Ship of Lost Souls...

MISSING MYSTERY SHIP FOUND BEACHED ON BONGOLESIA'S SOUTHERN COASTLINE...

Ship listed as "missing" years ago, suddenly ends up found on rocky shores of Bongolesia's Southern Coast...

Certainly NOT "The Love Boat!"...the Cargo Ship "Dimitrios" photographed shortly after it was reported found beached on The Southern Coast of Bongolesia...

(Sudkeia): Rumors are flying as heads are being scratched as the National Government confirmed today that an Eastern European Cargo Ship that had been declared as "Missing / Lost At Sea", in the Black Sea years ago, has suddenly been discovered beached upon the rocky desolate Southern Bongolesian Shores, devoid of any crew or cargo.

The Greek built, Romanian flagged cargo freighter "Dimitrios", was reported "Overdue" at it's destination in 2003. Based out of the Romanian port of Constanta, The Dimitrios travelled across the Black Sea carrying cargo and a few passengers to ports such as Yalta, Odessa, Varna and Istanbul with an occassional foray into the Mediterranean.

Launched in 1984, The Dimitrios was leased by a private Romanian shipping company to move cargo throughout the Black Sea.

In September of 2003, during a series of freakishly bad storms throughout The Black Sea, numerous ships were damaged, a few swamped and sunk, and a couple reported as "Overdue/Missing"...Among the last ones was The Dimitrios.

Bound for Istanbul with a private cargo, it was assumed that the ship was caught in a fierce storm and sank quickly, preventing any SOS, or even an abandon ship attempt. The ships status went from "Overdue", to "Missing", and eventually to "Lost At Sea".

No bodies or wreckage was ever found.

DEFINATELY NOT A "THREE HOUR TOUR"....

So, imagine everyone's surprise when it was reported to local officals by Bongolesian fisherman that "a big boat was on da rocks near our shore"... Fearing a military invasion, a small force of security troops travelled quickly to check out what was going down. To their surprise and relief, there was no invasion force, just The Dimitrios.

The scouts reported back to HQ of a large shipwreck on the rocks. An investigation team of security and government officials arrived at the scene and confirmed that it was the missing Dimitrios...

The questions on everyones minds (and tongues) is: "Where did it come from?" "How did it get here?" "Where has it been for so long?" and most of all..."What happened to the cargo, (and crew)???"...

All of these questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues into this mystery...

MORE ON THIS AS IT UNFOLDS....

Winner of The Stylish Blogger Award!!!!

Imagine my surprise and how honored I felt when this morning I discovered that I had been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award for bringing "Bongolesia" to the masses...

First off a HEARTY and HUGE BIG "THANK YOU" goes to David Manley at "Don't Throw Bloody Spears At Me!".

You can find his blog here: http://dtbsam.blogspot.com/2011/04/stylish-blogger-award.html

Now although the honor doesn't come with a cash award or anything like that, it is an honor to be recognized. I've always been one of those guys that say "Wow, I wish I could paint figs, run a game, build terrain, and even have a cool blog like these guys." I never consider myself "good enough". I see some of the other blogs out there, and it does make me envious, wishing that I had that type of skill, but at the same time they also inspire me. I hope that this blog and some of the things I've done will help inspire you, dear reader, onto good gaming!

That being said though...

With this award comes responsibilities and duty....and rules....(Yeah we got rules here...)

There are four rules to the award that have to be followed:

1: Thank and link back to the person giving you the award- - thanks again DTBSAM! :)
2: Share seven things about yourself.
3: Select 10-15 blogs who you think deserve this award.
4: Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award.

Okay so seven things about me...

1: I'm a Civil War Reenactor.

2: I get my college degree at the end of this year.

3: I hope to have a house with a fully designated "Man Cave/Game Room" in the near future with table, display cases and the like, like Lord Ashram has...

4: I wish I could find a good group of people to DM again...(one of my groups ran EVERY Saturday night for many years and was only actually interrupted on account of a war. (Desert Shield and Storm)...

5: My three favorite movies are : 1: The Quiet Man; 2: Darby O' Gill and The Little People; and 3: Casablanca...

