Mac Tonight

Recognize this guy? It’s Mac, McDonald’s mascot from the 80’s and the breakout role of everyone’s favorite unknown actor, Doug Jones. Doug and I have had multiple intersections in our careers, having both worked on many projects including Hocus Pocus, Good vs Evil and Pan’s Labyrinth. These days you can see him as Saru on Star Trek Discovery, he’s a terrific actor and a genuinely awesome guy. Builder bruceywan must have been craving cheeseburgers this week, and totally nailed this build.

The Personal Stereo That Rocked The World

I consider myself lucky that my lifespan happened to be sliced out of history where it is. I’ve seen so many things: The transition of film to digital, the rise of the personal computer, the connecting of the world through the internet, four different television formats and so much more. I was just discovering music when bands like Run-DMC, Van Halen, Micheal Jackson, Beastie Boys, The B-52’s and so many more were at peak popularity. And I was there for this, the Sony Walkman (and it’s many, many copycats). These days everyone in the world has every song ever recorded at their fingertips whenever they want, so it’s really hard to imagine how this simple device rocked our world. We could take our music with us, wherever we went, and blast it without disturbing others, it was awesome. Thank you Ralf Langer for a little bit of nostalgia.

Did Someone Request A Hoarder Of Souls?

For the past seven years builders Ben Cossy and Eli Brinsmead have collaborated for Brickvention Australia. The thing is though, they live on opposite sides of Australia, which is a BIG place. So it’s only through careful communication that their collabs work, because they aren’t brought together until the convention. And work they do, either build is a stunning piece on it’s own, but together they’re showstoppers. Click through for more pictures and keep an eye out for upcoming videos featuring this amazing collaboration.

The Passing Of King Henry VIII

Builder and history buff peggyjdb is back with another stellar build and a fascinating history lesson. There’s a reason Henry VIII is still a household name, he was larger than life. But even the largest of lives must come to an end, and this scene depicts his final hours in Whitehall Palace. Click through to learn something.

Little Helper

Having never watched DuckTales (sorry, came along a little late for me) or read a Donald Duck comic I had no idea who this character by builder lummerlander was, but I was intrigued. One google search later and now I know, and he’s pretty cool. I could use this little guy in the workshop of Nerds&Makers, where I get into my non-LEGO mischief.

Nian

It might be just a little early for Chinese New Year, but this monster Nian was built for a contest so we get to celebrate just a bit early. According to myth the Nian lives under the sea or mountain, and comes out every new year to feast, mostly on crops but sometimes children, fun stuff. I have it under good authority that this particular Nian was hiding in the LEGO bins of builder Legopard.

Long Hao Temple

I’m looking at this latest creation by builder jaapxaap and my mind is as bent as that roof! According to the description it’s the most complex roof he’s ever done, and I can believe it. In fact, I can’t fathom how it’s built. Purple, gold and grey, along with a splash of other colors, make for an eye catching combination. And it’s nice to see some tilted timbers construction in a clean, non castle build.

Trojan Horse

I ask you this, the Trojan Horse, was it real? It’s been debated for centuries, with many theories and explanations, but the truth is nobody knows for sure. It is a wonderful story though, which is why I suppose we still tell it, and things like this outstanding MOC by builder Martin Harris continue to be made. I personally like to believe it really happened, and it was a stroke of military genius that was surprisingly effective.

Cryo

INT. COLONIST SHIP: DAY

As the seemingly vacant ship rumbles through the emptiness of space we move through it’s corridors. There is no sign of life as we pass through empty rooms. The sounds of the ship are distant, deep and resonant. As we move into the cryo chamber the sound shifts, a hint of life. A hissing is heard as the lights slowly fade up, followed by an electronic chirp. A small display on the front of each pod flickers on, rows of text flash by as a system self-check runs, followed by a status display with vital statistics and three blinking words: CRYO REVERSAL INITIATED…

Yeah, I want to watch that movie too. Nice work Pete.

USS Fontana

Builder Ben Smith is back with another stellar Starfleet build. Welcome aboard NCC 1503, The USS Fontana. Seeing this ship, especially these well crafted composite shots of it, immediately puts me in a Star Trek mood. I can hear the music, sound effects. I can see the motion in my imagination, they’re right out of a movie, and I want to be in a darkened theater right now watching it.

