Artificial Intelligence All-In-One

You read about, hear about it and see it on the news everyday. It’s the latest buzz: A.I.-Artificial Intelligence.

It’s causing quite stir. People are fearful of it. They are loosing their jobs because of it and worse yet programmers and computer specialists are puzzled by it.

How does a computer program learn? How is it able to program itself and leave it’s creators puzzled as to how it is doing it?

A.I. spans business, education, mass media and almost every aspect of life.

I like watching YouTube. In the last year I have witnessed A.I. able to create incredible lifelike videos, bring the past alive through sophisticated coloration and animation techniques, create music and songs and here’s the amazing part-I asked A.I. to write a review of my blog.

It did it five seconds and it was a very concise and fact-filled review. Wow!

Is A.I. a precursor to the thinking machines as depicted in The Terminator movies or in The Matrix? Hardly-but slightly.

In Wiley Brand’s Learning Made Easy Artificial Intelligence All-In-One For Dummies book, written by Chris Minnick (and others), seven books in one delve into what makes A.I. tick.

The collection of the seven books examines Understanding A.I., A.I. Techniques, Productivity, Content Creation, A.I. At Home, A.I. Coding and Custom A.I. Solutions.

The book provides an exhaustive examination of A.I. from all sides with loads of information, tips, tricks, applications and more.

It’s time to embrace the future.

Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ghoul

To be honest was I put off a little by Kasey Iris’s Ghoul graphic novel published by IDW/Top Shelf.

At first I wasn’t sure what to make of it. It certainly isn’t your ‘normal’ graphic novel. The art-style is unique, a little unsettling and yet somehow it draws you in.

It’s both charming, comforting, spooky and a little unnerving.

Rendered in heavy black lines and lots of blacks overall will various shades of deep red, the art has element so of Manga-but not quite.

It kind of grows on you-it did me.

The writing style is spontaneous, almost flow of consciousness and minimal. The emotions of the characters are amplified by their words and expressions.

I like it.

Ghoul centers around Lyn who as a child loved her dear friend Meg. But then Meg is gone. Death? Moved? I’m not really sure.

Lyn moves away to a condo of the Forest Court Apartments.

One day she finds a comic book and to her surprise a character from the book: Ghoul, suddenly springs to life.

From that point on Lyn’s life is a roller-coaster ride to the bizarre as she and Ghoul discover some disturbing secrets about her neighbors. Secrets that cross-over to the supernatural and life after death.

If you want to read a graphic novel unlike any other then I highly recommend Ghoul. But, be warned. It will draw you in, play with your emotions and surprise you at every turn.

Romans 14:8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Riddle Of The Sphinx

Ever since I was a young kid and visited the King Tut exhibit I have been fascinated by the mysterious, mystical and ancient Egyptian culture.

Egyptians of old were masters of puzzles, tricks, illusion and deception.

Learn how to quiz like an Egyptian by utilizing this fascinating ancient Egypt Puzzle Book from author Trevor Maylor and Thames & Hudson.

Anagrams, Egyptian gods an goddesses, the past and present, hieroglyphs and even the Valley Of The Kings help you through your quests with puzzles, questions, tips, answers and hidden clues.

Look for lots of archival photographs, illustrations and information not only about solving puzzles but interesting facts about ancient Egypt.

It’s a real brain teaser and twister and you’re invited to come along to solve the mysteries.

Matthew 21:22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Venom The First 40 Years

It’s incredible to think that one of Marvel Comic’s most popular characters started out as an alien piece of clothing in the original Secret Wars max-series 40+ years ago.

Venom originated on an alien planet when Spider-Man found himself with a shredded outfit and discovered (what he thought) was an alien fabric that instantly wrapped itself around him. It was black with white spider symbols.

Not too long afterward when back on earth Spider-Man (Peter Parker) discovered that the ‘uniform’ was actually an alien symbiote.

Even more shocking was that the symbiote was using Spider-Man’s body at night when he was asleep to roam the city.

Unnerved, Peter contacted the Fantastic Four’s Reed Richard. Together they went about to force the symbiote to detach itself from Peter and place it in a container.

Later it would escape, attach itself to Eddie Brock-a reporter who hated Spider-Man. Together they would become Venom one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous foes.

Later still Venom would take on the mantle of anti-hero, spawn Carnage which bonded to a serial killer, encounter other symbiotes and see the creation of an Anti-Venom. He would travel to the stars, bond with other individuals and eventually establish an uneasy alliance with Spider-Man

Venom has starred and guest-starred in numerous series and has successfully made the transition to animated series and movies.

