SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

First and foremost, welcome!  :thumbsup:

I initially started The Imperial Republic of Elytheria (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=82913) over at ST in October last year, but recent developments which include the acquisition of new territories demands a new CJ (or MD rather). My decision to start my MD here was greatly influenced by my experience of this site over the last few weeks and I have found SC4D a welcoming, friendly and interactive community where I truly feel at home (and am able to at times speak Afrikaans  :P). Therefore I would also like to take the time to congratulate Jeronij, the admins and members of this site who have worked together, sweat together and cried together to create "the most advanced and pleasant SC4 gaming experience!!!"  &apls

Now, on to my MD here at SC4D!   :satisfied: _{(By the way, THANK YOU for having a smoking smiley! :P)}

Due to the fact that I only recently started the next chapter in Elytherian history I am unable to provide you with in-game shots as yet, but rest assured that you will see the area develop before my 60 day time limit is reached and the MD shut down.  %$payas)(


The enclave of Elytheria Novo was granted to the Imperial Republic on 19 January 2007 after the signing of the Mozelli Treaty between the Imperial Republic (hereafter Elytheria) and The Republic of Mozambique (hereafter Mozambique). The conditions of the treaty, amongst others, grants Elytheria an enclave of just over 2 000 km² on the southeastern African coast at the mouth of the Zambesi river, to govern as an independent and sovereign nation. (Read more about the Mozelli Treaty here (http://scjuwiki.azivelar.net/wiki/Mozelli_Treaty)).


With the signing of the treaty the Emperor of Elytheria, Jean-Jacques Sangrael announced that Elytheria will be an African nation as of 20 January 2007, and has committed himself and the nation to the African renaissance.

Elytheria Novo is Portugese (one of the official languages of Mozambique) for "New Elytheria" and aims to build up the Civil War (1977 - 1992) torn country of Mozambique. It will deal with many of the problems that sub-saharan African countries are faced with, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, vast unemployment, HIV/AIDS infection and other health problems. Due to this Ankara has also committed themselves to rebuilding the area alongside the Imperial Republic (For more info see T.E.A.C.H.E.D. (http://scjuwiki.azivelar.net/index.php?title=T.E.A.C.H.E.D.&rcid=13446))

==Custom Content Used==

Off the top of my head:

• The NAM (January 2007 version) with Left-Hand Drive Mode
  
• Euro road textures
  
• Virtually all PEG, BSC, CSX, SG, SFBT, JRJ, Erdmoebel, Haarlemmergold and NDEX content - amongst others. I will highlight specific LOTs and BATs.
  
• The Grasslands Terrain Mod (on the STEX) - I am however considering switching to the Columbus terrain mod soon.
  
• Cycledogg Trees (not sure how to reference it correctly :P)
  
• SFBT streetside mod
  
• Road and Rail side texture mods (I think NOB's rail textures, not sure though and I can't remember the roadside texture mod now.  :'( ).
  
• PEG's Brigantine Water Mod.
  
• PEG's Rock Mod II Mossy Granite

I'm sure there are MANY more to mention, but I can't remember them all off the top of my head. I will highlight them as I go on. :)

==Conclusion==

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you'll find Elytheria Novo of some interest as we go along. I do apologise for the lack of in-game shots at the moment, but will see to it that you get some idea of what's going down in Elytheria Novo a.s.a.p.  ;D

Regards,

-M-

_{==Disclaimer==}

• Although Elytheria Novo is located in Africa it is not an African-themed MD. It aims to illustrate the development of an essentially Western nation in the heart of Africa in a non-colonialist way, whilst being faced with the typical problems of sub-saharan Africa.

Great start !!! Very instructive...and so....but...what about some nice pics  ;D ?¿

Sorry, I couldn't resist...$%Grinno$% . Seriously now, great to see a fresh new start. I wish you the best luck with this one  ;)

Hey, M-

A nice start.  I'll be waiting with jeroni for the first pics, but you know me...

...I just love that additional content!  Elytheria Novo looks like one more great addition to what is becoming a world-class showcase of SC4 talent.

Good luck!


David

Very interesting start! Looking forward to see how Elytheria develops  :satisfied:

Great start and looking forward to more!

Nice, looking forward to this! I actually lived in Mozambique (Maputo) and still own quite a few businesses there.

Interesting location of Elytheria Novo.

I will be hopping in once in a while here.

Looking forward to pics.

Nik-Nik

Elytheria Responds

Thanks for stopping by everyone, regardless of the fact that I am still lacking in-game shots (i.e. "some nice pics!" :P) Thank you too for wishing me luck with this endeavour, I appreciate your support.  :thumbsup:

Quote from: dedgren on January 27, 2007, 02:11:47 PM
A nice start.  I'll be waiting with jeroni for the first pics, but you know me...

...I just love that additional content!  Elytheria Novo looks like one more great addition to what is becoming a world-class showcase of SC4 talent.

I sincerly hope that I'll be able to contribute to the "world-class showcase," but my skills are far from the level of yours. And, as I said in your MD (-> click! (http://sc4devotion.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=35&topic=112.0)) I also love the additional content, as this endeavour is more than just playing the game to me (-> click! (http://sc4devotion.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=35&topic=274.msg8213#msg8213))

I hope I will not disappoint anyone, and in the process learn from the MD greats!  ;D

Quote from: nedalezz on January 28, 2007, 03:35:58 AM
Nice, looking forward to this! I actually lived in Mozambique (Maputo) and still own quite a few businesses there.

Oooh! That is very interesting! I myself of course being a South African.  :P Mozambique is a great country, and a great holiday destination with its tropical beaches and all that, but it is still severely suffering from poverty, the effects of the war, HIV / AIDS and the other ills of African nations, which is truly tragic.  :-[

==Update to previous post==

I am actually using the SMP sandstone sidewalk mod (LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=45)), I realised that last night. I have also now installed the Columbus Terrain Mod (ST (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13804)) (I am busy rendering the new map but it's taking FOREVER! I forgot to move the unnecessary plugins out of the folder.  &mmm).

I am going to have to disappoint you with yet another lack of pics today, as I have been running around getting registered at the University (-> click! (http://www.up.ac.za)) for my second year of study. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F4.gif&hash=6155d80b995dc8fbbb1d63a3af60cb3fc6eeff61) That was after I had done three loads of washing and watched two-thirds of King Kong with Steve, and left the house at 13:00 / 1 PM (SAST (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAST) or GMT / UTC +2 (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F10.gif&hash=adb037978d7fff1c2d76bd0d0c9c3ce30bc94030)) to go to campus. I spent two hours there doing the admin and sorting out all the registration details and paperwork. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F18.gif&hash=05d85227bd9bc7a42cc8c5a3ce11a9d7537fda72)After that I went to the mall to pick up a little gift for Steve, (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F32.gif&hash=3550ba90a09576344cec076c42eec57b0d8fac38) and I just spent the last hour finalising and working out my timetable for this year (more about that later though). (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F3.gif&hash=94a5d19b079be6a376a8381cc0ab07584322556e)


Like I said, today I registered for my second year of doing BA Languages (Journalism) with specialisation in Political Science and International Political Relations and I am really excited about it all. Thus for today I'll leave you with my timetable and details of the subjects I'm taking this year. For those of you interested in it, of course. If not, just skip it. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F4.gif&hash=6155d80b995dc8fbbb1d63a3af60cb3fc6eeff61)

A worrying little thorn in the side though is that my tuition fees for this year is $3 500 / R25 000 compared to the $1 000 / R7000 last year (because I had a bursary for my first year). So I called up my mother and told her about the sharp (4x) rise in fees, because let's face it, R25 000 is a lot of money. I feel bad about it because I'm not paying a cent, and it's really not an issue, per se, for my parents, but like I said, I feel bad about it. And in my mother's typical fashion she said: "If it becomes an issue, don't worry, God will provide." (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F4.gif&hash=6155d80b995dc8fbbb1d63a3af60cb3fc6eeff61) I love my mother, (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F8.gif&hash=3c42410c0c7269524ca5f38cfb07f4f7ca03fbdb) (despite our occasional "disagreements."). (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F10.gif&hash=adb037978d7fff1c2d76bd0d0c9c3ce30bc94030)


So, without further delay and for those interested, here's my timetables for this year, which I will start following on Wednesday (31 January). Explanation and module descriptions follow below.

The Lime Green column indicates the time and module, whereas the White column indicates the location of the class.

Buildings with faculty colour:

HSB / H - Human Science Building
Theol / T - Theology Building
Law - Law Building
IT - Information Technology Building
EBM - Economic and Business Management Building

The numbering indicates the floor and the room, i.e. HSB 4-1 indicates that it is in the Human Science Building, floor 4, room 1. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F1.gif&hash=0bb47a56d32c37705fff3680d94b53d8a600f373)

Module Descriptions


<ul><li> DTS 113 - German: Cultural - Professional (S 1)</li><li>DTS 123 - German: Cultural - Professional (S 2)</li><li>ENG 252 - English Language Studies (Q 2)</li><li>ENG 253 - English Literature: Modernism (Q 1)</li><li>ENG 220 - English Literature: 20th Century, Postcolonial and Contemporary (S 2)</li><li>GES 253 - History: Lenin, Stalin and Hitler (Q 3)</li><li>GES 254 - History: Modern USA: 1776 - 1914 (Q 4)</li><li>IPL 210 - International Relations: International Relations Theory and International Organisations (S 1)</li><li>IPL 220 - International Relations: Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, and International Law (S 2)</li><li>JRN 210 - Journalism: Features and Visual Aspects of News Coverage (S 1)</li><li>LCC 210 - Language, Culture and Communication: The Politics of Language and Language Planning (S 1)</li><li>MDR 421 - Media Law (S 2)</li><li>SRG 210 - Constitutional Law (S 1)</li><li>SRG 220 - Constitutional Law (S 2)</li><li>STL 210 - Political Science: Political Behaviour and Policy Studies (S 1)</li><li>STL 220 - Political Science: Political thought and the State and Development in Africa (S 2)</li></ul>
S 1 and S 2 indicate Semester 1 and 2, respectively, whilst Q 1 - 4 indicate Quarter 1 - 4. The academic year is divided into two semesters (each 14 weeks long) and four quarters (each 7 weeks long).

GES 220 on the timetable needs to be removed, and the second semester timetable should include GES 253 + 254. The times of the classes are not yet available. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F4.gif&hash=6155d80b995dc8fbbb1d63a3af60cb3fc6eeff61)

Now that I've bored you to death, run along and play children! (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F10.gif&hash=adb037978d7fff1c2d76bd0d0c9c3ce30bc94030) Thank you for taking the time and reading all this, those of you who did. :P

-M-


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ff3.yahoofs.com%2Fblog%2F432f1d98z73f440a1%2F95%2F__sr_%2F40ef.jpg%3FmgYxhvFBRVYlGKE_&hash=c40f2aa139d600066146405dfcd8f99f30dca4ce)
Photo: The Human Science Building (HSB) with its 22 stories and it houses my faculty. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F4.gif&hash=6155d80b995dc8fbbb1d63a3af60cb3fc6eeff61)


First "pic" update about 60% complete.  ;D

Hey! -M-

*grin* Glad I found the active Elytheria thread...
BTW, congrats on the impending membership in the SCJU!!!

&apls

Looking forward to the first "pic" update! Good luck with school, too!

M4346,

I wonder how you find the time at all between studying, hanging out with friends and other students stuff to do some SC4-ing. So take it easy and enjoy your studentship (it's over before you know it (gosh, I am sounding like my father)).

Enjoy live, enjoy SC4.

Nik-Nik

It will be quite interesting to follow this MD, as it will be on one of our old colonies, Mozambique. By that you can see I'm Portuguese. I never been on Mozambique, but between Jan 1969 and Nov 1975, I lived in Angola. I was 7 years old by then, but still remember most of the places. I also have been during a weekend in Cape Town with my father. Hardly remember any of it. He was there in business and I stayed most of the time in the hotel (9 years old).
Anyway, I can't wait to see some images of this. Good luck.  ;)

Background story is excellent... waiting impatiantly for pictures.  ;D

I am relieved to at last be able to include a some "nice pics!" I've had a rather busy week, which included the start of University for me and other RL "issues," including the death of my mother's cousin last night. He was shot by burglars at his mother's house in Pretoria. And furthermore I've also had some SC4 issues (i.e. rendering a map twice with no result!) but, I have been able to get some pics, make them appear at least semi-decent and am able to present them to you.

In this update I have experimented with ploppable water, rocks and flora for the first time and ask you to forgive my amateurish attempts. :P If you are a bit bugged by the over-dose of trees, I can assure you its "natural," at least in this part of the world and more specifically in Mozambique (where the MD "takes place.") Even though SC4 lacks some "African" trees, I have done my best with what I have at my disposal and a HUGE kudos goes out to Jeronij, Dusktrooper, SFBT and Cycledogg for some excellent custom content that I have used almost ad nauseum.  :thumbsup:

Before I get to the update, I would like to respond to your comments. I haven't had much time at my disposal, so excuse my lack of response and the rather tacky banner.  :D

Quote from: Slann on January 29, 2007, 03:52:59 PM
Hey! -M-

*grin* Glad I found the active Elytheria thread...
BTW, congrats on the impending membership in the SCJU!!!

