Ack! I swallowed a bug!

First off, just a reminder that I am actively setting up projects for late June and July. I also have two slots each still open for the two Imperial Guard specials. Not too late for that. I'll even sweeten the deal: if you use both types of special (ie Massed Infantry and 3x3 Tanks) I'll get your materials at 31% off (if'n you need us to get them).

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I slept in this morning. I got up and made three waffles with whipped cream and real maple syrup. I prefer imitation, truth be told. It's chemically engineered for my tasting pleasure. My wife headed out to the farm co-op to pick up our food: artichokes, bananas, fresh bread, potatoes, asparagus. I cooked up some of these vegetables in olive oil, butter, salt and pepper and had that for an early lunch then headed down to the studio.

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I got all the raw footage shot for a new batrep: Oceanic Eldar vs. Ultramarines. Yes again. I realized that I've played four games with my Eldar and all of them against Marines. I think I'm going to gag if I have to play Eldar v Marines again.

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So, I brought home some Orks to paint over the weekend, and I hope to make some good headway there. By this time next week they should all be done if I stay focussed. Right now, I am slogging through the masses of infantry which is the hardest part. I picked a difficult schlep-tastic way to paint them, but I think it will have a good result-- a bolder look befitting Orks!

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Upon arrival at home I found that my wife had managed to bargain-hunt three bikes for $65 (total). There's a guy locally who refurbishes them in his garage. I think as the economy tanks you'll see more of this type of thing; impromptu home-businesses. People will discover that they can do just fine for themselves, and a community can take care of every problem within itself. It's my opinion, as you know, that a city can solve almost everything, that's the level of goverment that feels good to me.

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The city I live in is on a plateau at the foot of the mountains. A high-land desert. Well, on the southern edge of this plateau are several roads, and they overlook farmland and copses of trees. To the East the mountains tower like cones of green and brown and white. In the pass are gargantuan windmills, their white blades circling slowly. To the west are more distand peaks and a sunset beyond white clouds. The wheat is high and green.

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It's a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride.

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While painting the Orks my wife brought me a BLT and a sprite. That was a bit of paradise.

Tank Variants

With the advent of the new Imperial Guard codex, tanks have a lot more options. The Hellhound has three variants, and the Leman Russ has six. Each kit comes with only one option (ie the box only has one kind of turret in it). Not for long. New kits for both are in the works.

What you see above is the new Hellhound kit, with all variants.

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This incredibly versatile kit not only includes all the weapon options available to the Hellhound Flame Tank, but can also be built as either a Devil Dog or Bane Wolf.

Bachelor Pad

It's been a few days since I made a post. It's been really busy down at the studio, be we are getting caught up. There's been a logjam in assembly, but that is near to being cleared. It's a natural push and pull; sometimes a lot of clients want their models assembled (instead of sending them in all ready to paint). We like doing the assembly, don't get me wrong.

I am still setting up projects for June, still time to get on board. Things are wide open in July. I am completely at your disposal for any matter.

I'm done with the Oceanic Eldar. The only thing I might add would be a couple of Falcon Turrets (to switch out with the Night Spinners) and maaaaybe a Scorpion Grav Tank. That would bring it to 3000 pts. It's a generous 2400 points now.

The orks are in process. I've got about twenty more boys assembled up with some conversions to make them a little different (eg different close combat weapons). That's a solid 1500 pts already. I'm actually quite excited to play them. It'll be a nice change of pace from prancing around with the Eldar.

So many games, not enough time.

I've been really stressing out recently. There were some unexpected expenses this last month and that really put the hurt on. We've all been there. Running a business has some insane pressures. But as time wears on I don't get as worked up each time. I'm getting tougher. Most of my problems are financial or adminstrative in nature. I think this will prepare me for future challenges.

Last night I was snuggled in bed with my wife, the window open to the spring air, the gentle chirping of crickets outside. And the rustle of gentle wind in the aspens. We watched Iron Man on her laptop and ate rice krispie treats with a huge glass of ice cold milk.

The baby was up at 3am, and again at 6am, so I just got started right off. The kids were all asleep helter skelter in the living room. Summer break is a magical time. My wife and I are firm believers in unstructured time; we don't like to have our kids in too many programs, if any. When I was growing up the only activity I was really involved in was D&D. I had almost complete freedom to come and go as I pleased from age 12. I had a GREAT childhood to say the least.

Anyway, Sarah is out this week. She's spending some summertime with her family, so I'm pulling double duty. The happiness level is down about 40%.

For lunch today my wife showed up with three of the four kids. We picked up some cheap chinese lunch special and headed back to the studio for some Magic with Renn and Joseph.

What else? Still got those various armies. A box full of Lord of the Rings and another full of Khador; Chaos Mortals ready to go, too. I should do a studio update tomorrow. I haven't done one because the main table is strewn with painting materials and various Orks.

A good friend of mine moved away today. I am very sad.

BTP Client Opens the Package

It's fun to see how it looks from the other side.

Space Marines Trailer

Pre-heresy Jetbike Conversion

Check out this conversion:

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.php?autocom=ineo&showarticle=299

This is really neat. We could do a bunch of these with parts we have on hand.

Ready to Ship

I have some major bills due at the end of this month. I am ready to part with virtually anything at the studio. I'm thinking mostly of the various armies. Please email me at bluetablepainting@gmail.com if interested.

I've got a great crew and we're all ready to work. I am at your disposal for any matter.

Remembering

For memorial day we went to the local cemetary to visit the war memorial and explain to our kids what it was all about.

For myself, I feel grateful to those that have died in the cause of Liberty and the defense of our Rights as humans, wherever that cause has been taken up, especially those that risked all in the dark times of the American Revolutionary War. To this day we are the inheritors of the Bill of Rights, which to me is worthy of life itself.

I leave you, kind reader, with good will and highest hopes, these quotes from Thomas Jefferson.

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.

An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion.

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

Bill of Rights

The Preamble to The Bill of Rights

Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."


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Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


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Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.


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Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.


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Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.


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Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.


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Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.


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Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.


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Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.


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Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.


