Awesome. I know a place where I could pick up a magic lantern for $90, but it doesn't work. I'd pay $90 for a functional one that could use a bit of restoration, but not one missing half its parts.

*dusts off fez*

sciurus: here's one. I want it, but I'm spending this month's disposable income on the convention.

It has a cracked heat-absorbing glass (not a big deal and easily fixed), but otherwise appears to be in absolutely excellent condition. I've been in touch with the seller and this is a very good deal that comes up every couple of months on eBay.

i've always wanted a nice magic lantern setup! so i could have picture shows at night....

The one I know about is from the 1800s, real heavy cast iron. It has been in this antique shop for 5 years. I should go offer to buy it for half-price and see what they say.

My daytime plans for the weekend basically consist of watching World Cup, but if you want to hang out with me and Croc at an Aussie pub and watch soccer, give me a call.

sciurus: $100 should get you a real nice one with some slides. Damaged or incomplete is worth about 20 - 30% of one in good condition. Really really nice ones (fancy, museum condition, large set of slides) go for $200 and up to $400. Check eBay for "magic lantern" or "lantern projector" There are a lot of them out there and it's a buyer's market.

matildaben: I'll be conventioning during the daytime and into the early evening and then chilling with Clarke, Danius and et al. in the evenings. Perhaps some social planning for Sunday breakfast might be in order?

I'll be conventioning

I know this is an outdated stereotype, but I can't help picturing warbaby's running drunkenly around with a big cigar in his mouth, wearing a leopardskin sportcoat and goosing cocktail waitresses.

Warbaby - Check your email.

Seattle Mechas - check your email too. I may have forgotten some folks; just drop me a line if you're up for breakfast Sunday.

I think you should do the little cars too.
It's cloudy in Vancouver - don't know about Seattle - but maybe you could show off the BunnySignal! Either/or, pix please! And watch out for those waitresses - they're heartbreakers....
"Well you wave your hand and they scatter like crows
They have nothing that will ever capture your heart
They're just thorns without the rose
Be careful of them in the dark"

I do smoke big cigars. I don't have a leopard sports coat, but that's only because I've lacked the opportunity. As far as goosing goes, I totally support consensual fooling around.

Maybe I'll stop by Archie McPhee and get a fez.

Matts: will check email on way out of town. If it's a meet, assume I'll be there.