Kick-off is fast approaching. I've got the boards, armies, scenery, food, gold, ships map and markers all ready. Rules are printed off and all necessary elements are in an Excel folder.
Its the last chance for the boys to read the rules and get an idea as to how to proceed.
Let the mayhem begin!
Giving the Bird
While Jake likes to show the bird on shirts.
Austin gives the bird on screen.
Sometimes subtle
Sometimes not
Smooth Ride for Two Wheel Tuesday.
Austin gives the bird on screen.
Sometimes subtle
Sometimes not
Smooth Ride for Two Wheel Tuesday.
The Twin Paradox
But what if you decided to shoot your photon torpedo gun (aka, your flashlight, or your torch if you're in England or Australia) under the same conditions? Intuitively, you'd think the speed of the light leaving the flashlight would equal its speed relative to the flashlight plus the speed of the train train relative to the ground, except you'd be wrong.
At the end of the 19th century, and especially thanks to the work of James Clerk Maxwell, there was plenty of evidence to conclude that the speed of light is constant, no matter how fast or in what direction you move relative to it, but no one could understand how this could possibly be so... until Albert Einstein developed his special theory of relativity with an intuition would that would forever revolutionize our understanding of physics: while the speed of light is constant, time and space are relative.
One of the weird consequences of that idea has come to be known as the twin paradox, about which you get to learn in the following funny animation:
Actually, GPS is one of the few applications that combines both special and general relativity in order to work because the Earth's gravitational pull also messes with the curvature of space-time.
Buy Nothing Month
Because we're trying to save money and I like challenges, February 2012 is Buy Nothing Month. I will buy nothing for myself for the next 29 days. Beyond the bare essentials for survival, of course. That means:
YES
YES
- Bills
- Taxes
- Groceries
- Gas
- Booze
- Toys
- Clothes
- Games
- etc.
New Book- Software Studies: Theory and Practice
When we look around today we see the huge changes that have been introduced by computers and information technology. These technologies have in common their reliance on software and computer code. This book introduces the subject of software studies, which explicitly researches and tries to understand the emergence of software technologies. Theoretical work on software and code is very exciting and there has been some notable work produced. This book introduces and explores some of the major figures who are thinking about software and explains what their contribution is. But it also seeks to introduce empirical methods of working with both software and code.
The first task of software studies is to define its research object. This is complicated by the fact that software has a dual life as computer code and software. Secondly we need to understand its specific features in terms of its processing, that is, software does things. Software exists as apps and applications that can be ‘read’ through a number of different methods. Code is usually textual, as source code, and can be read as text to understand the underlying logic of the software. Writing software requires both an understanding of code and the ability to create and manipulate it textually as source code. Code requires very careful writing, the smallest errors or mistakes will stop it from working and bugs can be introduced which cause instabilities. Writing is therefore a practiced skill. Building software requires that a coder stands back and considers the whole to be able to put the code together (sometimes with images and sounds). It also requires that an understanding of how it will be used and distributed to users is kept in mind.
This book explores how critical approaches can be useful to the study of software and code. This includes not only critical readings of code or software as close readings but also critical software approaches that create code that can be used to circumvent, adapt and hack code functionality in interesting ways.
Title: Software Studies: Theory and Practice
Author: David M. Berry
Available: Mid 2012
Format: Apple iBooks
Wargaming Bugbears #5 - waiting for a package
This is relevant at this particular time as I'm waiting for a particular manufacturer to send me a host of Republican Romans and Imperial Romans so I can a) e-Bay my existing MRR army and replace with a better looking one and b) crush Russ' early Britons like beetles.
But I can't.
Because I'm still waiting for the package to turn up.
I know it says 'allow 28 days for delivery' but that's just flannel, isn't it? I mean, how long does it take you to shovel a bit of lead into a box and stick a stamp on it? After all, they've had a wodge of my cash in their till for 3 weeks - so why no sign of the goods themselves? It wouldn't work in McDonalds, would it? Pay for your McChicken sandwich and McFlurry and then be told to come back in 3 days when they might be ready.
