T.D. Wilson's Blog, page 24
December 6, 2013
Amazing Spiderman 2If you haven't had a chance to cruise ...
Amazing Spiderman 2
If you haven't had a chance to cruise YouTube or IMDB, you may not have seen the latest trailer for Amazing Spiderman 2. Marvel has several movies coming out next year and this one is set for May 2. It looks awesome. Going to be a fun year for movies.
If you haven't had a chance to cruise YouTube or IMDB, you may not have seen the latest trailer for Amazing Spiderman 2. Marvel has several movies coming out next year and this one is set for May 2. It looks awesome. Going to be a fun year for movies.
November 13, 2013
Fantasy Trivia TimeOne of my favorite characters in fanta...
Fantasy Trivia Time
One of my favorite characters in fantasy novels is R.A. Salvatore's Dark Elf, Drizzt Do'urden. I have read all but the very latest book concerning this fascinating character, but early on Drizzt's life, he nearly died. In the City of Menzobarranzen, the Drow matriarchal society is brutal and absolute. Males are the underlings and viewed with scorn, especially by the priestesses of Lolth. In the opening chapters of the book Homeland, Drizzt is a mere baby and his older brother, Dinin, saves his life. How did it happen?
One of my favorite characters in fantasy novels is R.A. Salvatore's Dark Elf, Drizzt Do'urden. I have read all but the very latest book concerning this fascinating character, but early on Drizzt's life, he nearly died. In the City of Menzobarranzen, the Drow matriarchal society is brutal and absolute. Males are the underlings and viewed with scorn, especially by the priestesses of Lolth. In the opening chapters of the book Homeland, Drizzt is a mere baby and his older brother, Dinin, saves his life. How did it happen?
November 5, 2013
The Final Trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug...
The Final Trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Looks like the final trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is out. It looks good. Cannot wait for this movie. It is in theaters, December 13.
Looks like the final trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is out. It looks good. Cannot wait for this movie. It is in theaters, December 13.
November 2, 2013
The Next Generation of SpeedI was always fascinated about...
The Next Generation of Speed
I was always fascinated about reading the stories of the SR-71 Blackbird. It was THE coolest aircraft to talk about. Made from titanium alloy plates, it leaked and really didn't look like a plane. When it got to speed, the fuselage sealed up and it could outrun anything in the air. including its armaments. It wasn't viable as a fighter, so the US Air Force made it a spy plane.
I saw one of the original test planes, the YF-12A at the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. It was really cool and they now have a decommissioned SR-71 in the Cold War exhibit. If you ever get a chance, be sure to stop by and look at all the displays, including that one.
Now, the next generation of high speed aircraft is coming. The SR-72 which is a concept aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Here is a link to their information. It uses turbine based combined propulsion. It easier terms, its a turbine jet engine combined with a ramjet. With the new ramjet that was tested on the HTV-2 hypersonic test vehicle, this new aircraft could go from near standstill to MACH 6 quite quickly. Just hope the pilot can take it.
Anyway, here is the information:Lockheed Martin SR-72
I was always fascinated about reading the stories of the SR-71 Blackbird. It was THE coolest aircraft to talk about. Made from titanium alloy plates, it leaked and really didn't look like a plane. When it got to speed, the fuselage sealed up and it could outrun anything in the air. including its armaments. It wasn't viable as a fighter, so the US Air Force made it a spy plane.
I saw one of the original test planes, the YF-12A at the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. It was really cool and they now have a decommissioned SR-71 in the Cold War exhibit. If you ever get a chance, be sure to stop by and look at all the displays, including that one.
Now, the next generation of high speed aircraft is coming. The SR-72 which is a concept aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Here is a link to their information. It uses turbine based combined propulsion. It easier terms, its a turbine jet engine combined with a ramjet. With the new ramjet that was tested on the HTV-2 hypersonic test vehicle, this new aircraft could go from near standstill to MACH 6 quite quickly. Just hope the pilot can take it.
Anyway, here is the information:Lockheed Martin SR-72
October 31, 2013
Science Fiction Trivia Time!Yes, it's trivia time again f...
Science Fiction Trivia Time!
Yes, it's trivia time again for all us fans of science fiction. This time were hitting the books. I'm going back to an old favorite of mine, Larry Niven's Ringworld novel. Better break it out if you haven't read it...
Ok. Today's question is: In Niven's Ringworld, as well some of his other Known Space books, he incorporated an idea that a certain genetic trait could be favored by selective breeding. What is the trait?
