A Fond Farewell to The SV Times

It's been an interesting and educational experience with this town and blog. It's been through a number of changes - resets and et cetera. And I'm fond enough of the little Simmies that make up this town. But not enough to boot this save again.

If there are any Sims from the hood that you'd like a copy of, just ask. The born-in-game Sims in particular.

As ever, I might change my mind about never updating this blog again. But at the moment, it feels really really unlikely.

The SV Times Presents - Dear Alex #3 - Coconuts or Bananas?

Dear Alex, My best friend just broke up with his girlfriend. Is this a good time to tell him I'd like to date her myself. Actually, I'd kind of like to take him on a date too.

Seriously confused

Dear Seriously Confused,

Well...you certainly are confused, aren't you? Let me ask you this; do you prefer coconuts, or bananas? Triangles, or cones? Fashion design, or construction? Sports bars, or spas?

Personally I'm not judging either way but...um...you know, my wife Michele is a little more sensitive than I am. I'll have her answer this question.

“Regardless of your preference, it would be in bad taste to go after your best friend's ex. It breaks “bro code”, doesn't it? You could try to pull a few moves on your pal, but you might want to gauge his tolerance first. Otherwise, he might run out of your house screaming bloody murder. Also, ignore Alex's weird and intrusive questions that supposedly spell out your simsual orientation. They don't.

Remember, there are plenty of fish (of both genders!) in the sea.”

So, yeah. There's her answer.

Now that I've had time to think about it, I'd say go for the girl and just don't tell your friend. It seems easier that way.

(you could also sneak into his room in the middle of the night and fondle him, but that might lead to a restraining order.)

Enjoy your banana coconuts,

Alex

The SV Times Presents - Dear Alex #2- My Ex's Mom Has Got It Going On

Dear Alex,


I dated my high-school sweetheart for three years, before calling it quits. She called me insensitive or whatever, just because I broke up with her the day before prom, and then again two years later after her 18th birthday. Everyone knows high school romances don't last, and besides, I want to catch some new fish. Wink wink.
So anyway, she's married now with a kid, but I'm not quite sure she's completely over me. I've been crushing on her mom for years, and after her parents got a divorce, I decided to go for it. She was very reciprocation to my advances, so the attraction is pretty mutual. However, it's adding more tension to the household, because my ex/her daughter walked in while we were woohoo-ing. Oops? I also think her mom may be pregnant. And she also happens to be Mayor. So, um...how do we go about telling her daughter/my ex that she may have a new brother or sister, fathered by her high school sweetheart? This seems like it'd be really awkward for family reunions...


S.O.S,
-Cougar Luvr


Dear Cougar Luvr,

Seriously?! Wow. You remind me of a guy I used to know.

Let me get this straight; you've impregnated the mayor of your town who also happens to be the mother of your ex-girlfriend who is now married with a child and living in the same house. Well then, there is no fix that I can think of.

You've successfully screwed up your life, and the lives of those around you. Great job.

Stay Celibate,
-Alex

The SV Times Presents - Dear Alex #1- Computer Issues

Dear Alex,


I'm having issues with my new computer, and I'm about ready to toss it out the window. The stupid thing won't turn on! I've tried everything! I've tried plugging it in, unplugging it, cross-plugging it...it won't do anything! I called the store, and they told me to call this techno support place. Do you know what the number to a techno support place is?! I'm just sitting here, narrating my message to a friend as she types it. It's so embarrassing that I can't even use my own computer.


I understand that you're a computer whiz, so I thought it would be okay to email you with this question for your new column. Oh, my little boy! I can't believe you have your own column now! It brings tears to my eyes. Oh, and how's my little Susie, hmm? Can she walk yet? I haven't seen her in awhile...


Desperate,
-Your Mom. (and bring by Susie sometime, will ya?!)



Dear Mom,

You realize you could have called me, right? We've been over this; you don't turn the computer on and off by plugging and unplugging it repeatedly. There are buttons on the computer that will turn it off successfully. Why didn't you hire one of the tech (short for "technical") guys to hook up your computer for you? Why can't your friend who typed this message help you out with your computer?

Suzanne is adapting well, and she's growing like a weed. She even looks like you a little bit. I promise I'll bring her when we go back to Riverview over the holidays. I'll even fix your computer, which by now I'm certainly hoping isn't a laptop.

