Peter and I played a very fun scenario tonight in which Commonwealth troops are attacking a surrounded, desperate Jap defense in 1942. His allied troops were deployed in two groups with good leadership. My guys were hidden in a cave complex with underground tunnels. The battle started out slow, with my sniper trying (unsuccessfully) to take out his leaders. Then he made the mistake of maneuvering a platoon near one of my caves. I made a very bold move in response. I surged five squads and a leader through the cave and jumped him in hand to hand combat. In short order, I had killed his platoon. But I had to face a potentially devastating return fire from another platoon with a heavy machine gun. Because I had surged an entire platoon in the assault, they were jam-packed in a very small space with little cover. Could have been a disaster.
Instead, he broke one of my squads, and then my guys were able to stealthily begin to disperse. Eventually, he killed one squad, but the rest survived and continued to pounce on his men, dispatching two more of his squads.
To Peter's credit, he didn't just give up at that point. Instead, he maneuvered a couple of platoons against my sniper, eventually overwhelming him and killing him. Then, he managed to sweep across the battlefield, capturing three objectives, while I clung to two others. By the end of the fight, he had attrited me down to a handful of troops, but I had killed almost enough to force him to surrender.
When the battle ended, I was way ahead in points and won the game. It was one hell of a fight. I think my decision to jump his platoon in the early fight was the game-winner.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What will December bring?
Hard to believe it's been almost a year since I made some serious changes in my life. Last December I decided I was tired of playing around with fitness and really got serious. Over the course of the year, I have dropped weight and kept it off, but I have vacillated when it comes to getting to my target weight.
So this week I restarted the process. One good thing is that I KNOW how to lose weight. I know what I have to do if I really want to lose it: hard workout in the morning, calorie nazi all day and night, hard workout at night. When I do that, I lose.
I've started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shredder and did day 2 this morning. I find it a fairly good workout (Level 1 so far), but I actually think the Cardio Max Level 1 is harder. I'm going to stick with this and go to Level 2 after one week. Also ate about 1000 calories less than my target yesterday! Worked chest and treadmill last night. Result: lost 2 pounds in one day.
Doing the same today and plan to work back and do a 40-minute uphill climb tonight. My goal is to hit 185 by the end of the month, which I should be able to do fairly easily. Maybe in two weeks. Then see if I can maintain. I might even shoot for 175 over the next month, which, according to BMI (which I don't trust), is my ideal weight. We'll see.
Meanwhile...still struggling with kid issues. 'Nuff said.
About a week ago, Zanne and I managed to fall off of a 4-foot wall in the dark. I landed without injury, but Zanne banged up her left leg pretty badly. She's struggling to heal from it, but she's making progress slowly.
So this week I restarted the process. One good thing is that I KNOW how to lose weight. I know what I have to do if I really want to lose it: hard workout in the morning, calorie nazi all day and night, hard workout at night. When I do that, I lose.
I've started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shredder and did day 2 this morning. I find it a fairly good workout (Level 1 so far), but I actually think the Cardio Max Level 1 is harder. I'm going to stick with this and go to Level 2 after one week. Also ate about 1000 calories less than my target yesterday! Worked chest and treadmill last night. Result: lost 2 pounds in one day.
Doing the same today and plan to work back and do a 40-minute uphill climb tonight. My goal is to hit 185 by the end of the month, which I should be able to do fairly easily. Maybe in two weeks. Then see if I can maintain. I might even shoot for 175 over the next month, which, according to BMI (which I don't trust), is my ideal weight. We'll see.
Meanwhile...still struggling with kid issues. 'Nuff said.
About a week ago, Zanne and I managed to fall off of a 4-foot wall in the dark. I landed without injury, but Zanne banged up her left leg pretty badly. She's struggling to heal from it, but she's making progress slowly.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Bible Readings and Such
Memorized I Peter 3:7--Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
A great passage, because it commands me to be understanding--not demanding, not self-absorbed, not tough--but understanding. (The Greek word is GNOSIS.) For me, this means that God authorizes me to really go to school on how my wife thinks, feels, and acts. This is what a godly, competent husband should do.
Also memorized John 1:14--And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
As Pastor John explained, this verse can be a valuable guide to my own development, since we are to emulate Christ. Life isn't just about truth (right/wrong, moral/immoral), but also about showing grace to everyone in my life--my wife, my kids, my pets, my coworkers, even...yikes...my former spouse. I feel that my failure to develop the grace part of my life torpedoed my relationship with my kids as they became teenagers. I need to work to repair whatever I can repair.
Also read I Corinthians 13, and I was struck with how easy it is to zero out all your accomplishments in God's eyes by not having love (AGAPE). Paul really demonstrates his love for the Corinthians by putting up with all their crap, and it's a great example to follow.
Other stuff: I've been working out hard this week. Yesterday Biggest Loser (Level 1) in the morning, and chest/abs/40 minute uphill climb in the afternoon. This morning back and 30 minutes of sprints on the treadmill. This afternoon I need to do shoulders and some form of aerobics, maybe jumping rope?
Peter came over last night, and we played CC:E, the battle of Hitdorf. Very fun scenario that we really enjoyed way back when. When we first played it months ago, Peter had the Americans and made the mistake of seizing the building on top of the hill in the early game, only to get trounced by my counterattacking Germans. This time I had the Americans, and I made two good tactical moves in the game. First, in the opening, he had a weapons team on the hill, and I sent a platoon after it and destroyed it. Then, instead of taking the building, I reversed course and attacked across the middle, eventually overruning his forces and killing enough of his leaders that he gave it up. Admittedly, I had all the good cards throughout the fight.
Then we played Napoleon for the second time. Peter loves the game but is not experienced enough with it yet, so I clobbered his Allies with an unrelenting French advance on Brussels.
Our sun room is beautiful! I love the furniture and the moss-green walls. The fountain looks great, but it's a little loud.
A great passage, because it commands me to be understanding--not demanding, not self-absorbed, not tough--but understanding. (The Greek word is GNOSIS.) For me, this means that God authorizes me to really go to school on how my wife thinks, feels, and acts. This is what a godly, competent husband should do.
Also memorized John 1:14--And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
As Pastor John explained, this verse can be a valuable guide to my own development, since we are to emulate Christ. Life isn't just about truth (right/wrong, moral/immoral), but also about showing grace to everyone in my life--my wife, my kids, my pets, my coworkers, even...yikes...my former spouse. I feel that my failure to develop the grace part of my life torpedoed my relationship with my kids as they became teenagers. I need to work to repair whatever I can repair.
Also read I Corinthians 13, and I was struck with how easy it is to zero out all your accomplishments in God's eyes by not having love (AGAPE). Paul really demonstrates his love for the Corinthians by putting up with all their crap, and it's a great example to follow.
Other stuff: I've been working out hard this week. Yesterday Biggest Loser (Level 1) in the morning, and chest/abs/40 minute uphill climb in the afternoon. This morning back and 30 minutes of sprints on the treadmill. This afternoon I need to do shoulders and some form of aerobics, maybe jumping rope?
Peter came over last night, and we played CC:E, the battle of Hitdorf. Very fun scenario that we really enjoyed way back when. When we first played it months ago, Peter had the Americans and made the mistake of seizing the building on top of the hill in the early game, only to get trounced by my counterattacking Germans. This time I had the Americans, and I made two good tactical moves in the game. First, in the opening, he had a weapons team on the hill, and I sent a platoon after it and destroyed it. Then, instead of taking the building, I reversed course and attacked across the middle, eventually overruning his forces and killing enough of his leaders that he gave it up. Admittedly, I had all the good cards throughout the fight.
Then we played Napoleon for the second time. Peter loves the game but is not experienced enough with it yet, so I clobbered his Allies with an unrelenting French advance on Brussels.
Our sun room is beautiful! I love the furniture and the moss-green walls. The fountain looks great, but it's a little loud.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Hard Two Weeks
Did back-to-back seminars, the first on counter-terrorism, and the second on nuclear futures. Very stimulating but exhausting. The first week, I drove back and forth each day so's I could be with my family. The second week I couldn't face the traffic and stayed at Fort Meade. Zanne drove up last night and we spent a wonderful night together watching MST 3000's "The Girl in Lover's Lane". We're still laughing hard at "Sex Poodle", Big Stupid, Realy Big Shoo, and my favorite line of the movie:
"I groined him in the knee."
Anyways, this week we dealt with a nuclear Iran, a collapsed Pakistan, and a terrorist nuclear attack on the US. I felt I made a good contribution to the effort, and I learned a lot.
Also solitaired Crisis America: 2020. I played the terrorist scenario, and it was a hoot, but I had to take it down before finishing. Gonna play that one again. Very fun.
If life is about learning and growing, then I've had a productive week. Fortunately, no one reads this blog, so I guess I can be somewhat (but not totally) forthcoming. I am, quite honestly, so done with fatherhood. I suck at it. I don't enjoy it at all. I haven't had a moment of joy with it for many years. I put enormous amounts of effort into it and get nothing in return. Heh. No...not true. Nothing in return would be a blessing.
I've been blessed with a wise counselor (how many of THOSE do you run across in this life?) and a wonderful wife who have helped me to open my eyes to things past and present. I see a sequence of events dating back to my childhood (and even further?) that led to my current situation. It started with a dad that I love, that I miss, but a dad that didn't really care about me. Not sure why. It has ended with broken relationships and a heap of loneliness that have prompted me to think through all this mess. I see a lot of culpability on my part. I must do what I can with what time remains to fix whatever is fixable. It won't be fun, and it won't solve anything, but what difference does that make?
Time for sleep.
"I groined him in the knee."
Anyways, this week we dealt with a nuclear Iran, a collapsed Pakistan, and a terrorist nuclear attack on the US. I felt I made a good contribution to the effort, and I learned a lot.
Also solitaired Crisis America: 2020. I played the terrorist scenario, and it was a hoot, but I had to take it down before finishing. Gonna play that one again. Very fun.
If life is about learning and growing, then I've had a productive week. Fortunately, no one reads this blog, so I guess I can be somewhat (but not totally) forthcoming. I am, quite honestly, so done with fatherhood. I suck at it. I don't enjoy it at all. I haven't had a moment of joy with it for many years. I put enormous amounts of effort into it and get nothing in return. Heh. No...not true. Nothing in return would be a blessing.
I've been blessed with a wise counselor (how many of THOSE do you run across in this life?) and a wonderful wife who have helped me to open my eyes to things past and present. I see a sequence of events dating back to my childhood (and even further?) that led to my current situation. It started with a dad that I love, that I miss, but a dad that didn't really care about me. Not sure why. It has ended with broken relationships and a heap of loneliness that have prompted me to think through all this mess. I see a lot of culpability on my part. I must do what I can with what time remains to fix whatever is fixable. It won't be fun, and it won't solve anything, but what difference does that make?
Time for sleep.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Defeat and Victory and Stuff
My debtor in Morgantown has now defaulted on me twice. Enough is enough. Foreclosure time.
I now have a riding mower, and it certainly makes managing the property easier. In addition, Zanne and I figured out where our actual boundaries are and discovered that the northeast boundary is quite further than we thought. So we up and planted a nice pine tree out there and made a perty little island of mulch around it. It looks nice, but everyone in the neighborhood wonders why there's a tree out there in the middle of nowhere. I respond by leveling my shotgun and shouting: "Get off my lawn!"
Peter came over tonight, and we played two games of Combat Commander: Europe. In the first, his Germans attacked my Russians, who were holed up in a military school. I made a tactical blunder by setting up my defenses too far forward. (I do that a lot.) His Germans set up a heavy machine gun on a hill that ranged my defenses easily. As the battle opened, I had some good luck and got fooled into thinking I was a genius. But his firepower soon changed that, and I lost half my men to that machine gun. Then he advanced a squad with a flamethrower down a line of buildings I was defending, and I kept retreating until he finally whacked one of my guys. Then, I counterattacked and killed the flamethrower squad in hand to hand combat. But he kept attacking, and my guys finally surrendered, the pussies. Very bad set-up on my part.
In our second game, Peter chose to play scenario 3--one of my favorites. I actually wrote up an article on it a while back, using military terrain analysis to analyze the scenario. I made a small mistake in setting up, but I was able to whack Peter pretty good anyway. As I expected, he made his main effort on my left and ran into a virtual wall of concertina wire, along with my devastating machine gun fire. He pressed his attack, but in the closing moments, I was reinforced with an infantry gun that sent one of his squads to hell and ended the fight. Much funness.
I now have a riding mower, and it certainly makes managing the property easier. In addition, Zanne and I figured out where our actual boundaries are and discovered that the northeast boundary is quite further than we thought. So we up and planted a nice pine tree out there and made a perty little island of mulch around it. It looks nice, but everyone in the neighborhood wonders why there's a tree out there in the middle of nowhere. I respond by leveling my shotgun and shouting: "Get off my lawn!"
Peter came over tonight, and we played two games of Combat Commander: Europe. In the first, his Germans attacked my Russians, who were holed up in a military school. I made a tactical blunder by setting up my defenses too far forward. (I do that a lot.) His Germans set up a heavy machine gun on a hill that ranged my defenses easily. As the battle opened, I had some good luck and got fooled into thinking I was a genius. But his firepower soon changed that, and I lost half my men to that machine gun. Then he advanced a squad with a flamethrower down a line of buildings I was defending, and I kept retreating until he finally whacked one of my guys. Then, I counterattacked and killed the flamethrower squad in hand to hand combat. But he kept attacking, and my guys finally surrendered, the pussies. Very bad set-up on my part.
In our second game, Peter chose to play scenario 3--one of my favorites. I actually wrote up an article on it a while back, using military terrain analysis to analyze the scenario. I made a small mistake in setting up, but I was able to whack Peter pretty good anyway. As I expected, he made his main effort on my left and ran into a virtual wall of concertina wire, along with my devastating machine gun fire. He pressed his attack, but in the closing moments, I was reinforced with an infantry gun that sent one of his squads to hell and ended the fight. Much funness.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September Update
Been in the new house for about a month, and we love it. Every corner of it reminds me of my Zanne-Zanne. I really feel that we worked together perfectly to create each part. I love the dark hard-wood floors and cabinets, the beautiful stained staircase, and, of course, the porch. Zanne painted Joe's room, Kadey's room, and the guest room, and they look amazing.
So far I installed the chandelier, fixed up the family room ceiling fan (after Matt installed), installed Joe's and Kadey's fans, installed edging on the flower bed, and cleared out the garage. I'm contemplating what to do with the east side of the house--there are lots of possibilities there. Mainly, we need to save and budget for projects.
Meanwhile, I'm completing a few projects at the Lab, trying to clear the decks so that I can get back to writing about the evolution of strategy in the war on terror.
Played a great game of Combat Commander: Europe with Peter the other day. I set up an American defense against his German night attack. Although his attack on my left flank was making progress--especially with the flamethrower--it was too little too late, and I won.
Have been looking hard at the evolution vs. intelligent design debate lately. A frustrating endeavor, because I feel torn between evidence in both directions. In the end, I'm concluding that I should relax. Never be afraid of the truth. Never accept the conclusions of any particular crowd, because fanatics lurk everywhere, and they can't be trusted. Remember that "science" is the same crowd that decides every other year that eggs are good for you/will kill you quickly. Scientists used to believe rats spontaneously generated from garbage and that the earth was the center of the universe.
In the end, I will die and know the truth. And then I will laugh at all of you ignoramuses.
So far I installed the chandelier, fixed up the family room ceiling fan (after Matt installed), installed Joe's and Kadey's fans, installed edging on the flower bed, and cleared out the garage. I'm contemplating what to do with the east side of the house--there are lots of possibilities there. Mainly, we need to save and budget for projects.
Meanwhile, I'm completing a few projects at the Lab, trying to clear the decks so that I can get back to writing about the evolution of strategy in the war on terror.
Played a great game of Combat Commander: Europe with Peter the other day. I set up an American defense against his German night attack. Although his attack on my left flank was making progress--especially with the flamethrower--it was too little too late, and I won.
Have been looking hard at the evolution vs. intelligent design debate lately. A frustrating endeavor, because I feel torn between evidence in both directions. In the end, I'm concluding that I should relax. Never be afraid of the truth. Never accept the conclusions of any particular crowd, because fanatics lurk everywhere, and they can't be trusted. Remember that "science" is the same crowd that decides every other year that eggs are good for you/will kill you quickly. Scientists used to believe rats spontaneously generated from garbage and that the earth was the center of the universe.
In the end, I will die and know the truth. And then I will laugh at all of you ignoramuses.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Closing on Tuesday
Stuff I want to do to my new house:
1. Install pond/waterfall in front and do up the landscaping. Put ground cover in front.
2. Finish basement--office, bath w/steam shower, fitness room, wargame room, guest room, family room.
3. Install morning room deck and sunroom deck w/gazebo.
4. Build patio and outdoor kitchen.
5. Install in-ground pool w/hot tub.
6. Put rockers, end tables, swing, and flowers on porch.
7. Install garage door openers and build work area and storage areas in garage.
8. Furnish a beautiful sunroom--fountain, birds, plants, rattan furniture.
9. Build custom bookshelves and create an elegant library in formal living room area.
10. Build play area for grandkids.
11. Plant lots of trees.
Please send money.
1. Install pond/waterfall in front and do up the landscaping. Put ground cover in front.
2. Finish basement--office, bath w/steam shower, fitness room, wargame room, guest room, family room.
3. Install morning room deck and sunroom deck w/gazebo.
4. Build patio and outdoor kitchen.
5. Install in-ground pool w/hot tub.
6. Put rockers, end tables, swing, and flowers on porch.
7. Install garage door openers and build work area and storage areas in garage.
8. Furnish a beautiful sunroom--fountain, birds, plants, rattan furniture.
9. Build custom bookshelves and create an elegant library in formal living room area.
10. Build play area for grandkids.
11. Plant lots of trees.
Please send money.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Victory for the PLAN!
For you unenlightened, PLAN = People's Liberation Army Navy. It's what the Chinese call their navy. Go figure.
Anyways, Peter came over for wargaming, and I totally trounced his Yankee hiney in a game of Fleets 2025: East China Sea. During a naval exercise off the coast of Japan, a flight of Chinese J-13Cs approached within 25 miles of a US carrier battle group and were intercepted by two US F-35s. Reports are conflicting, but the PLAN aircraft were shot down and the Chinese launched an immediate retaliatory strike.
