06/24/2006 Entry: "Sharks on iPod, Sharks in Kool-Aid."

Not going to finish Disney Part 3 this weekend, partly because I haven't started it yet, but mostly because I'm going out of town tomorrow. And since that "going out of town" involves a long flight, I finally took the plunge and bought a Video iPod. (Which isn't such an extraneous purchase when you consider that I managed to lose my first iPod like a week after opening the box. I figure punishing myself with an iPodless existence for six months justifies today's big cash sendoff.)

It didn't take long for me to realize that VideoPods are worth more than the ability to watch movie trailers a thousand times. I can't believe I'm going to be able to kill half of my flight time watching Shark Week. I'm really okay with that arrangement. Three hours of mako madness!

I chose the black iPod because I'm a man, dammit, even though the guy at the store said that, while sleeker, black iPods show their scratches far more. That was really just his way of getting me to buy a plastic "Jam Jacket" case, which is, incidentally, white in color. So I may have been had. Actually, I've definitely been had, because now I gotta go around carrying something called a "Jam Jacket." I will never tell anyone it's called a "Jam Jacket," but knowing is half the shame.

While we're on the subject of sharks, vaguely, it's with great pleasure that I confirm the continued existence of Sharkleberry Fin Kool-Aid. There can be no doubts now, as the packages seen above has non-expired expiration dates. It's true -- they're out there. Maybe more so in Canada or the UK than the States, but it's true -- they're out there. For a new generation, the once-pink shark mascot has been reduced to a mere means of transportation for the Kool-Aid Man. Some personality is injected with the shark's penchant for goofy goggles, and while I can't honestly say that I prefer this new rendition to the original talking pink shark dude, I'm still stoked that Sharkleberry exists in any form at all.

It's impossible to know if the flavor's changed, but if it has, it's a very slight mod. It's still a bonanza of fruits -- orange, banana and strawberry -- conspiring to form a Pepto-pink punch that smells stronger than it tastes.

While we're on the subject of liquids and pods, vaguely, there's new "Aquapods" from Poland Spring, which take the very basic and everyday idea of bottled water and turn it into something so unbelievably cool that I'm putting off a dire need to pack for a morning flight to tell you about it. Featuring bottles in an "orbtastic shape," it's 11 ounces of water packaged in what will ultimately make for an awesome night of arts & crafts: The bottles are shaped so much like E.T.'s spaceship that I don't know how long I'll be able to resist yanking out some paint to prove it.

Though Aquapods aren't extremely convenient due to their bloated shape (I wouldn't dare put this in my work bag -- it's gotta be twice as prone to getting pricked and exploding all over everything it shouldn't explode on), they're one of the only ways to make water more exciting without turning it into iced tea. Or, you know, Kool-Aid.

The synergy in this blog post rocks.

And this doubles as your Saturday Night Thread, folks.

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 06/24/2006 08:16 PM EST

I think I'm gonna go make a cool drink (lol more like "Kool" drink) run and pick some of that up while I'm out.

Cool as in cool tapes kind of cool, not temperature-wise.
I actually like my drinks warm.

Chestnuts roasted by Somethin' Funny @ 06/24/2006 08:18 PM EST

Stop always having the coolest stuff. It makes me so jealous.

Actually, don't stop. Because then I'd have nothing read about.

Chestnuts roasted by Hey I'm Jeff @ 06/24/2006 08:34 PM EST

I still haven't found the replacement for Ecto Hi-C! Kool-Aid singles are super awesome and get me pumped, though.

Chestnuts roasted by Eddie Lightning Frog @ 06/24/2006 08:46 PM EST

Matt that’s awesome, I’ve got a ten hour bus ride tomorrow to no-man’s land, and I’m almost compelled to go out and purchase one of those puppies.

Chestnuts roasted by Rich @ 06/24/2006 08:48 PM EST

I don't like playing with electronics beyond the basics. It took me about three years to buy a DVD player, and I don't like messing with downloads. I lost one expensive laptop; I don't wanna lose this computer the same way.

On the other hand, it's good to know Sharkleberry Fin's still out there swmimmin' and making kids slurping summer drinks on the porch happy, even if it isn't in the US (yet). I haven't seen the Aquapods, either, but they may make it here soon. That is weird. It looks like water-filled udders, which is kinda gross and kinda cool if you think about it.

Chestnuts roasted by starwenn @ 06/24/2006 09:12 PM EST

Sweet mother of fucker jesus holy and shit!

It's really too bad that I'm not in Canada anymore. Otherwise, I would'v egunted this shit DOWN! I remember finding some other odd flavor hile in Canada, but the name escapes me at the moment. I actually found it at this place called "Liquidation World," which also sells these awesome brandy-filled chocolates and doesn't really bother to ask for ID (although I'm more than old enough). Mmmm...brandy choclates and Sharkleberry Finn.

Chestnuts roasted by Nate @ 06/24/2006 09:18 PM EST

What if they made an ipod flavoured kool aid? What would that taste like? Heaven?....I think so...

Chestnuts roasted by Russelodeon @ 06/24/2006 09:21 PM EST

Oh, I should probably mention why I'm so happy right now. It's because I went to the Old Sacramento today and found myself a Star Wars STorybok and Record thingy, a shitload of candy, and some yummy wine. Plus I got another vid from Netflix. Yep, it's gonna be a good night tonight.

Chestnuts roasted by Nate @ 06/24/2006 09:22 PM EST

My quest for Sharkleberry was a bust.
I knew I shouldn't have gone to Wal-Mart. I only had enough gas to go to one store without having to buy more gas.
Plus some stupid cunt in a Mustang honked at me to move when some idiot was halfway out in the middle of the road.
I showed her, though. I drove the rest of the way 15mph. Probably why I was so low on gas.
I really need to start thinking before I do stuff.
And stop typing now.

