Dr. Strangebrand is not usually one for games but every once in a while he is intrigued. Such is the case with live action role-playing or LARP for short, and all the brand extensions surrounding this geeky hobby.

Like many others, the Dr. was first introduced to the phenomena through the movie Role Models, where the character Augie (played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse) was an avid LARP-er. Participants of the game act out their character’s roles, usually in costume, in a fictional setting that spans many genres and styles, from sci-fi and medieval to live combat or tell me more

Let me just start by stating: No, Dr. Strangebrand has not read the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James. Even though the series has set the record for fastest-selling paperback of all time he would rather spend his evenings reading valuable content tell me more

While Dr. Strangebrand prides himself on his fine-tuned palate, he often indulges in more pedestrian cuisine. One such weak spot: AriZona Beverages. Growing up, I’d venture to the corner store after a long day of playing handball for a 24-ounce AriZona drink for the bargain price of 99 cents. tell me more

When Dr. Strangebrand isn’t tracking down weird brand extensions, he considers himself something of a gourmand. There’s nothing like a fine wine perfectly paired with a decadent meal. Occasionally, these outside interests intersect with my professional pursuits, and I become quite beside myself with happiness.

In the case of this post, we will explore hard rockers moving into the wine world, a rather intriguing development. Many classic icons of rock and roll, once associated with downing bottles of liquor, are now releasing their own wine vintages. It seems as if these aging metal gods have ditched the hard stuff and reached for the carafe. tell me more

If you think hard enough, there’s a nostalgia brand you hold close to your heart. It’s something with the power to transport you back to a different time and place with a logo, color, scent or flavor. And, yes, even Dr. Strangebrand finds himself indulging in this sentimentality.

Truth be told, my brand weak spot is Play-Doh. I fondly remember its sweet smell, bright colors, and yes, during an experimental pre-school phase, even its distinctive taste. It’s a brand all budding young sculptors encounter, and if the scent wafted past my desk right now, tell me more