Rain, Snow and Slush
Last night it was raining. I went out to the pedestrian door of the garage to look out on the sulking charcoal sky and to watch the raindrops streaking through the porch lights, like minute frozen flares. My breath coiled upwards, snaking around the bulb.
As I watched, the droplets became thicker, and finally into a type of snow that doesn’t stick, but forms a thick layer of slush. By morning there was a thick layer of it all over the road and the drive.
By the afternoon, it had warmed enough to break it down forming rivers of clear water all around town.
I took the two kids to church, Tamie staying at home with the two youngest again. I think she’s burning out on baby. She’s getting tired.
Today at church the theme was agency. We also talked about adversity in Elders Quorum. Related isssues if you ask me. Here’s a related item:
In the grand division of all of God’s creations, there are things to act and things to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:13–14). As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice. Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation.
Read the rest here.
What do I think? Blarg, does it matter? Well, I suppose if you’re here reading this there must be a reason. I have become more relaxed in the last year. When things go wrong, I don’t view it as going wrong per se, but an opportunity to learn something new. For me, it all comes down to a fundamental truth: there is an Almighty and Loving God, the Universe is full of light and color, and I am part of it. I often lose sight of that. I wish I were a better man, too. But slowly now. It’s only half time!
It was a lazy rest-of-the-day, playing Magic with my seven-year-old-son, and watching Disney shows.
Hive Fleet Hades
Here’s the army list. The army came with a custom fitted-foam carrying case. Tucked into the pocket was an army book and a few well-worn tactics articles. A few basic points:
- Spinegaunts, point for point, are more killy than genestealers. Anyone care to math-hammer that?
- Buying more raw un-equipped tyranids is more killy than upgrading existing ones.
- Spread out your army among all 17 army slots (this army list fills every one!)
- Devourers are awesome. Lots and lots of shots.
There are extra models, too: another foot Tyrant, a fourth Tyrant Guard, and a third Sniper-Fex.
What could make this army better? Should I add any models?
1832+ Pts – Tyranids Roster – Hive Fleet Hades
(with upgrades it makes the 2000 point mark)
HQ: Hive Tyrant (4#, 271 Pts)
1 Hive Tyrant @ 271 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Twin-linked Devourer (x2); Synapse Creature; The Horror; Warp Field
3 Tyrant Guard @ [135] Pts
Rending Claws; Scything Talons
HQ: Hive Tyrant (1#, 176 Pts)
1 Hive Tyrant @ 176 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Winged; Twin-linked Devourer (x2); Synapse Creature; The Horror; Warp Field
Elite: Warriors (3#, 82 Pts)
2 Warriors @ 82 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Twin-linked Devourer; Synapse Creature
1 Warriors @ [30] Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Scything Talons (x1); Barbed Strangler; Synapse Creature
Elite: Warriors (3#, 82 Pts)
2 Warriors @ 82 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Twin-linked Devourer; Synapse Creature
1 Warriors @ [30] Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Scything Talons (x1); Barbed Strangler; Synapse Creature
Elite: Warriors (3#, 82 Pts)
2 Warriors @ 82 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Twin-linked Devourer; Synapse Creature
1 Warriors @ [30] Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Scything Talons (x1); Barbed Strangler; Synapse Creature
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Troops: Gaunt Brood (10#, 50 Pts)
10 Gaunt Brood @ 50 Pts
Spinefists
Fast Attack: Ravener (3#, 138 Pts)
3 Ravener @ 138 Pts
Rending Claws; Scything Talons (x1); Deathspitter
Fast Attack: Ravener (3#, 138 Pts)
3 Ravener @ 138 Pts
Rending Claws; Scything Talons (x1); Deathspitter
Fast Attack: Spore Mine Cluster (4#, 36 Pts)
1 Spore Mine Cluster @ 36 Pts
3 Bio-acid Spore Mines @ [36] Pts
Heavy Support: Zoanthrope (3#, 165 Pts)
3 Zoanthrope @ 165 Pts
Toxic Miasma; Warp Blast; Warp Field
Heavy Support: Carnifex (1#, 181 Pts)
1 Carnifex @ 181 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Extended Carapace +1 Save; Implant Attack; Barbed Strangler; Venom Cannon
Heavy Support: Carnifex (1#, 181 Pts)
1 Carnifex @ 181 Pts
Enhanced Senses +1 BS; Extended Carapace +1 Save; Implant Attack; Barbed Strangler; Venom Cannon
Total Roster Cost: 1832
Created with Army Builder
Copyright (c) 1997-2006 Lone Wolf Development, Inc. All rights reserved.
