mental_floss magazine
SUBSCRIBE >
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS >
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS >
subscriber services >
A while back, mental_floss research editor Sandy Wood stumbled across our first ten issues for sale on eBay. $191.48 sounds pricy, but we’ve long since sold out many of those.
There must be other _flossy stuff for sale on eBay that wasn’t published by us. Which brings me to today’s t-shirt challenge. To win, you must find the most quirky, smart, funny, ironic – or any other adjective that roughly translates to “cool” – thing on eBay. Rare books, mind-blowing inventions, forgotten fads, Thundercats memorabilia, whatever.
Here’s what you’re playing for:
First Place: The mental_floss t-shirt of your choice.
Second Place: One (in-stock) back issue.
Here’s how you play:
1. Browse around eBay.
2. Find something prize-worthy.
3. Leave a comment with a description, why you should win, and the Item Number (found in the upper right hand corner)
You have 24 hours. I’ll post pics of selected reader suggestions tonight, provided there are suggestions to post. Get rummaging.
Comments (76)
Comment
Skull & Bones Token
A token from the famous/infamous Yale senior club.
Could be from George Bush or John Kerry.
Item number: 330166284742
posted by Janix on 9-20-2007 at 9:57 am
Broadcast opportunity
Opportunity to broadcast Arizona Winter League Games
Once in a lifetime chance
Item Number: 140159179789
posted by Nick on 9-20-2007 at 10:14 am
Jones Enamel Urinal
Looks portable, for your convenience.
Item number: 170149670227
posted by jzimm on 9-20-2007 at 10:15 am
A diamond made from a lock of Beethoven’s hair
About Beethoven’s Hair
The Beethoven locks of hair used for creating these LifeGems have been authenticated and provided exclusively by John Reznikoff of University Archives.
There have been 39 bids on this so far.
Buy it now price of $1,ooo,ooo
Current bid is $110,900.00 but reserve has not been met
Item number: 230173498720
Weird, obscure, expensive: What more could you want in an item!!
posted by JaneM on 9-20-2007 at 10:33 am
OJ Simpson signed helmet
There’s an extra element of danger with this one…
Item number 110172214927
posted by Beverly on 9-20-2007 at 10:36 am
Taco bell sauce packets
I can’t figure out why someone would try to sell something that is free at your local taco bell. I really need a shirt though, so, pick me!
Item number: 140158531016
posted by karissa on 9-20-2007 at 10:37 am
Unopened bottle and can of Crystal Pepsi
Item number: 180161253447
Who remembers Crystal Pepsi? I do and I loved it!
posted by fallenposters on 9-20-2007 at 10:39 am
Historic High School
A high school building in northern Idaho from the 1930s. “For pick up only.” Good luck with that!
Item number: 290154570345
posted by Liz on 9-20-2007 at 10:41 am
Genie Wish from My Jinn, Performed by Dove
Note that there are several levels of spells, as they can be brought through on “three different channels: basic, priority, and premium.” The priority and premium levels include email customer support.
Personally, my favorite part is that there is a $6.00 shipping cost, although all information is sent via email. The spellcaster looks like somebody’s grandma, but she must be a very web-savvy grandma.
Item number: 190154866922
posted by Mindy on 9-20-2007 at 10:49 am
Someone is selling 20 coupons - each for $1 off any General Mills cereal.
The current bid is $10.50. I guess the bidder has a serious Cheerios addiction or something….
Item #170149255450.
posted by Suzanne on 9-20-2007 at 10:56 am
Easter Egg bearing the presidential seal, from Easter 2007.
Item No. 290162612162
Doesn’t everyone want something bearing the presidential seal? Then why not this green, flat bottomed egg that can double as a paperweight. Buy it now for only $14.99.
posted by Amber on 9-20-2007 at 11:03 am
Albert Einstein action figure
Still in original packaging, his arms and legs can move, and best of all, “Features realistic disheveled hair!”
