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BattleTech Player Boards => BattleTech Roleplaying => MechWarrior Hall => Topic started by: greatsarcasmo on 31 December 2013, 21:02:02

Title: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 31 December 2013, 21:02:02
Welcome!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 31 December 2013, 21:04:00
Happy New Year
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 31 December 2013, 21:11:02
Boom!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 December 2013, 21:28:50
Happy New Year!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 01 January 2014, 04:45:03
A new year, a new AFFSHC thread
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 January 2014, 08:07:14
My head feels like I drank far too much white wine and not enough water and was out until far too late... oh wait, that's sort of what happened  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 01 January 2014, 10:55:53
I had a glass of Muscato and was in bed by 10:30...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Stormcrow on 01 January 2014, 11:16:28
I. was. at. work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 January 2014, 12:08:15
I. was. at. work.
Bummer.
My head feels like I drank far too much white wine and not enough water and was out until far too late... oh wait, that's sort of what happened  :-\
Well done, Dan.  I stayed home and went to bed early but did manage to consume more than I should.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 January 2014, 12:16:06
There was a lot of karaoke happening too  :'(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 January 2014, 14:01:20
There was a lot of karaoke happening too  :'(
Then you deserved every bit of the white wine.  Speaking of which, I could go for some of that...

The wife and I just played our first game of The Duke.  Our second game has been put off until the boy sleeps again.  Coming on Friday will be the updated version of Dungeon! which I had as a kid.  Turns out it has solo rules and is for ages 5 and up.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: God and Davion on 01 January 2014, 15:02:05
Happy new year!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 01 January 2014, 16:02:24
Happy New Years gentleman! I hope you all had a safe and happy evening. The fiancee' (BAM!) and family stayed up eating nachos, drinking beer and playing Halo. A great end to the year my any measure to be sure.  O0

On the job front, some very cool news. Out of 60 applicants, approx. 20 of us were invited to go to LA and test for the position...I was one of only 6 that passed. Here is hoping my years of experience doing low voltage communication puts me at the head of the group. Crossing fingers.

-Gunz
 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 01 January 2014, 16:16:48
Good luck!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 01 January 2014, 16:18:59
fiance now eh? Congrats Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 January 2014, 17:39:26
Good luck and congratulations, 'gunz!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 January 2014, 18:29:23
Good luck and congratulations from me too Gunz


In other news... New Sherlock! :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 01 January 2014, 21:29:24
Happy New Year folks.

The girlfriend and I ended up in a small town about an hour from where I live listening to my uncle's jazz band on New Years Eve.

Congrats on the new job possibilities, 'gunz.

Charlie 6, my Marine brother is currently an Air Traffic Controller at Cherry Point.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 01 January 2014, 22:54:41
Good luck and congratulations from me too Gunz


In other news... New Sherlock! :D

 [stupid]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 02 January 2014, 01:06:17
Present.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 02 January 2014, 03:23:38
Happy New Year, everyone.

I don't want to have to get back to 5am starts again. 7am is so much more civilised.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 02 January 2014, 04:22:53
Wow new digs again.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 02 January 2014, 08:52:27
A new bunker for the new year, fitting.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 January 2014, 10:38:54
Hola compadres.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 02 January 2014, 12:49:30
Thanks gents! Lets make this a good one eh?  ;)

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 02 January 2014, 19:29:28
Happy New Year, everyone.

I don't want to have to get back to 5am starts again. 7am is so much more civilised.

7AM is civilised? By what unholy standards?! :o
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Kojak on 02 January 2014, 19:40:51
I'm about to be starting an externship on Monday that will have me getting up at 5:45 AM Monday through Wednesday and then on Thursdays and Fridays I get to sleep in an hour before eight hours of classes. If none of you have heard from me a month from now, I've likely died of sleep deprivation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 02 January 2014, 20:03:42
I used to think I couldn't function on less than nine hours.

Basic training and then kids swiftly disabused me of that notion....

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 January 2014, 20:05:31
~0515 for nearly 19 years now...the child isn't helping the cause.  Can't imagine 'Dash-2' will help matters much.

So the wife wasn't happy that she didn't beat me at three games of The Duke last night.  She also commented that I needed to get better tile bags than blue and pink.

Anybody getting crushed by winter weather in the US right now?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 02 January 2014, 20:08:56
Yes. I dunno, like 6" or 8"  snow and cold as hell.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 January 2014, 20:12:26
Soccer practice this morning wasn't any fun, what with subfreezing temps and biting wind to boot.  Could be a lot worse though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 02 January 2014, 20:12:37
Just cold as all get out around me. I mean, 20 F sounds nice and warm.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Kojak on 02 January 2014, 20:12:52
I used to think I couldn't function on less than nine hours.

Basic training and then kids swiftly disabused me of that notion....

Dav

Oh, I can make it on less than eight hours of sleep...it's convincing my brain to fall asleep before midnight that's gonna be a real pain. But hey, I had a job once where I had to be up at 4:45 five days a week...if I can do that, I'm betting I can do this.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 January 2014, 20:14:06
Yes. I dunno, like 6" or 8"  snow and cold as hell.
We're at the bottom of the snow/rain line so 1-3" locally.  The cold comes tomorrow.  Yay?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 02 January 2014, 20:55:19
It's cold here, but not crazy cold. Let's see what the future holds...more of the same, it seems.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 02 January 2014, 21:14:39
7AM is civilised? By what unholy standards?! :o

I don't know: when I was more hopeful, five in the morning was absolutely beautiful especially when the sun rose. Now . . . I'd rather not talk about it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 02 January 2014, 22:24:37
you Americans are so cute when you talk about winter.... ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 02 January 2014, 22:28:17
Mayhaps. We'll see which way the misery is pointing in six months...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 January 2014, 22:42:11
you Americans are so cute when you talk about winter.... ;D
If you Canadians were civilized folk, you'd make like your geese and fly south for the winter. :P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 03 January 2014, 00:00:49
If you Canadians were civilized folk, you'd make like your geese and fly south for the winter. :P

with the number of friends and neighbours I have who have gone to Arizona for the winter, I dare say we do migrate, at least some of us. Me, I'm too busy saving up to go to Texas in the spring to head south now
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 03 January 2014, 06:15:17
7AM is civilised? By what unholy standards?! :o
Not civilised... just more civilised than 5 AM, my usual start.

Woke up at 6.30 this morning, discovered that my house was in an area covered by a high-risk flood warning, and that houses in the estate on the other side of my road were being evacuated ahead of the highest anticipated tide in 17 years as a result of all the rain water in the area over the last week or so.

No sign of water rushing across the streets and the high tide is past now, but I was wondering how quickly I could relocate 20 boxes of comics up a flight of stairs. Two or three more high tides of concern due over the next 36 hours, apparently... but it's looking less likely that the Usk is going to burst it's banks near me. The Severn has just burst it's banks near Minsterworth though, and roads near where I work are badly flooded.

It's typical Welsh weather outside - I'm trying to decide whether a triple sausage baguette and a couple of week's worth of comics are worth venturing outside for, given that I could sit in my nice warm house and try working on that dratted Pacific Rim vid instead...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Stormcrow on 03 January 2014, 11:51:12
7AM is civilised? By what unholy standards?! :o
It's when I get off my shift at work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 03 January 2014, 12:50:54
I'm about to be starting an externship on Monday that will have me getting up at 5:45 AM Monday through Wednesday and then on Thursdays and Fridays I get to sleep in an hour before eight hours of classes. If none of you have heard from me a month from now, I've likely died of sleep deprivation.
I don't know that word, but hearing it makes me glad to be middle-aged.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 04 January 2014, 06:09:14
Meh.  I manage when working or studying on about 5-6 hours a night.  I'm a night owl, I cannot
go to bed at 10pm or something.  It's just not possible for me to go to bed any earlier than say
12 or 1 ish.  But I catch up at weekends, so I manage.

Even so, I shuddered reading that Kojak.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 06 January 2014, 02:03:46
Take note everyone. When it gets below -20c, plug your car in. New batteries are over $100 when you try to strar it with out and you kill off the old one  #P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 06 January 2014, 09:55:07
Good luck to all of you who have to face that polar cold. Sounds quite bad from what I hear on the news.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 06 January 2014, 12:01:28
Y'know for all the negatives living in CA has (higher than average taxes on EVERYTHING, Traffic, etc...) working in the garage this weekend wearing sandals, shorts and a t-shirt is pretty great for january. Low here is like 38 degree's. :)

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 06 January 2014, 12:28:30
Take note everyone. When it gets below -20c, plug your car in. New batteries are over $100 when you try to strar it with out and you kill off the old one  #P
We're the same temp. And our cars don't have block heaters... Only my old diesel dump had one.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 06 January 2014, 12:54:52
Or get smart and have a place with a heated garage.

It's the ground floor of my apartment building.  8)

-45 wind chills around me, now I just need to buy my books for the upcoming term (starts on Monday).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 January 2014, 13:03:09
Or get smart and have a place with a heated garage.

It's the ground floor of my apartment building.  8)

-45 wind chills around me, now I just need to buy my books for the upcoming term (starts on Monday).


Currently I am thankful for:
1) the Gulfstream
2) Amazon for getting books for my MSc
3) online journal access via remote access from my university's library for my MSc


Oh I am having to use annual leave to do the preparatory reading for my MSc module but I can survive that as I've got no money to go away on my annual leave!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 06 January 2014, 13:59:26
Take note everyone. When it gets below -20c, plug your car in. New batteries are over $100 when you try to strar it with out and you kill off the old one  #P

aww Bro, you didn't.....Guess I'm buying Breakfast and lunch this weekend eh?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 06 January 2014, 14:17:42
It's in the low 20s F here.  Windchill means it feels like the high single digits.  My HC will probably wimp out and cancel soccer practice this afternoon, which is too bad, since I was looking forward to the whining from our entire team this afternoon after school.  We told them yesterday to bring their warm clothes. >:D

I know we've had lower temperatures occasionally in the past, but this is about as low a specific temp as I can remember recently.  We don't hit the teens much.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedRatCowboy on 06 January 2014, 17:36:46
It is a nice 11 degrees with a wind chill of -10 here in the mountains of NC. It is so cold that all moisture in the air is freezeing and its now snowing....projected low of 2 and wind chill of -25 tonight. its not snowing enough to suite me but what can you do?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 06 January 2014, 23:53:40
Well, here in Algonquin, IL this morning is was -18 degrees with a windchill of -44 degrees. Right now it is a balmy warm -12 degrees with a windchill of -36 degrees.
WooHoo. HEAT WAVE!

It's still stinking cold. Sheesh.

My brother is in Portland, OR and he said it was 50 degrees all day. Sure rub it in....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 06 January 2014, 23:57:33
We're the same temp. And our cars don't have block heaters... Only my old diesel dump had one.

Why not?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 January 2014, 00:29:38
Why not?
It doesn't get that cold usually. The last time it got this bad (wind chills enough to cancel school across Minnesota) was 1996.

The record low in my current city St. Cloud is only -43 F, and the state is -60 F. The CONUS record is -70 F, set in Montana up in the mountains.

Where GS lives, recent record lows are -27 F, where you don't need that feature on a daily driver.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 07 January 2014, 00:58:51
Hmm because I always plug in at 0F and below.  The record Low for Edmonton was -56.9F though we avrage about 28 day below -4F
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 07 January 2014, 01:30:51
On our Canadian news yesterday:

"We thought we'd start the news with a good news story about the weather in Canada. It's been 7C today in BC. That's the end of the good news......."

Cracked me up.

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 January 2014, 01:39:06
The all time record low in Arkansas is -29F, and that was way up in the northwest corner, not so far from 97jedi in SW Missouri.  The January average low down in the central part of the state, closer to where I'm at, is just below the freezing mark, at 31F.  So the fact that its supposed to bottom out at 17 this morning is....worrisome.

For reference, the state record high is 120F, and the central portion of the state averages a daily high over 90F throughout July & August.  Its glorious.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 January 2014, 01:48:28
AW, that temp sounds really nice.  :D

My current temp is -14 F.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 January 2014, 08:38:19
Just for the sakes of irony.  Here right now in Finland, it's a balmy 5c plus and raining.  Most
unusual for the time of the year, and I am certainly not inclined to complain.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Stormcrow on 07 January 2014, 10:12:31
After seeing pics and video, I would rather be in frozen Indianapolis than on the Welsh coast. Those waves are friggin' huge.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 07 January 2014, 19:39:24
With fuel injection on gas engines, you really don't need a block heater for most environments. Today was -12 and my old cavilere started right up.  Heck, even newer diseles don't need to be plugged in but for the very coldest weather.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 January 2014, 21:08:30
Gentlemen, gentlemen...please!  We're three pages into this thread and we're already talking about the weather?  I'm aghast.

The wife and I are watching 'Brooklyn Nine-nine'.  Has anyone caught it?  If not, I highly recommend.

Also, my garage door continues suck.  It broke again, today.

Acolyte, nice weather report.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 January 2014, 21:55:48
I'm watching the pilot of "Intelligence".  Interesting so far.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 07 January 2014, 22:29:06
All I'm watching these days is whatever korean drama my wife is into at the moment.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedRatCowboy on 07 January 2014, 23:16:51
Watched that "Intelligence" show too....I liked it...interesting concept and great CGI effects...Impressed
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 08 January 2014, 02:18:58
I'm watching the pilot of "Intelligence".  Interesting so far.
Watched it. It reminds me of 'Jake 2.0' but with a better backstory. Plus the human upgrade was intentional rather than accidental.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 08 January 2014, 04:24:54
Funny new Avatar Weirdo  O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 08 January 2014, 11:52:24
It was needed. The time had come to put my holiday avatar back in storage, I was lacking in inspiration...and then I saw it. You find all kinds of things on tumblr. O0 Downside is, you finds all kinds of things, too. #P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 January 2014, 13:26:32
Jokes like that are a third of the zone chat in Star Trek Online. The rest is politics from people with too much time on their hands and game help.

I started watching Mythbusters on Netflix. The 2003 episodes are a bit different in structure. Glad they got rid of the woman explaining what they were going after.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 January 2014, 16:44:06
This is a weird question, but you're by and large weird people, so this struck me as an appropriate place to ask: what was the Roman Army's stance on facial hair?  In the modern context, we think of military men as clean-shaven, but we also know that wasn't always the case (heck, I've sometimes wondered if possessing facial hair wasn't a practically requirement for promotion to the General Officer ranks in the American Civil War).  So, do we know if there were Centurions running about with full beards, goatees, and whatnot, or is that one of history's great mysteries?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 08 January 2014, 16:54:22
My only reference for that is an Asterix comic, whereupon soldiers treated with a magical hair-growing potion were considered slovenly and borderline out of uniform when reporting to their superiors unshaven. That was rapidly ignored when everyone had such beards, could not shave them off fast enough, and grew large enough to have practical issues.

Of course, take that as reliably as you choose, given the source.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 January 2014, 16:56:30
This is a weird question, but you're by and large weird people, so this struck me as an appropriate place to ask: what was the Roman Army's stance on facial hair?  In the modern context, we think of military men as clean-shaven, but we also know that wasn't always the case (heck, I've sometimes wondered if possessing facial hair wasn't a practically requirement for promotion to the General Officer ranks in the American Civil War).  So, do we know if there were Centurions running about with full beards, goatees, and whatnot, or is that one of history's great mysteries?


The styles varied over time but for the most part the Romans seem to have preferred to be clean shaven but later in the Empire they tended to have beards more but they were often trimmed beards rather than dangling down around their... belt buckles
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 08 January 2014, 17:07:59
I'd be lost without my beard, or disturbingly more youthful in appearance.

Once a year or so it all goes, just to give the better half a holiday from bristly kisses.  I admit
i cannot think of Roman soldiers, without thinking of them clean shaven.  I'll chalk that up to
Asterix too, though my memory is too poor to recall it in any historic fiction.  Not that it's my
period, but I did read The Eagle of the Ninth as a lad.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 January 2014, 20:23:06
I'd be lost without my beard, or disturbingly more youthful in appearance.
I so didn't think of you with a beard.
This is a weird question, but you're by and large weird people, so this struck me as an appropriate place to ask:
May I quote you on that?  It is the BT equivalent of me saying that "every Marine Officer is by definition eccentric".

I can't answer your question.  My only point of reference is a couple of St. Petersburg Collection miniatures I've purchased.  They are in my office downstairs and I'm not inclined to leave my couch/scotch to conduct a facial hair review of miniatures.  Actually, it is more the couch since the scotch is portable and the refills for which are at the top of the stairs leading to my office.  Speaking of which I'm out of scotch...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 08 January 2014, 20:29:10
"Do you like movies about gladiators?  Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 January 2014, 00:23:37
"Do you like movies about gladiators?  Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"
No, and no.

To answer you question, AW, I'm going with "It depended on the time period." An exception is Hadrian, who was bearded to cover scarring.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 January 2014, 11:28:52
Apologies for bringing actual Battletech into this thread(;)), but I'm working up a Battleforce game for my group to try out and could use some help. I'm using the RATs to generate both sides, and while I've rolled up all the actual 'mechs for my Regulan battalion, I need help grouping the 'mechs into lances. I'm looking to end up with 1 assault lance, 4 each of heavy and medium lances, and 1 light lance. Here's what I rolled up, using the 3145 RATs:

Goliath-6M
Goliath-6M
Longbow-13C
Neanderthal-AG
Ostwar-3M
Ostwar-3M
Patriot-2D
Patriot-2D
Patriot-2D
Wendigo B
Hercules-9000
Hercules-9000
Pandarus-1A
Pandarus-1A
Scourge-WF1
Scourge-WF1
Scourge-WF1
Archer-9M
Orion 3-M
Rifleman IIC-8
Phoenix Hawk-1c
Trebuchet-3C
Shadow Hawk IIC 8
Shadow Hawk IIC 8
Shadow Hawk IIC 8
Sarath Prime
Sarath Prime
Sarath B
Strider D
Strider X
Griffin-4R
Griffin-4R
Locust-5W2
Wight-3SC
Wight-3SC
Wight-3SC
Havoc-P6

Without swapping anything out for anything else or chaning any variants/configs, how would you group these?

Thanks!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 09 January 2014, 17:48:13
Group them by speed and weight class Weirdo. That is what I do.

By grouping by speed, there is some cohesion when the lances are moved.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 09 January 2014, 18:13:55
Speed is always my key factor in grouping units, except for certain mechs that fill a more dedicated role, like fire support, I try and keep everything in a lance moving at very near the same speed
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 09 January 2014, 19:50:31
I do the opposite.  I try to come up with lances that can win a  fight on a 2x1 map against another lance of similar total weight.  That usually means a mix of mediums and lights with a heavy as anchor.  If I wind up in a larger fight, just mass the mechs and find a good spot on the map to attack or defend. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 January 2014, 13:45:03
On a different note(still gaming, but with 50% more Davion!), what would be good names for a trio of 3145-era AFFS DropShips? I'm needing names for a Colossus and a pair of Arondights.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2014, 14:27:26
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Royal_Navy_ship_names. The British have all the best ship names.  Especially in the Is for whatever reason; Indefatigable, Implacable, Impregnable, Incendiary, Indomitable, Invincible, Iron Duke....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 January 2014, 14:55:56
The RN always has the best names. I ended up using Illustrious and Enterprise for the Arondights, and the Colossus will be Kilbourne, after a world in the Periphery March.

(Similarly, I'm using past and present ANZAC ship names for my RotS stuff.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2014, 15:15:47
Probably showing that I'm not more history buff than Trekkie here, but I use Enterprise exclusively for carriers.  Just doesn't look right for me when I see a ship with no fighters calling itself Enterprise.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 January 2014, 15:26:55
That particular heritage is reserved for SLS Enterprise, which I'll hopefully paint after this current set of commissions is done(note that that ship is also a proper starship, being jump-capable 8)). FSS Enterprise refers to the various British ships by that name, and will actually be given to a mini I bought from a CSO artist.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Brian Mattern-Davion on 10 January 2014, 16:16:59
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Royal_Navy_ship_names. The British have all the best ship names.  Especially in the Is for whatever reason; Indefatigable, Implacable, Impregnable, Incendiary, Indomitable, Invincible, Iron Duke....

To be fair, they also have a much bigger headstart on the U.S. and the world for that matter
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 January 2014, 16:57:35
Yes, the Royal Navy does have far better names than almost anyone else although some of the best are actually French or Spanish (Temeraire and Spitfire for example). There is a pretty complete list on Wikipedia.


On a completely unrelated note, I just found out I got a distinction (73%) in my first essay of my Masters in Medical Leadership  :)  Next module starts next week but is on the uninspiring topic of Human Resource Management  :'(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 10 January 2014, 17:02:10
Human Resource Management : The beatings will continue until morale improves
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 January 2014, 17:06:35
Human Resource Management : The beatings will continue until morale improves


Pretty much, with a side Topic on Outsourcing Your Beatings: Why Tire Your Own Arm?


also, Diversity/Equality - or how to exclude people without actually breaking the law
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2014, 17:55:08
Human Resource Management : The beatings will continue until morale improves
My favorite story on that general topic is of the Centurion nicknamed Cedo Alteram, which translates roughly as "Give me another".  It seems centurions traditionally carried a vine-stick symbolizing their rank and used for corporal punishment, and this particular Centurion was well known for breaking his across a soldier's back and asking for another.  He was killed in a mutiny.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 10 January 2014, 19:24:12
Ah human resources, the department of any organization where nothing is humane.

Shakespeare wrote about killing all the lawyers; personally, I'd just exile all human resource managers to Devil's Island. Some lawyers may sell you out for Wales, but that's human. Human Resources Managers with a smile send you an impersonal rejection letter without giving a hint of what went wrong like soulless machines. (It's probably for legal reasons, but God in heaven, I'd kill just to be told what they didn't like.) Overall, I've had enough of their treatment over the last six years to last a fair number of lifetimes.

And hopefully, I won't have to worry about them for a little while. I have a full time prospect that is pretty close to being a real career. By next week God willing, I'll escape the barely scraping two pennies together lifestyle of substitute teaching to a full time job where I can start to correct a lot of the problems that have plagued my life for the past couple of years.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 January 2014, 19:34:59
And hopefully, I won't have to worry about them for a little while. I have a full time prospect that is pretty close to being a real career. By next week God willing, I'll escape the barely scraping two pennies together lifestyle of substitute teaching to a full time job where I can start to correct a lot of the problems that have plagued my life for the past couple of years.


Yay, good luck
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2014, 20:00:22
Woohoo, getting out of substitute teaching!  It'll be nice when I can say the same.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 10 January 2014, 20:26:34
Ah, HR. There's a reason Catbert runs that function in Dilbert. (Which is actually referenced in a text book I have for my "Business Ethics" class this semester).

Also, the one time I really feel like being unpleasant, is going to be getting HR to justify their existence.  >:D

And subbing, my girlfriend at this point is a music teacher in private schools, but since it's through a music store chain, in the area, she oddly would earn more by being a sub.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Brian Mattern-Davion on 10 January 2014, 21:31:09
Yeah, HR is basically there to protect the company. Doesn't mean they're particularly good at it, but yeah, they're not there for the employees
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 11 January 2014, 14:08:06
Sir Thomas More reference!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 12 January 2014, 17:59:47
Yeah, HR is basically there to protect the company. Doesn't mean they're particularly good at it, but yeah, they're not there for the employees

That is what a union is for.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 January 2014, 18:01:18
That is what a union is for.


But unions are losing their edge and employees are more often entering individual agreements that, sadly, are often centred on the psychological contract between employer and employee and which is therefore unenforceable in a court of law when, normally the employer, one side decides to unilaterally change it
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 12 January 2014, 21:19:18
That is what a union is for.

When my friend got injured on the job because a fellow coworker was both drunk and high, and the Union fought to keep the drunk guy in his job despite numerous pat incidents that didn't involve someone else getting injured .  They weren't protecting the company he worked for.  Not by a long damn shot.  And this was in a company that did high end maintenance on passenger jets....

This is the process you have to go through to fire a teacher who is not good at their job  in New York.  This is not the exception, firing a teacher in many school districts across America is quite a similar, rigorous process.  Apologies on the length.

(http://greenewable.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/question-6.gif)

So yeah, Unions aren't there to protect the company.  They never have been.

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 13 January 2014, 00:57:45
So, do y'all figure partisans on New Syrtis might have a shot at assassinating Daoshen, or is that too much to hope for?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 13 January 2014, 09:58:54
So, do y'all figure partisans on New Syrtis might have a shot at assassinating Daoshen, or is that too much to hope for?

Whose Next in Line again?

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 13 January 2014, 12:04:06
Danai
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 13 January 2014, 13:30:21
Danai

Hrm...different sort of crazy there IIRC...could be interesting...

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 14 January 2014, 18:39:49
As one book series and popular HBO tv show put it, "Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin."

That being said Danai has been pretty sane in her fictional appearances. However it appears by 3145, she is filled with as much rage as a 90's gun toting superhero by Rob Liefield. The coin apparently landed on its side and has finally decided on which side to drop on. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 14 January 2014, 21:50:27
as long as she isn't a physically deformed as a character drawn by Rob Liefield she'll be okay
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 16 January 2014, 07:56:45
As one book series and popular HBO tv show put it, "Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin."


Just read the last one (Dance with Dragons, IIRC) and I must say, I'm starting to get disappointed. Killing characters just to put other ones into the limelight while the story moves at a snail's pace is starting to get me tired. I'll salute however the performance, those were 15 tomes before I started to get weary. I'll give the next one a chance nonetheless  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 16 January 2014, 12:44:18
Actually, it was Feast of Crows that drags horribly to me. It's George R. R. Martin's book series, but I can only imagine from my own experience in creating prose that writing the two aftermath books-A Feast of Crows and Dance of Dragons, probably caused horrible writer's block. There are characters that appear that probably have no real affect on the plot who basically talk about things in the more interesting books like Davos possible dying in White Harbor or anything mentioned about the previous book, subplots that seem to go nowhere like Queen Regent Cersei slide into heathenism since she still gets to be in charge, and lots of talking about spicy food and other spicy thing that end up boring with House Martell that seems to go nowhere. The most interesting thing in A Feast of Crows for me was the Blackfish escaping Riverrun with the possibility of a fake Jeyne Westerling that Jaime Lannister meets(TV show basically indicates little hope there) and rise of the Faith Militant.

Personally, the events in the North in Dance of Dragons had some interesting plotlines and some action with House Manderly creating some interesting mischief.

That being said Winds of Winter better get back to showing a mix of intrigue with things actually happening. Then again if I was writing, I'd probably skip telling about Davos arriving on Skagos to just him picking up Rickon and getting back on the boat to get back to Stannis beating up Boltons. After two books of setup that took eleven years to come out, my version of Winds of Winter would be basically just letting the hammers fall page after page to get to a conclusion, but that's just me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 January 2014, 20:05:41
A Dance with Dragons, I could have sworn that I read the same chapters with different characters on a couple of occasions.  Martin has a lot of great characters that offer a visceral experience.  Frankly, he could have split a number of them off into a number of somewhat related novels that could have been very solid.  As it stands, I think the series is a mess.

So to change the topic selfishly, the wife and I are having another boy.  Any name suggestions, in the traditional but underutilized category.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 16 January 2014, 20:45:24
Arthur?  Aloysius?  Oscar?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 16 January 2014, 20:50:09
So to change the topic selfishly, the wife and I are having another boy.  Any name suggestions, in the traditional but underutilized category.

Hrm...Marcus?  Adrian?  Felix? 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 January 2014, 20:57:19
Arthur?  Aloysius?  Oscar?
Three names we considered.  We're rejecting names that make a middle initial of 'J' look bad.  We did consider the first.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 16 January 2014, 21:01:30
So hi smiddle initial will be J?  That knocks out any 'P' or "A" names in my book....

Hrm...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 January 2014, 21:09:06
So hi smiddle...
You sound like I feel!

We're skipping 'O' and 'B' also.  Childhood torture needs no incentive.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 16 January 2014, 21:16:49
What's your last initial?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 January 2014, 21:21:18
What's your last initial?
More important, the last name is Woodhead which made the early favorite of Harrison and nickname Harry darn well untenable.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 16 January 2014, 22:51:10
So how traditional are we talking?  Dagda, Cernunnos, Hephaestus, Horus, Thoth, Tyr, Loki? I'm guesing less traditional than that. :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 17 January 2014, 00:25:45

So to change the topic selfishly, the wife and I are having another boy.  Any name suggestions, in the traditional but underutilized category.

Congrats Charlie 6.

Go with Conan.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 17 January 2014, 00:27:52
Edward, Scott, Gregory, Norman, Moon Unit, Terrance, Sean, Link, Chrono, Mario, Victor, Kai....Umm yeah names really aren't my specialty
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 January 2014, 00:53:47
Dang, but no matter what the poor kid is going to get flak for the name.

Edward
Norman (Maternal Grandfather in my case) (Also good for once he's old enough to have a regular hang-out "Norm!")
Charles (Other Grandfather)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 17 January 2014, 01:47:17
Whichever name you go for, my advice would be to do him a favor and use the traditional spelling used in your area. My name's not too uncommon, but I can probably count the number of people on this continent who can consistently spell it correctly on one hand, and that's including the folks who gave it to me. (It's Térence)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 January 2014, 01:59:13
Congratulations Matt!


A few ideas from me (some of which are repetitions) - Arthur, Charles, Felix, Scott, Bruce, George


You could just go through the "real" names of comic book characters (hence Bruce comes from Batman) but choose wisely so he feels a kinship to the right hero!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 17 January 2014, 12:59:49
I am partical to Andrew. Shortens to Andy well  and A.J. also gose well. Or go with Lewis in honor of a certen L.B. Puller  :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 17 January 2014, 13:00:33
Térence eh? that is a rather uncommon spelling of Zug.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 January 2014, 14:50:14
Térence eh? that is a rather uncommon spelling of Zug.
As I was related this thread to my wife she came up with the Weirdo Rule:  no punctuation allowed within the name.  So D'Brickashaw is off the table.

Dan, the wife thought you were going to start naming off Royals.  The super hero idea isn't a bad method for inspiration.

I nominated Cameron or Phillip to the wife the other day.  She responded that we already have a Mitchell so what is it with me and Modern Family characters.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 17 January 2014, 16:45:51
Some great news guys, after nearly 3 weeks I am moving on to the final interview on saturday for the ATT position I tested for. Crossing fingers.  O0

And on a hilarious note, I awoke at 2:30 am this morning to my fiancee hysterically laughing/screaming. Our pregnant cat Milo decided on our bed was the safest place to deliver her kittens...right on my fiancee's legs.  ;D

So we now need to purchase a new comforter set but whatever, lol. Strangest thing too, the cat seems to have pegged my fiancee as her mid-wife because when we tried to move the mom and baby to the box in our closet we made up for her she kept meowing and trying to carry the baby back to the bed. After 3 unsuccesful attempts Sasha gave in and ended up just moving the box next to the bed.

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 January 2014, 19:02:51
Gunz, good for you on the interview.  For what does ATT stand?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 18 January 2014, 12:35:54
American Telephone and Telegraph?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 18 January 2014, 22:18:48
A question, anglos and anglophiles!  Henry I of England's mother, first wife, and four of his daughters (one legitimate, three otherwise) were named Matilda.  What's up with that?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 18 January 2014, 22:43:06
he liked to waltz??? :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 18 January 2014, 22:53:17
A question, anglos and anglophiles!  Henry I of England's mother, first wife, and four of his daughters (one legitimate, three otherwise) were named Matilda.  What's up with that?

Well, assuming he wasn't actually present at the birth and naming of his illegitimate ones and thus didn't have any say in the matter, my guess is that either the name was very popular at that time, or he had the odd luck to spend a lot of time around women who really like the name Matilda.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 19 January 2014, 04:43:06
A question, anglos and anglophiles!  Henry I of England's mother, first wife, and four of his daughters (one legitimate, three otherwise) were named Matilda.  What's up with that?


It could be worse, the Romans had about 4 male first names total!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 19 January 2014, 13:58:12
Ask George Foreman, or his sons, George, George, George, George and George.

:-)

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 19 January 2014, 19:31:50
Watch out for that third Matilda.  She take me money and run Venezuela.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 19 January 2014, 22:20:16
I love my Matilda...oh wait, your talking about people's names and not the WWII tank.... :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 20 January 2014, 16:22:36
Gunz, good for you on the interview.  For what does ATT stand?
American Telephone and Telegraph?

Thats the one.  O0

(http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/70/00/010127/at-and-t-acquires-spectrum-assets-from-atlantic-tele-network.png)

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 20 January 2014, 17:55:21
Congratulations, Gunz!  This economy has been rough and good jobs rarefied.  Take the money and run!  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 20 January 2014, 19:41:48
You joined Comstar? :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 20 January 2014, 19:46:00
Ah, I was thrown by the absence of the '&'.  Congratulations and good luck.

So we decided to tell the family we were having a boy again.  We ordered a t-shirt with a sonogram picture and the phrase "Say hello to my lil bro" underneath for our first kid to wear to see his grandparents.  My MiL saw the picture and said, "oh you went to see Bao Bao," because she thought the sonogram was a picture of panda cub at the National Zoo.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 21 January 2014, 21:41:45
You joined Comstar? :D

It's not like he joined the company that helped cancel many a fine television program like I did.  So good news everyone! Starting next week, I am analyst at Nielson.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 21 January 2014, 22:28:36
okay. good. first thing we need you to do is find a way to cancel the Kardashians. Then, Honey BooBoo, from there we move down the line until reality television contains actual reality
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 January 2014, 22:40:46
And the History Channel contains actual history.  Or is forced to change its name to the "aliens, cryptids, and conspiracies channel".
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 22 January 2014, 00:58:33
Wishful thinking there, AW, wishful thinking.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 22 January 2014, 08:13:37
People occasionally wonder why I do not have a TV, and then I run off a wee litany of various
horrors like those mentioned above.

Netflix and DVD boxed sets serve me well though, allowing me to not miss the real good stuff.
I cannot imagine how poorer my life would be without some of them, especially The Wire. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Brian Mattern-Davion on 22 January 2014, 08:40:01
It's not like he joined the company that helped cancel many a fine television program like I did.  So good news everyone! Starting next week, I am analyst at Nielson.

Congratulations on the new job! As long as you don't pull a Michael Grade, I'm sure you'll do well!

EDIT: And speaking of work, technically I'm working from home today (thank you, snowstorm). Although, since I was never issued a laptop, today basically consists of sitting by my computer and cell phone to answer general questions. Which is doubly ironic, since my job is considered "essential support" to my department...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 22 January 2014, 13:20:23
okay. good. first thing we need you to do is find a way to cancel the Kardashians. Then, Honey BooBoo, from there we move down the line until reality television contains actual reality
And the History Channel contains actual history.  Or is forced to change its name to the "aliens, cryptids, and conspiracies channel".

As much as I liked to think that I'd have that kind of power, I really don't think that I'd have that kind of influence. The sad truth is that both the Kardashians and . . . that show about that horrific child who needs help desperately are cheap to make. Even if I somehow manipulated the numbers, I'd have to take them to such low shares that it'd be near impossible to achieve it with my job.

Plus, I kind of want to keep my job, so I won't be manipulating the numbers.

As for History channel, I'd like to see the network go back to what it was back in 1998 when it was basically the Hitler Channel. There was no Pawn Stars, Ax-men, or other macho reality shows. For people like me who can't resist Leonard Nimoy's In Search of, there was History's Mysteries that covered unusual things better than Ancient Aliens where everything is aliens. And don't ever get me started on the epic failure that History's Bible Secret Revealed which features "experts" who couldn't probably make it on Ancient Aliens: A&E once had a great series called Mysteries of the Bible that had actually Biblical scholarship that had a more even hand.

However, I don't think unless I get on the executive board of TLC or History Channel that I could make a change for the better. All I can do is make that my numbers are correct.

 
Congratulations on the new job! As long as you don't pull a Michael Grade, I'm sure you'll do well!

EDIT: And speaking of work, technically I'm working from home today (thank you, snowstorm). Although, since I was never issued a laptop, today basically consists of sitting by my computer and cell phone to answer general questions. Which is doubly ironic, since my job is considered "essential support" to my department...

Again, I'd actually have to be hired by a network and have some control over programming. At the moment, all I'm doing is making sure the gathered data is accurate. Though honestly if I got hired by a network for programming with free reign, I'd either be God's Gift to that network or Satan. It'd be science-fiction, smart dry comedy, and animated programing galore with little to no reality shows or cheap sitcoms, and unless audiences tune in large numbers, I'd probably be gone by the end of first sweeps. The sad truth is that everything that I'd want to do is expensive, and networks hate spending money unless there are guarantees of absolute success. Most reality shows are made because they are cheap to produce, so it doesn't matter the shares since the network makes money even if the only viewer is actually asleep. Besides the only channel that would try my strategies would have been UPN during one of their many makeovers, and let's face it, I'd alienate the previous audience in the first night of new programming.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 24 January 2014, 09:56:50
Meh if I ran a TV channel I'd cancel all of the game shows, I despise the very idea of them.

TV on Demand, that is true 21st century progress.  Never being at the mercy of sports events
ever again, one of my fondest wishes as a child.  Because skipping 2-3 weeks of something for
bloody cricket or athletics back in the 80s, still annoys me now.

Truly I bear grudges for life, someone has to I guess.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 24 January 2014, 13:17:29
Well least you did not have Saturday Morning Cartoons interruped by Ollie North and Congress.  [soapbox]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 24 January 2014, 14:19:44
That's the problem of running a network in any country even the state owned ones. Your objective will always be to get the highest ratings possible along with an obligations placed on the network by regulation or sponsors. Thus you have situations like the famous Heidi game (http://Heidi game) because the NBC Home Office insisted that  the overtime Jets-Raiders game had to be bumped for Heidi because commercial revenue rode on Heidi back in 1968. Thus, the head office pulled the telecast away as the Raiders won the game with two touchdowns in the last minute.

The phone lines to NBC lit up like World War III, and the rest is history. Rules were changed ever since on showing NFL games.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 27 January 2014, 03:55:09
Usually the reverse of that for my childhood.  Wait all week for ST TNG for example, and then they pull it
for bloody Cricket or Athletics. 

I'd never heard of that Heidi incident, but it makes sense to me.  I can fully understand, how angry all those
folks watching it would be.  We had that show repeated ad infinitum on British telly in the 70s and 80s too.  I
regarded it as a child, as the then TV equivalent of todays "chick flicks".

To this day I save a special place of contempt, for TV schedulers.  It's just under the hate I have for PE teachers. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 27 January 2014, 19:39:59
So you never got to see the episode of Star Trek where they spend three of four acts playing cricket, and the fourth having tea in the pavilion?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 27 January 2014, 19:44:59
Isn't that the one where we find out at the end that the whole thing was an electroshock hallucination brought on after Worf got his foot stuck in Data's chest following an attempted roundhouse kick?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 27 January 2014, 20:41:28
You're thinking of DS9.  And it wasn't Data, it was Mirror Odo.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 27 January 2014, 20:44:12
Oh yeah, that one.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 30 January 2014, 17:52:06
So you never got to see the episode of Star Trek where they spend three of four acts playing cricket, and the fourth having tea in the pavilion?

Sounds as dull as watching Crown Green Bowling, which is a thing they used to actually televise.  It's even more dull than clothes shopping with my
Mother.  An activity to this day that still frightens me immensely, thankfully not one I have to endure in my adulthood.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 30 January 2014, 23:47:17
So you never got to see the episode of Star Trek where they spend three of four acts playing cricket, and the fourth having tea in the pavilion?

Isn't that the one where we find out at the end that the whole thing was an electroshock hallucination brought on after Worf got his foot stuck in Data's chest following an attempted roundhouse kick?

You're thinking of DS9.  And it wasn't Data, it was Mirror Odo.

No, you are both wrong. That one ends with Q trying to convinces other Q that Picard is French even though he quotes Shakespeare at length and seems to have a British accent. Other Q just laughs about it especially after the rousing game of cricket against Commander Tomalak and several confused Romulans. It also features a blooper that was left in the episode where Andreas Katsulas storms off saying that he's going to Babylon 5 after that dribble. Wait, what were we talking about?

Sounds as dull as watching Crown Green Bowling, which is a thing they used to actually televise.  It's even more dull than clothes shopping with my
Mother.  An activity to this day that still frightens me immensely, thankfully not one I have to endure in my adulthood.


The problem with most sports is that they are a lot more fun to play than to actually watch. However, shopping for clothes with your female relatives is never fun for probably 93% of all men in the universe because it is absolutely boring. It should take five minutes. Find something you like, and if it fits both the budget and your frame, you buy it and go do something fun like go to a model shop that has that model of the USS Enterprise. But no, it is off to another clothing store where your older sister tries on dresses for what feels like eons, and if you move, you absolutely know that will be punishable. And then to top it off, they drag you to a tea room where they coo over cucumber sandwiches. And that is why I stay away from vice now. For I have seen Hell, and it worse than anything put to verse by Dante or any since.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 31 January 2014, 00:16:55
Finally, someone who understands!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 January 2014, 00:51:26
I'd be happy to spend all day, nay all week, shopping for clothes with my girlfriend.  Mostly because that would mean I had a girlfriend (a condition rare as horse feathers for me personally), and also I get to see a pretty girl trying on clothes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 31 January 2014, 02:55:19
shopping with girlfriends is worlds different than shopping with female relatives. Thankfully, I had a wise and understanding mother who let me alone to decide what I wished for clothes, and from the age of five or so I never really had to suffer much.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 January 2014, 12:36:57
shopping with girlfriends is worlds different than shopping with female relatives. Thankfully, I had a wise and understanding mother who let me alone to decide what I wished for clothes, and from the age of five or so I never really had to suffer much.
Not if you're from West (By God) Virginia. ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 31 January 2014, 15:31:29
Ahhh I just began to settle on things I liked, and refused anything I didn't. 

From my late teens until now it's been black 501s and DM boots, usually topped
off with a T Shirt from some indie bank I like.  Not really fitting my aristocratic
image here I admit.  I've never been fashionable, and I've never been all that
unfashionable.  Neither status remotely concerns me.

By the way such talk of Star Trek, this morning I was listening to a Frank Black
album.  On said work of might, was a song about the Architect David Vincent
from the 60s show The Invaders.  Loved that show when I was a kid, it was
rerun on UK TV frequently during the 80s and 90s.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 31 January 2014, 17:54:10
comfort trumps fashion. Which is why I am wearing black sweatpants today. It is cold out and I want to be comfortable
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 January 2014, 18:11:25
I've taken to wearing solid-color versions of BDU pants instead of jeans and khakis.  So much more comfortable, and they come in a wide range of solid colors (black, dark gray, light gray, navy, OD green, tan, brown) in addition to several camp patterns that I have no use for.  And I've found that nonmilitary folks rarely notice that the tan pants I'm wearing are anything but regular khakis.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 31 January 2014, 18:28:18
I wear khakis when it's warmer (spring to fall), but cold wind means that polyester isn't really that comfortable.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 January 2014, 20:00:41
What you call "warmer" is what we call "the depths of winter" down here. ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 31 January 2014, 20:34:09
Hey, it does get above 90 for a few weeks here in Minnesota! :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 03 February 2014, 12:03:09
It's often amusing to me, to see such conversations about weather variation.  Sometimes
I forget how bloody big, the States actually is.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 February 2014, 16:26:27
It's often amusing to me, to see such conversations about weather variation.  Sometimes
I forget how bloody big, the States actually is.



As a fellow Englishman, used to sense geography, I too am often bemused when considering continent-spanning countries like the US, Canada and Australia
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 03 February 2014, 16:46:17
Your country isn't much larger than my current home state.

But the United Kingdom has around 12 times the population.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 February 2014, 16:47:51
Your country isn't much larger than my current home state.

But the United Kingdom has around 12 times the population.


I think the CIA World Factbook says about the size of Oregon I think
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 03 February 2014, 19:54:14
my home province has an air weapons range that is larger than some of the countries that send pilots over to use it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 February 2014, 21:13:44


As a fellow Englishman, used to sense geography, I too am often bemused when considering continent-spanning countries like the US, Canada and Australia
Some of us natives are as well.  But, as ever, I can't get into the politics.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 03 February 2014, 22:27:04
Court order?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 February 2014, 22:34:37
Errr...Rule 4?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 February 2014, 03:53:31
Oops, unrealised typo - I'd meant to say dense geography rather than sense geography

It also wasn't meant to be a politically charged comment
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 04 February 2014, 08:51:03
You mean you weren't arguing that some geography is denser than others? Because personally, I've always thought that granites were far more machievellian than sedimentary rocks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 04 February 2014, 09:39:32
 [applause]
Well done.
You mean you weren't arguing that some geography is denser than others? Because personally, I've always thought that granites were far more machievellian than sedimentary rocks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 February 2014, 13:42:35
and just to be on the safe side, we are leaving igneous rock right out of the conversation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 04 February 2014, 15:47:17
You mean you weren't arguing that some geography is denser than others? Because personally, I've always thought that granites were far more machievellian than sedimentary rocks.
That's geology.

But then it can all be kind of rocky.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 05 February 2014, 13:30:42
That's geology.

But then it can all be kind of rocky.
But deep?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: JadeHellbringer on 07 February 2014, 16:59:56
Sorry to interrupt all the... um... Davioning? That's a word now.

But I figured this might be a good place to leave this for Fedsuns fans.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 February 2014, 17:02:59
Very true!

Davion Guards and Crucis Lancers. Thanks, JHB.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 February 2014, 00:06:07
Very nice!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 09 February 2014, 04:12:50
I approve, that looks as beautiful as it is rousing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 09 February 2014, 10:42:29
You know sadly I don't recognize the picture, but it is a good reminder. Thank you for sharing that JadeHellBringer.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: JadeHellbringer on 09 February 2014, 17:59:19
You know sadly I don't recognize the picture, but it is a good reminder. Thank you for sharing that JadeHellBringer.

ShimmeringSword did it, it's on his DeviantArt page. I tend to mine that site for Battletech/Mechwarrior artwork and set them up as a slide show for a screen saver on my desktop computer at home, and that one struck me as being (even by his standards) an awe-inspiring piece.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 09 February 2014, 18:32:15
Nice! Looks like a Falconer and a Sagittaire re-imagined....I think...

Anyway, looks awesome anyway.  O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 14 February 2014, 18:42:12
I made the Sag, but was a bit puzzled by the other.  A Falconer of course, I feel a touch daft now.

Recovering from the Flu, with House Of Cards Season 2 and I've a beta key for Titanfall...mmmm
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 14 February 2014, 21:16:31
I'm just feeling the beginnings of a sore throat.  Hoping it doesn't portend worse things in the offing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 15 February 2014, 00:33:39
tea and honey my friend, tea and honey. Oh and some rest too
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 15 February 2014, 21:19:25
Rest is for the best. You could try something zinc as well such as Zicam or Coldez.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 16 February 2014, 02:02:47
Rest is for the best. You could try something zinc as well such as Zicam or Coldez.
or something with echinacea. It's done wonders for my sore thorat
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 17 February 2014, 08:36:58
tea and honey my friend, tea and honey. Oh and some rest too

This. Keeping warm helps also, what delays the cure is going out in the cold. Which we cannot always avoid for menial things such as work.... ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 17 February 2014, 21:14:22
It was like 75F here today.  I love living in the south.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 February 2014, 03:00:54
Let's not even go there, it's February here and a mere -1c.

It's been an unusually short and wet winter, the winter sports mafia will have been having
kittens about the lack/type of snow.  I find myself unmoved by their pain.

In other news returning to Swedish Course today, and nobody was there.  So msg'd my
teacher, who's on a training day and forgot to tell me.  She was most apologetic, but honestly
I can't be mad.  I'm so forgetful, it'd be poor form to be angry at someone else for it.  Also a
shorter week, no bad thing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 18 February 2014, 15:33:20
A query, good people (and the rest of you): Why is The Great Gatsby considered a literary classic?  It's less than 200 pages of morally bankrupt rich folks partying and having affairs.  I mean, it's like a Roaring 20s "Jersey Shore" or "Real Housewives", except that it makes no pretense of being factual.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 18 February 2014, 15:41:59
From what I remember of my English Literature A-Level (which was more than 20 years ago, so I may be wrong) I think it's considered to be a classic because of how evocatively and accurately it captured the nouveau-riche society of the 1920s in the US; how, at the same time, it both questions the morals of the typical American Dream and the effect it had in producing a class of people who were short-sighted and decadent in their pursuits while also highlighting how easy it was to become swept up in that same culture.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 18 February 2014, 15:46:10
why is 'Of Mice and Men' a classic? Because a whole bunch of people decided it, without bothering to ask me of course. I think it's crap. Much the same as Gatsby, and any number of pieces of 'great classics'
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 18 February 2014, 16:31:10
I hate Dickens as a novelist but as a social commentary (and the stories as serials rather than a novel) they hold up much better


What a pity that I had to study his stuff as novels
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 February 2014, 17:27:15
I failed O Level English Literature on Julius Caesar, I was bored insensitive by it.  Well I say failed,
I actually mean invited to not continue onwards to examinations with it.

Have to agree with the matter of many classics being dull, I swear I've read many and seem to have
seen countless adaptations on TV.  To the point in fact that I cannot now, watch anything with anyone
wearing any sort of Regency or mid 19th Century garb.  British Telly, especially the BBC seems to think we
need a fresh Bronte or Dickens adaptation every few years.   The ruin of way too many Sunday evenings
imho.

I'll stick to what I enjoy, rather than being told what is good for me to read.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 18 February 2014, 23:15:12
I used to think that so-called "classics" are another generation's favorites nostalgically pushed on the younger generations.  Thing was, this point of view was endemic of the culture and the counter-culture I grew up between, as I realize now, but it kept my weekends open when I was young, so I wasn't going to argue.  ;)

Then I found a few of these revered novels (and short stories) that I liked after reading them anyway to form my own opinion, and not simply brush it off rule of cool style.  I've enjoyed quite a few of the great literary classics; conversely, I have happily sold many others to the used bookstore for in-store credit.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 18 February 2014, 23:27:51
The best dickens I have ever experienced was "David Coperfield" animated with anthromorphic animal characters, and a few minor changes to the story to make it more suitable for a younger audience. It was great. I think they where kinda trying to ride th coattails of 'Oliver and Company' but imho made a better movie for it. Wish I could find a copy of it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 February 2014, 00:03:29
I couldn't get into Oliver Twist, never finished it.  Read A Tale of Two Cities in school and though it was pretty decent, if not something I'll go out of my way to read again.  A Christmas Carol, on the other hand, is my favorite piece of Christmas fiction.  I'd much rather see a good adaptation of it than any other Christmas movie.  If I read any other Dickens, I don't recall it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 19 February 2014, 22:44:21
Personally, I believe English Teachers of the American Variety to be a curse upon the Earth except for a few. (Mrs. Nelson, you were one of the good ones. God took you too soon.) Regardless, they have mostly forced the dredges of literature on the American children for far too long. The "Red Badge of Courage"! Baa! A short story to detail the use of color as a metaphor. If it was Shakespeare , the cackling conspiracy forced that dreadful play about those two idiot teenagers in Verona who murdered each other for a brief fling until I was Sophomore in High School. That is probably why I love "Julius Caesar" so much because it wasn't that dreadful play about teenagers.