Now this particular manufacturer is a favourite of mine. We've done business in the past - lots of it - and I know they're a bit busy at present. But Russ ordered his British, from Italy and after I placed my order and his have turned up already and he's started painting them (look out for a blog note on them soon). Meanwhile I'm still waiting for the e-mail to let me know its on its way - never mind them actually turning up on the doorstep.
The anticipation of getting them in your paws, the desire to get them on the table and simply the frustration at not getting them straight away creates an empty feeling inside. Which soon becomes the red mist of anger when what you've ordered hasn't arrived within a a week.
It is quite annoying.
When I say 'quite' I mean 'very'. And when I say 'annoying' I mean 'GIVE ME MY FECKING FIGURES YOU B£$%^&^!!!!
But I can't.
Because I'm still waiting for the package to turn up.
I know it says 'allow 28 days for delivery' but that's just flannel, isn't it? I mean, how long does it take you to shovel a bit of lead into a box and stick a stamp on it? After all, they've had a wodge of my cash in their till for 3 weeks - so why no sign of the goods themselves? It wouldn't work in McDonalds, would it? Pay for your McChicken sandwich and McFlurry and then be told to come back in 3 days when they might be ready.
Now this particular manufacturer is a favourite of mine. We've done business in the past - lots of it - and I know they're a bit busy at present. But Russ ordered his British, from Italy and after I placed my order and his have turned up already and he's started painting them (look out for a blog note on them soon). Meanwhile I'm still waiting for the e-mail to let me know its on its way - never mind them actually turning up on the doorstep.
The anticipation of getting them in your paws, the desire to get them on the table and simply the frustration at not getting them straight away creates an empty feeling inside. Which soon becomes the red mist of anger when what you've ordered hasn't arrived within a a week.
It is quite annoying.
When I say 'quite' I mean 'very'. And when I say 'annoying' I mean 'GIVE ME MY FECKING FIGURES YOU B£$%^&^!!!!
Colbert and Maurice Sendak on Children's Books
Of course, I don't know too much about children books myself, especially since I tend to prefer books like Go the F**k to Sleep or lullabies a-la Tim Minchin, but it seems, from the following Stephen Colbert interview below, that Maurice Sendak, author of such classics as Where the Wild Things Are, agrees wholeheartedly:
The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
"And now, the dramatic.... more of it:"
The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
Don't forget to check out the literature tag.
Trying new Field of Glory ancients armies
As I've finished a few more bases of different troop types I can extend the FOG experience by trying some new and different ancient armies. Starting with the Rise of Rome book, lets see what we can now do...
a) Late Republican Roman
The logical step up from my Mid-Republican Roman. Looking at the basic starter army its seems you get less foot (only 4BG's of Legionaires at 4 bases each) which doesn't seem to be compensated for by the addition of 1BG of 8 bases of Illyrian foot (Average, Protected Undrilled Spearmen...yuk!).
Compare to the MRR Romans - 4BG of Hastati / Principes plus 2BG of the awesome Triarii and 1BG of the Italian Allied Foot (Average Protected, Drilled - Light Spear / Swordsmen).
So you get 5BG of foot (24 bases) compared to 7BG (30 bases).
They also swap out 2BG of Velites (always great in a skirmisher melee with 8 bases in total) for 1BG of crappy Slingers (only 6 bases).
I suppose this is compensated by the horse troops. But the MRR have 2BG of cavalry (which have usually held their own against superior opposition) wheras the LRR have 1 BG of Heavy Cavalry (albeit Superior to the MRR Average) and 2BG of Light Horse (which tends to be ineffectual against any other horse OR anything spear-armed).
So they don't look as tough as their predecessors - on 600 points anyway.
b) Gauls
When I finish them, of course! But they look like fun to play. A whopping 5BG of 8 bases of Warriors (40 bases before we start) of Impact Foot - but Undrilled (so no fancy manouevers) and only Protected (so will suffer in most melees).
