Spring in Utah is my favorite season. The treeline looks like a painter's palette of gentle pastels. The highland desert air is rain-cleansed clear. No smog, just a gentle breeze. And when the sun goes down over the mountains far across Utah Lake, it's like the whole thing is transformed to ghostly glass.
Got the Chaos Renegade Imperial Guard army still on the block. I have a temporary urgency to sell it so I've got the price down to $1950 through Friday, April 30. If you've been lusting after it (as well you should) now's your chance. I'm in no hurry... generally.
Got in a huge order today. Salamanders GL. Blood Angels PW. Tyranids KJ. Among others.
Weather is having a hard time making up it's mind. It snowed lightly today, with some sleet and wind, but mostly cool and delightful. The dandelions are back with a vengeance. I spend some time every day when I get home from work weeding them out.
Need a sweet, sweet Ron Paul Fix? Look no further
Don't forget you Kentuckians that there is a primary race going on in your state where you get the privilege to vote for Rand Paul, one of the great Defenders of Liberty in our time!
Schizoid Weather
Letter from Client: we now heal animals evidently...
I recently took in a parakeet that was found in a shopping cart. He's had a hard time adjusting and I've tried talking to him (google says I should do that so it's not too crazy) but I haven't gotten too much of a response from him. So the other night, I sat down and watched the whole battle report between tyranids and blood angels and the entire time he was tweeting and seemed pretty transfixed by the whole battle. He seemed to have a pretty good time watching it and ever since then he's been a lot more active and a lot more comfortable with his new home. Thought you should know that the biggest fan of that battle was probably Petey the Parakeet
Have a good one
Dreamy Sunday
Friday night I could hardly sleep. I kept having dreams about the convention coming up on Saturday. I woke up at 3:30am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I plowed under some emails and got ready for departure by 6:00am. It was like Christmas. So needless to say I was pretty wiped out Saturday night. I got a really good night's sleep.
It was a typical Sunday, which you have heard from me time and again. Of course there are always details. My wife and kids stayed home on account of relatives over. Well, really just laziness. A lazy Sunday morning turned into an entire day. I went and got recharged. I went home teaching solo afterward.
I dream of a day when my workers (and hopefully my children) will not be robbed by the politically well-connected to the Federal Government. All taxes are ultimately and invisibly redistributed out among the common folk. Make no mistake, there is no such thing as taxing the rich or taxing companies-- the same mechanisms that allow them to make the profit to begin allow expenses to be passed on to the worker/consumer.
In short, I dream of freedom. It's a pain. It will require me to be more responsible.
- Abolishment of the Federal Reserve and the charter of the Banks to inflate the money supply through fractional reserve banking.
- Institution of full reserve banking.
- Institution of commodity-backed money and competing currencies.
- Complete abolishment of the IRS and the income tax to be replaced with nothing. It is an insult to me as a citizen and as a human that I have to keep records to prove my innocence. That a low-level bureaucrat could turn my family's life upside down without probable cause or trial.
- The Federal Government is reduced to one fifth current size. Cut functions disappear or are moved to the states, or even better to the cities.
- Federal Revenue comes (almost?) entirely from tariffs. Foreigners pay for our government.
Back
County Convention was awesome beyond description. Just an absolute blast. More on that later.
Now I'm at the studio for the next four hours. Please bother me. Set up a project. I'm ready.
And if your initials are KH I really want to get your project going.
Various Items
Not much to say. My wife's brother is clearing the yard of a winter's worth of overgrowth which is really nice. That includes pulling out a few dead trees.
I'm booking projects for April.
I will be incommunicado until Saturday evening on account of County Convention. This is where all Rep. candidates are moved forward to the general election... county level only (so like state representative, surveyor, assessor, commissioner seats (these are the most desired turns out), sheriff and so forth.
The only bad thing about politics is all the misrepresentation. That said, it's possible for two good people to see things differently. That's all right. What surprises me is the depth of the humanity involved, people who are willing to put their lives and careers on the line for what they believe in. It's clear to me now that there should be a two term maximum for everything. Men who are in office too long get... changed. I don't think it's because they are bad in their core. It's the nature of it.
No one can wear the Ring for too long without being changed.
On another note: for what it's worth for me to say it, thank you! The fans and clients of BTP are just a delight to work with. You are all so kind and sustain me and the crew day to day with your kind comments.
Side Note
Here is a sharp spear of a radio program blurb about constitutionally-minded candidates for the Senate race.
Is there such a thing as a constitutionally-minded Democrat? If so, I'd love to hear something from that side. Anyone?