6: I'm the original designer of Gutshot (The Origins 2006 Winner for "Historical Miniatures Game Of The Year), and co-creator of the present version.

7: I've been diagnosed with ONHD (a VERY RARE optic nerve disorder that will result in total bllindness for me in 20-30 years)...

8: I've been into "toy soldiers" all of my life, for as long as I can remember...

And now in honor of it all, and in carrying on the proud tradition of it all, I'd like to recognize the following blogs who's stuff has inspired me, thrilled me, taunted and titillated me. All in all, excellent works of gamesmanship and creativitiy, listed in no particular order.

Well done my friends!

ColCampbells Barracks: http://colcampbellbarracks.blogspot.com/

Der Alte Fritz Journal: http://altefritz.blogspot.com/

Doctor Merkurys Lab: http://doctormerkury.blogspot.com/

Mongos Wafflehouse: http://mongoswafflehouse.blogspot.com/

Mistress of Minis: http://mistressofminis.blogspot.com/

Daddys Little Men: http://daddyslittlemen.blogspot.com/

Too Much Lead: http://toomuchlead.blogspot.com/

Panzerfausts 150 blog: http://panzerfaust150.6sided.net/

Crisis In Alcovia: http://alcovia.blogspot.com/

Lord Ashram's House of War: http://lordashramshouseofwar.blogspot.com/

Please check out these blogs for further inspiration and good reading! They've all done a tremendous job!

And once again. Thank you dear readers for all of your support!

More Bongolesian news and updates coming your way....

Medals, Buildings and B'wonah!

An overdue update for you dear reader...

One of the things that I have noticed is that third world delusional tin-pot tin-plated dictators seem to have in common is their love of medals and military awards. It seems that many of them believe in "The power of the bling"...
That being said, I decided to try my hand at creating a Bongolesian Medal/Award.
And thus I present to you, dear reader:

THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN LION

The Order of the Golden Lion is an award given to those that have helped to further goodwill, and the cause of Bongolesia nationwide and throughout the rest of the world. It is the highest award that can normally be awarded upon a non-citizen that has worked towards the better welfare of Bongolesia...

In reality, it's a fake military medal created by myself and my wonderful lady...

The Order of The Golden Lion

See how spiffy it looks on a suit coat?

Just the type of bling you want to impress that hot young girl at the club on Saturday night...

More medals and awards to be coming in the future....

And now onto stuff that I'm working on, or finished, or wished I was finished with...

With Origins 2011 coming up fast..and I mean FAST, I'm going on a crash course in construction for Bongolesia. One of the "lollygag" projects I've had was the control tower for Sudekia Airport. I wanted something that had a "Seventies Future-ish" look, and with some scrap material, I created "Sudekia Tower"....

"Ground Control to Major Tom...." The control tower and building for Sudekia International Airport, (also known by it's old French name of "Bom'ba De Plaine Airport"....)...

Weathering on the building and the wear and tear of a 30+ year old control tower...and the corrugated metal roof and siding used in building repairs...

Part of my Origins game is going to rely on a beach, and what good African country that has water and a coastline doesn't have a beach? I mean, heck...Even his Excellency President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah likes to slip on a pair of speedos once in a while and get the sand between his tootsies as he watches the waves roll in on the beach...

So I started working on building "Ann'zee'oh Beach" for the upcoming game....

27" inches in lenght, and about 10" wide; it's made of pink foam with three dune hills attached ...

The base of the beach...patience and a lot of glue.....

After letting the dunes dry, and giving it a nice base coat, I plastered it with watered glue for the ground, (sand)...and applied liberally...

Here's my effort from my first layer of sand...

Not very easy to see...but you can see the general formation of it all...

I'm currently adding another layer. The dark spot on the left was a comparision of "sands", (The dark being "Sand" from Games Workshop)...

A nice long view of the beach....a place for romantic strolls in the sunset, oil slicks from wrecked tankers, and invasion forces to land...

And finally an update on the creation of the Presidential Palace, (The Pink Palace)...

