Creations for Charity 2014

So this year, I submitted three donations to Creations for Charity, which is less than I had intended, but that's how it went. Check 'em out below and feel free to go to the Creations for Charity Store and become a Bricklink member to support the cause!


Title: "DinoDude Versus GorillaGuy"
Description: It's Mini-Figure Mayhem!  Series 5 Dino Dude and Series 3 Gorilla Guy are on the rampage through Brickadelphia!  Their battle has already left half the block in flame and ruin, and they are headed for more destruction! Set features multiple Micro Scale buildings as well as the above mentioned Mini-Figures!
SOLD!

Title:"Megatron Must Be Stopped"
Description: The Decepticons are attacking the power station in search of Energon, and Megatron Must be Stopped. Join Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Red Alert on their mission to stop Megatron, Starscream, and Skywarp. Inspired by the 1986 motion picture soundtrack score composed by Vince DiCola, this model features two brick-built micro vehicles (a trailer and a sedan) and includes 6 Hasbro Kreons. Note: may feature an additional half dozen Kre-o parts/plates; the rest is 100% Lego!
SOLD IN 24 HOURS!!

Title: "The Legend of SpaceClops"
Description: Just read the picture...This one's my favorite.

Holiday Giving for Toy Hobbyists : My latest at Figures.com

My latest article at Figures.com was less of an opinion piece and more of a call to action.

Here's the gist: Do you have great memories of getting toys at the holidays?  Then give toys at the holidays.

Here's an Excerpt:

...I am writing this post early and asking my fellow figure fans to join me in making this holiday special for children. Many opportunities exist to give, at least in the States, with some organizations accepting toys they pass directly to children. That’s right. You can shop for great figures that you know you will make it into the hands of children. ...

Check it. And please consider giving to Toys for Tots this season!

My Summer Movie Watchlist

At the beginning of summer, I posted the list of films I expected to catch at the theatre as well as those I wanted to revisit from our personal collection.

I must admit, comparing the full list versus my intentions is a bit of a bummer, given that I watched a slew of bad movies I had no intention of seeing. Below is the full list of what I watched in the "2014 Summer Movie Season" (1st weekend of May through Labor Day), as well as references to my prior list from the original post if the film was listed there. 

The 2014 Summer Movie Season Has Come…aaaaand I am Probably Staying Home

Here’s the thing. Every summer since 2008 I have been disappointed at the movies.

While I left both Furious 6 and Man of Steel very pleased in June of 2013, the reprehensibly indecent and disappointing Iron Man 3 left a sour taste in my mouth for the whole season (and The Wolverine didn't help). In the prior summer, The Avengers gave me the most fun experience I've had at the movies since 2008’s Speed Racer, and the moving The Dark Knight Rises closed the curtain on my attending the movies as a resident in southern California (which is a different experience than attending anywhere else). Yet in 2012, I also had the displeasure of sitting through The Amazing Spider-man. Ugh. Plus, nearly every movie from those summers that I caught on DVD was equally disappointing, with the exception of the entertaining Pacific Rim.

Another Article Elsewhere...Well, Kinda. More Kre-o

So, when I was writing my recent pieces on Hasbro's Kre-O toy line (here and here), I also asked my editor to forward interview questions to the line's brand team. My editor at Figures.com is a good dude: he said he'd do it; he did it; and lo and behold, they responded. I put together the intro, and bada-bing, another article in the mix.

I'll be honest, I'm hoping this is the first of many future written interviews I can re-post at 3LC. Asking useful questions is a good skill to add to my portfolio, and I think developing it will prove valuable as I continue pursuing writing in various formats.

Have any interest toys, or any interest in toys in which I have interest, the below article might be worth a read:

DeConstructing Kre-O

Nostalgia Rules! A Lego Story

In light of the blizzard that has struck the northeast, I am re-printing this story (slightly edited) from my old "Stunk's Stage" blog (as briefly explored here). This is a great, innocent tale, and I never tire of telling it or reading it. I thank God for memories like this one.