Stay Sane,
Alex.

The SV Times Presents - Cooking with Kacyn

Hi, I'm Kacyn McPherson-Hill and as one of the top chefs in the city, I've been asked to write a cooking column.

I've agreed to use my lovely home kitchen for the column. You need some free counter space and a stove to cook most meals. A variety of cooking utensils and pots will make it easier though you can improvise that sometimes.

Today's recipe is Ratatouille - a french classic

Now my first cooking tip is always buy in season produce and the best quality ingredients that you can afford.

Ratatouille requires tomato paste, onion, a small eggplant, small zucchini and 1 largish red bell pepper.

My second cooking tip is to buy kitchen appliances that will save you time and make cooking a more enjoyable experience. I know that some chefs insist that all you need is a sharp knife; that you should chop and mix all ingredients yourself. If that puts you off the idea of cooking, then use an appropriate gadget. Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper than your average restaurant.

Of course, The Bistro where I work is not an average restaurant. Our food is very healthy, but it's not at all cheap.

I place each of the vegetables into this food processor which I've set to fine slice. It's important to keep the vegetables separate at this stage.

Once the vegetables are sliced, I put the tomato paste into a dish and carefully consecutively lay each type the vegetables on top, making sure that they overlap. See how I've made a pretty pattern with the assembled layers.

I recommend starting in the center and working your way outwards. Drizzle with olive oil, add a dash of salt and pepper.

Place the dish in a hot oven and bake for about 40 minutes.

You want the vegetables are releasing their juices but not completely limp.

Remove from the oven and serve on a plate with some good crusty French bread. Suitable for lunch or a light dinner.

Family Bios from Sunset Valley - Harkness and Landgraab Families

The Harkness Family

Jack Harkness

Sim Origins: me
Age: Adult
Occupation: Business - Vice President
Characteristics: Flirty, Brave, Charismatic, Adventurous, Great Kisser
Brief biography: Jack is not only one of the top business men in SV, he's also a well-paid gigolo. His magnetic personality can overwhelm either friend or foe, especially when he turns the charm on. He and Ollie were two of the first in town to take advantage of a new technique for a gay couple to have biological children.

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Ollie Harkness

Sim Origins: by Chrysame
Age: Adult
Occupation: Military - Grunt
Characteristics: Flirty, Absent-Minded, Genius, Excitable, Kleptomanic
Brief biography: Ollie is well aware that Jack isn't the most faithful of spouses. He forgives Jack because Jack always remembers who is first and foremost in his life, both his best friend and his spouse. Ollie drifts from career to career, none of them have been his true calling. While he has been in the military for some time, his low rank shows his lack of interest.

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Stuart Harkness

Son of Jack and Ollie Harkness
Age: Child
Characteristics: Excitable, Genuis, Hot-Headed
Brief biography:Hot-headed Stuart has always been a handful. His fathers have been getting reports of him bullying the smaller kids at school. Everyone hopes it's just a phase that the boy will grow out of but Stuart's teens years are about to begin. Will his behaviour improve or grow worse.

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Lizette Harkness

Daughter of Jack and Ollie Harkness
Age: Child
Characteristics: Brave, Technophobe, Light Sleeper
Brief biography:While not as inclined to start trouble as her twin brother, Lizette will always jump in to his defense. Whether or not he needs or deserves any help. Her fear of technology makes her slower in many of the school subjects then some of her classmates. Not one of her classmates dare call her names, her brother has made it clear what would happen to them if they did.

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Tyrone Harkness

Son of Jack and Ollie Harkness
Age: Toddler
Characteristics: Genius, Friendly
Brief biography: The much loved youngest child of the Harkness family. Will this spoilt toddler still grow up well?

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The Landgraab Family

Nancy Landgraab

Sim Origins: EA Games
Age:deceased (age)

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Geoffrey Landgraab

Sim Origins:EA Games
Age: Elder
Occupation: Medicine - World Renowned Surgeon
Characteristics:Good Sense of Humor, Loves the Outdoors, Family-Oriented, Hopeless Romantic, Charasmatic
Brief biography: Geoffrey's first wife was Nancy Landgraab famous heiress of the Landgraab family. Geoffrey stuck with medicine in spite of his wish to be an author because ambitious Nancy would not settle for less then a doctor. Very much a family man, he did as much with their sons as his busy career would allow. After Nancy died, Geoff has married a much younger woman, Mindi.

