Some random thoughts

I’ve actually been feeling kinda guilty about neglecting the blog tho I know I have good reason to…  Apart from work, I’ve been busy with a personal project that is currently taking up loads of my free time. 

As I’ve mentioned before, I still do continue to read  many of the LEGO fan sites and blogs and forums, just that I don’t blog about them as often as I used to.  Come to think about it, I’ve been shopping much less frequently now so that really shows how busy I’ve been… (hey, shopping is a favourite past time for many Singaporeans!). 🙂 

Anyway, a couple of noteworthy reads:

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1. Brickset shares news of another LEGO survey

The direct link is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEGO_AFOL_Q12011

One nugget of info from the last survey that I found interesting was that “Respondents say they are prompted to collect sets because of the theme or unique minifigures or elements. Less than 10% of fans say they’re prompted to collect sets because of a unique box or a box of a different size. However, when asked if the LEGO Group were to create sets with different box sizes and identical contents would they purchase an additional set, nearly half responded that they would.”

Really? Half? I thought most people bought LEGO for the contents and not the boxes? Anyway to find out what the other results are, do visit Brickset’s post here.

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2. Toysnbricks reports on sets discontinued in 2011

If you have been holding out for whatever reason on these sets, wait no longer cos you know the prices will rise once the stores are out of stock.  And, these sets are really among the better ones.  I think MMV and Emerald Night are destined to be instant classics.  As for Star Wars… well, we know how sky-high prices can go right?

• Castle Medieval Market Village (MSRP: $99.99)
• Creator Emerald Night (MSRP: $99.99)
• Star Wars Death Star (MSRP: $399.99)
• Star Wars Battle of Endor (MSRP: $99.99)

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3. Charity drive for Japan’s tsunami victims by The Brothers Brick

If you would like to do something for the tsunami victims in Japan, you may like to have a look at TBB’s charity drive.  They have requested for donations in creations and for support in the auctions.  (Note: Having grown up hearing and studying WW2 history, I find the logo used quite disturbing tho…)

If you are more practical like me… cash is king, especially when multiplied.  I’ve heard of firms (like mine) who are matching dollar-for-dollar any donations made by staff.  If not, you can also visit any local Red Cross to make a donation.

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4. Singapore Only: Service Pack for 10213 Shuttle Adventure

I found out about the service pack for Shuttle Adventure some time back (thanks to an email from TS), but never managed to find time to go down to the LEGO Singapore office to collect it. 

Luckily, Toy Station/Brickstation now has them in store for those who bought them from TS when it was 1st brought in (like me).  So if you are one of those who bought from TS, you may like to pop by the store when you are free. Perhaps to coincide with the expected new stocks coming in next week or the week after? If you are not on TS mailing list, you can follow their blog, facebook or twitter (yeah, very well-networked store) (Side note: Yay, store goodwill index up)

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you may like to read Smashing Bricks’ post here.