Thursday, December 13, 2012

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 13th

Last Resort - 8:00 - ABC/Global - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Blue Water
Kendal and King lead a rescue attempt. Meanwhile, a Chinese diplomat proposes a deal to Chaplin.


The Big Bang Theory - 8:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 6 Episode 11
Episode Title: The Santa Simulation
A game of Dungeons & Dragons triggers Sheldon's memories of Christmases past, while Penny, Bernadette and Amy play matchmaker for Raj.

Thoughts from the Media Room: A little DandD! Nice!


Up All Night - 8:00 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: First Snow
Reagan and Chris want to show Amy snow, but their plan goes awry. Elsewhere, Scott helps Ava buy Christmas gifts on a budget.


The Vampire Diaries - 8:00 - The CW - Season 4 Episode 9
Episode Title: O Come, All Ye Faithful
A winter-theme party is held in Mystic Falls, but amidst the celebration chaos brews when Stefan and Caroline disagree with Tyler over his plans for Klaus and the hybrids. Meanwhile, Klaus makes a discovery that leads to violence; and Elena and Damon go to the Gilbert lake house to help Jeremy conquer some dangerous inner demons.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Spoiler Alert! Someone is going to die tonight.


Two and a Half Men - 8:30 - CBS/CTV - Season 10 Episode 11
Episode Title: Give Santa a Tail-Hole
Alan is alone for Christmas, while Walden continues to play his poorer alter ego.


Up All Night - 8:30 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: The Wedding
A flashback to Chris and Reagan's disastrous wedding, which featured big revelations from Ava and Scott.


Grey's Anatomy - 9:00 - ABC/CTV - Season 9 Episode 9
Episode Title: Run, Baby, Run
Bailey gets nervous as she prepares for her wedding, so Richard helps calm her down. Meanwhile, Lizzie clashes with Meredith; and Callie and Jackson attempt to persuade Derek to undergo a high-risk surgery to repair his hand.


Person of Interest - 9:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: Shadow Box
Reese's latest case becomes personal after he realizes that he's going after the sister of a soldier who was killed in action. Meanwhile, the FBI closes in on Reese.


Glee - 9:00 - FOX/Global - Season 4 Episode 10
Episode Title: Glee, Actually
Sam and Brittany try to live their lives to the fullest before the Mayan apocalypse; Jake and Puck spend Hanukkah together; Artie has a life-changing dream; and Kurt has a special Christmas. The episode is a tribute to the 2003 film "Love Actually."


Beauty and The Beast - 9:00 - The CW/Showcase Canada - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Bridesmaid Up!
Cat must search for a date for the wedding of her dad (Rob Stewart). Meanwhile, Tess and Joe share a romantic moment.


Scandal - 10:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 9
Episode Title: Blown Away
Olivia provides assistance to the vice president. Meanwhile, one of Olivia's staffers deals with a severe betrayal; and Cyrus uncovers the truth concerning James' mysterious investigation.


Elementary - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: The Leviathan
Holmes investigates when a supposedly unbreachable bank vault is broken into by thieves. Later, Sherlock meets Watson's family and defends her choice of becoming a sober companion.


Rock Center - 10:00 - NBC
Author Mary Pope Osborne; Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya; attorney Kym Worthy works to bring justice to crimes against women in Detroit; hot topics.

Thoughts from the Media Room: And just like that, not watching this anymore. Last week was interesting with Apple and Hobbit stories. This week? Nah.


Flashpoint - 10:00 - CTV - Season 5 Episode 13
Episode Title: Keep The Peace Part 2
Team One attempts to contain a radioactive threat with the help of firefighters, paramedics and the military.

Thoughts from the Media Room: EPIC!


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Apollo Live - BET
8:00 - Impact Wrestling - Spike
8:00 - Live from the Lincoln Centre - PBS
8:00 - The X-Factor -
9:00 - American Chopper - Discovery Channel Canada
9:00 - Project Runway - Life Network
9:00 - Take it All - NBC
9:00 - The First 48 - AandE
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Miami - Bravo USA
10:00 - Panic 9-1-1 - AandE
10:00 - American Chopper - Discovery Channel Canada
10:00 - Burn Notice - USA Network
10:00 - Covert Affairs - Showcase Canada
10:00 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - FX
10:00 - Jersey Shore - MTV
10:30 - The League - FX


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - The Road To Christmas - CHCH
9:00 - Big - Spark (ABC Family in Canada)


What's Playing on the CBC:
Christmas Specials All Night Long


What's on TLC:
9:00 - Top 10 Weddings of 2012


A Look a Late Night:
Late Show: Actor Jamie Foxx; TV host Julie Chen; DIIV performs.
Late Late Show: TV host Howie Mandel; actress Olivia Williams.
Kimmel: TV host Carson Daly; actor Zachary Knighton; Dan Deacon performs.
Tonight Show: Actor Hugh Jackman; tennis player Maria Sharapova; JD McPherson performs.
Late Night: Actor Martin Short; singer Billy Joel; professional wrestler John Cena; comic Neal Brennan.
Conan: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus; Ryan Adams


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Last Resort, The Big Bang Theory, The Vampire Diaries, X-Factor
8:30 -
9:00 - Person of Interest, Glee
9:30 -
10:00 - Flashpoint, Elementary, Scandal, Rock Center



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 12

The Middle - 8:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 4 Episode 10
Episode Title: Twenty Years
Frankie suspects that Mike has grown bored with her as their 20th wedding anniversary approaches. Meanwhile, Sue wants her brothers to help her throw a party for their parents; and Brick acts catatonic after Axl ruins the ending of a book for him.


Survivor: Philippines - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 25 Episode 13
Episode Title: Gouge My Eyes Out
A final-three deal is struck by some castaways while they are aboard a ship far from their fellow players.


Whitney - 8:00 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 4
Episode Title: Hello Giggles
Alex speaks at his alma mater but accidentally falls off the stage, eliciting a less-than-sympathetic response from Whitney. Elsewhere, R.J. teaches Mark how to impress a lady.


The X-Factor - 8:00 Two Hours - FOX/CTV - Season 2 Episode 26
Episode Title: Top Finalists Perform
Performances by the finalists are featured.


Arrow - 8:00/7:00 - The CW/CTV - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Year's End
Oliver throws a family Christmas party in an attempt to restore a sense of normalcy to the Queen household. Meanwhile, Tommy asks Laurel to spend the holiday with him, but she feels she needs to be with her father since Christmas was her late sister's birthday.


The Neighbors - 8:30 - ABC - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Juan of the Dead
Debbie and Marty explain the concept of death to the aliens after the Hidden Hills' longtime gardener dies, but Larry Bird isn't quite ready to accept it.

Modern Family - 9:00 - ABC - Season 4 Episode 10
Episode Title: Diamond in the Rough
Claire and Cameron try house flipping after they renovate an overgrown baseball field for Manny and Luke's playoff game, but Phil and Mitchell aren't buying their pitch. Meanwhile, Gloria uses a microphone to sing to her unborn baby.


Criminal Minds - 9:00 - CBS - Season 8 Episode 11
Episode Title: Perennials
A serial killer whose crimes closely match those of a murderer from 30 years ago is pursued. Meanwhile, the team learns that someone is tracking their cases and replicating crimes the unit is solving.


Take it All - 9:00 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 3
Contestants vie for lavish prizes in a high-stakes competition.


CSI - 10:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 13 Episode 10
Episode Title: Risky Business Class
Five people are killed in a small plane crash a mile off the Vegas Strip. Meanwhile, Sara begins to feel the strain of having a long-distance relationship with Grissom when one of her former lovers becomes involved in the investigation.


