I’ve decided to get into the wargaming scene with the Napoleonic wargaming. I’m excited as I’ve bought a big starter set – French/Napoleonic army starter set. I also bought a travel pack which I glued and painted today although I need to paint the soldiers still, but they are tiny.
Since the era is fascinating and I am doing a lot of reading on it at the moment, it seemed fitting to try a new hobby. I’ve tried train modelling before which I found really fun and am still a big fan of it. This however is completely new to me. I have to paint a lot, so it is more of a slow paced, fragile project than with Hornby models for example.
Check out the travel set below.
The yellow fields was a base layer. They have now been painted brown. The board and buildings, trees and road were painted too, otherwise they’d be rather dull looking.
The above set is basically the French vs British forces. Blue is France, red is Britain. This would certainly make travelling a lot more fun, whether on a train or plane it is great. You can use it anywhere since the box it came with has a handle. But you might as well stick it in your own small box. It also came with a small rulebook and 2 sets of dice for each side. This is the small set bought on a whim – but will provide valuable practice to prepare me for the ultimate gaming set…
The mega starter set.
Bonaparte’s French Army Starter Set. For around £95. I think for a starter set this is pretty good. There is over 100+ models in here to assemble and paint which will keep any aspiring or seasoned hobbyist busy. From a price standpoint it is pricey, but I believe that wargaming is generally more expensive than most hobbies. I have yet to buy the proper paint or brushes and used acrylic paint for the travel set.
I hope to post another highly interesting post on the Napoleonic Wars again soon. I am doing the reading right now, which is quite detailed so that I can come on here and explain it in simple to understand terms.
Welcome to a brief overview of a nuclear disaster. Following Fukushima and Chernobyl it seemed fitting to write something that may affect us yet again in our life times.
Look at the picture below to see how it affected the entirety of Europe.
It affected the entirety of Europe to some degree
Hard to believe that nuclear weapons exist, seems like only a fool would consider having them. But the thing is the most damage has come from nuclear meltdowns of power plants. A nuclear fallout from a bomb on the other hand… well we cannot imagine how much worse that would be. The fact that these industrial plants can contaminate an entire continent is ridiculous. How selfish are people? How greedy must they be to put the entire planet at risk for some money? Delusional people. That is why the recent war in Ukraine with Russia is proving so frightening, not the possibility of nuclear attack but of indirect nuclear fallout or meltdown should a plant be bombed.
Can they put the reactor into cooldown before it’s too late? They have time to do it should they need to, or maybe not. Failure to put it into cooldown means meltdown.
The reason I put the above is because I was thinking of the worst possibility, total destruction of developed nations resulting in a post apocalyptic nightmare. We’d literally be paying cheap to be famous, and those in power would do so for a very small amount of money. Simply because leadership would be useless so the demand would be low and everything dirt cheap. Provided that leadership is still required to some degree, if it isn’t then there wouldn’t be much need for currency. Things like metals and foods could become the new currency.
Time…
Meltdown is no joke. When the radiation from Fukushima began to spill out in 2011 – which by the way was only 11 years ago, and at the time I heard nothing about it; I am not kidding – it resulted in widespread evacuation from the area. The radiation spilled into the continent and affected millions. Maybe I did hear about it but forget, whatever happened it caused a lot of problems which officials are not concerned about. If they were concerned they’d be telling us to this day about the dangers of it.
I guess there is an element of conspiracy here. Did the incidence happen? And… are nuclear meltdowns really dangerous? You might be wondering why I ask this. The simple fact that it is only the people closest to the incident that are affected and we don’t hear about the others further afield, or the long term effects like cancer. Most plants are designed to absorb radiation in the beds under the reactors, meaning should a leak occur which it did, the radiation would be swallowed up in large quantities. I am not doubting the dangers, I am saying that I believe some of them are hyped up to scare us.
