In the year 2010...

Since the snow is piled up outside and Christmas movies are still running on cable, it seems appropriate to end this year with thoughts on the LEGO past, present, and future.

So to those who have provided me building advice, interviews for the book, and the general trappings of friendship -- thank you. I'm excited to see what you teach me in 2010. As for next year, I think it's going to be a banner one.

And today I've got an afternoon free and a Space Skulls set to put together. Are these what zombie astronauts would fly? Or exactly what they wouldn't fly, since that would make them the brains -- which are what they constantly seek, and not what they are? Perhaps this is why I'm not allowed to make up back stories for my child's toys -- although there is a sock monkey who makes Russian cars for other sock monkeys. He goes over well with everybody in the household.

As for New Year's future? Starting tomorrow, I can say the book will be released this year -- an actual book on the shelves of libraries and bookstores. As someone who has loved reading since it became possible, that is the definition of cool.

And so to you and yours in the New Year, a happy and healthy 365 days. Play well.

Image via Brothers Brick.