Chicago Fire - 10:00 - NBC/Global - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: It Ain't Easy
Jose Vargas is injured in a fire and forced to go on disability leave; Chief Boden counsels a suspected teenage arsonist; Severide gets a tempting invitation from a woman he once rescued from a car crash; Cruz tries to save his younger brother from gang involvement.


American Horror Story - 10:00 - FX - Season 2 Episode 9
Episode Title: The Coat Hanger
Lana uncovers evidence that can exonerate Kit.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - Ghost Hunters - SyFy
9:00 - Ice Road Truckers - History Channel Canada
9:30 - Barbara Walters: Most Interesting People 2012 - ABC
10:00 and 10:30 - Shipping Wars - AandE
10:00 and 10:30 - Deals from the Darkside - SyFy
10:00 - Hot in Cleveland - TvLand
10:00 - The Soup - E!
10:00 - Ice Pilots - History Channel Canada
10:00 - Top Chef - Bravo USA
10:30 - Happily Divorced - TvLand


Tonight on the CBC:
8:00 - Holiday Festival on Ice


Tonight on TLC:
8:00 - Toddlers and Tiaras: Most "Memorable" Moments
9:00 - Toddlers and Tiaras
10:00 - Jersey on Ice


Movies Worth Mentioning:
Nothing jumping out at me here.


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actor Billy Crystal; photographer James Balog; Grizzly Bear performs.
Late Late Show: Actor Chris O'Dowd; actress Beth Behrs.
Kimmel: Actor John Krasinski; actor Mike Birbiglia; Atlas Genius performs.
Tonight Show: Actor Albert Brooks; actress Kerry Washington; Willy Moon performs.
Late Night: Actress Naomi Watts; actor Hugh Bonneville; Florida Georgia Line performs.
Conan: Michael C. Hall; Charlyne Yi; Tommy Johnagin.


Whats Playing in My Media Room:
7:00 - Arrow
8:00 - Survivor, The X-Factor,
8:30 -
9:00 - Criminal Minds
9:30 -
10:00 - American Horror Story

Build Update...

Got quite a bit done on the ship done last night, finished way too late to get a post together.  It's looking really good. Almost done.  1 More section of the book.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 11th

NCIS - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 10 Episode 9
Episode Title: Devil's Trifecta
Gibbs teams up with FBI agent T.C. Fornell on a joint investigation when Fornell becomes the target of a shooting. The case gets more complicated when their mutual ex-wife, Diane, becomes involved. Meanwhile, rumors run rampant when Diane stays overnight at McGee's place.


The Voice - 8:00 - NBC/CTV - Season 3 Episode 30
Episode Title: Semi-Finals Results
Two artists are eliminated in a results show.


Raising Hope - 8:00 - Fox/CityTV - Season 3 Episode 10
Episode Title: Last Christmas
Virginia becomes an extreme couponer to stock up on supplies when she believes an apocalyptic prophecy from an ancient calendar, and encourages the family to get ready for the end of the world. Meanwhile, Jimmy wants to give Hope a memorable Christmas; and Maw Maw works on her "bucket list."


Hart of Dixie - 8:00 - The CW/CHCH - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: Blue Christmas
Zoe grows apprehensive about her mom visiting her for Christmas, so she throws herself into her work and unintentionally risks ruining the holidays for others. Meanwhile, Lavon tries to create a memorable week for Ruby; and George has trouble finding a gift for Tansy.


Happy Endings - 9:00 - ABC - Season 3 Episode 6
Episode Title: To Serb With Love
Jane and Alex's parents throw a big celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the family mattress business, and Jane agonizes over coming up with an amusing toast to spring on her humorless dad. Meanwhile, Alex tells Dave that her parents are unaware that they are once again bedfellows; and Max goes looking for a new BFF since Penny's tied up in her relationship with Pete.


NCIS:Los Angeles - 9:00 - CBS/Global - Season 4 Episode 9
Episode Title: The Gold Standard
The team investigates a heist executed by gunmen wearing costumes that could directly impact the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, Kensi isn't thrilled when Granger insists that she join him on a case.


Take It All - 9:00 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 2
Contestants vie for prizes in a high-stakes competition based on a holiday party game.


New Girl - 9:00 - FOX/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: Santa
While attending multiple holiday parties in one night, Jess tries to avoid Sam, Nick tries to keep up with his adventurous date and Winston gets a cranberry stuck in his ear.


Don'T Trust the B@#$% in Apartment 23 - 9:30 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 6
Episode Title: Bar Lies...
James makes his debut on "Dancing With the Stars" in Los Angeles. Back in New York, Chloe runs a scam in James' empty penthouse.


The Mindy Project - 9:30 - FOX/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: sh and Mindy's Christmas Party
Mindy throws a Christmas party at her apartment for her colleagues, who finally get to meet Josh, but no one is more surprised than Mindy when she learns her new boyfriend's secret. Meanwhile, Jeremy doesn't find much cheer in giving out holiday bonuses.


Private Practice - 10:00 - ABC/CITYTV - Season 6 Episode 9
Episode Title: I'm Fine
A new woman brings Sheldon joy, but the case of a girl missing from the hospital continues to weigh on him, and he begins to think that one of his patients is connected to the disappearance.


Vegas - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Masquerade
Katherine takes a special interest in the investigation into the rape and murder of a showgirl at the Stargazer Casino, while back at the Savoy, Savino lands an influential high roller and hopes his notoriety will convince other high-stakes gamblers to come out and play.


Parenthood - 10:00 - NBC - Season 4 Episode 11
Episode Title: What to My Wondering Eyes
Adam and Kristina have a health scare; Crosby and Jasmine celebrate their first Christmas together; Sarah feels torn between Mark and Hank; Amber and Ryan encounter obstacles; and Zeek tries to redeem a childhood hero.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - ABC
9:00 - Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition - Life Network
9:00 - Storage Wars - AandE
9:00 - Rizzoli and Isles - TNT
9:30 - Storage Wars - AandE
10:00 - Ink Master - Spike
10:00 - Criminal Minds - CTV - Wednesdays episode from CBS.
10:00 - Leverage - TNT
10:00 - Storage Wars Texas - AandE


What's on the CBC:
8:00 - 22 Minutes - One Hour Special
9:00 - CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival


Movies Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - Crazy for Christmas - CHCH
9:00 - Groundhog Day - MovieTime


What's on TLC:
9:00 - Little People Big World
10:00 - Four Houses: Deck the Halls


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actress Amanda Seyfried; ballerina Natalia Makarova; Mick Jagger and Keith Richards present the Top Ten List; AWOLNATION performs.
Late Late Show: Actress Betty White; actress Morena Baccarin; comic Dylan Moran.
Kimmel: Actress Leslie Mann; teddy bear Ted; Sarah Jaffe performs.
Tonight Show: Actor Ewan McGregor; actress Bailee Madison; Allen Stone performs.
Late Night: Actress Anne Hathaway; comic Robert Smigel; Macklemore & Ryan Lewis perform; Beres Hammond performs with The Roots.
Conan: Nick Offerman; Chris O'Dowd; Graham Parker & Rumour.


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Raising Hope,
8:30 -
9:00 - New Girl, Happy Endings
9:30 - The Mindy Project, Don't Trust the B
10:00 - Parenthood, Criminal Minds

Monday, December 10, 2012

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 10th


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - 8:00 Two Hours - ABC
Episode Title: Harris Family, Part 1
Part 1 of 2. The team help a veteran who was wounded in Iraq.


Episode Title: Harris Family, Part 2
Conclusion. The team help a veteran who was wounded in Iraq.


