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Swert

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Blog Entries posted by Swert

  1. Swert

    Emerald City ComicCon 2013

    By Swert,

    Looks like I'll be going again.
     
    And we have bigger plans for models this year 8D
     
    Also December will be pretty packed for me as far as work goes. I'm hoping to do a few things for BS01 and HS01 (like finish updating HS01's main page to BS01's standards, and bringing BS01's main page up to completion) but the time's limited.
     
    I didn't even get to finish Halo 4's Spartan Ops episode this week yet. x_x
  2. Swert
    So, I noticed a topic earlier asking about the online animations from Bionicle past.
     
    So I figured someone was bound to post a link to BS01's page, right? I mean, we do have the animations on there.
     
    Nope. Not even mentioned.
     
    So I decided it's time to update the Media navigation on the front page. Now it has links to anything I could think people would want to research.
     
    And maybe tomorrow when I'm not working? I'll even finish the other undone pages.
     
    So unless my staff wants to do it for me (HINT. HINT.) I'm gonna be busy tomorrow.
     
    Yippie. *throws confetti*
  3. Swert

    Politics lol

    By Swert,

    So yeah, not getting political at all here, just wanted to cash in on the blog titles while I can.
     
    Anyway, long week at work already, and I work 2 more days.
     
    ... Who's waiting for LEGO Lord of the Rings? (Comes out on Nov. 13th, it was pushed back) ... Why do I ask? Cause I'm waiting for AC3 on Tuesday 8D (I bought both anyway)
     
    .... AAAAAAAAAAAA WHAT DO TIL THEN?! D:
  4. Swert
    One of the major perks I have working in a LEGO art studio, I don't feel guilt for my hobby as a LEGO builder when I go to buy a set. Even more so when I buy said set on the boss' computer, at work.
     
    I was browsing the LEGO store while waiting on a ride, and I came across the LEGO hard-to-find items. Set #10215 caught my eye. I had seen it before in 2010 in catalogs. Of course, it's a $100 normally. Oh I couldn't justify buying it now...
     
    What's this? It's only $59.99 right now?
     
    ... I THREW MY WALLET AT THE SCREEN, AND IT DID NOTHING!
     
    So after ordering this lovely image on Dan's now broken screen (I should get rid of that metal on the front of the wallet), it finally arrived today. And I was happy.
     
    I proceeded to wait 30 minutes before starting. (Long story there, pay of no mind.)
     
    So without further delay...
     
    Set #10215!
    The Box

    Note, I'm not going to use BZP's review system to review, mainly because I was too busy timing myself to see how long it'd take to build. I didn't want to stop every five minutes to take pics of parts. Sorry, guys. Let's just say there's plenty of parts.
     
    Now, as you can see from this box, it's pretty big. It's -really- big. The beautiful thing about this packaging is the top of it is held down by two pieces of tape and can be lifted back to make a tray of sorts. That's how I contained all the loose parts when I was assembling. It's wonderful and I recommend it highly. Keep in mind, I also recommend you leave each and every bag alone until the steps require them.
     
    The Set
    At about the halfway point I took a break and I decided to take a photo. My desk is a clutter, I'll be cleaning it eventually:
     

     
    Now, one of the striking features of the body is the technique of using SNOT (Studs not on top) building to apply most of the curved and/or angled elements. The entire underbelly on the front was actually built using SNOT plates, while the top is held on using good ol' fashioned headlight bricks. A whole lot of them (I didn't count, but there's -a lot-).
     
    I finally fully assembled the model, and I got a lovely set out of the whole deal.

     
    For more photos, check out the Flickr set.
     
    Overall Thoughts
    I'm optimistically happy with this set. Sure, it's not a pick up and play model, but I'll be honest when I say I'm way past that point in my life and LEGO building career. I wanted to see if I was capable of building a larger set, and this is the first -large- model I've built in my life (any sets I build in the studio is either smaller, or converted into other things, such as taking the Firehouse set and making it a Ghostbusters Hook and Ladder #8 firehall). It's also my first Ultimate Collector's Series set, and I'm happy with that, too. It's also probably the most expensive LEGO set I have personally paid for, which is also a milestone for me.
     
    What set is next down the line, who knows? I'm just happy to say I have a LEGO set that is so epic, and was so fun to build, that I will be proud to display it on my desk.
     
    Oh, and how long did it take for me to build it? 2 hours and 13 minutes. I think I slowed myself down with the sticker placement and not sorting the parts better, which didn't help.
  5. Swert

    Doomed Pt. 2

    By Swert,

    So I've come to figure, what could possibly doom BZP if it were to return?
     
    We've covered Plushie Fad, so I'm thinking what's worse?
     
