#nerdculture

[adafruit]

The "Nubbin bug" lives - A Star Trek prop resurrection with 3D Printing 🐛🖖🎥

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 1, Episode 25 (May 1988), "Conspiracy", was one of my favorites. It featured a mind-controlling alien parasite referred to as the "Nubbin bug", or at least by The Greatest Generation Star Trek podcast.

Back in 1998, there was not a lot of computer CGI, so it was a stop-motion prop. Years later, the co-hosts of The Greatest Generation, a fun Star Trek podcast, stumbled upon the original silicone molds used to create the Nubbin bug while a listener found in a warehouse clearance sale in Van Nuys, California.

The podcasters acquired the mold. Shortly after, a listener from Atlanta who works at a prop studio offered to help preserve the prop since the original rubber material would decay over time. This led to the creation of archival-quality plaster casts to preserve the iconic alien for generations to come.

And they did some more, using 3D scanners - the Nubbin bug was recreated as a 3D model, allowing for exact replicas to be printed. Over 100 of these replicas were made, each one hand-painted and assembled to match the original as closely as possible. Their handmade / 3D-printed versions look almost identical to the bugs that appeared in the episode.

They also designed a Playschool-style retail packaging box to package the bugs. Fans of the podcast can purchase the limited-edition replicas. I don't know if they will post the 3D files, but I'll email and ask.

This is a really cool project from one of the weirdest/best episodes, and I am thrilled that someone was able to preserve this piece of Sci-Fi history in such a cool way - the entire story is on this TikTok video.

No word where this cutie is though.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[denofimagination-blog]

Here’s our latest mini diorama – Little Princess and Future Princess! 🌟 Inspired by the game Guardian Tales, it was fully designed, 3D printed, and painted by our team. 🎨 What do you think? 😍 If you have models for wargames, RPGs, or any other miniatures at home and don't feel like painting them – we’d be happy to help! ✨ Contact us via email: service@denofimagination.com. 📩

[ivaldisonsforge]

Thanks for the kind words! ★★★★★ "Best jewelry for the price found anywhere. Great seller!!" Sign in with Apple user

[666candies]

"The Death" by Gustave Doré (1832-1883)

[newretronet]

Porsche Kremer Cruising Through Malibu Visit Newretro.Net for the best, affordable 80s Streetwear outfits. Link in bio! Artist: @dest0n - Hashtags: #1984 #synthwave #retrowave #synth #cyberpunk #1980 #newretrowave #retrofuture #retroart #outrun #bladerunner #retroscifi #cyberart #nerdculture #newretro #newretronet #scifidaily #scififantasy #cyber #80s #retro #newwave #miami #purple #pink #vaporwave #devianart https://www.instagram.com/p/Coo24ZgMWcM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[losnueveaspectos]

Random Mirror Selfies before the Birthday Shenanigans ♈️🎂😜 #AriesNation #Coach #Express #Selfie #NerdCulture (at Menlo Park Terrace, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTX6bEvbs1jT1QKvYGVDFCzI-cCTMEFY26lhE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[camilladerricoart]

What’s your fave drawing?? 1-8?✍🏻 I'm thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle from March 2-5. 🎉🎉 these drawings and soooooo much more will be at booth #20719 where I’ll be signing each day! Come check out the new items and say hi! 🔍👀 ❤

[kptquiesel]

🌟 Introducing Myself: A Young German Artist Specializing in Comics and Pop Art! 🎨🇩🇪

Hey there, Tumblr community! I'm thrilled to introduce myself to all of you as a passionate young artist from Germany, deeply immersed in the world of Comics and Pop Art. Allow me to take you on a journey through pop and nerd culture like never before! 🎉🎨

My name is Julian, and I'm a creative soul with a love for vibrant colors, captivating illustrations, and all things inspired by pop culture. I pour my heart and soul into every artwork I create, aiming to capture the essence of what makes pop culture and nerd fandoms so incredibly special. 💥🌈

I'm absolutely thrilled to share that I have my own online shop, where you can find a treasure trove of original art pieces and comics. If you're in need of a visual spectacle or simply want to bring some excitement to your space, my creations are the perfect fit! 🛍️✨

Head over to my online shop at https://www.quillustration.de/quillustration/shop to explore a world where imagination knows no bounds. From mesmerizing illustrations that breathe life into your favorite characters to gripping comics that will transport you to alternate universes, my collection has something for every art lover out there. 🌍🎉

I want to note that the entire website is in German, which adds an extra touch of authenticity to my artistic journey. But don't worry if you're not fluent in the language! Art has a universal language that transcends barriers, and my creations are here to connect with your heart and soul, no matter where you come from. 😉🌍

So, dear friends, join me on this artistic adventure! Let's dive into a world where nostalgia, creativity, and pure awesomeness collide. Follow my journey, show some love for my artwork, and let's celebrate the magic of pop culture together! 🚀🌟

Thank you for your support, and I can't wait to share my passion with all of you!

[mochirimochi]

I love the internet because I can essentially type in “How did the doors open on this pretend space station on my nerd show?” and the internet will provide me with a 10,000 word essay on exactly how those doors opened and how it proves my favourite character is gay

[chimo55jimbo]

Every journey begins with a choice. It could be a different language for the sign, it could be coloured balls, it could be a black frame or a white frame... But it will always be Pokémon. Link: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/710432068/pokemon-gamer-gift-for-friend-shadowbox

[betweenzone]

The Magicians of Perception: Grant Morrison, Robert Anton Wilson, and the Power of Reality

In the world of nerd culture, there’s a fascinating intersection of philosophy, pop culture, and magic: the question of how much control we really have over our perception of reality. Two figures who explored this concept in groundbreaking ways are comic book writer Grant Morrison and author-philosopher Robert Anton Wilson. Both are icons in their respective domains and creative pioneers who invite us to reimagine reality—and maybe even shape it ourselves.

