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Lego Machine Gun

Posted by emmett on from the rat-a-tat-tat dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "It's a Lego machine gun which shoots Legos at a rate of 500/minute. Using only Legos for construction."

194 comments

  1. why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ahh, I see nerds need to like legos...

  2. Finally by jeroenb · · Score: 3

    Now this is what I call a point'n'click-interface!

  3. when i was a kid... by Arctic+Fox · · Score: 4
    The inventor of K'Nex went to Drexel University so he donated *assloads* of K'nex to the school. I was working on K'nex design project freshman year.
    We made some pretty kick-ass rubber band powered guns that shot the rods. They *really* can hurt.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-
    This signature contains text from the worlds funniest signature.

    1. Re:when i was a kid... by Ronin18 · · Score: 1

      I created with K'nex a bitchin rifle and a really cool handgun and man o' man did those things hurt they went through thick cardboard box targets!

  4. Mindstorms auto-fire by D3 · · Score: 5

    Heh, now I can program my 'bots to defend/attack at will. Join me and my army now or I will crush you all smaller than a 1x1 flat brick!

    --
    Do really dense people warp space more than others?
  5. hmmm. by JustShootMe · · Score: 5

    I can think of lots of uses for this:

    • Bring to court and bop MPAA lawyers with legos. Won't do much harm but if you get em in the right place they'll look like they have acne.
    • Give to Richard Stallman so he can enforce the GPL. "Stop or I'll Lego". Poetic geek justice.
    • Equip all the Jon Katz flamers with one and set up a shooting range. Maybe they'll get it out of their system.
    • Build a scale model of the MPAA building out of balsa wood and shoot it down with a hundred lego guns at point-blank range. Fun for the whole family!
    • Build a statue of Natalie Portman naked. Maybe then the trolls would finally shut up. You may use the recent Sun photos as a template.
    These are just a few uses for arguably the most important invention of the 21st century to-date!

    Thank you. I now return you to your regularly scheduled trolling, hot grits, natalie portman naked and petrified, etc.


    If you can't figure out how to mail me, don't.
    --
    For linux tips: http://www.linuxtipsblog.com
    1. Re:hmmm. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Once again you have coined it perfectly.

      Nothing more to add really, just a "Me Too" post.

    2. Re:hmmm. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hmmmm is right, I don't suppose you would have a link to that sun picture? :)

    3. Re:hmmm. by JustShootMe · · Score: 2

      It's in one of the trolls a few aticles back.

      Look for "She's finally naked, now let's go for petrified!" I think they're on (seriously) www.badassmofo.com.
      If you can't figure out how to mail me, don't.

      --
      For linux tips: http://www.linuxtipsblog.com
    4. Re:hmmm. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What Sun photos??? I must know :)

  6. whee by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Asuka is way hotter than Natalie Portman, even if she is fake.

    Oh, and petrification sucks.

  7. And in other news... by jd · · Score: 2
    Lego also announced the release of their RIAA and MPA boxed sets, with realistic "Cease and Desist" tiles and life-like explosive seperation when hit by Lego machine guns. Includes RIAA and MPA satanic Lawyer From Hell action figure.

    Sorry, just had to write that.

    --
    It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
  8. Mirror? by sbeitzel · · Score: 1

    Does someone have a mirror up? I tried going to the link but it's not responding. (already!)

    --
    Oh, go on, check out my job.
  9. Not bad, but... by Aero · · Score: 1

    Where's the Lego potato cannon? That would be impressive.

    (And where was this thing when I was 10 years old, and throwing the bricks by hand in my Lego battles?)

    --
    We can believe in you for 3 minutes, but beyond that, even the King of All Cosmos can't be expected to wait.
  10. This isn't as good as it sounds. by Wellspring · · Score: 4

    Great! Now I have to wait ten days before buying my lego A-Wing. Does this mean that legos have become too dangerous for anyone to have other than Approved Law Enforcement Authorities? I hope I'm not too subversive for silly putty-- I'm running out of toys which are not Bad Influences (TM).

  11. Enter BATF by gordie · · Score: 5

    Knowing the U.S. Government, this will be classified as a class III weapon by the BATF, causing LEGOs to be banned for importatoin, sale or use! ;-)

    1. Re:Enter BATF by fluxrad · · Score: 1

      Heh...no. the legos would only be banned if the instructions involved 128bit encryption.

      Damnit! i can just see that Zack the Lego Maniac kid up on top of a tower in texas gunning down hundreds of innocent lego men! Oh the humanity!!

      -FluX

      --
      "It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once." -David Hume
  12. I'm a bit confused... by RobinH · · Score: 3

    I agree that making a machine gun out of legos is pretty cool, but it's also a bit morbid. When I was a kid we made spaceships, and little towns with little people in them. Machine guns didn't really cross my mind.

    Perhaps just the idea of making a toy weapon out of legos is a bit much for me... Why couldn't you make a water gun or something?

    There go my childhood memories...

    --
    "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain
    1. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      What do you mean a little morbid? The whole lego atmosphere is morbid! Knights slaying dragons, Spaceships with guns, sharks in the water to eat any swimmer-bys, Lego-men with little guns for their little hands, and etc.

      Sure all of the guns were imaginary (rather than real as this one is), but they're still encouraging violence!

    2. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Good point.
      When I was a kid, there wasn't any Doom either. We had GI Joe though..

    3. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Hmmm, I fail to see why a lego gun is worse than a water gun....I read an article once by a woman who said she rejected gender stereotypes for her son, didn't want to encourage violence etc...so instead of toy guns she got him some barbie dolls. When he was three years old he popped around the corner one day, cradling the Barbie in his arms and pointing the little plastic feet at her, going "RATATATATATAT!!!" At which point she realized that some things are hardwired, and gave up the fight.

    4. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Kenneth+L.+Hamer · · Score: 1


      Ha! Wimp!

      When I was a kid I restricted my Leco buildign to weapons of mass destruction. Battleships, spaceships with big guns, even a model nuclear missile silo.

      However, I think the combination of a lego machine gun and a lego town with lots of lego people could be quite a bit of fun...

    5. Re:I'm a bit confused... by cpt+kangarooski · · Score: 1

      What's really fun though is to build a functioning A-Bomb out of the Lego Town Uranium Processing Plant kit. (those uranium bricks are a collectors item now - wish I'd kept mine)

      ;)

      --
      -- This and all my posts are in the public domain. I am a lawyer. I am not your lawyer, and this is not legal advice.
    6. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's a good thing, too, because he would have grown up to be a transvestite.

    7. Re:I'm a bit confused... by CanadaMan · · Score: 1

      heh, well, i would argue that the reason this kid turned the barbie to a machine gun is not genetics but the other cultural stimuli, such as movies and television which literally steam-rolled any gender-typing that may have been going on with hawaii-fun-barbie.

      :P

      --
      -- This sig is.
    8. Re:I'm a bit confused... by CmdrPinkTaco · · Score: 1

      it would have been really tragic if this transvestite young lad tried to rob a bank armed only with his barbie and a few "ken doll head grenades"
      --------------------------------------- -----

      --
      Please give your mod points to others, Im at the cap. They will appreciate it more
    9. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Rotflmao!

      Moderate up this sick, twisted individual's post, or else you're a naked and petrified pancake ninja with a side order of hot grits!

      Pink taco == a rejected Warhol album cover for the Velvet Underground. (Think about it...)

    10. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My childhood memories consist mostly of being beaten about the head and neck. Oh, and the whipping on the back, can't forget that.

      Now, with the advent of the Lego machine gun, kids everywhere will have a fighting chance against their evil troll adult oppressors.

      Teachers, parents, and school bullies -- beware!

    11. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Quintus · · Score: 1
      Ah, but you see, the wonderful thing about a projectile weapon is it's simple enough to work.

      There's certainly alot of fun to be had simply by messing about with lego, and, as the Steiner-esque Cliché goes "using your imagination".

      But think also of the thrill you get when you build something that "works". It's what first got me interested in programming; it's the satisfaction which makes fixing things worth it.

      The great thing about a gun is that it's a simple, clearly defined goal, seen in already implemented, which is clearly feasible, for which there are clearly defined goals (notably here rate of fire), and the guilt for which is minimal. At the end of the day, a device which spits out lego at half a metre a second does not make anyone "death, the destroyer of worlds".

      Perhaps what is morbid is the fact that any youngish child to teen on the street (well, many in Toronto) knows about a spectacular range of the real devices.

