October 5, 2010

This has to happen

Greetings fellow Earthlings, 

    I think it's about time to post some images. 
                 Boo Yuh!  Here's a good one:

 Cool eh? Last post had too much writing, I need some Straight-Up Imagery in this bitch.
 This was made by John Berkey. He is an astonishing Sci-Fi illustrator.

 Here is more from the Russian painter Shishkin.
You simply must view it full-sized
 Salvador Dali painting done in 1978. A rare, hard to find image here...full size it if you want. 
This is an optical illusion that I made. It Should appear to be 3D...
 Mmmmm.
 I'd feel bad not posting a link to this fellow artist's page:


    OK, that's it for this post. 

     I've gotten rid of the insights section for now. I'm not sure if I'll bring that back...it was pissing me off and it felt forced. 
Ahh, feels good to end a post without an insight.


Vernin, signing off. Stay cool and question all authority.

October 3, 2010

Vernin's Reviews - Volume One

Hello, 
    Welcome to the first volume of Vernin's Reviews. In this, I'll be reviewing a documentary, an SNES game, a PC Game, a cartoon and one product that I have purchased lately.
    One thing worth mentioning before I get started: I rarely will be reviewing things of poor quality. My tastes have become very refined ever since my contact with humans via the internet. And because of this, I'd rather not waste my time with anything that is not great. So don't be surprised to see many 10/10's in my reviews. The reviews are more of a way to spread information about all of the good things I have experienced and I've never been too good at being a critic. 


Documentary - The Machine That     Changed The World            
 (AKA: The Dream Machine)
    This five-part documentary is probably the best I've ever seen so far. It has an incredible amount of information, great footage, and awesome interviews. 
    
    The documentary details the creation and growth of the computer. A tool that, I for one, sometimes take for granted. I had always wanted to know more about how my desktop PC came to be in my room- And this documentary has answered all of my questions.
    It's a charming documentary, in that it was filmed in 1992. You can expect plenty of imagery consisting of huge computers, retro integrated circuits and great interviews from the creators of the first radio-tube computer. 


I Vernin, give it a 10 out of 10. 
-In account of it's overwhelming amount of information, classy directing style, and addictiveness levels- I just couldn't bare to give it any less than a ten. 

By all means, check it out for yourself:



SNES GAME - Super Smash TV
    For all of you old-timers out there: You may remember this classic SNES game. (I myself didn't get a copy until about 3 years ago.) It is a fast paced game that requires a great deal of concentration. And it's music and graphics take one back to a simpler day- A day in which video games had a large amount of soul.
    The premise of the game: You are a criminal fighting for your freedom. If you make it through the gauntlet of ridiculous rooms and boss-fights, then you become a free man. The only catch is that it is an incredible task, and if you fail to achieve it- you die. 
    The game features three different Zones. Each consists of a grid of rooms in which you can navigate through in different orders. (Certain room paths can lead to prize rooms in which you frantically gather up money, and big prizes such as- VCR's, TV's and Vacations.)
    It also features a great multiplayer mode. It really is one of the funnest 2-player games I have ever witnessed. And with two people, you can actually progress a lot farther. 


I Vernin, give it 10 out of 10
    The boss battles are fun and distinct, the action is non-stop and there are apparently secrets in the game too. (You acqiure keys, and I still have not figured them out) So this, combined with it's stellar graphics and memorable quotes gives SSTV a 10 out of 10.

Check out this boss-battle footage: Mutoid Man (I love em)



PC Game - Cosmic Break
     Cosmic Break is an online game that you play through a downloaded client. It is completely free (I'm not sure if that will last) and it is still under development. In the game you play as different robots in 3rd-person. You can customize the parts on your robots and battle them against other human players in arenas. You can also invite people to quest with you.
    The game is fairly simple and it is easily downloaded. So it's really worth checking out. It's also very challenging. Some of the robots in the arena take mine out in a few shots, so you gotta really have some skillz with the mouse to progress. However, the arena gives you great experience even if you lose; So there is no reason not to jump right in with all of the other advanced players. 
    There are a few things that I personally see as downsides to the game, such as the questing mode and the story-line. But it is really hard for me to complain, seeing as this game is completely free And of high quality.

