COOL STUFF: "Imagining The Undead" (30 November 2007)

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TOP: The undead hordes cover the land in darkness...

Hi All,

All gamers have quirks, and among the gaming masses, two groups have particularly fertile, perhaps over-fertile, imaginations: RPG gamers & miniatures wargamers. We get caught up on a theme and just go bonkers with it. My buddy Nils does. My Junkworld buddy Mark does. Cacique Caribe from TMP does. And I certainly do! I've been stuck on the undead for some time now...

TOP: "Liber Necris: The Book Of Death In the Old World"

And I finally got ahold of a copy of the Black Library Publication "Liber Necris: The Book Of Death In the Old World," which has been a fun read. Essentially the Liber Necris, is a compilation of all the wonderful background on the undead from the Warhammer Fantasy Battles setting. And the story after almost two decades of short stories and fiction is a rich one... from the rise of the first Necromancer Nagash to the the depredations of the Von Carstein Vampire lineage... However, what really got my imagination going was a discussion of the components of the undead as discussed from a quasi-alchemical, wizardly perspective:

The Seven Prime
Physio-aethyric Components of the Undead:

Kha
The physical or mortal shell. The body. Corpse.

Ka
Ego, reason, and abstract thought.

Ba
The subconscious self and emotion.

Ab
The conscious or ethical awareness.
Also thought to be the freedom of choice.

Sekhem
Life force itself; soul-fire or aethyric energy.

Ren
One’s true name.
The notion or idea of a particular individual.

Khaibit
The shadow. Proof of mortality.

And that prompted me to create a table of the undead components, which I haven't figured out how to port over to Blogger yet.

And that got me to start thinking of all the types of undead I could recall... from fairy tales, legends, miniatures games, board games, novels, short stories, RPGs, etc. ...which led me to the below list:

CHARACTERS:
- Demiliche (wizard)
- Dracoliche (dragon + wizard)
- Liche (wizard)
- Liche Master (wizard)
- Master Necromancer (wizard)
- Mummy Lord (warrior + wizard)
- Necromancer (wizard)
- Vampire: Blood Dragon (Traditional Eastern European Drakul Warrior Type)
- Vampire: Eastern Cathay (Mastermind / Sorcerer / Scholar Type)
- Vampire: Lahmian (Seductress Type)
- Vampire: Necrarch (Necromancer Type)
- Vampire: Southern (Earth Beast Vampire Type)
- Vampire: Strigoi (Wild Beast Vampire Type)
- Vampire: Von Carstein (Traditional Gothic Horror Dracula Type)
- Vampire Count (warrior)
- Vampire Lord (warrior)
- Vampire Thrall (warrior)
- Werewolf (beast + warrior)
- Wight Lord (warrior)
- Wraith Lord (warrior)

CORE-UNDEAD:
- Baneguard
- Carrion Flyer
- Corpseguard
- Deadites
- Direguard
- Grave Guard
- Leiberian Skeleton
- Skeletal or Zombie Beasts
- Skeletal or Zombie Wolves
- Skeletons
- Wights
- Zombies

CORE-MUNDANE:
- Bats (beast)
- Ghast (beast + man)
- Ghoul (beast + man)
- Gypsies (man)
- Peasants (man)
- Rats (beast)
- Villagers (man)
- Vultures (beast)
- Wolves (beast)

SPECIAL-CORPOREAL:
- Black Knights
- Chupacabra
- Corpse Gatherer (Animated Graveyard)
- Death knights
- Frankenstein
- Golem
- Grim Reaper
- Horseman Of the Apocalypse
- Mummies
- Nephilim
- Nightshade
- Revenant
- Skeletal Centaurs
- Skeletal Ogre, Troll, etc.
- Undead Chariot
- Undead Elite
- Zombie Ogre, Troll, etc.

SPECIAL-INCORPOREAL:
- Banshee
- Barrow Wight
- Ghost
- Nightmare
- Phantom
- Poltergeist
- Ringwraith
- Shade
- Shadow
- Spectre
- Spirit Host
- Will O' the Wisp
- Wraith

RARE:
- The Black Coach
- Bog or Fen Beast
- Skeletal Dragon or Wyrme
- Zombie Dragon or Wyrme

Hope you enjoyed my convoluted thought patterns!

Have a great Friday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

FUN VIDEOS: "Trunk Monkey - Part 4" (30 November 2007)

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Hi All,

Quick post today... may get in another later today. I'm still enjoying Trunk Monkey. The allure of seeing punks like car thieves, obnoxious kids, vandals, etc. ...get their come-up-ance from the Trunk Monkey is near undeniable.

I'm starting to think that if the local superhero RPG / minis game guys get another campaign going that I'll have to invent a superhero called the Trunk Monkey. I wonder which superpowers would be most appropriate to the theme...

Have a great Friday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

FUN VIDEOS: "Trunk Monkey - Part 3" (29 November 2007)

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Hi All,

Quick secondary post today... I'm still really enjoying Trunk Monkey. Who could have known the Trunk Monkey had such financial acuity or such a vast repertoire of breakfast snacks knowledge? Maybe the Trunk Monkey is really Homer Simpson in a costume?

Have a great Thursday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

FILMS: "Vertical Limit" (29 November 2007)

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Hi All,

I saw a great movie the other day ago... a real cliffhanger called "Vertical Limit." Great flick, I highly recommend it... go out and rent it. Don't expect witty dialogue or a particularly good storyline, but the special effects, good-looking "faces," great soundtrack, and amazing special effects are worth enjoying for their own sake separate of the cruddy plot line and dialogue.

Here are a few of my favorite review snippets:

Unwind, eat popcorn, watch people fall off mountains. That's entertainment.
- Liz Braun of Jam! Movies

And...