Chestnuts roasted by Somethin' Funny @ 06/24/2006 09:39 PM EST

I totally had that Nintendo tips book in the last pic. (But, then, who didn't? That shit was on the best-sellers list for, like, sixty-four weeks.) Golly, I've read that thing front to back more often than "My Side of the Mountain." I think I even wrote a fifth grade book report using that thing, somehow. Likely saying how the prose and thrust of "Adventure Island 2" was much more refined and defined than its predecessor.

...or something.

Chestnuts roasted by D-d-davesome @ 06/24/2006 10:10 PM EST

The video iPod is cool and all, but six bucks for an old "Shark Week" ep? I hope that was at least the whole series and not one hour ep.

Anyone else been watching the eps of Mister T cartoon on Adult Swim? I swear Matt needs to do a review of at least one ep of the show, it is X-E material all the way. I am recording them all on DVD, I'd be happy to send off copies to Matt. I could even make 'em in video iPod format.

Chestnuts roasted by Destro @ 06/24/2006 10:12 PM EST

No no, it's three hours of Shark Week.

Chestnuts roasted by Matt @ 06/24/2006 10:13 PM EST

The Aquapod thing is so freaking cool. And 'orbtastic' is so my new favorite word. Have fun on your trip, Matt!

Chestnuts roasted by razzkat @ 06/24/2006 10:14 PM EST

Those Aquapods just look so friggin' cool... Matt, I think you have a new display glass for your various Kool-Aids.

Chestnuts roasted by DocDragon @ 06/24/2006 10:17 PM EST

Is that a batman cup from Mcds the kool-aid is in? That would be the only way to drink cool aid. Either that or my MY Little Pony cup I had with the lid that had the ponies spin around when you drank through the straw!

yeah yeah, I'm going to bed now.

Chestnuts roasted by IHAQ @ 06/24/2006 10:38 PM EST

Don't go to bed.

Chestnuts roasted by Darth Poop @ 06/24/2006 10:58 PM EST

We just got WWE 24/7 OnDemand this week and I'm having a blast watching it. That's what I'm going to do right now.

If you remember the old anthology show Monsters, someone posted the weirdest and funniest episode called "The Moving Finger."

Here's Part 1
http://tinyurl.com/rovcj

Here's Part 2
http://tinyurl.com/nyv2o

Chestnuts roasted by JLAJRC @ 06/24/2006 11:07 PM EST

I am excited, not about Sharkleberry, but the possibility that "The Great Bludini" will be next.

Chestnuts roasted by kb @ 06/24/2006 11:10 PM EST

Man oh man. I am done with all of my travelling and I come back to more X-E goodness than I will have time to read for quite awhile.
Here's how it was: Left GA EARLY Monday morning, arrived at Washington-Lee College to see Lee's grave (and Traveller) because I like graves.
Stopped at the Antietam battlefield that afternoon. Then drove up to Gettysburg, PA.
Tues-Gettysburg from 6 to 11 AM then off to upstate NY. Drove along the St. Lawerence but did not go into Canada. So, technically I have stood on the edges of the St. Lawerence and the Rio Grande but not entered our neighbors. Whatever.
Wed-Drove back through and stopped at New Market, VA battlefield and then the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library (???).
Thurs: Back home.
Fri: Up to Atlanta.
Sat: Wedding.
Good times but I am glad for the SNT otherwise I wouldn't know what day it was.
Glad to see Teek made it the main page of the blog

Who was it that said that Antietam was better than Gettysburg?
I thought about yelling "Hellooooo Ryanne" while at Antietam but it seemed out of place.

Chestnuts roasted by The Manimal @ 06/24/2006 11:28 PM EST

Oh my God, I'm so in love with that bottle!!! Gotta find me one, which shouldn't be too hard, because I know we have Poland Spring here.

Congrats on the new toy. I've not joined even the regular ipod bandwagon. I honestly don't see the point in them, but video ones, I can see having a little more...

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/24/2006 11:31 PM EST

Nate-I used to work at a Liquidation World, here in Idaho so your post made me laugh, usally it wasn't nearly as cool as it should have been but every once in a while it was awesome.

Chestnuts roasted by Mrjayberry @ 06/24/2006 11:33 PM EST

An iPod Video is a great, great thing to have. I won one in a sales contest while working at Circuit City (which saved me from having to buy one, which I would've by now anyway) and love it. Your salesperson probably shouldn't have sold you a white case, especially since there are so many more black cases out there, but it's very wise to have a case. They scratch very, very easily, whether black or white.

Chestnuts roasted by Andy @ 06/24/2006 11:34 PM EST

Whoo! SNT! I have nothing important to add.

Chestnuts roasted by Cameron T. @ 06/24/2006 11:37 PM EST

:o Whoa, that was really weird... I didn't even see Manimal's post till 2 seconds ago, and there I am, posting right under him...

Aww, I'm flattered that you remembered!

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/24/2006 11:42 PM EST

i cant believe sharkleberry is back.

im going to go out tomorrow and find some and buy a whole box.

Chestnuts roasted by andrew @ 06/24/2006 11:55 PM EST

I've been fighting against getting cable for the better part of a year, and the mention shark week is about to freaking do me in.

