Without actors: 2001

And now for the real deal.  2001 selected shots without actors, Part 1.  Have a nice weekend.

Hard Science Fiction

That is, science fiction that bases itself more in realism than fantasy, is very difficult to find.  We all seem to favor escapism over a story that presents an actual possible future.  In a time as fascinating as 2012, with all our knowledge of the world around us, why does our sci-fi revolve around space wizards and magic zombies?  Why do space lasers still go 'pew-pew!'?
Sci-fi makers, no one is asking you to hire Steven Hawking as a science adviser to the sound department- but, come on.  Realism in a fantastic situation can be very powerful! 

Weird Computer Science: Dwarf Fortress

The seven embarked from the Dwarven mountain homes in early Autumn.  They laid clam to a rocky hillside near a calm brook and began excavation.  It began as a mud and dirt hovel, but it had soon grown into an expansive subterranean complex.  Migrants from lands far away began to hear tale of the fortress and arrive daily to find good fortune of their own.  From the crowd distinct personalities emerge; heroes, drunks, caretakers, leaders.  The deep earth produces endless riches.  Hearts are content here, stomachs are full.
 In the dead of winter, a vile dark curtain falls across the frozen hillside.  The enemy has arrived, a black, twisted army of villains and viciousness.  The white snow topped hills melt under red rivers of hot blood.  Swords clash and hammers smash.  The fortress is now a tomb.

http://www.bay12games.com/dwarves/

Total Recall

 God bless you Paul Verhoeven.  Your strange brilliance filled my childhood with monsters, violence and paranoia of the all-to-real future to come. 

Robert McCall, painter

 McCall gallery follows... look and enjoy without commentary.

From Russia with Love

What is the largest aircraft ever flown?  It's the Russian Antonov An-225 "Mriya", or in English, the "Dream".

Volksjager; The people's fighter

The He-162 Volksjager (also referred to as Salamander)  was a jet fighter designed by Heinkel for the Luftwaffe.  Short on resources and skilled pilots, the Germans needed a high performance, easy to fly fighter that could be constructed on the cheap.  The Volksjager could be built by unskilled workers with non-strategic resources.