Twiddling my Thumbs
I’m at home watching the kids while my wife (and baby) are away out of town for the day visiting family.
.
Basically, I am twiddling my thumbs. I can be contacted via email or gmail chat for any matter. I’d love to get some projects set up. I am making an order on Monday morning and I’d give 35% off the cost of your models if you set something up with me tonight. That means a deposit needs to get in by midnight tonight (seeing as I’m closed for business on Sunday), or at least by early Monday.
.
For those that are just joining the program, you should also know that I give 20% off the cost of materials standard, and 30% off for military personnel.
.
I also have a number of really good standing specials as follows:
We have several specials available. Only one can be applied.
1) Level 2—models can be given a basic paint job. Save 30% off painting.
2) Artistic License—we decide completely how a project is painted and based. Save 10% on painting.
3) Combine Level 2 and Artistic License. Save 35% off painting
4) Tank Factory—ten tanks painted for $400, assembled for $200. See below for details. Can be combined with Artistic License.
1) Level 2—models can be given a basic paint job. Save 30% off painting.
2) Artistic License—we decide completely how a project is painted and based. Save 10% on painting.
3) Combine Level 2 and Artistic License. Save 35% off painting
4) Tank Factory—ten tanks painted for $400, assembled for $200. See below for details. Can be combined with Artistic License.
Tank Factory Special
· $400 for painting ten tanks
· $750 for painting twenty tanks
· $200 for assembly of ten tanks
· $400 for painting ten tanks
· $750 for painting twenty tanks
· $200 for assembly of ten tanks
For this special we need some leeway with color scheme. A complicated pattern or type might cost more.
How fast can we get it done?
Generally, a 3-4 week turnaround. Unless you send the models, then that takes less time.
Large tanks, like a Land Raider or Necron Monolith, count as two tanks.
A Baneblade counts as three tanks. Assembly is $90—the Baneblade has something like 250 parts.
Small tanks, like an Ork warbuggy, count as half a tank.
Exposed crew, dozer blade, unusual upgrades, or set of chaos spikes count as a regular trooper, at $4 for painting, $2 for assembly.
Tau Piranhas and Land Speeders count as regular tanks. They are smaller but are not less time-consuming to paint.
.
I am setting up projects now for completion in late February.
.
In other news: I went to dance class with my wife this morning. This was my idea. It was wonderful, we were moving smoothly in no time at all. We had to bring the baby and had a few dances with her snuggled in between. Children are the blossom of love between a man and a woman.
.
I am really looking forward to it next week.
.
Flash back fourteen years. We rented a how-to-dance video. Within ten minutes I was so worked up and uptight that the topic didn’t come up for another fourteen years. So, ladies, there is hope for your man.
Paint Fest January 2009
Every month all the artists get together and we have a Paint Fest; a time to share ideas, joke around, and paint like fiends. I can’t imagine heaven is any better.
.
This time we headed to Sarah’s house, which has a lot of natural light, and we gathered around an enormous table. But I am ahead of myself.
.
I stayed late at the studio last night packing everything in preparation. That included an entire Tyranid army (the hive Hades army, remember?) which Sarah and I managed to refurbish quite nicely. Everything is completely in order, improved, touched up, and detailed. Sweet. But I’m jumping ahead now.
.
On my way in I stopped at the store and picked up about six gallons of various drinks. I decided to get something healthy, so I got a banana cream pie (that has banana in it right? fruit is good for you right?). I also picked up some potato salad at the deli. The crab salad had sort of a funny smell so they gave me a tub of it for free. Just kidding. But I did get some crab salad for free (I had to wait a long time for someone to finally get back there).
.
As many of you know, Sarah is strict vegan so we had quite a platter of fresh veggies waiting for us. And a lot of juice. But there was plenty of savory fare as well– mexican type things, and peanut butter rice krispie treats.
.