When the characters just shut up and dangle, Vertical Limit becomes one heck of a wild time.
- David Germain of the Associated Press

Thanks, Cheri and Keri!

IMDB link for "Vertical Limit" here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190865/

Wikipedia link for "Vertical Limit" here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_Limit

Rotten Tomatoes entry for "Vertical Limit" here:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/vertical_limit/

Have a great Thursday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "Smile In The Sky" (28 November 2007)

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TOP: A smile in the sky!

Hi All,

I love the stuff I get sent in the mail... I'm away at training so I don't have time for a longer post today, but I am working extensively on the 6mm to 10mm sci-fi rule sets preview for the mini game fans who read this blog.

Thanks, Valerie!

Have a great Wednesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "6mm - 10mm Sci-fi Rules Preview" (27 November 2007)

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TOP: Striker II, one of the classic Traveller mini rulesets.

Hi All,

Gamers are funny breed... they tend to get very obsessed with their particular gaming interest whether it be board games, miniatures games, RPGs or otherwise. They'll obsessively learn everything they can about their gaming niche interest and "collect"everything they can. And I wish I could say that I was different, but I'm NOT. I love my niches and collect everything I can related to them whether it be 6mm sci-fi, 10mm sci-fi, AIW, modern missile boats, my 28mm undead collection, or anything else that interests me.

And 6mm sci-fi rulesets are one of my niches!

TOP: Dirtside II, one of the classic 6mm sci-fi rulesets...

...that first laid claws into me.

Just a few weeks ago, another gamer, Edmund Proctor, came out with a rules review that prompted me to work on my own overview of small scale (6mm to 10mm) sci-fi rulsesets from the 1970s onward. So I pulled out my notes and began to work on rules reviews again...

You can see my link back to Edmund's site here:
http://6mm-minis.blogspot.com/2007/11/mini-wargaming-cool-6mm-sci-fi-intro-15.html

TOP: A lesser known 6mm sci-fi ruleset, Micro Sci-Fi.

And as I worked on my rules reviews, I came to the realization that there are far more than had previously ocurred to me... I'm still not done and I've already come up with SEVENTY-SIX (76) entries! When I'm done with the document, I'll be posting it at the 6mm Science Fiction War Games Yahoo Discussion E-group, of which I'll post a link below. Until then, I'll post a preview of my work here. Here's a sample entry:

Name: Command Horizon
Genre: Sci-fi ground combat
Future level: Far future (space opera)
Org. level: Battalion battle
Universe: Command Horizon (Space Worms)

Rules Data:
Game Type: Miniatures game
Complexity: 2 to 3 (Streamlined to average complexity)

Unit Types:
Infantry: YES
Vehicles: YES
Mecha: YES
Flyers: YES

Miniatures Data:
Mini line: YES
Mini scale: 6mm
Status: (In production – for sale)
Minis Internet Link:
http://commandhorizon.com/

Publishing Data:
Manufacturer: Baccus (...formerly Gladiator Games)
Date: 2007
Status: (In Print – For Sale)
Rarity: N/A

Brief Description:
Gladiator Games came out with a great 6mm sci-fi miniatures line in the early 2000;s, but could never get out a rule set to accompany the line. In 2007, Gladiator Games sold the line to Baccus who developed a rule set for the game, which has since been available. Command Horizon (CH) is a battalion level sci-fi ground battle game designed to be quick-playing.

Rules Internet Link:
http://commandhorizon.com/

And here's a working list of game rules:

AD2222
The AD Wars
Adeptus Titanicus (1rst edition)
Adeptus Titanicus II (2nd edition)
Aeronautica Imperialis
Aerotech
ALA Firefight - Urban Conflict in the Ion Age
Alien Squadleader (ASQL)
The Battle For Armageddon
Battledroids
Battletech
Bommas Over Da Sulpha River
CAV
CAV II
Centurion (Renegade Legion)
Cold War Commander (sci-fi)
Combat Commander
Combots
Command Horizon
Dark Realm
Miniatures Rules
Days of Empire (DOE)
Dirtside I
Dirtside II
The Doom of the Eldar
Epic-40k
Epic-Armageddon
Exodus Wars
FFT Sci-fi
Flagship Games Sci-fi Microarmor Rules
GEV
Giant Monster Rampage (GMR)
Grav Tanks
GROPOS
Hammer’s Slammers
Heavy Gear Blitz!
Heavy Gear Tactical
Hellfire
Helltank
Helltank Destroyer
Horus Heresy
HOTT
Industrial Gothic
Iron Cow 2103
Iron Hawk
Laser Tank
MAATAC
Macross Minis
Mecha!
Mecha! Spirit Warrior Empire
Mechwarrior: The Dark Age (MWDA)
Meck Wars
The Mek Wars: Destroid Wars
Mekton
Micro Sci-Fi
Monster Island: The Game of Giant Monster Combat
Moon Dragon
Net-Epic
OGRE
Outpost Gamma
Princess Ryan’s Space Marines
Prophecy Of War
Renegade Legion
RIVETs
Ronin
Ronin Wars
Silent Death: The Next Millenium
Space Marine (1rst edition)
Space Marine (2nd edition)
Starship Troopers
Star Siege: Rebellion
Steel Crush
Steel Rain
Striker I
Striker II
Striker III
Titan Legions
Universal War
Warbots & Death Machines

And one of the reasons I posted this was to look for constructive feedback...

*** Do you have any suggestions or advice of details you'd like to see in each ruleset's entry? Any other ideas? ***

If you do have advice or suggestions, please post them at the my blog in the comments section or at the 6mm Science Fiction War Games Yahoo Discussion E-group.