Item number: 130155062988
Definitely a _flossy item! Could be your new mascot!
posted by HeyBeckyJ on 9-20-2007 at 11:07 am
Used Rainbow toe socks, claims to be well worn with love. Item number: 220149955753
posted by Shannon on 9-20-2007 at 11:21 am
Amazing Image of Jesus Christ in a natural tigereye. Item number: 280153606920
posted by Shannon on 9-20-2007 at 11:22 am
Cheap Gangsta Grillz, Wouldn’t I be the envy of the office! This is too much fun, I got to get back to work!
Item number: 250164984571
posted by Shannon on 9-20-2007 at 11:29 am
In time for Halloween. Buy a GE Show N Tell. Somehow find a copy of The Fall of the House of Usher made for it. Item number 260161409910 may have it all in one package since they have 60 titles included with the Show N Tell. I remember the first viewing as being a significant moment in my 9th year of life. The shoemaker and the elves is good too.
posted by Vorple on 9-20-2007 at 11:39 am
Flying Pig Monopoly Piece
Item 140159002531
Supposedly world famous too!
posted by TerryS on 9-20-2007 at 11:39 am
Not sure if this is exactly cool..but WTF??
Seller: viktorkinkaid
Price of item: $10,000,000.00
Item: His soul.
From Ebay.com:
“You are bidding for the chance to literally own my soul - you will get paperwork once funds have cleared verifying that you are the sole possesor of my soul, and you can to do with it as you please. This is not a joke by any means, you are eternally in control of my soul . Serious bidders only, the paperwork closing the deal is unbreakable, not even by the hands of Jesus Christ himself.”
Item number: 150163345103
posted by Lindsay D on 9-20-2007 at 11:41 am
Alright, Last one till after 5…But this one scared me! BRAIN WAVE ELECTRONIC HEAD SCALP MASSAGER! The picture alone is what scared me.Item number: 260160002832
posted by Shannon on 9-20-2007 at 11:41 am
I think Lindsay D wins …..
posted by Suzanne on 9-20-2007 at 11:51 am
Ah ha! The SECRET OF INVISIBILITY!
Yours for only $24.95. However, they make a point of mentioning that invisibility is meant for moral purposes only.
Item number: 130155501171
posted by jzimm on 9-20-2007 at 11:57 am
Liver & Kidney Cure “SAFE”
item number: 180159379373
posted by Janet on 9-20-2007 at 12:08 pm
Item number: 320160350430
“toe tags”
ew
posted by Janet on 9-20-2007 at 12:18 pm
JaneM ’s is kind of awesome
posted by Janet on 9-20-2007 at 12:24 pm
Item #220141971598
LG OTTER PENIS BONES-BACLUM-TAXIDERMY-MAMMAL Oosik
The gift that STOPPED giving.
posted by Sheldon Siegel on 9-20-2007 at 12:32 pm
Permit to use the word “a lot” as one word: “alot”
Up for auction is a laminated (colored if you want it to be) permit to spell “a lot” however you want to.
Item number: 280152132171
Seller has stated that he/she is not an English guru, and the item description includes a disclaimer about ordering fries at McDonalds. There have been three bids placed on this, but at least the shipping is free.
posted by Laura on 9-20-2007 at 1:01 pm
100 White Wedding Ostrich Floss Feathers 12-19″ Seconds
Well I am not totally convinced that it is anything that could remotely called useful. I gotta say, that it does look ‘Flossy’. As for why I should win, come on, just look at it.
$81.00???
130154352721
posted by Rob on 9-20-2007 at 1:04 pm
Kangaroo Scrotum Purse
Item # 270142851877
The perfect complimentary sack for women who carry their husbands balls around in their purse normally.
posted by Elaine on 9-20-2007 at 1:05 pm
I hereby submit an old piece of crap.
No, seriously.
Item # 300151323495
It’s a coprolite - fossilized dinosaur droppings.
posted by Megan on 9-20-2007 at 1:09 pm
190152783374
Snoot Flute - play real tunes with your nose!
I’m with the seller, glad its washable plastic. Eww!