Why no self respecting dictator worth his weight in truth serum wouldn't have a pad that he can call his own. And B'wonah is no different. The "Pink Palace" is the official Presidential Residence....

Hot and Cold Running Intrigue....

A perfect place for international hijinks and diplomatic shenanigans...

The Palace is made up of foamcore and is based on a solid sheet of foamcore. Groundwork is Scenic Effects flock and Gale Force 9. I'm really liking their stuff more and more....

A 15mm figure on a stand for size comparison..."I wonder who that could be???"...

Why, it's none other than "The Man!", himself! His Excellency President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah, in all of his resplendent bemedalled military dictatorshipness and glory! He seems to be checking out his crib!

More projects are on the table and being worked on, and more reports and photos to be coming in, including my hellish experiment with painting AAVP7s in NATO 3 color and painting 15mm USMC in Woodland Marpat...(argh!)

Semper Fi, baby....

My Marines awaiting MARPAT painting...

As usual, comments are appreciated....

Get your balls kicked! Football season begins next week!!!

Fans throbbing with excitement throughout the nation in turgid anticipation of the start of the season next weekend!

BFL SEASON TO BEGIN WITH EXHIBITION GAMES NEXT WEEK!

Two new teams added to lineup!!!

(Sudekia): All of the country is abuzz and jittery with expectations like a new bride on her wedding night at next weeks start of the Football Season here in Bongolesia.

Of particular interest is that two new teams have been formed and added to Division One and Division Two.

"It's going to be quite a season!" said famed Bongolesian sports announcer How'urd Ko'Sell. "Between the up and coming bikini pageant and the start up of what looks like to be an exciting year of hard ball kicking in the BFL, the people of Bongolesia have a lot to be turgid about!"

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

With the League split into two divisions, there will come a time when the two top teams will play in the National Championship, to decide who is the top hyena.

This year the championship game will be held in Lonnieville. Already the local residents are hoping that their homeboyz team will be there to participate and to win the gold plated championship trophy.

TWO NEW TEAMS!

People are abuzz about the addition of two new teams to the divisions and what it could mean for the league itself.

"It makes the field even more competetive than it already is." Ko'sell said. "Seven teams in each division for a total of fourteen. There's going to be a lot of kicked balls during this season."

Of particular interest on the field is the addition of the two new teams, The Jamboville Jam, and the Junkotown Raiders.

"The Jam has a good offense, but right now seems to lack long range ball kicking power. This could hurt their chances for winning games if they don't score early." Ko'sell replied when asked about them.

On the Jamboville Jam he said. "They're new and it shows. They've got some coordination problems, plus the local fighting that resulted in their field being hit with mortar fire delayed their practices quite a bit."

Indeed it seems like there is going to a lot to cheer and scream about in Bongolesia starting next week!

DIVISION 1

Sudekian Terrors

Tomtown Lions

Alexville Rhinos

Clarksville Comets

Porterfield Natives

PETROCO Lightnings

Junkotown Raiders

DIVISION 2

Lonnieville Headhunters

Port Tuziak Warriors

Waughtown Devils

Kensington-Hyde-White Unlimited

UN - "United"

NDF - "Guardians"

Jamboville Jam

All teams will begin their three game pre-season exhbition series next weekend, followed by a twelve game season. Each team will have one BYE weekend that they do not play.

Place your bets, root for you home team, and if attending a game, please follow any emergency evacuation orders in case of a crisis.

It's time to go kick some balls!!!!

STAY TUNED HERE FOR MORE EXCITING INFORMATION AS IT UNFOLDS!!!

NEW UN MILITARY MISSION COMMANDER TO BONGOLESIA ANNOUNCED!!!

NEW UN MILITARY MISSION COMMANDER ANNOUNCED!!!

SECURITY COUNCIL TO REPLACE ITALIAN COMMANDER WITH PROFESSIONAL GERMAN OFFICER.

(UN Building) In a surprise move today, the United Nations Security Council (Peacekeeping Forces) announced that the current UN Military Mission Commander would be replaced within two weeks.

