Quote - Bought myself an antique gadget, which I described in detail here:

http://polistrasmill.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-toy.html

I had a plastic one of those when I was a kid! :)  I don't know why someone thought a kid would like one but, I had one.

I've been trying to learn to use a slide-rule as well.  It's much faster for some things and pretty darn accurate.  But, I just don't use it enough to be fast with it.

@ the OP - I normally don't by myself anything for Christmas.  But, the timing this year is right about the time I need to be getting a new computer.  So, maybe I'll put a bow on it and call it my Christmas Present to Me.