Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

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Tenuous LEGOLAND Based Blog of the Week – The Cogitate Game

May 8th, 2009

I received an email recently that brought a shocking truth to my attention. Tenuous LEGOLAND® based blog of the week has been bereft of LEGO Technic stuff. I have no idea how I missed it, I’ve covered all sorts but generally it’s just good old reliable normal LEGO.

Personally I always avoided Technic, it all struck me as unnecessarily complex and I always preferred pirate ships to working cranes. What can I say, I always aspired to be a swashbuckler, not a builder.

Anyway, I’m drifting off-topic. What I really wanted to tell you about is the new game from The Institute of Engineering and Technology (thankfully shortened to IET) as you may have guessed as I’m writing about it in a LEGO blog, the game is based on LEGO, LEGO Technic to be precise.

The game (called Cogitate) was apparently designed to promote IET Discover and Inspec Direct and I can assure you, it’s disturbingly fun (and also infuriatingly difficult).

Simon Thomson, IET’s publishing director seems to be delighted that Cogitate is proving so popular and that LEGO themselves have got on board:

“Interest in the game has exploded. It was developed using a high-tech physics simulator, so the possibilities are limitless. To add to the fun, the LEGO Company found the game so inspiring they have allowed us to use LEGO Technic pieces as some of the components in the virtual contraptions.”

Give it a go, so far I’ve reached the dizzying heights of level two www.theiet.org/cogitate

New Ride At Alton Towers

April 24th, 2009

A little while back we reported how Alton Towers had confirmed plans to build a new ride in 2010 under the name Secret Weapon Six. Now, in true Play and Stay Blog style, it is time for a spot of speculation.

Normally I would leave this sort of thing to Jonathan Buckingham-Dudley, but he is far too engrossed in what is happening to Susan Boyle. So, for this instalment at least, you have the pleasure of my company.

First of all, a big thank you to Screamscape for supplying me with the crumb-trail. Without you, I really would have had no work to do this afternoon. And while for some that sounds like a marvellous thing, it doesn’t half make hometime a long way away.

There are three videos on YouTube at the moment. The beginnings of a new viral promotion or merely fan fiction? You decide:

Now, I don’t know about you, but I get the distinct feeling that Alton Towers are also going for something a bit spooky in much the same way Thorpe Park did earlier this year when they unveiled SAW – The Ride.

The difference being, of course, is that Alton Towers is aimed at a younger market – so we can expect it to be a little tamer than the aforementioned.

We also reported that the ride will have a backwards section, somewhat similar to Disney’s Expedition Everest ride (see above video). A quick glance at the plans below, which were submitted to the local council by Alton Towers, clearly shows the point where the ride stops its forward motion, in favour of a backwards section.

At this time, this is all we really have to go on, but fear not – we are on the case and will bring you all the latest as and when it hits.

Oh, and one last titbit for you. Here’s a video of the locals’ reactions to the ride. Some good, some bad. You can decide for yourself what you think.

Tenuous LEGOLAND Based Blog of the Week!

March 19th, 2009

After months of waiting, fears that it would never return, and some very real concerns that there was just not enough LEGO-based news to report to you on a regular basis, Tenuous LEGOLAND-Based Blog of the Week is back!

This week, something architectural that’s not a really tall tower or even a fetching LEGO hat. It turns out that LEGO architecture goes further than just strengthening the walls of your LEGO castle so it can withstand siege from the LEGO pirates (something I still do on a regular basis).

Five of the best architects in Scotland (the spiritual home of the architect) have accepted a challenge to design a building using LEGO. At this point I’d like to offer you my opinion, if you don’t want it feel free to skip to the next paragraph. The thing about LEGO is it’s designed for building stuff. Why only last week I built an entire spooky village for no other reason than Hollyoaks was on and I couldn’t wrestle the remote from the missus. What I’m trying to say here is… it’s not really a challenge is it? It’s like giving Ferrari four wheels, and engine and some metal, and asking them to make a car.

The LEGO designs were showcased at the Scottish Design Awards Nominations Exhibition yesterday. The designs then will be auctioned off for charity some time in May. The money raised will go to a very worthy cause, the National Autism Society Scotland.

It feels good to be back.

New Rides at British Theme Parks: Thorpe Park and Paultons

March 12th, 2009

Yes we are back and yes we do more than just theme parks now, but for this blog, I intend to talk purely about rollercoasters and thrill rides. In particular, new ones.

2009 is not a good year if you are superstitious – TWO Friday the thirteenths in just two months? Surely nothing good can come from that. Can it? If you are a theme park fan, then the answer is yes. Well, sort of.

On Friday March 13, Thorpe Park champions its latest offering to the masses: SAW – The Ride. Based on the film franchise of the same name, the ride is the world’s first ever horror movie themed rollercoaster. Having watched the films and been left feeling rather queasy after a few scenes, I must say the thought of this ride is horrid.