"UNSC today announced that Peacekeeping General Luigi Attsa'matta would be replaced as Commander of of the UN Military Peacekeeping Forces in Bongolesia (except for the British Contigent which operates seperately in the Northern Sector); and that the change of command would take place within the next two weeks. "

His replacement has been described as "A Professional German Military Officer of the highest caliber"; and has been named as "General-Field Marschall Hans Von KinderSchlager". Sources close to the UNSC spoke anonymously today about General Von KinderSchlager, saying that "He was pure military through and through, and had few vices and even less sense of humor."

General Hans Von KinderSchlager

The New UN Military Mission Commander to Bongolesia (Peacekeeping Forces)

The UN Peacekeeping mission has been plagued with inefficient operations over the last two years due to restricted budgets and cultural issues between the peacekeepers and the Bongolesian people. There are even issues of understanding and cohesion between the peacekeepers themselves. The UN Peacekeeping force is broken into two major military sectors: The MAIN SECTOR (which covers all of the country EXCEPT the NORTHERN SECTOR), is manned by an international coalition (mostly French), of military personnel on one year rotations. With command headquarters in the Capitol city of Sudekia, the French are occassionally backed by a small Danish contingent, as well as a smaller Pakistani contingent. Unofficial word is that the French troops were not happy with an Italian Commander, and to be honest, no one could understand whether the Pakistanis were happy or not...

The NORTHERN SECTOR OF OPERATIONS is commanded by a British Contingent led by General Robert (aka "Bloody Bob") Buggers, and consists of The Queens Own Royal Second Rate Irish Fusiliers; 1st British (and Others) Armored Company, An artillery battery manned by Welsh Conscripts, A platoon of Australian Engineers as well as other occassional various support units that are occassionally deployed to Bongolesia for lack of anything better to do. With Northern Sector command headquarters located in the former British city of Kensington-Hyde-White, the British contingent constantly maintains peacekeeping operations in the treacherous Northern Highlands and Mountains of Bongolesia.

More to come on this important announcement as details are made public...

Bombs, Bikinis, The French, and Business Deals...

PRESIDENT WORKS WITH INVESTIGATION CREW ON RECENT ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT...

"Will find out who gets the sharp end of the pain stick!"

(Sudekia) Under highly loaded security, his Excellency President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah, listened carefully to the initial findings of the investigation team focused on the recent assassination attempt.

For those of you not in the know, a two vehicle team of thugs and hoodlums attempted to ram and detonate their vehicles into the Government Building recently, while the President and his staff were inside doing stuff.

Security Forces were able to beat off the attempt, but not after one of the cars detonated in the Central Marketplace Area, killing some poor civilians, and stuff.

His Excellency was very business-like this morning, and just issued a quick statement before the first of what will probably be many closed door meetings.

"I'm a man of few words...but a lot of action. I like action, and I like to get a lot of action, and those hooligans that think they can get away with something like this, will soon discover the error of their ways."

His Excellency President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah, listens intently on the initial findings of who tried to get the jiggy on him...

MORE TO FOLLOWING AS THIS EVENT UNFOLDS

And in other news....

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

Whiny European Leaders discuss "Bongolesian Affairs" while ignoring theirs!

It's becoming a bit of an embarassment to the international community at the "seemingly renewed" interest in our nation that our former European Colonial Masters, now known as the EU, (or should that be "EWWWW"???), have undertaken once again towards our beloved nation, while ignoring the plights of their people and issues within their borders altogether.

Students of approved history will remember that until 1960 our country was under a murky myriad of misguided myoptic masochism and rule by various stagnant European powers and lorded over by those same desperate nations being on trying to maintain themselves as some sort of colonial mastery over us and failing. Now in this day and age, like a weasel in a girls school, they are once again attempting to slip back into things here and are attempting it by using the guise of "International Relations", to do now what couldn't be done back then.

This week at a recent meeting of EU nations on lots of trivial affairs and what-nots, a flunky spokesman for the EU, (and from France of all places!), discussed with his spoon-fed reporters of the international media "his nations disgusts at our annoyance on their high tariff rates for the importation of Bongo-Cola.

