Learn how to do special video effects on a budget. Create a realistic lightsaber and phaser,and then learn how to lop off someone's hand - or at least make it seem that way. The age-old bout of Star wars vs. Star Trek, has led to this mind bending, mind meld of a first episode showing you how to make your own light saber and phaser effects. The secrets of movie professionals are revealed in this cool new series. Distributed by Tubemogul. LINK
Saturday, May 30, 2009
How to Make Phasers and Light Saber Video Effects
Hi-Def Pics - Breathtaking Mountain Range Reflections
There's nothing like being on a lake and taking in the beauty and grandness of a mountain range. It's almost like nature has a way of healing and replenishing the soul that is so easily jaded in the city. Even more amazing, a beautiful optical illusion is created on sunny days when the lake is still. Collected here are some breathtaking photos of mountain range reflections. LINK
Japan's earthquake rescue robot
The BBC's Richard Black takes a look at the development of a Japanese robot that could help rescue survivors after an earthquake. LINK
Beastie Boys "So What'cha Want " ft. The Roots
Beastie Boys talk about "Check Your Head" and play So What'cha Want ft. The Roots Crew live on Jimmy Fallon May 25, 2009. LINK: Youtube
Different Gimp Tutorials
GIMP is a freely distributed GNU Image Manipulation Program. Available for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It’s always fun to experiment different techniques and learn how to work with various aspects of GIMP to spice up boring pictures and make them into works of arts and masterpieces.
So, if you’re interested in learning some new skills, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced user, these GIMP tutorials are for you. LINK
New Species Of Carnivorous Slug Has Blade-Like Teeth
South Wales – A pale white, blind blob of living tissue with blade-like teeth is a new species of slug that eats flesh.
The “ghost” slug, which was first discovered in a Cardiff garden in 2007, was named by experts at National Museum Wales and Cardiff University.
teeth2
Creatures of this type are more usually found in Turkey and Georgia. according to the BBC. LINK
Friday, May 29, 2009
Basketball Dog
(YouTube link)
Zeke has a basketball jones. Sign him up for the pros! -Via: Bits and Pieces, Via: Neatorama
Star Wars Alphabet
Set your kids on the path to Star Wars fandom early by teaching them the ABCs using Star Wars characters! This Flickr set by illustrator Michael Fleming made me smile. Link, Via: Neatorama
10 Awesome Flash-Animated Interactive Websites
Ever wanted to draw a song or discover more about how the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead? How about learning about cocaine from Pablo the pooch, who just happens to be a talking doggy drug mule? No? Then what about connecting up the stars to create your own constellation then see it wrap around your screen in 3D? LINK
There must be something you will like from this selection of flash based websites.
The Sublime Swallowtail
You may be familiar with the Common Yellow and the Western Tiger, but the Swallowtail family of butterflies is much larger and diverse than you may imagine.
Take a look at some of the less familiar species, along with some stunning photographs, and revisit one or two you have perhaps seen before. LINK
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Baby Otters Sea World Orlando 2009
Newborn Asian Small-clawed Otters frolic at Sea World Orlando.
Video courtesy of and copyright by Sea World Orlando. LINK: Youtube
Saira McLaren’s interpretation of the spiritual world
Saira McLaren is a Canadian born, Brooklyn-based artist whose blurred paintings of the natural and spiritual world are disturbing for what they reference as well as what they deny. McLaren has shown at Heskin Contemporary, New York, NY, Acuna-Hansen Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, and Mississippi State University. LINK
Reach
Director: Luke Randall
Running Time: 3'50
Country: Australia
Category: Comedy
A tiny robot is given the gift of life with only one limitation, the length of his power cable. When a curious bird appears at the workshop window, the robot feels a lust to live outside of his reach that may be his demise.
Originally from the island of Tasmania, Luke Randall is a director/animator currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Luke has been fortunate enough to work on CG TV series, video game cinematic and animated feature films over the past couple of years and has received several awards for his work. LINK: Youtube
This is the last photo he took.