Chestnuts roasted by Jessica Marie @ 06/25/2006 12:13 AM EST

I think I'm going to have to break down and buy a video iPod. I really hate the near-monopoly Apple has on the whole portable media player market, but unfortunately the other options out there just can't stand up to the iTunes juggernaut. It's too bad, because I think that some other companies have superior hardware- they just don't have the backing on the downloads side that Apple has. The two things that are still holding me up are Apple's Nazi attitude on battery replacement and media format.

I really like my current player's ability to swap batteries. I often forget to put it on the charger, so I can carry a comparatively tiny replacement battery, rather than a clunky external battery. This is especially good because the extra battery makes it through security where I work without a second glance. An external battery with a wire and/or an electronic connector would cause all sorts of headaches.

I also think it sucks that Apple forces their codec down our throats, and that you can't convert it to anything else. I LIKE mp3 and wma, dammit. They work with everything, not just iPods. With their format, if I want to trade music with someone (ahem, not that I'd ever do anything illegal, ahem) I'll have to hope they are okay with Apple's format. Also, don't they have some sort of hidden way to keep you from copying the files more than a certain number of times or something?

If they'd just give me a replaceable battery, I'd probably take the plunge right now. But a product that expensive that's designed to wear out in a year or so just pisses me off. I've had my current Creative mp3 player for over a year and a half now, and I bought a replacement battery for $40. My old battery still works, albeit with a reduced life of about 4 hours. The new battery still gives me about 10-12 hours of life. The audio quality is better than the iPods I listened to, and it cost about half for the same capacity.

The downside to Creative is that they are Nazis when it comes to their media organizer. You can use whatever format you want, but just try to get your carefully selected playlists over to Windows Media Player, and thence to XBox360. Not to mention all the database maintenance I had to do to get all the music I, um, acquired, to show up right on their program is useless for Media Player.

Grrr! Why won't someone come out with something with a replaceable battery, the format of your choice, and an organizer that's compatible with Media Player?

Chestnuts roasted by spaz307 @ 06/25/2006 12:19 AM EST

You don't have to use iTunes to buy music. I buy CD's them rip them using the iTunes ripper, which works well. And you can rip to mp3 or even lossless if you're crazy. The iPod is an awesome gadget and still the best mp3 player out there.

Chestnuts roasted by Travis @ 06/25/2006 12:25 AM EST

I heard Microsoft is supposed to be coming out with their version of an iPod soon. *shrug*

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/25/2006 12:38 AM EST

Ahhh! I want that orbtastic bottle too. So I can cover it in polymer clay. It's hard to tell if it's the kind of plastic that will stand up to the oven or the kind that will turn into toxic melted despair, but it's worth a try. I'd cut the top off and decorate it all crazy, and then I'd have the most coolest pencil cup ever, and make everyone jealous.

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 06/25/2006 12:49 AM EST

Travis-

Well, yeah. But part of the attraction of being able to download music is not having to buy an entire CD. Sure there's lots of CDs that I'll buy from favorite artists that I'll rip. Hell, I've ripped hundreds of CDs to my computer, and those work with both Media Player and Creative Organizer. The problem is that if I want to get "Puttin' on the Ritz" or some other 80s-tastic stuff, I really don't want the whole CD.

Chestnuts roasted by spaz307 @ 06/25/2006 12:59 AM EST

Must... find... Sharkleberry Fin!

Has anyone spotted it in the general Ohio area?

Chestnuts roasted by Review the World @ 06/25/2006 01:38 AM EST

It's Saturday? Jesus. My DS Lite has destroyed all sense of time.

I've been watching the 24 hour Superman marathon on Boomerang.

Chestnuts roasted by dohopoki @ 06/25/2006 01:48 AM EST

I know it's bad form to promote other websites here, but I found a really cool one. My earlier post got me looking for an alternative to iTunes and Creative Music Store. I found a site called pandora.com that has a pretty cool concept. You enter an artist or song you like and it finds other stuff you might like based on reviews, etc. and turns it into an internet radio station. It still points to iTunes for downloading music, but I still think it kicks total ass. The stuff I like doesn't typically get radio airplay, so I'm always on the lookout for ways to find new music. I'm hooked!

Chestnuts roasted by spaz307 @ 06/25/2006 01:55 AM EST

My long haitus on posting and only trolling must be stopped at the mention of the reincarnation of Sharkleberry Finn. My new goal in life is to track that stuff down. That's just amazing.

While I'm here, I might as well complain that our comments are still "Chestnuts roasted..." and the emoticons are still Halloween themed. Just sayin'....

Chestnuts roasted by Gozer @ 06/25/2006 03:53 AM EST

I've got a first generation ipod here if anyone wants the thing. I've never really used it. I'm much more of a cd player kinda guy. Thank god for long commutes, you are my salvation. Besides artists need motivation to put out complete "albums" and not singles, and the current generation of digital music is only giving them an excuse to put out crap. So, you don't need ipods and downloads to only get the one good song they're putting out, you need to rally and tell them they need to put out better product!!!!

Oh yeah, and rebel against Bill Gates while you're at it. The MAC revolution is coming and it will be televised, but not on ipods

"The Wii is for children and the PS3 will be a [mad-fat]* PC killer"

additional flavor provided by Jay

Chestnuts roasted by Knegative @ 06/25/2006 07:40 AM EST

I want it. Give it to me.

Chestnuts roasted by dohopoki @ 06/25/2006 08:30 AM EST

Gozer: complaining about the chestnuts and the Halloween icons? That's a taste of the good stuff when it's still months away!

This whole blog post makes me smile.

