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Jargo -- great pics! That's an outstanding spacedock you've got going -- I love all the little details. I'm rooting for Billy, too. The GS set I picked up was the one with the Interceptor. One of the best sets I've gotten in a long time -- definitely hit all the marks for a genuine space set. It's absolutely swooshable, and immediately got commandeered by my Futurons.

Picked up a pair of Speedorz the other day (Longtooth and Wakz), mainly because they reminded me of those old Hot Wheels. They were actually kind of fun, especially once the cats noticed them and started chasing them around. :-) These were fun, but I don't think I'll be getting more Chima stuff, since it doesn't fit into any of my medieval or sci-fi stuff. Depends on what the Lion Temple of Chi looks like -- that might have some useful pieces for my Lion Castle. Perhaps I could use wolf headpieces as mounted trophies in the King's Hall?

For the "sci-fi your avatar" challenge, if I can get the pics to show. :-) My sci-fi avatar and the medieval version: And here he is on Mondos... Tech Sergeant Dur is a proud member of the Blacktron Acquisition and Dissemination Company, scouring space for intel, technology, and the occasional licorice allsort. And, yes, that is indeed a Blacktron Police Call Box and robot dog. The fellow with the scarf got away, though…

The soldering iron method is the one I use. It's quick and it doesn't damage anything if you're careful with the tip. I loop the keyring over something sturdy, then hold the minifig so there is tension on the chain. By holding the tip of the soldering iron to the top of the small connector ring, the heat will pass through the little rod without melting your LEGO. In a few seconds, you should feel the minifig starting to slide off the little rod. The keyring, chain, and rod will be left intact, in case you want to use them for something else. Hope this helps!

Did you find large/clear pics of the sets? The ones I've seen have all been tiny ones from a catalogue. And I completely agree with you on the old factions -- I was hoping for a modernization of the old factions and re-imagining of old sets. Had been especially hoping for Black Falcons, some in chain mail, some with tabards, and some with armor torsos -- all printed front and back, like the Kingdoms sets. Maybe someday?