Hey! I had a taker
Hi Shawn,
I always read your blog even though I don't always agree with your politics. I saw your post about "constitutionally-minded Democrats" and I thought I'd throw Dennis Kucinich out there. If you look him up you will see that he has agreed on many issues with your favorite Ron Paul. I'm not sure what you mean by "constitutionally minded" but this radio show by Mark Levin seems extremely UNconstitutional to me. His support for the Arizona Immigration Bill shows his bigotry and complete disregard for the constitution. How is it constitutional to harass people for not being white? It's really frustrating that all these people calling for less government never bring up the issue of all the money that is being wasted by the military or that under GW Bush the Government increased in size more than it had in 70 years. Yet the fingers get pointed at Obama.
Keep up the great blog,
Nick
I appreciate your comments and plan on posting them. If you follow the goings on in the Republican party there's definitely a vocal faction that was not happy with George Bush Jr. either. I am one of them. I think that the problems go back thirty, or even a hundred years.
I would at least like to have some solvency and honesty rather than the "kick the can down the road" shenanigans going on for the last 30+ years.
Shawn
Swarmed
Just a quick note. I worked late tonight. "Work". I can't wait to get to sleep and get that out of the way so I can get started again!
I'm pretty much caught up. I just need to put together a quote for client KH.
D&D Tiles
Hey all. I'm looking for sets (opened and/or used OK) of the D&D tile sets. If interested send me a list of what you got. I'm willing to offer cash or trade and looking to seal the deal in short order.
Email Shawn at bluetablepainting@gmail.com
I can pay via Paypal/Check when the tiles arrive.
I like those plastic figs, too (ashamed to say) but only willing to pay cut-rate by the bucket-full.
Or you can donate stuff and spread the happiness around. The Universe loves a Giver!
PS- D&D tile sets I'm particularly on the hunt for (disclosure: these have value due to rarity)
Hidden Crypts
Streets of Shadow
Dungeon Tiles
Arcane Corridors
Dire Tombs
Multiples would be nice.
Caught Up
Oh yeah, this happened.
This morning the whole family slept in. We were wiped out from Trafalga (a mini amusement park/miniature golf place) from the night before. Great memories. K wiped out twice on the go-cart track. She only wanted to go slow after that.
We are caught up at the studio. That's our new goal; everything caught up by 6pm every night. I only have a few emails left. I'm currently booking projects for May, we're ready whenever you are.
I've got that Imperial Guard Renegades army on the block. It's all refurbed and looking good. Tag on that is $2450 shipped US or most places overseas. It's easily 3000 pts. It's really a deluxe force and ready to bring joy and satisfaction for years to come.
Other big news: ran a quick D&D session today just for kicks. Loads of fun. Everyone is quivering with excitement.
Other big news besides that: I have now officially done my due diligence as a candidate. I've got County Convention this Saturday and State Convention in early May. It's really been great. Just a fabulous experience. I do so highly recommend.
On the Hunt
Looking for information on the new Tau Battlesuits (phased ion cannon or whatever).
I can't find the Forge World downloads section anymore.
I'm also building up my collection of dungeon dressing for the D&D game (doors and so forth). Anyone have some for trade or sale?
Green Circles
Even though it's not his actual birthday, we celebrates G's 5th today. There was quite a crowd for that. His cake was so cute: lime and dark green circles on white frosting and five little candles.
Hey, let's flash back to last night. My wife and I went out and had some Thai food. Yummers. The Thai place is right next door to the local game shop so I managed a sneak over there to pick up some D&D books. I've been jonesin' something fierce for some D&D.
OK, all done with that.
Today I took a walk with Willow. She stopped every three feet to look at a plant, flower, bee, leaf or somesuch. She absolutely loves to get outside. She comes up to me with her tiny white plastic shoes and grunts her urgency to get out the front door.
Spring has sprung, the most beautiful season of the year.
Forge World Goodness
Hi There,
In this Newsletter we have a great selection of eagerly-anticipated Ork, Space Wolves and Tau releases, first showcased at the Forge World Open Day. We also have some news about the upcoming Games Day France, for which we are making our final preparations.
Thanks,
Ead Brown
Ork Kustom Stompa
There are some Mek Bosses who are well-supplied enough to be able to kustom-build a Stompa as a bespoke project for a particularly wealthy Warboss, extra spikes, additional weapons and ornate bosspoles are common additions. The weapon arms usually seen on these war machines are replaced with energy weapons capable of tossing huge tanks across the battlefield with devastating results, or giant rippa klaws to rend enemy war machines apart at close quarters - all the better to claim the choicest scrap for future projekts.
The Meks also delight in diverting the power of the Stompas roaring engines into enormous and unpredictable force beam generators, built into the head of this gigantic idol to Gork (or possibly Mork). Such devastating power can tear even the mighty Titans of the Adeptus Mechanicus asunder in a storm of energy, and regardless of design are commonly known as the Gaze of Mork (or possibly Gork). Some firepower-obsessed Meks even replace the internal transport capacity of a Stompa with a huge-bore Kannon, usually called a Belly Gun in typical Orky fashion. The unstable gait of the war machine makes such a weapon even more inaccurate, but this is seen as a suitable trade for the overwhelming noise of the gun and the size of the explosions made by its gargantuan shells.
