Photo link

Why I'm doing this:

• I've realized that a gift cannot replace a show of affection
• I am aware that there are other people in the world who need things more than I do
• I realize how LUCKY I am that I can help those people
• I saw a 'Merry Consumer-mass' sticker on an ad in the subway which made me realize others feel the same way I do
• I realize that what I need most is time to stop and be with my loved ones and not have them waste time and money in a mall
• I chose an online form for this project because it will
  a) not waste any paper or ink
  b) not weigh anything for my instructor to have to carry
  c) reach out to more people 

                 It was written in the stars for me:

                                Link for planet picture

• Here's my horoscope for December 3, 2006:
  

  "You have always been practical and sensible when it comes to financial matters, Elena. So sometimes consumerism can cause you quite a bit of stress. Of course you want to show the special person in your life how much you care, but do you need to spend a lot of money to prove your love? Try to find a balance you can both be happy with. You don't need to buy a car, a small token of thoughtfulness would likely be much appreciated."
  
  And interestingly enough, another horoscope for December 4, 2006 (both from msn.com because that's the only horoscope that is positive)
  
  "Resist the urge to go on that wild shopping spree today, Elena. You are likely to make impulsive, not very well thought-out purchases. You may actually be trying to fill a void or compensate for another area of you life that isn't going as well as you'd like. Try instead to do a little meditation and bring the real problem into clearer focus. Taking a walk outside or doing some yoga will do more good for your spirit than the mall today."

  
                  

It's a movement, actually:

• It started roughly twelve years ago (or somewhere around the time people started growing a conscience?) and I think the first big move was the Buy Nothing Day by Adbusters and friends.
• A step further from the Buy Nothing Day (a.k.a BND) was towards a Buy Nothing Christmas.

A picture from Birmingham 'Santa Parade'

This picture just made me smile. Imagine all the things you could be doing if you didn't watch TV or play gameboy or playstation or whatever else it is that they came up with.

This, my friends, is a portable game boy made by a 6-year old. For full story click here.

Unfortunatelly, the "AM I CRAZY?" page doesn't seem to be working so here is the material from it.

Quite contrary to what you may be thinking right now, I too, like most people adore presents. They bring me joy and happiness. However, I believe that my joy and happiness should not bring unhappiness and misery to those who were involved in the process of making that present available to me. This includes: 
-    the environment

-        the labour that has been put into making the object

-         the price and conditions of that labour

-         the proximity of the birth of the object to my location

-         the person purchasing that object should not have to        suffer either (waiting in lines, price)

Someone once said that the meanest thing to do to a child is give him a useful present. This is understandable. Children often need toys, books, objects, but these are not useless. Their purpose could be to enrich the child’s imagination or develop their physical abilities. I am not suggesting here that these gifts be omitted.

Instead, I am suggesting that we put thought and consideration to these gifts. They can be bought used, from a thrift store or garage sale. If this is not an option, look for materials that have been or can be recycled, but still aim to pass on the toy to another child at the end of your child’s usage. Donation is best, but a garage sale may be a good neighbourhood and family bonding experience.