Short Amazon Now

Okay, I admit it, I never did believe that anyone could make a zillion dollars moving heavy boxes. So sue me, but how to account for my latest personalized Amazon sales pitch:

Based on your previous purchase at Amazon, you might like to know that you can save $100 on select $300 orders on Tumi bags, wallets, and accessories.

Based on my previus purches at Amazon, I am about as likely to carry a Tumi wallet as a hog is to wear a morning coat. Short Amazon now.

Amazon and 1984

I'm as puzzled as anybody else at the mad stupidity of Amazon stealthily erasing all the George Orwells off customer's Kindle readers (and, apparently, crediting the customerss' accounts). I agree with others that it is not quite like Barnes & Noble breaking into your living room and stealing your paper copy and leaving you a check (personal space issues blah blah). But it's close enough.

Meanwhile, I am intrigued to determine that a search on my own Kindle, brings up an edition of Keep the Aspidistra Flying at 99 cents, and two collections of essays--one at the standard Amazon price of $9.99, the other at $4.79. I also find an edition of 1984, "published Jul 11, 2009" at a prrice of $3.99--but that price is crossed out, and there is nothing in its place. Down at the bottom of the panel, it says "Not Yet Available." The publisher is listed as "Download eBooks." Several other Orwells seem to be (un)available on the same basis.

Meanwhile, that same search brought up three links to Ayn Rand's "Anthem two at 99 cents, one at a dollar.

Super Savings on Sony Laptops

Amazon just sent me a thoughtful note saying I might like to enjoy the super savings on Sony laptops. Among them: a Sony VAIO VGN-NR185E/S), marked down from $899.99 to $899.84.

Thanks, I think I can contain my impulsiveness on this one.