I'm stylish

I was surprised to receive an email from Mik (well not the email part we more frequently than not have some discussion going on) but the contents of said email were definitely a shock!  I have to say I was quite thrilled to be receiving an online "award" - most especially one nominated from my peers

The Stylish Blogger Award given from one blogger to another one might say, is like a pat on the back for a good job. It's definitely a viral, zombie-like spread of good will so it's too good to pass up. I was awarded mine yesterday and have been thinking a little on who to nominate myself. There are four rules;

• Thank and link back to the person giving you the award
• Share seven things about yourself
• Select 10-15 blogs who you think deserve this award
• Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award

So first off I need to thank Mik (Gyro?) @ Mik's Minis for nominating me.  I've always loved his blog as he just gets into so much I wonder where he gets the cash, motivation and time! Considering how varied his gaming interests are I'm honoured he would consider my very fanboyish blog for nomination.  I'll chalk it up to all the Specialist Games (especially Blood Bowl)

Next up is seven things about me;

1. Modeling runs in the family - my Dad collects britains and model ships, planes and trains.
2. When I was younger he took me to hobby shows, he introduced me to GW with a couple white dwarfs & a black orc.
3. My progression went Reading Lord of the Rings >> Playing RPGs >> Games Workshop fanboy.
4. It took Warhammer 40K to get me into Science Fiction.  I still mostly just love Space Marines.
5. When I was 18 I coached my brother's softball team to win the league!
6. I was an excellent speed swimmer as well as swim instructor/lifeguard, now I am sick of swimming.
7. I'm a huge football fan (footy - not throwball!) and am a rabid Chelsea FC supporter.

Now onto the nominations - I will mention that there are way more than 10-15 blogs I could nominate, but most have been touched on by another stylish blogger so I will just list them below - know that they have my kudos as well! The guys below are just in alphabetical order, there's no way I could pick a "best" out of them.

Admiral Drax (Chris aka... uh... Admiral Drax)
* inventor of the painting chart - 'nuff said!
Bringer of Victory (Daniel aka Nikephoros)
* definitely leans more towards gaming than hobby - his gaming articles are top notch, but still posts his modeling/painting adventures.
* also home to the hilarious "Stupidity on the Internet" series - mainly focusing on horrible tactics from Warseer.
Corbania Prime (Col Corbane)
* lots of awesome tutorial style postings - check out his cloak sculpting for a great example.
* and by extension, also check out "Going on Campaign" - an excellent resource.
Dark Future Gaming (CVinton, Farseer Rerolls, Old School Terminator, Rhellion and others)
* a spot of everything, my favourite being the GW alternatives
Fallen Princes (John aka Silar)
* only recently found due to his newfound Badab slant, but lots of excellent discussion and hobby articles.
Fly Lords of Terra (Aventine, BushidoRedPanda, Crazy Red Praetorian, EvilAmeriCorp, Kings', RealGenius)
* IMO these guys have it spot on - exactly what the hobby should be; a blend of game/hobby (tournaments, campaigns, themed armies, expansions).
* if you haven't seen their amazing expansion work (codices/playaids), check them out - well worth it.
* by extension check out their individual blogs.
Paint your Toys (Larry)
* have to love Larrys slogan "The blog where all the models are painted, all the tables good looking, and the dice roll below average."
* home to amazing scenery, including an awesome Mordheim terrain series.
Wee Blokes (arabianknight)
* kind of all over the map - but a hobbyists blog for sure.  something for everyone and always a blast!
Wee Men (Siph_Horridus and PornStarJedi)
* the exploits of two friends both (mainly) collecting marines - lots of variety in topics from batreps to painting.
Year of Frugal Gaming (Dave and others)
* making the most of your hobby with the least amount of coin - uh WIN?

Here are the folks who I would've included in this list but are already mentioned from other blogs, if you've missed them somehow - be sure to check these guys out! (again in alphabetical order) Apologies I'm sure there's deserving folks I will have missed - I have almost 300 blogs in my Google Reader!

Consistently Risking Obscurity
diceRolla
Drinkin' & Modelin'
Galaxy in Flames
The Glorious Works
The Grumpy Stunty
John's Toy Soldiers
Kantor Base
Little Lead Heroes
Mik's Minis
My Dice Hate Me
Nesbet Miniatures
Order Minoris
Sons of Twilight
Excommunicate Traitoris
Standard Template Construct
Warpstone Flux