Thoughts On - Trump Month Three

Hello Everyone,

 This is a bit off topic, although it does pertain to the fight against climate change and its causes and it may possibly lead to an American civil war, so that would count.

They say the Internet will live forever, I have my doubts, but just in case...

"To our Climate Change researchers and people in general in the future, who may wonder what those of our generation were thinking to vote in Donald J. Trump for a second term. (I hear that he is talking of a third term, which I predicted, which at the moment would be illegal, but that will not stop him from trying to do it.)"

         "May I pen an apology on behalf of the American people who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 USA election. (That was not me, I live in the UK. My sin is that I voted for Mrs. Thatcher in the UK 1982 election, so we all make mistakes.) They heard the promises, they wanted things to change, but they just did not see the implications of what those actions would have to themselves or the people around them, or in some cases, did not care."

Why did they do it? 

Why is a question I have pondered? Big money swaying big advertising? Biased "News Channels" spouting promotional rubbish. The courts were rigged in his favour, Republicans had voted in flunkies (Not all of them). Most Republicans are too afraid to speak the truth for whatever reason, following his orders meekly like sheep. Regular Trump voters have admitted that they are now in deep trouble through Trump's actions. Considering that each business venture Trump has gone into, every one has gone bankrupt. He has been sued in the courts and is a felon. The "Tariff" spin had a lot to do with it, the thought of getting others to pay for their own improvements and debt relief.

Being Honest

To be honest, most governments are not set up to tackle the big picture like climate change. People in power mainly just want to keep the power they have and get more. The same for big companies. The profit margin is what counts to the shareholders, nothing else. It does not seem to matter that their families will have to pay the price of what they are allowing to be done today.

Consequences

I hope that the consequences of their actions are not too reaching and can eventually be clawed back. The Universities are fighting back against his immigration policies and funding rip-offs. They are going to court. 

       I am not a financial expert, but the stock market nosedive will have ripples in other economies too. That will affect my pension (UK) too. Since it is being orchestrated, the rich buddies know when to buy shares and when to sell to make the most profit. I heard $ Billions were made by Elon Musk and his pals. 

Change

Change is coming, so prepare the best you can. I fear that for the next few years, they will be downhill in our fortunes and standards again. I do not play any post-apocalypse wargames anymore, fearing that they are a glimpse of our future. I hope not, for my family's sake. I do not want to believe that we have seen the best of the world and just threw it away. Time will tell.

Live life the best that you can, and see the beauty around you. Hope is not all gone; it is just a bit dimmer at the moment.

Unbiased

Just in case you think I am talking complete rubbish, try a completely unbiased view for a change. There is an Artificial Intelligence  - "ChatGBT" that has analysed Donald Trump's performance in office in a totally unbiased way. Take a look at the blogs. Then see if your conclusions have changed or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml_XrFvVSnM Month one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU4PhXQRWH0  Month two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpordab_GT0  Month three.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Birmingham

England

P.S. I tried to add it to my Facebook page, but it would only allow a certain amount of text. Typical. I suggest adding the link, perhaps.

Thoughts On - The Imagine Magazine And Pelinore

 Hi Everyone,

                        This was a magazine that I did not know existed until yesterday, when Alan G showed me a real-life paper copy at our wargaming club, Circle Battle Group.  I thought I would add information on here for my readers too young to have seen a copy either. For those who do know of it, just check the links for old times' sake. When I have a free moment, I intend to have a look at the online PDF version of Imagine Magazine. It is for the Dungeons and Dragons game. The first issue was published by TSR Hobbies in April 1983. They completed 30 issues in total.

                         On my first flick through the online PDF, (Yes, I have found Issue 1 online and readable in PDF format, at least). It looks like it could be of use to DM's looking for ideas for campaigns, locations and maps, etc., to slot into their setting if they are having a blank moment. A new source for ideas is always welcome, I would imagine.  (:-) . If all else fails to spark your interest, there are cartoons.

You can find it by searching on the Internet Archive.

Pelinore - This is the rather loose campaign setting within the magazine. Links are below.

ndd-an-adventurers-guide-to-pelinore.html

(That's odd, the link to this worked yesterday. I don't like to have broken links on here, so apologies. Possibly try a cut and paste rather than redirect, or a look on the Internet Archive.)

THE RPG Site articles.

https://www.therpgsite.com/pen-paper-roleplaying-games-rpgs-discussion/the-collected-pelinore/?PHPSESSID=307052317316e6545494dfa3c333889e

Which do not appear to be working. I will see if I can find a better link.

