Friday, September 30, 2011
Make LEGO Models, Not War: Hippie-Inspired VW Camper Van
Do you remember the 1960s? It was all about peace, love, Woodstock and a VW Camper van to go with the hippie and surfer culture -or so they say, as any of us under 50 have only heard stories or seen movies about the era.
LEGO's latest creation is harking back to that time. No, not the Woodstock festival or the anti-Vietnam riots, but the iconic 1962 VW T1 Camper, also nostalgically known as the “hippie van”.
The plastic brick van is as close to the original as possible with features like the V-shape color split at the front, the rounded roof and window frames and, of course, the opening front window and the pop-up roof.
LEGO designer John Henry Harris says: “Its unique character and charm have made it loved all over the world, which also means that it has become one of the most customizable vehicles ever produced."
“There’s lots of technical building within the model that I think LEGO fans will enjoy. I am also hoping that it will appeal to a wider audience. I think the VW community out there will really appreciate this model,” Harris added.
The toy company’s designers didn’t have an easy task creating the Camper. As they found out, despite its simple appearance, there were some challenging issues like the three curves at the front, but Harris is confident that LEGO has “managed to get everything right”.
“Everything” means details like the air-cooled flat-four at the back, the sink and the bench that folds down into a bed and the folding table, all of which are present in the model, along with a “Make LEGO models, not war” T-shirt at the window.
The LEGO T1 Camper van, complete with hippie colors, will go on sale on October 1.
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Lexus Presents Special Edition Version of 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h
For Lexus it's actually three new limited edition models based on the 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h, with the first two arriving in U.S. dealerships in November, and the third next month.
We'll start off with the 2012 LS 460 Special Edition that bundles all existing Sport package performance and appearance elements, plus a new interior package. Among other features, it gets 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned air suspension. The MRSP for the special LS is $77,000, not including an $875 delivery, processing and handling [DPH] fee.
Next in line is the 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition, which is priced at $40,475, plus an $875 DPH fee. It will be available in two colors, Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl, with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels in a Liquid Graphite finish, additional wood trim inside and saddle tan leather-trimmed seats.
Finally, Lexus' third model is the 2012 CT200h F Sport Special Edition. Offered in a choice of three colors, , Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl, it comes equipped with the F Sport package that includes 17-inch wheels, sport suspension and an aero kit, plus several other features such as the Navigation and Premium Audio packages. Pricing for the hybrid hatch is set at $37,995, not including a DPH fee of $875.
LS 460 Sport Special Edition
· Two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching on black leather trim
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Sport and Comfort Packages
o 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires
o Brembo brakes
o Sport-tuned air suspension with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
o Sport exterior trim and grille
o Sport front seats with climate control
o Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
o Headlamp washer
o Intuitive Parking Assist
o Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl wood trim
o One-touch open/close power trunk
o Power door closers
o Heated rear seats
o Rear power sunshade
ES 350 Touring Edition
· 17-inch 10-spoke wheels in Liquid Graphite finish with full-size spare wheel and tire
· Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
· Heated and ventilated front seats
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Saddle Tan leather-trimmed seats, center console lid and door armrest
· Brown Walnut wood trim
CT 200h F Sport Special Edition
· F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Silver finish
· F Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs
· Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats
· Black F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching
· TUMI tote and backpack both with F Sport embossed logo and Ocean Blue NuLuxe zippers and lining
· F Sport Package
o Unique front mesh grille
o Larger rear spoiler
o F Sport exterior badge
o Metal front scuff plates
o Aluminum sport pedals
o Metallic trim added to dash panel
o Perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F Sport logo
o Leather-trimmed shift knob
o Black headliner
· Navigation Package
· Premium Audio Package
9 Cool Beer Gadgets
Convert your desktop PC Into a beer dispenser! Cool! I want one of these!
Got no patience or short on time. This fun gadget is for you. The Tinchilla can chill a can of cola or beer 240 times faster than the average fridge, or in 60 seconds with the help of a little thermal conduction. The Tinchilla will suspend the can around ice and cold water and begin spinning the can. The ice and water inside will constantly be in contact with the can during spinning. After the process is complete crack the can open (it won’t spray because of the spinning, supposedly) and enjoy...cool! I want one of these too!
This cool little cooler might not hold the most beer of any other in town, but it’s likely the most convenient. You can have it filled with six cans of your favorite drink and call it over from 30-feet away with the remote. When it’s empty just send it back inside and have someone refill it for you. If you’re truly lazy, then we’re sure it will be a $70 well spent.
When you have a big, drunken weekend planned, you want to get to the fun as soon as possible. This USB beverage cooler will help get the party started even before you leave your desk on Friday…
When it comes to gadgets for your home office we can think of nothing better than this mini Pony Beer Kegerator desktop pub gadget which will remove the requirement to leave your home office for another yet another can – thereby tipping off the wife as to the quantity you’re drinking, at least until you order a replacement keg - by offering you your very own chilled beer supply on tap (if this isn’t a slice of heaven, tell me what is).
9. The Beer Tube
A beer tube is a fun tabletop gadget that uses gravity to dispense beer or other liquids faster than they would come out of a keg.