That and I got to be Julius Caesar as we acted it out.

Regardless if I had my way, there would be removal of dreadful pieces of literature from requirements such as anything by Thomas Hardy. Also, Thomas Hardy should just be forgotten by humanity in general. Dickens would be toned down except for Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol which I like.  There would be more Arthurian literature in there with the Once and Future King and possibly some excerpt of Le Morte D'Arthur for comparison. And by the grace of God, his son, and all of the choirs of angels, the science-fiction part of any literature course will not have "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed" by Ray Bradbury. That story still freaks me out. There are better Ray Bradbury stories by a thousandfold than that one, and I'd rather be something that inspires the children's dreams instead of their nightmares.

As for classics, I'd argue that if they had an impact on the culture they get the title. Gatsby did, but I'd argue other than giving us the name of the Princess Zelda in the Legend of Zelda series, the impact has been for the worse than the better. The characters are awful people, and nothing is really wasted in life if you don't read the book.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 20 February 2014, 02:36:23
I'd like to sen more classic sci-fi in American Lit.  My choice would be Starship Troopers, but there's plenty more by Heinlein, Asimov, Philip Dick, and so forth that are as worthy of consideration as anything I read in school growing up.  (Well, I was very fond of Twain and liked the Bard more than most teenagers, but they're exceptions that prove the rule.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 20 February 2014, 08:52:21
For the record, as someone who once taught those who would listen, I thought it was the average American student that was the curse up[on the Earth.  Not all of them, but just the ones that think TV is a higher authority than teachers.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 20 February 2014, 10:14:14
Oh, absolutely. But modern literature curriculums are not helping, and are probably part of the cause of that phenomenon. Students would likely have a much greater appreciation for literature if the stories they read were actually more interesting as the drek on TV. Instead, they get the most boring jumbles of words ever imposed upon paper this side of a phone book, and moreover, are rarely(if ever) taught what even these stories are trying to say. I was probably denied some serious cultural insight when my class's section on Julius Caesar was simply reading it aloud and having to remember who stabbed whom(the major test afterwards called for no critical thinking at all, simply a word-for-word memorization and retelling of Marc Anthony's famous monologue). I would likely have LOVED the play if they'd tried to give even a cursory explanation of the political intrigues and cultural forces that were behind all the olde englishe mumbo-jumbo that was simply presented to us in the form of fellow students reading in the most bored voices possible.

And Romeo and Juliet would likely have actually been tolerable if there'd been the slightest mention of how many of the characters were thundering idiots.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 20 February 2014, 13:26:17
I also think part of the problem might be that English is taught in High School. I sucked at English in high school, but when I redid it a few years ago It all made a lot more sense. (Spell Check on the computer helped as well)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 20 February 2014, 15:48:32
I've enjoyed reading some of Shakespeare's plays, but performance is what it needs.

Olivier as Henry V in the 1940's one is still fun to watch.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 20 February 2014, 17:38:22
Oh God, Romeo and Juliette 'the greatest love story ever told' indeed 'a week long fling that ended up in multiple deaths' is not what I want my kids getting in their heads as romantic. Then there are 'Animal Farm' and "lord of the Flies" not bad books in their own right, but mandatory reading in school is not the place for either one.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 21 February 2014, 12:14:46
I'd like to sen more classic sci-fi in American Lit.  My choice would be Starship Troopers, but there's plenty more by Heinlein, Asimov, Philip Dick, and so forth that are as worthy of consideration as anything I read in school growing up.  (Well, I was very fond of Twain and liked the Bard more than most teenagers, but they're exceptions that prove the rule.)
If you are going to put Heinlein in a classroom then I would think "Stranger in a Strange Land' or "Job: A Comedy of Justice" as better choices.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 21 February 2014, 12:54:00
I enjoyed doing To Kill a Mocking Bird when I went back to school to upgrade my english. And Night by Elie Wiesel knocked my soxs off.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 February 2014, 12:56:15
If you are going to put Heinlein in a classroom then I would think "Stranger in a Strange Land' or "Job: A Comedy of Justice" as better choices.
I've been meaning to read Stranger in a Strange Land for a while now.  The other one I'm not familiar with.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 21 February 2014, 17:03:23
Kurt Vonnegut was mandatory reading in my advanced english class my senior year. Slaughterhouse-5, Cat's Cradle and Breakfast of Champions still reside on my bookshelf to this day.  O0

Of course my senior english teacher was a major nutjob, lol.

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 21 February 2014, 19:18:28
Mrs. Nelson encouraged me in reading Vonnegut, so I understand the feeling. However, I do feel that Starship Troopers is a better book for kids since they were the intended audience, and if it gets kids thinking about mechs, should we prevent them. I say no. We should encourage them in mecha be it Gundams, BattleMechs, or just some random guy piloting a warmachine that looks like a knight. Let us use education to encourage people in healthy habits such as love of giant warmachines.

Strangers in a Strange Land is a great book as well, but in many ways, I find the the truly overzealous fans of it miss the mountain for the mole hill. Then again, I'd rather see kids debate which ending of Podkayne of Mars is better. Then again, I'd probably be tarred and feather for an essay question on whether it is wrong to work full time and have children as well.

Also, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is such a fun book as well why does it have to be always Strangers. Just because a book was beloved by the Flower Children is not a reason to make it the penultimate book of one of the greatest science fiction writers of all times careers.

Bah!

Also, Mastergunz, you really should shift the references to Wolverines. It works on so many more levels with the avatar. You can easily put Wolverines to every conspiracy in Battletech including the Word of Blake.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2014, 20:35:34
Please let me pause this literature conversation for a post.

Weirdo, I'd like to commend you for your support, or at least clarification, of a point made in the ~59th iteration of the APC vs. IFV thread up north.  To spare the rest of you:  it doesn't matter, in the 31st/32nd centuries the meaning is lost to history.  You spared me the pain of a northern visit.

Please continue your literature conversation or let us know what you're up to this weekend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 22 February 2014, 05:18:43
Aren't they the same thing? I mean, ah.......

How 'Bout that Steinback? He wrote some stuff....

   - Shane

 - Actually, I have to agree with the questioning of why in the world is Fitzgerald considered a good writer. The Great Gatsby wasn't.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 22 February 2014, 08:04:42
Trashing the classics has been en vogue at least since Voltaire.  Rather than pile on (but don't let me stop you), here are a few HS classics that I actually enjoyed.

Brave New World, Huxley
Candide, Voltaire
Pygmalion, Shaw
Oedipus Rex, Sophocles
Republic, Plato

Some that I missed in HS but found later and really liked:

20,000 Leagues under the Seas, Verne
Around the World in Eighty Days, same
War of the Worlds, Wells

I was excited at first to read Jane Eyre, but it got dull in the middle so I quit. I gather it gets better at the end.  Something to do with a hag in the attic?  Maybe I'll get back to it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 22 February 2014, 10:45:39
I love reading, just nothing 'good'.

Working today and cleaning house tomorrow. Hopefully I can get back to my GAZ-67 build. Finicky little kit (ACE, 1/72) but looking forward to the challenge. Then on to a Char 1 bis that TeamNutmeg sent me as a birthday gift.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 22 February 2014, 12:00:57
Kurt Vonnegut was mandatory reading in my advanced english class my senior year. Slaughterhouse-5, Cat's Cradle and Breakfast of Champions still reside on my bookshelf to this day.  O0

Of course my senior english teacher was a major nutjob, lol.

-Gunz

If you get a chance, add Mother Night to that collection.  It's well worth it! 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 23 February 2014, 16:43:37
 I think I have every one of the books listed here somewhere in my house.  As a card carry member of the League of Evil Geniuses, I guess I must be doing something right by these comments.   >:D I am torturing my children with a "Classical" approach to our homeschooling.

Though I must say by homeschooling my children, I have been reading more variety and more often than I have in years. 
I just completed Curious Myths of the Middle Ages: by Sabine Baring-Gould.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 23 February 2014, 16:52:48
That sounds interesting.  What are some good ones?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 23 February 2014, 17:18:22
Oh, absolutely. But modern literature curriculums are not helping, and are probably part of the cause of that phenomenon. Students would likely have a much greater appreciation for literature if the stories they read were actually more interesting as the drek on TV. Instead, they get the most boring jumbles of words ever imposed upon paper this side of a phone book, and moreover, are rarely(if ever) taught what even these stories are trying to say. I was probably denied some serious cultural insight when my class's section on Julius Caesar was simply reading it aloud and having to remember who stabbed whom(the major test afterwards called for no critical thinking at all, simply a word-for-word memorization and retelling of Marc Anthony's famous monologue). I would likely have LOVED the play if they'd tried to give even a cursory explanation of the political intrigues and cultural forces that were behind all the olde englishe mumbo-jumbo that was simply presented to us in the form of fellow students reading in the most bored voices possible.

And Romeo and Juliet would likely have actually been tolerable if there'd been the slightest mention of how many of the characters were thundering idiots.

Can't argue with you about that.  I prefer dramatizations of Shakespeare, there are some really good modern retellings.

I also wasn't a fan of my HS English classes, either.  It wasn't until college (and a string of good professors who loved teaching) that I discovered that I had passion for the subject enough to pursue it for a time.  I've learned to like classics that deserve the description, and to seek them out.  After you know the good stuff and know what you like about it, it's easier to discern the bad and do so definitively, and not impulsively (though maybe I'm the sucker, I've seen my way to the end of a few "classics" I'll not touch again  ;) ).  Alas, it's those bad teachers who conduct bad classes, as people say.  They are part and parcel of the curse on the earth, I concede.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 24 February 2014, 14:19:02
The only Shakespeare I've ever enjoyed, was Ian McKellen's Richard III film.

I guess I'm to some degree allergic to the middle ages in some form or another.  I seem
to recall hating any RPG, that deigned in it's setting to reduce the UK to some fairy tale
Arthurian rubbish. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 24 February 2014, 18:17:07
I like most of Shakespeare except Twelth Night
I hate that
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 25 February 2014, 02:56:40
I was lucky with my English Lit A-level; of the two teachers who taught my class, the alcoholic was great at teaching exam technique and analysis (nothing prepares you for writing essays under exam conditions like writing an essay under exam conditions every week for two years) while the other was a chap who was good enough at what he did that he edited and wrote forewords for the Oxford University editions of a number of plays and novels, including several Shakespeare plays and a version of the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. He was determined to highlight not just the conventional thinking on subjects but also well-argued interpretations that defied conventional wisdom - so when it came to the Canterbury Tales, he worked through the accepted interpretations of the characters and then also worked through other interpretations, such as the interpretation of the Knight advocated by people like Terry Gilliam, who argued that Chaucer was actually talking about one of the robber barons of the era and being deliberately sly with his comments about how perfect the knight was, based on just how many campaigns the Knight had been on and the manner in which various Kings had managed to get rid of difficult members of the nobility for a while by encouraging them to go out looting and pillaging throughout the Crusades rather than causing trouble at home.

It's because of that teacher that rather than having to study Romeo and Juliet a fourth time (partly because I'd changed schools a couple of times) we tackled Troilus and Cressida, partly because it was acknowledged as being the most difficult of the Shakespeare texts available in the exams that year (meaning extra credit just for trying to answer the questions) but also because of how hotly it was being debated academically. I didn't know anything about the play before having to read it, but having read it, I can understand why it underwent a huge revival after World War I, when university graduates who'd fought in the war came back and declared it to be far truer than many of Shakespeare's other plays.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 26 February 2014, 19:42:42
The only Shakespeare I've ever enjoyed, was Ian McKellen's Richard III film.

I guess I'm to some degree allergic to the middle ages in some form or another.  I seem
to recall hating any RPG, that deigned in it's setting to reduce the UK to some fairy tale
Arthurian rubbish. 

You guys know that Ireland was built by the Walt Disney Co. to be a "Snow White" themed attraction, right?  The project was cancelled when the dwarfs got loose and multiplied, and Walt decided on less ambitious theme parks in California and Florida instead.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 27 February 2014, 08:27:30
For some odd reason, that's reminded me of a cracking TV adaptation of Cold Comfort Farm.

Kate Beckinsdale in 20s-30s period dress, rather fetching.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Mastergunz on 27 February 2014, 13:12:08
For some odd reason, that's reminded me of a cracking TV adaptation of Cold Comfort Farm.

Kate Beckinsdale in 20s-30s period dress, rather fetching.

Mmmmmmmmmm...tasty.

Back on topic (sort of...);

William C. Dietz and Larry Correia are two of my favorite modern authors for their ability to keep a good story flowing smoothly and in very vivid detail without boring you by explaining how light reflects off a bullet leaving a barrel as some authors are prone to do. It's realy quite remarkable.

-Gunz
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 27 February 2014, 18:46:02
That sounds interesting.  What are some good ones?

/EXmod looks around nervously knowing the rules....  Let's see what can be said; Sabine Baring-Gould  (28 January 1834 – 2 January 1924) was an English Anglican priest, hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist and eclectic scholar.  So the book was less a bunch of myths and more a treatise on how the ancient myths mixed with forming Christianity in the Medieval world and how the myths work into the ancient world.  My favorites were how Jack and Jill were part of a Viking Myth about the moon, the Dog Gellert & Llewellyn coming from as far back as Egypt, how William Tell was based on earlier Norse myths and pagan legends, The Seven Sleepers, persecuted by a non-Christian emperor hid in a cave and slept for 350 years until their town was again Christian, or the story of a Christian named Tanhauser that found the Mountain of Venus and his trials. 

All written in Victorian age English. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 March 2014, 15:19:01
Its been a suckfest down here the last few days.  March 1st its 65F outside, the since Sunday around lunch we've barely cracked the freezing mark.  I think March decided to come in like a jotun instead of a lion this year.  Where's Thor when you need him?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 March 2014, 15:23:30
we've only just broken the 0° f mark today, with snow today, and tomorrow according to the weather guess. Whatever march is coming in like, It's not very nice.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 04 March 2014, 15:25:02
Its been a suckfest down here the last few days.  March 1st its 65F outside, the since Sunday around lunch we've barely cracked the freezing mark.  I think March decided to come in like a jotun instead of a lion this year.  Where's Thor when you need him?

He'll be here in two days. ;)

But yeah, it's been crazy down here too. Saturday morning we had the heater off and windows open. Saturday afternoon and evening we closed the windows and turned on the AC because it was too warm out. Sunday morning? Snow and ice, cold enough that nothing's melting. What the hell, Texas?! >:(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 March 2014, 16:53:03
just make sure you warm up before April. I don't want to see winter when I get to Texas
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 04 March 2014, 21:21:54
I've got street corners I can't see around because of how high the snow is stacked.   >:D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 March 2014, 21:45:05
Hey, you chose to live in the cold north lands.  Some of us don't live in a country-sized icebox, and aren't used to this sort of thing.  Can't you bridle a moose and still get to school?  We have no such arctic mammals in these parts. :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 05 March 2014, 07:54:38
Sure we do: The Unshorn Walmarter.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 05 March 2014, 17:36:50
Well, those country types who drive trucks actually have a purpose around here, they clear the streets so people who drive small cars (like my Focus) can get around.  :D

And it's almost 32F around me, so it's time to get ice cream. 8)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 March 2014, 17:39:34
I'm travelling to Glasgow tomorrow - I expect Polar Bears travelling that far north
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 05 March 2014, 18:41:47
no worries Doc, Polar Bears are Irish (seriously, their most similar genetic relative was the Irish brown bear, marking them as the only being to leave Ireland because it was too warm )
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 March 2014, 19:04:09
I'm travelling to Glasgow tomorrow - I expect Polar Bears travelling that far north
What are you doing up in that neck of the woods?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 05 March 2014, 19:17:19
I'm travelling to Glasgow tomorrow - I expect Polar Bears travelling that far north
Remember, if anyone asks about your football allegiances, the safest answer is "Queen's Park".  But are you sure there's any polar bears left?  Hungry Scotsmen with claymores tend to reduce populations of megafauna pretty quickly.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 05 March 2014, 20:37:56
Hungry polar bears tend to reduce Scotsmen with claymores pretty quick too
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 05 March 2014, 22:13:02
You're forgetting the ability of bagpipes to drive the megafanua nuts. A maddened bear is no match for a band of hungry Scotsmen with claymores.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 05 March 2014, 22:25:27
A band no. But One on One It is a battle as epic as Pirates vs. Ninjas
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 05 March 2014, 23:29:55
I'm travelling to Glasgow tomorrow - I expect Polar Bears travelling that far north

I have the same expectations when my latitude gets as far north as Oklahoma.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 05 March 2014, 23:46:32
No, polar bars are in Missouri.  Why do you think it's a homophone for "misery"?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 March 2014, 01:39:39
What are you doing up in that neck of the woods?


Off to a conference/work meeting


and I will be careful not to talk about football
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 06 March 2014, 02:47:53

Off to a conference/work meeting


and I will be careful not to talk about football
or Rugby
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 06 March 2014, 03:28:41

Off to a conference/work meeting


and I will be careful not to talk about football
Are you prepared for the inevitable conversations that begin "It's not that we don't like the English, but..." ?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 06 March 2014, 10:17:50
I'm so bored of all that nonsense, for once something that makes me glad we have certain rules
here.

I've some friends in Glasgow, we went up for their wedding.  Nice part of the world where they live,
just outside the city.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 06 March 2014, 15:13:26
Weirdo, I take it you are playing Homeworld given the avatar?

Awesome space game....I would personally buy a version of that game right now if they simply upgraded the graphics and allowed it to work on my new pc. Don't change anything else...at all...ever.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 06 March 2014, 18:47:26
Oh that's what that is.  I thought it was a blue space banana.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Kojak on 06 March 2014, 19:03:30
I played bass for Blue Space Banana in college.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 06 March 2014, 20:31:32
Weirdo, I take it you are playing Homeworld given the avatar?

Awesome space game....I would personally buy a version of that game right now if they simply upgraded the graphics and allowed it to work on my new pc. Don't change anything else...at all...ever.

From what I hear, they're working on EXACTLY that. O0

Oh that's what that is.  I thought it was a blue space banana.

That's what fans call it too. 8)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 March 2014, 07:02:05
From what I hear, they're working on EXACTLY that. O0
From a thread in 'Off Topic' this link:  http://www.homeworldremastered.com/

Even I could get into this game again.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 07 March 2014, 07:50:08
Mmm....HD space bananas... [drool]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 07 March 2014, 11:16:42
Mmm....HD space bananas... [drool]
Think of the daiquiris!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 09 March 2014, 09:18:57
Weirdo, I take it you are playing Homeworld given the avatar?

Awesome space game....I would personally buy a version of that game right now if they simply upgraded the graphics and allowed it to work on my new pc. Don't change anything else...at all...ever.

I'm extremely excited about this, and that Shipbreakers will also be part of the Homeworld universe.

Now when they're done with the original games, I hope they also remaster the fantastic HW standalone expansion Cataclysm.  As that
added to the universe in all manner of interesting ways.  It also featured in my view, some outstanding voice acting in some parts.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 March 2014, 14:03:16
I'm extremely excited about this, and that Shipbreakers will also be part of the Homeworld universe.

Now when they're done with the original games, I hope they also remaster the fantastic HW standalone expansion Cataclysm.  As that
added to the universe in all manner of interesting ways.  It also featured in my view, some outstanding voice acting in some parts.
I think Cataclysm was the only edition I actually finished.  I think I was stumped about a third of the way through Homeworld and HW2 was a disaster from the start.  Odd way to remember something fondly come to think of it.

How has everyone's weekend been?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 March 2014, 14:39:02
How has everyone's weekend been?


Tiring - Saturday at a conference then a long train ride home after back from Glasgow, today was lie-in, run then rugby and beer


Fortunately I have the next week off  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 March 2014, 16:31:41
Soccer season opened Thursday.  So far, the girls are 1-1, guys are  0-2.  I'm trying to help the guys HC this year in addition to being a girls assistant, but he's making it difficult.  Most of the kids were brought up playing the more modern, possession-based style of play, but he's very old school, just keep sending long balls forward, etc and the two styles aren't meshing.  It's frustrating  for everyone.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 March 2014, 19:51:43

Tiring - Saturday at a conference then a long train ride home after back from Glasgow, today was lie-in, run then rugby and beer
Fortunately I have the next week off  :)
Dan, that sounds like win, win, win, and win.
Soccer season opened Thursday. 
Ok, I've to ask:  how old?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 March 2014, 20:05:34
High school
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 09 March 2014, 21:32:11
Got some relatives at the house so a lot busier than I am used too but its not really too bad. Being as they are from the asian side of the family, I have definitely had my fill of authentic cuisine for some time. Most of it is good but other things just aren't my cup of tea...guess I have been brought up too much on an mixed diet for too long.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 March 2014, 21:53:11
This weekend we've finally had temperatures above freezing for an extended period of time. The snow is starting to melt!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 10 March 2014, 17:15:55
Mostly gone here already.  Really short and mild winter we've had here, no snow until December
and gone by the start of March...very odd.

But by no means do I have any issue with that hehe
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 10 March 2014, 19:33:12
High school
That makes more sense then.  My co-workers use the same type of language to discuss what their six to eight year olds are doing.  Missing the point of:  go have fun kids.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 10 March 2014, 20:35:10
Just as long as s/he dose not pick fights with the reff of a "Bad Call" or a felow parent afer ther child got ran over it's OK
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 12 March 2014, 18:57:28
I'd like to steer the conversation away from soccer and back to computer games if I may.  Homeworld is on the short list of PC games I'm mildly ashamed never to have tried, along with X-com and Master of Orion.  Is it too late to start?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 March 2014, 21:04:28
Homeworld might be difficult, I'm not sure if it'll run on modern operating systems. I've been playing Homeworld 2 on my current comp just fine though, and you don't really need the first one for much in the way of backstory or anything, as they take place over a century apart.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 12 March 2014, 22:48:46
I would say that you should play Homeworld 1 before 2. The connections between both games gave me just enough of a push to keep playing 2 to the end. To me, Homeworld 1 had a lot more emotion and a better storyline than 2 but that's just me. And as already pointed out...playing 1 might not be an option until the new version comes out.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 13 March 2014, 17:21:13
Homeworld might be difficult, I'm not sure if it'll run on modern operating systems. I've been playing Homeworld 2 on my current comp just fine though, and you don't really need the first one for much in the way of backstory or anything, as they take place over a century apart.

You really should play the first before the second.  To some degree because it adds a touch of emotional resonance with who
you play.  Secondly because technically it's a similar, but quite different game. 

I learnt this lesson to some degree by buying and completing Fallout 2, before getting around to playing the original.  Of course
that was an indecently long time ago.

Oh and despite what some might say about it, Homeworld Cataclysm was an outstanding part of the whole universe.  I miss my old
copy, I should like very much to play it again.  MMMM Multibeam Frigates, the evil I could work with a team of those shepherding my
larger vessels...Ahhh sorry nostalgia overload.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 13 March 2014, 21:10:17
I'd like to steer the conversation away from soccer and back to computer games if I may.  Homeworld is on the short list of PC games I'm mildly ashamed never to have tried, along with X-com and Master of Orion.  Is it too late to start?

Personally on the subject of Master of Orion, you can get the only one worth playing (Master of Orion II) for a quite reasonable price plus the first one on GOG. The third one is overly complicated, and it kind of ruined the formula. Just pass on that one. The first one could easily become a insanely one sided with fleets in the thousands stacked on top of each other blasting each other pointlessly.

Though if you are looking for something similar in that vein with a bit more modern polish, the Galactic Civilization series is basically in the spirit of Master of Orion.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: glitterboy2098 on 13 March 2014, 21:39:31
Homeworld might be difficult, I'm not sure if it'll run on modern operating systems.
actually, i just installed a copy of homeworld 1 onto my windows 8 system, works perfectly with no problems so far..
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 13 March 2014, 21:41:54
Sweet...this means I need to dig up my old copy. Time for a parents' attic run! >:D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: glitterboy2098 on 14 March 2014, 12:13:16
looking forward to replaying it myself.. i sucked at it last time, but maybe i'll do better now. :)
my problem is that in RTS games, i tend to be a very Defensive minded player.. i prefer to build  my bases into fortresses with walls/turrets and such so i can focus more on building up a offensive force to steamroll my enemy..  sadly this does not work well in HW1 where there aren't purely defensive systems or terrain to channel ones enemies into choke points..

and i probably didn't use the salvage ship ability to capture enemy units often enough.  :-[
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 March 2014, 12:18:13
Yeah, next time I play through that, I'm going to try and salvage EVERY Turanic frigate I run into. Those Ion Array buggers were truly things of beauty. [drool]

At least Salvage Corvettes tended to be hard to hit, or at least small enough to escape notice. Every time I try to use Marine Frigates in HW2, they just get blowed up. I probably haven't gotten the hang of them yet, but I'm definitely not going to be building any more in the near future unless the mission requires them.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 14 March 2014, 21:35:19
Speaking of raiding the homestead, my last visit delivered one box of BT 3rd ed., one box Aerotech, and several books and maps, including my still-intact HKSB.  All of these were presumed destroyed in a flood years ago.  It was the most excited I've been about BattleTech in quite some time.  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 14 March 2014, 21:54:20
nice to know they made it, and are back where they belong
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 17 March 2014, 17:42:30
Speaking of raiding the homestead, my last visit delivered one box of BT 3rd ed., one box Aerotech, and several books and maps, including my still-intact HKSB.  All of these were presumed destroyed in a flood years ago.  It was the most excited I've been about BattleTech in quite some time.  :)

Sometimes luck is with us.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: glitterboy2098 on 18 March 2014, 12:00:18
Yeah, next time I play through that, I'm going to try and salvage EVERY Turanic frigate I run into. Those Ion Array buggers were truly things of beauty. [drool]

At least Salvage Corvettes tended to be hard to hit, or at least small enough to escape notice. Every time I try to use Marine Frigates in HW2, they just get blowed up. I probably haven't gotten the hang of them yet, but I'm definitely not going to be building any more in the near future unless the mission requires them.

i've found myself playing through each mission twice.. once to find out what the mission is, the 2nd time to get it right. :)
thanks to that, i now have 5 Tauranic ion frigates and 2 Taiidan attack frigates going into mission 5, along with 17 or so scouts, and half a dozen corvettes. plus 4 salvage corvettes and 2 repair corvettes... i had a lot more salvage corvettes (had 8 going into mission 4) but ion cannons can potshot salvagers way too easily, i wound up losing most of them and actually had to build more to get what i have. (i'm tempted to redo mission 4 again to try and get more of the ion frigates.. but i'm not sure its worth it)

sadly mission 5 continues to kick my rear end.. i avoid sending a probe out to check the enemy fleet (i know that'll bring the enemy immediately), but every time i start to harvest to build up my force.. my harvester and resource controller get pounded by waves of attack frigates and fighters... and my own forces can't take them out fast enough.

any tips?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 19 March 2014, 22:45:02
Ok, a thought just came to me about not wanting to change anything in Homeworld 1 for the remake and I was wrong.

I think they need to put in a fast forward button like they did in Cataclysm. To gather all the resources in certain levels took forever, several times where I just got up and did something else while my harvesters did their thing. Cataclysm did it right imo.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 21 March 2014, 06:31:51
I remember being thrilled by Homeworld 2, for not needing to refuel my fighters constantly.

Now I wonder if that's not an extra layer of nuance best retained, meh ambivalence in
nostalgia.

So now back I go to Titanfall, which I'm enjoying immensely right now.  Probably best
described as Cod with Mechs, but I've missed online shooters with this degree of
pace.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 21 March 2014, 07:01:32
The need to refuel fighters was annoying, but at the same time gave you a reason to build carriers and other support ships. I haven't used my Carrier much at all in HW2 except when I need to build a lot of units fast, so I split the production between it and my banana. I'd use it as a rapid repair base for when my combat fleet has to move out, except the thing is so slow it makes Earth Alliance ships look zippy. It also serves as a good fire magnet, since if things slip past my combat ships and start attacking my support fleet, they tend to focus on it first, and it has HP to spare while my combat ships return. For the same reason, I like to actually put my Mothership in harm's way from time to time as it can absorb an obscene amount of hurt, and thus take pressure off my frigates.

Not looking forward to my next mission, as I've gotten to the part with the Progenitor Keeper. I have a feeling this will hurt a LOT, and don't want to lose too much of my fleet. I worked hard to get up to the population caps!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 21 March 2014, 18:45:03
The need to refuel fighters was annoying, but at the same time gave you a reason to build carriers and other support ships. I haven't used my Carrier much at all in HW2 except when I need to build a lot of units fast, so I split the production between it and my banana. I'd use it as a rapid repair base for when my combat fleet has to move out, except the thing is so slow it makes Earth Alliance ships look zippy. It also serves as a good fire magnet, since if things slip past my combat ships and start attacking my support fleet, they tend to focus on it first, and it has HP to spare while my combat ships return. For the same reason, I like to actually put my Mothership in harm's way from time to time as it can absorb an obscene amount of hurt, and thus take pressure off my frigates.

Not looking forward to my next mission, as I've gotten to the part with the Progenitor Keeper. I have a feeling this will hurt a LOT, and don't want to lose too much of my fleet. I worked hard to get up to the population caps!

Oh I recall that mission all too well, but last time I did it I came off quite well.  Possibly down to the clouds of corvettes I'd prepared, at least I
think it was that.

Frigates though, sheesh those things just don't last anytime with me.  Even snuggling up to Battlecruisers and Destroyers, they just seem to be
fire magnets.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 21 March 2014, 23:12:04
Hmmm, one of my Youtube game commentators is really getting into Titanfall, I might actually get into it myself though I am wary of the multiplayer twitch based combat aspect. Haven't played online multiplayer FPS since one of the Halo titles years ago and I know I will just be bait for so many players with faster reflexes in the beginning. It's a steep and bullet ridden hill to climb but the game does seem fun if a bit light on content. As you can see, I am torn but I do want a new game to enjoy besides some of my old staples.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 22 March 2014, 18:50:02
Well it scratches a few itches for me right now, so that's good.

I do think though, that it's one of those games you can dip into.  Say you've a spare half hour
and fancy something action packed.  It's very much been described as a moments game, those
times when you pull off some chain of unusual or skill full actions....really make it.

But I have missed a fast paced online fps lately, and this is certainly not slow.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 23 March 2014, 21:11:11
Ugh. I just finished a reserve weekend. At least we're inching to having a formal organization plan. We often lack one due to people constantly moving around (my unit is the holding pen/has people who are formally assigned to unit outside of the center).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 25 March 2014, 12:22:13
I'm hearing that there may be a new attempt at an FGC over on Intelser, film at 11.  PM me if you're interested.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 26 March 2014, 09:28:33
Talking of games, I've spent a lot of time this last few weeks playing Day Z.

Now that is one seriously odd game, unforgiving seems an almost charitable description.  But
as is often the case, it is rewarding in equal measure.  Hitting up a small military area and coming
away with an item or two for example.  Or managing to take fire on the way out, and avoid getting
shot as we ran.  Or thinking that you're screwed when you meet a guy with his gun out, only for him
to be friendly and willing to trade.

Also most amusing when people fall afoul of bugs.  Like a time when we found a well pillaged barracks, then
heard two shots.  So we ran being the cautious sneaky types, only for me to notice a body near the gate.  It
seemed the guy who'd shot at us, had done so from a watch tower.  Now these regrettably for him, have a bug
that forces anyone shooting from them....out.  So he shot, and then fell to his doom.  An 8 foot drop, but it killed him.
We're still laughing about that now, anytime we go near that spot.

It'll be interesting to see how the game evolves, and it's players along with it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 26 March 2014, 22:04:16
Played the modded version awhile back with a buddy and man, that was one creepy game. So...empty but I felt like that only added to the coolness factor. Not usually my cup of tea so I haven't played since but for those who love the survival genre I thought it had real potential. Isn't there a fully supported version of DayZ now?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 27 March 2014, 07:57:13
Yeah the Standalone is in early access on Steam.

It's got a much improved loot system, in terms of inventory management and so forth.  It's still just
as unforgiving, and nothing gives pause as much as seeing another player.

I mean right now, I'm running with a friend.  We're pretty well equipped, full camo clothing and a
scoped Moisin each.  Decent secondary weapons and melee, plenty of liquids and lots of useful
food and meds.  But still we're making our business that of not being seen by others, and if someone
looks vaguely to be a threat we're taking them out. 

They've done something to the Zombies lately though, they're bloody quick at the moment.  Shooting at
them carries immense risks.  Mainly because more will spawn, and you've just alerted any players near that
you're in the vicinity.

We logged out in a daft place recently, when we logged in we were set upon by about 20 plus zacks in
waves.  We made the error of shooting, but we had little choice with so many so close.  Of course the more
we shot, the more spawned near.  I went through about four mags for my 45, and still we had to run.  In my
case running whilst bleeding.  Thrilling stuff. 

If you try the standalone, don't go alone.  It's way more fun with a friend on comms with you, of course getting
to meet up can be fraught hehe.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 28 March 2014, 19:37:35
Does this game perhaps have a single player version?

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 29 March 2014, 04:51:30
Nope, unless you find an empty server perhaps  :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 April 2014, 19:28:28
So how was everyone's April Fools, if you get into that sort of thing?  My happened a day late when I drove to the Pentagon this morning (30 miles one way) to find out via a variety of e-mails and missed phone calls that the meeting was cancelled.  No one said it...but it certainly felt as if I was tricked by the Joint Staff.  Awesome-sauce.

Also, I had to scroll to find the thread and that's not right.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 02 April 2014, 23:08:04
No fake news stories in my browser.  Kinda bummed.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 April 2014, 00:59:55
No April Fools on me but one of the guys at work got a call and text from his girlfriend saying she was "late" followed up by a photo off the internet of a positive pregnancy test...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 April 2014, 01:17:45
No news but good news here: I spent Monday and Tuesday putting in job applications at local school districts, and not ten minutes after I'd dropped off the last one Tuesday I got a call from the first place I'd visited Monday.  I interview next Monday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 03 April 2014, 07:18:53
Good for you, and the best of luck with that.

Yes it's been quiet here of late, often I labour under a belief that I can accidentally
kill threads....so there was some mild concern from me that I'd done it here also  ^-^

Not yet at any rate.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 03 April 2014, 11:08:54
My April Fools consisted of posting a Hello Kitty Warhammer IIC and pretending to farm, with more than a little dissapointment
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 03 April 2014, 15:20:51
Mine consisted of using almost all Of my pay cheque on rent and a FedEx bill
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 03 April 2014, 17:05:08
ouch. I thought I had covered the FedEx, unless of course there where special secret hidden bonus fees.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 04 April 2014, 15:42:08
After a layoff eight months ago, (on Monday the week of GenCon of all times) I am now employed again.

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 04 April 2014, 17:24:36
After a layoff eight months ago, (on Monday the week of GenCon of all times) I am now employed again.

Force
Great to hear Force! And Congrats on the interview AW!

Nothing too big here, Adepticon in going on this weekend, so I help out a bit yesterday and today, but the little one turns one (WHERE DID THE TIME GO?) Sunday, so I'm helping prep all that fun-ness.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 04 April 2014, 18:50:25
After a layoff eight months ago, (on Monday the week of GenCon of all times) I am now employed again.

Force
Good for you, Force.
No April Fools on me but one of the guys at work got a call and text from his girlfriend saying she was "late" followed up by a photo off the internet of a positive pregnancy test...
That is a mean, mean woman.  I'm paraphrasing my very pregnant wife.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 05 April 2014, 05:25:24
Always amusing, that often Women can be much more harsh about Women than us.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 05 April 2014, 15:46:40
Nothing new there.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 05 April 2014, 17:13:23
A bit like up North at the moment, and also War...that never changes.

Sorry, blatant Fallout joke.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 April 2014, 19:23:46
A bit like up North at the moment, and also War...that never changes.

Sorry, blatant Fallout joke.
Well played.  I ventured North, commented, and have returned...unscathed so far.  Yay me.

I hope everyone's weekend is progressing nicely.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 06 April 2014, 03:32:43
Yes not bad thanks, caught up on some sleep.  Hope yours is also going well.

Up North right now, very boring for the most part.  Sometimes I think we need
new product, in order to stimulate some form of actual debate.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 06 April 2014, 04:59:21
Well, if the CGL twitter feed is to be believed, we should be getting Wars of the Republic in the near future
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 06 April 2014, 06:27:50
Yes not bad thanks, caught up on some sleep.  Hope yours is also going well.
Actually it has turned somewhat sour.  What supposed to be a more frequent trip to church followed by a 10 mile run has become dealing with a head cold on no sleep that I thought was allergies.  Yay.  And I have a sunburn.  Still probably have to run today.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 06 April 2014, 10:54:42
Uh, hey guys.

I've been doing some political stuff in addition to school in real life, so rather busy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 April 2014, 12:38:28
I've been booking summer holiday in Italy (a friend is getting married there so we are going over early)


I've also managed some good runs for me this weekend - 6.5km (I'm building up my distances) yesterday and then a solid albeit slow 5km today but I managed to do the last km of that run about a minute faster than the previous 4


I was supposed to be doing work today (I've got an essay due soon) but instead have been doing all of the above! We're also preparing for Captain America: Winter Soldier by watching Captain America and The Avengers last night/this morning - off to an 8 or 9pm showing this evening


Oh I'm also trying to chase up why I haven't heard anything from the Army about trying to join for about 6 months! I thought they were supposed to be trying to get more warm bodies in?!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 April 2014, 06:58:35
Yikes, a 2k cycle each way at the moment is doing me in.  Though I am hitting my rowing machine
kind of hard every day also, trying to deal with the paunch.  I've yet to see any real improvement, but
I shall persist.

I'll leave running to folks with proper knees, mine are screwed from one too many falls from motorcycles.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 07 April 2014, 10:16:05
Uh, hey guys.

I've been doing some political stuff in addition to school in real life, so rather busy.
The trick is to make sure the powder goes off while the legislature is in session.  Bonne chance!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 07 April 2014, 10:53:57
Yikes, a 2k cycle each way at the moment is doing me in.  Though I am hitting my rowing machine
kind of hard every day also, trying to deal with the paunch.  I've yet to see any real improvement, but
I shall persist.

I'll leave running to folks with proper knees, mine are screwed from one too many falls from motorcycles.

put a basketball, or soccer ball between your knees and do sit-ups. it helps tighten the core muscles, and get rid of belly fat.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 April 2014, 12:44:18
MMM may well try that, otherwise we've a large untamed garden to work on....soon.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 April 2014, 14:48:04
The trick is to make sure the powder goes off while the legislature is in session.  Bonne chance!
Eh, I'm not too into that.

Cass Gilbert's Minnesota Capital is FAR too nice to blow up.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 April 2014, 14:49:27
put a basketball, or soccer ball between your knees and do sit-ups. it helps tighten the core muscles, and get rid of belly fat.


Sounds like a good excuse to get a basketball or rugby ball too  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 April 2014, 16:23:44
Well I'm not so keen on gardening either, but I'm damned if it'll look like a jungle this year.

Of course a evil side of me, considers turning it into some sort of perfectly sculpted English lawn.....immensely
amusing.  It being rural Finland and all, and our reputation (we must have one I'm sure) as slackers.  It'd
shock.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 07 April 2014, 18:20:14
you should build a lovely field stone fence around it
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 07 April 2014, 21:17:38
The trick is to make sure the powder goes off while the legislature is in session.  Bonne chance!

It never works, and then some wannebes four hundred years later make masks of your face without realizing what it was all about in the first place because some bear of a man makes a comic book vaguely about the day that you tried you brilliant maneuver to prove what a good Catholic that you were. Yeah, I put his chances with that plan about as good as the original plan.

Much better to just pass out pamphlets. Plus, you are guaranteed to be free of being immortalized by the strange and even odder descendant of Alan Moore.

you should build a lovely field stone fence around it

I agree with you there. Stone fences rock.  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 07 April 2014, 22:29:06
Well I'm not so keen on gardening either, but I'm damned if it'll look like a jungle this year.

Of course a evil side of me, considers turning it into some sort of perfectly sculpted English lawn.....immensely
amusing.  It being rural Finland and all, and our reputation (we must have one I'm sure) as slackers.  It'd
shock.
We did a couple weeks of study on English gardens, my teacher having just gotten back from sabbatical from England. Beautiful stuff, I hope to see some real ones some day—along with the Palace of Versailles.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 07 April 2014, 22:53:11
ouch. I thought I had covered the FedEx, unless of course there where special secret hidden bonus fees.

CBSA took GST and The FedEx Fee for giving money to CBSA
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 08 April 2014, 01:36:57
Well I'm not so keen on gardening either, but I'm damned if it'll look like a jungle this year.

Of course a evil side of me, considers turning it into some sort of perfectly sculpted English lawn.....immensely
amusing.  It being rural Finland and all, and our reputation (we must have one I'm sure) as slackers.  It'd
shock.
Just make sure you keep standards up by dressing appropriately when having afternoon tea on the lawn. One has to maintain standards, after all...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 April 2014, 09:16:34
Just make sure you keep standards up by dressing appropriately when having afternoon tea on the lawn. One has to maintain standards, after all...
Stiff upper lip, and not going Native, and all that. ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 08 April 2014, 15:09:14
Also, are you a Bowls or a Croquet type gent?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 April 2014, 16:41:09
Or be properly English about it and have a flag you got from The Sun, empty beer cans and a rusting BBQ in your mess of a garden while you laze around in a wife-beater t-shirt drinking Stella Artois or Carling
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 09 April 2014, 07:17:43
Sounds like you English have a version of our 'Trailer Park White Trash', but instead of Stell Artois it would be Budweiser or Pabst Blue Ribbon
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 April 2014, 14:02:32
Sounds like you English have a version of our 'Trailer Park White Trash', but instead of Stell Artois it would be Budweiser or Pabst Blue Ribbon


Basically. Common terms include "Chav" over here. Stella Artois is known as "wife beater" as it is reputed to cause people to get angry and fight-ey as a drink (it's actually quite nice!).


Anyway, this may be getting into areas the Mods would be unhappy with.


On a brighter note... I'm surviving this week at work (ish)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 09 April 2014, 15:25:37
Also, are you a Bowls or a Croquet type gent?

Haha neither I regret.


Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 09 April 2014, 15:42:53
Haha neither I regret.
Polo, right?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 09 April 2014, 21:05:05
he used to play water polo, but his horse drown
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 10 April 2014, 15:03:37
Let's just say I'm not the sporting type shall we?

Though that said, I'm often found trying to get people to act
with some sportsmanship.  But such as it is with people playing
on the internet hehe.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 12 April 2014, 14:40:16
You could be the next Marquess of Queensberry.

Lord Rorke's rule for Internet Fisticuffs
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 12 April 2014, 14:45:52
Haha well I've work of my own to do on my own sportsmanship, if truth be told.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 16 April 2014, 04:57:44
Haha well I've work of my own to do on my own sportsmanship, if truth be told.

Who hasn't, reallY?  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 16 April 2014, 12:29:11
me. I am a perfect gentleman, and flawless sportsman, without ego or arrogance in victory or in my rare defeats.

yeah, who am I kidding. I make some of those call of duty players seem like saints
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 16 April 2014, 14:11:22
I possibly missed my vocation as an NCO.  My WoW raid group messes up, there's some
harshness coming from me.  Though considering how seldom I do so, my disapproval
tends to weigh heavily enough without resorting to profanities :p

As for CoD I used to play that, and yes I've been known to give way better than I got should
anyone dare to take a pop.  I'm not much of one for turning the other cheek, but I do prefer
to talk sense first rather than insult.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 17 April 2014, 14:24:46
Foxbat, what's the new avatar?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 17 April 2014, 22:37:20
Suns' navy from the looks of it, but I don't recognize the ship class.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 18 April 2014, 05:11:56
Foxbat, what's the new avatar?

This is a Pizarro class dropship, from the Spanish led project - under God and Davion's supervision - TRO Shadows of War (this year some other European fans also managed to get some designs in  ;))
You'll find a link to the PDF here (http://www.classicbattletech.es/2014/04/06/ya-esta-descargable-la-tercera-edicion-de-shadows-of-war/)
It's all in Spanish, which makes even happier to have begun learning Spanish for a year now.  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 18 April 2014, 05:48:48
 :'(  I don't even speak French (this is embarrassing as my mother is fluent and a French teacher)


On the other hand I've grabbed the Chaos Irregulars books from DriveThru recently and am enjoying reading some new official as opposed to fanfic BT stuff


In other news I'm buying Spitfire beer by the squadron (as quite a few of you have seen and commented on Facebook) but we can barely keep up with replacing heavy initial losses of 25%... Those damn German, Italian and Japanese lagers and just too powerful although I've got some Czech allies in the form of Staropramen - I'm re fighting WW2 in my beer fridge


And now here in the uk at least we have a 4 day weekend even though I'm only getting 3 as I'm working on Monday


Hope everyone else is well
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 April 2014, 11:27:59
I'm lucky enough to have a five day weekend, but regrettably no beer.

Booze pricing being obscene here and all that, but the weathers decent and
there's no alarm clocks....can't complain really.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 18 April 2014, 15:52:34
It snowed for me this week, and it was not fun.

Now, it should be rather warm this weekend.  #P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 18 April 2014, 18:16:21
gearing up to drag FltADm with me to Reapercon in Lewisville Texas. we leave on Wednesday. I'm already giddy with excitment
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 18 April 2014, 20:03:02
There's a con in Lewisville!?

(If you're still in town on Sunday and can make it down to Hurst, lemme know.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 19 April 2014, 01:47:36
It's where Reaper Minis has its HQ, so yeah that's where they have THEIR Con
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 19 April 2014, 13:52:23
Yes. it's at the Dallas Lewisville Hilton Garden Inn

https://reapercon.com/
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 19 April 2014, 15:02:00
Interesting...doubt I'd be able to make it, but like I said, you're more than welcome to stop by our Sunday Battletech game. We play at Generation X Comics in Hurst, usually starting between noon and 1.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 19 April 2014, 15:46:40
I read Spanish Muy Bien, thank you very much, as long as it's Castile and not Catalan.

Wait, there's a Lewisville and a Louisville?  That's confusing.

More snow?  Will lake Michigan thaw before July 4th this year?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 20 April 2014, 15:58:40
would love to come and join you for a game. But alas, we shall be without a vehicle, and I anyway, believe I shall be quite tied up (no not literally, I hope) at that time
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 21 April 2014, 09:08:07
I read Spanish Muy Bien, thank you very much, as long as it's Castile and not Catalan.

Wait, there's a Lewisville and a Louisville?  That's confusing.

More snow?  Will lake Michigan thaw before July 4th this year?

I can only hope. Monday it snowed, yesterday was almost 80...
I'm really beginning to loath Northern IL. Arizona looks more and more tempting. Except for that whole water issue...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 April 2014, 11:20:24
Hawai'i.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 April 2014, 14:21:24
England.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 21 April 2014, 14:29:58
Belize. It's just like England*, with an agreeable climate


*says a guy who has never been to either
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: (SMD)MadCow on 21 April 2014, 14:32:51
gearing up to drag FltADm with me to Reapercon in Lewisville Texas. we leave on Wednesday. I'm already giddy with excitment

Bring allergy medication with you. Theres something in the air and its trying to kill us all.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 April 2014, 14:37:50
Bring allergy medication with you. Theres something in the air and its trying to kill us all.


I thought Herb seemed happier from his posting on Facebook... I think he'd prefer a 49 State Union and Texas-shaped radioactive crater
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: (SMD)MadCow on 21 April 2014, 14:53:31
Ive been watching the pollen counts, its like the trees are still mad at Dallas for killing Kennedy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 21 April 2014, 14:53:56
Theres something in the air and its trying to kill us all.

Oh sure, I play *one* game with some decent air support... ::)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 April 2014, 14:55:37
Springtime: when the plants fill the air with their sperm in sufficient quantity to asphyxiate mammals.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 21 April 2014, 15:04:26
Pine trees. Biggest offenders here, and they're in full bloom now.
On the other hand, what would be the Landes forest without them?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 21 April 2014, 17:21:55
I can only hope. Monday it snowed, yesterday was almost 80...
I'm really beginning to loath Northern IL. Arizona looks more and more tempting. Except for that whole water issue...
Just do what gamers do with dice at GenCon and bring your own.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 21 April 2014, 21:05:03

I thought Herb seemed happier from his posting on Facebook... I think he'd prefer a 49 State Union and Texas-shaped radioactive crater

Never will happen. Texas will endure long past the rest of the nation thanks to cowboy literature and the films of Marian Morrison and others of his ilk. Hell science fiction has a whole subgenre that basically brings back the true Texas spirit. Even if Texas does die, it will only become stronger than Herb or any who hates Texas can imagine; it will become something akin to Arcadia.

Bring allergy medication with you. Theres something in the air and its trying to kill us all.

As AW said, it is plants with their mating season. Due to the incredibly long winter, spring is going to be hell with that horrid gunk. The best thing to do is go to a Walgreens and buy something called WalAct(Note, this is the original formula of Actifed in a form that people can actually buy. Avoid all the useless junk that the Kyle's Moms of the world have forced on America thanks to the Methheads, and just get Actifed. If you live in Canada, just buy what you have access to already. Sudafed is useless. Benadryl is a placebo that makes my heart race. Mucinex just makes the mucus a little looser. This message is not from Pfizer since they basically dropped the ball when they made Nu Actifed, so nuts to them.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 21 April 2014, 22:28:17
hide in the hotel all week and only venture out when it's time to go back to the airport :-[
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 24 April 2014, 21:14:07
Well it has been rather nice here in Lewisville. The hotel is nice enough. And the weather is like a good mid July day in Edmonton. Despite of Shadow Ravens lost passport he is meeting new people and we even where able to get me a new pair of shoes for less that I would have paid in the great wet north.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: (SMD)MadCow on 25 April 2014, 00:21:41
Well it has been rather nice here in Lewisville. The hotel is nice enough. And the weather is like a good mid July day in Edmonton. Despite of Shadow Ravens lost passport he is meeting new people and we even where able to get me a new pair of shoes for less that I would have paid in the great wet north.

Mid-July? Wow, yeah, mid-July round here is 105 in the shade.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 25 April 2014, 01:07:23
And Glorious.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 25 April 2014, 03:43:50
Last year July was surprisingly tropical here, after a very chilly spring. Temps started from quite low foir teh season to way above average. That felt weird.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 25 April 2014, 14:04:53
Is kind of weird for me as well. We had a snow storm slightly over a week before.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 26 April 2014, 14:54:58
Well it has been rather nice here in Lewisville. The hotel is nice enough. And the weather is like a good mid July day in Edmonton. Despite of Shadow Ravens lost passport he is meeting new people and we even where able to get me a new pair of shoes for less that I would have paid in the great wet north.

