HugeNerd

Seasons 3&4 on Bluray, shrink-wrapped. Not bad, although the media selection at each Friperie and Value Village is dwindling.

I found these unique items labelled "bols" which I think is French for "bowls". They came with a strangely-shaped key, but it doesn't help, I can't see how to use these items as bowls?

It is quite heavy though.

It's a Redragon Kumara K552-KR, I have no idea if it's nice to type on. It's kinda thick and heavy, which I like, the cable was pulled out of the housing but that was an easy fix. It's like they expected it somehow, there's a screwed on panel to access that. Do gamers express frustration by pulling out their keyboard's cable?

I keep all my cans and bottles in a clear bag so the people picking them up can see them right away. The thought occurred I could tape a tenner or even a twenty to a can. At least the money would go towards someone making some kind of effort.

But there's always unintended consequences, right? What could go wrong?

Seen any in your neighborhood? Had any positive experiences? Good finds? Discuss them here!

So there's these Amazon return stores everywhere that look like permanent flea markets. Walking around I saw this little guy for 5$, an external Bluray writer. Not bad, not bad. The QR code just links to a short manual. edit: it's a Matshita BD-MLT UJ-260 according to device manager.

This was with the pile of the usual VGA-only or DVI monitors, it really stood out. I knew it was something special just from the thickness of the thing, little did I know it was a MultiSync. This has a DP input, does 1920x1200, has a light sensor, an up-down and tilting swivel mount as well as portrait mode. It's also supposed to have a good 10-bit color space. All I know is it was 19.95$. This used to be pro-grade stuff maybe 10 years ago. It's hard to tell from my awful pic but the backlighting is much more uniform than cheaper monitors, there's none of those dimmer areas in the corners.

It must weigh close to 30 lbs, it was a bit of a slog on the bus.

Sure, maybe 1920x1200 gets me a wedgie these days, but my main monitor is a 4K 27", so as a second monitor for 20$ I'll take it!

Just as I was complaining that there's been fewer tech finds, along comes this. Sure, it's over ten years old and pretty basic, and the price is just fair, when you consider shipping it's good. It's pretty much new in the box, with the original AA batteries (soon to be replaced by some USB AAs). There are two receivers in there too, and a USB dongle I believe for RC simulators.

I haven't played with RC crap in a long time, I have an old quadcopter somewhere this will work with (I hope?).

Some kind of compilation of 1960s hits, I guess. For 2.50$, why not? Especially compared to $49.98. The box is in OK shape, and unlike many of these sets I find, no mold or cigarette smell!

The records themselves are immaculate, like new. The pretty lady could be Barbara Bouchet for all I know. Anyone got a record player? Have yet to find a reasonable ('70s or '80s brand name) turntable while thrifting.

I saw that logo and recognized it as a brand of super expensive German toys from a long time ago, this just seems to be a storage box with variable sized containers, I suppose for all the Fischertechnik parts.

The box is still sealed and is quite heavy, and has little damage. I think the quality of this old stuff is excellent. In any case, $5.85 barely gets you a cheeseburger anymore.

I saw this store on Jean Talon and looked inside. They have clothes at decent prices, but all the appliances I saw, that indeed look like they're off the floor from Home Depot, all had full retail prices.

Unfortunately I was pressed for time and had to leave.

The website just explains you should "or visit our socials.". I'm not going on Facebook to buy a washing machine.

Anyone try this store? Are the prices lower and they just don't remove the original store stickers? I might not go back for weeks so I ask here.

I try to find interesting items while thrifting. Over the last year I managed to find, incredibly, a vacuum-tube oscilloscope, various decent cassette decks, some ancient chunky VCRs^*^ for decoration purposes, usable Win 10 PCs, a bunch of physical media, a bean to cup coffee machine, even usable 500G and 1T external hard drives for like 15$. This stuff is just fun junk to play around with, and it allowed me to get a sense of offerings from Value Village and Goodwill.

I also got a bit of a kick from the thrill of the hunt. What will I find?

However in the last month, I've noticed a drying up of these items, a shrinking of the physical media sections, and re-arranging their store's layouts to increase the clothes offerings (nothing wrong with that).

Is it seasonal or have high prices for fun items made people check before donating? Or are thrift stores in Canada becoming more like American stores with "premium" items being offered online?

Guess I'll never find dbx vinyls at Goodwill now...

(*) Way too many dried or disintegrated belts and rollers in older VCRs. They simply don't work anymore.