These monstrous resin upgrade kits for the plastic Stompa, designed by Stuart Williamson, allow you to add a wide variety of weapon options to the plastic Stompa kit. The resin conversion kits are available to order here for dispatch during the week commencing April 26th, and can also be purchased as a complete resin and plastic kit:
The Complete Ork Stompa contains the Head, Klaw and Lifta-Droppa arms, and a plastic Stompa kit. The forthcoming Imperial Armour 8: Raid on Kastorel-Novem will feature technical information, background and full rules for a Kustom Stompa.
Tau XV-9-01 with Fusion Cascades
The first of our XV-9 variants, this advanced Battlesuit, designed by Daren Parrwood, mounts cutting-edge fusion gun variants that can be used with the high-tech systems of the XV-9, and the Fusion Cascade engulfs its target in powerful melta energy. It fires in bursts, meaning that despite each charge being less powerful than an Imperial equivalent, it can overwhelm its target through weight of fire.
Tau XV-9-04 with Phased Ion Guns
The XV-9-04 wields Phased Ion Guns - these experimental weapons seek to develop the rapid-firing technology of the Cyclic Ion blaster and vehicle mounted Ion Cannon into a stable battlesuit system. The long accelerators of the Phased Ion Gun allow the pilot to engage the enemy at range with a storm of projectiles that react explosively on an atomic level, decimating heavily armoured infantry and vehicles.
Tau Shas'o R'alai and Drones
The Shas'vre assigned to pilot the XV-9 Battlesuit armour are combat veterans, each a survivor of the deadliest battles against the Greater Good's most savage foes. The Fire Caste of Ke'lshan has mastered the use of the XV-9, and within this cadre of solemn and determined warriors Shas'o R'alai is a paragon amongst veterans; his skills have been rewarded with the most advanced weapons and equipment produced by the Earth Caste.
Full rules and background for the XV-9, XV-9-01 and XV-9-04 can be found in Imperial Armour Apocalypse II. Full rules and background for Shas'o R'alai will be available to download from the Forge World website in the coming months.
All three of these resin kits, designed by Daren Parrwood, are available to order here for dispatch during the week commencing April 26th.
Update on Clean Slate
FYI
I've removed the Oceanic Eldar from the block.
The Imperial Fists are sold.
Other items are still up, not much left really. The notable item is the Space Wolves which I am temporarily reducing to $650.
I only made it about 40% to my goals. But it was a good effort.
Imperial Guard Renegades For Sale
Just got in a trade-back army. It's due to get the once-over for repairs and touchups, but is already in good condition generally. Tons of conversion work. Most, if not all, the models are converted in some way.
Pics here.
Includes:
2x Valkyrie (magnetized options for Vendetta)
3x Leman Russ (magnetized options)
3x Chimeras
2x Collosus
3x Sentinel (magnetized options)
120x Infantry of various sorts
15x Heavy Weapon Teams
Cost is $2450. I will accept half-down and remainder within 30 days (ships on final payment). No charge for shipping in US, $25 most other places.
3500 Pts - 5th Edition Roster
HQ: Commissar Yarrick (1#, 185 pts)
1 Commissar Yarrick @ 185 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Bale Eye; Battle Klaw; Bolt Pistol; Carapace Armour; Close Combat Weapon; Force Field; Krak Grenades; Storm Bolter; Aura of Discipline; Eternal Warrior; Independent Character; Inspirational Hero; Iron Will)
HQ: Company Command Squad (8#, 305 pts)
4 Company Command Squad @ 305 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x1; Carapace Armour; Medi-pack; Plasmagun x3; Astropath; Officer of the Fleet)
1 Company Commander (Refractor Field; Laspistol; Carapace Armour; Power Weapon; Senior Officer)
1 Astropath (Close Combat Weapon; Laspistol; Carapace Armour; Telepathic Relay)
1 Officer of the Fleet (Close Combat Weapon; Laspistol; Carapace Armour; Intercept Reserves)
1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Heavy Flamer; Dozer Blade; Extra Armor; Hunter Killer Missile; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)
Troops: Infantry Platoon (48#, 345 pts)
1 Infantry Platoon @ 345 pts
4 Platoon Command Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x4)
1 Platoon Commander (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Power Weapon; Junior Officer)
9 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x9; Flak Armour; Lasgun x9; Combined Squad)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
7 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Heavy Weapons Team; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1; Mortar x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
7 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Heavy Weapons Team; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1; Mortar x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
