Enjoyed this a LOT more than The Promise.
Zhang Ziyi. Zhou Xun. Shakespearean tragedy. Everybody dies. Enough said.
No sucky Japanese nor Korean actors in this one. Definitely a good sign.
A proper period movie with proper Chinese speaking proper Mandarin.
When I'm watching a Chinese period movie, the accent and the dialogue is the most important ingredient that takes me INTO the movie.
And that's why The Promised sucked to high heaven. With a Korean co-lead and a Japanese co-lead with their ridiculous grating accent. That and the Superman theme too.
Back to the Banquet...
If you've never read Hamlet, the story goes something like:
Prince loves Zhang Ziyi, but daddy beats him to the punch and makes her his empress.
Depressed prince goes Emo takes up dancing.
Emperor dies. His brother takes the throne.
The brother wants to kill the prince and marry Zhang Ziyi.
Zhang Ziyi wants to kill her brother-in-law to have her prince.
Prince wants his uncle dead to avenge his father.
Zhou Xun is in there somewhere as an adviser's daughter who's in love with the prince.
Action ensues.
There's a number of sword fighting scenes. But choreographed for style. Very dance-like. Nothing as good as Hero.
The selling point is the dialogue, and the lack of foreign actors. Enjoyed the movie.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Hmm... perhaps a bit late...
But here's http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=21543, and the imdb.
A Dragonlance cartoon!
Though, incidentally, I've never read any of the Dragonlance novels. I jumped into the deep end of fantasy fiction, and never took the time to backstroke to the casual end. Might have read something from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, but was underwhelmed.
But here's http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=21543, and the imdb.
A Dragonlance cartoon!
Though, incidentally, I've never read any of the Dragonlance novels. I jumped into the deep end of fantasy fiction, and never took the time to backstroke to the casual end. Might have read something from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, but was underwhelmed.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The Black Spot #4
Who is a Press Ganger?
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Tournament Reports
The last HORDES event had a 50% better showing than the first one.
Yeah, 3 people showed up. So we opted to postpone it to the coming Sunday instead.
Upcoming Tournaments
3/12/06 (Sunday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble.
Come to WGS this Sunday, before 2pm.
We'll have a HORDES boxset battle. Those of you who have bought your second or third Warlock already, feel free to sub them in. But those who have bought up Dire Troll Maulers, sorry, no dice!
We're playing with the WarBeasts in the boxset only. No solos or infantries yet. I know some of you have furious beasties just raring to see battle, but let's give the community some time to grow. Don't bully those poor factions who haven't got their Titan Cannoneers, or Seraphs, or Woldwardens yet.
Back to the tourney....
Entry fee is RM10.
You'll win store credit, Best of Faction certificates. And the champ will also receive a voucher to redeem Gold bordered stat cards from Privateer Press.
x/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This event will be moved. I may want to get this to happen at the mini-con at Cineleisure.
Wolf is thinking of inviting the Singaporean players up again. It'll be easier to tempt those guys to come with 750pt games. And we'll need more players to make 750 more interesting anyway.
It'll likely be Steamroller 2.1 format. And I'll want to time the turns to 15min per turn. I'll release the Steamroller rules on request soon.
Players I hope I can count on for this:
Saleem
Brian
Rahman
Khairul
Kuok? or will you be working?
And can somebody get hold of K.J. ?
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be a mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Wolf's Game Shop has already been invited and promised a lot of tables. There'll be a mix of Privateer Press, Games Workshop, Rackham games there. And Dark Age? Even some WWF it seems. And a display case full of dragons.
We'll have meeting soon to plan out event schedules.
One of the days for the 750 Epic Battle. Another day for a 350 Guts and Gears. And demos when I don't have to play.
Help~~~~ too many models to get ready before I'm ready....
The Crow's Nest
Arzmi, our unfaithful Cygnaran, will be leaving for New Zealand in less than a week. He'll be available at Settler's this Thursday, for everyone who wants to meet the dude one last time before he spends his next two years abroad... Possibly without his army transport case.
Also,
Our hobby received some media attention sometime last week. I'll like to draw everyone's attention to The Sun U! on 21st Nov 2006. Page 6. I'm reproducing the article here without permission. Well, they published our Eric's Cygnar Hunter on the papers without permission either, so fair's fair. The link will take you to a pic of the article as it appears in the papers.
Have done a bit of Googling. Lainie is a blogger, and you'll find her blog linked below. She's also a frequent contributor to kakiseni.com. So she is a fairly good writer. But unfortunately, when she was writing about our hobby, her research only scratched the most superficial aspects and completely missed out the underlying passion. So there was an unflattering slant.
Several people have suggested responding with arson. But let's make sure that our responses are mature.
It's not that big a deal that she called us geeks. Which we are. Listen to yourself talk sometimes. We have the taint. But it was still insensitive of her to write about Figmentia. That wasn't her word, nor was it her definition. Don't blame her for that. But it's like, you can't use the word "{insert racial slur}" unless you are {insert racial colour} yourself. If spoken by a person of the wrong colour, it'll cause offense no matter the situation.
If you are calm and mature about this, do write to the editor of The Sun (can someone source me the email?) and let them know how you feel. Lainie also responds to her Blog, so you might be able to voice your objections there. But please watch what you write, and don't make us out to be vicious little rabid hamsters with a burning match up its ass.
Phat Lootz
Some great news for hobbyists.
The P3 paints have finally launched last week.
You may have seen write-ups about these in the last few No Quarter mags, and there has been mostly good buzz going around on the forums and the PodThrall's podcasts.
Wolf is not bringing these paints in yet. But I'm sure if we place a dozen orders with him, that will get him to change his mind.
The official retail price is US$18 for 6 pots. Each pot is 18ml, ie 50% more than GW paints (12ml). At the moment, the only source of GW paints is Games' Circle, selling at RM15 per pot. GW prices have gone up, don't ja know it. I think this is the best value for miniature paints.
In a few days, I plan to order in some of these paints from an online retailer. I'll like to try them out. Particularly piqued by the Blighted Gold in the Cryx set. Maybe even let P.A.W.S. (Painters At Wolf's Shop) try them out, and see if that convinces Wolf to bring in some of these paints.
The Bilge
For those who need a quick rundown of the models in WARMACHINE, without having to slog through the noise in the forums, you'll need to read Battle College, http://www.battlecollege.com.
This goes for those who've just joined WARMACHINE, or have been out of it for a while. This may get you a little bit more up to speed. And even for those of us who never stopped playing, it's still good to read. Our player scene isn't diverse enough yet, there's bound to be a few things we've not seen.
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around. Let our community grow.
Back issues of The Black Spot will now be here.
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Tournament Reports
The last HORDES event had a 50% better showing than the first one.
Yeah, 3 people showed up. So we opted to postpone it to the coming Sunday instead.
Upcoming Tournaments
3/12/06 (Sunday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble.
Come to WGS this Sunday, before 2pm.
We'll have a HORDES boxset battle. Those of you who have bought your second or third Warlock already, feel free to sub them in. But those who have bought up Dire Troll Maulers, sorry, no dice!
