Lego Build with Chrome

My son and I are excited to try this out over the weekend.  Good thing our preferred browser is Chrome too!  Head over to the Build with Chrome website to check this out!

Lego Star Wars Microfighters

Of the many sets Lego is releasing this year, we are most excited about the Star Wars Microfighters.  Granted that the Star Wars branded Lego models are quite expensive, we hope that this mini versions will be more affordable.


The Microfighters will be available here in New Zealand in March.  We are keen to have the X-Wing Fighter, Millenium Falcon, Star Destroyer and the Tie Interceptor.  Fourth on the list is the Clone Turbo Tank.  The AAT is at the bottom of the list, it just looks wierd.

(photo credit: MightyMega)

The minifigs look cool as well, so we would not mind having more of those!

Family fun at Victoria Esplanade Gardens in Palmerston North

Sometimes the trip that took the least amount of planning are the ones that push through.  Like yesterday's trip to Palmerston North, which is a couple of hours' drive from Wellington.  We were informed of the trip just the day prior but by the afternoon 5 families have confirmed attendance.

Inspired by Terry Fox

Last month, a special holiday edition of Reader’s Digest arrived in the mailbox. It contained 17 of the best stories published in the magazine. One of the articles that particularly caught my attention is the story of Terry Fox, and how Nelson Mandela found inspiration in this same article many years ago while he was in prison.

“Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox CC OD (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$500 million has been raised in his name.”

(source: Wikipedia)

Having read the story in one sitting, the first thing I felt was admiration for Terry Fox. He knew what we wanted to do, prepared for it, and did it. He did not expect any glory for himself, rather he thought that something must be done about cancer research and he set a goal for himself.

(photo credit: 98.1CHFI)

But I also felt sadness. He was too young to have left the world. He was only 23 when he died. I was just finishing my university degree at that age, wondering what lay ahead while Terry at the same age was battling cancer.

But above all, he is an inspiration to the people of Canada, and to all people from all walks of life, and I am fortunate to have read his story too.  His marathon is an extraordinary feat, performed by an ordinary person.  It's a powerful message for everyone: we can effect change, and we must take action no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to make this place better.


Visit www.terryfox.org/ to learn more about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Foundation.

We're gathering Facebook "likes" for my son

Hi everyone.  My first post for the new year is a request to "like" my 8 year old son's poster on Facebook.  It's his entry to Pinoy Stop's first anniversary poster making contest.  He mad it to the top ten, and voting is done by earning Facebook likes.

If you would like to help, please click on the link below which will display a scan of my son's poster entry, then "like" it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=432623813533375&set=a.432622846866805.1073741835.251218328340592&type=1&theater

Thanks in advance and happy new year!