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Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Weary

Hey all.
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The weather here in Utah Valley is gorgeous. There are huge plumes of white and grey clouds coming over the himalaya-like mountains to the east. It's a springtime rain, temperate air and wet streets. I find the sound of thunder comforting.
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This morning I was starting to feel weary. And generally so. Like a thick pall of darkness.
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I didn't want to go to church. I was two inches away from saying "bag it" and staying in bed. But I didn't. I got the kids dressed and off I went. I'm glad I did. I just can't stay in a bad mood when I'm there.
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I got home and my angelic wife fried up some chicken. Orange juice, and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
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Then off to home teaching.
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Saturday my wife and I tore into the garage. It was dirty work. And we found petrified layers of junk under the other layers of junk. After that I headed to work, but had to call it short due to a splitting sinus headache. All that dust probably got to me.
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I regularly get emails thanking me and my crew for our enthusiasm and inspiration. That really gives me a lift. I would encourage those that like what BTP stands for, and what we do, to get going and place an order. We are ready to work, and to stand behind our product.
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20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! -- Matthew 6

I think that this refers to daydreaming; what am I thinking about all the time? What am I fretting about? Imagine a man standing in a paradaisical sunlit glade, but that he has two discs of blackness over his eyes (his troubles, his worries, his obsessions). I think that sometimes I am blinded to the rich blessings all around me.

Shout Out to Terrainaholic

I met Bill at Adepticon. He's quite an exuberant fellow. I wish I could have chatted with him more.


Here's his website: http://miniaturesunlimited.com/

Imperial Guard Codex: First Impressions

I got my Imperial Guard codex this Friday. I've been able to look it over and get familiar with some of the units and how the thing is laid out.

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Described in one word: evocative.

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The book has great art-- some classics and some new art. But each picture evokes a certain feeling, like a picture of a valkyrie screaming over the battlefield after just dropping off an elite squad of storm troopers.

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There's not a single thing I don't like about the army list. It is chock full of goodies.

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First off, starting with Orks, then with Space Marines, and now with Imperial Guard, GW has been powering up each army. It's not so much raw power, but giving lots of tactical options. I would say, though, that those three armies are intrinsically more powerful than the other lists.

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The first thing I like about the new Guard are the orders. There are like six types of Orders, which are issued during the shooting phase and require a leadership test to take effect. A Company Commander can issue two of them, and can choose from all six. A Junior officer (which can be part of a platoon ie part of a Troops choice) can issue one order a turn and has a more limited list.

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This definitely adds a huge layer of tactics to this list. The orders aren't a small thing. My favorite one, "Take it Down" can be leveled at a vehicle or monstrous creature giving twin-linked to the target unit, for example, a unit of Lascannon teams.

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One thing I was glad to see is that Veterans are a troops choice. So, you don't have to take whole platoons. I wish I still had my Lions Rampant! They would have done well under this list.

Storm Troopers (elites) hellguns are AP3.

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The thing I like the most is that tanks can be taken in squadrons, groups of up to three. Even valkyries can be taken in squadrons of up to three PER SLOT.

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Most troop choices cost less per model. Penal troops are 4 pts per model, your basic guardsman is down from 6 pts to 5 pts. And veterans are only 7 pts (this is a great value for +1 BS plus a load of options).

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Like other new codexes, this one has no Wargear section. All the options are written in the army list which is a lot clearer.

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The book is laid out very well, with header bars and page reference numbers.

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I predict that the hot unit of the book is going to be the battle psyker squad. This was the whipping boy of each previous incarnation of this list-- a joke in the last one. But now they are just absolutely insane, a huge potential for shooting. And nevermind their key power, twhich is to reduce the leadership of enemy units.

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A battle psyker squad can have up to nine members plus an Overseer. The strength of their Soulstorm attack is equal to the number of psykers in the squad; 36" AP (d6 roll) Assault 1, large blast. Need I say more.

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The other unit which you should "not leave home without" is the Master of Ordinance. He costs 30 points, and is an advisor to the commander. Every turn he can drop an unlimited range S9 AP3 large blast anywhere on the board. The only downside is that it scatters 3d6" (1d6 less if he can see the target). That's insane.

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The list also includes a ton of models that were normally only in Forge World supplement books. They can now be used in a normal army list.

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And on top of all that, the Guard list is traditionally the go-to for non-traditional figures: humanoid xenos, squats, and renegades (chaos-corrupted guard) to name a few. I would love to make a renegade legion using this list.

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The only problem with this codex is that yo'll have a devil of a time settling on what units to include in your army. They're all so cool!

Use me and Abuse me

I am standing by to set up projects for June. I am completely at your disposal for any matter, any inquiry.



The baby has learned to roll over from her back to her belly. Unfortunately she doesn't like to be on her belly. And she lets us know three times a night. "Help! I'm on my belly! I don't know how to fix it!" Poor sweetheart.



I spent the morning looking over the studio stock of Daemons. I found three flamers, six daemonettes, four hounds of khorne, one Karanak, and one fiend of slaanesh, and ten bloodletters. The various concepts I had for the army just did not come together. Plus it didn't seem very fun to play. So, I have scratched the studio Daemons army

However, I found a significant vein of models for another army. Nope, not going to tell you what it is, but it will coalesce at a clipper pace. I will be starting to paint models for it tomorrow at Paint Fest.

Standing By

I am standing by to take orders for June. That is my sole focus.

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If you read past blog posts, there are a lot of good deals and specials going. As follows:

There are four armies on the block. Here are the prices for this week, until May 25:

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Oceanic Eldar $1700 (buy it this week and get a matching Aeronautica Imperialis squadron of five forge world models)
Lizardmen $1200
Heru Sky Raiders $950
Space Wolves $250
Dark Elves $1450

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I have some Bretonnians that are 90% off if you commission them, 50% off if you just want to buy them.

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I have been taking stock at the studio and I have various bins full of goodies; unpainted figures mostly new in box/sprue. Warriors of Chaos, Lord of the Rings, Space Marines, and Bretonnians are the principle actors..If you are interested in commissioning at least half of the Warriors of Chaos (pretty sure at least enough here for two armies) you get the materials at half off. Total retail value here is $626..Unit Name QTY
Chaos Lord on Daemonic Mount (2008 release) 2
Harry the Hammer Limited Edition 1
Lord of Nurgle on steed 2
Lord of Tzeentch on disc 1
Nurgle Chaos Sorceror (2008 release) 1
Wulfrik the Wanderer (2008 release) 1
Khorne Chaos Lord on Juggernaut (2008 release) 1
Warriors of Chaos (12 models) 1
Marauder of Chaos 76
Chaos Warhounds (10 models) 3
Marauder Horsemen (5 models) 2
Chaos Knights (5 models) 2 .If this were my army I would put the Harry the Hammer on foot and use the extra basework parts as embellishments on the chaos knight bases.