7 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Heavy Weapons Team; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1; Lascannon)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
3 Heavy Weapons Squad (Close Combat Weapon x3; Flak Armour; Lasgun x3; Autocannon x3)
Troops: Infantry Platoon (28#, 215 pts)
1 Infantry Platoon @ 215 pts
4 Platoon Command Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x4)
1 Platoon Commander (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Power Weapon; Junior Officer)
9 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x9; Flak Armour; Lasgun x9; Combined Squad)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
9 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x9; Flak Armour; Lasgun x9; Combined Squad)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
3 Heavy Weapons Squad (Close Combat Weapon x3; Flak Armour; Lasgun x3; Heavy Bolter x3)
Troops: Infantry Platoon (31#, 315 pts)
1 Infantry Platoon @ 315 pts
4 Platoon Command Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x4)
1 Platoon Commander (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Power Weapon; Junior Officer)
9 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x9; Flak Armour; Lasgun x9; Combined Squad)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
9 Infantry Squad (Close Combat Weapon x9; Flak Armour; Lasgun x9; Combined Squad)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)
3 Heavy Weapons Squad (Close Combat Weapon x3; Flak Armour; Lasgun x3; Missile Launcher x3)
3 Heavy Weapons Squad (Close Combat Weapon x3; Flak Armour; Lasgun x3; Heavy Bolter x1; Missile Launcher x2)
Troops: Veteran Squad (11#, 215 pts)
9 Veteran Squad @ 215 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x9; Lasgun x6; Meltagun x2; Plasmagun x1)
1 Veteran Sergeant (Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Plasma Pistol; Power Weapon)
1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Heavy Flamer; Dozer Blade; Extra Armor; Hunter Killer Missile; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)
Troops: Veteran Squad (11#, 210 pts)
9 Veteran Squad @ 210 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x9; Lasgun x6; Meltagun x2; Plasmagun x1)
1 Veteran Sergeant (Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Laspistol; Power Fist)
1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Heavy Flamer; Dozer Blade; Extra Armor; Hunter Killer Missile; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)
Troops: Veteran Squad (10#, 170 pts)
9 Veteran Squad @ 170 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x9; Lasgun x6; Plasmagun x3; Gunnery Sergeant Harker)
1 Gunnery Sergeant Harker ('Payback' (Heavy Bolter); Close Combat Weapon; Flak Armour; Krak Grenades; Catachan Devils; Feel No Pain; Relentless)
Fast Attack: Armoured Sentinel Squadron (3#, 210 pts)
1 Armoured Sentinel Squadron @ 210 pts
1 Armoured Sentinel (Unit Type: Vehicle (Walker); Extra Armor; Lascannon)
1 Armoured Sentinel (Unit Type: Vehicle (Walker); Extra Armor; Lascannon)
1 Armoured Sentinel (Unit Type: Vehicle (Walker); Extra Armor; Lascannon)
Heavy Support: Leman Russ Squadron (2#, 370 pts)
1 Leman Russ Squadron @ 370 pts
1 Leman Russ Battle Tank (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Battle Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons x2; Lumbering Behemoth)
1 Leman Russ Battle Tank (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Battle Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons x2; Lumbering Behemoth)
Heavy Support: Leman Russ Squadron (2#, 390 pts)
1 Leman Russ Squadron @ 390 pts
1 Leman Russ Eradicator (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Eradicator Nova Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons x2; Lumbering Behemoth)
1 Leman Russ Eradicator (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Eradicator Nova Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons x2; Lumbering Behemoth)
Heavy Support: Ordnance Battery (2#, 310 pts)
1 Ordnance Battery @ 310 pts
1 Colossus (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Colossus Siege Mortar; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Heavy Flamer; Enclosed Crew Compartment)
1 Colossus (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Colossus Siege Mortar; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Heavy Flamer; Enclosed Crew Compartment)
Fast Attack: Vendetta Gunship Squadron (1#, 130 pts)
1 Vendetta Gunship Squadron @ 130 pts (Deep Strike; Grav Chute Insertion; Scouts)
1 Vendetta (Extra Armor; Searchlight; Twin-linked Lascannon x3)
Fast Attack: Vendetta Gunship Squadron (1#, 130 pts)
1 Vendetta Gunship Squadron @ 130 pts (Deep Strike; Grav Chute Insertion; Scouts)
1 Vendetta (Extra Armor; Searchlight; Twin-linked Lascannon x3)
Tyranid Specialty Organisms
Tyrannofex:
Alpha*
Beta (discontinued)
Gamma*
Omega*
Tervigon:
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Delta
Swarmlord:
Alpha
Ninja*
Ultra**
Harpy:
Alpha
Gamma in each case is the one closest to the book version.
