Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sketch Monday VS. ?
Hope everyone had a great Monday.
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| Live Long, and ^&*% You. |
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Did this back in High School. Think I could come up with something a little more interesting these days. |
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| One of a couple of ideas I had for the feared 'Goat Sucker'. |
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| Brainiac? Smallville...what could've been if I had been running things. |
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sketch Monday Returns
Yeh, I know I'm a day late. But I'm still here;
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| From the Shadows |
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| You taste good. |
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| LobsterJohnson fan art. |
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| What are you Looking at? |
The MPCV....The Next Step Of Human Space Travel....
I have several passions in my life. But my greatest may be the exploration of space. In fact, there may not be anything else I invest my total emotion into. I dream of new worlds, of new life, of new possibilities. And not a second goes by when I'm not thinking about what could be. And I know I'm not alone in feeling that way. People all around the world, from the beginning of time, have looked up and had dreams of infinity. And for years we as a species have worked towards the day when we could fly among the stars.
The past few decades have been a gift; entering Earth orbit, walking in Space, walking on the Moon, looking into the distant Universe, launching probes to Mars and beyond, creating a permanent base of operations in space in the International Space Station and deploying Robots specially designed for space operations. Slowly but surely we are achieving our dreams.
Our imaginations are becoming reality. But the Space Shuttle program is coming to an end, and with that long overdue end we must once again create a new chariot to carry us forward. One of those chariots is the MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) aka ORION, the flagship of the countries next-generation of space fleet. I get giddy at the words, space fleet. It is what its acronym implies. A space vehicle conceived and designed for multiple tasks, but ultimately for space travel beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Missions aboard the MPCV could last up to six months at a time. With the vehicle itself being one of the safest ever developed, and capable of housing more crew members than any vehicle before.
NASA facilities and industry experts from across the country have been developing the MPCV for years. Sometimes under different programs and titles, their tireless efforts are finally coming together. And the MPCV is allowing a more capable and affordable future in space to emerge.
This is but one craft, one of several in active development all over the world. Some being created by national programs, and some by private corporations. But the ultimate goal remains the same, mostly. To take human beings to the stars and beyond. We'll be returning to the moon within the next two decades or so, and after that we'll be headed for Mars. Likely, first to orbit and on a second mission to finally land. Think about it. Within our lifetimes we will be finally be walking on an alien planet.
I firmly believe that we are at the beginning of a new age of Space Exploration. All we need to do is embrace it. The MPCV and the other craft that are in development give us a means, but it's up to us to commit to the path. I for one choose to fly, how about you?
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| Beyond Our World is a Universe of Possibility. |
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The First Human in Space.        |
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| The MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) aka Orion, Cross Section. Photo from NASA. |
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Timeline of Development. Photo from NASA. |
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| artist Interpretation of the MPCV on a Deep Space Mission. |
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| USS ENTERPRISE or the NSEA PROTECTOR, either way we'll make it. |
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Parallels
To travel to Parallel Dimensions, think of them not as different destinations, but as the same destination. Like turning the channel on a television, you need only change the frequency of matter in a given area. If you were to build a machine, it can be as large or as small as you'd like, it must be capable of manipulating the most basic elements of the universe in an incredibly energetic fashion.
The power levels required would be astronomical but entirely possible. Likely on a similar level as any star like our own sun, but said energy would be released within seconds and regulated to an incredibly finite degree.
Moving from one dimension to another would require the assistance of a targeting system that functions both inside and outside of Space/Time as we know it. Likely one involving some sort of computer system built of both Matter and Antimatter. Existing in our Space/Time and not existing all at once. With this system, accompanied by a secondary system to manipulate the physical frequency of the object to be traveled, you could simultaneously establish your current location in one dimension, target that same location in another dimension, and chart a basic path through the barriers between the two.
While it is very possible, you must also take into consideration the physical forces at work during such a journey. Moving dimensions would be incredibly traumatic to the body, and any explorer would require a survival suit capable of resisting a journey which could tear apart a planet or star in moments.
Once the basic issues of; power, targeting, and survival are solved, you may move to any dimension, as easily as turning a dial.
The power levels required would be astronomical but entirely possible. Likely on a similar level as any star like our own sun, but said energy would be released within seconds and regulated to an incredibly finite degree.
Moving from one dimension to another would require the assistance of a targeting system that functions both inside and outside of Space/Time as we know it. Likely one involving some sort of computer system built of both Matter and Antimatter. Existing in our Space/Time and not existing all at once. With this system, accompanied by a secondary system to manipulate the physical frequency of the object to be traveled, you could simultaneously establish your current location in one dimension, target that same location in another dimension, and chart a basic path through the barriers between the two.
While it is very possible, you must also take into consideration the physical forces at work during such a journey. Moving dimensions would be incredibly traumatic to the body, and any explorer would require a survival suit capable of resisting a journey which could tear apart a planet or star in moments.
Once the basic issues of; power, targeting, and survival are solved, you may move to any dimension, as easily as turning a dial.
