Human Version 2.0 - Week 2

The Helmet is coming along nicely,  and I am certainly making good time.

Last night I molded the mouth piece, using Sculpy.  Once baked I sanded it down and attached it to the helmet using Gorilla Super Glue (The same stuff I used to build K-9)

I also added mesh behind the eyes, this morning I was outside preparing it for several coats of paint

Primed and undercoated 

There's still a few more things to do, like add the silver stripes to the handles as well as the small plastic tubes.

I did see someone once add blue LEDs to the clear plastic tubes which gave them a nice effect.  it maybe something Ill add at a later date.  Right now Im waiting for the paint to dry before continuing.

Moffat Denies Rumours of Doctor Who Movie.... AGAIN

Steven Moffat has again gone on record saying there is not going to be a Doctor Who movie, while Harry Potter directer claims there will be.... its the rumour that doesn't seem to want to go away.  There seems to be a constant back and forth between Moffat and Harry Potter Directer David Yates.  While Yates claims he will be directing the movie, Moffat says there is no movie.

"There isn't a film. That was all some weird fantasy going on somewhere," Steven said.

He adds: “That whole proposal was not true, did not happen. I can say that with authority because, as far as the BBC is concerned, I’m the voice of Doctor Who. So if I say it, it’s true. The BBC own Doctor Who and, for the moment, I run it for them. So I can assure you definitively that was all nonsense — not the idea of making a film, we’d love to make a film, but the idea of a rebooted continuity, a different Doctor. That’s writing the book on how to destroy a franchise. You don’t behave like that with it. Not ever.”

Asked if David Yates is involved, Moffat replied: “I don’t think he was ever signed to it. I never signed him, so he’s not. But I think he’s [expressed] an interest in doing it and he’s a very fine director and I think he’d certainly be someone that would be on the list for directing such a project. I’m a big fan of his. But the project as he describes it would not happen. It was all a bit more off the cuff than it seemed to be.”

Steven said there would "hopefully" be a film at some future date, and it would star whoever was playing The Doctor at the time.

"It will be absolutely run by the Doctor Who production office in Cardiff. It will feature the same Doctor as on television."

A 305ft Weeping Angel? *SPOILERS*

According to the British Tabloid 'The Daily Star' the Statue Of Liberty is set to be turned into a deadly Weeping Angel in the up and coming episodes of Doctor Who Season 7. Where as I dont personaly take much of what comes from the Daily Star as factual, this seemed a little to juicy not to report.

The iconic New York landmark will feature in the finale of the new series this autumn.

The Doctor and companions Amy and Rory travel to America to battle a new breed of Weeping Angels.

As if the Angels arn't scary enough, they get a massive shock when the 305ft tall statue in New York harbour turns out to be the biggest one of them all.

Voted the BBC show’s scariest-ever monsters, the killer statues spring to life only when they are not being watched.

And if fans of the series are not already hiding behind the sofa, they will also need to get their hankies out.

It’s in this Weeping Angels episode that Amy and Rory (played by Karen Gillan, 24, and Arthur Darvill, 28) bow out in tragic circumstances. Something which we reported back in December of 2011: http://myuntemperedschism.blogspot.com/2011/12/wishing-you-pond-farewell.html

Moffat has warned: “There will be a final showdown with the Weeping Angels. Not everyone gets out alive. And I mean it this time!” But Time Lord Matt Smith, 28, admits the Weeping Angels are his favorite adversaries.

He tells the new Doctor Who Magazine: “They were the first monsters I worked with and I have a soft spot for them. Weirdly, because they don’t really speak, there is something even more ruthless about them.”

Something to remember is that the Statue has featured in Doctor Who before, in the episode "Daleks in Manhattan" so was it a 'Weeping Angel' then?  I know a lot of inconsistencies with past seasons can be somewhat explained as "The Universe was rebooted" (Big Bang Two) but I dont know.

Like I said at the beginning, its rather difficult for me to take anything the Daily Star has to say as factual... I guess the only way we will really know is by watching this Autumn.

