Anduin Valley Revisited

[Voulpiotis 4]

Darmok, the thing that I mostly like in your city is that you can make it look as real as possible. From the time I joined the forums I spotted Anduin Valley, but never had the courage (30kbps internet) to open that huge cj. Now, with ADSL installed and internet running with 2Mega, I will be here watching all that wonderful progress.

-Voulp.

[simgrl22 0]

Great eye for details, it looks so real!! Your diagonal streets are perfect!

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend i am glad you got on the MOTM i have been nominating you for ages,i love the diagonal streets they look really cool nice job,i like the way you slot these buildings in they allways look right wherever you place them,the american harware is excellent just there very nice location for both buildings,i love the parking at the radio station you done well there,excellent location for the warehouses too,very pretty pics the mosaics are beautifull.as allways you have done another awesome update

you deserve your awards my friend take care

[yangye 0]

good job.

[Nik-nik 3]

Welcome to page 134 (gosh that's a lot!)

Hi John,

Glad to see you back again. How's the soup-diet coming. Ha, ha, ha.

Life's great isn't it.

Friday I had my eldest son's birthday party with 9 of the little critters swarming over my house and I managed to survive that barely.

Now about pic 13: I hope this link works:

I mean that builidng Iguess it is a trailer hidden by a tree, but it's your CJ so you should know better.

The new update:

Great update John As ever. Very nice what you did with the radio station KLIV is a suitable name.

I like the thing you did with the highway entrance/exit. It is the first time I see the diagonal street tool in action.

Great builing that American Hardware supply!

See you soon.

Nik-Nik

[RHMgerards 7]

great development!! looks amazing, especialy the highway, keep it up!!!

[Darmok 34]

This update includes 18 pics

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Benedict - The Mayors of Ellis Valley

Thanks Benedict,

as for the radio station parking space, all it took was a few minutes work in the LE, it's just that those small (Maxis) parking lots do not fit well with the streets...

Take care

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Mayormommy - Nightmare Islands: Life on all levels

Hi MM,

About the rowhomes, isolated was the look I was looking for, I wanted kind of a secluded yuppies nest, a reminder of "techies nest" in Belfalas (a long time ago!!!)... as for the warehouses I just took example from many RL setups, and I'm glad you liked the rest area! One grilled cheese sandwich with a chocolate shake comming up!

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RushHourFreak

Thanks RHF, as I said to Mayormommy, the warehouses setup is mimicked from several RL setups I've seen. As for the tech shots, glad to be of any help!

Take care

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GMT - Greater Columbia River

Hi Torben, thanks and take care!

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Robin - Rooker1 - Xania a tour of my world

Hi Robin, thanks for the kind wishes my friend. As for work I think it should come back to a normal pace with the beginning of spring, but until then they told us that it'll be VERY busy!

Salutations to your family!

Take care

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Bat - Capporth City

Hi Bat, Yeah I really like to work with the Rural Highway, the only drawback is the slowing down of the game performance, but it's the price to pay.

See you soon!

Take care

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Fallon144

Hey Fallon,

Thanks!

Take care

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James - hondo42769

Hey James,

Yes, I do believe there is. I'm also not a religious person per se, but I do believe that we're here for a purpose and that there are no coincidences. (Welcome to the metaphysical part of our program!!!)... hehehe, I don't want to scare anyone here... I've read some books on those so called "coincidences" one comes to mind "The Celestine Prophecy", though some of the things depicted in the novel are quite farfetched, the underlying philosophy that is driving the whole story is very interesting. And to those who are skeptical, may I quote Shakespeare "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. --From Hamlet (I, v, 166-167)"... OK OK enough of the creepy stuff WINK

James, I'm really glad to know that I can be of help in your situation. And don't forget this simple phrase "Enjoy life..."

Take care my friend!

P.S. BTW I forgot to include the passport last week! So here it is:

See you!

-John

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Schulmanator - Schulmania

Hi Schul, thanks man.

I know I always like to see technical shots in other CJ's. Even old dogs can learn new tricks... Arf! WINK

Take care

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Daniel - Shadow_Assassin - Ensenada - That City in the east

Thanks my friend, the MOTM came as a surprise and is deeply appreciated. About the street not being one ways, I was, by curiosity, watching the traffic that was using the "home made" interchange, and to my surprise, they were using the streets in a correct fashion, I.E. using them "as if" the streets really were one ways.

I guess that sometimes, simple solutions work well!

Take care

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Liv - Livin in Sim

Hey Liv,

Don't mention it Liv, it's a pleasure creating those small token of appreciation to those who take their time to drop by regularly.

