An off-topic thread that has already gone on too long - but I've only had time to reply to the "swords" subthread so far, so here goes anyway... Of the things I collect, mostly in small quantities, I think coins and cars are the only ones _not_ screwy. So: Classic computers (of course) Hymn books (full music editions if I can get them) Musical instruments. Ah yes. Musical instruments. Definitely the screwiest thing I collect. Why? I have only one piano, and a bassoon and a banjo and a guitar and ... Well, I collect electronic keyboards, the older the better, like classic computers. Heck, some of them practically _are_ classic computers. And I collect ethnic instruments from the strange parts of the world I visit. (I wish I'd bought that dulcimer in the traditional instrument shop in Bangkok...) Like, in Jakarta, I bought a gong. 28 inches in diameter, and weighing, um, I was going to say nearly 100lb but I think it's a bit less. I'll have to weigh it. I wish I'd known how expensive excess baggage charges are --- it cost me $700 US just to ship the damned thing home... When not in use at concerts and things, the gong does duty as my doorbell. I wondered about a mechanical system, but settled in the end for an electrical one: solenoid is driven by a monostable made from two relays. Screwy enough for you? Philip. ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. Power Technology Centre, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottingham, NG11 0EE, UK Tel: +44 (0)115 936 2000 http://www.powertech.co.uk **********************************************************************