Only vaguely do I remember Fred Sanford invoking ‘Ripple’ – long before I understood the reference, much less the gags. He’d say things like…
…and it got a canned laugh every time.
Well, it turns out that Ripple was a real wine. Er – “wine”.
It came in several flavors, including ‘pear‘, and ‘red‘.
Ripple had truly memorable ad campaigns, such as:
So, credit to bumwine.com for clueing me in on the details about “the national wine of Watts“, and reminding me of the subtle genius of Redd Foxx.
In honor of both, I offer this quickie sound collage. It includes some dialog about Ripple (vs. “fancy wine”), and a slightly remixed version of the Sanford & Son Theme. Listen to it, and watch ^that eye. Enjoy!
(PS – In real life, Redd Foxx was significantly less ghetto.)
In a subtle twist on a long tradition at Jones Soda, they’re now releasing a Tofurky & Gravy flavor!
That’s the good news.
The bad news is that it’s made with Splenda™ instead of proper sugar. So, just in time for Armistice Day, welcome to the Western Front of soda pop – where we simultaneously move one inch forward and one inch back again.
In commemoration of this fascinating holiday, I’m drinking a bottle of ΕΨΑ’s Orangeade. It’s the least I can do, and the occasion had me re-reviewing ΕΨΑ’s ace website, some quotes from which will now follow:
Our factory is wonderful. It has intensely traditional style and it gives a sense of harmony as old and new coexist in a splendidly shaped space.
The new look of EPSA is so much enjoyable that «your eyes enjoy» makes you anticipate tasting the authentic flavours of dew that contain.
«When I am thirsty between the choices that exist, and everybody else drinks what it is found in front of them, I insist in choosing EPSA.»
Until now we knew that Greeks were fighting like heroes; from now on we shall say that the heroes fight like Greeks.
In a case of either intimidation, incompetence, or ignorance of law: Hansen’s/Monster Energy Drinks has sent (via its crack, outsourced legal team) some nasty messages to a fellow drink reviewer. Read here or here for background. Let’s hope the PR people at Monster shorten the leash of their little sub-contracted paralegals.
Meanwhile, maybe now’s a good time to begin ignoring Hansen’s products.
This perfectly respectable Jordanian orange float (aka ‘orange sac drink’) appears pictured here with its little brother – pineapple float. But, in the pineapple Zakey, what substance substitutes for that crucial orange pulp…?