We're playing with the WarBeasts in the boxset only. No solos or infantries yet. I know some of you have furious beasties just raring to see battle, but let's give the community some time to grow. Don't bully those poor factions who haven't got their Titan Cannoneers, or Seraphs, or Woldwardens yet.
Back to the tourney....
Entry fee is RM10.
You'll win store credit, Best of Faction certificates. And the champ will also receive a voucher to redeem Gold bordered stat cards from Privateer Press.
x/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This event will be moved. I may want to get this to happen at the mini-con at Cineleisure.
Wolf is thinking of inviting the Singaporean players up again. It'll be easier to tempt those guys to come with 750pt games. And we'll need more players to make 750 more interesting anyway.
It'll likely be Steamroller 2.1 format. And I'll want to time the turns to 15min per turn. I'll release the Steamroller rules on request soon.
Players I hope I can count on for this:
Saleem
Brian
Rahman
Khairul
Kuok? or will you be working?
And can somebody get hold of K.J. ?
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be a mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Wolf's Game Shop has already been invited and promised a lot of tables. There'll be a mix of Privateer Press, Games Workshop, Rackham games there. And Dark Age? Even some WWF it seems. And a display case full of dragons.
We'll have meeting soon to plan out event schedules.
One of the days for the 750 Epic Battle. Another day for a 350 Guts and Gears. And demos when I don't have to play.
Help~~~~ too many models to get ready before I'm ready....
The Crow's Nest
Arzmi, our unfaithful Cygnaran, will be leaving for New Zealand in less than a week. He'll be available at Settler's this Thursday, for everyone who wants to meet the dude one last time before he spends his next two years abroad... Possibly without his army transport case.
Also,
Our hobby received some media attention sometime last week. I'll like to draw everyone's attention to The Sun U! on 21st Nov 2006. Page 6. I'm reproducing the article here without permission. Well, they published our Eric's Cygnar Hunter on the papers without permission either, so fair's fair. The link will take you to a pic of the article as it appears in the papers.
Have done a bit of Googling. Lainie is a blogger, and you'll find her blog linked below. She's also a frequent contributor to kakiseni.com. So she is a fairly good writer. But unfortunately, when she was writing about our hobby, her research only scratched the most superficial aspects and completely missed out the underlying passion. So there was an unflattering slant.
Several people have suggested responding with arson. But let's make sure that our responses are mature.
It's not that big a deal that she called us geeks. Which we are. Listen to yourself talk sometimes. We have the taint. But it was still insensitive of her to write about Figmentia. That wasn't her word, nor was it her definition. Don't blame her for that. But it's like, you can't use the word "{insert racial slur}" unless you are {insert racial colour} yourself. If spoken by a person of the wrong colour, it'll cause offense no matter the situation.
If you are calm and mature about this, do write to the editor of The Sun (can someone source me the email?) and let them know how you feel. Lainie also responds to her Blog, so you might be able to voice your objections there. But please watch what you write, and don't make us out to be vicious little rabid hamsters with a burning match up its ass.
Scrutinizing Small Toys
A few months ago someone linked U! writer Lainie Yeoh to CoolMiniOrNot.com, a website where users vote on the overall quality of painted miniature models. Since then, she has been exploring this unchartered terrain of geekery.
{Full article not available on the blog.}
Phat Lootz
Some great news for hobbyists.
The P3 paints have finally launched last week.
You may have seen write-ups about these in the last few No Quarter mags, and there has been mostly good buzz going around on the forums and the PodThrall's podcasts.
Wolf is not bringing these paints in yet. But I'm sure if we place a dozen orders with him, that will get him to change his mind.
The official retail price is US$18 for 6 pots. Each pot is 18ml, ie 50% more than GW paints (12ml). At the moment, the only source of GW paints is Games' Circle, selling at RM15 per pot. GW prices have gone up, don't ja know it. I think this is the best value for miniature paints.
In a few days, I plan to order in some of these paints from an online retailer. I'll like to try them out. Particularly piqued by the Blighted Gold in the Cryx set. Maybe even let P.A.W.S. (Painters At Wolf's Shop) try them out, and see if that convinces Wolf to bring in some of these paints.
The Bilge
For those who need a quick rundown of the models in WARMACHINE, without having to slog through the noise in the forums, you'll need to read Battle College, http://www.battlecollege.com.
This goes for those who've just joined WARMACHINE, or have been out of it for a while. This may get you a little bit more up to speed. And even for those of us who never stopped playing, it's still good to read. Our player scene isn't diverse enough yet, there's bound to be a few things we've not seen.
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around. Let our community grow.
Back issues of The Black Spot will now be here.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Superman 2
Just rewatched the movie.
I think the last time I watched it was before puberty. Such a long time ago.
Cos I never remembered that Superman had pre-maritals with Lois Lane.
Small town upbringing, and the all-American eagle-scout...
Such a scandal.
Wonder why I never realised it before? At the time, I probably never understood the context of why Superman was sleeping naked with Lois.
I guess that explains the bastard in Superman Returns.
Except why wasn't Lois pregnant in Superman III & IV...
I think the last time I watched it was before puberty. Such a long time ago.
Cos I never remembered that Superman had pre-maritals with Lois Lane.
Small town upbringing, and the all-American eagle-scout...
Such a scandal.
Wonder why I never realised it before? At the time, I probably never understood the context of why Superman was sleeping naked with Lois.
I guess that explains the bastard in Superman Returns.
Except why wasn't Lois pregnant in Superman III & IV...
Looney Tunes
Just 'got' a whole ton of Looney Tunes cartoons.
Lots of nostalgic moments.
My favourite will always be the Rabbit of Serville, an ingenious 'musical', with Bugs and Elmer, done to the track of Rossini's Barber of Serville.
But sometimes I wonder if watching so much of these in my childhood might have warped me somewhat.
Every character has a speech impediment, and a Brooklyn / Bronx accent, that might have worked itself into my speech pattern during my formative years.
And the RoadRunner physics took a few years to get over too.
Many a times too, I wish I knew where to get hold of some Acme products, like their Dehydrated Boulders. And I think some of my repressed pyromaniacal tendencies come from growing up thinking TNT was cool.
Also the misogyny. There were no female characters, with the possible exception of PePe le Phew's unfortunate targets, or the hens in Foghorn Leghorn's farm. Anytime a female animal is introduced, she's merely a plot device to make the protagonist become hormonally charged or act stupid.
Lots of nostalgic moments.
My favourite will always be the Rabbit of Serville, an ingenious 'musical', with Bugs and Elmer, done to the track of Rossini's Barber of Serville.
But sometimes I wonder if watching so much of these in my childhood might have warped me somewhat.
Every character has a speech impediment, and a Brooklyn / Bronx accent, that might have worked itself into my speech pattern during my formative years.
And the RoadRunner physics took a few years to get over too.
Many a times too, I wish I knew where to get hold of some Acme products, like their Dehydrated Boulders. And I think some of my repressed pyromaniacal tendencies come from growing up thinking TNT was cool.