Michio Hoshino, a photographer known for his pictures of bears and other wildlife, was mauled to death by a brown bear on the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. He was in his mid-40?s and lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. LINK
RC Stunt Plane, Helicopter and Jet do tricks and crash
Airshow sponsored by Trilordy and Venom Racing. Nitro rc planes and jets show off some awsome control in front of a crowd. LINK: Youtube
Fear And Loathing: The Board Game
Designer Jonathan Baldwin created a very limited edition board game based on Hunter S. Thompson's Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. The package looks fantastic. "Pill bottle contents mimic look of real substances." Fear And Loathing: The Board Game. LINK: Boingboing
VPlay from Microsoft Research
VPlay is an interactive system based on a Microsoft Surface that is being developed over at Microsoft Research Cambridge. In short, it allows one or multiple users to manipulate video in real time. VPlay is designed for VJing (live video mixing) and achieves the real-time aspect by using digital objects that represent video clips, effects, and mixers. Users can then use simple touch gestures to move them around and arrange them while looking at the resulting ever-changing video output. Over the weekend, I found a video that shows off VPlay quite extensively. LINK, Via: Youtube
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Hard Time - wooden clock
This clock is designed and hand built by Adrian Iredale, With inspiration from Clayton Boyer. Seee his site at http://lisaboyer.com/Clayto... LINK: Youtube
Meet the Markhors
THE BLACK HOLE
Director: Diamond Dugs
Running Time: 2'34
Country: U.K.
Category: Comedy
A sleep deprived office worker finds a Black Hole whilst photocopying late one night Suddenly the possibilities seem endless. Will greed get the better of him? LINK: Youtube
Gorillaz 'Bananaz' - The Sneeze Extra
A special extra taken from the forthcoming Gorillaz' Bananaz DVD, never seen before online!
The DVD has 62 minutes of extra footage NEVER seen before and can be pre-ordered right now from the Parlophone Store here: LINK: Youtube
http://www.parlophone.co.uk/store
Futuristic Japanese Cars
Cool designs and bizarre concept cars take the stage at Japan's motor show, including Honda's 'organic' car skin and a rotating Nissan that talks you out of a bad mood. LINK: Youtube
Friday, May 22, 2009
Typographical Art on Napkins
Photo: shch andrey
Andrey of SHCH Graphics Group draws marvelous typographical art. My favorite is his series of wonderful typographical "doodles" done on napkins!
Check out more of his work at the website above or here: Link [Flickr photostream] - Via: design is mine, Via: Neatorama
100 Touching Photos Expressing Loneliness And Solitude
"A TEAR"
There is some really interesting images here. I had a hard time deciding which one I wanted to post.
100 Images expressing solitude, peace and loneliness. Via: Presurfer
Jan Bollaert Contemporary Art Paintings
"MARILYN IN CHINA BLUE"
Belgian artist Jan Bollaert says:
In general, my goal is to combine the artistic craftsmanship of classical painting with the limitless possibilities of imagination in contemporary art... If I have anything to convey at all in my work the very least I can do is to paint it well...
It is not a retro-style. I'm not endeavouring to revive the sixties or copy any of the great giants of popart. No, I want to make contemporary, post-conceptual art. There is enough pretentious, cerebral, coolly calculated, analytical and de-constructive art out there already.
Jan Bollaert Contemporary Art Paintings. Via: Presurfer
Interesting Bridges
Dark Roasted Blend has a photo-heavy roundup of interesting bridge construction, beginning with views of several bridges being built across huge gorges in China. The bridge shown is part of the Jinji Expressway. Also see large, artful, and scary bridges from around the world, plus links to earlier posts in the series on bridges. Link, Via: Neatorama
Toilet seats with hand-carved leather lids
Etsy user WINDY54M sells toilet seats decorated with hand-carved leather. From his listing:
This is real vegetable tanned leather.I carved it in my shop at my workbench.Once carved it is then dyed/stained then a top finish is applied to seal it. Then I use adhesive to attach it the Oak toilet seat.Then I use real HEMP rope to decrotate the edge.
Hand Carved Leather Toilet Seats, Via: Boingboing
Missing Link Connects Humans With … Lemurs?!
Paleontologist Jorn Hurum lead a team of scientists to analyze a 47-million-year-old fossil above (named "Ida") and came up with this intriguing conclusion: it is a critical missing-link species in the evolution of primates!
"This is the first link to all humans," Hurum, of the Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, said in a statement. Ida represents "the closest thing we can get to a direct ancestor."
Ida, properly known as Darwinius masillae, has a unique anatomy. The lemur-like skeleton features primate-like characteristics, including grasping hands, opposable thumbs, clawless digits with nails, and relatively short limbs.
Link | Ida’s official website, VIA: Neatorama
Mikael Alacoque
Mikael Alacoque rips familiar and nostalgic objects to the core to create a new sinister image sculptured with abstract moulding techniques. His dead dogs, in particular, have fantastic symbolism, with ice-cream smashed on their little heads. Alacoque is certainly an artist for now and beyond. LINK
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Man saves ducklings from ledge
A banker from Spokane, Washington, in the USA, has rescued a brood of ducklings which hatched on a ledge.