Robert Anton Wilson: Reality Is What You Make of It

Robert Anton Wilson, best known for his Illuminatus! Trilogy, wasn’t just a cult author—he was a philosopher who developed the concept of Reality Tunnels. His work explores how subjective belief systems shape the way we see the world.

The Reality Tunnel

According to Wilson, a Reality Tunnel is the unique way each individual perceives the world, influenced by:

• Cultural and social conditioning

• Personal experiences

• Conscious and subconscious beliefs

This means there’s no such thing as objective reality—only a subjective version of it that each person constructs for themselves. Wilson encouraged his readers to question their Reality Tunnels and experiment with altering them.

The Coin Experiment

One of Wilson’s famous exercises, featured in his book Prometheus Rising, illustrates how perception can be deliberately trained:

1. Set a goal: Decide that you will find a coin on the street.

2. Focus your attention: Keep this goal in mind as you go about your daily life.

3. Document the process: Record how many days it takes until you find a coin.

The result? By focusing your attention on this specific outcome, your brain starts prioritizing clues in the environment that would otherwise go unnoticed. The experiment demonstrates how our focused perception can shape our experience of reality.

Grant Morrison: Chaos Magic and Superheroes

While Wilson gave us the theory, Grant Morrison showed us how to put it into practice—especially in the realm of pop culture. As one of the most influential comic writers of our time, Morrison brought concepts like Chaos Magic into works such as The Invisibles, Doom Patrol, and All-Star Superman.

Kathmandu and the Revelation

In the 1990s, Morrison had a transformative experience in Kathmandu during a psychedelic state. He claims to have been visited by beings who explained to him the nature of reality: it’s malleable, a construct shaped by consciousness. This revelation became the foundation of The Invisibles, a story about anarchism, magic, and resistance against cosmic oppression, often called a “manual for Chaos Magic” by fans.

Magic Through Stories and Symbols

Chaos Magic revolves around the idea that symbols and rituals can be used to influence the subconscious. Morrison practices this through:

1. Sigils: Encoding desires into symbolic representations and “programming” the subconscious to achieve them.

2. Stories: Creating narratives in his comics that not only affect readers but also himself—a magical interplay between fiction and reality.

The Connection: Reality Tunnels and Chaos Magic

Both Robert Anton Wilson and Grant Morrison argue that reality isn’t fixed but constructed. The difference lies in their approaches:

• Wilson invites us to explore the mechanics of our perception through experiments like the Coin Experiment.

• Morrison demonstrates how creative practices like rituals, stories, and symbols can actively shape our Reality Tunnels.

Their shared belief is that we are not passive observers of reality but active participants in its creation—a concept that resonates deeply with the nerd community.

Becoming the Architect of Your Own Reality

What Wilson and Morrison teach us is both philosophical and practical: reality is a playground that we can shape and reshape. So why not start today? Try the Coin Experiment:

1. Set the goal of finding a coin on the street.

2. Stay focused and attentive.

3. Track how long it takes to achieve your goal.

You might not just discover a coin but also unlock a new awareness of how much control you have over your own perception. Welcome to your own Reality Tunnel—and happy experimenting!

—-

If you enjoyed this article, you might also appreciate exploring the music of Betweenzone. Their unique sound complements the themes discussed here. Consider listening to the following tracks:

Image Credits for the Blog Post

1. Grant Morrison, Photo by Marco Annunziata, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source on Wikimedia Commons.

2. Robert Anton Wilson, Photo by Scott Liddell, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source on Wikimedia Commons.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

The fact that the bottom of the 3 letters 'AMA' makes three M's, meaning 3000 in Roman numerals, is the year in which Futurama is placed. This little attention to detail makes it one of the best shows ever made, and no one can change my mind.

[stingscustom]

✨ Embrace the Spirit of Gor! 🌌 Introducing the **Kajira Kef Keyring**: - A beautiful symbol of devotion and identity - Perfect for celebrating love, fandom, and connection 💖 **Why You'll Love It:** - A meaningful gift for Valentine's Day - Ideal for Gor enthusiasts and fans alike - Wear your allegiance proudly and connect with community 🌈 **How does Gor resonate with you?** - Share your story! - What does devotion look like in your journey? 🔗 **Join in on the conversation:** - Reblog and tag your friends who would cherish this gift! - Let's uplift each other and celebrate our unique experiences! ✨ Spread the love and revel in the magic of the #GoreanLifestyle! 💬 Comment and let’s chat about our favorite moments in the #ChroniclesofGor! #GorFans #SymbolicGifts #ValentinesGifts 💫 Embrace, connect, and feel valued in our cherished community! 💫

[ivaldisonsforge]

Thanks for the kind words! ★★★★★ "Gorgeous pendant, arrived on time and matched given description, well made and high quality. Worth the price." Madelynn H.

[blackwaterforgellc]

Pumpkin Jack O' Lantern 3D Printed Dice Jail - Mythic Roll Collection by Unchained Games - Guard Your Dice with Spooky Delight!

Dive into the fantastical realm of Halloween any time of the year with the Pumpkin Head Dice Box from the renowned Mythic Roll Collection, presented by Blackwater Forge LLC.

Crafted with exceptional detail and creativity, this dice holder captures the eerie essence of a carved pumpkin, gleaming in the darkness with its sinister grin. From the meticulously designed facial features to its sturdy base, it's a gothic masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the Halloween spirit.