&apls

Hey Slann! ;) I wouldn't exactly call this thread "active," but hey, I'm trying. :P Glad you found your way here and welcome to my MD!  #stsfd·

Thank you for the congratulations too, however, Elytheria is as of 31 January 2007, a full member of the SCJU!  ;D (-> Click! (http://www.scju.org)

Quote from: thundercrack83 on January 31, 2007, 11:45:28 PM
Looking forward to the first "pic" update! Good luck with school, too!

Thank you very much! Varsity is a bit hectic this semester, but it's turning out to be a wad of fun! :P (Just have to read, amongst other things, E M Forster's "A Passage to India and I can assure you it's a tad bit boring for my taste, although I love Modernist Literature. *sigh*)

Anyway, I'm boring you now! :P The "pic update" is on its way.  :thumbsup:

Thanks for stopping by! ;)

Quote from: NikNik on February 01, 2007, 04:56:20 AM
M4346,

I wonder how you find the time at all between studying, hanging out with friends and other students stuff to do some SC4-ing. So take it easy and enjoy your studentship (it's over before you know it (gosh, I am sounding like my father)).

Enjoy live, enjoy SC4.

Nik-Nik

Well I'm rather skilled at multi-tasking and proudly claim that not only women can do that... I'm a living testament to it! :P It's hard work to balance my time, but I usually manage pretty well, and if I don't I just drop my SC4 time (the natural choice, even though it saddens me.  &mmm)

And don't worry, I do heed your words and appreciate your concern. But rest assured that my studies and social life do come first and second respectively. :P

Quote from: Rayden on February 01, 2007, 01:06:22 PM
It will be quite interesting to follow this MD, as it will be on one of our old colonies, Mozambique. By that you can see I'm Portuguese. I never been on Mozambique, but between Jan 1969 and Nov 1975, I lived in Angola. I was 7 years old by then, but still remember most of the places. I also have been during a weekend in Cape Town with my father. Hardly remember any of it. He was there in business and I stayed most of the time in the hotel (9 years old).
Anyway, I can't wait to see some images of this. Good luck.  ;)

Wow, Angola of all places! Beautiful country but suffered immensely during the war years. Sad, very sad.  /sad¬¬

Welcome to my MD and I hope I don't disappoint you. But I have to add that I'm not trying to recreate anything specifically Mozambican (as I've stated above).

Thanks!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: emilin on February 02, 2007, 02:37:59 AM
Background story is excellent... waiting impatiantly for pictures.  ;D

Thank you! ;D The long wait is over! ;)

So without further ado, I present you with:


I think that is all for tonight (or this morning), I hope you enjoyed the update as much as I did creating it. :P Any comments, tips and suggestions are welcome, especially on the flora, ploppable water and rocks.  ;D

Have a great weekend (or what's left of it), I'm having lunch with my grandmother, aunt, uncle, father, mother, sisters and boyfriend tomorrow.  &mmm

Regards,

-M-

Hi, Marius...

Please call me David (responding to your gracious post over at 3RR), I wouldn't have it any other way with a friend.

As someone whose dabbled with ploppable water, Thabazimbi Creek looks excellent, IMHO.

That's the great thing about that particular niche- It is possible to learn a new and useful technique every time you see someone's take on it.  PW isn't perfect, but I think it's well nigh on indispensible.

Great to see some pics.  Every time I see a friend from the great land that is South Africa, I think of my daughter Liz, who is serving there in the U.S. Peace Corps as a teacher-mentor in a rural school system.  I'd love to visit her and your country.

So sorry about the death of a relative.  Our family has suffered from loss and violence over the past year or so, and my thoughts are with you.


David

Very nice start on Elytheria. The town's quiet and sleepy, and I do quite like that.

Quotebut the town council for some reason turns a blind eye to the occasional skinny dippers.

Probably because they do it. ;)

Very beautiful work! The small town looks excellent, as someone above pointed out, looks like a very quiet place. While not making this about a typical Mozambican city, the African names cohabitating with the European names give it a colonial feeling (much like "Leopoldville" in pre-Mobutu Congo). Anyway, great update and I can't wait to see more!

Beautiful rural area! Great city! Fantastic work! :thumbsup:

Looking good *grin*

The housing areas looks very interesting... and I like it!

Cheers!

Excellent!  &apls I love it, keep up the great work

Nice background story! But even better pictures  :thumbsup:

Thanks for your amazing responses people, I really appreciate it and will get back to them individually a.s.a.p.

But, for now I have sad news...

My Laptop, the PC that I have SC4, all my plugins and a great number of other things (personal things) on, has packed up.  :'( :'( :'(

Yeah... I lost everything, just as I was starting this MD and I'm really p-ed off right now. I'll see if the data can be recovered, if not, it implies YET another re-render, reinstall and recover.  :'( :'( :'(

Sorry...

Oh no!!! Thats awful!!! I really hope you can sort it out, if not look at the bright side, you can start a fresh and make everything better!

Sorry to hear that, M4346! Hopefully you'll be able to straighten it out! Good luck and I hope we'll be seeing more of your work!

I LOVE those art deco cottages! :thumbsup:

Infact, I'm using them a whole lot myself these days.

Quote from: M4346 on February 04, 2007, 10:06:30 AM
Thanks for your amazing responses people, I really appreciate it and will get back to them individually a.s.a.p.

But, for now I have sad news...

My Laptop, the PC that I have SC4, all my plugins and a great number of other things (personal things) on, has packed up.  :'( :'( :'(

Yeah... I lost everything, just as I was starting this MD and I'm really p-ed off right now. I'll see if the data can be recovered, if not, it implies YET another re-render, reinstall and recover.  :'( :'( :'(
Sorry...

Don't be sorry for something you cannot help. Already this situation is bad. I hope you will recover your stuff. Take time and take care.

Nik-Nik

After a rather long day I thought that I'd pop in over here and post an update. Yes, an update that includes pics!  ;D Apparently my HDD never packed up, it was just severely over-heated and needed to cool down and take a break for 12 or so hours. I am relieved, as one would expect, and have learned a valuable lesson from the entire experience - Laptops weren't meant to be on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the soaring heat we have here in Pretoria's summers. How was I supposed to know? My argument is that it was made to be on, not to sit on the desk and look pretty.  ::)

Anyway, I am relieved as I said and will treat it better now. :P Are there worker's unions for laptops? I think mine would be a very active member.  :D

So... let me get to your posts. But first thank you all for your kind replies and words. I'll get to them each individually now.  :thumbsup:

Quote from: dedgren on February 03, 2007, 05:53:07 PM
Hi, Marius...

Please call me David (responding to your gracious post over at 3RR), I wouldn't have it any other way with a friend.

As someone whose dabbled with ploppable water, Thabazimbi Creek looks excellent, IMHO.

That's the great thing about that particular niche- It is possible to learn a new and useful technique every time you see someone's take on it.  PW isn't perfect, but I think it's well nigh on indispensible.

Great to see some pics.  Every time I see a friend from the great land that is South Africa, I think of my daughter Liz, who is serving there in the U.S. Peace Corps as a teacher-mentor in a rural school system.  I'd love to visit her and your country.

So sorry about the death of a relative.  Our family has suffered from loss and violence over the past year or so, and my thoughts are with you.


David

Thank you very much for settling the matter once and for all, i.e. me being allowed to call you David. :P Like I said it's a product of my upbringing and, well, I like things sorted and out and made clear. ;)

I am thankful for your opinion on my experiments with ploppable water because you are a master in plobbable flora and other nifty things. Thanks for the compliment, it is truly appreciated.  ;D I rather like ploppable water, as you'll see in this update too, and agree with you that it is indispensable!

A huge kudos to your daughter too for contributing to South Africa. I trust that she is happy here and has not been too negatively affected by our horrendous crime rate and all that. I hope this beautiful country is treating her well, and I also hope that it will soon see you too. I think South Africa is a must-visit for any non-South African, but then again, that is my personal and biased opinion. :P

I am sorry to hear about your loss and wish you all the best in future. It's not the first time that we've suffered a loss, it's actually the third year in a row and it usually centres around February. So it is clearly not only the month of love, but also the month of loss for our family. But, as Nietzsche said and you so beautifully quoted: "What does not kill us makes us stronger." I am rather a huge fan of Nietzsche (myself being Existentialist).

Quote from: Shadow Assassin on February 03, 2007, 09:12:42 PM
Very nice start on Elytheria. The town's quiet and sleepy, and I do quite like that.

Probably because they do it [skinny dipping]. ;)

Thanks! I was sort of going for the "quiet and sleepy" look and am glad that I got that across. I'm also pleased that you like it. ;D

And by the way, I can assure you that almost everyone in Thabazimbi skinny dips occasionally... the Emperor himself has been spotted (although not photographed) splashing in the Creek with his high-profile friends. :P

Thanks for stopping by and please do so again. It's always nice to see you here. ;D

Quote from: thundercrack83 on February 04, 2007, 12:41:41 AM
Very beautiful work! The small town looks excellent, as someone above pointed out, looks like a very quiet place. While not making this about a typical Mozambican city, the African names cohabitating with the European names give it a colonial feeling (much like "Leopoldville" in pre-Mobutu Congo). Anyway, great update and I can't wait to see more!

Thank you very much! :) I will be trying, however, to blend as much Africa and Europe as possible and always appreciate any feedback!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: Slann on February 04, 2007, 03:44:47 AM
Looking good *grin*

The housing areas looks very interesting... and I like it!

Cheers!

Thank you too! I'm also glad that you like the housing! ;)

Quote from: mjig_dudy on February 04, 2007, 04:00:05 AM
Excellent!  &apls I love it, keep up the great work

Thank you too. Great to see you here!  #stsfd· Stop by again sometime soon. :)

Quote from: praiodan on February 04, 2007, 04:03:41 AM
Nice background story! But even better pictures  :thumbsup:

Danke schön! Natürlich noch nicht das beste, aber es geht. Habe noch viel zu tun, und so wenig Zeit dafür! ;)

Quote from: Yoman on February 04, 2007, 12:07:28 PM
Oh no!!! Thats awful!!! I really hope you can sort it out, if not look at the bright side, you can start a fresh and make everything better!

It seems that it won't be necessary anymore!  $%Grinno$% And thank God for that! :P Nice to see you here too Yoman!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: thundercrack83 on February 04, 2007, 09:58:40 PM
Sorry to hear that, M4346! Hopefully you'll be able to straighten it out! Good luck and I hope we'll be seeing more of your work!

Please call me "M" or "Marius," (that goes for everyone else here. :P) Sorry for the confusion with the username, but it wouldn't let me register as -M- and I didn't want to use my first name.  :D

Well I did manage to straighten it out and am quite happy about that. More of my work coming up shortly!  ;) Thanks for stopping by!

Quote from: emilin on February 05, 2007, 12:43:21 AM
I LOVE those art deco cottages! :thumbsup:

Infact, I'm using them a whole lot myself these days.

I LOVE those cottages too, well, I LOVE Art Deco in general. :P Ironically I never really liked those specific cottages, but en masse they look great, in my opinion. ;) They just tie in together really well and that's what I like - one continuous network of houses! ;D

Quote from: NikNik on February 05, 2007, 03:49:20 AM
Don't be sorry for something you cannot help. Already this situation is bad. I hope you will recover your stuff. Take time and take care.

Nik-Nik

As it turns out I could've helped it by giving the poor laptop the odd break. ;D Thanks for your well-wishes!  #stsfd·

---

So after a long and strenious day of class (08:30 - 17:30 / 5:30 pm), and after having finished my weekly washing a short while ago, I was able to pop in at SC4 quickly and play around with some more flora and other ploppables! I give to you...


Bloomsbury has an interesting origin and has become known as the artist's haven because of it's natural beauty and unspoilt landscapes, beaches and forests. Despite the main road running through the area, a GSM tower and a few other developments the area and its serene beaches and forests have remained largely untouched and undeveloped by the Elytherians.


Bloomsbury boasts with a beautiful main beach which is a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike for their weekend getaways. Palm trees and other indigenous shrubs line the coast, which due to its shallow waters is unsuitable for the construction of harbour facilities and too shallow for larger marine predators, thus making it a safe spot for swimmers and an excellent spot for sunbathers.


Unfortunately non-indigenous Eucalyptus trees have taken a huge liking in the climate of Elytheria as a whole and have intruded upon vast areas of the nation, including Bloomsbury, resulting in "Eucalyptus forests" that line waterways and disturbed areas, (either by human development or natural disasters).


But what has given the area its immense popularity and reputation as the Artist's Haven is the local Jacky's Cabin where artists in various fields gather. The name Bloomsbury was also given to the area because of the Emperor and local artists affinity for the work of the "Bloomsbury Group / Set" (-> Click! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomsbury_Group)) which included famous artists, dancers and writers such as Virginia Woolf and E M Forster set in the London Suburb of Bloomsbury in the beginning of the 20th Century. The writers, being famous for their iconoclasm and labeled as essentially Modernist writers are highly favoured among Elytherian artists.

The Elytherian Bloomsbury Group meets in Jacky's Cabin regularly and take inspiration from the nearby Bloomsbury Pond, the beaches and natural life of the area.


The Emperor has declared Bloomsbury "off-limits" for further development and the area has fallen under the jurisdiction of the Elytherian National Parksboard as an Imperial Nature Reserve.

---

That's all for today then, I hope you've enjoyed the update. Stay tuned and thanks for the interest.  :thumbsup:

Regards,

-M-

looking very nice M!