Link here:
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/6mmScienceFictionWarGames/

Have a great Tuesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Update (2 December 2007 at roughly 3:00pm):
I corrected a few typos and added a title or two to the list.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

FUN VIDEOS: "Trunk Monkey - Part 2" (26 November 2007)

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Hi All,

Quick post today... I've been really enjoying the whole Trunk Monkey concept, which got me thinking:

As much as I don't like Ewoks & Smurfs much, I'd sort of like to see Trunk Ewok and Trunk Smurf just to really humiliate those people who mess with you… I can imagine:

"You got whooped by a giant Smurf, Dweezil!"

I LOOOOVVVVEEE the Trunk Monkey!

Have a great Monday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "Maksim's Workbench: Undead Today!" (25 November 2007)

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TOP: Some of the vast undead hordes of Maksimok the Mirthless!

Hi All,

Well, I needed to prove that I'm still working on models so these two photos are getting some blog time. The both came from the 20 October 2007 MWS meet, and only one of from me, but they still show how much progress I've made on my 28mm undead army, the undead hordes of Master Necromancer Maksimok the Mirthless. I now have at least 2,000 points painted by WHFB standards, of undead that I can field as a Vampire Counts army. That's been my big project this year... and I've really been enjoying the heck out of it.

You can see more of the minis from my collection here:
http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/Maksim-Smelchak/

TOP: Joe painted this 10mm Warmaster Tomb Kings army.

If you've never seen my buddy, Joe Riddle AKA Sukhmet's work, then you're really missing out. He's an incredibly talented miniatures artist. I'm a painter... he's an ARTISTE! At any rate, one of Joe's latest triumphs has been this 10mm Warmaster Tomb Kings army that he's painted on commission. Joe's also a great guy to game with, except if you put him in charge of the zombies... he lets out a "Bwwwaaaaiiinnns" that's downright spooky... maybe creepy is a better word.

Joe's Photobucket account:
http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa136/Sukhmet/WM%20Tomb%20Kings/

Have a great Sunday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

FUN VIDEOS: "Trunk Monkey - Part 1" (24 November 2007)

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Hi All,

I've really been enjoying the You-Tube phenomenon, especially that of viral videos... What's a viral video you ask... well, I'll tell you:

The term viral video refers to video clip content which gains widespread popularity through the process of Internet sharing, typically through email or IM messages, blogs and other media sharing websites.

To read more, see the Wikipedia definition of a viral video here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_video

In other words, viral videos are the chain letters of the computer generation... kind of like a video version of all those jokes we used to pass around by word of mouth.

That being said, I LOOOOVVVVEEE the Trunk Monkey!

Have a great Saturday!
And a Gut Shabbos to my Jewish readers!

Shabbat Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

HOLIDAYS: "Happy Thanksgiving 2007!"

.TOP: I often feel like those turkeys...

Hi All,

Another holiday has come, at least for Americans, so thank goodness for a day off on which to feast, get in a little hobby action, visit family, and be thankful for all of our blessing, of which I have many. I hope that you, all of my readers, do too!

I'm not sure about all of you, but tomorrow, I'm definitely planning on getting some gaming in. My two nephews have finally reached an age where they want to join me in gaming and it was a hard slog to get them interested. I first introduced them to board gaming and they're now wanting to take the next step and try out miniatures war gaming. They've been watching me build my 28mm undead Vampire Counts army and want to join me. Vincent will be slowly building up an Orcs & Gobbos army while Quinn works on the Empire! I'm pretty excited to help get them going!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great Thursday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "Away, Lobster-dog, Away!" (21 November 2007)

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TOP: "Hey look! It's a bird, its a plane, it's a..."

"Dog-lobster?"

Hi All,

I've never felt that dressing dogs, or pets for that matter, was worth the effort. After all, pets already come dressed, why mess with nature? And very few pet costumes are really that snazzy anyhoo... And most just annoy the animal or get in the way until ol' Fluffy finds a way to tear the thing off.

Now, my sister's dog, Murphy, is another proposition altogether. The dog was named by her husband's ex-wife, and instead of being trained by the humans, the dog trained the humans! It barks when it wants to go out, it bolts for the door to take a "pleasure stroll" when it feels like, it prowls the kitchen looking for "accidents," is deaf as a doorknob (can't or won't hear the foolish humans), shamelessly begs, drools, and can otherwise be an annoying pest when the cuteness knob gets turned down. So, I got a certain sense of schadenfreude (guilty pleasure) to see Murphy forced to wear a costume this year...

TOP: "The Dog-lobster goes for a biscuit."

TOP: "Murphy, the dog, decides that costumes are OK..."

"...if they come with biscuits."

However, it only took Murphy one biscuit and a little begging to make "her" forget all about the "Lobster-dog" costume. Schadenfreude, indeed!

Viva la Halloween!

Have a great Wednesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "Groovy Costume, Lady!" (20 November 2007)

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TOP: "Hey Flo! Have you seen the dog?"

Hi All,

I saw alot of Halloween costumes this year, but the one in this post was definitely one of my favorites. I can deal with little, yappy dogs, but it still seems like poetic justice to me...

TOP: "Hmmmm... Where could Sparky be?"

I have to give this woman kudos for wearing this costume... and allowing my friend to photograph her and then send me the photos. Woohoo!

Viva la Halloween!
Have a great Tuesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "Abducted Pumpkins?" (19 November 2007)

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TOP: "Oh NO, Mr. Bill!"

Hi All,

The best thing about having Halloween as your birthday is that Halloween becomes a year-round event... folks are always sending me cool Halloween-themed photos and web sites. This was probably my favorite pumpkin this year...

TOP: "Beam him up, Grozblorg! Get the probes ready..."

Just in case the photos didn't come through clearly, they are of a little guy getting beamed up by a UFO... Gotta love that!

I think that the quality of pumpkin carving seems to go up every year... more and more folks are buying the pumpkin carving kits now available and really going to town!