In Venom The First 40 Years, from Titan, his entire history is recalled broken down in the following categories: Comics, Creators, Allies, Enemies and Culture.

The book is full of comic book interior and cover art reproductions, a timeline gallery and fascinating text and examinations of each decade of Venom’s appearances in comic books.

The thin, deluxe hardbound book is beautifully designed with a striking cover and interior brilliant color art made even more so by the gloss pages.

Venom fans are sure to enjoy looking through each and every page, soaking up the images and learning all about their favorite alien symbiote.

Psalms 56:3-4What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Creative Demons And How To Slay Them

Speaking as a creative person it’s real easy to get discouraged, have self-doubt, fear failure and have dry spells where ideas and inspiration seem to disappear.

Dealing with and overcoming what I call the ‘demons of discouragement’ can be a chore.

In Creative Demons And How To Slay Them is by Richard Holman and published by Thames & Hudson with illustrations by Al Murphy.

Inspired by tales of art, philosophy, neuroscience, music, nature and culture the author suits you up in strong mental armor so you can slay your own creativity demons.

Many famous creative folks provide some real-life learning experiences on how to overcome criticism. self-doubt and all the other little tricky obstacles creative demons deploy.

Hebrews 11:1 – 13:25Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Art Of Star Trek Lower Decks

Fans of Star Trek are familiar with the phrase, “Where no one has gone before.”

In the various Star Trek series and movies that phrase signifies the exploration of outer space. But, with IDW/Top Shelf’s new deluxe hardbound book: The Art Of Star Trek Lower Decks, by Megan Trevino it means something else entirely.

In the book readers are introduced to the fantastic animated Star Trek series Lower Decks. The series explores the coming and goings of the crew members who live and work on the lower decks of the starship U.S.S. Cerritos.

Laced with humor, some impressive story-lines, lots of character-driven action and conflict and filled with off-the-wall homages to classic Star Trek TV shows and movies the series has garnered a loyal following.

The book is absolutely jam-packed with concept and fully-rendered illustrations and paintings of character designs, sets, planets, spaceships and every aspect of the series.

Each season is fully covered and look for lots of insider information, cast and production crew commentaries and other special insights about the popular series.

Like me you will be blown away by the immense amount of work and creativity that went into creating and airing the series. Lower Decks is its own unique series filled with homages to the live action series and laced with ‘Easter Eggs’.

For an insider look at a Star Trek TV series like no other pick up a copy of this book today.

1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

The Art Of Classic Sci-Fi Movies

The very first science fiction film I ever saw was The Time Machine way back in 1961. 

 

It mesmerized me and over the following years I watched more and more classics like The Planet Of The Apes, 2001: A Space Odyssey, First Men In The Moon, Mysterious Island, Fantastic Voyage and dozens more up until the present.

At home I would watch other classics from the 1950s such as Journey To The Center Of The Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The War Of The Worlds, Forbidden Planet along with with schlockly ‘B’ sci-fi films.

As a retired graphic designer and artist I have always been fascinated with the promotional material of classic science fiction films.

In The Art Of Classic Sci-Fi Movies from Globe Pequot, Applause and editor Adam Newell, the long and and imaginative promotional art of science fiction films are examined. It starts with the dawn of the movie industry.

Full-color and black and white reproductions of posters, placards, newspaper advertisements and other printed memorabilia complemented by text about the individual films, take readers on a imaginative journey through the decades.

It’s big, it’s bold, it’s amazing and it can be all yours with this oversize hardbound book so packed with visual goodies and memories you’ll spend hours pouring over its pages.

Psalms 4:8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

 

Midsummer Dream Yard

Ever feel like tucking yourself away in some corner someplace surrounded by homey, heirloom furniture and knick knacks? 

If you do then Rolife’s Midsummer Dream Yard miniature kitchen cubby hole is prefect for your needs.

The 121 pieces Midsummer Dream Yard Rolife kit for people fourteen year old and older has LED lighting, is easy to assemble and do-it-yourself product for individuals or groups. Such detail!

Components are made of ABS, PVC and Paper and by using the tips and suggestions listed on the back of the box assembling the kit is a snap.

You even join the kit with other kits to make an entire house!

Before you start assembling the kit crafts people, miniature lovers, model makers and nostalgia buffs will need to have these tools on hand: a small flathead screwdriver, tweezers (included), liquid glue with a brush, a magnifying glass and a small pointed tool. Good lighting is also necessary.