PS- I am on the hunt for an Ultraforge vulture demon.

Morning Inspiration

I'm going to play this every time an artist comes in today...

Bone Knights vs Oceanic Eldar Batrep

Start with part 01!

Tau-rrific!

See more of this Tau army here.

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Would you like a Tau army painted in this color scheme? Get 10% off your painting during the month of May for picking this color scheme. Check here for prices or contact bluetablepainting@gmail.com for a quote.

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I was up and ready to go at 5:30am and so I started answering emails. I am completely on top of them, answering each one as it comes in. That's how it should be. A goal I set some months back.

I arrived before Sarah this morning, an oddity. She was wearing her nerdly glasses on account of an irritated eye (from contact lenses?). We caught up on weekend events, got the place in order, and did a Morning Show.

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The weather got up into the 90s, way too hot for my taste, the first inkling of summer.

My wife came by with lunch (roast beef sandwiches, chips and hummus). I took Griffin across the street to the corner store for some candy. He loves to ride on my shoulders and says hi to everyone. He's king of the world up there.

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I am currently booking projects for June. Now is the time, folks!

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There are four armies on the block. Here are the prices for this week, until May 25:

Oceanic Eldar $1700

Lizardmen $1200

Heru Sky Raiders $950

Space Wolves $250

Dark Elves $1450

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I don't normally like to part with my armies, nor put them on the block for less than a decent price, but it's time to clear out and catch up on some bills!

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I also have some slots open still for the Imperial Guard and Tank specials (see below).

Ultimate Sunday

Saturday night I collapsed from complete exhaustion and slept soundly through the night.

I like Sunday because I don't do any work. It allows me to get away from the constant thrum of business concerns and focus on family and spiritual matters. And to read books (including army books!). As I mentioned, I have sworn off financial/political stuff for the rest of May. That has been harder than I thought. I realized how much politics I consume every day: probably two to four hours a day of books, TV, radio, internet (articles and video); with no stripe omitted (conservative, liberal, libertarian and even conspiracy theory stuff).

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I've been reading General Conference and some stuff by S. W. Kimball. I am also picking my way through C.S. Lewis's Perelandra (third read-- feels like the first), and a book of Aesop's fables.

I've been working on a few articles for the blog about religion (temples and cosmic stuff). But I don't think anything is going to come of it. If at least three people request it, I'll put the rough draft up here later.

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I have had a profound personal transformation for the better recently. I can't get into too any details, but it's significantly changed my outlook.

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I got two of the kids ready for church in like five minutes; Kenna and Griffin came with me and we claimed our pew. Griffin was crawling all over me, literally up on my shoulders and almost upside down. So, we went out for a walk about halfway through. The baby and other son arrived later. My wife's hair looked different and I liked it a lot, commenting about how great it looked on her, but she explained that it was not washed nor treated in any way, just thrown together. Well, she cleans up well. Isn't that how that works.

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Joseph's family was out of town so we had him over to dinner; corn on the cob, beef, artichokes, tamales, guacamole, washed down with crushed ice and home-squeezed lemonade. We played Magic until it was two hours past the kids bedtimes. My wife had fallen asleep in the other room.

So I got the kids to bed and laid to rest for the new week.

Bone Knights Army List

Here's the list for the Bone Knights.

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HQ: Space Marine Captain (6#, 400 Pts)
1 Deimos @ 400 Pts
...in Power Armour; Command Squad
1 ...in Power Armour @ [175] Pts
Frag Grenades; Iron Halo; Krak Grenades; Power Fist (x2); Digital Weapons; Artificer Armour
3 Command Squad @ [225] Pts
Bolt Pistol (x1); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Lightning Claw (x1); Power Fist (x1); Thunder Hammer (x1); Combi-Plasmagun (x1); Plasma Pistol (x1); Apothecary; Company Champion
1 Apothecary @ [23] Pts
Bolt Pistol (x1); Chainsword (x1); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Narthecium; Power Armour
1 Narthecium @ [0] Pts
1 Company Champion @ [0] Pts
Combat Shield; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Power Weapon

Troops: Tactical Squad (10#, 205 Pts)
9 Dronios @ 205 Pts
Bolt Pistol (x9); Bolter (x7); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Flamer; Heavy Bolter
1 Sergeant @ [58] Pts
Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Fist; Combi-Meltagun

Troops: Tactical Squad (10#, 205 Pts)
9 Toruos @ 205 Pts
Bolt Pistol (x9); Bolter (x7); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Flamer; Heavy Bolter
1 Sergeant @ [58] Pts
Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Fist; Combi-Meltagun

Elite: Sternguard Veteran Squad (6#, 230 Pts)
4 Ustaeos @ 230 Pts
Bolt Pistol (x4); Bolter (x1); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Combi-Meltagun (x3); Drop Pod
1 Sergeant @ [50] Pts
Bolter; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Power Fist
1 Drop Pod @ [65] Pts
Deathwind Missile Launcher; Locator Beacon
1 Locator Beacon @ [0] Pts

Elite: Terminator Assault Squad (5#, 200 Pts)
4 Inayos @ 200 Pts
Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield (x4)
1 Terminator Armour @ [0] Pts
1 Sergeant @ [40] Pts
Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield (x1)
1 Terminator Armour @ [0] Pts

Fast Attack: Assault Squad (5#, 140 Pts)
4 Beleos @ 140 Pts
Bolt Pistol (x3); Chainsword (x4); Frag Grenades; Jump Packs; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Flamer
1 Jump Packs @ [0] Pts
1 Sergeant @ [58] Pts
Chainsword; Frag Grenades; Jump Packs; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Thunder Hammer
1 Jump Packs @ [0] Pts

Heavy Support: Devastator Squad (5#, 190 Pts)
4 Aditia @ 190 Pts
Bolt Pistol (x4); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Lascannon (x2); Missile Launcher (x2)
1 Sergeant @ [23] Pts
Bolter; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Signum; Chainsword
1 Signum @ [0] Pts

Total Roster Cost: 1570

Created with Army Builder
Copyright (c) 1997-2006 Lone Wolf Development, Inc. All rights reserved

Oceanic Eldar vs Bone Knights

I finally got to play against Renn's Bone Knights today. It will take about four days to get all the video edited and up on Youtube. He's going to send me his list later. Here is the list I played:

