AlanBrand.com

I’ve often toyed with the idea of buying a region-free dvd player to enjoy those movies and shows that are not available in North American format. The purchase has become more likely with the announcement of the release of Classic Minder : The Complete Series in Region 2 (UK) format on March 16 … less than six weeks away!

Everything Terry and Arthur, from “Gunfight at the O.K. Laundrette” to “The Long Good Thursday” including the 1985 tv movie “Minder on the Orient Express” (featuring the lovely Amanda Pays!) for a total of nearly 85 hours … it should be a “nice little earner” for Fremantle Home Entertainment.

The Thames Boathouse was owned by Jimmy Page from 1967 to 1973, and has a major role in the early days of Led Zeppelin . It will be listed from January 2008 for around £1.2 million. The riverside property is located in the village of Pangbourne and boasts great mooring, an indoor heated swimming pool, a five car garage, and a wide variety of rooms on 3 levels. The property was originally a boathouse for the hiring and maintenance of boats.

A great place to be Dazed and Confused during Good Times, Bad Times … No word on the consequences of the recent UK flooding.

My friend Dan came across this saddle during one of his internet searches for Jaguar XJS items. I found a few web-sites that offered the saddle, including this one … it appears to be licensed by Jaguar, but no performance details were given.

Another confession … I’m a Dr. Who fan.

That may be why I like this Sonic Screwdriver … at US$13 it is only a flashlight, not a key to open any lock, a weapon to disable any enemy, or a tool to repair complex equipment.

But then, this is a Luxury as in an indulgence rather than a necessity.

It might not seem much of a luxury to you, but I’ve had a bacon-free life for several months now. Not by choice, but as a minor part of the strategy for recovery from the long term effects of bad reactions to two different prescription drugs.

The thought of a little bacon flavour at the end of a meal courtesy of these toothpicks is enticing.

Another eBay oddity … this offering is the Town of Albert in Texas, current population zero, with a total of 13 acres in the heart of the Texas Hill Country only 70 miles from both Austin and San Antonio. Currently sitting at a hair over US$3 million it’s a perfect chance to set yourself up as Mayor-for-life with no pesky elections.

Update: 23 November : SOLD : the top bid of US$3,000,800 is believed to be from someone in Italy.

Another special eBay item: This 1966 Land Rover 88″ is offered at a starting price of US$75,000 (!)
Previously owned by the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, it has had a complete restoration at West Coast British in Livermore, California. Also included in the auction is a chance to study Buddhism with the Dalai Lama in India in 2008, and a “Meet and Greet” with Sharon Stone at The Missing Peace: Artists Consider The Dalai Lama Art Exhibition in Northern California in late November.

I’ve often thought that a Series Land Rover would be an excellent winter vehicle in snowy Owen Sound … tempting as this one is, I think I’ll wait for the perfect Series II 109 … even if I don’t get to say Hi to Sharon Stone!

Update: final price US$82,100 after two bidders duelled it out.

Picnic Set

Found on eBay … an English picnic set by Drews & Sons, London. It has Royal Windsor bone china and silver plated pieces in a leather case, and includes everything for four people to enjoy a civilised break. Currently sitting at US$800, including shipping from Germany.

I’ve had this $8500 pine storage unit from Argentina on my “when I win the lottery” list for quite some time. At 120″H x 116″W x 18.5″D it would be a perfect fit in our family room. It’s recently been sold so my list just got shorter. It was at Architectural Artifacts, Inc of Chicago, who have an amazing range of interesting items.