Here’s why:
1. It has a past vertical 100 degree drop.
2. It reaches speeds of 55 mph.
3. It has a past vertical 100 degree drop.

While researching the ride, I stumbled across a few more facts: It will last one minute and 40 seconds from start to finish (queueing not included), has three inversions and cost a whopping £13.5m to build.

The cost is especially impressive when you find out how much the other new ride that opens on 13 March cost. We’ll get to this in but a moment. For now, my colleague and I are debating whether or not Thorpe Park had to pay a license fee for the ride, or if Lionsgate willingly gave the rights for free in return for future sales of the DVDs. Any of you guys know? Please let me know…

There is also some debate about whether or not SAW – The Ride is a worthwhile venture from the film industry, or if it’s simply a product of those marketing types looking to make a few extra bucks.

Also, in ten years time, will we actually remember the films, or will they be cast into the pit of forgetfulness along with the fizzy Nemesis drink that made its way into our vending machines in the mid 90s? (Look it up – it did exist.) Nemesis is still one of the best rides in the world – a true legend in fact, and SAW – The Ride looks set to be another major player in theme park land. There is no doubt in my mind that we will still be riding it ten years time – I am just not so sure I will remember anything of Jigsaw and his sordid ‘games’ with complacent victims.

The second ride opening this week is Edge at Paulton’s Park. If you haven’t heard anything about Edge, let me give you a brief description: It’s a big spinny-roundy disc that seats 40 people. Said disc then spins horizontally while moving along a 90 metre section of track at speeds of 43 mph. Back and forth, back and forth, I’m not entirely sure that anyone will be able to stand up or hang on to any lunch after riding the Edge.

The ride is another first for the UK – it’s the only one of its type here and the eighth of its kind in the world. Sure, Spinball Whizzer at Alton Towers does the same sort of thing, but that one actually goes round a proper ‘rollercoaster’ track and only accommodates four riders at a time.

Edge cost just £1m to build which, let’s face it, is nothing compared to SAW – The Ride. With the backing of Merlin, Thorpe can justify the spend. Paulton’s, on the other hand, can’t.

So where will you be heading this weekend? If you live near London, it’ll have to be Thorpe, but if you live near the New Forest – you’re surely going to Paulton’s. Me? I’ll be doing something far more cowardly, like stroking kittens, or watching Raven with my kids. Either way, you are going to need to take a packed lunch – the queues are going to be loooooooooong.

We are Back!

March 12th, 2009

It’s been a long, long time beloved readers, too long some would say. I can’t express just how sorry I am for being a horrifically neglectful blogger, but as you can see, we’ve been very busy little beavers here at Play and Stay®.

 

Play and Stay is now a super-awesome hub of shortbreaky goodness presented to you in glorious technicolour. Obviously the blog has not had its makeover yet but fear not, it’s coming. Our techies are furiously entering 1s, 0s and pointy brackets into that matrix-looking screen that only people with ponytails understand so we’ll be all up-to-date in no time.

 

There’s a lot I want to say in this blog, too much in fact. I’m sure a few of you are hankering after the next edition of tenuous LEGOLAND® themed blog of the week and rest assured it’ll be back and better than ever very VERY soon. Others might be wondering just what’s new about our new site. The team (including me, lucky you!) remains the same but we are looking beyond the exciting, yet somewhat limited, world of UK theme park breaks.

 

Our people that wear suits to work are talking to people with briefcases from loads of UK tourist attractions, and they’ll be available to book soon. I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I can assure you that if you stick with us, you’ll have a summer to remember. 

 

That came out a bit cheesier than I anticipated but still, we’ve really got some amazing new places for you to visit lined up. Best of all, prices are still nice and low so you can enjoy a break in the UK and save a few quid, after all, why go to the Costa Del Chav when there’s so much to do on your doorstep?

Play and Stay Needs You

January 28th, 2009

Play and Stay is changing this year and we need your help.

Been to a theme park in the last 12 months? Taken some pictures of you and your family/friends on your favourite rides? Or maybe you made a video of your day out.

We are looking for your pictures and videos to display on our all new site. So, if you think you can help, please email us at playandstay@googlemail.com with anything you think we might be able to use.

If you are stuck for ideas, check out our photostream on flickr. New photos are being uploaded all the time and we would really appreciate your help in this matter.

We also have own youtube account where you can see a variety of ride videos. Check it out.

Thanks in advance, and stay tuned for news of the all new Play and Stay site as and when it happens.

Tenuous LEGOLAND Based Blog Of The Week

November 27th, 2008

You know what makes a man? A good hat is what makes a man. My colleague, nemesis and fellow Play and Stay® blog contributor, Gore, knows the value of a good hat more than most.

You see dear reader, hats keep your head warm, they protect you from the ever-present threat of falling bird doings and they look good. People should wear more hats, particularly hats that are made of LEGO®!