How I Met Your Mother - 8:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 8 Episode 10
Episode Title:The Over-Correction
Barney's developing relationship with Patrice leaves Robin questioning his motives, while Marshall's widowed mother gets back into the dating pool, but he thinks she may be swimming with a shark.


The Voice - 8:00 Two Hours - NBC/CTV - Season 3 Episode 29
Episode Title: Semi-Final Performances
The semifinal round begins with the Top 4 vocalists performing.


American Country Awards - 8:00 Two Hours - FOX
Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth host the third annual fan-voted event in Las Vegas. Performers include Jason Aldean; Lady Antebellum; Dierks Bentley; Luke Bryan; Little Big Town; Rascal Flatts; Kip Moore; and Jake Owen. Appearing: Lauren Alaina; Dustin Lynch; Miranda Lambert; Natasha Bedingfield; Ron White; and rodeo champion Trevor Brazile.


90210 - 8:00 - The CW - Season 5 Episode 9
Episode Title:The Things We Do for Love
Alec has a business proposal for Max; Naomi comes up with a plan to get Bryce to hire Max again; Annie offers Liam money to help trap his blackmailer; Adrianna spots Vanessa at the beauty salon, leading Ashley to jump to conclusions; and Teddy refuses to sign over his parental rights, leaving Silver distraught.


2 Broke Girls - 9:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: And the Big Opening
Max and Caroline host a grand-opening celebration at their cupcake shop, and Max invites her former flames so she can show off her success.


Gossip Girl - 9:00 - The CW/Much Music - Season 6 Episode 8
Episode Title: The Revengers
Blair's encounter with Bart leaves her worried about Chuck, so she sets out to help him and recruits some assistance. Meanwhile, Chuck enters into a potentially life-altering agreement; and Nate's financial woes put him in unfamiliar territory.


2 Broke Girls - 9:30 - CBS/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: And the Silent Partner
Max offers to make Sophie a silent partner in the cupcake shop, but Sophie and Caroline have very different visions for the company.


Hawaii Five-0 - CBS/Global - Season 3 Episode 9
Episode Title: Huaka'i Kula (Field Trip)
A camping trip turns deadly when an armed man takes McGarrett and a girl hostage. Meanwhile, Adam introduces Kono to his dangerous brother who was recently released from prison.


Michael Buble: Home For The Holidays - 10:00 - NBC/CityTV
Michael Bublé presides over a holiday songfest featuring guests Rod Stewart, Blake Shelton and Carly Rae Jepsen. Songs include "Jingle Bell Rock," "Let It Snow," "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "Winter Wonderland."


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Basketball Wives LA - VH1
8:00 - Emily Owens M.D. - Much Music
8:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Bravo USA
8:30 - Happy Endings - CityTV
9:00 - American Pickers - History Channel USA
9:00 - Falling Skies - Space Canada
9:00 - Hoarders - AandE
9:00 - Parenthood - Global Canada
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Bravo USA
9:00 - Russell Peters Christmas - CTV
9:00 - White Collar - Bravo Canada
10:00 - Intervention - AandE
10:00 and 10:30 - Pawn Stars - History Channel USA
10:00 - Primeval: New World - Space Canada
10:00 - White Collar - Bravo Canada
10:00 - Teen Mom 2 - MTV



Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - CHCH
9:00 - Major League - GameTV


Tonight on the CBC:
8:00 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:30 - Frosty The Snowman
9:00 - The Murdoch Mysteries


Tonight on TLC:
9:00 - Cake Boss: Next Great Baker
10:00 and 10:30 - Cake Boss


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actress Anne Hathaway; actor Jake Johnson; Top Ten List presented by the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner; the U.S. Marine Corps Band performs.
Late Late Show: Actress Kristen Stewart; author Sloane Crosley; ventriloquist Terry Fator performs.
Kimmel: Actor Ted Danson; actress Emilia Clarke; Larry Gee performs.
Tonight Show: Actor Matt Damon; actor Chris Pratt; Of Monsters and Men perform.
Late Night: Actress Laura Linney; comic Dave Attell; Solange performs; Chuck Leavell performs with The Roots.
Conan: Seth MacFarlane; Retta; Jack White


What's Playing in My Media Room Tonight:
8:00 - How I Met Your Mother
8:30 -
9:00 - 2 Broke Girls, Parenthood
9:30 - 2 Broke Girls
10:00 -
10:30 -

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Mega Bloks - Halo - Forward Unto Dawn - Build Day Five

After taking a few days off because my back was quite sore from the build.  I also was growing frustrated looking for parts the last time I built and needed a few days off from it all.  So today, I sat down around noon and was all ready for an epic day of building.

First off, WE'VE GOT ENGINES!!



Another cool feature, yes that's all lit up.


Next up, had to lay Master Chief in his chamber so he's already to go.



After the Chief and the Chamber were installed, I can with great joy say that I'm finished SECTION ONE! Now on to Section Two.



As you can see, section two is mainly about the roof structure on the first half of the ship.

Before we get to the roof, there is some detail work that needed to be done along the sides of the ship.

Sorting these little pieces took forever. Like an hour forever.



Let's get started on the roof.

Here are some of the roof sections before they're about to go on.




These three pieces will attach to the main section of the roof.




Let's take a look at what that looks like.



 Let's get this piece on the ship and see what it looks like already! It took long enough to build.






I also added the wing pieces, wanted to surprise you with that addition.  The ship is starting to look pretty bad-ass.

Let's build some more roof for the front of this section of ship.




Let's get that on there!






And with that Section 2 has been completed and I've only got 40 pages of the Instruction Novel to finish.

Today I got through a whopping 34 PAGES!! With involved 869 PIECES! Almost doubling what I'd done in the 4 previous sessions.  So I'm 53 Pages into it and so far this piece has 1723 pieces in there.  When you pick it up, it's very solid and it's starting to get some real weight to it.

Today was a long one and after about 8 hours building today I've left myself quite stiff and sore.  Time for some Amazing Race.

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 9th

The Amazing Race - 8:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 21 Episode 11
Episode Title: Take Down That Million
The final four teams race through France and then fly to New York City, where they face a Houdini-inspired challenge before running to the finish line to claim the $1 million top prize.


The Simpsons - 8:00 - FOX/Global - Season 24 Episode 7
Episode Title: The Day the Earth Stood Cool
Wanting to cultivate a cooler image, Homer starts hanging out with his hip new neighbors from Portland, Ore., but Marge has some problems with their modern child-rearing methods and Bart catches on that their son, T-Rex, is a little monster.


Bob's Burgers - 8:30 - FOX/Global - Season 3 Episode 9
Episode Title: The Unbearable Like-Likeness of Gene
Gene gets his first girlfriend, but it doesn't take long for the family to realize that she is incredibly annoying and they pressure him to break up with her. When Gene finally decides to end things, he discovers that her father is a songwriter and could be instrumental to launching his music career.


Family Guy - 9:00 One Hour - FOX/Global - Season 11 Episode 8
Episode Title: Friends Without Benefits
Meg finally screws up the courage to ask out her crush, Kent, who unfortunately for her, turns out to be gay. But when she learns he's taken a liking to Chris, Meg uses her brother to ingratiate herself with Kent.


Dexter - 9:00 - HBO - Season 7 Episode 11
Episode Title: Do You See What I See?
It's Christmastime, and Debra learns it may be better to receive when she gets a tip from Hannah's father, one that could lead to incriminating Dexter in a crime. Meanwhile, Dexter discovers that the man behind his mother's death has been released from prison.


