Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels : Original

Dot's Homestyle Pretzels : Original

These Pretzels are promoted as “sensationally seasoned” and they are indeed seasoned. They taste like they’re coated with cheese though there’s none on the ingredients list. Whether or not it’s sensational is up for debate. They’re nonetheless a decent alternative to the plain salted variety.

my rating : 3 of 5

TombStone French Fry Style Crust Pizza : Chili Cheese

TombStone French Fry Style Crust Pizza : Chili Cheese

This TombStone pie would taste a lot better without the Chili bit, specifically the spicy seasoning sprinkled atop. It’s okay as is, but the crispy French Fry Style Crust is the best part; a rarity when it comes to pizza. Beware of the inaccurate cooking directions though. My oven bakes it in about half the time.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : D-12 Forever [ Volume 1 ] ( album ) … D-12

audio review : D-12 Forever [ Volume 1 ] ( album ) ... D-12

The 12 is supposed to represent the original six rappers and their split personalities, but the name still works. “D-one-two!” the chant goes as if to count the members left. This should be presented as a “Kuniv and Swift” album because that’s what it is. The only thing sadder than posthumous verses from Bugz and Proof is that Eminem, Kon Artis and Bizarre couldn’t be bothered.

Their best album is the first one and there are embers of Devil’s Night scattered about, including a new Public Service Announcement and a witty story entitled Kill The Engineer. Collabs with the likes of B-Real, Method Man and Tech N9ne are also decent. The aforementioned posthumous ones; Proof died 20 years ago and he’s featured more than twice; are tacky in comparison.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

video review : Disclosure Day

video review : Disclosure Day

This doesn’t begin like a Steven Spielberg flick; it starts with a wrestling match; but it ends like one. The last ten minutes, when the title concept finally comes into play, are engrossing. That’s also when, considering the recent real-life release of UFO files from the US government, it starts to seem authentic.

The preceding story is mostly hackneyed Hollywood movie fare. The bad guys; members of a secret agency known as Wardex; are dutifully inept. The protagonist; a Kansas City weatherwoman; is given psychic powers that allow her to escape danger, and even avoid a traffic ticket, when convenient.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

Wise Golden Potato : Original

Wise Golden Potato : Original

Golden? Not quite. The image on the bag is a promotional deception. These Potato chips are marked with brown/black spots, which seem to affect the taste if only a little. They’re described as “delicious” and they’re certainly not bad, but they’re no Lay’s.

my rating : 3 of 5

Reign : Razzle Berry

Reign : Razzle Berry

“Razzle Berry is a flawless medley of tart tangy blackberries with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes”, the promo reads, “Sounds like music to your taste buds.” Perhaps, but music isn’t always good music. A lot of it is merely decent as is this Reign energy drink, though it packs a whopping 300 milligrams of caffeine.

my rating : 3 of 5

Reign : Tropical Storm

Reign : Tropical Storm

If this is a Tropical Storm, it’s a light and mildly pleasant one. Even the fizz; the worst part of these energy drinks; is subdued, though it would be better without any at all. It’s marketed as Total Body Fuel and has 300 milligrams of “natural” caffeine for what it’s worth.

my rating : 3 of 5

Bang : Sour Ropes

Bang : Sour Ropes

This Bang is based on Sour Ropes candy, but it tastes better because it’s not actually sour. That displeasure is replaced with the not-as-displeasurable sting/fizz of carbonation. The flavor is otherwise quite nice; more akin to piña colada than its namesake confectionery.

my rating : 3 of 5

Bang : Delish Strawberry Kiss

Bang : Delish Strawberry Kiss

This is “Inspired by strawberry shortcake and a summer romance we never wanted to end,” the promo reads, “Bang Energy Delish Strawberry Kiss is as satisfying as it is refreshing.” It could’ve been if not for the fizzy carbonation, which puts a damper on an otherwise pleasant drinking experience.

my rating : 3 of 5

Monster Cookie Mash

Monster Cookie Mash

This is “chocolate ice cream with chocolate sandwich cookies”; basically cookies and cream without the vanilla. What that has to do with Monsters; the ones on the carton are drawn in the style of Yo Gabba Gabba; is beyond me. It, like most ice cream, is best melted down to a lumpy goo.

my rating : 3 of 5