Everyone knows that Bongo-Cola is a delicious, refreshing beverage destined to drive away thirst, and that it's something that everyone should enjoy, (even the French); but alas no...

They seem to think that "It's not good enough until they put a high tariff on it to make it an unaffordable luxury for everyone in the country", and thus no one in France is able to enjoy delicious, refreshing Bongo-Cola.

While we here in Bongolesia understand slamming tariffs on things to get people to pay for what they are getting, we are visibly upset because these so called "tariffs" are nothing more than highway robbery without the highways!

This is just one of the latest issues that the EU seems to be drumming up and focusing on within our beloved nation. It would be nice of them if they just went back to paying attention to their own failed systems and leave Bongolesia, (and the rest of the world), alone...

"SAME TO YOU FELLA!!!"

Local Whiny French EU Rep. tells the press "How he feels about Bongolesia..."

WHOOMP! THERE IT IS!!!!

Local beauties get ready for all popular annual Bongolesian National Bikini Pageant!

(Port Tuziak) The heat is on, and the smell of body oil and sweat is in the air as the local young ladies, (pretty and otherwise), are all jittery and excited at the announcement of the upcoming Bongolesian National Bikini Pageant being held this year at the luxious "Fly-By-Night" Club and Resort in Downtown Port Tuziak.

Bikini Pageant Producer See'mo Buttz said "This years contest is going to get you all up and thumpin' for some action! We got a line of beauties from all over the country ready to give it up for the crowd! They'll be strutting their stuff and will be all pimped out ready for a night of action!"

Indeed it seems that the local male population is already salivating and looking forward to the bevy of beauties that will be in the contest. "I'm 78 years old, and if'n I can see some of that hot whoomp, then day-aaaaammmmmnnnn!" said a local elderly gentleman while shivering in the noonday heat on a local park bench. We're not exactly sure what he means by his manner of speech, but we will get back to you on it.

The Fly-By-Night Club and Resort in downtown Port Tuziak, is one of the swankiest, poshest places around town, and is a popular place for entertainment of all kinds, (no sailors allowed). The Pageant will also be televised by Bongo-Vision Television and musical entertainment will be featuring local Bonoglesian Rap Sensation "Sqweekie K'leen", who will perform among his many hits, his recent hot single "I'd buy that fo' a dollar!"

"Something for everyone..."

Local beauties get ready to strut their stuff...

HASSELHOFF CAN'T COME EITHER...

Television Superstar is "saddened" that he is unable to make it as a guest judge of Bikini Pageant...

(Port Tuziak) In a sad statement released today, to the Bongolesian People, superstar and legendary actor David Hasselhoff informed our nation that he is "Unable to attend the Bongolesian Bikini Pageant due to unfortunate personal circumstances beyond his control." In a gently worded statement, he says: "This Bikini Pageant is something that I could really get my hands on and sink my teeth into... I'm so honored that you would ask me to be a guest judge of all the lovely ladies that will be strutting the corner of the stage and showing off their talents and goods. Maybe next year time will allow me to make it and grace your country with myself, and my clear-cut judgement on your local bevy of beauties..."

"Saddened that he can't come..."

Superstar David Hasselhoff is sad that he can't make it happen...

NEED SOMETHING SPECIAL AND EXOTIC???

Honest Abduls has it for you!!!

(Waughtown) Folks that love to spend lots of money, (their and others), will be happy and pleased to know that "Honest Abdul-The Shoppers Friend", has opened his third location here in Bongolesia! In a quick interview with Honest Abdul, he said " We thought long and hard about a third opening, but found that the best place to do business with is with the good people in the Northern Sector of the country. Waughtown has a good small port that allows ships carrying various goods, sundries, imports and exports to come in both day and night, and there are always UN personnel around to make sure that things are handled right." He smiled and took a deep smoke on his favored hookah. "The very best bargain for the very best price can ALWAYS be found at Honest Abduls New and Used Imports, Exports, and World O'Goods Emporium of Fine Things and Other Stuff. It's a great place to spend your hardly earned money."

(Cash, Money Order, International Money/Postal Orders, Gold, and certain International Charge Cards are accepted. No Checks please...Due to issues with the Italian Post, no items to be shipped to Italy...)