Woo-hoo! Welcome to SC4Devotion Mr. SCJU President Sir! :P

Congratulations also on your first ever post here, and here in my MD! :) I hope to see more posts of yours here at SC4D too and I trust that you'll feel at home here too.  #stsfd·

Thanks for stopping by and honouring me with your first ever post.  :P

M,
    I am sorry about your Mother's cousin.   I suppose I take my safety here in America for granted sometimes.   Then I hear about people in other places and WOW I worry about them.   Glad to see you got your laptop back up and running again.   That is why I still have my clunky old desktop PC.    Great update my friend.    Some of the houses in Die Henwel are "Norwegian" aren't they?   Those are some of my favorite houses.   Loved the beaches and the ave. that travelled along them in Bloomsbury.     Can't wait to see more soon.     



Stay Safe and Stay Strong my friend,
---Gaston

Wow, Bloomsbury looks very beautiful! The forests and the beaches are well done. Keep up the good work!

Hey mate!

Really glad that your computer only went on strike... *grin*
Looking really good - especially the rocks and the flora on the sea side - can't remember what plugin are those - brown rocks with flowers? Care to enlighten me *grin*?

&apls

As I mentioned over at David's "The Three Rivers Region," affectionately 3RR (-> click! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg10074#msg10074)) I was playing around in SC4 earlier and am working on my next update.

Unfortunately I only have one images thus far, or at least, one that I deem fit for release, and will be posting that without commentary below.

It's shortly after 20:00 / 8 pm (SAST) and I have some reading to do, and will hopefully be able to get back to SC4 later too.

I'll respond to your comments later too, but wish to thank you for them so long.  :thumbsup: Thanks for taking the time to stop by and spending a minute commenting, it is always appreciated.  ;D

So, here's the "teaser pic." Description and explanation to follow with next the "proper" update.  #stsfd·



EDIT: LOL! Sorry, I forgot to add the picture! ;D

Puh, gut das die Festplatte nicht kaputt gegangen ist, wäre zu schade drum gewesen!

Sehr schöne Bilder :thumbsup:

/

Huh, good to hear your HD didn't crash and just needed a break, it would have been a pity!

Very nice pictures  :thumbsup:

Wow! Those walkways look really amazing! Are those jeronijs paths or something else? I never thought it possible to bend them in such ways.

I thought I'd quickly give some information and answer questions, because I believe it is polite and good to answer questions as soon as possible.

I will get to personal replies at a later stage though. ;D

Quote from: Slann on February 06, 2007, 08:55:26 AM
Looking really good - especially the rocks and the flora on the sea side - can't remember what plugin are those - brown rocks with flowers? Care to enlighten me *grin*?

Thank you very much!  #stsfd· They are Sorchin's "Flora Set" and are available here: (ST) -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17099)

Quote from: emilin on February 06, 2007, 11:18:18 AM
Wow! Those walkways look really amazing! Are those jeronijs paths or something else? I never thought it possible to bend them in such ways.

Thanks! ;D They are actually SFBT's High Wealth Park Set and are available here: (ST) -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17424)

Quote from: Gaston on February 05, 2007, 07:32:10 PM
Some of the houses in Die Heuwel are "Norwegian" aren't they?   Those are some of my favorite houses.

They are actually not Norwegian, as far as I know, they are in fact South African and were created by CSX / Colyn.  :D

I don't know if you want the links, but they can be found here: (ST) -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?page=1&keyword=CSX%20housing&type=all)

More soon! And thanks for the support!  :thumbsup:

Regards,

-M-

 &apls you've really made a nice looking natural area there. I like the beach area in the north as its quiet yet nice. Good thing there isnt much traffic on that lone highway either!

Wonderful update and "teaser picture"!

FABULOUS!.....don't need to say anything more  $%Grinno$%

Very nice pictures   &apls

A really nice detail.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg53.imageshack.us%2Fimg53%2F1159%2Felytheria01jp1.jpg&hash=a10f8e297efb350dd0287b7708c1400e06100bf9)

You chose your pic well, Marius.


David

Wow! this is excellent stuff :o. Your city building skills are great. Your rural areas are amazing! keep up the excellent work.

Well, I have been "fooling" around in SC4 for a while today, not having class due to the Chinese President's visit and address at my University, I took the opportunity to get some SC4ing done, in between seeing my boyfriend, amongst other activities.

So, before I continue with the rather small update, I have some good, and some bad news...

First, the good news: I applied for permission to register to do my second B. Degree today. In other words I will be doing two degrees at the same time and thus completing two B. Degrees in 4 years. I have changed my Journalism major to German and Zulu (it used to be Political Science and International Political Relations) and, if the Dean of my faculty grants me permission, I will soon be registering for my B.PolSci (Political Science) degree. So I will do another degree in Political Science.  ;D

The bad news is: I applied for permission to register to do my second B. Degree today. :P This also means that I will have a lot of classes and work to do, and thus will have to severely limit my "online" and SC4 time.  :-[ But, it appears that it will only really affect me in the next semester (after  the June / July recess) and next year, as I will only be taking two extra modules / subjects this semester. This also means that I have to revise my timetable.

But all-in-all I think this is great, and hope that I may do it that way.  #stsfd·

So, let me get to the personal replies before I get to the small update and its description...

Quote from: Gaston on February 05, 2007, 07:32:10 PM
M,
    I am sorry about your Mother's cousin.   I suppose I take my safety here in America for granted sometimes.   Then I hear about people in other places and WOW I worry about them.   Glad to see you got your laptop back up and running again.   That is why I still have my clunky old desktop PC.    Great update my friend.    Some of the houses in Die Henwel are "Norwegian" aren't they?   Those are some of my favorite houses.   Loved the beaches and the ave. that travelled along them in Bloomsbury.     Can't wait to see more soon.     



Stay Safe and Stay Strong my friend,
---Gaston

Thanks, yet again, for stopping by. It's always good to see your posts. I really appreciate the sentiments expressed by you, and it encourages me to continue with this, at times, tedious endeavour. ;D My mother's cousin's funeral was today, I was unable to attend it however. We do have a serious problem with crime in this country, and more so violent crime, but I think being "streetwise" helps a bit. I guess when one grows up with it you learn to be on the defensive constantly and quickly learn the "do's and don'ts" of living in South Africa.  :)

Have a great day, and send my South African regards to your girlfriend. (By the way, Mama Tambo will be laid to rest on Saturday, as far as I know. Unfortunately the service will be in Cape Town).

Quote from: thundercrack83 on February 05, 2007, 08:53:37 PM
Wow, Bloomsbury looks very beautiful! The forests and the beaches are well done. Keep up the good work!

Thank you very much! I only recently got into flora and other ploppables and I can tell you that I absolutely love it! (As I'm sure you'll soon realise with my almost over-usage of the stuff). :P

Quote from: Slann on February 06, 2007, 08:55:26 AM
Hey mate!

Really glad that your computer only went on strike... *grin*
Looking really good

Thank you Slanny! :P I answered your original post previously, or rather, I addressed your question previously. ;)

Quote from: praiodan on February 06, 2007, 10:26:44 AM
Huh, good to hear your HD didn't crash and just needed a break, it would have been a pity!

Very nice pictures  :thumbsup:

For the sake of "universality" and all that I will answer your post, and in future continue to post, in English. :P Let's then keep all non-English discussions on the other appropriate forums. ;D

I am also very relieved that my laptop was only taking a break, and am glad to be back in the swing of things!

Thank you very much! ;)

Quote from: Yoman on February 06, 2007, 02:25:22 PM
[Y]ou've really made a nice looking natural area there. I like the beach area in the north as its quiet yet nice. Good thing there isnt much traffic on that lone highway either!

Thanks Owen! Always good to see you over here. :) I'm also glad to hear that you like the beach, and I am equally pleased with the lack of traffic on the avenue. Would have spoiled the scenery. :P

Quote from: bat on February 07, 2007, 05:45:55 AM
Wonderful update and "teaser picture"!

Thank you Bat! :P

Quote from: pipishere on February 07, 2007, 12:05:03 PM
FABULOUS!.....don't need to say anything more  $%Grinno$%

Ooooooh! Look who decided to stop by! :P Hey there Pip! and welcome to SC4D!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: Adriano57 on February 07, 2007, 12:16:20 PM
Very nice pictures   &apls

Thank you! ;D

Quote from: dedgren on February 07, 2007, 01:13:29 PM
A really nice detail.

You chose your pic well, Marius.


David

Why thank you David! ;D If it weren't for you I'd still be plopping straight streams on plains! :P So I owe my newly acquired attention to detail to you!  ;D

Thank you for stopping by!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: mjig_dudy on February 07, 2007, 01:19:32 PM
Wow! this is excellent stuff :o. Your city building skills are great. Your rural areas are amazing! keep up the excellent work.

Thank you mjig_dudy! I appreciate your kind words and your compliments!  #stsfd· And thank you for taking the time to pop in over here at Elytheria Novo, I hope to see you again soon! ;)

---

And now on to the update:

Thanks to Deadwoods, who so graciously posted a "How to" on creating your own BSC Park Set base textures [-> Click! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=349.0)], I have experimented with the Reader and now have the perfect base textures for the amazing set! I must admit I was a bit intimidated by the Reader, as I've never used it before, but soon enough got the hang of creating and changing textures and their groups and IDs. A huge thank you to Deadwoods.  &apls

So after I did that and loaded SC4 to see if it worked, I decided to create a small BSC Parks area (not wanting to use too much of the BSC Parks just yet), and this is what I came up with:


The Old Watchtower in Thabazimbi was declared a national heritage site by the government and a small park area was demarcated and set out to be protected by the Thabazimbi Town Council's Parksboard.

The park features, amongst other things, the newly built "Old Watchtower Coffee Shop," amazing fauna and flora, and a spectacular view over the Zambesi river from the tower itself.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FThabazimbi%2FU2-OldWatchtowerPark5.gif&hash=136b334dae25a30464673717172a24063912bd61)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FThabazimbi%2FU2-OldWatchtowerPark4.gif&hash=e2e7a0e1b81abd20f8cb29d06de71a010789249a)

The rocks on the shores of the vast Zambesi are inhabited by Rock Hyraxes (Heterohyrax brucei) [-> Click! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyrax)] who are always a source of entertainment for the Elytherian young ones.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FThabazimbi%2FU2-OldWatchtowerPark3.gif&hash=f5b03a4eb8312f3619689c0d5b8c93b3219b1f35)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FThabazimbi%2FU2-OldWatchtowerPark2.gif&hash=a35f764637fd080f8863edf0364f98391e941c8a)

The Old Watchtower Park lies in the South Eastern corner of the Thabazimbi Municipal Council and the only way to reach it from Thabazimbi is to take a drive through neighbouring Injasuthi (See region images below).


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FThabazimbi%2FU2-ThabazimbiOverview.gif&hash=990429503b46085b0b3c5bcc97dbbaab6d3ac720)

---

Regional view and information

I thought that I'd show you a few images of the region thus far, although I'm ashamed to show the unloaded.  &ops After two failed render attempts I gave up and started to open each city square "manually." But, it's about time you saw the region, and here it is. But first, I must say that I am using the "Hobart Near RL Scale" by cammo2003 available here: (ST) -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17174)

Regional View
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FRegion07-02-07.gif&hash=bc94b37b66010d9e0012edebd287136a2dccfb8a)

Regional View - Municipal Borders
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FRegionBorders07-02-07.gif&hash=38e23c7e9b1ea75ec80f66f78ffd904dec84fac7)
<sup>I'm not revealing the other cities' names just yet. ;)

Regional Transport View
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FRegionTransport07-02-07.gif&hash=daebd2e927527460d2395846d330e6878af3b1bf)</sup>

---

Well, that's all for today then folks! Thanks for stopping by, reading and taking the time to comment. Your support is always appreciated.

Regards,

Marius / -M-

Quote from: M4346 on February 07, 2007, 02:29:13 PM
For the sake of "universality" and all that I will answer your post, and in future continue to post, in English. :P Let's then keep all non-English discussions on the other appropriate forums. ;D

As you wish  ;D
Also I wish you good luck with your new classes and that you can find enough time between them to spoil us with your great pictures. BTW, you already did it again, I love that park!

Nice pictures. I can see you're already using the new textures mod you've done. I like it too, and I have download it as well.  :thumbsup:

wow. great pictures. i love the detail ;)

WOW M, thats some really great stuff.    Glad to hear about the new directions you are taking at the university.    Sounds like you have alot of hard work ahead of you.    I am quite sure you are up to the challange.   

   Thanks for letting me know about the houses.  The use of color is similar to the Norwegian houses by Glenni at ST [ linkie (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=15798) ] .     But I can now see the difference.

   I love the park and the region pics are very kool.    Thanks for taking the time to post the update.

   My girlfriend says to tell you that you are very ambitious (a good thing) and that if she had more students with your attitude about learning she'd have a much easier job.   We both also want you to be careful.   You may be "streetsmart" but a thug doesn't care about your smarts.   If anything that is what scares them into doing the stupid things they do.    So watch your back.


Stay safe my friend,
---Gaston

Great job using the Reader to make those parks, they look fantastic! The whole park lookkks great, too, especially the rocks that are in the water! Also, congratulations on your school news. I'm a political science major, too. Good luck!

Fantastic using of trees! Great city! Wonderful work as always! :thumbsup:

Wow excellent stuff! I will try and pop in here more often, this is amazing work.
I like how you made the excellent BSC parks fit in with the sidewalk mod, thats a great idea :thumbsup:

Really beautifull stuff!  :)

I love the park and the region  :thumbsup: congratulations !

