Hello again guys. Not sure if you remember me or not (half joking). Just a quick update for those who are still kicking around this place which we will call blogger.
Spring, at last (so I believe) has come again to New England and it cannot have come sooner.
This picture was actually taken last year, but pretty soon it'll be looking like this.
I spent a period of time in Cologne (Pulheim, precisely), Germany in August and September on foreign exchange. I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to visit Germany, but if you have not, you definitely should!
The Kolner Dom
Alas, after my 3 weeks were up in good ol' Deutschland and I returned home to Belfast homesick.
Lately I have not been doing much other than school, researching military-related topics (currently hooked on the Second Sino-Japanese War), drooling over guitars that I will never play and recording an album with my band which is currently going through a name change.
I have contemplated going back to wargaming, but the issue of time and money remains. I often find myself researching 20th century conflicts, and finding miniatures to correspond with them. Who knows, maybe that could turn into something.
Anyway, I've been looking at some of your blogs and I realize I am nostalgic for the wargaming days. If I somehow find myself with loads of time again, I'll be sure to load up on some miniatures again.
Hey guys.
So the last time I gave an update I was about to perform on a radio show in February on 89.9 WERU. That actually went okay, I personally don't think I did a good job but then again most singers don't think they do.
We started recording in late May or June in a studio in town here, and after a little band turmoil (which included one member leaving, leaving me and my friend Will) we've now levelled out and are working on a bit of different stuff. It's hard to describe if you don't really know music today very well.
I'm hoping that when I go to Germany this fall (where I'll be staying for about a month) I can play a little bit of music over there.
Now onto the wargaming subject. I do sometimes look at wargaming miniatures still. I'm still very fascinated by it. Particularly the 19th century. Possibly in the future I'll return. As for you guys, I've been looking around your blogs and it looks like things are going quite well. I'm fascinated to see that some people are getting into the Cold War, which was my favorite topic.
Anyways, I hope to speak with you again, and who knows; I might have some new miniatures!
Hello everyone. It's been about 5 months or so since I've talked with all of you, thought I'd fill you in and see how you're all doing (hope it's going well!).
Music has really been center stage for the past year or so, and I find myself investing more and more time in it, writing more and more songs as I go along.
It's led me to my booked "gig" if you will with my friend Will, a bass player. So far, we've got enough songs for a 12-song album and maybe an EP or a few B-sides, though that's jumping the gun a bit.
Our gig is on a local radio station called 89.9/99.9 WERU, and it will be on February 23rd starting at 4:30 or so.
It should be streaming on the station's website. Having played guitar for about 7 years or so now, I can't say there was ever a point when I expected to do something like this. I don't exactly know where this will go, or what I'll do with this, but it is probably going to be really really weird.
I'm incredibly proud of my friend, Will, who's been working his you-know-what off for the past 5 months. He's surprised me with his ability to learn things this fast, and he's really made excellent progress over time.
Also, my friend James, who has acted as our kind of manager, and who found us this radio spot in the first place. He's been a loyal friend since 4th grade or so, and I really owe him quite a bit for this.
We've also got a lead guitarist coming in with us soon, but until then it's "Squilly" (Will's nickname) and I.
So in about 11 days, it's crunch time. Thank you anyone who read this, I hope you're all doing well. Sometimes I go through the ol' blog to see what everyone is doing and it looks like you're all doing great.
Again, thank you anyone who read this.
Hello, guys!
I know judging by the title of this post that this probably isn't going to be a very optimistic one, but I encourage you to read on.
Lately I've been finding myself lacking the 3 fundamental aspects needed to be a wargamer: 1: Time, 2: Money and over all 3: Interest. I wouldn't say that I'm not as interested in history any less, that's kind of how my hobby with wargaming miniatures began, my love of history.
It's also tied to the whole money and time issue. I find that my re-entering to school has left me short of time for a rather time-consuming hobby.
I've found myself devoted to playing music over the years (since about age 10), and that has been something I can focus on moreso than I can wargaming in recent time.
So, I issue you this temporary goodbye, but first I ought to show you the Korean War infantry that I painted over the past few weeks.
Here they are (I'm missing one figure to the cats).
Naturally, my favorite post first.
Second favorite.
And the guys who use their brains and duck for once.
And so it's done. I can't say I didn't have fun painting and wargaming in the basement, normally in the winter when the woodstove is cranking. This winter, I think the basement will be filled with the sound of my friend Will and I practicing songs that I've written, none the less fun.
If there's any advice I can give wargamers, and everybody at that, it's do what you're passionate for. If it's wargaming you're passionate for (as most people reading this post, it is), do that.
Goodbye, farewell and amen, everyone. It's been a lot of fun.
One of my longer titles, huh?
Anyway, I got home from school today to find a little packet from across the pond sitting in my mailbox.
