# Random things you'd like to buy that are slightly too hard to obtain **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 8, 2007, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854 "2007-08-08T13:34:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![IrreverentTone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@IrreverentTone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IrreverentTone)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2007, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/121 "2007-08-18T03:36:10Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] What are these “Little Tents” that people speak of? I’ve only ever seen full-sized ones on display at stores. [/QUOTE] They are little bitty sample versions of full size tents similar to [these](http://search.ebay.com/sample-tent) . Sears used to have several on display and my sister and I would drool over them while my dad shopped for tools. As several people mentioned they were perfectly Barbie sized and in addition were really well constructed and they just looked darling. ---
**Author:** ![Bootis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2007, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/122 "2007-08-18T06:27:04Z")
[QUOTE=Inthelake] Oh but that won’t do, no no. I’m with you Martini. Being a die hard fan of [Erich von Stroheim](http://www.geocities.com/bercovy/contents.html) (one of the few actors “who could wear a monocle without looking as though he’s about to drop it in his soup”), I’ve looked for one myself for ages. Unsuccessfully. The ones you find are like that one on ebay, it has a metal thingy - a grip, and that’s not the real thing. The real thing is the circular glass lens which you bolt in your eye socket bones [/QUOTE] The classic monocle in my mind is like that, but has a chain, like [this](http://delivery.viewimages.com/xv/3360203.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=FBFD2EE751F199B812075B56B093720CC7631F868A8C7D54) [this](http://photos9.flickr.com/14582136_f049310591_m.jpg) and [this](http://j-walkblog.com/old/images/kencoar.jpg) Which you can order for $16.99 at [gentleman’s emporium](http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/001377.php) **Martini** , they do phone orders too, so no money order hassle, etc ---
**Author:** ![Pine\_Fresh\_Scent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@Pine\_Fresh\_Scent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pine_Fresh_Scent)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2007, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/123 "2007-08-18T20:58:50Z")
I would love to have the \*My Dinner With Andre \* action figures from _Waiting for Guffman_. I would put them in an obscure corner of my house and propose to the first girl who recognized them. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2007, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/124 "2007-08-18T21:07:03Z")
[QUOTE=Alistair McCello] I tried finding one of those about a year ago and as far as I can tell they do not exist. [/QUOTE] This one is [close](http://bluedot.us/users/petersigrist/tag/bubble+pipes). ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/125 "2007-08-18T21:57:17Z")
[QUOTE=Pygmy Rugger] Like a bucket seat? I had two different buddies in college that had some as their living room furniture. Great for playing video games. One was a bench seat from a Bronco, I don’t remember what the buckets were from. [/QUOTE] url=[http://bermuda-online.org/sedanchair.jpg](http://bermuda-online.org/sedanchair.jpg)]Sedan chair ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/126 "2007-08-24T01:02:17Z")
Yet another reason I love the Dope: **Pine Fresh Scent** read about my desire for an opera hat upthread – and offered me one he’d gotten for a costume a year ago. It arrived today – my life is complete. ---
**Author:** ![Laughing\_Lagomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Laughing\_Lagomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laughing_Lagomorph)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/127 "2007-08-24T12:29:29Z")
Ohh, I got one. I’d really like to own a [Leitra](http://www.leitra.dk/), despite the fact that it is completely impractical for my lifestyle, and I don’t have 5,000 euros burning a hole in my pocket, or a week to spend hanging around Copenhagen. ---
**Author:** ![Silence\_of\_the\_clams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Silence\_of\_the\_clams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silence_of_the_clams)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/128 "2007-08-24T13:10:04Z")
I want a jungle helmet, but not just any jungle helmet, it has got to have propeller on the top. Also, I want a hat just like the one the Blues Brothers were wearing. I have no idea what they are called, but I want one. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/129 "2007-08-24T16:24:21Z")
I’d like to buy a CERV III. A Twin-turbo intercooled DOHC v8 with 6 speed auto and AWD > **[1990 Chevrolet Corvette CERV III Concept](https://www.supercars.net/blog/1990-chevrolet-corvette-cerv-iii-concept/)** > > 1990 Chevrolet Corvette CERV III Concept Coming from a long line of mid-engine Corvette prototypes, the CERVIII was the final attempt towards a mid-mounted engine. Inspiration for the car’s design came from the Corvette Indy which was released four... How much does a 17yo concept car cost? ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/130 "2007-08-24T16:26:40Z")