I began the campaign by cautiously moving my submarines eastward. I was determined to keep my sole carrier safely behind its screen of destroyers and hugging the coast of the motherland. To my delight and surprise, the Yanks elected to move toward me and steamed just east of Japan. I believe this was a mistake, because they should have awaited their reinforcements.
My carrier aircraft launched a strike against his nuclear submarine and sent it to the bottom, but he responded by shooting down some of my aircraft. Those were the last casualties for a while. My intelligence teams worked overtime to gain me a lot of tactical advantages, but time was not on my side. It became clear to me that if I didn't inflict serious damage on the Americans, my government would lose heart and sue for peace. Because of the Americans' overly aggressive moves, I was able to get into a position to hammer his carrier battle group with submarine-lauched precision weapons that damaged his carrier and escorts! He learned wisdom late and began to steam back east with my PLAN forces in hot pursuit. At this point, I toyed with the idea of launching a nuclear strike against his forces, but in the end I chose not to, because I knew world opinion would turn against me. As I vacillated, his ships' crews repaired at sea. Opportunity lost.
In the closing hours of the war, I maneuvered while the American commander wasted time on operational logistics. I managed to shoot down two squadrons of Yank aircraft, and then I launched a submarine strike against his advanced guided missile cruiser, sinking it. The gutless Americans sued for peace.
In other news, we did our final walk-thru on the house today. It is GORGEOUS. I can't believe that Zanne and I built this beautiful castle together. It was truly a team effort. We were both involved in every step: she negotiated a great deal and had a clear vision of what we needed. And I...ummm...well I did something really important, too.
Anyways, we are now waiting for the West Virginia Development Fund to complete the paperwork on our loan, so we can close. We are hoping for a closing this Friday or early next week, but it may be as late as the 31st of July. Once we close, the work really begins.
We also attended the memorial service for our dear friend and sister in Christ, Alicia Barylski. She was just 44 years old when cancer struck her down. About a year and a half ago, she told us that she had fallen and hurt her knee. It turned out to be a tumor in her leg. For the next 18 months, she fought hard. She was such a little woman, but she never gave in--always smiling, always optimistic. I remember visiting the home when she was recovering from another round of chemo. She was exhausted...but still undefeated in her spirit. Now she is with our Lord--home at last. She is the first of our home group to cross the finish line. Way to go, Alicia! We miss you!
Anyways, Peter came over for wargaming, and I totally trounced his Yankee hiney in a game of Fleets 2025: East China Sea. During a naval exercise off the coast of Japan, a flight of Chinese J-13Cs approached within 25 miles of a US carrier battle group and were intercepted by two US F-35s. Reports are conflicting, but the PLAN aircraft were shot down and the Chinese launched an immediate retaliatory strike.
I began the campaign by cautiously moving my submarines eastward. I was determined to keep my sole carrier safely behind its screen of destroyers and hugging the coast of the motherland. To my delight and surprise, the Yanks elected to move toward me and steamed just east of Japan. I believe this was a mistake, because they should have awaited their reinforcements.
My carrier aircraft launched a strike against his nuclear submarine and sent it to the bottom, but he responded by shooting down some of my aircraft. Those were the last casualties for a while. My intelligence teams worked overtime to gain me a lot of tactical advantages, but time was not on my side. It became clear to me that if I didn't inflict serious damage on the Americans, my government would lose heart and sue for peace. Because of the Americans' overly aggressive moves, I was able to get into a position to hammer his carrier battle group with submarine-lauched precision weapons that damaged his carrier and escorts! He learned wisdom late and began to steam back east with my PLAN forces in hot pursuit. At this point, I toyed with the idea of launching a nuclear strike against his forces, but in the end I chose not to, because I knew world opinion would turn against me. As I vacillated, his ships' crews repaired at sea. Opportunity lost.
In the closing hours of the war, I maneuvered while the American commander wasted time on operational logistics. I managed to shoot down two squadrons of Yank aircraft, and then I launched a submarine strike against his advanced guided missile cruiser, sinking it. The gutless Americans sued for peace.
In other news, we did our final walk-thru on the house today. It is GORGEOUS. I can't believe that Zanne and I built this beautiful castle together. It was truly a team effort. We were both involved in every step: she negotiated a great deal and had a clear vision of what we needed. And I...ummm...well I did something really important, too.
Anyways, we are now waiting for the West Virginia Development Fund to complete the paperwork on our loan, so we can close. We are hoping for a closing this Friday or early next week, but it may be as late as the 31st of July. Once we close, the work really begins.
We also attended the memorial service for our dear friend and sister in Christ, Alicia Barylski. She was just 44 years old when cancer struck her down. About a year and a half ago, she told us that she had fallen and hurt her knee. It turned out to be a tumor in her leg. For the next 18 months, she fought hard. She was such a little woman, but she never gave in--always smiling, always optimistic. I remember visiting the home when she was recovering from another round of chemo. She was exhausted...but still undefeated in her spirit. Now she is with our Lord--home at last. She is the first of our home group to cross the finish line. Way to go, Alicia! We miss you!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Grandkiddies
We got to have the grand-kiddies (Rosie Posie and Monster Trey) for a week. Matt and Sarah came over, and we played a bloody game of Apples to Apples last Saturday night.
We took the grand-kids to bowling, Inwood water park, to feed the ducks at Poorhouse Farm park, to the movies (Ice Age). We also set up the little pool in the back, and they LOVED it!
At the water park today, Zanne simply would not accept my victories at the Go-Kart track and in the bumper-boats. Even when the totally neutral umpire announced that "Bob won", Zanne continued to deny the reality of my splendor and glory and victoryness. Rosie loved the water slide. Kadey was a huge hit with the boys (aged 8-60). Trey earned a dollar from his grandma Suzanne by sitting on a fountain. This recession has resulted in strange new earning patterns.
It will be quiet when the kiddies leave tomorrow night.
We took the grand-kids to bowling, Inwood water park, to feed the ducks at Poorhouse Farm park, to the movies (Ice Age). We also set up the little pool in the back, and they LOVED it!
At the water park today, Zanne simply would not accept my victories at the Go-Kart track and in the bumper-boats. Even when the totally neutral umpire announced that "Bob won", Zanne continued to deny the reality of my splendor and glory and victoryness. Rosie loved the water slide. Kadey was a huge hit with the boys (aged 8-60). Trey earned a dollar from his grandma Suzanne by sitting on a fountain. This recession has resulted in strange new earning patterns.
It will be quiet when the kiddies leave tomorrow night.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Virginny Beach
On Wednesday I drove with Zanne to the lab, where I gave a presentation on comparative eschatology. Afterward I picked Zanne up from the Columbia Mall, and we ate at a fancy Chinese cafe. Then we drove toward Richmond, stopping to visit with Raine and Jeff. They are having a hard time dealing with Harv's terminal illness, and we really feel for them.
We then drove down to Virginia Beach, and along the way I called Pam Bourgoine, and we made plans to meet with them later. We arrived at the hotel and headed to the beach as it was starting to get dark. I, of course, swam a little, and then we ate at our hotel restaurant right on the beach. I had delicious fried shrimp, and I was totally in the relax mode.
The next day we spent at the beach. Zanne read Heinlein's "Tunnel in the Sky" while I played in the water for six hours. I covered myself with waterproof SPF 50 sunblock and got burned to a fine red crisp anyway. The surf was really rough! I spent the whole time body-surfing, and the waves beat me up pretty bad. It was really fun and exhausting.
That evening we ate at a Mongolian Barbecue while we watched the news about Michael Jackson dying. We then returned to the hotel, where I trounced my bride in a game of Bokus (or whatever it's called). She whined and insisted on redesigning the game.
On Friday morning, we slept in and then had breakfast at IHOP. I had had too much sun, so we skipped the beach and started heading home. We met Dan and Pam (and John and Amy) at a Starbucks. Dan has a beard! And Amy has transformed from a cute little tomboy into a stunning and elegant young lady! I was amazed! John is about 8 feet tall, too! Pam and Suzanne got on very nicely, just like old friends. It was really great seeing them again.
We drove home to Martinsburg without incident and checked on the house. The stairs are stained beautifully, and the house is just about done. They graded the driveway and the surrounding lawn, too.
Today is Saturday, and Rosie and Trey have arrived for a week of fun with Grandma and Grandpa! Woot!
We then drove down to Virginia Beach, and along the way I called Pam Bourgoine, and we made plans to meet with them later. We arrived at the hotel and headed to the beach as it was starting to get dark. I, of course, swam a little, and then we ate at our hotel restaurant right on the beach. I had delicious fried shrimp, and I was totally in the relax mode.
The next day we spent at the beach. Zanne read Heinlein's "Tunnel in the Sky" while I played in the water for six hours. I covered myself with waterproof SPF 50 sunblock and got burned to a fine red crisp anyway. The surf was really rough! I spent the whole time body-surfing, and the waves beat me up pretty bad. It was really fun and exhausting.
That evening we ate at a Mongolian Barbecue while we watched the news about Michael Jackson dying. We then returned to the hotel, where I trounced my bride in a game of Bokus (or whatever it's called). She whined and insisted on redesigning the game.
On Friday morning, we slept in and then had breakfast at IHOP. I had had too much sun, so we skipped the beach and started heading home. We met Dan and Pam (and John and Amy) at a Starbucks. Dan has a beard! And Amy has transformed from a cute little tomboy into a stunning and elegant young lady! I was amazed! John is about 8 feet tall, too! Pam and Suzanne got on very nicely, just like old friends. It was really great seeing them again.
We drove home to Martinsburg without incident and checked on the house. The stairs are stained beautifully, and the house is just about done. They graded the driveway and the surrounding lawn, too.
Today is Saturday, and Rosie and Trey have arrived for a week of fun with Grandma and Grandpa! Woot!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day and Some Movies
First, the movies. Recently have seen Up, Pelham 1-2-3, Mall Cop (DVD). Up was cute, especially the dog and the bird. Pelham was forgettable but okay. Mall Cop was better on DVD than it would have been in a theater. Zanne and I have been watching the HBO series ROME, and we really enjoyed it. Caesar just got whacked.
Molly and Joe came here to Martinsburg for Father's Day. We played Clue, and Molly won. We played Hearts, and Molly won. Excuse me...I thought it was FATHER'S Day!?!?! This morning we had panny cakes, chicken gravy, eggs, bacon, etc. Then we drove out to Poorhouse Farm Park, which we've decided to come back to with our fishing gear. They have a bass pond there (catch and release), and a whole bunch of trails.
We took Abby and Romy, who played frisbee and threatened all other dogs with instant death, respectively. Molly is making brocholi soup for lunch, and I can't wait! Bobby had to work all weekend in Wheeling, but he called. I'm anxious to hear from Sam to see if he's going to be able to go on his final FTX with his fractured wrist.
Best surprise of all: Suzanne and Kadey conspired to give me a really cool gift: Zanne and I are going to Virginia Beach next week for a couple of days, while Kadey holds down the fort, dogs, and cats, and Joe. They both gave me real nice cards, too. I'm very blessed!
I also picked up the Nana (aka "Bloody Nana", due to her volatile personality when playing cards...) and brought her down here. I'll be taking her back tonight.
Molly and Joe came here to Martinsburg for Father's Day. We played Clue, and Molly won. We played Hearts, and Molly won. Excuse me...I thought it was FATHER'S Day!?!?! This morning we had panny cakes, chicken gravy, eggs, bacon, etc. Then we drove out to Poorhouse Farm Park, which we've decided to come back to with our fishing gear. They have a bass pond there (catch and release), and a whole bunch of trails.
We took Abby and Romy, who played frisbee and threatened all other dogs with instant death, respectively. Molly is making brocholi soup for lunch, and I can't wait! Bobby had to work all weekend in Wheeling, but he called. I'm anxious to hear from Sam to see if he's going to be able to go on his final FTX with his fractured wrist.
Best surprise of all: Suzanne and Kadey conspired to give me a really cool gift: Zanne and I are going to Virginia Beach next week for a couple of days, while Kadey holds down the fort, dogs, and cats, and Joe. They both gave me real nice cards, too. I'm very blessed!
I also picked up the Nana (aka "Bloody Nana", due to her volatile personality when playing cards...) and brought her down here. I'll be taking her back tonight.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
23 Pounds Less of Me
Yep, since last December. Early in December 08 I changed everything about how I live, eat, drink, and exercise. I decided to quit screwing around--forever gaining/losing 3 pounds while slowly getting older and fatter. With the help of my wonderful wife, I became a calorie nazi, and I started working out twice a day: Biggest Loser in the morning, and weights/cardio at night. My strategy was twofold. First, an extra workout at night would give me the time to work on muscle building, which is important to me, along with giving me an extra calorie burn. But secondly, an evening workout helps me stay distracted from my danger time--at night. If I have nothing else to do, I gravitate toward the TV, where I want to sit, eat, and drink. Instead, I work out, and when I come back upstairs, I'm so drenched and de-hydrated that I just sit and down a bottle of seltzer.
The result was a solid loss of 10 pounds in about a month. And I kept it off. I was so amazed and happy about it that I backed off a bit (one workout per day and slipped on calories). For the next several months, I plateaued--no gain or loss. In May I decided to get back to the basics and drop another 10. I did it. I reached 195 last week. This morning, I'm 193. I now know that for me to lose weight, I need two workouts per day and strict calorie watching.
Each morning I have 2 eggs, 2 pieces of turkey bacon, and that's it. No bread. For lunch, I have six saltine crackers with pepper cheese and/or peanut butter. Then, we eat our evening meal early. I have either a Lean Cuisine or a home-cooked meal, but I eat off of a small plate, and I try like heck to manage my portions. Then comes the hard part: not eating the rest of the night. If things get really bad, I munch on a few nuts.
My goal (at least for now) is 185, which I should get to pretty quickly. If I'm tough on myself, I lose 2 pounds per day. That would mean that I reach the goal on Sunday, but weekends are tough, so more likely next week.
And since I've been working out hard with weights, I'm pretty much solid muscle. Makes Zanne and I both happy!
The result was a solid loss of 10 pounds in about a month. And I kept it off. I was so amazed and happy about it that I backed off a bit (one workout per day and slipped on calories). For the next several months, I plateaued--no gain or loss. In May I decided to get back to the basics and drop another 10. I did it. I reached 195 last week. This morning, I'm 193. I now know that for me to lose weight, I need two workouts per day and strict calorie watching.
Each morning I have 2 eggs, 2 pieces of turkey bacon, and that's it. No bread. For lunch, I have six saltine crackers with pepper cheese and/or peanut butter. Then, we eat our evening meal early. I have either a Lean Cuisine or a home-cooked meal, but I eat off of a small plate, and I try like heck to manage my portions. Then comes the hard part: not eating the rest of the night. If things get really bad, I munch on a few nuts.
My goal (at least for now) is 185, which I should get to pretty quickly. If I'm tough on myself, I lose 2 pounds per day. That would mean that I reach the goal on Sunday, but weekends are tough, so more likely next week.
And since I've been working out hard with weights, I'm pretty much solid muscle. Makes Zanne and I both happy!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ambitious Assault--ASLSK#2--Wargame AAR
Played ASL Scenario #9 solitaire. Avola, Sicily, 10 July, 1943. Americans and Brits converge on a town defended by Italians. I took Peter's advice and dispersed the Italians (rather than concentrating in mutually supporting positions), in an attempt to complicate the Allied mission of clearing the town.
When the Americans approached from the north, they advanced over the main hill and down into the center of town. I had split them into a base-of-fire element and an assault element. The base-of-fire element exchanged fires with the first Italian defensive position (situated in woods to the west of the town), and the Americans had the worst of it. Then, I really blew it by advancing the assault element through the woods, where they ran into point-blank fire from the Italians. The whole element broke and ran for cover, and I lost about a squad equivalent.
After that, I kept firing and eventually broke the Italians and then killed them all when I flushed them out of the woodline into the line of sight of the base-of-fire element. Still, it took time. By the time the Brits entered the town from the south, I had all but destroyed the second Italian position, but there were two groups still untouched.
Once again into the breech: I advanced the American assault unit, trying to surround the Italian main position (equipped with a very potent heavy machine gun). The Yanks "drew fire", wounding the lieutenant and sending the whole element routing again. The Brits tried to probe next to the building where the Italians were holed up but paid heavily. By game end, there was no time to regroup and try again.
Another platoon of Italians simply moved out of the path of the attack, forcing the Allies to chase them, but the Allies ran out of time before bringing them to ground.
Lessons Learned: Even Italians can be deadly. I need to look into using smoke grenades to assist in the assault, and/or put more soldiers into the base-of-fire element, so that I can achieve fire superiority against the Italians.
When the Americans approached from the north, they advanced over the main hill and down into the center of town. I had split them into a base-of-fire element and an assault element. The base-of-fire element exchanged fires with the first Italian defensive position (situated in woods to the west of the town), and the Americans had the worst of it. Then, I really blew it by advancing the assault element through the woods, where they ran into point-blank fire from the Italians. The whole element broke and ran for cover, and I lost about a squad equivalent.
After that, I kept firing and eventually broke the Italians and then killed them all when I flushed them out of the woodline into the line of sight of the base-of-fire element. Still, it took time. By the time the Brits entered the town from the south, I had all but destroyed the second Italian position, but there were two groups still untouched.
Once again into the breech: I advanced the American assault unit, trying to surround the Italian main position (equipped with a very potent heavy machine gun). The Yanks "drew fire", wounding the lieutenant and sending the whole element routing again. The Brits tried to probe next to the building where the Italians were holed up but paid heavily. By game end, there was no time to regroup and try again.
Another platoon of Italians simply moved out of the path of the attack, forcing the Allies to chase them, but the Allies ran out of time before bringing them to ground.
Lessons Learned: Even Italians can be deadly. I need to look into using smoke grenades to assist in the assault, and/or put more soldiers into the base-of-fire element, so that I can achieve fire superiority against the Italians.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ups and Downs of House Buying
We close on the new house on 14 July. Woot! Zanne-zanne the Amazing Woman found the most incredible deal I've ever seen. After months of researching banks and loans, she suddenly stumbled upon a deal from the West Virginia Development Fund called a 3-2-1 buydown. When a participating lender offers a loan for a new construction house (like ours!) WV will buydown the mortgage rate (no cost to us!!) 3% for the first year, 2% for the second year, and 1% for the third year! After that the rate reverts to its fixed level. This is just plain old free money.
In addition, the feds will give us an $8000 tax credit this year, because we are patriotically buying a house. Free money is my favorite kind.