Cost for unpainted is as follows:
$135
$195 if marked with *
$395 if marked with **
We also have the following, also unpainted for $95:
Parasite of Mortrex
Tyranid Prime
Doom of Malan'tai
And last but not least, "Alien Seed Pods" for $40 each (unpainted, unassembled). Can be provided assembled for $60.
In each case these are converted from mostly GW plastics. All can be painted for $35/$85/$105/$145 depending on size.
Ron Paul Fix
Please somebody with a different perspective make a comment! I welcome different viewpoints.
Hooray! A dissenting opinion. Here it is in unvarnished glory.
Hey Shawn,
You invited criticism with a recent Ron Paul video you posted, so here goes.
He notes the problem of a "corporate military-industrial complex" but he does so in passing. It would probably be more thorough to really define that term, but I don't think I would disagree with his definition much. My concern is that Ron Paul and the small government philosophy seems to ignore the powerful force of corporations. Big government didn't come from no where without reason. The rise of industrial America and corporations led to massively powerful political actors outside of the political balance created by the constitution (Ron Paul's complaint about the Fed--a good one). Big corporations have caused suffering for profit--abusing the environment with cost-cutting negligence, abusing their workers with efficient but brutal working conditions and unlivable wages, and abusing their customers with fraudulent and dangerous products. Not all big corporations do this, but there are plentiful examples, and even just one would be too many for the people that would suffer its abuse. Conditions for working class people in America have improved when working people have fought to improve them ... but government usually has to be a tool in their arsenal. A recent example has been the financial crisis. Paul Krugman of the New York Times recently had an opinion piece looking at how differences in regulation contributed to different outcomes in Georgia and Texas.
Getting back to Ron Paul, my question is ... with an investigative media that is degenerating without a business model, if you try to approach government reform with a smaller is best approach, who will protect little me who has a modest income from corporations whose massive wealth makes them immeasurably more powerful?
Either this question is a big problem for me with Ron Paul's ideology, or Ron Paul has not explained his position on it well. The US needs deep institutional reform. As Ron Paul said in the video you posted, the Fed shouldn't just be ended tomorrow because it wouldn't help anyone. The unsaid reasoning is that the United States is a complicated beast and the process of ending the Fed is much more complex than simply deciding to do it. That same reasoning applies to a great deal of reform (such as the much maligned 2000 page healthcare reform). Treating the reduction of government size as the fundamental solution for the many problems the United States currently faces seems like looking for or even worse selling a cure-all miracle tonic.
That is the end of the criticism/feedback--as an aside, I think I like reading your political thoughts and giving feedback because although I disagree with some of your basic views, I get a sense that you hold those views for moral reasons and that your main goal is to support politics that will help a whole lot of people as opposed to just yourself or your family. I think I could say I get a similar sense from Ron Paul. Sadly, I think a lot of Americans and a whole lot of politicians don't think that way, and we end up with a really poor political discourse as a result.
Regards,
Michael
Shawn's Comment
My only rebuttal here is to suggest that companies only become draconic and tyrannical with the HELP of big government (and legislation that regulates smaller competitors out of existence). Also note that no company has high-powered rifles and SWAT and Federal Prisons to take away your liberties by force if you don't buy their products. On the other hand, if your employer doesn't dutifully pull the payments for your government-mandated Social Security Insurance, he WILL be fined and if he resists, he WILL go to prison. So much for Life, Liberty and Property.
Note: this is just something that I am putting on the table. Am I wrong? Do I not have my facts straight? Heavens, I don't even have any facts!
WW
Heru Sky Raiders Testimonial
Hello Mr. Gately Sir,
I'd like to offer a brief Testimonial:
A few months ago I picked up the Heru Sky Raiders concept high elf army. Let me just say it's turned quite a number of heads at my game show. So much so, that when I took them to a local tournament, almost every player had to stop and take a look at the army, and people felt lucky to get to play against it.
While your company does fine job painting miniatures, I think what sets BTP ahead of the pack is the sheer creativity it displays - no other painting service on the web will go the extra mile and create something so unique like the concept units and armies you produce. Kudos for daring to be creative, and even though this army didn't have an original sponsor, I am glad you went ahead with your passion and created something so unique and beautiful.
As a side note, before this army I fielded an Ogre Kingdoms army, and after many games, I had all of one victory (to another Ogre player) to my name. I thought I was just the most miserable fantasy player on the planet. On the tournament I took the Heru Sky Raiders (also the first time I actually played with the army)...I got 2nd place! Maybe it's the overall stronger army book, maybe it was all the experience I got with a handicapped army...or maybe there really is something to the legend that a painted army just performs better on the battlefield!
Thanks,
EE
Sponge
I woke up around 8am this morning in my bower of love with my darling Eternal Companion, pale green sheets and silvery blue blankets. The toilet is not working, the chain is broken. While taking off the top-cover I dropped it and it cracked in two. For breakfast I had eggs, mango salsa, and cheddar cheese. Oh, and baked potato.
