In the Vice's Grip

In the Vice's Grip http://vicegripx.multiply.com/ "We seem to have reached the age where life stops giving us things and starts taking them away." - Dean Charles Stanforth from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull What you see above - Space Battleship Yamato from the anime series of the same name (the Argo to Star Blazers fans) Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:17:25 -0000 Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:06:56 -0000 In the Vice's Grip http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/logo http://vicegripx.multiply.com/ 100 100 Ten Thought Tuesday <img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/STVO6QoKCEQAABzSLdI1/Spc-top10-exoplanets.jpg?et=IrdFUfTsfHMN4A06fmTL1Q&nmid=0" border="0">1.) Been a while since I did one of these. 2.) I think. 3.) It's not fair when pets tag team against their owners to get said owners up in the morning. 4.) Pets are smarter than most people give them credit for. 5.) Do we really need a DOW tracker graphic during the morning news? 6.) Isn't there enough crap on the screen already? 7.) I'm hungry. 8.) I need to shower. 9.) Not much time before I have to leave for work. 10.) Which one will win out over the other? http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/503/Ten_Thought_Tuesday Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:06:56 -0000 New and Updated Displays Over the past couple months, I've been bad, with the help of my lovely wife.  I've picked up a number of G.I.Joe figures, but have no place to display them.  So, I've taken to setting them up on the top of the box of my 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime (that I still have yet to open). <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/4/photos/6/300x300/28/newjoes.jpg?et=,OAsV0UElo4Jv68RUt,ouw&nmid=82802273" border="0"> I've also started to consolidate my Star Wars figures to the main display shelf in the bedroom.  I added a couple Boba Fett figures to the Mandalorian section of the shelf.  They are the animated special version and a second concept version, this one with the alternate head, both from the 2007 30th Anniversary line. <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/3/photos/4/300x300/27/newstarwars.jpg?et=c5K1oSI0iKAGnsbGgODUWw&nmid=82802261" border="0"> Finally, with the addition of Plo Koon to my Mighty Muggs collection, I am officially out of room to display any more, should I buy more.  To fit Plo in, I had to swap the Star Wars and Marvel/Indiana Jones displays around as the latter's area has more room and the former will likely keep growing.  I don't know what I'm going to do when the Transformers and G... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/502/New_and_Updated_Displays Mon, 1 Dec 2008 07:42:02 -0000 Page 56 <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/STIudwoKCEQAABcvGfk1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/STIudwoKCEQAABcvGfk1/ttod.jpg?et=QkxIRaDqmW4ePIz8wsn60g&nmid=0" border="0"></a>The Rules: * Grab the book nearest you. Right now. * Turn to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post that sentence here and also (along with these instructions) on your blog or in a note to your wall.   "And this time, he did not whisper the word." http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/501/Page_56 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 06:13:23 -0000 Two Shuffle Tuesday The ride to the bus depot this morning was a hazardous one.  There were a number of crazy drivers out there rushing in and out of lanes, cutting off semi trucks and cars.  This was the start of a bad day for both my wife and I.  Fortunately, the ride on the bus was calm and lacking of incident.  Time for a few songs shuffled on the iPod. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSza@goKCEQAACsa9ss1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSza@goKCEQAACsa9ss1/df-votd.jpg?et=JayB3hvzQAUCj4IWoNWApA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>1.) Heart of the Dragon by Dragonforce from The Valley of the Damned 2.) Million Miles Away by Offspring from Conspiracy of One 3.) The Matrix Survives by Vince DiCola from Til All Are One 4.) Dusted by Leftfield from Rhythm and Stealth 5.) When We Were Young by the Killers from Sam's Town 6.) Amish Paradise by Weird Al Yankovic from Bad Hair Day 7.) Tennessee by Arrested Development from 3 Years, 5 Months, and 2 Days in the Life of... 8.) Place for my Head by Linkin Park from Hybrid Theory Starting out with anything by Dragonforce is always a good thing, especially after dealing with the jack-holes we encountered prior to getting o... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/500/Two_Shuffle_Tuesday Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:17:18 -0000 You Want HOW Much?!? <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSuXlgoKCEQAAE84Uig1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSuXlgoKCEQAAE84Uig1/bf50-1.jpg?et=rwzAbP9zdrG2p0T0KltzSw&nmid=0" border="0"></a><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-THE-BATTLE-OF-SARLACC-PIT-AND-CHRISTOPHSIS_W0QQitemZ200279987015QQihZ010QQcategoryZ152947QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"></a>This guy is high.  