Chestnuts roasted by Spoodles @ 06/25/2006 09:24 AM EST

It's really no wonder they've got a new mascot for Sharkleberry. You know why the last one was pink all the time? Constant sunburn. He thought it added to his "image." And I suppose it did. Right up to the final stages of skin cancer. His agent tried to tell him. "Sharkle, baby, you gotta stay out of the sun. You're an aquatic animal. You don't actually tan. If you really feel like you have to be the same color as the drink you're pitching, we can get the makeup guys to whip you up something waterproof. All this sun is gonna kill ya."

But of course Sharkle wouldn't hear of it. Kept telling everyone that sharks are immune to cancer. The real tragedy is that this all could have been avoided had he checked his facts on snopes and realized that he was staking his life on an urban legend. Sadly, sharks cannot use the internet, as they lack sufficient physical dexterity to work a keyboard and mouse properly, as well as the capacity for abstract thought necessary to negotiate DSL contracts.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/25/2006 11:08 AM EST

between that and the whole Kool-aid man screwing Purplesaurus Rex out of his pension I really don't know how I can keep drinking the stuff.

Chestnuts roasted by dohopoki @ 06/25/2006 11:20 AM EST

Jedoc, you're priceless.

You know, I can honestly say I'm not even sure if I ever tried Sharkleberry fin... I may have, and just don't remember it at all. The taste, I mean. but if I find it, I'll buy a packet or two.

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/25/2006 11:44 AM EST

I can't find much along the lines of exotic Kool-Aid flavors around here. Except when I stumbled upon those oooold packets of Apple a few months ago. And my hoarde of Strawberry Tea. I have some of the big, sugar included packs of Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade, which I love a million times more than the small packets because they're so amazingly pink and cute.

I've also started stocking my desk at work with cases of water and Kool-Aid singles. I'm getting other people in the department hooked, too. Soon they will all be pawns to the Kool-Aid man. Oh yeah.

Chestnuts roasted by Mystie @ 06/25/2006 12:34 PM EST

Ryane: Aww, you only think that because you don't have to rely on my fractured imagination to help you find research material. Like all those poor schmucks at the library.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/25/2006 01:02 PM EST

No bones about it, sharks are cool. Sharkleberries even more so.
Jedoc needs to have his own "True Hollywood Stories"-type show or site. Him and Charlie Murphy. Kool-Aid's a hell of a drink.

I've got a new digital camera on layaway. It can be used as mp3 player, voice recorder, and record stuff off of most A/V outputs and play it on the go. Once I figure out what size of SD card to use, I'm going to record entries off of my BBC HHGTTG discs and have my own version of the Guide. Should come in real handy if someone needs to know the best way to get a drink out of a Vogon. Or the full radius of Eccentrica Gallumbits' erogenous zone.

Chestnuts roasted by kingklash @ 06/25/2006 02:51 PM EST

I picked up a box of Singles for the same purpose; unfortunately I discovered too late that I've developed a dislike for that Kool-Aid aftertaste. I know I probably shouldn't admit that here, but it's true.
I find it funny when people hate on portable media players on principle. If they want to carry around forty cd cases plus a 700 pound player that skips if you breathe too deeply it's their business. But artists were putting out albums full of crap with a few gems before the digital revolution, and I don't think boycotting iTunes is going to reverse that. Besides that, you miss out on programming aimed towards portable players. Which leads me to my real question, does anyone have any great podcasts to recommend? I don't have a Video pod yet, so I don't know too many videocasts, but I listen to voicecasts as much as music. I love The Ricky Gervais Show, and some of my other favs are The Official Lost Podcast, The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack and The Onion Radio News.
Travel Channel is showing a special on Disney World today that should be just starting for the East Coasters.

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 06/25/2006 03:03 PM EST

Matt
Maybe this was discussed before but why the shrimp by the Chestnuts roasted? Maybe it should be a CUTTLEFISH !

Chestnuts roasted by threebeesatdisney @ 06/25/2006 04:48 PM EST

Didn't know if this was allowed so feel free to destroy this link:

Can you fill in the lyrics of these old 80's ditties?

http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/80s.HTML

Chestnuts roasted by threebeesatdisney @ 06/25/2006 05:09 PM EST

Now THAT'S how you sell water to someone who has it already running through his pipes.

VERY surprised to see ol' Sharkleberry still around. Usually with specialty flavors such as Sharkleberry, drink companies take them off the market and repeatedly re-introduce them under a new name every time to fool a new generation of kids. Example: Ecto-Cooler....

Chestnuts roasted by Mars @ 06/25/2006 05:27 PM EST

"No bones about it, sharks are cool." -kingklash

Ha! Is that some cartilagenous skeleton humor?

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 06/25/2006 05:50 PM EST

Hey, my iPod is black too.

Semper Fi,
Erik Majorwitz

Chestnuts roasted by Erik Majorwitz @ 06/25/2006 05:55 PM EST

threebeesatdisney, I scored 102.5!

Chestnuts roasted by kingklash @ 06/25/2006 06:06 PM EST

I'm such a putz. I posted this under the last entry.

I just saw the weirdest movie.
Just a part of it anyway.
It had Cyclops in it and he was in a car asking an 8-ball if what he had in a package was a murder weapon.
Then he pushed the car over a cliff.

Chestnuts roasted by Somethin' Funny @ 06/25/2006 06:24 PM EST

I took that 80s lyrics quiz... I got a 128. Some of them I missed and it's KILLING me, but then again I got a couple I thought I was guessing on, so it evens out.

Beat that, suckas... and be honest because I was. Even though I wanted to cheat so bad.

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 06/25/2006 06:37 PM EST

Yeah, no fair cheating! However, I have been working on this since my last post and I KNOW these sound familiar but am drawing a blank on quite a few! However, there is no time limit ~~~ TEE HEE! But eventually I will have to give in and hit the SCORE button but until then.............