1500 Pts - Eldar Roster

HQ: Autarch (1#, 138 Pts)
1 Autarch @ 138 Pts
Unit Type: Jetbike Infantry; Fleet; Independent Character; Master Strategist; Turbo-boosters; Banshee Mask (BM); Forceshield (FShld); Eldar Jetbike (EJB); Power Weapon; Shuriken Pistol (Sp); Reaper Launcher (RL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat) (x1); Haywire Grenades (HayG); Plasma Grenades (PG)

Troops: Dire Avengers (11#, 287 Pts)
9 Dire Avengers @ 287 Pts
Fleet; Avenger S-Catapult (ASC)
1 Dire Avenger Exarch @ [44] Pts
Fleet; Bladestorm (BS); 2 Avenger SC
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts
Energy Field (Wave Serpent); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat); TL Bright Lances (TL-BL)

Troops: Dire Avengers (11#, 287 Pts)
9 Dire Avengers @ 287 Pts
Fleet; Avenger S-Catapult (ASC)
1 Dire Avenger Exarch @ [44] Pts
Fleet; Bladestorm (BS); 2 Avenger SC
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts
Energy Field (Wave Serpent); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat); TL Bright Lances (TL-BL)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (1#, 75 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 75 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (1#, 75 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 75 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (1#, 75 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 75 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Heavy Support: War Walker Squadron (3#, 240 Pts)
1 War Walker Squadron @ 240 Pts
Scouts
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)

Elite: Striking Scorpions (6#, 123 Pts)
5 Striking Scorpions @ 123 Pts
Mandiblaster (Mb); Scorpion Chainsword (SCs); Shuriken Pistol (Sp); Plasma Grenades (PG)
1 Striking Scorpion Exarch @ [43] Pts
Mandiblaster (Mb); Scorpion Chainsword (SCs); Scorpion Claw (SClaw); Plasma Grenades (PG)

Heavy Support: Night Spinner (IA) (1#, 200 Pts)
1 Night Spinner (IA) @ 200 Pts
Twin Linked Shuriken Catapult; Night Spinner; Holo-Field (Vehicle) (H-F); Spirit Stone (V:SpStn); Vectored Engines (VE)

Total Roster Cost: 1500

Created with Army Builder
Copyright (c) 1997-2006 Lone Wolf Development, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chaos Lords

Check out these two Chaos Lords.

http://www.bluetablepainting.com/view_gallery.php?galleryID=2933

I think this would be a great color scheme for a Chaos Space Marine army, too.

Remember, we have a Warriors of Chaos army on the block

http://bluetablepainting.blogspot.com/2009/04/warriors-of-chaos-raw-materials.html

Origin of Money

Nice to Hear

[Got this email from a BTP Fan. I'm always impressed when someone has seen "every" video we've put up because that's pushing 40 man-hours of viewing.]

Hello!


I'd like to introduce myself; My name is Sam, I'm a U.S. Navy sailor, stationed at the [redacted] in sunny (read: humid) [redacted]. I was a LONG time video game fanatic, playing almost anything I could get my hands on since the days of the Commodore 64. I tried the beta test for Dawn of War 2, on recommendation from a friend, and that's when the bug bit. He used to be a manager at a comic book store, and had some passing knowledge of 40K, and I started constantly nagging him for more information about the fluff, and the miniatures. He filled me in with what he knew, but we found ourselves quickly spiraling down into the deep desire to become a part of the hobby. I obviously don't have a lot of money, being a military member and all, so I wanted to start on the cheap.


I purchased the AoBR Painting set, with the five snap-together marines, six colors of paint in the tiny pots, and a starter brush. I was completely hooked! I decided that I wanted to start building a custom chapter of marines, buying whatever I could afford and adding to the army slowly. I bought another smaller box of marines (three snap-together tactical marines) and tested out my idea for the chapter colors. Next came a box of assault marines, then a battleforce (a happy day for me... not my wife), the AoBR box, and just recently a vindicator.


I've got quite a way to go on my army, and I'm a terribly slow painter, but what I love is the calm methodic peace I get from painting. It's certainly an enjoyable creative outlet.


Why am I telling you all this? Well, because as far as I'm concerned, you and your employees have become my guides into this wonderful past-time. I've watched nearly every youtube video that Blue Table Painting has posted, watching many of the battle reports multiple times. I'm constantly encouraged by your enthusiasm, spirit, and joy for all things war gaming. I just can't thank you guys enough for your major contribution to the wargaming world.


Though I greatly enjoy the painting now, perhaps in the future I'll be honored to use your companies services as there's no doubt in my mind who I would trust more with an army.

Sam

Sleek Ships

My day began with a start: a dream of the End of the World: lightning flashes ten per second over a distant city, coming ever closer; hiding the family in the cellar as the wind grows stronger, and dark clouds gather, and finally an unstoppable horde of half-men-half-dragon sent to raze my home town, on orders to kill every living thing. So, at 4:30am I was wide awake and got started on the day's work.

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I am currently booking projects for June. So, bring it on I say. I am running the Imperial Guard special (see below) and expanding the tanks deal to any race.

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For the remainder of this week I am putting the studio Lizardmen on special at $1250. Remember it comes with a signed Dealio by Sarah. See here for details on what's in it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF5dX2p-fLk

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I never got around to playing Renn. We are both so busy. Hopefully later this week, maybe Saturday.

Summer Release Schedule

Here's a rumored GW release schedule. Looks like Planet Strike may be out in July.

