The boy formerly known as Evil Muzz

Alright here's how its going to work. Once we get onto a new page, someone starts a new chain reaction, and also has the number 1 at the bottom of the post. The next person puts their continuation and puts the number 2. This continues until person 30. Person 30 will blow up something and have the number 30. Next page starts, repeat from top. Please vary the topic between your posts, ie you can't have most of your posts about cheesecake for example. Rules below still apply unless superceeded by the above. Here's a weird game, first I'll post something and then the next person must post something caused by that and the next person must post cause something caused by that and so on... It must go on until the end of a page where the final act MUST be that a Caravan blows up ! The person starting the next page must start a new Chain Reaction, but it can do anything in between starting and blowing up a caravan. Example: 1)-*Kick's football 2)-*Football hit's target 3)-*Target launches Firework 4)-*Used firework lands in bucket of water and tips it over 5)-*Water tips onto waterwheel Etc, etc... And from there on eventually it would cause the explosion of a caravan! Remember, if you finish a page, make the last chain reaction to the explosives in the caravan! And if you start a new page post a new starting action! I'll go: *Drop's heavy stone onto end of a see-saw with a box of Pottasium on the end...

Originally posted by: Goobers GhostAnd as part of every day life, learning the proper names for areas of the world we will most likely never go to isn't high on the importance list. quote> When you are actively socialising with people from other countries online, I'd say it was pretty important to know where they come from so as to avoid embarassment or insults. For a start, yes, you are correct to say that America was a colony of England, but when the 1707 act that unified Scotland and England was signed, the term United Kingdom became appropriate. It also means that after this time it wouldn't be appropriate to refer to any colonies as English, or Scottish (we had colonies in Panama, but then we all died of some tropical diseases... most likely sunburn ), as what is our is theirs, and vise versa. When you consider it, United Kingdom isn't really the name of these four countries (but I don't have an issue with it, why would I?) United Kingdom is really a system of government, like Republic or Federation. The correct name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but since no one expects anyone to write that out every time, or even write UKoGBaNI, UK is acceptable. Just some trivia... Anyway, we've gone drastically off topic, lol.

That's a very good diagram, good way of presenting it, thanks for showing it, Ski. Maybe I should staple it to my head in discussions like this, then I might not have to get so worked up about it. Haha!

Originally posted by: patriots_1228 IMO this arguement will never end.The Nazis and Hitler were the greatest evil mankind has ever encountered, and we had an epic struggle and in the end, mankind together overcame him. Think of all the different races, nations, peoples, religions, etc. that fought in WWII! Its only natural that we sit here bickering trying to claim mankinds greatest victory for our own nation.quote> That is possibly the most sensible, logical and truthful statement in this whole thread. Let's not forget that just about every continent in the world was involved in WWII. Australia and NZ fought in Europe too, and then there was the Nazi campaign in Northern Africa. It was truely a triumph for humanity over a horrific regime, not sure anyone country can say they won. That said it maybe be possible for one country to say they did more, but as I said earlier, that depends where you live, because the winning of the war was significant to different countries for different reasons. Also, I REALLY want to stress something here: England was getting hammered by the Nazisquote> Please not this again. England did not fight in WWII. The UK did. It is insulting to the memories of the dead Irish, Scottish and Welsh soldiers who died in WWII when people say it was only England. I know what you are referring to, but it's simple ignorance to refer to the UK as England. The first shots of WWII over British soil were fired just 20 miles from where I am now, in the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. Alot where still French/English coloniesquote> England never had colonies. England did not have an Empire. Great Britain had colonies and an Empire. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are as much a valid part of that as England. It's insulting to us when we played a huge part in the Empire and get no recognition. Please people, it's just downright false Geography to refer to the UK as England. Anyway. Ski: Good to see you again. I have been pottering around a bit, mainly the CJs, hopefully I'll stick a bit longer this time.