Also the misogyny. There were no female characters, with the possible exception of PePe le Phew's unfortunate targets, or the hens in Foghorn Leghorn's farm. Anytime a female animal is introduced, she's merely a plot device to make the protagonist become hormonally charged or act stupid.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Black Spot #3
Who is a Press Ganger?
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Upcoming Tournaments
25/11/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble.
Come to WGS this Saturday, before 12pm.
We'll have a HORDES boxset battle. Those of you who have bought your second or third Warlock already, feel free to sub them in. But those who have bought up Dire Troll Maulers, sorry, no dice!
We're playing with the WarBeasts in the boxset only. No solos or infantries yet. I know some of you have furious beasties just raring to see battle, but let's give the community some time to grow. Don't bully those poor factions who haven't got their Titan Cannoneers, or Seraphs, or Woldwardens yet.
As early as next month, I'll give those Maulers a chance to do battle.
Back to the tourney....
Entry fee is RM10.
You'll win store credit, Best of Faction certificates. And the champ will also receive a voucher to redeem Gold bordered stat cards from Privateer Press.
Remember, it's Saturday, 25th November. High noon!
2/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This will be a tournament for the more veteran players.
We refuse to let 2006 pass us by without establishing a new landmark. And we want to do this by upping WARMACHINE to the next level.
I'm counting on the veterans for this event. We're hoping to get 6-8 people for this.
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be some kind of mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Details are still coming in. But I'll probably be running demos there.
And we may have a Guts & Gears event. A grand melee of both HORDES and WARMACHINE together. Details being ironed out.
Phat Lootz
I'm getting a big fat loot of Cygnar next year. Not counting my chickens yet, but all signs are good for the moment.
So for me, that's like, a bunch of Cryx, a sample of Khador, some Legion, then maybe Trollbloods, and hopefully a buttload of Cygnar and Mercs next year... I think I'm biting off more than I can chew...
The Bilge
http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14.
Hilarious LOTR comic.
And some lame joke contribution from Saleem.
What Is Politics?
A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What's politics?"
Dad says, " Well son, let me try to explain it this way:
I'm the breadwinner of the family, so let's call me Capitalism. Your Mom, she's the administrator of the money, so we'll call her the Government. We're here to take care of your needs so we'll call you the People. The nanny, we'll consider her he Working Class. Now your baby brother, we'll call him the Future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense."
So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said. Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him, he finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to is parent's room and finds his mother fast asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to to his father " I think I understand Politics now."
The father replies, "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think it is."
The boy promptly answers, "Well, while Capitalism is screwing the Working Class, the Government is asleep, the People are being ignored, and the Future is in deep shit."
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around. Let our community grow.
--
Listen -- strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Upcoming Tournaments
25/11/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble.
Come to WGS this Saturday, before 12pm.
We'll have a HORDES boxset battle. Those of you who have bought your second or third Warlock already, feel free to sub them in. But those who have bought up Dire Troll Maulers, sorry, no dice!
We're playing with the WarBeasts in the boxset only. No solos or infantries yet. I know some of you have furious beasties just raring to see battle, but let's give the community some time to grow. Don't bully those poor factions who haven't got their Titan Cannoneers, or Seraphs, or Woldwardens yet.
As early as next month, I'll give those Maulers a chance to do battle.
Back to the tourney....
Entry fee is RM10.
You'll win store credit, Best of Faction certificates. And the champ will also receive a voucher to redeem Gold bordered stat cards from Privateer Press.
Remember, it's Saturday, 25th November. High noon!
2/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This will be a tournament for the more veteran players.
We refuse to let 2006 pass us by without establishing a new landmark. And we want to do this by upping WARMACHINE to the next level.
I'm counting on the veterans for this event. We're hoping to get 6-8 people for this.
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be some kind of mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Details are still coming in. But I'll probably be running demos there.
And we may have a Guts & Gears event. A grand melee of both HORDES and WARMACHINE together. Details being ironed out.
Phat Lootz
I'm getting a big fat loot of Cygnar next year. Not counting my chickens yet, but all signs are good for the moment.
So for me, that's like, a bunch of Cryx, a sample of Khador, some Legion, then maybe Trollbloods, and hopefully a buttload of Cygnar and Mercs next year... I think I'm biting off more than I can chew...
The Bilge
http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?cat=14.
Hilarious LOTR comic.
And some lame joke contribution from Saleem.
What Is Politics?
A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What's politics?"
Dad says, " Well son, let me try to explain it this way:
I'm the breadwinner of the family, so let's call me Capitalism. Your Mom, she's the administrator of the money, so we'll call her the Government. We're here to take care of your needs so we'll call you the People. The nanny, we'll consider her he Working Class. Now your baby brother, we'll call him the Future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense."
So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said. Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him, he finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to is parent's room and finds his mother fast asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to to his father " I think I understand Politics now."
The father replies, "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think it is."
The boy promptly answers, "Well, while Capitalism is screwing the Working Class, the Government is asleep, the People are being ignored, and the Future is in deep shit."
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around. Let our community grow.
--
Listen -- strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
Infrared Camera
On the left is the lens housing from my cheapish RM50 Made-In-China webcam. I unscrewed the lens out, and took a knife to it.
In order to remove the small pinkish glass on the bottom. That's the InfraRed filter.
Then on the right, is a piece of fully exposed colour film negative. I cut a small circle of that out, and glued it to the lens, where I removed the IR filter.
Then put the lens back into the digital cam, and took the following picture.
That's my buffish fore arm. Under infrared, all the veins show up on the camera. Under normal lighting, none of those veins show through my well tanned complexion.
Theory of operation:
The electronic sensor in even a cheapish webcam is sensitive enough to pick up infrared light. Thus, an IR filter is put in to block some of the IR, or else the brightness will wash out the picture. When I pried out the IR filter, I let IR light back in. When I added a piece of exposed negative, that blocks out a lot of visible light. So now, the camera captures mostly IR light.
Why do I do this?
Cos I've got that kind of time in the office...
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Unlucky Day
Hoping for a quiet day today, three jobs popped up out of nowhere.
Needed to get all of them wrapped up quick, so I can come back to send my parents to the airport.
First, to Shah Alam.
Call came in just as I arrived at the first site. Stopped car by side of road to answer phone. Grasscutter guy worked his way towards me, and slammed a rock directly into my passenger side window, shattering it!
Argument with the landscaping supervisor about whether my car was illegally parked or not. But finally got his company's phone number and the person to talk to to file a claims. But will need a police report too.
Shit.
And the phonecall? That was from dad. My apartment's power just got cut. I had set up my credit card to auto pay my electric bill a year ago. But had terminated that credit card a few months back... And thus my electric bill had gone unpaid for a couple of months. Cripes. I've got an RM350 deposit with TNB, and the total bill was only half the deposit amount! Where will I find the time to make a police report. Repair my window. And pay the power bill now?
Shit.
Let's get the work finished first.
Nothing wrong with our equipment. All working fine. But someone had been messing around, and two connections were pulled loose. Fixed the connection and done. But who's the retard that generated the unnecessary work? Those things were sitting there working fine for more than a year, and suddenly two connections came loose?!
