Johnny Rockstar

What kind of Christmas season would it be if Coke didn’t break out the winter themed bottles? No kind if you ask me. That’s why I was amused when I stumbled across these little gems while pursuing my local Wal-Mart.

They’re quite small, just 13.5 five oz, which is only slightly more than a can. I bought a few because I’m an impulse shopper and soon realized that for some reason, which I’m sure is rooted in physics, I have trouble drinking from it. Aside from the beverage flow problems I still like the new bottle. Notice the strong winter motif—It’s a landscape with pine trees and snowflakes. It practically smacks in you in the face while screaming, “It’s cold outside so you better drink sugar water!” Perfect for the time of year.

Something I noticed right away was that in a stunning departure from tradition, the bottle has no CG polar bears or Norman Rockwell-esk Santas sipping coke while eating gingerbread men. I guess the whole cookies and coke thing never took off. There is one thing I don’t quite get though. Why did the Coca Cola Company decided to model their new Christmas bottle after a hand grenade?

You can’t deny the eerie resemblance. The only thing I can figure is that they are trying to steal customers away from Pepsi, who tends to market themselves as new and hip compared to Cokes drive for nostalgia. If that’s the case Coke could have done a little better in the design department. I took it upon myself to improve on their original design. But then I thought why stop there, so I created a new line of edgy Coke bottles.

Posted by Johnny Rockstar at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I was thinking about Pink Panther bars today for some reason so I decided to do a little research. Even though I haven’t seen one in a very long time, I found that they still show up on the Bomb Pop web site. So I sent them the following email asking about the situation.

To whom it may concern:

I have spent the last several years searching in vain for a specific delightful treat from my childhood--the Pink Panther bar. I notice that the Bomb Pop web site still shows them as a product, but I must say I haven't actually seen one in at least a decade. Believe me, I've looked at the side of every passing ice cream truck (and the lesser popular ice cream vans) and never have I seen the familiar pink face staring back at me.

Just thinking about the sweet, sweet cherry flavor and bubble gum eyes of that perfect dessert known as the Pink Panther bar makes my mouth water. Seriously right now it's watering, and all I have on my desk is an orange. Tasty to be sure, but nothing compared to my old favorite.

Why have you forsaken the glorious Pink Panther bar? Please tell me they are still available. I will order in bulk if I must. I’ll even spring for a second freezer to store my cache of Pinky Goodness.

Eagerly awaiting the good news,
John Jamros

Update:

I received a response here are the key parts.

Unfortunately, the Pink Panther Face Bars are Impulse (Ice Cream Trucks, Convenience Stores and in Vending Machines) Items only. They are only sold in single-serve sizes.

They are not available for retail sale through grocery stores. We do not have a list of businesses that sell single-serve items. And, unfortunately, due to the inherent dangers of shipping items on dry ice, we do not have a service to sell directly to the consumer.

Dammit. I guess it's back to stalking the ice cream trucks. The letter did go on to give me a number to find wholesalers who might sell to me. Maybe I'll check that out after the holidays.

Posted by Johnny Rockstar at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I know I haven’t posted on here in a while, so I just wanted to say don’t worry, I’m still alive. First I was busy getting ready to go to Michigan, and then I was busy in Michigan, and then, well then I was just lazy. I have two posts that I want to do that involve a series of pictures. But in order to do that I have to crack open Photoshop, which I’ve been too lazy or busy to do. If you’re still reading the site, check back after this weekend and hopefully there will be some real content added.

Posted by Johnny Rockstar at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)