From the worktable: "What I've gotten done lately..."

Greetings once again, dear readers!
A lot of you out there, (okay a few of you), have been asking me "Murph...you write a lot about what is going on or "down" in Bongolesia, but have you been working on anything? It's been a long time since a game report, or even a "project report". So what have you been doing?
That's a good question dear reader and the answer is "Yes, I have been working on things. Due to some "life changes", (becoming a grandfather, having my game room moved, etc.) my produciton schedule and creativity was kind of stifled. With that over with, and my new setup, I decided to get back into it.
Thus, here's what I've gotten done lately...(with pics!)
First off, lets take a look at the work area...
A nice area that has been set up for me, that hold my paints, brushes, groundwork, tools, etc...as well as a nice cold bottle of Shiner Bock. That was a project that I was working on at that moment. I'm proud to say that it was successfully completed! Diligent readers will notice that the entire work/production area is watched over by Mr. Adam West (aka "Batman"), and the ever lovely Ms. Linda Blair, (who in my feverish dreams keeps whispering to me, while feeding me peeled grapes, that "historical miniature wargamers turn her on"...)
Hey...I can dream can't I?
Okay back to the projects....


This is a quick pic of most of what I have gotten done recently. It's actually quite a bit and some of the pieces I am especially proud of...
Keep reading and scrolling...

I completed two pieces of scenics recently. The first one that you see below was started some time back and just was one of those "pieces that you work on when you don't know what else to do..." I call it the "Bio-Organic Nutrient Regurgitation Collection Vats", and figure that they'll be used for "something" that "OMENCORP" is working on...(more to come on them later)....



Yessss...All natural organic nutrient regurgitation is collected here in these containers and then pumped to the nutrient processing facility...(present location unknown)...No artificial colors, flavors, or anything else here...no sir...Omencorp prides itself on "Natural Bio-Organic Nutrient Regurgitation"...mmmmmm-hmmmmm.....

Meanwhile, turning our eyes, minds, and noses away from the little Omencorp item, we find this...
This is a BF FoW WWII fuel dump objective marker. I decided to use it as "something else", instead of just fuel, (I'll get another one for fuel later). Just ignore the greenish stuff leaking out...the burning on your skin will go away soon....I promise...
Nothing to see here folks, move along...

One of the things that I have noticed about AK47, is that there never seems to be "enough" trucks...and in Bongoleisa, there never seems to be enough trucks OR enough trucks that actually run...
Part of the projects completed is these four little BF beauties here...

Two Russian Zil Trucks, (I have about six of these now I think. They are really nice little pieces to paint up), and two Italian Lancia heavy trucks, (with assorted cargo under dirty tarps...Hmmmm...I wonder what they could be carrying?

Now I know you are probably saying, "OKAY MURPHY, ENOUGH with the trucks and blah stuff...Let's see the FIGHTING STUFF!!!"

*sigh*

Your wish is my command....

First off, the latest in Bongolesian Air Defense...

The SA-6 is from QRF, and despite it's simple look, it was an absolute pain to put together. The fins on the missiles were horribly bent or broken and in true QRF style, it had "lots of little fiddly parts", with no instructions as to "where they go"...so I spent A LOT of time looking at various pics of the SA6 to figure out "What goes where." Once it's set up and painted it is an impressive (and heavy), little piece...

But not as heavy as the next one...

...

...

...

...

Pay no attention to this photograph! There are NO, I repeat, NO SS-21 SCUD TEL's in Bongolesia...in fact there are no SSM systems in Bongolesia whatsoever. Bongolesia has been receiveing tractor parts and farm equipment from those Russian and Chinese ships. Go back to sleep your government will take care of you....

Ahem...

Continuing onward...

What would Bongolesia be without BARF? (The organization; NOT the substance!).

Helping to outfit those who would depose His Excellency, President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah, and replace his system of corruption and msiery with their own system of corruption and misery, BARF recently had two new techncials painted up for them....

Good gas mileage, easy to park, and easily available to help overthrow a government, these little babies come with AM/FM radio, power steering, and convenient removable tailgates to help with those "Extra heavy" loads (like recoilless rifles)...Stop by your local dealer and get one today!

Now with people like BARF driving all over the place, whats a President-For-Life supposed to do when he is travelling by limo to some location?

Easy!

Have his own Presidential Guard Motorcycle Escorts!

