The holiday season will soon be upon us. If you’ve got the cash flow, I know of one worthy cause you could direct your funds to. Our local indie bookstore, Ruminator Books (formerly Hungry Mind) has been in dire financial straits for some time. But many authors are coming to their aid with an artifact auction happening on ebay, starting today. I wouldn’t mind the Jonathan Lethem signed original cover art, the Edward Gorey signed illustration, the Neil Gaiman autographed t-shirt, or Andrei Codrescu’s Romanian Revolution flag. But I imagine if you’re bidding on any of these items, you’re likely to want to keep them for yourself…or give them to some schmoe you actually know (instead of the schmoe you don’t know). So I’ve got an alternate item on my wish list. I have oodles of vinyl I’d love to listen to, but not the means to make it happen. My busted ass turntable has been sitting in a box…oh, since before I bought this house. I believe it’s currently located in the basement, but it’s probably not worth repairing. The Vestax Handy Trax Portable Turntable would make a lovely replacement. But seriously, check out the auction on Ruminator’s behalf. Lots of interesting stuff to look at…and to buy, if you have the means.