Schulmania

[Benedict 3,119]

Interesting idea with the trading cards - your updates are always unique.

[fledder200 5]

Nice update! Keep them going like this!

When whil the new trading cards arive?

[Schulmanator 5,813]

Bat    Thanks!

jj88        Thanks! New update coming soon.

Charles Rodulfo     Nope! There's a small hint on page 11, but I guess too subtle. All will be revealed soon!

sc4portugal     Thanks!

Jacqulina        Glad you like the shop. The holiday special is an oversize book of Paradise Falls prints, perfect for gift giving!

Benedict     Thanks! Glad you liked it - more is on the way.

ledder200    The cards are available in shops all across Schulmania. Supplies are limited, so act now.

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend that sounds wonderfull thankyou

[infinitum19 0]

Hmm. parking garage? Where are 7-11s in the update Charles? can't see one. Schulmanator, you ROCK!

[Schulmanator 5,813]

A Plan of Action

Kitten Manor

Atkiniros, Atkinos District

OFFICIAL SPONSORSHIP

BACKGROUND

It has been long established as scientific fact that feline Schulminons are the ultimate citizens of the realm due to their innate leadership skills, wisdom, keen insight and natural cuteness. The rich feline culture is conveyed by oral history exclusively. Despite their towering intellect, feline Schulminions have never developed a writing system nor have been much interested in reading humanoid Schulminion materials. Therefore, Kitten Manor has been established as a cats only school for feline literacy. The mission of this school is to help develop and implement a system of feline writing which may be able to be used for expanding feline expression from oral and musical to written and pictorial compositions.

METHODOLOGY

Kitten Manor has sought the assistance of multiple litters of kittens and their families to determine communication patterns and survey them about their communications needs. The results of these investigations would then determine the plan to develop written feline language.

INVESTIGATION RESULTS

Researchers at Kitten Manor have found that cats are generally uninterested in humanoid literature. In fact, most cats prefer to sleep on newspapers as opposed to read them. Only books soaked in tuna juice seemed to arouse much interest. In the surveys conducted by staffers, cats indicated several reasons they do not read humanoid literature. The primary reason given was that felines think on a higher plane of reality and thus require far more engaging reading material. Another reason stated was that publications were unwieldy for feline readers. Several cats noted that they would prefer to read literature written for cats by cats. This statement was further investigated. It was found that felines do not have a written tradition because they have never developed a system of writing. Follow up questions sought to determine why the feline culture has, despite its high intellectual development, failed to move past oral communications. One respondent summarized the reason succinctly: "Our claws are good for grasping prey, not pens and pencils.... DUH!"

SOLUTIONS & IMPLEMENTATION PHASES

Plan A: Have cats dip their claws into inkwells and write on parchment. This did not succeed. Cats found the process to be difficult and messy and both researchers and participants became quickly annoyed with the entire process.

Plan B: Have cats scratch out their thoughts in a code of dots and dashes using their claws. This symbol method offered more promise, but was eventually abandoned. The code, officially named Nine Lives, was nicknamed "Morris Code" for the orange tabby who first demonstrated it. Cats did not readily accept this form of writing because of paw fatigue. But, humanoid Schulminions began writing out Morris Code for communication and eventually popularized it. The code has been used across the realm, predominantly by young humanoids. The young humanoids used the code to avoid detection as they passed notes in class, especially "Do you like me? Check yes or no" notes.

Plan C: Researchers developed a variant of Morris Code which only uses the natural scratch of the claws instead of the wearying puncture of the Morris Code. To alleviate the paper tearing which occurred with the Morris Code, thin tablets of wet clay were used. In this fashion, cats can claw their thoughts into the soft clay. When the clay hardens, it is as good as a book. This method gained far more acceptance with the test subjects. With acceptance, a new task loomed: how to develop a comprehensive system of markings to correspond to feline language. Kitten Manor Headmaster Tiger Forrest appointed noted linguist Dr. Q. Neiform to develop the system. "Doc" as the genial professor was affectionately known, developed the new alphabet in complete secrecy. Everyone knew the professor was working on a big, secret project. He was constantly approached by people on the street, asking him "What's up, Doc?" This phrase was heard so much that it became a catch phrase across Atkinos island. When the final product was unveiled, it was met with universal acclaim. The new alphabet was named "cuneiform" in Dr. Neiform's honor. Cats approved of and quickly adopted the alphabet, finding it a convenient and simple method of communication. Cuneiform became the official feline alphabet in short order.

The Cuneiform Alphabet and Examples

Samples of Feline Writings in Cuneiform

[Fallon144 1]

Lol I've just read Da Vinci Code, so I kinda like the symbols

[emilin 2]

That picture of the kitty reading ancient scripture is among the funniest things I have ever seen.

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend i like the symbols,an interesting read the first time i have seen things like this,great pics

[pickled_pig 7]

Your last update was a very amusing read. Some of those symbols look so intricate that I'd probably have trouble writing them...