The Space Suit
If you're going to travel in Space you need a Suit. Found a nice image that shows off some Suits from history;
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sketch Monday Begins
Think I'll do something on here with my sketches. I know it's kind of a douche thing for me to do. I'm not a professional artist, but I enjoy it, so screw it this is my blog and I'll do what I want.
That should be alright for a first sketch post.
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| I Like This Guy, I Don't Know Why. |
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| Nothing Like Blank Faces. |
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| Stargate Fan-Concept I Did. |
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| Babies Are Freaky. |
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Godzilla? Zilla? Gino? A Future There Could Be...
No matter how you look at it, the 1998 SONY/TRISTAR 'GODZILLA' was a terrible Godzilla movie. It not only failed to live up to the character and legacy, it failed to live up to its own hype. However, this is not a post meant to bash that movie. I won't go into any of my negative feelings associated with the film to any degree.
This is a post to discuss one thing; hope for a future.
You see, all complaints and fanboy rage aside, beneath it all there is something quite interesting that came out of that movie and that's this;
A new giant monster was brought to life. Sure it was meant to be a leaner and faster version of the classic Godzilla. But, as per the design intention, it is something very different. Strip away everything else about the movie and we are left with a creature who has every right to continue on in his own series. And thankfully he did. After the movie, an animated series was put together featuring the son of the above creature going off on adventures and facing monstrous enemies week after week;
This series improved on everything seen in the feature and did what it could to bring this new creature closer to the original Godzilla. 'GODZILLA' himself, was treated as a character and the monsters he went up against were unique and beautifully horrific. I love this show, and I've been revisiting it off and on for some time now. Its in watching that show that I came to the realization; I love this creature, i just wish he wasn't called Godzilla. There's tremendous potential here, its just being ignored and thrown away.
TOHO, the creators and owners of the original Godzilla, may or may not have seen that potential as well. As 'Zilla', TOHO gave him his own ID, made an appearance in the most recent Godzilla film, 'Godzilla: Final Wars'. Seen attacking Sydney, Australia 'Zilla' faces off with Godzilla in what may be the shortest on-screen Kaiju battle of all time. Some see this as TOHO getting back at SONY for their mistreatment of the character. Others see it as simply a throw-away gag in a movie filled with them. However further investigation may define it as a little bit of both. As in a previous film a reference was made to 'Zilla' in passing during a discussion of Godzilla himself, saying it wasn't the real thing. In any case it was still nice to see the character show up again.
A point I find interesting however is that the rights to 'Zilla' have in fact have gone to TOHO. As they are the owners of Godzilla, they are ultimately owners of anything derived from the character. TOHO has a long history of being protective of the property, as previous American attempts at Godzilla, including a possible sequel to the 1998 film, were seemingly derailed because of either financial or creative demands. If 'Zilla' were to appear again in his own series of movies it could be more complicated than simply renaming the character. As the folks behind his return would have to negotiate with TOHO directly. However, once you made it through the red-tape it could simply be a matter of explaining away a few elements of continuity here or there. For instance the creature died in the 1998 film, but an egg survived and that creature went on to star in the animated series. So maybe a second egg survived or was kept for study. Another Zilla hatches looking slightly different than the others and it goes on to star in its own series of features. There ya go, a new franchise is born and a new big screen monster begins its reign. After a couple of movies you could even start to bring in other American monsters, since he's not up to anything why not throw Cloverfield in as an ongoing threat. Creating an American Kaiju (Giant Monster) Universe similar to that which has already existed in Japan for decades. Think about it, it could be glorious.
As for the name, the new creature could be named anything really. Any ideas? The original Godzilla's name is pronounced in Japan; GOJIRA. A combination of the Japanese words for Gorilla (Gorira) and Whale (Kujira). This new creature could continue the tradition, maybe substituting Gorilla with something like Dinosaur (Kyouryuu) or Demon (Akuma) or even Dragon (Tatsu, Ryuu). Or maybe it could go in a completely different direction. Since the creature was born in French Polynesia I would maybe go with something from Polynesian stories. When it comes to naming creatures like this being generic is the last thing you want to do. Leviathan, Beast, Behemoth, these sort of names are far too basic. Names like Godzilla, King Ghidorah, Mothra, King Kong, Rodan, they stick with you. They're iconic, just like the creatures themselves.
Like I said, this post is about hope. I hope that one day someone does all of this. I hope one day we get to see something more with this creature.
Japan has Godzilla and Gamera. Britain has Gorgo....kind of, come on make more Gorgo movies. Denmark has Reptilicus, which is something I think is worth celebrating a bit. Is America going to stick with King Kong or embrace its own giant reptile? What do you think?
For more information on the 1998 movie and series check out; http://www.godzilla1998.org/index1.html and http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/03/28/godzilla-the-series/
This is a post to discuss one thing; hope for a future.