On the down side...we have discovered the oogies related to "owner financing". Our borrower is currently in default. We are hoping he comes up with what he owes us in time for our closing, or we may be passing the hat to cover closing costs. Worst case may include foreclosing on him and re-selling the property...which, in this economy, may not be feasible.
I pulled out an old wargame called Geronimo, which I've had for years but never really played. It is a simulation of the Indian wars in the trans-Mississippi west. So far (1851-55), the US Army has been trading small blows with the Modoc, Cheyenne, Navajo, and some others. The biggest event so far was that the American Civil War occurred early, which has the effect of denuding the west of US soldiers. I expect to make Kansas a state this year, and possibly Nebraska, too.
Picked up a game from GMT on the Battle of Saratoga. Like all GMT games, it is beautiful and looks like a hoot.
Playing two games of Wilderness War--one online, and another face to face with Peter. I'm the Brits in the first one and the Frogs in the other. My Brits are doing okay--took Louisburg and Fort Duquesne--but I'm starved for more reinforcements, and my expeditionary army near Quebec just got wiped out to a man.
I did my eschatology pitch at the Lab last week, and it was very well received.
Zanne has been watching Horatio Hornblower with me lately, and she likes it, which I find amazing. At the start of each episode, I'm forced to lie to her that "this one includes a steamy romance". It's worked so far.
Zanne also baked Tolehouse Cookies for Sam (from scratch--a recipe she got from her mom, which makes me suspicious), and I sent them off to him today, along with some magazines and my Heroes of Might and Magic III game.
Sam graduates on 9 July, and we're going to fly out to watch.
In addition, the feds will give us an $8000 tax credit this year, because we are patriotically buying a house. Free money is my favorite kind.
On the down side...we have discovered the oogies related to "owner financing". Our borrower is currently in default. We are hoping he comes up with what he owes us in time for our closing, or we may be passing the hat to cover closing costs. Worst case may include foreclosing on him and re-selling the property...which, in this economy, may not be feasible.
I pulled out an old wargame called Geronimo, which I've had for years but never really played. It is a simulation of the Indian wars in the trans-Mississippi west. So far (1851-55), the US Army has been trading small blows with the Modoc, Cheyenne, Navajo, and some others. The biggest event so far was that the American Civil War occurred early, which has the effect of denuding the west of US soldiers. I expect to make Kansas a state this year, and possibly Nebraska, too.
Picked up a game from GMT on the Battle of Saratoga. Like all GMT games, it is beautiful and looks like a hoot.
Playing two games of Wilderness War--one online, and another face to face with Peter. I'm the Brits in the first one and the Frogs in the other. My Brits are doing okay--took Louisburg and Fort Duquesne--but I'm starved for more reinforcements, and my expeditionary army near Quebec just got wiped out to a man.
I did my eschatology pitch at the Lab last week, and it was very well received.
Zanne has been watching Horatio Hornblower with me lately, and she likes it, which I find amazing. At the start of each episode, I'm forced to lie to her that "this one includes a steamy romance". It's worked so far.
Zanne also baked Tolehouse Cookies for Sam (from scratch--a recipe she got from her mom, which makes me suspicious), and I sent them off to him today, along with some magazines and my Heroes of Might and Magic III game.
Sam graduates on 9 July, and we're going to fly out to watch.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thank You, Comrades
Thinking about you today, Corporal James Lindsey. You did everything right.
I'm constantly amazed at how easy it is for a believer in Christ to wander away from Him. Lately I've been fretting (mostly over kid stuff), and the longer I spend away from the Word, the more subjective and angry and depressed I get. Then...for some reason...I remember. Read! Remember!
In the light of the Word, all this stuff seems like such trivial nonsense. I sponsor a young boy in India, named Stalin Nayek. Recently, his entire village had to flee into the jungle because anti-Christian fanatics were after them. They found enough fruit to stay alive until they could return. And I'm upset because of the nonsense I endure from....??!?!?
We had a wonderful time at the Smiths on Sunday. Great food, a swimming pool, Bible class, and awesome fellowship....despite Mike's assertion that I'm "a little gay" because I listen (okay...sing along with...) ABBA. If he weren't such a good friend...not to mention a fine specimen of manhood...I'd be outraged.
Finally breached the walls at Louisburg, and I'm hoping to slaughter all the French defenders there before winter.
This morning my sweet, awesome wife and I sipped (respectively) cocoa and coffee on our new porch while we thought about different plans we have for the house. Then we trekked to Lowes to get an estimate on decking. Ugh. Bottom line: decks are way over-priced.
I'm constantly amazed at how easy it is for a believer in Christ to wander away from Him. Lately I've been fretting (mostly over kid stuff), and the longer I spend away from the Word, the more subjective and angry and depressed I get. Then...for some reason...I remember. Read! Remember!
In the light of the Word, all this stuff seems like such trivial nonsense. I sponsor a young boy in India, named Stalin Nayek. Recently, his entire village had to flee into the jungle because anti-Christian fanatics were after them. They found enough fruit to stay alive until they could return. And I'm upset because of the nonsense I endure from....??!?!?
We had a wonderful time at the Smiths on Sunday. Great food, a swimming pool, Bible class, and awesome fellowship....despite Mike's assertion that I'm "a little gay" because I listen (okay...sing along with...) ABBA. If he weren't such a good friend...not to mention a fine specimen of manhood...I'd be outraged.
Finally breached the walls at Louisburg, and I'm hoping to slaughter all the French defenders there before winter.
This morning my sweet, awesome wife and I sipped (respectively) cocoa and coffee on our new porch while we thought about different plans we have for the house. Then we trekked to Lowes to get an estimate on decking. Ugh. Bottom line: decks are way over-priced.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Where the Bulldogs all have rubber teeth...
May 24th, 2009. They of the Questionable Legal Status have begun to put up our siding, which is exciting...I don't care who you are. My inspired choice of gray with navy blue shutters has been thoroughly vindicated, at least in my eyes, which, after all, is the heart of the matter.
We met our future neighbors, Gordon and Anne (& Co.) today when we caught them trespassing in our kitchen. They seem like wonderful folks, and we have already negotiated future plans, in which Gordon builds our deck and installs our flooring in exchange for me looking at his trains.
The war effort in North America (my wargame with Don) has been frustrating. After a great start, Lord Amherst's attempt to seize Louisburg before the winter is foundering. Nevertheless, I am confident that ultimate victory is mine...which should be a comfort to those unfortunates who will die in the wilds of Nova Scotia this winter.
I am continuing my hiatus from the Lab, and I'm slowly (ever so slowly) closing in on composing a masterpiece on strategy, which will be published by the Lab, much to the relief of the Obama administration.
I really miss teaching Sunday School, but I have very much enjoyed Pastor Don's teaching. He is truly amazing. His mastery of the Scriptures is combined with a solid grasp of theological nuance which never fails to inspire me. Plus, he hates Calvinists. (Just kidding.)
We are gearing up for a blow-out Memorial Day feast tonight, which means my journey into the 190s (lbs, that is) will likely be delayed for another week.
This past week has been a glorious one, because Zanne has decisively adjusted her attitude toward the powers-that-be in Hollywood. I'm very satisfied with her current approach to how to market her work. Yay, Babe! You are right where you need to be!
I've got Peter hooked on Wilderness War. The first session was free. From now on I will charge him $5 a pop. Woot!
We met our future neighbors, Gordon and Anne (& Co.) today when we caught them trespassing in our kitchen. They seem like wonderful folks, and we have already negotiated future plans, in which Gordon builds our deck and installs our flooring in exchange for me looking at his trains.
The war effort in North America (my wargame with Don) has been frustrating. After a great start, Lord Amherst's attempt to seize Louisburg before the winter is foundering. Nevertheless, I am confident that ultimate victory is mine...which should be a comfort to those unfortunates who will die in the wilds of Nova Scotia this winter.
I am continuing my hiatus from the Lab, and I'm slowly (ever so slowly) closing in on composing a masterpiece on strategy, which will be published by the Lab, much to the relief of the Obama administration.
I really miss teaching Sunday School, but I have very much enjoyed Pastor Don's teaching. He is truly amazing. His mastery of the Scriptures is combined with a solid grasp of theological nuance which never fails to inspire me. Plus, he hates Calvinists. (Just kidding.)
We are gearing up for a blow-out Memorial Day feast tonight, which means my journey into the 190s (lbs, that is) will likely be delayed for another week.
This past week has been a glorious one, because Zanne has decisively adjusted her attitude toward the powers-that-be in Hollywood. I'm very satisfied with her current approach to how to market her work. Yay, Babe! You are right where you need to be!
I've got Peter hooked on Wilderness War. The first session was free. From now on I will charge him $5 a pop. Woot!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hens Laying Soft-Boiled Eggs
The title has nothing to do with this content, but I just liked it.
We picked up Mom (aka Nana) from Pennsylvania and treated her to a nice Mothers' Day weekend. We toured the new house with her, took her to see Star Trek, watched O Brother Where Art Thou? and ate a lot. Got her a real nice jewelry box engraved with her name on it.
The house is coming along well. We are concerned about the sewage pipe network in the basement. For some odd reason, they elected to drop the pipes way down below the level of the I-beams and duct work, robbing us of another foot of ceiling space...right in my office. We have registered our dissatisfaction and await an answer.
Zanne and I (and Kadey) have started the week out well by exercising hard. Did Biggest Loser Cardio Max Level 2 again today. Ugh. Weight is somewhere around 202, give or take. Tonight I'm going to do my chest and abs, and then take some protein to see if I can jump-start another round of muscle-building.
I'm reading through Augustine's "City of God". Fascinating read. Basically, it's a fifth century Christian philosopher trying to explain how the sack of Rome in 410 by the Goths fits into God's plans. I'm considering writing a parallel piece from the Islamic perspective, explaining the 1967 Six Day War. Interesting project.
My war against my friend Don Chappell proceeds well. We are playing "Wilderness War" over the internet, and it's now early 1757. I have taken Fort Duquesne and re-named it Fort Bob. I have thwarted all the French attempts to threaten Oswego and Albany. And I've just launched an amphibious invasion from Nova Scotia against Louisburg. Hopefully, all will go well, and I'll trap the Frogs there and finish them off.
I love my wife. She is such a blessing to me in many, many ways.
We picked up Mom (aka Nana) from Pennsylvania and treated her to a nice Mothers' Day weekend. We toured the new house with her, took her to see Star Trek, watched O Brother Where Art Thou? and ate a lot. Got her a real nice jewelry box engraved with her name on it.
The house is coming along well. We are concerned about the sewage pipe network in the basement. For some odd reason, they elected to drop the pipes way down below the level of the I-beams and duct work, robbing us of another foot of ceiling space...right in my office. We have registered our dissatisfaction and await an answer.
Zanne and I (and Kadey) have started the week out well by exercising hard. Did Biggest Loser Cardio Max Level 2 again today. Ugh. Weight is somewhere around 202, give or take. Tonight I'm going to do my chest and abs, and then take some protein to see if I can jump-start another round of muscle-building.
I'm reading through Augustine's "City of God". Fascinating read. Basically, it's a fifth century Christian philosopher trying to explain how the sack of Rome in 410 by the Goths fits into God's plans. I'm considering writing a parallel piece from the Islamic perspective, explaining the 1967 Six Day War. Interesting project.
My war against my friend Don Chappell proceeds well. We are playing "Wilderness War" over the internet, and it's now early 1757. I have taken Fort Duquesne and re-named it Fort Bob. I have thwarted all the French attempts to threaten Oswego and Albany. And I've just launched an amphibious invasion from Nova Scotia against Louisburg. Hopefully, all will go well, and I'll trap the Frogs there and finish them off.
I love my wife. She is such a blessing to me in many, many ways.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Of Stairs and Japanese Machineguns...
The house is looking amazing. It's all framed and has a roof, and today they put in the stairs to the second floor. Zanne and I and the kids explored the house this evening after the workers left. It's just exactly what I've always wanted (and worked for) in a house. We are so excited about it.
Peter came over and yet again bested me in Combat Commander: Pacific. We played an Iwo Jima scenario, and I had a strong outfit of Marines and supporting weapons. I started out by unleashing a barrage of cannister on the lead defenders who were cowering in a cave far above me. I broke the unit there and then finished them off with massed machinegun fire. Good start.
My main maneuver unit advanced slowly, soaking up casualties along the way, but throughout the fight, I gradually attrited the bad guys. I called in an airstrike that hammered his pesky mortar team, and Sergeant Burke's Marines then finished them off with long-range rifle fire. As the fight went on, Burke was able to maneuver his guys all the way around the enemy's flank to the ridge just below the main objective--a long concrete building. Burke got his veteran Marine squad next to the building, and they let loose with their flamethrower, torching one Japanese squad. Private Hoss, my hero, then charged the broken squad but got ambushed and killed before he could destroy them.
By this point in the battle, the Japs had killed two of my leaders and lots of Marines, but I had a solid reinforced platoon with machineguns and flamethrowers right next to the objective. Just then my command system broke down badly. The Japs reinforced the building and poured fires downhill against Burke and his guys. Before they could recover themselves, Burke got killed, and everything fell apart.
Damn good fight! Very fun, and very close.
Peter came over and yet again bested me in Combat Commander: Pacific. We played an Iwo Jima scenario, and I had a strong outfit of Marines and supporting weapons. I started out by unleashing a barrage of cannister on the lead defenders who were cowering in a cave far above me. I broke the unit there and then finished them off with massed machinegun fire. Good start.
My main maneuver unit advanced slowly, soaking up casualties along the way, but throughout the fight, I gradually attrited the bad guys. I called in an airstrike that hammered his pesky mortar team, and Sergeant Burke's Marines then finished them off with long-range rifle fire. As the fight went on, Burke was able to maneuver his guys all the way around the enemy's flank to the ridge just below the main objective--a long concrete building. Burke got his veteran Marine squad next to the building, and they let loose with their flamethrower, torching one Japanese squad. Private Hoss, my hero, then charged the broken squad but got ambushed and killed before he could destroy them.
By this point in the battle, the Japs had killed two of my leaders and lots of Marines, but I had a solid reinforced platoon with machineguns and flamethrowers right next to the objective. Just then my command system broke down badly. The Japs reinforced the building and poured fires downhill against Burke and his guys. Before they could recover themselves, Burke got killed, and everything fell apart.
Damn good fight! Very fun, and very close.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Breaking News from Bob Central
Actually, not. Just a routine update. Hey, if Fox News can do it, so can I.
Haven't heard from Sammy Miami for a while, which concerns me, but I suppose that calling Dad is not on the top of any soldier's priority list.
This next month my eldest son Bobby graduates from law school! I take full credit, as I do for my daughter's doctorhood. The Bird graduates from high school with flying colors, which I also attribute primarily to me. She is going to go to WVU and (perhaps) study nursing. Tough field, but rewarding.
The Rose is finishing up her first year at college and doing splendidly. Mr. Joe talks constantly of the Marine Corps, and I have to say I would be proud as punch to have a Marine in the family.
Zanna Suzanna Danna has finished up her latest script, and it is, as we speak, dazzling all the luminaries in Hollywood, I hopes, I hopes. She is an amazing writer, she works way harder than I do, and she's in an industry that is arguably the toughest on earth to break into. I have full confidence in her, but I hate to see her hurting along the way!
The house is progressing nicely. It is just about completely framed. Now it needs a roof. Not looking forward to all the loan-getting crap, and I'm still up in the air as to how much of our owner-financing is going to be repaid to us this summer. Sure would be nice to know where we stand on that.
Going to the Lab tomorrow to collect up some stuff on evolution of strategy project and to talk with Boss about future endeavors.
I'm finished with teaching Revelation at church, which makes me kind of sad. I miss teaching already, but I suppose I need a break, and the students need a break from me.
Pretty soon we're going to have another baby in the family! Robert Elizabeth Duffy! Can't wait!
Been solitairing Panzergruppe Guderian, and it's a nice distraction. Never played it, although I've owned it for years. My war against the French is going well, too. The Iroquois Confederacy has joined the British cause. Life is good.
Haven't heard from Sammy Miami for a while, which concerns me, but I suppose that calling Dad is not on the top of any soldier's priority list.
This next month my eldest son Bobby graduates from law school! I take full credit, as I do for my daughter's doctorhood. The Bird graduates from high school with flying colors, which I also attribute primarily to me. She is going to go to WVU and (perhaps) study nursing. Tough field, but rewarding.
The Rose is finishing up her first year at college and doing splendidly. Mr. Joe talks constantly of the Marine Corps, and I have to say I would be proud as punch to have a Marine in the family.
Zanna Suzanna Danna has finished up her latest script, and it is, as we speak, dazzling all the luminaries in Hollywood, I hopes, I hopes. She is an amazing writer, she works way harder than I do, and she's in an industry that is arguably the toughest on earth to break into. I have full confidence in her, but I hate to see her hurting along the way!
The house is progressing nicely. It is just about completely framed. Now it needs a roof. Not looking forward to all the loan-getting crap, and I'm still up in the air as to how much of our owner-financing is going to be repaid to us this summer. Sure would be nice to know where we stand on that.
Going to the Lab tomorrow to collect up some stuff on evolution of strategy project and to talk with Boss about future endeavors.
I'm finished with teaching Revelation at church, which makes me kind of sad. I miss teaching already, but I suppose I need a break, and the students need a break from me.
Pretty soon we're going to have another baby in the family! Robert Elizabeth Duffy! Can't wait!
Been solitairing Panzergruppe Guderian, and it's a nice distraction. Never played it, although I've owned it for years. My war against the French is going well, too. The Iroquois Confederacy has joined the British cause. Life is good.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rommel in North Africa
This is a pretty cool AAR on the North Africa campaign I played. I scored a perfect victory (33 points) by taking Cairo by September, 1941. The key to my victory was aggressiveness, a measure of good luck, and a careful logistical calculation on the frontier of Egypt.
March, 1941
15th and 21st Panzer, along with four Italian infantry divisions, attack the British 2nd Armour Division at El Agheila. The British defense is dug-in, with an armored reserve prepared to overrun. The enemy also has good intelligence. I decide to focus on destroying/capturing enemy supplies, and I bring AT guns and tactics to the fight. Finally, I plan on exploiting. The enemy foils my plan to capture supplies, but I do destroy one depot and crush the 2nd Armour without casualties on my side. The 21st Panzer is now a veteran force.