    I am [insert user name here], perhaps? Or perhaps the infamous Ducks?
     
    I can promise you, if Ducks came back, we'd be in trouble.
     
    Oh, perhaps combine old fads? Plushie All Your Base? That would scare.
     
    Let's go ahead and dedicate this blog entry to thinking of what would doom us all.

    -
  6. Swert
    As many of you know, or will now learn, I am fascinated with music. What kinds, you may ask? (Either that or you're being forced with this question.)
     
    I'm big into Classic Rock. The obvious connection from there is my Pink Floyd collection. My original Blog title was "A Momentary Lapse of Reality," an obvious play on words from the original title, which was "A Momentary Lapse of Reason," an awesome album from them. The current one is a more accurate portrayal of that, "A Delicate Sound of Blagging," which had an original name of "A Delicate Sound of Thunder," also a rather interesting album. I might perhaps call this "The Division Blog" eventually, to portray "The Division Bell," but that's optional.
     
    The next genre I'd like to discuss is current Rock. It's divided within several genres from that, some I like and some I don't. I actually enjoy Grunge, some Industrial, some standard Rock, Alternative, Post-Grunge, and some classic Punk (90's). I don't particularly enjoy the Goth and/or Emo styles. They were never a favorite of mine. I also dislike the current age rap and R&B, preferring classic (early 90's).
     
    This also leads me into another genre like it. Jazz and Blues. I love some Jazz numbers I heard my brother play in highschool band, and also I listen to Floyd's renditions of Jazz in songs. I also love the Swing genre, which derives from it a bit.
     
    Without a doubt, you can probably toss anything in front of me and I'll either enjoy it, endure it, or hate it. I'm not too picky with stuff from the 60's to the 90's, but I'm very picky about current age. Only one person really got me to listen to music I disliked, and that was Kyn Ace. He made me listen to NIN, who I hardly enjoyed at the time. I'm glad he did, because I enjoyed a few songs. Bravo, Dav.

    -
  7. Swert

    The problem with AC3...

    By Swert,

    I seem to have awoken my British bloodline (one of the many bloodlines I have) and I now have a posh accent. x_x
     
    But on the plus side? I'm about halfway through the storyline (I hope). I'm trying to stretch it out over a few days for once.
     
    Still epic.
  8. Swert

    Bs01 And Hs01 Stuffs

    By Swert,

    So, few things to poll the people with.
     
    1) I had planned to update BS01's skin settings to match HS01. Would anybody object?
     
    2) In addition to #1, I plan to add a secondary skin to both sites (or just HS01 if the first gets a rousing "NO!") with a no-trans variant. In those situations, there will be something added to dazzle the people with, trust me.
     
    3) Any other skin change ideas to either site to make? And no, a skin with your name on it is out of the question. Sorry everyone (I'm looking at you, Dorek.)
     
    4) I plan to roll out at least five more skins to HS01 using the HF backgrounds. Anybody got one in particular they'd like? (Select from here (and thanks Bfa!)) Just link the one you'd like to see, and we'll get a tally going.
     
    Anything else I can't think of? Suggest away. I'm open to fixing both sites up.
  9. Swert

    BrickCon 2013: PvC

    By Swert,

    ... I have a few ideas there.
     
    I've been very inspired by the theme. In fact, I'm more inspired even before the theme was finished being presented to us.
     
    ... Oh also, the full name is Pigs vs Cows.
     
    ... Should have mentioned that before I posted this, yeah?
     
    Probably.
  10. Swert
    No, seriously XD
     

     
    Story behind it: We were talking, she commented she was waiting til she got tired enough to go to sleep (I've had to do that before XD) and I randomly said "I'd laugh if someone popped their head in on ya while you just got to sleep and said "HI LK!"
     
    So she had me do it in comic form. Yaaay.
     
    Now, if anybody would be willing to, my phone's on the floor. Please dial 911 and send the paramedics for me.
  11. Swert

    Work Next Week

    By Swert,

    So for 5 days in a row, I get to wake up at 6:30 AM, catch a 7:30 AM bus, then catch a bus headed towards work and arrive at like 8:30 AM or 9 AM.
     
    So in other words, it's just like when I started working there, only now I'm expected to do stuff when I walk in. Swell.
  12. Swert
    So I had a brief discussion with my boss and others in the studio, and we discussed in detail the Bionicle MOCs area in conventions such as BrickCon. So a good question came up, is the theme of Bionicle at a convention supposed to be about the theme of Bionicle, or the parts that come with it?
     