You should know by now that I like to give previews of the miniatures before and after I paint them. This set is going to be for the Korean War, which I've started working on the terrain to go with it (I'll show my progress soon). I have to buy the paint for them, so progress may be a bit slow, but until then, here's the preview.
Enjoy!
8 Miniatures in total, my favorite 2 poses are the most numerous (hooray). Like the lighting? It was taken on the lid of an old wooden box in my window sill.
A kneeling rifleman, my second favorite pose.
My favorite pose of the 3. To me, miniatures look complete with a backpack.
My least favorite pose, thankfully there are only 2 of them.
The miniatures turned around (just if your curious).
As of taking these pictures, I've based them and I'm still working on the terrain. I've got to get a company or so together, then we'll be working on the Commies. I'll try not to get too ahead of myself.
Stay tuned!
Last night I ordered a set of U.S. Marines from Peter Pig in order for my new Korea range. I'm a little more motivated than in the past, but I'll show you the set I bought.
I've been sort of busy with school and other things lately, so progress is incredibly slow. I've also been thinking about switching eras, from the Yugoslav Wars to the Korean War in 15mm. I think I've decided that 15mm should be the correct scale 1: Because it's cheap 2: You get a lot more for your money 3: Easier to store your freakin' minis!
Now, I know I tend to beat myself up when looking for a good era, and so far nothing has changed.
Although, I have narrowed it down to the following: The Korean War (1950-1953): Slow, stagnant, LOTS of infantry, somewhat like WW1 but more recent, lots of countries involved.
A Civil War on a distant planet: Could be however I want it to be! First Balkan War: Semi-modern, wouldn't really fit Force on Force...
Well, I'll be busy trying to make up my mind about what era to choose. It's leaning towards Korea, but suggest an era if you'd like!
Stay tuned!
My friend James came over this weekend, and after a night of drinking Coke and watching "The Dictator", this morning James recommended we try Force on Force. This is my first Force on Force game in a while (I tried it with Brody, and things went over smoothly), but it's also my first "game" in the Yugoslav Wars era.
The usual table setup. Let's call it, "Foograd"
James's Croats. He's lucky, because he gets Chuckov Norrisavic. Maybe he will get another defense die...
My Bosnians.
Turn 1: James
James sneakily disperses throughout the town. Yes, there is the Challenger in the background, but he won't be using that in this game.
Turn 2: Me
I begin to advance on the town of Foograd.
Turn 3: James
James moves one of his guys up onto the roof of a house. And takes a shot at my squad. I pass the reaction test and the turn goes as normal.
Turn 4: Me
I take cover behind a little ridge near a treeline.
James reacts to my movement by attempting to inflict a casualty on one on me, but he fails in doing so.
Turn 5: James
James cleverly moves the same rooftop shooter to a window. He attempts to inflict a casualty on on me.
I react by moving out of the way, and preparing to assault where 2 of James's soldiers, one being Captain Petrovic.
Turn 6: Me
I launch my assault and fire at Captain Petrovic. He obtains a serious wound.
I take control of the building.
Turn 7: James
James bugs out of the building first chance he gets. Wise choice...
Turn 8: Me
I begin to assault the building where James's "rooftop shooter" is.
We ended the game after that and ate lunch. This is the first Bosnian-Croat game I've done, let's hope there are more in the future. Stay tuned!
While I've been enjoying the 3rd Coldplay album, X&Y (which I got in the mail a few days ago), I've also been painting those Yugoslav Wars soldiers
Really good album, one of their best in my opinion.
Anyway, here's the fireteam as a whole.
Sergeant Helmitavic looking good in his camo.
Corporal Kovac is actually the only "Bosnian" in this fireteam. I painted the Bosnian Fleur-De-Lise on his shoulders and the front of his helmet. The others (aside from the one below) are non-biased and don't have a set side.
This guy is a Croat. If you can see, I've painted the Croatian šahovnica on his helmet (on the other side as well).
And this guy in full camo.
My Bosnian/Croatian force is up to 8 troops. I should be getting more in the future, so stay tuned!
Today was my first day of school, which I'd rate it a 8/10. A big thanks to the Peer Leaders of Belfast Area High School (along with the teachers) for their help for the freshman's first day! Making the whole first day thing less sucky and confusing.
Ah, anyway, when I got home I opened the mailbox to find my Elhiem East German firesquad there, so I brought them in and prepped them for their photo debut. Enjoy!
The fireteam from the C/O to the second-in command, to the other 2 men (how I usually do it).
The fireteam leader. We'll call him, "Sergeant Bob Helmitavic"
Sergeant Helmitavic's second in command, Corporal Csaba Kovac (alright, enough of the naming, I only tend to name the ones in command).
A look at the equipment they've got on their backs (you should be able to zoom in).
Here they are with spackling on their bases, which is how I base them now.
