s early in the running so I’m going to put my two cents in now so I have a better chance at being read and commented on. Once again, I try and keep this as short as I can but I can’t promise anything:

Okay, my last post in the previous thread I admitted was off-topic, but I’m been facing this decision of getting an X-Box 360. Our PX here at my base in Iraq has a supply of them and I’ve been tempted to get one. However, they do not have 360 games for sale, but they do have regular X-Box games for sale. My question is, can you play regular X-Box games on the 360 or are you better off just getting the original console, especially if the games you want to play are only for the old console. That’s how I am right now, and I know one game I want to play is EXCLUSIVELY for the regular X-Box. Anyway, any feedback on this would be nice.

Also, one final note, well, actually story. A number of years ago I was at the mall near my house and they had Taste testers asking people to try different flavors of Pepsi. They had these little cups with a sample of some kind of flavored syrup that they would fill with Pepsi. I got a cup of grape syrup so after adding the Pepsi, it tasted like Grape Pepsi. I actually really liked the taste, but I probably was the only one because to this day I have not seen ANY Grape Flavored Pepsi being sold anywhere! Am I the only one in the world who likes grape flavored drinks? I love Grape Kool-Aid, Grape Gatorade, Grape Juice, and any kind of Grape Soda. Call me a grape fanatic I guess!

Okay, one more quick point and then I will close. I thought Pepsi Twist and Pepsi Lime were the same thing. I would get the Pepsi with Lime in it all the time at the PX/Shoppette. I was addicted to that stuff! Actually, I swear when I had a recurring stomache (from which I got from stupidly taking expired Aspirin when I had a headache and not even knowing the effects it might give me), I would drink Pepsi With Lime and it would soothe my pains better than 7-Up ever could. Oh how I hope it’s still around when I get back to the states! I would stock up on that soda anyday!!!!

Ghosted by BJ @ 02/09/2007 3:06 AM EST

Good on ya, Matt. As soon as I read the last article, I knew it was going to be one of those extra magic ones. And now you’ll feel all guilty and fearful of the Lord’s wrath if you don’t keep it up, so it’s win-win really ;)
Hi again, new people. Don’t be shy about introducing yourselves :D
Two hundred thousand! Imagine.

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 02/09/2007 3:19 AM EST

HOLY CRAP!!!! Not to hijack this thread or anything, but my girlfriend just got my christmas present. It’s a little late due to the rarity of the item.

Are you ready for this? It’s a Laserdisk of “The Gobots battle The Rocklords” how fuggin amazing is that? I didn’t even know they made such a thing.

Btw, for the kids out there, Laserdisks were giant DVD’s from the 80’s. They were roughly the size of dinner plates.

Also, totally glad to see a new article man, hopefully we’ll see some more Ninja Turtle stuff, now that a new movie is coming out.

Does anyone remember the Coming out of our shells tour? That was the most awesome bad concert I have ever been too. If I remember correctly it was heavily endorsed by Pizza Hut.

Ghosted by Jester @ 02/09/2007 3:32 AM EST

I pimped the soda article too, but not by Digg or Fark or any of that mumbo jumbo….No, see, I made FLYERS and put them on LAMP POSTS. I copied them onto WILD NEON COLORED PAPER and attatched SWEET IMAGES of ROBOTS and CATS IN FUNNY PARTY HATS.

Ghosted by Wukong @ 02/09/2007 4:12 AM EST

They have a ride at Wet N’ Wild that I think they named after the drink. Or at least I think it was associated with the ride. Whatever, it was called The Surge and the logo looked similar.

Is Swipper in Go Diego Go? I only watch Dora because of Swipper and sometimes Azul, the blue talking train.

Ghosted by Brett @ 02/09/2007 4:18 AM EST

Matt, great article. Speaking of Surge and NJ, the article brought back memories of driving from Mass. to the continental arena for a Rage Against the Machine and Beastie Boy concert armed with a case of surge and fruit pies. Insulin would have been useful.

