Like OJB was saying about the paper towel method...the taproot can shoot out pretty fast sometimes, and the little hairs coming off the taproot can get caught-up the paper towel...when this happens, you can use sharp scissors and tweezers to CAREFULLY cut the paper around the seed and taproot, and plant as normal. Ripping the fine feeder roots (is that what they are called?) from the paper towel is a great way to kill your seedlings. Paper will, of course bio-degrade.

Also...I now use the glass bottles from a spice rack set for germinating in the same way as the cigar tube method. (and I use 'em seed storage, too) Seems to cut a few days to a week off the germination process, versus just starting them in the soil.