Viva la Halloween!

Have a great Monday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "Chain Reaction Rules For FREE!" (18 November 2007)

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TOP: Chain Reaction 2.0, now FREE!

Hi All,

Two Hour Wargames and all of their rule sets have become an icon in the gaming industry... relatively simply, fast-playing rules that play well. And, even better, they're pretty near universally liked. At least, I like them and nearly everyone I game with also has good things to say about them.

And the cool news is now, Two Hour Wargames, is offering their rules for FREE! News below:

CHAIN REACTION 2.0 FOR FREE?!

What the...? But that's a new game ain't it? You're kidding, right?
Yep it is and no we're not kidding.

Then what am I missing and why is it free???!!!
Simple. When CR 2.0 came out it was great for generic gaming in lots of periods. Well, now there's loads of games that deal with specific periods. 5150, All Things Zombies, NUTS!, FNG...

So to get you into the current THW system we decided to give it away. Because if you like it then you'll check out the others.

So what's the catch?
No catch. We just want to provide gamers with a free sample of what Two Hour Wargames is currently about.

What about figures, do we have to use yours?
Heck no. In fact, with all rules from Two Hour Wargames you can use any figures that you want. Even those cool ones from that other set of rules that ended up in your closet. Just dig them out and put them to use.

Well what if I like them and want to check out more Two Hour Wargames?
Simple. Just download CR 2.0 and give it a try. Join the THW Yahoo Group by following the link and ask questions. Once you feel comfortable check out the rest of the THW site and see if anything is interesting. So what are you waiting for?

Lastly:
Before we get on with the freebees, a reminder about the Two Hour Wargames Yahoo group! - If you have ANY questions about ANY Two Hour Wargames, including the freebies, then head to the group where you'll find around 2000 gamers, as well as the THW authors, ready to answer any questions you might have, no matter how silly they sound!

One of the other things I can say about Ed Teixeira and the Two Hour Wargames (THW) online community is that they are an exceptionally friendly and helpful group. A friend recommended that I E-mail Ed awhile back when I was looking for advice on creating my own rule set and I did, to which Ed E-mailed me back and was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The THW Yahoo group is just as good with plenty of obliging folks.

I guess all I can say now is: Go check out THW!

And here are a few links:

Two Hour Wargames web site:
http://www.angelfire.com/az3/twohourwargames/freecr2.html

Two Hour Wargames Yahoo Discussion E-group:
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/twohourwargames/

TMP news announcement:
http://theminiaturespage.com/news/457620/

TMP discussion thread about this news:
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=125054

And I owe a vote of thanks to my buddy Nils for sharing this news with me:

Thanks, Nils!

Have a great Sunday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

NOVELS: "Starship Troopers In Passing" (16 November 2007)

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Top: Starship Troopers (SST), the novel.

Hi All,

I just finished reading Starship Troopers (SST), the novel and what a great book it is. SST was a groundbreaking novel in its time and is arguably the first book to describe many sci-fi memes including power armor and insectile aliens. But beyond the entertaining science fiction story is much of what really earned Robert A. Heinlein his name: a very intriguing discussion of current social conditions and how future societies may deal with them, which is at the heart of sci-fi as literature. It's where Isaac Asimov made much of his name as well. Reading SST, the novel, really can inspire one to consider current questions of nationality, citizenship, civic virtue, education, military organization, and many others. And SST certainly wasn't the first novel in which Heinlein examined American society... many of his other novels question education, social values, and many other cornerstones of societies around the world. In fact, much of the writing reminds me of the philosophical writings of Edmund Burke.

Here are some ideas that SST examines through the guise of science fiction:
- The basis on which a successful State establishes citizenship.
- What is civic virtue and how should it be instilled in succeeding generations.
- How should successful military leadership function.
- What the ratio between teeth (the fighting edge of an army) to tail (logistics) in a successful military should ideally be.
- How to inspire the fighting man.
- One way how to solve the natural rivalries that often exist between different branches of a military.

It's amazing just how much SST, the novel, has inspired in the way of pop culture...

Link to the Wiki article for the book here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_troopers

Link for Edmund Burke here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Burke

TOP: The first SST film was relatively well received.

TOP: The second SST film was widely panned.

SST has spawned two films and a third is coming out. I recommend enjoying the first for entertainment value although with the knowledge that the underpinnings of the novel and film are like night and day. The film is more about fascism and a negative critique of existing democracies at heart with the central message of destroying them while the novel was much more about a critique of Western-style democracy with an idea of reclaiming what is good about democracies. The second film was universally panned and very few have had anything good to say about it. I found it rather mediocre although I enjoyed it with the caveat that I'm a dedicated sci-fi fan.

Wiki link to the first SST film here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers_%28film%29

Wiki link to the second SST film here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers_2:_Hero_of_the_Federation

TOP: This SST cartoon series later inspired a miniatures game.

The first SST film inspired the above Roughnecks animated series, which did fairly well and went on to later inspire a miniatures game. The animated series was definitely made with a younger audience in mind and avoids blood, gore, and death, which more or less emasculates the novel. While the computer animation is stunning, don't expect much from the storyline. And if you decide you want to buy a copy of the series, go for the multi-DVD compilation set rather than trying to collect each plot arc individually.

Wiki link to the animated Roughnecks adaptation of SST here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roughnecks:_Starship_Troopers_Chronicles

TOP: The original 1976 SST wargame was and is quite popular.

TOP: The 2005 Mongoose Publishing SST game never picked up in my area.