Four Peter Pig WWII motorcyles and drivers, these will be used for escorting the Presidential Limo (currently a 1959 Caddillac), or perhaps even used a "scout/recon" units...

And now, my "PRIDE AND JOY".....

For the last year or so, I have been struggling with trying to paint USMC troops in 15mm in the USMC WOODLAND MARPAT uniform. Pictures on the net and requests for help with it, really didn't get me anywhere, until I visited a USMC recruiting office.

Explaining to the young leatherneck there that I am "A: Too damn old to enlist", and "B: Was there to see if I could get some info on Woodland MARPAT"; the courteous young marine handed me a copy of USMC magazine which had EXCELLENT pictures of uniforms, equipment, and gear....
But the killer was, I still couldn't get the uniforms down...the colors just didn't seem to go "right"...Until I realized something...
I was trying "too hard"...
You see, 15mm figs are not like 28mm. With 28mm you can make a more detail and have more area to paint, thus you can see the different pixellations of ACUS, and MARPATS. In 15mm, you have very little, and most of their bodies is covered with gear. So then I started looking at the figures and uniforms and saying "Hmmm..okay....what color do I see at this distance?"
And the answer was "brown".
If you look at a picture of the Marine Woodland MARPAT uniform, and hold it at arms length, you will notice that it overall looks like "drab brown", until you start pulling the picture closer to your eyes. Then as it gets closer you will see the different "pixellations", (the greens, tans and blacks)...it's truly a confusing and remarkable color pattern, and probably THE WORST AND HARDEST that I have ever had to duplicate...I think next time I will go with desert....three colors, (mostly sand), and that's it...

But when they were done, the overall effect is pretty damn stunning if I do say so myself...

And so, ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you....The United States Marine Corps, (in 15mm USMC Woodland MARPAT)...coming soon to a country near you, to kick ass and take names...

"Semper Fi, Baby!"

An overhead shot showing the force, ready for action....command units, rifle squads, LMGs, SAWs, HMG's and Mortars, all ready to put a hurtin' on whomever they are told to hurt...

Rifle Squads are ready to go!!!

M240 MG teams ready for action....remember, "Every fifth round is a tracer..."

Command Stands and Mortars...

Rifle squads, support weapons, and all the "umph!" that Marines carry with them to deliver maximum hurt to the enemy... Perhaps in "all" of Bongolesia, these are the only "real" "good" guys that there are...

But whats a third world hell-hole without war zone activities like ambushes?

And so I present to you, dear reader, my "Ambushed Mercedes Sedan"...

This is another Peter Pig little sweet piece to work on. It cleans up well and takes paint pretty good. I will probably get another one later on and do it in a more "shot up and rusted look", for a car that's been sitting on the road for a while...this one is obviously a "newer casualty"...

By the way...You DO know that Bongolesia starts with a "B" right?

Right?...

Work with me here...

What else starts with a "B"...???

And DON'T say "BOMB!!!!" (wrong answer, you go to the back of the classroom)...

No..."BEACHES!" also start with "B"....

And you know what is frequently seen on "beaches" right?

Right?

And if you say "LANDMINES!", "Oil Slicks", or "Machine Gun Bunkers"...then you really need to get out more....

NO...

What's seen on "beaches" is ......BIKINI BABES!!!!!

Soooooo...how can I have a "beach in Bongolesia" without "Bikini Babes!?"

Have no fear! Peter Pig to the rescue once again!

Peter Pig "ancients range" nude females...and with a very VERY fine brush, gave them outfits that even "Wicked Weasel Bikinis" would be proud of. Now they can flounce and bounce all over Bongoelsia's sunny golden shores...

So where does that leave me?

Oh yes....that was the "completed stuff"...

What about "What I am working on now?"

Welllll....to answer that question...

I am working on a ceremonial parade flag unit of the Bongolesian Presidential Guard.

These guys are acutally 15mm Napoleonic Highlanders that have been shanghaied into Bongolesian Service. They'll be painted up in their dress uniforms and used in ceremonies and parades...I also have bagpipers that may get into it also...


I'm also working on more anti-government troops, (BARF and "The Lions of Allah")....



As well as "more civilians", (Innocents caught up in the mess, "not so innocents that are looting", protesters, etc...) All in all when finished I should have close to 30 stands of civilians...a nice sized mob if I do say so myself...