Have some snotty, erm, I mean snooty fun with the Snoot Flute!
posted by Aaron on 9-20-2007 at 1:10 pm
Item # 230165769397
Vintage Bondage Cameo Pin
I like to think of some cute little grandma with her wool cardigan fastened at her neck with this completely wrong pin.
posted by Elaine on 9-20-2007 at 1:16 pm
just in case anyone was interested in learning how to perform an autopsy in the comfort of their own home.
160159373204
p.s
im a medium
thanks
posted by Kevin on 9-20-2007 at 1:19 pm
Natural rock that looks like male genitalia. Fun for the whole family!
Item #180160961385
posted by SteveE on 9-20-2007 at 1:20 pm
Empty bottle of orange juice. Sure, that makes sense.
Item #140159883323
posted by SteveE on 9-20-2007 at 1:24 pm
I don’t know about you, but a ghost captured in an old wine bottle during a game of ouija is all I’ve ever wanted. Can anyone help me out with the 24,999.00 price tag?
Item #: 130155070338
posted by Meredith on 9-20-2007 at 1:28 pm
I haven’t found anything worthy of the competition, but I have discovered that no matter what weird thing you type into eBay you get a hit of some sort. Simultaneously cool and disturbing.
In the meantime, though, check out
280153957037
Real Preserved Female Black Widow Spider
The ‘Buy It Now’ price is $15 - I think I actually have a dead one of these in a Mason jar in my garage that I kept to show Terminix last year. Gotta dig that out and sell it!
Thought - why don’t we all chip in a few bucks and bid on Lindsay D’s submission? Viktor’s soul could be under the absolute control of the whole _flossing community!
posted by Roger on 9-20-2007 at 1:31 pm
sorry but i had to add another link
this one is….i’m not too sure
280154291962
posted by kevin on 9-20-2007 at 1:39 pm
I found just what we are looking for! It’s beautiful. A wonderous painting from a film everyone has seen. Disturbing? Yes!
Item number: 280152703440
Love it! Jumping for Joy!
Only if it didn’t creep me out. . .
posted by Janet on 9-20-2007 at 1:55 pm
I am having a real tough decision reducing this to one of the following. Either one would make an excellent accessory for a real bitchin Camaro. Back in the day, you could get top dollar for either.
1)
MEMBERS ONLY Mens Grey VINTAGE Jacket Coat Sz L/44 emo Item number: 160158992960
or
2) CRAGER ANNIVERARY WHEELS SET 4 WIth CENTER CAPS
CRAGER MAG STYLE RIMS ORIGINAL Item number: 250166499589
posted by Dean on 9-20-2007 at 1:57 pm
How about this authentic electroshock therapy kit? At one point used to treat cancer, consumption, and deafness. It’s old, from 1896, and sufficiently creepy for a winning entry. . .
Item number:260161230924
posted by jzimm on 9-20-2007 at 2:00 pm
Can this be a regular feature? This is hilarious!
posted by mev on 9-20-2007 at 2:08 pm
Antique pocket SPUTUM FLASK
Brass nickel plated sputum pot used for people with consumption (advanced tuberculosis) or bronchiectasis as a hygienic alternative to spitting on the floor.
(Its a fancy spit container!)
Item number: 170150080702
posted by Ryan on 9-20-2007 at 2:09 pm
Grow your very own Penis Gourd!
For only $3.99, you can buy a packet of seeds from the Koteka gourd, more commonly known as the penis gourd. Harvest them when they’ve reached the appropriate length. The seller says they’re easy to grow, too.
It’s a bargain, folks.
Item # 290162426396
posted by Rose on 9-20-2007 at 2:11 pm
Roger - as much as I really want to chip in like $10 to buy viktor’s soul, I have a lot (alot?…I have to go bid on that permit!) of moral reservations about owning someone’s soul. But I support _floss if they decide to put the soul to good use.
posted by Lindsay D on 9-20-2007 at 2:15 pm
Lindsay D - point taken. Although, you wouldn’t own the soul outright. It would be more of a timeshare thing. To put it in dyslexic music fan terminology, we would have a Soul Collective.
posted by Roger on 9-20-2007 at 2:27 pm
SET of THREE (3) MORGUE TOE TAGS Brand New
Item number: 320160350430
The information on the tags is hilarious. Also, it’d be great fun to put them on the toes of your friends and family while they are asleep.