Apparently Chernobyl is a restricted area. Did you know people still live there? They are healthy. The environment is healthy looking and clean. Obviously if you get close to the reactor site you will find radiation readings, but still low readings in the fairly close surrounding area… The site is also covered now, and nobody can go near it. The site is guarded, and people work there. Russians are currently keeping people working their under duress, but I fail to see how that is duress considering they worked there before the invasion. My point is that there is no need to worry, the workers are doing a vital job I suspect.
I need to talk about preventative action. If and when the radiation spills into Europe you would be wise to take into consideration anything that would decontaminate foods and waters. You might be best to avoid products like fruit and veg should it occur. Anything that grows from soils.
Your body will likely sustain a damage if the radiation is severe, and if it is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant which it could very well be, since Russians have already damaged some of the electrical units and monitoring equipment, then we are in trouble.
The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, is located in Ukraine. In 2006, the government planned to build 11 new reactors by the year 2030 – Wikipedia
It already has 6 reactors, and a leak from them will be devastating to Europe and I suspect beyond. 11 reactors by 2030 is not good either, because it’s completely opposite of clean energy. It it not good for the environment! You cannot simply throw away radiated reactors when the fuel runs out. They need cooling for ages and then storing for something like 2 years. My advice to simply get rid of them and use something else less dangerous. Coal power stations or electrical stations, wind power, sea power… anything.
So have a look at medicines like potassium iodate (thyroid blocking agent, and is used for example after a nuclear accident. taking up radioactive iodine, which may be released into the environment following a nuclear accident). This would help possible prevent radiation getting into your thyroid and causing cancer later on.
Another supplement is definitely activated charcoal – they use this on the beds of reactors to assist in the absorption of radiation. (lowering radiation exposure from radionuclides by removing them from drinking water. Activated charcoal taken internally can bind radionuclides in the GI tract form ingested food and unfiltered water, and carry them all safely out of the body.)
If you already use a filtered water container then great! I do too although I haven’t always done this.
Nascent iodine – Nascent iodine is more expensive than potassium iodide, but it is more palatable and high dosages of it can be given to even children. Experts recommend that iodine should be used to saturate the thyroid as this would make it strong enough to reject radioactive elements from entering the body. Before deciding on the dosage, it’s still recommended to consult a doctor.
Magnesium – encourages removal of heavy metals from the body. So therefore the radiation won’t have much to latch onto.
Spirulina – can be found in many products and supplements. I have some but rarely take it as it can make me feel a bit sick. You might have better luck with it.
If the spill of nuclear radiation is severe you might want to wash yourself and clothes quickly. Maintain health by washing with filtered clean water. You can’t avoid it in foods but you can buy foods less contaminated.
Sorry there isn’t more to say. I guess protecting the body is more important should it happen. It is a possibility. But the risk is still low. I’m not concerned and neither should you be. To cause such a meltdown in such a big power plant would risk the entirety of Europe and the easts health and safety, it would compromise many things and especially the economy which leaders would not be keen on.
Don’t think I am trying to scare you either. This is no Cold War or post World War 2 communist Stalin propaganda. Anyway have a lovely day!
… “Look out!” I cry and the brunette slumps to the side and I dart upwards and out of the tent onto the wet grass. The creature comes snarling at me with blood coated fangs and blood shot eyes, dressed in torn night gown she is lurching for my throat. My hands my only weapon I make the conscious risky choice to jump to my feet and pound away. Punch, wham, smack! My fists beat the undead woman’s face and blood flicks onto my jumper, her skull cracks and her nose snaps off into the bloodied grass.
“Behind you,” she warns and I spin. A group of four are mumbling rotten groans and gargling guts. But my attacker keeps coming and her mashed in face is not stopping her. But the woman comes to my aid to my surprise and grabs the beast by the neck and snaps it in one twist. “Die.” I snake left and struggle to see anything as moonlight is now obscured by clouds. Whatever is coming is hungry and the hissing and growls grow until I smell the rotting meat in my face.
