I thought I'd take this Friday to discuss a few different topics. First off, Toy Shop columnist and toy collectibles book editor miracle worker Karen O'Brien now has her blog live - finally. Please check it out at www.toyshopmag.com/toyland. She discusses her work on Toy & Prices, etc., questions she receives from readers and what her dad has found at the latest show. Please welcome Karen to the online community.

I just got done working on the article that previews the upcoming Steckbeck mechanical bank auction to be hosted by Morphy Auctions in October. This is going to be one of those sales that will go down in toy lore, and I'm proud to be able to witness it. I'm curious, do other toy collectors enjoy watching what the premium collections sell for, or do they get turned off by the high prices and consider it to be an elitest's game?

Well, I think we're starting to exit the quiet before the storm. It seems new releases and toy news has been fairly slow of late, but I know the Christmas bonanza is about to start. I'm already receiving information on holiday releases, and I think we'll soon learn what the "hot" toys will be. Don't let the China manufacturing woes deter you - this will be another big year in toys.

Until next time, check out those last flea markets of the summer - people are really looking to unload stuff now, so you should be able to reel in some good deals.