Chestnuts roasted by threebeesatdisney @ 06/25/2006 06:47 PM EST

The Ricky Gervais Show is the best podcast ever. I saw a Deer Park aquapod at Target today, they were giving free samples. It truly was orbtastic. Also, the Kool-Aid man's foot on that package art freaks me out. His toes appear to be roughly the same length as his fingers.

Chestnuts roasted by ol'dan @ 06/25/2006 07:51 PM EST

Somthin' Funny: I saw part of that movie too, it was crazy strange, I saw in the credits it also had Chistopher Lloyd, Michel J Fox, Krut Russel and Gary Oldman in it.

Chestnuts roasted by IHAQ @ 06/25/2006 08:34 PM EST

I scored in the low 40's(41.6 i think) A lot of that had to do with spelling errors though I missed like seven. I need an editor. To make matters worse on of the questions I did get was worth ten points go my roommate loving the Eagles.

Chestnuts roasted by mrjayberry @ 06/25/2006 11:47 PM EST

Aquapods rock! My kid who normally wouldn't drink water of any kind loves it! Heck once they are done with it they can play with the bottle in the pool cause it floats.

Chestnuts roasted by Bizzar @ 06/26/2006 12:26 AM EST

A podcast I really like is called Nate and Di, they are potheads which I don't particularly like in general but they are smart, and really funny. The only decent podcast I have found so far but I'll keep looking. Their site is Nateanddi.com worth a listen.

Chestnuts roasted by Goob @ 06/26/2006 02:52 AM EST

Hey Matt, great news. Our favourite online wrestler, Kamala is back in the WWF/E as of Vengeance. Unfortunatly, he did not bring a spear.

Chestnuts roasted by Jord @ 06/26/2006 05:44 AM EST

The return of Sharkleberry is great, but I fear for my mental health.

I still think Stacy's cute. Hell, I'm not even annoyed by her like everyone else was. God help me. >_<

Chestnuts roasted by Paul @ 06/26/2006 07:10 AM EST

Did anyone else see Triple H's butt? And two Kanes? I think I'm going insane.

Chestnuts roasted by Jessica Marie @ 06/26/2006 10:04 AM EST

Scored 73.25 on the 80's quiz
I thought I did better than that ...misspellings of names ARGH! Oh well, Welsh Rabbit is still the champ! Congrats!

Chestnuts roasted by threebeesatdisney @ 06/26/2006 10:34 AM EST

Heh, 48.25. Don't blame me, I grew up with two small-town classic country radio stations (AM, no less) and absolutely nothing else. But I got all three bonus questions right, so I claim a moral victory.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/26/2006 11:19 AM EST

I've3 had a Zen Micro for over a year now. Like it better then the Ipod I had. But yeah, their music organizer blows. Blows like the hookers on Hunts Point.

Quick question, anyone ever use colored toothpicks as swords for you Lego guys? I say a box of colored tooth picks before and it reminded me of when I use to do that...God, I was a weird kid....

Chestnuts roasted by Darth Galvatron @ 06/26/2006 11:21 AM EST

Sorry for the double post, but I just had a flash of memory and feel compelled to share. Since our local radio stations sucked horribly and signed off at 7 PM every night, we would have our older cousins drive us twenty miles to Bunker Hill, which was the only place in the county high enough to get radio stations from Amarillo. Then we'd park there and record an hour or two of 89.9, the Amarillo College campus station, so that we'd have decent tapes to listen to while driving tractor for twelve hours a day. Some of the greatest philosophical conversations of my life took place sprawled out on the warm hood of an '82 Chevy suburban, looking up at the stars miles away from the nearest artificial light and listening to some clueless freshman DJ playing Ace of Bass for the third time in less than an hour.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/26/2006 11:29 AM EST

Sometimes, when I can't sleep, I get a portable radio and creep around on the AM dial to see how far I can get in a station. Chicago, New Orleans, and occasionally Salt Lake.

Chestnuts roasted by kingklash @ 06/26/2006 12:00 PM EST

I got an 87.5 on the test. When I saw how many questions there were, I sorta ... didn't take as much time as I should've on it.

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/26/2006 12:24 PM EST

Hey, you're DXing, and in danger of becoming a radio nerd. It works best at night, but the problem is that every high power station plays Coast to Coast all night, so unless you're into UFOs, there's not a lot to listen to.

Nothing like listening to far away baseball games on a summer night.

Chestnuts roasted by Yet Another Matt @ 06/26/2006 12:29 PM EST

so has anyone confirmed exactly where to find Sharkleberry? cause i really dont want to have to visit every damn store in my town.

i've been mixing grape and lemonade and raspberry and fruit punch for too long. plus, i want a packet to hang on my wall of crap that shouldnt be hanging on a wall.

long time reader. first time poster. i feel free!

Chestnuts roasted by brianfax @ 06/26/2006 12:44 PM EST

When I was a kid, I could sometimes pick up a station out of Chicago that would skip through the atmosphere in just the right conditions. It played songs that I usually didn't hear on my hometown stations. I really got into Steely Dan when I was 10 years old and heard "Dirty Work" on that station. I would open my bedroom window, lay on my bed and dangle my feet out as I listened. Ah yeah, days of my youth.
My son and I make silly home movies sometimes (one's named Bubba the Ninja to give you an idea). As soon as I find one of those E.T./udder water bottles, it is sure to become a prop in our next epic motion picture. Add some LED's and forced perspective...instant UFO.