I hope you have found these links to the articles useful, if you got them to work. I certainly did. Any links for giving DM's more ideas on throwing their PC's to the wolves would be appreciated by commenting below. Any litigation that results from this should be sent to TSR and not me. 

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Flag - New Battle Report Published

 Hi Everyone,

                  Just a quick note to let you know that I have published a battle report that has been in the works for a while in draft mode. I thought it would put it here at the top, but it has just changed the published date. If you would like to take a look, it is called "Nations Battle Report 1 part 2." I hope part three does not take as long to do.

             One of my wargaming mates is in a bit of a jam at the moment, so things are on hold on here, while we swap his stuff from his old place to where some mates are going to store stuff for him until he gets himself together, or rather when social services get their act together. Good luck on that one.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

Red Alert Board 4 - January - February 2025

Red Alert Board 4 - 2025

 Hello Everybody,

                                This is where I will be putting my wild weather reports and general climate change wierdness information for 2025, plus what I have seen of us trying to make corrections.

1 January 5 am - UK, A huge breach in the Bridgewater Canal near Little Bollington, SW Manchester. Major flooding occurred in the nearby fields. Heavy rains caused part of the canal embankment to give way in the early hours of New Year's Day. Boat owners noticed an increased flow of water and the canal level dropping. One boat broke its mooring on one side and blocked the canal from side to side. "Stop Planks" have been deployed, which has slowed the leakage. The barges were soon aground and stuck in position, listing to one side,
         A sewage treatment plant has been flooded out. Both towpaths have given way. Narrowboats have been trapped in place. The canal has been totally washed away over hundreds of metres. Years of work will be needed to complete repairs.
        SOURCE - YOUTUBE CHANNEL - "TAYLORS ABOARD A NARROWBOAT"  For the full eyewitness account of what happened next over many days and their travels along the canal network.
04 January - Flooding at Defford, near Eckington, Worcestershire, Pulborough, West Sussex, Yalding, Kent, River Tone, Somerset.

5 January - I saw a fox in my garden, two days in a row.

6 January - Los Angeles, USA. A pallisades fire of 2,900 square acres. Evacuation plans were put into operation.10,000 houses and buildings were destroyed.

21 January - Louisiana, USA, the first recorded blizzard in that part of the country.

07 February - Hokaido, Japan. An intense snowstorm hit the area. 129 cm fell in just 12 hours. Snow drifts up to 5 feet deep. 60 flights into the area had to be cancelled.

More to be added,

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On - Alumwell 30.03.2025

 Hi Everyone, 

                       The eve of the Alumwell show was cold and miserable as I walked home from my shopping expedition. I was in two minds whether to go at all, but I packed my bag ready and I would decide in the morning. The morning arrived, bright and sunny. I felt much better and decided to attend the show. I soon found the Circle Battle Group under their alias of "The Knights of St. George". I said "Hi" to all of the gang there, dumped my coat and bag with them, and then looked at the stalls and banners lining the walls.

                      

This was our Pirate Game, organised by Alan G.

Alan G put on a great pirate game, complete with galleons that were afloat in good condition, sinking and had actually sunk, (that would be me, LOL). Natives on the islands to be "bumped off" by cannon fire, sharks and dolphins in the sea, treasure chests to grab and Rum to drink. 

My Bosun did a last man standing against a gallant merchant vessel crew, after his mates had been horribly slain by the other members of the other attacking pirate ship. My brave captain was waiting in the longboat to rescue him, that is, if he survived the attack of the other pirate Captain who was trying to seize the vessel at the same time. Which was where we had to pack up.

 My photos are being uncooperative at the moment, so I cannot show you many battles taking place on the tables, but I will keep trying to display them here. 

More pictures to come.

I was very frugal in my spending this year, as I still have a lot of plastic to process at home. I bought three African circular huts that will see service as Celtic roundhouses for my Roman  stuff that is in the works, a laser cut slot together "Pig Pen" to go with it (but no animals) and an "Antenna setup" and some enemy figures to go with my sci-fy games. I did see some nice 3d planted fields and a wooden fort that would have done as a Roman marching Fort, but I can make do with a printed version for the time being. Unusual for me, nothing from the bring and buy table. Richard did sell all of his scenery that he brought along, so he was happy.

               I saw some of the regulars from previous years, the American re-enactment jeep, assorted chaps in uniforms of various types and the model display table, showing assorted dioramas, spaceships, The Eagle Moon Lander from Space 1999 and WWII scenes. One section had marvel figures displayed. I don't remember any space battle tables.