I picture a war between humans and cats later on in this journal, seeing this major step towards separate societies.

-aaron

[jj88 24]

Great update and amusing as always. So thats who invented the morse code...

[lolebagels 0]

Ouch...imagine writing an essay using that @_@. That's gotta be even harder than Kurdish

[connor_v 3]

I can see why they wouldn't want to dip thier claws in ink. This was a very good update...an insight into the minds of felines.

[BlondeTwiggy 43]

rofl, now I know where "morris" code and cuneiform came from ! That looks really intricate.

[blade2k5 1,523]

You're a very creative writer there Shuls. You keep coming up with one great idea after another for this cj [the symbols and Morris Code are good examples, so are the killer tomatoes skit], and all the while keeping it rather humorous. This is why I keep coming back....to get a good chuckle and to be entertained. Excellent work, look forward to more soon.

[Schulmanator 5,813]

Fallon144    Glad you like it. Cats everywhere will start writing in this soon. What you think are clawmarks on the rug is really a message.... "feed me!"

Emilin       Cats have to do their homework too!

Jacqulina    Thanks! I like to add some random tangents now and then. No one noticed the Kitten Manor clue in the update. That's what I used as inspiration.

pickled_pig     Hi, Aaron! In a war between people and cats, cats would win easily. They have sharper claws and always land on their feet!

jj88     Yep! History books had all that wrong!

Lolebagels      I pity the guy who has to translate all of our literature into cat books. His fingers will be worn to nubs!

connor_v     Hello again. I agree, I would not want to dip my claws in ink either.

BlondeTwiggy      Yep! Actually, it is pretty intricate. It is ancient writing from Mesopotamia, but invented by humans not cats!

blade2k5    Thanks! I am glad you like it. I like to add some fun elements and am glad you enjoy them too.

[jacqulina 162]

oh shucks my friend sorry

[KingTitan 6]

Those are some great seals. LOL you rock!

[RushHourFreak 1]

This CJ is a great instrumet for those who wants to learn about the theme of this Journal, and for those who wants to see a great recreation of the ancient architecture.

The City is so real and the work on the sub-topics are fantastic.

I've learned the Cuneiform Alphabet!!!!lol

RHF

[Schulmanator 5,813]

Atkinos: Twin Cities, Part Deux

The island of Atkinos has the distinction of being a small island with two settlements, not just one. We have already explored Atkiniros, a settlement founded by Admiral Hester B. Hestorb. Now, we will see the larger of the two and the town named after the island, the town of Atkinos, founded by the intrepid Captain Splunt. The town's main road, Via Schulmanicana, runs from the ferry port to a terminus at Plaza Schulmanicana. A large central plaza bisects this road. The road around this open area is the Plaza Schulmexicana. The open area itself is referred to as The Esplanade. Two roads follow the western shore, beginning at the ferry port. To the north is Via Schulmanagua and to the south is Via Schulmandas. A wider view of the town will help place these and other features into context.

A wide view of Atkinos looking down Via Schulmanicana. In the center of the image is The Esplanade. The tower at the end of Schulmanicana is in the center of the plaza. The roads parallel to Schulmanicana are, to the north (left) Via Schulmerica and to the south (right) is Via Schulmanca.

Viewed from the northwest, the neighborhoods along Via Schulmerica are in the foreground and the business district along Via Schulmanicana in the background. Despite the comparatively high density of this development, many pockets of green space and parks exist for the delight of Schulminions and their feline associates.

Looking south, it is interesting to note the urban boundary. The South side of Via Schulmanca is undeveloped. The population density level has been maintained throughout the city, so the 9,563 inhabitants have not been given license to sprawl out. Note, the lower left is the aqueduct which separates Atkinos from Atkiniros.

Let's begin our tour of this exciting town by visiting The Esplanade. This town was built predominantly in the Island Style and Island Formal Style (Spanish-Mediterranean for those of you not familiar with Schulminion architecture). Formal Temple Style structures are not to be found in this town. Island Formal is a well suited for the warmer climate of this southern island.

The northern half of The Esplanade is bordered by the Plaza Schulmexicana, a pleasant stone walkway. The Central Market is in the center. At the northern end is St. Paul's Church, the largest domed structure built in Schulmania up to this point. Adjacent to St. Paul's is a small church with a slender tower, also domed. It is St. Paul's Cat Church, where Schulminons of the feline persuasion (or, should I say, "Purr-suasion") come to worship. To the top right, at the northeastern corner of The Esplanade, is the Contemplation Garden.

Shops and restaurants line The Esplanade. Across Schulmexicana from the market, one can find some of the most popular businesses in town. Three restaurants are in close proximity: The Rusty Barnacle, The Frying Dutchman, and The Gilded Truffle. Many a simoleon has been spent in luxury shopping destinations such as Costington's and Arlene's Literature Gallery. The Central Market has small shops and stalls hawking wares from far and wide - from Stell to Gran Maru to Schulmania to Wirt. At last count, 253 merchants were operating in the marketplace. Dealers of the finest catnip and purveyors of quality snack chips alike converged on this shopping center to bring great values and great products to an eager throng of Atkinirans every day.

