a LEGO a day

Go inside LEGO on NatGeo’s “Ultimate Factories”

mrphelps — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:59:27 +0000

Want to see something cool?

Want to see how a LEGO set is remodeled to create a newer version? Remember how that old police station set you had 10 years ago – well it’s changed a bit hasn’t it. The cameras go on a fun and fascinating adventure that would be the envy of any kid in the world inside the LEGO factory in Billund, Denmark. We’ll see what it takes for Lego’s crackerjack team of international designers to update the Legoland police station. Every single block of the new play set has to be designed with almost superhuman precision because every block produced has to fit seamlessly into the set it comes with, as well as every single Lego block ever made since 1958. We’ll see the new police station evolve through design and development, molding, painting and decorating, packaging and distribution.

Tune in this SATURDAY at 8pm on the National Geographic Channel (US folks).

I can’t embed video for some reason, so go HERE to watch a preview!

Urban sprawl

mrphelps — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:45:05 +0000

The city street grows by a building…
(crappy camera phone pic because I am lazy)

Dan got this today…

mrphelps — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:11:17 +0000

Well, I know what I’m doing tomorrow!
(I have some photo ideas stewing as well, so stay tuned this week)

and the beat goes on

mrphelps — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:46:51 +0000

Happy 2012 everyone!

Aside from the success of this project, 2011 wasn’t exactly a banner year for me and the family. Here’s hoping that this year will bring better news, better health, and better times. To all of you as well who need it.

I’ll be purchasing some new LEGO sets with some Christmas $$ in the upcoming weeks, and I plan to start trying to take pics more regularly now that it’s a new year and I’ve had ample time to rest and relax. I’m looking to upgrade some of my photo equipment this year too so we’ll see what happens. It’s been 3 months since my book license request and I’m still waiting. I’m angry, and annoyed. Cross your fingers for a reply in the next few weeks.

Big thanks to everyone who supported this blog and the project by buying calendars, prints, donating, etc. You guys rock.

Good luck in 2012. Be safe. May the Force be with you.

-Dan-

Worlds Collide

mrphelps — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:29:18 +0000

“Well,” said the Inspector, “it’s an inspector!”

Mascots

mrphelps — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:25:28 +0000

Dylan and Steve took their jobs as dinosaurs a little too seriously.

The Match

mrphelps — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:00:47 +0000

TK-642 draws the short straw.

Arrrrgh!

mrphelps — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:59:57 +0000

This is basically how I feel right now toward the people who take care of licensing. I really really really wanted to have the photobook available for Christmas, but obviously it’s too late now. I’ve even told them I just want the one license now for one song – hoping that would speed things up. But no. It’s still been nearly 2 months. Dan angry!

I was in the mood to take a few photos, so I did. They’ll be popping up this week.

Why I Teach

mrphelps — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:23:27 +0000

Despite all the ridiculous things we face daily as teachers, whether from parents, kids, the public, or administration, there are certain things that make it all worthwhile. My grandma died suddenly last week and I had to go back to NY, leaving them for 4 days with a sub. I came back this week to a desk piled high with candy & chocolate, and a big stack of cards they made for me. The cards were hilarious and touching and amazing. Most of them brought a tear to my eye. These are the things that make me love what I do. And I wanted to share it with you. Here are some of my favorite cards:

Front – look at that amazing detail!

Inside – please read it. Please.

Card2
Front – I love how all the letters in my name are something sciencey! The M mountains, the lightning L, though I’m concerned that my S is giving off some sort of smoke —-or foul odor? heh

Inside. And yes, I did say that about science and magic

Card 3
The Unicorn Time thing really had me rolling. LoL – I’m also the only guy in TN Vols country rocking a Syracuse Orange penant & poster

Card 4
I laughed because there’s always one student who has to give you a class update! haha

I have WALL*E stuff all over my classroom – and they obviously know I love LEGO. It’s amazing what kids can do, say, and feel, if you give them a chance to express themselves. I can’t thank them, and my team of teachers and school that let the kids do this for me. This is why I teach.

On WIRED.com

mrphelps — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:09:38 +0000

So I just saw that the blog was featured on the GeekDad section of WIRED.com
Exciting!
This is the 2nd time GeekDad has featured a LEGO a Day – the first time was near the end of my first year of the project.

So, Hey! to all the people visiting from WIRED. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Check it out here.
Oh also, if you don’t subscribe to WIRED, you should. I do. And we all know how awesome I am, right?