Back when I was a young child, this is what computers looked like. I was in high school before they started showing up at everyone’s house. The incredible thing is, that phone in your pocket probably has more computing power and storage than this entire room (or one that this room represents, let’s face it this one is full of plastic toys). A totally retro build by Jalex. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

The AFOL community lost one of its own last month, scale modeler and truck aficionado Ingmar Spijkhoven. Ingmar lost his brave battle with ALS on July 30th. I never had the pleasure to meet him, but we were friends on Facebook, and his passion was infectious. Builder Bricksonwheels built this wonderful tribute to him, sadly he passed before it was completed, but he did get to see some work in progress photos. The tanker trailer is Inmar’s design, being towed by a stunning new Peterbilt 389 tractor. While I love all the shiny chrome, eye-catching red color and scale accuracy, my favorite detail is the license plate. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

This little character by builder nobu_tary is clearly ready for some summer time fun, but I do have to question the timing. Summer ended here this week actually, just last Wednesday all the kids had to shlep their way to school again, and they weren’t smiling like this kid. A fun side note, this was the first “first day of school” that we haven’t had to scramble to get at least one child out of the house in 18 years, so I did have a smile on my face just like this kid. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

It was way back in season 1 of Stranger Things when we lost Barb, and the fans have wanted justice ever since. I keep secretly wishing they’ll bring her back, I know things didn't turn out so well for her, but it’s fantasy, some clever writing can do wonders. Builder Legopard took some cues from the official set and imagines the setting for Barb’s disappearance, and the results are awesome. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

Sometimes unconventional construction leads to spectacular results. Take this mosaic by builder Ultron32 for instance, a pretty large percentage of the parts used here are held in place by friction only. And while that may not be great for gravity on occasion, I think you’ll agree it’s pretty excellent for capturing a likeness. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

The creativity and ingenuity of the AFOL community never ceases to amaze me. Builder Dwalin Forkbeard has been building a series of space MOCs based on of all things viruses. This is his latest, based on tectiviridae, which is a DNA virus, those wonderful things responsible for such ailments as smallpox, herpes and chickenpox. To see a few other ships based on the microscopic contagion world click through to his photostream. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

Builder Orion Pax has a knack for turning LEGO VW Beetles into transforming Autobots, namely Bumblebee. Below we see his latest version, rooted in LEGO 10252, but below that (and dating back ten years!) is his rendition based on LEGO 10187. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

Here we see the species Anas platyrhynchos dives nimis in his natural habitat, the bank vault. While the origins of this species are well known (he’s from Disney) the origins of his fortune are shrouded in mystery. There are many rumors but we won’t speculate here. What we will do is tip our hat to Swan Dutchman for this outstanding rendition of him. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

Me and a friend of mine were talking about this guy at lunch a couple days ago. He’s reading The Making of Alien book (still need to get my copy) and the story of how Ridley Scott came to direct and how HR Giger landed the job of designer is interesting. It’s just one of those series of events in life that seem pretty uneventful in time, but when looking back, it was fate. And the result is one of the most iconic creatures ever to grace the screen, and make us scream. The version by Build Better Bricks will get your heart pumping too, and what’s even better is you can buy instructions for him and build your own!   The Making of Alien By J.W. Rinzler  Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

As this summer comes to a close for some of us more unfortunate people (I’m looking at you students), I think now is a good time to think about all the warm summer days we experienced in preparation for the season to drift by. This scene by Norton74 is perfect for this and it takes me on a journey to a place of fine sand wedged in toes and nice cold beverages chilling at our side. And I know all the purist out there are thinking something along the lines of “EEEEEK SAND!”, but let me tell you you’ve just gotta chill out dudes, hang ten, and all that jazz. Original linkOriginal author: Andrew E