Hey M, So many things... sorry about your cus, and would you believe that we just got a call and I have to pick up my ex's dog for her brother's wife just had a heart attack.  Great work and I'll tell you why when I get back.

I like the modify button, even if it took me forever to find it cause I was looking for 'edit.'   the dog is taken care of, now to this MD.  My God man, you are the landscape lord.  This MD is beautiful.  I have mavelled looking at the creeks and parks and loveliness of Elytheria, btw, great name.  Plus, when I clicked on your first linkie, I thought I was back in RL for a while, till it dawned on me...  what is this place?  I will check this site out, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.  Your a hell of a player!  I won't say that this is the best MD I've laid eyes on, but it is right there with the best.

M,

Great MD! Thanks for showing us how to get that sandstone in the BSC Park Set. I was wondering how to do that for some time. Good luck with your ambitious academic load. I don't know how you do, but I am enjoying your work with SC4.

In an effort to keep the picture updates at one per page, I am going to respond to your comments now and hope that 6 other members respond that we may then reach page 4, and make it less "intensive" to load a page.  :P

I have not had the opportunity to continue with SC4-ing as much as I would have liked, mainly because of RL issues, but also because I experimented with the LE last night and was busy with that for at least 4 hours... yeah, 'm weird.  :P Needless to say, despite the assistance of Serkanner and David, which I really appreciate, my attempts at modifying a few lots (mainly base textures to match the sandstone sidewalk) was grossly unsuccessful and a good 4 hours was lost.  ()sad() But, rest assured, I'm not giving up just yet.  :D

I'm going to respond to your comments in a few minutes, and let me just mention that I am incredibly grateful for your comments and the time that you sacrifice to visit my MD and encourage me. Because, even though you may not necessarily realise it, it is your comments that encourage me to actually continue with this endeavour, and sometimes it makes me feel guilty for not updating as regularly as I would have liked to.  :P

The next update, even though I had giving a specific time-frame because I rarely stick to it then, will be up later today, or, by the latest tomorrow afternoon (South African Standard Time, i.e. GMT +2). Well, I would have liked to say by the latest tomorrow evening, but it's Valentines Day and I might have a little something-something planned with my boyfriend.  :thumbsup:

I will be heading off to SC4 soon, I'm just repacking my plugins folder with the amazing SC4DAT Packer, and it's taking quite a while.  :P

So... on to:

^*

Quote from: praiodan on February 07, 2007, 02:50:20 PM
Also I wish you good luck with your new classes and that you can find enough time between them to spoil us with your great pictures. BTW, you already did it again, I love that park!

Thank you Praiodan!  :thumbsup: And thanks again for stopping by. It's always a pleasure to see you here.  ;D

Quote from: Rayden on February 07, 2007, 03:35:05 PM
Nice pictures. I can see you're already using the new textures mod you've done. I like it too, and I have download it as well.  :thumbsup:

Thanks! I hope that the texture 'mod' works? I'm glad to have provided it. Thanks, yet again, to Deadwoods for assisting me in that.  :thumbsup:

Quote from: Cali on February 07, 2007, 06:59:57 PM
wow. great pictures. i love the detail ;)

Thank you Cali! ;D I'm glad you like it.

Quote from: Gaston on February 07, 2007, 08:05:55 PM
WOW M, thats some really great stuff.    Glad to hear about the new directions you are taking at the university.    Sounds like you have alot of hard work ahead of you.    I am quite sure you are up to the challange.   

   Thanks for letting me know about the houses.  The use of color is similar to the Norwegian houses by Glenni at ST [ linkie (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=15798) ] .     But I can now see the difference.

   I love the park and the region pics are very kool.    Thanks for taking the time to post the update.

   My girlfriend says to tell you that you are very ambitious (a good thing) and that if she had more students with your attitude about learning she'd have a much easier job.   We both also want you to be careful.   You may be "streetsmart" but a thug doesn't care about your smarts.   If anything that is what scares them into doing the stupid things they do.    So watch your back.


Stay safe my friend,
---Gaston

Ah, Gaston, it's always good to read your replies and it always puts a smile on my face to see your name here.  :thumbsup:

So, thank you first of all, for the great, encouraging comments and your on-going support, it is really appreciated.

I have yet to hear from the Dean re: my application, but I'm sure all will be fine and everything is going according to plan. :) I'm looking forward to it, although I do acknowledge that it will be an, at times, strenious journey. But I'll reap the rewards in the long run.

I have downloaded the Norwegian houses, as I really like them, thanks for providing the link and the feedback.

Please thank your girlfriend too, and tell her that even though I've never "spoken" to her, I am grateful for her sentiments.  :thumbsup: I guess I would also be glad to have more students such as myself, as I am planning on being a lecturer in the (distant) future. :P I would love to lecture in philosophy, English literature, History, Politics or even Sociology, but that's for later.  :D

I can assure you that I am very careful, and that's what I meant with "streetsmart." I am constantly paying attention to my surroundings when I do walk to campus, or in public for that matter, as South Africa can be a dangerous place. I always watch my back and survey my immediate surroundings and avoid possible 'dangerous' situations. Thank you for your concern.  :)

Looking forward to hearing from you my friend, do stay in touch and have a great day / evening!

- Marius

Quote from: thundercrack83 on February 07, 2007, 09:05:26 PM
Great job using the Reader to make those parks, they look fantastic! The whole park lookkks great, too, especially the rocks that are in the water! Also, congratulations on your school news. I'm a political science major, too. Good luck!

Thank you, I'm glad you like it!  ()stsfd() So, we have yet another Political Science major?  :D I'm sure we can have endless discussions on the topic as it is a very interesting field, in my opinion.

Thank you!

Quote from: bat on February 08, 2007, 08:05:41 AM
Fantastic using of trees! Great city! Wonderful work as always! :thumbsup:

Thank you Bat!  ;D It's comments like yours that spur me on!

Quote from: mjig_dudy on February 08, 2007, 09:32:34 AM
Wow excellent stuff! I will try and pop in here more often, this is amazing work.
I like how you made the excellent BSC parks fit in with the sidewalk mod, thats a great idea :thumbsup:

Thanks! If it wasn't for the excellent sidewalk mod the BSC parks texture would never have bothered me, so I have a great deal of thanks to give to you too! Thank you for being the inspiration, and thanks for your excellent work, it is truly appreciated!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: pipishere on February 08, 2007, 12:49:48 PM
Really beautifull stuff!  :)

Why thank you Pip!  ;D

Quote from: Adriano57 on February 08, 2007, 01:10:40 PM
I love the park and the region  :thumbsup: congratulations !

Thanks Adriano57! *blush* I'm almost too flattered by all the great comments, maybe that's not a good thing? :P

Quote from: petercintn on February 08, 2007, 01:15:27 PM
Hey M, So many things... sorry about your cus, and would you believe that we just got a call and I have to pick up my ex's dog for her brother's wife just had a heart attack.  Great work and I'll tell you why when I get back.

I like the modify button, even if it took me forever to find it cause I was looking for 'edit.'   the dog is taken care of, now to this MD.  My God man, you are the landscape lord.  This MD is beautiful.  I have mavelled looking at the creeks and parks and loveliness of Elytheria, btw, great name.  Plus, when I clicked on your first linkie, I thought I was back in RL for a while, till it dawned on me...  what is this place?  I will check this site out, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.  Your a hell of a player!  I won't say that this is the best MD I've laid eyes on, but it is right there with the best.

First of all, let me say that I am truly sorry to hear of your sister-in-law's condition, and that I hope everything is fine and sorted out now. Life is so fragile sometimes, and I think we should heed to the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, reminders of that. After all, what else do we have but friends and family?

Thank you for taking the time to stop by, despite the events that were unfolding, and for commenting. I am truly heartwarmed (?) by your comment and appreciate it a lot.  ;D *blush*

I am in debt, mainly, but amongst others too, to David for his amazing MD and his great tutorials for guiding me and helping me achieve the level of "perfection" that I have with ploppable flora. And I do acknowledge that it is not nowhere near perfect, yet, but it's a work in progress. So, thank you very much, I am almost at a loss for words.  :P

Elytheria is actually derived from the ancient Greek, "Eleytheria" meaning Freedom, a theme that I would like to convey throughout the MD - Freedom in all its facets and faces. So thanks for that!  :)

I have to say though, and maybe this is not the most appropriate thread, but I love your MD too and the approach you have taken. It's interactive, it's rich in added info and easy, if not soothing, on the eye! So, congratulations to you too!  :thumbsup:

Thanks again, and have a great day!

Regards,

- Marius

Quote from: Kokopelli on February 08, 2007, 01:58:41 PM
M,

Great MD! Thanks for showing us how to get that sandstone in the BSC Park Set. I was wondering how to do that for some time. Good luck with your ambitious academic load. I don't know how you do, but I am enjoying your work with SC4.

Thanks Kokopelli, and I'm glad you commented here because I have been meaning to ask you about your member name. :P It reminded me of Kosheen's album entitled Kokopelli, and I would really appreciate it if you'd explain its significance to you. I really like it!  ;D

Thank you for commenting here, and I'll be sure to provide you with more enjoyable work, I hope.  :D

_{* I still have to change that horrible picture. :P}

---

Well folks, that's all for now and I hope to provide you with more soon.  ;D

Thanks again to all who stopped by!

- M -

Wow.....lots of information.  That took me a very long time to read.  Great pictures, the shore line looks very good.

Hi M,
     I was hoping to put you on page 4, but not quite yet.    &mmm   Hope Valentines Day went well (is going well) with your boyfriend.      We had some good news yesterday,   my GF got tenured.    Which means she can now be called a "professor" even in your British system.    ;D   She was also informed that she was promoted.     :thumbsup:   Which is something different than being tenured.    I think what that actually means is she will get a raise in pay!   This is a good thing.
     Great comments my friend.   I find that people keep coming back to MD's that the author takes the time to resond to people in.
    Glad to hear you watch your back.    Even Iowa isn't a safe place anymore.  LOL
    BTW, I don't remember which forum you posted the comment about not getting snow in South Africa in but;  If you want some let me know and I'll mail you all you want.    :D    We got around 6 or so inches (not sure of the metric equivalent   roughly 15 to 18 cm I think.) in about a 24hr period.     I don't mind the snow but I hate driving in it.
    Looking forward to the next updates.  I'm sure someone will put you on page 4 very soon.    ()stsfd()

Your Friend
---Gaston

Looks pretty scenic. Sooooo many details I can see. Invert talk I quit, now.

Well, I'm sorry folks, but know you ought to know why I hate giving a specific time for MD updates!  %wrd

I had some, let's call them, unfortunate events unfold today and I had to tend to that. It, needless to say, consumed a lot of my time and the update isn't complete, as yet. I will, however, be heading off to SC4 for a while now (even though it's 00:00 / 12 am here), to give you what you've been waiting for!  :P

Valentine's Day, now having come and gone in South Africa, was a day of mixed feelings, and yes I enjoyed it, for the most part, but thank God's it's passed.  :P I hope you had a better experience today (or are still having that better experience), and I hope you spoil your loved one, or that he / she spoils you.  ;D

To go off on a tanget, my boyfriend calls me his "skapie," an Afrikaans word (even though he's English), which translates, literally, to "sheepy." (In the diminutive form). So, I got him a little stuffed animal, a sheep, of course. And I found it SO cute!  :D He loves it too, as I would have hoped.  $%Grinno$%

He arrived here at 18:30 / 6:30 all suit and tied with a rose in his mouth, I was so surprised observing the event unfold from my window upstairs that I told him to go away!  :D It was rather weird... So, he brought a very good Cabernet Sauvignon and I made him Chicken á la King ("Chicken for the King," for my king! :P) and it was rather good. :D

Aaaaanyway, let me get back to SC4 and continue with the next update! I hope to see you around soon, respond to your comments, and present you with that promised update!

Regards,

-M-

PS. Gaston, I thought I'd respond to your comment now.  :thumbsup:

First and foremost, thank you and the same to you! ("Happy Valentines!") I hope you spoil your girlfriend!  ;)

I'd like to congratulate her, so please send her that, on being "tenured" and for now being a "proper Professor!"  &apls &apls It's a huge achievement and you should be proud of her!  ;D And congratulations with her promotion too.  :thumbsup:

You can hold back on the snow for now, I'll let you know when I need it...  :D

Thanks, yet again, for stopping by and may you and your girlfriend have an absolutely stunning Valentine's!

Warm (yes, it's bloody hot here), South African regards and well wishes!

- Marius

Quote from: M4346 on February 14, 2007, 02:14:08 PM
To go off on a tanget, my boyfriend calls me his "skapie," an Afrikaans word (even though he's English), which translates, literally, to "sheepy." (In the diminutive form). So, I got him a little stuffed animal, a sheep, of course. And I found it SO cute!  :D He loves it too, as I would have hoped.  $%Grinno$%
He arrived here at 18:30 / 6:30 all suit and tied with a rose in his mouth, I was so surprised observing the event unfold from my window upstairs that I told him to go away!  :D It was rather weird... So, he brought a very good Cabernet Sauvignon and I made him Chicken á la King ("Chicken for the King," for my king! :P) and it was rather good. :D

Ah... this sounds like some fabulous romantic moments to me and as I read through this I felt a bit envious, though I actually don't have to cause I had a good day with my bf as well  ()stsfd()

And don't worry that you didn't got an update ready, take all the time you need to take some more great pics  :)

Welcome to Page 4

Sorry to take so long to reply. We had a tagedy in my office last week. A fellow attorney was hit by a farm tractor and killed while riding his bicycle. He was a brilliant lawyer and a good friend.