The classic Avalon Hills 1976 SST game is a classic and still fun to play. It can be picked up relatively cheaply on the secondary market although I've seeen it fetch relatively high prices on the secondary market. The newer 2005 28mm SST minis game from Mongoose Publishing never really picked up in my area and the latest 2007 SST Evolution game hasn't either. I've played both games and had a small part in playtesting the Evolution rule set and I like them, but I prefer sci-fi skirmish gaming above the company / small squad level so apart from enjoying the odd game at gaming conventions, I haven't extensively played the game. There's a relatively small group in the Bay Area that plays it, but I almost never see it local to Sacto anymore. And if you prefer the novel to the film, you're better off with the classic 1976 SST game from Avalon Hills, which IS based on the novel, rather the Mongoose game, which is based on the animated series.

Link to the SST minis game here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers:_The_Miniatures_Game

BGG link to the 2005 SST minis game here:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/15435

BGG link to the classic 1976 SST board game here:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/670

I certainly haven't done more than touch upon the many pop culture forms that SST has taken... It's also appeared as a graphic novel, in several Japanese anime series, and elsewhere, but I endeavored in this post to cover a rough selection of what's out there that may be on interest from a gamer's perspective.

Keep on gaming!

Have a great Friday!

Shalom,

Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "Cool 6mm Sci-fi Intro" (15 November 2007)

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TOP: One of Edmund's awesome OGRE minis.

Hi All,

There's always more one can do for the hobby... but we all have limited time. It's hard enough to take our "piles of lead" to get prepped, assembled, and painted... let alone run a blog or website, help put a good face on the hobby, and simply game! One of my many side projects has been an overview & review of what's out there for 6mm sci-fi gaming. I've been clacking away on reviews and putting together links and resources, when... lo and behold, someone beats me to it. All I can say is:

Thanks, Edmund! Awesome work!

I may still come out with my own take on reviews & overviews in the near future, but I really appreciate and am impressed by Edmund's work.

You can see Edmund's excellent 6mm Sci-fi intro web page here:
http://www.geocities.com/edmund_puk/6mmsf.htm

And you can download Edmund's 6mm sci-fi rule set, "The AD Wars," here:
http://www.geocities.com/edmund_puk/documents/adwars.doc

Have a great Thursday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "Monsterpocalypse Is Almost Upon Us" (14 November 2007)

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TOP: Monsterpocalypse, a new game coming out from Privateer Press.

Hi All,

Well, I'm not always the quickest with breaking news, but I always get around to what I want to... sooner or later. This news, an impending Kaiju game called Monsterpocalypse came out slightly before Halloween so, without further ado, check out the below announcement from Privateer Press (PP):

Privateer Press Announces Collectible Miniatures Game!

Today we are excited to announce our plans to produce a collectible miniatures game (CMG) named Monsterpocalypse™.

Monsterpocalypse brings the kaiju (loosely translated from Japanese as ‘giant monster’) genre to the tabletop in the form of a fast-paced, action-packed CMG.

The Monsterpocalypse CMG will launch with over 80 pre-painted plastic figures in the initial set and will include large-scale monsters, destroyable city structures, and vehicles. Planned for release at retail in 2008, figures will be sold in randomized booster packs and non-randomized starter games, and special figures will be available at events throughout 2008.

Privateer Press announcement link here:
http://www.privateerpress.com/monsterpocalypse/default.html

And while I'm not the biggest fan of Collectible Miniature Games (CMGs), I do love Kaiju and for a Kaiju-o-phile, it doesn't get much better than this.

TOP: The 1998 Zilla, an American Godzilla, born & bred to trash NYC.

TOP: Monsterpocalypse's dino-lizard Kaiju prototype...

Hmmm... I wonder if they have licensing deal?

I'm a bit wary about what PP plans to do with rules... while I like PP's big games War Machine and Hordes, I'm not sure that a similar set would be good for kaiju gaming. However, there's always Monster Island (MI), a set which has already stood the test of time. And speaking of MI, I ran into Patrick Sweeney, the creator of Monster Island, this past weekend and we chatted about what's on the horizon for MI, to which he announced Monster Island II should be coming out next year in 2008 as well. Between MI-II, Monsterpocalypse, and a possible new Giant Monster Rampage (GMR) rule set, 2008 should be a great year for kaiju gaming!

Firefly Games, the makers of Monster Island:
http://www.firefly-games.com/

Giant Monster Rampage game entry at BGG:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/12129

TOP: UFO, anyone?

Here are some more links to discussion of Monsterpocalypse at some of the mini game forums out there:

TMP link here:
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=124041

Another TMP link here:
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=124063

Frothers link here:
http://www.frothersunite.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12348

TOP: A little mecha will make it go down...

I'm really impressed with the prototype sculpts that PP has released to the public... I only hope that the vehicles and buildings scale in around 6mm... Well, here's hoping!

Have a great Wednesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "DCP Is Almost Back!" (Lucky 13 November 2007)

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TOP: DCP's new Desert Mat System...

...pictured with 28mm Starship Troopers minis from Mongoose Publishing.

Hi All,

If you're a long-time OGRE player (...a classic 6mm sci-fi game with a cult following originally designed by THE Steve Jackson) then the name Daryl C. Phillips probably rings a bell... and if not, DCP or Detail Casting Products almost invariably does. DCP cast the resin terrain that was incredibly popular when OGRE Miniatures came out in the 1990s. And now Darryl is gearing up to return to the miniatures gaming zone such as his new Desert Mat System prototype pictured throughout this post which will hopefully soon come into production...

TOP: The Desert Mat System is compact for storage and travel.

This was the DCP line for SJG's OGRE:

DCP created resin structures for Ogre in 1992 and 1993. It was a one-man company; modeling, moldmaking, casting, and everything else was done by the incredible Darell Phillips. It eventually became more work than he could handle. The masters and molds now belong to SJ Games, and someday this line may be available again.