Study the instructions including the lighting set-up, sort and use parts only as you need them and most important of all-take your time and enjoy the process.

What is it about that time of year when Spring is winding down and Summer is fast approaching? Is it the smell of the flowers, the abundance of green, the clear blue sky, the short midsummer showers, the sound of the birds, the scurrying of squirrels and the warm cool air?

Midsummer brings new life, more outdoor activities, lazy days sitting by the window soaking in the sun or quietly reading a book.

It’s the mid-day luncheons in the Midsummer Dream Yard bathed in the sunlight and surrounded by bright and colorful decor that brings a sense of calm.

I just love the hanging plants, the outdoor scene wallpaper, the window with a view of outside with a cat peering in, the rustic tile floor and the cream colored wall and especially the lighting.

Take a look at the shuttered window, the small brown wooden table with its lacy table cloth, twin straight back chairs and the tabletop filled with all sorts of dinnerware and food goodies.

Check out the basket on the floor filled with picnic supplies, the small white bureau with its purple lace covering, the old teapot and the framed painting of oranges. Look at the grapes hanging from above, the black wall sconce and the old kitchen cabinet/shelf unit painted blue and filled with a teapot, cups, plates and glassware.

Just look at the colors, textures, 3D miniatures and details! Way to go Robotime! What a incredible group of talented individuals.

Inside the box are bags filled with miniatures, stickers, flats and more. Instructions are included. The slip-lid box has color photos of the Midsummer Dream Yard on all sides and is made of sturdy, heavy gauge paper.

I love the oversize flowers, wall decorations, various old-timey objects scattered about the room and especially how the light highlights each and every object. Makes me home sick.

See more of the Midsummer Dream Yard by clicking here. Discover the other amazing kits by Rolife here and click here to see what other products Robotime has created.

Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Logic

I’m a great believer and practitioner of logic. I  try to base all of my decisions on logic-which can be difficult to do because so many other people base their decisions on their feelings.

Using logic sometimes gets me in trouble. People, as a rule, do not like their opinions or conclusions questioned.

Throw in some logic, especially when in a discussion with an emotional person, and you’re asking for conflict and trouble.

Conclusions supported by facts and figures tend to tick off a certain demographic of people-especially in the work place.

In Logic For Dummies 2^nd Edition, publisher Wiley Brand and author Mark Zegarelli examine what makes up logic.

Whether it has to do with math, science, business, personal interaction or anything and everything that has to do with life logic has several important elements.

They include the language of logic, evaluation, proofs, historical, syntax, semantics, implication, equivalence, rules and proof-solving techniques.

Inside the book are real-world examples of logic application, a variety of arguments and their proofs and expert advice that guides readers through many levels of logic.

Logic is a necessary function to utilize in the workplace, at school, in personal interactions and social gatherings.

Buy this book-it’s the logical thing to do.

1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Battles of Legend: Glorious Gallery

Don’t you just love those cute, cuddly and adorable Chibi? You just want to hold them and squeeze them-most of them.

Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Battles of Legend: Glorious Gallery has them in abundance but not all of them are the cuddly type. 

But, they sure do make great characters with amazing powers when it comes to playing Yu-Gi-Oh! Don’t let their appearance fool you-they pack a serious punch.

Just look at what you get:

• More extended Art Cards, Chibi Cards and Upgrades.

Gallery Exhibit #1: More extended Art Cards!

• 10 more in Battles of Legend available in Ultra Rare and Starlight Rare versions. More extended Art Cards coming later this year.

Gallery Exhibit #2: More Chibi Cards.

• 10 Chibi Variant Art Cards:
  Dark Magician Girl, Tour Guide From the Underworld, Evolzar Laggia, Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En, Vampire Lord, and Summoned Skull.
• A Chibi version of Exodia the Forbidden One. 

Gallery Exhibit #3: Foil-ups and Upgrades!

• Battles of Legend Pack is All-Foil (4 Ultra Rares + 1 Secret).
• 40 new Cards for a variety of Decks.
• Reveal Masked HERO Fountain to Special Summon any “HERO” monster.
• Surprise Fusion, a Spell Card that’s full of surprises!
  Matching Chibis.

5-Card Packs of Battles of Legend: Glorious Gallery contain:

• 1 Secret Rare.
• 4 Ultra Rares.

24 Cards come per Box.

It's fantastic!  It's amazing!  It's glorious!

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Scout Moore Junior Ranger Rocky Mountain National Park

I love it when a children’s book is well written in easy-to-understand text and beautifully illustrated in a cartoonish style with lots of color, defined characters and well-designed background.

