It could be argued that Build, a collaboration between the Australian branches of LEGO and Google, is a browser-based knockoff of Minecraft, but on the other hand, those people would essentially arguing that they can never be satisfied, too cynical to enjoy an amazing use of browser and web technology. Also, it's fun to build things with LEGO bricks.

Off the coast of Nova Scotia, there's a humpback whale that specializes in joy and today was the perfect day for me to meet him (or her, I don't know much about whales).

[Discovery via The Awl]

Yes, it's a giant ad for a toy and yes, the X Games are sort of ridiculous, but as far as televised events go, two cars racing each other while driving upside down briefly is exactly the sort of thing I enjoy:

The “Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare” is set to take place at this month’s Summer X-Games in Los Angeles. Drivers Tanner Foust and Greg Tracy will attempt to race through a 60-foot vertical loop modeled after the new Double Dare Snare Hot Wheels toy, in what would be the first time in history two cars mounted a vertical loop at once...

It’s a race and a stunt in one, with the drivers racing two purpose-built cars at 52 mph down separate tracks that merge into one big loop, where they will face a a gravitational force of 7 G’s (that’s what a fighter pilot feels), before being spit out on the other side to complete a jump. First one through wins....

Plans and preparation have been underway since last fall, where former NASA lab experts, roller coaster engineers and stuntmen came together to concoct the life-sized track. In the end, and after what Foust calls a “mind boggling amount of physics,” the 700-foot long (about two football fields) track and 125 tons of steel loop were complete.

While 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer has a predictably terrible time at Chicago's house of hot dogs and obscenity, Weiner's Circle, thankfully he has a friend to bring along as back up.

It might not be immediately apparent from the terrible camera phone shot, but that's Michael Bolton eating barbecue at Slows in Detroit. Three Weekly staffers are on the road this weekend for the Association of Alternative Newsmedia conference, but it won't get much better than eating a table away from a multi-platinum singer.

The Miami Heat had a bad night, but thankfully, one of their eager child fans was ready by the player's tunnel to offer a bit of positive reinforcement.

There are a variety of toys everyone remembers using as some of their favorites when they were growing up. For me, I remember Barbie’s being one of my favorites along with Polly Pockets, Beanie Babies and of course the infamous, Easy-Bake Oven.

I remember begging my mom to buy me one of the Easy-Bake Ovens because my friend, Madison had one and I just HAD to have it. I’m not sure if it was the idea of being able to make my own treats for myself without having to ask Mom or if it was the girly pink spatula and oven that got me. Whatever it was, I loved it.

Take a minute or two and read about the history of the Easy-Bake Oven from one of our alt-weekly brethren. It may bring you back to your childhood memories and favorite toys.

"The Rise and Fall of the Easy-Bake Oven" by Lisa Sorg

• Gustavo Arellano/OC Weekly

Ask A Mexican's Gustavo Arellano recently posted on his home paper's blog a scene from Denver, Colo., worth a mention here with our burgeoning medical marijuana industry and occasional empty taco spot (maybe around here empty check-cashing establishments are more plentiful) If you're familiar with the former archtectural style of America's least authentic Mexican fast food chain, you might recognize the former occupant of this marijuana collective.

I understand that Baz Luhrmann is the artsy type, but I think this might be just a bit too much of a re-imagination of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel.

[Jezebel]

If you’re into charity events and spa days, look no further than this Friday’s “Just Say
Spaaah” event hosted by Arizona Spa Girls. Spa Girls is “a girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide
to Arizona spas, salons, beauty and wellness,” according to their website.

“Last year was the first time that we took the Series outside the Phoenix area with an
event in Sedona,” said Lisa Kasanicky, the founder. “We chose Elizabeth Arden Red
Door Spa at the Westin La Paloma because I felt that the Tucson Red Door Spa was the
perfect place to treat locals to a taste of luxury in their own backyards.”

A percentage of each ticket, along with sponsorships and 100 percent of the raffle will go
directly to Fresh Start, Women’s Foundation, an organization that empowers women.

If you go, tickets are $95 and include an evening reception with wine, food, a keepsake
beach bag brimming with spa and beauty products, a charity raffle, exclusive discounts,
wellness demonstrations and mini spa services.

Event guests also receive a spa certificate valid for one free spa treatment.

Use the code “GoTucson” to access this discount of the normally $115 ticket price tag.

The event will be on June 1 and will go from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn more here: http://summerspaseries.com/06-01-12-elizabeth-arden-red-door-spa-at-
the-westin-la-paloma-tucson/