Oh, and while down at teh local game shop I got to take a gander at the new Lizardmen army book. Absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to get going on those. This will be Sarah’s project for the most part, first run at doing an army start to finish for her.
.
Well, probably better just to give you a look.
Some of you may notice a few new painters here. I normally don’t give face time until someone has at least three months (usually more like six) under his or her belt. Not set in stone, but there it is. Also, almost everyone is part time, and we all like it that way. It’s good way to be. Everything is peaceful and tranquil. Zero drama.
.
I dropped Joseph off at home, then headed home myself. My wife immediately headed out on an “errand” which of course means “I’m tired of the kids and I need a break”. Which I am completely groovy with. I really, really enjoy my kids. They are all so delightful. My youngest son bit his tongue. He decided the best remedy would be to put a bandaid on it. One tab on each mouth corner and the body of the bandage in his mouth. Hi-larious.
.
Back to Hive Fleet Hades for a moment. I can’t wait to play this army. It looks amazingly good. You can look forward to pics and vid of that later.
.
Another bit of news. I am looking at www.battlefoam.com and we’re likely to add that to our repertoire soon.
Hive Fleet Hades
The big news today is the arrival of Hive Fleet Hades as a trade-in. It’s a studio army now.
Tomorrow is paint fest and I plan on going over them minutely for touchups, refurb and improvement. I may darken the skin areas just a bit. They are done in one of my favorite color schemes. The army is solid and fun to play. It is based on proven mechanics– lots of gribblies and lots of shots. It’s loaded with twin-linked devourers. I think that’s the only thing any of the critters has.
Want to know what’s in it?
Unit Name
QTY
Tyranid Hive Tyrant
3
Tyranid Tyrant Guard
4
Tyranid Warrior
9
Tyranid Spine Gaunts
60
Tyranid Ravener
6
Tyranid Spore Mine
9
Tyranid Zoanthrope
3
Tyranid Carnifex
3
When I first started 40K, the second edition of Warhammer 40K Tyranids were just out and I bought some of these hideous eyesores:
I tried to put them together with two part epoxy glue I got from a hardware store which was an absolute nightmare. I also primed the army with black enamel paint, which was hideous and ineffective beyond belief. My color scheme was bone colored carapace and bright purple skin. At least I had a decent color scheme, though I use the word “decent” liberally here.
.
I had about 60 of those metal hormagaunts. That was a lot of gaunts for 2nd edition! I had a load of fun with them– making little scenarios pitting them against imperial guard. I even had the army through ’97 when I had my game shop.
.
A footnote here about Politics. I am taking a short sabbatical. I need to read more. I need to get the basics of the Consitution down.
.
In other business-related news, I will be clearing out my Inbox on Saturday. I apologize for any delay in getting back to clients for various matters. There are only a few in there, but I just ran out of steam. And tomorrow is Paint Fest!
.
I am currently booking project for February, mid-to-late-month for completion.
Dead Sexy Beasts
I’m looking at that Stompa and thinking how it would crossover great with battlewagons and other ork vehicles. I try to get out, but they just keep sucking me back in! AYERG!
Positive Thinking
I was en-heartened by this article. Any step in the direction of fiscal responsibility is healthy in my estimation. Here is an excerpt:
.
WASHINGTON – In his first public acts in office, President Barack Obama on Wednesday placed new limits on lobbyists in his White House and, in a nod to the country’s economic turmoil, froze the salaries of senior aides.
.
In an attempt to deliver on pledges of a transparent government, Obama said he would change the way the federal government interprets the Freedom of Information Act. He said he was directing agencies that vet requests for information to err on the side of making information public — not to look for reasons to legally withhold it — an alteration to the traditional standard of evaluation.
Just because a government agency has the legal power to keep information private does not mean that it should, Obama said. Reporters and public-interest groups often make use of the law to explore how and why government decisions were made; they are often stymied as agencies claim legal exemptions to the law.
“For a long time now, there’s been too much secrecy in this city,” Obama said.
He said the orders he was issuing Wednesday will not “make government as honest and transparent as it needs to be” nor go as far as he would like.
He said the orders he was issuing Wednesday will not “make government as honest and transparent as it needs to be” nor go as far as he would like.
“But these historic measures do mark the beginning of a new era of openness in our country,” Obama said. “And I will, I hope, do something to make government trustworthy in the eyes of the American people, in the days and weeks, months and years to come.”