American Dad - 9:30 - FOX/Global - Season 8 Episode 6
Episode Title: Adventures in Hayleysitting
The babysitter must cancel on the Smiths, so Stan and Francine reluctantly leave Steve with the legendarily irresponsible Hayley. Later, after Hayley gives Steve a hard time about being such a straight arrow, he sets out to prove her wrong by sneaking off to attend a party with the cool kids.


The Mentalist - 10:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 5 Episode 10
Episode Title: Panama Red
The CSI team investigate a young botanist's murder and find a connection in the medical-marijuana subculture. Meanwhile, Cho's work with the rapid-response team puts him back in Summer's orbit.


Homeland - 10:00 - Showtime/Superchannel Canada - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: In Memoriam
Carrie's hunt for Nazir continues, but she suspects something's amiss inside the Agency, while interrogation reveals Roya's true colors. Meanwhile, unexpected circumstances put Saul's career in jeopardy.



Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Disney Prep and Landing - ABC
8:00 - The Mistle-Tones - ABCFamily
8:30 - Prep and Landing: Naughty Vs. Nice - ABC
9:00 - All About Christmas Eve - Life Network
9:00 - Ax Men - History Channel US
9:00 - Christmas With Holly - ABC
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Atlanta - Bravo USA
10:00 - Shahs of Sunset - Bravo USA


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Home Alone - CBC
8:00 - Charlie and The Chocolate Factory(2005 Version) - CityTV
8:00 - The Core - CHCH
10:00 - Elf - Showcase Canada
10:00 - Terminator 2 - Space Canada


What's Playing on the CBC:
8:00 - Home Alone


What's on TLC:
9:00 - Sister Wives
10:00 - Sin City Rules


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Amazing Race
8:30 -
9:00 - Dexter
9:30 -
10:00 - Homeland

Thursday, December 6, 2012

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 6th

Last Resort - 8:00 - ABC/Global - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Cinderella Liberty
The crew members are visited by their families. Later, the reason for the nuclear strike in Pakistan is revealed.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I haven't watched this in a few weeks, but this week's episode has me interested again. I'm still pissed that this one has been canned.


The Big Bang Theory - 8:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 6 Episode 10
Episode Title: e Fish Guts Displacement
Amy takes ill and Sheldon becomes her nursemaid, while Wolowitz takes a fishing trip in order to bond with his father-in-law.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Soooo, what happened with Penny telling Leonard that she loved him after weeks of doubts on the show? What also happened with Sheldon's assistant that was flirting with Leonard?


30 Rock - 8:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 7 Episode 8
Episode Title: My Whole Life Is Thunder
Jenna is angry at Liz for getting married; Jack orchestrates an intricate plot to avoid disappointing his mother; and Tracy joins forces with a TV luminary to lift Kenneth's spirits.


The X-Factor - 8:00 - FOX - Season 2 Episode 25
Episode Title: Live Results
An elimination show.


The Vampire Diaries - 8:00 - The CW - Season 4 Episode 8
Episode Title: We'll Always Have Bourbon Street
Stefan and Damon visit New Orleans and recall their last trip there in 1942. While there, Damon runs into one of his former flames. Meanwhile, Elena, Caroline and Bonnie share a fun evening together, until Elena reveals some shocking news.


Two and a Half Men - 8:30 - CBS/CTV - Season 10 Episode 10
Episode Title: One Nut Johnson
Alan helps Walden develop an alias to find a woman who doesn't just love him for his money.


Up All Night - 8:30 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 7
Episode Title: I Can't Quit You
Reagan spends time with Scott's ex-wife but has to keep their renewed friendship a secret. Elsewhere, Ava tries to make a positive impact on people's lives after an auction item from her show is cashed in; and Chris handles stress by smoking.


Grey's Anatomy - 9:00 - ABC/CTV - Season 9 Episode 8
Episode Title: Love Turns You Upside Down
Meredith wants Heather to help repair Derek's hand, even if it requires pushing the limits. Meanwhile, Cristina encourages her interns to get competitive with each other; Alex sees a different side of Jo; and Shane learns an important lesson from April.


Person of Interest - 9:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 9
Episode Title: C. O. D.
Finch and Reese must decide how to deal with a cab driver's passengers after his number comes up.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Another very interesting episode, I must give the writers credit, this show could have easily gotten very boring. But they've kept it going, in fact I'd say each week it gets better, nice mix of the conspiracy plot along with the "story of the week"


The Office - 9:00 - NBC - Season 9 Episode 9
Episode Title: Dwight Christmas
When the office holiday party fizzles, Dwight throws a traditional Schrute German Christmas. Meanwhile, Darryl suspects that Jim has forgotten to include him in a new job opportunity in Philadelphia, and Pete teaches Erin about the film "Die Hard."


Glee - 9:00 - FOX/Global - Season 4 Episode 9
Episode Title: Swan Song
Finn thinks about his future with the glee club after Sectionals are over. Elsewhere, Rachel gets ready for NYADA's winter showcase; and Kurt gets a second chance at an audition.


Beauty and The Beast - 9:00 - The CW/Showcase Canada - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Trapped
Cat and Tess investigate the attempted murder of a pop star. Meanwhile, Vincent recalls portions of his past.


Parks and Recreation - 9:30/8:30 - NBC/CityTV - Season 5 Episode 9
Episode Title: Ron and Diane
Ron's new girlfriend, Diane, meets his ex-wife Tammy Two when they all attend a woodworking-awards dinner. At the same time, Jerry throws a holiday party and not everyone is invited.


Scandal - 10:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 8
Episode Title: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Olivia returns to working at the White House in the wake of a national tragedy. Meanwhile, the early days of Fitz's presidency are recalled.


Elementary - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: You Do It to Yourself
Holmes investigates a college professor's murder. Meanwhile, Watson gets a call from a former lover who asks for her help.


Rock Center - 10:00 - NBC
Apple CEO Jim Cook; director Peter Jackson; end of life medical system.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Hey look, another episode of Rock Center that people might actually watch.


Flashpoint - 10:00 - CTV - Season 5 Episode 12
Episode Title: Keep The Peace Part 1
A series of bombs tears the city apart, as Team One attempts high-risk rescues.

Thoughts from the Media Room: It makes me sad this one is ending, this has been its best season by far. I'm guessing tears will be flying for this two parter that will conclude next week.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Apollo Live - BET
8:00 - Impact Wrestling - Spike
9:00 - American Chopper - Discovery Channel Canada
9:00 - In Vogue: The Editor's Eye - HBO
9:00 - Project Runway - Life Network
9:00 - The First 48 - AandE
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Miami - Bravo USA
10:00 - Panic 9-1-1 - AandE
10:00 - Burn Notice - USA Network
10:00 - Covert Affairs - Showcase Canada
10:00 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - FX
10:00 - Jersey Shore - MTV
10:00 - Moonshiners - Discovery Channel Canada
10:30 - The League - FX


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Two Weeks Notice - CHCH
8:00 - McGruber - Much Music
9:00 - Swingers - GameTV


What's Playing on the CBC:
8:00 - The Nature of Things
9:00 - Doc Zone


What's on TLC:
9:00 - Four Weddings


A Look a Late Night:
Late Show: Actor Bill Murray; Vintage Trouble performs.
Late Late Show: Actor Denis Leary; Richie Sambora performs.
Kimmel: Repeat.
Tonight Show: TV host Bill O'Reilly; actress Krysten Ritter; Paloma Faith performs.
Late Night: Actor Tom Selleck; entrepreneur Richard Branson; Tanlines perform.
Conan: Ty Burrell; W. Kambui Bell; The Gaslight Anthem.
Colbert: Peter Jackson.