Of more interest is the cavalry - of Superior Armoured and 2BG of Superior Protected. That's a lot of horse-power to resist.
And 1BG of 8 bases of javelinmen. Those extra bases mean they can dish out more punishment and receive more than a 6 base BG - and armed with light spear can murder other types of skirmishers.
c) Pyrric
Now here's something different - almost Carthaginian in its make up of disparate troop types.
1BG of xystophoroi (Superior, Armoured, Drilled Lancers / Swordsmen) - OUCH! Send them into the opposing cavalry and wacth the mayhem unfold, especially if supported by the 1BG of javelin-armed Heavy Cavalry (also Armoured and Drilled Light Spear / Swordmen). This lot could certainly give most opposition cavalry a very bad day.
Then the Tarantine Light Horse - useless, but helpful for a dash for the camp once the opposition cavalry are tied down.
1BG of elephants - great for punching a hole in the opposition line, especially as they also have 2BG of 8 bases of phalanx pike. That lot coming in 4 ranks plus the elephant is a lot of hitting power in a small frontage.
They also come with 8 bases of javelinmen and 6 bases of slingers. So plenty to scare off the opposing skirmishers.
The only worry here would be lack of width but if the centre pushes through and the cavalry do their job then this will be less problematic. Ideal for a tight battle with little space.
d) Illyrian
I don't think so! Average protected (or unprotected) crap. They may have numbers but they have virtually no cavalry and a lot of skirmishers who will do nothing against tougher opposition. Guaranteed disaster.
e) Attalid Pergamene
Another mixed-bag army. As with the Pyrric army they come with some really tough cavalry and the obligatory Light Horse option. They also have 3BG of 6 bases of Thureophoroi (but only Average Protected) and Galatian Foot (2BG of 6 bases).
Skirmishing is provided by Cretan Archers and Trallian Slingers (6 and 8 bases and the Cretans are Superior). So you'd expect them to do well in a skirmisher battle but the centre looks a little weak (albeit numerous). A risky proposition but definitely worth a try (as I have got a load of Thureophoroi in the Greek box that are still unused in battle).
f) Numidians
Don't laugh! Have a closer look. Lots of numerous light horse and 2BG of 8 bases of javelinmen. Your skirmishing woes are over! With so many light horse you can pull opposing cavalry out of the way as your 24 bases of Imitation Legionaires and your Elephants run down the middle.
Who am I kidding! Most are Protected at best and you will certainly win the skirmish battle but that may not be enough against tougher infantry. But they have numbers, speed and the ability to inflict multiple casualties with lots of skirmishers just before their Impact Foot and Elephants arrive on the scene. But they do look trick to play...
g) Later Seleucids
What's not to like? Cataphracts, horse archers AND elephants together with 3 BG of pike (one of which
is Superior) AND some Thurephoroi and 2BG of 8 bases of archers and javelins. Definitely a tough propostion and one to cause a few headaches on the opponents side of the table.
They also have an extensive Optional Troops list which is like a general's sweety shop. Scythed chariots, Galatian Foot, Camels, Bolt-shooters, Heavy Weapon Thracians, Scythian Cavalry (with bow and sword) - the possibilities are endless. Definitely giving these bad boys a couple of run-outs.
h) Later Ptolemaic
Pretty much as above but you can mix in Romanised Infantry - 2BG of 6 bases of Armoured Drilled Impact Foot Swords. Sacrifice your horse archers for 2BG of xystophoroi (armoured lancers / swordsmen) and chuck in some elephants for flank protection or hole-punching. Yummy!
i) Pontic
Another mix-and-match army. Pontic Heavy Cavalry (Armoured, LS / Swordsmen) are complemented by Sarmatian Cavalry (Superior Armoured lancers / swordsmen). So you don't have much to fear in the horse stakes. In the middle, 3BG of Imitation Legionaires (all 6 bases), the Thureophoroi and - much more fun - Bastarnae (Superior Heavy Weapon - thereby no bonus for better armour for the opposition). Not much in the way of skirmishing but what a challenge playing these!?