PS- Here are some comments from my friend Eric Danley. A sort of counterpoint, presented for your consideration:
I haven’t posted in a while, as I am far from an expert in economics of this level. There are, however, a few points I would like to make: 1. The TARP program is mostly condemned by economists of every stripe. Not for the premise of the Bank Bailout, but for the lack of oversight. It is fundamentally wrong that we gave these banks money to lend to consumers and instead they made acquisitions. I trust that in TARP round 2, the Obama Administration will do a better job of mandating what the money is used for, setting guidelines for acceptance and most importantly do a better job of monitoring compliance. 2. The need for stimulus is universally accepted. Now look, I know a statement like that is not 100% true, but the fact is that an overwhelming majority of economists, both Liberal and Conservative, agree that some sort of stimulus is needed. They disagree on the size of stimulus ($700 Billion vs. $1.2 Trillion) needed and the tools of stimulus (Tax Cuts vs. Government Spending). Yes, I’m sure Ron Paul disagrees but more on that in point 4. 3. Obama. I think we have the right man, in the right place, at the right time. Even prior to taking the Oath of Office, even with a massive progressive electoral mandate, Obama has chosen to work with Conservatives and has worked to be cautious fiscally. When Democrats were asking for a $1.2 Trillion stimulus Obama instead listened to the Conservatives who wanted no more than $700 Billion, and asked for $775 Million. Obama recently had a meeting with a group of Conservative journalists about economic policy, and instead of talking about trivial things like earmarks (less than 2% of the federal budget) he actually had a serious policy discussion about reforming entitlement programs like Social Security, and Medicare. A serious conversation that few other politicians have the broad knowledge or drive to have. Last point of number 3. When we look at what is proposed for the stimulus, specifically the rebuilding of the country’s energy infrastructure I think we all can agree that Goverment is the only way to solve this problem. Our current electrical transmission system simply cannot work with anything other than a fossil fuel based system, wastes significant power in transmission, and cannot handle demand. Private Industry has shown no willingness to solve this problem as it is just too expensive with little incentive for them to do (monopoly, and as we run out of fossil fuels they get to charge more for less). This is parallel to the historical government incentives needed to bring electricity and phone service to the hills of Tennessee, along with the current need for a forced buildout of high-speed internet broadband. The private sector will not undergo these massive capital projects that the country so severely needs and thus the government must step in.
4. Ok, this might come across as a little offensive (I don’t intend to be) but lets take a brief moment on Dr. Ron Paul. He lost. The American People had their chance to elect him, and they didn’t feel he was the most qualified candidate. You can argue amount money in politics if you want, but I believe in the system and I think Obama proved that you don’t need corporate money when you have a movement of people underneath. Why is that important, well in losing Ron Paul built a following of extreme fiscal conservatives, libertarians, and anarchists. Now, secure in his home district where democrats don’t even bother to run against him he can continue to appeal to that group of followers regardless of the effect enacting any of his policies would actually have. Take a moment and think about what the world would be like next year if the following happened: Citibank, Bank of America, Chase, and all of the other major banks failed. GM, Chrysler, Ford, and Toyata (yes Toyata is hurting right now as well) all failed. The Federal Reserve was folded, EPA, Health and Human Services, and other government departments were closed. What would that world look like?
Well, we can make a few predictions with certainty. Almost no one would be able to buy a house, car, or other major item. Without access to credit consumers simply could not purchase these items causing the companies to produce them to fail. Relatively healthy companies would fail adding to the hundreds of thousands if not millions already without work because of the closures listed above. Small and Medium business would be unable to get Bridge Loans (very short term loans, often 30 day) to buy inventory or to make payroll causing Restaurants, Retail stores, and other businesses to collapse. Those without work, and without new small business hiring, would be unable to make payments on the debts they already have, would be unable to pay for medical coverage causing either a. Hospitals to go Bankrupt, or b. the government to pick up the tab, and we can be 100% certain that businesses that rely entirely on disposable income such as Blue Table Painting, and tourism will also collapse. Ron Paul brushes this all off as “it would be painful” but we are talking about a “pain” that will take at a minimum decades to recover and at worst simply never will. The rich elite, well most of them will survive. Might I add, that Dr. Paul himself is in this category with about $3 Million in assets most of which are in precious metals. Now I have nothing against the rich, I do quite well, but the point here is that if Ron Paul did everything he says he wants to then the quality of life would collapse for most American’s. Well worse than the Great Depression, and many would never recover.
