Hey gang,

I wanted to let you all know that I haven't been intentionally avoiding the site. It's just that life for me, like so many others, is getting in the way.

First off, I work in the much-maligned automotive industry. A couple of months ago, it was announced that there'd be lay-offs for some salaried and hourly employees at work (actually firings, but with severance based on how long you worked there). I'm a contractor, so I'm still okay - until they get to budget cuts - which they WILL get to.

As a result of all this, there have been a lot of going away parties, as well as mass depression and a general lack of morale that seems to accompany times such as these. Five people are now gone from work, two of which are good friends (though, to be fair, one of them was retiring, anyway).

Another round of firings are expected shortly after the New Year, with budget cuts coming soon after that. There have already been two emails sent to people telling them to limit contractor hours. That sucks for me because there's A LOT to do there, MUCH more than what less than 40 hours a week can allow. I'm always behind, but am currently making decent money.

I've been keeping me eyes on indeed.com and getting ready to update my resume. I'll even be putting up flyers for contract labor. Ah, what fun

So, if any of ya' know of good graphic design / photography / illustration networking sites, let me know

Now back to G.I. Joe!

I like the Resolute figures overall (though I won't be army building the Trooper), but their heads are larger than the 25th's. Don't even THINK of puttin' Resolute Duke's head on 25th's.

Blowtorch is cool, though his head stays cock-eyed, and his elbows don't bend 90 degrees.

The new G.I. Joe movie M.A.R.S. Trooper figs are boring to me, but I can see where others might like 'em.

Oh yeah, I'm also still trying to come up with some writing for the dio-story. I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN!!!

So, with all that typed, thanks for readin', and have fun!!!

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On a quest to collect and customize the 1985 Joes in Modern Era form. Aaand maybe the Cobras, too.

Holy crap! There were five troop builders in 1985 - what am I getting myself into!?!

Good luck Dave, hurry back - we miss your awesome pics!

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Nice to see around. I have not forgotten the orange layer trick...

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Nice to hear from you again , I hope you have more time for pictures and stuff soon.
Good luck with the work issues.