Can anyone loan me an abacus?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

One of those chinese calculator things with the beads...
I need it for a shot in a video.

kenton@nachi.tv or 303-717-8940

[klott]

Is that one of those critter's in South America that looks kinda like a Llama? Sorry I don't have one, but I have an extra Texas Instrument calculator I can send you.

[smeyer]

They are available in China. Fly there, stay a few weeks, buy it for a buck, fly home. If the purpose of your trip is business, it's a huge write off, and you will see a part of the world that is incrediable!!!

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Gotta be an abacus. It's for a video.
New InterACHI rule. From now on, inspectors performing elecrical calculatons must do them in the dark using an abacus.

Seriously... they used to sell them in the US when I was a kid, but I haven't seen one in a long time and I need one for a scene in a video.

[smeyer]

Am sure they are around. Anyone in SF or LA near china town, bet you could find them there! Had one as a child, but that was then, this is now.

Have you tried e-bay????

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...romZR40QQ_mdoZ

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Gotta be an abacus. It's for a video.
New InterACHI rule. From now on, inspectors performing elecrical calculatons must do them in the dark using an abacus.

Seriously... they used to sell them in the US when I was a kid, but I haven't seen one in a long time and I need one for a scene in a video.

http://asianideas.com/chineseabacus1.html






Before the development of numbers, people used hands and fingers to count. When counting went past 10, pebbles or stones were employed. However, merchant needed a way not only to count their own goods but also a way in which to calculate the cost of the goods. Abacuses and counting boards developed to fulfill such a need. An early form of the abacus was developed circa 3000 B.C.E.

The abacus we’re familiar with appeared in China around 1200 A.D. This first abacus had 2 beads on the upper deck of the rod and 5 on the lower deck, which is why it’s also known as the 2/5ths abacus. Known as the suanpan, very efficient suanpan techniques have developed over time to perform high level mathematic functions like multiplication, division, square roots, and cubed roots.

Suanpan arithmetic was taught in schools all the way up until late 1990’s. Even today, parents often send their children to private tutors to learn the art of abacus arithmetic. Learning arithmetic this way is thought to reinforce more accurate mental arithmetic and as an act of cultural preservation

These Chinese abacuses come in different sizes, shapes, and colors and range in function from the small and inexpensive to the more luxurious decorative pieces. Learn the ancient art of suanpan arithmetic or add a unique decorating piece to your home or office with these Chinese abacuses.

Large Chinese Abacus
$8 - $11


Ox Bone Abacus
$225


Abacus Instruction Book
$1.5





Take your pick Kenton.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Thanks, but I am not going to buy an abacus. It would sit in the garage next to that $250 door mortising jig I've had for 20 years and haven't used for 10 and can't sell because nobody wants it.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by kshepard

One of those chinese calculator things with the beads...
I need it for a shot in a video.

kenton@nachi.tv or 303-717-8940

Kenton,

Why would anyone have an abacus?

[Vince Santos]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Thanks, but I am not going to buy an abacus. It would sit in the garage next to that $250 door mortising jig I've had for 20 years and haven't used for 10 and can't sell because nobody wants it.

We are not talking about 250 here for an abacus. You can pick one up on ebay for around 15 bucks. For that money you can throw it in the fireplace when you are done.

[Michael Larson]

Ask James B.

He is anti tech of late and still may have his from grade school.

[smeyer]

Originally Posted by vsantos

We are not talking about 250 here for an abacus. You can pick one up on ebay for around 15 bucks. For that money you can throw it in the fireplace when you are done.

Or donate it to your favorite elected offical. May be just the thing they need to balance the budget.

Or, mark it up 5 bucks and resell it on e-bay!