Boggy1

Boggy1's Quick Guide to All Things Custom Content! This is a very simple quickstart guide to custom content downloading. Don't think of it as an ultimate resource; just as something that can answer your basic questions. Make sure to read the whole thing to get the most out of it! Brown Boxes? Nightlights? Dependencies? BATs? Read below to find out how to solve some of the most common problems and question for the game! Before we start; here is a checklist to follow to make custom content work. 1) Make sureyou have Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe installed. This is IMPORTANT. For 99% of any downloads to work, you need one of these installed. They will not work on only the original Sim City 4 game. 2) Make sure you have downloaded the EP1 Update (the correct one for your region) and the SC4UpdateBAT, and installed them. Scroll down to the section 'Nightlights and Updates' for links. Note: If you use the Steam version of the game, you will not need the updates. They are already included. 3) Make sure you have downloaded the bldgprop_vol1.dat and bldgprop_vol2.dat files, and that they are placed into "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins". Scroll down to the section 'Brown Boxes and Dependencies' for links. 4) Make sure to turn off the game before downloading. When applying new content to the game, it has to be turned off; otherwise things may get corrupted or not work. 5) Make sure your pop-up blocker is disabled or has www.simtropolis.com whitelisted. This is so that when you click the link to download a file it wont be blocked. 6) Make sure to read the online description of the file and the comments so that you know exactly what you are downloading. Both the online description and the comments can give vital information; including stats, dependencies, or problems with the file. 7) Make sure to extract your downloads to the folder My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins or any folder within that one. DO NOT extract to any other folder, unless it specifically tells you too! Make sure to read the README (if any) and download the dependencies (if any) listed there, and in the online description. Probably one of the most important parts. The README will give you important information, and you need the dependencies for the file to work. Scroll down for some more info. Table of Contents How To Install Buildings How To Install Maps Organization Nightlights and Updates Brown Boxes and Depedencies Terminology and Abbveations Creating Your Own Custom Content Questions Still Not Answered? How To Install Buildings To install custom downloads, except maps, from the Simtropolis Exchange, follow the below instructions. Firstly, you simply download what you want by clicking on the download button. You will most likely be presented with a pop-up, which asks you if you want to save the file, or open/run it. Select save, but remember the directory where you saved it to. Wait for it to download; remember, it may take several minutes to download depending on your connection and the size of the file. Once it has downloaded, browse to where ever you saved the file. I recommend creating a folder in your My Documents, specifically for downloads from simtropolis.com, so that they are all in one place. You will most likely be presented with a .zip file, which looks like a folder with a zipper running across it. We need to extract the file, which is commonly called unzipping or extracting it. To unzip the contents of this file, right click it, select "Extract All", and then unzip the files to the directory: "My Documents/SimCity4/Plugins". If what you downloaded isn't a .zip file, then it could be one of two things: An installer. This is a .exe, which you install by simply double clicking on it and following the instructions. These are more likely for modds and dependency packs. A .rar file. This is another type of compression method, like a .zip file. To extract these, I recommend downloading the free utility 7zip, which can be found here: http://www.7-zip.org/ Remember, that you should always read the README file, and the Online Description on simtropolis.com to check for information and dependancies. Dependancies are extra little downloads, like textures or props, that are required to make the file work properly, that don't come with the main file. They are linked to in the README or Online Description. Make sure you have Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe, and make sure you restart the game once you have installed everything; or the file will not work. Where will your new download be located once it has been installed? That entirely depends upon the file itself. If its a police station, it will probably be in the police menu. A new water pump? The water menu. However; the two most common places where generic files will end up is in the Parks or Landmarks menus. How To Install Maps Downloading and installing maps from the Simtropolis Exchange is quite a bit different to downloading and installing a building. Follow this tutorial: http://www.simtropol...ost__p__1135725 Downloading maps can be relatively difficult and time consuming, depending on your technical skills and computer specifications. Make sure to follow the tutorial very closely. Organization It's generally best to organize your Plugins folder so that you can find each thing you download easily, such as sorting files in a directory like this: "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins/Name Of Author/Name Of Building/[FILES]". This is so that if anything you download doesn't work or causes a problem, you can simply delete the folder without searching for hours for the correct files. Putting downloades into sub-folders within your Plugins folder will not effect their appearance in the game. Nightlights and Updates Remember: If you use he Steam version, you will not need any of the update patches explained here. Often, you might find that the nightlights on the buildings you downloaded do not show up when you switch to Night Mode in the game. To solve this issue, you need to download the two game updates, so follow the instructions below. If you haven't already, you need to download the EP1 Update for the game. Go here: http://sc4devotion.c...dex.php?page=16 For whatever region you live in, download the specific SKU file. For instance, if you live in North America, only download the file marked "sku 1". Then, you need to download the SC4Update4BAT, which is here: http://www.sc4devoti...4Update4BAT.zip Install the EP1 Update first by double clicking it and following the instructions. Then do the same for the SC4UpdateBAT file. A box will pop-up with "This program will apply changes needed to support the Building Architect Tool. Before you install this update (build 640) please make sure that you have applied SimCity 4 EP1 Update 1 successfully.". You can safely ignore it; just press OK. Then you're done! Remember you need Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe for these updates and most downloads to work. To check whether the patches have been correctly applied invloves checking the Properties of the game's executable file usually located in the C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps folder of your computer. This file is named SimCity 4 and should be approximately 8MB in size. If the file Version is 1.1.638.0, then the EP1 patch only has been applied. If the version is 1.1.640.0, then both the EP1 and SC4Update4BAT patches have been applied and the game is fully updated. Note: For the Steam version of the game, the version should read 1.1.641.0. Brown Boxes and Dependencies If brown boxes marked with "simcity.com" appear in your city in place of your download, then you know you are missing certain dependencies. Dependancies are extra little downloads, like textures or props, that are required to make the file work properly, that don't come with the main file. Make sure to always download them, or the custom content you downloaded may not work. Dependencies are usually linked to in the README or Online Description of the thing you downloaded. Install them as you would anything else, by unzipping to My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins. You will also need to download the Official Maxis Props, bldgprop_vol1.dat and bldgprop_vol2.dat. These can be found here: CityBuilders (registration required) or Screwpile Developments. Look for the two bldgprop files. Save them both to "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins" Remember you need Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe for most of the downloads to work. Terminology and Abbreviations If you successfully downloaded buildings, but they do not show up in any of the menus, then check to see if the building you downloaded is a GROW or PLOP. A GROW building will grow on it's own; it will not appear in any menus. You need to place down residential/commercial/industrial zoning, and then it will grow itself. A PLOP building is the opposite. It will appear in the menus, and you can plop it down anywhere you like, without waiting for it to grow in a zone. You may also encounter these: A PROP file is just a tiny little element, like a flagpole or pedestrian, which goes onto the lot of a custom building. You only really need to download these if they are linked as a dependency, or if you are a custom content creator. A TEXTURE is a pattern or image, like brick or glass, that is used in custom content creation You only really need to download these if they are linked as a dependency, or if you are a custom content creator. A MESH or a MODEL file is the barebones of a custom creation; before it has been properly imported into the game. You generally don't need to download these unless you are a custom content creator. These are the types of file names you'll probably see when you download custom content. A .zip is a compressed folder, containing your download. You'll need to extract (unzip) it to gain access to the files inside. A .rar is another type of compressed folder. See above. A .exe is a self-installing executable file, containing your download. Double click it to let it install the files by itself. A .txt is a text document, which contains the README or other information. Recommend to keep; but you can delete it safely. A .rtf is another type of text document. See above. A .html is a downloaded webpage, which contains the README or other information. Recommend to keep; but you can delete it safely. A .jpg file is a picture file. Creators generally put it in to show you what you are downloading. You can delete it safely. A .png is another type of picture file. See above. A .dat file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4LOT file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4MODEL file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4DESC file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. The STEX is an abbreviation for the SimTropolis EXchange. The NAM stands for the Network Addon Modification, which is one of the most well known modds in the game. You can get it here: or Mac A BAT file is a custom content, like a building, that is created using the special 3D modelling software gmax or 3ds Max and the Building Architect Tool. They are generally created entirely from scratch by the creator. A LOT file is a custom content that only uses existing elements that are in the game. It uses Maxis' LOT Editor to shuffle around props, textures, and stuff to create new things. A MODD is a programme which changes the game in some way. They are different from other custom content, in that it affects the entire game. Use these carefully; often modds can conflict, and can cause your game to crash. Sometimes you will encounter abbreviations which arn't listed here. Likely these are BAT Groups; a bunch of fans who get together and collaborate to make buildings or modifications. There are literally hundreds of these; some defunct, and others not. Some of commonly seen BAT Team abbreviations are these: NDEX, BSC, BLaM, LBT, BSP, NYBT, HK, SFBT, ATR, SMP, NUTs, NHP, RTMT, SCAG, TD,and TSC. Creating Your Own Custom Content There are two options when it comes to creating custom content. Firstly, you could go the hard route, and use actual 3D modelling software. GMAX and 3ds Max are both 3D modelling software, that allow custom content creators to create buildings and other content from scratch, by individually creating the wireframe body, and applying textures. GMAX is free, and can be found here: http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax 3ds Max on the other hand, costs a lot of money, and can be bought here: http://usa.autodesk....3112&id=5659302 If you do go down this route, you will need to download the Building Architect Tool (BAT for short), which is the Maxis-created tool which allows you to import your models into the game. It can be found here: http://www.sc4devoti..._files_BAT.html Or you could go the easier route, and create custom content using the Lot Editor, which can be found here: http://www.sc4devoti...s_files_LE.html Remember, even if you use GMAX or 3ds Max, you will still need the Lot Editor, as this enables you to place props and other elements on your model. This section only covers the very basics of custom content creation. You can find out more in the Omnibus here: https://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus Questions Still Not Answered? Then you'll want to either... Visit the Chat Room, which will probably have members there ready to help you with an issue (just be nice): (Link) Take a read through the Extensive Forums for a solution: (Link ) Browse the fabled Omnibus Of Knowledge: (Link ) If, after all that, there is still no luck; make a New Topic which clearly defines your issue. Updated links and stuff - 15/07/2012