Oh and trucks...This is the second to last batch of trucks that I need to do, and finally, FINALLY I think I will have enough trucks...I think...
Oh, and two more landrovers also...




And then I have this batch of miscellaneous stuff...some "odds and ends" figures, some more UN trucks, and some M113's that will go to the UN also...along with a couple of scenics to finish...all in all when done, it'll be quite a haul....







So finally, FINALLY, that's what's on my painting/worktable...lots more figures to paint, (but I've made good progress), and a few "special things" in the pipeline...

I will admit that I am indeed getting "burnt out" on painting 15mm figs...I'm thinking that once this batch gets done I will take a breather, and get back to work on my neglected 28mm pulp figs, pirates, and cowboys for a bit...

Or I could even perhaps, *gasp*....run a game!


Hmmm...now there's a thought!!!!


Thanks for reading, and comments are appreciated!

"This Week in Bongolesia!"

THIS WEEK IN BONGOLESIA!
(Brought to you by "Radio Joe...7.62 on your AM radio dial!)

*Urban renewal projects...
* Kidz at play...
*BOOM! Went the fuel truck!
*National "Backroad Safety Week"
*Superstar "P'nut Lohg in Concert!"

URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS BEING REVIEWED:
(Sudekia) In an optimistic announcement today, the national government has announced that it is "Reviewing current plans and policies dedicated to urban renewal of areas that really need it." Specifically speaking, the policies and plans come to light on assisting the quality of living in the lower class lifestyle living areas.
"While some people and nations of the world may call them "slums", and "shantytowns", we here in Bongolesia prefer the term "lower class lifestyle neighborhoods". said a national spokesman. "To say that Bongolesia has slums is really an insult to our nation and it's progress under our esteemed Excellency President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah."
While many of the details of the report has not been released, it is known that certain aspects of the report designed to "focus the awareness of increasing the happiness of life in the lower class neighborhoods", include such things as:

1: "Fixing broken public plumbing and repairing outhouses", to increase sanitation and cleanliness, and to help get rid of nasty smells and the seemingly ever increasing Goomba Fly populaiton. "Let's be truthful.' The Government spokesman said. "Nobody, I don't care WHO you say you are...NOBODY enjoys the smell of a fresh full outhouse on a hot hot day..."

2: Developing new recreation facilities: Ideas have been proposed to established playgrounds for kids so that they can enjoy a "healthy and fun lifestyle in their free time between their work and school activities." This includes cleaning up brown dirt lots and removing the shards of broken glass and metal, and empty bullet cartridges that can cut into the tender of skin of the childrens bare feet as they run screaming through the dust...

These are simply two of the issues that are being looked at by the national government to increasing the lifestyle of it's less fortunate citizens...

"Gettin' a piece o' the pie" Government reviews policies and plans on urban renewal for lower class lifestyle neighborhoods like this one on the outskirts of Sudekia.

KIDZ at play...
(Lonnieville): During the summer months, (and other times also, especially when it's not raining), one can wander during daylight through the neighborhoods all across the country and see the smiling faces of happy children at play.
"It's such a joy to listen to the shrieks and screams of children at play." said a happy mother as she watched her young son playing in the local park before he was pushed to the ground by some other kids in "a game". The mother watched her children get up, shake his head to clear his thoughts while catching his breath and then resumed playing. "True, you have to watch out for them, and sometimes they do get hurt, but it's a learning experience. Plus, the world isn't such a coddling place."
The discussion was interrupted by a loud scream from a child as he fell out of a tree that he was climbing. Hitting the ground with a loud thud, everyone stopped and watched his motionless form for a moment before he regained his senses and conciousness. Then all was cool, and the kids resumed playing...
Children all across the country are building strong bones and reflexive running and dodging skills as they play local games which include throwing things at each other, and the ever present local game of playground football is always underway.
"It's fun to watch them play, and it passes the time on a nice day, to see the chil...chil....*hic* kids playing." said an older man while sitting on a park bench taking sips from a bottle in a brown paper bag.
Children seem to enjoy their leisure time, but soon the school season will be back in full swing, so they are making the best of it.

Fun for all ages! Kids at play at the local playground in Lonnieville.