Impossible you say? No gentle reader, ’tis not. You see in the wacky world of catwalk fashion, a world where girls in desperate need of a Jammy Dodger dictate next season’s trends, LEGO seems to be en vogue.

Designer, Jean Charles de Castelbajac displayed some LEGO® inspired outfits at a fashion show recently. Behold, ladies and gentlemen….the future of fashion!

If your retina survived the onslaught of primary-coloured goodness then congratulations, you have seen the future! Join the revolution, tonight I shall be making a pith helmet for day to day wear and a LEGO deerstalker for you know, special occasions.

Tenuous LEGOLAND® Based Blog Of The Week

September 22nd, 2008

I have a confession to make ladies and gentleman. I have never seen a Back to the Future film and I have never watched The Godfather or any of its sequels. Perhaps due to a lack of testosterone, or perhaps because I like my films to have nuns or monsters in them, I have no interest in Scarface or the gangster film genre as a whole. In short, I’m no authority on “the classics” (except Sister Act). Due to this social handicap I miss out on a fair few pop culture references, any “flux capacitor” or “say hello to my little friend” based jokes are lost on me.

Despite my second-rate film trivia knowledge there are a few famous scenes that even I can identify and one of those scenes is the Indiana Jones “big scary boulder” scene. There is something incredibly frightening about the threat of being crushed by a large rolly thing. I know that primal fear only too well, this weekend I popped into Primark for some cut-price socks. I quickly found myself running for my life after a lady (who was no stranger to cakes) fell down the stairs right behind me!. Fortunately, I managed to use a pair of affordable tights to swing to safety before I was squished in the Margate temple of doom.

Some people somewhere in America have combined the natural human fear of crushing with the natural human love of LEGO. They’ve even thrown a bit of Indiana Jones into the mix for good measure. Submitted for your approval this week ladies and gents, a five million brick LEGO boulder “chasing” a man dressed loosely in the style of Indiana Jones down a hill.

Now you’ve enjoyed that wonderful video, time for the bad news. The boulder was apparently polystyrene in the middle so nobody was in any real danger. Good news though, some chap was wearing an absolutely charming fez. Perhaps the fez is making a comeback!?

Pray and Stay

September 19th, 2008

Do you visit church on Sunday? Do you own a copy of the Bible which you read religiously? Do you know the ten commandments?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions then I have news of the perfect theme park for you; Southport’s very own £3.5m Christian theme park.

A spokesman for the park stated “The Christian theme park is being built for the 97 per cent of the people in this country who do not attend church, or who were taught the theory of evolution in a school where the Bible is banned.

The theme park will be using advanced technology to give all visitors an experience they will cherish and it has been designed to entertain everyone of all nations, including Muslims, Jews, Christians, Evolutionists and Atheists.”

So basically, if you don’t believe in Christ, they will happily educate you for a small entrance fee.

The AH Trust has been searching for sometime for the promised land in which to build the park, and Southport has been earmarked as a possible location to house the 20 acre site.

The trust believe that the park would cost around £3.5m to build, will bring in up to £4.8m a year and will be run by volunteers.

Inspired by the Holy Land Experience in Florida whose main draw is an enactment of a bloodied Jesus forced to haul his cross by Roman soldiers(?!?!?!!), this (as yet) unnamed park hopes to match the popularity of its older brother across the water.

Attractions at the park will include advanced cinematic hologram technology, three exhibition centres, two interactive cinemas, six shops, a cafeteria and a 5,000 capacity film recording studio.

I’m not entirely sure whether the above attractions are enough to warrant calling this place a theme park though, which set me to thinking of what I would do if I owned a Christian theme park:

  • Noah’s Ark: A water coaster.
  • Away in a Manger: The kid’s ride.
  • The Saviour Spinner: You spin around a bit.
  • The Garden of Eden: Jesus’s answer to the Towers and Gardens.
  • Heaven: An excessively pleasant roller coaster which gently guides you through the sky.
  • Hell: A devilishly harsh and horrible thrill ride which takes you miles beneath the ground surrounded by molten lava and burning fires. Pins on the front two seats only. (Scarier than the new ride at Thorpe Park?)

Alton Towers it’s not, but watch this space for more news on the UK’s first religious theme park.

LEGO Celebrities

September 19th, 2008

Have you ever suspected that Victoria Beckham and that woman who’s related to Kylie who does the X-factor are made of plastic? Well just for today, they are. LEGO® are celebrating 30 years of their trademark “minifigs” with a gallery of the world’s biggest celebs transformed into the LEGOmen that are so familiar to us all.

Among the privileged celebs to be immortalised in LEGO form are The Beckhams, Brangelina, Alan Titchmarsh, the X-factor judges and Madonna. Don’t get too excited, you won’t be able to buy a LEGO Madonna to live on your bathtime LEGO pirate ship. These figures are strictly concept only.

LEGO celebrities

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