I am glad that you got cheaper shoes probably at the Vista Ridge Mall which has seen better days, but the Cinemark theater other than the prices is pretty good.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 26 April 2014, 16:17:07
So am I. The mall was kinda nice. And on a Thursday night almost nigh, very few people. I also have a question for you Texas folks. Is it normal not to put greats on your storm drains? When we where walking around that was one of the things I seamed to notice, and the lack of sidewalks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 26 April 2014, 17:22:14
The grates are semi-common. Also, sidewalks are far from absent around here, but their presence is also pretty inconsistent.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 26 April 2014, 18:28:44
Rule of thumb for side walks, they become usually more common when closing in on a point of interest ie a park, mall, or downtown area in most Texas cities. The real reason for the lack of sidewalks is that Texas is spread out compared to most of the rest of the country. Our cities mirror this as well. Thus, it is more normal to see people take cars mostly everywhere since nothing is located near enough to each other or within walking distance. Though this is not always true. When I lived in Denton (a few miles north of Lewisville), I lived in apartment complex that was close enough to a mall called the Golden Triangle Mall which has a Barnes and Noble. Since I prefer walking over driving, I'd usually just walk to the Barnes and Noble even with the heavy construction going on there when I was living at the complex.

Most Texas cities have no real rhyme or reason in planning or style thanks to most of the construction really taking place after twentieth century oil boom that startled at Spindletop in 1901 and the invention of air conditioning. Before those two events, most Texas buildings were designed to trap cool air and were kind of small due to Texas not being that rich. We were rich in land though, and that's what people wanted in Texas: land. After the money from oil and the invention of centralized air, people built whatever they liked unless they were planned communities such as the Woodlands or Flower Mound which have stricter building codes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 27 April 2014, 10:25:10
Thanks. I was curious a bout that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 28 April 2014, 04:55:34
Anyone heard from Arkansa Warrior? With the deadly tornadoes that hit his home state I'm hoping he made through OK. 16 dead in Arkansas as of this posting.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 28 April 2014, 10:48:27
45 minutes or so north of me.  I'm fine.  The towns hit worst, Mayflower and Vilonia, were hit by tornadoes just a few years ago as well.  Gotta feel for those folks, but if I was one of them I'd be moving posthaste.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 28 April 2014, 22:16:19
Sidewalks are really the only thing this area really needs. The mall is close enough that it's easy for people to walk to,which we did this afternoon as well, so I could pick up some extra clothes. Planned for a one day 'emergency stay' not the three this has become. There are a couple of decent enough restaurants near at hand as well, but sidewalks and more cross walks would be nice. Real shame is that some moronic city planner went and put a darn highway between me and Olive Garden
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 29 April 2014, 23:01:39
You know I never really cared one way or another when I went to that mall. I just walked around except of course if I had to cross the highway. At that point, the car got used. Personally, the worst part was that it had a pretty good Borders until that got closed.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 03 May 2014, 04:37:07
Thank goodness I don't live there, never learned to drive.....

Mind you here, crossing the road can be an experience.  I find they'll try driving
over a crossing with people on it, if they think they can.  So being a tall chap, as I
cross I always look right at the drivers in a hard fashion.  Seems to work as I'm not
dead or maimed yet.  When I say look, I actually mean in that "don't even think about
being an idiot around me" way.  Funny really, for a nation of conformists they don't give
a hoot about traffic laws.

That said, there's terrible trouble here with folks driving under the influence.  But that might
just be the country for you, here at least.  Not meaning to imply that rural residents anywhere
else, are raging drunk road hogs.....though I can think of a few places in Somerset :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 May 2014, 16:32:33
I'm in Amsterdam at the moment and am struggling both with people driving on the wrong side of the road and also the kamikaze cyclists/homicidal trams
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 May 2014, 17:18:38
Are you sure they aren't driving on the right side of the road? :P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 May 2014, 17:20:22
Are you sure they aren't driving on the right side of the road? :P


As I said, wrong. Just ask all of my Kiwi, Aussie, Japanese and Irish friends...


But it's the added thrill of the separate bus and bicycle lanes that are the danger, the cars can only creep along at a walking speed
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 03 May 2014, 17:26:08
I think the canals might be part of the problem.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 03 May 2014, 18:46:05
So the rule is, island nations drive on the one side, continents (australia doesn't count) on the other?

It makes sense.  I briefly visited the US Virgin Islands and discovered that they drive on the other side, even though they drive US vehicles, so the steering wheel's on the side you wouldn't want!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 May 2014, 03:29:16
So the rule is, island nations drive on the one side, continents (australia doesn't count) on the other?

It makes sense.  I briefly visited the US Virgin Islands and discovered that they drive on the other side, even though they drive US vehicles, so the steering wheel's on the side you wouldn't want!


The whole Caribbean drives on the left but apparently most of the cars are second hand from Japan


I've just realised I'm in our answer to Canopus!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 04 May 2014, 04:12:24
Ahhh the Dutch, never met one I didn't like.  Which when you think about it, is a pretty
decent thing to say about any nations folks.

Doc my Mum went over there for a week a couple of years back, said the same thing
about the traffic and bikes etc.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 May 2014, 05:32:19
Well, as per my Facebook, I didn't like a bus driver the other day but I hate them worldwide
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 May 2014, 09:35:52
the only thing I don't like about the Dutch is they are, almost universally, taller then me
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Molossian Dog IIC on 04 May 2014, 09:47:01
My current theory is that they prepare for the time when the dykes break. A few centimeters can make all the difference.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 May 2014, 09:51:09
my thought was that they are all packed in like sardines, that upward is the only direction they have to grow. Planning for the dykes to burst makes sense too
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 04 May 2014, 18:21:33
the only thing I don't like about the Dutch is they are, almost universally, taller then me

I'd likely irk you also then, being somewhat tall.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 04 May 2014, 18:24:54
I'd likely irk you also then, being somewhat tall.

nah. I'm sure I'd have other things to bee irked with you about rather than just height :))
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 05 May 2014, 16:32:23
Oh I don't know, I've a certain degree of Irish charm to go alongside my English qualities.

It's a good combination with the fairer sex, or at least it was before one of them caught me ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 05 May 2014, 19:43:18
But isn't she Finnish?  ;D

Wait, I shouldn't say anything, one of my cousins married a guy of Finnish ancestry.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 06 May 2014, 14:33:54
Well there was alcohol involved, I had to train up to keep up with her when drinking.

The woman could put it away back then.  Of course we're older, wiser and regrettably booze
is obscenely costly now.  Though I still treasure memories like, one new years eve starting around
7ish and being sober again my 11.30.  I reckon 2 pints now and I'd be slaughtered, but I don't miss
drinking regularly much.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 May 2014, 15:34:24
My alcohol tolerance has changed - where I used to have a strict 3 pint stomach but would take tactical emptyings to drink through the evening, now I prefer to moderate my intake and pace myself through an evening
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 06 May 2014, 16:00:10
Mine has never been high, but it does seem to be growing. (Odd, given how rarely I drink.) Used to be a single beer would get me tipsy. These days, unless it's a particularly strong one I hardly feel it, and while tipsy, am still pretty functional after a second and maybe even a third.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 07 May 2014, 00:31:42
I'm a pretty cheap drunk. it reacts with my meds in such a fashion that, I compare it to one drink hits me like three. Of course it also means I don't stay drunk very long, which can have it's benefits
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 May 2014, 19:15:50
I look forward to my wife being a cheap drunk again.  For that matter, so does she after nine months of pregnancy.  The next boy arrives in a month and she should be able to consume a quarter glass of wine to get a solid buzz a few weeks after that.  I suspect she's going to want to delve into the expensive stuff that has been stockpiling.  So cheap might be a relative thing.

In other news, my building had no water today.  Eventually we were let off early...at two in the afternoon.  Because it had no water today, it will likely still not have any air conditioning tomorrow.  Have I mentioned I'm considering retiring to find a new line of work sooner rather than later.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 07 May 2014, 19:37:29
Yea, ours is one now, but we never have a chance to drink. I'd imagine we'd both be pretty cheap drunks.
C6, what kind of work you thinking about getting into?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 07 May 2014, 19:45:41
go into evil. It's a growth industry
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 May 2014, 20:10:55
go into evil. It's a growth industry
There are few better ways to end a night than laughing.  Thank you very much!  I'll certainly consider it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 May 2014, 23:30:06
go into evil. It's a growth industry
That's why I'm in accounting. I can either get you to break down crying over taxes, or crying over going to jail.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 May 2014, 23:35:40
Don't you have to surrender your own soul to some dark number gods to be an accountant?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 May 2014, 12:18:20
Well, in the Navy I gave up my soul to an evil console/panel, so that part isn't really a problem.

Of course, management is like this (http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/1996-01-06/)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 08 May 2014, 13:40:03
Evil eh, I've dabbled but ultimately it's murder on my ability to sleep.

I'll stick to dabbling in intrigue, although up North being as dull as it is now
it doesn't happen here.  I miss a good proper scrap up there, but all the real
firebrands seem to have disappeared. 

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 08 May 2014, 19:01:08
Nerd, you're famous!

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/navy-nerd-e-reader/ (http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/navy-nerd-e-reader/)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 May 2014, 09:10:29
Neko, I saw that in a submariner group.

The question, "Where's the adult material?" ::)

But it's no replacement for the stacks of technical manuals. There's much of the knowledge required to build a ship aboard it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 10 May 2014, 09:22:38
Neko, I saw that in a submariner group.

The question, "Where's the adult material?" ::)

But it's no replacement for the stacks of technical manuals. There's much of the knowledge required to build a ship aboard it.
I have a couple of the old "Ship and Gun Drills" from around the First World War in my Google library. It goes into pretty deep detail about how to do things. I guess the older ones even tell you how to make gunpowder and other interesting things.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 12 May 2014, 01:32:55
Nerd, you're famous!

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/navy-nerd-e-reader/ (http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/navy-nerd-e-reader/)
I don't know whether to laugh or cry after reading that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 14 May 2014, 07:43:30
I had the same reaction to a thread up north, "who is the best player in the world".

If there's any game that you'd have trouble saying that for, it'd be this one.  I was
half tempted to post though, being cheeky and stating my pedigree as half of a
fine two man Mechcommander team.  But I thought better of it, though it did make
me nostalgic.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 May 2014, 01:20:02
I'm so very pleased I missed that one, it makes you question your faith in humanity and inch towards wanting Herb to get his hands on the Big Red Button
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 15 May 2014, 09:55:16
It might be that the person asking who the best player in the world was is someone with a background in competitive CCGs? I gather there are world tournaments for things like Magic and Yu-gi-oh, so someone might think that there was something similar for BattleTech.

Besides, the best BattleTech player is always the one who brings snacks and shares them.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 15 May 2014, 18:56:02
The best player is the one who enjoys the game the most: me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 15 May 2014, 19:59:47
I had a world Megamek championship. no one came, so I won by default. I guess that makes me the best in the world
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 15 May 2014, 20:15:14
I may in fact be the worst, so...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 16 May 2014, 06:55:54
Yes but with a name like yours, can we trust that?

Sorry, cheap shot and I could not help myself  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 17 May 2014, 15:40:45
A game like BattleTech was never meant to have a "greatest player ever" in my opinion.

Besides, the best BattleTech player is always the one who brings snacks and shares them.
The best player is the one who enjoys the game the most: me.
But I can go along with these definitions.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 May 2014, 19:32:26
Gentlemen,

I'm terrible at Battletech and generally lose to the bot on Megamek.

However, I went to the grocery store, ran six miles, mowed my yard, and killed what we think was a baby southern copperhead with my electric corded weed-whacker.  In essence, I remain proficient with all sorts of area effect weapons.

My full-term-pregnancy-wife continues to jump at random pains that don't resemble labor causing increased anticipation in our house.  Fun don't you think?

How is everyone's weekend going?

 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 May 2014, 19:34:44
I had a ridiculously long day yesterday and have gone out this evening to a vastly overpriced bar in a hotel for a friend's birthday and then been the envy of the late night Tube travellers by having a pizza


Tomorrow I need to run, work, do housework, do garden chores and...I'm sure there's more


Good luck to MrsCharlie6
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 May 2014, 19:57:28
Thank you Dan.  Late night, beyond the Tube ride.

In an update, my corded-electric weed-whacker evidently took out a brown snake.  Make me feels safer all around.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 17 May 2014, 20:45:11
good. But next you need to upgrade to the cordless gas weed-whacker IIC
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 17 May 2014, 21:32:44
Yes but with a name like yours, can we trust that?

Sorry, cheap shot and I could not help myself  :)
Haha. I only wish I was being sarcastic...
Gentlemen,

I'm terrible at Battletech and generally lose to the bot on Megamek.

However, I went to the grocery store, ran six miles, mowed my yard, and killed what we think was a baby southern copperhead with my electric corded weed-whacker.  In essence, I remain proficient with all sorts of area effect weapons.

My full-term-pregnancy-wife continues to jump at random pains that don't resemble labor causing increased anticipation in our house.  Fun don't you think?

How is everyone's weekend going?

 
I do not miss late term pregnant wife... One and done is what I say.

Lawn care equipment can do quite the number on wildlife... The poor, poor bunnies.

I worked today and the wife is at a scrapbooking retreat, so it's just me and the little one. I do love our time together.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 18 May 2014, 10:02:16
good. But next you need to upgrade to the cordless gas weed-whacker IIC
See I think I'm going to stick with the corded model.  It reminds of the 3025 Enforcer but without the ammo 'splodiness.  Both kill snakes just fine.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 18 May 2014, 15:26:03
So you going to dub the weed-whacker as 'The Enforcer" now. Maybe paint it up in Davion Guards colours?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 19 May 2014, 07:54:12
Oh man don't remind me about gardening, it's getting close to the time when I have
to slash our jungle to bits regularly.

One of the oddities of living here in the summer, almost constant daylight at some
points.  So of course everything grows like you'd not believe.  We may have short
summers, but they don't lack for intensity usually.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 19 May 2014, 14:02:00
Oh man don't remind me about gardening, it's getting close to the time when I have
to slash our jungle to bits regularly.

One of the oddities of living here in the summer, almost constant daylight at some
points.  So of course everything grows like you'd not believe.  We may have short
summers, but they don't lack for intensity usually.


I did one cut on a long setting, next weekend I'll go over it again on a shorter one


I just got the Army fitness regime/test I need to hit...  :-\  bleep test but no longer run, guess what my preferred activity is?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 19 May 2014, 19:29:26
So you going to dub the weed-whacker as 'The Enforcer" now. Maybe paint it up in Davion Guards colours?
The light green color it came in and the cut grass staining give a 2CL look to it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 May 2014, 23:31:10
Paint some flowers on it for that authentic Tsamma Lancers look.  Might be a little incongruous with a hard-bitten marine LTC driving, but that's what makes life fun.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 20 May 2014, 19:25:40
Paint some flowers on it for that authentic Tsamma Lancers look.  Might be a little incongruous with a hard-bitten marine LTC driving, but that's what makes life fun.
You see, I said Enforcer not Florist or heaven forbid Pollenantor.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: (SMD)MadCow on 20 May 2014, 20:41:36
You see, I said Enforcer not Florist or heaven forbid Pollenantor.

6th Crusis Lancers then?
**Derp, just realized theyre the same formation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 21 May 2014, 16:22:30
I am looking for a couple of volunteers. I think you guys are the most reasonable Battletech types around to recruit. I have been working on a TOE spreadsheet for ages and now that I'm done with school I was thinking I would finish it. So anyone want to give it a go? There are two caveats: file format is Excel 2013 and it has quite a few user defined functions so macros has to be enabled to use it. It's not complete but I think it's to the point where I need some feedback.

Any takers?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 21 May 2014, 16:26:23
I am feeling brave so why not. (Asuming my copy of Open Office will open it).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 May 2014, 16:27:26
I am looking for a couple of volunteers. I think you guys are the most reasonable Battletech types around to recruit. I have been working on a TOE spreadsheet for ages and now that I'm done with school I was thinking I would finish it. So anyone want to give it a go? There are two caveats: file format is Excel 2013 and it has quite a few user defined functions so macros has to be enabled to use it. It's not complete but I think it's to the point where I need some feedback.

Any takers?


I'd say yes but don't actually know what a Macro is  ???
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 21 May 2014, 16:40:13
I am feeling brave so why not. (Asuming my copy of Open Office will open it).
I don't think Open Office can but when I have things ready and writeup on how things work I'll share it with you.


I'd say yes but don't actually know what a Macro is  ???
A macro is essential an extra bit of program code built into a spreadsheet. They can be used maliciously so Excel defaults to a security setting where they will not function unless you specifically enable marcos.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 May 2014, 01:07:46
While I'm happy to have a look, I'm not sure I run the right version of Office
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 22 May 2014, 15:07:43
I'll post some stuff on where to find it and everything else in a few days.  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 23 May 2014, 07:31:39
I'll wish you all well with that, from the sidelines.  Regrettably busy, and utterly lacking
in a copy of Office that isn't prehistoric.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 24 May 2014, 11:59:34
I am going to try to cut out some features that require Office 2013 so it will work on older versions of Excel. The inventory of ammunition requirements by element will have to be dropped; there are not enough columns in older versions of Excel for that. I am also having problems getting the older version to call another workbook to gather information. I want to have one workbook to update with new equipment information rather have to do it to every unit workbook I might have.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 30 May 2014, 08:37:59
So you lot have been quiet?  I'm guessing probably busy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 30 May 2014, 10:03:02
Guess so.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 30 May 2014, 18:46:41
sure....we'll go with that. sounds better than 'lazy'
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 May 2014, 18:56:16
Sorry, focused on impending arrival of my second child.  I hope everyone else is well and about to enjoy a great weekend.

Lazy works equally well, though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 30 May 2014, 19:33:25
I feel for you. The Wife has started not-so-subtly mentioning a brother or sister for the little one. As a nearly-only child (half siblings from parents first marriages) so I don't really have a desire for a second one, but...

I've been battling my mystery ...whatever it is. Two doctors and $10K in tests and the most of I've gotten is a "that's bizzare" from one of the docs. I have another test on Tuesday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 May 2014, 19:48:04
I feel for you. The Wife has started not-so-subtly mentioning a brother or sister for the little one. As a nearly-only child (half siblings from parents first marriages) so I don't really have a desire for a second one, but...
Well, our round is downrange, so to speak.  I've broken the only child syndrome of my wife; now I've to hold off the desire to "fill our big house" with a third child.  I'll be 42 this year...I've to cut that line of thought.  I think the pregnancy is helping my argument.

Good luck with the medical issue.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 31 May 2014, 05:52:06
Well, our round is downrange, so to speak.  I've broken the only child syndrome of my wife; now I've to hold off the desire to "fill our big house" with a third child.  I'll be 42 this year...I've to cut that line of thought.  I think the pregnancy is helping my argument.

Good luck with the medical issue.


I was just out drinking with a friend who had his first aged about 42 and now at 45 has Number Two en route... maybe that was why he was out drinking with me?


I've been battling my mystery ...whatever it is. Two doctors and $10K in tests and the most of I've gotten is a "that's bizzare" from one of the docs. I have another test on Tuesday.


On the Plus Side we (the medical profession) are pretty good at picking up nasty stuff so at least the long list of hideous things it could be is shorter


So you lot have been quiet?  I'm guessing probably busy.


Three day high-intensity MSc module plus social life and added distraction of an ill cat (now seemingly on the mend as much as an old cat with multiple comorbidities ever can be)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 May 2014, 06:34:08

I was just out drinking with a friend who had his first aged about 42 and now at 45 has Number Two en route... maybe that was why he was out drinking with me?
I just read that to my wife and even she nodded in agreement.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 May 2014, 10:39:07
My dad got married at 41, had me at 42, and my little sister at 46.  Granted, mom was close to ten years younger than him.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 31 May 2014, 10:53:08
"They say I'm robbing the cradle, but I say she's robbing the grave!"
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 31 May 2014, 12:25:39
What's age but just a number?
Still working on the workbook...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 May 2014, 18:23:52
What's age but just a number?
Still working on the workbook...
Less age, more mileage.  My kid took off down the street at a toddler sprint (just faster than a fast adult walk) and I aggravated an ongoing heel/ankle/calf running injury.  The wife, laughing at me of course, pointed out that it won't get easier two years from now when I'm chasing the next kid.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 01 June 2014, 19:56:36
Ugh.  I was playing politics this weekend. Up until 2 AM trying to select a candidate, because it took an hour for the ballots to be distributed, voted, collected, and counted.

And I'm quite unhappy with a politician.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 02 June 2014, 01:03:14
I have no good reason for being as tired as I am after a weekend of doing relatively little
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 02 June 2014, 02:02:00
I'm helping to run a vidding convention at the end of June, and even though it's a tiny convention, getting the encoding and DVD building done and typing up the program have consumed two and a half week's leave and several weekends so far. I did manage to get a BattleTech game in for the first time in ages though - played a friend of mine in a small training game, as he's never played before but is keen to learn. My 3025-era Enforcer and Cicada narrowly beat his Hunchback and Hermes II. I realised I've never really played with an Enforcer before, and it gave me a new appreciation for something Succession Wars-era that can jump and drop 10 point autocannon rounds on something, at least while the ammunition holds out. The high point for me was the two evil Kuritan pilots ganging up to kick the downed and one-legged Cicada, only to both miss and fall down themselves. Coring the gyro on the Hunchback with an AC/10 round made sure that guy wasn't getting up again afterwards...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 June 2014, 13:26:41
Had a job interview today.  Think it went pretty well, but it's liable to be a week or so before I know anything.  Sure hoping I can find a teaching position somewhere this summer, I'm getting damn tired of living at home with dad and working part time.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 02 June 2014, 22:19:19
Best of luck with that bro  O0, finally got a career job a few months back but it took a long time before I got it so I know the feeling about living with your parents and working less than ideal jobs to make ends meet.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 04 June 2014, 21:10:23
Yes, good luck with that AW! Hope you get it!

I finally finished school last month. Eight years worth. Start a new job next month. Hope I'm with them until I retire.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 05 June 2014, 02:53:27
Congrats and congrats!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 June 2014, 19:28:49
So, my wife has hit her due date for our next child and despite spending five hours at the hospital on Tuesday the baby hasn't arrived yet.  Because of the stress of the local commute, and the increased time of my MiL in my house, I've taken leave for the last couple of days to reduce the burden on the house (specifically of the first child burden on my wife).

Anyway, I've taken this leave opportunity to get sucked into Battlefront's efforts on DUST Tactics.  Not the game mind you, just buying the game.

How is everyone else's weekend going?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 07 June 2014, 19:32:31
So, my wife has hit her due date for our next child and despite spending five hours at the hospital on Tuesday the baby hasn't arrived yet.  Because of the stress of the local commute, and the increased time of my MiL in my house, I've taken leave for the last couple of days to reduce the burden on the house (specifically of the first child burden on my wife).

Anyway, I've taken this leave opportunity to get sucked into Battlefront's efforts on DUST Tactics.  Not the game mind you, just buying the game.

How is everyone else's weekend going?
Arg, I remember that. We were 5 days past our due date. I feel for you.

I'm also doing the same with WH40K. Specifically the Imperial Guard
and their tanks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 June 2014, 20:07:55
Arg, I remember that. We were 5 days past our due date. I feel for you.

I'm also doing the same with WH40K. Specifically the Imperial Guard
and their tanks.
We thought the OB was going to schedule a inducement on Friday for sometime early next week:  no such luck.  We've to call back on Monday if nothing happens over the next 36 hours.  Right now, nothing is on the horizon.  Yay?

As for Dust, I'm jumping into the ongoing Operation Babylon effort with a focus on the Axis and Allies...and then I see a article on their website that hits all of the things I like about the Soviets: heavy mech-like battle armor.  Oh well.  I've been impressed with the primed ready out of the box idea along with the opportunity to purchase professionally painted versions for a premium.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 June 2014, 08:48:05
I have a lot of things I should be doing this weekend but am not...  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 June 2014, 12:09:40
I have a lot of things I should be doing this weekend but am not...  :-\
I miss those days.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 June 2014, 12:11:32
I miss those days.  Enjoy!


It isn't fun stuff I should be doing but work for my Leadership MSc and stuff like that, I don't have any other weekends free before the deadline to make decent headway on it  :(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 June 2014, 13:51:59

It isn't fun stuff I should be doing but work for my Leadership MSc and stuff like that, I don't have any other weekends free before the deadline to make decent headway on it  :(
I've a similar problem with writing a resume'.  On the plus side, I poured a glass of wine and my wife started having contraction like feelings.  I wonder if I pour a second glass if she'll have actual contractions.  Maybe I need to dip into the Scotch and make her drive to the hospital.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 June 2014, 14:00:29
I've a similar problem with writing a resume'.  On the plus side, I poured a glass of wine and my wife started having contraction like feelings.  I wonder if I pour a second glass if she'll have actual contractions.  Maybe I need to dip into the Scotch and make her drive to the hospital.


I'd be sticking a straw in that bottle of wine and straw-pedo'ing it down!


Actually, I wouldn't, that would be horrible.


I've finally started to get some work done this weekend - on the Sunday evening! I really need to get better at this... anyway, as part of the reading around I found an article where the abstract at least seems of interest: a study conducted at West Point showed that traditional scoring systems worked well for finding people who do well in ordered places like West Point but less well than other things (like certain psychological traits) for predicting ability at military leadership in "messy"/complex situations


Did I mention my Masters course is apparently the only one recognised as useful and thus an option for Military Doctors in the UK?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 June 2014, 14:37:37
Did I mention my Masters course is apparently the only one recognised as useful and thus an option for Military Doctors in the UK?
I'm discovering that over 20 years in the military and eight years of dedicated planning still requires me to get a certificate from an organization to prove something to a perspective employer.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 June 2014, 14:52:25
I'm discovering that over 20 years in the military and eight years of dedicated planning still requires me to get a certificate from an organization to prove something to a perspective employer.


That is because there is an industry that makes it's money from such bits of paper


I think that there could be a career for you (or at least money) in giving talks on the leadership of a combined arms (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) force in combat as a way of considering some jobs in medicine as opposed to the airline pilot approach with lots of checklists we get at the moment
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 June 2014, 18:47:57

That is because there is an industry that makes it's money from such bits of paper


I think that there could be a career for you (or at least money) in giving talks on the leadership of a combined arms (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) force in combat as a way of considering some jobs in medicine as opposed to the airline pilot approach with lots of checklists we get at the moment
You are so correct on your first point.  I read the Wikipedia rundown on Scrum Management (for which I was offered a class opportunity)...what a scam.  I've been doing "dynamic" planning like that since I was a Lieutenant.

I appreciate your belief in me but I can't explain MAGTFs to military folks, to include people in my own building, without generating glazed eyes from the audience.  The best I've achieved is somewhere between parroted statements I've made previously to subtly vague "that's a sophisticated approach I've not considered."  The conversation only gets worse the more joint the conversation becomes.  I'd consider working for the MAGTF training program but the travel is horrendous for military or civilian (200+ days a year on the road).

I was hoping to hit it in the lottery and manage my wealth, work at a winery or a Lego store.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 June 2014, 20:44:09
Ugh.

I got a cat this weekend. If you've found me on Facebook, I've put up a few pictures, but he's 13 pounds of grey tabby and white neutered tomcat.

And then I drove in to see a baseball game with my parents-two grand slams (by the visitors) in a single game is just bad play.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 09 June 2014, 02:20:03
I went to the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival with a couple of friends this weekend, which proved to be a bust, sadly. CAMRA had changed venues to the Millenium Stadium, and no-one advertised little wrinkles like:

- no food or drink can be brought into the stadium, so people were losing their soft drinks, bottles of water and packed lunches on the way in, with no option of storing it anywhere for collection on the way out... everything went in a skip
- all stadium-provided food averaged a 150% markup over typical vending-machine prices (£2.50/about $4 for a 500ml bottle of Pepsi)
- the £10 entry fee was just an entry fee; rather than getting your glass, brochure and some tokens included in the price, you had to buy the glass and programme seperately
- the glasses were actually polycarbonate crap and had sponsorship detail on them
- the stadium had only provided CAMRA with a certain amount of space, filling the rest of the space with their own vendors - including a large and very prominant Fosters stall, because that's just what you want at a real ale festival

Combined with increased costs for the beers because of the denominations of vouchers that the stadium had produced and the stadium's insistence that vendors had to take vouchers as well as cash (and that the stadium would claim back 10% of anything paid to the vendors with vouchers) and it left everyone there feeling annoyed and ill-used, putting a damper on it that I've never seen at a beerfest before, and I've attended a lot of them over the years. The three of us tried about half of what we would usually have sampled and left early to go and buy dinner in a pub, although one poor soul from CAMRA spent twenty minutes apologising to us on the way out about how the festival had turned out and how much of it was outside CAMRA's control.

The rest of the weekend involved movies, video encoding and Mass Effect 2...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 June 2014, 16:17:54
That sucks a lot BM.


If you ever fancy an ale and a chat let me know
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 June 2014, 20:43:45
So, the wife is being induced (inducted?) tomorrow morning sometime after 0530.  Conveniently, she's decided to start having semi-consistent contractions.  Here's hoping my 0345 wake-up isn't pushed earlier.  Wish us well, please.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 09 June 2014, 21:52:33
Here's wishing you the best!

Good luck.
   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 10 June 2014, 02:00:05
That sucks a lot BM.


If you ever fancy an ale and a chat let me know
Willdo - which part of the country are you in? I'm in South Wales.

There were fliers being handed out at the beerfest for a CAMRA beerfest in Swansea Bay - that's about an hour away by train, and a couple of us are mulling over trying that one out with a view to adopting it rather than the Cardiff beerex. I keep getting told I should go to the big beerex in Bristol, but I prefer the smaller festivals... and everyone I work with in Bristol looks at anything across the Severn as being about as far away as Mars, so it feels wrong for me to keep going the other way ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 10 June 2014, 02:01:33
So, the wife is being induced (inducted?) tomorrow morning sometime after 0530.  Conveniently, she's decided to start having semi-consistent contractions.  Here's hoping my 0345 wake-up isn't pushed earlier.  Wish us well, please.
I hope everything goes swiftly and well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 10 June 2014, 14:48:30
The very best of luck.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 11 June 2014, 13:46:14
Willdo - which part of the country are you in? I'm in South Wales.

There were fliers being handed out at the beerfest for a CAMRA beerfest in Swansea Bay - that's about an hour away by train, and a couple of us are mulling over trying that one out with a view to adopting it rather than the Cardiff beerex. I keep getting told I should go to the big beerex in Bristol, but I prefer the smaller festivals... and everyone I work with in Bristol looks at anything across the Severn as being about as far away as Mars, so it feels wrong for me to keep going the other way ;)


I'm in That London


So, the wife is being induced (inducted?) tomorrow morning sometime after 0530.  Conveniently, she's decided to start having semi-consistent contractions.  Here's hoping my 0345 wake-up isn't pushed earlier.  Wish us well, please.


Good luck to all of you, hope we get to welcome another new member of Team Davion soon (and in the UK it would be "induced" not "inducted")
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 11 June 2014, 19:38:50
Yay Charlie 6! We were similar, she was going to be induced, but then Abigail decided to come on her own.

Good luck, sir!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 12 June 2014, 01:42:11
wow Bristol, I miss Bristol.

But I don't miss my awful flat, or the awful air quality. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 12 June 2014, 11:29:06

I'm in That London



Good luck to all of you, hope we get to welcome another new member of Team Davion soon (and in the UK it would be "induced" not "inducted")
Here too, I believe.  Bonne chance.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 June 2014, 12:45:03
Gentlemen, the well wishes are much appreciated.  At 1506 on 10 June, my second son Gordon Arthur was born in the very same hospital room that his older brother was two years earlier.  I'd forgotten how small eight pounds, four ounces and only 19" of baby can be.  Mother, child, and oldest son are currently in various stages of napping.

Dan, I thought in the U.S. we'd call it being induced also but U.S. Army medicine's quirks are legion.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 June 2014, 13:11:37
Congrats! O0

(And remember, Battlecorps has no shortage of bedtime stories! ;))
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 12 June 2014, 13:50:18
Is Gordon a family name? I'm guessing it isn't after Alexander Davion's first loyal unit commander...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 June 2014, 14:09:55
Is Gordon a family name? I'm guessing it isn't after Alexander Davion's first loyal unit commander...
Any Davion tie-in is a coincidence.  The wife and I wanted something traditional but underutilized.  My family emigrated to the US in the late 1800s from somewhere in the UK (maybe Scotland or England).  Arthur is my Dad's middle name and we wanted something strong to go with it.  We stumbled on Gordon, and Mitchell (my first son's name), plowing through name books and discovered an English origin.  Besides, my second naming criteria was that if all else fails the boys could open a gas station together and who wouldn't want to by fuel from Mitch and Gordie?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 June 2014, 14:21:04
Mahoosive congratulations!


On an unrelated note C6, the 10-yearly Census is released after 100 years in the UK so you may be able to track your family down if they emigrated that long ago
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 12 June 2014, 15:11:46
Glad to hear the good news C6. May you enjoy much interrupted sleep, strange smells,and stranger messes, and the strange feelings of shock and wonderment, and love that come along with.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 June 2014, 15:18:05
I hope that by now Mrs Charlie 6 has been allowed some alcohol and that Charlie 6a is behaving while you try to manage Charlie 6b's difficult transition from intra-uterine to extra-uterine life
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 12 June 2014, 15:20:00
I hope that by now Mrs Charlie 6 has been allowed some alcohol

you sir, are my kind of Doctor
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 June 2014, 15:26:24
you sir, are my kind of Doctor


I want a Facebook-like Like option for this  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 June 2014, 17:06:35
In other good news, I got hired today.  Well, I got offered a job.  The school board sti has to vote its approval, but that's usually a formality.  I'll be teaching 7th-8th grade History.  That's 12-14 year olds to y'all that may not be familiar with the American educational system.  I'd have preferred older, but it's a good district only 30 minutes from where I currently live, and I didn't have any other offers on the table, so I'll take it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 12 June 2014, 17:43:50
That's good.

I started spending time at a political call center a short walk from my apartment this week. I'll end up with keys to the place because I know the guy who runs it, and I'll be there regularly.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 12 June 2014, 17:47:41
Congrats to all new fathers and hires.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 June 2014, 17:56:33
I'm off on a Stag Party tomorrow (and the weekend) in the Lake District  :)  certainly going to beat working!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 12 June 2014, 19:22:10
Congrats all around! It`s nice to get good news like this. Here`s to happy healthy babies and heres to new careers!

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 June 2014, 20:17:30
AW, good for you.

Dan, have fun.

On the alcohol front, my wife differed for a few nights but did appreciate my offer.  On the other hand, we've stockpiled a year's worth of wine shipments from our favorite winery so my motives are purely ulterior.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 12 June 2014, 21:36:16
Yay! Congrats C6!
Good to hear Arkansas!

Doc, don't do anything I wouldn't do!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 June 2014, 02:13:47
Doc, don't do anything I wouldn't do!


The only thing planned apart from alcohol consumption is ghyll scrambling (http://www.keswickextreme.com/ghyll_scrambling.html) and I've done something like that twice in Wales, last time led by a retired sergeant from the Royal Marine Commandos Arctic and Mountain Warfare Cadre... so I've already seen the face of fear! (and know what not to do next time as it's too terrifying!)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 13 June 2014, 05:43:06
Congrats on the new addition.


Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 13 June 2014, 06:57:33

The only thing planned apart from alcohol consumption is ghyll scrambling (http://www.keswickextreme.com/ghyll_scrambling.html) and I've done something like that twice in Wales, last time led by a retired sergeant from the Royal Marine Commandos Arctic and Mountain Warfare Cadre... so I've already seen the face of fear! (and know what not to do next time as it's too terrifying!)
You've not seen the face of fear until you've seen the Commandos in fancy dress. You'd be surprised how many fill their personal allowance with fancy dress costumes each time it comes to deploying to Norway for training - and a remarkable number of the costumes are dresses.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 13 June 2014, 12:09:40

The only thing planned apart from alcohol consumption is ghyll scrambling (http://www.keswickextreme.com/ghyll_scrambling.html) and I've done something like that twice in Wales, last time led by a retired sergeant from the Royal Marine Commandos Arctic and Mountain Warfare Cadre... so I've already seen the face of fear! (and know what not to do next time as it's too terrifying!)
Just don't combine the two activities.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 13 June 2014, 22:43:04

The only thing planned apart from alcohol consumption is ghyll scrambling (http://www.keswickextreme.com/ghyll_scrambling.html) and I've done something like that twice in Wales, last time led by a retired sergeant from the Royal Marine Commandos Arctic and Mountain Warfare Cadre... so I've already seen the face of fear! (and know what not to do next time as it's too terrifying!)
Oh dear God...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 14 June 2014, 10:17:47
'bout the only thing I haven't done is jump from waterfalls
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 14 June 2014, 10:29:47

The only thing planned apart from alcohol consumption is ghyll scrambling (http://www.keswickextreme.com/ghyll_scrambling.html)
That's an activity for people for braver (or is that more insane) than me. I like all my body parts just as they are, unbroken and unbruised.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 June 2014, 14:13:02
I'm not sure what this says about my karma.  This morning, after some newborn-feeding and toddler-anger driven angst, I take the two year old to Starbucks with me.  I pull up to the drive through to pay for my order to find that the person in front of me decided to cover my tab.  I get home after telling my wife of my good fortune she asked if I paid it forward with the person behind me.  Since I didn't, my day has progressively gone down hill to a point that while driving home with the whole family in tow I yell at the minivan in front of me to "make the GD turn already, you whore!"

It was a nun.

 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 14 June 2014, 17:08:29
Well, that was nun too wise.... ;D

Don't worry though, my karma ran over my dogma and I'm still fine.

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 15 June 2014, 14:02:37
The lesson here is if you had abstained from Starbucks then no problems would have occurred.  ;) Okay, that's not the lesson, but name calling of nuns is hopefully the low point of your day, Charlie. But congrats on the additional heir nevertheless.



However, I'd like to congratulate Arkansas Warrior on finding work. I know that feeling of pure exuberance of finding work after being out of work for so long. May it never leave you, friend. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 15 June 2014, 16:50:09
Happy Fathers Day to all of you AFFSers
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 June 2014, 17:27:02
I survived it all
Water too shallow for impressive leaps on ghyll scrambling
Lots of driving done, rather tired and achey
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 June 2014, 19:17:03
I survived it all
Water too shallow for impressive leaps on ghyll scrambling
Lots of driving done, rather tired and achey
I'm glad you're alive Dan.

As for Father's Day:  my wife sprung me for a five mile run and took on both kids by herself.  Exercise was my high water mark.  Hopefully the toddler will stop his regressive behavior sooner rather than later.

The lesson here is if you had abstained from Starbucks then no problems would have occurred.  ;) Okay, that's not the lesson, but name calling of nuns is hopefully the low point of your day, Charlie. But congrats on the additional heir nevertheless.
According to the development's sales girl (the model homes are across the street from us and the women there love my son to stop by) my karma reduction event occurred a couple of weeks ago when I walked outside, with my son, and a said hello to a customer that I thought was looking right at me.  After he ignored me, I referred to him as Mr. Personality.  I was later informed he is completely deaf.  On the bright side, it is social karma rather than something more important.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 16 June 2014, 06:02:54
[random] I'm slowly adding the new AFFS units listed in the Field Report 2765 to Sarna, which is both oddly satisfying and rather fun (I'm twisted, I know) and I've just hit the Robinson Chevaliers. The Chevaliers have one of the more interesting write-ups (IMO) because I like being able to link them back to an earlier Age of War brigade and I like the idea of the regiments being linked to knightly orders.

As a part of the write-ups I've been doing quick wiki searches to see if there's a specific page for a knightly order that looks to have been the inspiration for the unit, which is also rather interesting - I'd never heard of the Order of the Black Swan, for example.

Then I hit the Fifth Robinson Chevaliers, the "Riders of St. George". Here I am, quietly pottering away in between work demands with a unit write-up, and I have the vague idea in my head that there's probably more than one chivalric order associated with St. George, given that all sorts of countries imported him to be the patron saints of all sorts of things including butchers and the like. Sure enough, there are half a dozen or so Orders of St. George, not to mention orders that include his name, such as the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Not a problem, I think - quick google search for "Riders of St. George".

Only the first article returned is an Urban Dictionary for "Riding St. George" which might give some useful technique tips on something that has nothing to do with knightly orders of chivalry if I didn't think the work internet filter would go nuts if I looked at the article. Still, that's not likely to be anything to do with the knightly order, right?

Then I check the unit description, which is all about how everyone in the regiment was expected to master a fencing discipline, and how the MechWarriors in the unit prided themselves on their swordsmanship. And all I can hear in my head is the voice saying "yeah, I bet they really did pride themselves on their... swordsmanship."

Now I can't stop wondering if I've just had a random set of coincidences trigger my sense of humour or if the Fifth Robinson Chevaliers are actually a carefully-crafted in-joke that I hadn't picked up before... but I'm not sure I want to know one way or the other, because knowing for certain might take all the fun out of the idea of the Fifth sticking it to the DCMS during the Succession Wars...[/random]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 16 June 2014, 08:48:52
I'd never heard of the Order of the Black Swan, for example.

I wonder if this is a Crimson Skies reference. In that setting, the Black Swan is a notable air pirate, if memory serves.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 16 June 2014, 09:38:46
I wonder if this is a Crimson Skies reference. In that setting, the Black Swan is a notable air pirate, if memory serves.
There was also a real-life Order of the Black Swan, although the order only existed for about 14 years, and I gather it was replaced with the Order of the Collar. It was French...

Crimson Skies sounds like a better tie-in than Natalie Portman...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 16 June 2014, 11:15:14
Well the sky pirate in question was female, and if somebody knows something we don't, it might refer to both...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: ShadowRaven on 16 June 2014, 13:10:26
mmmm Natalie Portman in a cat suit and bomber jacket...... Crimson Skies just got more appealing
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 19 June 2014, 10:00:23
An appealing vision that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 June 2014, 14:29:22
So what is everyone up to this weekend?

The wife and I enjoying a few quiet moments of World Cup while the kids nap.  I'm also trying to figure out my final contributions to the DUST Kickstarter that ended the other day.  Humorously, at the end of it I began to see familiar names from last year's Robotech Kickstarter.  Like them, I think I'll see my DUST items before I see anything from the Robotech game.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 21 June 2014, 14:48:26
Working to make up the time I missed from having my gallbladder out. Tomorrow is a 'Welcome' home party for a close friend that had a nasty heart attack and spend nearly two months at the University of Chicago hospital.

The Robotech stuff STILL isn't done? Jeez!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 June 2014, 15:24:59
Working to make up the time I missed from having my gallbladder out. Tomorrow is a 'Welcome' home party for a close friend that had a nasty heart attack and spend nearly two months at the University of Chicago hospital.

The Robotech stuff STILL isn't done? Jeez!
I'm sorry to have been so self absorbed to have missed your gall bladder surgery: when was that?  I hope you're doing well.  Good luck to your friend.

To put Robotech RPG Tactics in perspective, I signed a contract on my new house a week before the event started.  Since then, my home has been built, we moved in, I knocked up my wife and we had a child two days before Palladium announced they had gone to manufacturing.  Yeah, those guys were on the ball and I should never have backed it.

As a counterpoint, I ordered a JagdLuther from Battlefront on a Thursday and received it on Monday.  While I don't have the new rules, the model is pre-primed and ready to use out of the box.  Reminds me of everything that impressed me about Leviathans.  Dummy me got sucked into nostalgia with Robotech and sometime in the future (we're going to tooling now was the latest update) I'll have 107 models to put together if want to build my entire purchase.  Some of it might be interesting but I'm not looking forward to assembling 26 pieces to make a Spartan (a Battletech Archer which was two with base).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 21 June 2014, 15:54:02
I'm just glad that when I backed Robotech, I assumed it would get delayed like this. I've been taking the same approach to this as I have to waiting for a particular Battletech product. It'll come out when it comes out, and no amount of knicker-twisting will help things.

Okay, Charlie 6 got some productive use out of knicker-twisting, but that's neither here nor there. :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 June 2014, 15:57:18
I'm having a birthday weekend - just went to a two Michelin starred restaurant for lunch with family as it is my Dad's birthday today and I got presents - a Pebble Watch and the latest Dresden Files book to keep me happy


Tomorrow I'll need to do some work (boo)


Also, today I nearly gave myself heatstroke going for a run  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 21 June 2014, 17:45:15
Went to Bass Pro Shop with some buddies but I didn't get anything...yet. I am looking into learning archery and getting a bow but everything is just in my head right now with nothing firm beyond visions of various Robin Hood action scenes...still just a kid in some ways...heh.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 June 2014, 19:28:32
I'm just glad that when I backed Robotech, I assumed it would get delayed like this. I've been taking the same approach to this as I have to waiting for a particular Battletech product. It'll come out when it comes out, and no amount of knicker-twisting will help things.
Ah, you make better gaming assumptions than I do.  Someone on the DUST website or on the Kickstarter made the comment that they knew the Robotech RPG Tactics would be a long development timeline.  I wish I had, and had a better perspective on the work load involved in it.  I think it was the Battlefront backing that gave me a little confidence much the same as CGL's involvement in Leviathans. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 22 June 2014, 11:11:22
I'm having a birthday weekend - just went to a two Michelin starred restaurant for lunch with family as it is my Dad's birthday today and I got presents - a Pebble Watch and the latest Dresden Files book to keep me happy


Tomorrow I'll need to do some work (boo)


Also, today I nearly gave myself heatstroke going for a run  :-\
There's a new Dresden book? Well, I know where a portion of my next paycheck is going.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 22 June 2014, 11:14:01
Ah, you make better gaming assumptions than I do.  Someone on the DUST website or on the Kickstarter made the comment that they knew the Robotech RPG Tactics would be a long development timeline.  I wish I had, and had a better perspective on the work load involved in it.  I think it was the Battlefront backing that gave me a little confidence much the same as CGL's involvement in Leviathans.

Honestly, my assumption is that ALL Kickstarters will take this long. That way if one delivers faster, it's a pleasant surprise.

Something tells me that if I were at all interested in finance, I'd make a decent long-term investment broker.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 22 June 2014, 15:38:47
There's a new Dresden book? Well, I know where a portion of my next paycheck is going.
Yup, Skin Game - came out at the end of May. Thoroughly enjoyed it when I finally had a chance to read it.

Parkour!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 23 June 2014, 22:44:46
I dropped my cat off with my girlfriend on Friday. She was in the middle of a cat cold war.

Otherwise, I was playing Navy all weekend, and re-enlisted for four more years. The scary thing is that at the end of this hitch, I'm eligible for gold chevrons (12 years of undiscovered crime).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 24 June 2014, 02:14:25
Congrats on your longevity!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 24 June 2014, 11:48:44
Awesome!
What are your career goals
I dropped my cat off with my girlfriend on Friday. She was in the middle of a cat cold war.

Otherwise, I was playing Navy all weekend, and re-enlisted for four more years. The scary thing is that at the end of this hitch, I'm eligible for gold chevrons (12 years of undiscovered crime).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 24 June 2014, 12:24:25
Grats

I've been boring, playing today and yesterday a skirmish/MP only Company Of Heroes 2 thing.

They added the Americans to it, and the Oberkommando West.  They're somewhat different to
the established Russians and regular Germans, but it's fun working out new Armies.  It's just
struck me, that talking about it like that....is not so different from folks talking about other
miniature wargames. 

Addicted at the moment to the Panzer 2, I just run the thing round the map harassing stuff
while my infantry get on with capturing.  Though I've had to run plenty of times on meeting
a T34 or a Sherman.

Now if they'd only do one with the British, I'd be really happy.  That's with the caveat of course
that we get Fireflys again, and/or Cromwells.  There were Churchills in the original game, but they
had pop guns despite their astonishing armour.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 24 June 2014, 18:14:39
Awesome!
What are your career goals
At this point, the possibility of a retirement check when I'm 60.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 24 June 2014, 18:46:10
I like to imagine you as a submarine Captain.

It's probably all the 'Hunt for Red October' I've been watching.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 24 June 2014, 19:14:44
"Operation Petticoat."
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 24 June 2014, 20:48:53
In other good news, I got hired today.  Well, I got offered a job.  The school board sti has to vote its approval, but that's usually a formality.  I'll be teaching 7th-8th grade History.  That's 12-14 year olds to y'all that may not be familiar with the American educational system.  I'd have preferred older, but it's a good district only 30 minutes from where I currently live, and I didn't have any other offers on the table, so I'll take it.


I was officially hired tonight.  Now comes the fun part.  Setting up my classroom, lesson plans, etc etc for the first time.  Oh, and I don't get paid until August, so anything I want to get for my room comes out of my own pocket right now.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 25 June 2014, 07:40:02
That's no so good, but a job these days is awesome.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 25 June 2014, 12:06:38
I like to imagine you as a submarine Captain.

It's probably all the 'Hunt for Red October' I've been watching.
I wish. I gave up on that a looong time ago. In a year or two I might apply for a Reserve commission.

And there's good odds I'll never go underway again. I kind of miss that.
"Operation Petticoat."
Actually, I like that movie. It's one of the more honest ones. Submarine life is more like that or Down Periscope than a serious one.

AW, congrats on getting a job. I hope you do well enough to keep it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 25 June 2014, 14:59:54
Medicine is more like Scrubs than ER
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 25 June 2014, 18:59:31
'Down Peiscope'! I loved that movie!

Why won't you ever go under way again, boss?

Also, hows the cat?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 25 June 2014, 20:56:27
As for going underway, it's just the way it's set up, and I'm afraid to go onto the ships they now send reservists to, as that class is problematic in survivability.

My cat is just fine. He likes the end of my futon nearest the patio door. I'm putting up pictures of him each day at https://www.facebook.com/NigelTheExShelterCat
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 26 June 2014, 03:17:49
That's a handsome cat.

This is mine, he's called Ville.  Oddly the photo dates from just after all my stuff turned up from England, I see the original Judge Dredd
RPG behind me...and a lot of mess.  It's a lot tidier here now thankfully.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150190835276316&set=pb.624096315.-2207520000.1403770466.&type=3&theater
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 26 June 2014, 07:03:52
Kitty! And a a big one at that!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 26 June 2014, 09:27:49
Well strictly speaking he's a country/farm cat.  We're not short of woodland, fields and other sundry
semi wild spaces around here.  So he's out and about a lot, and as best I can tell he's pretty successful
in hunting.  He's not brought anything in this year, fingers crossed he leaves his catches outdoors this
year.

He's also disturbingly quick for a cat of his size, though even he cannot catch a Hare.  Though that does
not stop him from trying, and you should see the size of those things here.....not small.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 26 June 2014, 13:56:20
You know whats worse than stepping on a dead mouse in the middle of the night?

Stepping on half a dead mouse. >:(

Thanks for the present, kitty. I wish I wasn't talking from experience. Here's hoping he leaves the presents outside.  ;D

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 26 June 2014, 13:58:34
I will admit that this is one advantage to my cats being strictly indoor ones. Not a single one of them has brought me a rodent or bird, yet. They are pretty good at spotting roaches, though. Shame we can't let them kill the damned things themselves.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 26 June 2014, 14:19:14
Dogs have brougt in presents, the occasional squirrel or one of the chickens that escaped from the coop next door and some how made it onto our side of the fence.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 26 June 2014, 19:01:42
I will admit that this is one advantage to my cats being strictly indoor ones. Not a single one of them has brought me a rodent or bird, yet. They are pretty good at spotting roaches, though. Shame we can't let them kill the damned things themselves.
Why not?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 26 June 2014, 19:24:13
We use roach motels to keep 'em under control. Thus, there's a concern that any roach dumb enough that they manage to eat it would be because it was poisoned. I dunno if roach-killing poison is bad for cats, but we're not taking chances.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 26 June 2014, 19:33:46
Quite sensible indeed.  I trust you'll not make a habit of such pronouncements too often, good sir.   ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 26 June 2014, 19:46:10
I need to stop by more often.