Product
Release Date

Empire Captain with Hammer and Pistol
June 6th 2009

Star Player The Mighty Zug (Blood Bowl XXVII)
June 6th 2009

Pack of Skulls
June 6th 2009

Khrone Chaos Icons
June 6th 2009

Tzeentch Chaos Icons
June 6th 2009

Nurgle Chaos Icons
June 6th 2009

Slaanesh Chaos Icon
June 6th 2009

Uniforms & Heraldry of The Empire
June 6th 2009

Empire Greatswords
June 6th 2009

Empire Archers
June 6th 2009

Empire Steam Tank
June 6th 2009

Elector Count Marius Leitdorf
June 6th 2009

Empire Captain with Sword and Sheild
June 6th 2009

Dechala
June 20th 2009

Scyla
June 20th 2009

Galadhrim Banner Bearer
June 20th 2009

Guards of the Galadhrim Court
June 20th 2009

Rumil
June 20th 2009

Haldir
June 20th 2009

Galadhrim Knights
June 20th 2009

Galadhrim Warriors
June 20th 2009

Temple of Skulls
June 20th 2009

Empire Battalion
June 20th 2009

The Chase
July 4th 2009

Orc Heads
July 4th 2009

Snotlings
July 4th 2009

Orc Sheilds
July 4th 2009

Orc Weapons
July 4th 2009

Chaos Bastion
July 4th 2009

The Spear of Sicarius
July 4th 2009

Warhammer 40,000 Expansion: Planetstrike
July 4th 2009

Blastscape
July 4th 2009

Imperial Bastion
July 4th 2009

Aegis Defence Line
July 4th 2009

Skysheild Landing Pad
July 4th 2009

Mines, Bombs, and Booby traps
July 4th 2009

Imperial Outpost
July 18th 2009

Imperial Defence Network
July 18th 2009

Forgefather Vulkan He'stan
July 18th 2009

Kor'sarro Khan
July 18th 2009

Space Marine Landspeeder Storm
July 18th 2009

Space Marine Ironclad Dreadnought
July 18th 2009

Citadel Fine Detail Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Detail Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Standard Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Basecoat Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Large Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Wash Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Stippling Brush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Small Drybrush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Medium Drybrush
July 18th 2009

Citadel Large Drybrush
July 18th 2009

Shrine of the Aquila
July 18th 2009

Imperial Strongpoint
July 18th 2009

FAQ: New Army

I often get emails asking what units to buy for an army.

The first step is to buy your books! It's not very exciting, but it needs to be done. Spend a few nights in bed with your first army book. Keep the book with you and take some notes.

When designing an army I like to take a blank sheet of paper and draw out the various units, as if the paper were a representation of the table itself, rectangles or circles showing each unit.

There's no law you can't just take blank pieces of paper, or chits, or blank bases and do a few playtests with your army list, even taking both sides if you don't have a friend to go in for the playtest. Things that look good in theory aren't always the best units.

There will be a temptation to make a "one trick pony" army. "Ooh wow this unit is really powerful, I'm going to make an army of all that". Don't do it. These games are designed with the idea that you need a variety of different units.

Besides, with a "one trick pony" is a no-win for the meta-game. If you win, you will crush your opponent and he/she won't have a good time. If you lose, you will usually lose big time as the fatal flaw of your army is exposed. You almost can't go wrong by taking one of each kind of unit in an army list.

For GW games, they have done a really good job of evening out the units. There aren't too many outright broken unit types. And they have shored up weak units. In the Eldar list (which I love) there are lot of examples of this. The Wraithlord was vastly overpowered, and now they are about right. Wraithguard are about right. Shining Spears and Warp Spiders are still waiting for them to get it right.

In that same vein, when choosing units consider the "eggs with hammers" idea. This means a unit that is very fragile but hits very hard. Shining Spears are like this. They are great, but are pretty pricey for something that can die relatively easily. Imagine a unit with T3 and no armor save, but that has a gun stat line like S10 AP1 Assault 4. That seems powerful, but they die ever so easy. Keep survivability in mind. This is why a unit like Plague Marines is so popular. They can take a punch and still come out swinging. These are fun to play because they stick around. Wraithguard are in this category.

Dark Eldar are the ultimate eggs with hammers army. The Raider, for example, is an open-topped vehicle with 10 armor all around with one giant powerful gun stuck on the front. The difference here between Shining Spears and a Raider is that the Raider is priced correctly. It's cheap, I think 35 points.

Speaking of which, you may have noticed that a Rhino has gone down in points, but comes with upgrades standard. They dropped the net cost about half. That makes Rhinos a really good option, especially that they are essentially mobile scenery. I'm also a fan of transports because it makes it faster to get your army on the table during deployment.

For 40K, also note that the game is not geared to be a short range firefight. Mid-range fighters are stronger because the game is designed to push units into short range really quick. I advise against the shooting-heavy army. For both Fantasy and 40K, the shooters are typically in a Troubleshooter role or (more likely) in a soften up the enemy role; they are support for your close combat units. Your archers should peel off a critical rank or two before your close combat guys move in to mop up. In 40K this is even more pronounced because a unit can shoot, then charge and effectively provide both roles.

This is why you'll see a lot of combi-weapons on veteran-type squads. They can strike an almighty hammer-blow just where needed.

Your army is like an orchestra. You've got to have lots of different instruments. When you settle on an army, ask these questions of each unit:
1) What role does this unit fill? How does this unit help you win?
2) How does this unit interact with the other units? How does this unit help other units?

Harpies: This unit helps me win by ___________. This unit helps other units by ____________.

Too often, a new player just picks what looks good, or what seems powerful, and then gets dissected by a more experienced player.

Play for fun. Losing all the time isn't fun.

Win by making sure your opponent has a good time. Be in the game, but not so invested that you can't see how your friend is doing.

Happy (Tank) Hunting

Hi Shawn and company,

I received the [six variant shadowsword] you made up for me.

Congratulations to your shipper! The box arrived at our post office with a great big dent in the side, but due to the excellence of the packing job, all the pieces inside and the tank body itself were fine with ZERO damage!

My thanks to you all. The tank is well made and cleverly done with the magnets so that we can use all six variants. Very professional. From Randy and Kent in Ontario a big shout out to Blue Table Painting. Thank you very much guys.

Randy G.

Painting Eyes

I came across this great article on BOLS.

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2009/05/hobby-eyes-have-it.html

Sabbatico Politico

Another glorious Sunday has passed. It was perfect go-for-a-walk weather.

I was inexplicably agitated today. After talking with my wonderful wife about it, we finally dug out the truth. I am getting all worked up about politics and economics. Stuff I can do very little about is getting the lions share of my mental energy. So, I've decided to take a few weeks off. Maybe even a month.

I still think it's a very important topic to consider, and as a citizen to act upon as much as I can. So, don't get me wrong.

Busy Day

The plan was to put in a full day and get all caught up for Monday. Renn and I had to postpone our game until then. But instead I took off with my daughter for the game shop. Once there I just hung out for like six hours, picking up a few games of Magic and soaking in the atmosphere of a mega-apocalypse game of 40K.

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A good friend of ours had his 36th birthday today. We are good friends with he and his wife. They have young kids like us and we trade babysitting a lot. Anyway, his sister-in-law Amy was there and we are both Ron Paul devotees and we fell in talking about politics for an indeterminate amount of time.

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I am making good headway with Open Veins, about a third the way through. I still owe you all a review of Meltdown.

