Politics Gift Guide

Fire Specialist Lisa Millman (Photo by Jana Birchum)

Happy Hottie Days

Hot! Hot! Hot! Fire specialist Lisa Millman (aka Miss August) is just one of the Austin Fire Department's many fine women in uniform featured in this attractive page-turner – the Austin Firefighters 2010 women's calendar. And why stop with just one calendar when you can take care of your whole shopping list with both the women's and men's calendars, each at a cool $15? Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Austin Fire­fighters Outreach Fund, which provides financial assistance to firefighters and their families adversely impacted by the unexpected. www.austinfirefighterscalendar.com.

APD's Candid Camera

Fire Specialist Lisa Millman

You know that pesky little red light that shines when you turn on a camera? Appar­ent­ly it's the reason we don't have video evidence from the night Austin Police Officer Leonardo Quintana shot and killed Nathaniel Sanders II. Quintana says he was loath to activate his dashboard cam lest the red light alert ne'er-do-wells to his intentions. Luckily, this holiday season, we have a simple solution to this problem: duct tape. It's thrifty, blocks light, and gives the gift of no more excuses – a particularly handy stocking stuffer for your favorite copper who'd like to keep his job. And if he's thrifty – one roll judiciously shared can provide for the entire APD fleet!

ChristMass Transit

With Capital Metro fares set to leap by as much as 75% next year, there's no time like the present to give your favorite bus rider a ticket to ride. We recommend seven- or 31-day passes for bus regulars ($7 and $18, respectively, vs. $8 and $28 beginning Jan. 18) – the clock begins ticking with the first ride. More sporadic riders will appreciate the flexible Stored Value Card ($12 for a $15 value), which will allow them to buy single rides or multiride passes without worrying about an expiration date. (Note: If you're buying online, Cap Metro will send passes only to the billing address; also, expect a $2 transaction fee.)

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers

Photo courtesy of The City of Austin

The city of Austin distributes a wide range of enviro gizmos for free, as seen at the recent Green City Festival. Collect them all in a stocking to delight a green friend or inspire a not-so-green one. For dog owners, the Watershed Protection department has a bone-shaped dog-poop bag holder that attaches to a leash. Solid Waste Services distributes reusable cloth shopping bags. The Austin Water Utility gives out rain gauges that indicate whether you really need to water the lawn. (To call any city department, dial 311.) Or consider signing up a loved one for a low-flow toilet rebate ($60) or rain barrel rebate ($30), then helping them get the new stuff bought and installed; see www.cityofaustin.org/watercon. Over at Austin Energy, a free Power Partner thermostat would make a thoughtful gift for elderly relations or new homeowners watching their pennies. Help them sign up at www.austinenergy.com.