Chestnuts roasted by freudguy @ 06/26/2006 01:23 PM EST

I got a 90 on the lyrics quiz. I couldn't believe how many times I called myself an idiot once I saw the answer to one I missed!

Chestnuts roasted by Bludge @ 06/26/2006 01:43 PM EST

I took the 80's quiz and got 68.5. And apparently, I cannot spell.

Chestnuts roasted by kb @ 06/26/2006 02:02 PM EST

I had a shirt with the original Sharkleberry Fin on it- I wore it waaaay too long. I was 19 when I pulled it out of the washer and it ripped in half- it was on that day I learned to cry.

Chestnuts roasted by DemonNurse @ 06/26/2006 02:46 PM EST

I bought the American Dad dvds on thursday, and just late last night (friday) did I notice that there are 2 copies of disc 3 and none of disc 2! I'm so pissed! If I didn't have work today and it wasn't raining so hard outside I would've gone to exchange it!

On another note, Pogs were brought back, and they suck. My KB was suppose to have a pog "tournament" on saturday...and there were no takers (what a suprise), leaving lots of POG junk, special tournament pogs & slammers, and about 100 free, unopened packs. And bored, I decided to try to get a complete set.

Well, I did it, 3 hours and 20 or so packs later to get all 60 regular pogs.

Chestnuts roasted by Invader Norbert @ 06/26/2006 03:04 PM EST

Holy crap, that post finally went through!

Update: Long story, but I was able to exchange the dvd set after I tried to do it first without the reciept (my mom threw it in the trash), then went back home and found it. Long Story short, My phone's broken, I smashed my big left toe on a metal trashcan and the people working at tower Records yesterday have an interesting story to tell for the rest of their lives.

Chestnuts roasted by Invader Norbert @ 06/26/2006 03:08 PM EST

Hey, that kool aid is being drank out of one of the famous glasses that McDonalds was selling as a promotion for Batman Forever. Crap movie, but great glasses. I still have the 4 of em.

Chestnuts roasted by TC Falcon @ 06/26/2006 03:15 PM EST

I don't know which word I like more: Fintastic or Orbtastic?

Chestnuts roasted by deuce @ 06/26/2006 03:19 PM EST

Jedoc - No, no I mean it, you're priceless! And I'd love you to help me find research material, if, you know, I needed some. It would make being at the library fun. But then I'd probably get kicked out for laughing too much...

I like "Orbtastic" WAY better.

Now, if those Aquapods were 8 oz, instead of 11oz, they would be perfect Kool-Aid Singles size! *sigh* I'll have to stick with the tiny Deer Park half pint bottles for now.

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 06/26/2006 03:36 PM EST

I just had an epiphany. Do any of you guys have those Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring glass chalices that Burger King sold? These are the glasses that look like crystal chalices/goblets and that light up due to a base that has LED lights in it. I can't think of any better way to drink Kool-Aid (especially Sharkleberry Fin because of the color) than to have it glow like some kind of freaky potion.

Chestnuts roasted by freudguy @ 06/26/2006 03:50 PM EST

This post reminds me of a funny story. My friend had his video Ipod over my house right after he bought it. He was so freakin proud of it, placing it on a pedistal right along with the invention of electricity, Thundercats, and Double Stuff Oreos. He would not let anyone else touch this thing. Spouting some garbage about how he did not want it to get broken. We were drinking alot that night, (this is always the root of a good story) and I think he had too much Woodchuck to drink. He kept on insisting on driving home, but I wouldn't let him. He was pouting like a kid who got socks and a sweater for christmas, and decided to top it off by walking a straight line and touching his nose at the same time. He put his Ipod in his back pocket, (for safety reasons) took two steos and fell. He fell right on his Ipod. His entire back pocket was filled with Ipod pieces. I almost urinated in my boxer/briefs.

Chestnuts roasted by Old E @ 06/26/2006 03:59 PM EST

Disney World is at
28, 25' 7" N lat.
81, 34' 52" W long.

Too bad Flash Earth doesn't have a night mode. That'd be cool.

http://www.flashearth.com/

Chestnuts roasted by kingklash @ 06/26/2006 04:15 PM EST

I'm suprised I didn't get more controversy over my comments. I still love that guy at Sony for saying it, even if I happened to mis-paraphrased it, I swear I heard it on the Feed. Thanks Layla!

Oh and I can't listen to, what was it 40? cds at a time. So, yeah I would rather have a couple cd cases in my car.

And just because artists sucked before the digital revolution doesn't mean we still shouldn't demand better and have to settle for less.

Chestnuts roasted by Knegative @ 06/26/2006 05:03 PM EST

If your in NYc and want to see some one off video Ipods - check out Excalibur Plastics 49-41 39th Street Long Island City. The guys have made some frankenpods. My particular fav is the clear one. You can see all the guts of your vid ipod. They also have various colors, Bling'd out Gold colored ones. etc. BTW Don't these SUBWAY restaruants have some kind of policy against BEARDS - i mean the dudes are working around food and i know years ago when i had my first job at BURGER KING we had to be CLEAN SHAVEN. I found a freaking hair in my SUBWAY SANDWITCH AND I KNOW its from AYATOLLA behind the counter! FINE, YOUR RELIGION SAYS U CANT SHAVE - WELL WEAR A BIB OR SOMETHING A MASK YEA WEAR A MASK - THANK YOU

Chestnuts roasted by Angry Andy @ 06/26/2006 06:36 PM EST

freudguy -
The Lord of the Rings light up glasses in my apartment are frequently used as cran-grape juice vessels, it looks incredible. Like the nectar of the gods.