After the battle, I can either move into Tengeder to avoid further fighting, or move north to Benghazi to take on the Guards Division, or move east to El Adem against the 3rd Indian Division. Alternately I could split the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions and attack both places, but it seems unlikely that I would destroy either if I did that. I decide to hit Benghazi, because if I went instead to El Adem, I could get counterattacked from two directions.
The enemy again has good intelligence and has planned a massive air strike against the attackers. This could be very dangerous. I decide to focus my intelligence operations on disrupting his air attack. Meanwhile, I will rely on tactics and pressing the fight to destroy the Guards. I manage to nullify half of his air and then annihilate the Guards, but the 15th Panzer takes a hit. The 21st Panzer are now elite.
Ariete Division advances to Tengeder, while the rest of the Italian forces lag behind in Libya. Bologna takes a hit from lack of supplies in El Agheila. All in all, not a bad beginning. I bring Deutches Afrika Korps (DAK) into Tripoli and accumulate much-needed supplies.
British forces in the Tobruk region hold in place. The 7th Australian Division advances from Mersa Matruh to Halfaya. British reinforce Alexandria and Cairo but fail to reinforce Tobruk. This will be my big chance to grab the key port.
April-May, 1941
I refit 15th Panzer. I surge my Panzer Divisions, Ariete, and three Italian infantry divisions against Tobruk, where the 9th Australian and Coastal Infantry defend behind fortifications. I also send the depleted Bologna against the 3rd Indian at El Adem to divert British supplies there.
Bologna is destroyed, but they did their job. Allied supplies are dwindling, which will impair their main defense at Tobruk. Since the enemy intends to press the fight, I focus on preparing an armored assault, salvaging supplies, and exploiting after the battle. I annihilate the defenders and capture the port, while losing Brescia Division. Ariete and 15th Panzer become veterans.
Leaving Ariete and an infantry division in Tobruk, I order the Panzers and Pavia Division to attack the 22nd Division at Bardia. We overrun the enemy easily, capturing more supplies, and we then push on to El Adem.
We wipe out 3rd Indian Division, and Pavia is now a veteran. But the Italians are worn out, so the Panzers will have to move on alone to finish up the job at Halfaya. When I destroy the last British there, I will have cleared the Tobruk area of enemy, thus easing my supply situation.
I’m a little more careful this time. I conduct intelligence operations to locate and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Then, I swing my Panzers behind the enemy and dig-in athwart his supply lines, forcing him to attack me. I destroy him easily with no casualties. Ha! I get 13 supply points! DAK moves to El Agheila, and the rest of the Italian forces close into the Tobruk area. I bring 90th Light Division, Trieste, and Bersaglieri into Tobruk and spend the rest on supplies. I’m in great shape.
The enemy tries an amphibious assault against Tobruk. Not smart. They manage to damage two infantry divisions before dying. British reinforcements and supplies surge into Egypt, and units advance piecemeal toward the frontier.
June-Sept., 1941
I now have to contemplate the conquest of Egypt. I flirt with the idea of blitzing all the way to Cairo, which I technically could do with my two premier Panzer Divisions if they could successfully fight through three divisions before getting there! They would then face three more fortified, well-supplied divisions. I’m going to give it a go!
I have accumulated 16 supplies, and I have the option of refitting Trieste and Savona in Tobruk, at a cost of 4. This would leave me 12 supplies to conduct the campaign. Assuming that I do not use any supplies to enhance my battle plans, reserving all fuel to support my exploitation, I will need 19 supplies to advance the whole force to El Alamein and Cairo. I could possibly acquire an additional 6 supplies along the way, which still leaves me short. I elect not to refit my infantry divisions and instead reserve all supplies for the campaign.
I cross the frontier into Egypt and prepare to assault the enemy’s front line at Sofafi, defended by the refitted Guards Division. My force is huge: 15th and 21st Panzers (both elite), 90th Light Division, DAK, Ariete (veteran) , Pavia (veteran), Trento, and Bersaglieri. Interestingly, the enemy has elected to focus on supply. He intends to interdict my supplies and try to capture some of my fuel.
My intelligence operations thwart his attempt to disrupt my supply lines. I destroy the Guards easily and capture 2 supplies, destroying one of his. He’s down to 12 supplies. He tries to capture mine but fails, and my force survives unscathed so far. Ariete is now elite.
I spend 8 supplies (10 left) and move the entire force to Bir El Kenaysis. The 1st South African Division defends there. Once again, he focuses on diminishing my supplies and capturing my fuel! Pretty savvy opponent. In a replay of the last fight, my intel advantage keeps him from messing with my supply lines. I overrun him without casualties, capturing 2 more supplies. I now have 12, and I destroy another of his, so he’s down to 9. Time to move on. 90th Light is now veteran.
I expend 8 more supplies (4 left) and advance the entire force to El Alamein. The 4th Indian Division is fortified there, and there are reinforcements en route. The enemy has set ambushes in front of the main line of resistance. My intelligence pinpoints his reinforcements, and I’m able to stop them before they reach the fight. The enemy uses his ambushes and an overrun to draw first blood from my force, damaging Trento. I overrun him, capturing 2 supplies (total: 6). The 90th Light is now elite.
I spend 5 supplies (1 left) and reach Cairo with 15th and 21s Panzers, Ariete, 90th Light, and the DAK. The city is fortified and defended by 41st, 2nd New Zealand, and Coastal Divisions. They are well supplied, and this should be one hell of a fight.
The enemy is very confident. He has plans to press the fight and exploit! He has a good tactical plan, including a massive overrun. I decide to maximize my destructive potential, because I will have exactly 2 battle rounds (thanks to my Limey friends) to finish off these guys. I’m using air, artillery, and an armored assault. It’s a difficult fight. I lose DAK, and 90th Light is damaged, but I take the city and win the game. Woot!
March, 1941
15th and 21st Panzer, along with four Italian infantry divisions, attack the British 2nd Armour Division at El Agheila. The British defense is dug-in, with an armored reserve prepared to overrun. The enemy also has good intelligence. I decide to focus on destroying/capturing enemy supplies, and I bring AT guns and tactics to the fight. Finally, I plan on exploiting. The enemy foils my plan to capture supplies, but I do destroy one depot and crush the 2nd Armour without casualties on my side. The 21st Panzer is now a veteran force.
After the battle, I can either move into Tengeder to avoid further fighting, or move north to Benghazi to take on the Guards Division, or move east to El Adem against the 3rd Indian Division. Alternately I could split the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions and attack both places, but it seems unlikely that I would destroy either if I did that. I decide to hit Benghazi, because if I went instead to El Adem, I could get counterattacked from two directions.
The enemy again has good intelligence and has planned a massive air strike against the attackers. This could be very dangerous. I decide to focus my intelligence operations on disrupting his air attack. Meanwhile, I will rely on tactics and pressing the fight to destroy the Guards. I manage to nullify half of his air and then annihilate the Guards, but the 15th Panzer takes a hit. The 21st Panzer are now elite.
Ariete Division advances to Tengeder, while the rest of the Italian forces lag behind in Libya. Bologna takes a hit from lack of supplies in El Agheila. All in all, not a bad beginning. I bring Deutches Afrika Korps (DAK) into Tripoli and accumulate much-needed supplies.
British forces in the Tobruk region hold in place. The 7th Australian Division advances from Mersa Matruh to Halfaya. British reinforce Alexandria and Cairo but fail to reinforce Tobruk. This will be my big chance to grab the key port.
April-May, 1941
I refit 15th Panzer. I surge my Panzer Divisions, Ariete, and three Italian infantry divisions against Tobruk, where the 9th Australian and Coastal Infantry defend behind fortifications. I also send the depleted Bologna against the 3rd Indian at El Adem to divert British supplies there.
Bologna is destroyed, but they did their job. Allied supplies are dwindling, which will impair their main defense at Tobruk. Since the enemy intends to press the fight, I focus on preparing an armored assault, salvaging supplies, and exploiting after the battle. I annihilate the defenders and capture the port, while losing Brescia Division. Ariete and 15th Panzer become veterans.
Leaving Ariete and an infantry division in Tobruk, I order the Panzers and Pavia Division to attack the 22nd Division at Bardia. We overrun the enemy easily, capturing more supplies, and we then push on to El Adem.
We wipe out 3rd Indian Division, and Pavia is now a veteran. But the Italians are worn out, so the Panzers will have to move on alone to finish up the job at Halfaya. When I destroy the last British there, I will have cleared the Tobruk area of enemy, thus easing my supply situation.
I’m a little more careful this time. I conduct intelligence operations to locate and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Then, I swing my Panzers behind the enemy and dig-in athwart his supply lines, forcing him to attack me. I destroy him easily with no casualties. Ha! I get 13 supply points! DAK moves to El Agheila, and the rest of the Italian forces close into the Tobruk area. I bring 90th Light Division, Trieste, and Bersaglieri into Tobruk and spend the rest on supplies. I’m in great shape.
The enemy tries an amphibious assault against Tobruk. Not smart. They manage to damage two infantry divisions before dying. British reinforcements and supplies surge into Egypt, and units advance piecemeal toward the frontier.
June-Sept., 1941
I now have to contemplate the conquest of Egypt. I flirt with the idea of blitzing all the way to Cairo, which I technically could do with my two premier Panzer Divisions if they could successfully fight through three divisions before getting there! They would then face three more fortified, well-supplied divisions. I’m going to give it a go!
I have accumulated 16 supplies, and I have the option of refitting Trieste and Savona in Tobruk, at a cost of 4. This would leave me 12 supplies to conduct the campaign. Assuming that I do not use any supplies to enhance my battle plans, reserving all fuel to support my exploitation, I will need 19 supplies to advance the whole force to El Alamein and Cairo. I could possibly acquire an additional 6 supplies along the way, which still leaves me short. I elect not to refit my infantry divisions and instead reserve all supplies for the campaign.
I cross the frontier into Egypt and prepare to assault the enemy’s front line at Sofafi, defended by the refitted Guards Division. My force is huge: 15th and 21st Panzers (both elite), 90th Light Division, DAK, Ariete (veteran) , Pavia (veteran), Trento, and Bersaglieri. Interestingly, the enemy has elected to focus on supply. He intends to interdict my supplies and try to capture some of my fuel.
My intelligence operations thwart his attempt to disrupt my supply lines. I destroy the Guards easily and capture 2 supplies, destroying one of his. He’s down to 12 supplies. He tries to capture mine but fails, and my force survives unscathed so far. Ariete is now elite.
I spend 8 supplies (10 left) and move the entire force to Bir El Kenaysis. The 1st South African Division defends there. Once again, he focuses on diminishing my supplies and capturing my fuel! Pretty savvy opponent. In a replay of the last fight, my intel advantage keeps him from messing with my supply lines. I overrun him without casualties, capturing 2 more supplies. I now have 12, and I destroy another of his, so he’s down to 9. Time to move on. 90th Light is now veteran.
I expend 8 more supplies (4 left) and advance the entire force to El Alamein. The 4th Indian Division is fortified there, and there are reinforcements en route. The enemy has set ambushes in front of the main line of resistance. My intelligence pinpoints his reinforcements, and I’m able to stop them before they reach the fight. The enemy uses his ambushes and an overrun to draw first blood from my force, damaging Trento. I overrun him, capturing 2 supplies (total: 6). The 90th Light is now elite.
I spend 5 supplies (1 left) and reach Cairo with 15th and 21s Panzers, Ariete, 90th Light, and the DAK. The city is fortified and defended by 41st, 2nd New Zealand, and Coastal Divisions. They are well supplied, and this should be one hell of a fight.
The enemy is very confident. He has plans to press the fight and exploit! He has a good tactical plan, including a massive overrun. I decide to maximize my destructive potential, because I will have exactly 2 battle rounds (thanks to my Limey friends) to finish off these guys. I’m using air, artillery, and an armored assault. It’s a difficult fight. I lose DAK, and 90th Light is damaged, but I take the city and win the game. Woot!
Monday, April 20, 2009
The War in North America, 1755
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War with an old friend over the internet. This is one of the best designed wargames I've ever played. It's a very good simulation of the entire French and Indian War in North America. I'm playing the British.
Early season, 1755: The French try to foment a British Ministerial Crisis to disrupt any reinforcements I might be getting, but since none are planned, their machinations have no effect. I decide to recruit my Cherokee allies and bring their war parties to join Braddock's army at Alexandria. My intent is to have Braddock advance over the Laurel Mountains and build a road toward the Ohio Forks. Instead, I'm rewarded with a Cherokee Uprising. The Indians desert, and I have to send two regular regiments and a provincial regiment to South Carolina to put down the rebellion. Ugh. I then intercept a French courier and wind up getting significant reinforcements: four new Royal American regiments, which I put in Albany. The French regulars in Quebec make a move by boat to Naiore Bay on Lake Ontario, with the intention of threatening my fort at Oswego. In preparation for his attack, he has his Indian allies raid my stockade at Oneida Carry East in the Mohawk Valley. I use Francis Bigot to steal another card from him. Ha! He's getting frustrated. I then march my Royal Americans, along with some provincials and my Mohawk allies to repair the damage to Oneida Carry East. The French now know that they can't take Oswego, so they retreat by boat and slip down the Hudson valley to Ticonderoga. Meanwhile, I advance against an Abenaki war party at Naiore Bay and kill them, but they ding one of my provinical regiments, too. I then march back to Albany, leaving provincials to garrison the Mohawk Valley. I also call out the Northern Department militia.
By the end of the early season, I think my situation in the north is stronger than it was. Apart from my strategic miscalculation regarding the Cherokees, I have done pretty well so far.
Early season, 1755: The French try to foment a British Ministerial Crisis to disrupt any reinforcements I might be getting, but since none are planned, their machinations have no effect. I decide to recruit my Cherokee allies and bring their war parties to join Braddock's army at Alexandria. My intent is to have Braddock advance over the Laurel Mountains and build a road toward the Ohio Forks. Instead, I'm rewarded with a Cherokee Uprising. The Indians desert, and I have to send two regular regiments and a provincial regiment to South Carolina to put down the rebellion. Ugh. I then intercept a French courier and wind up getting significant reinforcements: four new Royal American regiments, which I put in Albany. The French regulars in Quebec make a move by boat to Naiore Bay on Lake Ontario, with the intention of threatening my fort at Oswego. In preparation for his attack, he has his Indian allies raid my stockade at Oneida Carry East in the Mohawk Valley. I use Francis Bigot to steal another card from him. Ha! He's getting frustrated. I then march my Royal Americans, along with some provincials and my Mohawk allies to repair the damage to Oneida Carry East. The French now know that they can't take Oswego, so they retreat by boat and slip down the Hudson valley to Ticonderoga. Meanwhile, I advance against an Abenaki war party at Naiore Bay and kill them, but they ding one of my provinical regiments, too. I then march back to Albany, leaving provincials to garrison the Mohawk Valley. I also call out the Northern Department militia.
By the end of the early season, I think my situation in the north is stronger than it was. Apart from my strategic miscalculation regarding the Cherokees, I have done pretty well so far.
France '40
I'm playing Field Commander: Rommel, a solitaire wargame that includes Rommel's campaigns in France (1940), North Africa (1941-3), and France (1944). I'm trying the first scenario, which I've managed to lose repeatedly in previous playings. Either I don't get it, or I'm very unlucky, or the game is flawed, because the Allies always seem to win.
12-19 May, 1940: I decide to commit my whole division against Dinant, where two French regiments are defending. Even though this will over-burden my logistics, I feel it is necessary to really hit the defenders hard and destroy them fast. As I reconnoiter the enemy, I discover they have artillery, and the defenders are dug-in. I decide to assault and overrun the enemy, and I'm also going to exploit if I win. That way, I can knock out the French in Reims, too.
I annihilate the French regiments, taking some damage to my 7th Schutzen Regiment. The 25th Panzer and 78th Artillery become veteran. Leaving the two infantry regiments behind, I race the two motorized regiments to Reims and attack the French 3rd Regiment. My intel is able to detect reinforcements moving toward the defenders, so I send air to interdict them. I then plan to press the fight and use superior tactics to hopefully destroy them. I destroy them, but the 78th Artillery is damaged. The 25th Panzer is now elite.
Because I was able to advance, my supplies are sufficient, despite the initial over-crowding at Dinant. I accumulate a bunch of supply. I had the option instead of bringing in Totenkopf Regiment, but I need the supplies to refit my damaged regiments. Once I take Cambrai, I'll bring in reinforcements.
In response to my lightening advance, the French release the 25th Armor Regiment at Calais. The British 1st Tyneside Regiment counterattacks against Reims. The Belgian Chasseurs move south into Cambrai. The French 25th Armor moves into Brussels. The British attempt an overrun. I respond by digging in and then planning an armored assault. This is very expensive in terms of supply, but it will guarantee success. I destroy the attackers, and the 78th Artillery is now elite.
The Allies brought on three new regiments: an infantry in Paris, another armor regiment in Calais, and a motorized in Caen.
20-27 May, 1940: I refit the 78th Artillery, which is now downgraded to veteran. My plan now is to surge all my forces into Cambrai and destroy the enemy there. It will be a tough fight. The Allied defenses are strong: the Belgian Chasseurs, and two British infantry regiments. The enemy sets up in ambush, and they try to disrupt my supplies and deploy reinforcements to the battle. I will have my work cut out for me. I decide to use intelligence to hopefully interdict the reinforcements or uncover the ambush. I'm also using tactics and an armored assault. My intel gets me past the ambush safely. But the French 37th Armor Regiment joins the battle. In the end, I manage to damage all four enemy regiments without taking any significant losses. But my forces have to retreat back to their starting positions.
The French 37th Armor refits, as do the Belgian Chasseurs. The French 1st Armor arrives in Paris. The Allies counterattack my forces all along the front. Two armored regiments slam into my hapless infantry in Dinant, while another armor regiment and infantry hit my lead forces at Reims. I anticipate losing the infantry at Dinant, so I send air and AT guns in the hope of inflicting maximum damage. The enemy destroys the 7th Schutzen and damages the 6th, but my infantry, AT guns, and air manage to damage both armor regiments and force them to retreat. The attack at Reims was also repulsed, but all units in the fight were damaged.
The Allies bring in more reinforcements to Calais and Caen while also building up their supplies. I really don't see how the Germans are supposed to win this one. My forces are exhausted, my supplies are gone, and I'm outnumbered everywhere.
28 May - 4 June 1940: I attack at Paris, and both sides are wiped out. I give up. I simply don't get this scenario. I see no possible way for the Germans to win.