Here is a screenshot of one of my 7 robots: APACHE 
 ==Click Image, see it full-sized==
    Apache is a spear-fighter with fast ground movement and a light machine-gun. But it is also horrible at air combat and has light armor.  
http://www.cosmicbreak.com/




I Vernin, give it an 8 out of 10
The game is still under development, so I think a lot of the problems I experienced may eventually be fixed, but at the moment it isn't quite 10/10 status. 


Cartoon - Robotech: The Macross Saga
    Any fan of older 1980's animes should already know about this strange series. It is about a young pilot that learns many things about himself and others, all while trying to protect his planet. Advanced alien technology has been reverse-engineered to create "variable fighters." (They're essentially transformable F-14 Tomcats) The series also incorporates a very accurate love circle. 
    There is a lot to love about Robotech: TMS. But for anyone who has seen gundam- there will be a lot to hate as well. One thing I noticed is that you will see the same scenes and frames countless times. And the animation becomes sub-par at certain times. Also if you watch the entire series: There is no way you will not get Minmei's song stuck in your brain. Oh! Here it is!!

    All in all though, I enjoyed watching it and it has a place in my little rat heart. I especially enjoyed what they did with the characters at the end. Minmei gets what she deserves, and so does Lisa..
Robotech: The Macross Saga - Ep. 1

I Vernin, give it an 8 out of 10 
Macross at times got a little too repetitive for me and that is a point loss. Also the fact that you hear Minmei's little song like more than 40 times gets it another point loss. But overall the scrappy animation is not a bother, rather a look into the past. And the story is hard for me to forget. 
So I suggest checking it out if you a fan of the Mecha genre. 


Product - Tombow MONO Zero Precision Erasor. 
    For those precise and technical illustrators out there, The Tombow precision erasors are a must have item. They are held like a pencil and come in many different sizes and shapes. The refill packs are not very expensive either, so you can be erasing for years to come. 
    I just recently got my order in the mail, in it was the Tombow MONO Zero 2.3mm erasor and two refill packs. With the shipping, it came out to be about 15 USD. Because I do small, technical pencil drawings, this thing was a godsend for me. It's literally like having a mechanical pencil that has an erasor in place of lead.








Here is the model that I have. 

And here is a link to the website I got it from-
Tombow Precision Erasorz 

I Vernin, give it a 10 out of 10
It's a simple, hardy device that is not much money, it can erase areas that I didn't deem possible, and it just looks cool. (Leave it to the Japanese to make the best art supplies possible.)
I really find it tough to discover any faults in this thing. It's perfect for any technical artist and draftsman alike.   

That's it for Vernin's Reviews Volume One. I'm going to try and do these bi-weekly so be sure to keep an eye out for the next volume.

Also:
Chapter Two of Vernin's Saga is nearing completion. I had to rewrite it entirely as the first initial copy was Bad. That's what I get for smoking that happy grass.

Vernin, signing off now. Wishing you a wonderful Autumn!




Insight:
    The biggest argument that I hear regarding more Police control in the United States is: "If you're not doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about."
Well...What the fuck!? 
The Land Of the Free should be a land in which one can smoke a Marijuana cigarette without getting hassled by some soulless, demon-pig. Seriously- cops burn in hellfire.
The Land Of the Free should think twice about how 'free' they really are.   

September 28, 2010

Videos for Everyone

    Here is a little something for Everyone:


And here is another:


    And last, but certainly in no way the least:



    I hope that you have enjoyed the videos as much as I have. When I find some more 'gems' such as these, I'll be sure to share them with you all. 

    
Insights:

-I'm starting to worry that I may be unable to provide two, quality insights every post. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to try my hardest to keep that from becoming reality. 
-Frequent bike-riding can lead to leg and posture problems if you are not careful to diversify your activities. Bowing of the legs can occur if too much biking is done, and it is important to make sure your entire body receives the fullest range of motions when working out.

September 27, 2010

Do aliens really live amongst us?

     So I thought I would take a little time tonight and post some art and a great video by an accomplished mycologist.

     If you like mushrooms as much as I do, and you think of them as alien and intelligent. Then this video could be for you. 
And also, if you are just generally interested in mushrooms and would like a great array of facts and imagery, then this video is for you as well.


Paul Stamets - 6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save The World

     (I was trying to insert the video on here, but my rat-brain could not comprehend..) 