"He's got what you want..."

Honest Abdul-The Shoppers Friend!!!

CARGO SHIPS COMING TO PORT TUZIAK...

"What's in the tub, Bub?"

International Trade Agreements help local business and nation with special ordered stuff...

(Sudekia) The Ministry of Trade is happy to announce today that a series of specially brokered business deals with trade representatives from the CIS, and the PRC will allow the people of Bongolesia to see much new and needed items coming into the country via cargo ships. Ships traffic will be increased over the coming months in Port Tuziak and even in Sudekia to unload the cargo that they bring and to allow the sailors to get off. Details and information remain sketchy at the moment, but the word is out that among the items being brought into the country will be "Farm machinery and agricultural supplies, Irrigation devices, Tractors, Plumbing supplies, and other production and manufacturing materials". It's expected that the imports of said items will assist in the creation of many new jobs for the people in our country, and will allow them to sweat and work hard for what they are given. It all points to a brighter future for Bongolesia!

"Good Stuff coming in..."

Cargo ship on it's way to Port Tuziak...

Assassination Attempt!!!

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT!!!

PRESIDENT AND CABINET MEMBERS SAFE AND SOUND...

OTHERS, NOT SO LUCKY...

(Sudekia) In a move that can only be described as "cowardly", the peace and quiet of our beloved city was shattered last night when a group of unknown thugs and hooligans attempted an ill planned and poorly conceived assassination attempt upon our beloved President and/or other members of the Government. Shortly after 11 PM BST (Bongolesian Standard Time), a group of wannabe baddies attempted to ram two cars packed with explosives into the National Government Building, where his Excellency, President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah and other Government Officials were inside working on another national scheme to make things better for everyone involved and all around. Luckily for us and everyone else, the Security Personnel on duty intercepted the enemy vehicles and with a few bursts of rifle fire to convince them of the error of their ways, the hooligans departed the scene in their vehicles rather quickly. Unfortunately one of the thug cars detonated in the nearby Central Market Area killing 4 Civilians, 1 Security Forces Soldier and an unknown numbers of hooligans. The remaining vehicle fled into the darkness of the night.

"Hooligan Failure"

One of the vehicles of the enemy assassins burns brightly in the night in the Central Marketplace. The occupants dead from the accurate fire of the overzealous security personnel and the detonation of their explosive cargo.

Within moments of the incident, the Command Reactionary Assault Personnel (CRAP), of the Presidential Guard were on the scene. As CRAP went everywhere to ensure that his Excellency our beloved President was safe and sound, as well as the other Government officials. The curious civilian onlookers that crowded the scene were gently kept by the the benevolent prodding of CRAP bayonets while Government Investigators arrived on the scene to begin their work.

A Presidential Guard CRAP officer takes command of the scene of chaos and ensures that the President is A Okay and that those responsible will get what they deserve...

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT:

To the People of Bongolesia and the rest of the world...

Today it just breaks my heart to have to let you know of the chaos of those who would bring down our way of life and of their wicked wicked attempts to put the jiggy on me and the rest of the people that rule over you.

Late this evening, while I was in the thick of things with some of my assistants at the Government Building, some enemies of the state decided to try to force our incredible nation down the road into ruin by wanting to blow me (and some others, but mostly me), to bits.

I am happy to report to you that I am still alive and well, and unharmed.

Can you believe their foolishness? We've seen their type before and believe me, this so called "assassination attempt" was a poorly laid out farce destined for failure. I've seen better attempts myself.

I have authorized the Presidential Guard, The National Defense Force, and Local Security Forces to assist in this investigation. Believe me when I say that we will get to the bottom of this hinky jinky...

Those who are responsible for this and those who would back them and those that would support those that do things like this, (and you know who you are), will be held responsible and will suffer the sharp end of the pain stick with it comes time fo' payback.

I will keep the good citizens that perished in my thoughts, and will keep you informed as to what's going down on these hooligans.

Long Live Our Nation!

END OF STATEMENT

MORE TO COME ON THIS AS IT HAPPENS AND UNFOLDS....