Oct. 7th, 2009

arkessian: (Bright lights big city)
In an idle moment, I thought I would check the prices realised in the auction of "adult toys" that I posted about a week or so ago.

The wire-guided anti-tank missile went for £36 — presumably it would have been more if it hadn't been used.
The Sinclair C5 went for £288. These cost something like £400 new in 1985, so were clearly not a good investment as well as totally un-roadworthy.
The "cast iron pull-along grasshopper" went for £84 — too much for me to contemplate, although I do lust after it mightily.
The"Bjorn Borg" advertising display tennis racquet for £60. I'm surprised it sold at all; does Bjorn Borg still have fanboys and fangirls?
The full size photographic replica of the Bayeux tapestry went for £6,000.
The selection of used telegraph cable sections fetchingly mounted in a display case went for £60 — something else I would have been very happy to own, but not at that price.
The 1870 medical shock machine went for £156 — not, I trust, to somebody intending to use it.
And the 19th century Chinese acupuncturist's figurine went for £16,800.
arkessian: (Default)

Dear Amazon.com Customer,

As someone who has purchased or rated "The Excalibur Alternative" by David Weber, you might like to know that "Roman Warfare (Cambridge Introduction to Roman Civilization)" is now available.

Sincerely,

Amazon.com


Dear Amazon.com

As someone who rated "The Excalibur Alternative" by David Weber as "Never in a million years would I want to buy this book; please do not recommend it to me again", I am at a loss to understand how you've discerned my interest in Roman Warfare. I do however own as many books on the subject as I can justify (even to myself), so I know you'll understand if I don't click through this time.

Sincerely

arkessian.bemused
arkessian: (neuron)
The Kindle is coming to the UK. I think I shall be able to resist...