My fists show no sign of slowing, they react instinctively and I punch away… left, right, left, right, left, the skull begins to soften and I go to finish it off with an almighty whack. She jumps in again literally flying past my head and drop kicks the corpse. I hear the bones snapping, and I feel the decomposed flesh around my fists. “Let’s go.”
I decided to turn my Xbox one on the other day as I hadn’t played it for a while, and fearing that I’d be swept into the abyss that is nostalgia, I riskily loaded up the downloaded version of Dead Island: Definitive Edition. I enjoyed playing it originally on the Xbox 360 back in 2011 and onward, and spent many hours replaying it because a) it is a huge game both in scale and storyline b) I loved it. You don’t find games like this, with the exception of Dying Light, anymore. Both Dead Island and Dying Light were created by Techland, although some might argue Dead Island was a split effort.
When I got the Xbox one in 2017 and played Dying Light, my 3rd game on that console, I was immediately impressed. However it didn’t have the glitz and glamour of the luxurious tropical island that we saw in Dead Island. When the campaign in Dead Island was over I was keen to explore more, so went and bought Dead Island Riptide I think sometime late 2017, but am not sure. I enjoyed it. The other day however, I found that the ultimate edition includes the Ryder White campaign which was a great surprise for me! I don’t remember playing this but recall watching YouTube videos. So I began to play.
Anyone familiar with the game will know the island is split into big sections, all accessed as individual segments, and all massive. Ryder White campaign started in the run down slums of the city of Moresby. The storyline so far has been more military focused with more guns which is great. Don’t go dump on the graphics based on the below picture. The game still stands up as being well made, great graphic, storyline, and characters. You know, this is what gaming should be. I think it is time I go and buy the new Dying Light 2, since Dead Island 2 never materialised and the trailer released in 2014… FML.
A part of me doesn’t want to go back on the console, since it just brings me to a state of mind where I feel good. That might sound strange, but if I nurture that, then I’ll be on it as a result because I feel good. You feel me? Yes. I try to keep gaming in the evening so that I am not stuck on it all day. I think my childhood game days are long gone, so are the gaming days of my early 20s, which I don’t regret. They never took up that much time anyway. Always at night!
After the disappointment that was Back 4 Blood, which I couldn’t be bothered to go back and play since December (not kidding) I don’t think I’ll review it either, I’ll probs rest my feeble hopes on Dying Light 2 after the surprise campaign on Dead Island. If I knew how I’d upload myself playing… but I don’t!
Never Say Never Again blasted onto screens in 1983 and we sat back and let it rot as the black sheep of the franchise. It saw a lawsuit taken to the High Court in England to prevent its production. It is the least known and most under rated Bond movie ever, and I am going to look in more depth at the movie! What a final showdown for Sean Connery.
Released – 1983
Film duration – 2hr
Genre – spy, action, adventure, thriller
IMDB – 6.1/10 & Rotten Tomatoes 70
Starring: Sean Connery, Kim Basinger, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Max Von Sydow, Barbara Carrera, Bernie Casey, Alec McCowen, Edward Fox, Rowan Atkinson.
Song – Never Say Never Again – music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman and performed by Lani Hall.
S.P.E.C.T.R.E has stolen two American nuclear warheads, and James Bond must find the targets before they are detonated.
A remake of the 1965 movie Thunderball (easily a top 3 Bond movie), Never Say Never Again (I won’t I promise), was one of the more mature and laid back Bond movies, but still packed a punch and left its heated mark on the world. 007 is re-activated in this movie and has to find two nuclear warheads in time. It is not made by Eon.
The movie does not have the classic shot down the barrel James Bond introduction, rather, we are introduced to the movie with a background song Never Say Never Again, music by Michel Legrand and performed by Lani Hall. It is a good song and quite memorable, and doesn’t lack a Bond feel, it is simply played out differently, without all the naked women, and instead we get to see Bond break into a complex with armed guards and fight them one by one, eventually revealing it is a training mission.