Gentlemen, the well wishes are much appreciated.  At 1506 on 10 June, my second son Gordon Arthur was born in the very same hospital room that his older brother was two years earlier.  I'd forgotten how small eight pounds, four ounces and only 19" of baby can be.  Mother, child, and oldest son are currently in various stages of napping.

Dan, I thought in the U.S. we'd call it being induced also but U.S. Army medicine's quirks are legion.
Congrats C6 on the new addition. When it comes to military medicine my mother has quite a few horror stories.

And congrats AW on the new job! GS glad to hear you made it through the gall bladder surgery. That's a rough one.

My own good news is 7 working days until I have my 20 years with the state. Won't get a pension until I'm 60, but <20 years, by so much as a day, means getting it at 65. I am so ready to get out of the place. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 26 June 2014, 21:34:09
Nicely done Boilerman.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 27 June 2014, 13:21:47
It was good timing, that is graduating two months before reaching the 20 year point, but fortuitous nonetheless. If I had stayed on track I would've graduated 2 years ago. I certainly would not have stuck around working for the state, two months on the other hand was a no brainer. When I was negotiating on one job offer the company rep said he probably wouldn't hire me if I didn't finish my 20 years. He said that in his opinion it would've shown very poor judgement to do otherwise.  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 04 July 2014, 11:59:43
So any great plans for the weekend guys. A group of friends and I will hike up a small mountain peak this evening to see the fireworks all across the valley tonight.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 04 July 2014, 12:06:11
I  get to go to work. The joy of working in an industry that is open 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 04 July 2014, 17:28:39
The fourth of July is the day I got married on. It has been 16 years as of today. Taking the wife out for dinner, a festival and fireworks in Schaumburg, IL tonight.

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 04 July 2014, 19:13:00
The fourth of July is the day I got married on. It has been 16 years as of today. Taking the wife out for dinner, a festival and fireworks in Schaumburg, IL tonight.

Force
I hope you don't read this until tomorrow and are having a great anniversary.

Our neighborhood had a children's parade this morning.  Other than that, we've been chasing the toddler and attempting to keep the newborn quiet.  At the moment I'm contemplating a stiff drink before my various neighbors roll out their fireworks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 July 2014, 19:54:59
Fireworks at the high school football stadium tonight.  Hopefully I'll run into folks I want to hang out with, not just sit here on the internet the whole time, lol.  Shouldn't be too hard, there's only around 6,000 people in this town and I know a high percentage of the ones that are likely to come out for fireworks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 04 July 2014, 23:03:56
I was in parade this morning for a congressional candidate, and tonight I went over by the hospital by the river for fireworks. One of the radio stations around here did a sound track for the show.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 05 July 2014, 04:33:32
Oddly enough, I've got a BT game to run.

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 05 July 2014, 17:22:18
The hell you say!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 06 July 2014, 08:36:31
Grats on Anniversaries, and I hope you had a nice 4th July you colonial types you.

The weather has finally turned summery here again, so in true Rorke style I'm indoors
playing PC games.

Some of my CoH2 games lately though, have been true epics.  Pushed by the AI all the way
back to our base, looks like we're doomed.  There's tons of enemy armour coming at us, and
we're swamped.  Until I knock out a Russian IS2, but it's not destroyed.  There's the odd chance
when hitting a tank, that you only knock out the crew.  So I must have spalled the heck out of the
thing, so I run some engineers to it and re-crew.  Two minutes later I'm pushing back at them, and
then my partner in crime manages to also capture another IS2.  Love how a game can swing that
way.  Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 July 2014, 22:18:56
So, this isn't CBT relevant at all, but trolling the trolls is fun.  At least on certain other, rather loosely moderated forums I frequent.  Some people just don't respond well to being told that their opinion is immaterial if the facts disagree.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 11 July 2014, 15:23:24
You couldn't be more wrong, and I have reams of material to prove it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 11 July 2014, 15:26:15
I'm not sure if your joking or not.  How so?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 11 July 2014, 19:43:09
I'm losing my touch.  Yes, I was joking.  I guess my mock-troll is too similar to my normal self for the act to work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 11 July 2014, 20:07:01
See, I suspected as much, but I didn't want to lol and then find out that you were serious.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 11 July 2014, 21:13:39
Yeah, joke's on me though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 July 2014, 06:31:24
"Sarcasm?  We've not had sarcasm 'round these parts since aught five or so."  (wish I could remember what show/movie I was paraphrasing [also, I initial typed 'sacrasm' which I feel like should be a word with a nifty definition]).

Honestly, my assumption is that ALL Kickstarters will take this long. That way if one delivers faster, it's a pleasant surprise.
So to bring this up again, did you see the rage after Palladium's latest update?  570 comments on the update alone because the company decided to sell the base game at Gen Con instead of shipping to backers first and only despite saying the backers were the number one priority.  I'm curious if there are convention provisions to stop protests and angry?

Rorke, I like your spelling rant thread.  As a special for you guys, I shake my head at the officers who when trying to brief the Lightning Carrier technique (F-35B STOVL and LHA-6 USS AMERICA combination) but instead write 'lightening'.  For those who've not experienced labor and delivery, lightening is the movement of baby down the birth canal prior to labor actively starting.

I hope everyone is having a pleasant weekend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 12 July 2014, 13:41:26
Quote
"Sarcasm?  We've not had sarcasm 'round these parts since aught five or so."  (wish I could remember what show/movie I was paraphrasing [also, I initial typed 'sacrasm' which I feel like should be a word with a nifty definition]).

Roxanne, a classic Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah (!) movie.  One of my wifes more favorite oldies. 

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 July 2014, 14:09:12
Roxanne, a classic Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah (!) movie.  One of my wifes more favorite oldies. 

Dav
"Earn more sessions by Sleeving!"  One of my favorites also.  Lack of sleep is throwing me off my game.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 12 July 2014, 17:54:04
Well, I discovered an original 3025 Tech Readout for 8.00 bucks, so yeah, I bought it. Other than a signature that I don`t recognize on the title page, it seems to be in good shape for its age.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 12 July 2014, 19:44:54
Was my Saturday to work. What's usually a nice relaxing day to get caught up on stuff, I had issue after issue. Between our Symantec Database wigging out and a FOIA Act request, my day was one crisis after another.

Now we're relaxing and playing music while the girl plays with her blocks and I'm contemplating building a Filtvelt lance from the new Boxed Set minis and a Merlin I have chilling.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 July 2014, 06:26:46
Spent last night responsible for Rosie's little nephew Felix (19 months old or so) but actually watching Resident Evil Afterlife and GI Joe: Retaliation on her brother's Netflix account
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 13 July 2014, 09:42:00
Spent last night responsible for Rosie's little nephew Felix (19 months old or so) but actually watching Resident Evil Afterlife and GI Joe: Retaliation on her brother's Netflix account
Abigail is 15 months and she spends most of time just playing with her toys and more or less oblivious to what's on TV unless it's music, cartoons or Frozen. We still don't watch, say "Games of Thrones" when she's in the room, but we do have a little more leeway then we will in a few more months when she really starts to pay attention.

Watching the little one get you all excited for having a little one of your own?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 July 2014, 09:43:58
Abigail is 15 months and she spends most of time just playing with her toys and more or less oblivious to what's on TV unless it's music, cartoons or Frozen. We still don't watch, say "Games of Thrones" when she's in the room, but we do have a little more leeway then we will in a few more months when she really starts to pay attention.

Watching the little one get you all excited for having a little one of your own?


He was asleep in bed when I was watching my silly violent films


He has either CeeBeeBees (children's BBC) or NickJnr on a lot of the time but mostly just potters around doing his own thing


Not sure I'm ready for one of my own but Rosie did most (all!) of the work
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 13 July 2014, 09:53:57
I changed one diaper in my entire life before Abigail showed up. You learn QUICK.
Besides you've already been exposed to all kinds of nasty stuff, so there should be no surprises for you there.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 July 2014, 09:57:16
I changed one diaper in my entire life before Abigail showed up. You learn QUICK.
Besides you've already been exposed to all kinds of nasty stuff, so there should be no surprises for you there.


I normally 1) get to wear gloves to deal with that sort of thing and 2) get nurses to do it for me
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 July 2014, 10:37:17
You know what's fun, changing multiple diapers in succession.  At least the toddler is on a bit of a schedule; the infant never really stops so it is like body function roulette.  Oh, the bulging disk in my back flared again after four months of relative quiet so bending over the crib or getting on the floor to change diapers adds another dimension of roulette to the mix.

Good times...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 16 July 2014, 09:15:33
Greetings from Dongguan China. Not for vacation, but work related for two weeks.

For the record, the 16 hour flight from Chicago to Hong Kong is horrible. The three hour drive after that to Dongguan doesn't help either. I left last Thursday at 1PM and arrived in Hong Kong at 6:30 PM Friday. There is a 13 hour time zone change also... Ugh.

The weather is 87+ degrees with 92 to 96% humidity, EVERY DAY. Note to self: Do not go to China in July if you can.

I am sooo looking forward to going to Gen Con.

Force

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 July 2014, 19:00:26
Greetings from Dongguan China. Not for vacation, but work related for two weeks.

For the record, the 16 hour flight from Chicago to Hong Kong is horrible. The three hour drive after that to Dongguan doesn't help either. I left last Thursday at 1PM and arrived in Hong Kong at 6:30 PM Friday. There is a 13 hour time zone change also... Ugh.

The weather is 87+ degrees with 92 to 96% humidity, EVERY DAY. Note to self: Do not go to China in July if you can.

I am sooo looking forward to going to Gen Con.

Force
Safe travels home!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 16 July 2014, 22:00:18
Darn. Makes my travel to Port Hadlock, WA for Annual Training seem like nothing. I'm sure the drivers in China are worse than the ones on I-5.

Also, I'm working in a class for driving a forklift loaded down with ammo.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 16 July 2014, 22:14:57
Darn. Makes my travel to Port Hadlock, WA for Annual Training seem like nothing. I'm sure the drivers in China are worse than the ones on I-5.

Also, I'm working in a class for driving a forklift loaded down with ammo.
No go Boom!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 16 July 2014, 22:27:27
Greetings from Dongguan China. Not for vacation, but work related for two weeks.

For the record, the 16 hour flight from Chicago to Hong Kong is horrible. The three hour drive after that to Dongguan doesn't help either. I left last Thursday at 1PM and arrived in Hong Kong at 6:30 PM Friday. There is a 13 hour time zone change also... Ugh.

The weather is 87+ degrees with 92 to 96% humidity, EVERY DAY. Note to self: Do not go to China in July if you can.

I am sooo looking forward to going to Gen Con.

Force

My folks are going to Shanghai in September for about a month, they have been going to Hong Kong on and off for years now, wish I could have told you to stay away from there during the summer months though it looks like you couldn't do anything about it anyway since work is...well work.  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 17 July 2014, 00:11:15
Hi all. All this talk about children reminds me why I didn't want any. Of course I won't have any family to change my diapers when the dementia kicks in, but I won't care at that point anyway.

On a more positive note my first day at the new job went really well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 July 2014, 18:24:49
No go Boom!
Finished the class this afternoon. I passed, and I will quite possibly never have to drive a forklift in operation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 22 July 2014, 17:46:44
Congratulations, I think hehe.

Been busy playing yet more CoH2 and also on the official forums there.  There's been
a big community issue about one of the games mechanics.  It's been fascinating for me
to watch, and somewhat disturbing too.  So much rage sheesh, I honestly wonder if
some folks act that way in real life too.  I imagine not, or there'd be a lot more people
up on assault charges.

Of course there's always the odd one.  When I was a stores junior manager, I was
asked to speak to a customer by one of my staff.  So I asked him what the matter was
prior to speaking to the customer.  He'd bought a pager (it was the late 90s), and it was
broken.  But not by fault, the thing had been physically abused.    So I talked to the guy
and asked him to repeat his story, and told him after that I couldn't help if he'd ruined it
himself.  At which point he told me that he'd break me, if I told him it was broken by him
again.  At that point I looked around, and every single male member of staff present was
stood right behind me.  The man who cuts slack for folks, is the man who gets his back
covered.  So our angry customer backed down, but refused to leave after being politely
requested to do so.  Calling the Police I tell him, to which he says no problem.  Not wanting
to waste Police time, and being of the mind he was all bluster now.....I called the speaking
clock.  Told the speaking clock that I required help removing a abusive customer, and he was
already halfway out the door.  Ahhhh retail, never again if I can bloody well help it!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 July 2014, 17:50:45
Congratulations, I think hehe.

Been busy playing yet more CoH2 and also on the official forums there.  There's been
a big community issue about one of the games mechanics.  It's been fascinating for me
to watch, and somewhat disturbing too.  So much rage sheesh, I honestly wonder if
some folks act that way in real life too.  I imagine not, or there'd be a lot more people
up on assault charges.

Of course there's always the odd one.  When I was a stores junior manager, I was
asked to speak to a customer by one of my staff.  So I asked him what the matter was
prior to speaking to the customer.  He'd bought a pager (it was the late 90s), and it was
broken.  But not by fault, the thing had been physically abused.    So I talked to the guy
and asked him to repeat his story, and told him after that I couldn't help if he'd ruined it
himself.  At which point he told me that he'd break me, if I told him it was broken by him
again.  At that point I looked around, and every single male member of staff present was
stood right behind me.  The man who cuts slack for folks, is the man who gets his back
covered.  So our angry customer backed down, but refused to leave after being politely
requested to do so.  Calling the Police I tell him, to which he says no problem.  Not wanting
to waste Police time, and being of the mind he was all bluster now.....I called the speaking
clock.  Told the speaking clock that I required help removing a abusive customer, and he was
already halfway out the door.  Ahhhh retail, never again if I can bloody well help it!


I've had to call real police to sort out some violent or threatening violence patients... most satisfying when you get the SWAT-wannabe Armed Response Unit for Dorset turning up as bored as some little **** is threatening me and the Sister in Charge


Also the security at King's College Hospital were good in a tight spot and understood someone was in pain and confused but also a large lad and rather strong so needed pinning down to get the sleepy medicine into him
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 22 July 2014, 22:58:43
Well, I've been actually driving forklifts at work today and yesterday.

Moving loading guides for VLS and JDAM electronics kits, mostly.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 01 August 2014, 18:20:02
We're being a busy bunch again it seems.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 August 2014, 19:40:54
We're being a busy bunch again it seems.
Or just anti-social.  If my welcome home from the work week had been more welcoming I might have beaten you to the punch with this e-mail.

How is everyone's weekend looking?  We decided to skip Brickfair (a Lego convention) this year because the kids are quite manageable where strollers aren't allowed yet.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 02 August 2014, 14:15:15
We all need a wee little "me" time from time to time.  Hermit mode as I like to
call it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 August 2014, 12:00:22
Just back from a week away with limited internet access - a week in Buxton in the Peak District and then a wedding in York
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 03 August 2014, 21:19:31
Those sound like made-up places.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 04 August 2014, 00:23:09
I believe in second-hand verification at the most in order to believe a place exists. If a believable source can tell me they've seen a location with their own eyes, I'll believe them. But none of this friend-of-a-friend-of-an-ancestor crap. To this day, I'm unconvinced of the reality of Austria.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 04 August 2014, 13:08:05
You're not alone.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 August 2014, 14:41:04
Those sound like made-up places.


So, you'd believe in a New York but not the original York?!


The Peak District is in what people like me think of as the Midlands officially so we ignore it for the most part but I have been captivated by how beautiful it is as an area and it is closer to me in London by several hours than the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales


Weirdly a lot of the place names seem to have been used by JK Rowling for surnames in the Harry Potter books
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 04 August 2014, 15:32:56
So, you'd believe in a New York but not the original York?!

I make an exception for that, simply because I know humans aren't imaginative enough to name something 'New X' if the original 'X' didn't already exist.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 August 2014, 16:10:42
There's a Buxton in Maine
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 August 2014, 16:22:13
I believe in second-hand verification at the most in order to believe a place exists. If a believable source can tell me they've seen a location with their own eyes, I'll believe them. But none of this friend-of-a-friend-of-an-ancestor crap. To this day, I'm unconvinced of the reality of Austria.


There's a town in Austria I'm not convinced of the existence of, but the censortron won't let me type its name.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 04 August 2014, 16:28:58
I've heard of it, yes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 August 2014, 14:46:26
Buxton?  Nice little town that, my Dad used to take me when I was visiting him.

Not as nice as Glossop mind, though that's primarily down to the astonishingly
pretty hills around it.

York is a nice town too, though it's been a very long time.  I remember one time
listening to a early REM record on my Walkman....while my Dad was inside the
Minster listening to choral evensong.  Of course when that was over, we had a
good couple of pints before the train back to Manchester.

I can't listen to some songs now, without thinking back to times that they're linked
to.  A heartening thing in my opinion.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 07 August 2014, 15:32:18
Gah.  <Rant>  Some people are currently living only because it is a crime to do them serious bodily harm. </Rant> 

Thank god for three day weekends....

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 08 August 2014, 00:17:23
That's why the two sweetest words in the English language are "justifiable" and "homicide."
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 August 2014, 11:13:38
That's why the two sweetest words in the English language are "justifiable" and "homicide."
I thought the four sweetest are "Pay to the order of" followed by one's name.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 08 August 2014, 21:18:01
Buxton?  Nice little town that, my Dad used to take me when I was visiting him.

Not as nice as Glossop mind, though that's primarily down to the astonishingly
pretty hills around it.

York is a nice town too, though it's been a very long time.  I remember one time
listening to a early REM record on my Walkman....while my Dad was inside the
Minster listening to choral evensong.  Of course when that was over, we had a
good couple of pints before the train back to Manchester.

I can't listen to some songs now, without thinking back to times that they're linked
to.  A heartening thing in my opinion.

To quote the sublime Clint Black: "Ain't it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?"
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 August 2014, 20:22:43
To quote the sublime Clint Black: "Ain't it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?"
...or a movie or a quote.  Not to drag an Off Topic thread down here but I convinced my eldest to say "na-nu, na-nu" amidst his rambling toddler talk before bed tonight.  Robin Williams rarely failed to make me laugh and I'm glad he helped my son do the same to me.

I hope you all are well.  Enjoy Gen Con if you are going.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 August 2014, 19:22:58
Two days of school down and I haven't murdered any younglings yet.  Coming to appreciate the experience of veteran teachers more each day though, they're way more prepared than I am.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 20 August 2014, 10:08:52
That's good. My final year of classes starts next week. I'll be glad to be done.

Also, do you have someone assigned as a mentor? My girlfriend is a music teacher, and said her year in rural North Dakota would have been much better if she had talked to the music teacher in the next town over.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 21 August 2014, 03:31:02
I had a similar thing with other nearby branches of my store, back then.

I made it my business to know my direct equivalents in those nearby towns,
and do them what favours I could with stock.  Then when I needed advice or
a favour, I was already covered.  Also so were they hehe.

Today I'm happy, managed to get myself funded for the final course that I've
wanted to study.  So another 9-10 months of Swedish lies ahead of me.  To
some degree I forget sometimes, how damn good I am at convincing people
that my interests are theirs.  I often don't think I'm especially good at much,
until I have to get something like that done.

Thankfully though I've made some really good progress language wise, in the
last course I was on.  I couldn't be lazy and use English so much, when half the
class were Afghan.  They were real nice folks too, some of them likely I'll be
studying with again.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 August 2014, 19:18:59
Eight days?  I hope you gentlemen are starting a fine weekend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 30 August 2014, 03:42:39
I have a lot of homework to do and also need to cover myself in ice water for charity  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 30 August 2014, 08:32:07
a link to me getting myself wet

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152642486965874&l=44261746690322294


apparently you don't have to join Facebook to view it


warning, naughty grown up language used
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 August 2014, 19:25:23
a link to me getting myself wet

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152642486965874&l=44261746690322294


apparently you don't have to join Facebook to view it


warning, naughty grown up language used
Good job Dan.  Nice job challenging the wife.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 September 2014, 15:26:18
Good job Dan.  Nice job challenging the wife.



I wonder if I can post a link to her video...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 September 2014, 19:27:23

I wonder if I can post a link to her video...
Do it, my friend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 02 September 2014, 16:21:27
Do it, my friend.


Sadly it seems I can't


You'll just have to join and find me (and Rosie) to befriend  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 03 September 2014, 19:52:21

Sadly it seems I can't


You'll just have to join and find me (and Rosie) to befriend  :)
Can't...face...the...book.  Must resist...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 03 September 2014, 20:58:27
Can't...face...the...book.  Must resist...
But it has cookies! Literately, it will track your every-move!

BTW C6, you do Artillery in the Marines, right?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 September 2014, 00:59:58
Can't...face...the...book.  Must resist...


Resistance is futile!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 04 September 2014, 16:10:58
School started last week for me. I'm rather tired.

Government and non-profit accounting, Personal Tax, Auditing, Business Law, and Fraud and Forensic Accounting.  #P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 04 September 2014, 19:12:58
Resistance is futile!
I keep hearing that.
But it has cookies! Literately, it will track your every-move!

BTW C6, you do Artillery in the Marines, right?
Oooh, I like cookies.
I do more planning than artillery these days.  What's up?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 04 September 2014, 22:48:21
Oh just curious if you did self-propelled or, uh, fixed? Towed? Not sure what the technical designation for 'not on tracks' is... Which proves my point of not knowing nearly as much about Artillery as I do about other boomy stuff.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2014, 01:18:32
I keep hearing that.Oooh, I like cookies.
I do more planning than artillery these days.  What's up?


Artillery needs planning or it's just dangerous!


Also, FB doesn't have to be all-consuming... Just because I'm a lost cause in terms of trying to get me off!


Oh just curious if you did self-propelled or, uh, fixed? Towed? Not sure what the technical designation for 'not on tracks' is... Which proves my point of not knowing nearly as much about Artillery as I do about other boomy stuff.


I think the term is towed and from memory of Wikipedia (ha!) the USMC doesn't have any self propelled field artillery just self propelled air support and naval guns (I'd hope a Destroyer's 5" gun counts as "self-propelled"!)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2014, 13:56:39
I'm doing the single Dad thing for today and tomorrow while the wife attends a memorial service so this answer might be disjointed.  Apologies.

In short, between '91 and '95, when I came in, the Marine Corps divested itself of all self-propelled (SP) systems as they were more cumbersome for embarkation than they were effective for fire support.

Currently, Marine Artillery is towed howitzers (155mm M777A2) and towed mortars (120mm M327 rifled mortar) as well as wheeled rocket (M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System [HIMARS]).  A key indicator as to why I won't have an artillery battalion to command one day is the fact that I was a towed M198 battery commander and when I was the S-3 for 10th Marines our M327s were deployed and we had no rockets.

As to Dan's point regarding aviation and Naval Gunfire:  the former get irritated when called air artillery and I can see their point while the latter is terribly ineffective in terms of volume of fire and range.  In amphibious operations, while the "King (of Battle) don't swim," the Navy has embraced "a ship is a fool to fight a fort" as if it were gospel.

Crap, the youngest just woke up after another short nap.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2014, 15:45:24
I intend to revise my "safe sedation" course before we have small people


Thinking about USMC air support, I still find it weird that from my not huge cohort of FB friends from school (and this is school in London, England) one is a USMC Cobra pilot and another is married to a Marine Sergeant (I think) in San Diego


In unrelated news, my attempts to join the British Army are going at a pace which makes NHS bureaucracy seem speedy and efficient  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 05 September 2014, 18:54:21
Dan: No news is good news?

C6: Thank you! I'm way more enlightened now. I would have assumed the Marines had SPA due to the fact that your fighting style is perceived as more mobile. However, embarkation makes quite a bit of sense.
I had no idea the HIMARS even existed! I'm ashamed...

My next nerd question because I'm all about airbrushing camo now, is what color scheme is everything? Desert Sand ? NATO?

And Abigail has finally started consistently sleeping through the night (ignoring an aberration on Tuesday). The constant barrage of "When are you having another?" is starting to reach a fevered pitch.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2014, 19:58:56
greatsarcasmo: people keep asking us when we're going to add a girl to our two boys.  I respond by saying that I'm scheduling my vasectomy after my next dental appointment....which is funnier if you know Navy Medicine.  Nerd might get it.

In my opinion, SPA is quicker to transition from travel to firing and back again, a handy trait mind you.  Also, a tracked SPA can cross obstacles more readily than a prime mover and towed howitzer.  The blinkered types like to point to the M1A1s mobility as the reason to have SPA.  I point out that a) what howitzer is built on the M1A? chassis, b) what USMC infantry carrier can keep pace (the AAV can't), c) doesn't the infantry have infantry-stuff to rather than 0-60 demonstrations, d) since when does an howitzer section need to cross obstacles that combat engineers haven't reduced and e) I spent a lot of time waiting on 1st Bn, 2d Marines to get its mechanized act together back in '03 so I'm personally not impressed.

I really enjoyed pointing most of that out to an Artillery Col last year.  More evidence.

Color?  That's tricky.  Home station for some units (East Coast, not sure of Pacific units) is still woodland, some of the Maritime Pre-positioning Forces (MPF) is desert.  Really, it adds to the gypsy caravan look we aspire towards.

Dan:  I've found Cobra pilots, and Sergeants, to be good people to know.  Generally, them and Harrier guys tend to have their crap in a low number of sacks.  On the military gig, while patience is a virtue remember that patiently tilting at windmills is merely self-entertaining.  Don't let others dictate your career, you've deeper potential than most folks.

Nearly 2100 local and both children are quiet.  Yahtzee.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 September 2014, 00:15:50
Well, my job's gotten a whole lot harder lately.  Principal told me 1) not to assign reading because kids probably won't do it, and if they do they probably won't comprehend it (and why are we using these textbooks again?) and 2) not to lecture.  How in the hell do you teach world history without assigning reading or lecturing?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 07 September 2014, 01:08:16
And this is why the State of Arkansas ranks at or near the bottom education in the USA. Your competition being Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. I feel sorry for you AW. I really do.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 07 September 2014, 01:09:56
Well, my job's gotten a whole lot harder lately.  Principal told me 1) not to assign reading because kids probably won't do it, and if they do they probably won't comprehend it (and why are we using these textbooks again?) and 2) not to lecture.  How in the hell do you teach world history without assigning reading or lecturing?

Tell him he has three options: Reading, lectures, long-distance school-funded field trips, and tell-all interviews with the local newspaper. Each day must include at least two of those options.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 September 2014, 06:56:05
Tell him he has three options: Reading, lectures, long-distance school-funded field trips, and tell-all interviews with the local newspaper. Each day must include at least two of those options.
Alternatively, tell him to put in writing.  Then fire a copy to the board of education and a newspaper or two.

EDIT:  Clearly, Weirdo and I are off-base.  No one reads there, find a TV station...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 September 2014, 12:17:00
I mean, I get what they're trying to do.  They want things more project-based, get the kids engaged, don't have them just sitting there listening to the teacher talk.  But that's of only limited use when you're teach about Paleolithic humanity.  I'm pretty sure they won't fund and would frown on a staged bison hunt with atlatls, or making our own flint arrowheads.  lol

If it was a science class projects would be more common.  If it was math or even English, I could give practice problems and have them learn by doing.  But history is basically storytelling, and they can't learn unless someone is telling the stories.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 September 2014, 15:27:24
That does suck, AW.

Really, the stories part of history would get kids involved.

Although a staged bison hunt would get the kids engaged. If you're ever up as far north as me, there is the Jeffers Petorglyphs, where they do demonstrate how to use an atlatl.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 September 2014, 15:28:50
When I saw Nerd had posted I was worried he was going to share a story about nearly providing naval "gunfire" support from an SSBN!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 07 September 2014, 15:49:41
re-enactors?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 September 2014, 20:03:15
When I saw Nerd had posted I was worried he was going to share a story about nearly providing naval "gunfire" support from an SSBN!
That was test FRIGATE BIRD from Operation Dominic.  ^-^

And really, nobody has good plans for NGFS these days. If the US Navy was serious, they would have put the 8"/55 Mk 71 Major Caliber Lightweight Gun system into production back in the 1970's.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 September 2014, 19:51:35
That was test FRIGATE BIRD from Operation Dominic.  ^-^

And really, nobody has good plans for NGFS these days. If the US Navy was serious, they would have put the 8"/55 Mk 71 Major Caliber Lightweight Gun system into production back in the 1970's.
Wow, outside of my old man I didn't think anyone knew about that 8" program.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 September 2014, 23:09:29
Well, I resigned today.  Back to substituting for a while, see if I can find a job in a district that isn't quite so overeager to jump at the latest and prettiest-sounding new ideas in the field.  I teach the way I know works.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 09 September 2014, 02:01:32
Sorry to hear that, AW. If the Admistrator doesn't want his charges, the students, to learn and you do, a line has to be drwan somewhere and a stand has to be made. Not open for discussion due to Rule #4, but has Arkansas gone the Common Core route?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 September 2014, 09:56:22
Moving that way, though it's really only implemented in math and English right now.  The rest of us are supposed to be emphasizing reading and writing to assist English, but social studies isn't yet operating directly from the Common Core standards.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 September 2014, 17:16:06

Well, I resigned today.  Back to substituting for a while, see if I can find a job in a district that isn't quite so overeager to jump at the latest and prettiest-sounding new ideas in the field.  I teach the way I know works.

That sucks AW


Wow, outside of my old man I didn't think anyone knew about that 8" program.


I want to see the use of shared artillery with the 155mm (6"-6.1") for ship's guns as it seems crazy to have the artillery being developed in parallel for naval and land use even if there are a lot of differences to contend with


This may be a problem to pick the brains of a friendly RN Weapons Systems Engineer about regarding what the real problem(s) are
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 September 2014, 18:23:05

I want to see the use of shared artillery with the 155mm (6"-6.1") for ship's guns as it seems crazy to have the artillery being developed in parallel for naval and land use even if there are a lot of differences to contend with


This may be a problem to pick the brains of a friendly RN Weapons Systems Engineer about regarding what the real problem(s) are
Among other issues, it's a difference in role. Naval guns are mostly Dual Purpose for both AA and surface targets. While you shouldn't expect to use one at all. While army gun/howitzers are pretty much single purpose (surface only). The new BAE 6.1" Advanced Gun System is a single purpose system, lacking even a modicum of a Armor-Piercing type shell.

Actually, the Italians have developed a way for their 76mm compact to work as both a tradtional mount and as a CIWS type system.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 September 2014, 18:39:28
The new BAE 6.1" Advanced Gun System is a single purpose system, lacking even a modicum of a Armor-Piercing type shell.

No alternate munitions? Don't they know how much fun they're missing out on? :'(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 September 2014, 20:24:29
AW, I'm sorry to hear about your decision.  Good luck in finding a place for what you want to do.


As to the Naval Surface Fire Support discussion, there's a whole lot I don't know about how the system is coming together.  The problem I think stems from a mindset that prevents development of single purpose platforms.  As a big destroyer, having two MSRI capable long range turrets is nice, the 80 cell VLS gives you plenty of anti-ship and deep land attack capability.  Frankly, the best platform for anti-small boat swarm is a system of helicopters working with ships and fixed wing aircraft.
 
As a planner, and an artilleryman, I know that artillery battalions kill things so a ship with two guns that function as two batteries isn't quite enough.  A battalion can break a counterattack as it starts but not having that mass of fires increases risk.  Given the battlespace involved in a landing, it is hard to put two ships in place that can mutually support one another in providing fires to forces ashore.  For me, a four gun ship is closer to correct and having a number of those ships equal to Marine Regiments isn't a bad call.  However, that requires investment in a single purpose platform which isn't in vogue.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 September 2014, 20:49:55
No alternate munitions? Don't they know how much fun they're missing out on? :'(
Trust me, I know!

If they upgunned the LCS to having a 76mm over the existing 57mm popgun, I'd be putting in for a billet with one of their reserve units.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 September 2014, 21:47:25
A shallows-capable ship with a decent support gun, small-infantry capacity, and the ammo types to support said infantry through a variety of situations...the things you could do with that... [drool]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 September 2014, 23:17:03
A shallows-capable ship with a decent support gun, small-infantry capacity, and the ammo types to support said infantry through a variety of situations...the things you could do with that... [drool]
I like being able to take a round or two myself.

Damage Control: it's not fun or particularly sexy, but it means the ship will stay afloat long enough to get you home.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 September 2014, 23:21:03
There is that, yes.

I suppose there's very real practical and engineering reasons why a vessel can't be made small and durable at the same time. A lack of damage control crews comes to mind, for starters.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 September 2014, 01:42:46
I think the question of how to armour a ship goes back to Dreadnought days and the most recent concept I know of for warship armour is "all or nothing" - the problem is that to armour heavily enough to achieve "all" against a decent sized anti-ship missile is just about impossible. For this reason, warships are no longer significantly armoured but have active defences instead (CIWS, decoys etc) and you almost hope that the missile or bomb will fail to detonate against such weak protection if you are a tincan and the missile was designed to cripple a Nimitz-class. To what extent would you partially armour your close support warship? 155mm shell splinters? Even Hamas can fire an anti-ship missile from the shore into an Israeli corvette (which the corvette survived by being too small as above). It seems from NATO decisions to upscale artillery since WW2 that a 57mm or 76mm gun isn't enough and even the 5"/4.5" may not give enough power/shell which may not be compensated for by increased rate
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 19 September 2014, 20:08:14
Gentlemen,

It has been nine days, how are you all doing?  Well I hope.

S/F

Matt 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 19 September 2014, 20:13:26
Indeed. Went on a couple day trip to Wisconsin Dells (it's a 2.5 hour drive for us). It's the off-season so it was slow, but was perfect for us to take the little one on her first trip. Her first time sleeping in the bed which was a lot of fun.

Otherwise just working and stuff.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 September 2014, 10:57:49
I just got back from the DragonDaze convention - I didn't get to play any games (I wasn't in company that wanted to do that) but I had a great time pottering around, shopping, and watching games. It was great to be able to chat with the guys playing BattleTech there, who said that there'd been a lot of people wandering up who remembered BattleTech and had played it before.

I suspect tomorrow will involve me putting off the housework as long as possible and spending a fair amount of time playing the AtB campaign in MekHQ.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 20 September 2014, 20:43:40
The wife and I left our boys with my parents for the morning and went to The National Gallery of Art for the Degas and Cassatt exhibit.  I actually learned some art stuff...fancy that.  Following that I had a superb steak and egg brunch with the wife in celebration of the nearly eight anniversary engagement: same restaurant and even booth.  Nice to get out of the house for a bit and being this close to the District of Columbia is so worth while.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 September 2014, 09:30:02
I've just spent a week in Rome and a place called Torre Del Lago in Tuscany hence less activity here (although I did have enough internet access to upload a lot of photos as I went!) - here's a link!


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152675914675874&type=1&l=9b297d3aac (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152675914675874&type=1&l=9b297d3aac)


Now home and catching up on admin/laundry  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 September 2014, 19:44:14
I've just spent a week in Rome and a place called Torre Del Lago in Tuscany hence less activity here (although I did have enough internet access to upload a lot of photos as I went!) - here's a link!


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152675914675874&type=1&l=9b297d3aac (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152675914675874&type=1&l=9b297d3aac)


Now home and catching up on admin/laundry  :-\
Get that laundry done.  It looked like you and Rosie had a great time.  The almond prawn dish looked fantastic.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 22 September 2014, 10:29:25
I am just getting moved back in after having my apt. sprayed for bed bugs.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 24 September 2014, 23:08:18
Well, I resigned today.  Back to substituting for a while, see if I can find a job in a district that isn't quite so overeager to jump at the latest and prettiest-sounding new ideas in the field.  I teach the way I know works.

I am sorry to hear of your troubles. And honestly I agree. People have taught history for centuries, and it is not the same as math or science. It should not be taught as such. Nor should it be just English lite. It is a story, and it takes listening to understand its lessons. Unfortunately, the perceived wizards of teaching  from their marble buildings will not realize until its too late that they are wrong about how it should be taught.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 28 September 2014, 21:21:07
Hey folks!

I just got back up from up around the Paternal Old Home, known as Minnesota's North Shore. Good for a change, but it was like half the state was up North for the weekend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Crunch on 08 October 2014, 08:07:52
Poking my head in to wave and let people know I'm lurking around. Hey y'all.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 08 October 2014, 19:46:36
Me too, I guess.  It's come to that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 October 2014, 20:40:48
Hey y'all.  Still hanging around, looking for work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 08 October 2014, 21:09:35
Hopefully things will start looking up for you, man and soon. I know the feeling since this year had me doing all sorts of stuff to keep a regular paycheck going. Fortunately though things are definitely looking up with my last new job and I hope you get success in your job search as well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 09 October 2014, 06:31:43
Me too, I guess.  It's come to that.

Reckon you're right.

I'm a bit more active here, when there's something actually happening in the game universe.  But
currently there isn't. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Crunch on 09 October 2014, 07:49:01
Hopefully things will start looking up for you, man and soon. I know the feeling since this year had me doing all sorts of stuff to keep a regular paycheck going. Fortunately though things are definitely looking up with my last new job and I hope you get success in your job search as well.

This is the year I graduated from Grad School, changed careers, and actually literally got hit by a train. It's been one for the books. Good luck to all.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 October 2014, 13:05:43
Recently changed jobs
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 09 October 2014, 21:59:06
I just started working as manager of my own little gas kiosk today.  My shift out by about $1,000  :-[
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 10 October 2014, 17:58:25
I'm ears deep in my job, I like it quite a bit, but there are some interpersonal conflicts that are frustrating me.  But, I like most of the people I work with, mot of the people I work for, and the work I am doing.  first time in twenty five years I can say that.

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 12 October 2014, 14:39:10
This is the year I graduated from Grad School, changed careers, and actually literally got hit by a train. It's been one for the books. Good luck to all.

Hopefully less trains at the least for you, Crunch. Ouch. I once had a driver's instructor who talked about  we i.e. Texans having an odd fascination with getting hit by locomotives.  However, congrats on graduating from Grad School and changing careers.

And everything seems fine at my current job. Pay could be better, but I like what I do most of the time.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Crunch on 13 October 2014, 09:45:31
Hopefully less trains at the least for you, Crunch. Ouch. I once had a driver's instructor who talked about  we i.e. Texans having an odd fascination with getting hit by locomotives.  However, congrats on graduating from Grad School and changing careers.

Thanks. I was actually on foot at the time I was hit. I don't remember any of it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 14 October 2014, 23:57:15
Hey y'all.  Still hanging around, looking for work.

Makes two of us looking for work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 October 2014, 14:48:55
A week?!


A disgrace!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 22 October 2014, 20:00:54
A week?!


A disgrace!
Hear, hear!!  Wait?

How's the new job, my friend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 23 October 2014, 00:48:57
Hear, hear!!  Wait?

How's the new job, my friend.


New job is good but involves an earlier start than my last job and a combination of bad luck and swaps has left me feeling pretty run ragged and sadly I have a lot to do this weekend too...


Hopefully November should be more restful!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 October 2014, 20:25:18

New job is good but involves an earlier start than my last job and a combination of bad luck and swaps has left me feeling pretty run ragged and sadly I have a lot to do this weekend too...


Hopefully November should be more restful!
Both kids are getting over ear infections, I hope.  At least the baby isn't screaming randomly in pain.  Also, I unofficially told the Marine Corps that I'll be retiring in the summer of 2016.  So there's that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 24 October 2014, 21:25:09
Also, I unofficially told the Marine Corps that I'll be retiring in the summer of 2016.  So there's that.

How are they taking the news?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 25 October 2014, 00:56:23
Both kids are getting over ear infections, I hope.  At least the baby isn't screaming randomly in pain.  Also, I unofficially told the Marine Corps that I'll be retiring in the summer of 2016.  So there's that.

Have you got your twenty in? Or is it just that time? I am interested since my Dad did 21 years before retiring but some of his friends didn't for various reasons. Everyone is different.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 25 October 2014, 04:29:57
That's going to be a big change Matt, I hope the transition goes well but remain convinced there is a great opportunity for management consultancy work using your USMC leadership and management skills as the obsession, in medicine at least, in airline ways of doing things is too limited and we already stole SBAR for communication. This feeling was reinforced by my understanding ofhow you train to do things from reading Chris Hadfield's book "An Astronauts Guide To Life On Earth" (also a great book to read generally).


I've now finished my run of being very very busy and so am now probably merely busy!


My fortnight of work has now culminated with an assessment meeting yesterday where I was told I'm two tiny assessments away from being completely signed off as a stroke physician (after my Fellowship year) when I complete the rest of my training (expected to be two years away).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 October 2014, 06:51:27
How are they taking the news?
Somewhere along the spectrum of "good riddance to meh to darn it".  In January I'll go into admin where a LCpl will plot out my last few months.  Right now I'm thinking 1 July being transferred to the retired list at 21 years and a month or so.

But it also, "just that time".  I'll be in zone for Col '16 or '17 and without a Bn command I'd be 98% likely to be passed over for promotion twice.  I only know of three guys that were selected without one and they are life long staff officers.  I'd rather leave on my terms than someone else's.  Besides two kids under three and a new house in a place I want to live are solid reasons to stop gallivanting about the world.  I could stick around until 28 but we'd be forced to move a few times and I would be subject to separations boards.

As to what I'll do, a recent retiree gave me two pieces of advice.  First, you'll be hired by someone who knows you or of you.  Second, stay in your lane and do what you know.  Without teaching experience I'm not going to be a four year university professor right out the gate.  So a planning job it will likely be.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 25 October 2014, 13:32:02
Good luck!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 October 2014, 20:14:25
Good luck!
Thanks.  When I 'drop papers' in January I'll still have another year and a half on active duty.  Perhaps this is the time to do something about the perception that I'm a cynic.  Yeah, that might help the job search.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 29 October 2014, 20:31:25
Quote
Perhaps this is the time to do something about the perception that I'm a cynic.

I would not try to hard.  Even after my dad left the Police after 27 years, it only got worse
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 November 2014, 14:03:43
I would not try to hard.  Even after my dad left the Police after 27 years, it only got worse
That's what I'm afraid of happening.  Incidentally, I was contemplating heading north to support you in the true RCT thread but the responses ventured away from the collegiate tenor I favor.  Good example with the Royal Regt of Canadian Artillery.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 03 November 2014, 20:42:12
I'm looking forward to tomorrow night at 8 PM local.

The election madness will be over.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 03 November 2014, 21:07:09
For you, maybe...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 03 November 2014, 21:42:43
For you, maybe...
Poor, poor GIS  zombies...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 03 November 2014, 22:13:05
Eh, I see it as just one stepping stone of my evil plan.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 03 November 2014, 22:42:57
I'm looking forward to tomorrow night at 8 PM local.

The election madness will be over.

In the words of Simon Furman, it's never over.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 04 November 2014, 02:01:46
Yep, the end of one cycle just means the beginning of another one
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 04 November 2014, 20:00:41
That's what I'm afraid of happening.  Incidentally, I was contemplating heading north to support you in the true RCT thread but the responses ventured away from the collegiate tenor I favor.  Good example with the Royal Regt of Canadian Artillery.

Thanks. Even just moral support is always welcome.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 November 2014, 21:25:20
Thanks. Even just moral support is always welcome.
Unfortunately, I've tilted at the windmill of regiments vs. brigades to include the combat teams thereunto pertaining far too many times.  It is one of those, "if you don't get it, you don't get it," type of things (with apologies to the Washington Post and their current ad campaign).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 06 November 2014, 20:59:00
Pretty much why my long planned FedSuns Planetary Militia will be a brigade of four combat battalions, artillery battalion, support battalion, and HQ (about battalion strength).

And then setting up a wet navy militia based on my reserve commitment.  :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 November 2014, 16:12:02
Pretty much why my long planned FedSuns Planetary Militia will be a brigade of four combat battalions, artillery battalion, support battalion, and HQ (about battalion strength).
Ah a man that gets it.
Quote
And then setting up a wet navy militia based on my reserve commitment.  :D
What, pray tell, would it do?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 November 2014, 16:46:47
Well, there would be Construction, Security, Supply, Medical, Repair, Intelligence, and Command Sections. And a small ship or two.

We're supplying LCS crew types, so I don't feel as bad for having that group in there.

As for the set up for the Planetary Militia, I'm borrowing from GURPS Traveller: Ground Forces for the organization above the company level.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 November 2014, 17:31:16
You're not going to base the militia primarily on Boomers?   :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 November 2014, 20:07:19
I have trouble seeing any Space Craft manned similarly to a submarine.

They all have too much space.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 November 2014, 20:12:17
Final frontier or elbow room?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 November 2014, 22:42:31
Elbow room. The average DropShip has a density similar to liquid hydrogen.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 12 November 2014, 22:01:42
And it caries a lot of liquid hydrogen. I bet they get to shower more as well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 13 November 2014, 09:15:28
I could take a Navy Shower every day. On occasion, they'd allow traditional showers if they'd . I'm wondering about the Reverse Osmosis units and potable water production though...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 13 November 2014, 22:15:10
Probably a part of or works along side Hydroponics
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 November 2014, 06:01:31
I could take a Navy Shower every day. On occasion, they'd allow traditional showers if they'd . I'm wondering about the Reverse Osmosis units and potable water production though...
One of the benefits of amphibs, lots of water production. While not a traditional shower it sure beat wet wipes in the field.

Anyone have big plans for the weekend?  Here, potty training starts in earnest today.  Hooray, parenting.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 November 2014, 10:22:15
This evening: 10 year anniversary of leaving medical school reunion
Tomorrow: posh lunch for my Mum's 65th birthday
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 November 2014, 10:40:37
This evening: 10 year anniversary of leaving medical school reunion
Tomorrow: posh lunch for my Mum's 65th birthday
Much better plan than mine. Have fun my friend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 November 2014, 10:43:38
and just had lunch with friends, their two year old and discovered they have a 19 week bump!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 November 2014, 10:55:58
and just had lunch with friends, their two year old and discovered they have a 19 week bump!
I've resembled that remark. I'm watching my pair roll on the floor while the wife runs to the pharmacy. High stress around here I tell you.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 16 November 2014, 21:31:41
I was down playing Navy.

So I went into a department store yesterday evening (girlfriend was having fun with her friends), and since I'm looking at new dress shoes and a good pair of boots, I saw they were selling the brand that's the majority of military boots and shoes over here.

And it was a model that I'm rather surprised to see, since it was removed from use when they changed the Navy's uniforms.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 November 2014, 02:36:17
Old stock or still being made for civilian market?


Today I need to mostly be writing a Masters dissertation proposal but have an appointment with my doctor to do paperwork for my attempts to join the Army... because my application has dragged on so long that my last set of paperwork "expired". I haven't been to see the doctor since my last set of paperwork. Farcical.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 November 2014, 14:41:17
Being made for the civilian market. I just might get a pair for myself at some point.

I'm starting my commission application soon. I finish my degree in May.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 November 2014, 14:52:49
I'm going for PQO commission - Professionally Qualified Officer


I think I'd start as a Major once training complete but no one will mistake me for a "real" officer fortunately
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 November 2014, 18:37:16
Pretty much.

There's a Hospital Corpsman at the center I've gotten to know since he was at the same University as me for a while. He complains about how bad the doctors are as officers, and that what they need is someone who knows Navy stuff in that unit as an officer.

I had to tell one that his ribbons were backwards.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 November 2014, 20:05:34
I had to tell one that his ribbons were backwards.
Awesome.  Good luck with your commissioning package.  Both you and Dan.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 17 November 2014, 21:31:14
Agreed, good luck!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 November 2014, 13:43:53
So how has everyone's last two weeks been?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 30 November 2014, 13:46:09
I took some holiday time... and managed to write a Masters Dissertation Plan in 3 days flat, followed by an actual trip away (to Exeter in Devon) which was nice but filled with seeing friends with small people, followed by a brain-crushingly-intensive 3 day Masters module (same Medical Leadership MSc)


Going back to work almost felt like a holiday!


How's everyone else?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 30 November 2014, 18:27:14
Spent the weekend with my girlfriend.

We did Thanksgiving Brunch with my parents, dinner with portions of her extended family, where I know nobody (both sides of hers are large Catholic farm families). Black Friday was spent being lazy. Yesterday we did pictures at her folks place with cats, and mine is a horrible traveler (meowing the whole way)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 30 November 2014, 22:19:13
BS at work. Happy times with the little one.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 01 December 2014, 13:00:58
Done some job interviews, waiting for a call back.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 01 December 2014, 20:34:36
Made it through Thanksgiving without thumping my Mother in Law....so, thats a good thing....

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 01 December 2014, 22:22:45
Learned that when cold medicine labels tell you not to mix with alcohol, they mean it. Glad I didn't have to go anywhere tonight anyway...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 December 2014, 18:19:55
We had to cancel Thanksgiving because my wife and kids got sick. Most disappointing ten days off I've had. Now I've whatever ailed them and I'm back at work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 02 December 2014, 18:42:54
That sucks


Get well soon
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 December 2014, 21:34:25
Thanks and yup it sure does.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: FedSunsBorn on 07 December 2014, 03:46:11
With the people in my house, we each pass it to the next person after a period of time. The last person knows whats coming but nothing he/she does seems to prevent catching something after the next person gets better. Thankfully just mild stuff but it has been predictable enough for all of us to comment on it from time to time.

So behind on Christmas shopping and things in general this year....next week should bring me back up to speed...I hope.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 December 2014, 05:26:04
On Friday my wife had her viva (I think it might be called a defence in the US?) of her professional doctorate... and passed with an unheard of "no corrections"


Somewhat stunned
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 December 2014, 14:30:17
Yes, that's what we call it.  What is hers in?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 December 2014, 14:34:19
Health Psychology
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 December 2014, 14:35:09
...Somewhat stunned
Is she stunned because for your sake, I hope you didn't lead with that comment.

I start my retirement seminar tomorrow.  Neat fact, all US service members are excused from duty during and for 12 hours on either side of their separation seminars.  I may have to do this again next year (actually recommended by some).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 December 2014, 14:45:26
She expected at least 6 months of "corrections" work after the viva, it's being given a complete pass that is essentially unheard of


Hope retirement seminar goes ok, from the bit of work I've been doing on careers for my own Masters, it's at least in part about creating a new sense of self identity as something other than an [insert profession here]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 07 December 2014, 21:25:06
Ah, RTAPS!

I met the Reserve Force Master Chief this weekend. That was most interesting, especially after we had a mess night last night.

