Free Crap That Came In The Mail: Payola in the Time of Recession

No, that wasn't left on my desk by a secret admirer (though if it had been, who could blame them? I'm pretty irresistible).

it was part of a package sent by Missouri-based hip-hop artist "Spark1duh?"--yes, hip-hope. Based in Missouri. I know, right? It's not the first time someone has sent food along with a CD. Just a couple months ago a disc came mailed with a package of ramen noodles (nothing wrong with that; I don't think those things will go bad until after the robot apocalypse). But that lollipop just gives me memories of going to the pediatrician as a kid--he gave away sugar-free lollipops. He also had an impressive beard. But it doesn't necessarily make me want to listen to the record any more than usual. It does, however, make me worry I might have an ear infection (I'd get those all the time when I was young!).

The Valentine's Day heart is a very nice sentiment, though. Does this make a wacky, white, male hip-hop artist in St. Louis my valentine this year? Hmm. I'm OK with that.

If anyone out there reading is looking to get some attention via food, I was in NYC this past weekend and am now hooked on Utz's pretzel rods, which you can't find here. Mmm. Rods.