I have to be honest; I'm somewhat shocked at the tone I was able to encapsulate in this 2007 re-telling, as if I had channeled my most sincere childlike voice to relay a picture from my past. I kind of wish I still had that voice from time to time. Perhaps, again, I will find it.

For Lego fans or simply those who like a good ol' time, this piece may be worth a little read while the snow's still thawing in the Wilms, Dee (and surrounding states).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

See Subject.

Enjoy a day of rest, friends and family. Enjoy life and enjoy others.

Thanks for stopping by, today and others as well!
C

5 Great Christmas Gifts for Artists

Artists need our help; they need the help of fans, and they need the help of other artists. If a handful of small artists have given you a gift through their work, why not give them a little something in return this holiday. Here's 5 ways to give your favorite artists a treat this December (and 3 of the ways are free, so no excuses!)

The Malcontented Child of God

This being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I could put up this post on which I've been working for the last few weeks but never got a chance to finish. It's something of an echo of this post from last week, but given where I've been of late, it's pertinent. 

I can be a very bad Christian. I'm not going to sugar coat it. I'm not going to pretend it's not serious. Fact is, I yell against God some days. I could go into a laundry list of reasons why, but I won't bother, as they will likely do little but further cement how shallow and childish I can be and often am before my Savior and Lord. At the end of the day, my reason is very simple. I have a sin problem.

7 Ways to Improve Your Weekend. For Free.

And be intentional with these. Going halfsies won't work. GO WHOLSIES, Friends. 

1. Encourage someone: someone you know, a stranger, a friend, anybody. Make it a goal of your day to improve their day. 
2. Go for a walk / run without watching the clock. Just exist outdoors with God and his gift of beautiful nature. 
3. Make a list "10 Things I Adore Right now". I dare you to keep it to 10. Bet you get to twenty pretty easy.
4. Contact an old friend on Facebook, just tell them your hope they are doing well in life.
5. Eat Fruit outside. As Marge Simpson tells us, "Fruit is nature's candy," and something about eating it in its element is just...right. Unless you are stung by a bee, which is the worst (but this shouldn't be an issue in near-winter). 
6. Listen to one song that you love while doing nothing else. Just you and the music. I bet you like the song more thereafter. 
7. Thank God, then say Amen. No requests. Just thanks. 

C4C Update

Two Weeks ago, I blogged very briefly about the fact that my time was limited due to my building for Creations for Charity, which you can learn more about here. I am happy to say that as of this post, I have submitted my donations, and they are now available in the Creations For Charity store, available for purchase by members of Bricklink.

I proposed a pretty high initial charge for them, but I was very proud of the way these works came together, and I think they're worth asking a few extra dollars to go toward buying Christmas presents for children this year. Below is a picture of each model and a brief description. If somebody reminds me come in November, I will try to post how it all went. Last year I submitted six models, and I sold five. This year I'm hoping to sell all five that I was able to submit.

"Lego Logan Versus Ninjas"

Item Description: If you enjoyed this summer's hit film The Wolverine, or the legendary comic on which it was loosely based, then "Lego Logan Versus Ninjas" is for you. Featuring 3 warriors and Logan himself, this set includes assorted weapons (plus two chrome knives), flesh-tone figs (like a topless Wolverine), and a simple brick-built base. Check out more pictures on Flickr. Shipped from USA

"Wookies Are Known to Do That"

Item Description: We all know the dialogue: C-3PO: "But sir, no one worries about upsetting a droid."