[QUOTE=Kotick] Also, I want a hat just like the one the Blues Brothers were wearing. I have no idea what they are called, but I want one. [/QUOTE] > **[Blues Brother Hats](https://fqh-neworleans.com/collections/blues-brother-hats)** > > https://www.fqh-neworleans.com, retailers of hats,caps,hawaiian shirts,travel vests,greek fisherman caps,mlb shirts,indiana jones hats,laulhere berets,cotton berets, parkhurst berets & hats,scala hats,henschel hats,stetson & Dobbs hats,brass band... ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/131 "2007-08-25T16:18:07Z")
[QUOTE=Robot Arm] There’s an auction house here (in Boston, [http://www.skinnerinc.com/](http://www.skinnerinc.com/) ) that occasionally does auctions of scientific instruments. I’ve seen a sextant or two there. And there used to be a shop on the waterfront that had all sorts of nautical antiques. It’s empty now, but I hope they’ll be back once renovations are finished on the building. [/QUOTE] Assuming your talking about Lannan Ship Model Gallery, they moved over to the other side of the Big Dig, and are now on the back (Purchase Street) side of 99 High Street. Everything’s rather expensive there, though. ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/132 "2007-08-25T23:59:03Z")
[QUOTE=vetbridge] > **[Blues Brother Hats](https://fqh-neworleans.com/collections/blues-brother-hats)** > > https://www.fqh-neworleans.com, retailers of hats,caps,hawaiian shirts,travel vests,greek fisherman caps,mlb shirts,indiana jones hats,laulhere berets,cotton berets, parkhurst berets & hats,scala hats,henschel hats,stetson & Dobbs hats,brass band... [/QUOTE] Hmmm- I might get the $42 buck model! Btw, I’ve usually heard them called “porkpie hats”. ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/133 "2007-08-26T00:05:07Z")
[QUOTE=FriarTed] Hmmm- I might get the $42 buck model! Btw, I’ve usually heard them called “porkpie hats”. [/QUOTE] I just found some good deals on eBay- check there. You also might want to space it as “pork pie hats”. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/134 "2007-08-26T00:06:53Z")
[QUOTE=chaoticbear] I don’t understand the joke. (On a side note, do all ID numbers follow that algorithm? I checked my DL number, and it adds up to 42 instead. ) [/QUOTE] The number he mentioned is _e_, the base of natural logarithms. At least it is if you put the decimal point after the first digit. > **[e (mathematical constant)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_(mathematical_constant))** > > The number e is a mathematical constant, approximately equal to 2.71828, that is the base of the natural logarithm and exponential function. It is sometimes called Euler's number, after the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler, though this can invite confusion with Euler numbers, or with Euler's constant, a different constant typically denoted > > > > γ > > > {\\displaystyle \\gamma } > > . Alternatively, e can be called Napier's constant after John Napier. The Swiss ma The ... ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/135 "2007-08-26T17:03:43Z")
[QUOTE=FriarTed] I just found some good deals on eBay- check there. You also might want to space it as “pork pie hats”. [/QUOTE] Looks like a cross between a Fedora and an Archie Bunker hat. ---
**Author:** ![chaoticbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2007, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/136 "2007-08-27T04:43:42Z")
[QUOTE=riker1384] The number he mentioned is _e_, the base of natural logarithms. At least it is if you put the decimal point after the first digit. > **[e (mathematical constant)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_(mathematical_constant))** > > The number e is a mathematical constant, approximately equal to 2.71828, that is the base of the natural logarithm and exponential function. It is sometimes called Euler's number, after the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler, though this can invite confusion with Euler numbers, or with Euler's constant, a different constant typically denoted > > > > γ > > > {\\displaystyle \\gamma } > > . Alternatively, e can be called Napier's constant after John Napier. The Swiss ma The ... [/QUOTE] Bah, leave me alone! That’s why we have calculators with ln and _e_ buttons! ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/137 "2007-08-27T19:06:54Z")
[QUOTE=FriarTed] Hmmm- I might get the $42 buck model! Btw, I’ve usually heard them called “porkpie hats”. [/QUOTE] These are center dent, pinch crown hats. They’re also “stingy-brims” because of the narrow brim - very 60s. A porkpie has a round groove _all_ around the crown, like a pie crust, and the “pie” rises in the middle. [Pic](http://www.millerhats.com/productimages/705.jpg) If you want the BBros style, I say get the $62 fur felt - it’ll feel nicer and it’ll last longer. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2007, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/138 "2007-08-27T19:12:26Z")
[QUOTE=gfloyd] You mean I’m not the only one … I’ve wanted one of those for my entire life. [/QUOTE] I have longed for one of those mini-display tents since forever. Now, I would like them for my kids and their toys. That would be rockingly sweet. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2007, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854/139 "2007-08-27T19:17:26Z")
Usually, whatever style of jeans or pants I like. It seems I usually find something I like and buy one or two pairs and then they get discontinued. After that I usually splash bleach on them and now they can’t be replaced. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-things-youd-like-to-buy-that-are-slightly-too-hard-to-obtain/414854.md?page=6)