Human Version 2.0

My newest build is one that I've been meaning to do for sometime.  The Cybermen where always my Dads favorite of the Doctors foes and as such I think were probably the first of the Doctors enemies that I ever saw on TV.  Unlike the Daleks the Cybermen had more of a human feel to them making them, in my opinion more scary.  I mean the chances of us needing pepper pot shaped armor in the future over that of Cybernetic parts is somewhat remote, but looking at today's robotics and prosthetic limbs I fear that Cybus industries is closer than we think.  I saw an article on the news a few weeks ago about a company that has invented robot legs for veterans who had lost the ability to walk... Here's the report:  Biologically accurate robot walking legs

Back to the build...

I manged to source various parts from all over the place but still have a few things to try and find, however I do have enough at least for now to get started.

So here's where I am right now with my Cyberman Helmet, ultimately I want to really put the entire costume together, as you've probably already guessed from following my blog I like the weathered/beaten up look so no doubt this will be another of my collection that will get some battle scars.  Plus I've always prefered the more classic (80's) version Cybermen to that of the new series.  

I would also LOVE to see them face off one time, being that the new Cybermen are actually alternate Universe versions, we could see it happen... who knows.

Week One

You can see there is still a lot of sanding to be done, particularly around the eyes and the mouth, but once that's done Ill be able to add the mouth piece as well as mesh behind the eyes.

Also, unlike the original the right angle of the 'handles' is done using a copper pipe 90 degree fixture, the originals where pretty much all one piece, however I have seen some others done in this manner and I don't feel personally that it will effect the overall look that I am going for.

For the most part the helmet is made out of fiberglass, the 'handles' are simply PVC pipe. Other parts are made from resin.

More updates as I make progress..... 

David Bradley tells a little more about his role in Doctor Who

"[Solomon] is a space pirate, who we've modelled on a well-known night club owner with long hair. He has lots of scars, he wears black leather, he’s like an old rocker who runs a ship the size of Canada. He has two giant robots who are a bit rusty." - David Bradley

Since the Beeb released the season 7 promo we’ve known for a while now that Harry Potters 'Argus Filtch' David Bradley is playing a role in the up and coming series (we can now confirm that the episode will be known as Dinosaurs On A Spaceship, yeah I'm not to thrilled by that title myself) but he has now revealed some details about his character in a Warwick University podcast you can download the podcast here:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/honorary_graduate_2012_-_david_bradley.mp3

Fast forward to about 11mins30sec to hear them talk about Doctor Who.

He also had something to say on the subject of working with Matt Smith:

” It was just great working with Matt, he’s a terrific actor, a lovely guy and we had a lot of fun together.”

This is actually the second time David Bradley has made an appearance in the world of Doctor Who – his first appearance was back in 2010′s Sarah Jane Adventures episode Death Of The Doctor  where he played one of the Shansheeth in a voiceover role.

Farewell Romana One - Mary Tamm: 1950 – 2012

The actress who first played the fourth Doctor's Time Lord companion, Romana (one), has passed away at the age of 62

This has truly been a tough year for classic Who fans: Mary Tamm, best known to Doctor Who fans as the first incarnation of companion Romanadvoratrelundar, Romana for short, passed away in hospital this morning following a long battle with cancer.

The actress born in Bradford, West-Yorkshire played the Gallifreyan companion to the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, between 1978 and 1979 in The Key to Time season arc.

Tom Baker led the tributes to Tamm.

He said in a statement: "She was a darling companion and wonderfully witty and kind. I'm so sorry to hear of her death."

Barry Langford, her agent of 22 years, also paid tribute to one of his "closest friends".

He said: "She had a great zest for life.

"She was a fantastic actress - she played stage parts of such range, parts that would take your breath away.

"She could play any role, and do so wonderfully."

The sad news of Tamm’s death comes just a month after that of fellow companion actress Caroline John, who played Dr Liz Shaw opposite Jon Pertwee. Our thoughts and best wishes go to both families.

