The deadline for Battlefield Glass III entries passed today, and we ended up with a field of 72 people. Last year there were 65 and the first year there were 64, so it's apparent that they're getting more people just by numbers. But let's take a closer look.

Of the 72 people this year, only 10 (counting me) participated last year. Of them, only 1 came through from the first year as well. So, this year we have 62 brand new people, and 55 people from last year who did not re-enter. That's a higher turn-over rate than I expected.

Of the 10 people returning, they made it to the following rounds last time: 2, 1, 4, 0, 0, 3, 4, 4, 5, and 2 (0 means they didn't even get their projects in for round 1). Mine is the sole 3. As you can see, 4 of the other people made it to round 4 and 5, so they're pretty good. But at least the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-placers from last year did not join this time.

Thus, it looks like the competition will be as fierce as ever. I expect they'll announce the theme items on Monday via web page, and I'll havve them on hand a week later. I don't know where this journey's going, but let's hope it's as fun as last time. And no more four-foot impr6actical pieces.

Anybody want to buy a used stained-glass airplane?

By the way, here's a photo of last year's winners. It's affirming to look upon your competitors. They're just what I expected.