When Drew Carey got the gig to replace Bob Barker as host of The Price Is Right, I didn't see the fit. I mean, when most of us think of a game-show host, we picture the standard image of a coiffed hair-helmet, capped teeth, and a gift for smarm. And why would a wildly popular and hugely wealthy comedian bother with such pointless piffle?
About six months later, though, I heard Carey interviewed on "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" on NPR, and he said the single best thing about his new job is that he gets to give away lots of fantastic stuff that doesn't belong to him. Parsimonious altruism FTW!
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This was the exact mindset I needed to be in before I began writing this sponsored post, brought to you by The People Who Hope Microsoft Isn't Too Late To The Smartphone Party. I write a post about "Doing More With Less," and they give me a Windows 7 phone to noodle with. And later, I get to give another one away! |
When they mentioned Doing More With Less, my head sort of blew up. Because there is absolutely no part of the current state of my life that isn't governed by Doing More with Less Cash and Less Kid Time than I'd like. So one of the best ways I live within both parameters is to teach my kids how to cook. I have the time to shop for ingredients (much cheaper than going out or ordering in, as many harried parents are forced to do), the kids love to mimic me as they stir the pancake batter or spice the pork chops, they get to take justifiable pride in something they've created, we hang out and have fun together, and they get to trash my kitchen with impunity. Plus, if they complain about how something new tastes (which lately is way too often), I can say, "Hey, don't look at me. You made it."
Win-win-win-win-win. And win.
I haven't received my phone yet, so I can't tell you anything about it--including which model it is. I'm curious, naturally, because it could be revolutionary, or it could be another Zune. All the official rules for this contest are available here, and it's a truly compelling read. Like Sedaris, only with with a lot more "wherefors." The quick and dirty synopsis is this:
- You can leave a maximum of one comment per day from now until 11:59pm on Monday, November 29th.
- Use a valid e-mail address, which only I will see and promptly forget when the contest is over.
- I'll use random.org to pick a winner, and once we confirm your age and location and other minutiae, your phone will be on its way.
This giveaway is brought to you by the new Windows Phone 7. Less MIA. More PTA: Learn about Windows Phone online [www.windowsphone.com] and see it in person at local T-Mobile stores today.
And hey! Speaking of Doing More With Less, I just conjured a whole post about a product I've never seen or know anything about. How's that for some kick-ass alchemy?
