Entertainment
The LEGO Group Unveils Space Station 8R1CK5 at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
San Diego Comic-Con 2024 featured LEGO Group’s Space Station 8R1CK5, offering immersive space-themed activities, exclusive set reveals, and abundant creativity.
Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Daily News Staff
As the spectacle of San Diego Comic-Con 2024 unfurled its myriad colors, an awe-inspiring booth experience unlike any other captured the imagination of attendees. The LEGO Group, marking more than two decades of inventive participation in the convention, introduced the world to Space Station 8R1CK5. This wasn’t just a booth; it was a portal to the cosmos, combining the infinite possibilities of space exploration with the timeless joy of LEGO® building.
Step Into Interstellar Wonders
From Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 29, Comic-Con visitors embarked on a stellar journey at Space Station 8R1CK5. Beth McKenna, Head of U.S. Marketing at the LEGO Group, stated, “We’ve always aimed to create a space that resonates with both young hearts and seasoned builders. This year, we’ve taken it to the stars, ensuring that every fan leaves with memories as enduring as our bricks.”
Highlights of Space Station 8R1CK5:
- Immersive Experiences:
Dive into an expansive space station setup featuring beloved LEGO properties, complete with interactive and virtual elements. Relish first looks at LEGO Star Wars™, interact with alien specimens, or drift through cosmic landscapes via enchanting digital windows. - Hands-On Building:
Participants got the chance to design and build their own LEGO rockets. Post-build, these personalized spacecrafts were set against a dynamic LED backdrop, simulating a launch into the far reaches of space, with each builder receiving an exclusive Comic-Con mission patch in recognition of their creativity. - Exclusive First Looks:
More than 50 LEGO sets were on display, including never-before-seen creations from top franchises like LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Minecraft®, LEGO Super Mario™, and LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog™. These sets showcased inventive interpretations of popular characters and themes, ensuring there was something to ignite everyone’s building spirit.
New Set Reveals Delight Fans
Several new LEGO sets were unveiled, stirring excitement amongst the community:
- LEGO Star Wars Adventures:
Attendees witnessed the unveiling of three novel sets coinciding with the Disney+ animated special, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Highlights included the debut of Jedi Bob’s Starfighter, The Dark Falcon featuring Darth Jar Jar, and an innovative TIE Fighter & X-Wing Mash-up. - Shadow the Hedgehog Comes to Life:
In collaboration with SEGA, the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog universe expanded with the introduction of the Shadow the Hedgehog set, packed with Easter eggs and dark charisma. - Dungeons and Dragons in Minifigure Form:
LEGO’s Minifigures lineup grew richer with characters from Dungeons & Dragons®, offering everything from a Tiefling Sorcerer to the notorious Strahd von Zarovich. - Celebrate with LEGO Minecraft:
The delightful Minecraft Baby Pig’s Birthday Celebration set was also revealed, featuring a cast of adorable mobs ready for a blocky birthday bash complete with a buildable cake. - Relive Memories with LEGO Travel Moments:
Inspired by the LEGO Masters show, this set allows builders to construct their memorable travel moments with a World Wonderliner jet and customizable world map, perfect for displaying treasured memorabilia.
From a booth to a gust of interstellar marvel, Space Station 8R1CK5 at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was a landmark in the LEGO odyssey, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and the boundless joy of building. As explorers of this miniature cosmos, attendees left with not just exclusive sets and memories, but with a renewed zest for the infinite possibilities that LEGOs can create.
Stay connected for more updates and explore the wide array of exhibits from the event at LEGO.com/san-diego-comic-con. For additional information, direct your curiosity and inquiries to press@america.lego.com.
About The LEGO Group
Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen and based on the Danish ethos of ‘Leg Godt’ (Play Well), the LEGO Group remains a family-owned enterprise headquartered in Billund, Denmark. Emphasizing the power of play through its LEGO System in Play, it continues to inspire builders of tomorrow, one brick at a time. Explore more at www.LEGO.com.