BOOM! Went the fuel truck!
Accidend under investigation, driver toasted...
(Tomtown): National Police and Safety Investigators today are reviewing the evidence found in yesterdays Petroco Fuel Truck explosion and fire on the outskirts of Tomtown.
"While we do not know fo' sure what caused this to happen, we will be reviewing all possible causes, including illegal activities and safety concerns." said a Bongolesian National Police spokesman. "It's a good thing that this happened outside of town. Can you imagine the mess it would've caused inside?"
The Petroco tanker truck was reportedly travelling towards Tomtown with a full load of high octane fuel from the Petroco Refinery outside of Lonnieville when the accident happened.
Witnesses were told that they heard "a loud noise, then the sound of tires screeching before they heard a loud crash and an explosion, followed by a fire."
"Yeah...that's the way these things normally go..." said a local citizen.
The driver, (whose name is being witheld pending identification and family notification process), was killed in the accident.
Despite the accident, the overall safety record of Petroco in Bongolesia remains very good.
"It's rare that these things happen with our trucks, and our drivers. All vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, and the drivers are trained to be professionals and to handle their explosive loads with care and not like the screaming amateurs of our competitors. " said a local Petroco Spokesman.
"Residents are once again reminded of the dangers of inattentive driving and what could happen if you don't watch where you are going." said a Bongolesian National Policeman.
More details are coming and will be reported as soon as produced.

Wrecked Petroco fuel truck burns outside of Tomtown...

NATIONAL BACKROAD SAFETY WEEK BEGINS IN BONGOLESIA!
(Keeping drivers, passengers, and everything else safe from each other!)
(Sudekia): Government Transportation officials today announced with pride the launch of "National Backroads Safety Week", throughout the nation.
"This is the beginning of a new program dedicated to reducing the number of accidents on our country's backroads, either stupid or otherwise." said a Transportation spokesman.
"It's well know that Bongolesia has a large amount of backroads in various conditions and development and some of these roads are not as safe as others. Travellers driving their own cars and ones that they have borrowed have been known to get into many accidents which hurt and kill people, animals, and other things."
Among the many plans for National Backroad Safety Week is a series of film shorts that will make a circuit around the country to educate the citizens on the dangers of driving and how to be a better driver. Among these films are "Don't drive into the herd." "Danger! Washed out bridge ahead means YOU too!" and the ever popular, "Why cars and landmines don't mix..."

"Guess who has right of way?" will be among the many topics covered during National Backroad Safety Week...

TIME TO GET JIGGY!!!!
Bongolesian Superstar P'nut Lohg to get you going with a series of local concerts!
(Port Tuziak): It's time to change your socks and get your bling on as Bongolesian International Recording Sensation P'nut Lohg opens his new tour to promote sales of his new hit album, "Sploosh!"
"P'nut Lohg has been wanting to get this passed and out to everyone for a long time." said a public relations spokesman for Mr. Lohg. "There's been a lot of grunting and flexing on getting this thing passed down the right way without any backups, and it finally looks like it worked!"
Among the many hit songs on the album are the new dance sensations, "DON'T STEP THERE!", and "Red Tracer Boogie". Also on the album is the heart rendering songs "Did you hear that click?", and even the reach down into your soul bluesy sounds as P'nut Lohg sings "The Misfire Blues"...
Tour dates are soon to be announced, but it's guaranteed that tickets will be sold out fast! So keep your eyes and ears open and your head down low to get your hands on these tickets and to go "see the show!"

"The Artist with a movement..." P'nut Lohg prepares for his next round of concert appearances...

Stay tuned to Radio Joe, AM 7.62 on your dial, for all the latest music, and for "What's happening in Bongolesia!"

Another "Mystery Ship"...

From: Bongolesian National Radio, (Radio De' Bongolesia)

(Definately NOT "The Love Boat"...)

Romanian Cargo Ship abandoned off the coast...

SECOND MYSTERY SHIP FOUND ABANDONED OFF COAST OF BONGOLESIA...

NO CREW FOUND...

