UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

“CHEAPEST ON EBAY” I disagree. Biggest asshole on eBay maybe?

That’s not fair. I’m an asshole too. Calling this guy the AOTW doesn’t really fit. He is…umm…

He sells the best poison. You can get your chemical weapons anywhere – but his are the best. That analogy seems more befitting. All of these overpriced M.U.S.C.L.E. listings aren’t assholes. They are poison. Those terrible listings poison the hobby.

If I was a cynic, reading my rants, then I would usually think, “Dude, this guy needs to move on. The prices are just higher – let it go.”

Fair enough. But I don’t think it’s just the prices that show us how the hobby is being poisoned. I’ve tried to take a objective look at the state of M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting. But something else occurred to me. I haven’t received a Sociology 300 submission in seven years.

That’s certainly not a smoking gun, but I think it means something.

– Not a great price, but I bet someone will bite.
– Especially with this as their other option.

Ok, serious question. Is this an opener?

I’m not a stickler when it comes to the condition of a M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. I know some collectors feel the total opposite. When I saw this 4-pack I thought, “Damn, $20 for four mint figures.” But then it dawned on me – 4-pack figures are prone to staining. The blue cardboard bleeds into the figure. Mattel/Bandai was never considering these 4-packs permanent tombs.

It seems like you would be making a bad $20 gamble, right?

I’m left feeling like damaged 4-packs are barely worth the figures inside of them.

– My eye went right to the MUSCLEMANIA figure.
– Is it strange that so many kids marked their figures’ feet?
– You buy this lot for the FLAF. Period.
– This might be the best lot on eBay currently.
– If this goes past $6, then I’ll be surprised.
– I was most shocked by the number of bids. But’s it’s just one guy that keeps bidding.
– I was searching “Travel Stadium” and I found this!
– “Some look like they are missing a hand. Maybe they are supposed to be that way. I don’t know.” C’mon dude.
– What a strange, mixed-up lot.
– Hmmm…

This lot has ened, but it made me audibly laugh. It reminded me of my Purple Claw Project. At this point I want to wait until October of 2018. It will mark the 10-year anniversary.

My oldest is an intense kid. He’s been pitching and his intensity shines through at certain times. It’s hard to believe he’s only nine. If he made it to the majors, against all odds, then this would be him:

I agree. I think he was saying, “Get in the fucking box and play fucking baseball fucker.”

I don’t mean to turn this into baseball blog. But I had to share this Instagram post. I love minor league baseball and I’m a sucker for the logos. This post was like crack.

Speaking of Instagram, my first attempt at buying has not gone well. I’ve received lots of likes, but not a single seller has reached out. Were my expectations too high?

Am I doing it wrong?

I’d love to hear any suggestions for more effective buying and selling on Instagram.

Ok, one last thing.

Take a look at the gif below.

What is the first thing you notice?

It literally made my brain explode with questions. I realize things like this are the reason I have this website. It’s the reason Archeology happened.

Why is the dresser in front of the closet? You wouldn’t be able to use the closet.

Why is that stick decoration mounted on the wall? It is centered. But it is centered at a height that would suggest something was under it. Why not keep that thing there? What’s better about the dresser? Who made that decision?

The dresser wasn’t just “moved.” A runner and some candles were placed there. Who decided it was ok to block the closet?

FREE THE CLOSET DOOR!!!

Yep. That’s how my brain works.