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Remember, a bank loans money at a 10:1 ratio. They can lend out ten dollars for every dollar on deposit. It is legal, but it is a scam. It allows them to "buy the town" so to speak and make all the Freemen squatters on bank property, spending a third of their lives working for people who neither serve nor produce. And if they manage to bungle that sweet deal, you still have to pay for it through your taxes which finance bailouts. At least that's the picture that's shaping up.

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Here's an encouraging blurb from a conference talk:

Throughout His mortal life the Savior taught that we should care for one another and help one another. He healed the sick, caused the lame to walk, restored sight to the blind, and unstopped the ears of the deaf. He taught the people the gospel. He blessed the people and performed many mighty miracles.10

There are opportunities everywhere to help those in need. I submit to you that at some time in our lives, each of us will be poor in some way and will need the help of another person. For “are we not all beggars?”11

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.”12

Last summer when I was away from home, a fierce wind and rainstorm blew through our neighborhood. A huge tree had fallen from my neighbor’s yard, filling my yard and knocking down power lines. The tree needed to be removed before the damage could be repaired and power restored to my home.

Early in the morning I called my brother, who planned to find some equipment and come as soon as he could. I also called my bishop. Within minutes my bishop, home teacher, former stake president, and 10 men from my ward were there with their chain saws and made quick work of this disaster. My visiting teachers brought in dinner that evening. Many more men from the high priests group, the elders quorum, and the neighborhood came on subsequent evenings to assist me and my family in cleaning up the mess.

I was needy on that occasion. I needed help from others. My discouragement turned into joy and gratitude. I felt loved and cared for. These people were quick to recognize one in need. They lived their testimony and demonstrated the reality of their covenants.

At Church headquarters we often receive thank-you notes from people not of our church who have been served by you after a flood, hurricane, earthquake, or other disaster. Thank you for always being willing to serve, love, give, and thus be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Read the rest here

A3x3

I am expanding the Imperial Guard tank special (get three vehicles painted, and get three similar vehicles painted for free). I'm calling it the Armor Three by Three special. I have three slots open for it. See below for details.

I am now booking projects for June. Now is a good time to get your project set up.

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Don't forget that you can trade in models you're not using. That helps take the edge off. Not to mention that wives love to see that old stuff out of the house! Use it as a bargaining point.

To Boldly Go

Firstly, the studio Lizardmen army is on the block. See below for video and pricing. You have the option to drop the Salamander (this reduces the price by $50). You can expand the army if you please. We plan on doing a compatible three Razordon unit to be available separately.

We started cracking early, around 9am. Sarah wore a red shirt today. This is newsworthy. She almost always wears black or grey. I think it was in honor of the new Star Trek movie, which we went to go see as a studio. I liked it. Definitely worth watching. The opening sequence is one of the best I've seen.
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The big news in my life is that I'm off the couch for the first time in seven years. Seven years I slept on that thing. It was good for my back. I slept better on it. And also it is in a better insulated room (can't hear outside noises, and it's dark-- I am a very light sleeper and it's hard for me to get back to sleep). But things must expand and transform, so I'm back in bed with my wife. She got a specialty mattress that I can tolerate. Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but I suppose each person has to find their own way.
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I am reading Open Veins of Latin America which is a very disturbing historical portrait of the ongoing conquest of Latin America. I am only like 50 pages in. For those that don't know it, I have a degree in Spanish and I studied a lot about LA history and literature. I wrote my capstone paper on Mayan rituals. I went to a very liberal school as a conservative. I was one of only six people who took the class "Conservative Studies" which the college tried to quash. It was with a very, very hard teacher. She gave only one A. Guess who got that? I worked really hard in that class. I had an Argentinian professor. A real firecracker. She had been tortured, and we had a short segment on that topic. When she found out my right-ist leanings, we went round and round, arguing vehemently. It was good for me. It helped me understand another viewpoint. So, thank you Nora S.!
.

I think that I got lower grades on papers that went against what my professors believed. Is that possible?



Even the Onion is in on it

Ironclad

Due out in July.

Now booking projects for June 2009.

Imperial Guard Specials

We want to paint your Imperial Guard army!

I am totally not kidding around. We are ready to go. Contact Shawn at bluetablepainting@gmail.com to get your project set up OR with any question. I can send you a spreadsheet with complete prices on it on request.

Armored Company Special
Get three Imperial Guard vehicles painted and get three more painted free.*
I will consider doing this special for non-IG armies on a case by case basis.
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Massed Infantry Special
Get your huge masses of infantry painted up. Just get it done. Now's your chance!**
This has been expanded with the following options:

• Get 50 infantry painted at L2 for $190
• Get 50 infantry painted at L3 for $290
• Get 100 infantry painted at L2 for $345 BEST DEAL!
• Get 100 infantry painted at L3 for $550
• Get 150 infantry painted at L2 for $502
• Get 150 infantry painted at L3 for $802
• Assembly per infantry figure is $2 (if you use this special). We will be glad to take care of it!
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  *Here are the details-- they must be in pairs. You can't have a two chimeras painted regular price and then get two baneblades done for free. But you could have a chimera and a baneblade done then get two more of the same done free. Tanks don't need to be the exact same to count as a pair, just similar (so you could pair up a Hellhound and a Chimera). All the vehicles in a project need to be roughly the same color scheme. Doesn't apply to Forge World. I have six slots open for this (limited offer). Must ask for the special by name.
  .
  **Here are the details-- Needs to be simple infantry (eg not loaded up with every accessory). L2 is our most basic work. They need to be all of similar type (ie not ten squads of different colors/types). I have six slots open for this (limited offer). Must ask for the special by name. If you want us to buy the models I may be able to get them at a better discount, too.

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Not done yet! If you are one of the first three people to claim slots under this special (and you want to) we will acquire your models at 30% off.
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It gets even better. You can save 10% MORE by giving us Artistic License. We get to pick color scheme and basing type (within the genre-- no pink Guard!)
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I've found that when I run specials things come up that I haven't thought of, so I reserve the right to reasonably alter or clarify the specials.

Trade-in Rates for May 2009

Here are the trade-in rates for May 2009. I'm offering service credit in trade for models. Read this completely as I have recently improved almost every aspect of this program!

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You can usually get a much better deal going to the secondary market (local shop, ebay) on your own. However, the advantage of trading in with us is that you are likely to be able to unload disparate items without a lot of hassle (e.g. finding various buyers, setting up payment).

