HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST! | Every month I give away books at keaggy.com and grocerylists.org. Usually, first response gets the book for free. But because the holidays are coming up, I’m changing things around a bit. The upside: I’m giving away a lot more than usual so you can score a free gift for someone. The downside: This giveaway is a contest — meaning you can’t just write in and ask for a book. You have to jump through a hoop this time. But it’s an easy hoop.
Anyone who contributes a list and a note saying which prize you want will be entered into a random drawing for that prize. So just email a scan or mail me a real grocery list — it can be found or one of yours. The deadline is Thursday, 29 Nov 2007! The prizes will be mailed the very next day.
The rules are hereby changed: This giveaway is now just like all the others. First request gets the prize for free. Limit one per person. Just ask: contact me here.
Gone! Sent to Rachel of Baltimore, Maryland
Hidden Kitchens: Stories, Recipes and More from NPR’s The Kitchen Sisters | Free book: “NPR listeners are probably familiar with Nelson and Silva’s radio program, ‘Hidden Kitchens,’ in which they interview amateur cooks who use improvisational methods to prepare food in unconventional places. This book expands on that concept, with Nelson and Silva offering expanded commentary and a handful of recipes from their interview subjects. While the cooks profiled use everything from George Foreman grills to makeshift fryers to whip up their meals, the recipes assume the reader has a conventional, working kitchen and are fairly straightforward and easy to make. But it’s the stories behind the food that comprise the book’s soul. The Sisters solicited tips from listeners in researching this book, which provided them with plenty of leads, though the verbatim transcripts of phoned-in tips that appear on nearly every page, and sometimes several times on a page, can make for a frustrating read. However, Nelson and Silva’s mini-expose on the popularity of the George Foreman grill among the homeless is a solid piece of reportage that blends in the narrative of Foreman’s life with that of the people who depend on his countertop appliance for their meals. The Chili Queens of Texas, women who sold tamales, chili and tacos as unlicensed street vendors at the turn of the century, also receive an in-depth profile, as do cooks on the NASCAR circuit. The book isn’t so much about Rube Goldberg-like contraptions used to cook food (although there is some of that) as it is about American ingenuity and people making the most of what they have.” By Nikki Silva and Davia Nelson —Publishers Weekly (List price: $15.95)
Your Baby Planner | Free journal/planner: “This three-in-one pack makes an ideal gift for any mother-to-be. Joanna Trevelyan has worked as a health journalist and writer for 17 years. During this time she has been deputy editor of Nursing Times and editor of The Midwives’ Journal. She has written eight health books, including Care of the Mother and Newborn for the midwifery profession. Lauren Floodgate is a journalist with ten years experience and a number of books to her credit. Her specialty is in creating stunning and original projects for personal events. Lauren is author of the Baby Project Portfolio.” (List price: $24.95)
Gone! Sent to Cat of Omaha, Nebraska
Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Coldplay | Free CD: “Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of the glockenspiel, vibraphone, mellotron, and other instruments will lull your baby into a sweet slumber. Using Coldplay’s gorgeous melodies and imagery, these gentle recordings are sophisticated enough for everyone to enjoy. Introduce the apple of your eye to these essential masterpieces of rock’n’roll.” (List price: $16.98)
Gone! Sent to Tracey of Lakewood, Washington
Destined for Destiny: The Unauthorized Autobiography of George W. Bush | Free audiobook: “Underscore unauthorized. Dikkers, founder and editor in chief of the satirical publication theOnion, and Hilleren, former public radio producer, joined to craft this humorous look at the life of President George W. Bush, as if penned by the forty-third president himself. They chronicle Bush’s privileged childhood, his uninspiring academic performance, and his rise to wealth and influence in business and, finally, politics with the help of family connections. Written in imitation of Bush’s breezy style, the facts are all there, but the tone is heavily satiric. Illustrations include a report card with grades altered, a loyalty oath signed by Laura Bush, and–after Bush’s proclaimed religious conversion–the presence of Jesus in photographs of his life from babyhood through the presidential swearing-in ceremony through his speech at ground zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Bush detractors will find this book hilarious; his fans will be apoplectic.” By Scott Dikkers and Peter Hilleren —Booklist (List price: $29.95)
Gone! Sent to Matt H. of St. Louis, Missouri
CHiPs: The Complete First Season (1977) | Free DVD: “‘CHiPS,’ which stood for California Highway Patrol, followed the daily beats of two state motorcycle patrolmen as they patrolled the freeway system in and around Los Angeles. Officer Jon Baker was the straight, serious officer while Frank ‘Ponch’ Poncherello was the more free- wheeling member of the duo; both reported to Sgt. Joe Getraer, who gave out assignments and advice in handling the cases. Each episode saw a compilation of incidents, ranging from the humorous (e.g., a stranded motorist) to criminal investigations (such as hijackings) and tragic incidents (such as a fiery multi-car pile-up with multiple deaths. Other aspects of Ponch and Jon’s daily work were highlighted as well; the social lives of both officers (they were both single) often provided the lighter moments. On occassion, Ponch and Jon were assisted by a female ‘Chippie’ at first, the very beautiful Sindy Cahill; and later, the more wholesome Bonnie Clark.” (List price: $39.98)
Enter simply by emailing or mailing your list and gift choice!
keaggy [[at]] gmail.com
Grocerylists.org
P.O. Box 752
St. Louis, MO 63188
USA