“These are used by a Coroner’s Office or a Funeral Director, and a deceased human being. One of the tags says “Attach to Toe” one says “Attach to Personal Effects” and the third says “Attach to Outside” Meaning the outside of the body bag. These are new items, never used.”
“One buyer bought them to serve as a book marker. Great idea!”
posted by Karen Eckstrom on 9-20-2007 at 2:37 pm
1977 HOW TO GROW PEANUTS LIKE JIMMY CARTER Cookbook~V.1
Item number: 270165951740
How…nutty.
posted by Jordan on 9-20-2007 at 2:38 pm
170148309645
Halo 3 Spartan Master Chief Armor Costume Helmet Suit
This is going to be an expensive Halloween!!!
posted by Marcel on 9-20-2007 at 2:45 pm
This definitely falls under “forgotten fads” - 2 of them, actually: MC Hammer slap bracelets.
Item #200049790329.
Unfortunately, “Hammer pants and attitude not included.” But they do sell other “celebrity” bracelets.
Why I should win? My birthday is next week (25th), and I wear clothes, so the shirt would come in handy!
Thanks :)
posted by Heather on 9-20-2007 at 2:58 pm
I don’t know anything about eBay so I am putting in my vote for How to Grow Peanuts like Jimmy Carter Cookbook~V.1.
It is wierd, silly and presidential even.
Rock and roll!
posted by Scott on 9-20-2007 at 3:05 pm
My first suggestion included thos items important to a guy who wanted to be hip in the late 70’s early 80’s. But this little gem is strictly for the “tech savy”
Commodore 64,128, vic 20 cassette drive NR Item number: 110171511947
posted by Dean on 9-20-2007 at 3:20 pm
Ha! Check out the other auctions by the same guy in Dean’s latest post - he’s unloading a whole Commodore system! I would have given anything to have one of these in 1987.
posted by Roger on 9-20-2007 at 3:29 pm
How To Perform An Autopsy…ON DVD!
Item number: 160159373204
And (I’m guessing two is allowed?)
A cane made from a bull penis. Why?
Item number: 230173811848
posted by Kitty on 9-20-2007 at 3:51 pm
For $0.99 cents you can own an authentic, full-size, red British telephone booth, with extra glass “Telephone” signs for the top of the booth. Bought and shipped from England according to the seller:
Item number: 170151093305
posted by Erika on 9-20-2007 at 4:42 pm
P.S. Why should I win? Because it’s my turn.
posted by Erika on 9-20-2007 at 4:44 pm
“Handmade LiFeLiKe unbilical cord / without clip/reborn”
Item number: 200151994383
What do I win? Hah.
PS: The misspelling of umbilical is the sellers doing. Not mine. :)
posted by Kelly on 9-20-2007 at 6:12 pm
Meat pencil toppers — the perfect gag gift for your vegetarian friends!
Item #290162723912
Totally on next year’s school supply list for the kids.
posted by Krista on 9-20-2007 at 6:22 pm
Why go to church when you can pay someone to speak to the Lord on your behalf? One genuine prayer for sale.
Item #220151856848
posted by Krista on 9-20-2007 at 6:33 pm
For Sale?
My Opinion (not mine, the sellers)
Buy it now for only 9.99 and shipping is free! Lets buy his opinion…
120163176228
posted by Aimee on 9-20-2007 at 7:06 pm
Vintage mini-appliances made in the 70’s (still factory fealed) by GALOOB
$9.99 opening bid
Item number: 330166276518
I *loved* these things! And yes, as the packaging proclaims, “Gee Whiz, They Really Work!” Besides, how can you NOT love a product called GALOOB?
posted by kathleen on 9-20-2007 at 7:15 pm
Item Description:
“mexican day of the dead skeleton woman nurse/syringe”
say no more! can’t you visualize it?
item # 250165254633
Just in time for November 1st! Would go well with the Skull & Bones token or the autopsy DVD….
posted by kathleen on 9-20-2007 at 7:41 pm
I’m having trouble deciding between two. I want both, but for the wrong reasons…
1) “The Label with a Shocking Secret!”
