RPG Review Issue 2, Israel and Gaza, Season's Festivities

The second issue of RPG Review has been released. It has a review of Pathfinder Beta Edition, Fantasy Australia, an interview with James Flowers of Redbrick, three Middle Earth articles, including Warhammer FPG linked scenarios in The Shire, Rolemaster PBeMs, three Dragon Warriors articles, a review of Grey Ranks, computer utility programs, a review of Hellboy II, Christmas advice from Orcus, and a Sacred Time song. I must say, I'm particularly impressed with the RPG on the Szare Szeregi; obviously a great (if awful) setting, really cool characters and character development and excellent simple game mechanics to capture the psychology and dramatic tension.

Transferring to a more contemporary warzone, the Israeli offensive in Gaza has claimed some 290 Palestinian lives. Nominally, this is in response to the firing of Qassam rockets by militants (which claimed 1 life) after the ending of a six-month ceasefire. However, it also follows an eighteen month blockade of Gaza by Israel, which has turned the place into a prison, prohibiting the entry of even the most basic supplies of electricity, food, fuel and medicine. Just two weeks ago, following a statement that described the embargo on Gaza as a "crime against humanity" (which indeed it is) the UN Human Rights investigator, Richard Falk, was expelled from the region by Israel.

Far from such troubles in a corpereal sense, the past week has been one of traditional festivities. Spent Christmas eve with Jenne P., at her chanukah/solstice gathering (she's a pagan Jew) and a number of ALP members in Brunswick. Conroy's Internet filter was the subject of much conversation with nobody expressing any approval of his plans. Christmas day was spent at Brendan E's, abode with movies, drinks and an excellent BBQ feast. Best wishes to all of you for the New Year.