It is clear that Bond is not much liked despite saving the world multiple times, as he is sent to a health center, after being told, “too many free radicals, that’s your problem, caused by eating too much red meat, white bread, too many martinis!” Bond (Connery) seems to have taken onboard the wit that Roger Moore was employing and using the same sort of accent by responding, “then I shall cut out the white bread, sir.” In this health center or spa, we see a fight unfold, and it happens to be the best part of the movie in terms of both action and humour. I find it hilarious yet really satisfying to watch. Bond and his larger, stronger attacker make their fight way through the kitchens, hallways, bedrooms and laboratory, and we get to see the magnificence of the building itself, being luxurious. Connery has no issues with the humour and seems to revel in it, throwing a sample of his own urine at the attacker stops him, so we think. It is just a good fight sequence, and the setting is perfect. Bond has aged, we see that, but is still very self aware and doesn’t shy from a challenge. It is laid back and so is Bond.
I would argue that Connery as Bond in this movie is actually better than the previous movies. Diamonds are Forever was good, so were the others. But this new one is just laid back and relaxing, we know Bond will win, which makes it satisfying to watch, because it is a struggle for him. Of course, it is because of a man called Maximillian Largo that Bond is attacked. Largo is under the control of Blofeld from Spectre. Brandauer plays the villain extremely well, giving him charisma and ego, and that hidden maniac within that we all fear. He does not have an eye patch like in Thunderball however, and does in fact have a bit more mystery to him. There is also no shark pool in this movie, but there is a lot of sharks further into the movie. The villain doesn’t mind getting close to Bond or letting him on his ship, with his woman Domino, or for that matter even in his casino.
We are introduced in the health center to Fatima Blush (Carrera), who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role as the villainess. The woman has personality, hates men, abuses them, and is crazy and works for Spectre, specifically under the orders of Largo. She stands out as strong and not to be messed with, she sort of overshadows the first part until Bond eventually blows her up after an intense bike chase scene, he does that with a screw pen which doesn’t work at first and Bond remarks that it’s “not perfected yet.” The other Bond girl is Domino, who’s air force pilot brother Largo killed. She is always dressed to expose her toned buttocks or breasts and I noticed after rewatching the movie last night, that a lot of camera work is on them. Particularly during a scene when she is being auctioned off and we get to see her bum bouncing up and down on a horse. I am not complaining though, because she acted the part well.
So Bond has been introduced to Largo. It is the scene in the casino which is a real Bond moment. But before I talk about that, Bond has explored an underwater wreck, been surrounded by sharks, and has escaped. Brief overview, but the scene is only a little important. The film includes Felix Lighter and he works quite closely with Bond in this film.
So the casino, Bond turns up, not wielding his spy glasses this time that allow him to see through clothes though, dumps a pistol in an ice bucket (don’t ask why they did this, it makes no sense) and then he proceeds to a unique game with Largo, it is memorable and defines the film. The pair has to use two joysticks to fight for control or to defend the different countries of the world, the loser is given an electric shock. As you can imagine Bond never gives up, after a series of debilitating shocks decides to challenge Largo to the world. Largo loses and it shows Bond that he is “certifiably” , which means Bond is saying that Largo is certifiably insane. I agree, the whole scene is crazy, because what sane minded person get electric shocks for money? Seems like a game designed to control peoples minds more than anything. Anyway, Bond settles for one dance with Domino, which Largo agrees to. We know Bond doesn’t usually take money, probably because he has enough or no use for it.
During the dance, he exposes Largo to Domino, saying Largo killed her brother. It is a large and luxurious ballroom, a bit like the building. This to me is a statement of Bond. He is luxurious, among the elite in this fantasy, but is a killer, a spy. For the most part he has been among the elite and has blended in well. But I couldn’t help find the dance scene slightly amusing, because Bond and Domino are the only ones dancing, and when he is talking to her, it would be impossible for the guests not to hear him due to his proximity to them.
