Polish Lancers Rock!

If you are Polish...

or just like Polish lancers...

Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFi7bWkyRpA

Makes me think I need VSF Poles as well...

Disaster in Africa!

January 22, 1879

   This morning, at the foot of the mountain of Isandlwana in the Natal Colony, five companies of the First Battalion, 24th Regiment and one company of the Second Battalion, along with four hundred Native levies were killed virtually to the last man by warriors of the Zulu king Ceteshwayo.

   This same afternoon, another company (B Co., 2nd Batt.), consisting of 139 men, officers and other ranks, was besieged at the mission station at Rorke's Drift, only six miles as the crow flies from the scene of Lord Chelmsford's crushing defeat. Between four and five thousand Zulus who had not fought at Isandlwana (and were therefore still fresh) surrounded and assaulted the hastily prepared defenses of the mission.

   The siege lasted all afternoon, overnight, and into the morning. In the end, the British suffered 31 casualties, seventeen of them dead. Over three hundred Zulus were killed. In recognition of the valour shown by the defenders, 11 were awarded the Victoria Cross, the kingdom's highest military honor.

   Tonight, I'm drinking beer, wearing a pith helmet, and watching ZULU on DVD.

Excellent Kinetoscope Showing Now.

The Mysterious Explorations of Jasper Morello

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me be the first to review this gem of a kinetoscopic 'moving picture' for your entertainment.

The tale revolves around a voyage by airship on Earth. The titular character, Jasper Morello, is the navigator aboard the ship, and relates the tale for us. A dread disease is afflicting his home city. The ship is taking a prominent scientist aloft for experiments regarding a possible cure for the plague.

I shan't give away anymore of the plot, but be warned: the tale is one of dark horror and mad ambition. It may be unsuitable for ladies of gentler dispositions, who might be disturbed by some scenes of violence and insanity.

You may view the film for yourself here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vORsKyopHyM

An excellent way of spending twenty-six minutes of your day or evening.

An excellent Film for Steam Enthusiasts

Though not perhaps suitable for the ladies or the young.

http://www.snotr.com/video/1058

An excellent portrayal of stema technology that ends up with a Frenchman getting his comeuppance at the hands of an English gentleman. Naturally.

I have been neglectful of both my journals in recent weeks. Many reasons for it, but I shall endeavor to be more diligent with them.

Another excellent telephonic engine location to peruse for useful items is at www.warflag.com. I found many beautiful flags there with which to equip my miniature forces. And best of all, they are free of charge!

Kinetographs last night

Watched a futuristic war film last night, set in the 1940's, I believe. Americans fighting in France against the Germans. The plot was a bit complicated, called for saving one young man because his three brothers had all been killed in battle at the same time in this great war. Irish boy, if the name's any hint: James Frances Ryan.

Good show, however. The German landships were rather small, but surprisingly powerful I must say. Didn't see their smokestacks, however, so I am curious as to how they were powered.

The ending scene was very powerful. Quite choked me up. Feeling better now, and shall probably get some good work done this afternoon.

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din

Greetings after a lengthy absence. It would be ever so much easier to keep up with this had I access to the telephonic journal through my workplace difference engine. Alas, some hooligans have ruined that for all, by abusing a privilege. Oh well, I soldier on in the evenings at my home.

We had a bit of family time at the household tonight. We watched a thrilling moving picture based upon a poem by that Kipling fellow, titled "Gunga Din." Good stuff, that. Shows what three properly motivated sergeants in Her Imperial Majesty's forces can do when outnumbered by a bunch of shifty Thuggee. Even if they only wore red at the party and kharkee in the field. The lads found it exhilarating, I must say. Its proud of them I am, I assure you all.

In painting matters, I have been as lax as in journaling so far this year. I touched brush to paint (or more correctly, brush to ink wash) exactly once this week, for all of about ten minutes. I applied some of the brown Kel's Magic Sauce (now sold by Didi of the WarStore.com - nice folks!). However, I wasn't really happy with the result, so I believe I will go on with the MinWax I used on some of the other Martian askaris. These lads are taking simply forever to finish.

We are looking forward to the weekend. A game of Wings of War is planned for the boys and myself, complete with miniatures for that Hun von Richthofen and the Yank Rickenbacker. Coming soon to the Houston area, we shall have a mini-con at Little Wars. Its next weekend, I think.

Finally, for those of you who have been enjoying the alternate history of the Republic of Texas, an update has been made earlier this week. I hope you caught it, though many of the revisions were minor. Work has continued on the document. I have been adding some sporting news to it, from ideas originated by my co-conspirator, Jim Stewart about rugby in the Republic. There is also a good dose of Olympic sport being added, so it isn't all war and politics. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

That's all for tonight, I am afraid. The youngest needs tucking in after his insulin injection, and the eldest as well (past his bedtime, the little blighter!).