Greetings SURGE fans and welcome to the 126th edition of SaveSURGE News! We’re working hard to ensure that 2005 will be the most fully loaded year, ever.

To make are dream into reality we need your help. Please give our friends at Coca-Cola a call toll-free at 1-800-GET-COKE today and request that SURGE be brought back immediately.

Sightings Report
There were no new confirmed SURGE Sightings reported since the last edition of SaveSURGE News.

Sadly, we had 1 deletion in Portland, OR. Earlier in the week we had heard that the Montage Bistro in Portland still had our beloved SURGE but instead it was confirmed that they switched over to the dark side. Oops, I mean they switched over to Mello Yello.

Currently, there are 45 SURGE Sightings listed. Thanks to all of you who keep an eye out for SURGE!

For more info, visit SURGE Sightings at:
http://www.savesurge.org/surge/sightings.shtml

Coke to Make Product Lineup Additions – Where Does SURGE Stand?
As many of you know, rumors have been flying around for weeks that Coca-Cola has been testing a new citrus soda called “Vault”. The press finally got in on the action this week with stories about Vault appearing in respected sources such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Beverage Digest, among others. A few weeks earlier, SaveSURGE News reported that our friends over at www.SaluteToSoda.com had obtained a graphic depicting a can and 20oz. bottle of Vault.

All indications point to Vault’s existence – however Coca-Cola hasn’t commented on any product launches. One thing to remember is that just because a product is in testing, that does not necessarily mean that it will see a full-scale national launch. For that we’ll have to wait and see.

Also rumored to be on the drawing board are a new diet drink (possibly a brand-extension of Tab) and Beverage Digest has reported a brand-extension of Fresca may be in the works.

Coca-Cola’s new CEO, E. Neville Isdell, has said that he would like to see more innovation from the company. I believe these are the first steps of that process. Mr. Isdell and Coke’s leadership should be applauded for their efforts to shake up their product lineup.

Of course, with these changes SURGE fans want to know: What is the status of SURGE within the company? Is there a greater chance for a comeback?

In my opinion, I believe that these recent innovations at Coca-Cola can only be a good sign of things to come for SURGE fans. A renewed commitment to niche brands like Tab and Fresca shows that Coke is focusing on their hardcore fans.

We’ve known for some time that SURGE is being discussed at Coke. It may only be a matter of time until we our favorite soda back within our reach. Now, more than ever, it feels like our day is coming.

As always, keep visiting SaveSURGE.org for the latest updates:
http://www.savesurge.org

Can You Find the SURGE Reference in Tim’s Comic?
SaveSURGE.org Hall of Famer Tim Kelly showed his artistic talent by creating a comic strip depicting our favorite soda company. He even put a reference to his beloved SURGE in the strip. Can you find it?

Check out the comic at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/timkelly19/Coke01.html

Thanks to Tim for the excellent comic!!!

“Save Surge – The Movie” Sells Through 12/31/04
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind SURGE fans that Drew Bizzell’s hit documentary, “Save Surge – The Movie” will only be available in it’s current form via DVD until December 31, 2004.

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, what are you waiting for??? SURGE fans everywhere applaud the film and personally I love it more each time I watch it. The latest edition of the DVD also contains a new trailer for Drew’s upcoming collection, “Early Flicks: Vol. 1”.

Drew also informs us that the film will very shortly find its way to iFilm.com.

Get your copy of “Save Surge – The Movie” for just $5.00, shipping included:
http://www.geocities.com/randomness_pictures/surgedvd.html

Watch the Trailer:
http://www.savesurge.org/surge/drew_movie.shtml

Poll Results – Not the Grinch!
The latest SURGE Poll asked you: Which famous TV character will Coke be to SURGE fans this holiday season?

65.9% - Grinch
26.8% - Annual Gift Man (Simpsons)
7.2% - Hanukah Harry (SNL)

Total Votes: 97

No way! Think about the spirit of Annual Gift Man or Hanukah Harry. But I suppose the Grinch isn’t all bad. After all, he did lighten up in the end, right?

That’s all the time we have for this week. Thank you SURGE fans for continuing to fight for the soda you love!

Sincerely,

Eric Karkovack
Co-Webmaster
www.SaveSURGE.org