Yes, it's trivia time again for all us fans of science fiction. This time were hitting the books. I'm going back to an old favorite of mine, Larry Niven's Ringworld novel. Better break it out if you haven't read it...
.jpg)
Ok. Today's question is: In Niven's Ringworld, as well some of his other Known Space books, he incorporated an idea that a certain genetic trait could be favored by selective breeding. What is the trait?
October 18, 2013
Science Fiction Trivia TimeThis week's Science Fiction Tr...
Science Fiction Trivia Time
This week's Science Fiction Trivia Question is Star Wars related.
In the first Star Wars film (Episode IV: A New Hope), Luke, Han, Chewie and Leia are sneaking around the Death Star after their escape from the trash compactor. The group encounters a patrol of Stormtroopers. Han and Chewie tell Luke and Leia to "Get back to the ship!" and take off after the retreating troopers. Their advance stops when Han comes to a room filled with more Stormtroopers, who immediately open fire and force Han and Chewie to run. That scene in the "Special Edition" version of A New Hope was changed and had several squads of troopers in the room. What was the count of Stormtroopers in the room in the original unmodified release?
Here is a link to a video clip showing the Special Edition version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raF9wfPxir8
This week's Science Fiction Trivia Question is Star Wars related.
In the first Star Wars film (Episode IV: A New Hope), Luke, Han, Chewie and Leia are sneaking around the Death Star after their escape from the trash compactor. The group encounters a patrol of Stormtroopers. Han and Chewie tell Luke and Leia to "Get back to the ship!" and take off after the retreating troopers. Their advance stops when Han comes to a room filled with more Stormtroopers, who immediately open fire and force Han and Chewie to run. That scene in the "Special Edition" version of A New Hope was changed and had several squads of troopers in the room. What was the count of Stormtroopers in the room in the original unmodified release?
Here is a link to a video clip showing the Special Edition version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raF9wfPxir8
October 17, 2013
Epherium Chronicles Update!As promised, I want to keep yo...
Epherium Chronicles Update!
As promised, I want to keep you appraised of the latest developments with the The Epherium Chronicles.
Ok, first round of edits are in for Book #1, Embrace. It's time for me to get to work. A few adjustments, but nothing really unexpected. My editor from Carina Press is Bryon Quertermous. I can tell that we are both on the same page. It's a good thing. Pub date for Embrace is still slated for March 3, 2014. A new cover is in the works and I can't wait to see what it's going to look like.
Echoes update. Book 3 is coming along. I have two solid chapters and lots of notes and pieces for several more. It's a great stew at the moment that is coming to a simmer and just needs some seasoning. I've had a few people read the first chapter and I think the opening will definitely keep readers psyched for more.
On last thing, November is National Novel Writing Month time. Be sure to visit www.nanowrimo.org. I have several things happening in November. I might try put in a new project, but it's not set in stone. I have a few great ideas, but family, work, and my current series have to take priority. For the rest of you who want to try and create your first story, check it out. There are local writing groups all over and some good material available to help. Just bring your imagination.
As promised, I want to keep you appraised of the latest developments with the The Epherium Chronicles.
Ok, first round of edits are in for Book #1, Embrace. It's time for me to get to work. A few adjustments, but nothing really unexpected. My editor from Carina Press is Bryon Quertermous. I can tell that we are both on the same page. It's a good thing. Pub date for Embrace is still slated for March 3, 2014. A new cover is in the works and I can't wait to see what it's going to look like.
Echoes update. Book 3 is coming along. I have two solid chapters and lots of notes and pieces for several more. It's a great stew at the moment that is coming to a simmer and just needs some seasoning. I've had a few people read the first chapter and I think the opening will definitely keep readers psyched for more.
On last thing, November is National Novel Writing Month time. Be sure to visit www.nanowrimo.org. I have several things happening in November. I might try put in a new project, but it's not set in stone. I have a few great ideas, but family, work, and my current series have to take priority. For the rest of you who want to try and create your first story, check it out. There are local writing groups all over and some good material available to help. Just bring your imagination.
October 15, 2013
Dragonlance COSplayI am a huge fan of the Dragonlance nov...
Dragonlance COSplay
I am a huge fan of the Dragonlance novels and fantasy world that Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman created. Margaret will get mad at me for saying this, but I was still in high school when it first came out. LOL. Anyway, many conventions today have some talented Costume Players (COSplay). One COSplayer hails from England and her name is Tabitha Lyons. She and her friends at Artyfakes have created a complete set of armor for the Kitiara Uth Matar character from the Dragonlance series and are close to completing a mockup of her dragon, Khellendros, who is better known as Skie.