Welcome to The Simtropolis Closet! So, I have been invited to restart The Closet Thread, as the old one was getting pretty reverse-page-flip-buggity. The general purpose of this thread is to discuss matters of sexuality and orientation, though of course you can (and we have) meandered off-topic quite a bit. Anyone and everyone is welcome here, be you gay or straight - or anything in between - so please don't be shy! But before we get down to business, I have a quick announcement to make... Bzzzzt . . . Ground Rules (copied from the old thread) Fellow Closeteers, After extensive research, the moderators and topic originator have decided to put forth a clear demarcation of guidelines for this thread. The reasoning behind this is that debates that start in this thread nearly always degenerate into flame wars or something close to it. So here are the guidelines for what this thread is all about. This is what this thread is for, in GingerBlokey's words, which we agreed with: "The closet is a place for GLBT, questioning, and straight people to come, discuss their problems, chat about clothes, men, women, etc. and not be negative about each other. It is a place for everyone to chill, show some pics, have fun, and tell a joke or two." This is what the thread is not for: - Heavy psychological or sociological debate. - Above all, this thread is not for debate as to whether homosexuality is "right" or "wrong!" Any post that falls into the category of what this thread is not for will be edited instantly. No longer will we be waiting to "see how this goes" as we have done in the past. This thread is now 50+ pages and we all now have a pretty good idea of when something is going to degrade into bashing. We will no longer be reaching that point. You are more than welcome to discuss the "rightness" or "wrongness" on your own time, but not here. So as not to be too heavy-handed, there are exceptions to these guidelines. For example, if somebody come to the Closet with a gay-related problem or issue to be sorted out, and light or moderate polite debate ensues over the offering of solutions, then that's okay. Finally, these guidelines are not up for debate. This idea has already been discussed at length between those in charge of the thread. ISF . . . bzzzzt! Right, so, after that quick diversion, I'd like to welcome everyone in again! As this is a brand spanking new closet, I invite all of you to throw yourselves in, settle down, and dump your baggage on the floor (not you Zel; I hate rabbits!). I guess I should start right? As I'm sure most of you know already, I am gay, and I have a wonderful boyfriend of, so far, one year and several months. <3! I don't really consider myself a flamboyant gay. I'd say that most people wouldn't guess that I am gay at all, certainly not from the way that I talk or walk or act. I hate conforming to stereotypes! =P I came out to my parents and friends (not in that order) a couple of years ago. My Mum is fine with it, but I don't think my Dad really understands the concept (he is old fashioned!), so we don't really discuss it at all. Even though its pretty obvious I have a boyfriend - who my Dad has met and gets on with quite well - its gone to a sort of don't ask, don't tell policy So, what else? Well, my interests don't really conform to the 'gay scene' much. In fact, I'd say both me and The Boyfriend are pretty old fashioned! We're really into long calm country walks, film cameras, old architecture, old cars, antique furniture...stuff like that. I think we were probably born into the wrong century! (oh how I wish I lived in an 18th century Georgian manor-house). Myself, I'm really into photography and writing. I'm off soon to study English Literature at Uni..though how this will effect my relationship with The Boyfriend I can't say. =[ Recently, he got me really into film SLR cameras. I've now bought a full set from ebay, which had a tonne of lenses, filters, a bag, two camera bodies, a flash, a tripod...stuff like that. It's all in lovely condition, but I havent actually taken many photos with it yet (too scared!). Still, the CLICKITY-CLICK of the film is absolutely brilliant; far more fun than a digital camera. I can't think of anything much else to say, apart from one thing. . . LET THE CLOSETING COMMENCE! (ive wanted to say that for so long)