Han Solo: "That's cause Droids don't pull peoples' arms out of their sockets when they lose. Wookies are known to do that." We never got [to] see this event in all it's wonder during the Star Wars films, but NOW you can own a little artistic representation of how that might look in the Lego Universe. Featuring 4 Star Wars mini-figs and a simple, brick-built base, "Wookies are Known to Do That" is a perfect gift for some Star Wars or Lego Fan this holiday (or just a fun piece for one's own enjoyment), which will likely be both a conversation starter and source of laughs! Check out more pictures on Flickr. Shipped from USA

"Call 9-1-1 for Heroes"

Item Description: Every Day in the United States, people need the help of doctors, firemen, and the police! Celebrate the heroism of every day heroes who save lives, fight fire, and protect and serve! "Call 9-1-1 For Heroes" features 4 mini-figs, and a brick built base! Shipped from USA

"Ent & Orc"

ITEM DESCRTIPTION:  Any Lord of the Rings fan will love this Mini-fig scaled Ent inspired by Tolkien's renowned world of Middle Earth. Using a Bionicle skeleton for increased flexibility, this highly-articulated Ent can be posed in a variety of positions and can even HOLD the Orc minion that accompanies him. The Build is sturdy, but rough play will result in his losing a limb. For Lego Fans or LOTR fans in general, this brick-and-bionicle Ent will serve as a wonderful display piece! Check out more pictures on Flickr. Shipped from USA

"Parker-In; Spidey-Out"

Item Description: One minute he's mild-mannered photographer Peter Parker, the next he's the Amazing Spider-man! "Parker-in; Spidey Out!" features a flesh-toned version of Peter Parker with camera running into a building's front door, and your friendly neighborhood Spider-man exiting out the back window! This dual-sided dio captures both characters in one felt swoop! Check out more pictures on Flickr. Shipped from USA

As of this post, none of the Builds have sold, but I am hoping they will by the end of Next Week!

In Case You Don't Know about Tim Hawkins...

He is hilarious. I was first introduced to Tim Hawkins by my in-laws, and when they first described his style, I was skeptical. Frankly, I used to be skeptical about all Christian artists, but I have matured since then--in part because of Mr. Hawkins.

Tim Hawkins is a comedian on par with any of the others to which I've been exposed in the last few years. He's part of a niche breed, a Christian funny man who holds a mirror up to the subculture he loves and pokes fun without cynicism or ill will. His stuff is not the disgruntled rants of a bitter wordsmith but the whimsical musings of a loving sibling. He adores his wife, his family, his church, and his food, but he just happens to find the humor in all of thing as well and shares his observations to make our lives a bit more fun.

In honor of Friday and the the final weekend before I begin my job in the big city, I am embedding some of my favorite bits that he has made available directly through Youtube. At some point, I really need to pick up his Stand-up DVDs. Clean comedy like his is a rare gift in our culture, and he deserves monetary support from his Christian siblings:








This may be my personal favorite.

And here's a wonderful dose of bits and pieces:

Giving Thanks...One for each day in the month of November

So for funsies I decided to bullet point the first 31 things that came to mind for which I am thankful. Not shifting the order either, just letting it run. Free-associative exercise! Ignite!