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Last Resort, The Big Bang Theory, The Vampire Diaries, X-Factor
8:30 -
9:00 - The Office, Person of Interest, Glee
9:30 - Parks and Recreation
10:00 - Flashpoint, Elementary, Scandal, Rock Center

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Mega Bloks - Halo - Forward Unto Dawn - Build Day Four

So tonight we got home at a pretty good time, only 7:00 tonight.  So I was able to get a good jump on the build, but after I was finished and I was counting up what I had done, it wasn't many bricks sadly.

Tonight's focus was on the base of the ship, rounding it off some and building up some bases for it.


As you might be able to tell in the background tonight was the Sons of Anarchy finale, holy crap.  What an ending to a season once again.  That Otto scene. Wow.  Sutter really knows how to wrap up a season and leaving us wanting it to be September again.


As you can see, we're really starting to give the ship some shape at this point.


Tada! We've now got some display pieces for the ship to sit on. Beautiful.

One of the last things I got put on tonight was the tag iding the ship.


You might be able to tell from this last picture of the little bit of roof work that was done tonight.  Doesn't seem like huge amounts of change tonight compared to working with all the little detail pieces of last night.

Tonight's math is as follows: 7 more pages were completed but sadly only another 223 pieces were added to the piece. That brings us up to 19 pages completed and 854 pieces.  Still have another 2000 pieces to go on this bad boy.

I've also now realized that I need to grab me a Lego MiniFigure from my case and use that in the pictures so you can get a good idea of scale.  That'll be for tomorrow's post.

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 5th

The Middle - 8:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 4 Episode 9
Episode Title: Christmas Help
Frankie wants a part-time job at a department store so she can get a discount on Christmas presents. Meanwhile, Mike's brother stashes stolen furniture in the Hecks' garage, which Axl transforms into a bachelor pad; and Brick is cast in a holiday play at church.


Survivor: Philippines - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 25 Episode 12
Episode Title: Shot Into Smithereens
Family members visit the castaways and take part in a reward challenge.


Whitney - 8:00 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 3
Episode Title: Sex, Lies, and Alibis
Alex and Whitney decide to admit to past lies they've told each other; Lily discloses too much information about Whitney's past; Mark hires a new bartender who draws lusty attention from Roxanne and Lily.


The X-Factor - 8:00 Two Hours - FOX/CTV - Season 2 Episode 24
Episode Title: Top Finalists Perform
Performances by the finalists are featured.


Arrow - 8:00/7:00 - The CW/CTV - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Vendetta
Oliver trains the Huntress to be his ally, but Diggle disapproves and believes she can't be trusted. Later, Helena's thirst for revenge leads her to kill the head of the Triad.


The Neighbors - 8:30 - ABC - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Merry Crap-Mas
Debbie and Marty ask the Bird-Kersees to hide the Christmas presents they bought for Amber, Max and Abby, but decide to return the gifts and purchase a family vacation instead after hearing the Weaver kids' off-putting attitude toward the holiday. But there's one problem: Larry Bird opened one of the packages, and the other aliens followed suit, leaving the Weavers with no presents or money for the trip.


Guys With Kids - 8:30/9:30 - NBC/Global - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Christmas
Gary and Marny try to spice up their relationship with help from Nick and Emily. Meanwhile, Chris and Sheila can't agree on who should keep their engagement ring.


Criminal Minds - 9:00 - CBS - Season 8 Episode 10
Episode Title: The Lesson
A ritualistic killer is hunted after male bodies are found that have been physically altered. Meanwhile, Reid gets anxious at the prospect of meeting his mystery woman.


Law and Order:SVU - 9:00 - NBC - Season 14 Episode 9
Episode Title: Dreams Deferred
The detectives help the FBI by working with a prostitute from one of their old cases, hoping her link to a man on a killing rampage will prove useful.


Supernatural - 9:00 - The CW/CHCH - Season 8 Episode 9
Episode Title: Citizen Fang
Dean comes to Benny's defense when it appears that a vampire is responsible for some deaths.


Suburgatory - 9:30/8:30 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 7
Episode Title: Krampus
George grants Tessa's wish to spend Christmas in New York City with her mother, but it's one she begins to regret coming true. Meanwhile, Ryan finds out he was adopted, turning the Shay house upside down; and Dalia's Christmas list includes Carmen.


Nashville - 10:00 - ABC - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Where He Leads Me
Rayna examines her priorities after listening to Teddy explain his situation with Peggy. Elsewhere, Juliette enjoys the bond she's forming with Sean's family; Gunnar makes a confession to Scarlett; and Avery and Deacon get terrific career opportunities.


Chicago Fire - 10:00/9:00 - NBC/Global - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Leaving the Station
Peter begins to have doubts about his future as a firefighter after he comes across a young victim's body at the site of a train accident. Elsewhere, Dawson and Shay deal with an abusive mother; Severide saves a heart-attack victim, aggravating his own injury in the process; and Shay sends Clarice back to her husband.


American Horror Story - 10:00 - FX - Season 2 Episode 8
Episode Title: Unholy Night
A person dressed as Santa Claus stirs trouble at Briarcliff; Arden has a surprising encounter.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - Ghost Hunters - SyFy
9:00 - Ice Road Truckers - History Channel Canada
9:00 and 9:30 - The Houstons - Life Network
10:00 - Couples Theropy - VH1
10:00 and 10:30 - Duck Dynasty - AandE
10:00 - Grammy Award Nominations Concert - CBS
10:00 - Hot in Cleveland - TvLand
10:00 - Michael Buble Christmas - CTV
10:00 - The Soup - E!
10:00 - Ice Pilots - History Channel Canada
10:00 - Top Chef - Bravo USA
10:30 - Happily Divorced - TvLand


Tonight on the CBC:
8:00 - Dragons' Den
9:00 - Titanic Blood and Steel


Tonight on TLC:
9:00 - 600 Pound Mom
10:00 - Neat Freaks


Movies Worth Mentioning:
Nothing jumping out at me here.


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actor Albert Brooks; Diana Krall performs.
Late Late Show: Actress Cheryl Hines; radio host Peter Sagal; Richie Sambora performs.
Kimmel: Repeat
Tonight Show: Actor Don Johnson; animal handler Julie Scardina; Darius Rucker performs.
Late Night: Actor Tracy Morgan; comic Richard Lewis; chef Tyler Florence; Robert Cray performs with The Roots.
Conan: Jim Parsons; Jennifer Carpenter; Delta Spirit.

Whats Playing in My Media Room:
7:00 - Arrow
8:00 - Survivor, The X-Factor, Dragons' Den
8:30 - Guys with Kids
9:00 - Criminal Minds
9:30 -
10:00 - Nashville, American Horror Story


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Mega Bloks - Halo - Forward Unto Dawn - Build Day Three

So, I'm back at it again tonight, a bit later than I had hoped because Mrs. Media Room wanted to work super late tonight so I was starting about 2 hours behind.

For those that might be new to this page, you can check out Day Two and Day One.

So, dinner has been enjoyed and put away, let's get started on Day Three!


Tonight I tried a different strategy when pulling the bricks from the bags and that really speeds up the build process.  Instead of prepping the bricks one step at a time.  I'd look at both pages in front of me like above and pull all the bricks per step in one go.  Saves super amounts of time digging through the same bags four and five times per double set of pages.


This strategy works very very well.  I think I would only do it for this kit because using it for other kits would make the build go way too quickly and with a kit of 2900 pieces digging through bags time after time can get a bit frustrating at times.

Tonight I was working with A LOT of smaller pieces as I was building the control room panels and it would have taken forever using the step by step method.

Here we have the control panels assembled and ready to be put into the ship.