Original Thread: Boggy1's Quick Guide to All Things Custom Content! Boggy1's Quick Guide to All Things Custom Content! This is a very simple quickstart guide to custom content downloading. Don't think of it as an ultimate resource; just as something that can answer your basic questions. Make sure to read the whole thing to get the most out of it! Brown Boxes? Nightlights? Dependencies? BATs? Read below to find out how to solve some of the most common problems and question for the game! Before we start; here is a checklist to follow to make custom content work. 1) Make sureyou have Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe installed. This is IMPORTANT. For 99% of any downloads to work, you need one of these installed. They will not work on only the original Sim City 4 game. 2) Make sure you have downloaded the EP1 Update (the correct one for your region) and the SC4UpdateBAT, and installed them. Scroll down to the section 'Nightlights and Updates' for links. Note: If you use the Steam version of the game, you will not need the updates. They are already included. 3) Make sure you have downloaded the bldgprop_vol1.dat and bldgprop_vol2.dat files, and that they are placed into "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins". Scroll down to the section 'Brown Boxes and Dependencies' for links. 4) Make sure to turn off the game before downloading. When applying new content to the game, it has to be turned off; otherwise things may get corrupted or not work. 5) Make sure your pop-up blocker is disabled or has www.simtropolis.com whitelisted. This is so that when you click the link to download a file it wont be blocked. 6) Make sure to read the online description of the file and the comments so that you know exactly what you are downloading. Both the online description and the comments can give vital information; including stats, dependencies, or problems with the file. 7) Make sure to extract your downloads to the folder My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins or any folder within that one. DO NOT extract to any other folder, unless it specifically tells you too! Make sure to read the README (if any) and download the dependencies (if any) listed there, and in the online description. Probably one of the most important parts. The README will give you important information, and you need the dependencies for the file to work. Scroll down for some more info. Table of Contents How To Install Buildings How To Install Maps Organization Nightlights and Updates Brown Boxes and Depedencies Terminology and Abbveations Creating Your Own Custom Content Questions Still Not Answered? How To Install Buildings To install custom downloads, except maps, from the Simtropolis Exchange, follow the below instructions. Firstly, you simply download what you want by clicking on the download button. You will most likely be presented with a pop-up, which asks you if you want to save the file, or open/run it. Select save, but remember the directory where you saved it to. Wait for it to download; remember, it may take several minutes to download depending on your connection and the size of the file. Once it has downloaded, browse to where ever you saved the file. I recommend creating a folder in your My Documents, specifically for downloads from simtropolis.com, so that they are all in one place. You will most likely be presented with a .zip file, which looks like a folder with a zipper running across it. We need to extract the file, which is commonly called unzipping or extracting it. To unzip the contents of this file, right click it, select "Extract All", and then unzip the files to the directory: "My Documents/SimCity4/Plugins". If what you downloaded isn't a .zip file, then it could be one of two things: An installer. This is a .exe, which you install by simply double clicking on it and following the instructions. These are more likely for modds and dependency packs. A .rar file. This is another type of compression method, like a .zip file. To extract these, I recommend downloading the free utility 7zip, which can be found here: http://www.7-zip.org/ Remember, that you should always read the README file, and the Online Description on simtropolis.com to check for information and dependancies. Dependancies are extra little downloads, like textures or props, that are required to make the file work properly, that don't come with the main file. They are linked to in the README or Online Description. Make sure you have Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe, and make sure you restart the game once you have installed everything; or the file will not work. Where will your new download be located once it has been installed? That entirely depends upon the file itself. If its a police station, it will probably be in the police menu. A new water pump? The water menu. However; the two most common places where generic files will end up is in the Parks or Landmarks menus. How To Install Maps Downloading and installing maps from the Simtropolis Exchange is quite a bit different to downloading and installing a building. Follow this tutorial: http://www.simtropol...ost__p__1135725 Downloading maps can be relatively difficult and time consuming, depending on your technical skills and computer specifications. Make sure to follow the tutorial very closely. Organization It's generally best to organize your Plugins folder so that you can find each thing you download easily, such as sorting files in a directory like this: "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins/Name Of Author/Name Of Building/[FILES]". This is so that if anything you download doesn't work or causes a problem, you can simply delete the folder without searching for hours for the correct files. Putting downloades into sub-folders within your Plugins folder will not effect their appearance in the game. Nightlights and Updates Remember: If you use he Steam version, you will not need any of the update patches explained here. Often, you might find that the nightlights on the buildings you downloaded do not show up when you switch to Night Mode in the game. To solve this issue, you need to download the two game updates, so follow the instructions below. If you haven't already, you need to download the EP1 Update for the game. Go here: http://sc4devotion.c...dex.php?page=16 For whatever region you live in, download the specific SKU file. For instance, if you live in North America, only download the file marked "sku 1". Then, you need to download the SC4Update4BAT, which is here: http://www.sc4devoti...4Update4BAT.zip Install the EP1 Update first by double clicking it and following the instructions. Then do the same for the SC4UpdateBAT file. A box will pop-up with "This program will apply changes needed to support the Building Architect Tool. Before you install this update (build 640) please make sure that you have applied SimCity 4 EP1 Update 1 successfully.". You can safely ignore it; just press OK. Then you're done! Remember you need Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe for these updates and most downloads to work. To check whether the patches have been correctly applied invloves checking the Properties of the game's executable file usually located in the C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps folder of your computer. This file is named SimCity 4 and should be approximately 8MB in size. If the file Version is 1.1.638.0, then the EP1 patch only has been applied. If the version is 1.1.640.0, then both the EP1 and SC4Update4BAT patches have been applied and the game is fully updated. Note: For the Steam version of the game, the version should read 1.1.641.0. Brown Boxes and Dependencies If brown boxes marked with "simcity.com" appear in your city in place of your download, then you know you are missing certain dependencies. Dependancies are extra little downloads, like textures or props, that are required to make the file work properly, that don't come with the main file. Make sure to always download them, or the custom content you downloaded may not work. Dependencies are usually linked to in the README or Online Description of the thing you downloaded. Install them as you would anything else, by unzipping to My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins. You will also need to download the Official Maxis Props, bldgprop_vol1.dat and bldgprop_vol2.dat. These can be found here: CityBuilders (registration required) or Screwpile Developments. Look for the two bldgprop files. Save them both to "My Documents/Sim City 4/Plugins" Remember you need Sim City 4 Rush Hour or Sim City 4 Deluxe for most of the downloads to work. Terminology and Abbreviations If you successfully downloaded buildings, but they do not show up in any of the menus, then check to see if the building you downloaded is a GROW or PLOP. A GROW building will grow on it's own; it will not appear in any menus. You need to place down residential/commercial/industrial zoning, and then it will grow itself. A PLOP building is the opposite. It will appear in the menus, and you can plop it down anywhere you like, without waiting for it to grow in a zone. You may also encounter these: A PROP file is just a tiny little element, like a flagpole or pedestrian, which