BLOCKBUSTER MEMORIES; LEGO FANS RECALL THEIR GREATEST CREATIONS.Build it, and they will come. Adults, kids and adults who wish they were still kids. Who knew the March 20 opening of Legoland in Carlsbad would rekindle re·kin·dle tr.v. re·kin·dled, re·kin·dling, re·kin·dles 1. To relight (a fire). 2. To revive or renew: rekindled an old interest in the sciences. all those fond childhood memories of turning fantastical ideas into plastic-block realities. Attendance was lower than expected on opening day because of a rainy forecast, but LEGO fans have begun to come see the sights and, well, play, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Legoland publicists. Here are a few Daily News readers who shared LEGO stories that still put a smile on their faces: Long live LEGO: John C. Weaver of Reseda made everything from spaceships to submarines with his toy blocks Toy blocks (also building bricks, or simply blocks), are wooden or plastic piece of various shapes (square, cylinder, arch, triangle, etc.) and colors that are used as building toys. Sometimes toy blocks depict letters of the alphabet. . ``One of my many creations was a city built next to a tower. This city had small-wheeled transports, a few cargo shuttles with detachable de·tach tr.v. de·tached, de·tach·ing, de·tach·es 1. To separate or unfasten; disconnect: detach a check from the checkbook; detach burs from one's coat. 2. hulls and one massive tower with a wheel that encircled en·cir·cle tr.v. en·cir·cled, en·cir·cling, en·cir·cles 1. To form a circle around; surround. See Synonyms at surround. 2. To move or go around completely; make a circuit of. it. In this wheel were more hangars that faced in four directions. Alas, the wonderful city now exists in pictures that were taken many years ago. ``The pieces show wear and tear, with cracks and teeth marks from pulling apart the pieces. A few were cannibalized into separate pieces that were used in many other creations. Tail rotors Noun 1. tail rotor - rotor consisting of a rotating airfoil on the tail of a single-rotor helicopter; keeps the helicopter from spinning in the direction opposite to the rotation of the main rotor anti-torque rotor were snipped apart so the tiny pieces could be used as laser cannons The laser cannon is a fictional light beam weapon mounted on starships in the Star Wars Universe. However, there are several derivatives: Laser cannon The laser cannon is the most common form of ship board weapon. for a massive starship that had a land tank cradled in the underbelly. The tank had a swivel gun The term swivel gun usually refers to a small cannon, mounted on a swiveling stand or fork which allows a very wide arc of movement. Another type of firearm referred to as a swivel gun was an early flintlock combination gun with two barrels that rotated along their axes to allow that raised and lowered. It was small, mean and tough. ``These days, the pieces reside in boxes, unused, but not forgotten. The dust settled on the cracks and crevices, giving them a feeling of their age. One day, they may be brought out again, to be used. The wonderful thing about LEGO is the feelings and the memories never die, (they're) just rebuilt into something grander or simpler. ``They remind me of the days of my youth, the days of flight of fancy, where a boy could build a fleet and save a universe, or mine the outer planets for minerals for Earth. ``I hope, one day, the multicolored bricks will be given to my children, with the express apology for their condition, for a young lad had played with them and had problems losing pieces no matter where he went. Still, they are a tool for our creativity and our youthful, adventurous spirits. Long may they stand the test of time, long after we are are gone.'' What goes up, must come down: Mike Kirwan of Venice had a decidedly destructive use for his LEGO bricks: ``When I was a kid, I had a lot of LEGOs, enough to build a tower about 5 feet high, using every piece, smallest ones at the top. ``Another item built was the Demolisher. A brick-sized vehicle, made as sturdy as possible. It would be rolled on its wheels, given a shove to propel it across the floor to the target. Targets were flimsily constructed LEGO vehicles, buildings, etc., which would usually be ... demolished.'' Confessions of a LEGO lover: Joshua Peltz, who wrote to us via e-mail, has never been weaned wean tr.v. weaned, wean·ing, weans 1. To accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling. 2. from the plastic blocks. ``I am a 21-year-old male who still to this day loves dumping out my LEGO bricks and just having fun. Of my years creating, I believe my creations of which I am most proud are a Klingon Bird of Prey bird of prey Any member of the order Falconiformes (eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures) or Strigiformes (owls). Falconiforms are also called raptors. They are active during the day, whereas owls are nocturnal. , complete with bridge, movable wings and cargo bay; the Star Wars shuttle Tyderium, and an 8-foot USN Arleigh Burke Arleigh Albert Burke (October 19, 1901–January 1, 1996) was an admiral of the United States Navy who distinguished himself during World War II and the Korean War, and who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration. class missile cruiser with a helicopter bay capable of holding two helicopters. ``One might think I have too much time on my hands, but as my friends will attest, it is more my having a `God complex' and love of creation than anything. ``As a note to parents whose children don't have LEGO blocks: Buy them some, please I guarantee that your children will sit (relatively) quietly for hours on end. And one more side note to the LEGO corporation: Thank you for years and years of fond memories.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Legoland designers have really gone to town with the hard plastic blocks, creating a city scene. |
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