Blox Original Energy Drink Review

Drink: Blox Original
Official Site: InDrinks

In contrast to its tainted orange cousin, Blox original is a surprisingly good after-taste free flavor, though the overall affect is a bit dilute. It is the drink incarnation of a Blue Raspberry Tootsie Roll Pop. The energy factor is good enough for a decent kick.

Summary: The original is always the best.
Final Score: 4 out of 5

Color Struck

Instinct in action! Full article here.

Quick Summary:

• The study manipulated variables in orange juice.
• Brand name could influence a person's preference in taste between cups.
• Labeling the juice as either 'premium' or 'store brand' had no affect on the results.
• Color had the biggest effect on taste perception.
• When given a regular cup of Tropicana and one dyed to a darker color, the test subjects tasted a non-present difference.
• When given cups of orange juice the same color with one having an extra cup of sugar, the people could not taste the difference.

My $0.02: Interesting implications, interesting implications... Perhaps people are loyal to one brand over the other because of coloring? Also, could the finding of the research help people on diets? If companies color food items more brightly for diet food, then perhaps the people will perceive the taste as being better than without coloring.

Blox Orange Rush Energy Drink Review

Drink: Blox Orange Rush
Official Site: InDrinks

As one of my friends said, Blox Orange Rush "smells like pissed out orange juice." The scent is a warning sign for the taste of the liquid inside. The watered down flavor is similar to that of Hansen's Energade with orange rind and stale Alkaseltzer tablets added to the mix (Don't ask me how I know what orange rinds and stale Alkaseltzer tablets taste like...). An oddly grainy taste taints the whole thing. In addition to a bad taste, the drink delivers little energy.

Summary: The only rush you'll want to give this drink is away from it.
Final Score: 2 out of 5

Oh, and thanks for the inspiration Lauren. ~_^

History of Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring. However, how did the groundhog ever come into prominence with a holiday which celebrates its power to predict the future? Check out a history here.

Quick Summary:

The holiday is mid-way between the Winter Solstice and Vernal Equinox.

The original celebration was the Roman Hedgehog day.

German folklore introduced the concept of more or less winter.

The hedgehog has been replaced with the groundhog in North America.

The Christian tradition of Candlemas which celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the temple was placed on the day to displace pagan celebrations.

My $0.02: Though the holiday is silly, animals can be quite perceptive. The ancients were wise to observe their behavior.