Patricius Maximus

The ban divorce was in response to my reply. It has nothing to do with Prop 8.quote> Ah, I see now. Subject-verb agreement, buddy. Either "there is no referendum" or "there are no referenda". What's particularly amusing is that you of all people would screw up Latin pluralization, when you have a username in Latin. quote> A typo, Duke. It sometimes happens. I will correct it. I also find it somewhat ironic myself, but I really messed up the English subject/verb agreement, instead of the Latin. My 12th grade homeroom teacher wanted me to take Latin. Looking back, I wish I had. My 10th grade English teacher wanted me to take creative writing. Looking back, I wish I had.quote> Are you suggesting I know nothing about grammar and pluralization because of a typo? If that's a joke, I don't get it. If America's liberals really cared about making things "fair"; they would be working to abolish ALL state-sanctioned marriage. Granting privileges/benefits only to people who choose to be in monogamous, committed relationships whether they be straight or gay is really unfair and unjustifiable any way you look at it.quote> Well, I do agree that it is discriminatory to grant only monogamous heterosexual couples the right to marry, and the 1000+ rights attached to it. Which happens to fit in about my previous argument about legalizing both polygamous and homosexual marriage. Of course, it is not just the liberals that are ignoring the other issues -- conservatives, fascists, centrists, liberals, neoliberals, and democratic socialists do also. Criticizing the liberals for this is like accusing Jefferson of not trying to abolish slavery, or ignoring child labor laws that restrict the rights of the youth population -- it takes time for progressive people to address other, previously ignored issues. However, it is a valid point.

THE NEW RAILROAD REPLIES: Ntq$310: Certainly you may utilize it, when it gets operational and the Agonite mining system is up. deathtopumpkins: Technical jargon, but not technobabble. I'm glad you understand it. ComputerGuy: Perhaps you were. As long promised, in this update the railroad will be showcased. It is actually the extension of the East Valley Rail Line into Franklin Plateau, which I have neglected to build until now. Here's the western end of the extension: It curves along the topography eastward: It transitions to a more mountainous area, where it goes along a cliff: When it reaches a developed area, it makes a wierd curve pattern to conform to the terrain: As well as a spur branching off: The spur interfaces with a station, and loops back to the main line: The main line curves around the Bald Peaks, still eastbound: And resumes its more-or-less straight course: Here it curves some more on an embankment: A long tunnel continues the route's track east: The line continues eastward along the foothills, and disappears from East Valley's jurisdiction: Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

I go through stages of playing. Couple months on and then get bored with it. I always come back but not always like what I was doing before.quote> Understandable. Sometimes I experience the same thing. Nevertheless, it would have been nice to leave a farewell message.

LAKEFRONT REVEALED REPLIES: un1: Looks like your prediction was wrong. deathtopumpkins: Thanks for all your comments. anik: Professional? That's a description I've never had before. newyokrunaway1: Thanks. ComputerGuy: For the RHW, download the Rural Highway Mod. 2.0 is the current version, but 3.0 may be coming out soon. suplado!: I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I apologize for the delay in the update, but even I have relatives. I visited one yesterday, and it was only this afternoon when updating this thing hit me. So, I present, Lakefront. First a regional orientation. The big area to the west is Franklin (built before the CJ of the same name), and the little lake with the city next to it is Lakefront: You may recognize other landmarks from previous updates. Here's the RHW interchange completed, along with development: The RHW seen here is planned to extend furthur south and east to create an arterial route. To the north is a Parclo interchange with the Franklin east-west highway: Northbound along the intersecting route is a unique parclo-diamond hybrid, along with a directional ramp: Westward is the center of Lakefront, near the beach of the crescent-shaped lake, which contains many trees: Lastly, a look at unbeautified beach areas and some bridges, leading to a future expansion of development: Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

Ban divorce? What if your spouse ruined your house, killed someone you loved, or beat your children or you?quote> Prop 8 denies homosexuals the right to marry the ones they love. It doesn't ban divorce. And as far as I know there are no referenda out to ban divorce.