Found a bunch of traffic cops writing summons for illegally parked cars as I was exiting building. Got one to tell me the nearest station. Headed there to file a report for my damaged car. Quite a simple process. Saw a sergeant. Was instructed to go to a counter to get a camera guy to snap a pic of the damages and I'll be done.
Reached that counter a few minutes before 1pm. No one around. Lunch. They'll be back at 230pm.
Shit.
Settle other jobs first. One more in an industrial area in Shah Alam. Then zoomed off to another one in PJ.
The job at PJ was again not our problem. Their keyphone system was acting up. So I just pulled out our equipment and demonstrated that the fault is ENTIRELY the keyphone's fault. And let them call in those technicians and give them no reason to pin the rap on us.
Shit.
240pm. Zoomed back to Shah Alam. Found cameraman. Received copy of police report. Quickly done.
Zoomed back home to parents and sis.
Cleaned the glass out of the car. Loaded up the luggage, and headed to the airport.
Started raining. And one window missing.
Shit.
My parents flew from the LCCT. And after that, my sister flew from the Main Terminal, many km away.
The Main Terminal has very expensive parking. RM3 /hr. After the string of luck today, didn't dare to tempt it further. So, I sucked it in and parked inside. Paid RM9.
Shit.
Dinner with sis. Lunch for me also. Sent her off. Headed home, and washed off the day's grit and grime in the silent darkness.
Then I took all the perishables out of my fridge. Parents had gone overboard, and bought me a few kg of char siew and siew yok. Too valuable to risk them spoiling. Took them over to Settler's Cafe, to keep them in their big freezer for a day. Their big boss from Singapore was visiting the franchise, so couldn't hang around to chit-chat.
Back home. Parked my car with the side hugging a wall as tightly as possible, so the door with the broken window can't be opened. Not that there's anything inside worth stealing at all.
No internet. Slept without aircon.
Shit.
Needed to get all of them wrapped up quick, so I can come back to send my parents to the airport.
First, to Shah Alam.
Call came in just as I arrived at the first site. Stopped car by side of road to answer phone. Grasscutter guy worked his way towards me, and slammed a rock directly into my passenger side window, shattering it!
Argument with the landscaping supervisor about whether my car was illegally parked or not. But finally got his company's phone number and the person to talk to to file a claims. But will need a police report too.
Shit.
And the phonecall? That was from dad. My apartment's power just got cut. I had set up my credit card to auto pay my electric bill a year ago. But had terminated that credit card a few months back... And thus my electric bill had gone unpaid for a couple of months. Cripes. I've got an RM350 deposit with TNB, and the total bill was only half the deposit amount! Where will I find the time to make a police report. Repair my window. And pay the power bill now?
Shit.
Let's get the work finished first.
Nothing wrong with our equipment. All working fine. But someone had been messing around, and two connections were pulled loose. Fixed the connection and done. But who's the retard that generated the unnecessary work? Those things were sitting there working fine for more than a year, and suddenly two connections came loose?!
Found a bunch of traffic cops writing summons for illegally parked cars as I was exiting building. Got one to tell me the nearest station. Headed there to file a report for my damaged car. Quite a simple process. Saw a sergeant. Was instructed to go to a counter to get a camera guy to snap a pic of the damages and I'll be done.
Reached that counter a few minutes before 1pm. No one around. Lunch. They'll be back at 230pm.
Shit.
Settle other jobs first. One more in an industrial area in Shah Alam. Then zoomed off to another one in PJ.
The job at PJ was again not our problem. Their keyphone system was acting up. So I just pulled out our equipment and demonstrated that the fault is ENTIRELY the keyphone's fault. And let them call in those technicians and give them no reason to pin the rap on us.
Shit.
240pm. Zoomed back to Shah Alam. Found cameraman. Received copy of police report. Quickly done.
Zoomed back home to parents and sis.
Cleaned the glass out of the car. Loaded up the luggage, and headed to the airport.
Started raining. And one window missing.
Shit.
My parents flew from the LCCT. And after that, my sister flew from the Main Terminal, many km away.
The Main Terminal has very expensive parking. RM3 /hr. After the string of luck today, didn't dare to tempt it further. So, I sucked it in and parked inside. Paid RM9.
Shit.
Dinner with sis. Lunch for me also. Sent her off. Headed home, and washed off the day's grit and grime in the silent darkness.
Then I took all the perishables out of my fridge. Parents had gone overboard, and bought me a few kg of char siew and siew yok. Too valuable to risk them spoiling. Took them over to Settler's Cafe, to keep them in their big freezer for a day. Their big boss from Singapore was visiting the franchise, so couldn't hang around to chit-chat.
Back home. Parked my car with the side hugging a wall as tightly as possible, so the door with the broken window can't be opened. Not that there's anything inside worth stealing at all.
No internet. Slept without aircon.
Shit.
Friday, November 17, 2006
You can never please your parents…
Parents have all kinds of expectations for their children. Because they contributed DNA, they have God given rights to make their offsprings jump through hoops their entire life. Offsprings are also bred and trained to seek approval from their parents, thus completing the circle.
During childhood, their expectations were simple.
"Sit down! And shut up!"
Those were simple days...
As you age, the goal posts are pulled ever further away.
"Study hard so you can get into a good school."
"Study hard so you can get into a good University."
"Find a husband/wife."
"Give us some grandchildren."
"Make your boy/girl study hard so he/she can get into a good school."
...ad nauseum...
Last year when my parents came over, I was still in the middle of DIY-ing my kitchen. So there was a small mess in the living room.
I never heard the end of that.
This time around, before they arrived, I did a lot of cleaning. Vacuumed and mopped the floors. Scrubbed the bathrooms. Especially the outside bathroom, which until last month, was used by a tenant. Thankfully, she had moved out end of last month. Less RM220 of rental income, (cheap cheap cos I was helping out an old friend's ex-girlfriend), but I no longer have to worry about the loser boyfriend she brings home every other night. That kind of grief wasn't worth the pittance.
Anyway, the toilet... There were brown stains in the basin, and it looked filthier than my toilet bowl. Enough said.
So, I managed to get my house into some semblance of order. Particularly, I had to hide away some of my toys. Namely the WARMACHINE stuff. Else I won't hear the end of it... ("This is what you've been doing in lieu of giving us a grandchild?!?!").
Anyways, house cleaned. Mom came. Nothing but praises for the first few heartbeats, but praises tainted with grumbling reminders of the previous STY-ish state last year.
By the tenth heartbeat, she ran a finger across the top of the microwave and shoved the grimey finger in my face.
"Look at this oily grime! You have to clean your microwave often. You have to close the door when you cook. Don't let the oil fumes come into the house... etc etc..."
*sigh*
During childhood, their expectations were simple.
"Sit down! And shut up!"
Those were simple days...
As you age, the goal posts are pulled ever further away.
"Study hard so you can get into a good school."
"Study hard so you can get into a good University."
"Find a husband/wife."
"Give us some grandchildren."
"Make your boy/girl study hard so he/she can get into a good school."
...ad nauseum...
Last year when my parents came over, I was still in the middle of DIY-ing my kitchen. So there was a small mess in the living room.
I never heard the end of that.