BTW It was so long since I've done it that I forgot to include the passport, so here it is...

And with all that's happening this week, I think that I may be the reincarnation of "Carnac the Magnificent" hehehe...

I had a friend who was in the radio business, he was a "shady" sales manager, I guess it comes with the job description! WINK

Often went to hockey games with his clients, yep, great fun! But better have a designated driver though!

The format you ask...  hummm... Classic rock is indeed a classic, on that format I would include mid 60's to mid 80's, with some exceptions for some of the 50's greatest influences. And the evening would include some blue note programs, blues, jazz (not fusion though), R&B, some swing and Big Bands (Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman etc..) well you get the picture...

I'd keep the talk radio for the AM station, I didn't know Garrison Keillor , but after reading about him I think he would fit right in!

About my dark side... well... don't be too afraid, I don't have a Darth Vader split personality... WINK

About the RHW being in the NAM I'll have to check it out, perhaps it's the reason the game is almost unplayable these days.... I tried reverting to an old video driver, to no avail..

If possible I'd like to hear some John Lee Hooker later on, on KLIV...

Take care my friend

-John

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Matt - Threestooges

Thanks Matt,

I try to return the help I've always received here.

About the LE, once you get the hang of it, it's really easy to do, use it in combination with Andreas Roth SC4Tool, and ILive Reader and you get amazing results! I've tried BATTING, but it implies spending to much time, which I don't have unfortunately, maybe when I retire... NAAHHH by then there'll be an SC10 or something!

About the warehouses, I did modify them in the LE and the SC4Tool. Nothing big but just to have them to my taste.

Always good to see you my friend!

Take care

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Luker01 - Plantation Bay

Thanks Luke!

Take care

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Jason -(Aldara6166) - Modular Amusement park thread

Hi Jason, how are you?

About your first statement, I'm sure that you, for one, with so many jobs a your kids, know perfectly well that life is not always a tiptoe thru the tulips...

It's good to see you my friend I hope that all is well with your kids. Yes I do believe that American hardware supply is one of yours... hehehe...

Don't worry about the Amusement park, it's in the pipeline somewhere.... **rummaging thru lots and BATS - "Honey! have you seen Jason's Amusement park somwewhere!" Darn! I was sure It was there... ** what? No no, no problem I was just thinking out loud...

Seriously I do have a plan for it, I'm just trying to find the time to do it... my playing time have dropped to about an hour per week instead of 10! On that note I've always wondered how you managed!!!

Anyhow, thanks for your visit, and I'm looking forward to reading you again!

Take care Jason!

-John

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Constantinos - Voulpiotis

Hi Constantinos,

I can relate to the slow connection problem! I really began to enjoy the forums only when I upgraded to a fast connection too!

Welcome to the fast lane!

Take care

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Simgrl22

Welcome to Anduin Valley Simgrl

I'm pleased to see that you chose to make your first comment in AVR! And it's always good to see new faces, I hope you'll like your stay.

Thanks for taking the time to have your say, and come back anytime you like, the door's always open!

Take care

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Jacky (jacqulina) - Paradise Falls

Hey Jacky,

I know you have been voting for me, and I'm honored that you thought that I deserved it. I'm not very active outside the CJ's forum, so I never thought I'd ever be really considered for it. As I said before, it mean a lot to me, thanks...

As for the warehouses, I just took the idea from many similar RL setups.

See you in Paradise Falls!

Take care my friend!

-John

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yangye

Welcome to Anduin Valley Yangye,

I just noticed that this is your first post in Simtropolis, but that you're no stranger to the community since you are a member for almost three years! I must say that I feel honored that you chose to make your first post in AVR.

Thanks for voicing your opinion and feel free to come back at your leisure!

Take care

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Nik-nik

Hey Nik,

Yep it is a lot of pages! I was looking at how many posts you've made over AVR history, and you know what?

You are responsible for 2 and a half pages of comments you alone! So all AVR readers are responsible for that huge number of pages!

The soup diet WAS ok, I'm now back to a more regular way of life... WINK (Lost 7 pounds by the way!)

Hehehe... 10 kids (including your own I guess) running Amok in the house... you sure you didn't have to call the local militia to help you! 

About the pic, I went back to the setup, and it's only the parking space of the small house, there's no trailer... though perhaps some hillbilly cousin can come visit once in a while and bring his own.... on that I have no control! WINK

Is Pim OK? No sequel at all from his stairway adventure...?

As for the KLIV radio station, this was a no-brainer, Liv is so good with words that the idea came naturally!