Joel Armstrong was ready and waiting to help the ducklings down, after rescuing a brood from the same problem a year before. LINK
Very Funny Sleeping Baby Pigs React To Sounds !!!
Very Funny Sleeping Baby Pigs React To Sounds !!! LINK: Youtube
Ace Dual Action Trimmer
This two-sided trimmer sports a rotating head for nose and ear hair, and a reciprocating head for sideburns and facial hair. Powered by two 7200 RPM motors, the Ace Dual Action Trimmer ($30) has enough horsepower for even the hairiest of heads. It also features a diamond textured grip and ergonomic design for better control. LINK
KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT 'Terminator Salvation' ROBOT Trailer (Strong Language)
KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT's debut song 'Robot' (available at iTunes) used here in the official trailer for the movie Terminator Salvation in theaters everywhere today. KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT's "Survival Skills" album in stores August 25th on Duck Down Records. LINK: Youtube
Röyksopp ft. Robyn - The Girl And The Robot - [Live 2009]
Röyksopp ft. Robyn - The Girl And The Robot - [Live 2009]. LINK: Youtube
Steven LaRose
Steven LaRose’s abstract, inky paintings and drawings are a modern interpretation of Japanese textile and scroll art. While not directly representational, except for some repeated flower-like shapes, LaRose’s images are like apparitions, vaguely hinting at more tangible and recognizable forms. LINK
Pictures of Making a Picture
Logos Gone Wild
English Russia has put together a nifty little photo series that shows happens when logos are released into the wild.
With all the talk over logo redesigns, it's comforting to see everything from the Apple logo to Puma in their "natural habitats." LINK
Edison vs Youtube
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
05/15/09 Incredible Tank Battery Explosion from 200 yards away! Lamesa, TX
While shooting some ENG/stock footage last night of a tank battery fire near Lamesa, TX that was ignited by lightning, an explosion took place that sent a foot and half long, 4" diameter pipe valve from 200 yards away arcing directly into the front of my storm chase vehicle causing extensive damage.
This is closer than you EVER want to be to an explosion!
Firefighters from Lamesa and Andrews, TX fought to keep the fire down and the tanks cooled off for an hour before it finally exploded. Miraculously, all managed to escape without injury! LINK: Youtube
Def Poetry Jam - Alicia Keys - POW (REPOST)
Alicia Keys .. poetry. `nuff said. LINK: Youtube
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -- Dr. Seuss
This is an excellent poem.
"MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS"
I from experience can also say to beware of who knows that you have fallen into this pattern. You can be open with them but they play mind games knowing that you have a hard time to speak your mind. To me people that play those games are doing mental and emotional abuse to someone they say they LOVE. To me they have more of a problem then the person that has a difficult time to speak out. Taking advantage of people to benefit yourself is cruel and cold hearted. WHAT HAPPENED TO HONESTY IN THIS WORLD???????
Age of Conan: One Year Later video
Funcom's Glen 'Famine' Swan blogs about Age of Conan's upcoming 1 Year Anniversary, and a great video from CptHeatSink. If you quit Age of Conan early in to the game, then give the video a viewing, you get to see things that have been added since launch, such as new landscapes and new mobs. The video is also not short of epic battles! LINK
The Sequel of the first movie called "Age of Conan". As you may know, AoC is celebrating its anniversary of 1 year of carnage and lust on Hyborians lands.
Here's the link to download high-res version ;)
http://files.filefront.com/OneYearLat...
Happy Anniversary to the King ! ;)
LINK: Youtube
James T. Kirk Captain's Chair
You might not be able to pilot the Enterprise in real life, but at least you can feel like it in the James T. Kirk Captain's Chair ($2,900). This full-scale replica of Kirk's captain's chair from the original Star Trek TV series is constructed from the original design conceived by Matt Jefferies, and is limited to only 1,701 units. Features include a wood and steel platform, leather seat and back with oak arm rests, 360-degree swivel action, and various toggle switches, knobs, and buttons from the series, some of which play classic Trek dialogue or sound effects through the seat's built-in speaker. LINK
Monday, May 18, 2009
Metal Car Couch
“This one of a kind in the world automobile couch was designed, fabricated and is signed by the artist. Original design/concept. Entirely hand crafted in metal.” w/ photos. LINK
Plastic Army Men Art for the USO Painting with Toy Soldiers
Over 1,500 little plastic army men stuck on camouflage. The toy soldiers are 3 different colors with 8 different types each. Painted and glued down with acrylic on to a wood surface. The the feet bases are encased in an epoxy resin coating. Measures just over 3 foot by 4 foot.