This time around, before they arrived, I did a lot of cleaning. Vacuumed and mopped the floors. Scrubbed the bathrooms. Especially the outside bathroom, which until last month, was used by a tenant. Thankfully, she had moved out end of last month. Less RM220 of rental income, (cheap cheap cos I was helping out an old friend's ex-girlfriend), but I no longer have to worry about the loser boyfriend she brings home every other night. That kind of grief wasn't worth the pittance.
Anyway, the toilet... There were brown stains in the basin, and it looked filthier than my toilet bowl. Enough said.
So, I managed to get my house into some semblance of order. Particularly, I had to hide away some of my toys. Namely the WARMACHINE stuff. Else I won't hear the end of it... ("This is what you've been doing in lieu of giving us a grandchild?!?!").
Anyways, house cleaned. Mom came. Nothing but praises for the first few heartbeats, but praises tainted with grumbling reminders of the previous STY-ish state last year.
By the tenth heartbeat, she ran a finger across the top of the microwave and shoved the grimey finger in my face.
"Look at this oily grime! You have to clean your microwave often. You have to close the door when you cook. Don't let the oil fumes come into the house... etc etc..."
*sigh*
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Powerpuff Girls
Here's the Witch Coven of Garlgast. With a more interesting colour scheme than the official ones.
It's received a few fair comments here.
They're one of the more interesting Warcasters in the game. Mostly staying back and buff things up, make things ninja, mess with opponent plans and math, and when the opportunity finally presents itself, Checkmate!
A WM fanatic has written up basic strategies for most, if not all, WARMACHINE models at the Battle College.
Money in the days to come…
http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/editorials/dorsch/2006/1113.html
A huge article to read... but a good way to jump into step with current global trends.
Democrats taking the house and promises change in Iraq. People say Yay!
Iran also says Yay!
Israel says Bummer!
Cos they might have to take matters into their own hands to deal with the threat of a nuclear Iran.
We live in interesting times...
A huge article to read... but a good way to jump into step with current global trends.
Democrats taking the house and promises change in Iraq. People say Yay!
Iran also says Yay!
Israel says Bummer!
Cos they might have to take matters into their own hands to deal with the threat of a nuclear Iran.
We live in interesting times...
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
I Am The Terror, That Flaps In The Night
Many see Gorman di Wulfe, and think of DC's Golden Age Sandman, Wesley Dodds.
But I saw past the deception...
I saw to the source, the original inspiration of this model, and thus painted him in the colours as he's meant to be.
For he is...
DARKWING DUCK!!
This paint scheme has been way popular. After sharing it on the PP forums, I got more views on the forum in two weeks than I did with my blog in months.
Sweetened Creamer
Whatever happened to condensed milk and evaporated milk?
Just went shopping a few weeks back, looking for condensed milk at Tesco. And I can't find any!
All the classic Nestle Susu Cap Junjung I saw there were Sweetened Creamers. Teapot, Carnation, and every other brand of tinned milk in the beverage section were Sweetened Creamers.
They're almost the same packaging as the condensed milk and evaporated milk tins of old.
But the ingredients listed Palm Oil and Milk Solids.
Yuck!
Do you realise, that everytime you order milo, kopi and teh at mamaks, you're drinking palm oil? As if the sugar isn't fattening enough already.
Just went shopping a few weeks back, looking for condensed milk at Tesco. And I can't find any!
All the classic Nestle Susu Cap Junjung I saw there were Sweetened Creamers. Teapot, Carnation, and every other brand of tinned milk in the beverage section were Sweetened Creamers.
They're almost the same packaging as the condensed milk and evaporated milk tins of old.
But the ingredients listed Palm Oil and Milk Solids.
Yuck!
Do you realise, that everytime you order milo, kopi and teh at mamaks, you're drinking palm oil? As if the sugar isn't fattening enough already.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Black Spot #2
Who is a Press Ganger?
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Tournament Report
11/11/06 (Saturday) Settler's Cafe 3.00pm
We had a very successful FOODMACHINE last Saturday.
Some of the more 'dependable' players were outstation for the weekend, but we still managed to get 4 players to turn up. That and two WM-addicted staff, makes a perfect 6 army tournament. Just the right number for the venue, not taking up too many tables and not letting the tournament drag on too long, since the cafe boiled over with customer came late evening.
The Armies
Brian - Menoth with Amon. Happily fielding the Reclaimer that just released last week. Lots of arc-nodes for Sand Blasty goodness. And not enough Zealots. :P
Geoffrey - Cygnar with Darius. Thunderhead. 2 Centurions. A painful tide of blue metal.
Hang - Cygnar with Caine. Lots of bullets. LG, Trenchers, Hunter, GMCA, Jr, Eyriss, Gorman. I don't think there was a single model with a melee weapon that could hit for nuts. But the quantity of air-borne lead was fatal.
Jason - Cryx with Deneghra. Deathjack and Seether. Two heavies with a non-melee WarCaster. Not the most optimum list, but being able to cast two Scourge a turn almost makes up for this.
Jefri - Legion with Vayl. 2 Carniveans. 2 Seraphs. 1 Shredder as pt filler. A lot of pain.
Kuok - Khador with Butcher. Spriggan, Destroyer, 2 Kovniks, WM, Eyriss etc.
Most of the players showed up late in typical Malaysian fashion, but we still had time to put in three matches for everybody. I managed to come up with a few scenarios off the top of my head, a "Prisoner Exchange" and "A Ranger Leaves No Man Behind". But it appears that the most popular scenario was the last one: Beat-The-Beejeezus-Out-Of-The
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Tournament Report
11/11/06 (Saturday) Settler's Cafe 3.00pm
We had a very successful FOODMACHINE last Saturday.
Some of the more 'dependable' players were outstation for the weekend, but we still managed to get 4 players to turn up. That and two WM-addicted staff, makes a perfect 6 army tournament. Just the right number for the venue, not taking up too many tables and not letting the tournament drag on too long, since the cafe boiled over with customer came late evening.
The Armies
Brian - Menoth with Amon. Happily fielding the Reclaimer that just released last week. Lots of arc-nodes for Sand Blasty goodness. And not enough Zealots. :P
Geoffrey - Cygnar with Darius. Thunderhead. 2 Centurions. A painful tide of blue metal.
Hang - Cygnar with Caine. Lots of bullets. LG, Trenchers, Hunter, GMCA, Jr, Eyriss, Gorman. I don't think there was a single model with a melee weapon that could hit for nuts. But the quantity of air-borne lead was fatal.
Jason - Cryx with Deneghra. Deathjack and Seether. Two heavies with a non-melee WarCaster. Not the most optimum list, but being able to cast two Scourge a turn almost makes up for this.
Jefri - Legion with Vayl. 2 Carniveans. 2 Seraphs. 1 Shredder as pt filler. A lot of pain.
Kuok - Khador with Butcher. Spriggan, Destroyer, 2 Kovniks, WM, Eyriss etc.
Most of the players showed up late in typical Malaysian fashion, but we still had time to put in three matches for everybody. I managed to come up with a few scenarios off the top of my head, a "Prisoner Exchange" and "A Ranger Leaves No Man Behind". But it appears that the most popular scenario was the last one: Beat-The-Beejeezus-Out-Of-The
-Other-Guy-And-Screw-Scenario-Objectives.