    Vernin is also a very big art fan. So tonight is a special post involving some strange, and sometimes provocative art works. 

    First off is a personal favorite artist whom I have discovered only recently. He is known very well for his character/concept designs in A K I R A .

Tatsuyki Tanaka
Vernin's 1st featured artist.



 


These all come from Tanaka's book entitled: Cannabis Works
I highly suggest it. 


 Strangely enough, there isn't too much info out there on the guy. And he hasn't done as much as one might expect. 
But regardless, he is one of the best illustrators I have ever seen in my life.

There isn't room on this blog to give these images justice. They are incredibly detailed and accurate, and the artistic process is amazing. Tanaka does his work in mechanical-pencil and then simply scans them and does highlighting and colouring in Adobe. I have been studying his technique for some time now...
 

Send me a message if you would like additional information on Tanaka. Serious inquiries only please. 



    Next are some random, mostly anonymous works. 

I've decided that each visual-art post will include a featured artist. 
(next time will be Dali, including some very rare, excellent paintings that I'd be surprised if you had seen.)




The last two were by: Tom Ormound

Shishkin


    There you have it. That's all I have time for tonight. 
If you have any questions about any of the works, I'd be happy to help answer them if possible. 



Thanks for visiting! And keep an open mind!
-Vernin The Rat



       Insights:
              Confucius is responsible for some of my 
                    favorite quotes. They are simple, 
                      and infinitely helpful to me, personally.


If you experience a mosquito problem near your home patio, keeping a wasp nest in your yard can prove to be effective. I have kept two up this year, one back behind the shed, and another under the car-port. They have not been aggressive in the slightest and I haven't even Seen a mosquito in my yard this year. 

September 25, 2010

3:24am - Time to post some images.

    The crickets are loud tonight. Yet, I still leave the windows open. I saw a lot of fallen leaves today, and I can't hardly believe it is becoming autumn again. What a strange season it is...So to get my mind off of the horrible fact that our beloved summer comes to an end - I'm going to post some select images from my personal collection. 
 In honor of the crickets and their fine, diligent service this year: I'd like to post a link.

  This episode of Vernin's Rat-nest will be random themed, with a hint of Japan. It'd be too boring for me if I were to just post them by themselves, so I'll be giving explanations of some.


 


















Kirosuma at his book signing in Nagoya.










Kirosuma's theory: "When whipped-cream is applied to the breasts of a female human, and when those breasts are then subjected to examination by young, prosperous 'ladder-babies,' there is a highly probable chance that I will be able to further combat my addiction to alcohol."    -Kirosuma, speaking on the behalf of his newest book entitled: B-Balla'z


"Kirosuma has an impressive way with the world, and his books have received a cult-like following that is unmatched by anything in this physical realm."   -Habi Ewoley, director of the Humanzee's




















That is a very good question.


























It's been fun. 
But now I must enter into a slumber. 
I hope you've enjoyed the images and information on Kirosuma as much as I have! 

This is Vernin, signing off. Have a nice meal and keep watching the skies!  



Insights: 
-Much happiness can be achieved by taking a walk in the forest. And even more can be found when one takes time to be quiet and listen to what surrounds them. 
-The internet is one of man's most powerful tools. Like the mycelium structures that fungi produce to network themselves, we too have connected all most all of the world together. In time I think it could rival the effectiveness of the fungi networks if only it is to preserve it's freedom.

September 22, 2010

New Beginnings

    After many years, The Void has found a new home. It happens to be right here on blogger.com. I am still not entirely sure of what will become of The Void. But as of right now it will merely be a shrine to everything that I love.

    You can expect many things from The Void. Including: Reviews of most anything that can be reviewed, great and rare images coming from around the net, and great insights that can only come from me: Vernin. There is much work to do so forgive me if The Void seems scarce at the moment.



    
    You might be wondering about who I am. And how a rat became the owner of The Void. Well it is a fascinating story and I am happy to dwell on it. But I think it would be more intriguing to do it in installments. So, without further adieu, here is chapter one of Vernin's Saga:

Chapter One :  Narrated By Phil L.


