League Assignment: Express your shelf!

It's been a long time since I participated, but I couldn't resist taking part in this week's assignment from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers:

Shelf Expression. Take a picture of your shelves, featuring a few of your favorite things.

The nice thing about keeping my collection small, is that most of it will fit inside one little display case.

I actually just thinned the collection out a little bit, and kept my favorite items. The Lego sets you see at the bottom are mainly just the Star Wars models. The rest are stored in a Tupperware container. These are my favorites, but I may rotate some of my other sets into the case in the future.

Bazooka has that "Not this story again" look on his face. 

Michelangelo looks way too happy for being a prisoner.

I like having a collection like this. It doesn't take up much room, and if I ever needed to move it, it would all fit in one container. Some of you guys have amazing collections, but if I had all that stuff, it would probably give me a daily anxiety attack.

Down the wall from my display case, I have an end table where I keep my magazines, comics, and catalogs for upcoming projects. It also makes a handy platform for taking photos when I need it.

So there you have it, my little collection of shelves. Let's see what some of my fellow bloggers had to say.

Jason Bucky Roberts' from Nerdy Life of Mine has an awesome computer desk and shelf set up.

jSarie from Revenge of the Toy Box shows off some shelves from the past.

Brian of Cool and Collected has gone bananas for Planet of the Apes.

Derek of Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks shows off an impressive mix of properties.

Erik Johnson Illustrator uses his book shelves for..well, books.

MonsterFink from the Midnight Monster Spookshow shows off a Universal collection.

George of G.I. Jigsaw shows off his giant Star Wars collection.

Kal from Calvin's Canadian Cave of Cool has enough toys to open his own store.

Primordial Badger's Transformers collection is a masterpiece.

Rich from The Nerd Nook has some carded treasures.

Hey, isn't that...

I live in a rather small and secluded area, but I can think of at least one occasion that I've seen a celebrity out and about. Chelsea and I were driving back to her apartment, and we were stopped at a stop light. I was looking around as I usually do when we're stopped, when my gaze fell on the driver in the car next to us. Is that...it couldn't be..but I'm pretty sure it was...R. Lee Ermey. That's right, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman himself. I waved at him, trying to get his attention, but the man was focused on the road ahead, and never even glanced in my direction. Chelsea told me I was crazy, that it couldn't possibly be him, and I almost agreed with her. Then he pulled ahead of us, and I saw the numerous Marine Corps stickers adorning the back of his red Ford Escape.

I still swear I saw Leonardo Dicaprio in a Virginia Beach Barnes and Noble. I wasn't wearing my glasses, because I was waiting for Lenscrafters to finish making them, but I'm almost certain it was him. Being the shy teenager that I was, I didn't have to guts to actually go up and ask him though.

I've actually had several people confuse me for someone else. When I used to work on a charter fishing boat, one guy thought I was his brother. He and his wife were trying to figure out what in the world I was doing there, before they realized I was someone else. My mom was even fooled by a guy that was working as a waiter at one of the local restaurants. The next day she called me and asked how long I had been working there, and why I hadn't told her. I used to say I had a bunch of clones running around, maybe I wasn't joking around...

Over the years I've heard there is a slight resemblance between me and Dustin Diamond. You know, Screech, from Saved By The Bell.

Personally, I don't see it..


Go check out some of my fellow bloggers' spottings

Geeky Vixen

Erik Johnson Illustrator

Jathniel Velazquez

Femme of Fandom

Retro Robot Review

Cool and Collected

The Nerd Nook

AEIOUWHY

My latest obsession(s)

The League of Extraordinary Bloggers is back, and we already have a topic for this week:


My latest obsession.

It's a tough one, since, like some of my fellow bloggers, I may have several obsessions at any one time. I was able to narrow it down to just a couple though.

Glyos

I can't remember how I got turned on to the Glyos universe, but I'm in deep. We're talking deep space deep. Okay, so I might be that bad (yet), but I've bought more of these little guys than I have anything else this past year. I find myself constantly checking the Onell Design website, trying to make sure I don't miss out on the next drop. The basic designs of the figures tend to stay the same, while the colors are changed for each release. What's amazing to me, is that a simple change in color is enough to keep the characters from getting stale.

