Found something new this weekend, in our new hometown .  The TRU nearest us had 3 Ultra Ewoks hanging on the pegs, so I picked one up.  Glad to see it, first thing new in quite some time now.  Now if only the basic figures would start showing up.

Little late to the thread here, sorry...busy moving this weekend.  Well, the series is all wrapped up now, and I didn't like Minny's chances in LA anyways.  That was a game they could (and probably would) have won, if Rush hadn't shot out of his mind last night.  I can stomach it a little better, since Rush is about the only player on the Lakers that I like at all really.  Kobe I think has been pretty respectful lately (in the playoffs), so he hasn't been bothering me quite as much lately either.  Shaq...well, he still rams, so that's still a problem.  Anyways, I'll give a congrats to the Lakers fans, since we're all friends here .  I do think a Detroit - LA Finals matchup could be interesting though.  We'll see if the 'Stons can finish off the Pacers tonight now.

You know, last night was another example (and Lakers fans like Matt have even said this) that Phil Jackson is a terribly over-rated coach.  Sure, we hear all the time how he "massages egos", which is true and I give him credit for that...but leaving Shaq in to get his fourth foul (and Kobe with 3) was yet another example of poor coaching I think.  Granted, when its all said and done, he will probably have the most coaching titles...but he's done a great job putting himself in the right places for that...a credit to him I guess.  I also have a problem with Payton and Malone "tagging along" for their ring.  I mean sure, everyone gives them so much credit for "playing for peanuts", which is still much more money than we have, even though they have both had HUGE contracts throughout their playing careers.  I guess its just kind of sad that "we couldn't beat Mike and the Bulls, so we'll join the best team now so we can win".  Like Matt said, they really haven't added much to this team...and I think too much will be made of their "contributions" if/when they win the title this year.  I think LA was capable of doing it anyways, with maybe adding one key free agent last year.  Fisher outplayed Payton at the point anyways, Malone was often in foul trouble and getting in fights (or trying too...come on, this guy is 40 and he isn't more mature than that?).

Well, with the Lakers moving on (and a favorite for their fourth title), what does everyone think will happen to the team in the offseason?  With his 10th title, it is possible that Phil Jackson will ride into the sunset.  Kobe has his legal troubles, although I think he will eventually get out of this (at least not to jail), but we'll see.  Gary seemed to be frustrated with this team/season, and will have his ring so it is possible he could leave.  Karl Malone should give consideration to retirement if he gets his ring as well.  Anyways, any thoughts to what will happen with this team?  I kind of would like to see Kobe go elsewhere, and see how Shaq and Kobe do when seperated from each other, having their "own" teams.

Agreed about the Chewie Scott, don't know why they couldn't stick in the Cloud City one which everyone pretty much seems to like the best (and we're already seeing Mechanic Chewie elsewhere anyways).

Although some of these figures are basically repacks, I really like how the whole set looks put together.  I usually don't get overly excited about prequel stuff anymore, but the Jedi (and council) were one of my favorite things out of the PT so far, and I think it would be really nice to have the circle on display.  I'll be trying to pick these up, but it could get pricey by the time the "circle is complete".

I agree with Jesse on the cloak for the Total Control Mace.  His review (along with some others) convinced me to buy that figure, just because many said it was so "fun".  It was a good toy (kind of a crappy figure, but fun), and you are right the cloak was very well done.  Not sure why they don't utilize that material more often.

As far as these VOTC figures, I really think they all look great so far, and I don't know if I have looked forward to figures this much for quite some time.  I think the Leia is about as good as it gets too (hood would have been nice, as mentioned), and finally a pretty good Fisher likeness.  This figure looks nice.  The Ben, I really like, but don't understand why they didn't include knee articulation with it.  Also, the cloak does look a little bulky to me too.  I usually like soft goods for the most part, but this one does look extra puffy.  Otherwise, the figure is pretty good.

I agree, I can't wait to see more pics of the rest of this line (particularly Wave 3).  Hasbro is supposed to have an update on the Vader this week, that should be one nice figure from what we have seen so far.  Can't wait to see what is in store for Fett, Chewie, and R2....as well as a better look at the Stormy.

Retail around here has been zip lately, so I am a little bit behind.  However, I did find an Ultra Ewok this weekend, and Nataku is hooking me up with four other figures that I need.  After that, I'll just be looking for a General Lando, and maybe a few other figures I didn't pick up along the way if I happen upon them in the stores.  I have kind of wanted to get caught up before the OTC hits as well.  I have a case split with Matt for the first wave of the VOTC, and still need to decide what to do about the 2nd wave that is up for sale now.  In other words, after I get things taken care of with Jeff, I should be just about caught up with what I want from the Saga line.

CNN has an article up today talking about the three principal "kids" in the Harry Potter films.  Alfonso Cuaron (director of Azkaban) talks about how he would like to see them stay throughout all of the movies.  Clicky HERE for more.

Oh...and congrats to the Pistons on a win last night, another hard fought game.  Although sometimes quite ugly b-ball, Pistons-Pacers seems to be a pretty good match up.  Also, congrats to the Magic on winning the lottery.  Everyone thinking they'll take Okafor?  It doesn't seem like the best draft this year, talent wise, but you never know how these players will turn out down the road.