And here they are in the ship, nice bit of detail work there.  Nice to work on something other than building up the walls of the first half of the ship here.



Here is a shot of the build at the end of my building night.


As you can see from this shot we're finally starting to get some nice high on this piece of the ship.



After about 3 hours and a very very sore back, it was time to clean up and put my toys away for the night.


Now time for the math portion of the post.

Tonight 5 pages were completed for another 275 pieces bringing me to 12 pages and 631 pieces total, which is about 20 percent of the project so far.

See you tomorrow with another update.

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 4th

Shark Tank - 8:00 - ABC - Season 4 Episode 11
Episode Title:
Country singer-songwriter John Rich appears during an update on a Season 3 invention for guitars. Among the products being pitched: a rent-a-live-Christmas-tree service; gluten-free fudge; and a fashion accessory that doubles as a cell-phone holder. Also: two Los Angeles moms who want to franchise their idea for a play-and-party space.


The Voice - 8:00 - NBC/CTV - Season 3 Episode 28
Episode Title: Live Results Show
Two singers are cut in a results edition.


Raising Hope - 8:00 - Fox/CityTV - Season 3 Episode 9
Episode Title: Squeak Means Squeak
Jimmy complains that Sabrina never does any of the difficult parenting work with Hope, but she seizes an opportunity when Jimmy and Barney join Natesville's auxiliary police force for the day. Meanwhile, Virginia and Burt try to catch a squirrel that's been bullying the other squirrels on the block.


Hart of Dixie - 8:00 - The CW/CHCH - Season 2 Episode 9
Episode Title: Sparks Fly
The town holds a charity auction in which the women bid on the men's picnic baskets, and Zoe faces surprising competition for Wade's basket. Meanwhile, Lemon suppresses her true feelings when she wins Lavon's basket; and George tries to entice Tansy with his basket.


Ben and Kate - 8:30 - FOX/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: The Trip
Kate and Will go on a camping trip together, but their romantic getaway is interrupted by some unwelcome guests. Meanwhile, BJ tries to help Tommy get over his feelings for Kate.


Happy Endings - 9:00 - ABC - Season 3 Episode 5
Episode Title: P & P Romance Factory
Penny feels that a post-concussion prescription helmet she is wearing is going to head off any chance for romance with a great guy that she's met. Meanwhile, Jane's efforts to break into the "boys club" at the car dealership hit a speed bump, so she turns to "trophy wife" Brad for help; and Max and Dave have fist-bump issues that tap into uncomfortable childhood memories.


Go On - 9:00 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: The gang throws a holiday party, but the bash falls on the same day Mr. K believes the world will end. Meanwhile, Anne tags along on Ryan's annual getaway to wine country, and Lauren fears her boyfriend will propose to her.


New Girl - 9:00 - FOX/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: Bathtub
Jess and Winston want to get a bathtub for the loft; Nick encounters a beautiful customer at the bar; Schmidt must decide between his boss and Cece.


Emily Owens M.D. - 9:00 - The CW/CTV2 - Season 1 Episode 7
Episode Title: Emily and...the Good and the Bad
A beloved flower-delivery man collapses, but he is reluctant to get treatment. Meanwhile, Emily and Will are assigned to help a sick prisoner, but they find it difficult to remain professional and not let his crimes cloud their judgment.


Don'T Trust the B@#$% in Apartment 23 - 9:30 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 5
Episode Title: Whatever It Takes...
June is faced with a tough moral dilemma when she is offered a dream job. Unfortunately, the opportunity comes with some very difficult strings attached. Meanwhile, James is frustrated when he is paired with the worst dancer on "Dancing With the Stars."


The New Normal - 9:30 - NBC/CTV - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Baby Proofing
A baby proofer is hired to improve home safety, but she creates divisions between David and Bryan. Elsewhere, the gang decorate the Christmas tree and it's discovered that eggnog makes Jane a pleasant person; Bryan and Jane attend a Hollywood bash.


The Mindy Project - 9:30 - FOX/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Two to One
Mindy leaves to be her own boss when she feels disrespected by Danny and Jeremy. Meanwhile, Shulman's practice gets competition from midwives who are poaching patients.


Private Practice - 10:00 - ABC/CITYTV - Season 6 Episode 8
Episode Title: Life Support
Cooper and Charlotte have a terrible fight, unintentionally endangering their unborn triplets. Elsewhere, Violet provides comfort to a friend who must decide whether to remove her partner from life support.


Parenthood - 10:00 - NBC - Season 4 Episode 10
Episode Title: Trouble in Candyland
Mark grows more frustrated by Sarah's relationship with Hank, whom she's helping to mend fences with his family; Julia worries about Victor's frustration with school; Joel gives Ryan a job despite his inexperience; and Crosby and Adam fight to save the Luncheonette while also recording an album for Glen Hansard.


Sons of Anarchy - 10:00 90 Minutes - FX/Superchannel 2 Canada - Season 5 Episode 11
Episode Title: J'ai Obtenu Cette (I Got This)
Jax makes a deal and rids himself of old problems in the fifth-season finale.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - CBS
9:00 - Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition - Life Network
9:00 - Anger Management - CTV
9:00 - Start-Ups: Silicon Valley - Bravo USA
9:00 - Storage Wars - AandE
9:00 - Rizzoli and Isles - TNT
9:30 - Teen Mom2 Aftershow - MTV
10:00 - Ink Master - Spike
10:00 - Criminal Minds - CTV - Wednesdays episode from CBS.
10:00 - Leverage - TNT
10:00 - Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - CBS
10:00 - Tosh.O - Comedy Channel
10:30 - Workaholics - Comedy Channel Canada
10:30 - Viral Video - Space Canada
11:00 - Tattoo Nightmares - Spike

What's on the CBC:
8:00 - Rick Mercer
8:30 - 22 Minutes
9:00 - CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Global
9:00 - The Rhino Brothers - CHCH
10:00 - Death Race - Showcase Canada


What's on TLC:
9:00 - Little People Big World
10:00 and 10:30 - Extreme Couponing


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Matt Damon; actor Martin Freeman; J.D. McPherson performs.
Late Late Show: Reba McEntire; comic Keegan-Michael Key; Richie Sambora performs.
Kimmel: Repeat - Letterman, Vampire Weekend.
Tonight Show: Reality-TV personality Khloé Kardashian Odom; comic Adam Carolla; Matisyahu performs.
Late Night: TV host Michael Strahan; Bonnie Raitt performs.
Conan: Amy Poehler; Kevin Pollak; Ke$ha.

R.A. Dickey is on Jon Stewart tonight, I wonder if he says anything about trading to the Jays ;)


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Raising Hope, Mercer, Sharktank
8:30 - Ben and Kate
9:00 - New Girl, Happy Endings
9:30 - The Mindy Project, Don't Trust the B
10:00 - Parenthood, Sons of Anarchy

Monday, December 3, 2012

Mega Bloks - Halo - Forward Unto Dawn - Build Day Two

After what felt like a super long day at the office, which is weird because usually Mondays at my place are crazy because we've had a weekend of requests build up that are awaiting action.  So, it was super long and Mrs. Media Room wanted to work late and since we carpool it delayed the build process a bit tonight.

So I was finally able to get the table cleared and filled back up with boxes and the such ready to continue on with this massive build.


Tonight the build was starting to slow down a bit because there was several steps that required finding tiny pieces in the 40+ bags that are included in the kit.  Here is another shot before the table really became chaotic with bags everywhere.


A bit further along now and from this shot you can really see just how big the instruction novel is for this bad boy.