goes onto the lot of a custom building. You only really need to download these if they are linked as a dependency, or if you are a custom content creator. A TEXTURE is a pattern or image, like brick or glass, that is used in custom content creation You only really need to download these if they are linked as a dependency, or if you are a custom content creator. A MESH or a MODEL file is the barebones of a custom creation; before it has been properly imported into the game. You generally don't need to download these unless you are a custom content creator. These are the types of file names you'll probably see when you download custom content. A .zip is a compressed folder, containing your download. You'll need to extract (unzip) it to gain access to the files inside. A .rar is another type of compressed folder. See above. A .exe is a self-installing executable file, containing your download. Double click it to let it install the files by itself. A .txt is a text document, which contains the README or other information. Recommend to keep; but you can delete it safely. A .rtf is another type of text document. See above. A .html is a downloaded webpage, which contains the README or other information. Recommend to keep; but you can delete it safely. A .jpg file is a picture file. Creators generally put it in to show you what you are downloading. You can delete it safely. A .png is another type of picture file. See above. A .dat file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4LOT file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4MODEL file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. A .SC4DESC file is part of the download data. Don't delete it. The STEX is an abbreviation for the SimTropolis EXchange. The NAM stands for the Network Addon Modification, which is one of the most well known modds in the game. You can get it here: Network Addon Mod for Windows INSTALLER or Mac A BAT file is a custom content, like a building, that is created using the special 3D modelling software gmax or 3ds Max and the Building Architect Tool. They are generally created entirely from scratch by the creator. A LOT file is a custom content that only uses existing elements that are in the game. It uses Maxis' LOT Editor to shuffle around props, textures, and stuff to create new things. A MODD is a programme which changes the game in some way. They are different from other custom content, in that it affects the entire game. Use these carefully; often modds can conflict, and can cause your game to crash. Sometimes you will encounter abbreviations which arn't listed here. Likely these are BAT Groups; a bunch of fans who get together and collaborate to make buildings or modifications. There are literally hundreds of these; some defunct, and others not. Some of commonly seen BAT Team abbreviations are these: NDEX, BSC, BLaM, LBT, BSP, NYBT, HK, SFBT, ATR, SMP, NUTs, NHP, RTMT, SCAG, TD,and TSC. Creating Your Own Custom Content There are two options when it comes to creating custom content. Firstly, you could go the hard route, and use actual 3D modelling software. GMAX and 3ds Max are both 3D modelling software, that allow custom content creators to create buildings and other content from scratch, by individually creating the wireframe body, and applying textures. GMAX is free, and can be found here: http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax 3ds Max on the other hand, costs a lot of money, and can be bought here: http://usa.autodesk....3112&id=5659302 If you do go down this route, you will need to download the Building Architect Tool (BAT for short), which is the Maxis-created tool which allows you to import your models into the game. It can be found here: http://www.sc4devoti..._files_BAT.html Or you could go the easier route, and create custom content using the Lot Editor, which can be found here: http://www.sc4devoti...s_files_LE.html Remember, even if you use GMAX or 3ds Max, you will still need the Lot Editor, as this enables you to place props and other elements on your model. This section only covers the very basics of custom content creation. You can find out more in the Omnibus here: https://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus Questions Still Not Answered? Then you'll want to either... Visit the Chat Room, which will probably have members there ready to help you with an issue (just be nice): (Link) Take a read through the Extensive Forums for a solution: (Link ) Browse the fabled Omnibus Of Knowledge: (Link ) If, after all that, there is still no luck; make a New Topic which clearly defines your issue. Updated links and stuff - 15/07/2012 Original Thread: Boggy1's Quick Guide to All Things Custom Content! 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A massive bomb blast has hit government buildings in the Norwegian capital Oslo, killing at least two people and injuring 15 others. PM Jens Stoltenberg described the situation as "very serious". The bomb was followed by a shooting incident near Oslo at a youth meeting of the Labour Party, which Mr Stoltenberg leads. Unconfirmed reports said a man dressed as a police officer had opened fire indiscriminately, injuring five. No group has said they carried out the attacks. Hours after the bomb struck Oslo, officials said some people were still inside the damaged buildings, some of which were on fire. Television footage from the government quarter showed rubble and glass from shattered windows in the streets - smoke was rising from some buildings where fires were burning. The wreckage of at least one car was on one street. Continue reading the main story Oslo blast: Your pictures All roads into the city centre have been closed, said national broadcaster NRK, and security officials evacuated people from the area, fearing another blast. Mr Stoltenberg, in a telephone call to Norwegian television, said all government ministers were believed to be safe. He said he had been advised by police not to reveal his current location. "Even if one is well prepared, it is always rather dramatic when something like this happens," he said. Egil Vrekke, Assistant Chief Constable of Oslo police told the BBC the rescue operation was ongoing. "We are issuing warnings just make sure people are not in the area in case there are further explosions," he told the BBC. "We have cordoned off large areas. There are bomb experts at the scene investigating whether there are other devices in the area." A spokesman for Oslo University hospital said seven people had been taken there for treatment. 'Focus on rescue' Hours later, reports emerged of a shooting at a Labour Party youth camp in Utoeya, and island outside the capital. Mr Stoltenberg, who had been due to visit the camp on Saturday, told TV2 the situation in Utoeya was critical. At least 500 people were at the camp, said reports, and five people were said to have been injured. Click to play Assistant Chief Constable Egil Vrekke: "There are a lot of casualties" State Secretary Kristian Amundsen said Friday was a public holiday in Norway so the government offices were not as busy as they might usually have been. "But there are many hundreds of people in these buildings every day," he told the BBC. "We have to focus on the rescue operation - there are still people in the building, there are still people in the hospital." Reuters said the oil ministry was among the other government buildings hit. Oistein Mjarum, head of communications for the Norwegian Red Cross, said his offices were close to the site of the explosion. "There was a massive explosion which could be heard over the capital Oslo," he told the BBC. "This is a very busy area on Friday afternoon and there was a lot of people in the streets, and many people working in these buildings that are now burning," he said. An NRK journalist, Ingunn Andersen, said the headquarters of tabloid newspaper VG had also been damaged. "I see that some windows of the VG building and the government headquarters have been broken. Some people covered with blood are lying in the street," AP quoted her as saying. "It's complete chaos here. The windows are blown out in all the buildings close by." Local resident Silvio told the BBC the blast shook everything in his apartment. "I went running out onto the street to see what happened. All the neighbours came running out too." He said he saw two or three unconscious people being carried on stretchers and others on the floor. "If they were dead or not I wouldn't be able to tell you but they were receiving assistance at the time." "The police were clearing the area and there was already various security guards who were going over to attend to the various shops whose glass had been broken out." Mr Mjarum said people across the Oslo and Norway were in shock. "We have never had a terrorist attack like this in Norway - if that's what it is - but of course this has been a great fear for all Norwegians when they have seen what has been happening around the world." The United States has condemned the "despicable acts of violence" in Oslo, while the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said he was "deeply shocked" by "these acts of cowardice for which there is no justification". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14252515

