For those who think human bones would make a great gift

Oh Good, I am not the only one that has not done a lick of shopping yet...

I do not feel so bad now...

Sweet, that makes two people who are much smarter than myself that haven't done any Squidmas shopping either. Thanks for making me feel like less of a dumbass...or at least, a dumbass in good company!!

I was feeling a bit ill earlier today. Is that also your fault, please? I'd love a doctor's diagnosis of (after translation from illegible scrawl) "It's Pee Zed's fault. Drink lots of beer and stay away from the internets."

Aw, from the headline I was hoping they'd be actual bones, not books. I for one would be delighted to get a replica skeleton of Homo habilis or erectus for squidmas. They wouldn't even need to be life-size...

@PZ: I appreciate the pharyngulation.

@Sclerophanax: Have you ever heard of Bone Clones (http://www.boneclones.com/catalog_fossil_hominids.htm)? They can be quite expensive, but the artwork is absolutely stunning.

So, are bone replicas to be considered designed or evolved?

But if you don't support the ravages of capitalism, you will make Jesus cry in Heaven :(

If you're still looking for xmas presents, PZ, might I suggest this list?

http://deusexeverriculum.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/dear-solvent-atheists/

It's a splendid blog. I recommend the following article from it:
http://www.moneduloides.com/?p=571

It seems that, in the midst of plentiful sunlight, burka-clad women in Islamic states are suffering from sun deficiency diseases because of the smothering tents they wear.

Everybody under 18 gets a book.
Everybody between 18 and 21 gets porn.
Everybody over 21 gets booze.

Christmas is saved!

#10: it's people under 21 that needs you to buy them booze ;)

Even though Ron (no relation) Cauble was once rude enough to come here and bitch about content, I'm going to give The Bone Room a plug because I get so many compliments on the beetle-elytra earrings I got there.

Ah, Christmas shopping... I refuse to venture into the streets at this time of year, so I've done all mine online. I only started ordering on Monday, by Tuesday four presents had arrived. Easy!
Now, while I recover from this bloody flu that I have caught (despite avoid legions of sickly shoppers parading the streets) I can watch television and wait for more presents to arrive, hurrah!

Only slightly off topic (its about evolution books at least):

I am reading (and enjoying) Sean B. Carroll's "The Making of the Fittest." Yesterday my 8 year old daughter, who is wonderfully inquisitive about all things, particularly if they're biology related, saw me reading the book and asked me what it was about. I tried to explain a little about evolution, genetics and DNA, but would love to find a book that can take my meager explanation further, while not being too overwhelming for an 8 year old.

Any recommendations?

I finished almost all of my shopping. I need to hunt Goodwill this weekend to find a warm jacket for my sister (no need for a new one, since we live in Arizona and it's not cold that often), and then hit Trails for um, a "tabacco" pipe, because hers broke.

I am an awesome sister.

But other than that, I'm done! My family is amazingly easy to shop for.

My dad would LOVE those books. Too bad I am now broke and already bought him a bunch of geeky DVDs.

Might I recommend (shameless plug) an "Axial Tilt is the Reason for the Season" t-shirt or sweatshirt?

http://www.cafepress.com/talkrational_ws

Cheers.

Andy,

I've heard good things about 'Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution' by Steve Jenkins. I have to say, though, I haven't actually read any of the kids books on evolution myself. I'm sure there are better sources than I out there willing to give you some recs. I know Jane Goodall writes children books now, perhaps she has something published on the topic?

""Axial Tilt is the Reason for the Season" t-shirt or sweatshirt? "

Not as long as they use Comic Sans on the shirt. I mean come ON...

When I was young, axial tilt was called 'obliquity'. Goldurned atheists and immigrants changin' the words...grumble...grumble....

I'd like to take the opportunity to brag that I can fit an entire pair of human first ribs (articulated with the first thoracic vertebra) in my mouth.

I learned this at a time in my university career when an osteology course coincided with a time when I didn't have a lot of free cash lying around and so was prone to making odd bets for coffee money.

/bragging about circus freak talents

"This is an insult to Christianity. A total insult"

Woohoo! Now you get it. Yes, it is an insult. I hope you feel insulted, degraded, and dehumanized for cherishing your petty, hateful, and ignorant religion at the expense of the millions of Americans and global citzens you contuously insult at every opportunity simply because they grew up and didn't need Santa God anymore.

I hope to build up the courage (and spare cash) to leave a few gifts at our local nativity for the baby Jeebus: a copy of "Origin of Species", a copy of "Demon Haunted World", and a copy of "The God Delusion".

"Oh! We're so insulted that you expect us to have reason and civilty, education and comprehension, science and technology! This book we found says that stuff is bad!"

Well, I did get a couple of things today, but I feel your pain. I'm still grading as well. Finished with one course (the one with exams). Two sets of reports to read now, before it's over. Must get done by Friday. I can't take it through the weekend.

I haven't done my Booze-mas shopping yet either, but that might have something to do with the fact that my Dad and Sister haven't e-mailed me up their Booze-mas lists this week like they promised they would.

My Dad on the other hand had already bought me all my presents BEFORE I even gave him my list, meaning I'm probably not getting what I want this year.

Which makes him a pain in the arse TWICE over!

I'd be so annoyed with him right now if I didn't.. ..er.. ..owe him so much money.