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Cool stuff
January 13, 2008
Taste test: Gatorade's G2
Remember Coke 2?
Back in 1985, Coke released a new take on its original formula. From all accounts the company played the new soft drink up as the next step in cola evolution. When it finally hit store shelves, reactions were … well let’s just say things didn’t go well and leave it at that, yes? It’s called Coke Classic for a reason.
To assure you I’m not just rambling about stuff that happened before I was born, Gatorade is coming out with its own salient sequel: G2. Marketed as a “low-calorie electrolyte beverage,” a quick browsing of the drink’s official Web site will yield the phrase “both on and off the field” roughly 70 jillion times. The idea behind G2 seems to be that while Gatorade is fine for getting hydration and electrolytes to athletes “on the field,” a different formula is necessary for athletes — you guessed it — “off the field.”
CAUTION: The following short paragraph may contain nutritional values. You can skip it and go straight to the taste test if you’d like, which I can assure you was done in a very science-y manner.
What this all comes down to is a lower calorie count. A standard 32-ounce bottle of G2 contains 100 calories, while its standard Gatorade counterpart packs 200. The same bottle of G2 also contains a lower carbohydrate count, 28 grams compared to Gatorade’s 56. For the number crunchers out there this is all well and good, but how does the stuff taste?
To find out I went to the store and bought a couple bottles of orange-flavored Gatorade and G2. I poured each into identical glasses containing exactly six (6) ice cubes. Also on hand was a cup of regular water to cleanse my palette between sips. After much sipping and swishing, I had a winner: G2.
G2 has a less concentrated flavor that’s a bit softer on the taste buds than regular Gatorade. While it’s not so diluted as to taste watered down, the difference is noticeable, and welcome — especially if you drink Gatorade more “off the field” than on. If you’re going to pick up a sports drink next time you’re out and about, you may as well give G2 a try. Once you’ve had a taste, come back here and tell people what you think in the comments section. This is for you guys, after all!
December 21, 2007
The cure for boredom
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The 2008 Austin Big Weekend Calendar — packed with more than 200 of the city’s most popular festivals, events and activities — has arrived, and I’m all about it.
If you’re like me, I find myself still learning something new about Austin every day. Today is an especially overwhelming day because I just learned approximately 200 things I didn’t know before. For instance, did you know that in April we are competing for a spot in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for the most dogs walked at one time? And did you know that in September you can go to a maze cut into a nearby cornfield — day or night?
Let’s just say I pretty much have my blog topics mapped out for the rest of the year because of this calendar. It has everything from music and art festivals to races to unique days for Austinites, such as No Pants Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day and Ride Your Bike to Work Day … just to name a few.
What I love about this calendar is that it lists anything — and everything — you did or didn’t know to do months in advance, paired with gorgeous photographs of Austin icons. It gives great ideas for things to do with families, friends, a significant other, or for some much-needed one-on-one time with yourself.
The calendar is $12.97 and can be purchased online at www.bigweekendcalendars.com/austin . Ten percent of the proceeds go to Keep Austin Beautiful.
I love the concept behind this calendar, and know I will be looking to it for things to do all year long. So turn off your TV, look at your calendar, get out of the house, and join me as I have fun in our city.