Speaking of which, taking into account your son's party, I'm seriously thinking about putting you in charge of the "Riot Control Group" in Anôrien you have pretty good credentials to fill the post! hehehe...

See you soon my friend!

Take care

-John

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Natuurzoon - Rochelle County

Hi natuurzoon,

Thanks man!

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And now dear readers, without further ado, here's....

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Looking at the post number I realize that we're about to cross the 4000 post barrier!

That is unbelievable!

As I was saying to Nik, you are the reason why AVR is thriving, thanks for your support. 

I don't have a mystery link this time, didn't find anything special this week.

See you all next friday!

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In the meantime

Take care and enjoy life

Darmok

[jacqulina 162]

hi my friend,of course you deserved it,you do a lot in the cj community,the warehouses are cool,you know something i cant quite master the residential yet but i will keep plodding on lol and hope for the best,but you on the other hand have mastered it well,they allways look so cool,you do a great job,the industrial sector is looking great,i love the lake its so pretty.amazing overviews my friend what a result awesome work and pics.i adore the big overview its beautifull.

take care my friend

i hope you have a great week 

[Benedict 3,119]

I love that overview shot - once again a great update. I actually like the shape of that road in the residential area - maybe a few houses on the diagonal bits would improve the overall look? But what do I know, I'm on page 6 of my CJ and you're on 134!!

[dedgren 830]

Ah, jaggies.  The bane of my existence.  If I could get my hands on the Maxis guy or gal who coded the sidewalks in this game...

...well, let's just say that we'd have a talk.

Always wonderful to watch the process of you laying out and constructing your wonderful rural landscapes, John. Benedict (a mapmaker's mapmaker [ linkie ]) probably summed it up for all of us when he noted

But what do I know, I'm on page 6 of my CJ and you're on 134!quote>

Chances are a lot of what we all know now about the esthetics and mechanics of playing this wonderful game can be traced right back here to AVR.

You finally answered a major question for me in your last post.

As I was saying to Nik, you are the reason why AVR is thriving, thanks for your support.quote>

It's a tribute to your humble nature that you are so frank about the secret of your success.  Of course, now that everyone knows, our friend Nik-nik better watch out-

...he'll find himself kidnapped and chained to the computer of someone else who wants their CJ to do well.

'Grats on 4,000 posts sometime today.  It's never been more deserved.  I'd have loved to have been the 4,000th and won the toaster, or whatever, but its just as much an honor, quite frankly, to be the 3,997th or 8th.  That's because we're all so lucky to have you sharing this great work with us.

Take care, my friend.

David

[Nik-nik 3]

Going for page 3.

Amok is Malayan. Being Dutch I know quite a lot of those Indian / Malayan slang words as they are all throughout the dutch language. Funny to see that English and Dutch both adopted these words from their colonies.

You've lost 7 pounds! Wow, gimme that soup diet!

Pim is doing fine. Merrily playing and teasing his elder brother. So believe me I know what Amok means! No known sequel to the staircase adventure. In words of the famous Thrud the Barbarian http://www.carlcritchlow.com/Thrud1.html luckily his head broke the fall. But seriously, I am very glad that he is whole again and playing as a young boy should.

The other day I had a riot in my city. My first one. I was so excited that I forgot to make pictures.

Now to your CJ.

As Dedgren said: "Ah, jaggies.  The bane of my existence.  If I could get my hands on the Maxis guy or gal who coded the sidewalks in this game...

...well, let's just say that we'd have a talk."

Count me in with you David!

The lay out of the road is very nice though! Nice curves she has

Nice to see the use of those stream lots. Wouldn't a nice mill now used as a pub do well there?

You know, for all those hard working HT Industrialists?

Nice those industry buildings. Nice to see that you used Maxis buildings. In our complaint over Maxis buildings and the game we tend to forget that they made some nice HT builings (the wormy thing is great)

Looking at the city square of Anôrien I am looking forward to a whole lotta Rosie (sorr it's Friday) development.

Have a great weekend, John.

Nik-Nik

 

[RushHourFreak 1]

Well Darmok, I see you are getting closer and closer to the 4000th reply. I just wanted to say that is a great feeling to know you have such a successful CJ on-going here.

Congratulations. The last picture is excellent.

RHF

[Giligone 10]

Reply 3999. Haha, ok, enough lurking. Great work!! Truly fantastic. Your vegitation and landscaping is excellent. So lush and full. I really like your use of the RHW set, makes me want to get that myself! Keep up the amazing work. 1 more for 4000!!!

[Yoman3 5]

You continue to stun me with your level of detail, it just blows my brain, well not really that much . And you've still got the entire north bank to do! I'm loving PEG's lake there. looks very nice going under that highway. And that switch back with the roads is awsome. Too bad you have that saw tooth effect.