Cryx was disadvantaged, with all the Cygnarans, and the disruption from Eyriss. A disrupted Deathjack makes the Cryx player very sad.
Jefri was the most popular, in-demand, opponent. Everyone wanted a chance to face off a HORDES army. And this was the first tourney with 500pts of beast. Carniveans chew up things very well. It lost to Menoth cos the Carnis were ganged up on. And then they failed to shred some Centurions cos of some poor dice rolls. But otherwise, even without any infantry, the Legion list is fairly formidable.
Khador suprisingly won a lot of games... :P Anyone familiar with Kuok's reputation will see why this was surprising.
I had a bit of my own fun when I had to fill in for Kuok when demands of work had to take him away from the gaming table. Last game vs Cygnar, I thought I would try out my newly assembled Old Witch of Khador list. With the Iron Fang Uhlans that I received just that very morning!! [I blew a butt-load of PG points that took half a year of tourney running to earn....]
The one turn when the Scrapjack (with Slaughter upkept), Unseen Paths into Trencher smoke with 3 focus, and proceeds to maul 2 Trenchers, 1 GMCA, 1 Eyriss, 6 Risen, 1 Thrall Warrior and Alexia... that was magic ^_^
But similarly, I lost a buttload of points when the Uhlans' MAT6 couldn't hit the LongGunners I sent them against. A little disappointed here. The charge attacks get a +2 to hit, which hits well, but the impact attacks are dependent on the measly MAT6. And I think they need numbers of 4-5 to be effective. Else the danger of getting bogged down in melee is too great.
Ultimately, Kuok's Khador won.
But staff wasn't eligible for the prize. So the free dinner fell to Geoffrey.
Food tastes better when seasoned with victory.
All in all, a great time was had by all. Many thanks to Settler's Cafe for the use of valuable table time.
Lessons Learnt
- Don't be tempted to deploy your Eyriss on a platform. She takes a POW10+2d6 falling damage when she tries to step off. *ouch*
- Always pack some munchies with Deathjack.
- Don't huddle around a Carni fielded by Vayl. Hoarfrost kills things.
- And when Carni is huddled by squishy Menites, remember that Hoarfrost kills things.
Photos
Here. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/64603942@N00/sets/72157594375732333] 
Upcoming Tournaments
25/11/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble
Time to be determined. Will keep all posted here.
This is the long over-due second Box-Set battle for HORDES. The 'first' one had a poor turnout cos there wasn't a way to reach everyone. Hopefully, we can do better this time.
2/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This will be a tournament for the more veteran players.
We refuse to let 2006 pass us by without establishing a new landmark. And we want to do this by upping WARMACHINE to the next level.
I'm counting on the veterans for this event. We're hoping to get 6-8 people for this.
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be some kind of mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Details are still coming in. But I'll probably be running demos there.
And we may have a Guts & Gears event. A grand melee of both HORDES and WARMACHINE together. Details being ironed out.
Phat Lootz
Wolf's Game Shop just brought in Storm Lancers, Skorne Praetorians, Kell Bailoch, Long Gunners + blisters, Sword Knight blisters, Trencher blisters, The Reclaimer, and NQ9
Inside NQ9, are 4 themed armies. You are allowed to build armies within these themes, and get certain bonuses. Such as FA +1 on Stormblades, or Latent Runes on your Bile,MechThralls & Soulhunters so that a new leader is automatically promoted when one dies.
And look here [http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/?cat=7] to see pics of the upcoming, Captain Rengrave, Cryx Helldiver, Legion Teraph etc.
Here's *MY* loot. 36 pieces of broken pewter, which will take all the King's men to put back into 3 Iron Fang Uhlans....
The Bilge
There was some pressure to get this tourney report out...
Slightly brain damaged from stumbling into http://superdickery.com...
That put me into a bit of an ennui... Please refrain from clicking that link if you value your time.
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around. Let our community grow.
I have reason to believe that there's a few mystery Khador players somewhere out there... I can't account for the Behemoth, Karchev, MoW Demo Corp etc that disappeared from Wolf's shelves...
Monday, November 13, 2006
Fairly important news…
It started off as an incomprehensible insider joke on TSOALR...
Which got me to Googling to find out who Andy Chambers is...
He was the head game designer at Games Workshop, the company that makes Warhammer 40k, amongst many other successful miniature games.
So he'd left GW a few years ago...
And as of April this year, is in the employ of BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, as Creative Director!!!
When you put WH40K and Blizzard together... Is it very far-fetch to imagine that a sequel to StarCraft might be in the making??
And lookie.... A new StarCraft novel just released this month, following the story of Sarah Kerrigan. Although apparently, the book is still playing catchup with the plot already revealed in the expansion game in 1998, after Sarah was left to die on Tarsonis, captured and mutated by the Zerg Overmind, and finally rising as the Queen of Blades.
Why are they still busy keeping interest in this old game alive?
We must wonder...
Which got me to Googling to find out who Andy Chambers is...
He was the head game designer at Games Workshop, the company that makes Warhammer 40k, amongst many other successful miniature games.
So he'd left GW a few years ago...
And as of April this year, is in the employ of BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, as Creative Director!!!
When you put WH40K and Blizzard together... Is it very far-fetch to imagine that a sequel to StarCraft might be in the making??
And lookie.... A new StarCraft novel just released this month, following the story of Sarah Kerrigan. Although apparently, the book is still playing catchup with the plot already revealed in the expansion game in 1998, after Sarah was left to die on Tarsonis, captured and mutated by the Zerg Overmind, and finally rising as the Queen of Blades.
Why are they still busy keeping interest in this old game alive?
We must wonder...
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Brain Damage
I can't remember what it was that pointed me to http://superdickery.com, but the evil must be shared.
It's a collection of really retarded comic book covers during the days before their prices inflated 2000%. The bulk of these stories have Superman in it, in really, ridiculous plots.
It boggles the mind to think that someone can write things this bad... And be PUBLISHED!
There are so many gems here, that I don't know how to pick a favourite...
Seeing Superman cry?
Seeing him state the Super-Obvious that we all have wondered over the decades?
Or him as a witchdoctor?
Or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure?
Brain........... Damage................................There are also some propaganda stories that's not very politically correct anymore, after we've all forgiven and forgotten.
But at least Superman isn't alone in this crime... There are some nasty Archie covers as well.
Click on the pictures if you don't understand why they are wrong.....
These are hours of my life I'll never get back....
I must quit this while I still can...
It's a collection of really retarded comic book covers during the days before their prices inflated 2000%. The bulk of these stories have Superman in it, in really, ridiculous plots.
It boggles the mind to think that someone can write things this bad... And be PUBLISHED!
There are so many gems here, that I don't know how to pick a favourite...
Seeing Superman cry?
Seeing him state the Super-Obvious that we all have wondered over the decades?
Or him as a witchdoctor?
Or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure?
Brain........... Damage................................There are also some propaganda stories that's not very politically correct anymore, after we've all forgiven and forgotten.
