Saturday, January 20, 2007

My Top 20 Favorite Albums

#20. "Long Knives Drawn" - Rainer Maria 
Released: January 21, 2003 by Polyvinyl Records

Although they recently split-up, Rainer Maria were an enigmatic three-piece indie rock band full of passion and character.  In their earlier recordings, they’d do duel female/male vocals, that’d seamlessly trade back and forth, or sometimes, overlap each other.  This record marked the first time the vocals were exclusively female, which disappointed some original fans, but were done splendidly in my opinion, full of poetic power, contemplation, regret, questioning, and honesty.  For the uninitiated, this nine-track album is a perfect introduction to a band that unfortunately met a premature demise.

#19. "Social Life" - Koufax 
Released: October 22, 2002 by Vagrant Records

This infectious pop-rock record saw much exposure during drives in my car.  The first four tracks are undeniably catchy, piano-driven, toe-tapping tunes.  To me, Koufax, on this album specifically, represent rock for the workingman’s weekend.  The songs are leisurely and carefree, and as the title suggests, invocative of enjoying a social life of drinks, friends, and late nights.

#18. "The Love of Life" - Watashi Wa 
Released: June 24, 2003 by Tooth & Nail Records

Christian rockers Watashi Wa delivered one of the most sugary sweet rock records I’ve had the blessing of discovering.  Albeit not for everybody, especially the pessimistic, I absolutely adore driving around during the early days of summer with the windows down and the sun shining while blaring this record.

#17. "Forget What You Know" - Midtown 
Released: June 29, 2004 by Sony

On their first record Save the World, Lose the Girl, the guys dropped out of college, and subsequently wrote and recorded the pop-punk record with the best vocabulary I’ve heard.  Their second album Living Well Is the Best Revenge was a more straightforward pop-rock album, in terms of technicality and lyrically, it was more simplistic, and overall a critical and commercial failure.  This, their third (and potentially final) album, as the title suggests, ditches their lineage and the result is one of the most somber, dark, and completely honest rock albums of the last decade.  The lyrics are cutting, with lines like, “sex is old, old and boring”, and, “even though we sleep together we’re alone.”  It was my favorite album of 2004, and will likely keep a permanent spot in my music library.

#16. "Something to Write Home About" - The Get Up Kids 
Released: September 28, 1999 by Vagrant Records

This is my all-time favorite sing-a-long album.  Any combination of a car full of my friends can sing along to this record word for word, as its left an indisputable mark on all of us in our formative teenage years.  The Get Up Kids left a legacy of several brilliant albums, but for me, this will always be their best and most meaningful recording.

#15. "The Chinkees Are Coming!" - The Chinkees 
Released: February 24, 1998 by Asian Man

The Chinkees’ lead singer Mike Park is an inspiration and an idol of mine.  He runs the non-profit organization Plea for Peace, and through his music, writings, and actions contributed so much to the awareness of many important topics like racism, sexism, violence, volunteering, animal rights, and public consciousness.  This album is full of an exuberant energy and spirit, brimming with life and caring.

#14. "Return" - The Impossibles 
Released: June 13, 2000 by Fueled By Ramen

Texas’s own The Impossibles were first known as group that balanced fun songs about girls and pop culture, with a youthful flair and knack for quirky lyrics.  This, their second full-length record, was a departure from their early sound, and the definition of a band maturing.  This is a moody rock record by a group of guys who were growing up, putting away their comic books, and looking towards the future, even if it held sorrow.

#13. "Diagram for Healing" - No Motiv 
Released: May 1, 2001 by Vagrant Records

No Motiv is a bit of an enigma with me, as even though I like them a lot, I don’t really recommend them to anybody, and keep them as my little secret.  Largely, the reason why, is that they’re such a straightforward rock band, with a simple sound and lyrics, that I figure most listeners will casually toss them aside in favor of something more flashy.  They don’t have a signature look or appearance, their live show is essentially just the band on stage playing, and they don’t appeal to the current trends or genre developments.  That all being said, this album is a heartfelt recording, almost as if it’s a young man’s diary turned into music, and a record that I can listen to completely through without even considering changing tracks.