You see, all complaints and fanboy rage aside, beneath it all there is something quite interesting that came out of that movie and that's this;
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| The star of the 1998 'GODZILLA' as designed by the incredible Patrick Tatopoulos. |
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| The Animated 'GODZILLA' surpassed his Father in every way. |
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| 'Zilla', as he was called, made what may be his last appearance on the big screen in 2004's GODZILLA:FINAL WARS. |
A point I find interesting however is that the rights to 'Zilla' have in fact have gone to TOHO. As they are the owners of Godzilla, they are ultimately owners of anything derived from the character. TOHO has a long history of being protective of the property, as previous American attempts at Godzilla, including a possible sequel to the 1998 film, were seemingly derailed because of either financial or creative demands. If 'Zilla' were to appear again in his own series of movies it could be more complicated than simply renaming the character. As the folks behind his return would have to negotiate with TOHO directly. However, once you made it through the red-tape it could simply be a matter of explaining away a few elements of continuity here or there. For instance the creature died in the 1998 film, but an egg survived and that creature went on to star in the animated series. So maybe a second egg survived or was kept for study. Another Zilla hatches looking slightly different than the others and it goes on to star in its own series of features. There ya go, a new franchise is born and a new big screen monster begins its reign. After a couple of movies you could even start to bring in other American monsters, since he's not up to anything why not throw Cloverfield in as an ongoing threat. Creating an American Kaiju (Giant Monster) Universe similar to that which has already existed in Japan for decades. Think about it, it could be glorious.
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| What Could Be... |
Like I said, this post is about hope. I hope that one day someone does all of this. I hope one day we get to see something more with this creature.
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| Top; Left-Godzilla/Right-Gamera. Bottom; Left-Gorgo/Middle-Reptilicus/Right-Our New Creature. |
For more information on the 1998 movie and series check out; http://www.godzilla1998.org/index1.html and http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/03/28/godzilla-the-series/
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day
A Happy Mother's Day to the Mother's of the world. When insanity becomes too much, when dark overcomes the light, you are there. You make all that is, and all that can be. Without you this planet would truly be lost.
Mother's Day has a long history in the world. While not every nation may celebrate the American Holiday. Days celebrating women and their impact have existed since ancient times. From festivals giving tribute to the Goddess' of old, to the formal International Women's Day, to the Islamic tradition, as stated in the Quran, of celebrating Mother's year round. Mother's Day may have been a Presidential order here in the U.S. but it's something that speaks to a much larger and older understanding. Our Mother's give us life and love. They nurture us and raise us in the hopes that we will grow to be, and do, good. And while we may not let them know how much we appreciate them for everything they do. There is, at the very least, a day that reminds us to stop and make every effort to do just that.
Thank you. Thank you to all the Mother's of the world. Thank you for all that you do, for all that you've done. Thank you for being our Mother's.
I miss you Mom, I love you.
Mother's Day has a long history in the world. While not every nation may celebrate the American Holiday. Days celebrating women and their impact have existed since ancient times. From festivals giving tribute to the Goddess' of old, to the formal International Women's Day, to the Islamic tradition, as stated in the Quran, of celebrating Mother's year round. Mother's Day may have been a Presidential order here in the U.S. but it's something that speaks to a much larger and older understanding. Our Mother's give us life and love. They nurture us and raise us in the hopes that we will grow to be, and do, good. And while we may not let them know how much we appreciate them for everything they do. There is, at the very least, a day that reminds us to stop and make every effort to do just that.
Thank you. Thank you to all the Mother's of the world. Thank you for all that you do, for all that you've done. Thank you for being our Mother's.
I miss you Mom, I love you.
Rebuilding The 'Pacifica'
Treasure Island is an Artificial Island in San Francisco Bay, that once functioned as; an airport, a home to the 1939-40 San Francisco World's Fair, and a Naval Outpost. Long abandoned it is now being redeveloped as a residential area, complete with; high-rises, a large park, an organic farm, wind farm, schools, and Police & Fire Departments. The 'Pacifica' was an 80ft Tall statue, created by artist Ralph Stackpole, that once stood on Treasure Island during the World's Fair. A symbol of endurance, beauty and Pacific unity, the statue was often referred to as the "'Statue Of Liberty' of the West". After standing for 372 days, in 1941, the statue was demolished. Now a non-profit group is attempting to restore a replica of the 'Pacifica' to the island. And they're depending on public contributions to do it. If you'd like to learn more, or even make a contribution, visit; http://www.pacificastatueproject.org/
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| The 'Pacifica' as she once was during the 1939-40 San Francisco World's Fair. Picture from the 'Pacifica II' Statue Project. |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
An Image From Sunday
We know quite a bit about what happened on Sunday night. And I have no doubt we will hear even more as time goes on. I want to say thank you to all of the men and women of the military and intelligence agencies who put their ass' on the line on a regular basis. I sincerely hope that with this moment, families of the thousands of innocents lost in America and across the world can find some measure of closure. Of all of the images coming out over the past few days, one has stuck with me a little bit. And that is a single image taken within the WhiteHouse 'Situation Room' as the raid was being executed. In this image you see President Obama and his team monitoring everything that was happening, as it was happening. This image says a hell of a lot in my mind. You can almost feel all of the air leave the room. What are your thoughts?
Picture Credit- REUTERS/WhiteHouse/PeteSouza
Picture Credit- REUTERS/WhiteHouse/PeteSouza
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| Pictured; Vice-President Biden, President Obama, Secretary Of State Clinton, Defense Secretary Gates, and the Presidents National Security Team. |
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