Hey, they all look like ants!
About this creation
With Chris Phipson out of action due to that whole work thing, he has asked me to file this Brickworld report in his absence. Big mistake.
We threw the doors open to the public this morning with the rallying cry of “Lego!” and in they came in all their excitement. As a first-time attendee, I was a bit nervous – particularly after Mark Kelso stopped me to ask if I had any photos of Chris’ creation. It seems a table was bumped and his back drop fell. Kelso began repairs while I tried to find a photo for reference. Thankfully, we were able access the ol’ interwebs and Phippy was soon good to go.
In the meantime, I had a little repair job my own to do. No photos of either incident – I spaced it trying to get repairs underway. Let’s just say some over-eager volunteer tripped over a stanchion (a post that holds up a chain to keep the crowd back).
Sheesh.
Once things calmed down a bit, I used the time to cruise through exhibits, listening to the kids and adults ooohhhing and aaaahhhhing over the smorgasboard of creations to be had at Brickworld. The kids were nearly as excited as we exhibitors were.
Now I’m going roll through this the best that I can, so keep the heckling to a minimum. I may not be as funny as Phipson, but at least I can spell infinite. (I hate to tell everyone this, but the Chip Philson Fan Club shirts are a one-of-a-kind collector’s item, but thanks for the interest. Also, Chip is a fictional character Heather LEGOgirl and I created -- any resemblance to Chris is possibly unintentional, but highly doubtful.)
I’ll do my best to review the day, but don’t get your hopes up for anything too exciting. I’m tired and I’m hungry.
I’ve taken a bunch of pictures, mostly of stuff created by people I’ll proudly call friends from now on (even Phipson). But first I’m going to go for something a bit different and give you a first-timer’s perspective while showing off the day’s action.
I’ve never shown anything I’ve created before, and I had no idea of how it would go. It was packed, it was loud, and it was exciting to see kids and adults admiring my creations and hopefully laughing at some things. Realism isn’t my thing, as you will see if you cruise my stuff here on MOCpages.
I know next to nothing about robots except how to spell robot, but Peter Ehrlich of Argyle, NY does. This bad boy has a two-speed gearbox and working pneumatics. This was his second year at Brickworld and you can check out his blog about the project at Project Argosy. He gave me a brief demonstration – way too technical for me, but pretty cool anyway.
Kurt Baty builds amazing ships. There’s nothing funny about that, but he’s a nice guy with a lot of enthusiasm about his craft. He also recreated an awesome New Orleans street scene complete with interior garden and a pair of handsome cabs (fancy carriages) that were extremely clever. Stacy Sterling and I spent a few minutes with Kurt during the World of Lights display and both of us marveled at his attention to detail. His Ghostbusters headquarters and their vehicle (Ecto 1? Ectomobile?) was equally outstanding.
Brandon Obert’s “Veterans Memorial Stadium.” Yep, it’s huge. So huge we considered dumping Phipson in it after our group picture on Friday, but then poor Brandon would have to send his pack of ninjas after us (if he has one).
I love this creation by Ann Davies. The Family Farm House is a recreation of her grandparent's home. No cool robots, weapons, or battles here, just a family getting it done down on the farm. (Makes me glad I at least live in a small town instead of somewhere out in the country.
If you’ve seen the Space Police III video on Lego.com or the brickfilm featuring the “Little Guys,” then you’ve seen the mastery of David Pagano. His work was among the first I encountered back when I was a brickfilmer (I may still do a film this summer, if I make the time); check out his stuff if you haven’t seen it. He was talking with some kids about making films and I stopped in for a listen. He doesn’t just film: he builds, then films some funny stuff. Here's a link to the Space Police Teaser.
John Wolfe built this beautiful cathedral – it has internal wiring that is only visible right where it comes out of the brick. Functionality and realism combine to make this a religious experience for all the little figs in figland. He was kind enough to explain to me how he did it, but I’m not telling you the secret. You find John yourself and he’ll be glad to tell you.
The layout for the Northwestern Illinois Lego Train Club was not only impressive, it contained a really cool underground section. Wow, Lego enthusiasts are a creative bunch. I really liked the big minifig, and Kevin Koehler was kind enough to get into the photo so I wouldn’t look like some sort of perverted model photographer as I encouraged Mr. Big Fig to work it for the camera. “That’s it baby, a little more to the left . . .”
When our special guest, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, arrived in the event hall, Stacy Sterling got a chance to greet him personally. I was there (no camera), so right after he took his leave from the ToTLUG display I got her to slap me five so I could grab some glory. (insert joke here)
Unfortunately, I was busy waiting in the pick-a-brick line when Dave Sterling got a chance to present Kjeld (pronounced Keld, I guess) with a special gift. I did get to hear him speak, and one of the things he said to us is that Lego is in a unique position. Most companies usually host events to show off creations and amaze customers, but it’s the reverse for Lego: fans host conventions and Lego comes to be amazed at what we do with the product. In any event, what a great thing for all the great LUGs and online communities gathered here this weekend.
Well, that’s about it from me about the day. The evening’s World of Lights display was terrific – just a bunch of Legofolk hanging out and admiring each other’s builds.