“I remember Mary Tamm’s first appearance so vividly - the ice Queen on the TARDIS. The Time Lady who thought the Doctor was HER companion. Perfectly brought to life by Mary, with such style and wit, you always thought she could have kicked the Doctor out of the time machine and got on with the adventure herself. A generation of little girls threw away the idea of being an assistant, and decided to fly the TARDIS for themselves.”
— Steven Moffat on Mary Tamm

Comments from past Doctor Who cast on Twitter:

Frazer ‏@WhoFrazer
I'm still reeling from the shock of Mary passing away!always a smiley friendly person whenever we met at cons

 Colin Baker ‏@SawbonesHex

Shellshocked to hear Mary Tamm is gone. A funny, caring, talented, lovely and down to earth lady. My heart goes out to Marcus and Lauren

Nicola Bryant ‏@thenicolabryant

Just heard the terrible news that Mary Tamm has died. Completely shocked. Very sad. Thoughts go to Marcus & Lauren. RIP Mary.

KatyManning Official ‏@ManningOfficial

Just heard the deeply sad news ! Mary Tamm has gone on her next awfully big adventure ! A lovely fun talented lady xxxxxx

Louise Jameson ‏@Lou_Jameson

I knew Mary for 44 years. Beautiful, highly intelligent, ambitious, multi-talented and funny, oh so funny... Darling woman RIP

What the Cool Geeks are Wearing: They Hatin' by John Sumrow

Its been a little while since I posted a Cool Geeks post.... That's because of late I've not seen a design I personally liked (To many Bowties and Fez'z.... not enough classic Who)...  However todays Teefury 24hour $10 tee is fantastic. They Hatin' by John Sumrow (I think we've had a few from him)

Heres what he had to say:

I have been wanting to draw a design like this for a while. I love robots of all kinds, and this project was an opportunity to practice my lettering and banner work. It was pitched to my wonderful fans on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sumrow) and well received. My fans are great, and we collaborated on it until we were happy. We all hope you guys are seeing our collaboration roll and lovin' it.

 The sale began this morning at 00.01 EST and will continue until midnight tonight where this design will no longer be available on this site.  And like most DW themed shirts its already become a 'Popular Item' based on only the sales of the past few hours.

http://www.teefury.com/

 

Love an Ood.....

Some time ago someone posted on my Facebook wall a photo of an Ood head saying "I thought you might get a kick out of this", which I did, and after a little research and searching the web I discovered this was made by the very talented Chad Tate of  http://www.ex-tremekustoms.com/. 


And so out of interest I decided to contact Chad and inquire as to just how much this incredibly detailed mask would cost me, very quickly Chad got back with me and we worked out a payment plan (he's very easy to work with) in total the Odd cost me $350 and worth every penny, as I said before the detail is incredible, and being that each would be hand painted it means that each one is unique.  

In total it took Chad probably about 4-6 weeks to get it perfect.  Although through out the build he would email me with updates and such..... His attention to detail is what made this really appealing.

Me being rather Ood.....

This isnt just some mass produced, Party City job, this is the real deal.

To show just what went into this I asked Chad for photos of the sculpt, which again he was very happy to send me....

The last four photos are actually my mask.... I cant tell you just how pleased I am with it.  Its now truly one of my most prized possessions....  Thank you again Chad.

If you would like to contact Chad in regards to the Ood you can get him at this email address:

iamparalax@gmail.com

His next projects include a Hath..... I cant wait

Is this the first step to 'real' Cybermen?

Russian research project offers 'immortality' to billionaires - by transplanting their brains into robot bodies

• - Contacted list of world's richest to offer immortality
• - Will personally oversee brain transplant into robot body
• - Entrepreneur claims to have 30 scientists working on project
• - Aims to 'transplant' human mind into robot body in 10 years
• - Claims 'next stage' of science is to create a 'new human body'
• - 'This project is leading to immortality,' says Dmitry Itskov

By ROB WAUGH

A Russian entrepreneur who heads a hi-tech research project called 'Avatar' has contacted billionaires to offer them immortality.