I like their helmets, the M56 is actually one of my favorites, but Ben of Ben's Soldiers disagrees. Ah well. These probably wouldn't suit Serbs, but rather Bosnians and Croats partially because of the helmet, which I don't think was used by Serbia.
I should have these painted up rather soon, I'll make sure to do paint them before school gets to hectic. Stay tuned!
Even though the 31st was the Blue Moon, which we'll get in another 3 years or so, last I performed at the Mermaid Inn in nearby Searsport.
My friend James video taped it, but sadly I can't upload it (I did covers of "In My Place" and a few others).
Anyway, a few days ago I ordered another set from Elhiem. It's the new East German riflemen in M56 Helmets, setting up for my Siege of Mostar game.
Very high quality.
I should be getting these sometime this week. Stay tuned!
While I've been enjoying the last few days of summer, I've also been painting up the Yugoslav Wars infantry I got from Platoon 20.
I thought I'd show what they look like all painted up. Enjoy!
The fireteam as a whole.
Chuckov Norrisavic, the soldier I'll be rooting for on the battlefield. You might notice he's wearing some sneakers for going into battle. If you're going to get shot in the face, you might as well go out in style.
Captain Petrovic, looking stoic.
A figure with an AK74u.
And here they are showing off their equipment.
I should probably be getting some more miniatures in the future, I think I'll get some Serbs this time, but they're on eBay and they'll probably ship from England, which is always fun waiting for them (oh goody).
I might also get a couple of sets, one just to tide me over as I get back into the "school groove".
Stay tuned!
1.Favourite Wargaming period and why?
A fictional WWIII around the Cold War, so maybe the Late 1960's or Early 1970's.
2.Next period, money no object?
I've thought about the Lebanese Civil War or the Balkan Wars of 1912, those or the Russian Civil War. Also, maybe the Korean War in 15mm or some war in the distant future on another planet.
3.Favourite 5 films?
1: Moonrise Kingdom
2: South Park- Bigger, Longer and Uncut
3: Pineapple Express
4: Saving Private Ryan
5: It's Kind of a Funny Story
"What kind of bird are you?" "I'm a sparrow, she's a dove-" "No, I said what kind of bird are YOU."
4.Favourite 5 TV series?
1: South Park
2: Ed Atlin's YouTube Tutorials(not really T.V., but you get the point). Between the abuse of his beard chair and weird voice, this guy always makes me laugh.
3: The Colbert Report
4: Futurama
5: Tosh.0
5.Favourite book and author?
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Ramarque.
"Good God, is there nothing that is sacred to me?"
6.Greatest General? Can’t count yourself!!
Dwight D. Eisenhower. He did a lot for my country, and even the entire world.
7.Favourite Wargames rules? Well, I'm currently working with Force on Force, and that seems to be very good, but I'd have to say Standoff: Cold War, purely for nostalgic reasons.
8.Favourite Sport and team?
I'm not too much of a sports person, but my favorite sport to play is soccer, but my favorite team is the Boston Bruins.
9.If you had a only use once time machine, when and where
would you go?
Back to the time when my relatives were in Sweden.
10.Last meal on Death Row?
Raspberry Bismark, Dr. Pepper, and a KFC Famous Bowl. I'm not much of a junk food fan, but those things are GOOD.
Omnomnomnomnomnom.
11.Fantasy relationship and why?
A nice girl who likes music.
12.If your life were a movie, who would play
you?
Chuck Norris, despite the fact that we look nothing alike. Don't stare at this picture too long, he could probably killed someone just by staring at them.
13.Favourite Comic Superhero?
I'm not too much of a comic book person.
14.Favourite Military quote?
"There was never a good war or a bad peace."-Benjamin Franklin.
15.Historical destination to visit?
Tough one. Probably Omaha Beach.
16.Biggest Wargaming regret?
Ever trying to get into Flames of War. That was expensive...
17.Favourite Fantasy job?
Making wargaming miniatures. I haven't the slightest idea how to do that, but it would be cool.
18.Favourite Song, Top 5?
1: Coldplay- In My Place
2: The Beatles- Yesterday
3: Simon and Garfunkel- Bleeker Street
4: Coldplay- The Scientist
5: Simon and Garfunkel- Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
19.Favourite Wargaming Moment?
When I beat Brody in Standoff: Cold War in a game that was British Army vs. Russians, which was the first time we ever used those rules.
20.The miserable Git question, what upsets
you?
People who have a very happy-go-lucky view on life and they believe they've got the world and their future all figured out. Allow my cynical side to come out for a second, but if I know anything, it's that the world sometimes works against you.
Some more: Parents who let their annoying children run around like morons, people who wear fake glasses, busy-bodies, religious fanatics (if you believe in God, that's fine, it's your life, but don't push your religion on me), bullies, the Kardashians, stupid people, this list goes on and on and on.
Feel free to copy and paste the questions, and stay tuned!
