This might not be stupid (nor ****) afterall, since they do include such media (and JD) darlings like Radiohead, Tool and The Cure:

www.babyrockrecords.com

However, the term Musak keeps repeating in my mind.

My first job out of college was at a chemical lab, and I remember working weeks straight of up to 12-13 hours a day (probably more) just because we were overbooked with expiring samples and rushwork. I was salaried (and low salary at that), but I don't remember minding it at all since I was unfettered by any wife/girlfriend, kids, or even collecting (1992).

Never again.

I received mine yesterday, too. One thing I did notice was that the background of the card is just not very good--mostly because the colors are of a similar value to the actual figure. As a result, the figure doesn't stand out. They needed a lighter (or more contrasting) background (like the Hoth Vaders).

It was funny, though, because I opened one of mine and when I saw the silver stand, I thought I'd opened the UGH version. 

Happy Birthday Matt! 

I usually do 15% tip at sit-down, full-service restaurants (I should do 20% because it's easier math, but I'm an old dog and that's a new trick), but places like buffets (like FreshChoice) where there is no service, I don't leave anything. Delivery gets a small tip; haircuts, too, but a little larger. Pickup and coffee/beverage places don't get a tip from me because I feel I'm doing all the work. Bartenders ALWAYS get a tip of at least a buck. There's no better way to assure good, fast drinks than to keep your bartender/cocktail waitstaff happy. Plus, a few pops in me makes me pretty loose with the bills.

The trouble I have with tipping is in circumstances where I'm not paying for anything. We recently went to a one-year-old's b-day party and there was a clown (Sparkles). She made simple balloon animals and did some minimal face painting. I had to ask the host if we were supposed to tip her because I really had no clue (nor did I have any cash). The answer was a firm "no," because the clown was being paid $200 for the party (1 1/2 hours of "work"--I'm in the wrong field). But If I hadn't asked the host, I might have been inclined to slip Sparkles a twenty. I wonder what kind of balloon animals we would've gotten with a twenty...

And what about the baggers at grocery stores that help you push your cart to your car? I never have them help me, but my wife has occasionally needed their help when she has both kids and a ton of groceries. She'd never tip, but put in the same position, I might be inclined to tip a buck or two.

And how much for simple, free valet service? I say a buck.

Or at a parking garage where they're already reaming you for parking your car for an hour? Depends on my mood, but mostly it's a no. 

I can see your point, and I'll admit it was a jab. I've let my disgust over these things get the best of me, and I couldn't contain my knee-jerk reaction. I suppose why I couldn't hold back with my jab was because I didn't see any dissenting opinion about these things, and I actually saw the opposite when posts started being critical of the criticism. To me, it all seemed rather silly, as if no one was thinking for themselves. I just cannot fathom how anyone can think these are okay. But like I said, I've let my own personal disgust over these things get the best of me. I've dug my hole, and I'm actually remorseful. I'm going to edit/omit that last line of my previous post.

I still absolutely hate these things and feel their real purpose (to make money) is being veiled by that silly statement (comment on war).

Thanks for letting me know I got out of line. I'm usually pretty level-headed, but (as you've probably read) these things have got me all riled up.

Again, sorry.

On the JD front page there's a headline referring to a new SDCC exclusive called Smart Bombs. It's two figures in the "likenesses" of R2-D2 and C-3PO (or, ONE-B29 and C-FOUR-NR). Basically, this is a new line of collectible figurines (not just Star Wars) based on Fat Man and Little Boy. Yes, those are the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I had to read it over about twenty times to actually believe it. Can you say insensitivity? I can just imagine the thought process:
"Hey, you know what would be cool? We can make some collectible figurines in the image of the nuclear devices that instantly obliterated the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people and caused untold suffering for hundreds of thousands more."
"Yeah, we could paint them like C-3PO and R2-D2! I love Star Wars!"

A direct link to the article is here.

I think the creator of this line is trying to do an "art" thing by designing "toys" with a "message" or whatever. Yup, anything can be art, but I think he lost his path when he went the commercial-license way with Star Wars and Marvel. If he wants to make a commentary on the bombs and war, or whatever, he'd probably be able to achieve his purpose better without the shackles of a toy license. But, then again, it's really not about art. It's about making a buck. If only he'd admit it.

No, please no prequel figures or even nonvintage-line figures on vintage-style cards. Is nothing sacred? 

But...

Say in nine years, when the modern line turns 20, Hasbro decides to remake Clone Troopers and other prequel-era figures in the style of the the 1995 POTF-era figures. Afterall, won't these POTF figures be vintage by then? They can resculpt a Cody into an overly buff, posed statue with huge plastic weapons and slap him on an orange POTF card. The kitsch value will skyrocket. Of course, by that time I'll be spending my money on Viagra and Rogaine, but the kids will love 'em!