In case anyone didn't know (or stopped caring), the fifteen year wait for Guns N' Roses' 6th studio album finally ended with today's release of "Chinese Democracy". It's a day of mixed emotions. I'm sad that I won't be able to use the classic "what will come first? Chinese Democracy the album or actual Chinese Democracy?" line anymore at parties. I'm glad that I can now give my weathered, well worn copy of "The Spaghetti Incident?" a rest. However, the most amazing part of the day is that Dr. Pepper has kept their promise to provide everyone in America with a free Dr. Pepper with the release of the album.I have to give the folks out in Plano, TX credit, when I first heard about their bizarre, completely random bounty for the next GNR album back in March, I had written it off as just an empty publicity stunt. At the time it seemed like one of those ridiculous wagers that one never expected to lose. Sort of like promising your son that you'll be a family again if the last place Angels somehow win the pennant. However, when Axl and crew actually put it on the line, the Dr. actually delivered. While a lesser soft drink company would have feigned ignorance or just kept mum about the incident, Dr. Pepper actually stepped up.
Although the site right now sort of broken from the excess surge of users, and the fact that the whole process (web application, 4-6 week delivery of coupon, redemption instructions) seems to have as much red tape and hurdles as a Soviet bread line; you can't deny that the Dr. is working to fill its half of the bargain. So for anyone looking to be a pepper, you've got until midnight.
*Update, due to popular demand the offer has been extended to 6pm EST Monday. Remember to cross those ts and dot those lower case js.