#12. "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special" - Vince Guaraldi 
Released: 1965 by Fantasy

I absolutely adore A Charlie Brown Christmas, and its soundtrack is full of Christmas spirit, with a delicious jazz touch by genius composer Vince Guaraldi.  A couple winters ago, while working at a seasonal job in a calendar store, I’d play this album on repeat for several hours, and do so consistently throughout the workweek.  It’s perfect for background music while you and loved ones drive around on dark winter nights, looking at Christmas lights and decorations.  It feels me with such a genuine good feeling that words can’t express – an essential recording.

#11. "Seven More Minutes" - The Rentals 
Released: April 13, 1999 by Maverick

Quite the departure from their previous album and sound, which admittedly took a little getting used to, something some fans were never able to do.  Rentals’ frontman, and former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp, trekked to Europe where he did a lot of drinking, discussing, traveling, reflecting, and growing up.  This is an admitted ode to Europe, its diversities, complexities, culture, and soul.  This is the perfect album for your next road trip.

#10. "Progress" - The RX Bandits 
Released: July 17, 2001 by Drive Thru

The RX Bandits were my personal soundtrack in my early 20’s.  I connected strongly with their music and message.  Their songs, attacking commercialism, war, media, unattainable beauty standards, amongst other things, spoke so clearly to me.  They're passionate individuals, full of respect and love, and a tremendous live band.  This album was a big eye opener to me, in terms of how powerful music could be.  It definitely shaped my views and me profoundly.

#9. "Fear of a Black Planet" - Public Enemy 
Released: March 20, 1990 by Def Jam

In my eyes, the most influential and important hip-hop and political band of all-time.  Public Enemy is notorious for speaking out, taking a stand, raising awareness, and inciting action.  I don’t want their legacy to be Flavor Flav’s absurd antics on poorly produced TV shows; instead, it should be their impassioned and brutally honest songs.  I had the pleasure of seeing them live a couple years ago, it was easily one of the best performances I’ve ever seen live and a truly memorable moment in my appreciation of the art form of hip-hop music and culture.

#8. "For You My Dear" - Steel Train 
Released: January 28, 2003 by Drive Thru

This was Steel Train’s first release, a six-track EP, and a recording they’ve yet to top in my opinion.  They’ve transformed into what’s commonly referred to as a “jam band”, a term closely associated with hippies and folk music.  Their lead singer’s first love was famed actress Scarlett Johnasson, and their short-lived romance reappears and manifests itself several times on later recordings. This record, however, isn’t as loose, sprawling, and eclectic as their later stuff and live show.  It’s a beautiful album; full of soul, incredibly mellow, with a terrific vibe and some of the best bass lines I’ve heard.  If I had to name a recording that’s the best musical equivalent of who I am as a young adult, it’d be this one.

#7. "Rock and Roll Part Three" - Ozma 
Released: August 21, 2001 by Kung Fu Records

Early comparisons to Weezer were abundant, but Rivers Cuomo, Weezer’s famed frontman, chimed in by saying of all the bands that people have compared to Weezer, Ozma is by far his favorite.  This, their first record, is such a strong rock album, with so many exquisite songs.  The track “Natalie Portman”, full of emotional longing, “Shootingstars”, about a solider who returns from war only to find out his lover has moved on, and “Baseball”, a song that magically uses baseball as a metaphor for a relationship.  Nintendo fanatics, and all-around nice people, Ozma hold a special place in my heart

#6. "Sha Sha" - Ben Kweller 
Released: March 5, 2002 by Ato Records

Ben Kweller is a loveable guy, kind of like Richie from Happy Days.  He’s a young guy, full of wide-eyed wonder, and some of the tastiest rock songs of our current generation.  This, his first record, is an achievement of the highest order, from the first track, with its nifty Planet of the Apes reference, to the last track, “Falling”, arguably my favorite of all of Kweller’s songs.  This is the type of album that anyone with an open mind and a good attitude could easily fall quickly for, full of catchy and finely crafted songs.

#5. "Lost In Translation" - Various Artists 
Released: September 9, 2003 by Emperor Norton

I identify and genuinely love the film Lost In Translation.  Its soundtrack is the perfect compliment to the film, a collection of mostly ambient music, which totally recaptures that sense of wandering, lonesomeness, discovery, and wonder that the film so poetically displays.  I bring it with me on all of my travels; I recall listening to it while lying on the beach in Miami, FL in the middle of the night, and while flying over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s easily a recording that I can just get lost in (no pun intended).