You're back? I certainly didn't expect it after you went MIA at Ogdenville. I see you turned up on the Simcity Islands . From what I can see, it looks pretty good, and comparable to Ogdenville. I wish you luck. - Patricius Maximus

I've just looked at this thread and just can't resist adding in my opinions (a.k.a. two cents, which corrected for inflation would be about 50 cents by now). The commonality of all the things discussed here -- gay marriage, sodomy, polygamy -- is that they are all social stigmas which have been codified into the law. Polygamy, for some strange reason, has been stigmatized by the conservative settlers and codified into their laws, and their laws have never been repealed, since polygamy is still stigmatized. For evidence, look at the headline on CNN during the crisis at the YFZ Ranch -- "Polygamy's Children". The children's parents were no doubt polygamous, but they are not "products" of polygamy, a word that has a negative connontation for many. Sodomy was/is another codified stigma. Some people had their sexual relations different than the majority, so the majority moved swiftly to ban and discriminate against such people, thus codifing their stigma. Gay marriage is a third one, which I will discuss in detail. Imagine there are two people which are in a relationship with each other -- they love each other, there are no major problems. Eventually they wish to get married. Upon that, the state government takes a look at them. They happen to be of the same gender. The state government says, "Sorry, you're homosexual. You cannot marry in this state." While the homosexual couple looks on at the heterosexuals getting married every day. This couple cannot get married because of the intolerance of conservative Christians which seek to "protect" the "institutions" most valuable to them -- in this case, "protecting marriage". There is no reasoning that can justify this. What does marriage need protecting from? Is marriage in danger from the 1 or 2 percent of homosexuals that want to get married? They're not dangerous, and they harbor no more ill will than any other group of humans. All they want is to marry and live with the person they love. All that is standing in their way is a bunch of religious fanatics waving a 2000-year-old book which is part fiction, part history, and that they claim is "the word of God". It seems to me to be the height of hypocrisy for a population to preach tolerance and a liberal democracy, yet not apply it to down-to-earth ethical choices. It is as if these people are saying, "We're tolerant to eveyone. Except those who we don't like." It also goes against the principles in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, which they also claim to promote. That statement I have mentioned also has a ring of selfishness to it, another thing that those people are claiming to try to reduce in our society. This "line of reasoning" from their sacred book cannot be justified by reason, and then the whole argument just falls apart. On the contrary, the opposing argument actually applies the principles of rights, tolerance, and equality to every person. My argument is this: Grant them the same rights as everyone else and let them marry the ones they love. - Patricius Maximus

THE BIG BREAKTHROUGH REPLIES: rjkrox: Thanks. crazyarchitect: I'm glad you're back, and a lot has happened. ComputerGuy: Mine Agonus? Possibly. deathtopumpkins: Your wait has finished. Ntq$310: Maybe, maybe not. newyorkrunaway1: A big thanks. Hahayoudied: Probably. Although there is no telling when they'll strike, since they have mastery of spacetime. Due to the unexpected length of this update, and its big topic, the update on the new rail has been delayed to December 20. What is driving stocks up? A big breakthrough by Franklinite scientists -- a plan for a reactor for Agonite fusion: The reactor works on the basic principle of Agonite fusion -- the mineral only fuses if impacted by beta particles. The Agonite is placed inside the reactor by an automatic mehanism. A magnetic confinement field is activated upon reactor start-up, so that the surrounding area does not explode. Next, beta particles are inputted one by one via oscillations of a special magnetic valve at the top. The number of the beta particles control the rate of fusion. A special thermally conductive material channels the heat from the fusion to a conventional steam turbine. The beta particles would be produced via an ordinary cathode ray tube, seperating electrons from protons, the electrons being identical to beta particles. These particles are then collected, and then dispensed. The only thing preventing implementation of this plan is the lack of Agonite on the home planet. Astronomers, as well as entrepreneurs, are now starting to work on a Agonite mining and recovery system.... Please post comments, suggestions, and questions

