Baby, It's Cold Outside

 

Winter is harsh in the mountains of the Great North.  Survival is truly of the fittest.  Axe in hand, this Frost Giant is out seeking sustenance.  Gods have mercy on whomever and whatever might cross his path.  The intense cold makes him hungrier.  The hunger makes him meaner. It's time to seek cover from the icy winds and the humungous hunter stalking his prey in them.

The model is from Reaper Bones.  He's called a Frost Giant Guard.  To contrast his blue skin, I painted his furs and leathers in shades of brown.  Instead of the standard silver for the metal, I used a nickel (the axe blade and coins are silver).  I went with royal blue for the cloth in the front.

He turned out pretty darn well.  He looks like a bad mo fo.  He's so scary it sends a chill down my spine.

Take a look. Thanks for stopping by.  I greatly appreciate it.

Threesome

I had a little down time yesterday and decided to paint up a few minis. Two are by Heresy Miniatures. The Leeloo look alike is called Ellie Mental and the Korben looking one is called The Major. The other one is "The Fool" from Kabuki Miniatures.  All 3 miniatures are metal. 

I did my best to imitate the outfits worn by the characters in The 5th Element.  I did a decent job overall.  The Fool was painted flat black,  The armor was painted with a metallic carbon paint.  The blades, gun, and mask were painted silver and the eyes were painted red.  Everything was given a black wash and then I went back in and added highlights. The base was painted in a variety of shades of gray with white highlights.

I like 'em.  They look good.  A productive day all-in-all.

Getting "5 Holed"

Not a happy camper right now.  I've been a Pittsburgh Penguin's fan since the early 1970's.  My friends and I would go to games and there was next to nobody in the old Civic Arena (loved the Igloo!)  So what's got me ticked off?  Lots of things.

Since the Pens were bought by the Fenway Sports Group there have been many changes.  I know all things must change.  It doesn't mean I have to like it.

Ticket prices are crazy.  I used to go to 3 or 4 games per season.  I'm down to 1 and can barely afford that.  As of January 11th, the station that televises their games, SportsNet Pittsburgh, is moving to a premium status charging more money per month.  My cable charge is already as much as a college tuition bill. 

 The team has been up and down for awhile now.  Sometimes they have been damn hard to watch.  It just seems like the Pens organization doesn't care about the fans - just the money.  I realize professional sports teams are businesses and businesses are there to make a profit.  It just seems like this new group is all about the cash.

It's been a great ride.  Larouche, Lemieux, Jager, Coffey, Barrasso, Malkin, Crosby, Fleury, and all the rest.  So much great hockey in the 'Burgh.  I've loved going to and watching games with my dad, my friends, my wife, my sons (I'd give them their bottles and rock them to sleep when they were babies while watching games on TV)!  Great times!  But now, maybe it's time to move on.  I don't feel appreciated as a fan anymore.  I feel I'm just an ATM for the organization. 

Let's Get Smashed

I finally finished this LOTR Troll.  It needed a bit of work but when I was done this bad boy was ready to be painted.  Skin tones were kept to tans and gray-greens.  The armor, silver of course.  The loin cloth was done in reds. The club painted with shades of brown as well as the leathers.  I gave him a custom rocky base. I think this dude looks pretty cool.  Until next time.

The New Crew

I found these little lovelies at a collectibles store a few days ago. They looked lonely just sitting there on the shelf. They looked like they needed a new home and some action on a gaming table. They are all Mage Knight figures. Included in the bunch is a troll, a half-troll, an orc, an elf ranger, a vampire, a dwarf, a healer, and a golem. I did a wash on them and then did some quick dry brushing to bring out the highlights. I think they look cool. Take a gander.

Any Way You Slice It

(TMNT image used without permission.)

Like many Americans (and turtles), I love pizza.  I enjoy finding new places to go to grab a slice or two (or three or four).  Several places I've tried over the past few months have been outstanding and certainly worth a mention.

Jioio's has a really unique pizza.  It has a very sweet crust and sauce.  I like mine with green peepers, onions, and sausage.  They have 2 locations in Greensburg and Latrobe.  Go, eat, enjoy!

Frank's Pizza and Chicken has four locations in the Pittsburgh area:  Millvale, Shaler, Glenshaw, and Troy Hill.  Their Buffalo Chicken Pizza is AWSOME!!!!  Love it!!!  Their chicken is super delicious as well.

Shelly Pie Pizza in Turtle Creek is great.  Plenty of room to dine-in.  Their pie is the same as the famous Vincent's Pizza which is legendary in the 'Burgh.  You can't go wrong with a Shelly Pie.

Calliente Pizza has several locations in the Pittsburgh area.  Their pizza is super delicious.  I've only been to the Aspinwall location.  It's a great place to grab a beer as well.  Check them out online.  I'm sure there is one near you.

Napoli's Pizza has totally great Sicilian Pizza.  I've been enjoying their pizza with peperoni for many years.  Love it!  If you are in Monroeville, stop in and get some. 

Baldy's Original Pizza in Greensburg has some yummy pizza as well.  There is room to dine-in and eat it fresh out of the oven.  Grab an order of fried zucchini while you're there.  So good!

Ginny's Neighborhood Pizza Joint in Export has some excellent pizza as well as other fantastic food selections.  Drop in, grab a table, relax, and enjoy some great food.

I plan on giving you the low down on other pizza shops and any other places with good food in the future.  Stop by this friendly little blog and see what I have to say about them.  Arrivederci!  

Killer

"Ooh, she'll cut you clean, then she'll watch you bleed."  The line is from the song Killer by Kiss (on the Creatures of the Night LP),  It seems very appropriate for this deadly little figure from Grim Skull Miniatures.  She is a Necrocyborg (their version of a WH40K Necron).  You can check out a bunch of their miniatures over on the Wargame Exclusive site.

I painted this beauty up to fit in with my ever expanding Necron Army (the rest I hope to finish in the Spring or early Summer).  That's it for now, kids.  Be good to each other out there (or I'll sic her on ya!)

If a Tree Falls In The Woods...

 ...It's the time to get away from these Dino-Beasties.  I picked up these cool 3D prints on Etsy.  I primed them a dark brown.   I painted the moss covered areas with a marsh green paint.  The fungi was painted tan.  I gave everything a nice wash of black.  The brown areas were given a gray drybrushing.  The moss was given some lime green highlights.  The fungi was highlighted with a lighter tan color. Tan highlights were then applied to the bark, branches, and teeth.  Some olive green was lightly
applied to the underside of each model.  Lastly, each beast was given some kelly green eyes.  I am waiting for their bases to arrive in the mail and then they will be finished.  

Check out the pics. As always I appreciate that you take the time to stop by my humble little blog.  Happy 2024!