Crayboths seem to be my main obsession. They're just so cheap! I can't help but throw one or two in with every order. Eventually, I'm going to end up with my own little Crayboth infestation, and from what I've read of Glyos lore, that is something you absolutely do not want. The other great thing about figures that use the Glyos system, is that parts can be interchanged between them. So, you could mix limbs from Four Horsemen's Outer Space Men with the bodies of Onell's figures and so forth. Inexpensive (for independent toys), durable, and they allow you to get creative. I know I've mentioned these guys before, but I really can't get over how cool they are. The only thing that comes close for me, is LEGO.

My next obsession is a food item that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Cadbury Mini Eggs

I had to use a stock photo because a bag would never last long enough for me to take a picture. It used to be, the Cadbury Creme Eggs were my crack equivalent on Easter Sunday. Then I was introduced to these wonderful treats. I was hooked. Eating one of the Creme Eggs was enough to make me feel like I needed to lay down for a few hours. The Mini Eggs though, I could eat them until my tears ran blue from all the artificial coloring. Since the stores have started setting up their Easter stuff, I can't help but snatch a bag or two on my way to the register. I even go as far as hiding the wrappers down in the trash can, just so I won't have to deal with the disappointed look I would surely get from Chelsea when she found them.

Actually, I'm probably going to get one after she reads this entry. Don't be surprised if you come across a news story, about a 30-something year old male, found dead in a bathtub full of Cadbury Mini Eggs. That'll be me.

What are the other members of the League obsessed with?

LasVegasYankee is looking for that one Spiderman issue..but no on eBay.

The Dusty Shelf has an obsession with the Fantastic Four.

Monster Cafe Saltillo has some of the same obsessions I do...

Pop Rewind loves that McDonald's orange drank!

Kal's obsession freaks me the hell out.

Nerd Cantina has a horrifying obsession.

Cool and Collected must watch all the TV!

Really Rather Random Guy is obsessed with not being obsessed.

Toyriffic is obsessed with the perfect radio station.

Vikkiverka loves the sci-fi noir of Canadian origin.

That Figures is obsessed with an awesome toy office.

G.I. Jigsaw is obsessed with the Muppets

League Assignment- Christmas Wish List!

I've been away from the League for a little while, but now I'm back. So, what's this weeks assignment gonna be?


What’s on your Christmas wish list this year? 


I guess I could be a smart ass and just point you to the randomness that is my Amazon wish list, but I think that would just be too easy. I could go with the fantasy wish list, but I think I'm going to keep this one grounded. No, this list is going to be about those things that got away, and I want them back.

1. Super Powers Superman, Hawkman, and Martian Manhunter. 

Pictures taken from kennersuperpowers.com

The Super Powers line was one of my favorites growing up, and of the ones I owned, these three figures were the ones I loved the most. They were all lost to me way too soon.  My dog chewed up Superman's face and legs, and tore apart my Hawkman. Martian Manhunter lost part of his foot when I made him "fly". I was just tossing him up in the air and catching him, and I happened to miss one time. Though they were all still functional, they were deemed to be broken, and were tossed out. The hardest thing I've ever done was tossing Superman in the trash. Even today, it still makes me want to tear up a little bit.

2. G.I. Joe Thunderclap



I've had a lot of G.I. Joe vehicles over the years, but for some reason, this one was always my favorite. Not only is it a mobile long range cannon, but it is backed up by two tanks. I didn't care that the damn thing wasn't a practical weapon. The shells actually ejected from the cannon's chamber, who cares if it was practical? I'm sure I was probably missing half of the pieces from this one by the time I gave it away.

Oh, and while we're still talking G.I. Joe, I'd also like my second favorite figure, Tunnel Rat, back as well.