Like I said, tonight moved slowly, a lot of "Oh COME ON! WHERE ARE YOU!" and I worked on the build for almost 2 hours. Turns out I only got 3 more pages into the novel for another 146 pieces added on to the one half of the ship.  The brings the two day total up to, 7 pages and a whopping 375 pieces.  Feels like I've been working on this for around 5 hours, prolly closer to 6 at this point.  Took me a while to figure out what bags contained what types of pieces so the search is moving a bit faster at this point. A bit, not much.  Normally on a build I'd sort out pieces into glasses, bowls whatever I can find laying around in the kitchen.  Of course those builds are only a few days.  This one is going to take a few weeks at this pace.

A few more close up shots of the ship so far.




I didn't realize just how blurry that last picture was.  I flipped through the novel after cleaning up a bit and I realize I've still got about 100 pages to go and another 2502 pieces to find and attach to this thing.  At this rate I should be done just in time for Christmas.  That's time well invested and spent on this challenging hobby of mine.

What's Playing in the Media Room - December 3rd


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - 8:00 Two Hours - ABC
Episode Title: Zdroj Family, Part 1
Part 1 of 2. The team travels to Texas to help the family of a volunteer firefighter who lost their house to a wildfire.


Episode Title: Zdroj Family, Part 2
Conclusion. The team travels to Texas to help the family of a volunteer firefighter who lost their house to a wildfire.


How I Met Your Mother - 8:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 8 Episode 9
Episode Title: Lobster Crawl
A determined Robin contemplates one last fling with Barney and devises a scheme to entice him into an assignation. Meanwhile, Ted steps in as Marvin's nanny, and Marshall and Lily realize there's a definite motive behind the move.


The Voice - 8:00 Two Hours - NBC/CTV - Season 3 Episode 27
Episode Title: Live Top 6 Performances
The Top 6 vocalists perform.


Bones - 8:00 - FOX/Global - Season 7 Episode 9
Episode Title:The Ghost in the Machine
A psychic joins the investigation of the death of a little boy whose soul is believed to be still alive, prompting the team members to reflect on their beliefs of life after death.


90210 - 8:00 - The CW - Season 5 Episode 8
Episode Title: 902-100
Naomi plans a lingerie show at the Playboy Mansion to impress the West Beverly alumni group; Silver surprises partygoers with a burlesque performance; Liam tells Annie about Vanessa's accident and the blackmail threats, and later offers Navid a management job at the Offshore; and Dixon uncovers information about Adrianna.


2 Broke Girls - 9:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 9
Episode Title: And the New Boss
Max and Caroline hire an intern to help get their cupcake shop ready to open, but Max experiences trouble in her new managerial role.


The Mob Doctor - 9:00 - FOX - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Fluid Dynamics
When notorious thief Russell King comes to Chicago for a major heist, Franco refers him to Grace, who discovers that his back pain is serious enough for surgery. Meanwhile, Constantine is more interested in what King is up to in his territory.


Gossip Girl - 9:00 - The CW/Much Music - Season 6 Episode 8
Episode Title: It's Really Complicated
Serena and Dan host a Thanksgiving dinner for their friends. Meanwhile, Blair tries to help a dispirited Chuck, who feels unsuccessful in the war against his father; and Dan is hesitant to publish his latest article, fearing it will ruin a friendship.


Mike and Molly - 9:30 - CBS - Season 3 Episode 9
Episode Title: Mike Takes a Test
With Molly's encouragement, Mike decides to take a shot at becoming a detective, but the stress of readying for the exam begins to impact their relationship.


Castle - 10:00 - ABC/CTV - Season 5 Episode 9
Episode Title: Secret Santa
A man resembling Santa Claus is found dead in Central Park, and Castle and Beckett uncover some unsavory things about him as they investigate his murder. Meanwhile, Castle and Beckett prepare to celebrate their first Christmas as a couple.


Hawaii Five-0 - CBS/Global - Season 3 Episode 9
Episode Title: Ha'awe Make Loa (Death Wish)
Max and a cute bank teller he's attracted to are put in harm's way during a botched bank robbery. The investigation reveals that the thieves had unexpected motives for attempting the heist. Meanwhile, Danny protects a model from a stalker.


Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas - 10:00 - NBC
Country artist Blake Shelton hosts a holiday variety special featuring performances of holiday classics, new music and comedy bits. Guest stars include Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Larry the Cable Guy, Jay Leno and Reba McEntire.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Basketball Wives LA - VH1
8:00 - Emily Owens M.D. - Much Music
8:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Bravo USA
8:30 - Happy Endings - CityTV
9:00 - American Pickers - History Channel USA
9:00 - Falling Skies - Space Canada
9:00 - Hoarders - AandE
9:00 - Parenthood - Global Canada
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Bravo USA
9:00 - Where are they now? The Cast of In Living Color - TVGuide Channel
9:00 - White Collar - Bravo Canada
9:30 - Don't Trust the B - CityTV
10:00 - Intervention - AandE
10:00 and 10:30 - Pawn Stars - History Channel USA
10:00 - Primeval: New World - Space Canada
10:00 - White Collar - Bravo Canada
10:00 - Teen Mom 2 - MTV
10:00 - The Perfect Holiday - Life Network


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Christmas Vacation - ABC Family
8:00 - Princess Bride - CHCH


Tonight on the CBC:
8:00 - Stars on Ice
9:00 - The Murdoch Mysteries


Tonight on TLC:
9:00 - Cake Boss: Next Great Baker
10:00 and 10:30 - Cake Boss


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actor John Krasinski; musicians Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones; Paloma Faith performs.
Late Late Show: Animator Seth MacFarlane; model Miranda Kerr; Richie Sambora performs.
Kimmel: Repeat.
Tonight Show: Actor Gerard Butler; actress Olivia Munn; The Polyphonic Spree performs.
Late Night: Actress Keira Knightley; musician Dave Matthews; Dave Matthews Band performs.
Conan: Chris Tucker; Sasha Alexander; Punch Brothers.


What's Playing in My Media Room Tonight:
8:00 - How I Met Your Mother
8:30 -
9:00 - 2 Broke Girls, Parenthood
9:30 -
10:00 - Castle
10:30 -


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Mega Bloks - Halo - Forward Unto Dawn - Build Day One

Back in late August when visiting Fan Expo in Toronto we stopped by the Mega Bloks booth and saw an outstanding kit, we were amazed at the size and detail.  We spoke to a rep from the company for a few minutes about it.  When I returned back home after the con, I had to do some reading about this on my own.  I quickly learned that it would be released to Toys R US in late October. So I waited and waited and finally the time had come.  Finally it was out, I looked around and couldn't find it at any of my local stores.  I wanted to see the box that this beast came in. Alas, it wasn't to be.  Sure, I could order it from their website, but even at the "reasonable" price of $269, I wanted it on sale.  The more you spend, the more you save.  About a month ago, the TRU had a sale on "all" Mega Bloks Halo kits, except for the Dawn. Damn, another day.

Just a few short weeks ago, I was visiting the Oakville TRU and I almost fainted. They had it! I picked up the box to admire it and was stunned at its weight.  The box was solid and it I just stared at the back for far too many minutes. I put it back on the shelf and said to it, "One day my friend, one day." Kept on waiting for the right moment to strike.

Let's jump to Thursday of this week.  I'm at work, I visit the TRU website to see if the flyer for Friday is online yet. It is and I see those glorious words. 40 percent off all Mega Bloks Halo kits. I zoom in for the small print only to find there isn't any. Can this be happening? I try browsing their site, my heart sinks as the kit isn't where it should be.  I think, it was only a couple of weeks ago, Oakville had one.  Friday I'm there and I start doing the math on what 40 percent of 269 is. Boom, that's a savings that I can't ignore.  I won't find it fore less than this and if they do have it on sale for more, they'll all be gone after this sale.  I have to act fast.