Hey captcity, actually zelgladis told me I could bring up any issues in this thread specifically. Anyway, considering most of the userbase thinks the rules are being too harshly enforced; created an awful unwelcome atmosphere, don't you think you guys are doing something wrong, not us?

Hello, I would like to bring up the issue that I think a lot of the time the moderation in the chat is heavy handed, unfair, bizarre, and random. I think that the chatroom as it stands currently is not a nice place for a lot of people to be in a lot of the time. Can this please be rectified?

I love Norway, right now. Their strength and unity is something the entire world should look up to. I've said it before: but the Nordic Model of politics, economics, and society is something the ENTIRE WORLD should look up to. The countries making up the Nordic countries are the closest to utopia on the planet. All countries should aspire to be like them; they are a beacon in the modern world.

Duke87: Of course they aren't completely banned. Nearly all farmers have a shotgun or two. Isn't that logical? To buy a shotgun in Britain you need to hold a Shotgun Certificate, and to buy a rifle you need to hold a Fire Arm Certificate. You can ask for forms for these from your local police station. Ask also to speak to your local police firearms liaison officer, who will tell you what you need to fill those forms out to his or her satisfaction. They may also want to see a 'good reason' for you wanting a gun, such as membership of a clay shooting club or pest control. They usually want to see that you will keep your gun or guns in a secure place, such as a steel gun cabinet bolted to a wall. You have to store ammunition separately. A shotgun is described as a smooth-bore gun (not being an air-weapon) which has a barrel not less than 24 inches with a bore diameter not exceeding 2 inches. A firearm usually describes a cartridge-loading, rifled-barrel longarm (rifle) with a barrel not shorter than 300mm. Overall length of the firearm must not be less than 600mm unless it is a muzzle loader. Firearms include: muzzle-loading rifles or pistols; shotguns with a magazine capacity greater than three; airguns with power ratings exceeding 12 ft/lbs for rifles and 6ft/lbs for pistols; and historic pistols kept at home as part of a collection or kept at a designated historic site and used for non-competitive target practice. People who apply for a Firearm Certificate for a rifle or muzzle-loading pistol from 1 October 1997 need to be a member of a rifle or muzzle-loading pistol club approved by the Home Office or Scottish Office under the Firearms Acts if they intend to use the gun for target shooting only. Muzzle loaders are now the only legal useable handguns available to UK shooters (apart from the historic cartridge firing handguns kept at designated sites). However, in order to conduct your shooting you will need a supply of blackpowder which as a classified explosive, has its own restrictions requiring the acquisition of a blackpowder certificate from your police force. You have to be aged 17 or over to have a Firearms Certificate. If you are aged less than 17 you can have a Shotgun Certificate as long as you have your parent's signed permission. You must be aged 17 or over to purchase an airgun and ammunition. If you are aged between 14 and 17 years, you may borrow a gun or have one bought for you by someone aged 17 or over, and you may use it without supervision on private property where you have a right to be. If you are under 14 you may use an airgun on private property but you must be supervised by someone over the age of 21 at all times. It is unlawful for an under-14-year-old to possess a gun and ammunition without supervision. It is an offence to fire a gun within 50 feet of a roadway, public footpath or bridleway if by doing so any member of the public is endangered. It is an offence to carry a loaded gun in a public place without good reason. An gun may be considered loaded even if the bullets (or pellets in thecase of air rifles) are in a detached magazine. These were just the rules we had got used to. From 1997, firearm and shotgun certification became more stringent. Among the extra hurdles, people who now apply for Firearms Certificates have to provide two referees, and the police are able to revoke a Firearms Certificate in cases where the holder no longer has a good reason to possess firearms or ammunition. Certain types of firearm are hard to obtain in Britain without a stringent Home Office licence. These include automatic weapons and most handguns. The 1997 handgun ban also made buying any gun more difficult. These transactions have to take place face to face rather than by mail-order, as before. The 1997 Firearms (Amendment) Act made it illegal to send to any individual who is not a Registered Firearms Dealer a gun that requires a certificate or any metallic ammunition of .22 calibre and above. This also applies to transfers of ammunition which requires a Firearms Certificate. It does not apply to shotgun cartridges. Guns can, however, be sent by a Registered Firearms Dealer (i.e. any gun shop) to another RFD. If you buy your guns mail order you will either have to set up a relationship with a friendly local RFD or be prepared to travel. This site will help you find an RFD in every area of the UK. Not all RFD holders will be happy to accept guns that have been retailed by other dealers and all are perfectly entitled to levy a charge for this service.quote>

You know what duke, cap it with the nonsense sarcastic little comments. England had a tragedy yesterday; our worst shooting in nearly two decades. The shooter used licensed guns, for the killing. And in fact most of our massacres in recent history have been perpetuated with fully legal, licensed weapons. That says something about the licensing system,but has absolutely squat to do with whether guns are banned or not. But you know what? 12 people died, and it is the largest loss of life in two decades. If weapons weren't restricted, then we would probably be seeing this kind of thing a lot more.

