I didn't receive a whole lot of Star Wars bounty, but there isn't much out around here new.  Some highlights from my Christmases:

several hooded sweatshirts (one of my favorite things to wear)
100 Years of Husker Football book
Star Wars art picture (with Han, Chewie, Luke, Leia, Vader, R2, 3PO, and Lando)
LOTR: FOTR Extended Edition (finally, now on to TTT)
Star Wars Rebel Strike and NBA Live 2004 for Gamecube
other clothes, all of which I liked actually
a couple of different gift cards

the best gifts are always from my wife, she knows me so well.  I don't really care if I get gifts at all, its just nice to spend time with loved ones, celebrate the true meaning, relax, and not have to work for a few days.  Hope you all had a great Christmas!

Yeah, from what I have read recently regarding this site, it doesn't look like they are exactly getting the glowing reviews anymore.  I was going to order the Hoth figures from them, but decided not to since it was just before Christmas.  It has sounded like it is hit and miss for them, some people are quite happy...others, not so much.  Hopefully they can get things figured out, they have some decent online prices, and did have the newer stuff in stock all the time before...however, their site has been down for quite awhile now.  I was hoping to be able to get Hoth Luke and Wampa through them, since I seem to be missing them around here (as well as the ultra 3PO), but I think I'll wait to see what experiences others have, it doesn't sound real promising right now.

I just got my Insider this afternoon as well, and there really are some great images posted in there of some of the upcoming figures.  Like Jesse James said, not too much new really other than the Han and the Red 1.  They did confirm the Target glasses in there, and have a picture of the Obi-Wan glass with figure that was posted a little while back.  It does say the glasses are plastic, in case anyone was wondering.  Looking at the pictures again of these previously announced figures, 2004 really looks to be a banner year for collecting, at least in my opinion.  Sculpts look great, articulation is improved as a whole, and lots of OT figures.  Now if we are all able to find them in stores, all will be right with the universe  .

It will be interesting to see if this turns out to be true.  These characters could be interesting.  I personally am a big fan of this line, and am always interested to see the new releases...but I am a little curious why they aren't going for a few more "main" characters before these.  I guess I'm a little surprised they went with background characters in this line, I'm not complaining, just surprised.  Hopefully pics will surface soon in the new year.

I thought of you mosnab when I saw this over at Yahoo this morning, maybe you should send it up the line as a hint that prisoners get more than you do

Inmates get $5 and Fruit for Christmas

Thanks for that link Scott, that is too funny.  I had to pass that along to some of my co-workers.

Although this isn't for sure, and maybe someone else can confirm this (I don't have my Insider yet)...but according to SSG forum member Battle Droid, the latest Insider has confirmation of TRU exclusive Jedi Council sets, as well as Basic Wave 6: Battle of Endor.  Here is the text from his post:

From, Star Wars Insider #73.

The Jedi Council sets will continue at ToysRus so we'll have the entire Council Scene, including the center piece.

The first set will include Yoda, Qui-Gon-Jinn, and Ki-Adi Mundi.

Basic Wave 6: The Battle of Endor Wave

Han Solo as AT-ST Driver.
General Madine.
General Lando Calrissian.

Hopefully this is true, I've really been wanting a new Endor Han since 2002's poor offering.  Hopefully they make it the "ultimate"-ish Han, and not specific with only the AT-ST Helmet and gloves.  It would be nice if it was a good Endor Han with his removable trench, the helmet, etc.  Also good to see Madine and a new General Lando if this is true.  The council sets also sound great, it would be nice to "complete the circle".  I don't have my Insider yet (I think it gets to subscribers on Dec. 26 according to the official site?).  Anyways, until then, take it with a grain of salt, but hopefully it turns out to be true.

Brian, though I'm not entirely at the "collect only OT" point since I'm still a 4" completist with everything, I have scaled back most of my other Star Wars collecting subsets to only OT - like Legos, Action Fleet/Micro Machines, and several others.  Still sticking with the Prequel 4"ers though, despite a few times when I considered giving them the axe too.