A whole year? Seems like 2 years. Of course, more has happened in 2008 than the past 4 years combined, in my opinion. Happy birthday, GTR! It was a great update, and I like how you have maintained the "classic feel" over the past year consistently. May 2009 be as good for the GTR as 2008. - Patricius Maximus

AN UPDATE ON THE FCSE REPLIES: un1: Sensible questions. deathtopumpkins: Thanks for the info. I'm going to try it out. suplado!: The future appears to be better, so I do agree. ComputerGuy: Perhaps either one, or both . Tomasneto: Thanks. Before the railroad is revealed, I thought I would give you people an update on how the stocks are doing in FC: There has been a major slide recently below 15000, but has since rebounded on... what? The answer will come in the update after the next, which will be tomorrow. A hint: It has something to do with Agonus. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

Can't wait for the GTR's birthday.

THE VOTED IN BEAUTIFICATIONS REPLIES: un1: I'm glad I caught your attention, and that I revisited the past of FC. haljackey: Thanks. ComputerGuy: Thank you. I'm glad you made your 100th post here. Archean: 1) Rival Carpathia? Perhaps. 2) I prefer not to disclose upcoming plots, but let it suffice to say that M1 and M2 will not be seen for a while. 3) I am glad you think it is getting interesting. Ntq$310: Perhaps connected with Agonus. Your statement may turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy . psander5: Thanks. My objective was to find a different way of presenting milestone updates. deathtopumpkins: Thanks for your comments. rjkrox: You never know what you may get when you click that text.... Twenty20: Actually they weren't exactly flying over it -- they were viewing it from a wormhole, whose parameters changed as the humanoids willed. Thanks anyway. sedimenjerry: Thank you. As stated in Update 123, the beautification with Residential walls was voted in, and here is the result of that vote: The other side isn't covered because of the transparent lots. However, I have heard that SFBT is working on a T21 mod which will eliminate that. Lastly, what is this? A new railroad? Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

Whats happening here, no one is commenting or anything anymore?quote> People are still visiting and commenting. Trouble is there isn't much to comment about, because of DTP's recent... busy period. hmmm... mind if I look to your Patrician Showcase to copy one of your cloverstacks?quote> Not at all. I'm glad people are utilizing some of my creations. lol lets wait until the campaignn season actually starts, because technically dtp isnt even taking normal canidatesquote> Sounds kind of like the 2008 American Election, starting 14 months before the first primary, although not as extreme a case. I'm not endorsing your candidacy, I am endorsing the fact that you are a candidate.quote> Haha, lovely. Hopefully at one time in the future I'll be able to run for election againquote> Agreed. However, that does describe my attitude towards some RL candidates. Run again? I just noticed that both of us happen to be retired Virgin Shores department heads. Hey there, i have another proposal for VS. I know there is a lot of residential demand so this will help with that. I hope this plan isnt coming in at a bad time! quote> An adequate proposal. However, there is something about it that looks familiar. I can't really pin it on anything. Patricius Maximus, Former Head of the Department of Transportation

A TEASER OF LAKEFRONT REPLIES: blue sinjid: No, it's not that bad yet. un1: Thanks. deathtopumpkins: Then you are no ordinary Sim. First of all, an announcement. The Patrician Showcase is getting an update schedule. A full update will occur every Saturday, with teasers probably coming throughout the week. Here is a table for the next four weeks, with example teasers: Updates for the Next Four Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Red is full updates, green is teasers, in this example. Note that this is not the actual teaser agenda. For this update, there are two teaser pictures of a new city, Lakefront. An RHW under construction? Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

As it was when I first saw HD, "Wow".