But at least Superman isn't alone in this crime... There are some nasty Archie covers as well.
Click on the pictures if you don't understand why they are wrong.....
These are hours of my life I'll never get back....
I must quit this while I still can...
Saturday, November 11, 2006
New Toys
My credit card was billed for a shipment 3 and a half weeks ago, and I was expecting a package from Privateer Press. It's going to be my latest care package from them, rewarding me for the effort I put in running WARMACHINE tournaments and demos in KL.
The last time, the package didn't take this long to arrive, and I was getting really anxious. Especially when the Malaysian postmen have this habit of leaving your packages simply anywhere.
When I put my office as the delivery address, the postmen frequently just left stuff in the stairwell leading up to my office on the 1st floor. Good thing that my colleague takes frequent ciggie breaks, and would come across my packages before somebody comes along and takes them. This time, I had it delivered to my friend's house. As his mom-in-law would be home most days, and will be quite likely to meet the postman.
Anyways, after weeks of anxiety, I finally got a message from my friend that it's here!! The postman had left it sitting on the gate.
Another close call... But it's finally here!!
This is a particularly big package, cos I ordered a box of Iron Fang Uhlans. This will cost RM240 in Malaysia... for 36 bits of metal. My next project is to turn this:
into:
Directly after I picked up these goodies, I headed to Settler's Cafe, where I'm running a WARMACHINE tournament there.
A small number of players turned up. But it's just the right number for a nice friendly game. I've written up the tournament report in an email newsletter that I've started up for the WM community in Malaysia.
Settler's has become very WM friendly. Which is great, cos it's very close to my apartment, and there are always people to talk crap with or to play a few games. Two of their staff plays too. And they have been personally responsible for corrupting at least 3 new players.
And it looks like the WM tourney at Settler's will turn into a regular monthly event.
The last time, the package didn't take this long to arrive, and I was getting really anxious. Especially when the Malaysian postmen have this habit of leaving your packages simply anywhere.
When I put my office as the delivery address, the postmen frequently just left stuff in the stairwell leading up to my office on the 1st floor. Good thing that my colleague takes frequent ciggie breaks, and would come across my packages before somebody comes along and takes them. This time, I had it delivered to my friend's house. As his mom-in-law would be home most days, and will be quite likely to meet the postman.
Anyways, after weeks of anxiety, I finally got a message from my friend that it's here!! The postman had left it sitting on the gate.
Another close call... But it's finally here!!
This is a particularly big package, cos I ordered a box of Iron Fang Uhlans. This will cost RM240 in Malaysia... for 36 bits of metal. My next project is to turn this:
into:
Directly after I picked up these goodies, I headed to Settler's Cafe, where I'm running a WARMACHINE tournament there.
A small number of players turned up. But it's just the right number for a nice friendly game. I've written up the tournament report in an email newsletter that I've started up for the WM community in Malaysia.
Settler's has become very WM friendly. Which is great, cos it's very close to my apartment, and there are always people to talk crap with or to play a few games. Two of their staff plays too. And they have been personally responsible for corrupting at least 3 new players.
And it looks like the WM tourney at Settler's will turn into a regular monthly event.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Black Spot #1
Who is a Press Ganger?
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
Press-ganging is the act of conscripting people to serve as sailors, used by the Royal Navy during the 18-19th century in time of war as a means of crewing warships.
Over here, it just means that I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
I'm also supposedly the authority in Privateer Press games. I say supposedly, because even though I am seldom wrong, but I'm very frequently challenged. Players have a stronger desire to win, than they do to spare me a little respect. T_T
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Mostly, just so that I have a good way to reach out to the mess of players out there and give them timely notice of upcoming tournaments, so that we can run more successful events.
My email roster of players is far from complete. Thus far, I only have 19 emails here, and a few more handphone numbers. So, please pass the news to other players and get them to email me to be included into all following Black Spot issues. Or share their emails with me so that I can include them in the next Black Spot.
Please pass along the Black Spot, so the Kraken can find you. (reference: The black disgusting boil on Capt Jack Sparrow's hand given by Turner Sr.)
Why am I doing this via a newsletter instead of a forum or YahooGroups? This is so that I can really get you attention when I need to. Forums get ignored and forgotten. Egroups get bogged down by noise, and is also a pain to register into. With a newsletter, I put all emails in BCC, so you won't get random spam from here. All feedback will come through me only.
Tournaments
The end of 2006 will be packed with tournaments.
11/11/06 (Saturday) Settler's Cafe 3.00pm
We're having a casual little tournament at Settler's Cafe.
500pts of WARMACHINE or HORDES. Unpainted is alright. *Some* proxies within limits will be allowable. This tournament is just for everyone to have fun.
The prize will likely be food vouchers sponsored by Settler's.
First shout of non-alcholic beverage on the PressGanger.
For the location of Settler's, check [http://my.settlerscafe.com/damansarajaya/]
25/11/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble
Time to be determined. Will keep all posted here.
This is the long over-due second Box-Set battle for HORDES. The 'first' one had a poor turnout cos there wasn't a way to reach everyone. Hopefully, we can do better this time.
All HORDES players, bring your Boxset to WGS for a rumble.
Some keen fellows are already on their way to 500pts already, what with multiple Dire Troll Maulers and such... but we want to pander to the democratic majority who just started.
Only play your boxset WarBeasts, but you may substitute Warlocks if you've got them.
And we don't care if your stuff isn't painted. All the more reason to come and see what other people have done with their minis so you can exchange recipes and ideas.
I'll come up with some fair scenarios to play. And the winner will receive a voucher, which they can send to Privateer Press in exchange for Gold bordered stat cards for your army. The gold cards will also say "Champion" on them, for additional bragging rights.
2/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This will be a tournament for the more veteran players.
We refuse to let 2006 pass us by without establishing a new landmark. And we want to do this by upping WARMACHINE to the next level.
I'm counting on the veterans for this event. We're hoping to get 6-8 people for this.
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be some kind of mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Details are still coming in. But I'll probably be running demos there.
And we may have a Guts & Gears event. A grand melee of both HORDES and WARMACHINE together. Details being ironed out.
The Bilge
I really wanted to share some fun and interesting pictures here, especially of some really cool conversions of PP figs I come across.
But the picture from [http://forums.privateerpress.com/index.php?showtopic=83859] isn't there anymore... What a pity. But check it and see if it gets fixed.
Here's something else that will cause you a bit of brain damage though...
http://forums.privateerpress.com/index.php?showtopic=97985
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around.
We all want to meet more players to have more games, don't we?
For eg. There must be around 25 players who bought a boxset of Hordes. But I can only account for only 10 people...
Who are these people who've bought PP stuff and disappeared?
We want to meet them all.
This is Norman, your local Press Ganger.
Press-ganging is the act of conscripting people to serve as sailors, used by the Royal Navy during the 18-19th century in time of war as a means of crewing warships.
Over here, it just means that I'm the guy judging tournaments, and being roped in by gamestores to do demos for WARMACHINE and HORDES. [These games kick so much ass, they have to spelt in all CAPS].