I was glad to be staying at the hotel it was held at. And that I had no trips to the Grog Bowl (which was simply punch).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 07 December 2014, 21:49:44
On Friday my wife had her viva (I think it might be called a defence in the US?) of her professional doctorate... and passed with an unheard of "no corrections"


Somewhat stunned

http://xkcd.com/1403/

 :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 December 2014, 01:33:01
Pretty much Weirdo
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 December 2014, 20:14:09
http://xkcd.com/1403/ (http://xkcd.com/1403/)

 :)
Better: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/faq-the-snake-fight-portion-of-your-thesis-defense (http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/faq-the-snake-fight-portion-of-your-thesis-defense)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 December 2014, 23:49:40
Oh by the way, on the 8th I started a temp job, should last through April/May unless something better comes along.  I'm helping proofread and edit bills, acts, resolutions, etc for the upcoming legislative session here locally.  No politics involved, I'm just making sure the ts are crossed and the is dotted, things are formatted and lined out the right way, that if they reference another code section the reference makes sense* etc.  Can be a bit boring, but I'm suited to that sort of tedious detail work.

*Let's say there's a passage that's about regulation of feral hogs (our favorite example, for some reason...) and it says something like "pursuant to Arkansas Code 5-26-202, animals must be dealt with in such and such a manner..."  Well, I'm going to look that cite up and flag it because that's actually the incest statute, it has nothing to do with feral hogs.  And then I'm going to fix their spelling and punctuation, and anything else like that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 20 December 2014, 07:03:25
Good for you AW.  My transition (nee retirement) seminar was edifying.  My family coming down with another stomach bug at the tail end of last week through yesterday was not.  The wife lost the 14 pounds of her pregnancy weight in the span of three weeks a full three months early.  So, yay stomach virus!

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 20 December 2014, 11:11:54
Is she stunned because for your sake, I hope you didn't lead with that comment.

I start my retirement seminar tomorrow.  Neat fact, all US service members are excused from duty during and for 12 hours on either side of their separation seminars.  I may have to do this again next year (actually recommended by some).
I was robbed.
Merry Christmas everyone. Hope it's a good one for you and yours.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 20 December 2014, 12:10:01
Good for you AW.  My transition (nee retirement) seminar was edifying.  My family coming down with another stomach bug at the tail end of last week through yesterday was not.  The wife lost the 14 pounds of her pregnancy weight in the span of three weeks a full three months early.  So, yay stomach virus!




Often referred to as the NoroDiet at work


Oh by the way, on the 8th I started a temp job, should last through April/May unless something better comes along.  I'm helping proofread and edit bills, acts, resolutions, etc for the upcoming legislative session here locally.  No politics involved, I'm just making sure the ts are crossed and the is dotted, things are formatted and lined out the right way, that if they reference another code section the reference makes sense* etc.  Can be a bit boring, but I'm suited to that sort of tedious detail work.

*Let's say there's a passage that's about regulation of feral hogs (our favorite example, for some reason...) and it says something like "pursuant to Arkansas Code 5-26-202, animals must be dealt with in such and such a manner..."  Well, I'm going to look that cite up and flag it because that's actually the incest statute, it has nothing to do with feral hogs.  And then I'm going to fix their spelling and punctuation, and anything else like that.


Congratulations, actually an important job where attention to detail is key
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 20 December 2014, 15:36:47
*Let's say there's a passage that's about regulation of feral hogs (our favorite example, for some reason...) and it says something like "pursuant to Arkansas Code 5-26-202, animals must be dealt with in such and such a manner..."  Well, I'm going to look that cite up and flag it because that's actually the incest statute, it has nothing to do with feral hogs.  And then I'm going to fix their spelling and punctuation, and anything else like that.
Are you sure they're referring to the four-legged variety?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 20 December 2014, 16:22:34
I just made that example up whole cloth, so yes. :P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 20 December 2014, 16:33:25
D'oh.
Note to self - read and then reread before replying.
I'm out of practice.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 20 December 2014, 21:05:21
Well, congrats on the job. I'm waiting to hear back from the temp agency about getting some Part Time accounting work this spring. It'll make the money issue less of a problem for me coming up. I'm almost done with school (May), and my savings are almost gone.

Oh, and I'm proposing on Thursday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 20 December 2014, 21:57:04
Well, congrats on the job. I'm waiting to hear back from the temp agency about getting some Part Time accounting work this spring. It'll make the money issue less of a problem for me coming up. I'm almost done with school (May), and my savings are almost gone.

Oh, and I'm proposing on Thursday.

Whoa! Congratulations!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 22 December 2014, 22:12:28

Oh, and I'm proposing on Thursday.

Somebody is going to have an extra special Christmas
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 23 December 2014, 00:38:08
Congrats!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 December 2014, 15:29:53
Oh, and I'm proposing on Thursday.
Best of luck, Nerd.

Merry Christmas to all.  Watching my oldest play with his new toy kitchen, pretty cool.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 25 December 2014, 16:46:43
From what I can tell from Facebook, it's been a success for our young Gentleman Ranker


I've had a nice day albeit strangely sober (as driving)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 25 December 2014, 22:12:40
It was a success. It was actually on Wednesday night. We were exchanging gifts with her family before the midnight service, and she noticed that I was both quite nervous, and had a single small package for her.

She opened it first, and getting through the gift wrap, and boxes, saw what it was. It surprised her dad and brother.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 25 December 2014, 23:14:48
I just say good luck to you, AW. Being in that world for far too long is a fate that I wouldn't wish on anyone. So Merry Christmas, AW, and may you find fulfilling employment in the new year.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 26 December 2014, 01:26:42
It was a success. It was actually on Wednesday night. We were exchanging gifts with her family before the midnight service, and she noticed that I was both quite nervous, and had a single small package for her.

She opened it first, and getting through the gift wrap, and boxes, saw what it was. It surprised her dad and brother.
WhaTever happened to asking the father of the future his permission to marry his daughter before you asked the bride?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 26 December 2014, 11:34:16
It was a success. It was actually on Wednesday night. We were exchanging gifts with her family before the midnight service, and she noticed that I was both quite nervous, and had a single small package for her.

She opened it first, and getting through the gift wrap, and boxes, saw what it was. It surprised her dad and brother.
Congratulations my friend.  I wish you and you bride to be the best.

I've had a nice day albeit strangely sober (as driving)
I hope you rectified that condition after you arrived.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 26 December 2014, 11:55:21
WhaTever happened to asking the father of the future his permission to marry his daughter before you asked the bride?
No, because in this case, her father has a freight train mind. It goes places very fast, and on rails.

Also, he wouldn't have kept it a secret from her.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 26 December 2014, 21:50:25
Congrats and best wishes to the happy couple!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 26 December 2014, 23:00:28
Congrats my friend!

I didn't ask permission either, but her sister got knocked-up and then married. So really as long as I didn't do that (or still lived with his parents) I'm doing pretty damn good.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 26 December 2014, 23:02:21
I didn't ask either, but I must be doing something right, as I'm closer to my in-laws than my own blood kin!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 26 December 2014, 23:52:47
Hello All, 

Question for everyone.

I seem to recall hearing about an "average military/civilian" ratio in some of the post jihad reports.

I never purchased those so I'm wondering if a ratio was given for the FS (or LC while joined).

I know the US is something like 300 million population & 1 million military.  And of that its like 10 support to 1 combat.

But while that is the US, I thought they had some BT figures somewhere for planetary militias.

Also, a lot of the PUG/Miliz is going to be reservist.  Do you have any favored ratio?  I was thinking 1 Active for 2 Reserves myself.

So for example.  If we use the US Ratio & my Active/Reserve rate for a world that has 900 Million people on it, then, we get a breakdown something like this.

100K Active Duty Combat Troops.
900K Active Duty Support Troops.
200K Reserve Combat MOS.
1.8 Million Reserve Support MOS.

This seems pretty high for anything BT related.

If we drop 1/300 initial figure down to 1 in 2000 & drop the world pop to 1/2 a billion then, we get:

8K Active Combat MOS
75K Active Support MOS
17K Reserve Combat MOS
150K Reserve Support MOS

10 Infantry/Tank Regiments active with 20 more Reserve might seem a bit high but is at least a much more "BT-ish" figure and given that Tikonov in 4SW had 80+ IIRC its certainly not out of the question.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone knew of the report figures & if any for the FC were ever given.

Thank you
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 27 December 2014, 00:06:38
Those were in the Field Reports. But I don'y have them on this computer.

Hello All, 

Question for everyone.

I seem to recall hearing about an "average military/civilian" ratio in some of the post jihad reports.

I never purchased those so I'm wondering if a ratio was given for the FS (or LC while joined).

I know the US is something like 300 million population & 1 million military.  And of that its like 10 support to 1 combat.

But while that is the US, I thought they had some BT figures somewhere for planetary militias.

Also, a lot of the PUG/Miliz is going to be reservist.  Do you have any favored ratio?  I was thinking 1 Active for 2 Reserves myself.

So for example.  If we use the US Ratio & my Active/Reserve rate for a world that has 900 Million people on it, then, we get a breakdown something like this.

100K Active Duty Combat Troops.
900K Active Duty Support Troops.
200K Reserve Combat MOS.
1.8 Million Reserve Support MOS.

This seems pretty high for anything BT related.

If we drop 1/300 initial figure down to 1 in 2000 & drop the world pop to 1/2 a billion then, we get:

8K Active Combat MOS
75K Active Support MOS
17K Reserve Combat MOS
150K Reserve Support MOS

10 Infantry/Tank Regiments active with 20 more Reserve might seem a bit high but is at least a much more "BT-ish" figure and given that Tikonov in 4SW had 80+ IIRC its certainly not out of the question.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone knew of the report figures & if any for the FC were ever given.

Thank you
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 27 December 2014, 22:40:57
It was a success. It was actually on Wednesday night. We were exchanging gifts with her family before the midnight service, and she noticed that I was both quite nervous, and had a single small package for her.

She opened it first, and getting through the gift wrap, and boxes, saw what it was. It surprised her dad and brother.
Congrats.   O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 December 2014, 19:58:35
Happy New Year, Gentlemen.  All the best to you and yours.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 01 January 2015, 03:03:49
Bonne Année 2015, gentlemen! Health, prosperity and happiness to all of you and your loved ones.   :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 01 January 2015, 10:01:32
Happy New Year.  Now that the Second Soviet Civil War is behind us, we can finally look forward to the formation of the Western Alliance and a Mars mission in 2017.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 January 2015, 11:30:17
Happy New Year everyone
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 01 January 2015, 14:57:09
Happy Birthday 2015!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 01 January 2015, 19:35:25
Happy New Year.  Now that the Second Soviet Civil War is behind us, we can finally look forward to the formation of the Western Alliance and a Mars mission in 2017.
Nice...

Happy New Years, Gents!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 January 2015, 19:38:03
Happy New Year.  Now that the Second Soviet Civil War is behind us, we can finally look forward to the formation of the Western Alliance and a Mars mission in 2017.
Indeed, well played.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 03 January 2015, 21:00:45
Happy New Year everyone.

Wedding planning is real mother of a problem, and it's rather expensive. We're considering eloping.

It would be cheaper.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 January 2015, 00:06:55
Let her do that, you plan the honeymoon. [cheers]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 04 January 2015, 07:07:15
Happy New Year everyone.

Wedding planning is real mother of a problem, and it's rather expensive. We're considering eloping.

It would be cheaper.
The benefit of marrying an Event Planner was I had little to do.  However, my Event Planner wife relied heavily on a website called The Knot, so much so that she used its sister site, The Bump, when she was pregnant.  Another tip, while elopements are cheap don't discount the bigger price on a little-girl turned bride-to-be whose dream wedding just got royally stomped.  Anyway, good luck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 January 2015, 18:58:25
Good luck with wedding planning - Rosie did all of ours and although it took her a lot of time, she saved us thousands
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 08 January 2015, 22:10:15
My cousin got married at an all inclusive in Mexico. Family and friends flew down and the resort did all the work.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 08 January 2015, 22:37:32
My cousin got married at an all inclusive in Mexico. Family and friends flew down and the resort did all the work.

Nice Idea,  I saw a couple getting married on the beach at the resort I was at down there last October.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 January 2015, 00:22:28
I rented a pavillion at a city park, we got one of her closest friends to officiate(and the wedding party had plenty of spares in that department), and the reception was held in our living room, with me grabbing the food and wedding cake on the way back from the ceremony, still in my wedding outfit.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 09 January 2015, 21:26:31
I rented a pavillion at a city park, we got one of her closest friends to officiate(and the wedding party had plenty of spares in that department), and the reception was held in our living room, with me grabbing the food and wedding cake on the way back from the ceremony, still in my wedding outfit.
You're classier than I thought.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 January 2015, 22:44:41
My wedding outfit had no pants.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 January 2015, 23:27:11
Kilt?  Pteruges?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 09 January 2015, 23:37:25
Kilt. O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 10 January 2015, 02:00:43
Kilt?  Pteruges?
Hey! You made me look up a word.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 10 January 2015, 07:42:53
Hey! You made me look up a word.
Me too.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2015, 11:20:13
Don't feel bad, I only learned it a week or so ago.  Good one to know though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 10 January 2015, 12:04:10
Belated New Years greetings Gents.

I became somewhat disenchanted just now, foolishly I took a look up north.  Why people
have to shove their AU stuff in the SS section, I don't get....or like.  But I digress.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 January 2015, 12:11:10
Wait, they do? I just see them in the "Unread Posts' section, so I don't always see what section they're in. If it's not Empires Aflame, report the post so we mods can move 'em to the non-canon section.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2015, 13:58:52
So, I guess I'm a little behind on products, "Empires Aflame" is basically an official AU?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 10 January 2015, 14:23:45
So, I guess I'm a little behind on products, "Empires Aflame" is basically an official AU?
It was a Halloween product in the vein of the April Fools Products CGL has done.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 January 2015, 14:59:32
Is it free like those usually are?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 January 2015, 15:12:16
Yup. Long story short, the PCs are in a misjump, and wind up in an alternate universe where Kerensky was killed just prior to announcing the Exodus, and DeChevalier decided to stick around and preserve the Hegemony instead. Lots of universe-building information in it.

I imagine half the RP campaign is coming to the realization that you are in a parallel universe.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 January 2015, 12:59:37
Passed my medical assessment for trying to join the Army today  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 22 January 2015, 13:04:47
Congratulations to you. May you give the Royal Army Medical Corps many years of good service once your accepted.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 22 January 2015, 14:40:56
Passed my medical assessment for trying to join the Army today  :)
I'm surprised the medical staff assessing you didn't just pass you through on grounds of professional courtesy.  Like how snakes won't bite lawyers. ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 January 2015, 16:03:52
I'm surprised the medical staff assessing you didn't just pass you through on grounds of professional courtesy.  Like how snakes won't bite lawyers. ;D


We chatted while I was examined
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 22 January 2015, 18:28:05
Passed my medical assessment for trying to join the Army today  :)
Dan,

Tracy and I send our heartfelt congratulations.  I know you've been working on this for years.  Great job my friend!

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 22 January 2015, 18:55:38
Now I need to work on my physical fitness (and get my sponsoring unit to teach me how to do the "problems" they'll set)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 22 January 2015, 20:53:34
Now I need to work on my physical fitness (and get my sponsoring unit to teach me how to do the "problems" they'll set)
Well, in that case don't screw it up.  Good luck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 23 January 2015, 04:59:33
Somewhat to my shock, I got an email from the Army already


At the moment it looks like Army Officer Selection Board in June and if I pass that my first block of training in Jan 2016


At least that gives me plenty of prep time
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 23 January 2015, 16:18:19
Good luck on that. As a doctor, I'm pretty sure you can make it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: God and Davion on 24 January 2015, 15:19:18
Somewhat to my shock, I got an email from the Army already


At the moment it looks like Army Officer Selection Board in June and if I pass that my first block of training in Jan 2016


At least that gives me plenty of prep time

Good luck!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 February 2015, 00:30:36
Hey, I know we've got a submariner on board, but does this thread really need to sink any deeper?  aren't we approaching never-exceed-depth here?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 08 February 2015, 00:42:16
We may be in an AFFSHQ thread, but this is still the Hall. The whole point of this forum is to plumb new depths.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 February 2015, 17:01:26
Been busy recently. I've been looking for FT work after graduation in May, and doing preps for the wedding. You folks?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 February 2015, 17:42:00
No real excuse(s)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 February 2015, 18:03:35
No real excuse here either.  My retirement date is close to being set: 01 July 2016.    My youngest is crawling, my oldest is antagonizing, and the wife is contemplating going back to work.  I need to figure out when I'm going to start working on my project management professional certificate.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 February 2015, 18:08:38
I'm not scheduled to finish my medical training and get my Certificate of Completion of Training until October 2016 - I started medical school in 1999 and graduated/started working in 2004 to put that into context
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 February 2015, 18:19:19
Ah, you're like most Naval Aviators.  I was heading home from my second of three back to back deployments when my college roommate was on his first as an F-14 backseater.  I already had 13 months underway before my sailor buddy had had his first. Of course, your career ceiling is much higher than ours.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 February 2015, 09:18:47
Still proofreading for the State Legislature, and boy do they need it sometimes.  I've got an interview tomorrow for seasonal work with the state Parks & Tourism Department.  They've got a range of positions at various parks from 3-9 months, hopefully I not only get offered a job, but get offered one of the ones I really want.  I'm not exactly sure how they decide who goes where, hopefully we get some input.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 February 2015, 20:45:58
Still proofreading for the State Legislature, and boy do they need it sometimes.  I've got an interview tomorrow for seasonal work with the state Parks & Tourism Department.  They've got a range of positions at various parks from 3-9 months, hopefully I not only get offered a job, but get offered one of the ones I really want.  I'm not exactly sure how they decide who goes where, hopefully we get some input.
Good luck, my friend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 16 February 2015, 22:24:14
Is it true that by moving a comma in a bill Hawaii got 20 years of tax-free fruit trees?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 February 2015, 14:11:37
Wouldn't surprise me.

There's lots of crazy/favoritism in laws and lawmakers.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 21 February 2015, 11:50:50
Thin ice, guys, thin ice...

Well, I need to share this, it looks like my younger son (16 y.o.) will get himself a topnotch business to do his professional in. That's a wine bottling factory - apparently world leader in their category -, which gives students a good opportunity to make a cereer in their ranks. You wouldn't believe all the high tech stuff they're using just to put wine into various sorts of containers (if you've ever bought a "bag in a box " of wine, that's their creation... I haven't personally, the staunch traditionalist in me needs a branded Chateau bottle eh eh). Funniest part were their fully automated self moving carts to ferry palettes. I jumped out of the way, needlessly apparently as I was told they had elaborate sensors to avoid collisions. I did not want to put it to the test though...  ;D

At any rate, I am really happy for my kid. If he does not mess up, of course, he has a lot of trouble cut off for him.  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 12:35:44
Thin ice, guys, thin ice...

Well, I need to share this, it looks like my younger son (16 y.o.) will get himself a topnotch business to do his professional in. That's a wine bottling factory - apparently world leader in their category -, which gives students a good opportunity to make a cereer in their ranks. You wouldn't believe all the high tech stuff they're using just to put wine into various sorts of containers (if you've ever bought a "bag in a box " of wine, that's their creation... I haven't personally, the staunch traditionalist in me needs a branded Chateau bottle eh eh). Funniest part were their fully automated self moving carts to ferry palettes. I jumped out of the way, needlessly apparently as I was told they had elaborate sensors to avoid collisions. I did not want to put it to the test though...  ;D

At any rate, I am really happy for my kid. If he does not mess up, of course, he has a lot of trouble cut off for him.  ;)


I think they're planning the same technology in the magazines of the new RN carriers - huge amounts of automation


Very pleased for your son (and you if this reduces anxieties and worries about him!)


I'd better get back to my nice anglo-saxon ale  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 13:08:51
Foxbat, good news for your son.

Dan, enjoy your ale.

Everyone, I hope you're having a less wintery day than I am.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 13:16:17
Foxbat, good news for your son.

Dan, enjoy your ale.

Everyone, I hope you're having a less wintery day than I am.

S/F

Matt


I've just written a 55 page PowerPoint presentation from essentially scratch... I need a beer!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 13:26:20

I've just written a 55 page PowerPoint presentation from essentially scratch... I need a beer!
I'm watching my youngest while my wife and the oldest nap.  I need a scotch.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 13:35:18
I'm watching my youngest while my wife and the oldest nap.  I need a scotch.


I instagrammed my beer. And linked the instagram photo to Facebook. I'll spare those of you not on those social media the pain of it all.


Anyway, my beer is from Great Orme Brewery in North Wales
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 13:57:58

I instagrammed my beer. And linked the instagram photo to Facebook. I'll spare those of you not on those social media the pain of it all.


Anyway, my beer is from Great Orme Brewery in North Wales
Make that a double I need.  Fellow parents you'll commiserate:  nothing quite reminds you how little control you have as when just after putting a fresh diaper on your child you discover you have to change the child again.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 February 2015, 14:10:05
It was a mess over here Monday & tuesday.  We aren't well equipped to handle any precipitation colder than rain.  Wednesday I had another job interview, with the State Police as a Driver's License Examiner.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 14:10:35
Make that a double I need.  Fellow parents you'll commiserate:  nothing quite reminds you how little control you have as when just after putting a fresh diaper on your child you discover you have to change the child again.


Although nothing is happening, such things are looming: in the pub yesterday with one of my best friends and we were discussing plans for small people to come along and take over our lives
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 February 2015, 14:12:01
England has hobbits? :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 14:13:45
England has hobbits? :D


Yep


On a semi-related note, the recreation ground I normally run around is pretty waterlogged with a lot of mud on the paths making running fun while my wife is on an extended weekend away in Iceland where apparently they are set up to cope with cold, snow etc
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 14:22:35
We've either had soggy/snowy/frigid weather or I've been afflicted with some form toddler-borne plague so I'm completely out of shape.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 February 2015, 15:32:35
We've either had soggy/snowy/frigid weather or I've been afflicted with some form toddler-borne plague so I'm completely out of shape.


I'm prepared to bet you'd still kick my arse


Sadly I don't seem to have got my higher level of fitness fully embedded so it quickly ebbs away with just a few too many days off  :'(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 21 February 2015, 19:15:44
Make that a double I need.  Fellow parents you'll commiserate:  nothing quite reminds you how little control you have as when just after putting a fresh diaper on your child you discover you have to change the child again.
That's my daughters favorite thing to do. Drives me insane...

Speaking of, we're starting the terrible twos a few months early. Not listening and hitting.
Yay...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 20:29:21
That's my daughters favorite thing to do. Drives me insane...

Speaking of, we're starting the terrible twos a few months early. Not listening and hitting.
Yay...
My oldest is nearly three and has not been listening for the better part of two years.  I hear age three is just as awesome.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 21 February 2015, 20:32:25
My oldest is nearly three and has not been listening for the better part of two years.  I hear age three is just as awesome.
Greattttt...


We're also grabbing things and saying 'mine'. Thinks like my phone or laptop...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2015, 20:52:16
Greattttt...


We're also grabbing things and saying 'mine'. Thinks like my phone or laptop...
Ah 'mine' we've added 'I want'.  Also potty training, and girls are easier than boys so I'm screwed.  My infant is hitting benchmarks about a month or two faster than his older brother did...save that whole sleeping through the night bit.  Raising children is fun and expensive!!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 February 2015, 21:43:03
I'm pretty sure duct tape would help.  But it would probably get you arrested too.  Stupid laws, all they do is get in the way all the time. :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 22 February 2015, 14:35:17
Greattttt...


We're also grabbing things and saying 'mine'. Thinks like my phone or laptop...

Suddenly I'm happy these things were not so widespread as they are now when mt kids were that young...  I had started my BT minis collection otoh, though...;D
Best luck with your toddler, GS!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 22 February 2015, 18:44:57
Suddenly I'm happy these things were not so widespread as they are now when mt kids were that young...  I had started my BT minis collection otoh, though...;D
Best luck with your toddler, GS!
My minis used to be safe in the basement, but she's become quite adroit at navigating stairs... I made the mistake of showing her the basement, she loves my hobby room.

(https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10350354_10153012368059486_5173020185343253092_n.jpg?oh=f7c2c523af553cf2086295a739a79235&oe=55482278)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 22 February 2015, 20:34:16
My minis used to be safe in the basement, but she's become quite adroit at navigating stairs... I made the mistake of showing her the basement, she loves my hobby room.

My oldest son's favorite request is, "Go downstairs; play in Daddy's Office?!"  In the last two days, he's peed on the floor once (diaper training failure) and broke a piece of 30+ year old Lego.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 22 February 2015, 21:59:28
I just finished another weekend of playing Navy.

I'm actually looking forward to the week. I'm not doing my PT tax prep work as much this week, but next month....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 23 February 2015, 11:38:49
Nice set up you have, GS. Hopefully that will bring your kid yo the hobby. One's never too young for a first taste of metal crack!  ;)

(just make sure she understans that they're delicate)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 27 February 2015, 21:23:31
Well it is official, I've a retirement date of 01 July 2016.  First time in nearly 20 years that my contract says anything other than 'indefinite'.

I hope you all have a nice weekend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 27 February 2015, 23:23:22
That will be a nice tidy little sum starting on July 2nd. Congrats on holding out C6. My dad said you needed to draw your retirement for 20 years to get your full due, then it's all icing on the cake.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2015, 04:39:12
Well it is official, I've a retirement date of 01 July 2016.  First time in nearly 20 years that my contract says anything other than 'indefinite'.

I hope you all have a nice weekend.


Congratulations, I guess?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 February 2015, 07:23:00

Congratulations, I guess?
Part "hey there is light at end of the tunnel" and my career saying, "hey jackass, this is me we're talking about!"

Anyway, I'm taking a week off soon to figure out my next year.  What are you up to this weekend?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2015, 09:20:07
Part "hey there is light at end of the tunnel" and my career saying, "hey jackass, this is me we're talking about!"

Anyway, I'm taking a week off soon to my next year.  What are you up to this weekend?


I'm trying to work on an essay for my Masters today - reading papers to try to work out what to put in my essay - then tomorrow I'm back to work. I'm mildly viral so not running but aim to go for a decent walk in a bit.


The only other thing is trying to put together a comfort package for a friend currently deployed (and very very bored) aboard RFA Argus - sweets, a book I don't mind adding to the ship's library, a tube of wasabi paste and a colouring book and pencils at the moment. I need to write her a cover note.


Not a lot else.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 February 2015, 11:03:24

I'm trying to work on an essay for my Masters today - reading papers to try to work out what to put in my essay - then tomorrow I'm back to work. I'm mildly viral so not running but aim to go for a decent walk in a bit.


The only other thing is trying to put together a comfort package for a friend currently deployed (and very very bored) aboard RFA Argus - sweets, a book I don't mind adding to the ship's library, a tube of wasabi paste and a colouring book and pencils at the moment. I need to write her a cover note.


Not a lot else.
That's very generous of you.  I'm it will be appreciated.

We've potty training and dinner with church folk tonight.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 28 February 2015, 11:36:11
I've got work today, and then looking at wedding rings with the fiancee tomorrow.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 28 February 2015, 11:36:21
That's very generous of you.  I'm it will be appreciated.

We've potty training and dinner with church folk tonight.
The church folk need potty training? ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 February 2015, 12:09:36
The church folk need potty training? ;D
Indeed since nearly half are toddlers.  Well played though.  The church has organized dinner rotations with folks of similar family situations.  Could be fun or a disaster.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2015, 12:37:27
Indeed since nearly half are toddlers.  Well played though.  The church has organized dinner rotations with folks of similar family situations.  Could be fun or a disaster.


Aim for fun: encourage everyone to make use of the splash matts?


Trip to get the parcel bag also netted more sweets and some interesting looking curried peas as a savoury snack
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 February 2015, 12:45:24

Aim for fun: encourage everyone to make use of the splash matts?


Trip to get the parcel bag also netted more sweets and some interesting looking curried peas as a savoury snack
It should be good practice for me to wear down my rough edges amongst polite company.  Besides my Pastor will be there.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 01 March 2015, 08:40:12
Belatedly, congratulations, C6.  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: WarGod on 02 March 2015, 20:02:41
congrats charlie 6.  I've been out a little less then a year, and finally have things on track.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 March 2015, 21:03:36
Belatedly, congratulations, C6.  :)
congrats charlie 6.  I've been out a little less then a year, and finally have things on track.
The well wishes are certainly appreciated.  I've a over a year to plan how to unscrew myself.  So not enough time...

For perspective, I've been saying for years that "I've to figure out what I want to do when I grow up," and am now faced with not being able to sing the old Toys R' Us theme, 'I don't wanna grow up...'  Oh well...such is life.

So, other than Nerd does anyone else have any big changes coming up?  Speaking of which how did the wedding ring shopping go?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 02 March 2015, 22:30:09
Well, she has her sights set on an expensive one.

Good thing I have no taste in jewelry
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 03 March 2015, 10:27:21
I have to say, jewelry, though expensive, is an easy idea for a present. Since I suck at creative gifting, jewels always come in handy.  >:D



and before anyone asks, no, a painted BT mini won't do!  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 04 March 2015, 02:15:58
Even if you jewel the cockpit?  :D

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 11 March 2015, 22:15:32
No, that's a waste of perfectly good mini, and most of the time, ladies prefer to wear jewels I've noticed over the years.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 11 March 2015, 22:20:45
I get a better reaction from my wife with unseen Locusts than with gemstones.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 11 March 2015, 22:59:04
You sir, are married to a most unique woman.

Mine wants more furry critters. Another cat, a dog....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 March 2015, 02:58:36
You sir, are married to a most unique woman.

Mine wants more furry critters. Another cat, a dog....


Cat


Every time
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 March 2015, 06:53:04
You sir, are married to a most unique woman.

You have NO idea. We've been watching Star Trek TNG, and last night we watched a couple episodes, one involving Picard undergoing surgery, and the other introduced the Borg. Due to an offhand comment, her solution to the crises in both episodes was to "Fill it with Greeks!".
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 12 March 2015, 06:54:45
I don't get the 'Greeks' reference.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 March 2015, 07:02:17
Trojan horses, though she's thinking of 'Big Fat Greek Wedding' Greeks vs hoplites. The mental images are...odd.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 March 2015, 07:57:38

Cat


Every time

Dog.  If I'm to have a furry creature in my house, I want one that's glad to have me, not one that grudgingly tolerates my presence.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 March 2015, 08:14:52
I have never met a cat that "grudgingly tolerates" humans. Every single one I've seen was a devoted companion that became an utter wreck when their human was absent for a long period of time.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 March 2015, 08:15:23
On a completely unrelated note to anything else in this thread, sometimes I almost wish lived in the Clans.  Then when people decide to do something that pisses me off I could beat them senseless and get the decision reversed.  Of course, there are some mitigating factors.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 March 2015, 08:17:52
I have never met a cat that "grudgingly tolerates" humans. Every single one I've seen was a devoted companion that became an utter wreck when their human was absent for a long period of time.
Most of the ones I've known pretty much ignored the people unless they wanted something.  It really seemed like they had a "this is my house, you're just living in it" thing going on.  Then again, my family doesn't have a good history with cats, by and large, so I'm probably biased.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 March 2015, 08:39:50
At least my cats don't like to play with loud squeaky toys for hours on end. You know, the kind with multiple squeakers that when they get bitten down on just right, it feels like Cthulhu himself is trying to use your forebrain as a stress toy...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 March 2015, 09:16:39
Yeah, thankfully the dogs I had were very good at ripping those sorts of toys apart and destroying the squeakers.  Fetch and tug-of-war are a lot more fun anyway.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 March 2015, 20:31:45
I thought about resurrecting the Conquistador Fan Article, but it requires less black magic to put this here:

I really hope that at least a few of the Conquistadors use theme-naming appropriate to their class designation.  We need Conquistadors with names like FSS Hernan Cortes, FSS Francisco Pizarro, FSS Hernando de Soto, FSS Panfilo de Narvaez and, last but certainly not least, FSS Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 19 March 2015, 21:30:44
I scanned the list twice and didn't see Coronado.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 March 2015, 22:04:36
Among others.  I wasn't aiming to compile a comprehensive list, there's a few too many. :P
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 27 March 2015, 19:15:41
I hope everyone's weekend is starting well.

I asked my nearly 3-year old what I did for work and responded that I worked at a "noodle farm".  My wife thinks he was saying 'uniform' but my co-workers and I agree with his assessment.  Jury is still out on the noodle type 'though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 27 March 2015, 21:34:17
Rotini.

Rainbow Rotini.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 27 March 2015, 21:44:24
ROTINI! [rockon]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 27 March 2015, 22:05:52
Isn't that what the jawas said when they captured R2? ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 March 2015, 11:43:34
Considering what the AAV-P7 looks like, I think you guys are on to something.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 March 2015, 17:42:14
I hope everyone's weekend is starting well.

I asked my nearly 3-year old what I did for work and responded that I worked at a "noodle farm".  My wife thinks he was saying 'uniform' but my co-workers and I agree with his assessment.  Jury is still out on the noodle type 'though.


Well, I'm working and thanks to the clocks changing get an hour less sleep between shifts  :( >:(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 March 2015, 18:36:34

Well, I'm working and thanks to the clocks changing get an hour less sleep between shifts  :( >:(
Daylight Savings time in the UK?  The person that invented Daylight Savings didn't have young children (thanks Rich Eisen, NFL Network).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 29 March 2015, 00:49:33
Daylight Savings time in the UK?  The person that invented Daylight Savings didn't have young children (thanks Rich Eisen, NFL Network).


We call it British Summer Time, as compared with Greenwich Mean Time
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 29 March 2015, 21:14:56
You mean Zulu time, right?  ;)

When I was underway, I kept the digital section of my watch on Zulu, while the analog dial was set to local (usually US Pacific, but some times US Hawaii).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 April 2015, 07:37:04
I've started at a new hospital that has an embedded military unit - slightly odd system where the military provide a number of work slots from their pool of doctors, nurses etc


This means that one of the nurses on the ward is an Army (QARANC) Corporal and another is an RAF Squadron Leader while one of my SHOs is an RAMC Major. There is also a risk of running into a Regimental Sergeant Major around the place!


On the down side, I may well need to arrive over half an hour early to stand any chance of getting a parking place  :(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 03 April 2015, 07:53:06
oh and Charlie 6 there's a thread on BattleTech artillery on the Fan Articles
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 April 2015, 08:30:55
Protip: if you're going to close down an office and give employees a friday off, sending out an email over the office email system at 6:30 Thursday night is not the best way to do it, even if your employees have the ability to check said email system at home.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 April 2015, 19:32:08
oh and Charlie 6 there's a thread on BattleTech artillery on the Fan Articles
I commented; it didn't seem to resonate with anyone.

So at work today a newly minted Major (neither incompetent nor a suck-up) made the following statement, "Sir, we work faster and get more done with you here."

I've been doing this for twenty years and have never heard word 'sir' preceding a statement remotely close to that.  Just goes to show that anything can happen and you can still be surprised.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 April 2015, 00:36:11
I commented; it didn't seem to resonate with anyone.

So at work today a newly minted Major (neither incompetent nor a suck-up) made the following statement, "Sir, we work faster and get more done with you here."

I've been doing this for twenty years and have never heard word 'sir' preceding a statement remotely close to that.  Just goes to show that anything can happen and you can still be surprised.


 O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 09 April 2015, 21:47:03
Finally appreciated as your on your way out. Sounds legit!

I commented; it didn't seem to resonate with anyone.

So at work today a newly minted Major (neither incompetent nor a suck-up) made the following statement, "Sir, we work faster and get more done with you here."

I've been doing this for twenty years and have never heard word 'sir' preceding a statement remotely close to that.  Just goes to show that anything can happen and you can still be surprised.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 April 2015, 04:34:07
Unfortunately, since he said that we appear to be getting less done.  Karma of some sort I guess.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and don't forget it is international tabletop gaming day. [wilwheaton]play more games![/wilwheaton]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 11 April 2015, 17:57:54
Unfortunately, since he said that we appear to be getting less done.  Karma of some sort I guess.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and don't forget it is international tabletop gaming day. [wilwheaton]play more games![/wilwheaton]


Working
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 April 2015, 19:50:56

Working
Bummer, the wife and I played Tsuro from Calliope games.  I took two of three during one episode of The Big Bang Theory.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 12 April 2015, 00:15:17
I hope everyone has a good weekend and don't forget it is international tabletop gaming day. [wilwheaton]play more games![/wilwheaton]

It was already game night in our house, so, yep. 8)

We ended up playing Forbidden Island, Man Bites Dog, and Betrayal at the House on the Hill. O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 12 April 2015, 19:29:31

Working
If that wasn't in the computer voice from original Star Trek I'll be very disappointed.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 April 2015, 00:51:51
If that wasn't in the computer voice from original Star Trek I'll be very disappointed.


Reticulating Splyne?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 16 April 2015, 06:32:29
Never heard of him.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Decoy on 16 April 2015, 10:29:16
Majel Barrett ><
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 25 April 2015, 23:29:15
Next thursday I ave the last in a series of interviews for a job as a Wildlife Officer for the state of Arkansas.  They're supposed to have called in 30-35 applicants for this round, and there's 14 spots open.  Prayers would be appreciated.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 26 April 2015, 03:52:16
Good Luck!

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 26 April 2015, 03:58:25
Good luck
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 26 April 2015, 06:23:30
Good luck, my friend.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 03 May 2015, 22:54:39
Thought the interview went pretty well, though there were a few more applicants than I realized (around 40).  Should know by friday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 May 2015, 01:19:40
Good luck - keeping things crossed for you
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 04 May 2015, 02:13:22
Here's hoping you get it! O0

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 09 May 2015, 18:47:50
Hi folks!

Graduated from St. Cloud State University today. Now, to find a day job.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 May 2015, 19:56:15
Hi folks!

Graduated from St. Cloud State University today. Now, to find a day job.
Good for you Nerd and good luck in the job search.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 10 May 2015, 01:39:48
Hey, congrats! What did you major in?

And luck finding a job! O0

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 May 2015, 10:43:11
Hi folks!

Graduated from St. Cloud State University today. Now, to find a day job.


Congratulations
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 22 May 2015, 13:46:40
Gents,

To those in the States I hope you raise a glass to the fallen while you enjoy this holiday weekend.  Regardless have a happy and safe one!

To those not in the States have a great weekend.

To anyone who cares, I'm enjoying the hell out of mediocre glass of wine on my front porch on one of the most beautiful days I can recall.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 23 May 2015, 10:48:39
I had a long day at work yesterday - left the house at 7am, not home until after 11 but now off for a long weekend


Rather than any somber memorial weekend, in Europe it seems to be more about the Eurovision Song Contest


No smiley truly expresses my feelings about that
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 24 May 2015, 06:35:53
Cue up ABBA singing "Waterloo."
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Taelus on 24 May 2015, 11:45:41
Barry Manilow.  :o
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: foxbat on 24 May 2015, 13:07:06
Cue up ABBA singing "Waterloo."

For those who are too young to knoiw what Neko is speaking about (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_9CiNkkn4)  ;)
And sweet Lord, how can I have forgotten about these stage costumes? Bring back the seventies!!!  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 May 2015, 14:50:54
Does Gene Simmons know they raided his wardrobe...for boots?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Taelus on 25 May 2015, 12:04:26
Are they going to start the big hair bands again to?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 25 May 2015, 17:03:23
I truly hope fashion is cyclical. I keep waiting for powdered wigs to come back.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 25 May 2015, 20:59:33
Only if I can have a wig made of powdered donuts.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 25 May 2015, 21:10:43
But of course, Mme Antoinette! O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 25 May 2015, 21:13:44
But of course, Mme Antoinette! O0
Cue "Killer Queen."
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Taelus on 26 May 2015, 09:49:22
Only if I can have a wig made of powdered donuts.

And pants of apple fritters.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 July 2015, 00:44:15
Gentlemen, we seem to have gone the entire month of June without a post.  This cannot be allowed to continue.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 02 July 2015, 01:03:08
That's embarrassing
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 July 2015, 06:21:34
See, I thought it was some sort of dare.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 02 July 2015, 11:07:54
My money was on some sort of covert operation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 02 July 2015, 12:22:20
Neko, did say Killer Queen...that could start a covert op.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 02 July 2015, 17:48:33
Sometimes you need a month off.  Happy Fourth, Americans.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 06 July 2015, 15:33:20
Oh I see more of you on Facebook these days, but reckoned I should stop by and
say hello here too.  Oh and hope you had a nice 4th.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 06 July 2015, 17:17:02
Facebook, eh?  Suppose I'll just douse the light on my way out, then.  Swell times, friends.

The End
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 11 July 2015, 00:47:26
Oh by the way, I have a new job, at least for now.  Security guard with Securitas.  Pay isn't great, hours aren't great, but it's enough money while I look for something better.  I'd say I'm a glorified mall cop, but I actually don't get a Segway, so "glorified" may be overstating the case.  The uniforms are nice though.  I mean, as nice as can be expected, all things considered.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 July 2015, 11:00:58
Oh by the way, I have a new job, at least for now.  Security guard with Securitas.  Pay isn't great, hours aren't great, but it's enough money while I look for something better.  I'd say I'm a glorified mall cop, but I actually don't get a Segway, so "glorified" may be overstating the case.  The uniforms are nice though.  I mean, as nice as can be expected, all things considered.
Congratulations, as I've been told a lot recently it easier to find a job while you have a job. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 11 July 2015, 15:48:42
Ahhh, security guard.... The traditional stepping stone to better work. Been there myself and transitioned to better, so good luck and congrats.

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 July 2015, 19:43:35
So two lessons that I learned in Boy Scouts thirty plus years ago was that if you have a fire: remove the heat and oxygen.  I did neither yesterday, in fact I added oxygen.  Nor did I tell my wife to grab the kids, get out of the house, and then call 911.  Fortunately, she (jokingly) put the fire extinguisher on the floor and I was able to put out the grease fire in our oven.  After a 911 call, a fire truck (which my kids loved), a concerned visit by the development salesperson (awesome in her own right), and 14 hours of cleaning we're back to normal.

The fire itself, was both our faults...turns out there can be too much bacon.  Heresy I know but...

Long story short, remember the basics, have fire extinguishers, count your blessings, hug people you love, and uh...have a nice week.



Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 12 July 2015, 21:05:57
Good to hear you and yours are safe.

Less seriously, this is why Marines can't have nice things.

I'm just dealing with my fiancee getting a job offer that's a $9000/year raise, but it would mean leaving a job where she loves the kids she's teaching. Did the only thing, and that was let her cry into me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 12 July 2015, 21:24:36
You're a hero, Nerd.  Don't let nobody tell you different.  Also, a chance to get out of education is the American Dream.  Or was she getting a similar job elsewhere?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 13 July 2015, 19:15:34
Teaching at a Catholic school is the new job. She's been teaching at a variety of small local schools at a program run through a major music store in the past few years, and doing their office work.

The thing is, she LOVES teaching band. You know the kid who helped the band director with uniforms and the music library in High School? That was her. And the kids really like her as well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 July 2015, 19:54:35
Good to hear you and yours are safe.

Less seriously, this is why Marines can't have nice things.

I'm just dealing with my fiancee getting a job offer that's a $9000/year raise, but it would mean leaving a job where she loves the kids she's teaching. Did the only thing, and that was let her cry into me.

Thank you and you're likely correct.

Good luck to your fiancée.  Any progress on the wedding?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 13 July 2015, 21:36:42
We made our cake decision, so at this point, it's all details.

But I need to still get groommen's gifts.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 July 2015, 16:03:33
Some good news for you in-universe: According to TRO:3150, the Federated Suns recaptured New Syrtis in 3147. And, good news depending on how you want to look at it, it seems the Capellans and the Combine have launched a joint invasion of the Republic...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 20 July 2015, 16:08:06
Do they name specific worlds?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 July 2015, 16:13:18
Do they name specific worlds?
It talks about the Capellans and Combine co-ordinating efforts to capture Ingress as they built up for the recent joint invasion - although on Ingress they were fighting the remaining AFFS defenders on the planet.

I'm still reading through, but the AFFS/Julian Davion seem to have raided a number of Capellan worlds as a prelude to an "invasion", including Menkalin and New Canton, and in possibly unrelated news, the Sea Fox Gamma Aimag launched some sort of Trial of Possession against/on Pleione in the same timeframe. Julian Davion was definitely on the field in New Syrtis, or at least, during the Capellan counter-attack a few months after the AFFS recaptured the planet.

ETA: Ryuken-hachi were in combat on Remagen in 3148 as a part of something called "Task Force Tsujigiri", led by Kanrei Tomonaga and his Hikage regiment. They were fighting the First Kestrel Grenadiers, and while the battle takes about the Hikage's rearguard pulling back to their DropShips, I'm not sure what's going on there. Remagen's one hell of a long way into the Crucis March from the invasion corridors though. From another entry, the battle on Remagen is described as a deep strike. Another entry mentions the Fifth Avalon Hussars being involved in the battles on Remagen.

It also looks as if the fight for New Syrtis carried on into 3148, although it's described as the Federated Suns reclaiming the planet. There's menion in the Zibler entry of an "Operation CERBERUS" starting in 3147, which may be the AFFS counterattack. The First Davion Guards apparently also attacked Combine supply depots on Franklin in 3147, tangling with the Fifth Ghost. The battle on New Syrtis looks to have been pretty substantial - the notable pilot for the Destrier entry is the crew of a Destrier that, working with various scout groups, apparently took out a company of Capellan 'Mechs and two companies of assorted battle armour and conventional infantry before taking out a fully-loaded Assault Triumph with more than a company of 'Mechs and vehicles loaded aboard. There's mention of the Capellans conducting multiple atrocities as they attempted to hold onto New Syrtis, including one 'MechWarrior from the First MAC fired up an internment camp near Saso, killing seven thousand children who'd been held hostage to force their parents to co-operate with the Capellan administration. Apparently the camp was burnt to give the Fourth MAC a chance to get out of the Cave.

The battle on Franklin might be part of something called Operation PERCEVAL - one entry talks about a company of militia 'Mechs fighting an active resistance on Franklin for years before elements of Operation PERCEVAL attempted to link up with the underground resistance on the world in 3147. Reading further in, it seems that Operation PERCEVAL was being run from Remagen, which is why it was attacked.

There's also mention of someone from Bannson's Raiders who was trapped behind the wall when Fortress Republic went up, reappearing in command of an artillery company in support of Julian Davion in 3146. It also indicates that involved in the fighting on New Syrtis were the First Davion Guards, the Twelfth Vegan Rangers, the Dynasty Guard and Warrior House Hiritsu.

There's no date attached, but apparently Task Force Navarre hit New Aragon at some point, too.

There's an account of the Capellans taking Hall in early 3049 as they passed beyond the walls of the Fortress - I think that may be a typo for early 3149.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 20 July 2015, 16:52:37
So, I need to get these new .pdfs and block out a good few hours then?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 July 2015, 16:56:09
So, I need to get these new .pdfs and block out a good few hours then?
Worth a look, particularly as you can get both TRO:3150 and TRO:3145 in a bundle for $30 atm on DriveThru-RPG.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 July 2015, 16:58:56
The border between the Federated Suns and the Combine is still described as "fluid" as of 3150,  but evidently from 3147 through 3148 the AFFS was using teams of elite commandoes equipped with Scarecrows to launch commando raids on worlds along the border. One particular unit, consisting of two Scarecrows and two Vulpes, is credited with attacks on a dozen worlds in that period alone, hitting supply depots and command centers. Sounds like the AFFS is determined to keep kicking. That one lance is credited with destroying thousands of tons of supplies and hundreds of specialised infantry and tech troops.

Sounds as if the Capellans have taken Cammal, and the earlier report about Operation CERBERUS mentions someone "returning home to Axton" in 3147, so the Capellans may have continued to push into the Capellan March after 3145. In fact, reading further on, the Capellans launched another invasion of the Capellan March in 3146.

There's mention of a 'MechWarrior receiving a commendation from "Erik Sandoval himself" after taking down a lance of Sword of Light 'Mechs on Coloma, which I guess means that Erik Sandoval is the new Duke and the Combine is on Coloma.

The Republic seems to be getting involved on the Combine/FedSuns border - there's a Castrum that's apparently fought in a number of systems, ranging between Dieron and Ozawa, and which during an early operation in the Quentin system killed Tai-shu Kambei Okamoto, the warlord of the Dieron Military District. That had to smart.

Julian Davion's piloting a Templar III, and apparently he met with FedSuns nobility on June in 3147 to discuss the functionality of the government-in-exile. That sounds a tad painful, if New Avalon isn't the seat of government any longer.

The First Liao Guards attacked Deneb Kaitos in 3146, and were fighting the Third FedSuns Armoured Cavalry, when the Fourth Dieron Regulars arrived and piled straight into the Guards.

There's no date on the entry, but it seems that the Second MAC and the Fifth Crucis Lancers were battling on Marlette at some point.

One mention on the Raven front: the Second Periphery Guard was redeployed to Winfield in 3145, and it sounds as if they announced their arrival with by sending their Aerospace group to Sterlington, where they brutalised the patrolling elements of the Ninth Raven Wing Cluster.

The Republic is evidently involved in some fashion on the Combine/FedSuns border - there's an entry on a Castrum that's been in action in several systems ranging from Dieron through to Ozawa, and which early on in its mission killed the Warlord of the Dieron Military District in a battle int he Quentin system. That had to hurt.

That's all I can see, and I should've turned in an hour... cursed new products :P[spoiler/]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 30 July 2015, 21:40:32
Germans playing La Cucaracha on Bagpipes!

http://youtu.be/kYW3o4iXeB0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BlackAce on 31 July 2015, 02:01:39
Germans playing La Cucaracha on Bagpipes!

http://youtu.be/kYW3o4iXeB0

ALL THE NOES!!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 31 July 2015, 15:28:22
Well, I've bought a load of new BattleTech .pdfs  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 July 2015, 17:47:21
Well, I've bought a load of new BattleTech .pdfs  :)
I did the same; I even provided IO comments.

Odd phenomenon after offloading half of my mini collection at Historicon: I interested in the game again.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.  The wife is having her 20th high school reunion tomorrow.  Hijinks to ensue.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 August 2015, 01:05:17
I did the same; I even provided IO comments.

Odd phenomenon after offloading half of my mini collection at Historicon: I interested in the game again.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.  The wife is having her 20th high school reunion tomorrow.  Hijinks to ensue.


Sadly I'm working this weekend, but it is only "short days" so supposed to be 9-5


In the same splurge of buying myself stuff, I also got the 1990s Tom Clancy book Marine and a load of other stuff including Redshirts and finally getting around to getting the most recent Temeraire book by Naomi Novik
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 August 2015, 06:00:32

Sadly I'm working this weekend, but it is only "short days" so supposed to be 9-5


In the same splurge of buying myself stuff, I also got the 1990s Tom Clancy book Marine and a load of other stuff including Redshirts and finally getting around to getting the most recent Temeraire book by Naomi Novik
Bummer about work.  Enjoy the reading though.  Let me know what you think of Marine.  I read it after I was commissioned (Heavens that book is nearly 20 years old) but found something lacking the second time around after one of my MEU deployments.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 03 August 2015, 17:25:33
Germans playing La Cucaracha on Bagpipes!

http://youtu.be/kYW3o4iXeB0

In Battletech, I am sure that several worlds do this all the time. However by the grace of God, Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, Holy Germany, and all that is in good taste, that video must be destroyed . . . no matter the cost.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 07 August 2015, 03:50:47
Or we could just ignore it.

Apathy, so very
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fltadm on 09 August 2015, 00:06:19
Or we could just ignore it.