Command Post (Paneuropean) (DCP-151).
- Top: Design by Winchell Chung as interpreted by Darell Phillips; sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Hardened Command Post (Paneuropean) (DCP-152).
- Top: Design by Winchell Chung as interpreted by Darell Phillips; sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Jamscreen (Paneuropean) (DCP-153).
- Top: Design and sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Satellite Dish (Paneuropean) (DCP-154).
- Top: Design and sculpting by Darell Phillips. Uses the same base as the jamscreen, but the dish is round and the jamscreen is basically square.
Laser Turret (Paneuropean) (DCP-155).
- Top: Design by Steve Jackson, sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Laser Tower (Paneuropean) (DCP-156).
- Top: Design by Steve Jackson, sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Crater Pack (DCP-157).
- Top: Design and sculpting by Darell Phillips. Two large and eight small craters.
Small Bridge (DCP-158).
- Top: Design and sculpting by Darell Phillips.
Highway Bridge (DCP-159).
- Top: The same length as the small bridge, but double the width - wide enough for an Ogre. Design and sculpting by Darell Phillips.

And here's Darryl's bio:

I have been in the hobby of miniatures gaming for about 30 years...

...and crossed over into the "supply-side" of the hobby as one of the early sculptors of masters for Star Fleet Battles miniatures. For fans of that game, I made up the Klingon D5, the Neo-Tholians, some of the Andromedans (Conquistador & Python) and Romulans (Skyhawk & Seahawk), Fed Starbase and a few others.

I created Detailed Casting Products in 1987 and offered terrain accessories and 1/285 structures compatible with the Geo-Hex terrain system. I made several 25mm structures, both for fantasy as well as sci-fi gaming.

I worked with the old FASA gang a few years later casting up detailed "posing models" of 1/48 Omnimechs, mastered by Sam Lewis. Just for reference, these were not related to the later 1/72 scale Armorcast models, but were intended for photography and promotion of FASA's products. The Battletech Compendium is a prime example, as using computer generated art was too crude then (my, how time flies!).

I also worked with Steve Jackson Games on his retooling of the classic games of Ogre and GEV by me offering a line of licensed structures for Ogre. In Steve's award-winning "Ogre Miniatures" rulebook (a real gem), I was given credit within the glorious full-color pages and for making up a special "traditional" hex board in 3D relief. Steve used two of these maps to play his famous "Exercise K" scenario on that he demoed around the globe.

TOP: A bird's eye view of some mesas on the Desert Mat System.

Suffering a bit of "burn-out" wearing the sculptor hat, production hat, and business hat, I backed out of the industry as a manufacturer and placed the company in "carbon-freeze" as it were.

I've recently decided to broach back into the supply-side of the hobby, pacing myself slowly on a gradual comeback. Stay tuned for more of my "attempts at creativity". 8^)

And the good news is that Darryl is back... or almost so. He's been primarily working with 28mm scenery for the moment, but hopes to branch out to other sorts of goodies soon. Right now, one of his big projects is a Desert Mat System that is scale-less although Darryl has the prototypes pictured with 28mm Starship Troopers miniatures from Mongoose Publishing. Photos of this Desert Mat System are posted throughout this blog entry and Darryl also shared them over at TMP.

TOP: Another view of some mesas on the Desert Mat System.

TOP: Yet another view of some mesas on the Desert Mat System.

And now a few links:

The DCP commercial web site for now:
http://www.detailedcastingproducts.com/

The TMP post where Darryl first shared more about his new Desert Mat System prototypes:
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=124572

And a Photobucket album where Darryl keeps many photos from his work among others:
http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c385/SSTforumpics/

Have a great Tuesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

HOLIDAYS: "Veterans Day 2007" (11 November 2007)

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Hi All,

I enjoyed the above film and wanted to share it with my readers.

Here is the Marine Corps Commandant's message of the 232nd birthday of the USMC:

1. SINCE THE BIRTH OF OUR NATION, OUR LIBERTY HAS BEEN PURCHASED BY VALIANT MEN AND WOMEN OF DEEP CONVICTION, GREAT COURAGE, AND BOLD ACTION; THE COST HAS OFTEN BEEN IN BLOOD AND TREMENDOUS SACRIFICE. AS AMERICAS SENTINELS OF FREEDOM, UNITED STATES MARINES ARE COUNTED AMONG THE FINEST LEGIONS IN THE CHRONICLES OF WAR. SINCE 1775, MARINES HAVE MARCHED BOLDLY TO THE SOUNDS OF THE GUNS AND HAVE FOUGHT FIERCELY AND HONORABLY TO DEFEAT THE SCOURGE OF TYRANNY AND TERROR. WE ARE MARINES - THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

2. IN THE WORDS OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY: “IN THE LONG HISTORY OF THE WORLD, ONLY A FEW GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED THE ROLE OF DEFENDING FREEDOM IN ITS HOUR OF MAXIMUM DANGER.” MAGNIFICENT HEROES FOUGHT IN THE WHEAT FIELDS OF BELLEAU WOOD, IN THE SNOWS OF THE CHOSIN, AND ON THE STREETS OF HUE CITY. YOUR GENERATION BEARS THIS OBLIGATION NOW, AND IT IS BORNE ON MIGHTY AND CAPABLE SHOULDERS. JUST LIKE THE MARINES AT BELLEAU WOOD - WE ARE ONCE AGAIN ENGAGED IN SUSTAINED OPERATIONS ASHORE. JUST LIKE AT BELLEAU WOOD - THE MARINES HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE TOUGHEST SECTOR AND HAVE PREVAILED OVER A RESILIENT AND DETERMINED ENEMY - WHO HAS MADE US PAY FOR OUR GAINS. ONCE AGAIN, AS IN ANY STRUGGLE, THE ROAD AHEAD IS FAR FROM CERTAIN, BUT AS MARINES, WE ARE NOT DISSUADED BY THE CHALLENGES OF WAR OR THE TOUGH CONDITIONS OF A WARRIOR’S LIFE. INDEED, WE DON’T JUST ACCEPT OUR DESTINY - WE SHAPE IT.

