American Science and Surplus and Janis Joplin

When I grow up, I want to write the product descriptions for American Science and Surplus. I want to write things like: "You pick the big blue or big red marker, both made in Canada where stuff is bigger on account of all that extra space. These markers measure 6-1/2" long x 7/8" dia with a 1/2" wide chisel tip, and would make nice gifts for IBM employees or Cincinnati fans." (If you are interested in buying these markers, you can get them here.)

Let me paint you a picture of AS&S. (No, that's not lost on me or the company) Imagine Costco, Sam's Club, or some monstrosity like that. Now imagine Toys R Us. Now imagine a dollar store where everything is a little bit dusty.  If those stores had a baby it would be AS&S.

They have EVERYTHING. I mean it.

Perhaps you are looking for an 8 pack of purple dental mirrors.

Or a model of an eye

Maybe you are in the market for 3 painters hats from Circus Circus

Or a USB microscope

Maybe  nonpolarized bimetal heat sensors are more your style.

YOU CAN GET ALL OF THOSE THINGS AND MORE AT AMERICAN SCIENCE AND SURPLUS, YOU GUYS. That is why it is my favorite store in the whole wide world. (Not to mention, they help out Project Exploration - a non-profit run by my hero, Paul Sereno.)


I'm not a huge Janis Joplin fan (gasp!) but Piece of Heart has been stuck in my head all week. So you win, Janis, it's the hot jam of the week. Bonus: there are some excellent dancers in this video.