#4. "Pinkerton" - Weezer 
Released: September 24, 1996 by Geffen Records

Out of Weezer’s five albums, Pinkerton is definitely the odd one in the group.  After their widely accepted debut record, full of nerdish charm, this album delved into a much deeper and more personal side.  Frontman Rivers Cuomo doesn’t like dwelling on it these days, but it has a loyal underground following that’s unparalleled.  The first track, “Tired of Sex”, pretty much lays out the foundation of the album, with songs full of uncertainty, sexual frustration, lonesomeness, and ambiguity.  An interesting side note, when it originally was released, Rolling Stone Magazine trashed it; saying it was “one of the worst albums of 1996.”    In 2004, they changed their rating to “5 stars”, and inducted Pinkerton into their Rolling Stone Hall of Fame.

#3. "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits" - The Ataris 
Released: April 13, 1999 by Kung Fu Records

This album is the definition of my high school experience.  Not only did I listen to it religiously my senior year, back in ’99-’00, but the emotion it exudes in tracks like “Your Boyfriend Sucks” and “Broken Promise Ring” pinpointed exactly how I was feeling at that time in my life.  Most people want to forever forget high school, but this album will always serve to me as a bittersweet reminder of those times, where life was full of angst, awkward sexual escapades, and passing notes in study hall.

#2. "Return of the Rentals" - The Rentals 
Released: October 24, 1995 by Maverick

This is the most infectious, keyboard and synthesizer heavy, pop-rock album ever.  The female background vocals are the perfect accompaniment, adding a wonderfully sweet and endearing touch.  When Matt Sharp ditched Weezer to start The Rentals, he took a bold chance, and delivered an album that in some ways surpassed his super popular former band’s offerings.  Last year, I drove to Chicago to finally see The Rentals live, after their long hiatus, and even though these songs are more than a decade old, they still sounded just as good as the first time I heard them.  If I was stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one album with me for the rest of my days, I can safely say I’d be perfectly content with listening to The Return of the Rentals forevermore.

#1. "Calendar Days" - The Rocket Summer 
Released: February 25, 2003 by Militia

Bryce Avery started playing instruments and making music as a young kid, and recording songs and playing small shows as a teenager.  On Calendar Days, he plays every instrument, the bass, guitar, drums, and piano, as well as adds his signature vocals, full of youthful energy and sincere optimism.  This album makes me so incredibly happy.  It’s literally brimming with life, and it’d take the most jaded individual to not at least crack a smile while listening to it.

Maybe it’s that Bryce’s philosophies so closely resemble my own, but I feel a heartfelt closeness to this recording that’s unquestionable.  To put it in the most base and simple terms – this album is about being happy.  The songs are full of a love for life, appreciating the small things, as in “Skies So Blue”, being in love, “She’s My Baby”, and wanting to make the best of the future, “TV Family.”

Most versions of this album come with a second disc, a DVD containing two music videos, and a documentary.  This video footage is also overflowing with positive energy, and a treasured addition.  I’m going to end my review of my all-time favorite album by quoting lyrics from the opening track, “Cross My Heart”:

“I know you’re going crazy / but happy is all you make me / and now things are gonna get better baby / I know everything went wrong, OK / but now it’s time to get some better days / ‘cause I don’t want to keep acting this way”

Thanks so much for reading this article.  I think maybe by sharing it, you’ll all get to know me a bit better.  It took several hours to compile, research, and complete.  I’d love to hear your comments, opinions, and favorites.  Please share them with me via the comments section.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Superman Returns


After a failed theatrical viewing of the film (hey, I was tired!) I finally got around to getting my hands on the DVD to give it another shot.  Unfortunately, the library only had the bare bones edition, sans any additional extras, to my dissatisfaction.  One major plus to my home viewing experience was my surround sound system, which I had cranked up to the extreme, literally making my house rumble due to sheer volume.  Complaints on the film aren’t too abundant, it does feel a bit long, and the idea to use a muted color palate, while aesthetically interesting, might not have been the right route to tow.  Singer, who did a commendable job adapting the X-Men legacy to film, is successful again here, resurrecting Superman onto the big screen for the first time in far too long.  Brandon Routh was a great choice as Clark Kent, but a little less appealing as Superman himself.  I didn’t feel he changed his mannerisms convincingly enough, for example, upon saving Lois Lane and her intermediate family, his verbal exchange with her fiancé Richard White (played by James Marsden) seemed awkward and aplomb; I contest that the world’s biggest hero would be more poised and confident.