Apathy, so very


Speaking of apathy. I am amazed that we only made it through about 5 pages during my absence do to Minecrack addiction
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 August 2015, 05:49:16


Speaking of apathy. I am amazed that we only made it through about 5 pages during my absence do to Minecrack addiction
Well, if you're going to do something: do it right.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 August 2015, 06:20:04
Am I allowed a day off today after working 12 days straight at work then spending Saturday on an Army experience day 0800-1800 including PT at noon in the sun before a long evening not getting to bed until 0200?


Reading the Tom Clancy Marine book, I'm more conscious of his really-quick-right-wing political views than I think I was aware of when reading a lot of his other stuff. I'm reading through the descriptions of the equipment used by the USMC/used to get the USMC places (20years ago) but am now distracted as am also reading John Scalzi's Redshirts
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 August 2015, 12:55:42
I have been recommended to read ARRSEpedia as part of my prep for trying to join the British Army


http://www.arrse.co.uk/wiki/Murphy%27s_Law_on_Combat_Operations
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 09 August 2015, 13:32:29
Just got back Thursday night from a family vacation to Virginia and points in between.  Met up with some BattleTech  guys and toured the haunts. Went to Brickfair (basically LegoCon), Udvar Hazy, Manasses, Saw the USS Wisconsin at Norfolk and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 10 August 2015, 01:49:31
I have been recommended to read ARRSEpedia as part of my prep for trying to join the British Army


http://www.arrse.co.uk/wiki/Murphy%27s_Law_on_Combat_Operations
Word of caution - while ARRSEpedia started out as a largely military site, there are now a lot of journalists and other less savoury types on the site mining for information. Stay for the anecdotes and stories, but be careful about taking anything as factual information - and be careful of your personal information. I know I'm probably trying to teach you to suck eggs, but...

It's a little dated now, but one of the best potted introductions I ever had to the British Army are the two books Jeremy Hands and Robert McGowan put together - Don't Cry For Me Sergeant Major and Try Not To Laugh, Sergeant Major. They're a little dated now (the first is about the Falklands) but I've worked with a couple of the people mentioned (by description or pseudonym) in the books, and the character of the Army and those in it hasn't changed much.

ETA: I'd also recommend watching Bluestone 42, and maybe the movie Dog Soldiers...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 August 2015, 14:53:59
I love Bluestone 42 and have seen Dog Soldiers


Just because something's a bit dated doesn't make it wrong - House of God is one of the better (if harrowing) introductions to medicine and should be compulsory reading for all medical students


I'm taking most of the stuff on ARRSEpedia with a pinch of salt though
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 10 August 2015, 21:18:56


ETA: I'd also recommend watching Bluestone 42, and maybe the movie Dog Soldiers...
Thanks for mentioning Bluestone 42, I'm watching it now on Hulu. It's good stuff.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 August 2015, 19:57:32
Just got back Thursday night from a family vacation to Virginia and points in between.  Met up with some BattleTech  guys and toured the haunts. Went to Brickfair (basically LegoCon), Udvar Hazy, Manasses, Saw the USS Wisconsin at Norfolk and a whole bunch of other stuff.
I hope you had fun at Brickfair and Udvar Hazy.  I skipped the first and drove past the second on my way to my wife's 20th high school reunion.  We discovered true apathy: 17 of 500 graduates came.
I have been recommended to read ARRSEpedia as part of my prep for trying to join the British Army
Dan, be the best you can at medicine...the Army stuff will take care of itself.  Oh, and run a bunch...that helps too.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 August 2015, 00:45:50
That is a rubbish turnout, Charlie 6.


Lots of running, sit ups and press ups... between now and January apparently
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 August 2015, 20:56:01
That is a rubbish turnout, Charlie 6.
You lost me here.  I've full faith in you, Dan.  I hope I didn't offend. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 August 2015, 21:28:10
I believe he means to say that it's rubbish that more folks didn't come to y'all's reunion.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 August 2015, 21:43:10
I believe he means to say that it's rubbish that more folks didn't come to y'all's reunion.
Ah, you are one smart dude.  Honestly, the "y'all" helped.  US/UK:  a common people separated by a common language.  Got hung up on 'rubbish' and figured...well...I'm dumb.  My wife thinks so too. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 August 2015, 01:01:10
AW got it right, it was meant to be an expression of sympathy about a poor turn out of people from your wife's reunion


I just held off describing it as "pants" as I thought that might not come across well


I have problems cutting and pasting quotes from other people when I post from my iPad which is why I hadn't cut your post up to comment separately on the different bits
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 August 2015, 04:38:42
AW got it right, it was meant to be an expression of sympathy about a poor turn out of people from your wife's reunion


I just held off describing it as "pants" as I thought that might not come across well


I have problems cutting and pasting quotes from other people when I post from my iPad which is why I hadn't cut your post up to comment separately on the different bits
For some reason I kept reading 'turnabout' rather than 'turnout'.  What's clearly become rubbish is my reading comprehension.  I blame my toddlers...and children's authors for making tiny books all sing songy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 23 August 2015, 12:22:17
Let me just say today is a good day.  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 23 August 2015, 12:23:22
Nerd got married and I got kittens - today is awesome
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 23 August 2015, 13:03:02
Nerd got married and I got kittens - today is awesome
Great news for Nerd! 

Enjoy the cats, Dan.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 23 August 2015, 17:51:39
Yay Nerd and The Doctor!

I'm knee deep in doing a bunch of work for pointless FOIA requests, FOIA is "Freedom of information Act" which is a law that all public bodies have to release all information requested of it, unless the info is protected for reasons (and other exceptions).  However, in my experience it's far less of transparency in government and way more of pushing a private agenda.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MadDogMaddux on 23 August 2015, 23:20:37
So I see you guys are still at it! Carry on, then.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 26 August 2015, 22:53:17
Hello MDM!

Been a while huh?

How is the store doing?

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2015, 10:42:03
anyone got any news or anything?


if not at least this keeps the old place ticking along...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 05 September 2015, 11:13:06
It's national (international?) bacon day.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2015, 14:28:40
It's national (international?) bacon day.
Darn it, I'm cooking with international bacon (pancetta) tomorrow.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 05 September 2015, 20:00:53
Four Days of Jury Duty, only to have the judge dismiss the case when the plaintiff didn't meet the standards of his claims.

Not that we would have found for him anyways...

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MadDogMaddux on 14 September 2015, 16:04:42
Anybody see Yuri Hikado? He's probably turning cartwheels today.  :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 15 September 2015, 02:56:10
Wait, MDM is back again and there've been a couple of 3CL airings up-board?  Somebody whistle up 97jedi and it'll be like old times in here.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 15 September 2015, 09:12:48
3CL is currently seeing a doctor about some Spitfires.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 September 2015, 13:44:35
3CL is currently seeing a doctor about some Spitfires.


We've had to tranquillise him after he got over excited by seeing Spitfires flying over Dover (well, Folkestone)


We may have to double the dosing on Saturday when he goes to Duxford
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 15 September 2015, 13:47:23
He's usually so reserved...what's he like absolutely blissed out? :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 September 2015, 13:51:47
He's usually so reserved...what's he like absolutely blissed out? :)


I think that due to a combination of being a reserved Mid-Westerner and over exposure to hedgehogs, he mostly just squeaks with excitement
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 15 September 2015, 14:16:29
Did I shed a manly tear? That's between my Spitfire-shaped God and me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 30 September 2015, 17:49:16
Over two weeks people?! What were you doing? Invading the Capellan Confederation or something?!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 30 September 2015, 18:31:24
What can I say? My wife wanted takeout.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 30 September 2015, 19:02:18
It's been ten years, I want to invade it again....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 September 2015, 19:33:36
Not really in the invasion kind of mood...the wife started work and I've been taking over daycare delivery/recovery duties.  I guess I've been focusing more on raids and withdrawals lately.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 30 September 2015, 22:00:07
It's been ten years, I want to invade it again....
better willpower then me, I can only go five years
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 30 September 2015, 22:23:18
Not really in the invasion kind of mood...the wife started work and I've been taking over daycare delivery/recovery duties.  I guess I've been focusing more on raids and withdrawals lately.
Dear Lord I feel you.
My wife is working third shift so she can go to school full-time during the day. So when The Abigirl is home, she's with me.  It's not been a fun transtion.

However, she has picked up on more of my mannerisms which is funny. Like, when she comes home from daycare, this first thing she does is take off her pants, which I still laugh at every time (while pantsless).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 October 2015, 02:39:21
Dear Lord I feel you.
My wife is working third shift so she can go to school full-time during the day. So when The Abigirl is home, she's with me.  It's not been a fun transtion.

However, she has picked up on more of my mannerisms which is funny. Like, when she comes home from daycare, this first thing she does is take off her pants, which I still laugh at every time (while pantsless).


Must... Remember... It's... An... American... Talking... About... Pants...




I'm getting quite snowed under at/with work, not helped by a cold.
I change jobs next Wednesday, moving hospitals. Again.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 01 October 2015, 09:31:53
Must... Remember... It's... An... American... Talking... About... Pants...

...or is it? >:D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 01 October 2015, 19:29:33
Oh no, looks like rain.  Better get the rubbers.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 01 October 2015, 21:14:41
Or, as my aunt once said during a visit:

"Could you knock me up at 8? I want to go out and smack a fag before we leave for the airport"

Pardon????

Oh.... Wake you up at 8 so you can smoke a cigarette before we leave for the airport.

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 October 2015, 01:56:36
As for me, I've been working a new job the last couple months (I may have mentioned before; campus safety at my alma mater) and Until I get moved over there (just another week or two, I'm hoping!) that means an hour and 15 minute commute every day, so most of my time is working, driving, or sleeping.  But I can be on my phone at work while in the office monitoring cameras, or else y'all wouldn't be getting this post.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 07 October 2015, 19:45:33
As for me, I've been working a new job the last couple months (I may have mentioned before; campus safety at my alma mater) and Until I get moved over there (just another week or two, I'm hoping!) that means an hour and 15 minute commute every day, so most of my time is working, driving, or sleeping.  But I can be on my phone at work while in the office monitoring cameras, or else y'all wouldn't be getting this post.
Nice, sounds like that would be a dream job...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 October 2015, 20:13:06
If it paid more than $10/hour, sure.  Supposedly we're going to go from unarmed rent-a-cops to actual certified LEOs after this school year (and university employees instead of third-party contractors), which should come with a nice bump in pay and benefits.  At that point, yes I think it will be.  I'd say more, but Rule 4 and all that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 21 October 2015, 11:06:27
Over two weeks people?! What were you doing? Invading the Capellan Confederation or something?!

Well, I only just got back from paternity leave, so there's that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 21 October 2015, 11:13:20
Men can get this? Color me somewhat surprised.

Well, I only just got back from paternity leave, so there's that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 22 October 2015, 20:24:11
Men can get this? Color me somewhat surprised.

Really, if you think about it, only men can get paternity leave.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Neko_Bijin on 22 October 2015, 21:35:33
Really, if you think about it, only men can get paternity leave.
Careful now, that's regressive thinking right there!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 23 October 2015, 01:19:56
The U.K. has now changed to "parental leave" which can be taken by either parent for most of it although women are apparently forced to take at least 2 weeks


I've had to learn about it for my Medical Leadership course and the law only recently changed
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 23 October 2015, 05:33:46
Men can get this? Color me somewhat surprised.
Worse, even the Marine Corps will give men 10 days per kid.  What their not happy about is taking time off for a sick kid...which I'm doing now because the has a job now and is traveling.  Yahtzee!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 24 October 2015, 05:18:40
Worse, even the Marine Corps will give men 10 days per kid.  What their not happy about is taking time off for a sick kid...which I'm doing now because the has a job now and is traveling.  Yahtzee!


Suboptimal


Tell them it is a command exercise to simulate you being a battle casualty or are unexpectedly deployed to see how your colleagues cope?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 October 2015, 12:25:16

Suboptimal


Tell them it is a command exercise to simulate you being a battle casualty or are unexpectedly deployed to see how your colleagues cope?
Actually my co-workers have reason.  With me leaving in six months (whoo hoo) one of them asked that I stop doing so much planning in my head and share some of my techniques.  Right now we're trying to build a process for aggregating forces.  What I'm neglecting is my physical fitness and job research.  Oh well...

How is everyone else's weekend progressing?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 24 October 2015, 12:43:30
Today has been a gentle/slump day spent mostly on the sofa although I've just been for a short run in the rain with Rosie


Tomorrow I need to work and hope to get a longer run fitted in too


My new commute to work involves about 5 miles of walking per day though so I'm happy I'm getting fitness in generally
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 24 October 2015, 19:38:46
The Royals are going back to the World Series, the wife and I celebrated our 16th, and I didn't kill my Mother in Law today when she came over for lunch.  Got a decent amount of stained glass done, won my HoI3 Random game, so I'm sitting at the top of the Bell Curve.

Which means only one thing...

Dav

Actually my co-workers have reason.  With me leaving in six months (whoo hoo) one of them asked that I stop doing so much planning in my head and share some of my techniques.  Right now we're trying to build a process for aggregating forces.  What I'm neglecting is my physical fitness and job research.  Oh well...

How is everyone else's weekend progressing?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 October 2015, 19:58:50
The Royals are going back to the World Series, the wife and I celebrated our 16th, and I didn't kill my Mother in Law today when she came over for lunch.  Got a decent amount of stained glass done, won my HoI3 Random game, so I'm sitting at the top of the Bell Curve.

Which means only one thing...

Dav
Dav, I do not understand the second sentence in the slightest but that is my problem.  I'd like to commend you on what might the longest running avatar on these boards.  Weren't you using Ms. Hilton on previous versions of the boards since around the time 'A Simple Life' aired on Fox?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 24 October 2015, 23:14:44
Dav, I do not understand the second sentence in the slightest but that is my problem.

One of my other hobbies is Stained Glass Making.  I am in the middle of fifteen 12 point Moravian Stars for the kids on my side of the family, and a 3 panel nativity set that is turning into a time sink. 
I play Hearts of Iron 3 a bit, there's a mod for it called Random HoI, it essentially randomly "builds" countries on the existing map, and with a couple of additional mods it's quite fun.  I created my own country for it, added it to the game file, and have been having fun with it. Its one of those games I start playing and three hours later its "How did four hours pass."

 
Quote
I'd like to commend you on what might the longest running avatar on these boards.  Weren't you using Ms. Hilton on previous versions of the boards since around the time 'A Simple Life' aired on Fox?

Yes.  And it's not photoshopped either, which shocks some people.

:-)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 November 2015, 14:51:25
If you're the praying sort, I'd appreciate prayers for a friend of mine's family.  His youngest is going through some teenage issues that have unfortunately become distressingly public in our small town of ~6000.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 09 November 2015, 22:46:07
Prayers for me also if you would. I going through a divorce and am also unemployed...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 12 November 2015, 23:43:11
Prayers for me also if you would. I going through a divorce and am also unemployed...

Really sorry to hear that, Force. Best wishes to you -- hope all turns out for the best.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 15 November 2015, 14:54:10
Thank you 3CL. I appreciate it.

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 November 2015, 15:06:45
Take it one day at a time.  I can't imagine what you're going through.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 21 November 2015, 15:23:20
Force, you are in my prays. I would have responded sooner, but dreading and then going through nasal polyp surgery took it out of me for two weeks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Generalstoner on 23 December 2015, 21:43:41
Glad to see the old AFFSHC still is around.  Hello Gentlemen, Generalstoner reporting back to the AFFSHC as ordered.  Hopefully some of the old guard is still around to welcome this old grognard back!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 23 December 2015, 22:38:40
Thank you for the kind words Charlie 6 and Lord Harlock. I appreciate it.

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 26 December 2015, 20:16:30
Well, while heading back to my apartment after a late Christmas dinner with mom's side of the family I was in a wreck this afternoon.  Aside from some glass slivers in my left hand, airbag burn on my right forearm, and a bruise from the shoulder strap I'm fine.  Car's, well, a wreck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 26 December 2015, 22:57:09
Well, while heading back to my apartment after a late Christmas dinner with mom's side of the family I was in a wreck this afternoon.  Aside from some glass slivers in my left hand, airbag burn on my right forearm, and a bruise from the shoulder strap I'm fine.  Car's, well, a wreck.
"So, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?"

Much more seriously, at least you're (generally) all right.  Sorry about the car; any chance insurance will cover it? 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 27 December 2015, 00:21:33
Well, I'm no insurance adjuster, but I think the damage looks worse than it is.  A lot of mangled hood, fender, bumper, etc, but it sat there running for several minutes while I was making sure the other two drivers were out of their vehicles, until I remembered to go shut it off.  So I don't think the really important stuff was hurt.  But then again I'm probably being unjustifiably optimistic because I don't want to have to deal with shopping for another car.  And that was the first new car I ever bought, so I'm probably a little sentimental about keeping it.  I took some pictures, which I'd post, but they're too big.  Not sure how to shrink them on my phone, and I'll be away from my PC for the next couple of days.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 27 December 2015, 00:23:55
See if this link to where I posted the pics on Facebook works: link (https://www.facebook.com/lenny.goodnight/posts/875952902023?comment_id=876000556523&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment)

Mine is the gray Nissan, as you may have guessed.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 27 December 2015, 04:39:37
The crumple zones in modern cars mean you are fine but the structure may well be a write off


I hope all is well/are well


London was surprisingly busy with traffic when I was driving to/from my Parental Units on Christmas Day
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 15 January 2016, 21:02:22
A guy I went to school and church with since I was five years old died in a construction accident on the job today.  28 years old.  Pray for his family, if y'all would.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 16 January 2016, 19:20:11
a great shame
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 February 2016, 14:16:38
How fair you good gentlemen people sophonts?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 06 February 2016, 15:03:11
How fair you good gentlemen people sophonts?
Savoring a few quiet moments while the boys nap and the wife is out of the house.  Only 53 days and a wake-up until my last day of work.  Fortunately, I've enough leave and allowance to take 90 days to complete my job hunt.  'till then:  networking.

How are you doing, my friend?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 February 2016, 15:05:56
Savoring a few quiet moments while the boys nap and the wife is out of the house.  Only 53 days and a wake-up until my last day of work.  Fortunately, I've enough leave and allowance to take 90 days to complete my job hunt.  'till then:  networking.

How are you doing, my friend?


Thanks to citalopram, cognitive behavioural therapy and mentoring... better!


I still have over a year before I need to find myself a job (I hope) as my training isn't due to finish until April 2017
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 06 February 2016, 20:35:46

Thanks to citalopram, cognitive behavioural therapy and mentoring... better!


I still have over a year before I need to find myself a job (I hope) as my training isn't due to finish until April 2017
I'm glad you're doing better.

I forget that combined with all of your medical training that you're just getting ready to start 'working'.  It reminds me of my college roommate who was on the Teddy Roosevelt Carrier Battlegroup in '99 arriving in the Med on his first deployment as I was ending my second of three MEU deployments to the Med.  In context, flight school engenders enough of a delay and is a long enough process that I completed a year at The Basic School and Fort Sill combined followed by another two years of deployment workups and deployments.  By the time he left the Navy, I'd already knocked out five deployments and two years of school to his two deployments.

Force, how are you doing this days?

AW, how did the car episode end up?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 06 February 2016, 21:41:34
Insurance company finally got me the check monday.  Got a 2012 Kia Soul.


Oh by the way, I've got a bunch of job stuff coming up in the next few weeks; interview with the state Department of Parks & Tourism, Physical Fitness tests I have to pass to be considered for jobs with Arkansas State Police and Game & Fish Commission, and possibly an interview with a local law firm as a case manager in one of their offices.  Lots of options, if they all go well.  Given my druthers, I'd pick the State Trooper or Wildlife Officer spots, but I've still got to see what (if anything) I'm actually offered.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 07 February 2016, 03:25:22
Insurance company finally got me the check monday.  Got a 2012 Kia Soul.


Oh by the way, I've got a bunch of job stuff coming up in the next few weeks; interview with the state Department of Parks & Tourism, Physical Fitness tests I have to pass to be considered for jobs with Arkansas State Police and Game & Fish Commission, and possibly an interview with a local law firm as a case manager in one of their offices.  Lots of options, if they all go well.  Given my druthers, I'd pick the State Trooper or Wildlife Officer spots, but I've still got to see what (if anything) I'm actually offered.


Good luck!


I'm glad you're doing better.

I forget that combined with all of your medical training that you're just getting ready to start 'working'.  It reminds me of my college roommate who was on the Teddy Roosevelt Carrier Battlegroup in '99 arriving in the Med on his first deployment as I was ending my second of three MEU deployments to the Med.  In context, flight school engenders enough of a delay and is a long enough process that I completed a year at The Basic School and Fort Sill combined followed by another two years of deployment workups and deployments.  By the time he left the Navy, I'd already knocked out five deployments and two years of school to his two deployments.

Force, how are you doing this days?

AW, how did the car episode end up?


At least they've been paying me since 2004


I've also managed to hurt my leg so can't run and am struggling to walk. Musculoskeletal stuff not being my area of interest, I asked some friends and one reckons it's my soleus muscle 😢
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 07 February 2016, 17:53:08
Insurance company finally got me the check monday.  Got a 2012 Kia Soul.


Oh by the way, I've got a bunch of job stuff coming up in the next few weeks; interview with the state Department of Parks & Tourism, Physical Fitness tests I have to pass to be considered for jobs with Arkansas State Police and Game & Fish Commission, and possibly an interview with a local law firm as a case manager in one of their offices.  Lots of options, if they all go well.  Given my druthers, I'd pick the State Trooper or Wildlife Officer spots, but I've still got to see what (if anything) I'm actually offered.

Go with what you think is best, but always remember, it least you got Soul.  ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 08 February 2016, 22:02:51

Force, how are you doing this days?


Still looking for a job, selling the house (three viewings so far since it went on the market last Wednesday) and hopefully divorced by mid March.

Definitely a low point in my life to say the least.

Once I get a job though, I plan on buying a house or townhouse of my own and start dating again.

In other words, I refuse to be one of those people that wallow in ones past and remain there. I am excited about my future though. Especially the dating part. If you happen to know any single available women between 40 and 47 years old that don't smoke or have tattoos and are gamers (gold points) especially Battletech (Platinum points!) in the northern Illinois area, point them my way.  O0

Thanks for asking Charlie6.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 February 2016, 21:09:20
Still looking for a job, selling the house (three viewings so far since it went on the market last Wednesday) and hopefully divorced by mid March.

Definitely a low point in my life to say the least.

Once I get a job though, I plan on buying a house or townhouse of my own and start dating again.

In other words, I refuse to be one of those people that wallow in ones past and remain there. I am excited about my future though. Especially the dating part. If you happen to know any single available women between 40 and 47 years old that don't smoke or have tattoos and are gamers (gold points) especially Battletech (Platinum points!) in the northern Illinois area, point them my way.  O0

Thanks for asking Charlie6.
No problem.  I always felt this thread to be a good place to both yuk it up and to check up on folks with similar interests.  Seems of late we need to be checking up on each other.

I can commiserate to a small extent.  For the first time in 22 years I'm searching for a job.  We tried to sell our condo, that we're currently renting, this past summer with no luck.  Unemployed with two mortgages isn't something I'm looking forward to come July.  Anyway, I don't know for how long you were married but I still remember the best piece of self-discovery I had eight years ago when I met my wife.  Dating is good deal about interviewing the other person to be the best fit for you.  Anyway, good luck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 February 2016, 09:45:50
Go with what you think is best, but always remember, it least you got Soul.  ;)
I was somewhat disappointed I couldn't find a black one, so I could make "as black as my Soul" jokes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 16 March 2016, 08:35:39
Did you ever have a boss who gave only the vaguest of instructions, then chewed you out for not going above and beyond what he'd told you to do (or for going doing exactly what you'd been told, in one case)?  Or who wrote you up for not fixing a coworker's mistake?  Yeah, I need a new job.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 16 March 2016, 12:27:45
I had a boss who pulled me into his office one Friday and tild me he was letting me go.

When I asked why he said he was unhappy with how I was performing my job.   When I asked him why this was the first time I heard about it,  he said he thought I'd realize I was doing a bad job and take steps to fix it. When I said i had never received any negative feedback from my supervisors or co workers,  he said it wasnt their responsibility to tell me.

This all happened on a Friday the thirteenth.   I wish I were making it up.

Dav

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 16 March 2016, 16:53:27
I had a boss who pulled me into his office one Friday and tild me he was letting me go.

When I asked why he said he was unhappy with how I was performing my job.   When I asked him why this was the first time I heard about it,  he said he thought I'd realize I was doing a bad job and take steps to fix it. When I said i had never received any negative feedback from my supervisors or co workers,  he said it wasnt their responsibility to tell me.

This all happened on a Friday the thirteenth.   I wish I were making it up.

Dav

That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 16 March 2016, 17:04:02
That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.


I agree


I too have had crappy feedback but never that bad


To try to talk about more positive things, I have made up for no longer being able to join the Army by going to a local shooting club (yes, we have them in the UK and our NRA pre-dates the US one by over a decade) and had fun trying a .22, archery, airpistol and a .45 blackpowder percussion cap revolver. I discovered my wife is a better rifle shot than I am but I am better with a pistol  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 16 March 2016, 21:09:55
It was two jobs ago, I'm mostly over it.  :-)

That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 16 March 2016, 22:08:54
Did you ever have a boss who gave only the vaguest of instructions, then chewed you out for not going above and beyond what he'd told you to do (or for going doing exactly what you'd been told, in one case)?  Or who wrote you up for not fixing a coworker's mistake?  Yeah, I need a new job.
You could say I'm familiar with the type.

Sorry to hear about the divorce Force, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. At least you have a plan for the future though. I didn't and it made for some interesting times.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 19 March 2016, 01:15:07
Yeah Paladin, divorce is the absolute worst experience to go through. For me it ends this Wednesday 3/23/16. Then the healing begins...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 April 2016, 10:48:28
How is everyone this damp, wintery April day?  I hope well.

I'm on bed/couch rest after a medical procedure.  The kids are staying with their grandparents, the wife is updating our Disney vacation plan, I'm watching Star Wars Episode VI and wishing I could go fiddle with Star Wars Rebellion down in my office.  Our crappy condo is back on the market, I'm finding that the time allotted to me for job hunting is really all about preparing for my retirement ceremony and checking out of the Marine Corps.  Evidentially, I won't be talked to seriously until about four to six weeks before I actually retire.  (Oops Vader just lost his hand)  Oh, and I'm likely in need of shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and two nearly torn ligaments in my right shoulder (thanks pull-ups).  (Shield is down!).

I hope you all are well (Vader's having a moral compass crisis at the moment).

S/F, Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 09 April 2016, 16:51:12
I'm working this weekend but right now I'm sat on my sofa having a beer
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 09 April 2016, 17:16:15
Man Charlie6, you sound pretty rough! Hope you get better quick and have a smooth transition!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 April 2016, 19:09:23
Man Charlie6, you sound pretty rough! Hope you get better quick and have a smooth transition!
Yeah, this retirement thing isn't turning out to be all that fun.  Thanks for the well wish.

Dan, I hope you enjoyed that beer.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 09 April 2016, 21:59:11
My wife and I put anoffer in to buy a house.  Itwas accepted.  A week later she pulled a sizeable chunk out of her 401.   Insection goes great, were in first round of underwriting, at Nebraska Furniture Mart looking at new couches and the like.  Check Engine Light comes on driving home.  Pull into the dealership, hae them check it out.

New timing belt system required.  Which is only mildy frustrating because I had that replaced three years ago when I was commuting 170 miles a day.  I'm getting a discount on the repair, but that's my wife not getting the new fridge she wants.   >:(

On the plus side, the house is fabulous, as my daughter puts it "We're getting three bathrooms...and a dog!"

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 10 April 2016, 06:37:56
My wife and I put anoffer in to buy a house.  Itwas accepted.  A week later she pulled a sizeable chunk out of her 401.   Insection goes great, were in first round of underwriting, at Nebraska Furniture Mart looking at new couches and the like.  Check Engine Light comes on driving home.  Pull into the dealership, hae them check it out.

New timing belt system required.  Which is only mildy frustrating because I had that replaced three years ago when I was commuting 170 miles a day.  I'm getting a discount on the repair, but that's my wife not getting the new fridge she wants.   >:(

On the plus side, the house is fabulous, as my daughter puts it "We're getting three bathrooms...and a dog!"

Dav
Did you know you were getting a dog?  Between my two properties I have two refrigerators that I despise.  I will never buy another fridge with a ice maker or water dispenser in them. Both have broken and I rarely use either.

Good luck with the house.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davout73 on 10 April 2016, 10:42:16
Well, were getting  Great Pyrenees, not so much as dog as a small pony....

Thanks for the kind words,

Dav
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 12 April 2016, 02:39:49
Well, were getting  Great Pyrenees, not so much as dog as a small pony....

Thanks for the kind words,

Dav

Cool! Your daughter can learn dressage!

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 12 April 2016, 02:46:39
And remember when you take the dog for a walk, it's more him taking you for one. That's one big, strong dog.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 April 2016, 08:20:00
Cool! Your daughter can learn dressage!

   - Shane
Damn, that was much better joke that I could come up with.  Well played.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 14 April 2016, 12:02:23
Damn, that was much better joke that I could come up with.  Well played.

That reminded me of the following picture.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 April 2016, 14:03:29
10/10, would ride into battle again.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 18 April 2016, 20:13:01
Images of Sir Didymus and his faithful mount Ambrosius come to mind.....
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 May 2016, 09:27:51
Gentlemen, indulge me if you will for few moments of your time.

So, I retired on Friday.  Not retired retired as in never working again but held my retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps.  The pomp and circumstance is done.  Pretty much a ‘the Marine Corps Hymn has been played for you; go get the final paperwork on your own time’ sort of thing.  I came home with less people attending than expected and very introspective on the whole matter.  By the by, there’s a shittiness to RSVP’ing ‘yes’ and not showing...keep that in mind in your social engagements.

Introspection follows along the lines of ‘did I achieve enough’ countered against some things the Retiring Officer related to the crowd.  He reached out to folks I’d served with or those that taught me in high school, all of whom couldn’t attend, for comments.  The crux of his statements were that I was the “smart guy”, the “intellectual”, and the one “that challenged our critical thoughts and made us think critically about them.”  Beyond generous about my contributions but frankly those are the kind of things people had said about me since I was a Captain.

I spoke about home.  I’m not sure you guys know this but I’m second generation Marine.  I’ve carried my Father’s sword for 21 years.  It’s been in active service for nearly 50 years (his first one was stolen in Naples in the ‘60s).  The building I retired in, Harry Lee Hall, is a mile from the house where my Mother passed away in when I was twelve.  I rode past the building on the way to elementary school, went to Boy Scouts nearby it, snuck my dog (against policy) in and out of it when we moved, my brother had his prom in the very same room of my ceremony, and my parents had their wedding reception upstairs from it.  Quantico, for lack of a better word, was my hometown and Harry Lee Hall is a good representation of it.

Afterward, I was struck by a theme I never knew existed.  A more junior officer told me that our interactions, particularly over me cracking open books to learn doctrine, had been a mentoring point of his for the last 15 years.  I thought he hated me but he took time out of his day to come thank me.  A peer told me the most career defining moment for him was realizing that he was wrong and I was right.  He, as a Marine Captain, turned to a Navy Captain and said simply, “Sir, I’ve led you astray.  Matt has it right.”  His lesson:  Courage Always.  Lastly, and this was the one that really got me (near to tears mind you) was what one of my former bosses told me after the ceremony.  He said simply that I shouldn’t forget my contribution to those I worked for:  they wouldn’t be in their position if I hadn’t helped them grow too.  Considering he fought his way through two accidents on I-95 that morning just make my remarks during the ceremony when he could have easily blown my retirement off entirely having his aide instead text me something had came up is telling.  But it was when he fiddled with collar, pulled his Major General insignia off his collar and handed them to me (with stern “don’t wear them”) that I nearly lost it.  I guess I took the kind words from my former battalion CO and also my former MEU CO, now a retired Lieutenant General, in the letters they wrote me too much at face value and failed to realize they aren’t just doing it for good form, they actually mean it.

So, after several glasses of wine over the week, and a couple of scotch, I guess I ought to recognize that yes, I made a difference.  Now I need to get off my ass to fulfill my second life goal, raise a family.  See if your two boys can fulfill more lines of Kipling’s ‘IF’ than you could.  Be the best of men to my wife.

Anyway, those are my thoughts after 21 years of service.  Outside of my wife, you are the folks with whom I share this stuff.  Thanks for reading.

Semper Fidelis, Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 05 May 2016, 15:23:16
I feel honored to read them sir.
I wish you a prosperous "retirement"!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 May 2016, 17:33:06
I feel honored to read them sir.
I wish you a prosperous "retirement"!
Thanks for reading and the well wish.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 05 May 2016, 18:41:37
Although my time in the Corps was brief by comparison (only 3 years) and longer ago than I care to remember (74-77) I salute you sir. Congratulation on your retirement. Your new adventure has begun. Semper Fi.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 May 2016, 19:12:59
Although my time in the Corps was brief by comparison (only 3 years) and longer ago than I care to remember (74-77) I salute you sir. Congratulation on your retirement. Your new adventure has begun. Semper Fi.
Thanks Leathernuts!  I've always appreciated you as an old hand on the boards and also because you're one of the few Marines around here.  Besides, you were around during the bad old days; you deserve my thanks. Also, thank you for the kind words.  By the way, I'm sure you've forgotten but it is a Hell of a lot easier to get in than it is to get out these days.  Four trips and three phone calls from Admin before I could leave with my DD214.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 05 May 2016, 20:29:31
Thank you for serving is all I can say Charlie 6.

To Have Succeeded

 To laugh often and love much:
 To win respect of intelligent people
 And the affection of children;
 To earn the approbation of honest critics
 And endure the betrayal of false friends;
 To appreciate beauty;
 To find the best in others;
 To give one's self;
 To leave the world a little better,
 Whether by a healthy child,
 A garden patch,
 Or redeemed social condition;
 To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
 And sung with exultation;
 To know even one life has breathed easier
 Because you have lived...
 This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You have succeeded more than most ever will. The people that were at your retirement are the proof.
Now it's time to move on to your next successes in life.

Semper Fi.

Force
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 May 2016, 21:17:39
Thank you for serving is all I can say Charlie 6.

To Have Succeeded

 To laugh often and love much:
 To win respect of intelligent people
 And the affection of children;
 To earn the approbation of honest critics
 And endure the betrayal of false friends;
 To appreciate beauty;
 To find the best in others;
 To give one's self;
 To leave the world a little better,
 Whether by a healthy child,
 A garden patch,
 Or redeemed social condition;
 To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
 And sung with exultation;
 To know even one life has breathed easier
 Because you have lived...
 This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You have succeeded more than most ever will. The people that were at your retirement are the proof.
Now it's time to move on to your next successes in life.

Semper Fi.

Force
You see my Kipling and raise me Emerson.  Tough move on your part.  I'm not familiar with that poem but see bits of 'IF' in it.  Children are a hard crowd to win over...a bit daunting actually.  Thank you for the well wishes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 May 2016, 15:34:14
I hope you feel that looking back you did a good job - it certainly sounds like it
This is a huge life-event for you so don't be surprised if the transition takes a while to fully settle


I was thinking of posting something myself - I'm now in NY for a holiday but within about 24 hours of arriving ended up needing an ER visit  :'(  fortunately nothing too serious but it's taken out a day or so out of our time here
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 06 May 2016, 15:41:03
I hope you feel that looking back you did a good job - it certainly sounds like it
This is a huge life-event for you so don't be surprised if the transition takes a while to fully settle


I was thinking of posting something myself - I'm now in NY for a holiday but within about 24 hours of arriving ended up needing an ER visit  :'(  fortunately nothing too serious but it's taken out a day or so out of our time here
Yikes? You and/or the wife ok?
Also how was it as a medical professional from another country.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 May 2016, 15:54:00
Me - abdominal pain and vomiting. Being medical I was worried about something gallstone-related or pancreatitis but my blood work was reassuring ok and 4mg of IV morphine and some antiemetic later and I was ok. Final diagnosis was viral gastroenteritis.


The service and care was good, what I would expect or hope for anywhere and the staff were all friendly. I was treated at Mount Sinai Roosevelt and after treatment I felt well enough to walk the 10-14 blocks back to the hotel in the rain at 6am... I may have been a bit high!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 06 May 2016, 18:47:44
Dan, I hope you feel better. What brings you to the States?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 May 2016, 18:51:52
Dan, I hope you feel better. What brings you to the States?


Mostly better but taking it easy


It is our 8th wedding anniversary and Rosie has never been to the US. We are here for a week so hopefully my illness won't affect things too much.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 06 May 2016, 19:07:44

Mostly better but taking it easy


It is our 8th wedding anniversary and Rosie has never been to the US. We are here for a week so hopefully my illness won't affect things too much.
Aside from resting up, where are you staying and what were you planning on you doing?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 May 2016, 19:15:01
We're at the Hilton Midtown on 6th Avenue and West 54th Street


Rosie has a lot of plans... My main goals are walking and exploring, The Met and Intrepid and enjoying spending time with Rosie
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 06 May 2016, 21:22:20
Welcome tot he other side of the pond! Have fun! Hope you get better so that you can go exploring.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 May 2016, 13:21:32
Gentlemen, indulge me if you will for few moments of your time.

So, I retired on Friday.  Not retired retired as in never working again but held my retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps.  The pomp and circumstance is done.  Pretty much a ‘the Marine Corps Hymn has been played for you; go get the final paperwork on your own time’ sort of thing.  I came home with less people attending than expected and very introspective on the whole matter.  By the by, there’s a shittiness to RSVP’ing ‘yes’ and not showing...keep that in mind in your social engagements.

Introspection follows along the lines of ‘did I achieve enough’ countered against some things the Retiring Officer related to the crowd.  He reached out to folks I’d served with or those that taught me in high school, all of whom couldn’t attend, for comments.  The crux of his statements were that I was the “smart guy”, the “intellectual”, and the one “that challenged our critical thoughts and made us think critically about them.”  Beyond generous about my contributions but frankly those are the kind of things people had said about me since I was a Captain.

I spoke about home.  I’m not sure you guys know this but I’m second generation Marine.  I’ve carried my Father’s sword for 21 years.  It’s been in active service for nearly 50 years (his first one was stolen in Naples in the ‘60s).  The building I retired in, Harry Lee Hall, is a mile from the house where my Mother passed away in when I was twelve.  I rode past the building on the way to elementary school, went to Boy Scouts nearby it, snuck my dog (against policy) in and out of it when we moved, my brother had his prom in the very same room of my ceremony, and my parents had their wedding reception upstairs from it.  Quantico, for lack of a better word, was my hometown and Harry Lee Hall is a good representation of it.

Afterward, I was struck by a theme I never knew existed.  A more junior officer told me that our interactions, particularly over me cracking open books to learn doctrine, had been a mentoring point of his for the last 15 years.  I thought he hated me but he took time out of his day to come thank me.  A peer told me the most career defining moment for him was realizing that he was wrong and I was right.  He, as a Marine Captain, turned to a Navy Captain and said simply, “Sir, I’ve led you astray.  Matt has it right.”  His lesson:  Courage Always.  Lastly, and this was the one that really got me (near to tears mind you) was what one of my former bosses told me after the ceremony.  He said simply that I shouldn’t forget my contribution to those I worked for:  they wouldn’t be in their position if I hadn’t helped them grow too.  Considering he fought his way through two accidents on I-95 that morning just make my remarks during the ceremony when he could have easily blown my retirement off entirely having his aide instead text me something had came up is telling.  But it was when he fiddled with collar, pulled his Major General insignia off his collar and handed them to me (with stern “don’t wear them”) that I nearly lost it.  I guess I took the kind words from my former battalion CO and also my former MEU CO, now a retired Lieutenant General, in the letters they wrote me too much at face value and failed to realize they aren’t just doing it for good form, they actually mean it.

So, after several glasses of wine over the week, and a couple of scotch, I guess I ought to recognize that yes, I made a difference.  Now I need to get off my ass to fulfill my second life goal, raise a family.  See if your two boys can fulfill more lines of Kipling’s ‘IF’ than you could.  Be the best of men to my wife.

Anyway, those are my thoughts after 21 years of service.  Outside of my wife, you are the folks with whom I share this stuff.  Thanks for reading.

Semper Fidelis, Matt
Congratulations and well done sir.  I hope the job hunt's going well.  What field are you looking at?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 May 2016, 17:22:34
Congratulations and well done sir.  I hope the job hunt's going well.  What field are you looking at?
Welp, I either go with Subject Matter Expert/Analyst OR Program Management.  I doubt Business Development is in my future at least within the National Defense Industry.  I applied for one job already and been told "let's talk more" by another company, both local and related to the Naval Services.  I also have another offerish-like thing available but I don't have a lot of faith in it.  Particularly since it involves exotic travel.  I'm done with that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 08 May 2016, 20:55:47
Good luck with the job hunt.  O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 June 2016, 20:53:40
Got an interview next week at my high school alma mater.  Prayers would be appreciated.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Acolyte on 09 June 2016, 23:15:59
You've got my best wishes!

   - Shane
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 June 2016, 00:52:16
Best wishes from me


I am in pretty flat out denial about a work review next week at the moment - a boot up the bum would be appreciated!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 10 June 2016, 23:19:27
Would some long range sniper fire help? I am too old to do much butt kicking anymore.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 11 June 2016, 12:24:52
Would some long range sniper fire help? I am too old to do much butt kicking anymore.


That would be good, or Charlie 6 can give me a whole battalion fire mission - I can live with some excessive collateral damage
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 11 June 2016, 15:40:02
I can live with some excessive collateral damage

You...you grok me, y'know?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 June 2016, 18:33:29
Got an interview next week at my high school alma mater.  Prayers would be appreciated.
Good luck with the interview!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 11 June 2016, 22:30:36
Break somebody else's leg! (Breaking your own cramps your style and makes the commute a real pain.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 14 June 2016, 19:18:10

That would be good, or Charlie 6 can give me a whole battalion fire mission - I can live with some excessive collateral damage
I don't know, being retired now he probably doesn't have access to that much firepower anymore.  If he does I'm very, very worried.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 June 2016, 19:34:35
I don't know, being retired now he probably doesn't have access to that much firepower anymore.  If he does I'm very, very worried.
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?

Dan, I hope your work review went well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 June 2016, 13:25:01
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?


Battle damage analysis?
Up 100, left 50 and fire for effect?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 June 2016, 07:33:25

Battle damage analysis?
Up 100, left 50 and fire for effect?
I'll be a contractor working in support of the Science and Technology Division at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.  No concrete idea as to what I'll be doing or even really for whom.  I think it will be more along the lines of setting up projects for future experiments but I really don't know.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 16 June 2016, 17:05:36
I'll be a contractor working in support of the Science and Technology Division at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.  No concrete idea as to what I'll be doing or even really for whom.  I think it will be more along the lines of setting up projects for future experiments but I really don't know.


That sounds good and as though it may well be a good transition role to further outside the USMC if you want it to be
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 23 June 2016, 21:43:16
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?

Dan, I hope your work review went well.
Last Wednesday.  Since I haven't heard back, I'm guessing it didn't so well.   Hardly shocking, several of the questions caught me pretty off guard and left me going "Umm, well, uh...let me think about that.  [pause]  Ok, here we go...[answer]"
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 June 2016, 07:57:55
Last Wednesday.  Since I haven't heard back, I'm guessing it didn't so well.   Hardly shocking, several of the questions caught me pretty off guard and left me going "Umm, well, uh...let me think about that.  [pause]  Ok, here we go...[answer]"
Or they could be interviewing a bunch of candidates which takes time.  Give it until Monday and call them back to inquire about the status.  If you don't mind me asking, what resources and networks are you leaning on in your job hunt?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 25 June 2016, 00:36:12
Eh, mostly applying for government jobs through the state's job site.  Sometimes I'll hear about something through a friend or a networking page my alma mater maintains for alumni.  I won't say it isn't a little haphazard though.  I did get a call today setting up an interview for another job next week though.  We'll see how that goes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 June 2016, 12:35:32
Eh, mostly applying for government jobs through the state's job site.  Sometimes I'll hear about something through a friend or a networking page my alma mater maintains for alumni.  I won't say it isn't a little haphazard though.  I did get a call today setting up an interview for another job next week though.  We'll see how that goes.
Well, that's good news.  Keep pressing.  If you feel like your interview skills need some work then call a local college to see if they know about business interview courses.  Also, reach out to employers you are interested in, but don't have availability, and ask to do an informational interview.  It lets you practice your skills while learning about the company.  Also, HR folks talk to HR folks so a good showing on your part might result in referral.  Good luck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 June 2016, 14:15:24
Apropos of nothing, due to two misspellings in one post up North I have a strong urge to name a Battlemech "Mario Malitia".  My only issue is which 'Mech to paint.

In other news my wife is resigning from her position today; fortunately she starting next week at what hope to be a better opportunity.  I suspect her immediate supervisor will figure out some way to keep her there until past 4pm because that's the type of person her boss is.

Also, I just went back to page one of this read and a) realized it started over two and half years ago and b) how many former posters have not been on the forums in a while.  Bummer.  Hope everyone present or otherwise occupied is doing well.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 29 June 2016, 14:23:20
I do love silly names that come from misreading something, mispronouncing it or misspelling it - I was recently talking to friends about UPSI (pronounced oopsie) which stands for Unprotected Sexual Intercourse... which is normally an oopsie moment


Good luck to your wife in her new job, is it in the same field of business? (I seem to remember it's property related, maybe what we call an estate agent in the uk?)


Several now-irregular posters on here are still well and active on Facebook - come and join Matt, the sky won't fall on you...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 June 2016, 14:29:47
I do love silly names that come from misreading something, mispronouncing it or misspelling it - I was recently talking to friends about UPSI (pronounced oopsie) which stands for Unprotected Sexual Intercourse... which is normally an oopsie moment


Good luck to your wife in her new job, is it in the same field of business? (I seem to remember it's property related, maybe what we call an estate agent in the uk?)


Several now-irregular posters on here are still well and active on Facebook - come and join Matt, the sky won't fall on you...
I have been feeling the pull to face the 'Book, Dan.  Whereas I could previously lurk on some merchant sites I get periodically blocked by silliness of a "YOU MUST LOGIN OR REGISTER NOW!!!!" half obscured screen.  Maybe this week, I'll set up an account..

The wife does event planning.  After she put in her resignation a number of folks have commented on her skill set (Master of Arts in Business Leadership) being underutilized.  The next job offers her better opportunities and hopefully won't put her in a position of burning bridges with vendors the way her soon-to-be former boss does.

How'd the review go?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 29 June 2016, 14:33:24
People who do the sort of thing your wife's boss does confuse, bemuse and annoy me - it is so stupid when being nice can costs nothing/so little


My review did not go well, I need to make a formal appeal  :'(  but have a very strong case
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 June 2016, 14:48:56
People who do the sort of thing your wife's boss does confuse, bemuse and annoy me - it is so stupid when being nice can costs nothing/so little


My review did not go well, I need to make a formal appeal  :'(  but have a very strong case
Well my friend, I hope that goes well for you.  I'm having to mentally adjust (load up on humility) as I prepare for my new job.  I'm there for my expertise and nothing else.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 29 June 2016, 14:51:29
Well my friend, I hope that goes well for you.  I'm having to mentally adjust (load up on humility) as I prepare for my new job.  I'm there for my expertise and nothing else.


Annoyingly, the day to day work is going well at the moment
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 30 June 2016, 02:28:00
I blame the new format of the forum.  When the Hall moved from the bottom, things slowed considerably.  We no longer sit at the bottom, collecting all the sinking detritus.  But yeah, I was thinking the other day of even farther back, of folks I've scarcely seen since the great crash five or six years ago.  Of course, I'm sure many of them are still around and just don't drop in on this thread.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 04 July 2016, 02:18:07
Well, some of us just rarely visit.  Good to see you all.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 05 July 2016, 11:33:38
I was trying to look something up in Endgame and saw something I've never noticed before.  Does the large building (Davion Palace?) on the cover behind Prometheus look like Jabba's Palace to anyone else?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 06 July 2016, 07:28:10
I was trying to look something up in Endgame and saw something I've never noticed before.  Does the large building (Davion Palace?) on the cover behind Prometheus look like Jabba's Palace to anyone else?
A little, just a little
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 06 July 2016, 23:19:55
I blame the new format of the forum.  When the Hall moved from the bottom, things slowed considerably.  We no longer sit at the bottom, collecting all the sinking detritus.  But yeah, I was thinking the other day of even farther back, of folks I've scarcely seen since the great crash five or six years ago.  Of course, I'm sure many of them are still around and just don't drop in on this thread.

This repositioning matter is a matter I will not even speculate upon. Such things get you banned. As to the missing.......I miss them.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 10 July 2016, 13:43:19
I blame the new format of the forum.  When the Hall moved from the bottom, things slowed considerably.  We no longer sit at the bottom, collecting all the sinking detritus.  But yeah, I was thinking the other day of even farther back, of folks I've scarcely seen since the great crash five or six years ago.  Of course, I'm sure many of them are still around and just don't drop in on this thread.
I thought the board had been deleted there for a while. I really had to hunt for it.
Just thought I'd say hi. It seems I have some time available for BT again. Can't ride my bike with a busted foot.  :-\
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 10 July 2016, 22:32:47
Oooooh. Had a similar trouble a few years back. Broke my right ankle. Could not drive my car. If I had broken my left ankle....automatic transmission and all. But no, it had to be the right ankle.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 11 July 2016, 00:12:18
Yea, broke bones in my right foot. As a friend said, I broke my bike's fall.  ;D
Only cosmetic damage to the bike.
Also broke a few bones in my left wrist.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 11 July 2016, 20:48:09
Oy. Yeah, had a friend that did that when I was a kid. Broken ankle, broken wrist, bike taken away for a while.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 14 August 2016, 03:21:44
I start a new job tomorrow, working for the state government.  It's not exactly my dream job, but it's a foot in the door.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 August 2016, 04:45:34
I start a new job tomorrow, working for the state government.  It's not exactly my dream job, but it's a foot in the door.


Welcome to civil service work and hopefully this won't be too bad while you use it as a stepping stone
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 August 2016, 07:51:05
AW, good news for you.  Good luck with it.

Dan, how is the world treating you these days?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 August 2016, 08:46:54
Not the easiest question to answer, in some ways things are a bit rubbish but in other ways things are good. The most important thing has been getting treated for anxiety/depression and now I've been on treatment for a while (antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy) I'm more the person I want to be and so feel I can take whatever the world/work throws at me
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 August 2016, 12:54:55
Not the easiest question to answer, in some ways things are a bit rubbish but in other ways things are good. The most important thing has been getting treated for anxiety/depression and now I've been on treatment for a while (antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy) I'm more the person I want to be and so feel I can take whatever the world/work throws at me
Good for you.  I'm really glad that you are doing better.

I've been at my new job a month and already realize it isn't the right place for me.  I am coming to the conclusion that if I am not in the "gun club" I'm not certain I want to be around the "gun club" anymore.  At least my wife is enjoying her new job.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 August 2016, 12:56:14
Good for you.  I'm really glad that you are doing better.