     









    
    
    It is a late autumn evening in the town of Denver. A testing lab for food coloring is left with only a few eerie lights on and a consistent beep can be heard every 12 seconds from a specific machine. Vernin grew to hate the beep. He would anticipate it's arrival and cringe during it's un-wanted outburst. He wondered if his comrades felt the same. Although they thought his whinings about the subject to be annoying, he couldn't help but predict that they too were being driven completely insane by the noise.
    There was a total of fifteen rats that called room 5a their home. Vernin's bin was located on the very bottom right of the stainless steel rack that they all jokingly called "The PJ's." Above Vernin was his long-time friend - Sodiq. And all around them were the rest of the rats. All of whom Vernin thought of as ignorant, and highly submissive. Everyone saw something different in Sodiq and Vernin, and for that the two rats were mostly outcasted from the usual conversations and outings.
    Sodiq and Vernin had come from different litters, but had been put together as younglings and chosen for a special research project involving chemicals referred to as the 2C's. They both exhibited great potential as lab rats and were admired by the staff's director to no end. Professor Nottinghiem loved them so much in fact, that he had a special rat-pen constructed for them. It had everything young rats needed to be prosperous: The full collection of The Twilight Zone, many different European cheeses, a rat-wheel, and a Japanese garden. Life was great for the two young rats, and they grew to be the best of friends. It wasn't until the untimely death of Prof. Nottinghiem that their lives began to take a turn for the worst.
    Because only the Professor truly cared for the duo, their special treatment ended immediately after his leave. They were given bins and placed on the rack with all the others; who at this point despised them for their special treatment. It was as if they had gone to prison after living a life of luxury. Sodiq never really questioned the event and once commented: "We are RATS. You need to accept it Vernin. This is where we belong, and this is where we will stay, and this is where we will die. There is nothing that you nor I can do to change it..." But Vernin never could believe such a statement. He Knew he was different than the others. He questioned things that all the other rats accepted as their reality. He wondered about life abroad their prison-lab, and dream't of living in one of the fabled sewer colonies.
   One night, all of the rats commenced their outing as usual. An old-timer living on the top shelf was a master at getting his bin open, and he would help all the others escape nightly if just for a little while. Although they could not leave room 5a, it still provided a slight sense of satisfaction. As usual, Sodiq and Vernin were the last to be helped out of their bins. Most of the rats congregate and test their skills in the cheese maze. But Sodiq and Vernin had a habit of finding a nice corner to plan escapes in.
   There was a feeling of hopelessness that would come over Sodiq while Vernin constructed his plans. He could not fathom how or why Vernin was so confident in his goal to someday leave the lab. And he always felt that they would die old and senile while still devising feeble plans. But something was different about this night...Vernin had a different spark in him. He was very uneasy and eager to get Sodiq away from the others. Something was up.
    "It is time Sodiq. I Know it is finally time. They've finally slipped up after all these years." Vernin explains the current situation: "Remember the spill on the burner this afternoon Sodiq?"
Sodiq nods. "Well...The ventilation was not enough to disperse the fumes. Long story short: The intern forgot to close the window after locking up." It took a moment for Sodiq to process the situation. It was unbelievable. He couldn't breathe. "What do we do Vernin!? How do we escape without the others finding out!?" Vernin was disgruntled by the idea of leaving without the others. Although they had mistreated both him and Sodiq, he felt it was not their fault. Would he not be judgmental in their position?
    "They are coming with us Sodiq. And they will be a great help in our escape. There is a double screen that we need to chew through and we don't have enough night-time to chew it by ourselves..." Sodiq was quite surprised by the comment. But he really didn't give it a second thought. He ultimately always listened to Vernin's wisdom and found it easier to be a follower. Vernin and Sodiq immediately told the others of the situation. There were four rats that decided to stay behind on behalf of their old-age. The Old-Timer had decided upon this. He felt that the older rats would lag the group behind in their escape from the lab building. They were going to die soon anyways...everyone knew it was true. This is a chance in a lifetime for all of them. No one had ever heard about an escape ever happening, and until now, it was considered a fool's dream.



Be sure to catch the next installment: The Escape
   I'll leave you with the Insights Section. (You'll be able to find it at the end of every post from here on.) 
-Women actually Are Not attracted to honest, sensitive men.
-Gyokuro is one of Japan's finest exported teas and I for one have received great health from drinking it.