I haven't been to church for five weeks or so. Or even if I have, I left early. I feel like a dried up old sponge. I got the older kids ready early, no showing up late today. My wife wasn't feeling well so she stayed home with Willow. Church was awesome. I feel like I was completely filled. I realized, though, that I wasn't listening. I was feeling... absorbing. Seriously, I would listen to a speaker for like ten minutes and lucky to remember even a single word. But I could sense an emanation from each person, like a translucent wave coming out of them.
I love to be around people. People are good.
I took a two or three hour nap. Deep sleep. I had a dream. I was in a deep forest; dry and gnarled. The ground cover was thick and the scent of loam and heather heavy in the air. It was a loud forest, brittle near-autumn leaves rattling and just-out-of-sight streams. I was trying to find my way out. An auburn-haired Dryad was my companion and guide. We stayed in old abandoned mills and houses. Days we traveled to the edge. It was a steep ravine at the edge of the forest, a smooth hill perhaps fifty feet down, and at the bottom a black iron fence with spikes across the top. Just on the other side was a shallow river. It was blue, green and clear. Inviting. And beyond that a city of white-bluish-grey marble, layed in blocks very exactly. It rose up out of steps on the far side of the river. There was a dominant building. The architecture was very familiar, and I remembered it distinctly when I woke up (see the pic below. It was something like that).
Others were gathered at the edge. My Dryad companion could take me no further. It was up to me to leap and with faith and will clear the fence and into the city. It was a Mowgli moment. The dream ended as I was leaping off the edge.
I took a walk with Willow. She is not content to be inside. Or even to explore around in the yard. She wants to take off down the sidewalk. I keep a close eye on her. Afternoon and evening passed in familial bliss, kids running around. Right now, my wife and I are watching the Mentalist, then off to bed.
I can't wait to get going on Monday. It's going to be a big day.
Headlong Charge
This morning I took the kids to the local game shop. Actually, we stopped at McDonalds first, but they weren't serving lunch yet and the kids really had their hearts set on Happy Meals. So, we went over to the shop for an hour and then went back. Then back again to the game shop. I picked up the weekly order, which includes a Dark Angels Fortress, which I ordered to see what was what, but it's really for someone who may want to commission it, anyone? Then down to the studio to get some work done. I had to get a ride down to the studio because my car is on the fritz again. The mechanics wanted $400 more to fix it this time (I'm $1600 down already in the last eight weeks) so I just had them tow it to my house. Blurgh. Trying to get ahead and I just can't seem to do it. The big news is that from 5pm to 11pm or so I was playing one of the best games of 40K EVAH! Blood Angels v Tyranids and I got almost two hours of footage to edit. It was a really close game that went both ways until the very end. PS- The Clean Slate special is still running. The two main treasures still left are the two Space Marine armies.
On the Run
This week has been a grueling gauntlet.
Sarah is out this week. I've barely been able to keep up on the basics. That's why no vids really. Plus the Clean Slate sale. That's been a lot of work. I sold more than half the studio terrain to a single individual. It's quite a bit.
I've been to tons of meetings as a Delegate. I'll be done with that soon. This morning I was at another local Town Hall at 7:30am. Completely, absolutely completely different than how they seem to be portrayed on TV-- a spirit of cooperation and respect pervades. Hard questions, hard discussions, yes, but no hard feelings.
My politics are simple: I am against involuntary mechanisms. I begrudge no man his freedom to build his own utopia as he sees fit. But don't make me fit into your scheme.
Here's a thing I'm in the process of digesting. What do you think?
On Saturday I've got a big game planned. Tyranids vs Blood Angels. Oh, that's going to be a rumble in the jungle.
PS- I came across this comment on Youtube which just hits exactly something I've been thinking over recently. This is the hideous truth of our existence. ALL taxes are ultimately distributed at the bottom of the pyramid. It is done inexorably and invisibly.
_________ think when a business has more business expense that the owner(s) actually take out their wallets and pay increased tax expenses. Tax is a business expense paid by consumers through increased prices, reduced wages or lost wages. Do people really think someone is stupid enough to not pass on the cost or reduce their workforce to compensate?
I mean no offense here. This is a thought that has been percolating with me for a while. I hear "40% or whatever of all people pay no federal income tax" but at the same time "the average person has to work through April to pay their federal taxes" How can both be true? It's because the huge load of taxation is invisible.
Clean Slate- Updated 6th time (terrain gone, tyranids split)
I have decided to take the extraordinary measure of selling much of the studio resources. It's time to wash my hands of the banks once and for all (clear up debts for future smooth sailing). This is NOT a going out of business sale. At all. BTP is like a cockroach. You couldn't kill it if you tried.