Their optional troops also look fun - Sarmatian and Skythian cavalry and Galatian Foot for added impact.
You can also get some pike on the field as well. 'Ave it!
j) Armenian / Parthian
These armies are so similar as to be interchangable. Essentially these are horse armies. Cataphracts to smash the opposing cavalry and horse archers to inflict damage from all sides - and some foot to do what they can to assist.
The Armenians are more foot-oriented (4 BG of skirmishers) wheras the Parthians are almost exclusively horse borne. I've nearly finished the Parthians so I'm itching to give them a try. They look like they'll be frustrating to play against but I wonder how they'll prevent a determined charge up the middle? Only one way to find out....
k) Later Jewish
Looks a bit weak. 3 BG of skirmishers and 5BG of Average Protected Thureophoroi does not look like the toughest opposition. Cavalry is also light horse centric. Probably not.
l) Bosporan
An interesting mix. Lancers and horse archers alongside hoplites, Thracian sworsdsmen and a sprinkling of skirmishers. Definitely worht a look although other armies look more promising.
a) Late Republican Roman
The logical step up from my Mid-Republican Roman. Looking at the basic starter army its seems you get less foot (only 4BG's of Legionaires at 4 bases each) which doesn't seem to be compensated for by the addition of 1BG of 8 bases of Illyrian foot (Average, Protected Undrilled Spearmen...yuk!).
Compare to the MRR Romans - 4BG of Hastati / Principes plus 2BG of the awesome Triarii and 1BG of the Italian Allied Foot (Average Protected, Drilled - Light Spear / Swordsmen).
So you get 5BG of foot (24 bases) compared to 7BG (30 bases).
They also swap out 2BG of Velites (always great in a skirmisher melee with 8 bases in total) for 1BG of crappy Slingers (only 6 bases).
I suppose this is compensated by the horse troops. But the MRR have 2BG of cavalry (which have usually held their own against superior opposition) wheras the LRR have 1 BG of Heavy Cavalry (albeit Superior to the MRR Average) and 2BG of Light Horse (which tends to be ineffectual against any other horse OR anything spear-armed).
So they don't look as tough as their predecessors - on 600 points anyway.
b) Gauls
When I finish them, of course! But they look like fun to play. A whopping 5BG of 8 bases of Warriors (40 bases before we start) of Impact Foot - but Undrilled (so no fancy manouevers) and only Protected (so will suffer in most melees).
Of more interest is the cavalry - of Superior Armoured and 2BG of Superior Protected. That's a lot of horse-power to resist.
And 1BG of 8 bases of javelinmen. Those extra bases mean they can dish out more punishment and receive more than a 6 base BG - and armed with light spear can murder other types of skirmishers.
c) Pyrric
Now here's something different - almost Carthaginian in its make up of disparate troop types.
1BG of xystophoroi (Superior, Armoured, Drilled Lancers / Swordsmen) - OUCH! Send them into the opposing cavalry and wacth the mayhem unfold, especially if supported by the 1BG of javelin-armed Heavy Cavalry (also Armoured and Drilled Light Spear / Swordmen). This lot could certainly give most opposition cavalry a very bad day.
Then the Tarantine Light Horse - useless, but helpful for a dash for the camp once the opposition cavalry are tied down.
1BG of elephants - great for punching a hole in the opposition line, especially as they also have 2BG of 8 bases of phalanx pike. That lot coming in 4 ranks plus the elephant is a lot of hitting power in a small frontage.
They also come with 8 bases of javelinmen and 6 bases of slingers. So plenty to scare off the opposing skirmishers.