(Waughtown) National Officials are puzzled at the confirmed report of a second "Ghost Ship" mysteriously appearing upon the treacherous shoals, reefs and rocks off of the coast of Northeastern Bongolesia.
The Romanian Cargo freighter ""Regina Marii" was discovered earlier today askew in shallow water and among the low reefs and rocks of the Northeastern Bongolesia Coastline, near the (infamous), Cape of White Rocks.
The Regina Marii was last seen in mid-July off the coast of Greece and according to information provided by the shipping company, was on it's way to England with a shipment of assorted goods and trade items, including local crafts and exports. The ship was reported overdue from a scheduled port o' call in Naples, and no further sighting or communication was made of it.
So here it is, over a month later and Bongolesian fishermen from Waughtown come back with reports of a "ghost ship".
Security forces converged upon the vessel, and confirmed an empty hold of all cargo, and no crewmembers on board. The ships log was found in the captains quarters, along with a discharged pistol, (perhaps suggesting a mutiny). As the documents are in Romanian and there are no current Bongolesian-Romanian translators, available, (If at all), proper translation of the log remains incomplete. It is interesting to note though that the last reported entry was for August 10th, and merely said "draci fiica" ...

Investigation continues on this and more updates are sure to come...

Stay tuned to "Bongolesian National Radio" as we prepare for another exciting radio broadcast of "Jungle Buddies"...This week, Agoop loses the map and compass while trekking with his schoolmates through "The Leopard Forest"...hilarious hijinks ensue and you won't want to miss it! That'll be coming up on the hour right after the National News Break...

BONGOLESIA BOXED SET AND SCENARIOS RELEASED BY REBEL MINIS!!!

Okay, okay, life has been a bit hectic...
In June of this year, Rebel Minis, released the "Bongolesia" supplement for their "Modern Havok" game. Since this is a supplement, you do need the Modern Havok rules to play, but it has a ton of amazing scenarios and adventures to it.
They've also released a very cool boxed set of minis, including agents, hostages, rebel troops, etc...all in all a perfect starter set to send you down the ever spiralling path of creating your own third world hell-hole campaign setting.

You can find more info on it here: http://rebelminis.blogspot.com/2011/06/modern-havok-bongolesia-boxed-set.html

(Bongolesia's Concept of "Rapid Deployment Troops"...seat belts not included...)

The rules are VERY "tongue in cheek", and ANYONE that "feels offended by them, or how they portray Bongolesians" either has tissue paper think skin, or needs to be offended by something this week, (next week, it'll be something else, like "hubcaps that cause cancer", or "why the blue screen of death on pcs portrays the color blue.")...They're made to be fun and the figs can be added to (go on, you know you want to...) from Rebel Minis, along with Peter Pig, Cannon Fodder, or any of the other 15mm modern manufacturers out there.

It's an honor for me to have Rebel Minis do this. Everything all the way across the board was on the up and up and you couldn't ask for a better way (or people) to work with.
I'm very proud and pleased that my silly little nation has brought joy and fun to so many people, and I thank Rebel Minis for getting this out. The Rebel Minis Company is a great company to work with, and I think that I shall be doing business with them a lot more in the future...(if my wallet can stand my binge buying)...
I think I'll be running a few of these wonderful scenarios in the future....

So do you part for the economy, support your game companies, and see if you can change "Africa"...(Well Bongolesia at least...)
And most of all...have fun with it!

P'hat Daddee B'wonah would be please...I'm sure of it...

More to come....I'm sure of it....

CRISIS IN BONGOLESIA! EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS "INSULT" BONGOLESIAN GOVT AND PEOPLE....

CRISIS IN BONGOLESIA CONTINUES!

EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS "INSULT" BONGOLESIA SAYS NATIONAL GOVT.

FINANCIAL CRISIS TURNS INTO INTERNATIONAL CRISIS WITH CURRENCY CHANGE PROPOSAL!

ALAN ALDA OFFERS HIS INSIGHT AND IDEAS ON HOW TO SOLVE THE ISSUE!

EURONEWS NETWORK: (ENN): "All the news with a European Flair; delivered by a Eurobabe..."

DATELINE: (EUROPE/BONGOLESIA):
Midday talks on the current Bongolesian Crisis, completely broke down today as European Diplomats offered a "Financial Solution and Change Plan", to "assist Bongolesia in it's current economic boondoggle."
"While Boongdoggle is a term that we do not normally use here in Europe..." says European Spokesman Pierre Poupon of France, "and it is something that ze Americans like to use, *sniff*, ze fact that ze word is simply ze only one that we can theenk of to explain their situation..."
Bongolesian representatives today were presented with a jaw-dropping proposal by the European Nations and Financial Markets to completely overhaul their economic system, beginning with their own currency.
According to an anonymous source, The European representatives proposed to the Bongolesian representatives that their nation, "completely do away with their current currency, The Bling-Bling and to replace it with something that is more financially stable and has maintained it's value over the long term test of time."

