You know, I'm not really sure Brent, I was just going by what the announcers/coaches explained.  Apparently, in the international game, you put in for your time outs ahead of time, which the US did right after turning the ball over (to go over their press-breaker).  It was supposed to occur at the next dead ball, which didn't happen for a little bit, and at which point the US was up by 10 or so.  Then, according to asst. coach Popovich, the US coaches said that they didn't need the time out, and to forget it, but the refs had already called it.  To his credit, Larry Brown did send his players right back on the floor (stopped them at the sideline and turned them around), but apparently Spain's coach was already quite upset.  Its too bad it had to end up that way.  Watching the US coaches first go and try to explain/apologize, only to see Spain's head coach (and no other coaches and/or players) get up in their faces and yell, its too bad that there was a misunderstanding, or any feeling of disrespect.  Hopefully things can be worked out.

I understand many people's points with wanting Team USA to lose (especially if you are not from the US, I'm sure I'd want us to lose too), but I guess I'm still pulling for them.  The team isn't put together the best, and I don't even really care for many of the players on there, but I still really hope they are somehow able to win.  While the international game, and other teams, have made huge strides...I guess I feel deep down that at this point, we still have the best players (which also, aren't there playing for the most part), and because they are playing a game that is new to them (the team game) everyone thinks that we aren't he most talented country in the game of basketball anymore.  I do agree though, we don't play as a team basically at all...and not nearly as well as the other countries.  I'd be perfectly fine with the NBA switching to a more "true" form of basketball, in part to better prepare us and to get the respect of other countries a little more, but due to the marketing of the NBA, it unfortunately probably won't happen.  I do miss the days of the '92 team, when we just spanked everyone and most other countries were happy to play us anyways...and there wasn't nearly as much animosity between teams/players (US included).  Many of our players are spoiled, and some have shown it in these games, and its too bad we can't get back the mutual respect for all teams/players.  Scott is right, there is a lot wrong with the NBA today from that standpoint, and I wish that wasn't the case.  I guess it sounds strange, but I still like things like all of the players shaking hands, grouping together, after games, regardless of the outcome or what their "name" is.  Plus, I guess it is kind of sad how everyone "hates" Americans, but some of that is brought on on our own (or by some Americans anyways).

I'm having fun collecting, but at the same time I can understand some of the feelings that you are having as well Ty.  I'm not a completist either, and only occasionally buy two of anything...but at times I do feel a little "overwhelmed" with Star Wars collecting.  There is just so much stuff out there, and the majority of it is "hot", so you really have to hunt for it if you want to find it on your own, at retail.  There are several things that I wouldn't have either if it weren't for the great community here at JD, and we're lucky to have the helpful system we do here.  There are a couple of other lines I have tried to collect as well, outside of Star Wars, and it looks like I might be on the way to cutting those out, at least for the most part.  It is tough enough for me to keep up with Star Wars, both from the aspects of finding the stuff, and finding a way to pay for it.  Don't get me wrong, I like that there are so many cool things out there for Star Wars collectors to get into, but it can be a tad bit overwhelming.  There are areas I just haven't been able to touch, just because it would be more money, more hunting, and in some cases, more of a headache.

I guess I'm someone that "enjoys the hunt" as well, to an extent.  I'm not really someone that can go to the stores each and every day, and usually only check once (maybe twice) per week.  Although I can't complain, and have been lucky enough to find the OTC Dagobah and Bespin waves, as well as 5 of the 6 VOTC currently out at retail...I think being a Star Wars collector really can be trying at times.  I guess I've never been nearly as deep into collecting anything else, so maybe it is similar with other lines, but you really, really have to be on the ball (or have help) to be able to keep up with even the basic areas of Star Wars.  Basic OTC figures are basically not found anywhere in town right now, or maybe 1 hangs on the pegs when I get to the store.  I think you really have to make that trip each day, or every other day, with the chance of finding things.  I know when I have looked for my other occasional collections (Spider-Man, Marvel, LOTR), I don't think I've had nearly the trouble finding things.  I guess that is a testament to Star Wars' popularity, or to their scalp-ability (is that a word?).