Thanks to all our club members who attended, April and Alan who gave Richard and I a lift home, and Nat who kindly offered too. Thanks too all of the  organisers, vendors and clubs that came and displayed great battles. We hope to see you back again next year.

hard did sell some of

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Shops, Painted Minis and a bad experience (Updated)

 Hi Everyone,

                      Here we are at a new season of wargames and roleplaying. I have been attending my local club again, and that has been fun. I treated myself to the last season of Star Trek Discovery and have my sights on season two of Strange New Worlds and Picard Season three.

                        Warhammer Birmingham has moved from their old site by the Gym opposite the 94 terminus, in to a slightly larger shop atthe bottom end of Corporation Street. 

There is a new shop opposite Forbidden Planet in Bull Street, just inside the Minories Arcade, on the left. Number 4. It's called Element Games.  www.elementgames.co.uk

They have shedloads of paints and supplies from the usual manufacturers. Mainly GW models but some independent people too, such as Frostgrave, Stargrave, Heil Caesar, Oathmark and Shadowdeep.

Weylands Forge is still located in "The Custard Factory", Digbeth.

                      It is the eve of the WMSS Alumwell show, so I hope the weather is fine for everybody travelling to and from it. (NOTE: Take extra grub, the canteen ran out last year, so I am informed).  There are usually burger vans on site, too.

                    I usually take the Metro opposite Forbidden Planet in Birmingham to Wolverhampton bus depot, an approximately 45 minute journey. Then the number 6 bus, stand D. Please double check when you go.

station. 

I have been retouching some models for an upcoming battle report.

I am not sure if it shows up at this angle, but I splattered Ginger's tunic in blood.

The club had our belated Christmas meal at a village curry house, not to be named. The food was nice but the waiter service was slow. We were a party of 12 who had pre-booked by over two months. The place was less than a quarter full when we arrived, but the staff took their orders at least 40 minutes before us. We were so bored, we ordered drinks and crackers while we were waiting. Adding to the cooking time of at least half an hour, to say we were not happy bunnies was an understatement. I had ordered a mushroom wrap starter and grilled Chicken Jalfresi for my main meal. Something I had not tried before, as it was a special occasion. Nothing too complex, you would think. I was expecting it to come in a bowl, but it was served on a plate, in a wrap. I was slightly surprised. As I said before, the food, when it came, was very nice.   Between us; we spent about £350. We will not be going back. We do plan to go to another one that has a better reputation and has been tried by some of the members before.

Regards, 

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On - Alien RPG 11 (Updated)

 Hi Everybody,

                        We last left off with one of our brave heroes coming round in an autodoc, which was sadly all too familiar to him. Not so good, was the discovery that he is totally paralysed and deaf in the left ear. The right ear, however, picks up the screaming that is coming from outside very well, unfortunately...

He trembles in fear, that is, he would if he could, but the only thing he can do at the moment is keep his teeth from chattering together by biting his lip and try not to let the nasty something that is outside know that there is an easy victim inside.

Meanwhile...

Evie is trying to get the command visor back on. It is sending no commands to the robot dog, who at the moment is trying to shoot at Shepherd, taking cover behind a console.

Evie  takes off the visor and throws the visor carefully at Cowboy, who catches them and swiftly puts on the headset. He bashes it with his hand a couple of times and it hums back to life again. He finally gets control of Robotdog again - The "Mother" computer had been sending it orders to wipe out the group!

Bishop had been busy, it had merged with a data pad. "Ava 7" has short-circuited trying to process every thing at once. We put Doc in the auto doc once it was safe to get Rooster out of it for a while. Eva King freaked out now that all the shooting had stopped.

--------------------------------------------------------

Chaplin and two Marines come through the NEXUS portal from Fort Nebraska.

After a detailed search through Charles' belongings, an unauthorised Level 3 access card is found, giving him unlimited access to the "Mother Computer".

Cowboy wants to kill him on the spot. Rooster pleads clemency, "How many times has he saved our lives?"

Cowboy replies, "Get him off this base and make sure we never see him again".

Captain Silver turns to Rooster. "We do have another matter that needs attending to. At Fort Nebraska, five of our Marines have gone Absent without Leave. They took with them a certain vital package."

Rooster replies, "So what has that got to do with us?"

"Since you have proved to be rather resourceful in dealing with unusual matters, we thought you might like to take part in the recovery process. Especially since one of those men is your brother, Blue!"

"Blue! I have not heard from him in ages.   He is not the sort to go off base without good reason. But he should listen to me, if anyone."

"Good, good. You can go through the NEXUS at 08:00. Zulu.

Rooster just nods his head, stunned to hear about his brother. 

He turns to Cowboy, "What sort of pickle has he got me into this time?"

=========================================================================

The big reveal was that Charles had his own hidden agenda, malevolently guided by Richard, our GM.