Next memorable scene, and so far the film has demonstrated that Connery is making a final statement, he is the ultimate James Bond, 007. Nobody will ever beat him, and he knows it, or so he appears to show he is the best. It could be that it is not an official Bond movie that makes it so good. Because of the new directors and writing, it has quirks and differences which highlight it as actually being a really good spy action movie. Forget the one liner nonsense, it is passionate and true to the original concepts. The scene where he goes home (safehouse) after the casino still suited, finds his female associate dead, killed by crazy Fatima on orders of Largo. He then cracks then bike open out of site and comes shooting out of the garage. It is a great scene and you can see that later movies that used bikes, made the scenes and action look awfully similar. No Time To Die did nothing but promote the opening sequence on the motorbike, but it was Connery who was jumping over ledges, riding down stairs, and doing insane jumps decades before. The entire scene is fast paced and fantastic to watch. It made me think of a completely different movie with Sean Connery called The Rock and you can find he review here! Overall it is classic Bond, say no more.
We approach the end of the movie and all is not lost. Another sequence involving a horse, similar to The Living Daylights scenes. Bond escapes his capture using a laser watch. This movie does well in regard to using his gadgets, and using many of them. We don’t see that in other movies. He whisks Domino away from the African warlords bidders, across the ruins of the castle and into the ocean. Some versions, and I believe the television people will cut the 8 second clip of the horse falling into the water on its back, because of animal cruelty or something. I suspect the animal was not harmed. They are picked up by Felix and Bond tells that one bomb is under Washington and the other they have to find. The tears of Allah a rather bizarre name for a terrorist operation, way back in the 80s of movies too. No mention of that in the original Thunderball. But nonetheless emphasises that Largo is crazy.
Final showdown in an ancient tomb and a good old fashioned shoot out. It is Domino who shoots Largo underwater. Oh well, fate eh? I think the movie offers a lot in terms of entertainment. I find the rewatch value to be high, meaning that it never becomes boring, and it will not leave you wondering when it will end. I suggest you watch the movie. I have many times. Last night just made me realise how under rated the movie was. Most people don’t even acknowledge the efforts, classing it as a rip off. He is called James Bond 007, it has Q & M, Felix, and spy gadgets, based on Thunderball. It has a theme song. It has spectre and Blofeld. What more do you want? It is a real James Bond movie and Sean Connery’s 7th and final outing. Imagine the fan base finding out that he was returning to the role after 12 years? The title is a clear take from Connery, who remarked after Diamonds are Forever that he would never play the role again. He was in his 50s! Filmed in France, Spain, the Bahamas and Elstree Studios!
On conclusion, the film is one of the better Bond movies. Connery is appealing, talented and imaginative as 007 reprising his role for the final time. The film is full of well timed wit, excellent dialogue and character development, brilliant storylines and script, effective and exciting fight scenes and action and a good production which was a commercial success.
I watched The Batman last night. Got into the cinema and sat down by 7pm. Film started 20 minutes later after a couple adverts, not many. The film ran from that time to about 10:10pm! So, from the beginning of this review, you should know the new Warner Bros. DC movie The Batman is long and it is dark and there is actually more to this than first meets thee eye.
I will highlight firstly that this seems and appears to be a direct continuation of the franchise in that Batman is established and he is not going through any type of renewal. This is a key word in the movie, renewal. He refers to himself at the start of the movie as vengeance. He is also called vengeance throughout by others.
The movie uses a gothic castle as his home! Finally. This is brilliant. The overall aesthetic of the movie is dark and gothic it is brilliant. The architecture being used it old as opposed to new or modern. Even the subway system looks outdated.