The only worry here would be lack of width but if the centre pushes through and the cavalry do their job then this will be less problematic. Ideal for a tight battle with little space.
d) Illyrian
I don't think so! Average protected (or unprotected) crap. They may have numbers but they have virtually no cavalry and a lot of skirmishers who will do nothing against tougher opposition. Guaranteed disaster.
 |
| I know - they're Samnites but you get the idea. These guys couldn't stop a taxi |
e) Attalid Pergamene
Another mixed-bag army. As with the Pyrric army they come with some really tough cavalry and the obligatory Light Horse option. They also have 3BG of 6 bases of Thureophoroi (but only Average Protected) and Galatian Foot (2BG of 6 bases).
Skirmishing is provided by Cretan Archers and Trallian Slingers (6 and 8 bases and the Cretans are Superior). So you'd expect them to do well in a skirmisher battle but the centre looks a little weak (albeit numerous). A risky proposition but definitely worth a try (as I have got a load of Thureophoroi in the Greek box that are still unused in battle).
f) Numidians
Don't laugh! Have a closer look. Lots of numerous light horse and 2BG of 8 bases of javelinmen. Your skirmishing woes are over! With so many light horse you can pull opposing cavalry out of the way as your 24 bases of Imitation Legionaires and your Elephants run down the middle.
Who am I kidding! Most are Protected at best and you will certainly win the skirmish battle but that may not be enough against tougher infantry. But they have numbers, speed and the ability to inflict multiple casualties with lots of skirmishers just before their Impact Foot and Elephants arrive on the scene. But they do look trick to play...
g) Later Seleucids
What's not to like? Cataphracts, horse archers AND elephants together with 3 BG of pike (one of which
is Superior) AND some Thurephoroi and 2BG of 8 bases of archers and javelins. Definitely a tough propostion and one to cause a few headaches on the opponents side of the table.
They also have an extensive Optional Troops list which is like a general's sweety shop. Scythed chariots, Galatian Foot, Camels, Bolt-shooters, Heavy Weapon Thracians, Scythian Cavalry (with bow and sword) - the possibilities are endless. Definitely giving these bad boys a couple of run-outs.
h) Later Ptolemaic
Pretty much as above but you can mix in Romanised Infantry - 2BG of 6 bases of Armoured Drilled Impact Foot Swords. Sacrifice your horse archers for 2BG of xystophoroi (armoured lancers / swordsmen) and chuck in some elephants for flank protection or hole-punching. Yummy!
i) Pontic
Another mix-and-match army. Pontic Heavy Cavalry (Armoured, LS / Swordsmen) are complemented by Sarmatian Cavalry (Superior Armoured lancers / swordsmen). So you don't have much to fear in the horse stakes. In the middle, 3BG of Imitation Legionaires (all 6 bases), the Thureophoroi and - much more fun - Bastarnae (Superior Heavy Weapon - thereby no bonus for better armour for the opposition). Not much in the way of skirmishing but what a challenge playing these!?
Their optional troops also look fun - Sarmatian and Skythian cavalry and Galatian Foot for added impact.
You can also get some pike on the field as well. 'Ave it!
j) Armenian / Parthian
These armies are so similar as to be interchangable. Essentially these are horse armies. Cataphracts to smash the opposing cavalry and horse archers to inflict damage from all sides - and some foot to do what they can to assist.
The Armenians are more foot-oriented (4 BG of skirmishers) wheras the Parthians are almost exclusively horse borne. I've nearly finished the Parthians so I'm itching to give them a try. They look like they'll be frustrating to play against but I wonder how they'll prevent a determined charge up the middle? Only one way to find out....
k) Later Jewish
Looks a bit weak. 3 BG of skirmishers and 5BG of Average Protected Thureophoroi does not look like the toughest opposition. Cavalry is also light horse centric. Probably not.
l) Bosporan
An interesting mix. Lancers and horse archers alongside hoplites, Thracian sworsdsmen and a sprinkling of skirmishers. Definitely worht a look although other armies look more promising.