Itskov claims he will personally oversee their immortality process, in exchange for an undisclosed fee.

Itskov, a media entrepreneur, claims to have hired 30 scientists to reach this goal - and aims to transplant a human brain into a robot body within 10 years. 

'You have the ability to finance the extension of your own life up to immortality. Our civilization has come very close to the creation of such technologies: it's not a science fiction fantasy. It is in your power to make sure that this goal will be achieved in your lifetime,' says Itskov in a letter delivered to billionaires listed in Forbes magazine.

Eternal life? Iskov, a media entrepreneur, claims to have hired 30 scientists to reach this goal - and aims to transplant a human brain into a robot body within 10 years

He has contacted a list of billionaires with a proposal for funding his quest for immortality - which Itskov refers to as 'cybernetic immortality' and the 'artificial body'.

The initiative is opening its San Francisco office this summer, and will be launching a social media project connecting scientists around the world. 

'The 2045 team is working towards creating an international research center where leading scientists will be engaged in research and development in the fields of anthropomorphic robotics, living systems modeling and brain and consciousness modeling with the goal of transferring one’s individual consciousness to an artificial carrier and achieving cybernetic immortality,' says Itskov's official site.

 

'Such research has the potential to free you, as well as the majority of all people on our planet, from disease, old age and even death.'

'For anyone interested, but skeptical, I am ready to prove the viability of the concept of cybernetic immortality by arranging an expert discussion with a team of the world's leading scientist working in this field.
'I will also be willing to coordinate your personal immortality project entirely free of charge for the sake of speeding up the development of these technologies,'

Itskov, a 31-year-old media entrepreneur, says that he aims to transplant a human brain into a robot body within 10 years. He says his technology will be of interest at first to the 'disabled and close to dying'

'This project is leading down the road to immortality,' says Itskov. 'A person with a perfect Avatar will be able to remain part of society. People don’t want to die.'

James Cameron's Avatar: Dmitry Itskov's 'Avatar' project aims to 'load' human minds into robotic bodies within 10 years

‘I understand these are some very big challenges for scientists,’ Itskov says. ‘But I believe in something you call ‘The American Dream.’ If you put all your energy and time into something, you can make it a reality.

Itskov envisages surgically 'transplanting' a human consciousness into a robot body within 10 years.

He hopes to then 'upload' minds without surgery, leaving human bodies as empty husks as their owners 'live on' inside robots.

The project is called Avatar after the James Cameron movie, set far in the future, where human soldiers use mind control to inhabit the bodies of human alien hybrids as they carry out a war against the inhabitants of a distant world.

'The next effort of science will be to create a new body for the human being,' says Itskov, speaking at the Global Future 2045 conference. 'It will have a perfect brain-machine interface to allow control and a human brain life support system so the brain can survive outside the body.'

Itskov says that the system will at first be of interest to, 'Disabled people and people at the edge of dying.'

'The third phase will be to create an artificial human brain,' he says - a computer environment into which human minds can be uploaded. 

Measuring brain waves with EEG machine: Recent breakthroughs have allowed scientists to 'see' what is inside people's heads for the first time - but could the technology really be used to create robot Avatars?

His final goal, he says, is to upload human minds into holographic bodies.

Holograms give plenty of advantages. You can walk through walls, move at the speed of light, he says. ‘Remember in Star Wars, Obi-Wan’s hologram? That was pretty amazing.’

Itskov says he wants to work with DARPA - the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency in the U.S military.

DARPA is already  researching ways for its troops to use their minds to remotely control androids who will take human soldiers' place on the battlefield.

The Pentagon's hi-tech research arm, has earmarked $7million for research into the project, also nicknamed Avatar.

According to the Darpa's 2013 budget: 'The Avatar program will develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier’s surrogate.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2175374/Russian-research-project-offers-immortality-billionaires--transplanting-brains-robot-bodies.html#ixzz21HSzGw1o