Help me update the events calender

Well the title says it all really. Ever since Blogger introduced Pages as a feature I have had one dedicated to listing UK Events. This has included game conventions (both RPG, Wargame and other) and Living History events that may be of interest. Way back when this page was first started it consisted just a simple list of events but this was always getting out of date and needed constant revision. Eventually I removed the list and instead embedded a Google Calender. This means I can update the calender easily from any computer (or even my phone) and the details are automatically visible on the Events Page without having to make any edits in Blogger.

I try to keep this calender updated but it seems that no matter how much I add to it something always gets missed. Which is where you come in. It occurred to me that BLMA now has over 300 followers - a veritable Army of Darkness - and between you I'm sure you'll be able to let me know if anything is missed, wrong or needs to be added. So please take a look at the Events Page and and get in touch if changes need to be made.

One change I will be implementing this year is that I have decided to list some key events from outside the UK. I'm sticking to the larger more important events in the gaming calender for now but if there is something that deserves to be listed let me know and I'll add it.

Back to work

Like millions of other people I went back to work yesterday after a food filled four day break. Honestly I reckon I've put on 6lb in the last week and it was almost a relief to get back to my desk and some semblance of normality. Having said that I now have a very busy week and a half before me culminating in a trip up to Manchester for a training course late next week. I guess I'll just have to console myself with all the goodies I got for Christmas....

I love my family. Not only are they kind and generous people they actually buy presents that I'll enjoy. No socks for me! Not a bad haul of loot I think you'll agree.

Now that Christmas is out of the way my self imposed spending embargo is lifted and I can start to think about my next miniatures purchase. Mind you with all these DVD 's and books I'm not sure I'll have time to paint anything until about mid April! 

My new Über Kamera

I've been a good boy this year and Mrs BigLee treated me to a new camera. The Olympus SZ-30MR replaces my Canon A710-IS as my 'backup' compact (I still have my Canon SLR for best). The only problem is that calling it a compact really only seems to refer to its physical dimensions and the fact that it doesn't have an interchangeable lens. In every other respect the specification of this camera is mind boggling and makes every other compact I have owned in the past look like mere toy's!

With a resolution of 16.8mp and a 24x Optical Zoom this camera rivals my SLR. The zoom in particular is very impressive giving an equivalent focal length of 25-600mm meaning there are few situations where it won't come in handy. And with an equivalent ISO range from 80 to 3200 I can take pictures in very low light without resorting to flash - useful in museums and galleries where flash photography is not allowed. One of the features I'm particularly looking forward to exploring is the ability to shoot HD Video and take still pictures at the same time. This will come into its own at Air-shows where I want to film the action and take pictures but can't physically operate two machines simultaneously.

Over the years I have found that having a compact camera as an alternative to my SLR comes in very useful when I can't carry loads of gear with me. Some conventions for instance are just too crowded to bring a large camera bag plus a bag for shopping. Also there are some 'posh' events where a bulky SLR and associated kit just isn't appropriate. This new compact means I can bring a smaller camera without loosing much of the functionality I enjoy with my SLR.

I've always enjoyed taking pictures and one of my core principles with this Blog is to illustrate it with the best photo's I can take. This new camera will help me achieve that aim.

Happy Christmas Folks!

Wishing all my readers a very Happy Christmas.

Thanks to everyone that has followed my blog throughout the year. May Santa bring you lots of toys!