      _______________________

      --
      He who fights and runs away,

    12. Re:I'm a bit confused... by uh · · Score: 1

      stuff blew up in GI Joe, but no one ever really died. Also, they always had the lesson of the day at the end.

    13. Re:I'm a bit confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      What do you mean a little morbid? The whole lego atmosphere is morbid! Knights slaying dragons, Spaceships with guns, sharks in the water to eat any swimmer-bys, Lego-men with little guns for their little hands, and etc.

      Not to mention the sex. That's right, sex. I mean, isn't there something distinctly sexual in the way two lego bricks are put together by making a phallic 'post' on one penetrate the other. And note that each brick is both capable of penetrating and being penetrated. Don't you see: Legos are a homsexualist plot to turn our sons into fruits!

  13. Damned American Gun Culture by antizeus · · Score: 4
    I predict a flame war over guns and the right to keep and bear arms. I think I'll start it off with a little trolling.

    • We shouldn't be encouraging our children to glorify weapons with toys. Won't somebody please think of the children?
    • Studies have shown that you're 7652 times more likely to shoot yourself with a Lego machine gun than you are to shoot an intruder.
    • The Second Amendment of the US Constitution only grants an organized militia (i.e. the government) to have Lego machine guns.
    • The need for Lego machine guns is historically obsolete because the playgrounds are run by democratic coalitions of children and not mean kids like in the old days.
    • If the playground is taken over by mean kids, then Lego machine guns won't help the nice kids because the mean kids will have the overwhelming advantage of possessing Lego tanks and Lego nukes.
    OK, that ought to get us started.

    --
    -- $SIGNATURE
    1. Re:Damned American Gun Culture by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Here are some you forgot:
      • Lego guns don't kill people. People kill people.
      • Lego guns aren't any more dangerous than knives or cars.
      • I need my lego machine gun to hunting with... those deer are a lot tougher than they look!
      • If everyone was packing a Lego gun, this would be a much safer society.
      • Lego guns come in handy when those jack-booted gov't thugs try to trample all over your rights.
      • Personally, I'd rather be hit by a piece of lego than by a cop-killer bullet.
      • Also comes in handy every time the King of England sails over here to oppress your people...
    2. Re:Damned American Gun Culture by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There's some guy in the other thread about Ford that only lets his kid play with Linux! What a dumb turd!

    3. Re:Damned American Gun Culture by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Won't somebody please think of the children?

      I thought that we weren't supposed to think of the children. At least not in THAT way... or is that okay now?

      I have to pay more attention to these rule changes.... I guess the Olsen Twins are ripe for petrification now....

    4. Re:Damned American Gun Culture by CoolVibe · · Score: 1

      ...And don't forget that Lego and tequila don't mix!!! :)

    5. Re:Damned American Gun Culture by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      We shouldn't be encouraging our children to glorify weapons with toys. Won't somebody please think of the children?

      I agree. I think it was extremely irresponsible to post those plans. Now, it's only a matter of time before I'm reading some Jon Katz essay on Slashdot about the aftermath of "Legombine".

  14. Protected by Lego by Maul · · Score: 4
    Hey, I wonder if you can use this design with Lego Mindstorms to create an automated home security system?

    Seriously, it is interesting to see legos, a toy for building creativity, used as weaponry!

    "You ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're dreaming or awake?"

    --

    "You spoony bard!" -Tellah

    1. Re:Protected by Lego by steelwraith · · Score: 2
      Home security system? Frag that.. my cat had better mend his ways and stop demanding to be fed at 6.30 on weekends.. already have a mindstorms chassis that would accept something like this with a few modifications..

      And why shouldn't we use something creative to build a weapon? Usually it's the other way around.. if you don't keep things balanced in life you start getting an itchy feeling to get into politics..

    2. Re:Protected by Lego by gaudior · · Score: 1
      In the US, that may not be wise. A guy set up a booby trap to catch burglars. (He'd been broken into several times, with no results from the police)

      The booby trap shot and wounded a burglar. The law-abiding citizen is now serving nearly as much time as the scum-bucket he nailed.

      (sorry, no links, heard this on the radio.)

  15. Quickies? by Duxup · · Score: 3

    This is pretty neat and all, but did it need to be posted in an article by it's self? Maybe it would have been better suited with CmdrTaco's quickies (man I miss those)?
    BRING ON THE QUICKIES I SAY!
    Then we could get a bunch at a time. :-)

    1. Re:Quickies? by FreeBSDrew · · Score: 1

      This is pretty neat and all, but did it need to be posted in an article by it's self? Maybe it would have been better suited with CmdrTaco's quickies (man I miss those)?

      I don't know why this was moderated as "offtopic"; I agree completely. While it's a cool link, is it really deserving of its own story? It really is quickie material.

      Now come on, bitches! Moderate me down to "-5!"

      --

      ***
    2. Re:Quickies? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      BRING ON THE QUICKIES I SAY! Two inches. Two minutes. Too bad. And if you're nice, I'll give ya two bucks for a cab. You dumb turd, you.

    3. Re:Quickies? by Duxup · · Score: 1

      I wondered the same. Fortunatly i got moderated back up one too. I thought it was right on topic :-)

      I don't think they knew what I was talking about.

  16. A Lego Machine Gun! Fruit of the devil! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2
    This is very upsetting. Did anyone check to see if the 7 day waiting period was met? What about a permit? Has the gun been registered? You know someone just built it to sneak on to airplanes! What is this world coming to. It all started with that evil Doom(tm) game! Next thing you know someone will build an atomic bomb out of them. I think we should repeal the constitution NOW. Burn the bill of rights! The world would be a better place without the 1st and 2nd amendmants! Imagine no one could say anything that might offend someone. No guns - the government could enforce it's laws without fear of public outcry or backlash. No internet. No posting of that evil DeCSS code. I am going to go cry now that someone has turned a child hood toy of creation and wonderment into an evil tool of destruction - you could put out someones eye!

    I find your lack of faith disturbing Darth Vader on the subject of open sourcing the death star plans

    1. Re:A Lego Machine Gun! Fruit of the devil! by ArsonSmith · · Score: 1

      find your lack of faith disturbing Darth Vader on the subject of open sourcing the death star plans

      This is funny, If the DeathStar plans would have been open source from the begining then they most likely would have found the ventelation duct security hole before the actual construction of the thing started. Wow, maybe open source isn't such a good idea. If the DeathStar plans were open source the Rebles would not have made it out of that battle alive.

      NO MORE OPEN SOURCE THE EVIL EMPIRE WILL USE IT AGAINST US!!!!!

      Grin

      --
      Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
  17. Server down. Any mirrors? by Phyre · · Score: 1

    Geez, that went down quick. Anyone get a chance to mirror it?

    --
    --- Phyre
  18. Lego Storm (See the link to ABC News) by Skevin · · Score: 1

    I think we've just found the next candidate for the UK's Intelligence Agency's hiring spree. It might not hold a candle up to
    Skevin - "I want to protest the DeCSS ruling but my boss won't let me"
    Database Design and Programming
    Disney Televentures
    Burbank, CA.

    --
    "Twice half-assed makes an ass whole." --Solomon K. Chang
  19. I wraned you all! by Bad+Mojo · · Score: 2

    Is this the beginning of an armament race strated by the Robot Monkeys? I implore everyone to support banning Lego weapons for Robot Monkeys! If the Robotic Monkeys get Lego guns, they'll be free to force us around like sheep!

    LIF


    Bad Mojo

    --
    Bad Mojo
    "If you can't win by reason, go for volume." -- Calvin
    1. Re:I wraned you all! by CmdrPinkTaco · · Score: 1

      people in Kansas would just ignore your warnings, they don't think that monkeys exist...especially robot monkeys armed with LEGO machine guns. Man, are they stupid.
      ----------------------------------------- ---

      --
      Please give your mod points to others, Im at the cap. They will appreciate it more
  20. Lego nukes? by JustShootMe · · Score: 2

    I'd like to see you do that!

    That would be an extremely interesting (and probably impossible) engineering challenge. Wonder if we can make lead-lined lego bricks...


    If you can't figure out how to mail me, don't.
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    For linux tips: http://www.linuxtipsblog.com
    1. Re:Lego nukes? by technos · · Score: 2

      I used Lego's to build a model of 'Little Boy' (implosive a-bomb) for a high-school project once. We had been asked to write an essay about a historically significant bit of technology, and have at least one example of it for illustrative purposes. Kept the model in a metal box next to the desk whilst reading the essay for effect. (The effect was a trip down to the principal's office for a discussion on 'why nukes are BAD!')