The charity auction on Ebay raised over $2000 for the USO. Dedicated to the soldiers and their families who have had their lives put on hold while they are stuck in camouflage.
Music "Gone Shootin'" by the Ascetic Junkies. LINK: Youtube
Shoe Bathtub
If you are women and love shoes, you would love these shoes bathtub. These Shoe Bathtubs by Italian SICIS, the bathtub is entirely covered in an artistic way with glass mosaic, looks like a luxurious shoe, beautiful. LINK
Darryl Worley I Miss My Friend (Live In Iraq)
USO Show 2007. LINK: Youtube
This song has a lot of meaning behind it. Sometimes people lose site of there friendship within a relationship. To me thats where the lack of communication starts.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
How To Make A Vacuum Cleaner Bazooka
“Finally something fun you can do with your old dusty vacuum cleaner. Our easy guide will allow you to build a vacuum powered bazooka capable of giving you the upper hand in any office conflict.” w/ photos + video. LINK
Busker Turns Bike into Travelling Drum Kit
David Osborne has turned his bike into a travelling musical instrument. It takes 20 minutes to transform his bike into a drum kit with 5 cymbals, 3 snare drums and a foot pedal. He can transport everything he needs for his gigs on just two wheels.
This is Puncturekit also known as David Osborne. This was filmed on Charing Cross Road on the 1/2/2009 in sub zero temperatures. But nothing seemed to stop this guy entertaining a crowd full of shivering onlookers, most of which were heading towards China Town to celebrate the Chinese new Year. This has got to be one of the most unique ways of busking, as when he's done he just turns the whole thing over and rides off home!!!! LINK, Via: Vimeo
Paper Art by Simon Schubert
Simon Schubert, a talented German artist, uses paper creases and folds to create incredible works of art. LINK
Go Fast Jet Pack world record
Jet pack world record attempt 2009 in Knockhill Scotland. LINK: Youtube
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Mad Hatter - A Clay Creation
Clement Meriguet (aka Le Môme Kéké) is a French artist who initially created this Mad Hatter piece with black and white clay. He photographed it and then digitally modified the photo, infusing color and life into this piece. LINK
Beautiful Brazilian Boat Hammock
I want to sail away in this beautiful Brazilian boat hammock. Just me and my dreams. Snuggle up with me if you will. Let's take this journey together. LINK
"Golden Rules For Life"
If you turn it on, Turn it off.
If you unlock it, Lock it up.
If you break it, Admit it.
If you can"t fix it, Call someone that can.
If you borrow it, Return it.
If you value it, Take care of it.
If you make a mess, Clean it up.
If you move it, Put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, Get permission.
If you don't know how to operate it, Leave it alone.
If it's none of your business, Don't ask questions.
If it ain't broke, Don't fix it.
If it will brighten someones day, Say it.
If it will tarnish someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.
Show Respect To Others!!!!!!!!
Santa Fe El Capitan by Lionel
This is running on 59' of track set up throughout a living and dining room. LINK: Youtube
Baby Cotton-Tops!
Table made from VHS cassettes
Asaf sez, "After hanging on to my VHS tapes collection for about 15 years -schlepping them to every apartment I moved - I realized those movies are NEVER going to see the light of day or a screen, for that matter. So I decided to be kind AND rewind!"
Toploader VHS Table, Via: Boingboing
Friday, May 15, 2009
CargoBridge (Game Battle)
Build the best bridge for your construction team, and cut corners at your own risk!
LINK
Ten Drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci
Go to this LINK to see the rest of the drawings and to see where the exhibition will be shown.
Nine-year-old Guitar Player "Yuto Miyazawa" on ellen 2009-may-11
Nine-year-old Yuto Miyazawa has become a YouTube sensation! His video received over 1.5 million hits, Watch Yuto performs Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train,"... LINK: Youtube
Awesome Tornado Video
"The imformation on this video is from the guy who filmed it."
WOW! what a day May 13th was! I just narrowly was able to escape being killed by a tornado which had killed another person moments before making it to my location. This tornado had cause extensive damage in Kirkland, MO as this tracked along the north side of town and then curled around about 5-6miles away from the town towards the SE as it kept dealing what looks to be about high end EF-1 to EF-2 as it crossed just yard from my position, pulling me off the road into the ditch towards it as I frantically tried to back away from the path the core of the circulation was to take across the road right in front of me. Normally I NEVER like to be this close as its very dangerous and I am very lucky to be alive. I honestly thought I was going to die as it bared down on my position. The reason the tornado was able to sneak up on me was because of the heavy rain wrapping around it from the RFD making the tornado impossible to see until it was nearly to late for me.