Here are some of the links to her COSplay site and the Artyfakes website on how to build a dragon. Pretty impressive.
Tabitha's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TabithaArtyfakesHow to build a dragon: http://www.artyfakes.co.uk/How-to-build-a-Dragon.html
I am a huge fan of the Dragonlance novels and fantasy world that Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman created. Margaret will get mad at me for saying this, but I was still in high school when it first came out. LOL. Anyway, many conventions today have some talented Costume Players (COSplay). One COSplayer hails from England and her name is Tabitha Lyons. She and her friends at Artyfakes have created a complete set of armor for the Kitiara Uth Matar character from the Dragonlance series and are close to completing a mockup of her dragon, Khellendros, who is better known as Skie.
Here are some of the links to her COSplay site and the Artyfakes website on how to build a dragon. Pretty impressive.
Tabitha's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TabithaArtyfakesHow to build a dragon: http://www.artyfakes.co.uk/How-to-build-a-Dragon.html
Fantasy Trivia TimeIt's time for this week's Fantasy Triv...
Fantasy Trivia Time
It's time for this week's Fantasy Trivia Question.
This weeks question comes from one of the great fantasy story settings of all time, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. This setting has spanned not just the 200 or so years of the Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings, but for thousands of years across three separate ages.
Sauron, the perennial villain for the third age of Middle Earth, is often remembered as the dark warrior in armor whose fingers were severed by Isildur with the remnant of his father's sword, Narsil. More vividly, we envision him as the great eye, ever searching for the Ring of Power and sowing evil and fear into the hearts of the people of Middle Earth. But Sauron was not always the most feared foe in Middle Earth. He was originally a servant of Morgoth, the fallen member of the Valar. Sauron was still powerful, but he had a different form when he first arrived in Middle Earth. What was Sauron's original form?
It's time for this week's Fantasy Trivia Question.
This weeks question comes from one of the great fantasy story settings of all time, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. This setting has spanned not just the 200 or so years of the Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings, but for thousands of years across three separate ages.
Sauron, the perennial villain for the third age of Middle Earth, is often remembered as the dark warrior in armor whose fingers were severed by Isildur with the remnant of his father's sword, Narsil. More vividly, we envision him as the great eye, ever searching for the Ring of Power and sowing evil and fear into the hearts of the people of Middle Earth. But Sauron was not always the most feared foe in Middle Earth. He was originally a servant of Morgoth, the fallen member of the Valar. Sauron was still powerful, but he had a different form when he first arrived in Middle Earth. What was Sauron's original form?
October 11, 2013
New TV Shows Picked UPEven in this new fall season of tel...
New TV Shows Picked UP
Even in this new fall season of television, two new shows already have some good news.
The first show is already becoming a favorite of mine. Sleepy Hollow has been renewed for season 2. I love Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane. Nichole Beharie brings some real life to the Abbie Mills character and both actors complement each other well. The entire setting, backstory, and Crane's 18th century knowledge, to me, is what makes this show a hit.
http://tvline.com/2013/10/03/sleepy-hollow-renewed-season-2-fox/
The second show I want to mention is Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has been picked up for the full 22 episode season. I really want to see it succeed. The series has picked up some momentum in the last few episodes, but we need to see more overarching stories and recurring villains (even some big ones) to make it viable. That will help it tremendously. I also think this show can be a real launching pad for the new members of the Avengers set to make appearances in the next movie.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/10/10/agents-of-shield-full-season/
Even in this new fall season of television, two new shows already have some good news.
The first show is already becoming a favorite of mine. Sleepy Hollow has been renewed for season 2. I love Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane. Nichole Beharie brings some real life to the Abbie Mills character and both actors complement each other well. The entire setting, backstory, and Crane's 18th century knowledge, to me, is what makes this show a hit.
http://tvline.com/2013/10/03/sleepy-hollow-renewed-season-2-fox/
The second show I want to mention is Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has been picked up for the full 22 episode season. I really want to see it succeed. The series has picked up some momentum in the last few episodes, but we need to see more overarching stories and recurring villains (even some big ones) to make it viable. That will help it tremendously. I also think this show can be a real launching pad for the new members of the Avengers set to make appearances in the next movie.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/10/10/agents-of-shield-full-season/