Oh and yeah this is your 4000th comment John (If I get my timing right) I guess I can call you Mr 4000

[Fallon144 1]

Another fine update, In this update I can really see realistic road lay-outs! thanks for that mate!

I also love the way you realisticly zone industrial and residential areas I really learned a lot from this!!

Take care mate

[Livin in Sim 83]

..Hoo hoo hoo

Talk that talk, and walk that walk

Oh, yeah!

That was the legendary John Lee Hooker on Anôrien's Evening Star, KLIV 104.3.  Turning to the news, the Anorien Chamber of Commerce welcomed it's 4000th visitor today.  Mr. Nick Yoman the 3rd was greeted by a welcoming committee consisting of the mayor of this fair city, John Darmok, the director of the Chamber and Anôrien's counselor at law, David Edgren, and one of Anôrien's longtime residents, Jacqulina Zealot.  There were many other citizens on hand as well, and the celebrants were served cake and champagne.  Mr. Yoman admitted to being a frequent visitor of Anduin Valley.  He especially enjoys the lake and was on his way there.  He joins the 102,783 other tourists who have viewed the sights of this lovely area.  We'll be right back after we pay the bills...

Hey, John, congrats, hope you like the format.  Yes, as you can see I did hire a sales manager, hence the ads.  He will be expected to entertain potential investors and will have a healthy expense account.  To avoid bail, court costs, fines and Mr. Edgren's fee the DD will have to be the new PD, a straight arrow, he is.  But not so much so to playlist a little Van Morrison now and then.

In further research, no the RHW mod is not included in the new NAM.  A community member had posted that it was, in the thread, but was later corrected by either Tarkus or Quirlix.  There will however be an update to the seriously new NAM conflicting RHW soon.

Garrison?  Take a listen if you like.

You of course, would remember to add a source for the irrigation.  I, too, like the switchbacks.  Custom Choppers--I've never had it grow!  It's cool, AND hi-tech.

We're back, and we'll let Muddy Waters take us on into the night...

--Liv

[RHMgerards 7]

great update again!! good industrial area, and i looved that little stream with the waterfall. keep it up!!!

[Voulpiotis 4]

Great update Darmok! I really like the way you plan and build your industrial areas...

[SpecialEddie 3]

I can't wait to see what happens to that jeggie res sect!

*taking notes on how Darmok builds stuff*

[sloppet 3]

Damn... Now that's some really nice update... page 13.... er.. Darn, can't count to that number on my fingers...

[Schulmanator 5,793]

I love your update, as I always do. The lake and irrigation area is fantastic. Your intersections are always a source of inspiration. I must say that great minds think alike. The residential area with the zig zag road is not really working for me either. Too zig zaggy. You do get meandering roads when they follow land countours or such, but that seems too zig-zaggy (is that a word?). Maybe some forking roads to add variety instead?

[bat 6]

You have done there a fantastic update! It's a great idea with the rive and the small lake. Your industrial area looks beautiful, too! The interchange is also wonderful!

bat

[mightygoose 92]

reply 4009: dayum you just keep on plodding. AVR view count is matched only by your talent and greatly surpassed by your modesty. you do us all proud.

great work, although dirty next to high tech industry.... looks abit suspect to me

[PhilsCafe 8]

Bonjour John. First of all, welcome to 2007... sorry for missing so many updates.

Anôrien looks beautiful, I love the farmlands, awesome details. The retaining walls along the irrigation canals caught my eye, great idea, I'd never thought of using these together. I also like your use of the rural highways very much. Especially the trees aligning them are a very nice touch.

Btw, I liked the New Year's card... unfortunately we haven't had any snow yet which is very unusual for this time of the year... it's just too mild for snow. Even the ski resorts have a serious lack of snow at the moment. I haven't even toched my snowboard once this winter .

I'm looking forward to your next update my friend. Take care!

- Phil

[Darmok 34]

Again this week I ask for your understanding, being very short on time my responses will be short. But please know that each and everyone of your posts are really appreciated!

NOTE: this update contains 15 pictures

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Jacky (jacqulina) - Paradise Falls

Hi Jacky, about the lake, I would have used ploppable water instead, but at this point in time I was not that good whit it so I used PEG's instead..

Take care my friend

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Benedict - The Mayors of Ellis Valley

Yeah I don't know how it'll turn out in the end (the small res sector), but I guess we'll see when I find the time to play again!

Take care

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David (dedgren) - Three Rivers Region

David,

If you ever have an appointment with the Maxis guy who did it, please reserve me a seat!