St. Paul's Church, easily the largest church and largest domed structure in all the realm.

A closer view of the Central Market. In this view, The Gilded Truffle can be seen on the left corner. Arlene's Literature Gallery is in the center and The Rusty Barnacle is on the right corner.

St. Paul's is in the foreground and the market in the center. This angle gives a better view of St. Paul's Cat Church. To the right is Esplanade North, a mixed use development. Shops and offices are on the lower 3 floors and homes above. Without elevators, this is about as high as buildings can comfortably get. Living in the penthouse is fun, plus you get quite the step aerobic workout.

This wider view of the northern half of The Esplanade gives a better perspective on the scale of Esplanade North. It is one of the most massive buildings built in Schulmania and is considered quite the classy destination for residents and guests alike.

The back of Esplanade North opens up onto a wooded green. Though towering over the nearby residences, Esplanade North was thoughtfully designed to blend into the built and natural environments. A fine comeback for the architecture firm of S. P. Arrow, now being run by his son, Mr. Christopher Wren. (Wren also designed St. Paul's, next door, in case you did not know that.)

The Plaza Schulmexicana is the road paved with rose colored stones to make for a pleasant and comfortable journey. Schulmexicana runs around the entire Esplanade.

The southern half of The Esplanade, bounded by Plaza Schulmexicana. In the center of this part of The Esplanade is Igreja dos Gatos, The Cat Church. This is not for cats to worship in; it is for cats and their Schulminions to fellowship together. "Dos Gatos" as it was colloquially known, featured comfy chairs instead of pews, so Schulminions could attend services while the cats could comfortably sit on their laps.

This view of the southern Esplanade shows the context of Dos Gatos. At the southern end (right side) is Atkinos Hall, the city administrative building. Between Dos Gatos and Atkinos Hall is a lovely promenade. A clock tower is the centerpiece.

A different view of the southern Esplanade. This gives a better view of Atkinos Hall.

The Igreja Dos Gatos. This is one of Schulmania's catolic churches (spelling intentional, since it is a cat church!)

Atkinos Hall in context. The promenade is a great gathering place for open air concerts. Some popular concerts include the annual April in Atkinos festival as well as regular appearances by Meow Mix & The Pouncers and Sim "Tool Man" Saylor. Admission is free; bring a picnic basket and a blanket to sit on.

The promenade is a great gathering spot. Several small fountains and bronze cat statues dot the area. One hidden feature on the clock tower is that it is actually a cuckoo clock. On the hour, the clock face swings open and little mechanized kittens scamper around to the tune "Pop Goes the Weasel".

Plaza Schulmexicana wraps around the southern half of The Esplanade. The ancient forerunners of mall walkers were known to do the Schulmexicana loop in the early morning before the shops opened.

Next, we will explore the neighborhoods and commercial areas outside of The Esplanade.

[Simfan34 11]

neat

[BlondeTwiggy 43]

wow!! I love the churches and the city, amazing

i saw those charactersin my history book lol when we learned about sumerians(sp??) lol

[blade2k5 1,523]

Ok.  Now that was highly unfair of you to suck me in on the first image of this latest update......I think I stared at it for about 5 minutes........needless to say, I'm blown away by the look you've created here, it's almost like looking at a snapshot of Italy from centuries ago.  Brilliant job on that!!! 

[Deathtoall 28]

Wow, that is amazing. I love your Kitten Manor project, may it help us understand the great felines.

Great pics, the cities are fully functional right? They look beautiful.

[connor_v 3]

Absolutely beautiful! A perfect representation of Italianate architecture. Thank you for posting this update!

[football_fever 6]

I've got two words for you...

Fee Nominal. Atkinos is definitely my favorite city in Schulmania. You should definitely try out the Crystal Lagoon water mod.

Look for you in my sig very shortly

[Benedict 3,119]

Gorgeous images - thanks for sharing your creation with us!

[meinhosen 11]

Purr-suasion? 

(perhaps this is a bit far...)  Are you perhaps in-furr-ing that we might not enjoy this CJ entirely on our own?  I think that you've got me pretty thoroughly purr-suaded that this is a fantastic CJ.  I'm a big fan of how you show us the overall picture of the town, and then zoom in to highlight specific buildings (with entertaining stories to boot!).

Fantastic, as always.

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend you have done another beautifull update,i do love those small pockets of green inbetween your buildings,it sure does set of your city very nicely,and of course it compliments your pics beautifully,awesome work you have done i think its so pretty,awesome and beautifull pics

[hamsterTK 93]

Lol, what happens if your allergic to cats if you live there?