On the positive side, they delivered the wood to frame our house today.
12-19 May, 1940: I decide to commit my whole division against Dinant, where two French regiments are defending. Even though this will over-burden my logistics, I feel it is necessary to really hit the defenders hard and destroy them fast. As I reconnoiter the enemy, I discover they have artillery, and the defenders are dug-in. I decide to assault and overrun the enemy, and I'm also going to exploit if I win. That way, I can knock out the French in Reims, too.
I annihilate the French regiments, taking some damage to my 7th Schutzen Regiment. The 25th Panzer and 78th Artillery become veteran. Leaving the two infantry regiments behind, I race the two motorized regiments to Reims and attack the French 3rd Regiment. My intel is able to detect reinforcements moving toward the defenders, so I send air to interdict them. I then plan to press the fight and use superior tactics to hopefully destroy them. I destroy them, but the 78th Artillery is damaged. The 25th Panzer is now elite.
Because I was able to advance, my supplies are sufficient, despite the initial over-crowding at Dinant. I accumulate a bunch of supply. I had the option instead of bringing in Totenkopf Regiment, but I need the supplies to refit my damaged regiments. Once I take Cambrai, I'll bring in reinforcements.
In response to my lightening advance, the French release the 25th Armor Regiment at Calais. The British 1st Tyneside Regiment counterattacks against Reims. The Belgian Chasseurs move south into Cambrai. The French 25th Armor moves into Brussels. The British attempt an overrun. I respond by digging in and then planning an armored assault. This is very expensive in terms of supply, but it will guarantee success. I destroy the attackers, and the 78th Artillery is now elite.
The Allies brought on three new regiments: an infantry in Paris, another armor regiment in Calais, and a motorized in Caen.
20-27 May, 1940: I refit the 78th Artillery, which is now downgraded to veteran. My plan now is to surge all my forces into Cambrai and destroy the enemy there. It will be a tough fight. The Allied defenses are strong: the Belgian Chasseurs, and two British infantry regiments. The enemy sets up in ambush, and they try to disrupt my supplies and deploy reinforcements to the battle. I will have my work cut out for me. I decide to use intelligence to hopefully interdict the reinforcements or uncover the ambush. I'm also using tactics and an armored assault. My intel gets me past the ambush safely. But the French 37th Armor Regiment joins the battle. In the end, I manage to damage all four enemy regiments without taking any significant losses. But my forces have to retreat back to their starting positions.
The French 37th Armor refits, as do the Belgian Chasseurs. The French 1st Armor arrives in Paris. The Allies counterattack my forces all along the front. Two armored regiments slam into my hapless infantry in Dinant, while another armor regiment and infantry hit my lead forces at Reims. I anticipate losing the infantry at Dinant, so I send air and AT guns in the hope of inflicting maximum damage. The enemy destroys the 7th Schutzen and damages the 6th, but my infantry, AT guns, and air manage to damage both armor regiments and force them to retreat. The attack at Reims was also repulsed, but all units in the fight were damaged.
The Allies bring in more reinforcements to Calais and Caen while also building up their supplies. I really don't see how the Germans are supposed to win this one. My forces are exhausted, my supplies are gone, and I'm outnumbered everywhere.
28 May - 4 June 1940: I attack at Paris, and both sides are wiped out. I give up. I simply don't get this scenario. I see no possible way for the Germans to win.
On the positive side, they delivered the wood to frame our house today.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I have a slab
Our non-English-speaking builders poured our garage and basement today, and it looks pretty cool. I accidentally managed to tromp in the not-quite-set concrete, leaving a big he-shops-at-Wal-Mart-for-his-running-shoes-;-he-must-not-be-a-serious-runner foot-mark in it. I tried to explain/apologize to our workers, and they nodded back, assuring me that, "Yes, the truck." I'm pretty sure that meant that they would smooth over my faux pas.
My very schmexy wife, whose sudden appearance caused a total work stoppage at the house, has finished her script, and it's awesome. I am quite confident that she is going to sell it soon and get the accolades that she has worked so hard for. Zanne is the joy of my life, and she makes everything light and happy. Plus, she fits in my arms very nicely...kinda like she was made for them.
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War (the French & Indian War) with a very old friend, Don Chapell. It's 1755, and his Frogs are threatening my fort at Oswego on the shores of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately for him, four new regiments of Royal Americans have arrived at Albany, with which I will trounce him if he dares to attack my fort.
My very schmexy wife, whose sudden appearance caused a total work stoppage at the house, has finished her script, and it's awesome. I am quite confident that she is going to sell it soon and get the accolades that she has worked so hard for. Zanne is the joy of my life, and she makes everything light and happy. Plus, she fits in my arms very nicely...kinda like she was made for them.
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War (the French & Indian War) with a very old friend, Don Chapell. It's 1755, and his Frogs are threatening my fort at Oswego on the shores of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately for him, four new regiments of Royal Americans have arrived at Albany, with which I will trounce him if he dares to attack my fort.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Raid on Schweinfurt
Quick record of a solitaire wargame I played in which you have to plan and execute the bombing campaign against Schweinfurt in August-October 1943.
I have 390 B-17s (!) and 62 B-24s available. Very good so far.
I plan on have a diversionary raid with 50 B-24s, and then I'm going to divide the main body into two waves: the first wave will consist of 170 B-17s, and the second wave will have 220 B-17s and 12 B-24s. I order my fighters to focus solely on the main raid.
The weather over England is clear, but it's very poor over the target. I decide to delay the attack for a few days. Ugh. The weather begins to cloud up over England, and it's STILL poor over Schweinfurt. I reluctantly give the go-ahead.
Sixteen B-17s in the first wave abort before takeoff, leaving 154 heading to assembly. Thirty-six bombers aborted in the second wave, leaving 196 heading to assembly. Six bombers from the diversionary raid aborted, leaving 44.
The two waves assemble over the North Sea and rendez-vous with fighter escorts. Meanwhile, the diversionary raid manages to pull some of the Luftwaffe that would otherwise attack the first wave.
Well, it seems the Luftwaffe is fighting very aggressively today. Ugh.
The first wave lost 4 bombers to the Luftwaffe but shot down a total of 24 German planes. Not too bad. The second wave lost 6 bombers and shot down 28 Germans.
As the bombers arrive over Schweinfurt, they encounter a moderate amount of flak. The first wave lost 6 bombers to flak, and the second wave lost 4.
144 bombers arrive over the target in the first wave. In the poor weather, they achieve only 15% damage. The second wave achieves 19% more damage, for a total of 34%, which is not enough for success. The bad weather was the problem.
On the return to England, the Luftwaffe shot down 11 more bombers from the 1st wave, losing 13 German aircraft, and 14 bombers in the second wave, losing 18 Germans. The end result is a loss rate of 13%.
Checking the victory conditions, I find that I was one damage point away from achieving a draw--this in the face of a very aggressive Luftwaffe and terrible weather over the target. In short, I failed, but the odds were certainly stacked against me.
I have 390 B-17s (!) and 62 B-24s available. Very good so far.
I plan on have a diversionary raid with 50 B-24s, and then I'm going to divide the main body into two waves: the first wave will consist of 170 B-17s, and the second wave will have 220 B-17s and 12 B-24s. I order my fighters to focus solely on the main raid.
The weather over England is clear, but it's very poor over the target. I decide to delay the attack for a few days. Ugh. The weather begins to cloud up over England, and it's STILL poor over Schweinfurt. I reluctantly give the go-ahead.
Sixteen B-17s in the first wave abort before takeoff, leaving 154 heading to assembly. Thirty-six bombers aborted in the second wave, leaving 196 heading to assembly. Six bombers from the diversionary raid aborted, leaving 44.
The two waves assemble over the North Sea and rendez-vous with fighter escorts. Meanwhile, the diversionary raid manages to pull some of the Luftwaffe that would otherwise attack the first wave.
Well, it seems the Luftwaffe is fighting very aggressively today. Ugh.
The first wave lost 4 bombers to the Luftwaffe but shot down a total of 24 German planes. Not too bad. The second wave lost 6 bombers and shot down 28 Germans.
As the bombers arrive over Schweinfurt, they encounter a moderate amount of flak. The first wave lost 6 bombers to flak, and the second wave lost 4.
144 bombers arrive over the target in the first wave. In the poor weather, they achieve only 15% damage. The second wave achieves 19% more damage, for a total of 34%, which is not enough for success. The bad weather was the problem.
On the return to England, the Luftwaffe shot down 11 more bombers from the 1st wave, losing 13 German aircraft, and 14 bombers in the second wave, losing 18 Germans. The end result is a loss rate of 13%.
Checking the victory conditions, I find that I was one damage point away from achieving a draw--this in the face of a very aggressive Luftwaffe and terrible weather over the target. In short, I failed, but the odds were certainly stacked against me.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I hate rain
Rain, rain, go away!
Rain on someone else, I say.
Our house is coming along nicely. Foundation walls are up. Today they backfilled everything and laid gravel in preparation for pouring the slab.
I've been working from home all week, focusing on researching my comparative eschatology project.
Watched "Slumdog Millionaire". Interesting. Kept our attention.
Finished Rossing's book Rapture Exposed. Pretty lame. Another example of a liberal Christian wishing away those parts of the Bible they find offensive.
Started reading God is not great by Hitchens. What a ridiculous excuse for scholarship. These books always reinforce my faith, because they demonstrate the subjectivity and capacity for self-deception that militant agnostics have.
Rain on someone else, I say.
Our house is coming along nicely. Foundation walls are up. Today they backfilled everything and laid gravel in preparation for pouring the slab.
I've been working from home all week, focusing on researching my comparative eschatology project.
Watched "Slumdog Millionaire". Interesting. Kept our attention.
Finished Rossing's book Rapture Exposed. Pretty lame. Another example of a liberal Christian wishing away those parts of the Bible they find offensive.
Started reading God is not great by Hitchens. What a ridiculous excuse for scholarship. These books always reinforce my faith, because they demonstrate the subjectivity and capacity for self-deception that militant agnostics have.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Private Sam
Heard from Sam tonight. He called and filled me in on his basic training experience so far. He sounds very strong, very motivated.
He's been doing a lot of BRM. (That's Basic Rifle Marksmanship for you civilians out there.) He shot the hell out of the 300 meter target, which really impresses me, because I'm not that good with an M16. (I'm hell with a .45, a 9mm, and pretty much any machinegun, though.)
Sam has gotten one package from me, even though I've sent 3 so far. My first went to a different unit, and I'm mad that they didn't forward it to him. He requested a "Game Informer" magazine, so I'll look for that tomorrow.
I have to say that I'm very proud of this young man. There is simply nothing that a teenage man can do that is better for him than military service. I can hear in Sam's voice the maturity and drive. I'm loving it. Even though Sam and the other kids have their differences with me lately, I'm delighted that Sam has followed in my footsteps and is serving in the only profession that really challenges a man.
Salute, Private!
He's been doing a lot of BRM. (That's Basic Rifle Marksmanship for you civilians out there.) He shot the hell out of the 300 meter target, which really impresses me, because I'm not that good with an M16. (I'm hell with a .45, a 9mm, and pretty much any machinegun, though.)
Sam has gotten one package from me, even though I've sent 3 so far. My first went to a different unit, and I'm mad that they didn't forward it to him. He requested a "Game Informer" magazine, so I'll look for that tomorrow.
I have to say that I'm very proud of this young man. There is simply nothing that a teenage man can do that is better for him than military service. I can hear in Sam's voice the maturity and drive. I'm loving it. Even though Sam and the other kids have their differences with me lately, I'm delighted that Sam has followed in my footsteps and is serving in the only profession that really challenges a man.
Salute, Private!
Having a Bad Wargaming Day
Well, this sucks. That's all I have to say.
Peter "Patton" comes over tonight and whomps me at Guadalcanal with his overwhelming Japanese attack. I scarcely got a shot off.
Then he says, in his innocent, little girl voice, "Why don't we play it again. This time YOU can take the Japs."
Fine.
Except this time the key objective is more easily defended. I deployed my Japs into two big groups and commenced a deliberate advance against the main objective. Peter's mortars and machineguns play havoc against my base of fire, but I push on. Finally, I come over the crest and seize the key objective. I advance and destroy the smelly Marines...and then time runs out. Just as I was getting into position to stomp on his next main defensive position.
Peter has beaten me in our last three games. Stoopid games. Stoopid Peter. Stoopid luck.
I need to go have a little cry.
Peter "Patton" comes over tonight and whomps me at Guadalcanal with his overwhelming Japanese attack. I scarcely got a shot off.
Then he says, in his innocent, little girl voice, "Why don't we play it again. This time YOU can take the Japs."
Fine.
Except this time the key objective is more easily defended. I deployed my Japs into two big groups and commenced a deliberate advance against the main objective. Peter's mortars and machineguns play havoc against my base of fire, but I push on. Finally, I come over the crest and seize the key objective. I advance and destroy the smelly Marines...and then time runs out. Just as I was getting into position to stomp on his next main defensive position.
Peter has beaten me in our last three games. Stoopid games. Stoopid Peter. Stoopid luck.
I need to go have a little cry.
Lab Lab
Been to the Lab twice this week (so far). Ugh. Finishing up all the paperwork from my last major project with the Pentagon.
Switching focus now to (1) the evolution of strategy in the war on terror; and (2) a comparative eschatology of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Been reading The Rapture Exposed by Barbara Rossing. A liberal reaction to dispensational theology (sort of). Basically, this gal watched the "Left Behind" series and wrote a book to refute it. Her work is a determined attempt to ignore the Bible's prophetic program, because it's too disturbing. Because she finds bloodshed repugnant, she simply re-interprets Scripture. When the Bible says, "War", it really means "Peace". When it says "Blood", it really means "Feathers and lollipops." When it says "Judgment", the proper interpretation is "Warm hugs."
Where DO these people come from? Why don't they just say, "I hate the Bible and I refuse to believe it!" At least that would be honest.
Anyways, Peter's coming over tonight, so soon you will be reading about my decisive victory over him.
Zanne and Joe went out to the property, and apparently they have laid down gravel where the footers will soon be poured. Wootness!
Switching focus now to (1) the evolution of strategy in the war on terror; and (2) a comparative eschatology of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Been reading The Rapture Exposed by Barbara Rossing. A liberal reaction to dispensational theology (sort of). Basically, this gal watched the "Left Behind" series and wrote a book to refute it. Her work is a determined attempt to ignore the Bible's prophetic program, because it's too disturbing. Because she finds bloodshed repugnant, she simply re-interprets Scripture. When the Bible says, "War", it really means "Peace". When it says "Blood", it really means "Feathers and lollipops." When it says "Judgment", the proper interpretation is "Warm hugs."
Where DO these people come from? Why don't they just say, "I hate the Bible and I refuse to believe it!" At least that would be honest.
Anyways, Peter's coming over tonight, so soon you will be reading about my decisive victory over him.
Zanne and Joe went out to the property, and apparently they have laid down gravel where the footers will soon be poured. Wootness!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Fun Day of Teaching and Relaxing
Taught Revelation 19:11 ff today, and it's such an exciting part of Scripture. Almost too big to get our arms around it. It describes one of the most important events in the history of mankind: the Second Advent of Christ. And just as the Bible says will happen (2 Peter 3), many today scoff at Christians and claim that since Christ has not yet returned, He will never return. (A splendid piece of logic, that!) And yet we know that all prophecy and human history has been pointing toward that glorious and catastrophic day. I'm glad I'm on the right side of it!
At home group we studied Mark 12, and once again, I am so impressed with the insights that God has given the folks in our group. We are blessed with a great group of serious Bible students that love the Lord and each other. Had some great discussions on Jesus' confrontation with the religious turds in Jerusalem. Every time I study this part of the Bible, I come away more impressed with the majesty, restraint, wisdom, and love of our Hero. What an awesome ruler He will be when He arrives!
My gorgeous wife worked her butt off this weekend cleaning the house. Thanks, Babe!
At home group we studied Mark 12, and once again, I am so impressed with the insights that God has given the folks in our group. We are blessed with a great group of serious Bible students that love the Lord and each other. Had some great discussions on Jesus' confrontation with the religious turds in Jerusalem. Every time I study this part of the Bible, I come away more impressed with the majesty, restraint, wisdom, and love of our Hero. What an awesome ruler He will be when He arrives!
My gorgeous wife worked her butt off this weekend cleaning the house. Thanks, Babe!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Bob v. Peter, October, 1944
It's foggy. My men have to attack uphill into the teeth of Peter's German defense. My only chance of victory is to either penetrate his lines and race up the hill before he can stop me, or force him to surrender. The terrain is heavily wooded.
I broke my company into two sections--one under Sergeant White, one under Captain Stiner. White had a platoon with medium machineguns to act as my base of fire. Stiner's two platoons remained in a covered and concealed attack position to await LD time.
Peter set up a competent defense. He arranged a double belted minefield that blocked the avenue of approach to my right front. To my left front he had a platoon in reverse slope (so that my base of fire could not shoot at it). Echeloned back behind all that he had a fire group with his officer. They had one heavy machinegun and two lights.
I decided to make a move toward the minefield, hoping to bust through it before he could bring effective fire on my men. Sergeant White's platoon managed to stumble into wire and mines in their base of fire position, but no harm was done. Stiner's platoons approached the minefields, but they had made very slow progress through the woods, and time was running out.
Meanwhile, Peter moved his fire group over to intercept my attempt through the mines. At this point, I began calling down effective artillery fire whenever I could spot a target. I then decided to maneuver Stiner's guys back to the left, hoping to flank the minefields and scoot past the disrupted defenders in reverse slope.
Everything bogged down. I had good results from my artillery and machineguns, and I killed lots of Germans. But I couldn't get any momentum to get through his defenses, and the day ended with me scarcely halfway toward my objective.
Another big victory for Peter.
I broke my company into two sections--one under Sergeant White, one under Captain Stiner. White had a platoon with medium machineguns to act as my base of fire. Stiner's two platoons remained in a covered and concealed attack position to await LD time.
Peter set up a competent defense. He arranged a double belted minefield that blocked the avenue of approach to my right front. To my left front he had a platoon in reverse slope (so that my base of fire could not shoot at it). Echeloned back behind all that he had a fire group with his officer. They had one heavy machinegun and two lights.