We knew that Kitty was running EDAN, the robotic Phycho that had it in for us from the start, (with orders to do something nutty at least once a day, usually aimed at us), but not that Richard was running Charles to be a fruitcake as well!.

Our Alien game was paused for a while for personal reasons, this seems a good breaking-off point in the storyline to leave it. We are not sure when it will come back. Thanks a bunch to Kitty, John and especially Richard for all the fun and games they provided.

Thanks to you, dear reader, for wading through the episodes too.

"May all your Space Lanes be safe ones."

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On - The "Predator" prequel - "Prey" (No spoilers)

 Hi Everyone,

                      PREY - This was my Christmas Movie of 2024. I had missed it when it first came out in 2022, then planned to watch it at a mate's abode, but the chance arose to see it on my cable offering this festive season. The plot is that our Native American heroine wants to hunt with the rest of the warriors, which is a traditionally male job, as you can imagine. They are not too keen. Things get a bit messy when our unfriendly fanged tourist shows up and begins chopping its way through our local wildlife. It works its way up the food chain, and everything goes sideways from there.

                    Looking at the odds on paper, it does seem to be a rather one-sided contest; you would usually put your dosh on the big guy. But there lies the tension of the film. How many trophies will it get? Will it eat her dog? Will our heroine survive, in one or more pieces? You will have to hunt out PREY to find out. There is no fantastic acting in it, but it is a fairly young cast, so that can be forgiven. It is worth a watch if it is on catch-up or you are at a friend's night-in.

Rating - 4 out of 5.

THE TRAILER - https://www.google.com/search?q=prey+trailer&rlz=1C1GCEA_enGB1059GB1059&oq=Prey+trailer&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyDQgFEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgGEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgHEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgIEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgJEAAYhgMYgAQYigXSAQg3OTMwajBqN6gCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On - The Guards Wargame Group - Bring and Buy Event 2024.11.30

 Hi Everybody,

                       Just a quick note to record that I was glad to meet the Circle Battle Group attendees and the Guards members at the 30 November 2024 Winter Guards Bring and Buy event in Birmingham. I met up with Richard J on the 11 bus route as arranged, getting off at the Swan Centre, only to find that all the bus stops had been moved around. to get the 60 bus, you now have to walk a few yards further towards the airport.

                     There were slightly fewer tables than the previous times we attended. I purchased the Osprey Rules for the post-apocalypse vehicle skirmish game "Gaslands", some 72 mm African warriors (painted), other lead minis, plus "The Wargamers Guide to Dark Age Britain" by Martin Hackett (Amberley Publishing - ISBN. 978-1-4456-03803) a battlefield guide https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/reviews/as-told-in-the-great-hall-the-wargamers-guide-to-dark-age-britain/, including the dice for the rules in the back, very kindly signed by the author. A sci-fi laser cut shelter (at home, a box landed on it and it is now in its component parts again, so I shall have the fun of assembly as well as painting it).

                    The Guards had set up a wargaming table for members of the public to take part in, as usual. Richard had some figures for sale, (The items are logged and priced, then you check for the sale at the end of the show), but I don't think he had any takers. He did get some dragon teeth scenery, a munchkin card game and some 10 mm humans for Oathmark.

                     I was not feeling too well and had to cut my day short, but the busses were very bad in the afternoon and we did not get home until after 6pm.  Regrets - I should have treated myself to a 72 mm Roman Infantry "Tortoise" formation, a temple and a bit more terrain. Richard did buy some items as well.

                     I was very pleased to see some youngsters attending again, they all received a warm welcome. Thanks to Paul and the Guards members for their time and efforts to present another chance to expand the wargaming hobby community.

NOTE: I hope that the Penkridge Wargaming Sale is still happening on Sunday, 5th January 2025, 11:00 start, I am not sure of the venue.

  Please confirm the details, as I could not find any information on the British Historical Games Society Calendar. https://www.bhgs.org.uk/calendar.html.

There is a mention of one in May, but no actual date.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Happy Hogmanay 2025

 Happy Hogmanay 2025

               Here comes another year again. Just as I was getting used to the old one. For those in northern UK, stay safe with the nasty weather that is expected. I hope it does not disrupt your plans too much. In Birmingham, the late night crowd did not seem to be too bothered, as the fireworks started about 23:30 and went onto 0:30. I hope they were wrapped up warmly.

              Hobby-wise, I treated myself to the ring binder expansion pack for Ironsworn, The Sundered Isles. I have only flicked through parts of the books, but the quality is great. Many of the Oracle Tables in the second book can be used in other settings with a bit of imagination.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell