Patricius Maximus

No doubt that some toddlers are truly obese. The article certainly points out some examples. But considering that BMI (which is a load of garbage) is used to calculate obesity, I strongly suspect the actual number of obese toddlers is much lower. I wonder if the study took into account the number of toddlers who still have baby fat they haven't lost yet... It took me longer than usual for me to drop my baby fat when I was young. There are just too many questions unanswered here. Therefore, I give this study my official stamp of "baloney." quote> I couldn't have put it better. Dieting and eating habits, in my view, is all about three things: 1. Input 2. Output 3. Nutrients Unless you are trying to lose weight (which toddlers should not do), then your input should not be lower than your output. If your input to output ratio is something like 3 to 1, then you need to investigate. Also what needs to be considered is nutrients. This is the "quality" of the foods, as nutritionists would put it. Things like bread, fruits, vegetables, and dairy have nutrients in them. Fast food has few nutrients, but it is useful as a snack or just to get more energy if you need it, as fast food is high in carbohydrates. I'll give you some examples of my eating habits. I know what nutrients I need to get from my food, and I get foods that have them in it. I need, to name a few, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. I also sometimes need sugar and caffeinated beverages. In the morning, I drink a couple cups of Coca-Cola, and that gets me started in the day (and no, I don't drink coffee; never liked it). I exercise in the afternoon, unless it's raining, snowing, or sleeting. My own doctor says I have a pretty good diet, and I have nothing wrong with me (aside from recurring back pain every 2 years, but that's not weight-related). And yet my BMI is 30.1 -- a category stereotyped as unhealthy, yet I'm not unhealthy. I have inherited my body shape. The vast majority of my ancestors had a similar reading and stature. My grandparents, my father, and myself all have a BMI of around 30. So, back to the toddlers. It is not that they have a high BMI reading, which is not accurate anyway. What we need to watch for is when weight impacts their health or what they want to do with themselves. If they want to be "obese", it is their choice, as it applies to all humans and sapient organisms, regardless of legal status or age. Toddlers are humans like older people, and they are capable to exercise their freedom to choose what food they eat, and decide what they want to put in their bodies. - Patricius Maximus

The revisions to Supercity's plans look good. Psander5: For a person who "knows nothing" about interchanges, that's a pretty accurate diagram. The MIS needs 1 tile straight section after the road intersections, but it looks good. I have a new development to propose near Oilville. As far as I know, this does not conflict with any other proposals or zoning codes: I submit this to the DOP for approval. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

When I saw this I just had to jump in and add my opinions. The following rant contains viewpoints that are not popular, and may be considered extreme, by the author's admission. Be advised. The categories that doctors have carved out for people, "normal", "overweight", and "obese", are used as labels for people, with obese being more pejorative than the first two. Their measurements are fundamentally flawed. How can you calculate body fat using weight and height? The formula is only useful to calculate body density. If you wish to estimate your "fatness", you need to use waist-hip ratio. BMI rose in popularity in America because it endorses the stereotypical thin, lean American, while putting anyone else in a negative light. Another reason is that it gives a "medical" reason for doctors to harrass people who may be more plump or bigger than most. Even the government is getting into this conspiracy. The US government is sticking it's nose into people's personal choices by promoting the "normal weight" stereotype by propaganda and suliminal messaging, much of it aimed at children via public schools (think: the "MyPyramid"). The government needs to get itself out of the people's personal choices. They should not be discriminated against or coerced into anything if they choose to be "overweight" or "obese". The government also needs to stop promoting exercising on TV, wasting taxpayer money on propaganda that does nothing except create a negative self-image in some people. Many people who are overweight or obese want to exercise, but it is hard to do in their areas. The government needs to listen to them, and increase the avaliablility of exercise. Example, build walaking trails parallel to roads, build more sidewalks, et cetera. That way if people do not choose to exercise, they will not be forced to. And the people who want to exercise can do it more easily. Most people with high BMI's inherited it. Or, if they got fat because of food, they had a genetic seceptibility to it. I am proud to say openly that I have a BMI of 30.1. So did my father, my grandmother, my grandfather, and many others before them. Most in my family were just big people, with big bones, and strong constitutions. I have a friend of mine that weighs 130 pounds, and has about the smallest stature you can find. Yet she is in the middle of "normal"! I hardly consider that shape normal, and is furthur evidence of BMI's uselessness medically, but it has great propaganda value on an uninformed, publicly-educated population.' That ends my rant. Take it in the context it was intended -- an opinion, with a little scientific proof -- just like the other opinions in this thread. Lastly, I do not appreciate how people here are insulting and stereotyping anyone with a BMI over 30. - Patricius Maximus

What a story. As you said, Duke, "Wow".

flyinbird93: 1) Pretty good, but I'd remove a lot of that weaving. 2) Some weaving, but it looks fundamentally good. 3) Wow! That RHW is crazy, and some portions are unnecessary. In your loop, it's good, but there's room for improvement. un1: 1) I'd reccomend a classic trumpet instead of that one. But it looks good asthetically. 2) Good double diamond. I like the extra MIS sections. 3) Bizzare. I'd end it with a roundabout, but it is unique. Overall it's a good spur. I look forward to seeing development late September. These are from a new ring road surrounding Dioxia, recently featured in the Patrician Showcase. Here's junction 1, a three-quarter three-level stacked roundabout (that's a tongue twister ). Junction 4, a volleyball interchange. Note the frontage roads: That's all I'm going to showcase here. The next poster will be the 1000th. Who shall it be?

THE DIOXIA RING ROAD REPLIES: Rictiovarus: Thanks. The trees have just been planted, and as such it is sparse. Areas built in the past have more trees in them. deathtopumpkins: 1) Error has been fixed . 2) Thanks. sedimenjerry: Thank you. Meastro444: I'm glad you are. Good luck! Schulmanator: Thank you. A few days ago, I accidentally clicked on the Dioxia city tile, which provides some of Western District with jobs. I noticed that the area would benefit with a ring road. So, I took it on as a side project. Due to the condition of the construction, and the urban nature of it, it has been classified as an expressway and not a freeway (legally, that is). However, it is functionally a freeway. This classification was bestowed on it because of the nature of the road surface, and because it did not entirely meet weaving standards for freeways in Patian County. So, here is a regional view of the new road: And a more detailed view, showing the ramps and junctions: Click for FULL resolution. The junctions are numbered clockwise from the west junction with I-2. Here's the 3/4 three-level stacked roundabout interchange with I-2, which is where the numbering begins: As you can see, it is getting some use. Junction 2 is a diamond interchange, which interfaces with Junction 1 ramps to prevent weaving: And the ring road curves to the east: A few hundred meters along, and Junction 3 appears, which is another diamond: Junction 4: The Ring Road intersects a Maxis highway via a volleyball interchange: Then the ring road curves south: For Junction 5, there is a Parclo B20, set up to prevent weaving with another interchange furthur south: And Junction 6 is another volleyball interchange: Then the road curves to the west: And produces yet another volleyball for Junction 7: Then for Junction 8, a classic diamond provides access: And the ring road makes it's final curve to complete the ring around Dioxia: And here is a shot of the remaining portion. Notice the avenue split to the east: That's all for Dioxia. The next update will return to Adamsburg, and more development. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

Dormant? Hmm... Like a volcano?

