It's no secret that I am a bit unconventional in the way that I create my personal universe and how that in turn infiltrates and indeed infuses my gaming. I surround myself with a lot of 80s cultural stuff, such as an immense collection of 80s comedies and sci fi movies, music, books, advertising and sometimes, as today, a bit of 80s technology. For the most part it never gets used, but lurks on a shelf in my studio and will be looked at and the spirit of  80s coaxed from it in an almost occult and ritualistic manner. Today I was browsing in a charity shop for the usual 'scoops' of games and books, when I walked past a stock room, the door of which was open. Well, what caught my eye was a genuine 1979 Sinclair Microvision 1 3/4 inch screen portable T.V. I asked if it was for sale and was told 'Yes, but it's not been tested.' to which I responded that it was fine, I'd take the risk. The lady then passed me another box containing the Sinclair adapter- ag

OK, so strictly speaking this is not game related, but in actuality for me, it is. The works of Graham Oakley and his Church Mice series of books are what turned me on to the imaginary, with comics coming shortly afterwards, thence to the seminal 'Giant Under The Snow' - a must read kid's book for every adult and one which I'll one day convert into a Cthulhu scenario - and eventually into gaming and the unlimited fantastic worlds which it offered. Today I received a packet in the post from Mr Oakley, having purchased a second piece of artwork, this time from page 4 of The Church Mice And The Moon, a personal favourite amongst favourites. So, I think I'll let the artwork do the talking: TTFN

Today is the the biggest day in the UK gaming calendar with the Salute show. Heroics & Ros have a literal swathe of new releases, and for those of you unable to get to the show, I'll give you a sneak preview. So, here are some of the things that you'll be able to see previewed today on the Heroics and Ros stand at Salute.  Andy has asked me to point out that the actual release will be a staggered one, but I was so breathless and excited that I have been allowed to show you everything now... Shall we begin with a few assorted items? Next we have a few WW2 German releases: And next a really stunning little range of LRDG figures: Now, let's hot up the plate, with a massive range of British Ww2 Airborne models, with a hint of US and a British infantry crewed gun: And not forgetting those of you who prefer something later, here's a massive range of Cold War East Germans: TTFN