957. Michael J. Fox “Marty Mcfly” hero Mattel hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II & Part III. (Universal Pictures, 1989, 1990) This is one of the hero Mattel Hoverboards used by Michael J. Fox in his most famous role as “Marty McFly” in the Robert Zemeckis classic 80s trilogy, Back to the Future. Two styles of Hoverboard were made for and employed in the film – lightweight boards of styrofoam construction and thick and durable wood-based props – this example is the latter, and is recognized as the best example of all wood Hoverboards to have survived the rigors of filming. The illusion of Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” hovering through the air was achieved with practical effects, with actors in rigged harnesses being “flown” via cranes, with special effects taking care of the rest.

Of the two styles of props used in the film, the styrofoam examples in collections today have not held up as well, given the more fragile nature of the material and the abuse they endured in production. Few wood examples have survived, and the collector who obtained this specimen from the prop master chose this for his personal collection as the premiere example of those preserved following the film. It is in used but outstanding condition, and is very rare in that it is entirely complete and intact. Given the wood build and use of metal components, it looks and feels like a “real” prop. This piece has the complete fully functional and rear ballbearing-mounted footpad that rotates 360 degrees, as well as the bottom “magnet plates”. Of the two styles of stickers used for the effects, this prop has the “photoboard”-style sticker affixed. In addition, there is other textured styling and hand painting. This Hoverboard also features the hole in the top, representing where the handlebars were that “Marty” pulled off after borrowing the “toy” from the little girl in the film. $30000 - $50000

Seriously, I know Back to Future forwards and backwards after seeing it too many times to count, but paying $30,000 to $50,000 for this, which is not even one of a kind? I mean, if it were Marilyn Monroe's used underpants I would understand, but a piece of wood that doesn't fly? What kind of crazy-bordering-the-retarded fanboy would actually waste such an stupidly high amount of money in a pink non-flying Mattel hoverboard?

OK, I admit it. I don't have the money. [eBay Live Auctions — Thanks Michael]

There aren't a lot of bargains, as you might expect. Top-shelf merchandise like this is expected to fetch big collector prices. But the catalog is almost too good to be true—check out 34 highlights in the gallery below, and a few extra special favorites here:

Forget any exercise you could possible think of—it won't come close to the strength of using Bruce Lee's own actual forearm strengthener. Possibly some Dragon sweat still on it.

No, It doesn't hover but I couldn't give less of a damn. If I can't have the shoes, I want this. Too bad it's expected to fetch $30-$50k.

I love scotch. But I'm pretty certain I would love it even more if I was drinking it out of this ultra-dystopian Blade Runner tumbler. Plus this one's one of the few sub-$1,000 items.

Just one of the countless things the originals have on Lucas's new films, the costumes in the original Star Wars were incredible. Especially the Imperial dudes—stylish in only the way a space fascist can be.

More highlights from this incredible trove, including C3PO's feet, Ahnold's sawed-off from T2, the rabbit mask from Donnie Darko and more:

[Profiles in History Auction House via Tech Digest]

Should you wish to speak to another subscriber... you should...commence the conversation by saying 'Hulloa!' When you are done talking, say 'That is all!', and the person spoken to should say 'O.K.' ... While talking, always speak slow and distinct, and let the telephone rest lightly against your upper lip, leaving the lower lip and the jaw free..."

The Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act was introduced by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and backed by Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah). CNet points out that the bill sounds like a plan proposed by a startup called M2Z, which wanted to build a 384-kilobit network on this spectrum that was free, but ad-supported. If this becomes a legit spectrum auction, M2Z would presumably be one of the bidders (the FCC insisted that the company play by the usual auction rules). Rep. Eshoo says that her plan will hopefully engender "a new kind of national broadband service provider."

My instinct is that it isn't going to get very far, for assorted reasons:
• No company with enough cash to build a network like this would take the risk on a completely new business model.
• An "ad-supported" system of weak wireless broadband might be more annoying than useful, even for people who can't afford an alternative.
• The unfortunates targeted for this service would still have to buy or be given equipment that runs on the particular frequency band.
• If all you need to do is promise those low speeds, you could more cheaply create a compressed dial-up service that runs over traditional copper-wire phone lines.
• In the recently concluded 700MHz auction, the so-called D Block was left untouched because of its requirement of a nationwide public-safety network.

