Apology

In a recent comment, I used the word “Philistines” to describe potential Craigslist buyers who expect to pay $20 for a NRFB AH-6 Little Bird Nightstalker helicopter. I apologize for that name calling.

The vehicle being mine gives it no greater value than if it were in a store. When I buy toys, if I get a great deal, I feel pleased and proud. Oh such luck! Oh I am one smart cookie. Imagine finding this item at that cost! All positive. I don’t think that the store owner might feel slighted that I was paying less than the item’s original cost. But the thought that something once precious of mine could be sold for less than the original cost, well, the thought stank.

Selling items from our collection can be difficult. Perhaps we *know* the market value of the thing. More important though is its meaning for us. That lingering attachment can hurt our sales. We forget that the item is, well, an item. Stores like Target or Walmart can slash prices because the toys are stock that need moving so that newer items can be brought in. Collectors attribute value to items that demands respect for the item that others may not perceive. My helicopter won’t be sold at that price. However, the Craigslist buyer seeks a bargain because that is the nature of that list. Even more than toy shoppers in a store, Craigslist buyers expect and seek reduced prices.

So I need to remember that Craigslist buyers are not villains out to insult the quality of my collection. They are just people doing what I do when I shop for doll and action figures: grab bargains.

Can You See Barbie as Lady Gaga?

One collector can. Here is a link to an article about the Pink Princess styled a la Lady Gaga.

Me, I think Barbie can do almost anything, so why not?

Should I Sell It? AH-6 Helicopter

It is easily the coolest 1:6 scale vehicle that I have.

Behold the 21st Century Toys AH-6 Little Bird Nightstalker Helicopter.

Sure it was created for modern soldiers ... The Ultimate Soldier, no less. Alas. Yes, the Ultimate Soldier line includes some of the hmmm ... homliest action figures ever created. But then again, these figures weren't meant to be glamorous. They are warriors and villains and characters not usually associated with usual doll-play. So that makes them potentially interesting to add to my collection ... well, maybe not the pilot in this set since I think some of my guys want to replace him.

Why? My guys and gals want this prop for thriller movie scenes. Scenes I will not likely do anytime soon. At least, I don't plan to do so. Yes, pretty sure about that. So maybe I should sell it. But then again, I would not want to buy it again.

That is why you see the wonderful graphics on the box, but not the actual helicopter. I have not yet opened the box. Yes, I do have stuff I want to open some day. No, I don't like to just look at the graphics printed on the boxes. I enjoy seeing and posing actual figures. But if I sell it, shouldn't I allow the new owner to have "first touch?"

And if I put it together, it will be a pain to put it back.

Then again, it would be cool to have around. It will likely be the closest to being near a helicopter I will get.

Thinking ... pondering ....

(Note: not saying I'm afraid - just saying I have no intention of ever boarding a helicopter or any other air dwelling vehicle. Nope. Not unless the earth is all on fire. Bump knuckles to SmidgeGirl.)

New at Walmart: Skipper with Blue Streak and AA Computer Engineer Barbie

I think I like this Skipper better than the one with the pink streak. I don't think the face mold has changed; I just like this one better for some reason. Blue streak? Possibly.

Note the AA Computer Engineer Barbie. Nice, hmm? More of the Desiree/Adria face mold though. And I would have preferred tortoise-shell eyeglasses. Eh but then I am picky.

Walmart Clearance Item - Jumping Up and Down!

I've lucked out and got a "good buy" on a Liv playset: Hayden's After School Pet Adoption Center for $7.00 at Walmart. Am I happy about it? Yes, I am. I finally have that elusive hamster. Cute, isn't it? (Not that I want anywhere near a hamster in real life, in flesh, but what a find at this scale.) And the hamster has an exercise wheel ... all together now ... AAAAHHHH ....

I also like the dog in this set although its posing ability is limited. Sigh, only the Smartees pets are articulated. Or maybe there are other articulated pets ... please share if you know of any. I like my playscale crew to live with wee creatures. And larger ones ... need to get Farmer Miles' mule out someday.

Walmart had some other Liv accessories on sale, but the cost seemed high: a pair of bowling shoes, a bowling ball, and a bowling bag for a little over $5.00. (Not sure I want any of my DAFs bowling anyway. I have mini pins, but to set up an alley for them ... might be more work than I want to do.) Alas, I had removed my batteries so I could not photograph those other items.

The other Liv playset I want to find - preferably for sale is Daniela's drum set. Now that's a cool set.)

Military Camouflage Wear Among Civilians

I noticed a military camouflage backpack among my accessories and that sighting inspired this photo. we have two Kellys*, a Tommy, and a Jacob each wearing civilian fashions influenced by military camouflage. The ladies wear Mixis tanks and Barbie camouflage pants. Tommy wears his original outfit. Jacob has borrowed his long shorts from Oliver from Hannah Montana.

Does anyone like the look? I consider it a "youth" look. I would feel awkward wearing it myself although I have and would wear military-themed jackets, blouses, and dresses. Camouflage feels more informal to me.


* Our Kellys are Aoshima's Lady's Mission Kelly Jackson (left) and Mattel's Teen Kelly, a Starr friend (right). And no, the room was NOT especially cold. LM Kelly is just "built" that way ;-D

New Outfits for Ken - Poor Ken!

Please look at this small selection of new Ken fashions. If you were Ken, what would you do? My guys are weeping. Openly.

The colors ... turquoise and heather gray? The last time at least the colors were bright. Sigh ... poor Ken, dressed by three year olds.