This is something I feel very passionately about, and I'm worried that if I go into too much detail I might get into trouble, so I'll keep it short and concise. Maybe the Americans would understand just how the Brits feel if they had a threat like Nazi Germany knocking on their front door. When your own land is threatened, and you are facing the prospect of being taken over and forced into a regime that you loath, it's different. The USA has never had a threat like that to deal with. And the Europeans are grateful to the Americans for their assistance, naturally, because the assistance helped in the effort to defeat the Nazis, but I guess winning the war had a different significance to us that the Americans can't fully appreciate. Just my two pence.

I love the fog, gives your pictures a very mysterious, cold look. They come alive! Loving the layout too, and the mix of old and new, great work!

People are coming up with some very obvious suggestions. In my opinion, and you all know what I'm going to say, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful, interesting and culturally amazing city in Europe, and is most certainly the best in the UK. I have one solid reason that London is not the best city in the UK: It's a nice place to visit, but to live there (and this comes from family experience) it would be horrific, the M25 is a living nightmare, the Tube is a joke, and the local trains in and out of the city are terrible. And now, to shamlessly plug Edinburgh. So much happens at everytime of the year. The festival in the summer, the chrsitmas events in winter... You could visit at any time of the year and find loads to do. And someone else tell me another major city, in fact in the world, that centres around a huge volcanic complex...? You have to see it to believe it, but it's surreal that a wilderness like Arthur's Seat can be right in the middle of such a vibrant city, it's strange, but it makes Edinburgh even more unique. You know you want to go... I can't see how anyone can have a reasonable argument for believing that another British city could possibly be more beautiful than Edinburgh. It's got the geography, the architecture, the culture, the history, everything you could want...

I love this update, Clint! The parliament's setiing is awesome, love the artificial lake in front of it! And the road layout on that island is incredible! AWESOME!!!

The Constitutional Monarchy of Calderwood ------- Those of you who have been here for sometime may recall my moderately successful CJ "The Constitutional Monarchy of Calderwood". As I lost interest in the game, this faded away and died peacefully in it's sleep. After a long hiatus from both the game and the SimCity 4 community, it is with great pride and joy that I announce my return, and with it I bring my revamped, and hopefully more successful CJ, "Calderwood". It is the tale of a modern country situated on the Atlantica-Alba landmass, fans of CarmineHilton's "Movian Empire" and Pipishere's "Royal Cytheria" will already be aware, but for those who aren't, Atlantica-Alba is a mid-sized landmass found around 150 miles off the western coast of Portugal. It conforms to the mid-atlantic ridge, and does not (contrary to some criticism) disrupt the gulf stream flow to the United Kingdom, hence making A.A both plausible and possible. But enough of that, a short background of the country and then on with the good stuff! Calderwood is a country that occupies the central belt of the landmass. It was colonised by Celts believed to have originated from Scotland and or Wales, and therefore much of it's culture resembles that of these countries. The climate is relatively poor, despite it's latitude. The Trossich mountain range blocks much of the warmer air currents from Africa, making Calderwood a damp and usually cool place to be, exposed to the mercy of the North Atlantic Ocean. In Calderwood, people drive on the left, the national language is English, the currency is the Echar Pound (Ep) and the current monarch is King Luke IV. Now, on with the show! July the 25th is Union Day, a celebration of the foundation of the SCJU, the political Union of which Calderwood is a member. Here we see a parade on Kingdom Avenue taking place on the 25th of July, at approximately 11:30am. Festivities often last well into the night, and here we see that one lane of Kingdom Avenue, the city's central artery has been closed for revellers. This triangular building is the SCJU Embassy to Calderwood, at this time of night on this particular evening, it is illuminated with the logo, and serves as the base for fireworks displays. Festivities begin to end below the SCJU Embassy at around 3am. Jacob Park and the Park Inn. It is notoriously difficult to find hotel rooms at this time of year in New Haven due to the various festivals. The partying on Kingdom Avenue seems to be all but over now... Little rest for New Haven's finest tonight. Finally, the police station against the backdrop of Jacob Park and adjacent to St. Mary's Church. ----- Thank you for looking, and I would welcome and appreciate comments and/or constructive criticism, I know my city isn't perfect, and it is still under much construction. Thanks for stopping by in Calderwood, hope to see you again soon!

Well, it's been a long time since I kept such a small time gap between updates, but here we are, and I assure you that I haven't sacrificed any quality in bringing you this. This update focuses on the northern part of the Holybank District, including St. Graeme's Station, the city Zoo and the Royal Opera Hall. This overiview shows today's area of interest: Replies Godzillaman: Thanks, not sure you can see it, but I have chanegd the texture (it's now Brigantine, looks miles better!) newyorkrunaway: Thanks, and yeah, I know, the water has now been changed! And thanks for introducing my second page. SirUnger: Thanks, took your advice, I'm using Brigantine, looks way better! vincent: Thanks very much, possibly the most effusive praise I've had yet, thanks! And yes of course you can add this to your sig! Fox: Good to see you back, long time no see! I agree about the suburbs, I'm only now starting to move away from the CBD, which is where the private school and the supermarket and car dealerships come in. Thanks for your kind words! edmonton_stinks: Thanks! hotdogs: Thanks very much, I'm a fan of urban regeneration, which is why you see so much old and modern mixed up, thanks for your kind words! Thanks for looking, I'd appreciate comments and/or suggestions or constructive criticism! -Muzz

A quick update, sorry that it's taken so long, I've only just got back into playing recently. Hope you enjoy! The Old City Hall in the Holybank district of the city. This district conforms to the foot of Calton's Seat, a large dormant volcanic complex in the west of the city. The nightlife in this part of the city is substantial, with many university buildings nearby, the area is rife with students on nights out. As well as this, there are also a number of restaurants and hotels in the area, so tourists are also a common sight at night in the area. A view of the area just east of the Old City Hall (east at the top of the picture, west at the bottom). We see a clear transition between the historic area surrounding Kingdom Avenue, and the more modern Holybank district here. Visible is a training pitch for New Haven Utd FC, who play in a stadium just out of shot. Across the road from this pitch are two of the University's buildings, catering for students studying English, and other associated courses. Capital Park, the national stadium for Calderwood's national football team. It was completed in 2006, and a moat has been dug around it, featuring a stylish new bridge. This is South Central Station, the main railway station for all parts of the city located south of the River Orr. Two overviews now, to give you an idea of location, but also how much work is left to do. Thanks for looking, please comment! -Muzz Replies Rictiovarus: Thanks, and about the water, I'll look into possiby getting a new mod... TimeMaster: Thanks very much! Carmine: Cheers, love! Yeah, I'll definitely think about changing the water. Za: Thanks, I always try to get away from the grid. Penguin: Thanks! Luke: Thanks, I know I'm a God, you don't need to remind me (but do anyway, please). I can get some better pictures of Leiburn Bay next time, it's really just a manmade inlet on the river that used to be for industrial purposes, but I can get some overviews for you. edmonton_stinks: Thanks, I get very fussy about repetition in my own cities, and I always try to weed out buildings that I repeat. Shingure: Glad you like the W2W too, many people seem too... Thanks for your kind words!

Look's sweet, Clint! Loving the rowhomes, very American. Great work, keep it up!

If I were God I would make sure everyone hated homosexuals, believed that life and everything was created in seven days and believed that somebody did in fact walk on water despite what crazy modern science tells everyone!