One of my biggest complaints would be Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane.  In the comics, past film versions, and done splendidly by Terri Hatcher on the TV series The New Adventures of Lois & Clark, Lois was always a fiery go-getter, full of energy and grit; here, she came off without any of that loveable fire and tenacity.  The casting of perennial comic bit actors Parker Posey, Sam Huntington, and Kal Penn (think White Castle) could also be taken under question.  To round out the principal cast, Kevin Spacey played a wry and ruthless Lex Luthor, and Frank Langella played Perry White, although I preferred him as Skeletor, in the live-action Masters of the Universe.


I love the Smallville aspect of the Superman mythos, and wish we could have spent a little more time on the farm, but, there was a lot of story to tell here, so we never dwelled for too long.  Ultimately, as a fan of the character and franchise, it was a real joy to see another film made, especially one that tried to honor the source material.  The effects are stellar, the story’s moderately good, with its high and low points, and there’s potential for a forthcoming sequel.  I’d definitely recommend at least seeing it once, to form your own opinion, instead of accepting the general consensus, which wasn’t too positive.

Overall Grade: B 

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Jones Soda 2006 Holiday Pack Tasting Party


Back towards the beginning of October we gallantly went where few others dared to tread, and reviewed last year’s Jones Soda 2005 Holiday Pack.  The results were simultaneously disastrous and tremendous.  Bad in that, we suffered through drinking expired broccoli casserole-flavored soda, but good due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback the video received.  So, when I found out that the Jones Soda Co. were unleashing an all-new collection of disturbing drinks for this year, I instantly knew that our paths would cross yet again.

  
Our brave test testers: Amanda and Brian, and Jessie and Eddie

This time around there’s nobody getting physically ill or on their knees desperately clutching a garbage can, that’s thanks to the fact that the drinks weren’t severely outdated.  Still, we had a lot of funning sampling the sodas and making the video, and hope you’ll enjoy it.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Jones Soda 2005 Holiday Pack Tasting Party


Jones Soda Co. is widely known for their sardonic refusal to fit into stereotypical soft drink norms, and for being an unabashedly bizarre company.  They deliver flavors of soda that continue to boggle the mind, and delight many dejected college students during long nights of studying botany notes.  Today, we honor them, and I use that term loosely, as consumption of these beverages caused many fits of nausea, by giving them exposure via our first-ever video review!


The (expired) soda flavors sampled: Broccoli Casserole, Smoked Salmon Pate, Turkey & Gravy, Corn On the Cob, and Pecan Pie

My friend Steve picked these up at a lonely gas station last year, since then, they’ve done nothing except gather dust in his basement.  We figured, with the holidays right around the corner, it’d be an excellent time to give these unique drinks a thorough testing and analysis.  Without further adieu, watch as Review the World’s patented four-man test testing team battle year-old Thanksgiving inspired soda!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

I'm All Alone In My Worry

She doesn't know I'm waiting for her on this chilly October afternoon.  She gets out of school at 3:15PM, and I, cold and confused, await her.  Last week, seemingly out of the blue, I'd told her I had developed immense feelings for her.  I spit it all out, in one long, mumbling but genuine gush of affection.  It didn't go too well.

I'd been friends with Sally Cartwright since 3rd grade; thus, me spilling my heart to her so many years down the road proved to be a delicate and difficult situation.  I watched a dead leave get pushed across the pavement of Hensley Ave. by the frigid wind.  I looked up at a classroom window, saw a boy, he was staring at me.  I meekly waved; he blinked, and then disappeared.


The sounds of school buses grinding to a stop, the smell of fuel, the murmur of excitement were all around.  I looked down at my feet, my red Converse shoes I'd had since two summers ago, the very same ones I wore on my first vacation, a trip to Colorado last spring with my father.  He and my mother divorced when I was 9, I lived with her and my younger brother Anthony in an older two-story house right outside of downtown.  Anthony had a pet frog named Frogzilla, wore glasses, and liked to have me take him to the magic store on 4th & Boba St.

The bell sounded and students started pouring out of Eisenhower Jr. High.  I saw Sally turning a corner with two of her friends, they stopped briefly, said their goodbyes, and then Sally continued by herself.