I am thankful to the Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ…

1. For the song “Blocks” by Derek Webb, a deeply honest and unabashedly sincere ballad of longing for love.
2. For Social Media and the joy of constant interaction with others—old friends and new, digital acquaintances alike.
3. For potatoes and the various forms one can prepare them.
4. That The Hobbit is a trilogy now. As long as it is good, it means more time in Middle Earth, certainly my favorite fictional universe since pre-1983 Star Wars.
5. For films – Specifically Apocalypto, Before Sunrise, Do the Right Thing, Slacker, Hoop Dreams, Schindler’s List, Blade Runner, and Emma
6. To be a child of the 80s – G.I.Joe, Ninja Turtles, NES, national pride, cassette tapes, mom-and-pop rental stores. I am so blessed to not a be child right now. Children in the 2000s have social and material pressures I cannot imagine. The need for a cell phone, the assault of media without end, the loss of innocence thanks to internet deviance--kids, particularly those with two working parents and in public school, have it rough. 
7. For nieces and nephews who have given me a glimpse of what it would have been like to have younger siblings and children. Love ‘em all.
8. For the success of Pixar animation studio. Quality work such as good as theirs deserves to be awarded and appreciated
9. For my faith, the faith of my parents and a great number of witnesses before me. I adore having a worldview with a powerful, almighty God at its head and a beautiful, sacrificial Savior at its center. I love salvation and basking in the grace afforded me.
10. For church families I have known throughout my years. I am thankful for the peers, the mentors, the young, and the time spent them with them all. As we look for a new church family here on the East Coast, I do so with great anticipation for the new relationships we will form
11. For my wife. That woman…she puts up with a lot. Always.
12. For different translations of the Bible. I feel as though every language after the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic is something of a remix/adaptation of the Spirit-breathed text, but they all seem to lend their own beauty to the meaning. I don’t care if the KJV have less accurate semantic choices than the ESV, some passages of the KJV are lyrically breathtaking.
13. For deeper literacy in regard to not only words but images. I love the fact that books and films are more complex now than they were when I was a teen or even a college student. I am so thankful that the time invested in learning how to better experience art yields exponential rewards so constantly.
14. For the success of Scott Derrickson. Scott was an adjunct who taught my foreign Film Studies class at Biola University. He was forthcoming and insightful and fair, and his most recent film, Sinister, has made over 15x its production budget. I just love the fact that he is doing so well right now.
15. For my hearing. I love the music of instruments and the music of life--the bubbling of a brook and the rustling of wind in the leaves, the laughter of children of play and the percussive symphony of a hundred runners racing. 
16. For creativity and the practice thereof. It is no secret that I am a staunch ultimate creationist (meaning that God is the source of existence, regardless of the mechanism by which he brought it). When I create, whether with Lego or putting words on the page, I feel I am echoing the action by which all existence was made manifest.
17. For my family and friends. I have a wonderful family, I married into a wonderful family. I have wonderful friends, and I am blessed.
18. For fictional creatures: minotaurs, griffons, goblins, orcs, and gnomes. They are just so much fun. Also, pegasus. A horse with wings?  Excellent.
19. For modern plumbing. Showers, toilets, running water.
20. For my teeth. I have the strangest dreams about losing my teeth, and I always become so disheartened. I think it’s because I know I have not taken care of them as I should and my subconscious is in a constant state of reconciling that carelessness with my fairly balanced pursuit of health for the rest of my body. I am glad I have not lost my chompers yet.
21. For Crackers and Cheese. Any meal of the day, any day of the week, I can make this work for me. Oh snap, for breakfast get some scrambled egg on that jaunt—delicious.
22. For Books
23. For Pants.
24. For Laughter. What a wonderful experience laughing is.
25. That my novel has gone out to readers. I am thankful I am in a place spiritually, emotionally, and physically to have written a novel, and I am thankful that this week, I was finally able to share that completed work with a select group who will help me improve it.
26. For my relationship with Jesus Christ. Answered prayers, inherent joy, peace in the face of uncertainty, and a longing to experience and express eternal love—Jesus gives it all and fulfills it.
27. For the current, extended stint I have had without giving into lust’s temptation.
28. For the paradigm the internet has enabled for the dissemination of independent art such as books, music, and film. The day’s of limited exposure due to cultural gatekeepers has truly shifted, and the inmates are starting run the asylum. This has led to my discovering a wonderful array of art I would not have otherwise.
29. That I do not have a lot of money right now due to my lack of full time employment. The Lord provided a job for my wife so that our month to month bills are covered for phone, storage, etc; but our spending cash is severely limited. This has forced me to grow and be much more discern with my fiscal choices.  I truly am thankful for this sanctification. That being said, I do lok forward to working full-time again, when that right fit is presented.
30. For the work of David Fincher, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Spike Lee, and Donald Miller
31. For food. Man, I love food.