Each of those sets are starting to show up now at Target stores for $63-70 (with the Clone Wars set being the better deal of the two, IMO) and will be advertised in this coming Sunday advertisement flier.  Wow.  Free shipping?  Thanks, buddy.  I guess it's the least he can do after raping whoever buys them, if anyone does.  http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/499/You_Want_HOW_Much Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:12:04 -0000 Tim Sale Part Two Comic Book Inkput up pictures from the Tim Sale signing on their <a href="http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=46609063&albumId=2535364">MySpace page</a>. I "borrowed" two of them since they feature my wife and I.  The first features my wife in line next to me, but I'm blocked from view.  You can see her at the back of the line, reading a graphic novel behind a man in a beige top and a black and red jacket. <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSuIrwoKCEQAAEXPvAY1/timsaleline.jpg?et=zsVMwIa9C%2C3JUasTp%2C8BEQ&nmid=0" border="0"> The next one has me near the end of my journey to meet Mr. Sale.  I'm in the green jacket with a goofy look on my face, behind the man in the black t-shirt and jacket. <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSuI-woKCEQAAEVSp501/timsaleline2.jpg?et=yBD0bgCTQjXs5R8YDMpM0g&nmid=0" border="0"> They made over $1,600 for the Hero Initiative charity they were raising money for.  That's pretty darn cool. http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/498/Tim_Sale_Part_Two Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:13:08 -0000 After Test Shuffle We had another test this morning.  This one seemed to go relatively quick for me, so I'm not sure what that means.  I'm either getting smarter or just whipping through it.  Regardless, I ended up with almost an hour before the next scheduled event (including our first of two mandatory breaks), so I pulled out the iPod and hit shuffle, skipping only three songs this time because they're in Japanese and I don't know how to translate that. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSt-7woKCEQAAFiBiD41"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSt-7woKCEQAAFiBiD41/cake.jpg?et=hoWEhGYMM1xCiHdJCYblhw&nmid=0" border="0"></a>1.) Not Quite Paradise by Bliss from the Titan AE soundtrack 2.) Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin from Verities and Boulderdash 3.) Conroy by Cake from Rarities and B-Sides 4.) Courtyard Fight from the Star Wars the Clone Wars soundtrack 5.) Kyur4 Th Ich by Linkin Park from Reanimation 6.) All is Well, My Friend by Jack Wall from the Myst III Exile soundtrack 7.) Sleep to Dream by Fiona Apple from Tidal 8.) Move This by Technotronic from Pump Up the Jam 9.) War Pigs (Live) by Cake from Rarities and B-Sides 10.) Outlaws Theme from the B... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/497/After_Test_Shuffle Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:35:53 -0000 Bolt Bolt is an incredible tale of a dog named Bolt who is the star of his own (and self-titled) television show. The catch is, he doesn't know it's not real. Bolt believes he has the amazing abilities portrayed on the show and great lengths are made by the producers to ensure things stay that way. But, thanks to a couple of cats, Bolt escapes the safe world of the Hollywood studio and ends up in New York where he meets a street-tough cat named Mittens, whom he drags with him on his quest to find Penny, his person and co-star of the TV show. Along the way, they meet up with Rhino, a psychotic, chubby hamster who joins Bolt and Mittens on their journey. I was a little apprehensive when it came time to go to the theater with my wife to see this movie. I was afraid all the good scenes for Bolt were shown in the trailers. I couldn't have been more wrong. The time seemed to fly while watching this movie. I'm not sure exactly how long it is, but we saw the 2:50 showing and were out by ... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/103 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:04:43 -0000 Lazy-ish Saturdays Yesterday was one of the laziest Saturdays I've had in a long time.  Most of it was spent on the computer or napping.  Lots of napping.  You'd think I never slept.  And the computer time?  Browsing the web and playing games on Facebook.  There were two occasions this monotonous time was broken up with though. <a href="http://www.comicbookink.com/">Comic Book Ink</a> hosted a signing of former Washington resident Tim Sale.  He's best known for his work on various Batman series as well as Captain America and Spider-Man to name a few.  He's also the artist behind the paintings seen throughout the Heroes television show for the first two seasons.  I assume he's still working on the show for the third season, but don't want to give out false information. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSmSCwoKCEQAACVEHGE1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSmSCwoKCEQAACVEHGE1/auction-hiro-pnt.jpg?et=JRKMQMDfC3e0wyZyoFDTwg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>While I've read most of the comics that Tim's done the artwork for, I own none of them. I do have the first hardcover Heroes graphic novel and the first two seasons of Heroes on DVD, but didn't want to go to the signing until my wife... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/496/Lazy-ish_Saturdays Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:28:22 -0000 The Bus Shuffle <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSZYcAoKCEQAACLgLnI1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSZYcAoKCEQAACLgLnI1/clonewarscd.jpg?et=KTwukXmcvmVqhWwkMiGDBg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>I usually try to sleep on the bus ride home from work, but tonight there were a couple people nearby that wouldn't stop talking.  So, I grabbed my iPod and hit shuffle.  Here's what I listened to (in order): 1.) Restoration by Toshihiko Sahashi from the soundtrack to Fatal Fury the Movie 2.) Around the World by Daft Punk 3.) The Jedi Council from the Star Wars the Clone Wars soundtrack 4.) In Between by Linkin Park from Minutes to Midnight 5.) It Can Happen by Yes from the Ultimate Yes Collection 6.) White & Nerdy by Weird Al Yankovic from Straight Outta Lynnwood 7.) Thrills by Cake from B-Sides and Rarities 8.) The Touch by Stan Bush from In This Life 9.) Jedi Don't Run! from the Star Wars the Clone Wars soundtrack 10.) Nobody's Listening by Linkin Park from Meteora 11.) 1stp Klosr by Linkin Park from Reanimation Those were the songs I listened to.  I skipped over 16 others on the way home that I just wasn't interested in listening to at that moment.  I was a l... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/495/The_Bus_Shuffle Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:50:05 -0000 Star Wars the Clone Wars - C-3PO It wouldn't be a chapter of the Star Wars saga without a certain protocol droid and the Clone Wars is no different. C-3PO is back with what I believe is his best action figure ever. There are no missile launchers or grappling hooks or lightsabers here, just a good, solid toy. So, whether he's rescuing Padme from Ziro the Hutt or palling around with Jar Jar, C-3PO doesn't disappoint. C-3PO comes molded in a muted gold color, no chrome here. The middle of his torso is painted black with white and red wires running all over the place. His eyes feature light-piping which works well even in some of the worst lighting, like the glow of a laptop monitor. What really makes this version of C-3Po shine isn't the accuracy of his likeness to the animation model, but his articulation. He has no less than 10 ball-socket joints; neck, shoulders, elbows, torso, knees, and ankles. Add to that the four swivel joints from his wrists and hips and you have the most articulated C-3PO figure to ... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/102 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:17:17 -0000 Six Months <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSO-DgoKCEQAAD9pB5E1/hawaii-dad.jpg?et=WGc%2BL6eRgBry4KvEN5E%2BzQ&nmid=0" border="0">It was six months ago, on the morning of this date, my Dad passed away.  Despite realizing this was coming up last week, I managed to go most of the day without consciously thinking about it.  However, I was quite cranky, impatient, and irritable this morning during class.  There are a couple people in class that grate on my nerves, sometimes on levels I didn't think were possible.  Today both were doing an exceptional job of pushing my buttons without them even knowing it.  Thinking on it now, I believe I knew what today was on some level and that would explain my poor attitude this morning.  I always knew that I would miss my Dad, my Mom too for that matter - thankfully she's still around, but I never realized just how much.  While I talked to Mom on my cell phone in the lobby at work while waiting for my wife tonight, I almost broke down.  Thankfully, there weren't too many people around if I had.  Not that it would be a bad thing for peo... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/494/Six_Months Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:35:30 -0000 Star Wars the Clone Wars Asajj Ventress Spawned from design sketches from the prequels, Asajj Ventress makes her fourth action figure appearance in the Clone Wars line from the recent movie and television series airing now. It is also the best Ventress action figure to date, but there's still a little room for improvement. Dooku's apprentice has the best articulation of the character to date. She has ball-socket joints at the neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles along with a swivel joints at the elbows, waist, and hips. I would have liked ball-socket style elbow joints and I'm sure it can be done, but they might have been a little flimsy. Asajj comes with her dual trademark curved-handled lightsabers that can be wielded as single units or combined together. She also has a holo-transmitter with a mini-hologram Count Dooku "projecting" from it. Her belt buckle is removable as well and is the sole thing keeping her belts and skirt in place. The detail of her paint applications are amazing, at least on her upper body... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/101 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:41:52 -0000 Quantum of Solace Starting with a bang, right where Casino Royale left off, Quantum of Solace delivers an action-packed, drama-filled two hours that will leave you scratching your head. QoS features a great cast, amazing stunts, and spectacular special effects. While it has a story of it's own to tell, a very environmental guilt trip in some respects, it relies heavily on the viewers' familiarity with the events of Casino Royale. I found myself struggling to remember what came before when certain points were reflected upon. Should you see Quantum of Solace? If you're a Bond fan or enjoy action-packed films with fast cars, hot babes, and explosions, the answer is yes. If you're a casual Bond fan, you should rent Casino Royale the night before to make sure it's fresh in your http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/100 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:10:15 -0000 Godzilla Final Wars [UMD Format] For Godzilla's 50th anniversary, Toho brought fans around the world Final Wars. In it are love, action, adventure, and more monsters than you can shake a very large stick at. The plot is simple and a bit contrived, but who goes into a Godzilla movie looking for plot? Monsters are on the rampage around the world. An alien force arrives and captures them in the name of universal peace. Turns out that they are actually here to enslave mankind and control the "bad guy" monsters. It's up to a small band of "mutants" led by an American to bring Godzilla out to deal with the monsters with the heroes deal with the aliens. Mothra is in there too as is the US version of Godzilla, you know the one from that crappy movie starring Matthew "I kill people while driving drunk in foreign countries" Broderick. Godzilla Final Wars is a decent enough flick and I recommend watching it with the subtitles on if you do decide to watch it. If you're even a slight fan of the world's favorite monste... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/99 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:59:36 -0000 G.I.Joe Cobra Croc-Master I don't recall Croc-Master from either the cartoon or the comic book. I believe he exists outside both, but I have been wrong on one or two occasions. The original Croc-Master was released in 1987, a nebulous time for the Joes as the movie was the end of the Sunbow adventures and the DIC adventures hadn't started just yet (and in some ways it might have been better if the show ended with the '87 movie). That didn't stop him from being a favorite of mine back in the day and now he's updated for today's kids. Croc-Master is full of detail and mine has especially nice paint applications that compliment the mold well. He comes with a pistol that fits nicely into the holster on his left leg, a respirator hose and tank that attached to his back and mouth, so he can breath underwater while playing with his crocodiles, a long whip to keep his pets in line, a leash, and an amazing crocodile. More on that in a bit. This guy looks bad ass and has the muscle to back it up. He's not wha... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/97 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:18:21 -0000 Surprise! We took Fiona to the vet this morning for a booster shot and rabies vaccination.  Things went well, but she got a bit hostile near the end and the blanket and big gloves came out to get her under control.  Afterwards, we came home, then I went out to the clinic to see about my bronchitis.  I got a couple new prescriptions and went next door to Fred Meyer to get them filled.  I picked up a G.I.Joe comic pack while I was there, no problems this time and it was on sale to boot. I called my wife while I was out and she was at a different vet office.  Seems as though one of our neighbors decided to drop off a guinea pig on our patio while I was out.  Unfortunately, she didn't see who did it, but that was besides the point.  The main thing was the poor little piggy's health.  Turns out she's a she and in good health, if not a little underfed.  We got tips on how to care for her and now we have a second pet; Peaches the guinea pig. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SSEGJgoKCEQAAFFw7K81"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SSEGJgoKCEQAAFFw7K81/peaches-001.jpg?et=WxS%2BGG%2CUryywfNTevWSW2Q&nmid=0" border="0"></a> Here's the... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/493/Surprise Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:33:01 -0000 G.I.Joe Mutt & Junkyard Mutt has been a favorite character of mine ever since he got sand in his shoe back during the "Revenge of Cobra" mini-series. I wore the joints out of my original back in the day as he played a central role in many Joe adventures in my youth. Thankfully, Hasbro has released an updated version of the original bad dog and his canine companion. Mutt and Junkyard are faithful to their original appearance. This time, however, Mutt's decorative holster is now functional and his vest can be removed as well. Granted, there's just an unpainted green shirt under there, it is a nice touch. His mask pivots on the helmet, which is removable. I have no doubt we'll see Mutt's head on a Cobra body, like they're planning to do with Flint soon, so that we can recreate those memorable scene with Shipwreck in the desert. Junkyard is a little flat and the reason I gave this set a 4 instead of a 5. I expect moe from my action figures in 2008 than I did in 1984. I don't think there's any reason... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/96 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:48:44 -0000 G.I.Joe Cobra B.A.T. (Battle Android Trooper) In 1987, Hasbro introduced G.I.Joe fans with the ultimate army builder action figure, the Cobra Battle Android Trooper. These get dropped into the battlefield, pointed in the Joes' direction, and let loose. Their recognition software was not so good, so they would shoot at friend and foe alike, so the regular Cobra troops weren't too happy to see the B.A.T.s enter the fray. The 2008 version of Cobra's Battle Android Trooper is an excellent upgrade. Gone is the lenticular decal on the chest. It is replaced by a clear panel with green, yellow, and red gears and servos behind it. The holster and pistol are no longer decorative, but are now functional. This time around, both human-styled hands are removable and can be replaced with either a claw, laser, or flame thrower accessory. The only down part to the 2008 B.A.T. is the backpack. The original could store all three arm attachments. This version can only hold two, leaving at least one "hand" with no place to go. It's a sm... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/95 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:39:02 -0000 G.I.Joe Firebat Jet with A.V.A.C. Pilot Back in the 80's, G.I.Joe was a force to be reckoned with in the action figure aisle, with it's ninjas and tanks and ninjas and bases and ninjas and motorcycles. Did I mention the ninjas? Anyway, At the the height of the Joes' popularity came a Cobra base of monumental proportions. It was the dream of every boy and some girls I imagine, but I never knew anyone that owned it. It was the Terror Drome. Within it's circular walls was contained a small red jet and it's pilot, available nowhere else. Now, 25 years later Hasbro has freed the Firebat and pilot, the A.V.A.C. (Air Viper - Advanced Class) from the Terror Drome and made it available to anyone with around $15 in the pocket. The Firebat jet is a small, one-man craft. It's loaded with six bombs and two machine guns, more than enough firepower to take down a small Joe outpost. The cockpit opens to fit A.V.A.C. or whoever you might have laying about, and the outermost portions of the wings fold up for storage into the Terror... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/94 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:13:06 -0000 Finally <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SRfNsgoKCEQAAEW6ULM1"></a><img class="alignright" style="WIDTH: 264px;HEIGHT: 230px;" height="267" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SRfNsgoKCEQAAEW6ULM1/terrordrome.JPG?et=IM%2BgKjcEYNOmAWGYJp1wzg&nmid=0" width="286" border="0">Way back in the far off year of 1986, Hasbro released the most awesome of bases for Cobra in their G.I.Joe line, the Terror Drome, which I called a Terror Dome back in the day because, hey, what the hell is a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drome">drome</a> anyway?  This thing has it all, turrets, opening doors, a Firebat jet and a pilot for said jet and so much more.  It also had a price tag out of my reach, somewhere between $90-150 if I remember right, and I was too lazy and impulsive to save up for it.  Man, I really wanted it too, but mainly I wanted the Firebat and A.V.A.C. (Air Viper - Advanced Class) pilot.  But, I was left wanting and eventually, I forgot about it. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SRfOhgoKCEQAAFXcrpo1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SRfOhgoKCEQAAFXcrpo1/firebat-boxed.jpg?et=g6qnbr4hVnQfkL0X%2BQVoeQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a><a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SRfNsgoKCEQAAEW6ULM1"></a>Along comes 2008 and the 25th anniversary line of G.I.Joe is in full swing.  After being denied the purchase of brand new versions of Croc-Master and Mutt & Junkyard at the Fred Meyer store near my Mom's house (they came up not on file and the cashier was told she couldn't sell them despite the same thing happening at the Fred M... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/492/Finally Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:04:20 -0000 A Dream... A Vision There are only three dreams I remember in my life time.  Two were from my early childhood and shared a similar theme, which I'll save for a later blog at some point.  The third I remember because I wrote it down, or rather I typed it, pretty soon after I woke up.  I was talking with one of the guys at work last week about dreams and I remembered this one.  After a brief search in the bedroom, I found the print out I made it.  So, here it is, make of it what you will. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SQ5wPQoKCEQAAGatJc41"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SQ5wPQoKCEQAAGatJc41/se.jpg?et=3REqrcPLLh6doaKSFnslNQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Agent S. A train rolls down the track slowly. A window closes on a passenger car.  Inside we see a masked man like the G.I.Joe character Snake-Eyes. Pan forward to a flat-bed car where a father and daughter are rummaging through boxes.  