Little m Long a

According to FTC guidelines — I am told this for I have never actually taken the time to read an FTC guideline — but according to FTC guidelines whenever I am given a product to review I am supposed to let you guys know that I was given the product to review.  That’s what I’m doing now.  I’m letting you know that I was given a copy of a product to review.  I’m also reviewing the product that I was given to review as it only seems fair that if someone is going to go to the trouble of giving me a product to review then I should actually review the product.

You see, one of the great many advantages of operating a blog (and quite frankly, there are bunches) is that from time to time generous people will send you stuff and say, “Hey, would you mind taking a look at this and then reviewing it?”  There are books, games, toys, movies….the list goes on.  Unfortunately, no one has ever said to me, “Hey Ed, here’s a huge pile of stuff we are calling money.  Why don’t you take this and see if you can find clever ways to use it, then write us a snappy little review?”  Never happens. Still, I’m hopeful.

On the flip side 90% of the stuff that people pitch for me to review is utter crap!  Seriously.  Couple that with the fact that 90% of the remaining 10% that I actually decide to review is also crap.  “The readers of Little m Long a will surely want to know about this,”  their pitch begins.  I’m calling bullshit.  They don’t want to know about your silly product because it’s crap.

As it is, the majority of pitches I either politely decline or ignore altogether.  (You’re welcome.)  I must admit that quite a few of the things I do review I never post about because they are so far removed from interesting or engaging that I can’t possibly spin a positive.  It’s also not worth the effort to spin the negative.  (Again, you’re welcome.)

But once in a blue moon something does come along and it’s worth a mention.  So that’s what I’m doing now.  Mentioning it.

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Zella is our very own Anton Ego.

“I don’t like that.”

Her typical critique offered at almost every meal.

Regardless.

There’s no go-to meal with the kid.  One day she might ask for seconds or even thirds of a serving of Mac and Cheese.  The next time you serve it — nothing.

“What part don’t you like, Zella?” Ive asked.

(And then making a gesture with her tiny little arm she starts at the top of the plate,) “From here … (and in a sweeping motion brings the arm across the plate to the bottom) … “to here!”

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Many of you may have read about this contest over at Whit’s place.  What?  Who’s Whit?  I’m not quite sure that question deserves an answer, rather a swift slap across the face and quite possibly some spittle in the eye!  Whit’s the man–he says so himself.  Anyway, seems Whit has offered a little contest to all five of his readers that offers not one, not two, not three—it goes on–but eleven books.  Real books with pages that are made of real paper (I can only assume paper as I have not actually seen these books myself, nor do I have actual proof that the books are real–but why would Whit lie?).

All you have to do is answer a few simple multiple choice questions, compose a short essay and in no fewer than ten words (no more either) describe why Whit is the man.  I’m about to give you the opportunity of a lifetime.  Why?  Because I care.  It’s what I do.  I’m a carer..er type of caring person that cares about things and people.  Really, I do.  I’m not only going to give you the answers to Whit’s little questionnaire but, by commenting here, I’m going to make you eligible to win Whit’s contest.  That’s right–Whit shall choose 5 winners (yes FIVE) and I shall see to it that FIVE (5) additional lucky duckies have the opportunity to receive all eleven books.  It’s win win here people!

And now, let’s get to those answers.

Question #1:  the answer is TRUE

Question #2:  he’s playing guitar with Band of Gypsys in Paducah, KY every Tuesday night at Earl’s

Question #3:  trick question–again the answer is TRUE

You’re on your own for the essay, however, hint for the bonus–say something about his big feet–he likes that.

Just remember, I’ll pick five winners in addition to the winners chosen by Whit.  Just leave a comment and let me know you want in.  I gotta tell you–with my readership in the low single digits–you’ve got some really good odds here.

Contest closes sometime soon–maybe later but it definitely won’t last forever.  Maybe on Wednesday.  Or Tuesday.

*Oh, I just re-read some rules.  OK the rule.  It’s only good for residents in the US and Canada (I know, a little exclusionary).  Sorry, Brits.  We’ll think of something.

Edit note Wed. June 11–the contest has now been closed and winners have been selected–congrats to Pam, James and Cindi (the only eligible participants.  Well, Whit did comment making him an eligible participant but because he was also running the contest I figured he probably had access to the prizes as well).  Enjoy your books.