I pop over to the Megabloks site to read about this dream purchase.  I see a link for find it in stores and I see that it's pointing me to a TRU Canada link. So I click on it and what do you know, it's there.  They've hidden this beauty from regular surfing.  I try searching for it on the site and the only way to find this thing is to come from the Megabloks site.  That has since even been removed.  I dance, a little.  People can't find this thing even if they wanted it.

So Friday rolls around, I even leave work 10 minutes early to get a jump on the traffic as the threat of snow is in the air and the weathernetwork's website.  I'm flying down the 403 at an unusual pace for the time of day only to hit a snow wall if it were and traffic comes to a crawl.  The snow just gets a bit thicker and traffic slows even more.  I keep looking at the clock. Come on! It'll be gone before I get there.  I calm myself down by saying, the other toy nerds are also in this snow and they're fighting traffic as well. It takes almost 2 hours to get there, at least it felt like 2 hours, but 1.5 hours at least.  I know it was late.  I run in as best I can in the whole 3 cm's of snow that has fallen that has caused this traffic chaos.  I get to where I found the kit a few short weeks ago and the whole display is gone. I'm CRUSHED. I walk back to where they have the rest of the Mega Bloks kits, I can't find it. I walk calmly to the front of the store and I pull it up on my phone and ask the great employee if they have this in the store.  She says they've got 2 "according" to the computer.  I know this computer scam, I fell for it at a Walmart a few months ago with a Lego Death Star.  So I'm not feeling good. She tries calling Burlington, they're busy.  I tell her I'll be back and I go back to look for this "2". I can't see them. I find what appears to be 17 year old working there, I don't have hopes he'll know what I'm talking about.  I ask him, he says, "ya I'll show you. " I'm back up there in my mind, but then he starts walking back to where I've looked and I start thinking, no no no. I've been there. Unless there is a secret trap door young sir, it ain't there.  He looks on the shelves.  He starts to look at the shelves that they store stuff on above the regular shelves.  I've already looked there and it ain't there either I think to myself. I explain to him, "Dude, this box is massive, it's 2800 pieces and is like 4 times the size of this box" as I point to another kit. He grabs another guy working and asks about the kit.  He tells me, "It's gone, we had one a few weeks ago and it's gone. Besides, if it was here, I would have bought it before I started my shift as it's an awesome kit." He smiles. Ahhh, another collector, we talk about how great the kit is.  He tells me he's been looking in the back all week.  Nothing.  He forgets he's helping someone else.  I say well, I'll see if somewhere else might have one in that dreaded computer. I go back to the front, I tell the person working the counter, nope one of your guys confirmed it, it's gone.  She looks it up on the computer and the guy comes to the counter, she tells him that is says 2.  He explains that if it says 2 or under, it's not here.  He goes off.  So we search the screen for 3's and 4's.  Boom! Found one. Crap, Quebec. Keep going, another one! BC. Damn, even further.  I make the nervous joke that driving to Quebec or BC will really wipe out the sale savings. I can feel this dream piece falling through my hands.  Then, she yells, Hamilton has four just as the guy comes running back across the store yelling HAMILTON HAS FOUR!!  Again, I've been crushed by this computer system thing before, she calls for me.  She's now all excited and is loving the hunt.  They tell her that they've got one! I look at my phone and it's almost 7 at this point. I left work at 4!  I know what the traffic was like before I got in to the store and I can't imagine it has gotten any better.  I think, this traffic and heading up the mountain. I don't have time to get there.  I look at my fellow collector and he smiles.  He says, you better get there tonight or tomorrow because I'll go on Sunday and get it if it's still there. I laugh, good luck with that because by Sunday it'll be at my house and smile. I think, it's 7 and it's crazy out, what are the chances that it sells in the next 2 hours. I think, it's low. I can't make it. I talk myself back off the ledge and head home.

I get home and tell my wife the heart-breaking story. I tell her it's in Hamilton and she asks what time they open. I checked the TRU website and I see 8 AM. Looks like you're getting up early tomorrow she says.  She can see the excitement in my eyes for this thing. I don't get a great sleep on the Friday night as I'm nervous.

The alarm goes off at just after 7:00 and I'm up and out of the house quickly.  I have to have this thing. I get on the QEW and after just one stop, law enforcement gets on the highway and he's heading my way. Damnit! The roads are perfectly clean and I'm in a hurry, of course a cop has to get on the highway.  I'm going along, doing the math in my head, I have to be at the base of the mountain at this time, I need to be at the ramp by this time.  I fly up there, I get in the lot and I see a car already in the lot.  I think to myself, sorry son.  The line doesn't start in your car, it starts at the door. I get out and brave the winter winds that have come out of nowhere.  I look at the sign and I'm crushed again. Special hours are now in effect because of the season and they closed at midnight last night.  That's actually 5 hours that someone could have grabbed this, not the 2 that I was thinking.  Oh geez.  Another guy joins me in line quickly after I stand outside the door.  I start to feel him out, what's he here for I wonder.  He lives around the corner turns out.  I think, well if he's after what I'm after, he would have gotten it yesterday when the sale started if he lives so close.  A women joins the line and starts saying, I hope they have Black Ops 2.  I didn't realize the game was so hard to find I think to myself.  Ok, so far I'm the only one in line for this thing.  The doors finally open and I'm hauling across the floor.  I get to the construction bricks section.  Lego, Kre-O, Mechano where are the Mega Bloks?!?!? I see the Halo stuff, I stop and turn my head and there it was glowing on the shelf.  I finally found it.  Quickly grab it and continue around the store with a nice calm walk to see what else was there.  Finally had it in my hands and after all this story, it was truly worth it.

So, it's home and here is what she looks like.  As you can, the box is massive and if the Oakville TRU would have had it, I would have found it.  I should thank the great people at the Oakville TRU as they were very, very helpful in this search.


So after sleeping for a bit when I got home and having some breakfast, I finally cracked it open.  The packaging quality of this product is amazing.  For those that have played board games at my place, you can see that the box is almost as wide as the table.


So I pulled out the instruction novel and I read that throughout the day.  I'm pleased to learn that the build is in four sections and I can see that there are four boxes inside this beast.


So I think, that's great, box per section.  This isn't my first Halo Mega Bloks project and I was stunned on my first project that they just throw all the parts in many bags but they have no order.  You need a few pieces from this bag and a few pieces from this bag.  Those that have purchased Lego kits, you know that the kits come in numbered bags, so you have to look through far less bags for those little pieces when you need them.  Sure, that makes the build take a bit longer, but it can be a bit frustrating at times. So, I've looked through the book and I'm ready to start, happy that they've changed things for this kit as it is almost 2900 pieces. So I take the four boxes out and I open the first one and I'm stunned.







As you can see, each box comes with a great insert telling you exactly what's in each box.  What has become quite clear to me very quickly is that yes, I'll have to dig through each box and each bag to find the pieces I need at each stage.  Well, that's going to make this thing a challenge and a half that's for sure.

So, let's set up the station and get a building.  This is a couple steps into the build but I've got everything I need, my Lego Brick Separators and a pair of scissors.



So the above picture is after 3 pages! and about 150 bricks!  Ya.  This is going to take a long, long time.


The boxes aren't so neat now. :)


Here we are after 4 pages and about 230 bricks built.  Only another 2600 to go!

At this point, I had to pack it in for today as my back was getting a bit sore.  But I'll be back at it again tomorrow.  See you then with more pictures and hopefully it starts to look like a space ship by then.

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