Daily Bits

LEGO

How to Build a Supercomputer Using LEGO and Raspberry Pi

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LEGO Raspberry Pi Supercomputer
LEGO Raspberry Pi Supercomputer

When news of the Raspberry Pi first came out, hope bloomed in the hearts of real computer enthusiasts. When I say real, I mean those who actually do not mind getting their hands dirty digging into the guts of devices and doing mods here and there. Old school computer tinkering. Creativity and technology coming together in a beautiful blend.

Here’s something more beautiful than that, though: LEGO and Raspberry Pi used in conjunction with each other to create a supercomputer.

If that didn’t make your jaw drop and your mind explode with possibilities, I don’t know what will! [Read more…] about How to Build a Supercomputer Using LEGO and Raspberry Pi

TinkerBrick LEGO Case for the iPod

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iPod Touch LEGO Case
iPod Touch LEGO Case

How much do you love your iPod Touch? Why don’t you count the ways?

Prior to going for the iPhone, I was 110% in love with my iPod Touch. It was just that the iPod Touch became redundant because of the iPhone, and I do not really like being superfluous. In any case, this post is for anyone and everyone who is enjoying their iPod Touch to the max.

How about a TinkerBrick LEGO case? [Read more…] about TinkerBrick LEGO Case for the iPod

Awesome LEGO Minifigs You Might Not Know About

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LEGO Minifigs
Classic Alien

LEGO. There’s just something about those blocks that capture the hearts and imaginations of young and old alike. And of course, when young kids in love with LEGO grow up to be adults, they do not forget. They merely turn into Adult Fans of LEGO.

Who can blame them?

Then there are LEGO minifigs, which transform “normal” creatures into blockheads that one simply cannot fail to enjoy. How many LEGO minifigs do you know about? How many do you own?

I just had a blast looking at the 21 greatest LEGO minifigs according to Topless Robot. And yes, I didn’t know about many of them. [Read more…] about Awesome LEGO Minifigs You Might Not Know About

Cartoons in Minimalistic LEGO

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LEGO_The_Simpsons_ibelieveinadv
The Simpsons LEGO

LEGO are for kids. And so are cartoons. NOT!

We all know that while they were initially meant for kids, there is always a part of us (adults) that will love LEGO and cartoons. There is even such a thing an adult fan of LEGO (AFOL). There are animated movies and shorts that are created specifically for adults. There is no going around it – we have to admit that there will always be a child in us.

Enter cartoons (or cartoon ads) in minimalistic LEGO representation. [Read more…] about Cartoons in Minimalistic LEGO

Star Wars Sandcrawler in LEGO

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Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) listen up! You have something new to drool over – a Sandcrawler replica made with LEGO bricks. You might be thinking, “So? So many things have been created out of LEGO!” Then again, this one is nothing to scoff about.

Made from 10,000 LEGO bricks over a span of nine months, you can just imagine the effort and creativity (not to mention the money!) that has gone into this Sandcrawler. Oh, and in case you’re wondering what the heck a Sandcrawler is – yes, I totally get it that not everyone knows everything about Star Wars, however “epic” it might be – here is the official definition from Wookieepedia: ((Wookieepedia))

Sandcrawlers were large, slow, treaded vehicles, used as self propelled bases for mining squads. Most notable example of usage of these vessels, later adapted by Jawas for their mobile homes, was on Tatooine, where bulky sandcrawlers climbing the dunes were a common sight.

This overview of the LEGO Sandcrawler gives you an idea of the scope of the project. Again, 10,000 LEGO blocks!
Sandcrawler Overview

This diorama gives the Sandcrawler some context.
Sandcrawler Diorama

And this makes use of lighting to add some drama.

Sandcrawler Lights
Sandcrawler at night, with lights

Brilliant piece of work – and I don’t think anyone will contest that. In case you want more (and I am sure Star Wars fans will want more), here is a short video clip showing the Sandcrawler in action.

The brains behind this? A guy who calls himself marshal banana on Flickr. For more photos and details, head on over to Flickr and check out the photostream.

Star Wars in LEGO: Condensed Version

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Have you ever tried telling the entire story of Star Wars to someone who has no idea what it’s about? You probably would need at least an hour and nifty story-telling skills to do the job. That or show that person this video telling a fast paced version of the story. In LEGO.

Now Star Wars LEGO is not a new thing. Try googling “Star Wars LEGO” and you will see countless results. This video is something else, though. Not only are the minifigs and the sets set up so they look really cool, but the background music and the narrative are also noteworthy. It’s not technically epic (whatever that means), but no one can say it is not funny and attention-grabbing. I can only imagine how much this kid has spent on buying all those LEGO pieces!

That is the more recent video that dzine123 uploaded, but sometime last year, he also had a similar video.

Now you can either use these videos for bedtime stories or you can actually transcribe the narrative and tell the story on your own. Either way, you are sure to have the Star Wars story understood by kids of all ages!