I decided to make a move toward the minefield, hoping to bust through it before he could bring effective fire on my men. Sergeant White's platoon managed to stumble into wire and mines in their base of fire position, but no harm was done. Stiner's platoons approached the minefields, but they had made very slow progress through the woods, and time was running out.
Meanwhile, Peter moved his fire group over to intercept my attempt through the mines. At this point, I began calling down effective artillery fire whenever I could spot a target. I then decided to maneuver Stiner's guys back to the left, hoping to flank the minefields and scoot past the disrupted defenders in reverse slope.
Everything bogged down. I had good results from my artillery and machineguns, and I killed lots of Germans. But I couldn't get any momentum to get through his defenses, and the day ended with me scarcely halfway toward my objective.
Another big victory for Peter.
Some changes at work
My game of Mosby's Raiders that I've been reporting on has been terminated early, because I need the table space for tonight's wargame session.
The political axe has felled one of our contacts in the Pentagon, and our latest project is going by the wayside. The good news is that this will cut down on the number of trips to the Lab I have to take. Yay! I can shift my focus to writing about the evolution of strategy in the war on terror.
Dan Ryan is supposed to start building our house this week, but we'll see. The site supervisor, Rick, hinted that the house may not be done until late in June. (They had originally promised early to mid-June.) Of course, knowing what we know about builders, the whole project could take months longer than they promise, so we'll see. We're still pretty excited to FINALLY be owning a house again. It's been a long, difficult journey.
How 'bout that stock market, huh?
Peter's coming over tonight to wargame. Can't wait to beat him mercilessly.
Other than that, I'm up to Revelation 19 in Sunday School, and the end is in sight. Taught Mark 11 at home group and made a beer-basted corn beef brisket.
I had a VERY good day of eating right and working out. I've been slacking lately, but now I'm back on track.
The political axe has felled one of our contacts in the Pentagon, and our latest project is going by the wayside. The good news is that this will cut down on the number of trips to the Lab I have to take. Yay! I can shift my focus to writing about the evolution of strategy in the war on terror.
Dan Ryan is supposed to start building our house this week, but we'll see. The site supervisor, Rick, hinted that the house may not be done until late in June. (They had originally promised early to mid-June.) Of course, knowing what we know about builders, the whole project could take months longer than they promise, so we'll see. We're still pretty excited to FINALLY be owning a house again. It's been a long, difficult journey.
How 'bout that stock market, huh?
Peter's coming over tonight to wargame. Can't wait to beat him mercilessly.
Other than that, I'm up to Revelation 19 in Sunday School, and the end is in sight. Taught Mark 11 at home group and made a beer-basted corn beef brisket.
I had a VERY good day of eating right and working out. I've been slacking lately, but now I'm back on track.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Fourth Raid
I arrive at Union, north of Rector's Crossroads, and get the word out that I'm forming a raid. I get about the same number of recruits as last time. Meanwhile, the Yanks reinforce Winchester with a large force. Harry Gilmor and his partisans raid the B&O Railroad, with the result that the Yanks are alert now. But then I get a little good news: the Union boys have repaired all the railroad lines that I destroyed. But since their lines are still in disarray, I can go back in and destroy them again!
I need to be careful now. With the Yanks on high alert, I won't have much room for error. Hedgesville is wide open and a definite target. Charlestown is a bit riskier. Rappahannock Station is ungarrisoned, but there's a Union garrison at nearby Elk Run.
I decide to do Charlestown first, because after I start, my chance at surprise is going to decline. I might get away clean on my first raid. We'll see. Ha! Destroyed the rail line, and neither adjacent garrison pursued me. I destroy the rail at Hedgesville next and then countermarch to Rappahannock Station, where I destroy that rail line. Incredibly, the garrison at Elk Run stays put!
Exploiting the hole in the Union lines at Bristoe Station, I infiltrate through Brentsville, where a local informs me that there is a large garrison at Independence Hill.
For my last exploit I probe near Manassas Junction, triggering a massive pursuit. I race westward and hide at Rector's Crossroads. The Yanks that chased me left Manassas Junction completely uncovered. So as the Blue-Bellies wander through the countryside, I double-back and destroy the rail line there. I then sneak into Union Mills--also ungarrisoned--and burn the bridge there. A large body of troops gives chase from Centreville, and they defeat my little band, forcing me to disband and end the raid.
Still, I'm doing very well now.
I need to be careful now. With the Yanks on high alert, I won't have much room for error. Hedgesville is wide open and a definite target. Charlestown is a bit riskier. Rappahannock Station is ungarrisoned, but there's a Union garrison at nearby Elk Run.
I decide to do Charlestown first, because after I start, my chance at surprise is going to decline. I might get away clean on my first raid. We'll see. Ha! Destroyed the rail line, and neither adjacent garrison pursued me. I destroy the rail at Hedgesville next and then countermarch to Rappahannock Station, where I destroy that rail line. Incredibly, the garrison at Elk Run stays put!
Exploiting the hole in the Union lines at Bristoe Station, I infiltrate through Brentsville, where a local informs me that there is a large garrison at Independence Hill.
For my last exploit I probe near Manassas Junction, triggering a massive pursuit. I race westward and hide at Rector's Crossroads. The Yanks that chased me left Manassas Junction completely uncovered. So as the Blue-Bellies wander through the countryside, I double-back and destroy the rail line there. I then sneak into Union Mills--also ungarrisoned--and burn the bridge there. A large body of troops gives chase from Centreville, and they defeat my little band, forcing me to disband and end the raid.
Still, I'm doing very well now.
Third Raid
I start out at Snickersville and get even more troops than before. Then I read the papers, and it seems that Union generals, in an attempt to get me to stop ambushing trains, are now putting Southerners on board, the scoundrels. The Yanks extend their lines down to Winchester and surrounding towns. Then large Union force enters Leesburg. Finally, I get word that the Union wagon train is moving from Harper's Ferry south to Middletown. Ha! I don't think so.
I've arranged ahead of time that my men and I will hide out in a local farmhouse after we visit the wagon train. I intercept the wagon train at Myerstown and destroy it. Before the Yanks can come after me, I hide as planned. One of the Union guard companies searches for me and then heads south to Berryville. Now on to more mischief.
I decide to head north to the Martinsburg area again, with the intent of wiping out some garrisons and destroying more rail lines. I lead my men through Park's Gap and into Hedgesville, where we surprise the garrison there, destroying it easily. Despite the noise of the battle, no Union reinforcements arrive from Hainesville, which turns out to be ungarrisoned. Perfect opportunity to destroy the rail lines.
I could cease operations for now--especially since the Union troops are all on high alert, but I want to try to clear out the Yanks around Manassas on the off-chance that I can organize one more raid there before they reorganize their lines. To that end, we march to Greenwich and enter Catlett's Station.
Ugh. The Yanks are waiting for me. The alert goes up, and troops from Bristoe Station join the pursuit. I'm attacked and outnumbered 2-to-1. I lose the battle, and some of my force are killed/captured. Not good.
But my performance during this raid is good enough to allow me to keep fighting.
I've arranged ahead of time that my men and I will hide out in a local farmhouse after we visit the wagon train. I intercept the wagon train at Myerstown and destroy it. Before the Yanks can come after me, I hide as planned. One of the Union guard companies searches for me and then heads south to Berryville. Now on to more mischief.
I decide to head north to the Martinsburg area again, with the intent of wiping out some garrisons and destroying more rail lines. I lead my men through Park's Gap and into Hedgesville, where we surprise the garrison there, destroying it easily. Despite the noise of the battle, no Union reinforcements arrive from Hainesville, which turns out to be ungarrisoned. Perfect opportunity to destroy the rail lines.
I could cease operations for now--especially since the Union troops are all on high alert, but I want to try to clear out the Yanks around Manassas on the off-chance that I can organize one more raid there before they reorganize their lines. To that end, we march to Greenwich and enter Catlett's Station.
Ugh. The Yanks are waiting for me. The alert goes up, and troops from Bristoe Station join the pursuit. I'm attacked and outnumbered 2-to-1. I lose the battle, and some of my force are killed/captured. Not good.
But my performance during this raid is good enough to allow me to keep fighting.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Second Raid
Well, my notoriety is increased from my successes near Harper's Ferry, so the Union commanders reinforce their garrisons. I start the raid in White Plains and manage to get twice as many recruits as the first raid. Still pretty small group, but we're getting there. We're also joined by a local trader named Ben Hatton, who says he'll help us sneak through the Union lines.
The damn Yankees are looking for me. A bunch of them burned Bloomfield, Rector's Crossroads, and Paris. I'll make them pay for that. The locals all rally and put the fires out. Strangely enough, they are all still supporting my efforts.
Just when I thought that adventure was over, a larger body of troops arrives at Hopewell, just north of my position! After burning the town, they move to Hay Market. These guys obviously know I'm close by. They march through Hay Market and then return to Hopewell. Will they think to come south? No, they move to Middleburg and burn it to the ground.
Okay, time to get moving. The most lucrative targets for me are the bridges at Union Mills and Occoquan. I'm going to move to Manassas Junction and see what I can do. There's a large garrison there, so that won't do. I ride down to Greenwich and probe toward Catlett's Station, finding a small garrison there. I'm tempted to just fight them now, but I want to wait and develop the situation further before I start trouble. I find another small garrison at Warrenton's Junction, but Rappahanock Station is empty. That's a start. Durn! There's another large garrison at Elk Run. Okay, I'm going to see if I can isolate the garrison at Catlett's Station. No dice. There's another sizeable garrison at Bristoe Station.
I might decide to continue with my original plan, but first I'm going to probe further north. I march to Frankville and probe toward Dranesville, and it's garrisoned. A larger garrison is at Herndon Station. Chantilly is not garrisoned, and I ride into the town, eliminating a picket there. Still, I can't find a serious gap anywhere. There's another garrison at Hunter's Mills. I guess I stirred up so much trouble on the first raid that they reinforced pretty strong.
I move back south to Rappahannock Station and probe toward Kellyville, surprising a sutler's wagon there. But I ran into another big garrison at Morrisville.
Okay, enough of that. I'm going to ambush one of those little garrsons south of Manassas and see what develops. I sneak into Warrenton Junction unnoticed. I maneuver my men into position and give the signal. It's over before it starts, and we wiped out the whole garrison. The large unit at Elk Run alerts and another company in Bristerburg joins the hunt. We gallop west to Salem. But by the time we get there, I find out that both enemy units have already given up the chase!
I lead the men back to Warrenton Junction and decide to press my luck. I'm going to destroy the rail lines there. The boys at Elk Run alert again, but this time no one joins them. This is good, because I hope to draw them away from the area so I can return and destroy the rail line at Rappahannock Station. They chase me until they reach Rectortown, where they pitch tents. Ha! I return to Rappahannock Station and destroy the rail line there. Now I need to decide whether to continue the raid or disband and play it safe. I could move to Catlett's Station and ambush the other small garrison there. I would most likely win that battle, but the large garrison at Manassas would come after me. Well, let's give it a go.
Ben Hatton takes us into Catlett's Station by a hidden path, and we sneak over to where the Union boys are resting. Another friendly local tells me that there's a Union garrison at Harrison's Ford, too. That means that if I attack here, I'll have three different units chasing me. But I like the idea of clearing them out so I can return on another raid and exploit the confusion.
I attack. We easily wipe out the garrison. The large force at Manassas does not pursue! But the two smaller units at Harrison's Ford and Bristerburg alert. Well! Not bad--no other Union forces alert. In fact, it turns out that Brentsville and Stafford Spring are empty. If I can survive this upcoming battle and return before the Union reorganize their lines, I can really have some fun.
The Harrison's Ford garrison marches quickly to Catlett's Station and attacks, but the other garrison for some reason marched to Elk Run. I lose the second battle of Catlett's Station, and we disband.
We'll be back!
The damn Yankees are looking for me. A bunch of them burned Bloomfield, Rector's Crossroads, and Paris. I'll make them pay for that. The locals all rally and put the fires out. Strangely enough, they are all still supporting my efforts.
Just when I thought that adventure was over, a larger body of troops arrives at Hopewell, just north of my position! After burning the town, they move to Hay Market. These guys obviously know I'm close by. They march through Hay Market and then return to Hopewell. Will they think to come south? No, they move to Middleburg and burn it to the ground.
Okay, time to get moving. The most lucrative targets for me are the bridges at Union Mills and Occoquan. I'm going to move to Manassas Junction and see what I can do. There's a large garrison there, so that won't do. I ride down to Greenwich and probe toward Catlett's Station, finding a small garrison there. I'm tempted to just fight them now, but I want to wait and develop the situation further before I start trouble. I find another small garrison at Warrenton's Junction, but Rappahanock Station is empty. That's a start. Durn! There's another large garrison at Elk Run. Okay, I'm going to see if I can isolate the garrison at Catlett's Station. No dice. There's another sizeable garrison at Bristoe Station.
I might decide to continue with my original plan, but first I'm going to probe further north. I march to Frankville and probe toward Dranesville, and it's garrisoned. A larger garrison is at Herndon Station. Chantilly is not garrisoned, and I ride into the town, eliminating a picket there. Still, I can't find a serious gap anywhere. There's another garrison at Hunter's Mills. I guess I stirred up so much trouble on the first raid that they reinforced pretty strong.
I move back south to Rappahannock Station and probe toward Kellyville, surprising a sutler's wagon there. But I ran into another big garrison at Morrisville.
Okay, enough of that. I'm going to ambush one of those little garrsons south of Manassas and see what develops. I sneak into Warrenton Junction unnoticed. I maneuver my men into position and give the signal. It's over before it starts, and we wiped out the whole garrison. The large unit at Elk Run alerts and another company in Bristerburg joins the hunt. We gallop west to Salem. But by the time we get there, I find out that both enemy units have already given up the chase!
I lead the men back to Warrenton Junction and decide to press my luck. I'm going to destroy the rail lines there. The boys at Elk Run alert again, but this time no one joins them. This is good, because I hope to draw them away from the area so I can return and destroy the rail line at Rappahannock Station. They chase me until they reach Rectortown, where they pitch tents. Ha! I return to Rappahannock Station and destroy the rail line there. Now I need to decide whether to continue the raid or disband and play it safe. I could move to Catlett's Station and ambush the other small garrison there. I would most likely win that battle, but the large garrison at Manassas would come after me. Well, let's give it a go.
Ben Hatton takes us into Catlett's Station by a hidden path, and we sneak over to where the Union boys are resting. Another friendly local tells me that there's a Union garrison at Harrison's Ford, too. That means that if I attack here, I'll have three different units chasing me. But I like the idea of clearing them out so I can return on another raid and exploit the confusion.
I attack. We easily wipe out the garrison. The large force at Manassas does not pursue! But the two smaller units at Harrison's Ford and Bristerburg alert. Well! Not bad--no other Union forces alert. In fact, it turns out that Brentsville and Stafford Spring are empty. If I can survive this upcoming battle and return before the Union reorganize their lines, I can really have some fun.
The Harrison's Ford garrison marches quickly to Catlett's Station and attacks, but the other garrison for some reason marched to Elk Run. I lose the second battle of Catlett's Station, and we disband.
We'll be back!
First Raid
I've decided to become a partisan ranger and scrub this country clean of Yankees. I started in Snickersville, Virginia. It was an inauspicious beginning, as no one responded to my call for recruits. Pressed for time, I tried again and managed to gather a small band of miscreants. I'm going to start operations in my own home town area of Martinsburg. I'll attempt to penetrate Union lines and tear up the rail lines from Hedgesville to Harper's Ferry.
I lead my little band to Shanghan and begin to probe Park's Gap. We are in luck--the Yanks have no garrison there. Unfortunately, there is a garrison in Hedgesville, and I don't feel strong enough to ambush them yet. I backed out of the area and cross the mountains to Smithfield. From there, we probe into Leetown, where I find a sutler's wagon, which I promptly seized. I then probe into Kearneystown, but the dratted Union troops are there, too. I rode over to Charlestown and found the city devoid of Yanks. This is good, because I'm going to tear up the rail lines there.
Ha! These lax Yankees have left Halltown unguarded, too, but Duffield's Depot is garrisoned. Okay, here's the plan. I'm going to sneak into Harper's Ferry and burn the bridge over the Shenandoah. If I don't get chased, I'll then work my way back to Halltown and tear up the rails there and in Charlestown. That should get my notoriety up and attract more recruits for the next raid. Here goes...
I sneak my band of thugs into Harper's Ferry and so far am unnoticed. We set fire to the bridge, and it collapses soon thereafter. The rising smoke does not seem to be a concern to that garrison in Duffield's Depot, but a picket in Harper's Ferry pokes his head up and starts scrambling. We shut him up quick with a bullet between the eyes. Then we chased a sutler's wagon that was heading toward Antietam and snatched it.
Not sure I should have chased that wagon, though, because now I'm north of the rail line and have to make my way back to friendly territory. The still-smoking bridge has alerted the Yankees that something is up, so sneaking through their lines might be tricky. I decide to head back into Harper's Ferry. I intercepted a courier and relieved him of his mail and horse. Whew! Got through the town and back to Halltown.
My guys get to work tearing up the rail lines. Ha! Still no reaction from the large force at Harper's Ferry. From there we move to Charlestown and destroy the rail line there. Unfortunately, that got me some attention. The garrison at Duffield's Depot finally wakes up, and we hear bugles blowing and horses galloping. The noise stirs up interest in Harper's Ferry, and now a second squadron of cavalry are after me.
We spur our horses and high-tail it south, paralleling the Valley Pike past Winchester. We reach the Double Toll-Gate south of Salem Church. I get word that the Duffield's Depot garrison gave it up and didn't chase us. But the larger force from Harper's Ferry raced southward on our trail. They are at Pleasant Valley Mill. I don't want to fight these guys, so we ride through Front Royal to Chester's Gap. The Yanks keep coming, reaching Niniveh. We turn and ride northeast to Salem. The enemy loses our trail and heads west to Newtown. After galloping about for a few days, they give it up and stay put at Milltown.
I'd like to continue operations, but all the excitement has the Union troops alerted, so I reluctantly decide to disband and prepare for the next raid.
I lead my little band to Shanghan and begin to probe Park's Gap. We are in luck--the Yanks have no garrison there. Unfortunately, there is a garrison in Hedgesville, and I don't feel strong enough to ambush them yet. I backed out of the area and cross the mountains to Smithfield. From there, we probe into Leetown, where I find a sutler's wagon, which I promptly seized. I then probe into Kearneystown, but the dratted Union troops are there, too. I rode over to Charlestown and found the city devoid of Yanks. This is good, because I'm going to tear up the rail lines there.
