T Bird

Another cool new T toy to the blog, the T DUCK. Lovely box art and a rather ungainly toy.

Courtesy of Ferryman.

Earthbound

I've been thinking about world views. Is the current generation of children being brought up in an insular world of solitary technology like Xbox and Facebook? Might this insularity be compounded by the worldwide recession and a lack of space programme to create a wholly introspective world view? Is it possible that Kids, like many of our readers, who grew up during the space race have a wider world outlook, which even embraces an interest in the Solar System and beyond? But paradoxically more adults than ever are stargazing through telescopes and the internet, so maybe there's a quiet space race taking place. It's effects may trickle down to the next generation, who will hopefully manage to see beyond the current global recession and intra - nationalism and look up at the star systems around us to dream of going there. Not very well put I'm afraid. In short, have we stopped looking up? What do you think Swordies?

Ain't it the Truth!

John Carter of Mars

The new John Carter of Mars movie looks great. Hopefully going to see it later this week. Has anyone already seen it or even read any of the books?

Can we expect a line of toys?

Super Cool Fins

Reader Arto has also brought my attention to two events in Finland. Both look supercool and Finland looks like collector central to me! First up Talviheikki in Turku.

and the exhibition Of Toys and Men at the Helsinki Art Museum. Here's one the many bots on display.

 

Tilt Shift

We're familiar with the use of special effects to make models appear real in films. Skillful weathering techniques, altered frame rates, clever lighting: all these can create illusions of reality. But have you ever considered the opposite?

Take a look at this short film (The City of Samba) of a Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. Everything you see is real: there's no model work (unless you want to be pedantic and count the carnival floats). But the use of "tilt shift" makes reality appear to be a collection of models. Prepare to be astounded if you haven't seen this before ... perhaps especially by the helicopter which is seen roughly one and a half minutes in.

(I've put the film here, but it's better if you watch if proper-size at YouTube.)

Ralph MacQuarrie RIP

Veteran Star Wars designer Ralph MacQuarrie has died aged 82. The US artist is known to countless Star Wars fans as the creator of many of the iconic characters like Darth Vader. The artist behind the most important universe other than our own, you can leave a tribute to him on his own website. God bless Ralph, you gave us all the force.

BritSciFi

Reader Kevin D has brought a cool event to my attention, BritSciFi, taking place next weekend at the National Space Centre in Leicester, UK. Gerry Anderson will be there no less! Looks excellent!