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If you want to trade in, we need a list with retail values and condition (e.g. new in box, new on sprue, assembled, primed). The rates below are a multiplier. If the entry says 0.30 it means you would get $30 for $100 worth of retail items. Just take the retail total and multiply it by the number. You do not need to figure this out; you can just send in your list of stuff to bluetablepainting@gmail.com

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In the past I have only allowed for half or less of a project to be paid in credit this way. But for the time being I am lifting that restriction. I just know there's someone who goes out to their garage, surveys the mass of unpainted models, sighs then turns out the light. This program will hopefully allow someone with the "white primer horde" to finally show up with a painted army.
We don’t need painted figures. Exception: if they only have a little bit done with them; not too thick, not too many layers.

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You can also get a credit of at least $10 to help with your shipping costs.

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If you want to trade-in figures, but don't have a project ready, that's OK, I will confirm your total and then you will have it on tap for when you want to use it.

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This trade-in is recorded as a payment on your project. It is non-refundable except at our discretion (eg you can’t refuse the project and then get your trade-in amount refunded as cash). Trade-in can be applied to cost of models, assembly or painting as you wish.

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Generally, we only need in-print models that are currently in production.

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These rates and conditions may change so it is recommended to check in every once in a while. I am likely to update the numbers about once a month. The plan right now is to update every first of the month. Fairness is the guiding principle.

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Forge World 0.45

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Assault on Black Reach Models (we don't need these) 0.00

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Chaos Space Marines 0.24

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Daemonhunters 0.21

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Daemons of Chaos 0.35

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Eldar 0.20

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Imperial Guard 0.32

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Necrons 0.20

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Orks 0.22

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Ork Vehicles 2008-2009 releases 0.40

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Space Marines 0.32

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Tau 0.25

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Tyranids 0.25

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Witch Hunters 0.21

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Lizardmen 0.30

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Dark Elves 0.25

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Warriors of Chaos 0.27

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Other Warhammer Fantasy 0.22

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Hordes 0.25

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War Machine 0.25

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Battlefleet Gothic 0.11

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Lord of the Rings 0.17

Oceanic Eldar 1720 point list

Here's the 1720 or so list I used for the battle this last Saturday. Next up: Oceanic Eldar take on the Bone Knights chapter of Space Marines.

This army is for sale temporarily: $1950 for the lot. This is not the complete list. Additional units: 1x Vyper, 1x Night Spinner, 1x Jetbike Warlock, 1x Farseer. Total points about 2200 Email me at bluetablepainting@gmail.com for details.




1701 Pts - Eldar Roster - Eldar code:Ocean

HQ: Autarch (1#, 138 Pts)
1 Autarch @ 138 Pts
Unit Type: Jetbike Infantry; Fleet; Independent Character; Master Strategist; Turbo-boosters; Banshee Mask (BM); Forceshield (FShld); Eldar Jetbike (EJB); Power Weapon; Shuriken Pistol (Sp); Reaper Launcher (RL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat) (x1); Haywire Grenades (HayG); Plasma Grenades (PG)

Troops: Dire Avengers (11#, 287 Pts)
9 Dire Avengers @ 287 Pts
Fleet; Avenger S-Catapult (ASC)
1 Dire Avenger Exarch @ [44] Pts
Fleet; Bladestorm (BS); 2 Avenger SC
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts
Energy Field (Wave Serpent); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat); TL Bright Lances (TL-BL)

Troops: Dire Avengers (11#, 287 Pts)
9 Dire Avengers @ 287 Pts
Fleet; Avenger S-Catapult (ASC)
1 Dire Avenger Exarch @ [44] Pts
Fleet; Bladestorm (BS); 2 Avenger SC
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts
Energy Field (Wave Serpent); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat); TL Bright Lances (TL-BL)

Troops: Guardian Jetbike Squadron (3#, 76 Pts)
3 Guardian Jetbike Squadron @ 76 Pts
Unit Type: Jetbike Infantry; Turbo-boosters; Eldar Jetbike (EJB); Shuriken Cannon (SCan) (x1); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat) (x2)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (1#, 75 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 75 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (2#, 150 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 150 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Fast Attack: Vyper Squadron (2#, 150 Pts)
1 Vyper Squadron @ 150 Pts
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)
1 Vyper @ [75] Pts
Bright Lance (BL); TL Shuriken Catapult (TL-Scat)

Heavy Support: Night Spinner (IA) (1#, 170 Pts)
1 Night Spinner (IA) @ 170 Pts
Twin Linked Shuriken Catapult; Night Spinner; Holo-Field (Vehicle) (H-F)

Heavy Support: War Walker Squadron (3#, 240 Pts)
1 War Walker Squadron @ 240 Pts
Scouts
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)
1 War Walker @ [80] Pts
Starcannon (StrCan); Starcannon (StrCan)

Elite: Striking Scorpions (6#, 128 Pts)
5 Striking Scorpions @ 128 Pts
Mandiblaster (Mb); Scorpion Chainsword (SCs); Shuriken Pistol (Sp); Plasma Grenades (PG)
1 Striking Scorpion Exarch @ [48] Pts
Stalker; Mandiblaster (Mb); Scorpion Chainsword (SCs); Scorpion Claw (SClaw); Plasma Grenades (PG)

Total Roster Cost: 1701

NOTE: Added Vectored Engines to Fire Prism.

Created with Army Builder
Copyright (c) 1997-2006 Lone Wolf Development, Inc. All rights reserved.

Lord of the Rings Deal

Here is the stuff I have for Lord of the Rings. You will need to "read" this correctly like this:
"Dol Amroth Banner Bearer x1 1 Cav & 1 Inf " means "ONE Dol Amroth bearer box/blister which contains one cavalry and one infantry figure).

LOTR inventory--

Box sets:
The Riders of Rohan x6 6 Cav
Knights of Minas Tirith x1 6 Cav
Minas Tirith Battlehost x1 6 Cav & 56 Inf.
Warriors of the Last Alliance x2 24 Inf

Blister packs:
Rohan Royal Guard Mounted x9 1 Cavalry
Rohan Captain x1 1 Cav & 1 Inf

Prince Imrahil of Dol Armroth x1 1 Cav & 1 Inf
Dol Amroth Captain x1 1 Cav & 1 Inf
Dol Amroth Banner Bearer x1 1 Cav & 1 Inf
Knight of Dol Amroth- mtd x6 1 Cav
Knights of Dol Amroth- foot x3 3 Inf
Men at Arms of Dol Amroth x3 3 Infantry

Elf Spearmen (Fellowship) x6 3 Inf
Haldirs Elves with Bows x3 3 Inf
Haldirs Elves Captains x1 2 Inf
Elf Command x2 2 Inf

Aragorn King of Gondor x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Armoured Boromir x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Faramir x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Theoden x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Eomer x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Eowyn x1 1 Inf & 1 cav
Glorfindel x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Gamling x1 1 Inf & 1 Cav
Beregond x1 1 Inf
Elrond and Gil-Galad x1 2 Inf
Forlong and Angbor x1 2 Inf

Knight of Minas Tirith Standard x1 1 Cav
Guards of the Fountain Court x2 3 Inf

Axemen of Lossarnach x4 3 Inf
Clansmen of Lamedon x4 3 Inf

The Deal is that you get the models at 90% off if you commission the whole thing. That's $40 for the lot (if you commission assembly/painting). If you just want part (at least a third) it's 50% off the cost of models. I'll need interested party to do some footwork to figure out how much that is.