Sometimes I wish politicians needed higher-ed degrees in order to serve. This scheme could have used expertise in econ, psych, engineering, maybe even a little history. [CNet]

There are 59 total LEDs, 5 custom circuit boards, 30 feet of wire, two Mario figures, a controller holder, and everything else you see is either hand-made or laser cut. There's also a custom plate dedicating this to Miyamoto for all his hard work creating a plumber that travels through pipes to a better world, giving plumbers everywhere something to strive for.

The custom console stand has an integrated Wii remote holder and a compartment for recharging the included lithium-ion batteries. Each side of the stand features a small limited edition Mario figurine. These are out of production and were only available in certain parts of Asia. In addition to the highly detailed paint job they already featured they were further touched up and clear coated for a clean professional look.

If you still haven't been able to find a Wii, this is your chance to pick one up that's both special and benefit charity. You could probably write this off as a tax deduction next year too.

[ebay]

!We offer you a business idea at its finest!

If you even before you come in a cocktail bar, you can then in a real airplane ambience in the first-class seats and swing are just out of the daily routine.

You will be doers of style stewardesses served and get in front of it flies in the holiday.

For Hawaiian (or just what you like) Music you start you to relax.

The clouds are flying only way to the windows of passing (obviously, this requires the intake of extra substances, J.) ... to realize with a Endlosposter, which has two roles held.

If you read the whole thing to make huge hits you, you have installed a hydraulic plate below and let the whole story with a little froze every half hour off and land.

The entire course will be displayed on the Angurtdisplays.

Sun offers an opportunity to all cases not so quickly, so without prejudice to!

Enjoy offer!

Needless to say, we've already placed our bid. [eBay —thanks Johannes]

Interestingly, the open access C block was the only one to march past its reserve price of $4.6 billion (courtesy of the Goog), with a winning bid of $4.744 billion, probably by Verizon. The winners can claim their prize in less than a year. Good times for all to ensue! [RCR News]

As Saul Hansell points out, if we see the bidding continue to escalate, it indicates that Google might actually be playing to win (though it's doubtful), as long what we're seeing isn't an influx of bidders locked out of the B block pool by rocketing prices—driven up, no doubt, by big telcos looking to patch up holes in their 700MHz network.

Like say, AT&T, whose purchase of $2.5 billion worth of 700MHz spectrum licenses back in October finally got the FCC rubber stamp earlier today. Regardless, the picture will start getting clearer a lot quicker as of tomorrow, when the auction moves into the higher stakes phase 2, where entrants are basically forced to bid hard and fast. [Bits, PC World]

You are looking at a very special auction for a 6" tall Transformers Custom Master Chief (AKA Spartan Prime) APC 117 Armored Personnel Carrier. This figure has been repainted to match Master Chief himself. He has multiple points of articulation and has also been sealed, meaning you can pose him in all sorts of awesome poses. Instructions are included because these figures can be hard to figure out. This guy also comes with an assortment of weapons just like the ones in the game. He also comes with a miniature version of Master Chief and an alien. Master Chief has two hidden missile bays along with some hidden grenades and pistol. But keep in mind this is a custom and no custom is perfect so be careful when posing him. The details really bring the character to life and must be seen in person, Plus I am not a vary good photographer so the pictures do not do this custom any justice! Master Chief will look great on your shelf next to the rest of your collection as an accurate portrayal of the character.

So I set out 3 weeks ago to find 20 Wii's and sell them for $500-ish a piece like everyone else is doing to buy myself a Christmas gift, a new set of boobs. You see mine are used, as in milk factory used. We-I am married-have 4 children and I have spent 8 years pregnant and nursing. I have promised myself for 2 years now that THIS YEAR I would get a new pair.

As previously mentioned, she only managed to score two Wiis (which is still pretty damn good) and 7 GH II units. Unfortunately, this particular auction only netted her $497 —far short of the money she hoped to receive after hearing how "a dad sold his pot-smoking son's Guitar Hero on Ebay as punishment for $9K."

Presumably, she still has one Wii remaining and a whole mess of Guitar Heroes, but at this rate it looks like Santa will have to leave her some new boobs under the Christmas tree. Oh, and her auction description ends with "So thanks for listening and don't tell my husband, he will ring my neck if he saw I did this but desperate is desperate and he'll be happy with the end result." Whoops! [eBay via Crunchgear]

WTF Is This 700MHz Deal?
We're not getting into the technical nitty-gritty of the electromagnetic spectrum. Just know that there's only a finite amount of it for broadcasting and telecommunications, so spectrum licenses—the right to use a particular chunk—are really valuable. Analog TV is currently broadcast over the 698-806 MHz range of the UHF band: the ballyhooed "700MHz spectrum." But the FCC will kill off analog TV on Feb. 19, 2009, and will auction off the right to use it for other purposes.

Why Would Someone Pay BILLIONS for It?
Every frequency band has slightly different physical attributes. The 700MHz band penetrates walls fairly easily and travels well, making it perfect for either cellular or long-range wireless broadband that could provide an invisible alternative to DSL and cable. It could simply augment a major telco's existing holdings with a powerful wireless network, but it could also mean a lucrative new ISP for Google or some other non-telecom behemoth.

Going Once...
So here's how the auction will work. There are five blocks A-E, divided up regionally. Everyone had to secretly declare their intent to bid to the FCC by Dec. 03, and can't talk about it at all now. Cue Google's not-so-secret entrance last week. The actual auction will take place on Jan. 24 with a minimum bid of $4.63 billion to get at the C block. Winners can pick up their prize in Feb. 2009.

The reason all the excitement's been over what goes down with the C block, is that Google convinced the FCC to load up with "open access" provisions: The winner has to make the network open so any "safe" device use it, plus they have to make their own networked devices open as well—the exact opposite of what Verizon's handsets are right now. Before Verizon's recent Mitt Romney-likerevelation that open networks are the One True Path, the veteran telecom fought the openness provisions with every trick in the book, from backdoor deals to lawsuits. Verizon actually sued the FCC over this exact provision—that the C block winner allow any device on the network—that it is celebrating with pig-in-shit PR glee right now. The rules (thankfully) stuck, and Verizon changed its tune.

The Players
Here's a list of the bidders:
• Google, obviously
• Verizon and AT&T, the other two heavies
• Cox Cable, probably looking to start a wireless internet service
• DISH Network
• Leap Wireless
• Frontline Wireless, a startup

Here's who is not in:
• Time Warner
• Comcast
• Sprint
• Clearwire

Big investments are too risky for all of the above, plus those last two already have their plates full trying to get their busted-ass WiMax deals off the ground.

How It Might Go Down
The educated guess is that Google is bidding to not look like a dick. It may not be playing to win, but after all of the previous big talk and the launch of the OHA business, it needs to show up. Evidence for our skepticism: Google is going it alone, and was already looking for ways to finance just the minimum $4.6 billion bid. Circumstantial evidence: Google's statements of late haven't been very enthusiastic about the prospect of winning; the ol' college reading between the lines says it's not planning to. But, it did get the open access provisions it pushed for, so there's really no need to finance the network on top of it.

AT&T just bought a massive chunk of 700MHz spectrum from Aloha Partners for $2.7 billion a couple months ago, so it's probably going to focus its bidding on the regional licenses to fill in the gaps.

Our feeling has been that Verizon's going to be the juggernaut, even before it gets all lovey-dovey with third-party devices. It's been rabble-rousing over the rules for months—trying to get FCC chairman Kevin Martin to shitcan the open access provisions—and spitting back and forth with the Google the entire time. Reading between the lines again, it's clear it's always intended to bid win.

In fact, Verizon's 700MHz dreams probably played a significant role in opening up the network, whatever other feel-good reasons their PR department might tell us. Why? For one, to placate Kevin Martin, who's pretty hot on openness and competition. He koshered the open-access rules in the first place. It'll be interesting to see if Verizon tries to go war post-auction to fight the provision requiring unlocked hardware on the C block, since its open-network announcement implied that Verizon's own gear would stay locked down like Guantanamo.

Our money is on Verizon for the total C block win.

The Afterglow
Verizon winning the C block pretty much kills previous utopian notions of a mythical third pipe, outside the grasp of the vested telcos, bringing glorious open internets to us all. However, coupled with Verizon's recent announcements it could spell progress. The FCC probably won't let it go back to its evil ways. And you can expect Google to be all up on that, pushing search, services, ads and eventually hardware. The little guy might just get his crack at putting his dream device on the network too. We're warming up the soldering iron!

Google's coming out statement—essentially "whoever wins, everybody does"— was noticeably limp. No fire in their words probably signals no fire in their bid, basically.

On the other hand, Verizon throwing open its network is a decidedly hard throwdown with regard to its auction intentions. The winner of the 700MHz's contentious C Block is required to have such an open network (though only on that chunk), meaning Verizon may be strongly signaling its intent to bid and win. Gird your loins for endless "It's the Network" catchphrases, just in case. [MocoNews, CNN]

Yes, he's (it's gotta be a he, come on) getting rid of his "life time collection of collectibles" in one fell swoop, including 1,160 Star Wars figures. He's also got a bunch of Spawn figures, Austin Powers figures for some reason, and a bunch of other miscellaneous nerd detritions. It's supposed to be for pick-up at his place in San Diego, but if you want to have it shipped it'll just cost you $475 per pallet. Oh, and this thing will take up three pallets. Really, beyond the cost of this thing, could you really handle the stigma that owning nearly $35,000 worth of action figures would bring to you? That alone should give anyone pause when considering this auction. [eBay via BornRich]

back at its headquarters, Google is already operating an advanced high-speed wireless network under a test license from the FCC, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has erected transmission towers on its campus for the network. Prototype mobile handsets powered by the Android software are currently running on it.

More over, according to the usual "people familiar with the matter," they're grinding out a plan to toss in all $4.6 billion or more all on their own because going in with partners promises complications in bidding setup and outcomes, as well as pissing off company A by going in with company B.

Why even jump into the messy, messy world of network operation when they've already got a hand in the jar with Android? The feel-good reason is that Google wants networks to be more open and competitive to drive more innovation and better, unrestricted services without artificial carrier walls and lockdowns.

The selfish side is that open networks mean carriers can't make it hard to use Google's wares or make Google pay carriers to get at customers. There's also the potential revenue of subscriber fees—hey, open doesn't mean free—and ads across the network, according to at least one analyst group.

Whatever Google decides, we'll know by Dec. 3, the deadline for declaring an intent to bid. And should they win, don't cream your jeans about the wild, woolly West of an open wireless network just yet, since Google—and any other winners—won't get their hands on the network until 2009, when analog broadcasts go dark. [WSJ]

First of all, the system list:

Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari Jaguar, Atari Lynx, Coleco ColecoVision, Coleco Gemini, Coleco Telstar, Commodore 64/128, GCE Vectrex, Mattel Aquarius, Mattel Intellivision, Mattel Odyssey 2, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Miscellaneous APF TV Fun, Miscellaneous Handheld Games, Miscellaneous PC Games, Miscellaneous SC Eight Thousand, Miscellaneous Sega Pods, Miscellaneous TV Games, NEC Turbo Duo, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo NES, Nintendo Nintendo 64, Nintendo Super NES, Nintendo Virtual Boy, Nintendo Wii, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Game Gear, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Sega Saturn, SNK Neo Geo, SNK Neo Geo Pocket, Sony Playstation, Sony Playstation 2, Texas Instruments TI 99/4A, VM Labs Nuon.

As for games, he has, well, a lot of them, including weird rare stuff like the Christmas version of NiGHTS for Sega Saturn and the Gold Cartridge Micro Machines for NES. Gold Cartridge!!! How can you resist?

You really need to see the full list to really appreciate how bananas this auction is. Right now it's at $3,383.33, but the Buy It Now price is $10,979.00. Plus free shipping! What could you possibly be waiting for?! [Auction Page and eBay via Geekologie]

It supposedly has an "innovative receiver design" for improved noise shielding, which, to quote a friend, is necessary "so it won't interfere with everything else and give the FCC a bitchfit." Other features include: TCP/IP data rates over 50Mbps, scalable channel bandwidths of 5/10/20/40 Mhz, advanced QoS, 256-bit security, and full compatibility with available Linux drivers. No price or release date—but it probably won't actually matter for a couple of months anyway. [Ubiquiti via Daily Wireless]

The C block has a reserve price of at least $4.63 billion, which coincidentally matches what Google has pledged to spend on the auction. If it's not met, it goes up for auction again, sans open access provisions. Also, the value of entire spectrum up for grabs is now capped at $10 billion, with companies making less than $40 million picking up a discount on their bids. Finally, the auction's been pushed back by about a week to Jan. 24, probably to give companies more time to find their checkbook, since it looks to be a cash-flinging bloodbath. [Electronista]

Mobile video or expanded data services seem most likely. Regardless, they'll have time if they're truly undecided since they won't get their hands on it until at least 2008, when the deal closes, with some of it tied up until 2009. It'll be interesting to see how aggressively they bid in the upcoming auction, considering the coin they just dropped—is this move a way to sidestep the uncertainties of the auction (which Verizon clearly plans on diving into, hard) or are they planning on scooping up even more? We'll know soon enough. [Yahoo!/AP]

The first rule says that auction winners "shall not deny, limit, or restrict the ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice..." while the second states that "no licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers...." Verizon's apparent rationale is that as long as unlocked devices from mythical other parties can connect to the network, competition—the raison d'être of the rules—is preserved.

While Google's obviously got a stake in the outcome—they're debating on jumping into the auction, pending the actual final result of the rule dispute—overall, I agree with them. If the rule vote in July was intended to be final it should stay that way, and an open-access network with open devices and applications looks to be far more promising for consumers than what we're currently stuck with. I mean it's possible someone likes the way current US cell carriers and telecoms do their business, but I've yet to meet them. [Google, Image via Flickr]

There are red LEDs, golden chains (the game is Chains of Olympus), and a blood red and gold finish that adorns both the front and back. A lot of this stuff is hand sculpted as well. He's even throwing in a display case that looks like an old battle chest. The best part is that proceeds go to the Child's Play charity, which is Penny Arcade's charity to help out sick kids. What better way to play the upcoming God of War game than on this thing? [eBay - Thanks Ramon!]

Gallery [Gizmodo]

So, if you want 135 large file folders stuffed full of original sketches, early designs and proofs of games such as Dig Dug, Bezerk, Asteroids, Pong and Mario Bros., then get thee to Sotheby's, stick your bidding paddle in the air and wave it around like you just don't care. It'll cost you, though...

You'll need to stump up between $150,000 and $250,000 for the privilege of owning these early 80s objects. Do you think those dudes who dress up as Pacman and run round the place will bum rush the show? I do hope so. – Ad Dugdale

Sotheby's Atari Auction [Cool Hunting]

Don't think you can make it to France? There's a slick website that's worth a look even if you don't plan to buy anything, although online bids are accepted. In English and French, the website details the auction as well as a free public exhibition being held at the Hotel des Ventes Saint-Aubin. The site also contains a history of the Concorde, photos, and a video gallery. – Kevin Hall

Concorde Auction [via Popular Science]

As for the casemod itself, a portion of the proceeds from the eBay auction goes to Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity, so you can feel good about spending (probably) over a grand for this. – Jason Chen

Pretty much the best Wii case mod ever [eBay via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Update: Fixed the link, as the old auction was de-listed due to a technicality.

What the hey, maybe you've done it already and we actually played on one of your computers back when we were kids! Wait, did you modify the startup screen to say "Mrs. Stevens sucks"? No? Wonder who did that then. – Jason Chen

eBay Auction - Thanks Chris!