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Mindy Landgraab

Age: Adult
Characteristics: Couch Potato, Perfectionist, Excitable, Neat, Friendly
Brief biography: The second wife of Geoffrey. Rumours have it that Mindy is a gold-digger, latching on to one of the town's richest families and a husband much older than herself.

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Brendon Landgraab

Son of Nancy and Geoffrey Landgraab
Age: Teen
Characteristics: Loves the Outdoors, Perfectionist, Light Sleeper, Mooch
Brief biography: The much younger son of Geoffrey and Nancy, he shares his passion for the outdoors with his dad. It remains to be seen if Brendon will follow his heart or follow the money like his parents did. Since the passing of Nancy, Brendon may feel less pressure to live up to the family reputation.

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The Landgraab Family (1)

Malcolm Landgraab

Sim Origins: Ea Games
Age: Young Adult
Occupation: Politics - Local Representative
Characteristics: Technophobe, Good, Bookworm, Photographer's Eye, Ambitious.
Brief biography:Malcolm successfully resisted the pressure of his mother to be a leading business man or doctor. He decided to go into politics and be the voice of good in a career loaded with corrupt politicians. He recently moved his family to a new home away from his father and his new step mother.

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Bella (Bachelor) Landgraab

Sim Origins: Ea Games
Age: Young Adult
Occupation: Music - Band Manager
Characteristics: Workaholic, Brave, Party Animal, Good, Lucky.
Brief biography:As a teen, Bella was interested in both Mortimer Goth and Malcolm Landgraab. Malcolm won her heart by his good nature and not being as grumpy as Mort. Between her music and three children, she is quite the busy person.

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Destiny Landgraab

Daughter of Malcolm and Bella Landgraab
Age: Child
Characteristics: Loves the Outdoors, Loser, Friendly
Brief biography: Destiny is being raised in a house of love, without the pressure her dad had to withstand. She is a friendly soul, but the kids in school mostly don't see beyond that loser trait that makes her last in every game she tries.  The birth of twin siblings has meant that her parents have little time they can dedicate to the problems and questions of their oldest child.

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Douglas Landgraab

Son of Malcolm and Bella Landgraab
Age: Baby
Characteristics: Loves the Outdoors, Genius
Brief biography: Twin brother of Melodie.

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Melodie Landgraab

Daughter of Malcolm and Bella Landgraab
Age: Baby
Characteristics: Clumsy, friendly
Brief biography: Twin sister of Douglas.

The two year anniversary of this blog

On the second of September 2009, I declared myself sick of trying to have any meaning conversations or do storytelling on the forums. And so this blog was begun.

It's always had guest Sims.
It's always been about following Sims around and seeing what they make of their lives in free will.

It's kind of hard to follow because of that, though the newspaper format does help make sense of it.

So happy anniversary to my oldest Sims blog.

The SV Times Presents - The Valley Fishing Guide for Salt water

My name is Malcolm and I've been asked to tell you about the best fishing in the Valley.

Fishing is my passion and my profession, there is no one in town better positioned to tell you more about the local spots and species.

We've split the fishing guide into two parts; salt water and fresh water fishing spots.

Now our first spot is well away from the active part of the main beach. It's a good spot for several species, it's where I fish for Shark and Angelfish.

There's many other good fishing spots along the main beach, but this little corner over away from the crowds seems to be most reliable.

Don't forget, the best baits for Shark is red herring and for Angelfish is Alley Catfish.

The fish are quite good size, especially the sharks and swordfish. If you are determined to haul in the big ones, get the best quality rod and reel you can afford. There are few things more frustrating then having your line snap while pulling in a great fish like this one.

Even closer to the main pier area, the fishing is still good. Just not as good as my favourite area.

Now our next beach fishing hole is Sunnyside Strand just below the Wolff resident. It's well known for catching tuna, catfish and lobster. The lobster are fond of tuna as bait so catching one helps you catch the other.

Sunnyside strand is a pleasant enough spot but I find that the horde of Wolff offspring use it as a trysting point so it can be a little crowded.

The final of the beach locations is Recurve Strand. It's a long walk to get to the beach, but the fishing makes it all worthwhile. It's not so much that you'll find different species of fish here, you won't. But it's very peaceful, few make the track out to this area.