An old air freshener label with a picture of male genitalia hidden between the flowers on the label.
Item number: 110172531133
2) “Barry Bonds 756 home run ball grilled cheese sandwich”
This item has already been auctioned and won, but the winner is “letting another fan enjoy” a grilled cheese sandwich that was hit by a baseball.
Item number: 180161520886
posted by monica on 9-20-2007 at 7:55 pm
Rock Item number: 280154343534
Paper Item number: 280154340177
Scissors Item number: 280154336674
no more, I promise. wow. many bids, 6 days to go. I’ll be watching this one.
“The age old question remains unanswered.”
posted by kathleen on 9-20-2007 at 7:59 pm
I am a big fan of CSI and they are auctioning off Grissom’s minature of his office. I think that’s neat and of course it’s for charity.
There is no item number but the site is ebay.com/csi
posted by Aimee on 9-20-2007 at 8:01 pm
Eneman! The plush, loveable Fleet’s Enema!
Item number 180159983345
posted by Maria on 9-20-2007 at 8:17 pm
The Fart-Powered Toy Gun US Patent Art Print: 300152730098
Someone to write your autobiography: 120162717061 … at that point, can’t you just call it a biography?
And, I would put down “the ability to become invisible,” but someone already beat me to it.
posted by Heather on 9-20-2007 at 8:46 pm
Vintage “Manphibian” suit and mask.
Worn on screen in the Late 60’s -Early 70’s TV series “Tarzan”.
Item number:260162199656
posted by Ryan on 9-20-2007 at 8:49 pm
Last week I thought it would be great to sell my Billy and the Boingers record.
Turns out everyone is trying to sell one.search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=billy+and+the+boingers
posted by Matt on 9-20-2007 at 10:24 pm
Doula Midwife CBE Birth Model Doll Set item #: 290161792930
It’s a child birth teaching tool with umbilical cord and placenta all attached to one handy baby doll! The plus is you get a free child birth teaching book when you buy it.
*Gag Gift* Real Breast Implants *Not For Implanting*
item #:150162578308
I love how they have toemphasize it’s a gag gift and Don’t implant it yourslef.
posted by Rachel* on 9-20-2007 at 11:13 pm
Item number: 160160083364
I actually bought one, it is a real taxidermied toad
You are bidding on a brand new frogskin coin / guitar pick purse.
As you can see, it is made of the tanned hide of the frog (Cane Toad).
The purse measures around 3″ in length, and around 3″ at the widest part, and has a black inner fabric liner.
posted by dr howard on 9-21-2007 at 12:56 am
The Secrets Of The Universe At Your Fingertips - Gratuity Stone
170151492586
It is “garaunteed to bring you good fortune” (sic), and has free shipping and handling.
posted by dfv on 9-21-2007 at 3:25 am
Item #200145843606
Wiggles Sing/Dance Guitar Great Circuit Bending Project
Sick of those perky Wiggles? Turn Junior’s Wiggle-rific guitar into a fun new electronic instrument with a few connections, knobs and switches.
posted by Gwen on 9-21-2007 at 4:42 am
The Cannibal Spork: Cutlery at its finest and at the bargain price of $74.95.
Item# 220149872255
And I should win because I’d be damned proud, I’m hoping to get this in under the wire, and no matter what they say…winning IS everything.
posted by Naomi on 9-21-2007 at 8:25 am
I’m too late but I love this shirt
item# 160159403626
“We do things my way or the Hemingway”
$9.99
posted by Patrick on 9-21-2007 at 1:11 pm
I guess I got what I deserved for skipping the _floss for a few days… Congratulations, Marcel, you posted the item that I would have. One of my friends got to use that suit in a video promo the other day.
posted by sfs on 9-23-2007 at 2:33 am
hzoasw iucseby almvin kwjyhlgdq achnepxyd towpcivhn dofyjuhm
posted by htlcbpros crwhydx on 12-29-2007 at 3:41 pm