Don't expect the end of the world to arrive on time

Bless my dear Dad. I had the hardest time figuring out exactly what to get him for Father's day. Dad is a heady guy (and super smart in math, a gene my sister and I lack entirely). What to get for the man who thinks of everything?

It could make shopping for him a challenge but I find it fun.

I've sent him lots of books on economics (and freakonomics) and videos on blue planets (and the history of NYC subways), but this year I was at a loss. What to get? What in the world to get? And then I thought...perhaps something 'out of this world' is where the answer lies.

I was so proud for thinking outside of the box (and the planet).

So I got him a very cool DVD on the end of the world as I particularly liked the part on asteroids. See, you can't really hate an asteroid because if it weren't for them then we wouldn't be (being the last one to hit earth took out the dinosaurs and made us possible). But then again, they could wipe us out. The way I look at it? What's meant to be will be--or will hit. So we might as well enjoy the video in the interim.

While I bought the video in plenty of time, the darn outfit took its darn time in sending it out (I bought it in plenty of time for standard shipping). I asked them why the hold up since my Dad was without a Dad's day gift. Their answer? They didn't have enough in stock (but did not tell me that at the time of purchase).

They also remarked that they didn't assume end-of-the-world videos would be a hot-seller for Dad's day. That's the thing about assumptions.

Sorry Dad. The end of the world and your gift will arrive when they're meant to (do hope the DVD comes first).

PS: Never fear, just as the smarties on the DVD said, an asteroid likely won't wipe us out. It's far more likely humans will destroy themselves instead of flying rocks.

Comments

[Roger Anderson]

Sorry I missed this - I know I was celebrating Fathers Day myself - No blogging I was told. I did anyway late at night before I flew to NYC.

My suggestion if you have not already given him this is the "History of PI" also "E=MC2" was terrific. "The String Theory" is fun for those who want to think about multiple dimensions. Lastly to really make him think...the complete collection of Feynman's 99 lectures on Physics.

BTW - I ended up going to Coney Island since I read it was going to be torn down at the end of the summer.

[CK]

@Roger: Thank YOU for the suggestions...Dad will get his asteroid fix this week (hope the world doesn't end first ;-). I am so excited to have these reccs for future purchases for him.

And Coney is a mighty great spot. I go at least once a year and I'm always amazed that people who've lived here far longer than I (it will be 10 years in July) haven't visited. It's sort of like stepping back in time. It's been a hot piece of real estate that hasn't gotten proper care but they've been working on it for the last few years and we always hear how they're going to revitalize...always for plans to fall through at the last minute. Here's hoping they can keep some of the old goodness with a lot of new care. Hope your speech went well (sure it did!) and happy late Father's Day.