Ghosted by Bob @ 02/09/2007 5:00 AM EST

yeah that was an interesting article, i love seeing 80’s 90’s ish stuff mostly any product that is obviously dated. congrats with the hits for that article even though it was a burst from two websites.

i am living with my grandparents which suck but I decided to get in shape, improve myself in other ways and while I am doing that look in the newspaper constantly for a job opening on the local police force. I decided to pursue that because i think that any normal 9 to 5 job would suck and i wouldn’t feel productive and i am a healthy human being (fairly) and so this would suit me. I don’t do drugs, i am a kinky bitch but oh well, that aint too bad as long as it’s not group sex every weekend. lol anyway that is the major thing that i am doing right now. i hope everybody is doing fine :)

Ghosted by Goob @ 02/09/2007 5:53 AM EST

and btw did you know that Camden, NJ is the poorest city in america? they did a show a couple of weeks ago on 20-20 about it. the average income is 18,000, it’s because in the 60’s and 70’s all of the major factories moved out of town. fast food joints are the only places to get jobs, and being a drug dealer. food for thought.

Ghosted by Goob @ 02/09/2007 5:57 AM EST

I loves me some extinct sodas. I feel left out not being able to read the article yet, but I will very soon.

All I know about Dora is that she has a monkey. If Diego has something greater, it will be good stuff.

Ghosted by Dr. Acula @ 02/09/2007 7:11 AM EST

This is my first post after lurking on this site for the past 4 years. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading all the articles ( I especially like the Halloween countdowns, Kool Aid articles & the “Spider Man reviews crayola crayons” was especially hilarious)
The soda article was great. I was never much of a Pepsi drinker, in fact the only times I ever bought the stuff were when the Cool cans came out, and before that when they ran the spell “pepsi spirit” contest back in the early 80’s (never did find that elusive “R”). Anyway, keep up the good work Matt, you’ve got a great sense of humor.

Ghosted by Dirk Blackpool @ 02/09/2007 7:36 AM EST

Greetings from Isle of Wight UK :)
Just thought I would say that you should definately keep up the articles, I stumbled on your site while looking for info on (ahem) – Critters the movie !
Laughed my knob off and have read as much as possible since.
Magic mate – keep it up !

Ghosted by Pubmonkey @ 02/09/2007 8:00 AM EST

wow matt, it’s been about 85 years since we’ve seen a picture of you. i thought maybe you’d been replaced by a non article writing droid

Ghosted by Phill @ 02/09/2007 8:26 AM EST

Mars: what was your idea? We’ll all tell you if it sucks or not.

Jester: You actually went to the “Coming Out Of Our Shells” concert? That’s awesome! I begged my mom to order it off of pay-per-view, but she never went for it. I heard part of the album one time, and it was hysterical. I’d pay good money for some mp3s.

Ghosted by Casual Jeff @ 02/09/2007 8:45 AM EST

Casual Jeff:

I actually still have that album on cassette. I got my sister’s boyfriend to dub me a copy on the B-side of one of her New Kids on the Block albums. The screeching and beatings were completely worth it.

For all those interested, click my name to view the concert on Google Video.

Ghosted by Jedoc @ 02/09/2007 8:59 AM EST

Oh my god! Look, everyone, quickly, before it runs into the woods! It’s a picture of Matt! Look! Seriously! It’s like a yeti sighting! Amazement! Exclamation points!

Ghosted by Katherine @ 02/09/2007 9:39 AM EST

The Tweeter Center is awesome (I’ve seen the Cure and the Pixies there)… great place to see a concert- kinda like PNC Arts Center, but with a better view.

However, Camden as a whole, despite what a few people have said- and the area surrounding the Tweeter Center- is a complete crap hole… and extremely dangerous. Sure, you can drive in, park in one of the lots, go to a concert and never realize just how bad of a neighborhood it is… but i wouldn’t venture too far from the parking lots- and even then you may want to have a weapon handy.

