7 Question Interview with R.M.J.
What can we say about R.M.J. (Ronnie "Raptor" Marion, Jr.)? His unique combination of creativity, technical know-how and dedication to SURGE has brought a lot of love and respect from the SaveSURGE.org community and now a spot into the Hall of Fame. His contributions to the site, whether it's a song, a story or a logo is always sure to be one of the most popular and talked about features on SaveSURGE.org. He took time out of his day to speak with us about his passion for SURGE and what it means to be a Hall of Famer:

1. What’s the best part about being in the SaveSURGE.org Hall of Fame?
Hmm, I really don't know. It's, of course, a place of reverence, and I suppose that's cool. I do appreciate being here immensely, but not nearly as much as I'd appreciate Our Electronic Ambrosia returning... I would have to say that the best thing about being in the Hall is knowing without a doubt that I'm helping the cause. I mean, that is why people are inducted... For promoting the return of SURGE in such an undeniable way that it's definitely recognized by everyone. I guess since I'm here, that's what I've done. I tell you, I don't visit this site regularly to win any popularity contests with anyone. I'm in it to get my soda back. That's the prime directive, y'know? Everything else is extra. I simply do what I can. But yeah, that's the best part about it-- knowing that I helped make a difference in this struggle.

2. What makes SURGE your favorite soda?
I'm glad you asked! Well, it's funny... Believe it or not, I can honestly say that I have always wished for SURGE, even before there was any SURGE... You see, fluorescent green has been my favorite color since elementary school, and, according to several practiced "spirit energy" readers, it's the color of my soul and aura... I always wear neon green. I have neon green tattoos and piercings. Anyway, I always noticed all the different sodas and drinks' varying colors... I wondered why there were no drinks in any emerald hues... at the least, a dark green would've sufficed. But no, there were reds, yellows, blues, oranges, purples, etc... But no green drinks. I frequently envisioned a blinding green beverage with an ecletic, electric personality, and a unique, sweet flavor. I couldn't predict the taste, I just imagined it to be very original and unmistakeable and good. I figured that if there was ever a bright green soda, it'd have to be exciting, invigorating, wild & crazy... An atomic bomb in a can. Then, one day, it was here, in SURGE. It was, quite literally, a dream come true for me. Perhaps now you can see what I mean when I say "made for me".

The flavor is such a kick-- NO DRINK OF ANY FORM is as strong, or as good. That citrusy blend is so one-of-a-kind, and I think that people will always remember that about SURGE, even the ones who didn't go crazy for it. Everyone will remember its' strength and flavor. That's another thing I like about it. I like the way it feels going down... For some reason, it wasn't as abrasive on the throat as other sodas. I can't chug any other carbonated drink the same way as I could chug a SURGE. It went so well with green M&M's and pixy-stix, too... It was my drug of choice. (It was actually the ONLY drug.) I didn't get hyper or wired off of SURGE; I actually got very relaxed. It was the best drink to accompany homework, writing, drawing, painting, daydreaming, watching movies, dancing, intimate times, cleaning up, etc... You name the activity, SURGE was there. No joke.

3. Do you think Coca-Cola and its bottlers will bring SURGE back?
(Laughs)... If they know what's good for them. It is so important to their individual futures that they bring SURGE back. I, personally, am an extreme fan, and I am not alone. If they are aware of us, they should realize that the number of members and visitors of SaveSURGE.org is only a fraction of the SURGE-fans out there who still haven't heard of this site! Therefore, if they think our demographic is still too small (according to the stats of this site) to bring it back, they need to remember to add the estimated number of fans out there, which I believe is VERY large. Then they should finally reconsider... And if they are planning a relaunch at Coke H.Q., they REALLY need to hurry. I'm thirsty, aren't you?

4. Describe how you felt when you realized that SURGE was no longer available in bottles and cans.
I wanted to be angry, but I was too sad to be angry. Of course I noticed it wasn't around, but I didn't even begin to think it was just discontinued until much later... I drank it as a pick-me-up quite often, and what do you do when you're sad, and there's no pick-me-up anymore? You get sadder... You wouldn't believe how happy the planet seemed (to me) when we had SURGE. Everything was in harmony and balance and unison. After it left, there were suddenly all sorts of problems you wouldn't even believe, and nothing to soothe a mind harrowed by those problems... I felt like my prescription had run out, and the withdrawal symptoms were affecting my perception... It's still like that, and I still feel this way even today.

5. How did you feel when you found out that SaveSURGE.org was trying to bring it back?
I was all, "oh, I'm all over this." I still remember quite clearly the first time I visited this site, things were still a little new, I suppose. I was so excited and thrilled to find a site devoted to a cause like this, because SURGE is connected to some of the best years of my life, and I'd like to be able to reminisce while sipping one down. It'd make me smile again. I'd signed the petition a while back, and when I found SaveSURGE.org, it was still very young, and there were still just 2 songs... I really wanted to contribute to the cause so I started composing... and you know the rest. Now I want to continue to give as much support to this site as possible, always.

6. If Coca-Cola gave you the chance to tell them why SURGE should come back in 25 words or less, what would you say to them?
25 or less, huh? (pauses.) Let's see...
"SURGE must be reintroduced at once, because it is the embodiment and fuel of youth itself! Please bring SURGE back or I will eat you."

7. Why do you feel that you have been enshrined as a member of the SaveSURGE.org Hall of Fame?
I'm serious, I really haven't done anything any die-hard SURGER wouldn't do. I made a logo, I wrote a song, I took a trip. I am glad people like my works. But the part that may scare you is, I'm not even done yet!! I haven't even started contributing, in the big picture. There is more on the way; and you can always expect that from me. I'm not stopping until SURGE is back in all our hands. I'm not even stopping then. I'm gonna keep my eye on things, and make sure they don't try a stunt like that again. I need my fix just as bad as anyone else, and dare I say, worse. I have troubles to calm, pains to stave off, and moreover, a rush to feed...

I would like to extend my most sincere thanx to you all, the SURGERS out there, for giving me this nomination. It's beyond an honor. You're my online family. Just remember, there's always gonna be more to come from me, so keep on the look out. I tell you, we'll all have one more SURGE very soon, I can feel it... Later, mammals...

~R.M.J

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