This topic has been locked. I asked you to be mature about this. Some of you did not heed my warning. This topic may be unlocked later, if you all calm down.

Guys; this is a warning. I don't want to see any sort of masked swearing. You can express your anger in better ways than using profanity; you're better than that. Also; no matter whose side you are on; I don't want any bashing of any Simtropolis member, or any sort of blanket statements which could offend. This is neither the time nor the place.

A few hours ago, the Queen gave permission for the dissolution of the Cabinet and Government on the 12th of May, 2010. This means that in four weeks time, 30 days, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will get a new Government. Immediately, the major party leaders - Gordon Brown (incumbent Labour Prime Minister), David Cameron (The Conservatives), and Nick Clegg (The Liberal Democrats), set out on their election campaign. Unlike the USA; our leaders can only properly campaign in the four weeks leading up to the election. Each leader was on the road within hours; all across the UK, trying to promote their party, and gain more support. Who are the main players in this election? The Labour Party The current party in power in Westminister. The Prime Minister is Gordon Brown, who took over from Tony Blair in 2010. The centre-left party stands for democratic socialism, multiculturalism, and social equality. In recent years, the party has been hit hard by various scandals, with several Cabinet MPs resigning in protest, and has had some of the lowest opinion polls on record. Nevertheless, the party is still strong in urban areas, and has support from the middle classes. The Conservatives The second largest party in power, headed by David Cameron. Many people predict Cameron to win the election; though their reputation of elitism still holds strong. The centre-right party stands for economic and social conservatism, with one of their main policies to slash spending to reduce the public debt; similar to Margaret Thatcher's policies in the 1980's. The party has traditionally been strongest in the wealthy rural areas, but has made great inroads in recent months into the cities. The Liberal Democrats The "third party", which hasn't been in power since the turn of the 20th century. Headed by Nick Clegg; this left party stands for progressive social and economic policies, environmentalism, and liberalism. A rash of different leaders led to instability in the 1990s and 2000s, with many people seeing the party has too weak to win in an election. Nevertheless, the rising positive polls has seen the Lib Dems becoming a possible major decider in the upcoming election. Now the fun starts. Over the next few weeks, aggressive campaigning from the party members, including live television debates between the leaders (a first for Britain). The parties will be fighting for 650 seats. However, a lack of confidence in the Parliament, and disillusion with the political system in general, has sparked fears that this election may cause a hung parliament. Rising power of far-right parties such as the British National Party, and the gaining power of nationalist parties Plaid Cymru in Wales and the Scottish National Party in Scotland means that this election will be the most varied and interesting in history. The stage is set.

To anyone who thinks a nuclear option is viable; it is correct the Russians have used a nuclear weapon to sea four oil leaks before. But there is a tiny tiny difference between their attempts and this oil spill. ... The Russians have only ever attempted it in oil wells underground. The nuclear option seals the well by collapsing several hundred tonnes of rock and ground ontop of the pipe. This leak is on the ocean bed, with nothing to collapse onto it. At best, using the nuclear option would destroy the blow-out-preventer, exposing and cracking the pipeline. At worst it could cause a massive undersea earthquake, that could create thousands of fissures along the seabed, leading to hundreds of oil leaks; something which could never be stopped until all of the oil was gone.