3. ON OUR 232ND BIRTHDAY, TO EVERY MARINE - THOSE STILL IN UNIFORM AND THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED HONORABLY IN THE PAST - BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO. KNOW THAT YOUR CITIZENSHIP DUES HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL; YOU ARE PART OF THIS NATION’S ELITE WARRIOR CLASS. CHERISH OUR FAMILIES WHO OFFER MARVELOUS SUPPORT, ABIDING RESOLVE, AND STEADFAST PATIENCE. REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN - THEIR NAMES ARE CHISELED ON THE ROLL CALL OF AMERICA’S HEROES. THOSE WHO HAVE CARRIED THE BATTLE COLORS OF OUR CORPS HAVE FORGED OUR HERITAGE, AND TODAY’S GENERATION OF LEATHERNECKS CHART OUR FUTURE. CARRY THE COLORS WITH PRIDE; CARRY THEM WITH HONOR.

4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES!

SEMPER FIDELIS,
JAMES T. CONWAY,
GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//

And here are couple more 232nd birthday of the USMC links:

TOP: Happy 232nd birthday, USMC!

Link to USMC newletter post:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/projects/marinecorps/232/

232 reasons to love the USMC:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/11/marine_birthdaylist_071112w/

General Lejeune's message to the Marines:
http://www.usmc.mil/comrel/120day.nsf/lejeunemessage

Please donate to the Project Valour-IT Veterans Day Fundraiser, to provide voice-activated laptop computers to injured and disabled veterans if you get a chance to... as well. It's a small way for us to give back to men whose contributions to our society are easy to take for granted.

As a veteran myself, although of the United States Air Force (USAF) and not the Marines, and coming from a family with a long, proud service record, I'm always happy to celebrate Veteran's Day with my American friends and Remembrance Day with my Canadian, Ozzie, and British friends.

I also want to send out a special thanks to my father and grandfathers who served across the world to preserve some of the many freedoms I enjoy today whether in Cuba, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, or elsewhere.

Link to Remembrance Day entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_day

Link to Veterans Day entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veteran%27s_Day

Have a great Sunday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

HOLIDAYS: "Happy 232nd birthday, USMC!"

.TOP: The flag of the USMC.

Hi All,

Short, sweet, to-the-point post today:

Happy 232nd birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

Please donate to the Project Valour-IT Veterans Day Fundraiser, to provide voice-activated laptop computers to injured and disabled veterans if you get a chance to... as well. It's a small way for us to give back to men whose contributions to our society are easy to take for granted.

As a veteran myself and coming from a family with a long, proud service record, I'm always happy to celebrate Veteran's Day with my American friends and Remembrance Day with my Canadian, Ozzie, and British friends.

I also want to send out a special thanks to my father and grandfathers who served across the world to preserve some of the many freedoms I enjoy today whether in Cuba, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, or elsewhere.

Link to Remembrance Day entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_day

Link to Veterans Day entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veteran%27s_Day

Have a great Saturday!
And a Gut Shabbos to my Jewish readers!

Shabbat Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

HUMOUR: "Prison or Work?" (9 November 2007)

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TOP: "Is there a new dress code at work?"

Hi All,

This week has been tough for me... we got a new Grand Poobah at work and I still haven't figured out how to gleam something positive from the experience. In fact, I'm downright frustrated. Well... noone said life would be easy.

And it's in these moments, that a good Office Joke is desperately needed:

Prison vs. Work
Written By: Sujan Patel On April 9th, 2007

IN PRISON: You spend the majority of your time in a 10X10 cell.
AT WORK: You spend the majority of your time in an 8X8 cubicle.

IN PRISON: You get three meals a day.
AT WORK: You get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it.

IN PRISON: You get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK: You get more work for good behavior.

IN PRISON: The guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK: You must often carry a security card and open all the doors for yourself.

IN PRISON: You can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK: You could get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN PRISON: You get your own toilet.
AT WORK: You have to share the toilet with some people who pee on the seat.

IN PRISON: They allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK: You aren’t even supposed to speak to your family.

IN PRISON: All expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required.
AT WORK: You get to pay all your expenses to go to work, and they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN PRISON: You spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out.
AT WORK: You spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.

IN PRISON: You must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK: They are called managers.

Enjoy!

Link here:
http://www.singlegrain.com/blog/prison-vs-work/

Many thanks to my friend Cheri for sending it to me!

I hope that your work days, reader, are going better than mine lately!

Have a great Friday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "Gourds & Artificial Life" (7 November 2007)

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TOP: "At your leisure, my Lord"

Quoth the Cylon Jack-O-Lantern.

Hi All,

Simple post today because I enjoyed the above graphic so much and took a gander at the Galactica Watercooler web site yesterday...

Thanks for the cool graphic, Miranda!

And a few links:

The Galactica Watercooler can be found here:
http://www.galacticawatercooler.com/

One of my absolute favorite pumpkin carving sites:
http://www.extremepumpkins.com/

And for those of you who didn't know the Cylons have a sense of humour, check out this campy dialogue excerpt from the 1978 film:

Cylon Centurion: Our Raiders are all destroyed.
Imperious Leader,: All destroyed? How? We took them by surprise.
Cylon Centurion,: Apparently it was not as big a surprise as we had hoped for.

Have a great Wednesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

COOL STUFF: "The Ko-Dan Armada — For Real!" (6 November 2007)

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TOP: The Last Starfighter movie poster from 1984!