Thanks for the kind words my friend.

Take care

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Nik-nik

Hehehe...

I remeber a comic book hero called Amok... 'twas a long time ago...

And I guess we would be more than three to "discuss" with the one responsible for the jaggies!

Great suggestion about the mill I'll see what I can do!

See you soon my friend

Take care

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RushHour Freak - Sierramonte

Hi RHF

Thanks buddy, as for the 4000 posts mark, I ow it all to AVR readers!

Take care

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Gilligone

Welcome to Anduin Valley Gilligone,

Thanks for stopping by!

Do come back whenever you feel like it.

See you!

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Owen (Yoman3) - United Republic of Ankara

Hi Owen

Please don't blow your brain on AVR account! hehehe... And yes the jaggies are a major pain in the neck!

See you soon!

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Fallon144

Hi Fallon, good to see you again!

Take care

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Liv - Livin in Sim

Hey Liv!

Good show, I like the format indeed!

And about the Custom Chopper, it's better when it grows, because everytime I plopped it, it shorted my whole city electricity supply!

It's always a joy reading your prose my friend!

Sorry about the short reply! (RL at its best here!....)

Take care

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Natuurzoon - Rochelle County

Hi natuurzoon!

Thanks! and take care

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Constantinos - Voulpiotis

Hi Constantinos

Thanks for your support!

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Special Eddie - Oasis--The Wild West

Hi Eddie, well the jaggies corrctions may take a while my friend! I guess you'll have to be patient!

Take care!

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Sloppet - Anwakee County

Sloppet!

Hey! good to see you!

A good thing that you can't count to that number on your fingers! If you could, imagine how expensive it would be to buy a pair of gloves...!

(I know I know, me and my bad jokes... I just couldn't resist that one...)

Take care my friend!

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Schulmanator - Schulmania

Hi Schul,

Well th sector where the road is "zig-zagging" is in fact on a slope, but not very steep though, I don't know what I'll do with it yet... I guess we'll see sooner or later!

The forking road might be a good idea! I'll keep it in mind!

Take care

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Bat - Capporth City

Hey Bat!

Thanks for your continuous support my friend, it's really appreciated!

Take care

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John - Mightygoose

Thanks John, as for the industrial sector having bothe dirty and Hi-Tech, I should perhaps do an updated pic, perhaps by now it's all Hitech... good point!

Take care

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Phil (PhilsCafe) - Acorn Creek

Hey! Salut Phil!

Très content de te revoir!

Hey, don't be sorry, you don't have any obligations here my friend you go as you please and I would never want it otherwise!

The photo I used for the new Year card, is kind of unique, I've lived there for 26 years and never saw the beach on a 25th of december! It was always buried under several feet of snow and ice... I don't know if it's due to the global warming, but it was quite a sight!

Wishing you a lot of snow so you can use your snowboard!

Great to see you again my friend!

Take care

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And now dear readers, without further ado, here's....

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We're freezing our collective b...s over here this morning! Car barely started... Hey! That's winter for you!

Again no mystery link this week haven't been on the net that much this last week, working, and looking out for a house for a friend who's moving to town...

You've surely noticed that I don't post as much on the other CJ's these days... I apologize for that, but it's either that or no update...

Things should come back to normal in 5 or 6 weeks... (I sure hope so..!)

So, thanks to all for your kind words, and enjoy the coming weekend!

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In the meantime

Take care and enjoy life

John aka Darmok

[RHMgerards 7]

that looks amazing!! great editing the pic, the rain looks awsome!! and so do ythe pics that you edited!! love thoise villa's and that pathway next to the river!!

[mayormommy 8]

Looks like a snug and cozy neighborhood where you could curl up by the fire and ignore the rain coming down outside. Or maybe just a quick pedal over to Blockbuster to get a movie for a rainy afternoon. I like the carefully done retaining wall between the police station and the railroad tracks, very realistic.

[slann 0]

Hey hey... Guess who is back on ST *grin*

Darmok dearie *grin* Your CJ is still the most astonishing on site - and again u really deserve the trixie!

Anyway - to everyone reading this CJ out there - Darmok is an inspiration of my own humble CJ *grin* So he is the BEST!!!

BTW, where did u get the illongated ramp for your road puzzle piece in your interchange? I have been away for too long *grin*

[Giligone 10]

Wow, thats a very nice little subdivision. I wouldn't mind living there, even with all the rain. :-D

[bat 6]

Why only a rainy day not a snowy day (as at my city)?

But a wonderful update as always! I like your detailing!

bat