After I get home and recover from all this, maybe I'll actually be able to write something witty and coherent.
UPDATE
***** I'm home safe and sound. What a great time -- if Disney is the happiest place on earth, then Brickworld certainly is the friendliest! Watch for an after-action report on Wednesday!*****
(disclaimer and apology: I will go back and correct any misspelled names or wrongly-identified people once this is all over.)
Comments
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June 27, 2009 |
Man - I wished Dave liked me enough to give me a ToTLUG container. I just don't rank up there with Kjeld, Jorgen and Tormod...Though, I am the one who invited them :)
A special thanks to Phis Cripson...I mean Crip Phison...I mean Chris Phipson and Dennis Price for taking the time to make these extensive and flattering posts. I am just glad everyone had fun!!
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George Kemper June 23, 2009 |
Dennis, why did you delete the comment you posted on my Brickworld 2009-The People?-George |
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George Kemper June 23, 2009 |
Quoting Dennis Price
Great post George! You're a fine young man and it was really nice talking with you. Thanks for sharing that lighting idea -- I may redo the pizza parlor as a two-story just to try it out.
Yes, the picture does make me look like I'm begging you to take those MOCs away!
That would be awesome! Oh and whats your email I forgot it. And I should be sending you pics of the WIP in about 2 weeks.-George |
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June 23, 2009 |
WOW! |
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I made it |
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June 23, 2009 |
Quoting George Kemper
Dennis, why did you delete the comment you posted on my Brickworld 2009-The People?-George
I did? Didn't mean to. It's a great post! I think I hit the wrong button when trying to correct my typo. Sorry about that. |
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Dave Sterling June 22, 2009 |
Nice coverage Dennis! It was great to meet those of you I hadn't met before and it was also nice to see my old friends as well. Of course the highlight for me was welcoming Kjeld, Jørgen, and Tormod into the ToT-LUG family by presenting them each with a ToT-LUG Train Container. BW 2009 was a blast and I am already looking forward to 2010!!! |
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George Kemper June 22, 2009 |
Quoting Dennis Price
George, you're a fine young man and a great builder. Can't wait to see if "Project X" works out for you. (God, that picture makes look almost interesing -- how'd you do it? Photoshop?)
I dont get what you were trying to say in the part thats in parenthases. Could you clear you tell me what pic your talking about. Oh and it was great to meet you. Also about "Project X", I justed started working on ideas and such today. It was one of those things, I was eating lunch and the idea just "shot" into my head. I'll send you some WIP pics when I get enough built so you can see which of the many ideas I said I'm making.-George |
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Heather LEGOgirl June 22, 2009 |
Glad you made it home okay, I'm back as well. I still can't believe it's over. :( Here's to BW 2010!!! :) |
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June 22, 2009 |
Thanks for the tour! |
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June 22, 2009 |
Quoting Chris Phipson
Dennis, I'm upset that I missed the day of course, but there is one good thing that came of it. I think you should do the official reports from now on. Great coverage! Hopefully I'll be able to get day four up on Wednesday. It was so wonderful to meet all you guys. I'm just sad that I was at the storage unit with Brian when you left. I wished I could have said good bye in person. Give Mitzi a hug for me and I can't wait to see you guys again! Thanks again for taking the reigns of covering this great event! ~ Chris.
It was my pleasure, and the hug has been delivered. It was a great time, even though some of the best moments can never appear on MOCpages. As for the coverage, I quote: "Dude, journalist." (thanks for the compliment)
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June 22, 2009 |
Too bad I live to far away to attend these conventions. Looks like I missed out on a lot |
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June 22, 2009 |
Dennis, I'm upset that I missed the day of course, but there is one good thing that came of it. I think you should do the official reports from now on. Great coverage! Hopefully I'll be able to get day four up on Wednesday. It was so wonderful to meet all you guys. I'm just sad that I was at the storage unit with Brian when you left. I wished I could have said good bye in person. Give Mitzi a hug for me and I can't wait to see you guys again! Thanks again for taking the reigns of covering this great event! ~ Chris. |
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June 22, 2009 |
WOW, looks like fun! |
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June 22, 2009 |
Thanks for assuming Phippy's position (snicker) as on-the-scene-reporter. It's impossible to show everything that goes on, but your selections were cool...you had a couple there that I missed seeing while at the con. |
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June 22, 2009 |
Quoting Giovanni Seynhaeve
Gee Dennis! Good post! It's good to see some really fine MOC-action overthere. I wish I got a better look at Kurt's boats, I think I would have loved his stuff! Is he on MOCpages too?
http://www.mocpages.com/home.php/18066
Here ya go, Gio! Check out his Ghostbusters build too -- it's as sweet as his ships! |
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June 22, 2009 |
Gee Dennis! Good post! It's good to see some really fine MOC-action overthere. I wish I got a better look at Kurt's boats, I think I would have loved his stuff! Is he on MOCpages too? |
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June 21, 2009 |
wish i was there :( |
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June 21, 2009 |
awesome, i really REALLY want to go |
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June 21, 2009 |
Whoa, you gotta meet Kjeild Kirk Kristansien?(Or however you spell it, I'll find out one day) Nice. Plus that Veterans Memorial Stadium Looks awesome! |
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