I was going to skip this contest because of the lack of time I have this weekend to put together some quality photos, but then I thought about those poor monkeys and all the hard work they put into coming up with quality topics. So I rushed this morning to put together my entry, and hope that the monkeys know that it's the thought that counts, when it comes to the Yod Hunt. So here's my entry, with no warranties, no guarantees, and all sales are final…
1. Show us a candle that has clearly seen better days.
Somehow these three candles ended up in our sun room as the de facto toys for my daughter and her cousin. They've used them as rolling pins, blocks, swords, and some sort of imaginary food item. I'm pretty sure we'll never be using these for decorative purposes again, so I let them just have at them. It's better than them pulling off all the books off the bookshelves, which is their OTHER favorite past-time in that room!
2. Show us the food item you would eat right now if you were told the world was going to end in five minutes.
I'm sorry – I was going to take a picture of the cereal itself, but when I heard the phrase "the world is going to end in five minutes", I finished off the rest of the box. I don't regret my cereal binge, though…now if I just had a giant bottle of Tums.
3. Take a picture of one of those funny music playing devices that existed before iPods.
As you can see by the dust on this thing, it doesn't get a whole lot of use in my household anymore. I paired it with the "Essential Jazz" CD collection, which comes in oh-so-deceitful packaging intended to look like a vinyl sleeve, homage to one of those funny music playing devices that existed before portable CD players.
4. Purchase and show us a very cheap generic or knockoff product.
You know when you say, "You get what you pay for"? (Well, at least, I say this sometimes, not sure about you.) It is all too true when it comes to envelopes. See exhibit A below:
Eckerd brand security envelopes: Not secure (you can see through them even with the extra layer), the sticky stuff doesn't stick when you lick 'em, and I tend to tear them whenever I put stuff in them.
CVS brand plain white envelopes: Surprisingly fragile. Not only does the sticky stuff not stick when you lick it, but the rest of the envelope's seams come unstuck when you try to use it, too. Plus, the sticky stuff tastes like carpet lint (or what I imagine carpet lint would taste like, if I so inclined to lick one).
Mead brand white envelopes: FINALLY, a quality envelope! For the extra $0.50 these cost over the other two boxes, I got an envelope that sticks when you lick/shut it, AND stays together. Definitely worth the extra four bits for the box, trust me.
5. Show us something you've received as a birthday present.
I couldn't limit myself to just one present here, so this is a random sampling of gifts I've received from various folks over the last 5 years. People say I'm hard to shop for…but I think they did a fine job…how about you?
(From left to right): Brown coach wallet, folding pocket knife, electric razor, a copy of "Wedding Ring" by Peter Lipman-Wulf, part of a set of giant ceramic coffee mugs w/ asparagus and tomatoes, respectively, all atop a "Legendary" pro boogie board.
RossRuns 