I've been at my new job a month and already realize it isn't the right place for me.  I am coming to the conclusion that if I am not in the "gun club" I'm not certain I want to be around the "gun club" anymore.  At least my wife is enjoying her new job.


So, some good, some bad
How long do you need to stay in your current job so it doesn't look bad to leave it?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 August 2016, 17:12:00

So, some good, some bad
How long do you need to stay in your current job so it doesn't look bad to leave it?
Well, the supposed average for a newly retired military type is to change jobs at least twice in the first 24 months.  Several people I known for a while have reacted, without me saying anything, with a, "hey, that's great you're working while you find something you want."  So I guess it is expected.

This opportunity meant I didn't have to look for a job while recovery from surgery on my shoulder, I could "relax" a bit the last few weeks before I retired (which I wasn't doing at the time), I'm currently within walking distance of physical therapy, and I can drop off and pick up my boys from day care while my wife pursues her career.  I'm blessed honestly.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 August 2016, 17:27:39
That does sound good really


Any other news at my end is lost as I barely manage to get off the sofa thanks to new access to Netflix and the Marvel series on there...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 25 August 2016, 16:11:14
I've been busy up north for a change, then figured I ought to pop in
and say hello.

It is a touch fiddly finding this wee part of the forum.

In other news I'm mulling over ending a long friendship, no nobody from here
that's on Facebook.  You're all lovely, or amusingly evil.  Someone I've played
with for a long time, we had a screaming row about something.  I've come to
the conclusion that the relationship is frankly unbalanced.  Still not sure what
to do about the whole mess.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 25 August 2016, 16:13:30
oh dear


I might venture Oop Norff... what is up there of interest?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 26 August 2016, 05:16:36
That does sound good really


Any other news at my end is lost as I barely manage to get off the sofa thanks to new access to Netflix and the Marvel series on there...
Just got caught up on 'Agents of Shield' myself. Next up for my days off, a 'Daredevil' marathon. Until then, I'll watch the 'Vicar of Dibley' as I need some comedy in my life.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 26 August 2016, 08:52:24
Well the "has New Avalon fallen" thing was amusing, though last I checked I
think the threads reached it's conclusion.

Asides that not much if honest.  Regrettably dull still this board.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 26 August 2016, 10:38:10
Unfortunately I have to agree on that. It has been a bit dull for a while. About the time CBT moved us from the basement things really slowed down.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 26 August 2016, 11:12:08
You say "dull", but all I hear is "steady on, now".

In all seriousness, I have to agree that it's rather boring around these parts lately, but I'm not sure if it's because of a lack of interesting topics to talk about or a lack of interesting people to do the talking.

Either way, the board has become the internet version of North Dakota; featureless, dull and sparsely populated.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 26 August 2016, 12:55:45
I think we're well overdue something new.  By that I do not mean another
"historical" or "touring the stars", I mean actual new moving forwards stuff.

I want to know what happens next.  I should add that my lack of enthusiasm
for the above examples, doesn't mean I'm scornful of them.  Just more a
case of being interested in the main course, not the starters.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 26 August 2016, 13:59:19
I can understand that, but I'm actually just the opposite.  I'm really intrigued by the Historicals we've had so far and I LOVE the first Succession War book, so I'm really looking forward to more of that kind of thing.  As for moving the story forward, I'm so far behind now that it just doesn't appeal to me any longer, but that's just me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 26 August 2016, 14:28:15
I found the First Succession War (and Reunification War) books a bit too grim and filled with atrocity after atrocity. At least Amaris is properly Space-Hitler and the atrocities were almost exclusively committed by only one side.


I find the idea of two sides that are neither perfect but neither truly evil much more interesting. I am just reading a Naomi Novik novel which is giving an interesting view of early 19th century Japan (Blood of Tyrants) which is making me reconsider the Draconis Combine for example (they're still EVIL but y'know, our friendly and familiar kind of evil...).


I keep an eye on the Fan Articles, Fan Fiction etc bits but not the bits further North.


Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 27 August 2016, 16:58:04
That reminds me, I'd been reading the 1SW book off and on, need to get back to it.




Well the "has New Avalon fallen" thing was amusing, though last I checked I
think the threads reached it's conclusion.

Asides that not much if honest.  Regrettably dull still this board.
Yes, I seem to have killed it with a bit of pedantry.  A shame.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 27 August 2016, 17:41:37

Yes, I seem to have killed it with a bit of pedantry.  A shame.
That's my favorite; I do it all the time at work to kill dumb projects.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 31 August 2016, 21:28:43
Well the "has New Avalon fallen" thing was amusing, though last I checked I
think the threads reached it's conclusion.

Asides that not much if honest.  Regrettably dull still this board.

We have to do it again sometime, Rorke.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 05 September 2016, 11:29:22
But where are the giants for us to slay?

It's as if all the foes we had on here, are all undone by either our
good works or their own folly. 

We need some actual plot advancing material, so we can actually talk
about something up there.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2016, 12:57:04
I just went North to tilt at some doctrinal silliness.  I like when people trot out, "in the real world", and I can find a doctrinal answer that say, "nope," in response.

I hope everyone is doing well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2016, 14:26:37
the Armo(u)red Fighting Vehicles thread is getting a little silly - yes, you can fire mortar bombs from your self propelled piece in direct fire mode at a tank but the tank is still going to murder-death-kill you and then paint a little self propelled mortar piece on the side of their turret to record the victory
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2016, 14:48:37
the Armo(u)red Fighting Vehicles thread is getting a little silly - yes, you can fire mortar bombs from your self propelled piece in direct fire mode at a tank but the tank is still going to murder-death-kill you and then paint a little self propelled mortar piece on the side of their turret to record the victory
Yup, and that's why I didn't respond.  Likewise the planetary invasion thread wherein the uninformed don't want to be.

How are you doing my friend?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2016, 14:56:34
I'm well, enjoying the day-to-day of work for the most part (even if the grand scheme of things remain clouded) and looking forward to a week away in Corsica soon


Right now I am indulging in handwriting a letter to a friend, partly because it is fun and partly because he and his wife aren't very good at answering emails!



How about you?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2016, 15:06:36
I'm well, enjoying the day-to-day of work for the most part (even if the grand scheme of things remain clouded) and looking forward to a week away in Corsica soon


Right now I am indulging in handwriting a letter to a friend, partly because it is fun and partly because he and his wife aren't very good at answering emails!



How about you?
Corsica?  Have great fun!

I am adjusting to not being in uniform anymore.  I am in terrible shape and need to fix that. I hope to have some news in the next two weeks to share but I have been asked to keep quiet for the time being.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 September 2016, 15:13:05
I hope the news is good


My train of thought is Corsica -> Napoleon -> artillery  :D  (I have never claimed sanity)


I have also made sure that my main POV character in my bad attempt at FanFic is very grumbly about the lack of proper artillery support for their operation... You have rubbed off on me!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 September 2016, 18:37:01
It should be good news.  Just got to sit on it a bit.

I'm glad I rubbed off on someone.  Certainly didn't in that last thread.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 September 2016, 00:55:07
From a war gaming point of view good artillery isn't fun but my understanding is that the usual mantra of professionals is that if you find yourself in a fair fight you have messed up - use every advantage and avoiding risking your own assets/personnel and it is far easier to ask for more ammunition than to write letters home
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 September 2016, 04:45:19
Yeah, we try to plan to win 10 - 0 rather than give the other guy a sporting chance.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 September 2016, 09:16:01
Rorke my good man, you seem to have stepped on some toes.  lol
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 12 September 2016, 09:21:12
I am now on holiday in Corsica - birthplace of Napoleon and (it is claimed) Christopher Columbus and also home to the French Foreign Legion

I am mostly lying around eating amazing local food, drinking amazing local wine and enjoying the company of my parents and wife

It's a tough life but someone's got to do it...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 12 September 2016, 18:36:50
I am now on holiday in Corsica - birthplace of Napoleon and (it is claimed) Christopher Columbus and also home to the French Foreign Legion

I am mostly lying around eating amazing local food, drinking amazing local wine and enjoying the company of my parents and wife

It's a tough life but someone's got to do it...
Excellent my friend.  Enjoy every moment of it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 12 September 2016, 19:11:16
80% of my house is packed up for a move I'd have rather made in a year. It's been a month and half since I've had a hobby workplace (first thing I packed, and first thing I'll move). But we're in ok shape for the move, and plenty of friends to help.

We got three new 3D printers at work, including a Form2 which does amazing work. SLA (Liquid resin) is where the 3D printer field will mature too, I have no doubt.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 September 2016, 19:53:53
Finally!  I put in my two weeks notice today.  I am accepting a position with BAE Systems to become a Wargame Designer with the USMC Wargaming Division.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 15 September 2016, 20:36:42
Finally!  I put in my two weeks notice today.  I am accepting a position with BAE Systems to become a Wargame Designer with the USMC Wargaming Division.
Congratulations!!!  Are you allowed to talk about your new position?  It sounds awesome!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 September 2016, 20:52:34
Congratulations!!!  Are you allowed to talk about your new position?  It sounds awesome!
Thank you.  Google can be your friend (and knows more than I do) on the subject.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 16 September 2016, 00:41:12
Finally!  I put in my two weeks notice today.  I am accepting a position with BAE Systems to become a Wargame Designer with the USMC Wargaming Division.
Excelsior! Now you can pout all that military training to work in a civilian job.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 16 September 2016, 08:12:18
Fantastic!

Sounds like a great match to your skill set

Are they branding as BAe only or British Aerospace at all these days/in the US?

If you find yourself heading to the uk at all on business let us know!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 16 September 2016, 09:09:20
Let us know when you find out the BV of an MEF! ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 September 2016, 15:13:35
Dan, if Wikipedia is to be believed then it is BAE Systems, Inc., formerly BAE North America and is semi-autonomous.

I am really excited about this opportunity and am more than happy to be moving on from my current gig.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 16 September 2016, 16:26:29
Well then find another reason to come over here! (and to get work to pay)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 19 September 2016, 20:14:46
Fantastic C6!

On my homefront, we're now moved in to our new 1 year lodging. Yay. Can't wait to do it all again in 11 months...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 20 September 2016, 15:45:11
I too am now employed. Starting Oct 3rd as a Quality Engineer.

Congrats to you too Charlie 6 on the new job!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 20 September 2016, 16:08:09
Excellent news Unnatural Spoon!


I hope you don't have to move too much more Great Sarcasmo
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 20 September 2016, 20:19:25
Force, great news for you!  We got the same start date.

greatsarcasmo, I'm stumped on the temporary lodging situation...care to share?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 20 September 2016, 22:30:12
Glad to see somebody is getting better jobs! Good for all of you guys!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 21 September 2016, 21:35:11
The landlords decided to boot us out so their daughter and her boyfriend (who stood in my wedding) could move in. Of course I wasn't told that until after we moved out. This kicker was we planned on moving next year at this time as the wife will have finished her teaching degree and we wanted to be flexible to be able to go where the jobs are. I even offered to pay 200$ more a month (what they said they were loosing) and BEGGED to stay.

Anyways so we have a year here. Here is "meh" but all we could find in a month of looking.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 05 October 2016, 20:05:04
So, I bought some Unseen the other day and they arrived this afternoon.  When I opened the box my four year-old asked what they miniatures were.  I said "Battlemechs" and he replied, "what are battle-mites, Daddy?"

My wife, naturally, laughed at me.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 06 October 2016, 00:54:08
My preferred treat is to buy new pens - did that yesterday - despite the fact I'm working slmewhere that's is trying to go paperless!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 November 2016, 10:19:57
So who's off all week for Thanksgiving?  Not me.  Can't complain though, I'm still out Thursday and Friday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 21 November 2016, 13:50:32
I'm working Turkey, but I volunteered. The joys of being in the hospitality business.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 21 November 2016, 14:09:10
not something we celebrate here but I am off for the week before Christmas and the full 4 days of Christmas time off this year (and the weekend of New Year)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 November 2016, 18:20:21
Not me.  I have to take a personal holiday for Friday.

Hope you all are well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 21 November 2016, 23:43:39
I work at WalMart. We don't get to take any of those days off. Not even Thanksgiving day itself.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 January 2017, 08:11:55
Happy New Year folks!  I hope 2017 brings you good fortune.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 January 2017, 14:52:32
Thank you and the same to you


I hope everyone is having a nice festive period
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 02 January 2017, 06:16:06



I hope everyone is having a nice festive period
That's something women never have :D


Sorry, it's 0415 in the morning and I just found out I'm losing one of days off due to a co-worker illness. Sad for her, sad for me. It's Overtime and that is always good.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 02 January 2017, 06:19:08
I hope everyone is having a nice festive period
That's something women never have :D
thanks for saying it first...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 02 January 2017, 06:22:51
Proud to be of service.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 January 2017, 09:48:20
Happy New Year all.  I've lately been dealing with replacing the water heater at my house.  That's done, but it leaked enough before we knew there was a problem that we're probably going to have to replace all the carpet in my bedroom.  Alas.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 04 January 2017, 16:59:09
I've just had a new job offer... a good one
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 04 January 2017, 17:44:34
I've just had a new job offer... a good one
Great news, Dan! Very happy for you.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 January 2017, 16:22:19
and I have just emailed my resignation notice to my current place
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 16 January 2017, 20:49:04
and I have just emailed my resignation notice to my current place
When's your last day and when do you start the new job?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 January 2017, 01:49:01
When's your last day and when do you start the new job?


A good question I'm hoping to answer very soon!


The new job want me to start on 27 Feb


I'm hoping to get my first day as a consultant (think Lt Col/battalion commander equivalent) where spent my first day as a house officer [doctor] (think newly minted lieutenant)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2017, 03:21:35
last day at work at old place - done
today a day of annual leave from there


start the new job tomorrow
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 February 2017, 19:49:20
last day at work at old place - done
today a day of annual leave from there


start the new job tomorrow
Good luck tomorrow.  Wish you the best of luck!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 28 February 2017, 22:19:41
Hope your new job works out for you.  O0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 05 April 2017, 08:29:06
I don't feel like starting a whole new thread for this one question, but riddle me this: During the  Five Princes era (Simon Davion-Alexander Davion) Robinson was the capital of the Terran March.  What was the capital of the Draconis March at the time?  When Alexander reorganized the marches, why did he make Robinson the capital of the Draconis March instead of just leaving it where it was?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 05 April 2017, 11:54:32
I am away from my books so will need to see if I have an eBook with this information ie old "historical" maps if the information isn't on Sarna.net


In other news, I am now establishing myself in my new job and it seems to be going well; I hope that all is well with the rest of you
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 05 April 2017, 11:59:51
Nevermind, I found it.  It wasn't in the Robinson or Drac March articles, but I thought I remembered Tancredi IV having once been more important, and there it was in the Tancredi IV article: "Tancredi IV was still the capital of the Draconis March during the Davion Civil War."  Still doesn't answer why the move, but c'est la vie.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 06 April 2017, 11:34:22
It also clashes with the background on Tancredi IV in Historical: Reunification War, where Tancredi IV was a minor world that'd swapped hands between the Federated Suns and the Outworls Alliance several times, oddly.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Kasaga on 06 April 2017, 13:39:39
This is a question I have been looking for for a long time. I want to see a map of the Federated Suns that includes the Terran March. We have maps of the time period but none show the march borders that I have found.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 April 2017, 19:13:04
In other news, I am now establishing myself in my new job and it seems to be going well; I hope that all is well with the rest of you
Very happy for you Dan.

The wife and I took our boys to see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on its farewell tour.  It was a trip 30 some odd years in the making since my Mother begged off taking me after having a bad bout with chemotherapy.  Glad I went.  Too bad it is ending.  I thought it to be better entertainment than Sesame Street Live or a couple of others I've seen recently.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Shadow6 on 29 July 2017, 04:16:05
Wow!  It's been 6 or 7 years since I was on these forums.  Glad to see there's still an AFFS Highcommand section.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 30 July 2017, 11:14:45
has it really been April since we had some life in here? terrifying


I now have a nice little house I am renting about a 5 minute walk from my office
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 08 August 2017, 01:25:59
Nice digs, eh.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 30 August 2017, 15:21:18
Well I haven't posted here since April, so I doubt y'all will miss me, but I wanted to drop by and let y'all know: I got back in the National Guard in March, and will be leaving in about three weeks for Basic training(10 weeks), immediately followed by AIT(16 weeks).  So if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry too much.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 August 2017, 17:36:16
I hadn't posted because I was selfishly hoping I could be at the top of two consecutive pages on this thread.

Regardless, best of luck my friend!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 31 August 2017, 06:19:32
Well I haven't posted here since April, so I doubt y'all will miss me, but I wanted to drop by and let y'all know: I got back in the National Guard in March, and will be leaving in about three weeks for Basic training(10 weeks), immediately followed by AIT(16 weeks).  So if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry too much.


Congratulations and best of luck
What role in the National Guard?


I'm off in a week or two to play true "weekend warrior" as the regional NHS is being invited to attend a military experience weekend
I assume that this is a covert recruitment attempt by the military but as I have now effectively been rejected by the British Army 3 times I am learning my lesson but it should still be fun and may involve things like getting to fly in a helicopter of some sort and see their other "toys"
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 31 August 2017, 12:38:26
My official title will be "UH-60 Helicopter Repairer", but the job duties will include not just repair and maintenance, but loading, serving as aircrew, door gunner, etc.  Basically anything you can do with a Blackhawk except fly it.  (Though hopefully I'll eventually be able to go to OCS and then flight school later).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 31 August 2017, 15:47:35
My official title will be "UH-60 Helicopter Repairer", but the job duties will include not just repair and maintenance, but loading, serving as aircrew, door gunner, etc.  Basically anything you can do with a Blackhawk except fly it.  (Though hopefully I'll eventually be able to go to OCS and then flight school later).


Cool!


I think the British Army's Army Air Corps treats the non-pilots in a similar manner
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 August 2017, 19:24:48
My official title will be "UH-60 Helicopter Repairer", but the job duties will include not just repair and maintenance, but loading, serving as aircrew, door gunner, etc.  Basically anything you can do with a Blackhawk except fly it.  (Though hopefully I'll eventually be able to go to OCS and then flight school later).
Good for you.  Aspire and achieve!
I'm off in a week or two to play true "weekend warrior" as the regional NHS is being invited to attend a military experience weekend
I assume that this is a covert recruitment attempt by the military but as I have now effectively been rejected by the British Army 3 times I am learning my lesson but it should still be fun and may involve things like getting to fly in a helicopter of some sort and see their other "toys"
Go have fun.  One of my wife's co-workers took a hop on an USAF KC-135 and while they didn't get to do any refueling she had a great time.  Back in '15, I sign my wife up to a Jayne Wayne Day on Quantico; she had fun too.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 20 September 2017, 16:22:57
I saw this story on Quora and thought that my fellow BattleTechers might well appreciate it


It is well worth reading as it feels a lot like a mercenary unit might look



https://www.quora.com/What-was-the-coolest-military-unit-of-all-time?srid=wkw (https://www.quora.com/What-was-the-coolest-military-unit-of-all-time?srid=wkw)


link is partly broken - I copy and paste the answer I meant


American 83rd Infantry Division in World War II.
[/size]During the advance toward the River Elbe about 50 miles west of Berlin in 1945, the resourceful commander of the Division, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Macon gave the order to commandeer any German vehicle that moved, usually at gunpoint, no questions asked. As a result, the 83rd Infantry Division had an unbelievable collection of vehicles of different kinds, including everything from German military staff car, half-track, Stug III self-propelled gun, Panther tank, Tiger tank, King Tiger tank, … to civilian motor bikes, buses and ‘two cherished fire engines’. Every newly acquired vehicle got a quick coat of olive-green paint and a U.S. star slapped on its side; then it joined the 83rd.[/color]
[/size]A German King Tiger in service with the American 83rd Infantry Division (notice the presence of the stars in stead of swastikas)[/color]
[/size]This Stug III had stars too.[/color]
[/size]From the air, its columns showed no resemblance to either an armored or an infantry division and war correspondents began to nickname this division “The Rag-Tag Circus”. But who cared? The division’s wildly assorted collection of vehicles helped it to advance as fast as its competitor - the 2nd Armored “Hell on Wheels” Division. When leading elements the two divisions reached the River Weser at the same time on April 5, 1945, both divisions wanted to be the first to cross. Eventually, a compromise was reached: the divisions crossed together, by sandwiching their units.[/color]
[/size]At one point, the 83rd managed to capture an intact Me-109 fighter plane and even more impressively, found someone to fly it. When one seasoned soldier of another division saw obviously a German aircraft approaching his column, he yelled to his buddies “Me-109” then quickly ducked for cover. But to his surprise, the aircraft didn’t open fire, the soldier raised his head and saw that the plane was painted a blotchy olive-green and had the words “83rd Inf. Div.” under its wings. It was a prank of the 83rd to instill fear and confusion in its neighboring units.[/color]
[/size]The Germans were even more confused and surprises by the 83rd’s vehicles. Cornelius Ryan’s book “The Last Battle” told the following interesting story: One day as the 83rd was rolling along, a German Mercedes staff car was weaving in and out of the column, passing other vehicles. No one in the division really paid attention to it because, well, they had commandeered plenty of German staff cars the days before. But this driver kept honking his horn insistently, demanding other vehicles to make way for his so one American soldier took a second look and saw that the car was carrying a full load of German officers, including one general who was obviously in a hurry. The Germans had mistaken the 83rd’s column as a retreating German column! The Mercedes staff car was promptly stopped and the bewildered German officers were taken prisoners. Then the Mercedes, in top condition, received the usual hurried paint job and joined the 83rd.[/color]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 23 October 2017, 09:45:57
That's incredible.




In more boring military news, I'm coming home from Basic with a medical discharge.  Preexisting condition that I told them about, they let me in with, but then became an issue in training.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 23 October 2017, 16:56:22
In more boring military news, I'm coming home from Basic with a medical discharge.  Preexisting condition that I told them about, they let me in with, but then became an issue in training.
AW, I am sorry to hear that.  I know you were looking forward to serving.

S/F

Matt
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 23 October 2017, 19:08:48
Sorry to hear that also AW.

However, I start a new job next Monday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 23 October 2017, 21:02:39
However, I start a new job next Monday.
Good for you.  What will you be doing?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 24 October 2017, 15:05:55
Pants


Very sorry
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 26 October 2017, 19:51:04
Good for you.  What will you be doing?

I am a Test Engineer Charlie 6. The position works with my 22 years of Software Test Engineering.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 25 December 2017, 17:28:19
Merry Christmas my fellow Davionists
Let us invade the Capellan Confederation!
New Year's Eve on Sian?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 25 December 2017, 18:08:26
Merry Christmas my fellow Davionists
Let us invade the Capellan Confederation!
New Year's Eve on Sian?
Merry Christmas to you all!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 25 December 2017, 22:00:29
Merry Christmas my fellow Davionists
Let us invade the Capellan Confederation!
New Year's Eve on Sian?
no thanks you just want to attack twenty minutes latter......
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 26 December 2017, 09:16:24
but Wei have preparèd the logistics plan already - every soldier has lots of leftover turkey in their knapsack and tactical eggnog
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 22 February 2018, 05:33:33
The check that the bulbs still work, and blow dust off things post.....that this thread
needed.

Now returning to my normal lurking, up north I have to say is dull still.  Oh mighty
days, where did you go?  Not even a decent difference of opinions to be had, without
some new material.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 27 February 2018, 20:33:27
Not even a decent difference of opinions to be had, without
some new material.
So let's go with a cosmic convergence...
On the same day the Harebrained Schemes announces the launch window for the Battletech computer game Palladium Books announces that they have lost the license for Robotech and will not produce the remaining Wave 2 rewards.

Come on folks, crappola like this doesn't happen everyday.

Also, I hope you all are well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2018, 13:30:23
So let's go with a cosmic convergence...
On the same day the Harebrained Schemes announces the launch window for the Battletech computer game Palladium Books announces that they have lost the license for Robotech and will not produce the remaining Wave 2 rewards.

Come on folks, crappola like this doesn't happen everyday.

Also, I hope you all are well.


Well is a relative term... I'm just back at work after 3 weeks off sick with anxiety/stress


Also we are about to have snow-magedon in the UK apparently over the next couple of days and I have to report to a Canadian why I can't make it in if I can't...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 28 February 2018, 14:11:58
Also we are about to have snow-magedon in the UK apparently over the next couple of days and I have to report to a Canadian why I can't make it in if I can't...

Reminds me of my wife's time growing up in Michigan. When she was in high school, the school's policy on snow was that if the district superintendent could make it to his office, no employees or students had any excuse.

He lived across the street from his office.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 28 February 2018, 17:57:25
Reminds me of my wife's time growing up in Michigan. When she was in high school, the school's policy on snow was that if the district superintendent could make it to his office, no employees or students had any excuse.

He lived across the street from his office.


I live across the street from work
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Banzai on 28 February 2018, 18:50:50
The check that the bulbs still work, and blow dust off things post.....that this thread
needed.

Now returning to my normal lurking, up north I have to say is dull still.  Oh mighty
days, where did you go?  Not even a decent difference of opinions to be had, without
some new material.

Well, the word (not The Word) is that this summer is supposed to grace us with Shattered Fortress.  Which provides some trepidation...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 13 March 2018, 15:37:14
Looking at something random and unrelated, I found this


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capellen


Gentlemen (and Ladies) - we must invade Luxembourg
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 March 2018, 19:11:55
Looking at something random and unrelated, I found this


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capellen


Gentlemen (and Ladies) - we must invade Luxembourg
I agree.  I am motivated by Roman kilns.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Banzai on 14 March 2018, 11:25:42
Yes, we need bricks.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 March 2018, 15:43:13
Weirdly, I think it is one of the few countries in the world that Britain has never fought in a war


We need to take this opportunity to work towards completing the set
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 March 2018, 15:44:37
Aren't they the ones who sent an army to war, that came back with more men than it left with?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 13 May 2018, 14:33:12
Sounds very middle European, bribe your way to victory or something.

This'll be a turn the lights on and blow the dust out post,  the Battletech
PC game btw is first class.  I am very happy with it, even allowing for a
distinct slowness in the UI.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 May 2018, 17:47:25
For those random readers out there, the previous three posts where made by excellent fellows.  Many such have posted here previously.  It ought to happen more.

A PC game of a relevant genre has occupied all of my time recently.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 13 May 2018, 19:41:07
A PC game of a relevant genre has occupied all of my time recently.

What are you playing C-6 ?

The last year of my life has been mostly the occasional game of Starcraft-2, but I'm always curious to hear what others are doing.

My best friend just showed me something called Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes and app game for phone/tablets.

It looks interesting but also VERY addictive & time consuming.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 13 May 2018, 19:58:30
What are you playing C-6 ?

The last year of my life has been mostly the occasional game of Starcraft-2, but I'm always curious to hear what others are doing.

My best friend just showed me something called Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes and app game for phone/tablets.

It looks interesting but also VERY addictive & time consuming.
Battletech...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 13 May 2018, 20:22:16
For those random readers out there, the previous three posts where made by excellent fellows.  Many such have posted here previously.  It ought to happen more.A PC game of a relevant genre has occupied all of my time recently.
Hear hear!


I too, have returned from a bit of a hiatus.  Now if only some of the great and storied posters of old would again visit these benighted lands...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 13 May 2018, 21:07:40
For those random readers out there, the previous three posts where made by excellent fellows.

Lies and slander! I'll see you on the field of honor for this, you knave!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 14 May 2018, 03:38:15
Hear hear!


I too, have returned from a bit of a hiatus.  Now if only some of the great and storied posters of old would again visit these benighted lands...

I'm sure you meant beknighted. Shall we sally forth and smite our enemies.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 May 2018, 13:51:15
I'm still playing away at World of Warships
I do sometimes wonder quite why


Is the new BattleTech game like the board game?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 May 2018, 14:14:11
Close enough to say yes, enough differences to say no.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 May 2018, 14:16:07
Close enough to say yes, enough differences to say no.


Similar in terms of being turn-based and controlling from outside a lance of 'Mechs?
Different enough that you don't spend ages agonising over the maths and probabilities?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 May 2018, 14:21:37
Basically, yeah.

Full disclaimer: I haven't played it yet.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 May 2018, 18:52:19
Similar in terms of being turn-based and controlling from outside a lance of 'Mechs?
Different enough that you don't spend ages agonising over the maths and probabilities?
Basically, yeah.

Full disclaimer: I haven't played it yet.
You gents are missing out.  It is a solid port with a few tweaks that make it better.  Lots of the fun.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 14 May 2018, 20:47:34
From watching the intro on line it seems like a bit of a cross between Mega Mech & Mech Commander & I must say looks pretty nice.

I have not purchased it yet but I think I will be.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 14 May 2018, 23:03:27
So it's not an FPS like the Mechwarrior series?  Interesting.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 May 2018, 01:31:02
You gents are missing out.  It is a solid port with a few tweaks that make it better.  Lots of the fun.


I'll get it soon
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 15 May 2018, 06:04:28
I've got it through the Kickstarter technically, I just haven't downloaded it yet because I need to first clean enough minis off my desk that I have decent keyboard access, and second find out if my computer will even run it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 16 May 2018, 22:49:36
So, I turned 30 today.  Come to think of it, I think I've been a member of some iteration of this site for nearly half my life.  Geez, I'm old.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 16 May 2018, 23:34:03
The new game has its strengths.  I have ::lurked:: for a bit onsite for the last 7 years since passing the Mod torch, but this dang Battletech video came has awoken my latent interest again and has MADE me visit this site at least 4 days a week.  Evil I say! Next thing I will be painting again...

Now I must go kill Capellans to raise my Taurian rep again.... I mean burn the game.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 17 May 2018, 01:08:33
So, I turned 30 today.  Come to think of it, I think I've been a member of some iteration of this site for nearly half my life.  Geez, I'm old.


Happy birthday
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Banzai on 17 May 2018, 15:50:08
So, I turned 30 today.  Come to think of it, I think I've been a member of some iteration of this site for nearly half my life.  Geez, I'm old.

Happy Birthday.  And as someone who passed the 51-year mile marker last month, shut up with the "geez, I'm old" crap...

Heh.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 17 May 2018, 19:10:29
So, I turned 30 today.  Come to think of it, I think I've been a member of some iteration of this site for nearly half my life.  Geez, I'm old.
Happy belated Birthday.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 18 May 2018, 00:54:39
So it's not an FPS like the Mechwarrior series?  Interesting.

Nope, check out some of the demos on Utube.

The best way I can describe it is a mix of MegaMech & MechCommander.

You move your units slowly 1 at a time by initiative like in MegaMech, but, they are live 3D & shooting graphics & such like in MechCommander.


I would compare it to that StarWars/Chess like game on the Falcon in the movies.

Your moving 3D images around & seeing them fight but using simplified versions of TW rules in the game engine.

Or something like that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 May 2018, 02:18:19
Just bear in mind, right now there's a fair few improvements
in planning.  They're looking to broaden choice for mechs
early game, and extend campaign viability for medium mechs
too.  Both steps, are necessary. 

I'm on my second play through atm, at no point when they
were useful....did I get my hands on an Enforcer  ???  Which
made me sad.

Scaling wise, you do get to a point where you're desperate
for heavy mechs and then onwards the same with assaults.

It remains despite the things mentioned above, a great game
and a long overdue pleasure.  MWO was too grindy and too
removed from the actual system for my tastes.

AW, missed your birthday.  Sorry and belated best wishes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 May 2018, 17:29:46
Oh yeah, and how bloody depressing is it.....

to realise we were all getting worked up about 3145, five years ago?

It makes me rather sad, as cliffhangers go this one is working into a
Duke Nukem Forever sort of scene. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 20 May 2018, 22:02:58
So, I turned 30 today.  Come to think of it, I think I've been a member of some iteration of this site for nearly half my life.  Geez, I'm old.

doh, totally missed the B-Day.  Happy belated Birthday.
I think I am really getting old as you are close to the same age as my kids...DANG!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 26 May 2018, 23:33:10
So I saw Last Jedi for the 2nd time recently, and ever since then I've been thinking............


(https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Amilyn-Holdo-The-Last-Jedi-Featured-10182017.jpg)


(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f3m2MPwu00g/maxresdefault.jpg)


That girl clearly went to the Davion Fleet Academy & dang if she didn't graduate with flying colors, because THAT is how you hyperjump to take out a Megawarship & 1/2 its Escorts!!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 26 May 2018, 23:36:34
All hail the pink-haired bringer of the apocalypse!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 29 May 2018, 02:28:44
FSS Kentares.  "God Save The Prince."

I have to admit reading it for the first time, I actually wept at that scene.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 11 June 2018, 21:06:41
So last week, my youngest (4) announced that his Transformers: Robots in Disguise Menasor has a shadow. I said that most things have a shadow to which my oldest (6) responded, "except the Sun."


He followed that flash of brilliance with, "But ooh, the table has a shadow!"

I hope you all are well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 14 July 2018, 10:23:03
I wish they'd bloody well get a move on with the timeline.

That and bring down the current golden children of this universe,
down several notches.  It's been resurgent DC, CC and their Clan
shadows for what seems forever.  I'd like to see us and the Elsies,
get back towards where we belong. 

Whatever we've been hiding out in the dark side of the Periphery
March, needs to be unveiled and win us some respite.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 14 July 2018, 11:04:18
I wish they'd bloody well get a move on with the timeline.

That and bring down the current golden children of this universe,
down several notches.  It's been resurgent DC, CC and their Clan
shadows for what seems forever.  I'd like to see us and the Elsies,
get back towards where we belong. 

Whatever we've been hiding out in the dark side of the Periphery
March, needs to be unveiled and win us some respite.


I think I got disconnected from the timeline at about the onset of the Jihad and never looked at the Dark Ages either

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 July 2018, 19:33:19

I think I got disconnected from the timeline at about the onset of the Jihad and never looked at the Dark Ages either
I resemble this remark somewhat.  I honestly find more interest in the lead up to the 4th Succession War than anything afterwards.  I'd be perfectly happy with 3025 if battlearmor were a standard.

Less stick-in-the-mud-sounding, I agree with both Rorke's sentiments: Elsie/Davie rising and moving things along.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 16 July 2018, 10:17:16
The Jihad?    I got disconnected in 3057, the year of WTF were they thinking?

I guess I still read stuff up to 3067.

I tried to follow the chaos of the Jihad books a bit, but it was mostly due to the fact that it was the first new products in a decade & not the actual story.

Since then I can't say that I've been "thrilled" with anything I've read really.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 20 July 2018, 17:52:03
So, I've been doing some digging into the Age of War era Federated Peacekeeping Forces and Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, for a fan project I've been working on for a while, and I've come across a logic puzzle that's been vexing me a bit. So, I thought I'd mention it here, and see what you think.

I decided to try and work out what the AFFS would've looked like, at a brigade and regiment level, at the end of the Age of War. The SLDF formed in 2571, and the AFFS donated 37 regiments towards its formation, according to Historical: Reunification War. The entire Terran Brigade got shipped off, along with half of the Syrtis Fusiliers, along with some private regiments and units that comprised the most troublesome, worst trained and worst-equipped units from the AFFS. (p32-33) Field Report 2765: AFFS highlights that the Avalon Hussars had fourteen active commands at the end of the Age of War, of which 6 joined the SLDF (p8) and that the Davion Brigade of Guards was the only AFFS brigade to contribute no units to the SLDF (p13).

Brigades that look to have been active at the time that we know about are the Arcadian Cuirassiers, the Avalon Hussars, the Davion Brigade of Guards, the Robinson Chevaliers, the Syrtis Fusiliers, the Tancredi Loyalists and the Terran Brigade. The Dragonlords didn't form up until the United Triumph Exercises in 2572, the March Militias came into being in the 28th century, and the Ceti Hussars were a Star League era construct based on SLDF RCTs.

Field Report 2765: AFFS states that the four units of the Tancredi Loyalists still active during the Star League era were all survivors of the Davion Civil War. It also tells us that the ten rgiments of Syrtis Fusiliers were active throughout the Star League era, although the majority of the Fusiliers had sided with the Varneys in the civil war; the 11th-20th Syrtis Fusilier regiments were all founded during the Star League era. We know that the Robinson Chevaliers retired lost regiments, founding new regiments with the same banners - the Second became the Sixth, then Eleventh, then Twenty-second; the regiments may not all have been founded in numerical order though, because the 31st was founded after Operation SMOTHER, the 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 32nd, 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th were all raised after 2755, but there's no record of a 29th, 30th or 33rd. (Odd numbering isn't unheard of - House Davion (The Federated Suns) mentions a reorganisation of the Crucis Lancers in 2930 that featured the 33rd Crucis Lancers, despite the only regiments around during the First and Second Succession War being the 1st through 8th). The Davion Brigade of Guards seems to have pretty consistently been 8 regiments strong.

In addition to the 37 regiments given up to the SLDF in 2571, Historical: Reunification War tells us that 4 years later, in 2575, the AFFS mustered 88 BattleMech regiments. So, before giving up the 37 regiments in 2571, the AFFS mustered 125 regiments less four years worth of recruiting, rebuilding and founding of new units.

So, I tried to work out what the likely breakdown of units was that ended up being handed over to the SLDF, and what that meant the size of the remaining regiments must've been. Field Report 2765: AFFS isn't a perfect match, because the militaries of the Great Houses conitnued to grow at some kind of rate until the Council Edict of 2650 cut everyone short and led to a stack of regiments being deactivated.

Some brigades are fixed - the Dragonlords at 5 regiments, the Davion Brigade of Guards at 8, the Syrtis Fusiliers at 10, but in the buildup prior to the Amaris Civil War, the AFFS reactivated 11 regiments of Avalon Hussars, 1 of Arcadian Cuirassiers and. 2 regiments of Dragonlords (by expansion of existing regiments); the Field Report is silent on whether any regiments of Robinson Chevaliers were reactivated.

The 37 regiments given up to the SLDF must consist of 6 regiments of Avalon Hussars and 5 regiments of Syrtis Fusiliers, with the remaining 26 regiments being made up from at least 1 regiment each of Arcadian Cuirassiers, Robinson Chevaliers and Tancredi Warriors, plus a significant number of Terran Brigade regiments, and a few private regiments (which I guess were things like the later Clovis Guards regiment).

The 88 regiments of the AFFS around in 2575 must consist of 5 regiments of Dragonlords and 8 of Davion Brigade of Guards, leaving 75 regiments spread across the Arcadian Cuirassiers, Avalon Hussars, Robinson Chevaliers, Syrtis Fusiliers and Tancredi Loyalists - approximately 15 regiments each, on average. Assuming, of course, that the AFFS' BattleMechs were concentrated in these regiments - it seems likely that there were BattleMech equipped militia regiments of some kind.

Historical: Liberation of Terra tells us that the AFFS had been reduced down to 53 regiments by the Edict of 2650, based on the mustered strength in 2750. Historical: Reunification War details that between 2575 and 2600, the AFFS dropped from 88 regiments to 81. Between 2750 and 2765, the AFFS grew from 53 to 110 regiments; those regiments consisted of 26 regiments of Avalon Hussars, 2 of Arcadian Cuirassiers, 1 of Ceti Hussars, 8 of Davion Guards, 5 of Dragonlords, 24 of Robinson Chevaliers, 20 of Syrtis Fusiliers, 4 of Tancredi Loyalists and 20 of March Militia - so 18% of the AFFS 'Mech regiments were militia regiments formed as things were heating up.

So, given those data points. what would your version of the breakdown of AFFS forces in 2575 look like?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 July 2018, 17:42:17
Anyone know if there’s a Sarna errata thread somewhere?  I found a rather significant error (shock of all shocks, I know. ::)  )
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: BrokenMnemonic on 22 July 2018, 03:00:01
Report it in the talk page for the associated article, and one of the volunteers like me should see it.

Or you could fix it yourself, of course, given that Sarna's a community wiki anyone can edit.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 22 July 2018, 21:14:59
There doesn't seem to be a talk page.  The issue isn't necessarily something to be editted in one page.  Michael Davion's article lists him as having 4 children: Carl, Rebecca, Melissa, and Joseph, which initially caught my eye.  Each has their own page.  The page for Rebecca Davion says she was the "eldest daughter of Michael Davion" lists Carl, Melissa, and Joseph as her siblings, and talks about her command of the Assault Guards on St. Ives in 2861.  Melissa's page talks largely about her time as Prince and invention of the Regimental Combat Team, but also lists her siblings as Carl, Rebecca, and Joseph.


Here's the thing: "Rebecca" (no canonical last name)* is a pseudonym Melissa used in her early AFFS career to avoid favoritism.  They aren't distinct people.  The one reference in Rebecca's page is to p.112 of Handbook House Davion, which says, in a blurb on Melissa "Melissa Davion, who went by the pseudonym of “Rebecca” through most of her early career to avoid special treatments,".  If you search the name Rebecca in Handbook House Davion, that's the only hit you get.  She shouldn't be treated as Melissa's sister, because they're the same person.  Her whole page should just be rolled into Melissa's, with a note somewhere that Melissa used the name "Rebecca" early in her career to hide her status as the Prince's daughter.

*The old House Davion Sourcebook from the late 80s does refer to her as "Rebecca Davion" at the time of the St. Ives attack, and never mentions that Rebecca and Melissa are the same person.  I'd think that was the source of the confusion, but the Rebecca page doesn't references the HDSB.  Also, common sense would suggest that if you're trying to hide your membership in the Davion famiy, you wouldn't use the pseudonym "Rebecca Davion", so I'd think that it's being used anachronistically, despite the fact that the HDSB never states that Rebecca and Melissa are the same person.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 24 July 2018, 22:13:59
I resemble this remark somewhat.  I honestly find more interest in the lead up to the 4th Succession War than anything afterwards.  I'd be perfectly happy with 3025 if battlearmor were a standard.

Less stick-in-the-mud-sounding, I agree with both Rorke's sentiments: Elsie/Davie rising and moving things along.

I'm pretty much in exactly the same boat, except for the BA issue.  My only difference there is that I'd expect to see Nighthawk suits rather than true BA suits like the Elemental or Cavalier suits.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Miatezhnyi8D on 01 August 2018, 02:32:01
Nice to see the High Command is still around.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 01 August 2018, 07:00:53
Now all we need is for Maddog Maddux to come back.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 01 August 2018, 14:41:13
And 97jedi.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 01 August 2018, 20:11:59
Jedi never really left. He just became one of the writers.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 01 August 2018, 20:47:09
I just went back and looked at page one of this thread.  Lots of names left before we get to "all we need".

I was more taken by the 31 Dec 13 and 01 Jan 14 timestamps. I was still on Active Duty, only had one kid, and was less than three months into my current home.  Now I'm two years retired, a year out from two kids in grade school, and already had to replace the roof on my five year old home.

What different with you folks?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Tai Dai Cultist on 02 August 2018, 00:19:58
I was thinking about what's gone on for me over the past 5 years, and something hit me.

For all the changes we've seen in our own personal lives in half a decade.. it's still a moment ago as far as the canonical storyline goes.  Who knew in 2013 we'd have to wait till 2018 for the next update to the then-new 3145 story?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 02 August 2018, 01:33:23
I just went back and looked at page one of this thread.  Lots of names left before we get to "all we need".

I was more taken by the 31 Dec 13 and 01 Jan 14 timestamps. I was still on Active Duty, only had one kid, and was less than three months into my current home.  Now I'm two years retired, a year out from two kids in grade school, and already had to replace the roof on my five year old home.

What different with you folks?


I've (supposedly) finished training, am now getting divorced, have different cats to the ones in 2013 and am now living in a different town/city. Still no kids. Have acquired a diagnosis of anxiety/depression and gone through treatment since 31 Dec 13 too - still on medication but it has permanently nixed my thoughts of joining up but have joined a shooting club and am slowly improving my 10 metre (air) pistol shooting.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 August 2018, 12:00:53
Jedi never really left. He just became one of the writers.
Yeah, but he never posts down here anymore.  That’s what I was getting at.  How goes Arcadia?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 02 August 2018, 12:21:24
How does one join this club, anyway?

Cheers all,

Mad
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 02 August 2018, 12:27:00
There’s a membership fee, payable in Liao or Kurita heads*.




*Preferably.  Other currencies, like Taurian or pirate heads, are also accepted, but there’s a conversion rate.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 02 August 2018, 14:50:22
I believe my tally of Kurita heads acquired with the Draconis March Militia, 33rd Avalon Hussars, and 4th Davion Guards will look good on my resume. I'll forward it over to HQ.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 03 August 2018, 00:23:23
Yeah, but he never posts down here anymore.  That’s what I was getting at.  How goes Arcadia?

Arcadia is a state of mind. At the moment, it could be better, but I am not going to complain.

[Harlock pulls off the Sword of Author Fiat and places it in a dusty corner next to a dusty chair. For a moment, the blade is pulled a bit out of its holster, and it still shines even if the blade seems a bit tarnished as it slides back into the .]

I believe my tally of Kurita heads acquired with the Draconis March Militia, 33rd Avalon Hussars, and 4th Davion Guards will look good on my resume. I'll forward it over to HQ.

That should be enough. Honestly, I remember when newbies just had to post exciting introductions when they tended the bar while trying to reeducate Capellan Servitors on how to make an honest living for themselves instead of the state. But I feel old at times lately.

[The Outbacker falls into the dusty chair.]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 03 August 2018, 05:32:58
*Moves a pallet full of cases of Knockando into the lounge* Gnetleman, if you please, courtesy of myself for all true sons of the Suns to enjoy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 05 August 2018, 05:27:41
Well, I feel somewhat vindicated.

Shattered Fortress has been an illuminating, and in parts disheartening read.  I shall
refrain from spoilers, but we have faced highs and lows. 

But the Federated Suns is still in the fight.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 August 2018, 06:19:23
I just went back and looked at page one of this thread.  Lots of names left before we get to "all we need".

I was more taken by the 31 Dec 13 and 01 Jan 14 timestamps. I was still on Active Duty, only had one kid, and was less than three months into my current home.  Now I'm two years retired, a year out from two kids in grade school, and already had to replace the roof on my five year old home.

What different with you folks?

Well, let's see.  I settled down into a steady job again, so no more contractor status for me.  Hooray for a steady paycheck again!

My adopted son, who had just come to live with us in 2013, is starting his Senior year in high school and settling on a college major.  It's looking like he'll be pursuing a history major with a focus in Latin America at the moment, but we'll see.  He should be graduation with Honors, but we've not crossed that line yet, so I don't want to brag too much, too early.

I'm into my fourth year of renewed home ownership, so no more renting either.  I had forgotten just how bad this could be, especially when you're responsible for all aspects of house repair and maintenance.  At least I don't have to mow my own lawn any longer, I've got a son who does that now.   >:D

Most importantly, I'm still neck deep in unpainted minis, so I think I'm pretty much guaranteed immortality at this point.  I mean, it IS true that you don't die until you finish what's on your workbench, right?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 August 2018, 06:22:50

I've (supposedly) finished training, am now getting divorced, have different cats to the ones in 2013 and am now living in a different town/city. Still no kids. Have acquired a diagnosis of anxiety/depression and gone through treatment since 31 Dec 13 too - still on medication but it has permanently nixed my thoughts of joining up but have joined a shooting club and am slowly improving my 10 metre (air) pistol shooting.

Sorry to hear about the pending divorce.  That will prove to be either the worst day of your life or the best money you've ever spent, depending on the situation.  Mine was both, but evolved from worst to best with time.

A question on the diagnosis, if it's not too personal.  Is there a long term solution to the issue or is it something that will require medication for the foreseeable future?  Either way, glad to see you're getting treatment for it and here's to hoping and coping.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 August 2018, 06:25:54
That should be enough. Honestly, I remember when newbies just had to post exciting introductions when they tended the bar while trying to reeducate Capellan Servitors on how to make an honest living for themselves instead of the state. But I feel old at times lately.

Glad to see you're still around Harlock, your question does raise an interesting thought though.  When was the first AFFSHC thread posted?  I know we came over from MDM's old DHG website, but I honestly cannot remember when it was.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 August 2018, 06:54:52
I’ve been on the site (or some previous incarnation of it) since 2005, and the events that saw the AFFSHC thread move to the Hall are ancient history even to me.  I don’t remember a time when it was anywhere else.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 August 2018, 16:20:41
Sorry to hear about the pending divorce.  That will prove to be either the worst day of your life or the best money you've ever spent, depending on the situation.  Mine was both, but evolved from worst to best with time.

A question on the diagnosis, if it's not too personal.  Is there a long term solution to the issue or is it something that will require medication for the foreseeable future?  Either way, glad to see you're getting treatment for it and here's to hoping and coping.


The separation has, so far, been friendly - we drifted apart rather than any other trigger for the split.


I think I will probably end up on medication for a good while yet, I certainly don't have a complete set of coping skills (despite Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) but am happy to be in a better place and don't seem to be getting any real side effects. As an added bonus, my medication costs me a mere £8 or so every 2 months thanks to the NHS. I think the problem is not so much the triggers or situation but the way I tend to respond.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 10 August 2018, 20:38:03

The separation has, so far, been friendly - we drifted apart rather than any other trigger for the split.


I think I will probably end up on medication for a good while yet, I certainly don't have a complete set of coping skills (despite Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) but am happy to be in a better place and don't seem to be getting any real side effects. As an added bonus, my medication costs me a mere £8 or so every 2 months thanks to the NHS. I think the problem is not so much the triggers or situation but the way I tend to respond.
As always Dan, I continue to hope that you are well.  You are after all the one that encouraged me to down to this part of the boards.  When I checked in the role play aspect wasn't prevalent at all but instead a place where fans of the AFFS could congregate vice getting frustrated elsewhere.

Which is exactly why I'm posting here rather than saying, "of course you're correct you uninformed dipshit," somewhere else on the board.

Paladin1, it is good to see you pop up again.  I'm glad things are going well for you.
Well, I feel somewhat vindicated.

Shattered Fortress has been an illuminating, and in parts disheartening read.  I shall
refrain from spoilers, but we have faced highs and lows. 

But the Federated Suns is still in the fight.
The sad part is that the feeling most of us have had for the better part of a decade (or more) that the Fed Suns is getting screwed isn't going to change anytime soon.  Oh well, back to 3025ish it is!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 11 August 2018, 06:30:03
As always Dan, I continue to hope that you are well.  You are after all the one that encouraged me to down to this part of the boards.  When I checked in the role play aspect wasn't prevalent at all but instead a place where fans of the AFFS could congregate vice getting frustrated elsewhere.

Which is exactly why I'm posting here rather than saying, "of course you're correct you uninformed dipshit," somewhere else on the board.

Paladin1, it is good to see you pop up again.  I'm glad things are going well for you.The sad part is that the feeling most of us have had for the better part of a decade (or more) that the Fed Suns is getting screwed isn't going to change anytime soon.  Oh well, back to 3025ish it is!



I occasionally go up to the Upper Boards but relatively rarely


I just got Brush Wars at the same time as Second Succession War and Shattered Fortress... I'm still enjoying Mariks killing each other
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 11 August 2018, 22:49:20
Glad to see you're still around Harlock, your question does raise an interesting thought though.  When was the first AFFSHC thread posted?  I know we came over from MDM's old DHG website, but I honestly cannot remember when it was.