Brandon: "Sally!  Hey!"

I caught her attention, but her smile seemed somehow forced, as if it wasn't necessarily a pleasant surprise.

Sally: "Hey, Brandon.  What's up?" 
Brandon: "I thought I could walk you home, and, you know, talk."

She didn't respond.

Brandon: "Is that okay?" 
Sally: "Sure."


I could tell this wasn't going to be as smooth as I planned.  We started walking down the leaf-covered sidewalks of our hometown, past the noise and commotion of the school, into the quieter neighborhoods.  I saw old man Mr. Matthews raking leaves on his front lawn.  Before his wife died, they'd always pass out the best Halloween candy in town, big candy bars and handfuls of suckers, taffy, and other sweets.

Brandon: "So, how was class?" 
Sally: "It was alright, I guess.  I've got this history assignment due for Mr. Bomholt tomorrow.  I need to study for my French test, too." 
Brandon: "Foreign languages are cool."

What?  Why did I have to say something so stupid?

Brandon: "And, so is other stuff, like I guess cars, or hockey, and movies are pretty cool.  Well, some of them, at least.  Remember the first movie we saw together?" 
Sally: "How could I forget?  Toy Story 2 with our moms, and Anthony, of course, who ate too many Goobers and nearly got sick." 
Brandon: "Man, Buzz Lightyear can really soar, huh?"

Oh, my, god.  Did I take a stupid pill this morning?


Brandon: "I'm planning on taking Anthony to the arcade Saturday afternoon.  Play some games; maybe grab a hot dog or two, and a few root beers.  Want to come?" 
Sally: "I don't know.  I'll be pretty busy this weekend." 
Brandon: "You used to love going to the arcade.  You're the only girl that's ever beat me at Tekken 3, although, I don't admit it publicly.  I'd even pay for a round of laser tag!" 
Sally: "How generous."

We arrived at Sally's house.  I could see her mother inside, diligently washing dishes.  Sally's mom liked me, or I liked to think so, I made her laugh.

Sally: "I'll call you.  If I decide to go, or, whatever." 
Brandon: "Sounds good." 
Sally: "Thanks for walking me home, Brandon." 
Brandon: "Hey, my pleasure.  Any time, really."


I waved goodbye, watched her enter her house, and then started off across Prairie Dr. towards the city.  I was going to go home, sit by myself in my room, all alone in my worry; but opted instead, to head downtown for an hour or two.  I went into Opal's Diner; it was nice and warm inside, a nice change from the chilly autumn air.  I took off my jacket and scarf, hung them up, and then took a booth in the corner with a window so I'd have a view.  I ordered pancakes with blueberries, bacon, hash browns, and coffee.  As I ate, chewing extremely slowly to get the most out of each and every bite, I stared out at the bustling streets and watched vehicles and faces go by.  The warmth of the restaurant, and of the food, filled me with not just heat, but life.  What was love, really?  I pondered this, and came to the conclusion that I really don't even know myself.  But, I do know there's a few people in my life I care deeply about, and that's important to me.  I sat and reflected on childhood, a particular memory of Sally, little Anthony, and I, rolling down a hill together.  I took a bite of a pancake and a big blueberry, grinned, and almost laughed a little to myself when the thought occurred to me how content I was sitting there in my booth watching the world go on busily.  How utterly hopeless and silly it all was!

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Ha Ha Pizza (Yellow Springs, OH)


Ha Ha Pizza is the definition of a small-town eatery.  But, before I delve into my review of their restaurant, food, and legacy, I need to discuss the town it resides in, Yellow Springs, Ohio.  I’d heard rumors and stories, all of them, dare I say, were true.  This is the quintessential hippie town.

The small downtown, which runs all of two blocks, is populated by small thrifty shops, including a little bookstore, a couple stores specializing in occult items, and a few designated as your one-stop shop for all of your drug-related paraphernalia.  Hell, even the bank likely sells bongs!  The overall mood, tone, and atmosphere could only be described as overwhelmingly mellow.


But, Yellow Springs is famous for another reason, too.  Comedian extraordinaire Dave Chappelle calls it home.  Instead of nestling into Los Angeles, or any other bustling city for that matter, he choose to retreat to this quiet little collegiate down populated by intellectuals, artists, and lots of stoners.