Ghosted by Lou @ 02/09/2007 10:44 AM EST

BJ,

The 360 IMO is an awsome system, the probelm with is its the backwords technology isnt so backwords, you can play a few games from the old X box but not all of them. The main ones like halo 2 psyconauts and af few other you can play. IM sure there is a list some were on the net of old X box games you can play though.

Matt congrats on the hits!

Ghosted by MJ @ 02/09/2007 11:09 AM EST

Bill: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm
I’m off to Vegas, to seek my fortunes at Star Wars slots :D . Happy Friday everybody!

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 02/09/2007 11:48 AM EST

Oops, I meant BJ! No more posting before coffee.

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 02/09/2007 11:50 AM EST

How did that Jaguar learn to use a camera phone!?!

Ghosted by dohopoki @ 02/09/2007 12:03 PM EST

It looks like those fears you revealed to Dr. Sbaitso are unfounded. People seem to love your site!

Ghosted by Ultraviolet Bulbasaur @ 02/09/2007 12:21 PM EST

I love X-E, but I always feel like I’m typing in the address to a porn site.

Ghosted by Joker @ 02/09/2007 1:19 PM EST

Goddamnit I am hung over today. Some one tell me a story to make me feel better.

/wishes he had a nice cold can of Surge

Ghosted by theniXer @ 02/09/2007 1:28 PM EST

That was a great read, (long time reader – first time poster here) I wish you all the best with your renewed faith in your writing talents!

May the days of old never die in our minds!

YARG!

Ghosted by Ian @ 02/09/2007 1:32 PM EST

I forgot to mention, amid all the soda pop palaver, that over the weekend, I bought Cybertron Primus on clearance at Wal-Mart. Now I have two planets in my collection. And He came with the Unicron head bonus. His hands aren’t as big as the Monster Planet’s but they are articulated, so Rock-Scissors-Paper is possible. Now I can focus on getting the Classics before the Movie toys hit the shelves around May.

Matt’s pic reminds me of Romper Room.
“I see Mystie, and Jedoc, and Darth Galvatron, and kingklash, and Gozer….”

Ghosted by kingklash @ 02/09/2007 2:08 PM EST

Romper Room, they NEVER said my name :(

Ghosted by IHAQ @ 02/09/2007 2:21 PM EST

The ever popular “Cracked” magazine website (www.cracked.com) posted a link to your discontinued soda (or “pop” for you normal people) article. That may explain the sudden “Surge” in popularity. Haha, I’m so funny!

Ghosted by Chris D. @ 02/09/2007 2:25 PM EST

Jedoc The gift you have bestowed all of us with that video is equal to, or perhaps even surpassing, those of penicillin or “the pill”.

A question…isn’t the sitcom “My Name is Earl” set in Camden, New Jersey? I know it is definitely a city called Camden, but they never mention Jersey. If so, that is totally appropriate.

Ghosted by BUCKLY! @ 02/09/2007 2:59 PM EST

Yeah, start writing more, please. I love this stuff, it’s got me all nostalgic for more.

Ghosted by Sir Jorge @ 02/09/2007 3:04 PM EST

I’m seeing some new faces today. That was one heck of an article, but I never would’ve imagined that much feedback. This has indeed been an historic moment in X-E history, and we have had the privelege to see it. BTW, I made an important discovery last night: if you mix coca-cola and Dr. Pepper, it tastes like a reasonable facsimile of vanilla coke. I heard one of you guys missed that drink, so feel free to try the above recipe. Congratulations on all the traffic, Matt!

Ghosted by Hoverbored @ 02/09/2007 3:34 PM EST

Hoverbored, I am going to try that right now! I am very excited about this!

High Traffic is good for the site, but honestly if it gets to many comments I scroll through to the people I know.