Anyways, from one aspect, it is kind of nice to know that other collectors do get these feelings from time to time.  I always hate to see any collector "drop out", but at the same time if it isn't fun, what is the point?  Maybe cutting back is the answer, maybe its quitting altogether.  I think, unless things really get crappy, I will collect at least some part of Star Wars as long as there is something out there to collect...and as long as I have the space, money, and passion for it still.  Sometimes when looking at all my "stuff", it does make me think it is time to cut back somewhat, which I am currently trying to do.  I guess like I said earlier, it is a feeling of being overwhelmed at times.  To be honest, the VOTC (and OTC) line has kind of re-fueled me.  I'm not really picking up the re-hashed figures (except for a few I missed on initially..and haven't found yet), so for the most part I've been hunting for VOTC figs.  On one hand, it is nice because (with what is currently out), I'm basically looking for a VOTC Vader..and that's it.  Also, the carrying cases if I happen to see them (might get a Vader one, never had one as a kid), and a few OTC figures here and there (but those aren't showing up)...so the search feels better when it is a little more limited.  Then again, now the new Unleashed are starting to show up...and before we know it there will be more VOTC on the horizon as well, so things will get bigger in a hurry.  Also, even if there are only a few things you are looking for, it still seems like you have to have pretty good timing to get what you are looking for.

Anyways, this is much longer than it needs to be, but to answer your question...yeah, I am having fun...but, I can see where a person could feel overwhelmed or burnt out.  Those are the reasons why I have cut out other collectibles, thought about going OT only from time to time (but haven't), and why I maybe get the most joy out of collecting a "limited" collection, such as VOTC, since there is only 12 figures.  Sometimes, it seems like it is neverending...which is good in many ways, but sometimes contributes to the feelings of never being "caught up".  But, at the same time, I don't want it to end yet either   Good luck in your decision on what to do personally, whatever makes you the happiest.

Sorry to make you guys wait......Darrell Jackson, WR

Yes.....shocking, indeed.   At least its not like they short pack army building figures, or limit the release of popular items....oh wait.

I was wondering, for those of you who ended up ordering cases of the VOTC online, have any of you received them yet (the ones that are out, anyways).  I didn't think I had read any posts regarding that (just store finds), so I was just curious.  Also, I was looking over some of the case assortment over at EE (of which I only see two right now), and unless I am reading it wrong, it seems like C-3PO could be a tough one to find.  Right now they are listing:

Original Trilogy Vintage Figures, Wave 3, Revision 1:

2x Boba Fett - Return of the Jedi, 1x R2-D2 - Return of the Jedi, 1x Chewbacca - Return of the Jedi, 1x Stormtrooper - Return of the Jedi (NEW), 1x Yoda - Empire Strikes Back, 1x C-3P0 - Empire Strikes Back, 1x Obi-Wan Kenobi - A New Hope

Original Trilogy Vintage Figures, Wave 3, Revision 2:

1x Boba Fett - Return of the Jedi, 2x Stormtrooper - Return of the Jedi, 2x Yoda - Empire Strikes Back, 1x Lando Calrissian - Empire Strikes Back, 2x Darth Vader - Empire Strikes Back

Although I can't complain, since I have had decent luck so far finding VOTC in stores (all but Vader thus far), I am really worried about the remaining figures.  Am I the only shmuck that didn't preorder these figures, and decided to "try his luck" at retail?   I guess many people have had decent luck so far, so hopefully that will continue.  I really worry about the ROTJ wave, with fan favorites Boba Fett and Stormtrooper...and R2-D2 and Chewbacca who seem to be somewhat shortpacked as well.  Gots to get me that wookiee, well...all of them really

Ok, I've got a new one.  Have any of you caught the new "McChicken Selects" commercials from McDonald's?  I think there are a few of them that I have seen, usually consisting of someone...mostly all alone with their box of chicken selects, and screaming at everyone to stay away...accompanied with faux karate moves.  These commercials have only recently started showing, and I'm already sick of them.

Looks as if the Mavs/Warriors Trade is all taken care of now.  It breaks down like this:

Dallas Receives:

Erick Dampier (7 year, 73M contract)
Dan Dickau
Evan Eschmeyer
draft rights to Steve Logan

Golden State Receives:

Christian Laettner
Eduardo Najera
two future first-round draft picks
draft rights to guards Luis Flores and Mladen Sekularac

Good pickup for the Mavs either way, and they unload Laettner as well.  Dickau isn't a bad 2nd/3rd PG to have on the roster either.  Golden State...well, they got something for Dampier this way, although nothing overly impressive to me.  Najera is a hustler, and plays hard, and I believe Laettner is in his last year, so will help to provide cap space.

I saw those pics on the front page now as well Jeff, props on the reporting...and thanks for posting them.