Ha! These lax Yankees have left Halltown unguarded, too, but Duffield's Depot is garrisoned. Okay, here's the plan. I'm going to sneak into Harper's Ferry and burn the bridge over the Shenandoah. If I don't get chased, I'll then work my way back to Halltown and tear up the rails there and in Charlestown. That should get my notoriety up and attract more recruits for the next raid. Here goes...
I sneak my band of thugs into Harper's Ferry and so far am unnoticed. We set fire to the bridge, and it collapses soon thereafter. The rising smoke does not seem to be a concern to that garrison in Duffield's Depot, but a picket in Harper's Ferry pokes his head up and starts scrambling. We shut him up quick with a bullet between the eyes. Then we chased a sutler's wagon that was heading toward Antietam and snatched it.
Not sure I should have chased that wagon, though, because now I'm north of the rail line and have to make my way back to friendly territory. The still-smoking bridge has alerted the Yankees that something is up, so sneaking through their lines might be tricky. I decide to head back into Harper's Ferry. I intercepted a courier and relieved him of his mail and horse. Whew! Got through the town and back to Halltown.
My guys get to work tearing up the rail lines. Ha! Still no reaction from the large force at Harper's Ferry. From there we move to Charlestown and destroy the rail line there. Unfortunately, that got me some attention. The garrison at Duffield's Depot finally wakes up, and we hear bugles blowing and horses galloping. The noise stirs up interest in Harper's Ferry, and now a second squadron of cavalry are after me.
We spur our horses and high-tail it south, paralleling the Valley Pike past Winchester. We reach the Double Toll-Gate south of Salem Church. I get word that the Duffield's Depot garrison gave it up and didn't chase us. But the larger force from Harper's Ferry raced southward on our trail. They are at Pleasant Valley Mill. I don't want to fight these guys, so we ride through Front Royal to Chester's Gap. The Yanks keep coming, reaching Niniveh. We turn and ride northeast to Salem. The enemy loses our trail and heads west to Newtown. After galloping about for a few days, they give it up and stay put at Milltown.
I'd like to continue operations, but all the excitement has the Union troops alerted, so I reluctantly decide to disband and prepare for the next raid.
Mom and Dad Finally Get It Right
Yep, the miracle happened 51 years ago today. After giving birth to three losers, the planets aligned, and my folks got the blessing of their lifetime: me. I remember it just like it was yesterday: the doting, the poop, the yellow slop they tried to make me eat.
Worked chest and back this morning; tonight shoulders; tomorrow morning up early for the Biggest Loser workout. Ugh, that's really hard. Can't believe I make it through.
Then to the Lab tomorrow.
Worked chest and back this morning; tonight shoulders; tomorrow morning up early for the Biggest Loser workout. Ugh, that's really hard. Can't believe I make it through.
Then to the Lab tomorrow.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Mad as HELL!
On Wednesday I was driving back from the Lab and listening to NPR Radio. Terry Gross' "Fresh Air" was on, and her guest was some pseudo-intellectual, Christian-bashing knucklehead trying to trash the Bible.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101389895
Now before you listen to it, hear me out. I'm not pissed off just because I'm a Christian reacting to attacks on the Bible. As a Bible teacher, I'm used to all that. Arrogant know-alls attacking the Word of God are as old as the hills. No big deal. What really burned me about this interview was the intellectual dishonesty. The guy's arguments make no sense, and Terry Gross lets him get away with it. He makes loose inferences and undocumented statements of "fact", along with logical fallacies that any competent interviewer would tear to shreds. But NPR lets him get away unchallenged, because he's bashing Christians.
Now here's the facts:
1. We ascribe the four gospels to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as the authors. There is good reason to believe that those four men (two eyewitnesses, and two later compilers) were the authors, BUT it isn't a point of dogma for us, and it doesn't need to be. The real question is: are the accounts accurate and reliable. The answer is yes.
2. Critics of the Bible like to whine that "the Bible can't be inerrant because the gospel writers contradict each other." Wrong, bucko. The fact that the gospel writers bring slightly differing viewpoints PROVES their validity. That is exactly what we would expect from eyewitness testimony! If the four writers wrote exactly the same thing, THEN we could suspect that they were simply copying, or that the whole thing was some made up myth cleverly concocted. Instead, we have four men (actually six: Matthew (aka Levi the cynical tax collector turned Christian), Mark (Peter's secretary), Luke (Paul's follower), and John). These are real people with passions, prejudices, and limited perspectives. All guided by the hand of the Holy Spirit bringing us four fascinating perspectives on the most important story ever.
3. Inerrancy does not imply Newtonian exactitude. In fact, only a small portion of humanity would expect that. The Bible is a wonderful compendium of God's integrated message of salvation through Christ, brought to us in three languages--two oriental languages (Hebrew and Aramaic), and one occidental language (Koine Greek). When you take the time to really study the Scriptures, you come away in awe at how all these different authors tell the same amazing story.
Listen to this radio show. It will make you a stronger Christian when you see how these dopes deceive each other and pretend to be intellectuals.
But it still pisses me off!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101389895
Now before you listen to it, hear me out. I'm not pissed off just because I'm a Christian reacting to attacks on the Bible. As a Bible teacher, I'm used to all that. Arrogant know-alls attacking the Word of God are as old as the hills. No big deal. What really burned me about this interview was the intellectual dishonesty. The guy's arguments make no sense, and Terry Gross lets him get away with it. He makes loose inferences and undocumented statements of "fact", along with logical fallacies that any competent interviewer would tear to shreds. But NPR lets him get away unchallenged, because he's bashing Christians.
Now here's the facts:
1. We ascribe the four gospels to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as the authors. There is good reason to believe that those four men (two eyewitnesses, and two later compilers) were the authors, BUT it isn't a point of dogma for us, and it doesn't need to be. The real question is: are the accounts accurate and reliable. The answer is yes.
2. Critics of the Bible like to whine that "the Bible can't be inerrant because the gospel writers contradict each other." Wrong, bucko. The fact that the gospel writers bring slightly differing viewpoints PROVES their validity. That is exactly what we would expect from eyewitness testimony! If the four writers wrote exactly the same thing, THEN we could suspect that they were simply copying, or that the whole thing was some made up myth cleverly concocted. Instead, we have four men (actually six: Matthew (aka Levi the cynical tax collector turned Christian), Mark (Peter's secretary), Luke (Paul's follower), and John). These are real people with passions, prejudices, and limited perspectives. All guided by the hand of the Holy Spirit bringing us four fascinating perspectives on the most important story ever.
3. Inerrancy does not imply Newtonian exactitude. In fact, only a small portion of humanity would expect that. The Bible is a wonderful compendium of God's integrated message of salvation through Christ, brought to us in three languages--two oriental languages (Hebrew and Aramaic), and one occidental language (Koine Greek). When you take the time to really study the Scriptures, you come away in awe at how all these different authors tell the same amazing story.
Listen to this radio show. It will make you a stronger Christian when you see how these dopes deceive each other and pretend to be intellectuals.
But it still pisses me off!
Feed the Birds!
We watched Mary Poppins last night, so I have that song in my head: Feed the birds, tuppins a bag...
I enjoyed the movie primarily because the little girl looks a lot like my grand-daughter Rosy. I remember seeing that movie in the theater, so you can see how old I am. It was fun to watch, but poor Joe made two valiant efforts to stay in the room with me and Zanne as we sang along with all the songs.
So Sammy Miami is in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, and I've been trying to get through their antiquated telephone system to find out his mailing address. So far it hasn't worked. According to one drill I talked to today, the companies all have recently moved to new barracks, thus the confusion. I'll call tomorrow during duty hours.
Since the last post, my Zanne-zanne is back, so all is well with the world. Still running back and forth to the Lab. Grateful for the job, interested in the projects I'm working, but tired of driving too much.
Tomorrow it's back to training hard and strict menu control. Gotta keep pushing!
Trying to get my website up and operating, on which I will post all my Bible class recordings. We've started it, but it's hard for a history major to navigate through all that crap.
Reading a great book on nuclear weapons in Asia.
I enjoyed the movie primarily because the little girl looks a lot like my grand-daughter Rosy. I remember seeing that movie in the theater, so you can see how old I am. It was fun to watch, but poor Joe made two valiant efforts to stay in the room with me and Zanne as we sang along with all the songs.
So Sammy Miami is in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, and I've been trying to get through their antiquated telephone system to find out his mailing address. So far it hasn't worked. According to one drill I talked to today, the companies all have recently moved to new barracks, thus the confusion. I'll call tomorrow during duty hours.
Since the last post, my Zanne-zanne is back, so all is well with the world. Still running back and forth to the Lab. Grateful for the job, interested in the projects I'm working, but tired of driving too much.
Tomorrow it's back to training hard and strict menu control. Gotta keep pushing!
Trying to get my website up and operating, on which I will post all my Bible class recordings. We've started it, but it's hard for a history major to navigate through all that crap.
Reading a great book on nuclear weapons in Asia.
Friday, February 27, 2009
End of a Long Week
Well, my Zanne-zanne has been gone for a week, and I don't like it at all. I've been trying to distract myself so as not to think about her not being here, but it doesn't work so well.
She's wheels-down at 1130 tomorrow, so life will be back to normal soon. Doobis is beside himself. The dogs are wondering where the Nice Lady is. Gracy couldn't care less but would prefer a few more mirrors in the house.
Went to the Pentagon today, and they love me. All is well with the SECDEF. I'm starting to wonder if I have a life beyond helping the country think about the next war.
Other than that, all is well. I'm now down to 202, which means I've lost 14 pounds since December. I'm pretty motivated to keep it going.
Looking forward to teaching Sunday School this week (Revelation 18) and home group (Mark 11).
She's wheels-down at 1130 tomorrow, so life will be back to normal soon. Doobis is beside himself. The dogs are wondering where the Nice Lady is. Gracy couldn't care less but would prefer a few more mirrors in the house.
Went to the Pentagon today, and they love me. All is well with the SECDEF. I'm starting to wonder if I have a life beyond helping the country think about the next war.
Other than that, all is well. I'm now down to 202, which means I've lost 14 pounds since December. I'm pretty motivated to keep it going.
Looking forward to teaching Sunday School this week (Revelation 18) and home group (Mark 11).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Russians Triumphant!
Private Samuel Grant Leonhard departs for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. tomorrow. Salute, son! Wish you the very best, and I'm confident you will kick some serious hiney! Sam joins a proud tradition: Great-great-grandfather Harry Leonhard was a Spanish-American War hero; Grandfather Donald Leonhard served as a Sergeant First Class in the Army Air Force in WWII (served in North Africa, India, and the CBI theater); Dad was a career infantry officer in the Army and veteran of Desert Storm; Sister Beverly is a captain/doctor in the Air Force; Brother Bobby was a sergeant in the WV National Guard and a veteran of OIF! Bring it home, Sam!
So after a week of being sick and being away from home, I re-started my boot camp. Did the Biggest Loser level 3 workout yesterday, and it kicked my butt. Amazing how fast you can get out of shape. I didn't gain any weight, but I clearly lost muscle and endurance. Did the death machine today, but I've been slacking on muscle-building. Need to get back into it. Down to 204 in weight, which is very good...but a long way to go.
Peter came over tonight, and we played Combat Commander--a Stalingrad scenario. I was the Russians trying to hold onto a strategically important sector. I didn't kill too many Germans, but I was able to disrupt his attack long enough to prevent him from winning. He didn't even try to take my main fortifications, but he launched a well-led and well-executed attack along my left flank, snatching two objectives and contesting a third before I counterattacked. Captain Kornelov arrived with a reinforced platoon and eventually destroyed the lead elements of his main attack, taking one of the lost objectives back. Meanwhile, I held on to the last objective--it was contested by the end of the day. The Russians won handily. I think Peter might have done better if he had tried to contest my main fortifications, which he had an opportunity to do. Basically, I'm a genius.
Zanne and I watched Fireproof last night. Amateur acting, but a good Christian story. We've also been watching the first season of Survivor, which I never saw.
So after a week of being sick and being away from home, I re-started my boot camp. Did the Biggest Loser level 3 workout yesterday, and it kicked my butt. Amazing how fast you can get out of shape. I didn't gain any weight, but I clearly lost muscle and endurance. Did the death machine today, but I've been slacking on muscle-building. Need to get back into it. Down to 204 in weight, which is very good...but a long way to go.
Peter came over tonight, and we played Combat Commander--a Stalingrad scenario. I was the Russians trying to hold onto a strategically important sector. I didn't kill too many Germans, but I was able to disrupt his attack long enough to prevent him from winning. He didn't even try to take my main fortifications, but he launched a well-led and well-executed attack along my left flank, snatching two objectives and contesting a third before I counterattacked. Captain Kornelov arrived with a reinforced platoon and eventually destroyed the lead elements of his main attack, taking one of the lost objectives back. Meanwhile, I held on to the last objective--it was contested by the end of the day. The Russians won handily. I think Peter might have done better if he had tried to contest my main fortifications, which he had an opportunity to do. Basically, I'm a genius.
Zanne and I watched Fireproof last night. Amateur acting, but a good Christian story. We've also been watching the first season of Survivor, which I never saw.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hell Week Over!
Got back from a week at the Lab running a policy game for the Pentagon. Went very well, but it's a lot of work. Stayed at Fort Meade BOQ which is cheap but yucky. In my few off hours, I wargamed Rommel's North Africa campaign and took Tobruk in 1941. Take that, Irwin!
Lots of interesting news this week that most Americans probably didn't even notice. One of our satellites collided with a Russian one. Big cloud. And the North Koreans are erecting a Taepo-Dong II missile/rocket. A TD-II has two possible uses: it can launch a space vehicle, and it can be an intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching the US.
We'll find out which option Kim Jong Il has chosen in about 40 days.
Back home now and enjoying a Valentine's Day with my sweety.
Lots of interesting news this week that most Americans probably didn't even notice. One of our satellites collided with a Russian one. Big cloud. And the North Koreans are erecting a Taepo-Dong II missile/rocket. A TD-II has two possible uses: it can launch a space vehicle, and it can be an intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching the US.
We'll find out which option Kim Jong Il has chosen in about 40 days.
Back home now and enjoying a Valentine's Day with my sweety.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Looking forward to Friday
It's Sunday, and I have a mild cold that forced me to skip home group tonight. Taught Revelation 14-15 today, and class was kind of quiet after last week's drama. (Big debate about Revelation 14). Zanne and I watched Apaloosa starring Ed Harris, Aragorn, and Renee Zellwiger. It started out great until the girl arrived. It then became pointless and went on and on.
To the Lab tomorrow for the next four days. Gonna stay at Fort Meade and try to get over this cold, stay in shape, keep to the diet, and get this next policy game done right. Ugh.
Last night we watched Traitor. Very good movie.
To the Lab tomorrow for the next four days. Gonna stay at Fort Meade and try to get over this cold, stay in shape, keep to the diet, and get this next policy game done right. Ugh.
Last night we watched Traitor. Very good movie.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trying to Love February
It's cold. I'm over-worked. Running a policy game next week. Writing policy papers for the Pentagon constantly. I'm numb. Driving too much. Working out in the morning and at night. Ugh and double ugh. Calgon, send me away.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Voices of the Shenandoah
Went to Peter and Hope's house tonight and had an engaging evening with good food and a showing of a documentary on the Shenandoah River. The film-makers were there and introduced the film. Basically it showed the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley, but then most of the film was dedicated to explaining the problem of pollution that is killing the fish and the rest of the eco-system. Very educational. Nice folks and good chili. Suzanne says that Hope's white bean chicken chili is better than mine, which is fine with me. I'm not in the least bit competitive or angry about it. If Suzanne wants to parade her total lack of taste in the art of chili cooking, that's her business. I suggested that perhaps Suzanne and Hope should get married.
Finally took down the Christmas lights. Just couldn't face seeing them hanging there in February.
Finally took down the Christmas lights. Just couldn't face seeing them hanging there in February.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Lab is closed!
So no evil experiments today!
Instead, we have freezing rain and two dogs who can't crack the code on how to pee on ice. No--don't blame me. I have instructed these canines time and time again. I've promised cookies. I've cajoled, coddled, and cussed. Nothing works. I even did a demonstration.
Now who's going to clean up the rug? I blame this on all you "winter-lovers" out there. You know who you are.
So Peter comes over last night and woops me twice. We played the first scenario in the Stalingrad pack, and I thought I was doing great. Very fun battle. I kept infiltrating squads past his Russian defense for big points. Then, he sneaks a platoon down a wooded trail and threatens to take Objective 4. Along the way, one of his guys throws a cigarette into the woods and starts a fire that, by the end of the fight, is blazing out of control. So just as his guys are closing on Objective 4, my captain shows up with a platoon of elite riflemen, complete with a heavy machine gun. I grabbed control of the buildings and started maneuvering for a firing position. Well, my heavy machinegun team gets all caught up in barbed wire. I ordered them to get their butts moving...and they wander smack into more wire. Again I order them to fight through it, and they advance...into MORE wire! By this time I've managed to bring some scunion on his platoon, and several of the squads are cowering in fear. A Russian commissar walks up, pulls his pistol, and orders the Russian sergeant to rally his troops. The sergeant hesitates...and the commissar shoots him dead! By the end of the battle, his infiltrating platoon was all but destroyed and had accomplished nothing.
Somehow, despite all this, he managed to eek out a 2-point victory. Grrrrr!
Then, after I made a delicious flank steak, we set up the second Stalingrad battle--an epic fight for the grain elevator. After doing a quick METT-T analysis (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time) I decide to defend inside the factory, while leaving one platoon to guard outside. In short order, everything goes wrong. An unseen sniper picks off some of my guys inside the factory. The Germans storm my outside platoon and beat it up before they can scoot inside. The Germans then surround the factory and start bursting through the doors and windows. My guys are shooting, but he keeps recovering and firing back. Pretty soon the defense collapses.
I was mad. I'm sure my tactical analysis was right, but I just couldn't get my guys to fight. Stoopid Russians.
Instead, we have freezing rain and two dogs who can't crack the code on how to pee on ice. No--don't blame me. I have instructed these canines time and time again. I've promised cookies. I've cajoled, coddled, and cussed. Nothing works. I even did a demonstration.
Now who's going to clean up the rug? I blame this on all you "winter-lovers" out there. You know who you are.