Joint colony? Does anyone smell something like the Nimbus III fiasco? Romulans declaring war because of text messages? That is funny. "Beam me up, commander!" - Patricius Maximus

ANOTHER VIEW REPLIES: Ntq$310: Not possible. ComputerGuy: 1) I am interested in Puget Enterprises, and 2 of your proposals will be worked in over the next few updates. 2) Actually, the two-post rule does not apply to non-off-topic forums. However, double posting is "frowned upon". Zezug: Your wait is at an end. kj3400: It does. rjet131: Correct! rjkrox: Correct again. I'm glad you posted. deathtopumpkins: Yes, clearly. un1: Glad I made you think. In an undisclosed location, two humanoid figures are discussing something in front of a wormhole that has been recently created: For reference, the personality on the left is "M1" and the personality on the right is "M2". M1 stated, "The wormhole is activated. What do you wish to view?" To which M2 replied, "Put it on Franklin County, at the time of first settlement." Beeping ensued, and an image morphed into view: M2 said, "How primitive a planet. No settlement, only forests." "And a primitive species to go along with it. Look at that road. I'll even bet they had wheeled vehicles." "Wheels? That is primitive." "Let's go forward in time." Then another image morphed into view, of Central Franklin's retaining wall: And then another, showcasing Franklin's early subdivisions: M2: "Looks like your pristine forest is being cut away." M1: "Forward, forward." And then the portal went forward, to Central Franklin: Then M1 said, "I am detecting a disturbance at another location." "Switch." It was the aftermath of the earthquake, where the East Valley aquifer burst. And then forward they went in time, to here, in East Franklin: To the sight of which M1 replied, "Parking spaces? This bunch is even more primitive than I thought." They panned west, to western Central Franklin: None of them commented before this came into view: M2 said, "A tower. Now it's beginning to look like here a bit." M1 questioned, "Coca-Cola? What is that, some kind of pineapple?" M2 replied, "I don't know what it is." And forward they went, until they paused to look at the I-85 upgrade: M1 said, "An overpass? At least they have elevated roads." As time accelerated through the wormhole, they panned to see an LIH construction: Both were pleased with it. Closer to the present they went, observing the finished AFDES building: M2 remarked, "AFDES? Ah, making progress. Heading in the right direction." Time went forward, and they saw this building, which M1 said was "revolting": Edging closer to the present, they viewed the airport. M2 described it as "a primitive and bulky infrastructure": Lastly, barely in the past, they viewed this: M2 expressed general approval. The wormhole was then deactivated. M1 said, "Well?" M2 replied, "I don't know about them. I think they're unworthy." "Unworthy? I confess, they are most primitive, but they are a remarkable species. They have drives that are adaptive to the future." "Until that future comes, let us leave them alone." "Agreed." Both then walked off. Who are these humanoids? Observers from the future? Aliens? A highly advanced and hitherto unknown society? What do these two have planned for Franklin? Only time will answer, and tell us when and where that "future" is. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

ComputerGuy (can I call you that), I'm glad about your candidacy. The more candidates, the better. More issues are brought forth, and competition for the best agenda is more vigorous. I'm not endorsing your candidacy, I am endorsing the fact that you are a candidate. Due to complications discovered in the election process, I will not be holding a special election to replace the DOT Head. Instead, I will take over that position in my mayoral capacity until January, when we will hold new elections. I apologize for any inconvenience.quote> A rather... convenient complication . That's alright with me. You're competent and innovative, as you have demonstrated in your Other Cities. Lastly, a pseudo-announcement from me. Although it is far from definite, I am thinking a good time for a comeback to the DOT would be Summer 2009, if I chose to seek election -- all assuming my successor(s) do a good job, which I think they will. I would like to inform all the candidates that, in the unlikely event my successors do not do a good job as DOT head, I may seek election again. Patricius Maximus, Former Head of the Department of Transportation

A SECOND TEASER REPLIES: astronelson: Perhaps.... ComputerGuy890100: Thanks. Yes, I am still accepting requests. What exactly do you want to do in FC? deathtopumpkins: It might be the first days of Franklin County . ComputerGuy890100: I cannot confirm or deny your supposition. Simsamerica: A good point. We're humans here, not search engines. To keep you humans guessing, here is another teaser that may yield more clues: Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

