Blender recommendations?

My blender made a horrid noise and shot out bits of plastic and smoke this weekend while I was using it.   It was a good blender and lasted me about 10 years, but alas, it is no more.  So now I am in the market for a new one!  Any recommendations on the good, the bad, and the ugly in the blender market?  Brands/types, etc.  I don't want to get a cheapo Walmart variety but I want to keep it under $100.  I use my blender about 2-3x per month.

Thanks!

Mine is a Kitchen Aid. Bought it at Target for like, $40, and it works great! Any of the good brand names ones should be fine...

Mine is a Black and Decker from Target, and I got it for about $30. I haven't had any problems with it.