Recurve Strand has many little inlets and channels that fish love.

Finally, a few general fishing tips for today.

Make sure your line is strong enough for the fish you are likely to catch.
Go early in the morning or at dusk when the fish are biting more.

Watch for fish jumping, that's the best sign that you'll have fish for dinner tonight.

Don't forget your hat, your sunscreen and some bottled water.
And have fun.

The SV Times - Gnu Gnus Daily

News in the City
by Connor Frio

Our big story is that Backlot Studios are having problems financing their latest productions.

An executive who refused to be named said, "Yes, we have yet to produce a movie that earned money at the boxoffice but we are sure that at least one of our films in production will break that curse."

Local businessman Jack Harkness isn't so positive. "Look, we know that film making is a risky business. And the Business Centre gladly loaned them the money so they could afford some big names to come make movies. But at this point, it's just throwing good money after bad. They said the last time that they were about to make a break through and yet they failed. They need to make good on some of their outstanding debt. Which they have no signs of doing."

"Mr Harkness, do you think there is any chance of them making a hit movie."

"In theory, they should have had at least 3 successful movies. But their zombie action flick came out just a month after 'They ate brains' which was a huge smash. At the last minute, their star pulled out of the chick flick. It was a decent romance but just not that great. And their thriller went way way over budget."

"So your conclusion?"

"They have to wrap up one of their almost completed movies and hope this one works. Or it's time to close the studio for good."

The mayor, prime instigator of getting Backlot Studios to set up in the city, has refused to comment on the issue.

In other news, a promotion for Mr Jebediah Kane means even the toughest cop in the state would think twice before trying to even give him a traffic ticket. Congratulations, Mr Kane.

Our new Staff
by Cycl0n3 Sw0rd

The staff of the SV Times would like to welcome two new casual staff to our ranks.

Miss Cassie Cooper will be reporting on the local party scene. Local bars, dance joints and maybe she'll even attend your big event, if you ask her nicely. Want to know what's hot and what's not? Check in with Cassie and see. Miss Cooper has only just moved to town so be sure to say hi when you see her.

Mr Alex Camden has successfully applied to be our Dear Alex columnist. Do you have a problem? Noisy neighborhood, romance gone bad, kids out of control? Write Alex, he'll have an answer for you. Alex, wife Michele and daughter Suzanne also just moved to the city.

Relationships in the city
by Star Matlock

Miss Cooper has had a very warm welcome to Sunset Valley from another of our newer residents, Mr Jericho Seastrider. The two had a midnight rendezvous at one of the local lakes.

Travis Kane is still sweet on Tomeka Wolff. So much so that he is risking a ride home in a police car by visiting his sweetheart at one in the morning. While true love should be willing to take risks, riding home with the police might be taking one too many.

Special offer - guest articles

One way or another, I will be continuing on here. So I've decided on a special offer.

You can post either special reports or blog posts by any of the local journalist except Cyclone. Whenever the mood strikes is a good time to write and post. I could add a family with a journalist for you (I believe I need to fetch Cheezy's family!) if you don't want to use Connor, Star or Autumn.

You could review books/movies/tv. You could write a 'foreign correspondent', foreign meaning outside the valley. Pretty much, any random content you might find in an online newspaper.

So submit your resume now to be part of the SV Times team. This offer is not limited by time. :)

If you have some other ideas for what special articles should be in the SV Times, leave them in the comments! And check the comments for ideas.

Ok, YES, it appears that a Reset Everything and a save as has brought this save back from the brink.

So if you want to write the occasional article, it should either be a 'foreign' piece targetted to the SV audience or match the cast of characters that we have established on the blog. I'll try and fill out a few more family profiles but this should be enough to get you started.

Family Bios from Sunset Valley - Nevada, McPherson-Hill and Lessen Families

The Nevada Family

Jamison Nevada

Sim Origins: by townie
Age: Elder
Occupation: Retired
Characteristics: Brave, Clumsy, Handy, Computer Whiz, Lucky
Brief biography: Jamison was a loner up to the point where Sierra Nevada entered his life. Her recent divorce from Clover Hill had left her feeling vulnerable. He was the one to convince Sierra to allow

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Sierra Nevada

Sim Origins: by Muleskinner
Age: Adult
Occupation: Business - Division Manager
Characteristics: Over-emotional, Neurotic, Virtuoso, Hopeless Romantic, Charismatic
Brief biography: Sierra's first love was the half elf Clover Hill. She was devastated to find that he'd had an affair with the town bike and demanded a divorce. She soon found Jamison, an older man but one who adored her. Their marriage as remained stable and an inspiration for other woman around town to dump unfaithful guys.