    So I ask the community, do you consider Bionicle theme at conventions (BrickCon, BrickFair, etc.) to be about the theme of Bionicle, or the parts used? Would using Hero Factory parts be considered taboo against the Bionicle theme? And what about building Bionicle themed items in other themes such as system brick?
     
    Me personally, I'm all about the theme, given you can still use Technic in Space (a traditional System theme) and you can use Mindstorms in Technic (a traditional... yeah, you get the idea).
     
    What do you guys think?
  13. Swert

    An Introduction, Of Sorts.

    By Swert,

    So, I'm not exactly a well-known person, so I should introduce myself to the BZPower citizens. Let's face it, I don't do anything nearly notable enough to be recognized.*
     
    I shall list my credentials. I doubt they're notable, but my friends think they're cool.
    BS01 Owner, Administrator, and overall decision maker. Anything on BS01 you don't like or think should be changed? Rant here. PREMIER BZPower Outstanding Citizen. And proud of it. Part- to full-time employee of a LEGO Art Studio, City Blocks of Tacoma, WA. I say Part- because my hours were cut during the winter lull, but they're picking back up. I also do freelance web design and graphics art on the side. A few little minor things, not note worthy, are also stuff I do. I also enjoy classic rock music. 
    So yeah, I hope to receive a warm reception from the BZP denizens. Let's face it, a little guy like me can learn to grow up in a friendly community, can he not? : D
     
    *If by now you haven't realized, I'm intentionally dulling down my accomplishments, since I don't like having an ego. So, if I intentionally say I'm much smaller than I am, I can live happily. Please don't let the ego grow bigger.
  14. Swert
    Okay, I figure a bit of a BIONICLE theme this time.
     
    Based on observations, there might be repeats, but of different sets. Here we go. Also, they have specific reasons for why I like them, so I will note with a symbol behind each one. Chart for explaination at bottom of list. EDIT: NEW LIST BELOW.
     
    #10: Jaller Mahri (G) (K)
    #9: Nuju Metru (F) (T)
    #8: Vakama Hordika (T) (G)
    #7: Kongu Mahri (F) (G/T)
    #6: Lewa Adapted #1 (F) (K)
    #5: Pohatu Mata (F) (K)
    #4: Nuparu Inika (A)
    #3: Ignika (V) (K)
    #2: Takanuva (2003) (F) (K)
    #1: Lesovikk (A)
     
    #10: Jaller Mahri (G) (K)
    #9: Nuju Metru (F) (T)
    #8: Vakama Hordika (T) (G)
    #7: Kongu Mahri (F) (G/T)
    #6: Hahli Mahri (K) (Wings)
    #5: Pohatu Mata (F) (K)
    #4: Nuparu Inika (A)
    #3: Ignika (V) (K)
    #2: Takanuva (2003) (V) (F) (K)
    #1: Lesovikk (A)
     
    Chart:
    (T) Tool's awesome
    (K) Kanohi (or similar) rocked
    (G) Gun (or similar) rocked
    (F) Actual figure was awesome
    (V) Vehicle rocked
    (A) All of the above
     
    So there we go. Criticism is welcome But I think the list is awesome.

    -
  15. Swert
    Alright, I'm really excited. In one more week, I will FINALLY have my own WP7. I've been waiting for it SINCE 2010. I'm pumped.
     
    Trivia: I once considered an Android device. I thought it was the perfect answer to Apple's dominance. And to a degree, it still is... if it wasn't so fragmented.
     
    So yeah, WP7. Yay me.
     
    Anything else I forgot? No.
     
    Okay. *walks away*
     
    ....
     
    *returns* OH RIGHT, MORE DEATH STAR PHOTO!
     
     
     



     
    Yeah, I mounted the dish. Yay me ^^
  16. Swert
    So, as I mentioned in an earlier blag entry, I now work at a LEGO art studio called City Blocks. My first project for them is an event piece in which we are modifying the Green Grocer, a LEGO Exclusive set.
     
    What modifications, you might ask? Well for one, the whole thing used to be 32 studs wide. It is now 31. Two, it has only one middle section normally. Now it has three. Also, it has tan stripes. Not anymore. And finally, it had a rounded front market with steps going in. The shop front is no longer round, and the steps have a new purpose in life. We decided to elevate the floor to match the doorway, and by doing so we eliminate the need for steps going in and out, and plus it now looks so much better.
     
    All links go to photos I have taken across four days of hard labor. Bolded are the modification photos, not the originals.
     
    And finally, the photo you've all been waiting for.
     

     
    That's the final product. And that's only STAGE ONE. Stage two begins soon.
     
    I doubt I'll be able to post it here again unless I go premier, so keep an eye on the Folder (when public) and I'll try to update on BS01 or something.
     