Anyway, you had asked about my user name. Kolopelli is a Native American deity associated with fertility, replenishment, music, dance, and mischief among several Southwestern cultures like the Hopi and Zuni. His image, in additon to being my avitar, is found in pre-Columbian rock paintings throughout the the Four Corners area. (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet. The only place in the U.S. where four states come together at a single point). I chose it as a user name because live the the Southwest (El Paso, Texas) and my current SC4 project is a desert region along the lines of Casa Grande, Savannah Way and Crystal Junction. I started to post it as a CJ over at Simtopolis, but then I made the "mistake" of re-reading MrCinatit's tutorial on terraforming and ended up re-forming my entire region. I'm now re-developing the region and hope to post it again as an MD here someday. But with MDs like this one, 3RR and AntigOne, I have a ways to go before it is ready for posting.

This is really shaping up nicely. The last update shows some amazing progress. I wonder how on earth you manage to find the time to do all that in such a short period of time, and still with such a high level of detali. &apls

I feel like a total idiot, almost sneaking up to my MD, to post this which might seem like yet another excuse. But I think I've learned not to underestimate the verocity of real life, and it makes perfect sense to me to post this and not feel ashamed about it. Although I do regret, and feel stupid, for not coming through on my promised update which was scheduled for Wednesday, why? Because I was raised with the idea that you keep your promises. I do then have to apologise for that.  :(

But, I have to put off this MD indefinitely, not that I'm finished with it, or giving it up, just that I cannot promise when I will update again. And yes, it breaks me to have to do this, especially considering your amazing support thus far, which is truly appreciated and has kept me going at an amazing pace in SC4 - and I still am - but I just don't have the time to update. I know that must sound incredibly weird.

Doing two degrees finally hit me this week and the workload is immense - something I initially underestimated. I have taken my fifth language and am writing my first test on it on Monday next week - I only began with it today. (If you're wondering, I'm now learning Zulu. :P) I have a news feature article due on Thursday, for which I should still do research and write it, and I am also writing a test on Friday in Political Science: Political Behaviour, and have my boyfriend's 21st birthday dinner, and party, coming up on Friday too. This week is totally out of the question for updating, and maybe even next week too.  :'(

I'll respond to your comments now, after which I will be putting this MD on the proverbial shelf for at least two weeks. I'm sorry.  ()sad()

Quote from: praiodan on February 15, 2007, 02:30:29 AM
Ah... this sounds like some fabulous romantic moments to me and as I read through this I felt a bit envious, though I actually don't have to cause I had a good day with my bf as well  ()stsfd()

And don't worry that you didn't got an update ready, take all the time you need to take some more great pics  :)

The great pics are made, I just have to load SC4, take them, edit them, put together an update and then update! But damn I wish I could!  :( And I actually don't want to take them just yet as my city-building skills are failing me and I don't like the way it has turned out thus far.

Thanks Praiodan, and I'm glad you had a fabulous V-day too. :P

Quote from: Kokopelli on February 15, 2007, 09:05:57 AM
Welcome to Page 4

Sorry to take so long to reply. We had a tagedy in my office last week. A fellow attorney was hit by a farm tractor and killed while riding his bicycle. He was a brilliant lawyer and a good friend.

Anyway, you had asked about my user name. Kolopelli is a Native American deity associated with fertility, replenishment, music, dance, and mischief among several Southwestern cultures like the Hopi and Zuni. His image, in additon to being my avitar, is found in pre-Columbian rock paintings throughout the the Four Corners area. (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet. The only place in the U.S. where four states come together at a single point). I chose it as a user name because live the the Southwest (El Paso, Texas) and my current SC4 project is a desert region along the lines of Casa Grande, Savannah Way and Crystal Junction. I started to post it as a CJ over at Simtopolis, but then I made the "mistake" of re-reading MrCinatit's tutorial on terraforming and ended up re-forming my entire region. I'm now re-developing the region and hope to post it again as an MD here someday. But with MDs like this one, 3RR and AntigOne, I have a ways to go before it is ready for posting.

First of all, thank you very much for answering my question and clearing that up! What an interesting name it is then! I love it!  :thumbsup: And don't worry about taking time to reply, I totally understand, and am truly sorry to hear about the tragic events that unfolded.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by, and for everything, and I hope to have an update ready soon. I'm sorry, yet again, about the loss of your friend.

Regards,

Marius

Quote from: emilin on February 15, 2007, 12:19:08 PM
This is really shaping up nicely. The last update shows some amazing progress. I wonder how on earth you manage to find the time to do all that in such a short period of time, and still with such a high level of detali. &apls

Thanks Emilin! It's always great to hear from such an amazing and accomplished MDer such as yourself!

I am truly trying really hard to juggle everything, including SC4, and I'm sure that what I've done thus far would not disappoint you, it's just getting it here that takes forever. I need to finish such a small part of the new update and then it's ready, but time is not on my side.

But thank you for being patient, and for the support, yet again.

---

I hope to have an update really soon, and I'm sorry to disappoint you.  :D

And because Kokopelli put me on page 4, there will be a little surprise for him in the next update... Don't you just love secrets? :P

Regards,

Marius

So I'm writing in this MD for the first time, but -M-, that's the right decision you've made. It's only a game, after all, and you should never feel compelled about it.

"Now Asahi, why can't you be more like M4346 and have your priorities sorted?"
"But Mom! I just started working on this city 5 minutes ago!"

... now what was that...

Um, so, anyway, good luck on your writings! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

M my friend, please take all the time you need for this next update.   None of us are in the least bit upset at the wait.   We all understand that real life has to come first.    I'll keep looking forward to the next one.


Your friend,
---Gaston

Like Gaston says, there are indeed things more important than Simcity and you just make your updates when you have time and feel like it. This should be fun, remember.

Thanks your your condolence. I was wondering how you were going to handle such a rigorus academic load. I understand your studies come first. Know that I will be here to view your next post when it is ready. Until then, good luck with your studies. I don't know how you can handle five languages. I have a hard enough time with this one.

Sorry to hear that you'll be putting Elytheria on the backburner for a while. I'll be looking forward to its return!

Marius-

Hey, many others have taken a break.  IMHO their MDs/CJs returned better than ever.  No doubt in my mind that will happen in your case.

You might want to PM me and let me know how long you think Elytheria might be on hiatus.  I can then discuss with jeroni and Colyn whether we should take action to keep it visible and available while it is not being updated.

Good luck in your studies!


David

Marius, I have been caught by RL myself for the past weeks, and finally had some time to read MD's. You do a great job here. So, take your time to learn all your languages  :thumbsup: (I love learning languages -just wish I had the time to do as you!). So, see you back here....  Laterzzzz

Quote from: Gaston on February 19, 2007, 11:55:35 AM
M my friend, please take all the time you need for this next update.   None of us are in the least bit upset at the wait.   We all understand that real life has to come first.    I'll keep looking forward to the next one.


Your friend,
---Gaston

I don't know, :'(. 

Of course Gaston is right.  5 languages!  I'm impressed.  I c'ain't even talk my own dat good. lol  Good luck with your studies and we'll be right here when you return.

I know this isn't much of an update, but it's all that I can manage for the time being... Thanks for your ongoing support, understanding and kind words. It is appreciated, and I am burning to fire up SC4 and present you with a proper update, but I just can't pinch off the time...

David, while I'm at it, I'd prefer if this MD stays open and "normal" for the time being, and I'll cite Jeronij's 60 days limit/ cut-off period for that. I might just update it before then, but I think we can take it from there, if I don't. Thanks!  ;D

Anyway... without further ado.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FBanner.gif&hash=8d26c3fa02702eece7af011f95965c727268a0f5)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FOnAnotherNote-27February.gif&hash=82b0cfd00f458d7fe225efd3e1efc1270539ac2f)

Nice information.  Got this MD on call back so I don't miss your updates.  Good luck!

I saw your newspaper on the SCJU site but thought i'd comment on here instead. Very nice notes and nice paper too -M-  ;)

The story seems to go in the direction of an alternative Swaziland. Is that what you are going for? Anyway, you shouldn't appologies for giving us more background info. This MD is as much about the people and the history as it is about the actual development - at least that's the way I read it.

Good one, looking forward to more when you find the time.

Very interesting little update you've given there, a creative take on African politics, particularly the African Union. I can't wait to see some more when you get everything up and running again. Good luck!

fantastic information! Great notes! :thumbsup:

very nice update indeed &apls, i love the info you supplied with it :)

Wow M my friend,
   Thanks for a most interesting newsletter.     I am fascinated by what other countries' currencies look like.    I never knew what a ZAR note looked like.   They are very kool looking.   I love the animals and the colors.    Not like the U.S. we only recently started putting any color on our currency.    And we ofcourse have pictures of dead presidents.   LOL    I like yours better.


---Gaston

So many MD's so little time. I am sorry that I have not come around in replying more often here.
But what am I rambling about, you are doing 2 degrees and studying a fith language too  :o


Great newsletter. I like those bills, my kids too (they are realy into wild animals).

I promise to visit more often.

Nik-Nik

*sigh* I have been travelling - so I have not really been keeping up to my SC4Devotion time (gee that sounds almost holy)

Elytheria Novo is shaping up really nicely - can't wait to see more of it but I do support your decision to pay attention to your RL work!

Keep up the good work then - in both the SC4 and RL worlds - and good luck for your upcoming academic challenges!

 &apls Great pics that i just saw . The layout is so cool . Keep it up your good work. :thumbsup:

Good to see "News from Elytheria."  The Herald is nicely laid out, well-written, and furthers the story of this interesting and varied MD.


David

Thanks for all who commented! You make me feel guilty, and yet inspire me at the same time!  ;D

I have more time on my hands for the next month or so, and will hopefully be churning out a meaningful update soon enough!  ;)

But until then, more news from Elytheria! :P

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FBanner.gif&hash=8d26c3fa02702eece7af011f95965c727268a0f5)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi149.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs46%2FElytheria%2FNoMore-17March.gif&hash=e827b1ebe919be8bdd8e5567e3619b44f160fcfc)\

From the not-so-often-updated home page of the Elytherian Herald! :P

-> Click! (http://elytherian.herald.googlepages.com/home)

hey my friend, i believe i have been lurking here long enough. i think i havent said anything here yet. but rest assured, i am, at the very least as impressed as everyone else with regards to the amount of detail and information you put into the mix even with all the RL issues. where did you get those art deco houses? and your beaches, are they modded? i have italia mod installed so they don't look like those. lol keep it up and here's to that tropical terrain mod and tree controller! CHEERS!  ;)

just visited the Elytheria Herald ! Nice Job !! and have a look to your former updare and keep like it !

the Herald is very ,very good, thanks &apls

Hey, M! Nice edition of the Herald, there. I like how you've tied in the real world situations in Zimbabwe into your MD, though I wish it were a more positive thing. Anyway, I can't wait to see what develops in Elytheria when you get more time on hands! Keep up the good work!

I'm in a rather sour mood now...  :'( I just spent quite a while typing  out personal replies and then closed the tab because I wasn't thinking!  :bomb:

I'm therefore just going to rush this, although I would have liked to post those replies!  ???

In response to zniehadajet, though, the Art Deco houses are by Jen_P and available here -> Click! (http://simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11430&v=1) There are more Art Deco houses available here -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?page=1&keyword=art%20deco&type=all) Also, welcome to Elytheria, I'm glad you decided to make your presence known! ;D By the way, I'm using the Columbus terrain mod, but I opted out of the custom beach texture and am using the Maxis default.

To all the others, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the Herald.  ()stsfd() I'm sorry if the replies are rather impersonal, but rest assured that I'm glad you stopped by and I had personal replies which are now lost.  :(

I have a little more time on my hands for the next month or so (although it's not as much as I would have liked to have), and I have stopped in at SC4 after quite a while. I'm currently working on Schoemansville, and will explain its significance and history in updates to come. I would, however, like to focus on a very special place in Schoemansville tonight, and will accordingly do so momentarily.

I hurriedly made a custom "banner" thing and the pics aren't edited or customised, I do apologise for that.

So, without further ado, on to that very special place... :P


Edgren House, a project launched by the United States Diplomatic Mission to the Imperial Republic of Elytheria (USDME) (a mouthful, I know. :P Usually refered to as the US Diplomatic Mission to Elytheria), was completed on March 13, 2007 after a new building was erected at the former site of 4 & 6 Independence Road, Schoemansville.


The House, as it is known locally, provides residence and sustenance to Elytherian AIDS orphans and currently houses 150 children ranging from a few month old babies to 18 year olds. It is named after the Edgren Family, a family that has featured prominently in Elytheria and has been actively involved in PEPFAR in particular (-> Click! (http://pretoria.usembassy.gov/wwwhpepfar.html)).

A few members of the Edgren family currently reside in Africa, and the Edgren Residence (also in Schoemansville) serves as a retreat to the family whether on business or holiday in Elytheria Novo.

More photos of Edgren House:


The opening of Edgren House (on March 17, 2007) was attended by the Elytherian Emperor, His Excellency Jean-Jacdques Sangrael, and prominent members of the Edgren Family. The Emperor has expressed his gratitude towards the family and the government of the United States, hailing this small measure of cooperation with Elytheria as the beginning of a new era of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

---

As I'm sure you figured Edgren House is a tribute to a very good friend of mine, who I would not have met if it wasn't for SC4D, David (or dedgren).

