As military history buffs, we all know that some wars are won slowly. Success is a steady advance, not always an armored breakthrough.

Accepting that, then historical miniatures are winning the war at Origins. This year, the Historical Origins Team 2000 (HOT2K) continued its presentation of excellent historical miniatures events at this national convention in Columbus. In the past, we've been outnumbered by fantasy/science fiction miniatures. This was to be expected, though, as we were there to recruit those gamers. This year, it looks like we finally turned the tables and outnumbered them. With the decline of collectible card games, our presence will loom even larger in the future.

Great Lakes has taken over a leadership role, as well. Uncle Sam will likely assign HOT Generalissimo and founder Pete Panzeri to Korea next year. He asked us again to take over the reins, and this time, several members vaulted into the saddle. Paul Westermeyer, a Columbus member and grad student in military history will be HOT 2001's Event Organizer. Chris Von Fahnestock will beat the drums at an Origins-provided HMGS booth in the Exhibit Hall, running highly-visual demo games, answering questions and signing up recruits. Veteran Columbus gamer Bob Wicks will also help out the new junta.

Origins provides excellent exposure for historical miniautres and Great Lakes. Each year, we sign up a good number of new members there. I encourage you to contact Paul, Chris or Bob to help out with HOT 2001. A funny thing about Origins, though, is its incredibly early deadline for its Preliminary Events Listing (PEL). Pete said it will Dec. 15 this year! So, if you're fairly sure you will be in Columbus next July 5-8, why not contact Paul and schedule an event? I'll be there for the fifth year of the war --- a war that historical minis are winning!

Contact Paul Westermeyer at 6819 Gafford Dr., Columbus, OH 43229, or e-mail: westermeyer.3@osu.edu. Contact Chris Von Fahnestock about helping at the HMGS Booth in the Exhibit Hall at PO Box 457, Phillipsburg, OH 45354. (937) 276-2336, or e-mail: outland@erinet.com.