I'm also supposedly the authority in Privateer Press games. I say supposedly, because even though I am seldom wrong, but I'm very frequently challenged. Players have a stronger desire to win, than they do to spare me a little respect. T_T
"But what is the Black Spot, Captain?" - Jim from Treasure Island
I'm starting up this newsletter as a means to get word out to the small crew of Privateer Press fans out there. I'll use the newsletter to keep everyone updated on the local WARMACHINE and HORDES scene. Especially notices for demos or tournaments happening locally. When new stuff comes in. What kind of new stuff to expect.
Mostly, just so that I have a good way to reach out to the mess of players out there and give them timely notice of upcoming tournaments, so that we can run more successful events.
My email roster of players is far from complete. Thus far, I only have 19 emails here, and a few more handphone numbers. So, please pass the news to other players and get them to email me to be included into all following Black Spot issues. Or share their emails with me so that I can include them in the next Black Spot.
Please pass along the Black Spot, so the Kraken can find you. (reference: The black disgusting boil on Capt Jack Sparrow's hand given by Turner Sr.)
Why am I doing this via a newsletter instead of a forum or YahooGroups? This is so that I can really get you attention when I need to. Forums get ignored and forgotten. Egroups get bogged down by noise, and is also a pain to register into. With a newsletter, I put all emails in BCC, so you won't get random spam from here. All feedback will come through me only.
Tournaments
The end of 2006 will be packed with tournaments.
11/11/06 (Saturday) Settler's Cafe 3.00pm
We're having a casual little tournament at Settler's Cafe.
500pts of WARMACHINE or HORDES. Unpainted is alright. *Some* proxies within limits will be allowable. This tournament is just for everyone to have fun.
The prize will likely be food vouchers sponsored by Settler's.
First shout of non-alcholic beverage on the PressGanger.
For the location of Settler's, check [http://my.settlerscafe.com/damansarajaya/]
25/11/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
HORDES Box-set Rumble
Time to be determined. Will keep all posted here.
This is the long over-due second Box-Set battle for HORDES. The 'first' one had a poor turnout cos there wasn't a way to reach everyone. Hopefully, we can do better this time.
All HORDES players, bring your Boxset to WGS for a rumble.
Some keen fellows are already on their way to 500pts already, what with multiple Dire Troll Maulers and such... but we want to pander to the democratic majority who just started.
Only play your boxset WarBeasts, but you may substitute Warlocks if you've got them.
And we don't care if your stuff isn't painted. All the more reason to come and see what other people have done with their minis so you can exchange recipes and ideas.
I'll come up with some fair scenarios to play. And the winner will receive a voucher, which they can send to Privateer Press in exchange for Gold bordered stat cards for your army. The gold cards will also say "Champion" on them, for additional bragging rights.
2/12/06 (Saturday) Wolf's Game Shop
750pt WARMACHINE Epic Battle
This will be a tournament for the more veteran players.
We refuse to let 2006 pass us by without establishing a new landmark. And we want to do this by upping WARMACHINE to the next level.
I'm counting on the veterans for this event. We're hoping to get 6-8 people for this.
15-17/12/06 Cineleisure
There'll be some kind of mini-con for the launch of Eragon.
Details are still coming in. But I'll probably be running demos there.
And we may have a Guts & Gears event. A grand melee of both HORDES and WARMACHINE together. Details being ironed out.
The Bilge
I really wanted to share some fun and interesting pictures here, especially of some really cool conversions of PP figs I come across.
But the picture from [http://forums.privateerpress.com/index.php?showtopic=83859] isn't there anymore... What a pity. But check it and see if it gets fixed.
Here's something else that will cause you a bit of brain damage though...
http://forums.privateerpress.com/index.php?showtopic=97985
Epilogue
Please help get the Black Spot around.
We all want to meet more players to have more games, don't we?
For eg. There must be around 25 players who bought a boxset of Hordes. But I can only account for only 10 people...
Who are these people who've bought PP stuff and disappeared?
We want to meet them all.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Heroes
New TV series.
People starting to develop mutant powers like precog, flight, phasing, super strength, time manipulation etc.
And somehow, they have to save New York from a nuke.
Story seems pretty lame so far.
Milo Ventimiglia is starring in it. Which is quite weird. Still can't get over him as the literate rogue in Gilmore Girls.
Maybe it takes a while for the story and tension to build. But the only reason I'm still watching it is for the adorable time traveller, Hiro Nakamura.
Hiro is a cubicle warrior in Tokyo, who can stare intently at a clock and make the second-hand tick backwards. He's a Trekkie and an obvious fan of superhero comics. Somehow, he finds himself warping space-time, teleported himself to New York, where he found a comicbook that has a character looking just like him, and having the exact same adventure he's having. He noted the date in a newspaper, sees the approaching blastwave of a nuke, and teleported himself back to the present just in time.
I only just realised that the actor is also the surly asian lab technician, Franklyn, in Scrubs.
Cute. Very cute.
But the rest of the X-Men theme has already been done to death and completely unoriginal. Yet I'll still watch it for the adorable Hiro.
People starting to develop mutant powers like precog, flight, phasing, super strength, time manipulation etc.
And somehow, they have to save New York from a nuke.
Story seems pretty lame so far.
Milo Ventimiglia is starring in it. Which is quite weird. Still can't get over him as the literate rogue in Gilmore Girls.
Maybe it takes a while for the story and tension to build. But the only reason I'm still watching it is for the adorable time traveller, Hiro Nakamura.
Hiro is a cubicle warrior in Tokyo, who can stare intently at a clock and make the second-hand tick backwards. He's a Trekkie and an obvious fan of superhero comics. Somehow, he finds himself warping space-time, teleported himself to New York, where he found a comicbook that has a character looking just like him, and having the exact same adventure he's having. He noted the date in a newspaper, sees the approaching blastwave of a nuke, and teleported himself back to the present just in time.
I only just realised that the actor is also the surly asian lab technician, Franklyn, in Scrubs.
Cute. Very cute.
But the rest of the X-Men theme has already been done to death and completely unoriginal. Yet I'll still watch it for the adorable Hiro.
Half Light
Demi Mooore seems to have made sort of a comeback since Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle.
She managed to convince everyone that she's still hawt, and can still act.
So, in Half Light, she plays a thriller writer, who lost her boy in a drowning accident.
Can't get over grief.
Moves to deserted seaside cottage somewhere in Scotland to write.
Her dead son talks to her.
She commits adultery with the lighthouse keeper.
She meets dead people.
Cliched lines like, "You can't have seen him. He's been dead for seven years!"
Lots of nice Scottish sceneries.
But story-wise, the lights are not all on upstairs.
She managed to convince everyone that she's still hawt, and can still act.
So, in Half Light, she plays a thriller writer, who lost her boy in a drowning accident.
Can't get over grief.
Moves to deserted seaside cottage somewhere in Scotland to write.
Her dead son talks to her.
She commits adultery with the lighthouse keeper.
She meets dead people.
Cliched lines like, "You can't have seen him. He's been dead for seven years!"
Lots of nice Scottish sceneries.
But story-wise, the lights are not all on upstairs.
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