I haven't quite "jumped ship" yet either on the prequel 4" figures, and I doubt that I will when it actually comes down to it.  Actually with what we have seen coming for 2004, it probably won't be much of an issue as it looks to be a strong OT year anyways (which is fine with me).

I have really enjoyed reading everyone's opinions on this LOTR vs. SW (PT or OT) debate.  Although, when it comes down to it, they are different movies...they are still the same in many ways too.  I think the comparisons are obviously drawn because LOTR is the kind of magical trilogy that we had in our youth with the OT.  The Star Wars OT will always be first with me, but LOTR has gained ground, and will probably always be right behind it in my favorite movies.  I kind of agree with the thought that the PT is good for providing backstory, etc.  To be honest, I don't know if I would have noticed some of the shortcomings of the PT so far if it wasn't for Lord of the Rings.  I'm not the biggest Phantom of the Menace fan, but I was all about Attack of the Clones when it first came out.  I thought it was one of the best Star Wars movies at first, and continued to go back to see it in the theatre.  Then the year went on, and eventually I got to the Two Towers.  That made me realize how much AOTC was really lacking, after seeing a movie like TT.  I still enjoy AOTC, but to be honest, I don't watch the DVD all that much.  If anything, I'm sticking in OT VHS tapes, or obviously, the LOTR movies as well.

I am glad to see others feel the same way as I do.  At first, when I saw the Two Towers, I almost felt "bad" as a Star Wars fan thinking or saying that I have been enjoying the Lord of the Rings movies better than the Prequel Trilogy.  I know that might sound silly, but for some reason I felt like I should like Star Wars more...because I'm a Star Wars fan.  I realize now that the magic, for me, truly lies in the Original Trilogy, and in the present day, with the LOTR trilogy.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still really looking forward to Episode III, and I'll be there opening day, but no matter how good it is, I still don't think it will help the whole Prequel Trilogy live up to what we were looking for.  Sometimes I think that the media influences people's thoughts that "Star Wars sucks" as it seems we have heard more often with the PT, but the fact that they don't compare to the OT, or to their competition of today (LOTR).  Sometimes you can almost see that people are longing for the OT-style, as it seems more people like the prequels as more OT characters are glimpsed or introduced.  Obi-Wan, Yoda, the droids, and soon to be Chewbacca....I think remind us of the "good ole days".

Anyways...I'm rambling now...but it has been nice reading some of your thoughts on this, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels this way.  I guess we probably shouldn't compare the movies, but it is hard not to sometimes.  I'm still glad we've got another Star Wars film on the way, but almost equally I'm said that the LOTR trilogy is over.  But, I guess we're lucky to have lived in the time to catch both classics....Star Wars and Lord of the Rings .

Its funny to me that many of you are posting this about the PT, because I have been feeling the same way lately...especially after seeing ROTK on Saturday.  That movie was, once again, amazing.  Personally, I thought all three films were perfect...and would definitely rank them behind only the OT as my favorite movies of all time.  Although I am most definitely still looking forward to Episode III, I think it is kind of obvious anymore that the LOTR trilogy really puts the PT to shame.  For me, at least, it evokes the same type of "magic" that the Star Wars OT had.  I am still a Star Wars fan, first and foremost, but dedication to that aside, I think most would admit that the LOTR movies are much better than what we have seen with the PT.  It has even made me question my collecting (which is off-topic a bit here, sorry), and consider collecting OT-only (for the most part), and picking up a few more LOTR items.  I probably wouldn't be able to do that, and most likely will be there at midnight for Episode III toys, but it does make me consider it at times.  I don't think I've ever been "taken away" by movies as much as the Star Wars OT, and the LOTR trilogy.  Anyways...to sum it up...great movie, and a great ending to the trilogy.  I agree with those that posted above, it was kind of sad to see it end.