Greetings! Thanks for all your comments! Since I last updated I have been busy working away at my city with childlike obsession. Unfortunately, because I'm so pernickity it takes longer, but I believe the quality is higher than it would have been had I just thrown down some random buildings. So far, I've edited approximately 17 lots, and this number rises all the time as I strive to make everything fit in! So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this helping of New Haven, I hope you enjoy reading/looking as much as I did building it! That bad weather I warned you about... Replies Jeb: Lol, thanks for the comment, maybe you can do it next year, I won't mind! Owen: Shhhh! Not yet!!! But yes, that will be fun, lets hope we have a lot in the coffers to rebuild... psander5: Thanks, glad you liked my Photoshopping, afraid this update doesn't involve too much, but I hope you like what is there! RushHourFreak: Thanks, I try to go that extra mile to get the detailling in, so I'm glad you noticed it! Za: Thanks! I was just thinking about parks, then realised that there would surely be leaves from all those trees, so I decided to implement it. It's only a small detail, but I'm glad you liked it. Sc4Portugal: Thanks, I'll tell everyone to wave back! Schulmanator: Thanks, glad you liked both my CJs, I feel this one is an improvement, hopefully you agree! Clint: Thanks, as I said, I take a while to choose what goes where, a lot of plop and demolishing goes on, but other times it's quite quick, and I immediately like how it looks. I think that process makes it look kind of haphazard, which inversely makes it look realistic, as very few real world cities are planned to absolute perfection. Gaz: Thanks, I try a blend of styles, but undoubtedly British is the predominant one! Simfan: Thanks, woah, well that means a lot, glad you think it's one of the best, that's a real endorsement! nikhonkaraws: Thanks, glad you think so! The Gulf Stream is a stream of warm air/water that flows across the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico to the UK. It's what stops the UK (particularly Scotland) being an inhospitable ice cube, and it's what lets palm trees grow on the west coast of Scotland (a really bizarre thing to see, trust me). Luke: Thanks, and as for your name, uh, yeah, that was totally on purpose! But really, I tend to choose biblical names for my monarchs, as I'm not very good at knowing what names are old and which aren't, and biblical names must be at least 2000 years old! Ace_F15: Thanks, glad you liked that little touch! anarchy0029: Thanks, hopefully you'll like the night images in this update too! Thanks for reading, if you enjoyed then please leave a comment! I also encourage your criticism (even if it's not constructive, I can take it!) or your suggestions, or just queries, I'd be happy to answer! Thanks, -Muzz

The qualification round for the European Football Championship in 2008, Euro 2008, is drawing to a close, with one or two surprises in store perhaps. Some of the biggest countries in European Football could be absent due to upsets caused by nations generally seen as less skilled. In Group A, Poland are likely to qualify, but Portugal, former 2nd place, may lose out if they lose to Finland. Group B is one of the most interesting groups, World Cup Finalists Italy and France may lose a place in the finals - to Scotland! Defending champions Greece in Group C are garunteed qualification, but Norway and Turkey are left fighting for a place, two sides that many would have expected to qualify. Group D is over already, Germany and the Czech Republic are through no matter what. Croatia are likely to go through from Group E, but England are depending on Russia slipping up at Israel. Sweden and Spain are pretty likely to qualify from Group F, but Denmark or Northern Ireland could take their place if they win their remaining games, and the two favourites slip up. Finally, in Group G, Romania are already through, but Holland could be denied a place if they slip up and Bulgaria over take them on points. It seems like this is going to be one of the most hotly contended finals ever. Especially with the World Cup finalists possibly losing out to none other than Scotland, and England being dependent on other results in order to qualify. Scotland have beaten France both at home and in Paris, and lost to Italy 2-0 in Italy. Scotland will qualify, probably at the expense of Italy of they beat the World Champions at Glasgow (not as ridiculously unlikely as it sounds...). England, having lost to Russia away, depend on the eastern Europeans losing to Israel in order to qualify, if this doesn't happen, England will most likely not be going to Austria and Switzerland next year. The fact that previous 2nd placers Portugal may not qualify is another major upset, Finland have showed good form recently, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if they took Portugal's place in the finals. What are your opinions on the results, and any predictions for what may happen?

The idea is simple, one person proposes two ways to die, and the next person chooses which one they would "prefer", as well as posting two new possible deaths. The death can be as funny or as serious as you like, but it might be good to keep a light mood going on a dark topic, so try to keep it at least amusing. I will get us started. How would you rather die? Have your head explode as a result of listening to too much Abba or Be tied to two tortoises moving in opposite directions, slowly pulling you apart?

Originally posted by: El Burro "It's a miracle. The man deserves a medal as big as a frying pan." I lol'd... but its certainly true. You've got to have some fantastic skill to avert a disaster like that... hope the Pilot becomes a Hero like that bloke who tackled the Bombers a Glasgow Airport. quote> SMEATO!!! I was under the impression it was pilot error, but there are bound to be hundreds of rumours flying around at this stage...