And that’s exactly what you get in writer Theresa Howell’s, artist Jeffrey Ebbeler’s oversize hardbound book: Scout Moore Junior Ranger Rocky Mountain National Park, published by Globe Pequot and Muddy Boots.

Join Scout and her family as they plan, gather supplies and head out to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park.

They load up into their car topped by a canoe and hauling a camper.

Once there they travel the winding roads, stay at a spooky hotel, ride horses, spot elk, fish, enjoy the mountain air and scenery, watch bighorn sheep and finally head back home where Scout shares her adventure with her fellow Junior Rangers.

It’s an exciting trip kids are sure to love.

Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Fascinating Book Store

Books, books, books! Book lovers, miniature collectors, model kit makers, crafts people and dollhouse lovers with get a kick out of Rolife’s Fascinating Book Store kit.

The 108 pieces kit can be built by kids eight years old and older. It encourages critical thinking, motor skills, how to follow instructions, teamwork and patience.

The entire family and/or friends will enjoy putting the kit together. Instructions are easy-to-follow and with helpful hints on the back of the box of the kit comes in offers some safety tips, electrical set-up how-tos, how to attach the kit to other kits to make an entire house or complex and advice to check the parts for damage and if they are all there. The kit’s components are made of ABS, PVC and paper.

Parts detach easily (I like using a flathead screwdriver to poke out parts), stickers peel off and attach with no fuss, paper wall material panes fit snugly in their flats, the walls snap onto the tiled floor. The entire room can be assembled in three to four hours.

Be sure to have an X-Acto knife, a flathead screwdriver, tweezers (included) , liquid glue with a brush, a magnifying glass and a pointed tool handy before you being the kit.

Take your time, look over the instructions, only detach and select parts as you need them and most of all enjoy the experience.

The kit box has photos of the book store on all sides and inside several bags contain miniature furniture, books, instructions, various merchandise, stickers, wall decor and much more.

A small divan with a yellow seat and cloud-shaped green cushion make relaxing and reading a book a real pleasure. The off-white, cream walls are soothing as is the muted oversize tile floor.

Check out the wall posters and signs, look at the twin shelf magazine rack and marvel at the huge books on various subjects. 

Take in the new products on their shelves. An open-top shelf with two lower drawers holds more books and a stand-alone floor display promotes the latest releases. Examine the typewriter and silver Teddy Bear.  The store even has LPs.

A silver cactus in a pot sits in the front of the stand-alone display. The whole room is warm, inviting and a book lover’s dream come true.

I’ve stated in previous reviews that my favorite stores are bookstores. I can spend hours looking through the books, browsing through the magazines and finding a secluded corner where I can read and soak in the ambiance.

Books are a small slice of life, filled with wonderful stories and tales all wrapped up in soft or hardbound covers. Bookstores are a refuge away from the realities of life. They offers readers the opportunity to discover, learn and imagine.

Like all of Rolife’s miniatures each and every 3D printed item is perfect in its scale, colors are bright and text crisp and clean. There is so much to see. Every time I look at it I spot more details.

Kudos to the Robotime designers, artists and craftsmen who made this remarkable kit.

For more photos and videos of the Fascinating Book Store click here. Visit Rolife’s website to see other kits by clicking here and if you’d like to see just how talented Robotime’s staff are when it comes to creating kits click here.

Exodus 15:2The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Indie Game Works

Everyone is familiar with video games. They are extremely popular. They can be found on CDs and through streaming.

Large video game developers spend millions of dollars developing breath-taking game scenarious. A video game that is successful (and can develop a following) can generate millions of dollars in profit and spawn a huge merchandising revenue.

Up until about 15 years ago or so, most video games were designed and developed by mega-game companies.

Not so nowadays. With the introduction of inexpensive cutting edge software available for purchase individuals and small groups of game enthusiasts can design, develop and release their own video games.

Such an innovation encourages small time developers to release quirky, individualized games. Be it through software, online or and app video games of all genres are available to the public for a small fee or in some cases for free.

In Indie Game Works, a new hardbound book from Thames & Hudson and written by Nathan P. Gibson, readers are introduced to 50 game developers and their creations in a book jammed-packed with concept art, screen captures and interesting and insightful text.

If you are a gamer (or just curious) this book delves into what makes a video game, the imagination and determination to develop and release titles and the talented people behind such creations.

It’s an insightful look at video games created by ordinary people who love gaming and want to share their work and vision.

Go inside the revolution that’s transforming how we play.

1 John 2:3-6And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.