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actors & performers
T.K. Carter, The Thing and Punky Brewster Actor, Dies at 69
Actor T.K. Carter, known for The Thing and Punky Brewster, has died at age 69. A look at his career and lasting legacy in film and television.
T.K. Carter in Punky Brewster (1984) Image: IMDB
Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in The Thing and the popular 1980s television series Punky Brewster, has died at the age of 69.
Authorities confirmed Carter was found unresponsive at his home in Duarte, California. No foul play is suspected, and an official cause of death has not yet been released.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born Thomas Kent Carter, T.K. Carter built a career in film and television that spanned more than four decades. He became a cult favorite portraying Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, a film that continues to influence the genre today.
Television audiences widely remember Carter for his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, where his comedic timing and grounded performances helped make the show a lasting favorite of the era.
Film and Television Legacy
In addition to his best-known roles, Carter appeared in films such as Runaway Train, Ski Patrol, and Space Jam. His television work included guest appearances on a wide range of series throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
Known within the industry as a reliable and versatile performer, Carter often brought authenticity and warmth to supporting roles that left a lasting impression, even in brief appearances.
Remembering T.K. Carter
As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on T.K. Carter’s contributions to film and television. While he may not have always been the leading name on the marquee, his work helped shape stories that continue to be watched and appreciated by new generations.
T.K. Carter is remembered for his enduring performances, professional dedication, and the quiet but meaningful legacy he leaves behind.
Related Coverage
- Los Angeles Times: Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
- People Magazine: T.K. Carter, ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster’ Actor, Dead at 69
- Entertainment Weekly: T.K. Carter, ‘Punky Brewster’ and ‘The Thing’ Actor, Dies
- ABC News: Veteran Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
Stay with STM Daily News for updates to this developing story and more independent coverage of entertainment, history, and culture. Visit www.stmdailynews.com for the latest.
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actors & performers
Pat Finn: Remembering the Familiar Face Who Made Us Laugh
Pat Finn, the familiar face from The Middle, Seinfeld, Friends, and Toyota commercials, has passed away at 60. We remember his career, legacy, and lasting impact.
Pat Finn: Remembering the Familiar Face Who Made Us Laugh
Many people may not have known his name right away, but they knew his face. Pat Finn was one of those rare actors who quietly became part of America’s shared television experience—popping up in beloved sitcoms, memorable commercials, and scene-stealing guest roles for more than three decades.
In December 2025, Finn passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with bladder cancer, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences who grew up watching network television’s golden era of sitcoms.
A Career Built on Consistency and Craft
Pat Finn wasn’t a headline-chasing star. Instead, he was the definition of a working actor—someone whose talent and reliability kept him in steady demand across generations of television.
He appeared in some of the most recognizable shows in TV history, including Seinfeld, Friends, Murphy Brown, 3rd Rock from the Sun, That ’70s Show, The King of Queens, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Goldbergs. To many fans, he was especially memorable as Bill Norwood, the occasionally awkward and often hilarious boss on ABC’s long-running sitcom The Middle.
These weren’t flashy roles—but they were essential ones. Finn had a gift for grounding comedy in reality, playing characters who felt like people you actually knew: coworkers, neighbors, or that guy you’d see at the store every week.
From Chicago Improv to National Screens
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Pat Finn came out of Chicago’s legendary improv scene, training and performing with The Second City and the iO Theater. That background gave him sharp comedic instincts and impeccable timing—skills that translated effortlessly to television.
He was also a contemporary and friend of Chris Farley, and like many performers from that era, Finn carried the Chicago improv tradition of generosity, collaboration, and humility throughout his career.
The Toyota Commercials—and Being “That Guy”
In later years, a new generation came to recognize Finn from Toyota commercials, particularly regional dealership ads. Once again, he became “that guy” everyone recognized but couldn’t quite place—a testament to just how deeply embedded he was in pop culture.
Commercial work is often overlooked, but Finn approached it with the same professionalism and charm as his television roles, making even short appearances feel authentic and memorable.