Till next time then! Have a great day!

-M-

So cool, Marius- so cool!

I'm distracted by other stuff right now, but will return and add to this sometime over the next 24 or so...


David

What a smart idea, and great selection of BATs! Normally those BATs look like run down houses but you've even made them look nice :)

This has inspired me to possibly help more in Elytheria, going beyond the University. Very cool :)

Absolutely the koolest M.    Very nice tribute to someone very well deserving of tribute.


---Gaston

hello again, my friend. the links to the art deco houses seem to be broken. they both point to "http:///"
knowing you are in a sour mood, i wouldn't press for it at the moment. i hope you feel better soon as i would be asking for the links to those slanted buildings around The House. LOL! they look nice. you have a good eye for those custom lots  :thumbsup: great update and hope you feel better soon!

Thanks for all your comments. ;D

Thanks David, for stopping by, I will be looking forward to your other post. :P And I'm glad you like it. ;D

And I'm glad the altruism and philantropism of the Edgren family has inspired Ankara. By the way Yoman, I actually love those "run down" buildings, because in my opinion, they have character. :P SFBT has made some really great low wealth buildings, although Edgren House itself is a Dutch R-$ building. -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=17552)

And thank you, Gaston. Good to see you here!  :thumbsup:

As for those links, I've fixed them now zniehadajet, sorry for the inconvenience. Yeah, I was in a sour mood, but I'm all better now. :P So, I will link you to those slanted houses!  ;D

You will need at least the following files:

• Kleine Mietshaeuser Pack by Stephenhh -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13354)
  
• SFBT Essentials -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=14212) (if you want to use the "mega lots")
  
• SFBT 50s Residential Estate by ArkenbergeJoe -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16042) (the "mega lots")

Thanks for stopping by! ;D

thank you  ;D no inconvenience at all. i'm not at home so i can't download any of them yet.  ()sad() thank you, m. thank you  ;D and i'm glad you feel better. eagerly awaiting the next update.  :P :thumbsup:

I seemed to have missed a few updates. Sorry about that. This is growing increasingly more interesting with each update. Some world politics and real life issues nicely interwoven without taking over the journal. The Edgren house looks wonderful too. :thumbsup:

Quote from: emilin on March 19, 2007, 01:15:01 AM
I seemed to have missed a few updates. Sorry about that. This is growing increasingly more interesting with each update. Some world politics and real life issues nicely interwoven without taking over the journal. The Edgren house looks wonderful too.

I hate to steal somebody elses messages but Emilin put my thoughts to words very clearly. I have to browse back to get up to date again.
Phew, looking back to page 2 I was afraid that I did not respond as of January this year. Then I saw my quick post at page 4 at least I keep a bit of track here.
How's the studies going? RL still mixing up your SC4 schedule?

Lovely way to put that remarkable Haarlemmergold lot in action.
Great work.

Nik-Nik

Wow, the Edgren House looks great, M! And it serves such a good cause, too! Keep up the good work!

The first things who come in my mouth .. after my tongue  $%Grinno$% is wow . Evethings fit very well together . I like the layout you done for make this building. look nicer  :thumbsup: Keep going

A wonderfull update -M-. As many have said before me the buildings fit in great and i'm loving your work here.  ;)

Hi -M-,

I enjoy this special atmosphere on these last pics , with unknown BATs (for me) .Styles and colors are fitting together , excellent inspiration with diagonal streets and diagonals BATs .... :thumbsup:

Congratulations on your 100th post, M! And your 101st...which is me!

Incredible! Elytheria Novo has passed the 100 mark, something that I never thought to be possible and wouldn't have been possible without all of you and your input! So, a huge thank you to all of you, and a congratulations to Badsim (a.k.a. Cedric) for posting the 100th comment!

Before we get to the frivolities...

Quote from: NikNik on March 19, 2007, 07:35:08 AM
I hate to steal somebody elses messages but Emilin put my thoughts to words very clearly. I have to browse back to get up to date again.
Phew, looking back to page 2 I was afraid that I did not respond as of January this year. Then I saw my quick post at page 4 at least I keep a bit of track here.
How's the studies going? RL still mixing up your SC4 schedule?

Lovely way to put that remarkable Haarlemmergold lot in action.
Great work.

Nik-Nik

Thanks Nik-Nik! ;) The studies are going great, and if you're really interested my marks are looking good!  :thumbsup:
I have 90% for Philosophy, 80% for Political Science, 80% for isiZulu, and 74% for International Political Relations. The other marks are yet to come! :P

We had a public holiday today (Human Rights Day) so I spent a few hours (I'm lying, I spent a considerable number of hours! :P) on today's special "treat" (if you will). But overall RL is still mixing my SC4 time up, but luckily to a lesser extent for the next month or so.

Thanks for the comment and queries. ;)

-M-

---

I've shifted my attention away from Schoemansville temporarily and focused it on Siyasebenza, in order for me to present today's "update." Siyasebenza - Zulu: "We are working" - is largely undeveloped and, well, we are still working! :P

I present to you the latest feet of Siyasebenza landscaping and engineering:


Le Parc De Cedric, or, The Park of Cedric is a project commissioned by the Elytherian Emperor himself in celebration of many of Elytheria's contributors and heros. The Park is named after a close friend and confidant of the Emperor, Mr. Cedric Gros, and although not located in the French Quarter it features mainly French names and a distinctly French cultural air or ambience. [The park in its entirety is for Badsim and the 100th comment! :P]


The park features many attractions, including:


Disclaimer: French Translations provided by Babelfish (http://babelfish.altavista.com/), blame them if it's wrong! :P The Imperial Republic of Elytheria, its government or any person affiliated with it (i.e. me!) cannot be held accountable for screwing up the French language in the process!  $%Grinno$%

---

I do believe that is all for tonight folks, or shall I say this morning! :P It is 1:28 am and this young man ought to get to bed! I hope you enjoyed Le Parc De Cedric and all it has to offer!

Thanks for all your comments and the continued support of this community, it is truly appreciated and is not going unnoticed. Have a great day / evening!

Regards,

- Marius

 &apls  Wonderfull park you have done. Really good job you did.   :thumbsup: Congrats for your 100 post too.  &apls

M, my friend.     You do me a great honor with this:

   

QuoteLe Labyrinthe de Gaston is a popular spot among lovers who wish to spend time in alone, purposely "getting lost" in the maze.  It is especially popular in the evenings after some good wine at Café d'Emilin.   [For Gaston]

    Thank you so much.   I am very touched.     If I could have asked for something to be named for me, it would have been a maze.      That is truely wonderful.   It was like you have read my mind all the way from South Africa.     If I could translate into Zulu, I would translate "Thank you, my friend."


---Gaston

WOW! The Amphithéâtre de la fente du tonnerre is absolutely wonderful, my friend! I am honored that you thought me! Thank you very much! The whole park is very beautiful work, thanks to your attention to details. Keep up the good work, and thank you again!

Hi -M-

Hehe , wonderful park ! Such lovely details to see , wow ...love everything !  The railway (or GLR ?) looks particularly well done ...

I'm as honored than proud of you .... &apls &apls &apls

That is looking wonderful, M!
Congrats on 100th post! :thumbsup:

Nice work M. The park looks great. I'm not about to get on that swinging bridge after drinking Emlin's fine wine. By the way, congratulations on your good grades.

Well that park is just stunning! I would sure love to get lost in that maze, have a bottle of wine and maybe stroll across the bridge watching the sun set! I can picture it now! :sunny:

I'm touched that you name a bridge after me! I can honestly say i've never had such an honour bestowed upon me!

Be sure to check my CJ for the next update as i have a little somehting in there for you!  ;D

Again....Stunning Work!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmazing work after playing a little catch up and seeing what has gone on here
its just stunnning and btw cant beat the liablty clause lol, great work looking forward to the next works -pat

Thank you so much for naming that coffee house like you did, Marius! What a nice gesture.

May I requst to add some South African wine to the menu too? A nice Chardonnay from Stellenbosch, perhaps?

Wow M, I thought you stopped updating in this MD... but to my surprise you're updating again  :thumbsup: And how, great additions there man. I love the area around Edgren house... ! Thanks for bringing this Haarlemmergo(l)d lot alive in your city. &apls

Great pictures.  The park is fantastic and very realistic.  I enjoyed the pictures very much.

Robin   :thumbsup:

wow. monster park and amenities!  &apls how about some pedal boats for the canals? great sc4 work to go with good grades, pal. keep it up! glad to know you have more time for the next month or so!

Now I Know why your LE has stop working properly. It's having a break from all the hard work you've been giving him. And what a work! Very nice Marius and congrats on your 100 posts.  :thumbsup:

Marius-

Hey, my friend.  As I've noted elsewhere, one of the perils of seeing the far side of 50 is that all that brain flatulence tends to blow all those remembered "to-dos" around like autumn leaves- top of the pile one minute, down the street and gone the next.

You did a marvelous post on "Edgren House" here [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=268.msg20475#msg20475).  I spotted it, commented that I'd be right back and...

...

...well, here I am.

I am so honored and touched by your kind words.  The house and grounds are beautiful, and you've done a tremendous job capturing that feel of the "diplomatic mission" built environment.  It's great to have a place in your MD- and it was doubly great to see you go on to honor others here in your next post.

It is just way too cool to be a part of this.

Your Alaskan friend-


David

Hey M!  Its great to see you!

Never popped into your journal outside of the SCJU so thought I should, and I LOVE it!  You know I think your nation is both noble and gracious but your Diary is great too, very expressive and the presentation looks great.

Great alternative history too, I have a close friend who lived in South Africa and she raves about it!  So I will have to visit it eventually, your journal makes me want to go there right now!  Those parks are beautiful!  They are so detailed too!  Loving it!

Cheers mate.

really nice job !!!

( Vestfalo Station is really nice  :) )

I have to say that your park, with its seawalls, bridges, and sandstone walkways, is "VERY NICE!!!!"

M,
   Just wanted to see if you are still here my friend.   Oh yeah , and ask where you got that maze from?    ;)


---Gaston

Thanks for the concern Gaston! I just wanted to reassure you that I am still here (and provide you with a link to the maze -> Click! (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=483)).

I will respond to all of your comments a.s.a.p. but I also wanted to express my appreciation and that I am incredibly flattered (right word? lol) by the moving of this MD to "Best Sellers."  ;D

This does however put more pressure on me to churn out those updates, which I am working on by the way. :P

Thanks for your (pl.) support, it couldn't be done without all of your input and incredible comments! Thank you very much! :)

You deserve to be a Best Seller, M! I'll be looking forward to your next update!

Thank you for the Marche en plein air:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newimi.com%2Fimages%2Fbowing.gif&hash=1373ca453a9e88db98808f5abb85d045ba927d01)

Great parc. Very well done and very well positioned. The bridge is just awesome but the marche is superb....  ;)

oh yeah and congrats with being a bestseller and of course with the good marks (in RL I mean).

Nik-Nik

nothing since april 2? i'm starving for the imperial republic. hope everything's fine, M. see you soon, i hope.

Ah... so this is under the Best Sellers now...
Le Parc De Cedric looks fabolous &apls Love it... Great...

Looks like a beautiful park.
I also really like how you cropped that second image.
Great work!  :thumbsup:

Even though I made the above image, I am unable to respond to each and every comment due to time restrictions. I am really sorry, but it's already 23:00 (11 pm) as I start to type this out, and Varsity opens again tomorrow (after the April recess) and I have class at 8:30 (and an assignment due  ???).

So, thank you very much for your kind words, inspiring comments, and concern. I am yet to be proven wrong with regards to my initial impression of this community - that it is a kind of home away from home, where the people are always friendly, kind and helpful, and of course, very supporting. I do not regret "moving" here one day, and I'm sure the feelings that I have about this community is echoed by many others here. So, thank you very much for everything thus far.  ()stsfd()

About this update, I don't think it can be called an "update" as it has a measely 20 images and doesn't really show much. But, I guess it's appropriate to discuss why I am so "slow" in updating, and almost secretive and mysterious in my updating ways. :P

The thing is that I do not believe in plopping residential and commercial lots if there are growable versions. I do not have anything against anyone that plops, but it's just not for me. I have been experimenting with it, as I believe that it would increase my 'efficiency' in the game (although decreasing the game's functionality and efficiency itself, in my opinion) and will get back to you with my findings.  ;D

So, that having said, I wish to explain why growing can be such a strain, and not to mention time-consuming. As I've mentioned elsewhere (I think it was at ST), I play with the "bulldoze" tool in hand, i.e. it is my default tool. Therefore a city has to grow according to my 'standards' and expectations, and if I don't like something it's bulldozed. Needless to say, it takes forever to get RCI zones to my liking and therefore I am slow in showing urban areas. I hope this is understandable.

Anyway, enough blabbering (I need to get to bed. :P) On with the update, yet another section of Siyasebenza (Zulu: We are working).


Way back, on page four I think, I promised Kokopelli something for turning the page, and, here it is.


The Kokopelli Institute for Culture and Heritage Studies, as the name implies, specialises in the study of Cultural and Heritage phenomena, with specific emphasis on African cultures. The name, derived from the North American Native fertility deity, Kokopelli, was picked by the Emperor due to his interest in North American native culture. He did his PhD on the subject. The Institute's emblem depects Kokopelli, visible in the lower right corner.

