Holiday Gift Guide

The Chronicle of Higher Education published a little tongue-in-cheek holiday gift guide in the December 8 issue. I really liked this item: the Scientific Integrity Calendar, published by the Union of Concerned Scientists and available at their website.

In the summer of 2006, creative minds throughout America had the opportunity to show off their artistic and comedic talents in support of independent science by entering Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest. Artists of all skill levels submitted hundreds of entries dealing with political interference in science, in areas ranging from global warming to public health.
...
This calendar shows all 12 of the finalists, one for each month, and features the winning cartoon on the cover. Two additional bonus cartoons are featured on the calendar's second page. An explanation of the relevant political context and circumstances accompanies each finalist cartoon. In addition, the calendar notes important dates in science history, dates related to political interference in science, and major holidays.

This cartoon calendar shows that the absurdity of political interference in science is ripe for lampooning-and serves as a constant reminder of how vigilant we must be in defending science from politics. It serves as a wonderful gift for scientists and non-scientists alike who believe that policy decisions should be guided by the best available science and want to spread awareness restoring scientific integrity in federal policy making.

All that for only $10.00! Who can resist?