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Paulette Nevada

Daughter of Jamison and Sierra Nevada
Age: Child
Characteristics: Brave, Technophobe, Clumsy
Brief biography: Paulette is finding school hours a trial, since she dislikes computers and most of the classes require using a computer at least some of the time. She uses her time to make friends instead of working on the computer. Her grades aren't top of the class but she has plenty of time to work on extra credit activities.

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Pauline Wan

Age: Adult
Occupation:  Music - Hit Movie Composer
Characteristics: Brave, athletic, friendly
Brief biography: Pauline has been moving from household to household since her divorce with Christian Montgomery. She most recently managed to convince the Nevada family to take her in. Sierra is unaware that Pauline has been pursuing Jamison while Sierra is at work.

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The McPherson-Hill Family

Clover McPherson-Hill

Sim Origins: by Sidonza
Age: Adult
Occupation: Gardener - Master weeder
Characteristics: Loves the Outdoors, Good, Vegetarian, Green Thumb, Lucky
Brief biography: Clover Hill's first marriage broke up when he was caught with the town bike. It wasn't long after the divorce was final before he found Kacyn. He has long since given up any romances outside of his marriage, Kacyn fills all of his needs. A vegetarian, he gardens enthusiastically to ensure the family has the freshest and best quality produce possible.

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Kacyn McPherson-Hill

Sim Origins: by kjanie08
Age: Adult
Occupation: Culinary - Executive Chef
Characteristics: Flirty, brave, Natural Cook, Clumsy, Ambitious
Brief biography: Kacyn knew from the moment she met him that Clover was the Sim of her dreams. Their marriage has been long and happy, with one son they adore. Kacyn's favourite place in the world is the kitchen, any kitchen. Her wish is to be a 5-star chef, and she's been creating new dishes or perfecting old ones since she was old enough to use a toy oven.

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Blueberry McPherson-Hill

Son of Clover and Kacyn McPherson-Hill
Age: Child
Characteristics: Slob, Clumsy, Light Sleeper
Brief biography: Blueberry has been at best an indifferent student at school. He's the only student of such a hue, and feels like an outcast because of it. His school mates don't tease him, but they also don't talk to him.

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The Lessen Family

Linda Lessen

Sim Origins: by EA Games
Age: Elder
Occupation: Music - Backup Vocalist
Characteristics: Family-Oriented, Handy, Vegetarian, Perfectionist, Charismatic
Brief biography: Linda rapidly rose in the music career to backup vocalist. She felt that this level was her forte and never again asked for a promotion.

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Mick Lessen

Sim Origins: by Chrysame
Age: Adult
Occupation: Music - Lead Guitarist
Characteristics: Great Kisser, Virtuoso, Neat, Family-Oriented, Athletic
Brief biography: Mick only has two passions in his life. One is his wife and the second is his guitar. His music is well loved in the city, but few Sims outside of his family or the band know him well. The few that do are very good friends.

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Debbie Lessen

Daughter of Mick and Linda Lessen
Age: Teen
Characteristics: Eco-Friendly, Evil, Easily Impressed, Athletic
Brief biography: Debbie find that school work is easy. It's other people that are hard. Her long term boyfriend Daniel recently broke up and Debbie is having a hard time coping.

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The SV Times - Cycl0n3 Sw0rd's Blog

The Times still feels that we reporters should be writing blogs as well as our usual articles and features.

We had a busy night the night that my darling wife Trina toppled Thomas Leman off his position in the Chess Tournament ranks. Because not only was there an intense chess game.

But we also had a big birthday party for both the kids.

We invited lots of our friends like Ollie Mayweather and Alicia Longshore Frio.

And had some of our neighbors invite themselves.

First to have his birthday was our son Rock.

He is a promising young toddler. My hair, Trina's skin tone.

A few more of the guests, Autumn Portobella and Jane Bachelor - co workers of mine.

Then it was the turn of our little princess.

Nicole Sw0rd. We never did work out how she got that hair colour but we like it.