Almost nothing is off the block. If you've ever seen anything on one of our vids, contact me, it is likely for sale. I will be adding things in the coming days.
If you are a veteran client (8+ projects) then you get 25% off.
There is no cost for shipping in the US. We will not ship bulky items overseas for this one case, but armies et. al. are $25 flat rate.
Also check the website for miscellaneous on the block. I have reduced prices temporarily.
Terrain
- All sold except:
- Trenchworks Board (includes also eight decorative pieces, pickup or actual shipping which could be a LOT-- $1850)
- Fateweavers Army (2500+ pt Tzeentch army for Warhammer 40K or Fantasy dual use-- SOLD!)
- Mesa Nids Army (5000+ pt Tyranids army, all new and awesome-- $5200) I will now split this into two or three lots if needed.
- Oceanic Eldar ($1850)
- Imperial Fists Army ($850)
- Space Wolves Army ($850)
- Skorne Army (pics here but may be more added since then-- SOLD!)
- Skorne Army 2 (mostly L2, on this vid-- $350)
- Legion Army (painted-- $160)
- Legion Army (unpainted-- $160)
- Swarmlord Ultra (first one every made, an original piece-- $310)
- Tervigon Delta (original piece-- $120)
- Space Hulk Deluxe (all models painted L4 and in custom foam, brand new board pieces included-- $600)
- Space Hulk Box (unopened, four available-- $150)
- Miscellaneous Stock for Warhammer 40K (ALL SOLD!)
- Miscellaneous Stock for Warhammer Fantasy (four available, at least $500 retail worth of kits mostly new-- $250)
- Miscellaneous Painted (four available, at least $200 retail worth of painted figures, I will gladly skew towards game system you prefer-- $100)
- Nurgle Hellcannon (two available, includes crew-- SOLD!)
I will also entertain a block amount for multiple items and even a flat amount for "take everything".
Now, don't be sad. All this means is that we can build up yet more really cool stuff. Also, I don't need to liquidate everything.
Pirates
We're on the hunt for Pirates! CCG packs.
Does anyone have some for trade or purchase? (you'd need to send first).
Especially looking for Pirates of the Frozen North and the Chinese-type one. Or South Seas. But anything would be great.
Contact me at bluetablepainting@gmail.com
Dwarf Over-order
I have accidentally over-ordered on Dwarfs. I have nine boxes of Thunderers/Quarrellers (retail $35) and four boxes of Miners (retail $22).
If you want to buy a box or three and have it included in an order you already have going, the cost is $20 and $12 per box respectively and we can slip it in there no extra charge for shipping.
You can buy three or more boxes at that rate ($20 or $12) and have them shipped in the US for $9 shipping.
You can buy ALL of them at 50% off with no cost for shipping (ie you buy all the boxes in one go). This is what I really want. I just need to take a hit and get them rolled over.
Like a Piranha in Meat-filled Waters
Let's get in the Gately Time Machine and go all the way back to Friday afternoon.
I went to the UVU Senatorial debates on Friday afternoon. First off, there was a gridlock of cars trying to find a parking space. This was compounded on normally labyrinthine college parking. Fortunately I called Sarah who happened to be an expert on the campus layout and found me a free parking space across the street. She is just amazing. I can't believe my good fortune to work with someone so competent.
Once on the fourth floor of the college library it was standing room only. Old ladies had to stand while young college students got front-row seats. I took matters into my own hands and carted a chair through the crowd for this particularly elderly woman. The debates were pretty un-enlightening, giving only two minutes per response, an almost useless soundbite. I feel for the lone democrat who was actually boo-ed at one point (for suggesting that Congress can enact any law it likes and it's up to the supreme court to worry about constitutionality). Since I'm a Delegate I have to act with more circumspection (a lot more) than I normally would. Otherwise while going by to shake hands I would have asked him if they clanged around much when he walked.
I think a candidate needs at least an hour to even give a rough sketch of his views. I've been to a total of about four hours of Mike Lee talking (and hope to give due diligence to the other candidates as well, just they haven't really had much within reasonable driving distance).
The one thing that stood out to me at the debates was that out of ten questions there were none about foreign policy, but plenty about debt/budget. The two are inextricably linked.
I have made a short and rough video of my various experiences. Please note that this does not include the hours of footage and many pages of notes of actual observations and sorting of issues. This is only the icing; the shaking hands and meeting people.
Saturday morning I got up at 6am for another Mike Lee thing, this time out at Ivory Ridge something-or-other club. That place is how the other half lives for sure. Then again to the Lee's palatial estate up in the hills. That was an eye-opener and I have a lot of comments on that, but not a lot of footage. It seemed a bit direspectful to get out the camera in someone's house, but his wife said it would be just fine. But still...
OK, well it's 5:30am and sleep is unlikely so I'll give you my impressions.