FROM THIS....(The Current Currency of Bongolesia)...

TO THIS:...(The Proposed Future Currency of Bonoglesia)...



Bongolesian National Authorities overwhelmingly rejected the proposal and after briefing the government on this latest proposal, Bongolesian Diplomat to Europe, Ambassador F'lybye Nite, said simply..."My Government has received this proposal and after a careful review and evaluation of it, has instructed me to tell my European counterparts that they know what they can to with themselves..."


Bongolesian Ambassador to Europe, Mr. F'lybye Nite, seen here discussing items of importance with a staff member...

Reports coming from Bongolesia say that the National Government is "highly displeased" with this latest round of failed solutions, and talks. This comes as civil unrest continues in the Northern part of the country and is suspected (though not confirmed) to be spreading throughout the rest of the country.

Media coverage of the unrest is currently being censored and controlled by National Govt. Authorities and it is indeed difficult to get a clear picture of what is going on in Bongolesia.

Of course many analysts and experts say that that is "perfectly normal with this country, as they haven't been able to get a clear picture of the situation there for over 20 years..."

SPECIAL!!!

DATELINE: (HOLLYWOOD): Cinema Superstar and International Relations Emasculator Alan Alda today announced that he was willing to discuss his plans for "helping to solve the current situation with Bongolesia, and to show how, once again, the US Government is "somehow at fault for letting this happen."

"I blame Washington." Alda said after sipping from his bottle of Evian Water while sitting in a cafe in Hollywood. "We know that the US Government is usually behind all kinds of things that happen in this world, and it has the reputation of being the schoolyard bully and threatening younger children with violence in the school bathroom if they don't allow us to copy their homework. Do you know what it's like to have to go pee, but you are deathly afraid because of the bully in the bathroom? It's a harrowing experience I can tell you. You shake your legs and watch the clock, waiting for school to be out, because you are afraid of wetting your pants... Well it's the same with the international community and the US Government, I'm thinking...."

Alan Alda, passionately discusses the current Bongolesian Crisis...(Be sure to see the entire special report right after this newscast!)...

STAY TUNED TO THE ENN FOR ALL THE LATEST IN THIS UNFOLDING CRISIS!!!!!

Crisis in Bongolesia!

EURONEWS NETWORK: All the news, delivered with a European Flair, by a Eurobabe...

US OFFERS DIPLOMATIC "RESOLUTION" TO BONGOLESIAN CRISIS!

PHOTOS OF DAMAGES AND SECURITY OPERATIONS RELEASED!

BONGOLESIAN GOVT SAYS THAT IT REMAINS "IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL"...

DATELINE: WASHINGTON/BONGOLESIA

(Washington): In a rare and sudden unexpected move, the US Government today announced that it is offering its diplomatic assistance to help "find a resolution to the current Bongolesian Crisis afflicting that country."

In a released statement by The White House, it reads: "The People and Government of The United States are aware of the problems in Bongolesia and with it's relations in the international community. We are shocked and saddened that this has taken on a violent tone, and in order to maintain a more peaceful world, we are ready to help resolve this situation diplomatically or otherwise as soon as possible."

It is speculated that the US Government is reacting quickly due to a "Deer In The Headlights" moment in International Affairs due to the sudden presence of Acting Legend and Cinema Superstar Alan Alda, offering his services to go to the Cayman Islands and to help mediate the crisis to a peaceful happy conclusion.

In a quickly worded response, the press agent for Mr. Alda said: "While Mr. Alda respects the sudden sensitivity of the US Government to this issue that they no doubt in some way, shape, or form, had a hand in creating, he still stands by his offer to be flown to the Cayman and handle this in the way that only a sensitve gentle artistic soul of his caliber can. He has his flip flops ready and is just waiting on his boarding pass!"

Mr. Alan Alda, (in a clean shirt and tie); also known as "The Henry Thoreau of International Relations"...

Meanwhile in Bongolesia....

Sources are releasing the first pictures of some of the local actions taken by the Interior Security Ministry in putting down the growing opposition and civil unrest. While only a few pictures have made their way out, they show the security forces clamping down hard on the protesters.

In this picture here, a local civilian is on the wrong end of the riot stick as a local security official persuades him to change the error of his ways...

