Blitz Questionnaire - Weasel

[Weasel]

What is your name?
Maciej Czerkas

How did you decide upon your Blitz nickname?
CZERPAK is a nickname I got back in the university. Another version is CZERKI , some people still use it. Both come from my surname.

What ladders are you represented on?
Steel Panthers currently. I used to play in Classic Wargames for some time.

What is your favorite PC War-game?
Steel Panthers (who would have thought…LOL)

Who has been your hardest opponent?
My wife. She always wins. Oooops, gaming wise, you mean ? In that case I am afraid there were to many to name all, but there are few names I am always afraid off.
My first nightmare was Josan. We played War in Russia (Gary Grigsby’s classic) both off-ladder and in Classic Wargames ladder. His skills were far beyond anything I could dream about. Same story with Hawks regarding Steel Panthers. I guess most of my later victories originated from what I learned from him. We haven’t played many games, but talked a lot. I wonder if I could stand against Hawks nowadays…
There are many others. Martinez, Skotty, Vesku, Jagdpanther, Steel God, Survor, Shortreengage, Grumbler, Greybeard were always hard (or impossible) to beat.
But honestly speaking I never came across weak opponent in the Club.

How long have you been a member of the Blitz?
Since 2001, I guess

What War interests you the most?
To many to pick just one. I was always interested in air war in Europe during WW2, ancient wars&battles, Polish military in middle ages and in XVII century, Napoleonic wars.

If you could choose to be present at one historical event what would it be?
Can’t say about single event, much easier with a historical period. Ancient Rome that would be or Alexander the Great campaign.

What is your favorite War movie?
Das Boot – this is absolutely number one.

What do you snack on while gaming?
Whatever is ‘in range’. I usually play late evenings, so nice cup of tea is my favorite, then goes coffee, beer, good old friends Johnny & Jack or a glass of wine.

What is your favorite and least favorite aspect of the Blitz website?
Blitz community is the best thing. Can’t think about bad aspects really.

Do you own any war memorabilia?
Yes, soldiers’ belt and some documents. They belonged to my wife’s grandfather. He fought in Polish army in the West.

What is the best military book you have read?
I’ve read hundreds of great books. I can recommend 2 books I wrote reviews recently to local newspaper. First is “Flight of Eagles” by Robert F. Karolevitz, Ross S. Fenn. It’s a story about American pilots, who volunteered to polish army during war against soviets in 1920.
Second is “The Murrow Boys” by Stanley Cloud, Lynne Olson. An absolute must read for everyone interested in WW2.

What do you think was the single most important event of WWII?
I think it was western countries letting Hitler do whatever he wanted in 30’. He could have been stopped and war avoided.

What is the most interesting documentary you have ever watched?
I watch Discovery Civilization on daily basis. I think the best series is Battlefield.
Currently I enjoy watching Terry Jones’ Barbarians.

What is your favorite version of Steel Panthers?
CAMO versions.

Are there any war games catching your eye at present?
No time to try new games. I still have games I bought few years ago and never really played, like TOAW, Battleground series, Silent Hunter, Aces of the Deep. I will, when I retire.
The only non-Steel Panthers game I play is Europa Universalis II.

What piece of wisdom would you like to pass on to your fellow Blitz members?
Take a brake when you are fed up with gaming. After a brake you will enjoy gaming even more.