The Base has been Completed!!!!

I know, I've taken forever... But the base of the LEGO General Grievous is now complete. At first I was disturbed that I didn't get to build the actual General Grievous, but then I realized that he did need a place to perch since his footing was never really solid. The base is pretty solid, and would most likely support the weight of the Star Destroyer model (which I want to do next). The main part of the base consists of 195 LEGO pieces, 32 of which are dedicated to the solid footings underneath. At the top, there is a swivel platform with the General's feet built right on it. The platform itself is constructed with 65 pieces, then another 96 pieces for his feet.
On a side note, I've gotten a lot of slack about capitalizing all the letters in LEGO. I would just like to note that while "Lego" would be correct, typing "LEGO" is more correct, as that was how the original trademark was captured. Yeah, I know it's just a technicality, but if you really knew me, you wouldn't be surprised that I'm such a stickler on little things like this. :)

Rules Rules Rules

So, I decided to begin the build today. I grabbed my box of LEGO pieces, the instruction booklets (yes, there are more than one), and my giddy 8-year-old demeanor, and skipped outside during my break. I sat down on a nice patch of Kentucky Bluegrass (or at least it smells like it's Kentucky Bluegrass), and cracked open the booklets. To my dismay and horror I was given my first ultimatum!!! The very first instruction implied that I was going to have to construct my toy on a table! What?! They have the picture of your LEGO pieces on the grass, with a big red X through it!!! Whatever happened good ol' LEGO building on the grass? Did someone poke their eye out once with a blade of grass and sued LEGO? Are they just trying to protect me? Or was it those crazy environmental dudes from D.C.? "Don't build LEGOs on grass. You'll kill the defensless organisms!" Either way, I was very disappointed. Being the obedient servant that I am, I sauntered back inside with my wares. There will be no LEGO grassing for me.