Also, the first released pictures of the damage to Port Kensington-Hyde-White has been released showing some of the devastation caused by the civil unrest. Bongolesian Govt. Officials have increased the curfew and rumor is that martial law will be enacted "very soon, if conditions do not improve".

Many buildings in Port Kensington-Hyde-White have been damaged or destroyed completely, which is contributing to the break down of the local infrastructure. Rumor is that petrol is completely out, and that food, water, and power is sporadic at best due to the damage.

STAY TUNED TO THE ENN FOR MORE INFORMATION AS THIS STORY UNFOLDS.....

A well dressed dictator....

There are very few "good things" about third world tin pot dictators...
However, I WILL admit that they always seem to have cool and snazzy looking uniforms filled with awesome medals, badges, jump wings, awards, medallions, other wonderful trinkets of bling.
Soooo with Origins coming up, I've decided..."Why NOT have a Dictator uniform for my Bongolesia game?"
And my lady, (Gawd bless her); has agreed to make it.
While she makes the jacket, (from a combine "Prince Charming", and US Civil War Officers Frock/Jacket Pattern), I decided to go with getting "The Bling".
I wanted it to be tacky...and bemedalled like any dictator worth his dictatorness would have.
The only problem was that I did not want to use "Real" medals that were currently in service or being awarded.
(RANT MODE ON)
Call me odd, but as a military veteran, I have issues with people wearing "Real World" awards that they were never awarded and even as "costume jewelry". I would feel that someone wearing something such as the CMH, or the VC, shouldn't do it because using it as costume jewelry to me, demeans the meaning of what that medal represents. I don't mind anyone wearing medals from countries that no longer exist, (such as South Vietnam, or The British Honduras, or Manchuko), or even horribly obsolete ones, (such as the 1900 series of Belgian medals for Civil Service), but ones that folks on todays battlefield are often receiving is another story...
Now honestly, if you want to go and wear your old high school JROTC Medals and Ribbons that you got 30 years ago...feel free to do so...I don't think anyone is going to care or remember.
But if you wear a CMH as part of your "outfit", you better be damn well ready to prove that you DID in fact earn it....
(RANT MODE OFF)
Now with that little rant being done, I was then faced with "How do I find such wonderful cheap tacky medals?"
The honest answer? You don't really.
Sadly enough to say, there really isn't a large market for medals for non-existant countries, and although there is a site on Ebay that sells "3 military medals", (nice generic ones, just like the kind your would find on Michael Jackson's uniforms); unfortunately I found the prices for them to be a bit too expensive.
Soooooooo....it was time to be creative....
First off...another large night of cruising ebay; and in doing so, I made a couple of purchases of large lots of "miscellaneous medals and parts". Some of these were present day current medals, and some were older medals, and some were medals from now, non-existant countries, (such as the Civil Technician Award from South Vietnam). I don't think that the South Vietnamese Govt. is going to be upset at me using one of their medals for parts etc...
So that's what I did.
I took the draperies and medallions from each of the medals and re-arranged them. The old European one with the red ribbon suddenly had an extra ring and went to a different colored ribbon, etc. Thus "new" medals were created for Bongolesia and no one can accuse me of wearing "Real" medals. In fact one of the crosses is a cheap reproduction, and three of the medallions are actually "vogue jewelry pendants" that can be found at an arts and crafts/hobbies store in the beads and jewelry section. I also think that one of them has doubled in the past as a handle hanger for a chest of drawers....
So a little change here...a swoop there...and voila!

A CHEST FULL OF BLING!

Worthy of any dictator, this chest of medals is sure to impress the ladies, (and make them swoon), make you the idol of the kids on your block, and may even get you a free drink or dinner at your local pub/tavern/bar/hookah lounge/etc...

A close up of the medals and you can see the different variations that can be created by just using your imagination, and some stuff from ebay, and local arts and crafts stores. You'll look like a hero and no one will be insulted. And if they get in your face about "The Order Of The Golden Lion First Class", then you can wait until they finish blustering then laugh in their face....

I also need ribbons and besides my JROTC ribbons that I have around here somewhere, I have some other local growgrain ribbon to make some...So it'll help me look even more "dictatory"...(is that a word?)...

And finally....

Quite dashing, don't you think?

The jacket isn't finished but I had to try it on with my hat and give an "inspirational pose"....

You'll be able to see me in all of my bemedalled dictatored glory at Origins....