LISTEN TO THIS MONSTER ROAR!... I have never like the freight train sound...to me this sounds like a loud jet plane and man I honestly have never been more frighten in my life. Luckily my Jeep and myself are 100% a ok and I was also able to keep my streaming cam live while stuck in the outer fringes of the tornadic circulation and derbies field of the tornado. LINK: Youtube
Wayman Tisdale Dead at 44
Former Oklahoma star, NBA veteran, award winning jazz musician, and all around good guy lost his fight with cancer today. For all of his accomplishments before and after basketball, Wayman Tisdale will always be tied to Keith Lee of Memphis State and that epic game in 1985. QUOTED:: I rooted for Wayman back then and was rooting for him to beat cancer these last two years. Both losses in the end, but a valiant fight each time. LINK
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/05/1...
White-Naped Crane Chick Debuts in Toledo
White-Naped Crane Chick Hatches
Toledo, Ohio—The Toledo Zoo once again celebrates an important hatching as it welcomes the arrival of a white-naped crane. The chick was born to mother Anita and father Ivan on April 27. Both Anita and Ivan are first-time parents, and this is the first time that this species has been hatched at The Toledo Zoo. The crane family can be seen in the area between the waterfowl and penguin exhibits; they can also be seen from the bridge ramp. LINK
Royksopp - What Else Is There (Trentemoller Remix)
QUOTE::::
Apparently people haven't been reading this, because I've been getting lots of disrespectful comments saying that I didn't make this remix. Guess what? I KNOW! I never said I did! Read the description carefully, people! :)
So let's make it clear: the song is "What Else Is There" by Röyksopp, and it's remixed by DJ Trentemøller. The video images are from the original videoclip, I just edited it to fit Trentemøller's remix and it turned out to be pretty good. I thought it would be a good idea, because this remix is so great, and I always thought it was a pity that they only made a videoclip for the original version of this song. LINK: Youtube
Bert and Ernie on a Boat (Parody)
Oh sh*t! Get your rubber duckies ready, it's about to go down. I'm On A Boat (ft. T-Pain). LINK: Youtube
It's more then ready to go down.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Underwater World by Anatoly Beloshchin
Would be a great place to live if you needed a get away. LINK
Peaches - "More"
Peaches unleashes another ridiculously fun video from her forthcoming album I Feel Cream. LINK: Youtube
A very sad song for broken hearts
Richard Marx- Right here waiting. LINK: Youtube
Beware of those with self motivation. They talk out of both sides of their mouth. Play mind games and take you for a fool.
Harbin Ice Festival
Since 1985, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China an amazing festival is held annually. Known as Harbin Snow and Ice Festival, it is China’s original and greatest ice artwork festival, and one of the largest of its kind in the world. LINK
3D Paintings
3D paintings by a mystery artist that mimick doors and scenery. Who is he? We have no idea. Do let us know if you know… LINK
Don’t Panic: Typographical Art by Stefan Chinof
WebUrbanist blog has a really nifty round up of 15 artworks done through typography. This one above is by Bulgarian illustrator Stefan Chinof, who uses the negative space to spell out "Don’t Panic."
Link, Via: Neatorama
Bonnie St. Claire & Unit Gloria - Clap Your hands
Bonnie St. Claire & Unit Gloria -
Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet
Golden Oldies 1990.
LINK: Youtube
Penguins Chasing light at Columbus Zoo
The Penguin exibit at the Columbus Zoo this inteligent group of Penguins spotted the reflection from a ladys camera and started to chase it all over the place- much like how a cat does with a lazer pointer. LINK: Youtube
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Art Is The Cure
Art Is The Cure is a project that inspires people to turn to art therapy as a way of dealing with problems in life.
Art Is The Cure was founded by English artist, Rich Simmons, In February 2008. LINK: Youtube
Radiance - Wooden Clock
This hand-made clock was designed by Clayton Boyer and hand-made by Adrian Iredale. LINK: Youtube
Enter Kazoo Man - Metallica Enter Sandman performed on KAZOO
Metallica's "Enter Sandman" performed by Mister Tim. LINK: Youtube
Hanne Hukkelberg - A Cheaters Armoury
Taken from the album 'Rykestrasse 68' released 22nd September 2007. LINK: Youtube
Fluid Sculpture
This is a small prototype of what (Charlie Bucket)will be showing at the 2009 Maker Faire, May 30-31st in San Mateo. Be sure to find his booth!
MUSIC:
Ratatat, "Imperials" from their album LP3 (on tour now!) LINK