Photo from yojoe.com

I lost mine at a relative's house while I was playing on their back deck. He slipped between the cracks of the boards, and that was that. It almost seems fitting that he spent the rest of his days exploring the cool, dark space under that deck.

3. Tiger Electronic Pinball



I'm sure you're going to think I'm crazy for this, but I used to love this game. These things were all the rage amongst us kids that couldn't afford Game Gears or Gameboys. Most of them were nearly impossible to play, since the controls rarely worked right, and the difficulty ramped up pretty damn quick. Electronic Pinball was different though. I learned all of its tricks and secrets, and was able to max out my score and beat the machine. I used to take this game with me on our trips, and it would occupy my mind the entire time. Then one day, it started acting a little funny. The controls didn't work right, and the screen kept blinking on and off. I slid in a new set of batteries, but it didn't help. It had played its last game.

4. Thunder Punch He-Man and Modulok




I don't remember getting many of my Masters of the Universe figures, but for some reason, I still remember tearing into these two. I'm pretty sure I went through He-Man's caps within the first couple of days. Man, I used to love the smell of those caps as they went off. As for Modulok, most of the time I just kept trying to see just how many different creatures I could make from his pieces. I think I lost count at around 200. He rarely had to worry about getting beaten up. He would just sit on the sidelines, changing into different forms while everyone else pounded on each other. These two were given away to my less fortunate neighbor. I guess it was a nice thing to do, even if I was kinda guilted in to doing it by my mom.

I'm sure I could find most of these on e-Bay, but sometimes, it's just nice to wish. I'm sure if I'm meant to have some of this stuff again, it will find its way back to me.

Until then, let's see what some of my fellow League members are wishing for:

Erik Johnson Illustrator wants to take the 1966 Batmobile out for a sexy car wash.

Pop Rewind's Lee and Linz were wishing for SNES and Barbie.

Cool and Collected's Brian is putting out a bounty on a certain bounty hunter.

Color me blue

What was this week's assignment from the League Of Extraordinary Bloggers?

Blue

I could have Googled a bunch of blue stuff, but I decided I only wanted to use photos of stuff I own. So, I gathered up my few blue belongings, and snapped away.

This is one of my favorite shirts. Sometimes I'll put it on when I need to feel invincible.

Blueberry beer! I know some may call it a crime to add fruits to beer, but I love it. This stuff is new to me, so I'm actually looking forward to trying some later tonight.

Neoprene shark bottle topper. Don't ask, because I dunno.

Red Lobster is pepper, Blue Crab is salt.

I've had these Quicksilver flip flops for over 10 years. They're starting to get a little smooth on the bottom now, but I think I got my 10 bucks worth.

Kang didn't get his way once, and his mommy told him he could hold his breath til he turned blue in the face. That was several thousand years ago in the future, and he's still holding his breath.

I always did love the vintage R2-D2, with his chrome top and blue accents. It looks like someone sprung for the top of the line model at the droid dealership.

One of my newest Crayboths. His colors make me want to take him to the beach for some reason.

Blue plane flying through a blue Eastern Shore sky. Chelsea took me on a trip to California for my 30th birthday. This plane was one of the gifts that acted as a hint. Needless to say, I was surprised.

These are the vessels we rely on for our water borne adventures.

This is the backspacer in my newest favorite knife, the Spyderco Techno.

I loved the covers for all the 2099 first issues. This is one line I wish they would bring back.

Nope. Still haven't started watching these yet.

So the set itself isn't blue, but the top of the container is. I miss the days when one of these sets, with its 52 pcs, could keep me occupied for hours on end. Who am I kidding, I could still occupy myself with this set.

This one was given away a while ago, but I still like this picture. This is Surge, from the first series of Hero Factory figures.

Let's see what some of my fellow blue collar bloggers are sharing:

Nerd Rage Against the Machine

Monster Cafe Saltillo

Calvin's Canadian Cave of Cool

Achievements in Gaming

Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks

Erik Johnson, Illustrator

VikkiVerka

Neato Coolville

Boo Bobby

D.I. Treasures

The Nerd Nook

Cool and Collected

Happy Haunted Sunshine House

Thirtyish Year Old Boy

Traveling Pics

AEIOU And Sometimes Why

Shezcrafti

What's my name fool?!