Tuscany

I’ve never been to Tuscany, but I can feel the pull all the way from California. There’s something about that place that makes it a little magical, and if I’m not mistaken the food is no small part of it. But the main reason is it just seems tranquil. Humans decided it was a pretty nice place, and have been there for ages, and somehow it seems to have escaped the modern need to be in a big hurry all the time. A lovely scene by Cesbrick.

The Fly

In my youth I wanted to be a make-up artist, or at least a creature effects artist. And the timing for this was actually pretty good. While I was in high school and honing my craft, there was a boom in make-up effects (seriously, look up the movies from 1982-1986, it was a golden age) and this film came out the same year I graduated. Builder captainsmog brilliantly recreates the moment the Brundlefly emerges from the unit, shocking.

Admiral De Thysania

According to builder Djorkson Admiral De Thysania here is commander of the Erebidan space fleet, a renowned tactician, swordsman and poet. What is less known is that “Thy” here also invented spanx, and is modeling them at this very moment. Nothing keeps things where they’re supposed to be and shapes like form-fitting garments!

LEGO 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster

Engineering, design, and technology are always evolving, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they get better. Because I can’t see anything to improve upon with Firas Abu-Jaber’s latest creation: the 1936 Merc 500K. It may not do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. It probably doesn’t have Apple Car Play, either. And don’t even ask about miles to the gallon. But when it comes to timeless style and craftsmanship, this car is hard to beat, in both metal and LEGO. Nicely done, Firas!

I've Got The Jam Box, You Got The Cardboard?

As I’ve confessed before on this blog, I used to breakdance, and not to brag but I was pretty good. So clearly I was a kid of the 80’s, when the portable stereo, boom box, jam box or whatever you called it was king. And I have to admit I have a soft spot for these little icons, like this one from builder Cha Mi. So let’s crank up the Twilight 22, I’ve got some poppin’ and lockin’ to do.

And One Brick In Its Time Plays Many Parts

Enter Adult Fan of LEGO

The works of Shakespeare are a huge nerdom, 37 plays and 154 Sonnets that have survived since the early 1600’s. Likely you have come across at least one of his plays in high school if you grew up in the English speaking parts of the world, and his plays have been adapted in to many other works: 10 Things I Hate About You is The Taming of the Shrew; The Lion King strongly parallels Hamlet; Forbidden Planet is The Tempest (my favorite play); West Side Story and a host of others pull from Romeo and Juliet. Karen Metz has captured scenes from 19 of Shakespeare’s plays in her interpretation of the James Christensen painting “Shakespearean Fantasy.” Karen has expertly captured some very famous scenes, but as with the painting, some are a bit more subtle or from some of the less performed works. She incorporates movement and music into some of the scenes. She’s posted a lot of pictures and exploring all of the them are quite rewarding. 
Anon good builder

Exit persued by a LEGO Bear

The Last Supper

If the bible is any indication one of the characters in this MOC by builder kloou is going to betray Batman. But with this assortment, how in the world could we figure out who that might be? It’s pretty much a who’s who of villains that would just love to betray the dark knight. At least we can be sure of one thing, Penguin is going to absolutely destroy that pie.

Broly

Bro, do you even lift? For an effective work out, try the patented “Broly System”, you’ll be jacked in no time. It starts with a brief but effective exile to planet Vampa, followed by a high protein, low carb diet. Daily workouts include sparring with Vegeta and Goku, as well as numerous crunches. I have absolutely no idea what the heck I’m talking about, but check out this totally buff figure by builder 莫古.

Imperial Airship Bricktania

Whenever I see an craft like this beautiful airship from builder Dale Harris I immediately go into filmmaker mode. I’m imagining not only this ship on a pedestal in front of a green screen, but the camera rig to shoot it, the composites to put it into whatever background is needed, the scene in which it’s featured and the music that would accompany it. Weird huh?

Check out more pics and several other excellent builds at his website harrisbricks.com.au.

The Spinshot 2600™

Can’t a pilot repair his craft in peace? If you’re tired of getting mauled while making minor repairs off world consider a Spinshot 2600™ auto turret. The Spinshot features an ARM96a processor and cutting edge AI to keep you safe. With motion, thermal, computer vision and audio sensors, it’s watching your back at all times. With a .002 second reaction time, high torque neomidium actuators and a full 360º sweep, it’s got the capability you’re looking for. The Spinshot 2600™, firepower with a brain.

I don’t know why I can’t just say “check out this cool ship by Legohaulic”, I just can’t help myself sometimes.