How many of you play Football Manager 2008? Or indeed any earlier versions? Just out of interest, because I am sure there must be a load of soccer fans here who play it! For those of you who don't know what I am on about, Football Manager is a series of games by Sega and Sports Interactive, that puts you in the managing role of your favourite football/soccer team. You play matches against the other teams (CPU controlled) and compete in all the competitions, trying to guide your team to success. You can do pretty much anything a real manager can do, sign the latest talents to your club, sell the under-performers, even taunt the other manager before your game. Everything has an effect in this game, ranging from what you say to the players before they play, to declaring you have an interest in a player on another team, it is probably the deepest, most complex game around - in any genre. So I started this thread so we can share tactics, tranfers and ideas about the game, because as I have found it is very difficult to work out the game on your own, but I am sure that is probably the point. So please share your ideas, comments and winning ideas here, fellow Managers! Also, here we will keep a directory of some of the best players to sign, I will kick us off (excuse the pun). Please try and provide only realtively unfound talent or young players who you find quickly develop into the next best thing, I don't need anyone telling us that Iker Casillas is a must signing, we know that already! Goalkeepers: Matt Murray Darren Randolph Tom Heaton Defenders Midfielders Andrew Driver Sergio Tejera Danielle Franceschini Laryea Kingston Strikers Tamas Priskin Ricardas Beniusis Anthony Stokes Feel free to add to this list, and share your opinions on the game, and any other comments!

Ah, I see. I suppose there must be more to the game than what I said, afterall, there is more to football than just banging the ball into the net repeatedly! And about text based sports sims, I agree with you, I like them too, but I have no idea why! When you think about it, reading text and setting up sliders and drop down menus, with the occasional visualisation represented by dots on a field should not be fun at all, but it is incredibly addictive and incredibly fun, half my life is spent as "Murray Rankin, Hearts Manager", worrying about my next transfer, or how we are going to play the next match... It's incredibly... what's the word...? Consuming.

Ok, if you're going to deabte it then, how is it a better game? IGN gave FM 2008 a 9/10. There isn't even a review for FIFA Manager as far as I can see, surely that says something about the game! EA FIFA games are all the same, maybe changing the interface slightly, or making one or two alterations here and there. Since the last one, FM has changed incredibly, the engine is the same, but the difficulty curve is different, there are new features, and older, defunct ones taken away. EA relies on it's logo to sell products, take SCS for example, it's rubbish in comparison to, say, City Life, but it will outsell the latter because of the EA logo. As I said, I have not had the experience of playing FIFA, but I know people who have played both and have chosen FM over it. Anyone who played FM would realise it is a quality game, and would have no need to try FIFA Manager, it fulfills every requirement and need of the player.

I'm sure the big names and official logos attract people to FIFA Manager over Football Manager, but just because it isn't official and doesn't use the real names of the competitions doesn't make it a worse game. I have never played FIFA Manager, but I don't feel the need to after playing Football Manager, it's incredibly addictive and a lot of fun. Llama: It's a similar idea, most of it is text based, reading reports, setting tactics and data, the games are the only visual parts, with the highlights shown as an aerial view of the pitch with little dots running around representing the players. Just out of interest, how would a Baseball sim work? Excuse me for being an ignorant Brit, but isn't their only one tactic in Baseball? Hit the ball as far as you can and run as far as you can? I must be wrong if there is an entire game on the tactical side of it.

Lol, well it is a big step up from 2007, the game is generally a bit more difficult, but if you get your tactics right you can do well. Opposition Instructions are very important. If the player has pace, don't close them down, but if they are creative close them down so they don't get time to think, pacey players will just skin your defenders if you close them down. That's just a hint I found has come in very useful! Looking forward to some reccomendations from you, and anyone else who plays the game!

What happened to the good old days of the Ordinance Survey map?

Glad to hear everything is ok, I hope you and your new cat have many years of good health ahead together.

Upsetting and disappointing that Pakistan's best chance for democracy is now dead (literally and metaphorically). But I am not surprised, I knew something like this would happen. To be honest, I never really followed the situation, and had never heard of Bhutto before she ended her exile and returned, but I just knew something would happen. Rest in Peace.