This week's assignment from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers:


Hello, my name is… Tell us a little about yourself — even if we all know who you are, there are plenty of new folks wondering if you’re in fact a dog.

My name is William Christopher Joseph Mapp. My mom didn't want to upset any ancestors, so she just gave me all of their names. Officially, I'm William but to all of my friends I'm just Chris.

I'm actually adopted, and my biological parents are still unknown. You know those stories about babies that get left on doorsteps? Well, I was one of them. I've spent most of my life here, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We're separated from Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay,which means we're actually closer to Maryland. It's always a tough decision when we decide we want to go to a mall. Do we want to have to pay $17 in tolls to go to Virginia Beach, or do we want to drive to Maryland. Honestly, Va Beach still wins most of the time..

As isolated as the Shore may seem, I was still able to enjoy all the things kids in more developed areas had. The local stores may not have had the stock and selection of a Toys R' Us, but they carried everything I liked, which meant I was a happy child indeed. We had several movie theaters, and I remember at least 4 different stores that rented videos in our area. So, it may be a small area, but I certainly wasn't deprived.

Growing up, I had aspirations of being everything from an architect to a comic book artist. Fun fact, I actually drew up a couple of characters and sent them in to Image Comics. Unfortunately, they weren't interested in what was basically a Morbius ripoff. They did send me a couple of postcards, which I've regretfully lost over the years. After careful consideration, I settled on a career in law enforcement. I moved off to Richmond, where I attended VCU and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, I worked in loss prevention for Target for a couple of years. I had some fun there, but in the end it wasn't for me, and I moved back home. I was working as a technician at a clam hatchery, when the opportunity to join the local sheriff's office came up. I was a deputy at the local jail for several years, when I realized that I was working with people that should probably be on the other side of the bars. When you see the inmates are more trustworthy, it's time to go. I went back to the clam hatchery, and I've been there since.

I actually started a blog while I was working for Target. It was mainly something to do in my free time, but after I moved back home, it was sort of forgotten. I'm not sure what I wrote about on that blog, but I know it was nothing like the one I write now. I took it way too seriously, and it never felt fun. I guess I just needed the right inspiration, and I eventually found that when I met my girlfriend. Chelsea knew I was a bit of a geek, so our first Christmas together, she gave me the Snake Eyes featured in my first post, as well as one of the newer Transformers figures. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, I started becoming more interested in toys and random stuff from my youth.

"Ha Ha! Remember me? Oh wait, I'm not supposed to talk." "......."

It was a random Google search that led me to eclectorama, which led me to Toyriffic, and so on. My bookmarks folder grew exponentially that first week. It looked like everyone was having a ball with their blogs, and I wanted to join in on the fun. Then I won a caption contest over at Toyriffic (still my proudest moment), and that pushed me over the edge. Initially, I was going to go with StuntDouble, since that's the name I use on every forum I've joined. Fortunately, that name was already taken. I still wanted something that would be easy to remember, and would stick out in folks' minds. Then one day I happened to run across a photo of Evel Knievel, and I thought about how funny he would look as a zombie. A zombie dressed in a red, white, and blue jumpsuit performing stunts in front of millions. Zombie doing stunts...a stunt zombie! Yeah, it seems like a round-about way of coming up with a blog name, but I swear it's true. "But why is the url stuntzombies?", you may ask. That's because I somehow managed to delete the first blog I made, which means stuntzombie.blogspot.com is forever lost to me. My mind tends to switch focus on things rather quickly, so it's nice having a blog title that's non specific.

So there you go, more info than you ever wanted to know, without me sharing much at all. Who are some of my fellow bloggers?

Monster Cafe Satillo.

Las Vegas Yankee

Erik Johnson

Geek Show Ink

Goodwill Hunting 4 Geeks

BooBobby

PopRewind

The Trash Man

The Holidaze