All of them? You're facts need checking. Labour has absolutely nothing to do with communism. Socialism, maybe. Communism? Just....no. I'm not going to bother answering. Anyway, the new Government has hit its first scandal. David Laws, Secretary for the Treasury, has resigned after just three weeks in power over an expenses scandal. David Laws has talent to return, says Duncan Smith David Laws was "on balance" right to quit the cabinet but has the talent to return, Iain Duncan Smith has said. The chief secretary to the Treasury resigned after admitting claiming expenses to pay rent to his partner. Mr Duncan Smith, Work and Pensions Secretary, told the BBC he was "deeply sorry" about Mr Laws quitting. But he said he agreed with Mr Laws' view that he could not do the "toughest job" of overseeing spending cuts while beset by personal problems. Mr Duncan Smith told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show his respect for Mr Laws had grown since they started working together in the coalition, and he was a "thoroughly decent person". "I have no questions at all that he has the talent to be back... I've been in the spotlight myself, as you know, so I wish him the very best and hope the media leaves him alone a bit now." Mr Duncan Smith's comments came in the wake of other tributes to Mr Laws from Conservative PM David Cameron and his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg. The coalition's Conservative Schools Secretary Michael Gove also paid tribute to his Lib Dem coalition colleague, telling Sky News Mr Laws had never been a "tribal" politician. Mr Gove added that Mr Laws had given up a lucrative career in the City for politics because he believed in public service. 'Honourable man' Saturday's Daily Telegraph revealed that between 2004 and 2007, Mr Laws claimed between £700 and £950 a month to sub-let a room in a flat in Kennington, south London, from his secret long-term partner, lobbyist James Lundie. Since 2006, Parliamentary rules have banned MPs from "leasing accommodation from a partner". The Yeovil MP said he had wanted to keep his relationship with James Lundie private. As well as resigning from his cabinet role he said he would pay back the £40,000 he had claimed and has now referred himself to the parliamentary standards commissioner. He also queried whether Mr Lundie counted as a "partner" as defined by the rules. The prime minister wrote in response to Mr Laws' resignation: "The last 24 hours must have been extraordinarily difficult and painful for you. "You are a good and honourable man. I am sure that, throughout, you have been motivated by wanting to protect your privacy rather than anything else. "In your short time at the Treasury, you have made a real difference, setting the government on the right path to tackle the deficit which poses such a risk to our economy." 'Cruelly shattered' Mr Clegg said he had always admired his fellow Liberal Democrat's integrity. The Lib Dem leader said: "I very much hope that when those questions are answered there will be an opportunity for him to rejoin the government because, as everyone has seen in recent weeks, he has so much to contribute to national life. "When all is said and done, this has come about because of David's intense desire to keep his own private life private. His privacy has now been cruelly shattered." "It was as if he had been put on earth to do the job that was asked of him," he said.Chancellor George Osborne said he was "very sorry" to lose Mr Laws from the Treasury. "I spoke to David several times over the last 24 hours and I have a huge admiration for the way he has conducted himself in the most difficult circumstances." But Labour MP Stephen Pound said Mr Law's explanation that he wanted to keep his personal life private made no sense: "You don't pay money to someone you're in a close relationship with and expect the state to dip into its purse to pay it for you." However, former Liberal leader Lord Steel said: "His mistake did not cost the taxpayer a penny since he could have been paying to rent a room elsewhere. "Therefore his resignation seems to be an over-the-top reaction to newspaper stories and has cost the new government an able minister." However, former independent MP Martin Bell said Mr Laws had not been unfairly treated. Mr Bell told the BBC: "I don't think it's a witch hunt, if you go into public life you expect public scrutiny. "This has got nothing to do with his personal relations with whoever, it has to do with expenses, and this has been going on for a few years and you have to make sure that whatever you claim is squeaky clean and if you don't you'll be punished." Scottish Secretary Meanwhile Matthew Todd, editor of the gay magazine Attitude, said it was unfortunate that Mr Law's felt he had had to hide his sexuality in the first place. Mr Todd told the BBC: "I think the overriding thing, that I think probably a lot of gay people will feel, is that it's just very sad in this day and age - it's 2010 and he's in the party which is quite arguably the most pro-gay party out of the main three - that he felt that he had to hide his sexuality." Continue reading the main story Matthew ToddEditor Attitude magazine Mr Laws' resignation is the first to hit the coalition government, just three weeks after it was formed. He was one of the Liberal Democrat negotiators who hammered out the deal before joining the cabinet as a key member of Mr Osborne's Treasury team. Mr Laws is a former city banker who only entered politics in 2001, but he rapidly rose to prominence and it was him who listed £6.2bn of cuts under the coalition's initial attack on "wasteful spending". Mr Laws has been replaced as Chief Secretary for the Treasury by former Scottish Secretary Danny Alexander, and Mr Alexander's job has been taken by Lib Dem MP Michael Moore. Mr Laws said he had informed both Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg about the resignation, but it had been "his decision alone".

(Neil and I just hit our two years six month anniversary a few days ago!)

Craig; love the photos! How'd it feel to know you were finally part of us folks up in this here Northern Hemisphere which arn't dangling off the bottom of the Earth? And, now, an exceedingly rare full-body shot of me which I scanned in from a piece of negative film.

Cabinet positions are being filled.. policies are being scrutinized. The next few months will be the most interesting in British politics in a very very long time. The BBC Produced this lovely, stirring, piece; showing the "Ninety Minutes That Made History".

David Cameron has now become the new Prime Minister. He has left Buckingham Palace with approval from the Queen, and has arrived at Downing Street. Already all the old Labour staff from the Number 10 complex have left; with the new Conservative one already in place. From Gordon Brown resigning, to David Cameron being instilled as our new leader; only two hours has past. David Cameron is UK's new prime minister Mr Cameron has been Conservative leader since 2005 Conservative leader David Cameron is the new UK prime minister after the resignation of Gordon Brown. Mr Cameron, 43, has left Buckingham Palace after formally accepting the Queen's request to form a government. Mr Cameron's Conservative Party won the most seats in the UK general election last week, but not an overall majority and have been in coalition talks. It is not yet known whether they have reached a formal agreement with the Lib Dems to form a coalition. The Conservatives have been in days of negotiations with the Lib Dems - who were also negotiating with Labour - after the UK election resulted in a hung parliament. But the Lib Dems said talks with Labour failed because "the Labour Party never took seriously the prospects of forming a progressive, reforming government". Formal agreement A spokesman said key members of the Labour team "gave every impression of wanting the process to fail" and the party had made "no attempt at all" to agree a common approach on issues like schools funding and tax reform. "Certain key Labour cabinet ministers were determined to undermine any agreement by holding out on policy issues and suggesting that Labour would not deliver on proportional representation and might not marshal the votes to secure even the most modest form of electoral reform," he said. I loved the job not for its prestige, its titles and its ceremony - which I do not love at all. No, I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer Gordon Brown Brown resigns as prime minister Gordon Brown's rise and fall Brown resignation: Reaction in quotes However Labour's Lord Mandelson told the BBC they had been "up for" a deal with the Lib Dems, but they had "created so many barriers and obstacles that perhaps they thought their interests lay on the Tory side, on the Conservative side, rather than the progressive side". After it became clear the talks had failed, Mr Brown tendered his resignation and said he wished the next prime minister well. In an emotional resignation statement outside Number Ten, Mr Brown thanked his staff, his wife Sarah and their children, who joined the couple as they left for Buckingham Palace. Mr Brown said it had been "a privilege to serve" adding: "I loved the job not for its prestige, its titles and its ceremony - which I do not love at all. No, I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer, more tolerant, more green, more democratic, more prosperous and more just - truly a greater Britain." 'My fault' He also paid tribute to the courage of the armed forces, adding: "I will never forget all those who have died in honour and whose families today live in grief." Later he thanked Labour activists and MPs for all their efforts and told them Labour's general election performance was "my fault, and my fault alone". The Lib Dem and Conservative teams met for hours of negotiations at the Cabinet Office on Tuesday - four days after the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament. The talks resumed after Lib Dem negotiators met a Labour team, which followed Mr Brown's announcement on Monday that he would step down as Labour leader by September. But there were signs throughout the afternoon that the two parties - who together would still not command an overall majority in the House of Commons - would not reach a deal. Several senior Labour figures, including John Reid and David Blunkett, warned against a coalition with the Lib Dems, particularly if the price involved offering them a referendum on changing the voting system to proportional representation. After Mr Brown announced he would be stepping down and would see if Labour could do a deal with the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives upped their offer to a promise of a referendum on changing the voting system from existing first past the post system to AV.