The DOT leaves it to the mayor's discretion as to which type of overpass is to be built on Highway 2. The DOT approves a causeway to Dorito Island. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

Supercity124: As far as the DOT elements, the proposal will have to be revised. The DOT has no problem with Supercity's layout of roads in his plan. The diamond interchanges will have to be modified into a double diamond interchange to prevent weaving on Highway 2. Here is a diagram of the interchange: With Supercity's permission this revision can be adopted. Also, some of your blocks of zoning is in violation of City Ordinance 1.a (the zoning codes). If some of the offending zones can be converted into parks, then that would be good. Not only will it be legal, it will create park space for the citizens. Lastly, you need to learn more about the RHW. The diamond interchanges in your proposal match the profile of Maxis diamonds. NAM Overpasses need to be built, which take up 3 tiles on the flank of the freeway. Then the MIS ramps need to be included. Other than these points, no problem exists with Supercity's plan that I can see. Psander5 will have to review it next. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

In response to the Dorito Island proposals, if Ntq$310's plan is accepted, the DOT will build a bridge from Dorito Island to the main city. Style of the bridge has not been determined, as it's construction is uncertain as of now. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

METEOR! REPLIES: Ntq$310: Thanks. Goldfish4209: 1) You have? Could you show a few snapshots? 2) Hadn't noticed, but I think sloping does add effect. un1: No problem. deathtopumpkins: 1) Error has been corrected. 2) Thanks. Rictiovarus: 1) Maybe some retaining or sound walls instead. 2) Common error with me. I get kind of excited when taking snapshots, I just don't think of it. bluemoose: 1) Error fixed. 2) Thank you. I will. manubeas: Glad you do. You certainly will see more. rtil: 1) Glad you are. A little STEX spree can reinvigorate your cities. 2) Be sure to download three items. You need all of them. a) JRJ Modern Concrete Diagonal Walls (required to register at SC4D LEX) b) JRJ Texture Pack Vol 1, dependency of the above lots. c) BuddyBud's Addon to the JRJ walls. This is what I use in Franklin. 3) Yes, they use highways. It's best to "develop around them" instead of bulldozing buildings for it. What I mean is, lay them out before you develop for best usage. 4) I convert RHW-4 to avenue before making a neighbor connection. Katcilla: Suggestion taken. edmonton_stinks: Glad you think so. bluemoose: Yes, they're back. I'm glad you liked them. psander5: 1) Like them? They're an integrated part of my regions. Can't do without them. 2) Thank you. 3) I'm convinced that thing hates me . crazyarchitect: Thanks. Seabrook500k: Thank you. The industry would cause too much pollution, and ruin the lansscape. Besides, I'm an R and C man myself. At 09:32 Franklin Time, inhabitants of North Franklin saw a fireball race across the sky: Moments later, inhabitants of Hanging Cliff saw it come and go. They knew one thing was certain -- it was headed for East Valley County -- and impact: It went closer, until citizens were sure it was going to a rural area. It's shadow came closer to the ground on the plateau, and then -- impact: . It left a medium sized crater in East Valley: A group of mineralogists and geologists are heading for the site, to ascertain the meteor's mineral composition. The YouTube box above is my first video upload to the site, and the first one I've embedded from SC4. I didn't use Fraps for the video. I used the ingame cheat code 'recorder', and recorded at 640 x 480 resolution. Please provide feedback for the video, as more may come. And, as always, post any of your comments, suggestions, or questions.

Great teasers. I'm looking forward to Oil Island. Good luck. - Patricius Maximus

TimeMaster: Your proposal looks good. If you could point out a 1 x 2 school, I see no problem with it. DTP: By the way, where did you get those diagonal sound walls? I'd like to get them. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

1000! 1000! Guess I'll have to settle for 1002, but it's still exciting . 1000 replies The GTR shows no sign of stopping now, and will likely get 2000 replies in the future. Haljackey, great video and great updates thus far. I hope you'll continue to have great updates. - Patricius Maximus

OK, so move the diamond down to the lower road and it's OK?quote> Correct. That will prevent weaving. Yes you have, without that commercial there, Oilville would not be prospering this much.quote> Glad to hear it . All of your points about supercity's development are valid.quote> I'm glad the Mayor approves. Supercity124: If these revisions are adopted to your proposal, then it will be sent to the Planning Department. Also, resize your picture to 800 x 600. It's a lot easier than re-uploading it after a moderator deletes it. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

I have returned. I like the pictures, the history, and how the science is woven into the CJ. Looking forward to more. - Patricius Maximus