Chestnuts roasted by Jessica Marie @ 06/26/2006 06:42 PM EST

Did anyone figure out the title of that cyclops/eightball movie? My curiosity has been piqued.

On a different note, I took my youngest two to visit with my parents today and was rewarded with many treasures. My mother picked up a Marvel comics trivia game at a dollar store for me, then unloaded a heaping stack of VHS movies that they had replaced with DVD. Among my favorites: The Crawling Eye and Them.

Chestnuts roasted by 7-Zark-7 @ 06/26/2006 07:40 PM EST

I don't like to get in extended debates here, especially when people are just trying to stir it up for argumentativenesses(esses) sake, so I'll just say I don't see the logic behind Kneg's point about demanding better music.
I like the ability to have the entire Beatles catalog in my pocket, and listen to it however whenever without having to fool around with a dozen cds. Some people would rather mess with the discs. More power to them. I find it amusing. Charming, even.
Travel's Disney special was boooooring, sorry I rec'd.

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 06/26/2006 07:42 PM EST

7-Zark-7.

I believe the Cyclops/eightball movie is Interstate 60. I haven't seen it, but it receives pretty good reviews.

Chestnuts roasted by Bludge @ 06/26/2006 08:19 PM EST

Thank you, thank you, I spend too much time listening to 80s music. And I NEED the Name That Tune 80s Edition DVD game. My boyfriend and I are pretty evenly matched with Trivial Pursuit, but if I had the NTT 80s, I could crush him.

The History Channel has an episode of Modern Marvels about Disney rides and parks, how they were built and all, and I think the episode reruns late on Friday. Check your local listings. And if you have a Tivo, you can select "Disney Vacations" in the Product Watch section and it'll download you all kinds of entertaining crap. Makes me wish I wasn't too poor to go there for real.

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 06/26/2006 09:08 PM EST

Ugh. Sometimes I really wish we could edit posts. Sorry for sounding cross, it's been a trying day. I too had a toe related incident while stumbling around without my glasses this morning. I had to go in to work with a bag of frozen veggies because we didn't have any ice in the house XD
I'm definitely going to check out that Nate and Di podcast, thanks Goob. And I just set my DVR for that Modern Marvels thanks to Welsh Rabbit (it's 8 pm and 12am over here).

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 06/26/2006 09:23 PM EST

Ah, Game Genie and Priority Mail... takes me back.

Not really.

Chestnuts roasted by Rein @ 06/26/2006 11:39 PM EST

Squee, it is charming, very much indeed so. If Rob Gordon gets to have vinyl, I get to have plastic

All I'm saying is that artists should be trying to create albums. There's nothing wrong with writing one good song, but there is something infinitely more grand about a synergy infused album. Like Sgt. Pepper's or Abbey Road, eh Squee.

And aren't we robbing artists of the opportunity to create the artwork for albums? To quote Jack White: "If I don't have the artwork, I don't have the album"

And what about bands that do their own art, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance anyone?

I'm not so much against digital music as I am against the death of the album. But as we know artists like Green Day and My Chemical Romance are keeping the tradition alive, so no worries folks

Chestnuts roasted by Knegative @ 06/27/2006 12:04 AM EST

Argument against album art: Billy Joel, River of Dreams.

But I kid! About the importance of art that is, not Christie Brinkley's lack of talent.

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 06/27/2006 01:09 AM EST

Well, my iPod displays album cover art, not to mention the savvy bloggers that pop up images related to the discussion topics in their podcasts (Jay and Jack are great with this). I get the idea, but if I'm paying for cardboard and plastic I'd rather buy a DVD (but that's just a personal preference).
I regret the decline of the cohesive album too, but I don't blame the shift toward digital for it. I'm also an optimistic type, still holding out hope that the ability of artists to reach listeners directly will turn into something positive for the industry as a whole.
I'm sure everyone knows this already, but you can get the coolness of Lost and The Office on iTunes as well.

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 06/27/2006 01:58 AM EST

Sgt Pepper's album cover at the size of a record cover, to the size of a CD case to the size of an Ipod screen... Yeah, I've got a problem with that.

Chestnuts roasted by dohopoki @ 06/27/2006 02:58 AM EST

I love my iPod (60gig 4G--no video, but I use it mostly for jogging, driving, and walking to class), but I own over 600 CDs (no vinyl, sorry retro-funksters). I love having that tangible thing, having the booklet. The only time I buy something on iTunes is when it's rare or only available on iTunes.

Chestnuts roasted by Spoodles @ 06/27/2006 11:28 AM EST

Cool shots of WDW on that Flash Earth page...

that aquapod is totally ET's ship....i gotta find those! Theres something about water in a weird shaped container that makes you want to drink it more.

Chestnuts roasted by m1928mouse @ 06/27/2006 11:45 AM EST

Sticky Fingers without the working zipper is a crime against nature and an affront in the eyes of your local god.

Chestnuts roasted by kingklash @ 06/27/2006 11:46 AM EST

My take on the video iPod is that I am against large-scale media on tiny little screens. I'm holding off until they put the finishing touches on either an OLED display built into my glasses or a display which projects the images directly onto my retina via laser scantion. And an automated flying car to watch it in, dammit.

Ryane: Well, then. Next time you're in central Texas with pressing reference needs, you know who to talk to. Mind you, judging from how my classes are going this month, I'll probably be doing the sweeping up in the library, but I suppose I can do some freelance information retrieval if none of the librarians are around.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/27/2006 12:18 PM EST

So is anyone else watching the Amazing Stories marathon on Sci-Fi?

