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.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't forget your hat, your sunscreen and some bottled water.
And have fun.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Family Bios from Sunset Valley - Nevada, McPherson-Hill and Lessen Families
The Nevada Family
Jamison Nevada
Sim Origins: by townieAge: 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
Sierra Nevada
Sim Origins: by MuleskinnerAge: 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.
Paulette Nevada
Daughter of Jamison and Sierra NevadaAge: 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.
Pauline Wan
Age: AdultOccupation: 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.
The McPherson-Hill Family
Clover McPherson-Hill
Sim Origins: by SidonzaAge: 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.
Kacyn McPherson-Hill
Sim Origins: by kjanie08Age: 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.
Blueberry McPherson-Hill
Son of Clover and Kacyn McPherson-HillAge: 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.
The Lessen Family
Linda Lessen
Sim Origins: by EA GamesAge: 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.
Mick Lessen
Sim Origins: by ChrysameAge: 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.
Debbie Lessen
Daughter of Mick and Linda LessenAge: 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.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The SV Times - Autumn Portobella's Blog
This is Autumn Portobella (nee Cusack) and my first blog post.
Yes, Antonio and I finally got around to tying the knot. It only took forever for us to decide to seal the deal. If our daughter wants to move in with a man when she leaves home, we won't have any room to complain. But he better treat her well, she is the apple of her father's eye.
Usually life is pretty quiet for us. But tonight we had a spirit invasion and had to get the local ghost hunter over to deal with it. Meredith Kane is quite the professional at capturing spirits. It wasn't long before she had captured all of our spirits.
Occupation: Journalism - currently Professional Blogger
Characteristics: Brave, Absent-Minded, Clumsy, Hopeless Romantic, Computer Whiz
Brief biography: Once Sunset Valley's main pizza deliverer, Autumn has since moved to the journalism career. Her pieces for the local SV Times are usually the social group events; picnics, the chess tournament championships, etc. She works well with her colleagues and remembers to bring along a pizza for lunch from time to time.
Age: Young Adult
Occupation: Law Enforcement - currently Vice Squad
Characteristics: Slob, Great Kisser, Daredevil, Hopeless Romantic, Charismatic
Brief biography: Antonio moved to town and immediately became a police officer. While still new, he ordered delivery pizza frequently and became acquainted with Autumn, who was the local pizza delivery girl. He has moved up the ranks quickly with his daredevil tendencies to take risks that other officers won't.
Age: teen
Characteristics: Couch Potato, Loves the Outdoors, Hydrophobic, Lucky
Brief biography: Patricia has relatively recently entered her teen years and has yet to be active on the romance scene. Her ultimate goal in life is to succeed in the business career. She can be found frequenting the lounge chairs at the local beach.
Yes, Antonio and I finally got around to tying the knot. It only took forever for us to decide to seal the deal. If our daughter wants to move in with a man when she leaves home, we won't have any room to complain. But he better treat her well, she is the apple of her father's eye.
Usually life is pretty quiet for us. But tonight we had a spirit invasion and had to get the local ghost hunter over to deal with it. Meredith Kane is quite the professional at capturing spirits. It wasn't long before she had captured all of our spirits.
The Portobella Family
Autumn Portobella
Age: AdultOccupation: Journalism - currently Professional Blogger
Characteristics: Brave, Absent-Minded, Clumsy, Hopeless Romantic, Computer Whiz
Brief biography: Once Sunset Valley's main pizza deliverer, Autumn has since moved to the journalism career. Her pieces for the local SV Times are usually the social group events; picnics, the chess tournament championships, etc. She works well with her colleagues and remembers to bring along a pizza for lunch from time to time.
Antonio Portobella
Sim Origins:MJ_RoseAge: Young Adult
Occupation: Law Enforcement - currently Vice Squad
Characteristics: Slob, Great Kisser, Daredevil, Hopeless Romantic, Charismatic
Brief biography: Antonio moved to town and immediately became a police officer. While still new, he ordered delivery pizza frequently and became acquainted with Autumn, who was the local pizza delivery girl. He has moved up the ranks quickly with his daredevil tendencies to take risks that other officers won't.
Patricia Portobella
Daughter of Antonio and AutumnAge: teen
Characteristics: Couch Potato, Loves the Outdoors, Hydrophobic, Lucky
Brief biography: Patricia has relatively recently entered her teen years and has yet to be active on the romance scene. Her ultimate goal in life is to succeed in the business career. She can be found frequenting the lounge chairs at the local beach.
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