There is interaction between the two.  The father loves his daughter very much but seems distracted  The daughter looks behind the father and becomes scared.  She sees Agent S standing behind her father, at the edge of the car.  The fat... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/491/A_Dream..._A_Vision Mon, 3 Nov 2008 03:31:40 -0000 Transformers Spotlight Volume 3 The third volume of the Transformers Spotlight series features stories about Blaster, Arcee, Grimlock, Mirage, and Wheelie, an odd lot of Autobots in my opinion. Four of the stories are written by long-time Transformers scribe Simon Furman and the fifth, Mirage, by screenwriter George Strayton. The artists include, in order of the stories listed above, Emiliano Santalucia, Alex Milne, Marcelo Matere, Guido Guidi, and Klaus Scherwinski. Now that the boring stuff is out of the way... Blaster, the "Voice" of the Autobots, was silenced by an unknown assassin. Fortunately, an alien race finds his body floating through space and returns him to the Autobots where he's revived and repaired. With some detective work by Blaster and Perceptor, the list of would-be assassins is narrowed down to four Autobots and a trap is set to catch the traitor. But is this Autobot really a traitor? There's a twist at the end I won't spoil, but it's a good one. In this version of the Transformers, Ar... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/93 Sun, 2 Nov 2008 05:13:31 -0000 25 Years of Fighting for the Freedom of Sentient Beings Everywhere 2009 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Transformers toys, comic books, and cartoon.  I find it hard to believe that they've been around that long.  It just doesn't feel like it's been 25 years since Optimus Prime, Megatron, Jazz, and Starscream burst forth on an unsuspecting world to create a phenomenon that would still be going strong a quarter-century later.  Naturally, Hasbro plans to celebrate this event with the Transformers Universe line where they will release a number of toys celebrating 25 years of Transformery goodness. <a href="http://vicegripx.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SQU2@AoKCEQAADapU0E1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.vicegripx.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SQU2@AoKCEQAADapU0E1/25thprime.jpg?et=gunPAWRhaHpSp2EQoPk4cA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>To kick things off, Hasbro has released a modified reissue of the original Optimus Prime, hitting Wal-Mart stores now for pennies under $70.  I say modified because the smokestacks are shorter than on the original or the recent Japanese Encore version.  Despite the argument that Prime is a "collectible," he's still a toy and must pass US safety standards.  So, the smokestacks have to be trimmed down.  Optimus also sports ... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/journal/item/490/25_Years_of_Fighting_for_the_Freedom_of_Sentient_Beings_Everywhere Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:41:07 -0000 Mighty Muggs - Star Wars: the Clone Wars - Count Dooku Joining the Mighty Muggs line in the Clone Wars wave is the Sith Lord Darth Tyrannus. That's Count Dooku to you and me though. Dooku uses the standard Mighty Muggs body with what I like to call a Type-2 right arm. The hand is cupped down with a hole in the palm to place the included Sith lightning. He also comes with a cape and lightsaber. Dooku translates well into a Mugg. His plain, brown top offsets his detailed belt and boots. What's interesting to me is that Dooku's eyes and ears are much higher on his face than most of the other characters. This gives his moustache and beard quite a bit of prominence as well as his pointy nose. Count Dooku is a welcome addition to the Star Wars line of Mighty Muggs. The hole in the saga's Sith Lords is finally filled. Go out and buy him. It's probably the only official Christopher Lee Mighty Muggs that will be http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/92 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:39:14 -0000 Mighty Muggs - Star Wars: the Clone Wars - Anakin Skywalker Anakin Skywalker joins the ranks of the Mighty Muggs in the outfit he's known for wearing in the Clone Wars animated series. He uses the standard Muggs body type and so has neck and shoulder articulation. Now, unless you're familiar with the expanded universe of the Star Wars saga, Anakin isn't all that recognizable out of the box. Take away his lightsaber and he could be anyone. Anakin is painted up very nicely. His outfit is very accurate given the Mighty Muggs proportions. He has the scar he received early on in the Clone Wars across his right eye. I'd like to know how he got that. I'm sure it's out there somewhere. But I digress. Anakin Slywalker is a decent addition to the Mighty Muggs line. The choice in outfits could have been more iconic, but since the Clone Wars is airing now, I can understand why Hasbro went with this particular one. So, if you collect the Mighty Muggs, add Anakin to your collection. If you're looking for a gateway Muggs toy, I'd pick someon... http://vicegripx.multiply.com/reviews/item/91 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:22:45 -0000