First off, it was a nightmare to find a babysitter. I even called Renn as a desperation move (ladies?). My wife and I headed off around 7pm for Alpine. We had a minor quarrel en route as she wanted to stop off at her sister's to drop something off and I thought we didn't have time for that. But as usual Tamie had her scheduling down straight and it was not hardly a detour at all. We arrived about ten minutes early and walked up to the absolute hugest house I've ever seen in my life, like a mansion. At that same moment we ran into a couple from our ward, the Wrights, the wife of which is a delegate as well. We were greeted at the door by a cherub-cheeked girl of about seven or eight years, their daughter. Waved in by Sharon (the wife) we sat down and chatted for while until enough guests had gathered. The overwhelming impression of the Lees is that they are regular folk, unassuming and unpresumptuous. Polite but not pretentious. They are about our age in fact.
Their house was not ostentatious, like a mansion from the movies with marble and chandeliers, but by far the most spacious and well-appointed home I've ever been in.
Then into the living room where Mike Lee gave his regular remarks, most of which I have heard before. He is not bombastic or preachy, but rather very straightforward with no dissimulation or dodging. He comes back often to the Constitution and clearly knows his stuff. His mission? Reduce the size of the federal government, all the way to pre-1913 levels if possible. This includes doing away with the Federal Reserve (starting with an audit). I won't go any further into the details, as that is a topic for another day, and will be on this blog only as a link-able reference for other delegates and interested parties.
Republicans expanded government for eight years. I think this November you're going to see a cleaning of the house, and a virulent strain of constitutional type republican is going to emerge. They do not want to build an empire or force their way of life on others, but rather return the rights to the citizens of various states to build a way of life as they see fit. That's part of the key: they are not utopians willing to use force of law and force of arms to mould the world into their image, but rather they are yoke-breakers. Dare I say a return to the original American way of life.
I dream of a world where I will get out a roll of $100 bills and they will have a note on them indicating that they are backed by a commodity. And then I will peel off those bills and pay my workers in cash. I won't have to keep track of my spending or indeed keep any records because the income tax and the IRS will be abolished
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The topic of re-distribution of wealth keeps coming up. Typically this is in reference to welfare and social programs. Here are some of my thoughts. Some of them are heretical and not wholly formed. Some are devil's advocate type ideas that I don't really believe but they must be looked at.
What is wealth? It's the goods and services provided by human labor and ingenuity.
What about the opposite of re-distribution of wealth? Concentration of wealth. This needs to be addressed as well. I am not interested in a candidate that does not address entitlement programs AND the Federal Reserve. The latter allows for the greatest concentration and confiscation of wealth ever. To abolish the Federal Reserve is to abolish the charter of all banks to amass the resources of the local population by means of fractional reserve banking.
Then there's just plain old distribution of wealth. How does that happen? Would it be fair if every man ate only the fruits of his own labors, how would that be?
There is a difference between voluntary and involuntary distribution of wealth. Verizon Wireless may be a mega-corporation but in the end they don't have high-powered rifles and SWAT teams. Humans should be allowed to decide for themselves what to do with their resources.
Military spending can be re-distribution of wealth too! Payroll taxes are collected ostensibly to provide social services. But then the money is re-directed to pay a private contractor 15 billion dollars who then makes a 10 billion profit. That just transferred wealth from one person to another in a big way and used government force to accomplish it.
Re-distribution can also take place in the most hideous fashion: through time. By going into debt one generation sucks the wealth away from the next one. It should be criminal.
Re-distribution of wealth is the ONLY thing that government can do. It makes nothing on its own. In order to get "free" services, resources must first be stolen from the local toymaker.
Last thought: just because the federal government isn't doing something doesn't mean it won't get done. The states are quite capable of handling themselves.
Breaking the Back of the Horde
I cracked the whip on me-self bright and early this morning. It is now 10:30pm or so and my Inbox is completely cleared. What's more every single project is underway, assigned, models-on-order, and payments-recorded.
In 10-12 days all project currently booked should be at least out of Assembly. A number of major projects are being painted already and are due in sometime next week.
All eight cylinders are pumping, thumping in time.
Friday from 11am to 3pm I'm going to be up at the University of Utah for the big senatorial debate. I plan on burning out ten pencils taking notes. After this I will publish preliminary findings. I can't describe what a pleasant experience this whole thing has been. I feel like a fish that has lived on land his whole life and is just now in water.
In spite of the pace, I did manage to make it home for cub scouts. We planted seeds in an indoor mini-greenhouse thing. I also went out to lunch with my wife and baby daughter. At Subway she ate a chocolate chip cookie, but apparently didn't swallow any of it. Unexpectedly she just spit the whole thing out over table, clothes and floor. She thought she was pretty clever!