Hi All,

Way back in 1984, one of my favorite sci-fi movies ever debutted, The Last Starfighter, a fun little romp of a film that helped to pioneer the use of CG (computer generated) special effects. One of most entertaining details of the movie back in the 1980s was the use of a video arcade game unit in the film as a recruiting tool to find star pilots for a fantastic galactic force of Gunstar starfighters to defend the universe against bad guys everywhere. The idea was that if you could beat the video game, you'd make a good starfighter pilot since you'd have the right eye-hand coordination, reflexes, and all that. It worked in the movie at any rate and after the film came out, young people everywhere scanned video game arcades everywhere for Last Starfighter units hoping to enlist in the galactic force, but... a video game of the movie was never made... until now!

Check out this excerpt from a cool Galactica Watercooler post:

As we discussed at length in DTA Podcast #1, we all ran out of the theater after seeing The Last Starfighter hoping to find a Starfighter game in the arcade — so we could blow our little hometowns home planet forever. Well, now you can have a Starfighter game of your very own — but you’ll have to build it yourself.

Here’s the skinny: the great folks at Rogue Synapse — a resource for movie-aficionados and game cabinet builders — have not only researched the details of the game cabinet from the movie, they’ve also developed a working version of the Starfighter game. This is the game that should’ve hit arcades right after the movie but never did. And it’s a free download!

Post continued at the Galactica Watercooler...

Galactica Watercooler entry for the new Last Starfighter video game:
http://www.galacticawatercooler.com/2007/10/31/fight-the-ko-dan-armada-for-reals/

So, alright already, let's go out and blow up the Ko-Dan Armada!

TOP: A REAL The Last Starfighter video game unit.

And if you've never seen the film, go out and rent it soon. It's a family-friendly film and just good, clean fun. I'm including two links about the film below if you'd like to learn more about it.

IMDb (International Movie Data Base) entry for the The Last Starfighter:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087597/

Wikipedia entry for the The Last Starfighter:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Starfighter

TOP: The awesome CG Gunstar space fighter from The Last Starfighter.

And if you ever wanted to get a miniatures model version of the Gunstar, this is the place:
http://www.minimodelmadness.com/store/

Mini Model Madness has all sorts of fun resin replicas of movie vehicles. I've seen games use MMM models before for miniatures wargaming... They're a bit pricey but they paint up nicely.

Have a great Tuesday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (if it is indeed an infringement).

MINI WARGAMING: "Wonders of 28mm Paper Pulp!" (5 November 2007)

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TOP: It has that awesome B&W feel, only it's in 28mm Pulp Nils-O-Vision!

Hi All,

It was just a month or so ago that I attended ConQuest San Francisco 2007 and this year was a breakthrough for me in finally seeing the incredible value one can get with paper scenery. My buddy Nils ran an awesome set of three linked 28mm pulp games and the paper scenery he used was nothing short of amazing. I had helped him playtest some of the games early on... before he assembled his paper scenery. My last major experience with paper scenery was the paper castle that came in a Dragon Magazine back in the 1980s... and what a change has come over paper scenery since then. Nils has all sorts of awesome paper scenery goodies: a loading dock, a mad scientist's headquarters complete with a giant ray gun and much more!

My other semi-recent experience with paper scenery came from a buddy who has since moved back East and has played with making paper models. I'm including one of Chuck's links below so you can check out the awesome Eldar grav tank he designed.

Link to my buddy Chuck's site with a cool paper model of an Eldar grav tank:
http://www.brothersdigital.com/portfolio/GrabBag.html

TOP: 28mm pulp G-men with wooden Walmart trucks!

Nils is a master of cheap materials... his wooden trucks came from Walmart and he often posts at TMP under his stage name of Black Cavalier. A coat or so of paint and the Walmart trucks went from OK to looking pretty snazzy. Nils does wonders with his minis.

And his experimentation with paper scenery prompted me to see what's out here. I'm including a link below to a great round-up article on 28mm paper scenery manufacturers.

Link here:
http://www.tabletop-terrain.com/archives/2006/03/08/522/

TOP: Awesome paper scenery with accessories!

Crates from Wartorn Worlds!

TOP: Awesome 28mm paper scenery.

When I eventually work up some 28mm modern zombies, I think I'm going to go with paper scenery despite having witnessed the awesome 3D splendor of the Zombie Town games. It's a heck of a lot less expensive to go with paper scenery and even when you consider assembly time, it's easier to print, cut, and glue paper models than having to do the same with non-paper miniatures scenery made of resin, plastic, or other materials which require cleaning, preparation, assembly, and painting. Being able to skip the painting step really saves on time. At any rate, I was very impressed with the 28mm pulp paper scenery I saw at ConQuest San Francisco 2007!

Link to Zombie Town games:
http://www.recon-in-force.com/Skank/index.html

Link to Wartorn Worlds, maker of fine scenery made of innovative materials:
http://www.wartornworlds.com/

Link here to World Works Games, makers of fine 28mm paper scenery:
http://www.worldworksgames.com/store/

Update (5 November 2007 at roughly 9:30am):
Nils wrote in to make sure that the manufacturer of the terrain he used gets proper credit. Nils used paper terrain from the The Mean Sets made by The Virtual Armchair General. Thanks, Nils!

Link here:
http://fauxtoys.com/tvag/620-Mean-Sets.htm

Update (5 November 2007 at roughly 1:00pm):
Nils updated his blog with a snazzy battle report and better photos of the game.

Link here to Nil's Intro:
http://blackcavalierswargaming.blogspot.com/2007/11/northern-california-pulp-project-intro.html

Link here to Nil's "Building the Board" article:
http://blackcavalierswargaming.blogspot.com/2007/11/virtual-generals-warehouse-unmodified.html

Have a great Monday!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

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