So you have what, like one day left to buy presents. You’re panicked, and you’re not sure what to do. Run to the bookstore for a gift certificate? Hope the local superbox has more cartons of electric toothbrushes? Just panic?
There are some things you still can do. They may not be the latest video game or a big plasma TV, but there are some things you can do to get gifts, and maybe do a good deed at the same time:
1) Donate to JREF: The James Randi Educational Foundation (full disclosure: I’m President of the JREF) is trying to make the world a better place by promoting critical thinking. The JREF provides local and national media a rational viewpoint if they need it (and boy, do they need it), and is currently in a phase of expansion that, frankly, costs money. Donating to the JREF will help it achieve its goal of a planet filled with skeptical people. You can become a member, too, for buy a membership for a friend or loved one. It’s tax-deductible, and the end of the year is coming…
2) Buy my book: ’nuff said.
3) Skepchick: The Skepchicks posted a skeptical holiday gift guide. It’s a bit late to get things shipped, but they have some cool ideas.
4) Skeptical charities: Both TechSkeptic and The Friendly Atheist have posted lists of non-religious charities, should you choose to remain secular but still be able to do good things.
The holidays are for everyone, even skeptics. Have fun, enjoy friends and family, and maybe you can even make the world a better place at the same time.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am
In the comments section on the TechSkeptic site, a couple people mentioned the Child’s Play charity run by Penny Arcade. A friend told me about that a couple weeks ago, and it sounds pretty cool. From what I recall, they buy toys for terminally ill kids. 100% of the money goes to the purchase of the toys. The folks at Penny Arcade don’t skim anything off for operating expenses.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Quick off topic – The Onion is reporting that Shaq is afraid of Supernovas. Think he needs your book BA!
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Do you still get a thrill out of saying you’re the President of JREF? I would.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Hmm… Skepchick has a link for a cephalopod necklace, but no DFTS book.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hey, remember back during the incessant campaign when you plugged the Adler Planetarium’s drive to renovate the Zeiss?
Well I did so without expectation of return and now what do I find in my mailbox today?
A beautiful Adler Planetarium calendar just in time for Christmas!!
So another plug for the Adler Planetarium fits nicely with this topic.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I have a12 year old nephew who I am giving a copy of the the Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy books. For one they are drop dead funny and I think he will like them, but I also hope they will serve for him as they did me: an introduction to the idea that every sacred idea should be laughed at.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Man I really wanted that sextant I saw on the skepchick list, but I waited too long and it’s now out of stock.
I do boycott Christmas out of principle, but I may donate to JREF in other people’s names because they fight the good fight.
Phil, I’m a little surprised you never gave kudos to your good friend, and my casual acquaintance, A Kovacs on her being appointed JREF’s Director of Operations.
December 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
TSFrost, I don’t comment much on internal JREF stuff here. There are matters of non-profit accountabilities and such, so I keep my commenting to a minimum.
December 31st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Holy crap, mentioned by one of the top ten skeptical ass kickers of 2008. I am happy.