The Flag Plaza features the National Flag and the National bird, the African Fish Eagle, on the column, along with Our Lady of Elytheria [see below]. The column's base features four women - the daughters of Our Lady - depicting Justice, Welfare, Security and Order - the four responsibilities of the Elytherian Government.


Another feature of the institute is the Fountain of Our Lady of Elytheria, the symbolic figure that is said to not only protect the Imperial Republic, but also ensure that justice and order be maintained. The fountain plaza has ample shaded seating and a bus and underground rail station enabling easy access to the institute and it's various public exhibits for not only the curious public but it's countless workers. Kokopelli Institute is one of the largest employers (currently) in Siyasebenza, and the surrounding area, known as Kokopelli Borough provides accommodation and commercial services to some of its workers.


Kokopelli Borough is home to the Kokopelli Apartments, as well as a few commercial services and offices.



Queen's Corner, a favourite shopping location among Siyasebenza's wealthy, is home to many international retail stores, boutiques and fashion outlets. Right across the street is the EPM Building, prime office space in the city. Its most prominent occupant is the EPM (Pty) Ltd., or, Elytheria Print Media - the country's largest print media company.


Prior to the intensive development in Siyasebenza the, then town, had a significant level of development now known as "the old town." Four Oaks Guest House is one of the many buildings that testify to the region's colonial occupancy. Formerly the residence of the City Clerk, it is now a museum and guest house.


St. Steven's Cathedral (in honour of my boyfriend, who I have known for a year on the 6th of April - our anniversary is on the 18th though) is also a landmark in the older district of Siyasebenza. Right across the popular Le Parc De Cedric, it is often the destination of many citizens before heading off to enjoy the rest of their Sundays in the park.

The main building was recently renovated and restored and opened on Good Friday (2007). The late Emperor's remains were also moved to the Crypt, fulfilling his last wishes of being laid to rest in Africa. The Emperor was laid to rest in a private ceremony for his family and the now Emperor, Jean-Jacques Sangrael, on Good Friday, and quite a few (shall we say fanatical?) supporters of the late Emperor believed that he will be resurrected on Easter Sunday. They were, unfortunately, disappointed. Although one such supporter fervently claimed that the late Emperor has a remarkable resemblence to Jesus Christ.

The Cathedral, although a former Roman Catholic Cathedral, is now presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Siyasebenza of the Anglican Church of the Province of Elytheria. The Roman Catholic Church abandoned the Cathedral when the Portugese colonial powers withdrew from Mozambique.


Along with the economic prosperity of the region, inefficient city planning has led to the development of an informal settlement, known as Siyaphuluma Township (Zulu: We are resting). The Township, a stone throw away from Le Park De Cedric negatively effects the land value of the surrounding areas and the government has announced that the inhabitants will be moved in the near future. The site will be the future home of the Elytherian National Zoological Gardens.


Despite the fact that the township is considered an informal settlement, the government nonetheless laid down rail and built a train station for commuters heading into the city.


The township has a vibrant night life though, and a well-developed Central Business District (CBD) that is home to some of the city's famous Jazz Musicians (who perform at the Jambalaya Room from time to time.)

Provision is already being made for the current inhabitants of the township.

---

I guess that's all for tonight folks.  ;D

I'll leave you with an "Artist's Impression" (a very bad one at that) of the Old Town:


Thanks for reading, and viewing, and all that.  :thumbsup:

Regards,

- Marius

EDIT: Sorry about that... it's now fixed. :)

Love the update, M! The Kokopelli Institute looks outstanding, I love the mosaic (Congratulations, Kokopelli!)! I can't wait to see what else you have planned for us.

QuoteAbout this update, I don't think it can be called an "update" as it has a measely 20 images and doesn't really show much.

if this, to you, isn't an update... i don't know what is! but i would definitely love to see an update!!!  :P $%Grinno$% seriously. each time you put something up here, it's a treat. i love the feeling of every tour you give us.  &apls

in the 3rd to the last and 2nd to the last pictures, the ones before the artist's impression, can you direct me to those houses on dirt paths? they look nice. the church and fountain of our lady look very nice. and.. no roman catholic churches in elytheria anymore?

To, in a speedy fashion, respond to Heinz' request:

The lots you've mentioned are CSX Housing Mamelodi, 6x6 R$. They used to be on the STEX, but I can't seem to find them on the LEX. I'll find out from Colyn. :)

thank you so much my friend. it would be nice to get my hands on those  :P again, great "measely update" if you want to call it that. see you around  :thumbsup:

Ohhh a very nice update indeed -M-. I agree with you in regards to having things grow and using the bulldoze tool if it's not what you want as i myself do that! I do use plopables but they are mainly RCI and very,very few landmarks. (I'll prove it if no-one believes me!)

That township is really cute and i like the way the government is not just shutting them out and providing transport etc.

Great update Marius , I love the Kokopelli ( What's a username ! :thumbsup: ) Institute even if it looks a bit .... austere  ;) , and K. Apartments is my favorite picture ...or maybe  Queen's corner , I can't choose  $%Grinno$% ;  both are stunning ... &apls
Siyaphuluma Township is really good by itself but looks a bit unachieved with this shore too straight to be natural but without seafront walls ... ::)

You  can try the Extra Cheat DLL (actually on the first page of STEX as "All Buildings Ploppable" from gizmocity) to plop growables ... I'm not sure you already know that if you plop residential buildings on existing ones the commute time functions will not work but the building will be never abandoned and the residents number is working well ... without any "No roads" or "No jobs" signs .

Have you solved your LE/SC4Tool problem ?

 &apls Love this update .Nice mosaic and your park too. Great job

WOW -M- great and fantastic update,  that artistic shot is awsome i loved it.  see ya's soon - pat

Nice update, I especially like the pictures of the township

In response to Heinz' request, Barby has most graciously sped up the uploading of the above-mentioned CSX lots to the LEX, and thus CSX Housing Mamelodi is now available here -> Click! (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=719)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FCSXHousing%2520-%2520Mamelodi_s.jpg&hash=1ec15630c07e085c7f312c70384fdd6495ea965b)

Thank you very much Barby!  :thumbsup: And of course, Colyn, for creating the original.  ()stsfd()

Wow!!! I don't know what to say. I am deeply honored. Thank you Marius. I'm sitting here looking out my window at a really ugly dust storm and what do I see on my computer, but a beautiful Kokopelli Institute!!   Thank you again, and I hope your studies are going well.

Wow M - what a great update from someone without time! Congratz on the anniversary  ()flower()

Incredible! &apls &apls &apls

Those are some extremly nice lots you have here -  and they are working prefectly together. The township looks very real, by the way.

I have had a little time on my hands and have just exited SC4 with a few photos. :) I will be heading off to Photoshop soon, and will hopefully post the update tomorrow (as photoshopping takes quite a while, and I have a dinner party tonight (in 2 hours  :D). This would fall in line with my policy of updating once per page, which not only makes it easier for the reader (the page loads faster, if you know what I mean), but it also forces me to update.  ()stsfd()

I thought I'd quickly respond to your comments, while I have time.  :P

Quote from: thundercrack83 on April 10, 2007, 03:40:25 PM
Love the update, M! The Kokopelli Institute looks outstanding, I love the mosaic (Congratulations, Kokopelli!)! I can't wait to see what else you have planned for us.

Thank you very much Thundercrack! ;D I'm sure I will reveal a little bit of what I have up my sleeve soon enough... stick around!  :D

Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2007, 04:46:50 AM
if this, to you, isn't an update... i don't know what is! but i would definitely love to see an update!!!  :P $%Grinno$% seriously. each time you put something up here, it's a treat. i love the feeling of every tour you give us.  &apls

in the 3rd to the last and 2nd to the last pictures, the ones before the artist's impression, can you direct me to those houses on dirt paths? they look nice. the church and fountain of our lady look very nice. and.. no roman catholic churches in elytheria anymore?

Well, I must have rather high standards then. :P But if you are happy with it as an update, then I'm not going to object.  $%Grinno$% Thank you very much for your comment, and compliments (you make me feel, uhm, warm and fuzzy inside. hehe  :D)

Interesting that you should ask about the Roman Catholic Church in Elytheria... there are currently, for various reasons, no official Roman Catholic Church in Elytheria. But, you will know why soon enough.  ()stsfd()

Thanks again for stopping by!  ;)

Quote from: pipishere on April 11, 2007, 12:54:26 PM
Ohhh a very nice update indeed -M-. I agree with you in regards to having things grow and using the bulldoze tool if it's not what you want as i myself do that! I do use plopables but they are mainly RCI and very,very few landmarks. (I'll prove it if no-one believes me!)

That township is really cute and i like the way the government is not just shutting them out and providing transport etc.

Thank you very much Pip! It's always good to see you here, even though it is out of your "comfort zone" over at ST. I'm still wondering when the Democratic Kingdom of Royal Cytheria (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=85391&forumid=1) would be joining the ranks of great MDs here at SC4D. :P And congratulations on your Membership in the Union (http://www.scju.org)!  :thumbsup:

I have, in the update which will be presented soon as mentioned above, made use of the plop cheat to plop RCI lots. I'll have to wait and see what the outcome is, in other words, what you the MD readers think.  :P

Thanks, about the township. They are after-all valued Elytherian citizens!  ;D

Quote from: Badsim on April 11, 2007, 01:27:35 PM
Great update Marius , I love the Kokopelli ( What's a username ! :thumbsup: ) Institute even if it looks a bit .... austere  ;) , and K. Apartments is my favorite picture ...or maybe  Queen's corner , I can't choose  $%Grinno$% ;  both are stunning ... &apls
Siyaphuluma Township is really good by itself but looks a bit unachieved with this shore too straight to be natural but without seafront walls ... ::)

You  can try the Extra Cheat DLL (actually on the first page of STEX as "All Buildings Ploppable" from gizmocity) to plop growables ... I'm not sure you already know that if you plop residential buildings on existing ones the commute time functions will not work but the building will be never abandoned and the residents number is working well ... without any "No roads" or "No jobs" signs .

Have you solved your LE/SC4Tool problem ?

Merci beaucoup mon ami!

I know Siyaphuluma looks a bit unachieved, well, I guess I had it terraformed for the Zoo (to add seawalls and all that) and didn't think about how it would look pre-zoo. So, yes, I know what you mean. Thanks for your constructive comment!  :thumbsup:

Kokopelli Institute does look austere for quite a few reasons,  :D First of all it's new, and with that it has had limited activity. And secondly the LE doesn't work yet. :P Well, not that it's good, at least not for me. I miss the LE.  &cry2

I have dl'ed and installed (and used for that matter) the Extra Cheat DLL. Thanks!  ;D

Hope to see your MD alive and well soon! And thanks for stopping by!  :)

Quote from: kimcar on April 11, 2007, 01:37:17 PM
&apls Love this update .Nice mosaic and your park too. Great job

Thank you very much, and thanks for your continued support!  ;D This MD will not be the same without people like you that keep me going!

Quote from: patfirefghtr on April 11, 2007, 09:56:38 PM
WOW -M- great and fantastic update,  that artistic shot is awsome i loved it.  see ya's soon - pat

Thank you too Pat.  :) I'm not particularly happy with that "artistic shot," but I'm glad it tickled your fancy!  :P You'll of course soon enough see what the impression was of. So, stay tuned!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: kwakelaar on April 12, 2007, 04:13:01 AM
Nice update, I especially like the pictures of the township

Why thank you!  ;D

Quote from: Kokopelli on April 12, 2007, 02:26:12 PM
Wow!!! I don't know what to say. I am deeply honored. Thank you Marius. I'm sitting here looking out my window at a really ugly dust storm and what do I see on my computer, but a beautiful Kokopelli Institute!!   Thank you again, and I hope your studies are going well.

It is, as I've mentioned, my pleasure!  ;D Sorry to hear about the unpleasant weather, but I'm glad you had a wonderful, and beautiful surprise, to soothe the unpleasantness.  $%Grinno$%

My studies are going, yeah, that's about it.  ;D

I started again on Wednesday and I already had an assignment to hand in, and am writing two tests next week.  &cry2 But, I'll survive, as usual. :P Thanks!

Quote from: sebes on April 13, 2007, 02:55:36 AM
Wow M - what a great update from someone without time! Congratz on the anniversary  ()flower()

Thank you very much Sebes... it's been quite a while (my relationship, lol) and I'm still very happy! So, thank you!

Quote from: emilin on April 13, 2007, 04:45:50 AM
Incredible! &apls &apls &apls

Those are some extremly nice lots you have here -  and they are working prefectly together. The township looks very real, by the way.

You flatter me Emilin! You are one of the greatest MDers here, so, it's an honour to hear that, ALL of that.  :D

I guess the township looks very real, because I have (as do most South Africans) had first hand experience with how townships look and 'feel'. It's going to be a pity to demolish it, actually, because I rather like it.  &mmm

Thanks to all who have stopped by to comment, and those who have just lurked too. :P

I hope you're having a great day, and wish you all a great weekend too! See you soon though!

- Marius

wow...great update M! I really like the Siyaphuluma Township...the plaza around the institute if very classy!

wonderful pictures and great work, M! Looking forward to more! :thumbsup:

Well, it is "tomorrow" and as promised, here is the next 'update'.  ;D This is a rather 'image-laden' or 'image intensive' update, with quite a few 'mosaics'. I trust that it will be worth it, however.  :P

But first...