Groovy Lady
As most may know, I’m wending my way through all the seasons of Frasier. Ten seasons I think. I just put them on in the background. In fact, I think Mike D. was down painting an army through all of season two. What a kick. Anyone want to join in? Here’s the episode I’m on right now this instant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DInOswI74vw
And the episode list on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_frasier_episodes
Today, the studio was warm and crackling like a fire. We did take-out at a local sandwich shop, a mountain of meat-stacked hoagies. Josephus came in with a Red Scorpions army partway done. I could not even believe how well they turned out. I gave him the Project Anphelion book and he just blew the whole thing out of the water. He tried this thing where he mixed baking soda and elmers glue to make mud texture. Very slick. More to come about that.
What else? We’re working with www.battlefoam.com to see if that will work. I’m very hopeful.
At this moment I am in the boys’ room. I sit in here every night to monitor them and be sure they go to sleep rather than messing around. Every night it takes a little less time. I’m pleased with how it’s working out.
So, what’s going on in that little ant brain of mine? I have to pick a 40K army. Well, that’s not a problem because I’m getting a trade-in Tyranid army composed pretty much of all my favorite models. Really a dream army. That will be on the block in due time.
I might need to add a Trygon or two.
That means no Eldar. Tyranids it is. That’s my second-favorite army.
I’m instead looking forward to Lizardmen. The important kits are due to be released in early February. My plan is to get the book and starting models in by the 13th of February and get the whole thing completed by the end of February.
“That woman has reached into your chest, pulled out your heart and threw it to her Hell Hounds for a chew toy!”
Games Workshop First Quarter 2009 Release Schedule
STAR PLAYER GRIFF OBERWALD (BLOOD BOWL XXVII) 6-Dec-08
THE TAINTED 6-Dec-08
THE UNDYING 6-Dec-08
ANIMOSITY ORCS 20-Dec-08
VAMPIRE COUNTS SHIELDS 20-Dec-08
ORK NOBZ 3-Jan-09
ORK BATTLEWAGON 3-Jan-09
KAPTIN BADRUKK 3-Jan-09
BOSS SNIKROT 3-Jan-09
ORK STORMBOYZ 17-Jan-09
ORK GRETCHIN 17-Jan-09
BOSS ZAGSTRUK 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF WINGS OF DARKNESS SHIELDS 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF KRAKEN SHIELDS 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF IRON TALON SHIELDS 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF DREADLORD ON DARK STEED 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF DREADLORD WITH GREAT WEAPON 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF DREADLORD WITH ADDITIONAL HAND WEAPON 17-Jan-09
DARK ELF DREADLORD WITH HAND WEAPON 17-Jan-09
LIZARDMEN SCAR VETERAN WITH ARMY STANDARD 7-Feb-09
CHAKAX, ETERNITY WARDEN 7-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN ARMY BOOK (ENGLISH) 7-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN STEGADON 7-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN TEMPLE GUARD 7-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN KROXIGOR 7-Feb-09
TIKTAQ’TO, MASTER OF SKIES 21-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN TERRADON RIDER 21-Feb-09
SPACE MARINE CASUALTIES 21-Feb-09
CHAOS CHOSEN HEADS 21-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN BATTALION 21-Feb-09
LIZARDMEN RAZORDON HUNTING PACK 21-Feb-09
WAR OF THE RING INFANTRY MOVEMENT TRAYS 28-Feb-09
WAR OF THE RING CAVALRY MOVEMENT TRAYS 28-Feb-09
CHAOS SPACE MARINE HAVOCS 1-Mar-09
WOLF GUARD WITH LIGHTNING CLAWS 7-Mar-09
IMPERIAL GUARD SHADOWSWORD / STORMLORD 7-Mar-09
ORK STOMPA 7-Mar-09
ORC RAIDER WITH TORCH 21-Mar-09
EAGLE WARRIORS SHOULDER PADS 21-Mar-09
SILVER SKULLS SHOULDER PADS 21-Mar-09