They can be brought back with no violation of the rules. It's just a bit unusual. So, once again, this thread is back from the dead. Keep showing us your transit networks. - Patricius Maximus

It should not be pre-moderated. The current system of post-moderating works just fine, and has for the past 5 years. No reason to do it, so I vote no.

there might not be a Cities XL ST-Exchange quote> Don't be too sure. There was talk of having a seperate SCS forum and exchange, but it never materialized. Why? Because SCS was a disaster, and very little content was created for it. CXL, on the other hand, may have a seperate exchange and forum here, or even another website (like Sporeum ). It depends on how popular it is, and how much content is created. - Patricius Maximus

Talk about reviving an old thread... 11 months.

Fascinating thread. Here's mine from Lupanis, in Patian County:

DTP, I must say that you're moving into my strongest area in transit -- freeways. The trumpet looks better than expected. Indeed, both Highway 1 and Highway 2 are looking great. The DOT rejects the Mayor's proposal for the interchange near Frontier. On the northern set of ramps, the proximity to the trumpet is too close for my taste. I propose that a full diamond interchange be constructed on the southern part to prevent weaving. I'm very pleased with Highway 1 going into Oilville. The bridge across the river, combined with the 135 degree curve and the sound walls, makes for a realistic and attractive scene. I also see that commuters are going to my developments. I appear to have contributed to the growth of Oilville, and I hope I'll continue to do so. Supercity124: I do believe that the DOT should have a say in your proposal, so I'll break it down into it's components. a) Proposal for diamond interchange rejected. It will cause weaving on the freeway. b) Proposal for Road overpass rejected. The DOT has no objection to it, but the RHW pieces do not exist yet for Road over diagonal RHW. The DOT reccomends it be modified into a tunnel (or underpass). c) The DOT has no objection to paving Frontier Road. d) The DOT reccomends that the residential development be flanked by sound walls, since it is in close proximity to an interchange that could become busy in the future. e) Be advised that some of the development can be demolished in the future when Highway 2 is extended, and the interchange converted into a cloverstack. Other than these notes, the DOT does not object to the plan. The Planning Department will have to weigh in next. Lastly, please resize that picture to 800 x 600. Patricius Maximus, Head of the Department of Transportation

Very... generic. However, please resize your pictures to 800 x 600. To find out how, look at the stickied thread about it at the top of the CJ section. - Patricius Maximus

AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS REPLIES: edomonton_stinks: Thanks. He is looking to become a real-estate mogul. binobi: 1) Sometimes updates just fly by . 2) There are breaks in the median that enable a U-turn. 3) Good suggestion. Ntq$310: Thank you. A lot of development is happening. You could call it a population explosion. simcityplyr100: Thank you for your comments. Twenty20: Thanks. I'm glad you like the region view. Meastro444: Thank you. un1: Really? The Franklinites there would be happy to cooperate with Oil Island lumber. I'm looking forward to Oil Island's debut. Goldfish4209: Not exactly enough room for smooth curves, but thanks anyway. Katcilla: I'm glad you like it. rtil: 1) Welcome to Franklin County. Keep up with it, because updates can come fast . Glad you're "learning a lot". 2) You can do the tunnels in the vanilla game. Roundabouts are part of the NAM (April 2008). Be sure to read the readme . deathtopumpkins: 1) It certainly is. 2) They are SFBT caternaries. For one, I "mask" the lots with ploppable trees so they blend in with beautification. Secondly, they are far less intrusive now that I have a rail mod by Pegasus. sedimenjerry: Thanks. bluemoose: Thank you. The ramps aren't as long as some I've built, and it's more realistic. KingTitan: Thanks for your comments. I have a small update today about my progress in Phase 2. First, here's a regional view to orient the new developments: Click it for FULL resolution. In North Franklin, Phase 2 is well underway. Here is a picture of a new commercial district paralleling I-30: Lastly, here's a pic of the residential area, that has been creeping eastward for the last few updates: Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.