At least as far back as 2003, I was lurking back then.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 12 August 2018, 09:34:56
At least as far back as 2003, I was lurking back then.
It's weird to think how much has changed in the world in those 15 years, yet how little has changed in the Battletech Universe.  I know many of us have kids in college or preparing for it, yet here we are, still looking at the same issues with the time line as we were 15 years ago.

I'll grant you, we've gotten a great deal of filler information in those 15 years, but it hasn't really changed the fact that the game feels like it is drifting towards irrelevance.  Even the new game has just added more detail to the 3025 era instead of blazing a new path, so maybe it's time to admit that the new path post-FCCW got hosed up and it's time for a reset or a serious look at a real retcon to clear the slate.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 12 August 2018, 09:43:33
Or, better yet considering how well Shattered Sphere was received,  maybe it's time to split the Universe and have an alternate time line for those of us who want a Jihad-less Battletech.

Either way, something has got to give because the line seems stagnant right now.  I love this Universe, but I can't build up any interest at all for it post-FCCW.  It just doesn't hold the appeal like the earlier eras.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 12 August 2018, 13:35:24
So I was looking at the Typical Marik Mechs thread and it dawned on me that my collection has a VERY Marik feel to it.  Like, to the point that I'm wondering if it was a subconscious reaction towards my hatred of Laio to the end that I built a force to hit Laio from the other side.  Is there a decent Marik unit that doesn't use purple?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Tai Dai Cultist on 12 August 2018, 13:48:55
So I was looking at the Typical Marik Mechs thread and it dawned on me that my collection has a VERY Marik feel to it.  Like, to the point that I'm wondering if it was a subconscious reaction towards my hatred of Laio to the end that I built a force to hit Laio from the other side.  Is there a decent Marik unit that doesn't use purple?

Most don't.  Just like most Kurita regiments don't use red.  Stay away from the Marik Militia and Free Worlds Guards/Legionnaires and you pretty much don't have to worry about purple.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 13 August 2018, 09:20:14
Atrean Dragoons are always fun, grey with green trim. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Generalstoner on 30 August 2018, 22:04:44
Still lurking around myself.  Miss the old AFFSHC website and the Goshen Review.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 31 August 2018, 00:22:26
Still lurking around myself.  Miss the old AFFSHC website and the Goshen Review.
yes to both
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 04 September 2018, 12:57:05
I third the motion.  All in favor say ”I”.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Decoy on 04 September 2018, 15:37:22
I
Heh. I miss the Guild of Calamitous Intent game.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 04 September 2018, 19:03:40
I thought it was "Aye"?

I miss the Goshen Review as well.  In that same stream, has anyone seen or heard from Foxbat lately?  It's not right talking about Goshen without remembering his canonization of the scheme.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: VensersRevenge on 24 September 2018, 16:17:24
Hi all,
I have been a FedSuns fan since I started playing in 2014. Didn't realize that the page was in Mechwarrior Hall not IS General until today. What do you older fans think of Julian Davion's tenure as First Prince? How long until we reclaim our territory from the Snakes?
Venser
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Decoy on 24 September 2018, 18:31:38
I call him Robogigavictor for a reason. Well...up until recently I just called him Gigavictor before . Julian and Victor both lack....passion in ruling anything. They're not happy to be in their position and do the bare minimum until they can escape and live the life they want to live. For example, how easy would it be for Victor to head off much of the Civil War by saying "Hey, I'm home. Thanks for stepping in. Now go back to Tharkad." Julian is cast very much in the same mold. It didn't help that Splinter of Hope ended on a Squash Match. Squash Matches are meant to kill momentum and reputation and that's exactly what that one did.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Easy on 24 September 2018, 20:27:55
cleanup
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: VensersRevenge on 25 September 2018, 18:54:58
Julian seems to have done a decent job of stabilizing the Federated Suns so far. Things have gone a lot better with him in charge. I hope IlClan gives him a chance to remove the Kurita's from the Crucis March and begin making some reforms. Do you people think that the alliance with the Republic is a good idea or should Julian abandon it going forward?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 30 September 2018, 12:40:04
Is there a decent Marik unit that doesn't use purple?

Orloff Grenadiers use a very simple 2 tone green pattern.

One of my side projects has a lance of them in mid painting right now.

Check out http://camospecs.com/Faction/Index for a whole list.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 20 December 2018, 20:01:34
It’s too bad the Goshen Review doesn’t exist anymore.  I want to write something about how the Light Combat Team System resembles (and contrasts with) the Roman Empire’s shift from Legions to Vexillations as the primary administrative unit during the late third century.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 21 December 2018, 21:00:08
I don't think most of the folks who made that even play BT anymore.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 14 January 2019, 09:18:05
Wait, really?  I know MDM was busy becoming the Coffee King of the Midwest and Geoff was busy in his lab doing Mad Scientist things, but I wasn't aware that they'd dropped the game.

What about Foxbat?  Is he still painting?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 14 January 2019, 17:58:48
I don't think most of the folks who made that even play BT anymore.
if that is true, it would be sad
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 14 January 2019, 20:19:08
Well, our new gaming/dining room table arrived today and we christened it with a game of Battletech out of the older Introductory Box Set.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 January 2019, 06:44:05
Awesome!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 15 January 2019, 18:42:28
Wait, really?  I know MDM was busy becoming the Coffee King of the Midwest and Geoff was busy in his lab doing Mad Scientist things, but I wasn't aware that they'd dropped the game.

What about Foxbat?  Is he still painting?
Pretty sure Geoff is doing some writing for CBT off and on.  I see him post things about that periodically on the book of faces.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 15 January 2019, 18:50:37
Well that's good to hear.  He was always good at that.  Has anyone seen 3CL lately? 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nckestrel on 15 January 2019, 18:51:46
Ha, that explains so much...

Geoff Swift was writing the Combat Manuals (including the as yet unreleased Davion).
He’s doing/has done several Turning Points and at least one Spotlight.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 15 January 2019, 19:38:26
Awesome!
Thank you, my friend.  The company that made it is Bandpass Design and this a modified (larger) version of their Dresden table.  Bandpass consists of a few former craftsmen from Geek Chic.  My wife agreed on the table so long as it doubles as a dining table.

I was hoping to have the new Beginners Box Set on the table but no such luck.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 16 January 2019, 03:29:36
Thank you, my friend.  The company that made it is Bandpass Design and this a modified (larger) version of their Dresden table.  Bandpass consists of a few former craftsmen from Geek Chic.  My wife agreed on the table so long as it doubles as a dining table.

I was hoping to have the new Beginners Box Set on the table but no such luck.


More awesomes!


I haven't tried to introduce my new girlfriend to BattleTech properly yet...


Well that's good to hear.  He was always good at that.  Has anyone seen 3CL lately? 


He's on Book of Faces a lot but not sure he has much time for BT these years
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 February 2019, 05:32:21
https://ministryofmorale.com/?p=1052&fbclid=IwAR1h0WPMf2G61DGa4TKihxz6JUgja60biJgCee5kKRYo2HACVOOBp0GFY0Q


I would like to highly recommend to you all this link which confirms the recognition/formation of the Chairborne as a separate branch to honour those who opine from the comfort of their ignorance


ARMCHAIR ‘WARRIORS’ SET TO BE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 13 March 2019, 20:59:40
Yea, 97jedi is a FT writer now and 3CL isn't much into BattleTech after all the changes.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 14 March 2019, 00:42:29
3CL was giving away most of his BT miniatures to the Chicagoland players at Games Plus back in... 2010-ish? I know, as I got a couple of them directly from him. I figured that he was done with BT and wanted out. Hence the give away...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Shadow6 on 20 March 2019, 12:11:06
Ahhh, the good old days of Yore with the Review.  I still have a couple of drafts of articles that I had started before AFFSHC.Net shut down.

We did have a bit of fun with that at the time.  I do recall getting involved with Jonathan (MDM), Ben Rome (Ghostbear), Ed (3CL), Geoff (97Jedi), and Chris (TeamNutmeg) back in the day on the RP Boards.  It might have been when MDM was running his RP thread.  Too hazy to recall.  That musta been around 2001 or so as I was still in the military back then writing and responding to posts whenever I could while I was deployed.

Then the Gencons of 2004, 2005, and 2006 where we had Team Davion running amok at the canon events and just having a good time in general hanging out and getting to know everyone in person that we chatted with on this forum on a daily basis.

My how times have changed.  I stopped playing due to lack of time around 2008.  Teenagers and long commutes to work will do that.  And the Dark Age was a turn off with no real solution in sight at the time.  The forums rebooting was another hole in the dam. The perfect storm for loss of interest.  Still have the bulk of my minis and books but I stopped buying when the DA came out and am very far behind on the books. 

Teenagers are in their twenties and I quit my job and moved overseas about four years ago.  Playing it by ear on how long I'll stay here but there is a distinct lack of Tabletop gaming in the Middle East.  And the wifi situation is shady at best for any online gaming like MegaMek or the new stuff that has recently been released.

Making the attempt to get back into it but don't know where to begin picking up where I left off in 3067 and Endgame. 

Cheers All!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 20 March 2019, 23:38:59
That was the REAL Golden Age of Battletech.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: HobbesHurlbut on 28 June 2019, 19:58:08
Man, I haven't seen the Command in years.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 September 2019, 15:46:22
I say old chaps, getting a bit dusty in here, isn’t it?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 07 September 2019, 15:47:01
Also: Page 44 NPA!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 07 September 2019, 16:02:59
It took 13 months to cover page 42. I guess we are pacing ourselves.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 07 September 2019, 16:04:59
NPA, BABYYYY!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 07 September 2019, 23:28:51
It's no fun being CGL's curent whipping (3145 era). I now know how Capellan fans felt during most of the BT history.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 08 September 2019, 13:20:20
The FS has been in the sewer longer than the CC ever was. War of 3039, Lyran secession, Guerrero, Katherine's usurpation and FCCW, Jihad, Dark Age... Over a century in-universe, and more than half of the game's 35-year existence. I never met a single CC fan until the faction became the top dog. I'm not sure they're any different from the faux fans who show up wearing jerseys and caps after a team wins a championship even though they never wore them before that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 08 September 2019, 13:59:53
Also: Page 44 NPA!


It took 13 months to cover page 42. I guess we are pacing ourselves.


Calm down, old chap. By my count, we are only on page 26.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 09 November 2019, 20:18:10
The FS has been in the sewer longer than the CC ever was. War of 3039, Lyran secession, Guerrero, Katherine's usurpation and FCCW, Jihad, Dark Age... Over a century in-universe, and more than half of the game's 35-year existence. I never met a single CC fan until the faction became the top dog. I'm not sure they're any different from the faux fans who show up wearing jerseys and caps after a team wins a championship even though they never wore them before that.

I knew plenty on here, prior to their dramatic elevation in fortunes.

Usually absolute characters all of them, and a select few I'd be less
charitable in describing :p

Hello by the way, one of my occasional flyby visits.  Oh and as to our
factions current difficulties, be resolute chaps.  Shattered Fortress
shows some delightful, moves for us in a better direction.  Battered
perhaps, but far from broken.  I'd hope the bright sunshine of
authorial fiat, would once again be tilting in our specific direction. 

We've sat in the shade, a touch longer than perhaps we deserved
no?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 09 November 2019, 23:02:00
Indeed. It's past time for the FS to rise from the ashes!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 09 November 2019, 23:04:16
I knew plenty on here, prior to their dramatic elevation in fortunes.

Usually absolute characters all of them, and a select few I'd be less
charitable in describing :p

Hello by the way, one of my occasional flyby visits.  Oh and as to our
factions current difficulties, be resolute chaps.  Shattered Fortress
shows some delightful, moves for us in a better direction.  Battered
perhaps, but far from broken.  I'd hope the bright sunshine of
authorial fiat, would once again be tilting in our specific direction. 

We've sat in the shade, a touch longer than perhaps we deserved
no?
Yes it will make for a great rising in the end!!!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 15 November 2019, 19:03:18
I could have written this up north, but the intended audience I'd most like
to hear from would be here.  That and the quality of debate I've seen since
my return, hasn't been inspiring up there.

Revisiting Shattered Fortress, mention was made of the Davion Irregulars.

Small recently formed AFFS Combined Arms Battalions,  now this suggests
something is at work.  Not reformed units, but new ones.  Where they were
formed up, and with whom is not said.  But if we assume recent academy
grads, say evacuated NAIS/Albion students from New Avalon....that'd work
no?  Of course that's mere speculation.

But as for the facts, as best I recall there's at least seven of these units. 
Or at least numbered up to seven.  They were active in the defence of
Robinson, along with the liberation of some of the nine Draconis March
worlds.

Now for a theory.  These units sound very similar to WW2 German
formations, Kampfgruppe.  What we'd call today Battlegroups, the
historic example was an adhoc combined arms formation.  Sounds
similar yes?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Decoy on 15 November 2019, 23:10:40
A thought: How many dispossessed nobles with their personal guards are kicking about?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 16 November 2019, 18:38:38
I'd imagine there'd be more than a few refugee nobles, there've been
mentions of evacuations of VIPs in the TROs.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 24 December 2019, 18:38:37
Merry Christmas all of you, this year I give you... the rump of the Capellan Confederation!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 24 December 2019, 20:06:39
Merry Christmas all of you, this year I give you... the rump of the Capellan Confederation!
as long as I get get three Huron Warriors, everything will be just fine...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 24 December 2019, 20:50:40
Merry Christmas to all!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 24 December 2019, 21:16:30
Merry Christmas, everyone! May the New Year bring glory to the Federated Suns and defeat to our many enemies!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 25 December 2019, 23:35:55
Just got the attached back from the framers to instill some Davion pride. And indeed hopefully 2020 includes an in-universe resurgence for the Suns.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 26 December 2019, 02:06:17
Nice! Is the book going into the frame, too?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 26 December 2019, 12:52:55
No, just for reference as to what the image is.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 01 January 2020, 01:13:16
Happy New Year, New Avalon!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 January 2020, 15:08:37
I knew plenty on here, prior to their dramatic elevation in fortunes.

Usually absolute characters all of them, and a select few I'd be less
charitable in describing :p

Hello by the way, one of my occasional flyby visits.  Oh and as to our
factions current difficulties, be resolute chaps.  Shattered Fortress
shows some delightful, moves for us in a better direction.  Battered
perhaps, but far from broken.  I'd hope the bright sunshine of
authorial fiat, would once again be tilting in our specific direction. 

We've sat in the shade, a touch longer than perhaps we deserved
no?
I’ve been re-reading First Succession War recently, and there are some uncanny parallels between the FedSuns’ darkest hour then and our situation now.  But we’d been on a more-or-less continual upswing from roughly 2800 to 3057, so perhaps the work will turn soon and we’ll be back in gear for another couple of centuries.


I suspect that TPTB will want to avoid this angle, but my question is this: what is the New Avalon Catholic Church up to?  We know that the Pope and College of Cardinals were massacred when the Dragon took New Avalon.  We also know that the church has not-inconsiderable military assets; the BattleCorps Unit Digest on the Knights Defensor has them at around two regiments and growing within a few years of their formation in 3084.  Now, perhaps they’ll simply continue protecting the flock from pirates in the Outback, but it seems possible that a new Pope might decide it’s time for a good, old-fashioned crusade to remove the pagan boot from the neck of the faithful, and call the church militant to join the cause.  A few regiments of holy warriors augmenting Julian’s patriots would not go amiss.  But, as I say, I doubt TPTB will want to delve too deeply into that realm.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 20 January 2020, 00:12:43
Now that the KS character surveys are going out, I was curious if anyone wanted to be attached to a common unit.

This was the draft for what I was going to leave in the notes section:

Unit suggestions for different timelines:
Invasion/Civil War - 9th FedCom RCT
Dark Ages - Military command involved in the liberation of New Avalon
Post ilClan - Davion/FedSuns prestige command in the new timeline

I know that is pretty open so hardly guarantees anything but I am more interested in appearing in something interesting the authors concocted within those timelines. The 9th was something I picked as an interesting command that appeared all over the FedCom and was involved in some noteworthy actions but perhaps had not had a lot of fiction written about it specifically. While we do not know exactly what units will have the honor of liberating New Avalon, I assume that a written appearance in any of them would be a fine moment for the AFFS-inclined.

I have a Khan-level pledge with extra boosts and a Star Colonel so that should hopefully guarantee a nice moment in the sun for the unit.

If you are interested feel free to post here or PM.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 20 January 2020, 22:37:04
I’m over here wondering if I could petition to be Pope of the NACC.  I mean, it seems like a more prominent role than they’d permit, but how many New Avalon Popes do we actually have names for?  2?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 21 January 2020, 00:49:07
I would say go for it. I imagine being not Mechwarrior helps. Worse case maybe you still get a senior role.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 08 March 2020, 13:31:07
Character list is up from the Kickstarter.  Did anyone else send one in?


https://characters.battletech.com/ (https://characters.battletech.com/)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 March 2020, 17:44:58
Character list is up from the Kickstarter.  Did anyone else send one in?


https://characters.battletech.com/ (https://characters.battletech.com/)
I've not finished mine yet.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 28 April 2020, 16:12:10
I’m over here wondering if I could petition to be Pope of the NACC.  I mean, it seems like a more prominent role than they’d permit, but how many New Avalon Popes do we actually have names for?  2?

Someone is apparently the Warlord of the Combine's New Avalon Military District, so why not?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 28 April 2020, 17:09:35
I signed up to be a Sergeant Major on the 4th Davion Guards, any era they need.  Curious to see how it pans out!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 28 April 2020, 20:06:18
Someone is apparently the Warlord of the Combine's New Avalon Military District, so why not?
Great Caesar's Ghost, I thought you were waiting another ten years or so before posting.

Did you jump on the Kickstarter?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 28 April 2020, 20:35:34
Great Caesar's Ghost, I thought you were waiting another ten years or so before posting.

Did you jump on the Kickstarter?

I did not, but in my defence, I've been busy! Two kids (four and two), promotion at work to manage our social media, buying a new house (which we moved into two weeks before the lockdown here), and building 1/72 scale model airplanes has been taking up most of my limited spare time. It's a natural transition from painting miniatures, since it accepts that you'll never actually get to play with them, you get to do research (fun), and they're a lot easier to airbrush.

Plus, my grotto is pretty sweet:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49681238218_7d97e060fb_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iGakfJ)IMG_20200320_230053 (https://flic.kr/p/2iGakfJ) by Edward IX (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99473324@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 29 April 2020, 08:57:42
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee's back!

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 29 April 2020, 09:44:57
Hooray!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 29 April 2020, 11:56:16
Nice to see that someone else got the Psych complete series box set.  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 29 April 2020, 14:22:21
Congratulations on the kids, 3CL!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 30 April 2020, 17:48:25
Congrats on kids, 6 and 4 year old girls here, it’s an adventure to be sure.

Also, holy model kits, Batman!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 30 April 2020, 19:28:20
I did not, but in my defence, I've been busy! Two kids (four and two), promotion at work to manage our social media, buying a new house (which we moved into two weeks before the lockdown here), and building 1/72 scale model airplanes has been taking up most of my limited spare time. It's a natural transition from painting miniatures, since it accepts that you'll never actually get to play with them, you get to do research (fun), and they're a lot easier to airbrush.

Plus, my grotto is pretty sweet:
You do have a sweet grotto.  I moved out of my dungeon to an upstairs spare bedroom with my office.

Congrats on the kids to all.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 02 May 2020, 09:17:22
Also, kind of a sad little brag, but something I worked on is coming out May 15: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=66405.msg1604837#msg1604837
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 02 May 2020, 10:36:55
Nice!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 02 May 2020, 12:42:26
Sweet!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 02 May 2020, 21:21:01
Oh nice,  congratz,  I might have to pick this one up as I'm a fan of the Terran Corridor area.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 15 May 2020, 08:37:32
So while digging through my plastics from the 25th Anniversary intro boxes, I've realized that the bulk of what's left would actually make a fairly decent early 3050s company for the Federated Commonwealth. But despite my time hanging out with this august crowd, I don't actually know that much about the AFFC. Can any of you recommend a unit whose colors I could use? (No yellows or whites, please.)

For reference, these are the mechs in question:

Zeus x2
Catapult
Jagermech
Quickdraw
Enforcer x2
Dervish
Whitworth
Spider
Valkyrie
Locust

EDIT: Forgot, something that served on the Clan front would be nice as well, please.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 15 May 2020, 08:40:46
3rd Crucis Lancers?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 15 May 2020, 09:25:46
3rd Crucis Lancers?

Yellow trim.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 15 May 2020, 10:36:26
So out of curiosity, now many 3rd Crucis Mechs do you have painted up in 3CL colors?   ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 15 May 2020, 14:40:50
So out of curiosity, now many 3rd Crucis Mechs do you have painted up in 3CL colors?   ;D

I used to have four battalions worth, but now, like two.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 15 May 2020, 15:06:12
No particular weight bias, so I'd avoid a group like the Assault Guards, Light Guards, or 1st Capellan Dragoons (which is a shame, their painst scheme is sweet), though the Heavy Guards could work, hey include some lighter elements.  1st Kathil Uhlans would be a good pick.  They're black with gold trim, is gold too close to Yellow for you?  The 1st Ceti Hussars feels like they'be your kind of unit, and they were on the JFOZ border for a while.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 22 May 2020, 12:47:19
I used to have four battalions worth, but now, like two.

 :o  What happened to the two battalions you lost?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 22 May 2020, 13:31:00
Ask the Snow Ravens...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 26 May 2020, 13:01:20
:o  What happened to the two battalions you lost?

No, only two 'mechs.

I stopped demoing and switched my focus to some hobbies that are less dependent on other people's schedules, and sold them to fund 'em. I just took possession of a turret press for reloading my own 303 ammunition, which I'm pretty pumped about.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 27 May 2020, 19:40:51
(No yellows or whites, please.)

That is a LOT of units that you just removed from the equation.


As mentioned the Ceti Hussars wouldn't be bad for colors.

Lots of regiments in the Donegal Guards so I'm sure someone was on the clan border at some point.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: (SMD)MadCow on 27 May 2020, 20:46:04
Robinson Rangers are Red and Black.
1st Kathil Ulhans are Black with Gold stripes.
Avalon Hussars are Grey with colored highlights.
Syrtis Fusiliers are Dark Green.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 27 May 2020, 22:28:48
At this point, I'm most strongly considering the Second Crucis Lancers. I'll be like 3CL, but the decades-later prequel that nobody wanted!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 05 June 2020, 11:26:52
No, only two 'mechs.

I stopped demoing and switched my focus to some hobbies that are less dependent on other people's schedules, and sold them to fund 'em. I just took possession of a turret press for reloading my own 303 ammunition, which I'm pretty pumped about.

Oh man, so am I to understand you got rid of 4 battalions of painted minis, and have only two left?  What did you keep?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 08 June 2020, 22:44:04
Oh man, so am I to understand you got rid of 4 battalions of painted minis, and have only two left?  What did you keep?

Yep. A Thunderbolt and an Osiris.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 10 June 2020, 11:23:54
Also just a curiousity:  did you take part in the Clan Kickstarter, or or you trying to stay away from the mini habit?

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nckestrel on 10 June 2020, 11:43:07
Ok, I feel like I should know this.  What is someone that lives in the Federated Suns called?  As in casual conversation.
Citizen of the Federation is too long. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 June 2020, 12:42:39
Ok, I feel like I should know this.  What is someone that lives in the Federated Suns called?  As in casual conversation.
Citizen of the Federation is too long. 



I think it is often Feddie or Federat


Yep. A Thunderbolt and an Osiris.


You also cut down on the Spitfires too, didn't you?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 June 2020, 12:55:15
Ok, I feel like I should know this.  What is someone that lives in the Federated Suns called?  As in casual conversation.
Citizen of the Federation is too long. 


Protagonist. :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 10 June 2020, 14:19:29
Ok, I feel like I should know this.  What is someone that lives in the Federated Suns called?  As in casual conversation.
Citizen of the Federation is too long.

HERO
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 June 2020, 14:46:56
Sunsman/Sunsmaid 




(Disclaimer: I just made that up.  AFAIK there’s no official answer)[/size=1pt]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nckestrel on 10 June 2020, 16:02:59
I'm already struggling not to make this a Mary Sue, yall aren't helping :).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 10 June 2020, 16:08:58
Embrace it! Call them Garys and Marys. :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 10 June 2020, 17:05:54
Warriors and Shield Maidens!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 June 2020, 21:54:31
Ok, I feel like I should know this.  What is someone that lives in the Federated Suns called?  As in casual conversation.
Citizen of the Federation is too long.

The label you're looking for is "Correct" and can have the modifiers "Morally", "Factually", or "Technically" depending on the three traditional Marches (Capellan, Crucis,  or Draconis).  Periphery Marchers, while the youngest of them all, are normally known as "Literally Correct" despite their high illiteracy rate.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 10 June 2020, 22:31:03
Hey guys! Figured I might as well drop in here.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 June 2020, 22:44:24
Hey Nerd, long time no see.

So, since we're talking about national identification,  of a sort, has anything ever been written about Monastic Orders in the Federated Suns? 

I would imagine that, after the Warrior Cabal business that any Order would be closely scrutinized,  but would the New Avalon Catholic  Church authorize military Orders, such as the Templars during the Middle Ages, with the understanding that they are to fill the gap of lesser settlement defense, especially in the wilder parts of the Outback.

I've been toying with the idea and the name "Knights of the Suns" but I'm unsure of the feasibility due to the Warrior Cabal and the resulting purges.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 10 June 2020, 22:58:21
There was an all-too-short Unit Digest published by Battlecorps years ago on the Holy Order of Knight Defenders (aka the Knights Defensor).  They're an order formed by the Pope post-Jihad to defend the periphery from pirates, basically.  See here: https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Knights_Defensor (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Knights_Defensor)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nckestrel on 10 June 2020, 23:02:09
These are even more funny in context.
(Paraphrasing the general idea here.)
How does a Capellan become a HERO? He applies for asylum in the Federation..
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 15 June 2020, 08:25:36
Also just a curiousity:  did you take part in the Clan Kickstarter, or or you trying to stay away from the mini habit?

Sat it out. Maybe in a few years when my kids are older, though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Joskney on 16 June 2020, 23:21:42
Definitely suck them into it.  I got all my kids (all 5) a Chameleon, painted them to whichever house/faction.  And then we did 3025 training on the original maps for few weeks.  Was amazing fun, especially when I dropped a Clan star on them.  ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: boilerman on 17 June 2020, 22:54:14
Glad to see people are still keeping the High Command at near the top of the page.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 18 June 2020, 16:25:16
This thread will be a seven at the end of the year.  It's six months older than my youngest.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 18 June 2020, 18:07:24
That's kinda sad, seeing as how this thread used to fill up quickly and get locked back in the day.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 18 June 2020, 18:29:51
Well, considering that there isn't much new to talk about in regards to the Lore and some of the primary thread drivers aren't around any longer, it's kind of understandable.

Life goes on I guess and we're all getting older.  I'm looking at 45 on Monday and I can't remember where the years went.  I mean, it wasn't that long ago that we were still dealing with the flame board and the wars that broke out on them between people like Rage, AcidQueen, MadCapellan, General308, Albatross and I couldn't tell you how many others.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 19 June 2020, 04:42:41
Well, considering that there isn't much new to talk about in regards to the Lore and some of the primary thread drivers aren't around any longer, it's kind of understandable.

Life goes on I guess and we're all getting older.  I'm looking at 45 on Monday and I can't remember where the years went.  I mean, it wasn't that long ago that we were still dealing with the flame board and the wars that broke out on them between people like Rage, AcidQueen, MadCapellan, General308, Albatross and I couldn't tell you how many others.


Turning 39 tomorrow here


What happened to MadCapellan - that's a name I haven't heard/seen for a long time
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 19 June 2020, 05:31:33
MadCap is still around, but doesn't hang out down here.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 19 June 2020, 06:25:21
MadCap is still around, but doesn't hang out down here.


Ah, I rarely venture north on the boards these years
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 19 June 2020, 10:36:59
MadCap’s gone all respectable on us, he’s got a yellow BattleMaster now.  Albatross has, alas, gone the way of all flesh.  I see 97jedi and Rorke on the book of the faces from time to time, but that’s about it. No clue on a lot of the others.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 19 June 2020, 21:04:45
The Good Physicist is still a writer, and thus too good for us riff-raff. He does like anything related to cats I post.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 19 June 2020, 21:26:17
Good physicist?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 19 June 2020, 22:06:24
97jedi, Geoff Swift, PhD, is a materials scientist, but I was working from memory. He has taught physics courses though.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Generalstoner on 21 June 2020, 22:27:03
Hey what am I chopped liver?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 22 June 2020, 00:42:50
Hey what am I chopped liver?
More like chipped beef ;D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 22 June 2020, 09:50:15
Speaking of folks we haven’t seen in a while, anybody seen Lord Harlock lately?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 22 June 2020, 09:51:27
or Maddog Maddux or Miatezhnyi?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 03 July 2020, 15:29:29
or Maddog Maddux

He lives in St Louis these days. I stayed with his family a few years ago when I was in town for a conference.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doom on 04 July 2020, 01:22:38
Another one I've not heard from in an age is Yuri.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 18 July 2020, 10:04:51
Last year, I did my own custom Fed Suns Militia. I went very down market intentionally on in. Any one else did something like this? https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=66629.0
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 24 July 2020, 17:46:36
Did something like that for the world we garrisoned in an old MW1 campaign.

Had to fluff out the friendlies that we trained.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 31 July 2020, 16:29:58
IlClan Recognition Guide 4 came out today, and it marks the first time I've gotten to do TRO-type writing for a BT product. Kind of excited.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 31 July 2020, 16:36:21
Sweet, can't wait to get it!

Did you write the whole thing, or just certain parts?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 31 July 2020, 16:37:22
Did you write the whole thing, or just certain parts?

Just the Wasp entry (but not the Wasp stat blocks).
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 31 July 2020, 18:59:42
Just the Wasp entry (but not the Wasp stat blocks).
That's pretty flippin' cool.  Congrats.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nckestrel on 31 July 2020, 20:27:31
IlClan Recognition Guide 4 came out today, and it marks the first time I've gotten to do TRO-type writing for a BT product. Kind of excited.

Congrats!  Hold on to that excitement! :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 01 August 2020, 03:28:27
IlClan Recognition Guide 4 came out today, and it marks the first time I've gotten to do TRO-type writing for a BT product. Kind of excited.


Cool and congratulations
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Force of Nature on 10 August 2020, 01:32:12
I am still around...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: DoctorMonkey on 10 August 2020, 04:57:33
I am still around...


Hey Forks of Nature!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 12 August 2020, 20:13:42
I am still around...

Force! How are you, man?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 08 September 2020, 14:17:14
Time was, this thread would be at the top spot all the time.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 08 September 2020, 18:14:57
Yet, here we are nearly over seven years after it started.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 08 September 2020, 23:28:45
Many of us have fallen away.  8)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 09 September 2020, 09:22:44
Yet, here we are nearly over seven years after it started.

I think you were right the first time. ;)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 09 September 2020, 16:14:05
Lurkers don't truly fall away, we just go silent comms for a bit until something brings us back to the surface.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: David CGB on 09 September 2020, 17:31:08
Lurkers don't truly fall away, we just go silent comms for a bit until something brings us back to the surface.
True, why comment over nothing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 09 September 2020, 19:17:52
I think you were right the first time. ;)
That was me hoping 2020 would just go away.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 09 September 2020, 20:38:49
Time was, this thread would be at the top spot all the time.
Time was, you had a red BattleMaster.   :P   Of course, they owe you a yellow one as is.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 10 September 2020, 09:22:59
That was me hoping 2020 would just go away.

Nice!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 10 September 2020, 09:23:42
Time was, you had a red BattleMaster.   :P   Of course, they owe you a yellow one as is.

Yeah, still bitter over being shitcanned...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 10 September 2020, 17:04:44
Yeah, still bitter over being shitcanned...

Wait, what?!?  WTH???
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 11 September 2020, 11:25:00
There's a reason I left the boards for such a long time.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 11 September 2020, 11:53:04
Well, I'm glad to see you back.

I thought it was just normal Mad Scientist Doctor stuff keeping you away or something like that.

In other news, I just took a new job as a Network Engineer for Frontier Communications, so as of 28 SEPT 2020, I will officially be working in the same State that I live in for the first time since 2005.  Hello 30 minute commute, how I've missed you.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 11 September 2020, 12:28:10
I started a new job three weeks ago, and now I have a half-hour commute. I miss my zero minute commute when I was self-employed at home, and the two minute commute when I was still gainfully employed before that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 11 September 2020, 12:56:38
Got to admit, the WfH option during COVID has been nice, especially as an introvert, but the down side is I'm here with the rest of my family 24/7 now.  We've survived, but mainly because my wife runs all the errands for her Mom and I usually get a day or so per week to myself.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 11 September 2020, 22:23:26
Speaking of job changes, I’m applying for an editing/proofreading position at a publication that’s halfway across the country from me.  Pretty sure I’d start working from home, as I understand their base city still hasn’t allowed such offices to reopen, but would probably see me eventually moving out to the coast.  But it’s still early stages of application now, I don’t have the job yet.  Prayers and/or wishes for luck are appreciated.  It would be a big improvement from my current situation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 13 September 2020, 13:34:11
That sounds like the sort of job tailor-made for circumstances such as the present time. There shouldn't be a need to go to an actual office building to complete that sort of work, not in this time of digital publishing and document creation.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 13 September 2020, 15:49:33
You'd think, but some of us have low quality connections at home, and in some cases, like for private document handling, there's a need to be at an office.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 13 September 2020, 17:41:41
Work from home has been blissful for my office job but murder for my retail work.

Covid and its economic disturbances seem to have made people crazier than usual in store. Right now I am recovering from some facial injuries due to a shoplifter wanting some privacy for their theiving. We have not had a customer assault before. The workmans comp clinic indicated that they are treating far more assault injuries than usual so I guess we are not the only store dealing with it.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 10 October 2020, 18:33:42
Well I guess this is me checking in.

Oh and Loyalist, been there done that.  Caught myself a mild
concusion from one once.  Pulled me and the boss down a
long flight of stairs trying to get away.  I came to, and rugby
tackled him before he got onto the shop floor.....happy days :p

I actually had a short term gig myself lately.  All the fun of
teaching newcomers to Finland, about their rights and the
wonders of life here.  But in their native language, English.
A task I'm rather well suited to, I'm hopeful there'll be more.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 12 October 2020, 13:29:46
Should I ever move to Finland I’ll be sure to look you up, old boy.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 12 October 2020, 13:59:21
If you can wait 23 years, my significant other wants us to retire to England or Scandinavia.  :D
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 13 October 2020, 11:03:44
Rorke! Ah, the Davion Iconoclast has returned. All's well.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 18 October 2020, 19:15:30
Oh well only here.  The rest of the forum frankly, dull as ditch water.

The arguments we had, the stuff of legend.  I miss those days.

As for Finland, it's a pretty part of the world.   Not cheap though,
that and the language sheesh hehe.  But heck the great outdoors,
clean air and water are awesome.  Thank goodness for living in a
Swedish speaking locale :p

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 18 October 2020, 20:04:25
Swedish, eh? Might one say it's plentiful for vilken hylla? :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 18 October 2020, 22:22:15
Good to see you again Rorke, even if it's just down here instead of topside.  Completely understandable, though.

In other, non-Battletech related news, if anyone here is into Eldrich horror, I've got to promote Old Gods of Appalachia.  I'm not huge into that genre, but it's a podcast done right by some close friends of mine. 

The fact that I'm one of the upcoming characters and my family is deeply interwoven into the story doesn't hurt either, ya know?  So give it a try if you're taken with that kind of thing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 23 October 2020, 21:10:49
I just wanted to salute the FedSuns patriotism of our KS backers. Out of the 55 pilots in Champions of the IS I 20 are explicitly FedSuns/FedCom. We can probably claim a few of the Steiners based on character year/context. Excellent representation!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 26 October 2020, 21:02:22
Oh well only here.  The rest of the forum frankly, dull as ditch water.

The arguments we had, the stuff of legend.  I miss those days.

. . .

And that's exactly why I stay in the shadows for the most part. I miss the arguments of old as well.
 

Oh well, I'll go back to the shadows.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 26 October 2020, 23:19:07
We miss you, good Harlock!  How goes Sherwood?  Still running off all the pirates?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 27 October 2020, 12:27:22
We miss you, good Harlock!  How goes Sherwood?  Still running off all the pirates?

About that . . .

[pulls out canon cease and desist form aka Touring the Stars:Sherwood]

It turns out my family is now from McRae after previously being one of the first families of Arcadia. Darn Tylers.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Davion Loyalist on 08 November 2020, 23:06:24
Thought some of you might enjoy this blast from the Federated Suns/FedCom heyday. A 1990s product of Randy Gallegos for the CCG, here is the Caesar.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 14 February 2021, 18:35:44
Necromancy they say, dark magics few understand....and yet fewer
would dare speak of aloud.

The dust needed blowing out of this spot. 

I dig the Caesar art Loyalist, always been inordinately fond of that mech.  Served
me well for long range sniping, back in the 3050s.  Pair one with a Jager, plink away
at Lokis and Thors.  Often came out more successful, than people would imagine.

Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Weirdo on 14 February 2021, 20:35:25
That doesn't surprise me. Thors are nowhere near as fragile as Lokis, but even they're not tanks, with few if any locations able to take multiple heavy hits from the guns a Caesar carries before losing. Couple that with the sheer number of AC clusters an upgraded Jager can put out, and a Thor that can't close under some minimums(ah, irony) stands a good chance of getting critted out, and a Loki is in serious trouble if it has no buddies to draw some fire.

Wouldn't surprise me if this combo was part of the impetus for the Night Gyr.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 17 February 2021, 05:20:15
I used to use the 3050 era Marauder D for Thor's, it usually came out
decently.  I think we forget how badly armoured the original Omni's
were, in comparison to later models.  The Night Gyr I've never fought,
but I've no doubt it'd have been more of a challenge.

Fortunately my regular opponent, took an interest later in playing
Liao.  So I had new challenges to overcome, but so had he.  I still
recall fondly, his first meeting with a Jagermech 7F.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: MarauderD on 17 February 2021, 12:13:23
I still recall fondly, his first meeting with a Jagermech 7F.

When the RAC-gods smile on you, Hanse's spirit smiles with you......
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 17 February 2021, 14:30:25
Yes, it is like that.

I haven't had much to say here, but it's nice to see some old posters here.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 20 February 2021, 15:06:10
Nice to see some of the old band back together!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 21 February 2021, 19:54:18
Well when the Ilkhan book finally arrives, the sourcebook that is....I imagine
there may be some action up top again.

Forgive my forgetful nature, but aren't we due a refresh of the thread soon?

I kind of recall vaguely, it's capped at 50 pages no?
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 February 2021, 21:25:35
Yup, 50 pages.  Sometime next page or so.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 24 February 2021, 13:59:51
Heheh, it's funny. This thread has been going for more than seven years. In ye olde dayes, we'd finish a thread in seven days.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 24 February 2021, 15:33:53
Alas, the days of yore are gone.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 24 February 2021, 22:24:34
Alas, the days of yore are gone.
So what you're saying is that we need a Chronicle...

Seems like Conan was an ancient Davion.

The full quote: ""Between the years when the black sea drank Amaris and rise of the sons of Avalon, there was an age undreamed of, when shining kingdoms laid spread across the Inner Sphere. Hither came Hanse, the Fox, wedding ring in hand. It is I, his chronicler, who knows well his saga. Now, let me tell you of the days of high adventure...""
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 02 March 2021, 20:31:40
Well there's no shortage of talented people in our ranks, for that
sort of affair.

Not me though, I just stick to what I'm good at.   Arguing with people, in
a reasonable fashion.  Well I'm good at not so reasonable too, but you
cannot get away with that here these days :'(
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 26 March 2021, 22:50:08
[Passes out white chocolate ice cream to everyone.]  Don’t worry gents, it only looks like vanilla.  Gotta fool the Mask and ISF.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Sharpnel on 26 March 2021, 22:52:04
For that villainous lot, even vanilla ice cream is an exotic treat.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 27 March 2021, 16:48:49
I got accused of being touchy.

If they only knew what I've been capable of in the past, when I was riled haha.  I maintain
I've been reasonable, and reasoned in pointing out their assumptions are unwise.

Feels kind of odd posting up north again, it's been a while. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Shadow6 on 27 March 2021, 17:19:25
Nice to see some of the old band back together!

We need to get the whole crew together again Gencon. It's been too long.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 28 March 2021, 10:04:04
Been WAY too long.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 30 March 2021, 18:16:36
So, someone give the word and let's make it happen.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Shadow6 on 30 March 2021, 20:53:28
Word
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 30 March 2021, 21:44:45
So let it be written. So let it be done. In the name of Saint Hanse.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 02 April 2021, 08:32:01
Maybe I'll get out there, but with my existence, not likely.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 03 April 2021, 19:51:43
Another thread was mentioning a rules question about launching/recovering ASF from grounded dropships.

I'm trying to recall where I have seen it before.

I'm almost certain it was during the 4th SW,  Davion invading Liao front.

I don't know if it was a Novel, a Sourcebook,  or, possibly even a BT-Mag article.

I just remember them flying out of an Overlord, IIRC, that was just barely taller than the buildings in the area & they were having issues gaining altitude fast enough to avoid the buildings and get into the fight.

I'm thinking it was waves of Corsairs doing this.

Does anyone recall the story I'm thinking of?

I don't have access to books right now to go try & find out, but, I'm thinking its either a Warrior Trilogy book, or 1 of the 4th SW Atlas books, or possibly a BT Mag article, & maybe even mentioned in more than 1 of them.

Just curious if anyone can narrow it down & get specifics.

Thanks
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 03 April 2021, 22:52:28
I think that was one of the Gray Death novels, Operation Excalibur, I think.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 07 April 2021, 17:32:13
Someone else thought that too, but I'm swearing this is way older than that, 4th SW era.

I'm thinking it was a BT Mag article but I can't get to them right now to verify, ah the joys of stuff being packed away, lol.

I need a bigger house w/ a "library/gaming" room  :)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 08 April 2021, 14:46:29
Can't be sure on the question, but admit I like what Doc said over any of my
admittedly vague ideas.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 20 April 2021, 09:17:00
When your post count is a year, you actually recall.  Of course if there'd not been
multiple resets I'd be a damn General or something by this time.  That and I'd have
a post log, with all manner of outright villainous nonsense in the early years....ahh
a chap can at least reminisce.

1989/1990 were pretty good years for my teenage Battletech obsession, bought a lot of
minis and books.  I also discovered my favourite song, and made a bunch of important
friends.  Gawd I feel ancient haha.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 20 April 2021, 10:07:15
You've got me beat. I first saw BT at Egyptian Campaign '91, the local game con (no longer held, more's the pity) which was held March 1-3 of that year. I liked it immediately, bought a used 2nd ed box set the next time I made it to the one game store (which was still new at the time) and TRO 3025, and the rest is history. (I still have that original TRO 3025, beat to hell from reading it cover to cover dozens of times.)
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 21 April 2021, 14:34:45
Despite not watching the Cartoon, I somehow ended up with a couple of toys from it in the 90s.  Gifts maybe?  I don’t know.  My first real exposure was Mechwarrior 4, released late in 2000.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 21 April 2021, 17:35:57
[From a dusty corner]

It was a Walmart- I saw the original cover of  Warrior: Riposite with Hanse doing the famous toast with Melissa. However, I had no idea what I was seeing. I was eight at the time.

The first time the name Battletech registered with me really was at a Bookstop, a bookstore absorbed by Barnes and Noble, looking at Tech Readout 3025 when I was twelve wondering why there was Veritech in it.

I didn't start reading the novels till after the cartoon, and that was in the middle of the line.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 21 April 2021, 18:56:41
So, while I can't remember what BT was like in 1918 (per Rorke's post) I first came in contact with the game back in 1986 right after Robotech debuted and the 2nd Edition boxset that had those wonderful standups.  I got my first miniatures in '87.  I first registered for this site back in the summer of 2002.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 22 April 2021, 09:44:25
Ah, those halcyon days of yore! BattleTech in 1918 was dominated by 'Mechs wading through ankle-high muck in the trenches, awaiting the signal to charge to cut through the hiss of the poor comm signals of the era. Targeting relied entirely on crude visual targeting. Environmental sealing was nonexistent; as many MechWarriors died of poison gas as of weapons fire. Truly a time when MechWarriors were MechWarriors and infantry knew their place.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 22 April 2021, 09:56:52
Mechs wading out of the chemical fog, bundles of sticks strapped to their backs to fill the mech-scale trenches...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: nerd on 22 April 2021, 11:10:03
Despite not watching the Cartoon, I somehow ended up with a couple of toys from it in the 90s.  Gifts maybe?  I don’t know.  My first real exposure was Mechwarrior 4, released late in 2000.
In my case, in third grade my dad handed me a copy of the Roc edition of Decision at Thunder Rift, and then we had a copy of Mechwarrior 2 for the Mac, but my skills were woefully poor. I stuck to reading the books for a long time, but I finally got a copy of the game in 1999.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 22 April 2021, 12:30:00
It was 1987 for me and a chance encounter with the 3025TRO in a bookstore in Kingsport, TN.  I didn't actually get a copy of the box set until a year or so later on a return trip to my orthodontist, and wouldn't get my first mini until 1992 when a local game store in my hometown finally picked them up (an Atlas, of all things) but I wore that TRO completely out thumbing though it over the years.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Lord Harlock on 22 April 2021, 18:12:57
Ah, those halcyon days of yore! BattleTech in 1918 was dominated by 'Mechs wading through ankle-high muck in the trenches, awaiting the signal to charge to cut through the hiss of the poor comm signals of the era. Targeting relied entirely on crude visual targeting. Environmental sealing was nonexistent; as many MechWarriors died of poison gas as of weapons fire. Truly a time when MechWarriors were MechWarriors and infantry knew their place.

Considering the Tsar Tank existed, I can imagine a World War I alternative world with Battletech. I don't want to as it mostly involves really stiff tin mechs that resemble shuffling furnaces with big flumes of black smoke pouring out the back.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Paladin1 on 22 April 2021, 22:39:54
Considering the Tsar Tank existed, I can imagine a World War I alternative world with Battletech. I don't want to as it mostly involves really stiff tin mechs that resemble shuffling furnaces with big flumes of black smoke pouring out the back.

So, basically click-tech for TRO1917.  As long as it doesn't consist of horns or spikes, I could get into something like that.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: The Mighty ACHOO on 23 April 2021, 00:42:03
My first encounter with BattleTech was when the original box set was first released in 1985. I had been looking for Battledroids but FASA had to drop that name for legal reasons.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 27 April 2021, 12:20:56
For me it was 1986 Freshman Biology, the guy next to me was reading a book that had Robotech pictures in it but wasn't Robotech.

I asked him about it & then borrowed it to read it

I forget honestly if it was Sword & Dagger or Thunder Rift.

After a couple novels I found TRO3025 in a game store & bought that & the Recon Lance boxed set, didn't even know what they were or that it wasn't the basic game, just looked cool.

Then finally picked up the 2E boxed set when I realized I needed more to play, lol.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 28 April 2021, 16:18:38
Oh damn 1987, bought TRO 3025 because I dug the art.

How little I knew then, how many many more books I'd end
up purchasing.  I've no idea how long I've been a denizen of
these forums.   Through multiple incarnations, and more huge
fights than I care to recall.  I still think whomever put a mute
function on this board, did all of us a massive disservice.  Having
blowhards be wrong, and cruise past good points refuting their
nonsense.....is an insult.

I do though recall playing Mechcommander during the days of
the Starlance league system.  At one point becoming an admin
and eventually, lead admin for the MC league.  Oh and point of
pride (sorry), once me and my trusty wingman ended up as the
top ranked 2 man team.  Ahhh heady days.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Hellraiser on 18 May 2021, 17:52:31
I first came in contact with the game back in 1986 right after Robotech debuted and the 2nd Edition boxset that had those wonderful standups.  I got my first miniatures in '87. 

Sounds about the same as me.

Freshman Bio a guy next to me was reading either Sword & Dagger or Thunder Rift, I forget.

The pictures in the back were all of "robotech" or "other" lines of stuff I had seen.

Borrowed the book read it, liked it, then saw some of the game stuff at a comics store.

First purchases were Recon Lance minis box & TRO:3025,  didn't even know the 2nd Ed boxed set was the actual game needed to play, lol, got that on my next visit.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: fallen on 19 May 2021, 07:49:00
My first encounter with Battletech was in college.  In the summer of 1994, I was working at a Boy Scout camp and was introduced to the game by some fellow staff members.  The next semester, I was fortunate enough to met some guys in my dorm playing Battletech and several others board games and RPGs.   I got hooked into gaming and made some great friends!
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: 3rdCrucisLancers on 19 May 2021, 20:40:56
I was born in 1983. Things have deteriorated from there.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 20 May 2021, 16:10:45
I was born in 1983. Things have deteriorated from there.

I can't say I recall 83 especially well, but honestly for me 1992.  One family schism/betrayal and
everything changed. 
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 28 May 2021, 19:23:40
Just letting off steam, but grrr someone has ignored me.

I only know because I'd said I believed the ignore feature is
cowardly.  Perhaps that term was overly strong, but I do
actively loathe it.  So he'd said something about not posting,
and I felt I should message him and apologise. 

That I'd used a stronger term than perhaps was wise.  That
his arguments were valid and interesting, and ultimately he
should do what made him feel comfortable. 

"user x has blocked you"

Disappointing.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 28 May 2021, 22:14:11
It is.  I was just telling folks the other day that I thought blocking people you disagree with (on social media in that context) mostly just showing that you were afraid to engage with them, and that someone with the courage of their convictions wouldn’t fear arguing it out with someone they disagreed with.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Rorke on 29 May 2021, 16:23:35
It is.  I was just telling folks the other day that I thought blocking people you disagree with (on social media in that context) mostly just showing that you were afraid to engage with them, and that someone with the courage of their convictions wouldn’t fear arguing it out with someone they disagreed with.

Without breaking any rules here, it's the time we live in unfortunately.  That's probably as deep as I can go on it, without
raising ire from the authorities here  ;)

Oh and began a new thread, this one can't have much room left before the 50 limit. 

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/mechwarrior-hall/affs-high-command-generals-and-gentlemen/
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 May 2021, 17:25:11
Mods, I think we are moving on...31 December 2013, 21:02:02 to 29 May 2021, 16:35:25 isn't a bad run.

See you in the other thread, gents.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 29 May 2021, 17:33:07
It was a good thread.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: rebs on 29 May 2021, 17:34:04
I even tried to get it closer to 50...
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Charlie 6 on 29 May 2021, 17:58:39
Come to the new one.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Arkansas Warrior on 29 May 2021, 21:20:43
And away we go!  [Turns our lights, heads elsewhere]
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: Doc Swift on 29 May 2021, 23:38:38
A grande olde threade was she.
Title: Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
Post by: greatsarcasmo on 19 June 2021, 16:08:19
Thread locked for (finally) hitting fifty pages.
New Thread (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/mechwarrior-hall/affs-high-command-generals-and-gentlemen/)