About 10 years ago I picked up a pair of $9 rubber sandals from Target. I was going camping and wanted open footwear that was durable enough for the trip and inexpensive enough that I wouldn't feel like an idiot for having to throw it away after a 3-day trashing. Lo and behold, the sandals survived not only the weekend, but  another surprising 8 years. (The last trip I used them in was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back).

I finally got around to getting another pair this summer; figured I'd dip into the well again and go to Target. Can't lose with $10.

The new ones have a soft rubber liner glued onto the sandals, I suppose, for added comfort. The problem is, it's more porous than the rubber used for the main part of the sandal and lets in stinky-feet germs more readily. After a few days of sweaty use, I'm stepping around in toxic material. And because the liner is softer, it won't  last as long. And the more frequent washings will only shorten the sandals' lifespan.

D*** them for their innovation and styling.

Over the past 4 years I've gotten rid of maybe 80%-90% of the non-SW toys I had. (The percentage depends on my recollection.) The only regrets I have are: 1) buying them in the first place.  2) getting rid of half of those before my nephews were old enough to rummage through and pick out what they wanted.

I also got rid of most of the micromachine and action fleet playsets (I kept the ships and figurines, though). There was initial separation anxiety and bouts of longing, but the meds have helped ease me out of the funk.  

The 3-3/4" are another matter. Even though I'm not spasmatic about the line anymore, I don't foresee letting go even the most dog-ugly figures. Most are in ziplock baggies in boxes, anyway, so space isn't an issue.

For me it comes down to the "cost" of storing these -- minimal space in a closet -- versus the effort of scratching out minimal sales. Even if I gave away the unchosen to save myself from the hassle of selling them, there's always the spectre of nostalgia hitting me between the eyes a few years from now.

Saw this bit of irony on the local news but couldn't find an article to link.

A brand new, $63,000 car (Lexus?) was stolen while parked in front of the owner's house. The owner? The police chief of a sizeable city around here.

Rumor has it that Johnson asked "acquaintances" about playing in SF and for the Giants. The likelihood of landing him is virtually zip, but oh, I can dream.

The Boondocks has been a pretty good read the past year. Foxtrot is endearing. Get Fuzzy is a decent read. Dilbert is a regular for me.

The local paper picked up Pearls before Swine about a month ago. Though the latest arc has been fluffy, there was a stretch where it made fun of some other strips.

Garfield is being done by an automaton, but I gotta give Davis his due for a recent strip that took a veiled knock at the current events... or more precisely, what lead to it.

Nice homage.

Hope they don't get sued.  

What, Giants in first place despite losing 2 of 3 to LA in the last series?

JediMac, if it's any consolation, Bonds will now make his off-season home in 90210... in case you want to egg his house.

Do you feel the warmth of the sun? Do you smell the flowers? Do you hear the birds singing?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

It's a neighborly day in this beautywood,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let's make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we're together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you please,
Won't you please,
Please won't you be my neighbor?