It seems a hobby becomes a full-on obsession when you start to attend conventions based on your interest. My fascination with all things Lego crossed this threshold over the weekend when I attended the annual Brickworld convention in Indianapolis. The two-day event featured a showcase of Lego creations and activities for all ages.

The crown jewel of the exhibits was the replica of Lucas Oil Stadium built for Super Bowl XLVI last month. It was difficult to get an up-close of the intensely detailed model with all the people clamoring for a glimpse. The jumbo display featured motorized roof panels, lights, and a working video screen. The top had since been autographed by various NFL players.

More details and a big photo gallery after the jump.
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We’ve been talking an awful lot about new and upcoming LEGO sets lately on Top Hat Sasquatch, but today I wanted to take a trip down memory lane and write the first post in a new series called Toys I Had. We’re going to be taking a look at the LEGO Town set 6350: Pizza to Go.

The year was 1994 and I was a 9 year-old kid who’s Dad happened to own a pizza restaurant when this set came out. Add the fact that I loved LEGO and it was inevitable that I would get this and build it in to my gradually expanding plastic city. Finally, the policemen, firemen, convicts, and fashionable 90’s city minifigs would have a place to eat, courtesy of the new local Pizzeria. They wouldn’t even have to leave their multi-colored, open-roofed houses to get it, because 6350 not only included the Pizzeria, but also a delivery truck. Awesome.

I’ve always had a soft-spot for LEGO city, mainly because there were no licensed sets when I was at my prime brick-buying age and I ended up with police stations, fire stations, space shuttles, and of course…a pizzeria.
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Well, that happened a lot faster than I thought it would. After Minecraft became the first LEGO Cuusoo set to get 10,000 supporters, passed the initial review, and was announced as an upcoming really-for-real set, I thought it could take months before we ever got a glimpse.

Luckily we’ve already got a press release and promo images, and even better, the set comes out this summer! It’ll run you $35 and it’s mini-scale, but includes a little Steve and Creeper. I think it looks great, and I can see a lot of people buying this when it’s available. Hell, I’m a casual I’ve played Minecraft a few times kind of guy, but I’ll probably pick this up.

What do you think?

You can check out the other photos and read the press release over at FBTB.

Tim and Tommy are always up for talking Lego, and this week they have a lot to talk about. 2012 is a huge year for the toy company, with Marvel Super Heroes, Lord of the Rings, Dino, Friends, and Monster Hunter lines debuting, alongside additional sets in all the classic series. Throw in a few more of the collectible minifigures and you’ve got a great year to be obsessed with LEGO.

The Top Hat Sasquatch team reads a lot of blog posts every day, and some slip through the crack or just don’t warrant their own post. That’s where Missing Links comes in. Every few days we collect the best links we’ve come across and pass them on to you.

LEGO Lord of the Rings News: LEGO Gollum Poster, LOTR Minifigs Revealed
Yet another awesome minifig reveal by LEGO for their Lord of the Rings line. Also a first look at the Orcs and Ringwraiths. So far, I like everything I've seen and can't wait to build these sets.

Threadless on the Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace
Your Xbox avatar can now wear Funkalicious, among other classic Threadless t-shirts. The circle is now complete.

Vortex, a USB keytar
As a musician and a geek, I approve of this keytar midi controller, even though half of the fun of keytars is standing up and looking like a dork in front of a lot of people, not just your computer.

Hyrulecraft, a complete Minecraft replica of Ocarina of Time, is now live
The lengths that geeks are willing to go these days to create awesome things astounds me.

Nickelodeon Universe Announces New TMNT Thrill Ride
Looks like I'll be going to the Mall of America sometime this year. This ride sounds great! Also, note the appearance of Shredder in this mockup. He looks kind of cool!

RetroBit RetroDuo Portable takes your SNES games on the go, $20 adapters bring NES and Genesis as well | The Verge
Looks like the portable SNES that Tim linked to around the holidays has some (much cheaper) competition.