Quote from: Yoder7652 on April 13, 2007, 11:36:51 AM
wow...great update M! I really like the Siyaphuluma Township...the plaza around the institute if very classy!

Thank you very much Yoder! It is such an honour to see you here, and to read your very nice comment! Thank you for taking the time to stop by here! I'm glad you found it to your liking!  ;D

Quote from: bat on April 14, 2007, 02:03:41 AM
wonderful pictures and great work, M! Looking forward to more! :thumbsup:

Thanks Bat!  ()stsfd() More is on its way. :P


Siyasebenza "Oude Dorp" (informally "Ou Dorp"), meaning Old Town, is a new concept in promoting and encouraging tourism in the city of Siyasebenza. Ou Dorp was 'opened' along with the city of Siyasebenza's campaign, to promote the city.


Ironically the largest part of Ou Dorp was recently constructed, with the exception of St. Steven's Cathedral, four buildings in the old town's central business district, an old manor on the outskirts of town.


The distinct difference in architecture is almost a dead give-away, with the older, 'real' "Ou Dorp" clearly visible.


The four buildings mentioned above are the Old Post Office (on the corner, with the clock-tower), the Postmaster's Residence (to the right of the post-office), the Old Police and Fire Station (on the other side of the post office) and the, now, Oude Dorp Library - formerly the Old School.

The Row Homes to the top of the image are new additions, much like the rest of Oude Dorp.



The other 'real' old building in Oude Dorp is Orpen Manor, formerly occupied by Eileen Orpen in the 19th Century, now the residence of the pastor of the Dutch-Reformed Church Siyasebenza South. Eileen Orpen contributed significantly to the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, South Africa.


The Dutch-Reformed Church Siyasebenza South is one of the few churches of the Dutch-Reformed Church in Elytheria. The Church, originally founded in South Africa, is a protestant Church with its roots in Calvinism, as opposed to Lutheranism. It caters mainly for the Afrikaans community in the city, currently numbering at 1 500 people.

The church was recently constructed, along with many other "Dutch-styled" buildings in the town.


Aldeburgh Preparatory School, on the northern border of Oude Dorp, educates the offspring of the upper class of Siyasebenzans. Steeped in tradition, the school traces its roots back to the school (pictured earlier) founded in the Oude Dorp CBD centuries earlier.


The school is situated close to Marktplein (Market Square) and the business and houses that run along the canal and Marktstraat (Market street).


The market sells many things, ranging from fruit, vegetables and other foodstuff to things that can be found in the stalls of flea markets across the world. Situated along the canal, the railway and within walking distance of mass transit lines, Le Parc De Cedric, and the Oude Dorp CBD, it is centrally located and a favourite of Oude Dorp housewives that run and maintain various guesthouses and other Bed & Breakfast accommodations.

The Siyasebenza Tourism Board, situated on the corners of Marktstraat, St. Steven Rylaan and Skuinsstraat (Market street, St. Steven's Avenue and Diagonal Street).


Prior to the zoning of the area to become "Oude Dorp" and having had restrictions on building-style put in place, a developer from Saudi Arabia developed the modern apartment buildings at the southern outskirts of Siyasebenza. Understanding the uselessness of having it demolished, and not to mention that such an extreme action would be an incredible waste of money, the municipal council let the development - Lady Fatima Towers - stay, contrasting sharply with the rest of the area.

---

That's all then folks, I guess. :P I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks again for all your wonderful comments!  ;D

Wow I like your city  :thumbsup: good job !

Stunning work, M! Absolutely stunning. "Ou Dorp" looks great, I love that diagonal building you've used, and the churches look fantastic, too! But my favorite part was the mosaic you made. Great job, my friend!

Fabulous -M-! those Row homes are just stunning and the canals look amazing! You really do take this game to another level....a work of art indeed!!!!  &apls :thumbsup:

Skitterend M!  Absolutely gorgeous pictures. I love the style of your city.

Marius, I love it. Kinda every single pixel is spectacular, but pieced together to these great pictures, they are simply awe-inspiring. Best about these how you arranged the canal... and the position of the Aldeburg Preparatory School... marvelous  :-[

Hi Marius ,

Glad that your LE work again  ;) ... I love this update , as usual  ;D. All these colors with your walksides mod and JRJ canal set fit so well .  &apls
Particular and interesting use of roads as cul-de-sac , ( I'm always surprised to see this french word in an english text ... ::) ) and roundabouts even if they're not necessary .
And ... great achievement with this triangular residential block ... :thumbsup:

A request now ; I'm always attentive about trees I don't know so I have to ask from where is coming this green tree ( on the little island precisely )

Thanks . ;)

To respond to Badsim's query...

The trees that you highlighted are by NOB, available here -> Click! (http://tokitoko.hp.infoseek.co.jp/lot_others.htm) (25th from the top, I think...)

OK , I was afraid that they were these .... :D
I've downloaded them years ago (I think ) but dislike them except when the're green  .... ::) , so I deleted them immediately . $%Grinno$%
Only stupid ones never change their opinions , so I've to download and try them again ... :D

Thanks for the information . :P

You can modify them in the LE and remove the other seasons's trees Badsim! :P
Can't you make the 'summer' or 'spring' tree prop "permanent" so that it doesn't change with the seasons?!

But, I actually prefer the varying seasons because I love the pink blossoms! :P

Very nice update, some great shots with the w2w building blending in to create a realistic looking city.

lovely update M. I love the Oude Dorp, especially like the german growables across the street...I might have to start using those  ;D Also, I like the market stalls pic with Jeronij's canals alongside...very nice!

WOW -M- i loved this update and those NOB trees are very pretty and agreable about the pink lol.
you defintly know how to lead a tour of the citys.  I will be back for the next tour - pat

Wow M,

I realy love Elytheria. You made a wonderfull region out of it. Especially your latest update. I lived close the Dutch version of Ouddorp once. It lies near the Haringvliet. But yours is prettier.

Strech.

It's raining, softly, outside and I'm listening to Heaven can wait by Meatloaf. I thought I'd post this in my MD, because this is my home here at SC4Devotion, and I wanted to share it with you - the readers. Sorry if you don't like it, just skip it, but I'm going to do it anyway. :P

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Image (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s46/Elytheria/SushiNight021.jpg)... I'm not going to post it here because of its contents which do not belong on this site. But feel free to check it out if you wish. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F1.gif&hash=0bb47a56d32c37705fff3680d94b53d8a600f373)

Tomorrow, at 12:30, it will have been exactly a year since my first ever date with Steve. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F1.gif&hash=0bb47a56d32c37705fff3680d94b53d8a600f373) A year has passed since that fateful Autumn day when I approached, rather bashfully and yet with a flirtatious smile on my face, the man who sat on the bench, fiddling with his diary, smiling and putting it away (in his black bag) as he saw me.

It has been a year since I had to endure the cheesy music in Café Burgundy's, since I first found out that he does not take sugar in his Cappucino (or anything for that matter), prefers it with foam and not cream, and a year since I, later in the day however, made up a sad excuse to get out of coffee with a friend to see him longer.

I remember that day like it was yesterday, I remember sitting outside the Drama Building after having cris-crossed campus talking about this and that. I remember desperately wanting to see more of him, even though he had to pick up his sister from school. I remember more than willingly agreeing to him coming to my house after he had done that. Our long walk on LC De Villiers Sports Grounds (next to the damn, under the pine trees) after I suggested we do that because I was nervous about having him in my room, knowing of course that some form of intimate contact wasn't far off. Strangely enough I wasn't ready for it just there and then, I mean this was my first ever proper date with another guy! (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F9.gif&hash=acb2e053fff3317eca726757bb4aeb0b899531c5)

It's been a year since that day, the day that I held him in my arms for the first time, since I kissed him for the first time, a year since I fell madly in love - and it's been going strong for the entire year.

One year down, and if god and he permits it, many more to come.

A year. I'm seeing him tomorrow, obviously, and like every other time it'll be as if I fall in love all over again. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F8.gif&hash=3c42410c0c7269524ca5f38cfb07f4f7ca03fbdb)

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I will update soon, trust me. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.i1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F1.gif&hash=0bb47a56d32c37705fff3680d94b53d8a600f373)

But for now I want to revel in this moment. Thank you for your comments thus far, I will respond to it before the next update (which will be on the next page).

Have a great evening!

Regards,

- Marius

Marius, best wishes to you and Steve for your jubilee! May there be many more years you're happy together!
I know exactly the feelings you described, I have them myself as well when I see or even just hink of my boyfriend  ;D

BTW, I admire your candidness, I wouldn't know if I'd have shared something like this but now I probably would. Seeing people like you here beeing so frankly makes me even more proud of beeing part of this great community!

Again, happy jubilee :thumbsup:

So ...touching.


I remember as precisely that day too : 31 of January 1988 so it was 19 years ago  ::) ... we are still together .  :P
I just wish you the same destiny Marius , I just wish you the same ...  ;)

 &apls One year by one. That`s the best way to go throught . Wish you a lot of these.  :thumbsup:

My dear Marius.

What a happy occasion it is! :) And your first encounter described so sweet and lovingly.
I wish you two a wonderfull celebration. make it something to remember, not that that will be a problem I guess $%Grinno$%

And how weird are coincidences? Today, my friend and I are exactly 2 years together as well. Altough he says it's tomorow, because it was late in the evening and for some stupid reason we had no eyes for the time. Yet i'm still convinced it was before midnight. ;D

Strech.

Impressive work! This is stunning and spectacular!

I think this is the first time i visited the forums in SC4D. Its also the first time (I think) to visit Marius' CJ. Brilliant. Sooooooo great this CJ  &apls &hlp

So,

Was the jubilee a memorabel occasion? ;D

I trust and hope so.

Strech.

baie gelukwense M, and many more anniversaries to come!  ()flower()

I had almost same experience 1 Aug 88... and  we are still together... almost 19 years now (6 of them married). I wish the very same for you and Steven!

Not responding to comments or providing a "proper update" as yet guys and gals, and I am truly sorry about that. RL is rather pressing at the moment.

BUT, I had time to put this together this evening... not much I know, but for those interested in the Elytheria-Rauheim relationship, and those who like to read:

Elytheria withdraws from Rauheim Alliance (http://elytherian.herald.googlepages.com)

The home of the Elytherian Herald Online has been revamped recently, so I hope you enjoy it. ;)

Thanks for your continued support and patience,

-M-

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-> Click!-y!

The Federated Socialist Republic of Rauheim: A definite must see! -> Click! (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=87893)

Interesting -M-. Nice site btw :)

A very nice update. A newspaper, a very good addition to Elytheria.

Strech.

Very good website, my friend! Interesting reading material!

Excellent updates M - in the last set, I really like the new canal set in the Ou Dorp CBD...the school looks particularly restful - although I dare say the kids would spend most of the day gazing at the water rather than the blackboard  :D

Nice update! I really like this Dutch style!

Well I'm going to try and keep this as short and sweet (ha!) as possible!

After my last experience with the DAT Packer, it appears as if some of my city files have been corrupted. Now, this is not the DAT Packer's fault in anyway, it is mine and I acknowledge that. I am also sure that there is a way to fix it, which means I'll have to spend quite a few hours trying to find the error, but...

This is sort of a blessing in disguise.

I have deleted all my plugins and am starting over again, but for the time being this MD is, as sad as it is to acknowledge it, dead.

I'm sorry, but comes at a rather stressful time for me - before my semester final exams, assignments and tests and thus gives me an opportunity to break away from the equally stressful task of MDing. :P

I am going to ask that David lock this thread as soon as he deems fit. At this time I have no plans for starting a new MD, and I'm certainly not going to abandon Elytheria as a concept as yet, but if anything is going to happen it is not going to be soon.

I want to thank all of you for your constant support, input and well wishes. It is truly appreciated and will not be forgotten. Okay, a tad bit melodramatic there, because I am not leaving the site just yet. :P

Sorry for not replying personally to all of your comments lately, but I would rather just get this behind me.

Maybe there'll be an announcement in June / July, but until then, I'll just be a regular enjoying your fantasic MDs, BATs and LOTs.  ;D

 ()sad() Damn, what a shame! ()sad()

I hope you'll find the source of the problem. and in the mean time good luck with the upcoming exams.

Strech.

Keep up the fantastc work!!!!!  :thumbsup: lol :P

Aww it's been nice seeing Elytheria but i look forward to seeing it again in the future, if you decide to start another MD!?  :)

Hope all goes well with your exams etc -M-!!

*hugs* toodles! x

Good luck with your exams and sorry for your MD. Hope you come back soon.

So goodbye my fabulous park ?  :'( :'( :'(

Seriously I'm really sorry for all your lost work . I would never have the courage to rebuild my plugins ... %bur2$

Hope to see you back with a new MD as soon as possible ... my Elytherian embassy will not change its flags . &mmm

Sorry to hear the news, M. Elytheria will be missed by all! Hope to see you around other places, though, my friend!

QuoteI would never have the courage to rebuild my plugins ...

I can see why, Badsim. :D Most of us feel that way.

I do feel sorry for what has happened to Elytheria. Good thing it isn't dead per se...

Consider this a chance to recharge your creative juices, and hopefully, you'll be back in no time at all, RL pending.

I just read it.....sorry to hear about your sad news. I know how stressful it is to rebuild your plugins folder...I did it when I started my second version of Osturland (the first version became corrupt because of a bad bat) at any rate, I hope that you will be able to get back to MDing when everything settles down and you have some free time...