Ghosted by IHAQ @ 02/09/2007 3:41 PM EST

Yeah Joker I know what you mean.
When ever I tell someone they have to check out X-Entertainment they give me a particular look and I have to say no, no, no it’s…

This is a first time post by a long time lurker.

The article is great. I remember a time before there was a seperate blog section. Love the site.
I was over at a buddy’s house when I was introduced to the site. He said “Hey, check this out. It will blow your mind.” Then he proceeded to show me the picture of Giggles cookies. http://www.x-entertainment.com/messages/583.html
Holy Crap! I remember those. I think I went back through all the archives after that.

Ghosted by Jason @ 02/09/2007 3:44 PM EST

IHAQ, I hope you like the recipe! I discovered it while I was filling up my drink at a Jack-in-the-Box last night. Sometimes when I get a fountain soda, I might sample a couple of the different offerings. I tried some lemonade(not the light kind like at McDonald’s), rinsed it and then tried some coke and dr. pepper (i forget which of the two was first). At one point I decided to leave the Coke in while I added Dr. Pepper (or the other way around). It’s funny, because the reason I went to that JITB in the first place was because my Mom and I were sitting in the car waiting for my sister to leave her work (she works at a Goodwill store). If we had waited and gotten drive-thru, I might never have made my discovery…

Ghosted by Hoverbored @ 02/09/2007 4:03 PM EST

I didn’t see anyone mention to BJ that backwards compatibility doesn’t work at all on X360 if you don’t have a hard drive and internet access… the second, especially, may be hard to come by in Iraq.

Also, thanks to both Matt and BJ for doing what you do!

Ghosted by owtytrof @ 02/09/2007 4:08 PM EST

Buckly, “Earl” takes place in Camden County, but they never say the state; like the Simpsons live in Springflield, but which one?

More useless info:
“The state in which the show takes place is never mentioned. When they take road trips, though, they seem to end up in Western Maryland (in Hagerstown to find the dog and at Frostburg State University, Greg Garcia’s alma mater, to return the computer). There is a Texas shaped, “Lone Star State” neon sign inside the Crab Shack which may indicate that the show is actually set in Texas. There are four states in the U.S. that contain a Camden County: Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey and North Carolina.”

…my good deed is done for the day….

Ghosted by Shuanfu @ 02/09/2007 4:16 PM EST

ah man, gone are the days of pink or blue spikes

Ghosted by Eddie Lightning Frog @ 02/09/2007 4:19 PM EST

^^I was thinking the same thing; he’s call all legit….

Ghosted by Shuanfu @ 02/09/2007 4:37 PM EST

call=gone…somehow…

while I’m here, more useless info on “Earl”….I like finding out this kinda stuff…

“The show takes place in the fictional town of Camden County (not to be confused with the actual Camden Counties in New Jersey, Missouri, Georgia, and North Carolina). Creator Garcia said that the town is named after his son. The references to Maryland locations (such as Hagerstown, Cumberland, Shady Grove, and Frostburg State University) are due to his familiarity with an area he hails from and that “the show doesn’t technically take place anywhere … we like to think it’s anywhere. We don’t really say exactly where it is,” although the accents and lifestyles of many of the characters suggests a setting in the American South or Appalachia. However, the pilot episode showed that Earl and Joy drove from Camden County to Las Vegas, Nevada within a single night, suggesting a location in the American Southwest.”

Ghosted by Shuanfu @ 02/09/2007 4:41 PM EST

Ahhh … the old Blockbuster Pavilion. I busted the hell out of my back during Lollapalooza ‘95 during Sonic Youth. I could barely walk for days. I think that place has gone through about as many names as Prince.

And no, My Name is Earl is decidedly not set there. Not enough urban blight around.

One of my ex-boyfriends when to the Rutgers campus there until his car finally got stolen. I’m still shocked as to why it got stolen — in the six months beforehand, the radio had been ripped out and it had been keyed all to hell. I guess there is no accounting for taste.

Ghosted by LemurCat @ 02/09/2007 5:17 PM EST

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