A TEASER OF UPDATE 125 REPLIES: blue sinjid: Thanks. haljackey: Quite a story? Guess it is. Once these story arcs get moving, there's no stopping them. Simsamerica: I'm glad you think I'm that essential to the vitality of Simtropolis. Ntq$310: Glad to? Hmm... I think you see a business opportunity. flyinbird93: Thanks for voting. sedimenjerry: The half-year anniversary? Well, I have something special planned for Update 125 anyway . deathtopumpkins: Made sense to the traders, too. ComputerGuy890100: I don't blame you for not noticing it. I didn't notice the GTR for 4 months! shaylan221: Thanks. suplado!: You do? Glad you think so. I have something special cooking up for Update 125, which will be... interesting. Can't tell more than that without spoiling the "surprise effect". For your guessing pleasure, here's a teaser: Meanwhile, polls are now closed. Beautification with JRJ Residential Walls has been voted in, and that is what will be put in. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

I found it quite amusing. Some of the character's traits were exaggerated, but still not rediculously implausible. Kirk's speech patterns were almost perfect, but the last piece of dialogue would have been more authentic like this: Isn’t that! Near! The Neutral Zone?quote> The delegates' discussion was good, especially the Vulcan delegate mind-melding with the Klingon. Last but not least, the sudden picture of Picard completed the amusement. Live Long and Prosper, Patricius Maximus

The real rural highway....

I hereby endorse Ntq$310 as DOT head, after viewing both candidates' work. I think Ntq can best continue the legacy I have forged for Virgin Shores, and I will vote for him, and Virgin Shores will have a bright future with Ntq. Patricius Maximus, Former Head of the Department of Transportation

What? NOOOO No No No!!! This is so sad! Well, I trust DTP will find a substitute.quote> Don't worry -- if my successor does something wrong, I'll voice my opinion on it. I am pleased that Ntq and Simsamerica want to continue my legacy. I think that is a good sign.

A STRONG SPOT IN A SLUMPING ECONOMY REPLIES: Archean: 1) Sketchy? Perhaps there is something the traders should know . 2) Actually, some economists think the "jackpot month" was actually a falsehood, caused by the explosion in mortgages. drsn: 1) Welcome to Simtropolis and Franklin County, and welcome back to Simcity. I'm glad you're developing your skills, and learning from me. For the record, the organic process in FC is called "conurbation". 2) There is an underground power network that, by law, all structures must be plugged into. flyinbird93: Thanks. deathtopumpkins: It certainly was an interesting month. Ntq$310: Then the deal is done. un1: Thanks for your comments. blue sinjid: It sure looks like it. Simsamerica: Economic performance is relative. Thanks. sedimenjerry: Welcome back. Simsamerica: Nothing is going to happen to FC -- in fact, it may improve, given that I have more time on my hands now that that duty has been removed. Even in the Great Depression, there were bright spots. This economic slump is no exception. Hanging Cliff is a bright spot. Retail sales are strong, and mortgage applications have not gone recessionary yet. And this is a new housing area, south of the eastern suburb of the central area: Notice the rail overpass, which has been added to accomodate the road beneath without an at-grade crossing. Here's a close-up: I also notice the lack of beautification on the rail slope. Therefore, I am going to determine the readers' opinion in a poll, which will close at the time of the next update. The first question is whether or not to beautify the slope, and the second question is, if voted in, what kind of beautification to put on it. Please vote in the poll. Meanwhile, the Hanging Cliff Ring Road is getting it's use: Also, a member of the Franklin Assembly, representing a district of Central Franklin, gave a rousing and interesting speech today. He stated that the current slump is good for the economy. He said "recessions invigorate capitalism. Without recessions, there can be no free market system." He also cited a quote from an ancestor of his -- "recession is the mother of innovation". He said that the current shake-up with established corporations provides a clean slate for newer, better ones to take their place. He likened it to the process of natural selection in the evolution of life producing the net effect of a better system. What is particularly interesting about his comments is that it actually sent the market up ! percent while he was speaking. Some traders joked that the man should give a speech every day about recessions and capitalism. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.