There are many words I could use to describe Elton John. Usually I go with "Flamboyant British music legend", but today I'm talking about sir Elton John, the philanthropist. He has been raising money for AIDS research and awareness for over 15 years now and his organization, the "Elton John AIDS Foundation" (or EJAF) is the largest HIV/AIDS grant maker in the UK. The foundation has teamed up with a gold-plating company called Goldgenie to offer iPod nanos lined encrusted with Swarovski crystals.



The blinged out players will be sold as a limited edition of 900 (100 for each color) and are laser engraved with Elton's signature on the back. The nanos also come loaded with the album "Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits CD". These players look pretty, but they come with a high price tag. The 8GB model costs £399.99, or about $569US and the 16GB is going for £449.99, or about $640US. As much as 12.5% of the purchase will go to the EJAF. That's not a lot if you think about it. Assuming there's an even amount of 8 and 16GB models, and they're giving the full 12.5%, the foundation will get about £47,811, or about $68,000US (if my math is correct).

Since these players are clearly targeted at the rich, wouldn't it be more beneficial to give that same money directly to the EJAF? That way, they're getting the full amount of money (over a half a million US), not a percentage. So unless these wealthy people care more about the glimmering product, then the cause, it does seem rather silly to provide such an incentive. I suppose it's only natural for some to want some kind of "gift" in order to help others. But enough with the ranting, anything that helps raise awareness of this epidemic is alright in my book.

Elton John AIDS Foundation

via Gizmodo UK