Thanks Infocastme! There are a couple of things I will pick up. I didn't know RadioShack was still around. Thinking about RadioShack makes me a bit sad. I remember when is was an awesome place to go. Bought tons of parts and learned to make my own circuit boards from their instructional books. I still have a bunch of their books. Later on they lost their way (and I guess society changed). RadioShack went from "You've got questions, we have answers" to "You've got questions, we have blank stares, and cell phones!" There used to be a couple of other electronics part shops in my area. They all knew me by name when I walked in. They are all long gone now. Sure, all those parts are available online now. More selection at a better price. There were some projects I would never have completed if it hadn't been for local shops where you could walk in, talk with someone and show them what you were doing. Other customers would sometimes get involved and awesome brainstorming sessions took place.
Sorry for the rambling folks. I love all the new technology but I also miss being able to work on electronics. VLSICs give us amazing toys using very little power, but discrete components allowed us to repair/modify our "stuff" as we saw fit.
Tar, feathers, congress. Some assembly required.