There have only been two times in my life when I've bought an album because of it's cover; that Brand New CD and Elliott Smith's "either/or," and I ended up loving both of them.

Of all the Elliot Smith CDs, you sure picked a good one to pick up because of its cover. That's probably his best work...or maybe just behind his self-titled CD of the year before. Hell, they're all good.

Completed my first transaction with Ryan and all was smooth. Very quick payment and good communication.

Thanks, Ryan!

In keeping with the holiday theme, I fondly remember my mother's homemade egg nog she'd make every year for us (when we were old enough, of course ). It was her own recipe, but basically the same as all the others (except it seemed like she added enough bourbon and brandy to choke a rhino), mixing cream, eggs, sugar and liquor into a slurry of holiday heaven. It was the best alcoholic beverage I've ever had. I miss your egg nog, Mom, and miss you even more.

Anyone else dare to make their own nog?

Just received my Secret Santa gift yesterday, and it's awesome:



Kubrick Scout Trooper
Kubrick Death Star Gunner
Covert Ops Clone Trooper

Wow, Santa! You went over and above, and you really did know what I wanted! 
Thanks, Santa!

A few years ago this show was call the Humdinger Toy Show. In it's heyday, when there were actually new Star Wars films on the way, there was a ton of Star Wars stuff there. I remember scoring some decent-priced vintage stuff there a couple times. The last one I went to was probably last March, and I was disappointed at the lack of Star Wars there, and what I did find was overpriced.

That being said, it's still fun to go and just see the stuff you've never seen before. I'm going to try to go in March, but it all depends how my two- and three-year olds behave. 

Yes, we lost my brother (under my avatar, MBW) to suicide nearly six years ago, and it deeply, profoundly affected all aspects of who I am. I'm convinced that it had such a negative effect on my mother that it ultimately was an indirect cause of her death a little over a year later (NGW). As a parent, I could not imagine outliving my children.

The most important concept I've gained from it is that it needs to be discussed frankly, openly and constantly because it's something that just can't be totally understood, and probably never will. When it first happened, most of my family were reluctant to discuss how he died, and my dad would even become angry if he suspected anyone had told anyone else. There's just this overwhelming stigma attached to suicide, and talking about it openly is the only way for the living to accept and gain some semblance of moving on.

Sorry you're having to go through this. It's not easy, but you're not alone, and do try to discuss it with your family and friends. 

My updated list for Santa

I've been listening to (streaming) the new Cat Stevens Yusuf Islam offering An Other Cup and am overjoyed by it. It's been far too long (like 30 years too long) since we had any new mainstream stuff from him. It's vintage CT and it's great!

Have a listen here