It starts with Batman revealing how he operates, how criminals are afraid when they know he may be out in the night, how he fights but cannot tackle every problem. Understandable. Robert Pattinson is also a good look for Batman. He wears black eye makeup a lot of the time, even with the suit on. He is tall and slim. Muscle isn’t really there in one of the scenes where he exposes his torso. I don’t know if anyone else has an issue with this but the suit in the film does give the impression his quite strong and muscularly, although with the suit you can still see that slimness. But he knows how to fight, he uses those skills effectively, being able to take on 5 or 6 fearlessly.
We go to a murder, specifically in this big mansion. It leads us onto the topic of the movie. Why was he killed, who did it and why? We soon learn at the crime scene that there is more to this. It appears there is a card addressed to the batman in which is a riddle. That’s right. The Riddler is back at his sick games. Batman, coupled with commissioner Gordon, is trying to track him down all the while dealing with an elusive and mysterious woman who dresses in black at night, and has lots of cats – catwoman? We never get that information but clearly, she is. Who recalls Halle Berry in that awful 2004 movie? What about Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992 Batman Returns? Zoe Kravitz is now catwoman. And, we get to see the workings of some dark club in which a lot of police, corrupt DA’s have been hanging out.
The club forefront man, is none less than the Penguin. (This movie should have done more with him). But the Penguin, although known, is on the backburner. Played by an unrecognisable Colin Farrell. The club is a mafia run joint. It’s basically a long journey from this point of trying to figure out who the Riddler is couple with trying to expose the corrupt cops. All the while Alfred is hospitalised after an attack and more.
But in terms of character we can see that stories of the past and particularly Bruce Waynes parents death has crept back into the fold, supposedly being some sort of trigger for renewal. I should also mention that at the beginning of the movie, a group of thugs has the face paint of joker. Although it doesn’t have any attention drawn to it, when looking at the Joker movie starring Joaquin Phoenix, it is significant. Even more so when comparing with the death of Bruce Waynes parents. You see movie makers, Warner Brothers and writers should all be familiar with previous films stories. In Joker it is suggested that Thomas Wayne is the Jokers father, and the Jokers uprising is responsible for the death of Bruce Waynes parents. In this film, the Batman, it is suggested that the mafia boss or the Riddler is responsible. At the end of the movie, we see the Joker in Arkham Asylum, so we know throughout the movie that his far reaching affects are still taking place because of the Joker impersonators. This supposed disregard to what the Joker did in the previous movies makes me wonder why they ignored it.
It is all about detective and chase work. The Batmobile makes and appearance as a loud and obnoxious vehicle with huge engine and flaming turbine on the back. It’s small but not quite fast enough. It comes in good use when Batman suspects the Penguin of being an elusive rat with wings that the Riddler is hunting. It is downplayed but the movie operates at a level of genuine sophistication and Batman genuineness. It is true to the character. He is not perfect, he is still not supported 100% by Gotham police department aside from commissioner Gordon. He is still the Dark Knight, just in a more reclusive way. Bruce Wayne is in the negative spotlight throughout as the city want blood for the billionaires corrupt dealings.
This battle is lost and Batman cannot figure out the Riddler’s last clue until it is too late. The city is in jeopardy. It is a laboured love but the movie shows and demonstrates that key element which makes us all love Batman to begin with. He gives the city hope and is a light of positivity. Although the Riddler wasn’t quite as eccentric as Jim Carrey in 1995s Batman Forever, he is still a bad guy and its fun to watch the pursuit.
The run time does seem excessive. It could have been cut down considerably, which I suspect is what already happened. Maybe they could have given us 2 hours 30 minutes? Seems reasonable to say at least 20 minutes of combined footage is not needed, a city shot here or there, or the sound of engines revving.
Congratulations to Robert Pattinson for doing a decent job of making Batman dark, strong and genuinely a force to be reckoned with. Acting is superb. The dark theme, overall gothic tones and a huge amount of visual close up fighting, with little special effects. It is so difficult to rate though.
psychedelicwizard 