So Peter comes over last night and woops me twice. We played the first scenario in the Stalingrad pack, and I thought I was doing great. Very fun battle. I kept infiltrating squads past his Russian defense for big points. Then, he sneaks a platoon down a wooded trail and threatens to take Objective 4. Along the way, one of his guys throws a cigarette into the woods and starts a fire that, by the end of the fight, is blazing out of control. So just as his guys are closing on Objective 4, my captain shows up with a platoon of elite riflemen, complete with a heavy machine gun. I grabbed control of the buildings and started maneuvering for a firing position. Well, my heavy machinegun team gets all caught up in barbed wire. I ordered them to get their butts moving...and they wander smack into more wire. Again I order them to fight through it, and they advance...into MORE wire! By this time I've managed to bring some scunion on his platoon, and several of the squads are cowering in fear. A Russian commissar walks up, pulls his pistol, and orders the Russian sergeant to rally his troops. The sergeant hesitates...and the commissar shoots him dead! By the end of the battle, his infiltrating platoon was all but destroyed and had accomplished nothing.
Somehow, despite all this, he managed to eek out a 2-point victory. Grrrrr!
Then, after I made a delicious flank steak, we set up the second Stalingrad battle--an epic fight for the grain elevator. After doing a quick METT-T analysis (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time) I decide to defend inside the factory, while leaving one platoon to guard outside. In short order, everything goes wrong. An unseen sniper picks off some of my guys inside the factory. The Germans storm my outside platoon and beat it up before they can scoot inside. The Germans then surround the factory and start bursting through the doors and windows. My guys are shooting, but he keeps recovering and firing back. Pretty soon the defense collapses.
I was mad. I'm sure my tactical analysis was right, but I just couldn't get my guys to fight. Stoopid Russians.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Harper's Ferry
Took the afternoon off, and Zanne and I went to Charles Town to cavort with the Village People. Then I decided it was such a nice day I ought to introduce my wife to Harper's Ferry. We went there and ambled through the town. Saw Jefferson's Rock and the old cemetery on top of the hill. The view is awesome: the Shenandoah River coming in one direction, and the Potomac coming in from the other.
Gonna cook up another batch of turkey chili tonight and then freeze it. Suzanne and I both love it. I think I like it even better than my chicken white bean chili, and that's saying a lot. Plus it's super good for you.
Gonna cook up another batch of turkey chili tonight and then freeze it. Suzanne and I both love it. I think I like it even better than my chicken white bean chili, and that's saying a lot. Plus it's super good for you.
An Epic Victory
Drove to the Lab yesterday and wrote two more policy papers. Did the Death Machine in the morning and an arm workout plus 45 minute walk/run in the evening.
Weighed in today. Still losing steadily but very slowly, which is disturbing. Can't imagine working any harder at it.
Peter came over and we played Combat Commander: Pacific--a scenario in the Gilbert Islands. I played the Japs on defense. Strange battle. I had only a handful of units on the board at start, and as he approached my defense, I struggled to inflict casualties. Meanwhile, first my main machinegun broke, and then my battalion gun, leaving me with nothing to fire with, except my treetop sniper, who wasn't doing too well. I figured I was going to lose the fight.
Then things started turning around. First, I infiltrated a fire team behind his advancing lines and retook one of the objectives. This had the effect of forcing him to deploy his flamethrower unit to chase me. They eventually wiped out my infiltrator, but it wasted time. Next, I infiltrated reinforced squad against his attackers, jumping one of his squads and destroying it in hand-to-hand combat. Soon thereafter, I infiltrated a heavy machine gun unit that popped up and ambushed one of his moving units. His guys dashed for cover, but my reinforced squad kept pouncing on his squads and forcing them into hand-to-hand combat.
Meanwhile, his Marines managed to bull their way through my lines on the other side of the battlefield. They captured Objective 4 and then escaped off the board, garnering a lot of points. At game end, it turned out that he had a secret objective, which he had taken for extra points. Still, I managed to eek out a 2 point victory. Great fun.
Still not sure if I'm going to the Pentagon today, but it doesn't look like it.
Weighed in today. Still losing steadily but very slowly, which is disturbing. Can't imagine working any harder at it.
Peter came over and we played Combat Commander: Pacific--a scenario in the Gilbert Islands. I played the Japs on defense. Strange battle. I had only a handful of units on the board at start, and as he approached my defense, I struggled to inflict casualties. Meanwhile, first my main machinegun broke, and then my battalion gun, leaving me with nothing to fire with, except my treetop sniper, who wasn't doing too well. I figured I was going to lose the fight.
Then things started turning around. First, I infiltrated a fire team behind his advancing lines and retook one of the objectives. This had the effect of forcing him to deploy his flamethrower unit to chase me. They eventually wiped out my infiltrator, but it wasted time. Next, I infiltrated reinforced squad against his attackers, jumping one of his squads and destroying it in hand-to-hand combat. Soon thereafter, I infiltrated a heavy machine gun unit that popped up and ambushed one of his moving units. His guys dashed for cover, but my reinforced squad kept pouncing on his squads and forcing them into hand-to-hand combat.
Meanwhile, his Marines managed to bull their way through my lines on the other side of the battlefield. They captured Objective 4 and then escaped off the board, garnering a lot of points. At game end, it turned out that he had a secret objective, which he had taken for extra points. Still, I managed to eek out a 2 point victory. Great fun.
Still not sure if I'm going to the Pentagon today, but it doesn't look like it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fields of Fire
Playing a new solitaire war game by GMT called Fields of Fire. It's a tactical (squad/platoon) level game that follows the famous 9th Regiment from WWII to Korea to Vietnam. The player commands a (usually) reinforced company in attack, defense, and combat patrol missions. This game is infamous for having extremely complicated and poorly written rules, and it lives up to that reputation. For my first game, I sit with a rulebook and numerous charts on my lap, looking up obscure rules for every situation. Even with that I could not have figured it out had it not been for consimworld.com, which is a website for wargamers. A bunch of FoF veterans have been helping me interpret the rules.
Having said that, the game is a gem. It replicates pretty well the actual job of an infantry company commander. I have to task organize the company, fight with battalion HQ, plan the battle, and maneuver the platoons and squads. My first mission was an attack in the hedgerow country of Normandy in 1944.
I sent my 1st platoon to a village on top of a hill as a base of fire. Then, 2nd platoon stepped off into an orchard, finally sending a squad into a hedgerow when all hell broke loose. The Germans opened up on the squad, pinning them. The lieutenant in charge of 1st Platoon tried to get his men to spot the Germans firing, but nothing happened until the company first sergeant ran up the hill and started knocking heads together. Finally spotting the German squad firing from a trenchline on top of a distant hill, 1st Platoon opened fire.
Meanwhile, 2nd Platoon Leader decided (perhaps incorrectly) to try to maneuver around the fire sac that his lead squad stumbled into. The squad moved into another hedgerow to the left and ran smack into another engagement area. Two more German squads opened up on the second squad. Still, with small arms fire from the American squad converging with 1st Platoon's fires, we were able to put effective fires on the German squad on the hill, killing some and pinning the rest. The action has to stop there for now, because I'm waiting on another rules interpretation.
Did the Biggest Loser Level 2 workout this morning and ate like a bird all day. Felt a bit fatigued from lack of calories this evening, so I ate a substantial (but nutritious) dinner--some beef stew and some turkey chili that I had previously made and frozen. That chili is awesome. Suzanne loves it, too, even though it's pretty spicy. Now I gotta go do my evening workout: shoulders, abs, and 45 minutes on the treadmill.
Tomorrow it's off to the lab to write two or three policy papers for the Pentagon.
Having said that, the game is a gem. It replicates pretty well the actual job of an infantry company commander. I have to task organize the company, fight with battalion HQ, plan the battle, and maneuver the platoons and squads. My first mission was an attack in the hedgerow country of Normandy in 1944.
I sent my 1st platoon to a village on top of a hill as a base of fire. Then, 2nd platoon stepped off into an orchard, finally sending a squad into a hedgerow when all hell broke loose. The Germans opened up on the squad, pinning them. The lieutenant in charge of 1st Platoon tried to get his men to spot the Germans firing, but nothing happened until the company first sergeant ran up the hill and started knocking heads together. Finally spotting the German squad firing from a trenchline on top of a distant hill, 1st Platoon opened fire.
Meanwhile, 2nd Platoon Leader decided (perhaps incorrectly) to try to maneuver around the fire sac that his lead squad stumbled into. The squad moved into another hedgerow to the left and ran smack into another engagement area. Two more German squads opened up on the second squad. Still, with small arms fire from the American squad converging with 1st Platoon's fires, we were able to put effective fires on the German squad on the hill, killing some and pinning the rest. The action has to stop there for now, because I'm waiting on another rules interpretation.
Did the Biggest Loser Level 2 workout this morning and ate like a bird all day. Felt a bit fatigued from lack of calories this evening, so I ate a substantial (but nutritious) dinner--some beef stew and some turkey chili that I had previously made and frozen. That chili is awesome. Suzanne loves it, too, even though it's pretty spicy. Now I gotta go do my evening workout: shoulders, abs, and 45 minutes on the treadmill.
Tomorrow it's off to the lab to write two or three policy papers for the Pentagon.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Thoughts on the Big Day
On the one hand, I am excited by the inauguration of Barrack Obama. It's a testimony to a political system that has achieved and sustained a great success: the ability to change leaders without bloodshed. I'm also sharing in the joy that our black brothers and sisters justifiably feel. I think it's a great day for all the people that have suffered bigotry and fear for so many years.
On the other hand, I'm troubled by some of the reactions that I've heard and read. There was a woman on NPR radio yesterday who sounded as if she were in a euphoric trance. She was praising Obama using the same words that I and my fellow believers use in praising Jesus Christ. Many of his supporters use verbage that rightfully should be aimed at God, not at a man. Further, many talk about "hope for the future" (which is fine) and, in the same breath, "contempt for the past" (which is not fine).
There is much that I'm proud of in our nation's past. To deprecate the past is to turn our backs on the men and women who have died in combat; on the many kindnesses we have given and received; on the great scientific and cultural achievements we have enjoyed; on the justifiable pride of those who have overcome adversity and built careers, families, churches, and businesses. I don't hate the past, and I don't have to hate the past to welcome the future.
I didn't vote for Obama, but I pray for him, believe in his abilities, and sincerely hope for his success.
Meanwhile, I'm beginning Week 4 (I think) of my boot camp. I did Biggest Loser Level 2 yesterday morning (40 minutes), and my knees are not happy. Last night I did a chest and ab workout and 45 minutes on the treadmill. This morning did the Death Machine (interval training on the stair-stepper) for 35 minutes. So far I've been eating right this week, but I'm not happy about it. Tonight a back workout followed by 45 minutes on the stair-stepper. Ugh.
On the other hand, I'm troubled by some of the reactions that I've heard and read. There was a woman on NPR radio yesterday who sounded as if she were in a euphoric trance. She was praising Obama using the same words that I and my fellow believers use in praising Jesus Christ. Many of his supporters use verbage that rightfully should be aimed at God, not at a man. Further, many talk about "hope for the future" (which is fine) and, in the same breath, "contempt for the past" (which is not fine).
There is much that I'm proud of in our nation's past. To deprecate the past is to turn our backs on the men and women who have died in combat; on the many kindnesses we have given and received; on the great scientific and cultural achievements we have enjoyed; on the justifiable pride of those who have overcome adversity and built careers, families, churches, and businesses. I don't hate the past, and I don't have to hate the past to welcome the future.
I didn't vote for Obama, but I pray for him, believe in his abilities, and sincerely hope for his success.
Meanwhile, I'm beginning Week 4 (I think) of my boot camp. I did Biggest Loser Level 2 yesterday morning (40 minutes), and my knees are not happy. Last night I did a chest and ab workout and 45 minutes on the treadmill. This morning did the Death Machine (interval training on the stair-stepper) for 35 minutes. So far I've been eating right this week, but I'm not happy about it. Tonight a back workout followed by 45 minutes on the stair-stepper. Ugh.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Okay, the floors are done.
Zanne and I drove to Frederick today, and after she got totally lost, I finally took over the navigation and found the flooring place. (At least that's the way I remember it, and I have a photogenic memory.) I lectured Zanne and the flooring lady on feng shui or whatever for an hour, and then I picked out the flooring while Zanne looked on in awe.
The house is all but done now. All they have to do is dig the hole.
The house is all but done now. All they have to do is dig the hole.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
End of Week 3
Finishing up week 3 of a six week boot camp: working out twice a day and eating right. Did 35 minutes of Death Machine this morning, a hard arm workout and 45 minutes on the stair-stepper tonight. Ate almost enough to keep a bird alive. Tomorrow is my weekly weigh-in. If I don't lose weight, I'm going to hurt random people and eat some large mammal after drowning it in butter and syrup.
I love my wife. She's pretty and awesome and funny. And she has a great voice, which is the only thing I like about driving to the lab, because I get to talk to her on the phone.
Knocked out two more policy papers today and gave a presentation on the evolution of strategy in the global war on terror.
I love my wife. She's pretty and awesome and funny. And she has a great voice, which is the only thing I like about driving to the lab, because I get to talk to her on the phone.
Knocked out two more policy papers today and gave a presentation on the evolution of strategy in the global war on terror.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Empress Augusta Bay
Peter came over tonight, and we finished our game of Combat Commander: Pacific. I played the Japs attacking (Banzai!) at Guadalcanal. They got slaughtered, and we both wondered what the Japanese player is supposed to do to win that scenario.
Then we played Empress Augusta Bay, and that was a hoot. I played the US Marines against Peter's Japanese defense. The most telling aspect of the scenario is the US player's invasion posture, which gives him seven cards. That's a lot of options. I only had to discard my hand once the entire battle. I made one significant good move: I kept the captain and the best couple of platoons back in the second wave. This let me get a feel for how the Jap defense was organized, and when I brought the second wave in, they landed on the right flank, which was largely undefended. By the end of the fight, I had maneuvered them all the way around the Japs and got off the board for big points. Also took four of the five objectives, and my secret objective was that each one was worth 3 VPs. So I won pretty big. Very exciting battle, and we both enjoyed this one.
Off to the lab early tomorrow to give a presentation on the evolution of strategy in the global war on terror. Hope I do good.
Meanwhile, I worked out this morning (Biggest Loser video, except that I substituted squats for lunges, because my knees won't tolerate lunges). Then this evening I did a shoulder workout and 30 minutes on the treadmill (walk/run). I also made a really awesome chili from my Biggest Loser cookbook. Everyone really liked it, and I could have eaten a ton of it, but didn't.
Then we played Empress Augusta Bay, and that was a hoot. I played the US Marines against Peter's Japanese defense. The most telling aspect of the scenario is the US player's invasion posture, which gives him seven cards. That's a lot of options. I only had to discard my hand once the entire battle. I made one significant good move: I kept the captain and the best couple of platoons back in the second wave. This let me get a feel for how the Jap defense was organized, and when I brought the second wave in, they landed on the right flank, which was largely undefended. By the end of the fight, I had maneuvered them all the way around the Japs and got off the board for big points. Also took four of the five objectives, and my secret objective was that each one was worth 3 VPs. So I won pretty big. Very exciting battle, and we both enjoyed this one.
Off to the lab early tomorrow to give a presentation on the evolution of strategy in the global war on terror. Hope I do good.
Meanwhile, I worked out this morning (Biggest Loser video, except that I substituted squats for lunges, because my knees won't tolerate lunges). Then this evening I did a shoulder workout and 30 minutes on the treadmill (walk/run). I also made a really awesome chili from my Biggest Loser cookbook. Everyone really liked it, and I could have eaten a ton of it, but didn't.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Too Busy
Busier than I want to be at work. Still putting together policy games for OSD and writing policy papers. Also preparing a presentation on the evolution of strategy in the global war on terror. On Saturday I designed a game for an upcoming economic wargame we are hosting.
Taught Revelation 11-12 today at Sunday School, and then taught Mark 7 at home group. We had a new couple at home group: Mark and Betsy and their son Tommy. Very lovely family, and they fit right in, so you know something's wrong with them. Kadey's boyfriend Chris also joined us.
Rereading Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic. One of the most engaging histories I've ever read. Also reading a history of the Jews.
Well, on to phase 2 of the Biggest Loser workout tomorrow. Ugh.
Taught Revelation 11-12 today at Sunday School, and then taught Mark 7 at home group. We had a new couple at home group: Mark and Betsy and their son Tommy. Very lovely family, and they fit right in, so you know something's wrong with them. Kadey's boyfriend Chris also joined us.
Rereading Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic. One of the most engaging histories I've ever read. Also reading a history of the Jews.
Well, on to phase 2 of the Biggest Loser workout tomorrow. Ugh.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
George Bush should do something about my knees!
But no...eight years of wasting our blood and treasure in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places. Meanwhile, my knees are a wreck. We need to get our priorities right in this country.
Week 2 of my six week crash program is finding me having to make some changes. The right knee said "Absolutely not!" this morning when I gently suggested a Biggest Loser video workout. "Fine," I replied. "Let's hit the stair-stepper." I sure showed me! Almost died on interval training. That'll teach me!
With school cancelled, I figured a journey to the Lab would not be wise, so I'm going tomorrow.
Week 2 of my six week crash program is finding me having to make some changes. The right knee said "Absolutely not!" this morning when I gently suggested a Biggest Loser video workout. "Fine," I replied. "Let's hit the stair-stepper." I sure showed me! Almost died on interval training. That'll teach me!
With school cancelled, I figured a journey to the Lab would not be wise, so I'm going tomorrow.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I love Sundays
Back in the saddle teaching Sunday School again after a holiday break. I'm very blessed to have so many friends and fellow believers in class. They keep me on my toes.
Watched Chinatown last night with Suzanne. It got interesting by the end, but we both agreed it moved very slow.
Rereading Chaim Herzog's History of the Arab-Israeli Wars. Want to learn more about the 1948 War for Independence.
Heading to the lab tomorrow. Ugh. But I'm ready to get back to it, I suppose. No, wait. I think I'll fly to the Bahamas instead.
Watched Chinatown last night with Suzanne. It got interesting by the end, but we both agreed it moved very slow.
Rereading Chaim Herzog's History of the Arab-Israeli Wars. Want to learn more about the 1948 War for Independence.
Heading to the lab tomorrow. Ugh. But I'm ready to get back to it, I suppose. No, wait. I think I'll fly to the Bahamas instead.
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