i was looking for a place with selection, i need several capacitors, transitors and variable resistors, unfortunately Radio Shack does cater to my needs. just wondering who supplies the guys on the scene

RS and thats it.

Can't think of any physical stores, but heres a few online ones:
Mouser
Jameco
eBay

Here futurlec.com thies is real cheap

I get small stuff and odds and ends at the shack but they don't carry any ICs and as you've noted, they don't have huge selection of variable resistors. For stuff like that I usually get from mouser.com. They have these nice 15-turn trimmers so you can get the exact resistance you want. They also sent me this phonebook-size catalog. I like catalogs. I get my LEDs from lsdiodes.com, they send you that cool sticker. I also like stickers. One thing about mouser though, you need to be sure you know exactly what you want because if you only have a vague idea, you will have to weed through about a dozen choices. Like if you just put in "capacitors" be ready to search through thousands of choices. Other than that, they are good. Pretty quick shipping, fair prices, and I've never had bad components from them.

Radioshack
Hosfelt Electronics
LSdiodes

i'll scope out each one, thankx for the multitude of in depth replies, especially sheliak. anyone else still got some more suppliers?

RadioShack, theres a local place near me called You Do it Electronics...dont think its a chain though

also heres a good source: Parts Express

If you are looking for various ICs (gatee, MCPs, etc.) go to www.TI.com and get some free samples.

I have a load of them right now and they offer more free if you are a student.