Object properties

[paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Paul Gardner-Stephen)]

The following was a responce which arose from a mailing list discussion
on us@xxxxxxxx regarding car security.

This story begins a  couple of weeks ago..  I have a  1973 GB Galant,
which I never (used to) lock as I figured that locking it would only
encourage someone to actually break a window to get in, rather than open
a door.   This doesn't worry me as I make special care to leave nothing
of any value in the car.  The most expensive thing in the car is
probably the spare oil and brake fluid in the boot (trunk).

The other notable facts about this Galant is that a, it is worth about
a$500, and the choke spring is a little over zealous.  Because of the
zeal of the spring (especially in the summer), the previous owner
devised an ingenious strategy for keeping the choke engaged when
required.  The ash tray contains a 50c piece.  This coin is the right
size to fit between the dash board and the choke handle to jam it on.  I
also added a 10c piece recently for summer driving where not so much
choke is required.

Anyway, one recent night some thief did decide to take advantage of the
unlocked doors on my Galant.  They rifled through the interior looking
for money.  My street directory and cheap sunglasses were still there in
the morning, but my choke adjustments were no longer in the ash-tray.
The thief, or thieves were so desperate that they stole my 60c from the
car.

After announcing this on the labf mailing list various comments were
made ranging from keeping the car body at 60 kilo volts, to keeping a
large dog tethered to the hand brake.  During the discussion it arose
that it would be good if the properties of an object were visible to
all, in the same way that you can get file or disk properties in most
operating systems.  This would save the distress of finding worthless,
but sentimental cars rummaged through, all for 60c.  Thus the following
responce was formed:


Act 3, Scene 2:  Thief wandering up to a red GB galant

Thief wearing the usual black (including tattered beanie and fingerless
gloves) glances around shiftily and loiters toward the galant.

Thief> (soto voce) 'Allo, 'allo, what do we 'ave 'ere?
Thief>  (to Galant) "ALT-Enter!"
Galant>
"Name: Chrysler GB Galant V1.00
 Size: Track 2280mm, Wheelbase 2720mm (M)
       4/4 seats free.
 Date: Creation: Sept 1973
       Modified: 6 January 2000
       Accessed: 19 January 2000
 Type: P-plater bomb
 Associated Application:
       Driving
 Contents:
       1x street directory.
       1x 50c piece (choke high setting)
       1x 10c piece (choke low setting)
       2x thongs
       2x towels
       1x blankie
       2x "P" plates
      1lb beach sand
       1x very hot black vinyl upholstery
      38l super fuel (protected)
       1x jack
       1x 1999 Flinders Uni parking permit

  OK          Apply        Cancel"
Thief> "Sheesh *sigh* Bloody well cancel!"

Thief wanders off in search of something worth looting.