Ha Ha Pizza and Dave have a relationship, too.  I’d heard that someone in his family owns the restaurant, and my girlfriend Amanda actually ran into him there back in 2002.  Most recently, this famed pizzeria was featured prominently in a scene of the major motion picture Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.

And, if you thought the whole thing about this being a hippie town was a improper assumption, just take a glimpse at Ha Ha’s menu, featuring a chef chilling with a massive blunt.


I was in Yellow Springs to also explore their historic nature scene, including the famed Clifton Gorge.  My mother Beverly, niece Jade, and girlfriend Amanda accompanied me.  After a nice hike through the woods, we made our way to Ha Ha Pizza for lunch.  The interior was nice and cozy; kind of contemporary, including some neat artwork like the samurai shown above adorning the walls.  I paid the restroom a quick visit, where I happened to put a little propaganda graffiti on the wall, plugging my website.  Surely by now, a few weeks later, after the “Review the World” I wrote, someone has written “blows!” or “sucks ass!” or something equally clever after it.


Beverly and Amanda both got a salad for starters, and for a little extra, you could pay to get unlimited trips to the salad bar.  Truth be told, the salad was one of the most surprisingly satisfying parts of the dining experience.  Their salad bar was loaded with fresh and unique ingredients, not the generic buffet fare you’ll usually come across.  The salad pictured, covered in a deliciously tasty and light dressing, was near perfection.  Our waiter, whom I might add was a swell guy, did look like a beatnik version of comedian Carrot Top.


Amanda and Jade were all smiles, awaiting their pizza.  Jade was playing her coveted Nintendo DS, of course; kids these days, right?  On the right is yours truly, a few weeks before I cut my shaggy hair that I already desperately miss, and enjoying some iced tea and quality conversation.


Now it’s time to discuss the main course, the pizza itself, which wasn’t groundbreaking but not bad, either.  Key to their unique style is their crust, including their acclaimed whole-wheat crust.  The textures of the pizza, and diversity of their menu, were both much better than that of your everyday pizza place like Pizza Hut or Domino’s.  Speaking of Domino’s, and its times like this that I love having a site, as there’s a story I’d like to share with you all.  When I was a kid, a bunch of local ruffians and I were in my parent’s basement playing with an Ouija board, which for the unknowing, is a device that supposedly allows you to communicate with the dead.  Well, this girl took over, acting as though she was having a conversation with a dead teenager, leading all of us others to be suspicious to say the least.  When the girl asked the dead teen to spell out on the board where they worked prior to their death, she misspelled Domino’s leading to a fit of laughter in all of us, as her poor spelling totally debunked the legitimacy of her séance.

Back to reviewing Ha Ha Pizza, though – Amanda got green olives and banana peppers, Jade just cheese, and I choose ham and pineapple.  My mom, wanting mushrooms and artichokes, had a slip of tongue, and accidentally ordered mushrooms and anchovies.  I traded her for a slice, having never previously tasted anchovies, and was wowed by their strong salty flavor.  As far as my pie went, it wasn’t bad, but not necessarily unique or tasty enough to herald as great pizza.  Overall, the food isn’t really Ha Ha Pizza’s main draw, in my eyes, it’s their unique charm that gives them character.  If anyone lives in the Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus areas, a trip to Ha Ha Pizza wouldn’t be too painful of a trek via the freeway, and a worthwhile experience for those looking to try something different.  If you’re wanting to have some extra fun, ask to speak to one of their staff out by the dumpster after their shift, to score some of their “special” mushrooms.

Overall Grade: B+ 

Friday, December 1, 2006

Review the World TV - The Lost Episode



During the original incarnation of Review the World TV back in 2006 we wound up with a handful of reviews and other material left on the cutting room floor. That winter I edited it together as a special "lost" episode. Now, for the first time on YouTube, it's available to be seen by all (in glorious 280p!). Yes, the video quality is low, but the level of fun had is undeniably high. Enjoy!

Includes:

- Checkpoint Rally arcade game
- Rip It Energy Fuel - Power flavor
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
- TMNT Giggle Splashers candy
- Hawaiian Punch Grape Geyser
- Crayola Candy Palette
- Goya Raspberry Soda
- Flea Market Fun w/ Tim
- Pringles Salsa Verde flavor
- Popcorn arcade game