One Girl Revolution

I have to admit to not knowing much about daytime TV (partially because I'm not around in the morning to watch it, and mostly because women's morning shows in America seem to run under the assumption that we have an average IQ of 70 and think on a looped circuit of fashion, weight loss, and how to spice up our love life), but I will say that I like Kelly Ripa. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a fan - I know precious little about her - but she doesn't seem forced or falsely perky, and that's always a relief. I still remember the time she was on SNL, and though I can't remember the sketches, I do remember that I was impressed by her comedic timing.

Anyway, I recently found out about a contest that centers around Kelly Ripa - or more accurately, her handbags. Basically, you go to the Electrolux Appliances website, click on the ad for the "Kelly's Bags" contest, register, and follow clues each day as to where she's hidden her bag(s) on the Internets. Collect the bag(s), then match them to outfits and go to events - you score more points if you match the right bag(s) with the right outfit(s). (I would lose horribly, because when asked what bag to use for what occasion in real life, I ALWAYS answer, "The one that holds the most stuff, especially my good headphones." That said, I would love to see theycallmeboy review this for Big Mean Flash Gamer, because in addition to his snark and keen observations, he and I also have approximately the same concept of style and fashion - that is to say, centered on comfort, practicality, and utilitarianism - so we'd have a good laugh over the fact that he picked the biggest bag too.)

So, what's in it for you if you win? It's actually one of ten Electrolux kitchen appliance suites, which is a pretty awesome prize. However, this is what I consider to be the most impressive bit about the whole shebang:

"Electrolux will join Kelly in supporting the OCRF through a series of online promotions and through a portion of sales on select retail appliances. We plan to raise more than $500,000 over the next two years. Electrolux will make a $1 donation (with a minimum of $40,000 and a maximum of $45,000) to the OCRF (www.ocrf.org) for every eligible person who registers to play." - from the website

So even if you don't win, you're helping throw some money toward a truly worthy cause. And hey - since our leaders are busy liberating Iraq through shopping malls and condos, it looks like it's up to the rest of us to fund vital medical research.