A Teacher, Mentor, and Family Man
Beyond acting, Pat Finn was also a teacher and mentor, sharing his experience with aspiring performers and encouraging young actors to respect the craft rather than chase fame.
He was married to his wife, Donna, for more than three decades, and together they raised three children. In tributes following his passing, family and colleagues alike emphasized not just his talent, but his kindness, humor, and generosity.
A Quiet Legacy That Lasts
Pat Finn’s passing is a reminder that television history isn’t shaped only by superstars. It’s built by dependable, talented performers who show up, deliver, and elevate every project they touch.
If you’ve ever laughed at a scene and later realized, “Hey, I’ve seen that guy before,” there’s a good chance it was Pat Finn.
His work lives on—in reruns, streaming libraries, commercials, and the memories of audiences who didn’t always know his name, but never forgot his presence.
Rest in peace, Pat Finn. And thank you for the laughs.
Related Coverage
- People.com — Pat Finn, ‘The Middle’ and ‘Friends’ Actor, Dies at 60
- TVLine — Pat Finn Dead: The Middle, Seinfeld, Friends Actor Remembered
- Entertainment Weekly — Pat Finn, Veteran TV Character Actor, Dead at 60
- Variety — Pat Finn, Second City Alum and TV Staple, Dies at 60
- Wikipedia — Pat Finn (Actor Biography & Filmography
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social media
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
TikTok Influencer vs Chef: A viral TikTok confrontation between Chef Luke Sung and a food influencer led to backlash, a restaurant closure, and a major rebrand in San Francisco.
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
In mid-2025, a San Francisco restaurant found itself at the center of a viral controversy—not because of its food, but because of an interaction between a well-known chef and a TikTok food influencer. The incident sparked a broader conversation about power, professionalism, and the growing influence of social media in the hospitality industry.What Happened at Kis Cafe
The incident involved Chef Luke Sung, a respected name in the Bay Area culinary scene, and a TikTok micro-influencer known online as @itskarlabb. The influencer had been invited to Kis Cafe for a planned promotional collaboration. According to the influencer, during her visit the chef questioned her follower count—around 15,000 at the time—and allegedly implied that her audience was not the “type of people” who would dine at his restaurant. She later described the exchange as humiliating and dismissive. After leaving the restaurant, she shared her experience in a TikTok video. The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and triggering a wave of online backlash.The Internet Reacts
Although the influencer initially did not name the restaurant or the chef, internet users quickly identified Kis Cafe. The restaurant’s review pages were flooded with criticism, and the incident became a flashpoint in online discussions about elitism, influencer culture, and accountability. Within days, Kis Cafe issued a public apology and announced that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the restaurant in any capacity.Chef Luke Sung Responds
Chef Sung later released a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was condescending and inappropriate. He stated that there were no excuses for the way he treated the influencer and accepted responsibility for the incident. The apology, however, did little to slow the momentum of public reaction.The Restaurant Closes — and Reopens
Not long after the controversy, Kis Cafe announced it would close. In the months that followed, the space reopened under a new name, Bosque, with new leadership and no involvement from Sung. The rebrand was seen as a clear attempt to move forward and distance the business from the viral episode.The Influencer Effect
Meanwhile, the influencer at the center of the controversy saw her follower count surge dramatically, growing from a modest audience into hundreds of thousands of followers almost overnight. The incident highlighted the real-world impact that even “micro-influencers” can have—and how a single moment, captured and shared, can reshape careers and businesses.Why This Story Matters
This controversy underscored a major cultural shift: social media is no longer separate from real-world industries like dining and hospitality. Online platforms can amplify personal experiences into powerful narratives with lasting consequences. As of early 2026, the restaurant operates under a new identity, the chef has stepped away from the project entirely, and the influencer continues to grow her platform. The episode remains a cautionary tale about professionalism, respect, and the power of digital voices. Get The Knowledge. More stories like this are available at STM Daily News.Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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