    Aside from that? It's my first project, and I love it.
  17. Swert
    The only thing I truly miss about my laptop?
     
    The inability to watch random stuff in my own room versus the living room, and the Windows Live Messenger custom emotes I collected over the year and a half I had it in.
     
    ;_;
     
    ... And watching random internet videos whenever I want.
     
    ... Okay, and my files.
  18. Swert

    Okay, 360 Poll Time!

    By Swert,

    I just want to know, FROM GAMERS WHO MAY KNOW...
     
    Halo 3, or ODST? Which should I get?
     
    For the record, I have only played Halo on PC and the first level of Halo 2 on my brother's Xbox back in the day. I am as noobish to Halo as an Apple fanboy is to a Zune.
  19. Swert
    Since it worked so well last time, I decided to do it this time.
     
    Again, THIS LIST IS OPEN FOR DEBATE. Please do complain that I didn't add rappers. I dare ya Also again, this is based on my experience, not on any "facts." Also, these are all Rock only, if I start using more out of that genre, the list is harder, and the Honorable Mentions is longer.
     
    #10: Nirvana
    #9: Guns N' Roses
    #8: Sublime
    #7: Foo Fighters
    #6: Beatles
    #5: Beach Boys
    #4: Metallica
    #3: A Perfect Circle
    #2: Tool
    #1: Pink Floyd (DSOM-Wall)
     
    Honorable Mentions: Ozzy Osbourne, Floyd Post-Waters, Beastie Boys (pre-00's), Nickelback, Creed (They were very decent, trust me), Audioslave, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam (got all the Seattle mainstream rock out of the way...), Calling the Kettle (Shoutout to you, Dav!), Billy Joel (He's rock, nobody better correct me xD), Paul McCartney and the Wings (Rather good), Led Zeppelin (If I do a top 10 Best songs, a few of their songs might make it on the list), NIN, Godsmack, Disturbed, and many more.
     
    Again, criticism and praise welcome.

    -
  20. Swert

    Memorial Day

    By Swert,

    I know many have already said to remember those who have fallen for their country, and those are truly those whose memories and lives we should honor.
     
    But I want to look deeper.
     
    I truly wish to remember and honor the families who lost loved ones in these wars. I want to remember every wife, child, mother, father, brother, sister, even grandchildren who lost those serving our fair country.
     
    Now you might ask me, why should we care about them? Is not today the day remember fallen heroes?
     
    And I would answer.
     
    Why shouldn't we remember them? Though their loved one paid a sacrifice to defending freedom, it is they who must live with it.
     
    So yes, honor and remember our fallen soldiers... but don't forget those who miss them more.
  22. Swert
    Even though I've seen it more than once before, it still saddens me to see the ending.
     
    I mean, dude. You want a heartwrenching tearjerker? Watch how Jason acted when he first suited up as Robin.
     
    Then look back at the intro.
     
    .... ;_; Man, I might need a hug now. And I'm usually well balanced emotionally.
  23. Swert
    Today was day one of Emerald City ComiCon. I didn't waste any time in this fac
     
     

    Click for OneDrive folder

    I had both 2001 Comic #1 and 2006 Comic #1 signed by their respective artists. Stuart Sayger is an amazing guy to meet, and I regretting not having other comics for him to sign so I could justify more time just talking and getting to learn more. I may consider commissioning art for BS01 from him down the line.'
     
    Carlos D'Anda was also very pleasant to meet, and I was in awe of his other works as well (if I had $300 in cash right there, I'd have gotten an official art sketch he did for Batman Arkham, but alas I'm stuck to $11 in my bank account right now.)
     
    One of the vendors on the fourth floor is selling custom figures, including (gasp) various Lantern Corps members, excepting Indigo Tribe and Star Sapphires. I picked up Green Lantern and White Lantern. I am sad I didn't have an extra $10 on me, or I'd have bought Blue Lantern as well.
     
    And finally, our SEALUG display is now its own floor, with the center attractions being an R2-D2 motorized full-size model, the city of Rivendell by Alice Finch (the same builder behind Hogwarts) and our Minecraft display I may have mentioned prior. If I didn't, we're building Minecraft for ECCC. It's done, by the way
     
    I'll be going back on Sunday. If you're going, I'll be at that Minecraft layout.
  24. Swert
    So, I'm toying with plenty of designs, what with HS01 now starting up and all.
     
    One of these is a business card design. I think I have it.
     
    Double-sided matte cards, printed off my printer, one side BS01, the other HS01. Two birds with one card. It'd be glorious.
     
    And yes, I have prototypes.
     

     

     
    They would be portait orientation style, not landscape. I'm still working out the details of the text.
     
    So, thoughts?
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