Wow, so we got overlap and some oddballs, but there you have it.  Funny thing. As soon as I finished, about another dozen things flooded my mind. For what are you thankful?

What I've Watched 10/4

This morning, I wanted to make sure I provided some great content, but I thought it would be worth it to direct you to the wonderful work of others.  All are "safe for work" (though I cannot speak for any other links in the sidebars on YouTube). As is my personal custom when making lists, I have provided 7 vids to enjoy!

Taylor Madi - On the foolishness of noncommittal, postmodern speech (Comedy/Spoken Word)

One Gentleman analysizes Rock, Paper, Scissors. (Comedy)

Beautiful Eulogy's brief video for their song "Entitlement" and a trailer for their album, Satellite Kite. (Music)

[PLEASE get Beautiful Eulogy's album HERE. They are excellent, and several of their songs have become part of my present rotation]

Bruxy Cavey - On Conversation (Christian Living)

"Mr. Rogers Neighborhood [Remix]" - This is just plain wonderful (Culture)

"Who's on First", essential comedic viewing and a gift to humantiy. (comedy)

Oh, and a wonderful piece of advice from Pastor John Piper about the Christian's relationship to relaxation and mindful living. (Christian Living)

Funsies: Car Nick Names from Trip

So, here's some weekend fun.  During our trip, we drove. A Lot. And being on the road as much as we were, we encountered a number of other drivers. Now, I don't know about you, but I tend to talk to other drivers--wait, that's not accurate--I tend to instruct and command other drivers to operate their vehicles in a manner that eases my travel. Of course, I do this in my normal "talking voice' with my windows rolled up, so they never obey (but that's besides the point). 

When doing this, I usually bestow a name on these fellow drivers based on their vehicles rather than the driver themselves. For example, rather than referring to the 60-year-old, bearded gentleman in the Blue Bronco as "Beardy", I will call him "Blue-Broncs" or some such variation. Anyway, I forced my wife to take down a list of nicknames that I gave to fellow drivers during our trip, and I thought they might be fun for a laugh...or maybe that's just me. If nothing else, I know I'm not the only one who does this. 

Silverfish (a silver sedan), as in "I'm gonna pass Silverfish."
Redbot (a red coupe), as in "Come on, Redbot, you're holdin' up everybody!"
White...Dunk (a big rig with a white trailer), as in "I want to get into the other lane, Jam, but this white...dunk is boxin' me out."  
This Jaunt (also, for a big rig), as in "Yeah, I'ma switch lanes once This Jaunt gets outta the way." 
Mother of Pearl (for a champaign-toned vehicle), "This Mother of Pearl keeps breakin' in front of me, and I can't get around him."
Bike-rack McGillicuddy (for a vehicle with a loaded bikerack on it), as in "Hey, I'm watching out for Bike-rack McGillicuddy over there; I don't want one of those cycles flying off and hittin' the windshield." 
Whitefish (a white sedan), as in "Outta the way, WhiteFish!"
Whitebread (a white sedan), as in "Look out, Whitebread!"
Van Wilder (a 12-person van), as in, "Van Wilder is gettin' over."
Truck Turner (an Expedition or truck like it), as in "And Truck Turner's with him!" ("him" being Van Wilder) 
Aquamarine (a bluish-greenish coupe) , as in "Hey man, Aquamarine is in my way, I got no moves."
Petrolio (a tanker with the word "Petreleum" on the side), as in "Let's go, Petrolio", in reference to his need to speed up. 
Blue Chip (a blue sedan), as in "Blue Chip's behind me now; I'm movin' over."

And of course, my favorite of the trip, from my wife,  Jamie. 

Werner Van Trap (an 18-wheeler rig for the "Werner" freight line), as in "Okay, Werner Von Trap, let's do this." ("doing this" meaning "driving faster through a tunnel")

Hey, gotta do something to pass the time on the road! Thanks for reading!
C