Total Regular Infantry = 188 ($8.50 per figure for painting/assembly)
Total Regular Cavalry = 67 ($15.50 per figure for painting/assembly)
Total Hero Infantry = 14 ($26.50 per figure for painting/assembly)
Total Hero Cavalry = 9 ($32.50 per figure for painting/assembly)

This is for L3 on the basic guys and L5 on the heroes.

You can get a bulk discount of $100 if you commission the whole thing. Oh, it's a lot, I know, but this might just hit the spot for someone out there.

If you would just like to buy the models the cost is $425 shipped in US ($445 overseas).

Post Script


This is interesting because Bernanke is asked and answers a question about Austrian Economic Theory. I will need to listen to it about eight more times to make any sort of comment. Understand that the Austrian approach (espoused by Ron Paul notably, and others) is opposed in fundamental ways to what the Fed is doing.

That this discussion is even happening in a public forum is a big deal in my estimation.

Sated

The other day I was at Wal Mart to pick up some eggs and bread and I realized that I didn't want anything. Not a single thing in the whole store.

I'm satisfied with what I have. In fact, I am profoundly grateful for what I have. Especially my family. I'm enjoying every minute.

That got me thinking. What makes wealth and satisfaction? If I made a list of everything that I wanted or needed (materially) in this life, what would be on it?

I suppose there are two categories of goods: durable and perishable. Of course, myself and my family need food and heat. Other things, like dishes and clothes are fairly durable. Is it possible for the demand for a certain type of item (like cars) to be filled? And I don't just mean an individual, but as a nation. How many cars are in the US? Is there a point where we really don't need to make many more new cars? That's just one example.

I grew up the 80s and we were poor. Like, "open the cupboard and there's one can in there" poor. But I never registered that. It felt normal at the time. When I was a senior in High School I was out on my own, working evenings at McDonald's for $3.25 an hour (PS- the US Dollar has been so inflated in the last hundred years through printing of money its purchasing power has been reduce to less than ten cents in that time) to pay $84 a month in rent. A lady from a local church made sure I had plenty of jam and peanut butter. I would make quadruple decker PB&J sandwiches and wash them down with mighty gulps direct from a gallon of ice cold milk. That was a moment of paradaisical pleasure.

The pan that I fry my eggs in probably has a life of at least ten years.

So, I'm really in a place where I'm just happy with what I have. I want to pay off our debts. That's the main thing right now. My secondary goal is to improve the situation of people that work at BTP. That would be really great.

Having said all that. I do have goals for the business. The principle one is to move into a better studio. Something with windows and natural sunlight.

Reading this you shouldn't suppose that I'm unambitious or lazy. Quite the contrary. I want to grow the business up (not out) by enhancing the quality of the operation in every aspect. And I want to grown my personal life more deeply, to concentrate on time and experiences and people rather than things.

I've got some other thoughts percolating, too. What if banks are actually a negative net item in a society? What about not retiring and just working to the day I die? Is it possible to save enough resources (not paper money, the gov't is inflating the supply too quick to make it a sound investment, even at interest) to retire comfortable without any interest-bearing assets? What if I didn't get any medical care in my old age and just let my body wind down like nature intended?

Movie Review: Battle for Terra

I took my 7-year old to see Battle for Terra.

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The reviews made it out to be a thinly veiled environmental preachment. But I didn't find that to be the case at all. It was more about making a really tough choice about what is right.

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The strength of the movie, and what held my interest, was the amazing depictions of alien life (creatures) and culture and buildings. Terra really is an alien world with a unique technology.

There were a few points where my "suspension of disbelief" was stretched (example: when the human protagonist wakes up in Mala's dwelling he stumbles to a window to call for help, but on breathing the toxic alien atmospher just HAPPENS to tumble out the window in a dramatic fall where giant alien thorns HAPPEN to be below). But other than a few items like that the whole thing weaves together in a consistent and pleasant fashion.

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The other thing I liked is that Stanton has to make a deliciously excruciating decision near the end of the movie. It's the type of thing that you don't normally see in a movie geared to kids where there is usually a pre-fab-hate-able villain.

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My son was on the edge of his seat the whole time, sharing in my wonderment at the bizarre aliens and landscapes.

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I will buy this movie when it comes out. I would watch it again.

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I can't remember any scary parts or any sort of swearing. I would certainly recommend it for kids seven and up. And certainly if your kid likes sci-fi type stuff.

Slap Dash

I have about five minutes to crank out this post.

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On Friday we had a Magic draft at the studio. A pleasant diversion, and then back to work. Brigh won this one. We are catching up on shipping, quite a few things went out.

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Today I was awake and alert at 5:45am. I lay in bed for a while, listening to the soft spring rainfall outside (I am no longer sleeping on the couch). My wife and I were soon summoned by our little princess pod. We bundled her up, took up the oversize red and white umbrella and headed out into the neighborhood for a walk around the block.

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We went to a church breakfast. Bacon, pancakes, fruit, OJ, and hash browns were sizzling on camp stoves (well, not the juice and fruit). I may have mentioned this before, but there are various families in the ward who have created a communal part out of their unfenced back yards complete with a pavilion. This sort of thing convinces me that people can create their own paradise.

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This afternoon I played a 1725 pt battle against my good friend (a local from Mapleton); his Ultramarines vs the Oceanic Eldar. It was a great game. I wasn't going to record it, but he convinced me otherwise, so during the coming week I should have that up.

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I am undergoing a significant phase of personal harmonization. Perhaps I will speak more of that tomorrow.

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There are still a few slots open for May. I am booking projects plainly in June. Time flies.