      The only challenges I see are getting Lego to produce the explosive bricks needed for the lenses,(TNT does not lend itself to modern hi-temp injection moulding!) and then getting them to produce a Lego timing module capable of signalling thousands of 1x1 Lego M1 detonator bricks. The enriched uranium bricks could probably be bought for a couple of tins of Spam on the Russian black market.. (We only need 20 kilos) Lego currently makes the 'urchin' device; it's in set 107; Jr. Atomic Scientist's Secret Lab.

      --
      .sig: Now legally binding!
  21. This really beats MY pitiful Lego sets. by Mad-cat · · Score: 1

    Wish I had that when I had to confront my ISP guys!

    *Whaddaya mean NO DSN?*

    Lock and load!

    BTW, if you care to see my own Lego stuff, check out my website.

  22. I have a legitimate use for this by Lxy · · Score: 3

    I, as a nerd, am somewhat lazy at times. I also like things that when misused turn into interesting toys. And I like PEZ. The solution? A PEZ cannon. I've been working on the concept for a few months now, and finally I have the solution. Using Mindstorms, I connect my PEZ cannon to my PC at work. Need a PEZ? How about thirty? No problem!! And with a simple keystroke (perhaps Ctrl-Alt-P) a predefined number of PEZ come screaming at my face. It's all ingenious, don't you think?

    --

    There is no reasonable defense against an idiot with an agenda
    :wq
  23. Re:1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Haha, dumbass. I got first AND second post.

  24. The REAL question is by Bad_CRC · · Score: 5

    did this lego gun get the guy into college so he wouldn't have to take the SAT?

  25. hmm by SKicker · · Score: 2

    just a couple of questions that have niggled at me for a while..

    Why do some people call a pile of LEGO bricks, LEGO and others say LEGOs? What is the correct terminology?

    Does LEGO stand for anything?

    ok so its not facts vital to mankind but this is the kind of stuff i think about when i have insomnia....

    1. Re:hmm by Lxy · · Score: 1

      Single brick==LEGO
      Multiple bricks==LEGOs

      Multiple bricks in a machine gun-like configuration==total family fun

      --

      There is no reasonable defense against an idiot with an agenda
      :wq
    2. Re:hmm by bouvin · · Score: 1

      > Does LEGO stand for anything?

      It is short for 'Leg Godt', Danish for 'play well'.

      --
      --- In omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro
    3. Re:hmm by An+Ominous+Cow+Herd · · Score: 1

      Lego is Danish for "Play Well" or something like that.
      ---

      --
      MoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!!!!!!!
    4. Re:hmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      LEGO is an acronym for 'Leg Godt' (in danish), whitch translates to 'Play well'.

    5. Re:hmm by Sjev · · Score: 4

      Nope.

      According to their creator, The Lego Company (formerly The Lego Group), they are "LEGO Bricks"; the term "Lego" is not to be used to refer to a brick nor "Legos" to multiple bricks.

      Also, the word LEGO is formed from the Danish words "LEg GOdt" ("play well").

      -Sjev

      --
      %DCL-E-OPENIN, error openingDISK$3:[Sjev]LIFE;
      -RMS-E-LNF, life not found
    6. Re:hmm by andy@petdance.com · · Score: 1
      According to LEGO, it is "LEGO brick" and "LEGO bricks". You are not to call them "LEGOs".

      Now, before this article was posted, I might have scoffed at the idea of enforcing that, but 500/minute's gotta sting...

    7. Re:hmm by Jbrecken · · Score: 3

      Does LEGO stand for anything?

      It's an ancient word meaning "Thou shan't have my toaster waffle! Begone!"

    8. Re:hmm by jsfetzik · · Score: 1

      Yeah this brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Lego my Eggo'. ;)

      I am thinking that in a few weeks there will be a rash of Lego devestated Eggo's found in a dumpster somewhere.

    9. Re:hmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      LEGO stands for either:

      HOt GriTs or
      DUmb TUrd

      I forget which one.

  26. How long 'till they are illegal? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5

    First of all, the 30 round magazines are illegal. Of course, no non-military person needs such an extreme rate of fire! And don't even get me started on the fact that the plastic bits can be transported through the detectors at the airport. Heck, someone could hijack a plane by building the darned thing after they board!

    I know what you're thinking, if we outlaw LEGO then only outlaws will play with LEGO. But at what price? How many stories on the next Columbine do we need to hear from Katz before we wake up to the reality of how dangerous this can be? People can't be safe what with all these robots running around, now possibly armed.

    So write your Congress, the MPAA, and anyone else who can be swayed to abuse their power for no reason. Obviously this guy should be locked up since he is telling everyone how to make guns and providing the plans.

    :) TGIF!

    1. Re:How long 'till they are illegal? by 348 · · Score: 2
      First off why did you post as AC? The post is actually pretty thoughtful.
      1) ? that the plastic bits can be transported through the detectors at the airport
      This is true and sooner or later some dolt will try it.

      2) do we need to hear from Katz before we wake up to the reality of how dangerous this can be?
      you let the cat out of the bag! Betcha within a week or two Katz will have an article something along the lines of "Amerika, how Lego is contributing to the socialization of society."

      3) So write your Congress,
      This like everything else will have some muckety muck group to oppose it, led by some Hollywood activist type, I can see Steisand now, "The youth of our nation is at risk from Southpark and Lego, please members of the house subcommittee, you must put a stop to it".

      4) . Obviously this guy should be locked up since he is telling everyone how to make guns and providing the plans
      Also Betcha this will happen.

      Something so simple and yet there will be all the fuss about we need to protect ourselves from ourselves.

      Never knock on Death's door:

      --

      More race stuff in one place,
      than any one place on the net.

    2. Re:How long 'till they are illegal? by Gray · · Score: 1

      Mister Jones quietly got up and moved towards the planes restroom, taking his briefcase with him.
      Closing and latching the door, he opened the case and withdrew the harmless lego spaceship within..... With a surgeons skills, he quickly broke down the miniture space craft and reassembled it into a deadly KarrLegaCannon and readed himself to take the cockpit..

      Next Tom Clancy book?

    3. Re:How long 'till they are illegal? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did you read the article? This lego launcher couldn't shoot a fly off the ceiling.

  27. Heh by Sharkey+[BAMF] · · Score: 1

    That thing kicks ass! I wonder if I can make a decent case out of Legos. Hrmmmm.... Sharkey
    http://www.badassmofo.com

    1. Re:Heh by jued0001 · · Score: 1

      Some guy already did that, the link was at HardOCP awhile back (not sure where it is now though). It was pretty cool, especially the fact that he was asking to be sent more, because he had run out...and the color scheme left, uh, something to be desired. =]

      --

      _______

      I just wish I could c:\format Internet

  28. Oh Great. by spaceorb · · Score: 2

    Expect to see more stories from the Hellmouth - Pre-schoolers bringing Lego machine guns to school and shooting everyone up! Imagine: Drive-by Lego'ings in Power Wheels! No one will be safe.

    On the bright side, maybe the availibility of Lego machine guns will deter young terrorists from using actual firearms.

  29. That would go nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'd like to equip that with my 3 foot tall fully articualted lego mecha. Now I jsut need the bloody thing to move on its own.

  30. So, the legos are the interesting part. by seebs · · Score: 2

    If a reporter were covering us (actually, one is), I wonder if it would figure in the article that, for all our interest in impassioned debate about education, the education story doesn't come back, but the legos get more coverage.

    --
    My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
  31. Damn by Kaufmann · · Score: 3

    I was expecting a Lego-sized machine gun, to fit into those little hands. It'd be perfect for playing "LMI vs. Symbolics" (for the clue-impaired amongst you, an ancestral version of "BSD vs. GPL") with my Lego set.

    Anyway... does anyone remember that program that built Lego bridges using a genetic algorithm? Why not put it to use improving this machine gun? I bet in a few thousand generations it'd turn out a real weapon of mass destruction. Hell yeah!

    --
    To the editors: your English is as bad as your Perl. Please go back to grade school.
    1. Re:Damn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oooh, I'm SO impressed by your old-school name-dropping! Give me more!

    2. Re:Damn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No. An ancestral version of "Scheme vs. CL" ;)

  32. Lego Carmageddon by maroberts · · Score: 1

    I used to play Lego demolition derby, which consisted of each player building a vehicle and taking it in turns to ram your opponents, with last vehicle left mobile still winning.

    If I'd known my Lego vehicles could have projectile weapons my childhood would have been a lot more fun [and I'd probably have been seen by a lot of psychiatrists :-)].

    On terrestrial UK TV [can't remember the channel] there is a program called "Robot Wars" where teams of people build radio controlled vehicles whose aim is to demolish the other vehicle.

    It should be possible to create a similar type of competition involving designing Lego Mindstorm vehicles, only with no external interference allowed. Anyone ever tried this ?

    --

    Donte Alistair Anderson Roberts - hi son!
    Karma: Chameleon

    1. Re:Lego Carmageddon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My brother and I used to play something very similar to this, only in our game we'd try to push legos into each other's eyes. Of course, I'm a huge fat sweaty turd, and he's just a little weakling (not to mention that I was 12 and he was 2), so now he's penniless and on the street begging for change. Sometimes, on my way to my high-power megabucks Linux job, I'll stop and spit on him. Or, I'll push a lego into his palm and a tear will roll out of his eye. Well, if he had an eye it would.

  33. Wrong icon. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Games? No, I don't think so. This one is clearly either Toys or Funny.

    1. Re:Wrong icon. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, I swear I saw they added a Lego icon recently.

  34. Lego test replaced SATS at some schools, remember? by Pariah · · Score: 3

    Boy, this guy's a shoo-in at any of the schools which are using LEGO projects as admission criteria now. I can see it now:

    "Okay, uh, your Lego project doesn't really look much like it's supposed to, frankly we're a little disappointed in... Hey! Put that down! OK! You're in! You're in!"

  35. More info on Metal Storm by cr0sh · · Score: 1

    Here are some links:

    http://www.cnn.com/TECH/9706/28/super.gun/
    http ://www.metalstorm-ltd.com/
    http://www .odwyer-smartgun.com/entry.html

    From what I can tell, all this seems to be is an electronic firing system (think of a multi-barreled gun, with a bullet in each barrel, and each bullet wired to fire - hence no moving parts, high rate of fire - but not many bullets to fire).

    Personally, I think a machine gun would be better, as these devices seem to make you reload after only a few shots (4-6 in the handgun case, maybe 50 or so in the larger versions). In the case of a handgun, it might make a little sense - but for anything where you want to "hose" something for a little while, well...

    --
    Reason is the Path to God - Anon
    1. Re:More info on Metal Storm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually there's more to it than that. The guy figured out how to put a bunch of rounds all in the same barrel, all lined up with charges between them. It does have a serious disadvantage, in that the barrel has to be reloaded at the factory. However, it would be great for a shipboard defense against cruise missiles. (That's based on info from a Scientific American article last year, and may be outdated.)

    2. Re:More info on Metal Storm by cr0sh · · Score: 1

      Heh - you must've been writing that just as soon as I posted my reply in the thread about the very same thing. Interesting tech, that's for sure!

      --
      Reason is the Path to God - Anon
  36. Guns on campus? by dfreed · · Score: 0

    What happens if I bring this to my entrence exams for that college that uses lego's? Am I bringing supplies or a deadly weapon? Can I be arested? Does the college now need to add a disclaimer?

    (It's funny, laugh)

  37. Slashdotted... by gid · · Score: 1

    The webserver on that machine is now entirely dead... I am getting an 80ms ping from that box though. :) I swear /. is the most deadly distributed denial of cervix application out there in existence to this date.

    ---

  38. preview by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    This is a good preview for lego's new "domestic violence" line that's supposed to be debuting next year.

  39. I'm going home and make one now! by hardburn · · Score: 1

    Let us be thankful that Hitler never had this power, although I bet they were working on it near the end.

    ---------------
    Go ping yourself


    ------------------------

    --
    Not a typewriter
  40. In related news.... by clyons · · Score: 2
    Bill Clinton today annouced a bill that he will send to Congress requiring a 3 way waiting period and background check for the sale of LEGO's sets, and require that all LEGO's be sold with a locking case.

    In addition to the LEGO machine gun design posted on the web, Clinton cited the possible use of LEGO Mindstorm sets to plant terrorist devices.

    When pressed as to how a LEGO machine gun could pose a theat to American society, Clinton responded, "You could put an eye out with those things. We must protect the children!"

    Meanwhile, Al Gore, campaigning at a daycare in South Carolina, told kids that he "invented LEGOs."

    --

    --
    Intelligence is definitely a recessive trait.

  41. Better info... by cr0sh · · Score: 1

    Here is a link that better describes the process - this seems right:

    http://www.dig.bris.ac.uk/teaching/o_a_hf/ascott /ascott.htm

    Essentially what I said previously, except multiple bullets in the barrel, each seperated by a charge. The charges are electronically controlled (set off), the heat of the explosion expands the bullet behind it, keeping the heat from igniting the charges behind the next bullet. Rate of fire determined by barrel cooling, and rate at which bullets leave barrel.

    Better trust the software/hardware behind these devices - can you imagine what would happen if the wrong bullet was fired out of order (Oops! Where did my hand go!)...

    --
    Reason is the Path to God - Anon
  42. Fools by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Your puny little lego popgun is a mere shadow of my uberpowerful 155mm tinkertoy howitzer

  43. The Moron Who posted this... by SilkyHog · · Score: 1

    ... needs some help. Lego Machine guns are a thing from the past, try the new and improved LEGO howlitzer. It's capable of hitting LA from DC with over a thousand shards of LEGO, (formally known as "airplane wings")

    --
    10 = 2 SilkyHog
  44. Thought Crime! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    As a duely appointed respresentative of the LPAA I must insist, under threat of legal action, that you remove all unauthorized plans pertaining to the production of weapons. The illegal actions you have taken in circumventing lego personal protection mechanisms will be severely punished if you do not rectify your actions immediately.

    Have a nice day.

    Holf Atler

  45. The BeerMaster by delevant · · Score: 5
    Whilst in college, an EE/ME friend and I tried to develop a project we called the "BeerMaster" -- a range-finding, direction-finding tabletop device, with a gravity-fed magazine of beer cans, and a compressed air launching mechanism.

    The basic idea was that if you'd shout "Beer Me!", the device would recognize your call, turn to face you, estimate distance, and launch a beer at you (which you'd naturally grab out of the air).

    We had a couple problems that made us give up development:

    • our targetting was poor. The device was able to direction-find pretty accurately, but the rangefinding wasn't very good -- it would frequently target the wall six feet behind you, or the like.
    • the launching mechanism required a fair bit of power, that made the device relatively unfeasible for normal home use. For example, we had to attach two cylinders of compressed air, and that didn't last long.
    • in order to get a clean launch, each can had to be placed in a "non-discarding sabot" -- a jacket that fit over each beer and provided a better fit against the launch mechanism. We only had one such jacket, 'cause it was a pain to make. Cans aren't terribly ballistic, as-is.
    • since we used compressed air, and we weren't really good at metering it, our launches were of irregular force. It was nearly impossible to get the can flying at exactly the right speed.
    In retrospect, we perhaps shouldn't have given up so easily, but when you've had a few too many cans shot at your head, you start to get spooked easily. Plus the cans were able to dent sheetrock, and therefore messed up our walls pretty badly.

    Anyone want to take up the effort? It'd be a cool party trick, but don't blame me if you kill someone.

    --
    I have no .sig, and I must scream.
    1. Re:The BeerMaster by a2fan · · Score: 2


      Right-wing anti-lego bumper stickers...

      When LEGOs are banned, only criminals will have LEGOs.

      You can have my LEGOs when you pry them from my cold, dead fingers.

      LEGOs don't kill people, ... DUPLOs kill people.

      The first amendment assures each citizen's right to bear LEGOs.

      I DO support a 5 day waiting period to purchase LEGO Mindstorm kits.

    2. Re:The BeerMaster by scatterbrained · · Score: 1

      This just screams for an ABM (anti-beerlistic missile) made of legos. Think of the fun the campus cops could have with that!

      --
      -- All that's left of me, is slight insanity, whats on the right, I don't know. -- Bob Mould
    3. Re:The BeerMaster by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The basic idea was that if you'd shout "Beer Me!", the device would recognize your call, turn to face you, estimate distance, and launch a beer at you (which you'd naturally grab out of the air).

      Man, you are the wind beneath my wings.

      I mean, I thought I was cool because I built a working still in my dorm room. But now I know better.

    4. Re:The BeerMaster by RealUlli · · Score: 1
      Nice idea. :-)

      What about using a trebuchet style launcher? Or (since the cans are made of metal) a magnetic accelerator? Or a steam catapult? Just a few thoughts... (are there automatic laser rangefinders?) The range could probably be got via some signal processing from a couple of microphones spread around the room...

      --
      Simple things should be simple, complex things should be possible.
    5. Re:The BeerMaster by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, magnetic wouldn't work too well, as beer cans are made of aluminum. Trebuchet would work for a fixed distance - say you put the trebuchet on a pivoting platform and had everyone's chair in an equidistant arc from it. The platform could rotate to the right position and fire at a pre-determined spring rate. Steam would be difficult - takes a while to build up, constant energy to maintain, plus it heats up the beer :( I like the idea about multiple mics with DSP providing coordinates.

  46. Slashdot icon! by Megane · · Score: 1

    Someone needs to snag that picture of a 2x4 brick and use it as the /. icon for Legos!

    --
    #naabhaprzrag, #sverubfr-000, #agi-fcbafberq, negvpyr[pynff*=' negvpyr-ary-'] { qvfcynl: abar !vzcbegnag; }
  47. Lego weaponry... by WhiskeyJack · · Score: 2

    ...seems perfectly natural to me. But then again, I _did_ build a Lego trebuchet when I was a kid. It'd throw marbles about forty feet...

    Ah, the memories.... :)

    --WhiskeyJack

    1. Re:Lego weaponry... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You to? I built one out of Constructs when I was a kid. -Rev. S.A.S.

  48. Sweet! by The_Groove · · Score: 2

    Now I have something to aim towards my Microsoft Certified Professional action figures....

    --
    --The Groove
  49. Re:Blasphemy! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Personally, I've always had serious thing for Ryoko. *drool*

  50. THOUGHT POLICE! COME OUT WITHOUT YOUR WILL by Wah · · Score: 2

    WE HAVE DETECTED A MOMENT OF CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION, CEASE AND DESIST ALL MERRY-MAKING AND RETURN TO OFFICIALLY APPROVED FUNTIMES.

    --
    +&x
    1. Re:THOUGHT POLICE! COME OUT WITHOUT YOUR WILL by Nastard · · Score: 1

      independant thought alarm

  51. Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


    Gun nuts are generally in favor of repealing the entire Constitution except for the second amendment. Nobody else is so violently opposed to freedom of speech and religion. These morons want to trash our entire system of government and start a racially segregated theocracy. They are the ones who want to censor everything. They are the ones who want to impose bizarre and draconian laws to "protect the children".

    You're a mindless invertebrate animal.

    1. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I am opposed to restrictions of ANY rights. 1st amendment, 2nd, on down. You are the close minded moron stuck into believing every stereotype if you think for one minute that because I am against gun control I am a right winger.

      Trolls like you are stupid animals with an insufficient spine attempting to support an overweight skull full of hot air. In your case, I wish someone had chosen an abortion. {see a gun nut can be pro choice B}

      Those who can't find the middle of the road often find themselves falling into a rut. me

    2. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      wow. your so "open-minded." it was a joke, you "invertebrate animal."

    3. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Quintin+Stone · · Score: 1
      It must be hard to rationalize your ludicrous notions with reality. For example, the Libertarian Party, which vehemently defends all of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, not just the popular ones (ACLU, I'm looking at you).

      If only you'd get a brain and not confuse "white supremecists" with "gun nuts", you might make a little more sense.

      Somebody please moderate down this ignorant troll.

      --

      "Prejudice is wrong; you should hate everyone the same."

    4. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A Libertarian referring to another as "brainless", now THAT'S funny!

    5. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      a moron posing as an AC. ho hum.

    6. Re:Right-wingers are censors, you moron. by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 1

      > ...defends all of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, not just
      > the popular ones (ACLU, I'm looking at you).

      Look, the ACLU does its job and it does it damn well. And it has done it for more than eighty years in the face of fierce opposition from all sides - not only from the oligarchs and thought police whose entire business consists of forcing you to shut the fuck up, which makes sense as the ACLU is directly opposed to their interests, but also opposition from misguided types like yourself, who fail to realize that the number one reason they can complain about the government so freely and openly is spelled "A-C-L-U".

      So God damn what if the ACLU focuses on the First Amendment to the exclusion of supporting your gun hobby? They're plenty busy defending the First Amendment, without which you God damn gun nuts wouldn't even get a chance to publicly protest. Keep in mind that you're not going up against a pack of perfumed postmodernists here; you're taking on the U.S. government! Go read about A. Mitchell Palmer, circa 1918, sometime. Go read about Martin Dies and Joseph McCarthy. In case you forgot, the first principle of all governments throughout history is, "Stamp on your critics." I get so God damned tired of people putting the ACLU down because it doesn't do the NRA's job for them. That's bullshit; you want the ACLU lawyers to come over to your house and wash your car while they're at it?

      Instead of knocking the ACLU, why don't you go join the ACLU instead? They really need your money, and if you want to continue to have the freedom to shoot your mouth off the way you (and I) seem to enjoy doing right here and now, you want to give them some money too. Also go sign up with the EFF too while you've got your credit card out.

      Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

      ps the first poster is wrong, you know; all the gun nuts I happen to know are libertarians, not theocrats. Or at least the bloodthirsty theocrat-terrorists, would-be Talibani, amongst my acquaintances keep quiet about their nefarious plots in my presence.

  52. Re:Blasphemy! by FreeBSDrew · · Score: 1

    Personally, I've always had serious thing for Ryoko. *drool*

    I said that; Slashdot fucked up. I'm very proud of my love for Ryoko, and I would never post such a thing AC intentionally.

    Ryoko, Ryoko, Ryoko! I'm geekier than Tenchi any day, baby! Get back here!

    --

    ***
  53. Re:Blasphemy! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hmm... agreed. Now I've got visions of Ryoko in a white plugsuit and Tenchi in a blue/white one. Hey, there's a fanfiction idea in there...

  54. O, "LEGO bricks" is plural. by Speare · · Score: 3

    Other useless trivia from LEGO.com's website:

    • The international LEGO Group was established in 1932 and is one of the worlds largest toy manufactorers, employing about 10,000 people in 50 companies in 30 countries. Did you know...


    • 4.9152 cm3 is the volume of an 8-stud LEGO brick. It measures 9.6 x 32 x 16 mm.

      Thousands of a mm - that's the tolerance of accuracy at the LEGO mould factories.

      102,981,500 are how many different ways there are to combine six 8-stud bricks of the same colour. If you haven't that much time, you can take three 8-stud bricks - same colour - and fit them together in 1,060 ways. Two 8-stud bricks - still the same colour - can be put together in 24 ways.

      203,000,000,000 (203 billion) LEGO elements or thereabouts - were moulded between 1949 and the end of 1998. Of these, 6.5 billion are eight-stud bricks. And 2.3 billion Mini figures have been moulded, decorated and assembled since 1978.
    ("O, 'LEGO bricks' is plural" =anagram> "Erg, I'll use 'pair o' blocks'.")
    --
    [ .sig file not found ]
  55. BFG. by jued0001 · · Score: 2

    If I knew how, I'd create a LEGO BFG for Quake III or UT. Now that's fragalicious!

    --

    _______

    I just wish I could c:\format Internet

  56. hmmmm heheh mindstorm fun by FoulBeard · · Score: 1

    couple this with a little mindstorm inventiveness and you have hours of fun and enjoyment (pain?). I have already programming my mindstorm bot to chase our black cat around the apartment.
    Ouch* ....
    Just got a mental picture of my poor cat getting pelted by volleys of high speed legos.

  57. Legos outlawed? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If legos are outlawed, only outlaws will have legos.

  58. How long? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    How long before Bill Clinton & the Democrats propose a 5-day waiting period before purchasing Legos?

    "It's for the children"

  59. NOT entirely LEGOs! Uses Rubber Band for Power! by Cy+Guy · · Score: 2

    This entire article is a fraud!

    It's powered by a rubber band, not LEGOs. (Though I guess if you strached one of the little rubber tires on a LEGO car set, you might be able to make it work)

    Since the power source is a rubber band, the premise of the story is false, in that I could make a real gun out of LEGO's as long as I am willing to use black powder as my power source. (or in the case mentioned in another thread, plutonium for a LEGO A-bomb, though it is MUCH harder to get than rubber bands)

    --
    Work for Change & GET PAID!
    1. Re:NOT entirely LEGOs! Uses Rubber Band for Power! by slothdog · · Score: 3

      Actually, I bought a LEGO Technic set *cough* for my son *cough* the other day, and it came with several rubber bands for use in the steering mechanism. Sure, they're not bricks, but they *did* come with a LEGO set.

    2. Re:NOT entirely LEGOs! Uses Rubber Band for Power! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The magazine works by gravity, too! I spent all the time to build it, only to find out that I can't use it while hanging upside down or in low-gravity areas!

      HOW DARE THEY MISLEAD ME?

    3. Re:NOT entirely LEGOs! Uses Rubber Band for Power! by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 1

      > I could make a real gun out of LEGO's as long as I am willing to
      > use black powder as my power source.

      Oh PLEASE make such a gun oh PLEASE and publish the plans and photos of it going off...really I just can't see how any machine made of legos (I mean Legos, wanna capitalise so as to respect the trademark) can stand any kind of exothermic reaction. But I could be wrong; I'll admit I never spent a tenth as long as I should have playing with black powder. So if you've got something in mind let's see it.

      Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

  60. Posted as AC by D3 · · Score: 1

    I had already posted something else earlier and didn't want to look like I was hogging I guess. Glad to see people enjoyed it. I really liked some of the other responses better myself.

    Cheers!

    --
    Do really dense people warp space more than others?
  61. Moderation Totals by 348 · · Score: 2

    Moderation Totals:Lawsuit Bait=1, Insightful=1, Geekvalue=5 Total=7.

    Never knock on Death's door:

    --

    More race stuff in one place,
    than any one place on the net.

  62. Legoii! by drox · · Score: 1

    'nuff said.

  63. New Slashdot section needed? by pen · · Score: 1
    Am I the only one who thinks that Slashdot should add a Legos section?

    --

    1. Re:New Slashdot section needed? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No. I am the only one who thinks Slashdot should add a Legos section.

  64. Six-legged walker by daeley · · Score: 2

    I'm thinking you take a few of the machine-gun guy's LEGO Toy Canyons, one of his guns, and this six-legged walker ... pick a battlefield, and go forth and conquer. :)

    Which brings up the question: is there a way to get some Crusoe chips into these, set up TCP/IP, and have the battles remotely via webcams?

    --

    --
    I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.
  65. Popsickle stick bombs by Sloppy · · Score: 1

    When I was a lil' munchkin, I used to build "bombs" out of popsickle sticks. It would just be a bunch of popsickle sticks arranged so that it was all held together by tension. If you removed or dislodged one stick, they whole thing would lose tension and fly apart, scattering sticks everywhere.

    Just throwing it or having someone "accidently" step on it was enough to make it "explode."


    ---
    --
    As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
  66. You only scratched the surface by 348 · · Score: 3
    You guys didn''t take it far enough. Just having some little imaginary battles is only the beginning. Sort of like the difference between playing with a few matchbox cars and SimCity 2K, I took it a little further and created a Lego society. Below is just a sampling of our Lego Bill of Rights.

    Amendment I
    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a Lego gun, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of Lego firearms, or of Lego Copying; or the right of the little Lego people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

    Amendment II
    A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the Lego people to keep and bear Lego Arms, shall not be infringed.

    Amendment III
    No Lego-armed Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

    Amendment IV
    The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and Lego, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or Lego to be seized.

    Amendment V
    No person shall be held to answer for a Lego, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the Lego land or Lego naval forces, or in the Lego Militia, when in actual service in time of Lego War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in Lego jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of Lego, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private Lego property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

    Amendment VI
    In all criminal Lego prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial Lego jury of the State and district wherein the Lego crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Lego Counsel for his defense.

    Amendment VII
    In suits at common Lego law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by Lego jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a Lego jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Lego Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the Lego common law.

    Amendment VIII
    Excessive Lego bail shall not be required, nor excessive Lego fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual Lego punishments inflicted.

    Amendment IX
    The enumeration in the Lego Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the Lego people.

    Amendment X
    The powers not delegated to the Lego States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the Lego States respectively, or to the Lego people.

    Never knock on Death's door:

    --

    More race stuff in one place,
    than any one place on the net.

  67. Tales From the Heckmouth by Tower · · Score: 2

    (another special from Jon Dogz)

    After a recent article on Slashdot regarding Lego Machine Guns, there has been a proliferation of violence connected with small plastic blocks in our society. Indeed, the Anarchist's Cookbook has added several chapters on Lego Weaponry, including a simple example of how to create a critical mass of certain Legos with intent to create cold fusion as a power source for a Lego rail-gun. There are record numbers of children in our schools that have been impaled with these ordinarily "fun" toys since this last report.

    Several ofthe most extreme cases involve a preschool and an airplane. Little Private Burrito (an unfortunate name) went to preschool one day, with great expectations of play time, only to be struck repeatedly with high-speed Legos from his (former) friend Humis' Lego gun. Several other children were bloodied, and almost 90% of the class wet their pants during this event. We cannot continue to allow such things in the hands of babes...

    But in the hands of adults, Legos are even more dangerous. Jaques Strappe recently hijacked an airliner, with over 75 people on board, using a modified rapid-fire semi-automatic Lego Gun. Though no passengers were hurt, several first class travelers were apparently shouting such things as "Golly!" and "Lordy, Lordy!". After he was apprehended, Strappe claimed to have found the plans for his weapon on the Internet. No lawsuits have been filed against Lego or Slashdot/Andover/VA as of yet, but you can be sure that there are many to come...

    --
    "It's tough to be bilingual when you get hit in the head."
  68. seriously by Nastard · · Score: 1

    how long until some terrorists decide to modify this and hijack a plane ? getting plastic toys through airport security would be no problem.

  69. Toys of Mass Destruction by Quintin+Stone · · Score: 1
    When I was a kid, I...
    • Had massive Lego castle wars with my brothers
    • Had Lego car ramming competitions
    • Built Lincoln Log houses and launched smaller Lincoln Logs at them with a crude Lincoln Log catapult
    • Made crossbows out of Tinker-Toys and rubber bands
    I think you just had a boring childhood. :)
    --

    "Prejudice is wrong; you should hate everyone the same."

  70. LEGO Machine gun vs. LEGO Grenades. by ccoakley · · Score: 1
    Yeah, machine guns are a bit morbid. So was every kid I played with as a child. We'd stack the 8x4 bricks to make a hollow "sphere" (more like a cube with protrusions) to make grenades, which we'd lob at each other. They'd shatter on impact! I think I'd rather get shot by a 2x4 brick than have a lego grenade nail my head.

    I don't have many childhood memories. Go Figure.

    --
    Network Security: It always comes down to a big guy with a gun.
    1. Re:LEGO Machine gun vs. LEGO Grenades. by Jon-o · · Score: 1

      Even better:

      You take a bunch of legos, assemble them into a square on a large platform piece (all on the same level). Wrap an elastic around them so that the elastic is on the flat sides, not the bumps. Then you carefully take the bricks off the platform, so that they're just held together by the elastic. Watch out though! If one of these goes off in your hand, you can REALLY get hurt!

      A friend of mine made time bombs and vibration-sensitive bombs out of these that would send bricks flying all over the house... He's studying philosohy now. <G>

    2. Re:LEGO Machine gun vs. LEGO Grenades. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I spent most of my childhood taking tape decks, tv's, phonographs, walkmens, anything electronic and making little motorized cars out of the parts. Drop a 9v battey in and let the thing fly around on the floor. Hair dryer motors were great connected to model train transformers at ~ 15000 rpm I couldnt keep the wheels I ripped off of my model countach down.

  71. slashdot needs a "lego" category by dirt_merchant · · Score: 1

    There are so many "lego" stories on slashdot, why not make a category and icon specifically for legos. I'll make the the icon if you want.

    --
    Enter the DirtMerchant
    1. Re:slashdot needs a "lego" category by Alaric42 · · Score: 1

      If I'm not mistaken, the toy category uses a 2x4 red lego brick. That's good enough for me!

  72. 8 stud encryption by D3 · · Score: 1

    I think I'll come up with my own encryption algorithm based on this. Do the US export laws prevent me from sending information out about 6x8 stud encryption?

    And how many colors are LEGO bricks available in anyway?

    --
    Do really dense people warp space more than others?
  73. I love legos. by bdowne01 · · Score: 1

    Next.... the Lego warhead.

    --
    -brain
  74. Slashdot Moderators aren't too bright by An+Ominous+Cow+Herd · · Score: 1

    Slashdot moderators need to start looking at timestamps on responses. If someone asks a question and two people reply with exactly the same answer at almost exactly the same time, then I would hardly call that redundant.

    Now if I had answered ten minutes later after reading all of the responses, then moderate me down and ruin my karma, otherwise don't be such an ass and mess with my karma you bastards!

    Taco, FIX THIS! A double mod of Redundant is redundant and as such the moderators should lose karma points at the same time.
    ---

    --
    MoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!!!!!!!
  75. Re:Lego test replaced SATS at some schools, rememb by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hey! Please moderate this up! It was really funny! :) The visuals that could be conjured up _alone_ are priceless...

  76. my LAST lego weapon was a crossbow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    When I was 12, I started with single shot trigger action rubberband lego guns but tested a lego crossbow firing those plastic rods from the book holders they gave in school but stopped because of the range it had -- I didn't want to hurt the family. We moved on to lego demo-derbies instead.

    1. Re:my LAST lego weapon was a crossbow by Raptor+CK · · Score: 1

      Technics ROCKED for stuff like that. If you could make an 10 unit (or longer) axle go straight (slightly harder than I originally thought when I did it), it's easy to use the old 4.5V motor to just drive it out at a decent speed.
      Of course, fast isn't fast enough for me. Set up a small gearbox to go with that, and you'll still have enough torque to get by with nothing more than wheels after that.

      The best part? You can make it LOOK like a crossbow, but it'll fire like a submachine gun at the very slowest. At the fastest? I never measured, but drop in loading and nearly instant firing are enough to make *me* happy.
      Christopher Kalos

      --
      Raptor
      "Procrastination is great. It gives me a lot more time to do things that I'm never going to do."
  77. niggled by Ogre332 · · Score: 1
    just a couple of questions that have niggled at me for a while..

    careful, use of this word has recently come under fire because it looks and sounds like another word

    --
    Shut up brain or I'll stab you with a Q-Tip. - Homer Simpson
  78. LEGO-proof vest by Jonavin · · Score: 1


    Now all we need are LEGO-proof vests to protect you against other people with LEGO machine guns.

    --
    Why aren't we using the LEGO icon?

  79. Lego stock is going down... by kill+-9+$$ · · Score: 2
    This is not good! Now Lego's are going to be on the top ten list of dangerous toys for Christmas from here on out...

    Now all we need to do is manufacture Lego's out of C4 and then the fun will really begin.

    Imagine the Lego howitzer, mortar launcher, or Tank cannon....

    The possibilities are endless. Couple it with that really cool Lego mindstorm stuff and we've just given playtime a whole new definition of fun.

    --

    -- A computer without COBOL and Fortran is like a piece of chocolate cake without ketchup and mustard
  80. Have you ever heard anything so anal? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    For decades, children (and adults!) have been referring to a single brick as a "Lego" and multiple bricks (or the whole concept) as "Legos". I think that the "Lego Company" needs to pull that giant lego rod out of their collective asses. That's what they're called, that's what they are.

  81. I made one... by ForceOfWill · · Score: 1

    I once made a lego machine gun that shot an assembly of a 2x1 flat brick with the ridges in it and a 2x2 flat brick underneath with a 2x2 gear connected to my motor. The Technic gears fit nicely into the ridges, as long as there's only one bump-worth of them. The fire rate was poor because I couldn't get the "bullets" out of the holder fast enough. Also, aiming was limited, because I had to point it down to get the bullets out, then point it to where I wanted to shoot, while the thing came out. Those things do get accelerated pretty fast, though. Not much of a range, I guess my batteries were weak at that point.

    --

    --
    Seeing is believing; You wouldn't have seen it if you didn't believe it.
    1. Re:I made one... by pigpogm · · Score: 1

      I did something very similar to that, using a gear on the motor, and using the flat geared blocks from the rack-and-pinion steering of the Technics Car as bullets.

      As far as i remember, it could fire across a room pretty well, which was enough to entertain me at the time.

      --
      PigPog.
  82. Einstein was wrong by ElJefe · · Score: 2

    "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
    -Albert Einstein

    It will obviously be fought with Legos...

  83. Morbid??? Hell no.. by kill+-9+$$ · · Score: 1
    Yeah right!

    When I was a kid I was making tanks out of Tinker-Toys, had really cool exploading action on my Lincoln Log cabins (acheived by sliding one of the flat roof pieces under the foundation, using a small log for a fulcrum and pushing down on the opposite end). And most definitely I made lots of guns out of Lego's, Lock-Blocks, and whatever else they had back then... Granted, mine didn't actually shoot anything, but if I had the ingenuity you can bet they would have.

    And as for the Lego towns and spaceships. They never got blown up by an enemy star cruiser or something, and you never took advantage of the fact that Lego people could be split into multiple parts. Its all natural.. (I think?!?!)

    Wow the memories are now coming back of all the crazy menacing devices I created with Capsela and Robotix, also. Boy that was fun stuff. Thanks for invoking the trip down memory lane...

    --

    -- A computer without COBOL and Fortran is like a piece of chocolate cake without ketchup and mustard
  84. The Matrix? by Lord+Bitman · · Score: 2

    Ok, Now my Robot AI script will be for IRC, Quake, File Filtering, and An Unyholy Army of Legos.

    Now think on this: Might this be just how the Matrix "AI" was born? This is what sparked the War! Soon people will discover how to make rapid-fire 1x1 unstopable Lego Bricks make from depleted uranium!
    These things will fire faster than the speed of sound!

    "Alright, this is Blacktron 7843, We're ready with the new Beam Cannon"

    "Roger that 7843, You are Authorized"

    [Cannon Fires a Stream of Lego Bricks, The Base security Shatters, The Base Shatters, The Platform the base was on shatters, The Plane that was on splits in half and flies off in both directions, The Floor gets driven through and it kills your sister who was working on the computer downstairs at the time. Because You had a Lego Mindstorm AI controlling the Cannon, It re-targets and blows apart the walls, sending the roof crashing down, But it's not over yet- this rocked, you used glue, little bricks start breaking windows and splitting trees, A stray one catches the air and knocks out a plane's engine, The plane crashes about a mile away, And your gun- It's still firing, The whol area is in devestation or chaos, with your dying breath you manage to say, "7843: successful"]

    Mwuahahahah.
    Yes, I can dream. And you cant stop me. Dont even bother trying.

    --
    -- 'The' Lord and Master Bitman On High, Master Of All
  85. Destruction! by Alaric42 · · Score: 1

    What havoc technology wreaks. Pretty soon the thought police are going to throw some five year old in jail for mowing down thirty lego men at once.

  86. Why wait till HS! by imho123 · · Score: 1

    Now even small kids can get a machine gun of their own. Sort of a "starter kit." Sorry, this does not seem like a good idea to me no matter how creative.

    --


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~~~ Read my lips; no new faxes ~~~
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  87. ITAR by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Looks innocent enough, but distributing the plans for making such a device clearly violates ITAR.

    Mmmm, hot grits and ITAR down my pants, can it get any better?

  88. Leelee by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Leelee Sobieski is much hotter than Natalie Portman.

  89. MIRROR! by CrayDrygu · · Score: 2

    This page is taking a while to load due to slashdotting, so I figured I'd be nice and put up a mirror.

    Just so you know, I changed it to an ASP file. This is only so I could add a counter script that I wrote to it. And yes, this means this mirror is being hosted on an NT box. Take that however you will.

    Anyway, the mirror is at http://silverlight.org/cray/lego/

    --

    --
    "I personal[ly] think Unix is "superior" because on LSD it tastes like Blue." -- jbarnett

  90. Bah, counter doesn't work. by CrayDrygu · · Score: 2

    Darnit...my counter script doesn't work on this server. Shoulda tested that first, eh? Anyway, I'll be replacing it with a crappy LinkExchange counter shortly.

    --

    --
    "I personal[ly] think Unix is "superior" because on LSD it tastes like Blue." -- jbarnett

  91. uuhh... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is this supposed to be real or in a videogame?

    1. Re:uuhh... by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 1

      No, it's real, that's the point, it's like therapy for programmers; see, legos are material. Material in discrete integral chunks with limited, highly specific functions, but it's a start. Soon after a gentle reorientation with these simple, bit-like material objects, they move on to stuffed dolls and swing-sets, things like that; and soon the detoxifying programmer can focus on and even grasp continuous natural phenomena, such as the flow of water, or aging and death.

      Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

  92. I wonder...... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder if the could port BSD and Linux to this thing......

  93. OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "there ought to be limits to freedom" -G.W. Bush .. which G.W. Bush said that? I can see either of them being able to...

    1. Re:OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I can possibly see it being said, of course taken completely out of context it means absolutely nothing.

    2. Re:OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 2

      G.W. Junior ("Shrub") said that in reference to gwbush.com, a satirical web site that broadly made fun of "Shrub's" vapidity, rumors about his "youthful" cocaine use, etc. "Shrub" doesn't believe that the First Amendment covers making fun of him on a web site. He feels political commentary is going too far. What an airhead.

      Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

    3. Re:OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      but they are both idiots, so it just furthers that truth, even out of context, because we all know it wasn't said in such a way that it is reasonable.

    4. Re:OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by Ruthless_Advisorette · · Score: 1

      Of all the words that come to mind....airhead is not included. lol The list is MUCH more colorful. *blush* (Such language is very unladylike of me) The more I hear about this man, the less I like him.

      "The light at the end of the tunnel is undoubtedly the headlamp of an oncoming train." - Mrs. Murphy

    5. Re:OFFTOPIC, just a question about a .sig by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It was MiniBush who said it. It was in response to the guy who has the website mocking him and his campaign when they tried to sue him to take it down.

  94. The Militia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sorry bud, but the militia is actually defined in the United States Code as every male age 17 and above. Therefore, I'm a proud member of the United States Militia. I don't have a gun yet though.. I should pick one up to defend the greatest country on earth.. the US of A baby.

    1. Re:The Militia by roomfull+of+blues · · Score: 1

      Hey I've read this before! Just can't remember the Title/Section # of the U.S. code. :( Do you remember, or does the Library of Congress have a webpage? Really want to look into the details... :)
      Dilbert: I have become one with my computer. It is a feeling of ecstacy... the blend of logic and emotion. I have reached...

    2. Re:The Militia by Ares · · Score: 1

      10 USC 311 at uscode.house.gov.

    3. Re:The Militia by roomfull+of+blues · · Score: 1

      Thanks alot. I'll keep it handy. :)
      Dilbert: I have become one with my computer. It is a feeling of ecstacy... the blend of logic and emotion. I have reached...

  95. Hmmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I want a Legoland total conversion/mod/skin hack for Quake3. Imagine the other players looking like weapon toting Lego people, the maps/buildings all looking like they're made of Lego bricks. It could be very surreal.

  96. Colorado College vs the Lego Mac-10... by Raven17 · · Score: 1

    I wonder what would happen if you built one of these guns during the Colorado College "new" admissions test and then exerted your leadership by holding the other test takers hostage.

    It would demonstrate:
    - Engineering insite
    - Ability to apply technology in a stressful situation
    - Leadership - Do what I say or else!
    - It could be practical back in the 'hood to bust out a Lego Mac-10 on the playground with no risk of felony weapons charges.

  97. Legos the coolest real toys ever by otomo_1001 · · Score: 1

    I still love legos. When me and my friends used to get together we'd really come up with some cool stuff to create, model enterprises, etc.. But the wars were the best. I still remember the time we took a whole bunch of legos and arranged them into crude throwing stars. They really hurt, but if you missed and hit the wall you broke a few of your legos. But try and control their direction, you'd have better luck trying to push a car up a hill. But the closest I ever got to my gun was a crude piston like system that required you crank really fast. And then make sure everything was still together. :) But I always wondered, why bother building a really cool gun when you could just get the 2 x 4 bricks by the handful and whip them at your opponent, kinda like a shotgun effect? Ahh the memories.

  98. BadassMoFo.com by Zach+Baker · · Score: 1

    Everyone should read BAMF daily. Everyone. Don't forget the gaming section.

  99. Awww, come on, guys! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's hard for me to believe... Lego cannons? (Need I say more?)

  100. Re:Where is the chicken blood drool? by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 1

    I went to your web site and I was tragically disappointed. The reason I find Ms. Portman so appealing, and I should think this goes for the rest of the geeks here on slashdot as well, is because of those wonderful photos of her all gothically white with that fetching stripe of blood in the middle of her lower lip. Alas I missed the movie (didn't play in the town where I live) but obviously that red stripe comes from biting chickens's heads off.

    So here I rush to the web site on the other side of your link and there she is, breathtakingly undressed, yes all blessed, but then my blood runs cold as I realize, damn it all, where is the chicken blood!?!?

    Life is a disappointment, nay, a cheat. (Arthur Schopenhauer said that.)

    Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

  101. Not until lego syringe by anonymous+cowerd · · Score: 1

    and lego crack pipe (little clear 1x1s represent rocks) and big green lego spleeeeef, but when some fiend stars publishing the plans for those, then it will be time to crack down on the youth-corrupting distributors, both small (the Kay-Bee at the mall) and big (the mysterious, shadowy "Claus Syndicate" centered, some say, in the Arctic...)

    Yours WDK - WKiernan@concentric.net

  102. For decades I have been annoyed with... by Totally+Desensitized · · Score: 1

    IANAL -- I always just said lego not legos always thought people pluralizng the best toy in the universe by calling it "legos" were almost being sacreligous. But thats just me.

    1. Re:For decades I have been annoyed with... by kulturkritik · · Score: 1


      I feel exactly the same way. They're called "legos" by the same people who pronounce "linux" with a long i.

  103. lego gun by gkolleng · · Score: 1

    at least people are doing useful stuff with their time...

  104. Hey Everybody Remember, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Lego's don't kill people, peo . . . Oh wait, I guess Legos really don't kill people do they?

  105. A couple of things... by Pasco · · Score: 1

    After spending a little while actually building the thing, one major drawback became apparent.

    Sure, it has a high firing rate (assuming the handle doesn't break), but it has no power to match!

    Using 1x4 bricks yields a consistent result with a somewhat higher muzzle velocity, but there are better alternatives...

    Take the classic axle 'crossbow'. It's contstructed completely out of technic lego, and fire the longest axles around at frightening speeds. Even better, simple versions can be slipped into a pocket

    The most basic form is simply about 10 fairly wide beams held securely together, lined up so the axle can slip through with minimum friction. Then the rubber band wraps around the front (you need to make sure that it doesn't cover the exit hole. THen you pull the band tight, line up an axle, and release...

    If the band is tight enough, the axle will pass through at least 2 sheets of corrugated cardboard before noticably slowing down

    That's raw lego power power in anybody's language

    Then there's the highly advanced pump action axle crossbow, but that can hardly be detailed through text...so...

  106. Lego is Latin... by LinuxOnEveryDesktop · · Score: 1

    Lego, very conveniently, also mean "I collect", or "I read" in Latin... Check out that dictionary!

    --
    http://ward.vandewege.net/blog/
  107. Lego Gun by Space+Ghost · · Score: 1

    Now do you see why we need more Gun Control laws? This guy should hook up with the NRA. (Nachos, Rifles, and Alcohol, according to Homer Simpson.)

  108. ACLU by Quintin+Stone · · Score: 1
    • I get so God damned tired of people putting the ACLU down because it doesn't do the NRA's job for them.
    I was not really saying that the ACLU had to do the NRA's "job" (is it really their "job"?), but that it hypocritically denies that the 2nd Ammendment has any meaning at all while claiming to defend all American rights. I am grateful for the existence of the ACLU and the job they have done defending the citizens from government encroachment, but they rely on a simplistic and inaccurate "out" to relieve themselves of any responsibility to support civilian gun ownership no matter what the Bill of Rights says. It's obvious to me that their position is based on a matter of personal bias, not the universal acceptance of rights protected by the Constitution and its ammendments.
    --

    "Prejudice is wrong; you should hate everyone the same."

  109. Slashdotted! Can someone help with a mirror? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The site says "This site is out of service while I deal with the results of a review in slashdot.org: over 11,000 unique hits in one day. If you can donate hosting of that kind of traffic, email me at karr@shore.net. If not, sorry for the inconvenience; I hope to be back soon. "

    Somebody mirror the thing, so we all can go see!

  110. Re:Blasphemy! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yeah, Ryoko is a babe, but Tsunami's hotter any day... ^_^ Rowr! ^J^J______________^J Kamilion, writer of many Tenchi fanfics

  111. Re:Blasphemy! by mcc · · Score: 1

    Personally.. i've always had a serious thing for Ryo-ohki.

    DROOOL

    --
    Irritable, left-wing and possibly humorous bumper stickers and t-shirts