Chestnuts roasted by Ragnarok @ 06/27/2006 12:32 PM EST

Ragnarok:

How random, I just got off of the couch to ask the exact same thing. This is awesome. The day off, plus rain, plus Amazing Stories marathon equals a lazy entertaining day.

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 06/27/2006 12:45 PM EST

Quick!! Click my name for some Transformers goodness....

Not sure if I like it too much though....

Chestnuts roasted by Darth Galvatron @ 06/27/2006 12:48 PM EST

I'm watching the episode with Adam Ant and Marcia Strassman from "Welcome Back Kotter".

You know, I was thinking that those Aquapods would be cool to use for growing those different colored water crystals or a wicked new kinda Sea Monkeys habitat.

Chestnuts roasted by 7-Zark-7 @ 06/27/2006 12:50 PM EST

NOT THE MEATLOAF!!!

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 06/27/2006 01:00 PM EST

Ah... "Evil" Ed from Fright Night... I think I'll Bitner this guy and see what he's up to.

Chestnuts roasted by 7-Zark-7 @ 06/27/2006 01:37 PM EST

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0313267/

That guy is in a lot of gay porn

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 06/27/2006 02:07 PM EST

So the guy did some early work in Twilight Zone, turned down an offer to reprise his Evil Ed role in Fright Night 2, and then spent a decade smoking criminal amounts of pole in exchange for money? Man, it's like a might-have-been version of William Shatner.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/27/2006 02:32 PM EST

Hmm. Kool Aid is made my Kraft, who are owned by the former Phillip Morris, who have done some pretty crappy stuff to market their cigarettes... I've been on a boycott of them in general for years, but Sharkleberry might be worth it...

Meanwhile, the aquapod is about to make water bottle porn all the more perverted. Yeah, I went there.

Superman tonight! In like 7 hours, and in IMAX 3D! Not that I'm excited....

Chestnuts roasted by Vegan Mike @ 06/27/2006 02:43 PM EST

Vegan Mike I'm going tomorrow to see Supes at the IMAX!! I heard only 20 minutes is in 3D though.

BTW, the link in my name in my previous post has a shot of Bumblebee from the live action movie. IT's not a great shot, so don't let the new design freak you out....*yet*.....

Chestnuts roasted by Darth Galvatron @ 06/27/2006 03:27 PM EST

about six hours of Amazing Stories, what an awesome day

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 06/27/2006 04:02 PM EST

You know what would be really awesome? If the only parts of the movie that were 3D dealt with the Phantom Zone. You know, to make up for all the 2D abuse it caused us in the past.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 06/27/2006 04:31 PM EST

Decided to skip the Amazing Stories marathon for a marathon of Freddy's Nightmares on AOL IN2TV. Not bad, but would have been better if they kept the show to 30 minutes.

Chestnuts roasted by JLAJRC @ 06/27/2006 04:56 PM EST

I just got started with the IN2TV thing, watching all the Perfect Strangers and Head of the Class (pre-TJ of course) episodes. I wish they would add some more 80's shows, like Just the 10 of Us. They have Growing Pains, and JTTOU was a spinoff, so I figure they must have the rights to it. Does anyone know when they update their episodes, it is monthly? I need more Cousin Larry.

Chestnuts roasted by Rob @ 06/27/2006 07:36 PM EST

I'm loving that IN2TV is streaming Max Headroom. I still can't understand what's taking them so long with getting this out on DVD. I've also enjoyed watching the New Adventures of Batman. The scene in the beginning of the first episode with Bruce and Dick playing Pong is priceless.

Chestnuts roasted by 7-Zark-7 @ 06/27/2006 08:53 PM EST

Eighties Lyrics Final Score: 62.2

Not too terrible, considering I was born in '86...

I might have to try this IN2TV thing when I've got some free time. Right now, the 24 DVD sets are more tempting... ;¬)

Chestnuts roasted by Paul @ 06/27/2006 09:10 PM EST

I just started the IN2TV after reading this a few minutes ago. How does it work? It's downloading, but can I just watch stuff without downloading?

Paul: I'm on a mission to finish the first four seasons of 24 this summer, right now I'm on the 3rd season and more than half way to my goal.

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 06/27/2006 09:38 PM EST

I wouldn't say I agree with Kneg, but I hear him. I just recently bought my first car that has a CD player. I have always been behind though. My first car in high school had an 8-track player and there was no way I was gonna buy a different stereo, so I just bought out the local thrift store's collection.
Ipods do look amazing, and I'm sure one dayI will get one, but probably more for the tv shows and movies.

Chestnuts roasted by kb @ 06/27/2006 10:02 PM EST

I just picked up a NEC turbografix 16 and Bonk's Adventure for 3 dollars at a garage sale! SWEET!!!

Chestnuts roasted by One Giant Octopus @ 06/27/2006 11:24 PM EST

Man, One Giant Octopus, and here I thought picking up an NES, two controllers, and Ghost & Goblins for $10.25 at Goodwill was a sweet find.

Chestnuts roasted by 7-Zark-7 @ 06/28/2006 01:10 AM EST

question:

why does the kool-aid man have toes?

Chestnuts roasted by brianfax @ 06/28/2006 01:23 PM EST

I lost my ipod video 6 days after I got it on a rollercoaster. My cell phone was in that same pocket yet THAT was still there.

Chestnuts roasted by Brett @ 06/30/2006 02:30 AM EST

Auqapod fit perfectly in BMW cupholder

Chestnuts roasted by bork @ 07/01/2006 12:39 PM EST

Quote: "I lost my ipod video 6 days after I got it on a rollercoaster"

That is because you are a dumbass.

Chestnuts roasted by JTX @ 07/06/2006 08:33 AM EST