Another day, another incredible breaking story in this election; the most important and changing in decades. Gordon Brown resigns as UK prime minister Gordon Brown has announced he is resigning as UK prime minister. Mr Brown has officially tendered his resignation to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and recommended Conservative leader David Cameron succeed him. Speaking alongside his wife Sarah outside No 10 Downing Street, he said the job had been "a privilege" and wished his successor well. Mr Brown is also stepping down as Labour leader and as an MP with immediate effect. His decision comes as the Tories and Liberal Democrats are poised to agree a deal to form a government. Mr Brown said he had taken the decision to resign after concluding he would not be able to form a government after days of talks between the parties. 'Privilege to serve' In an emotional farewell speech outside No 10, Mr Brown said he had "loved the job" and it had been "a privilege to serve". BROWN STANDS DOWN Gordon Brown's rise and fall Labour leader: Runners and riders In quotes: Resignation reaction In pictures: Gordon Brown "I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer, more tolerant, more green, more democratic, more prosperous and more just - truly a greater Britain. "In the face of many years, challenges up to and including the global financial meltdown, I have always tried to serve, to do my best in the interests of Britain, its values and its people." David Cameron is expected to go to Buckingham Palace later on Tuesday to accept the Queen's invitation to form a government. Anticipating that, Mr Brown said: "I wish the next prime minister well as he makes the important choices for the future." His two young sons joined him and wife Sarah for his brief statement which ended with the words: "Thank you and goodbye." Failed talks Mr Brown also said he would stand down as Labour leader with immediate effect. Mr Brown succeeded Tony Blair as prime minister in June 2007 after spending ten years as chancellor of the exchequer. His resignation follows Thursday's general election in which no party won an overall majority but the Conservatives won the most seats and votes. Both Labour and the Tories have since been trying to persuade the Lib Dems to join them in a coalition government to run the country. Mr Brown had previously said he would resign as Labour leader, but stay on as prime minister until September, if Labour could agree a deal with the Lib Dems. But after this possibility ended, the BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson said Mr Brown decided he could not form a government and should stand down. Nick Robinson said Mr Brown had made his announcement before the Conservatives and Lib Dems had formally announced they would be combining to form a government. Before making his announcement, Mr Brown consulted with his wife Sarah and close colleagues including Lord Mandelson, Douglas Alexander, Ed Balls and Ed Miliband. Mr Brown also spoke to former prime minister Tony Blair by phone. Labour's ruling National Executive Committee has indicated it wants Mr Brown's successor as leader to be chosen as soon as possible, possibly by the end of July.

We're trying hard to get the download speeds up to scratch. I recommend downloading in off-peak times (i.e. early mornings in the American timezones) and on weekdays. It's generally faster! But yeah, your totally right; things need to get faster. We're trying our best! Stay tuned...

Breaking News...Gordon Brown is to resign as Prime Minister. This is literally history in the making. Gordon Brown 'stepping down as Labour leader' Brown to step down as Labour leader Gordon Brown has said he is stepping down as Labour Party leader. Mr Brown, prime minister since 2007, said he wanted a successor to be in place by the time of the party's conference in September. Mr Brown announced his intention to quit in a statement in Downing St in which he also said his party was to start formal talks with the Lib Dems. The Conservatives won the most seats and most votes in the election and have been in talks with the Lib Dems. But Mr Brown's statement will be seen as a move to smooth the way to a deal between Labour and the Liberal Democrats to form a government. Voters' judgement Mr Brown said Britain had a "parliamentary and not presidential system" and said there was a "progressive majority" of voters. He said if the national interest could be best served by a coalition between the Lib Dems and Labour - he said he would "discharge that duty to form that government". I will play no part in that contest, I will back no individual candidate Gordon Brown Lib Dems seek more Tory details But he added that no party had won an overall majority in the UK general election and, as Labour leader, he had to accept that as a judgement on him. "I therefore intend to ask the Labour Party to set in train the processes needed for its own leadership election. "I would hope that it would be completed in time for the new leader to be in post by the time of the Labour Party conference. "I will play no part in that contest, I will back no individual candidate." Formal process Lib Dem leader Mr Clegg had requested formal negotiations with Labour and it was "sensible and in the national interest" to respond positively to the request, Mr Brown said. He said the Cabinet would meet soon and a "formal policy negotiation process" would be established. It emerged earlier that the Lib Dem negotiating team, who have held days of talks with the Conservatives, had also met senior Labour figures in private. The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said one of the stumbling blocks to any Lib Dem-Labour deal had been Mr Brown himself. John Mann, the first Labour MP to call for him to go after the election result, said Mr Brown had made a "wise and brave" decision. The Tories secured 306 of the 649 constituencies contested on 6 May. It leaves the party short of the 326 MPs needed for an outright majority, with the Thirsk and Malton seat - where the election was postponed after the death of a candidate - still to vote. Labour finished with 258 MPs, down 91, the Lib Dems 57, down five, and other parties 28. If Labour and the Lib Dems joined forces, they would still not have an overall majority. With the support of the Northern Irish SDLP, one Alliance MP, and nationalists from Scotland and Wales they would reach 328, rising to 338 if the DUP, the independent unionist and the new Green MP joined them. news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8672859.stm

My fault, I shouldn't have fired off the second volley. Moving on. This is absolutely incredible, still. We are literally watching history in the making. The Liberal Democrats, who haven't had any semblance of power for over a hundred years, and who have been consistently the lowest in votes; are now in a position to decide the next Government for the following five years. They are in a position to change the face of British politics forever. They are in a position to increase their chance of winning a proper election by themselves a hundred fold. So far the Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and his associates has been in almost constant talks with Conservative leader David Cameron. Cameron is offering a deal to the Lib Dems, which could include Cabinet positions, if they form a coalition. Technically Britain is Government-less, and has been since Friday. Number 10 Downing Street is still occupied by Gordon Brown, however; which seems odd considering he has lost the election. It is his constitutional duty to try and form a new Government; and yet right now the country is in a kind of limbo. At the start of this election Nick Clegg promised that he would talk with whoever had the most votes first; which is the Conservatives. He is certainly sticking to his guns. Yet it also must be quite embarrassing for Gordon Brown. Tomorrow the markets open, and there is concern that the uncertainty will effect the economy. David Cameron and Nick Clegg are expected to talk for another 24 hours, at which point it is expected Nick Clegg will move onto talks with Gordon Brown. Things may get even more interesting yet.