A Room with a View

[DrSpike]

It gets bumped whenever Gramps wants to regale us with more tales anyway. We wouldn't want the thread to turn to spam.

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room With A View Chapter Fourteen

Compilations, Complications and Rhetorical instigations!



When I came to Apolyton I found a lot of very neat people. Or did I find a lot of people whom posted as neat people? I read through a lot of postings and found some folks were trolls, which we previously discussed. I also found people who had little to say about much and much to say about little significant substance.

This all would of course be a mute point except, sitting on the jury, way up in the peanut gallery of the halls of justice, sandbaggers would come forth to expose themselves and here she goes, complicating an otherwise simply matter.

I am of course one whom, after doing all my PBEM posting, look slowly, as if I was looking through a neighbors slightly open drapes and curtains, peer into the Off Topic forum to see what I can se.

I see the usual “I’m Gay and if your not then you’re a bigot” or “Hate Christians because they don’t believe in my freedom to be a carnivorous human” or “Hate Bush because he stood up to Terrorists our government help set up” threads. I look through them and laugh at many idiotic posts and then think to myself; Self, they are just making some conversation to want the hours away like you yourself do in posting turns.

Then I thought that maybe if people took some remarks as Rhetorical and left them then many flame wars would never happen. Heated debates would be a thing of the past. Of course we all have seen the slight of hand “deer in the headlight look” I didn’t mean anything by that remark.

Of course that person “implied” a rhetorical comment but actually in truth laid a grenade down with several trip wires, many chunks of cheese for the ‘Poly mice to nibble on. Goodbye Rhetorical implications and hello donnybrook dance time!

Yes the old barnyard battles are on! Pitching personal points to start, my view is correct and you have the right to your view up until you step within my boundaries of what I accept. Yes folks, instigators are my day’s version of today’s trolls. I enjoy stoking a good fire. Heck, I see right through some of these threads, not the blatant spam fests, but he ones that are like killing zones on the thread trail of a military action. Trip wires to set of mines that explode in the face of reason, bouncing betties that rise up and shoot holes in theories and conjectures! Then as you crawl for cover claymore mines wipe out facts and data.

I have been a party to and watch many debates. I love the passionate losers who would argue with a wall, the die hard historians whom shell out facts from yesteryear of why something couldn’t possible happen. I would imagine many laughed at the depictions of Buck Rogers and his space travels and the people whom shot down and dismissed his ideas as tomfoolery.

Who wins all the ‘Poly debates? Anyone? No one? Someone? I myself, for all my ignorance and non-schooling and lack of a proper college education, have found out many things along the roadside of life’s highway.

I have found that it really doesn’t matter after a hard days work what we think or do at these threads, as long as we be respectful of others. I am a Christian. I don’t hate Gays nor do I hate those whom don’t believe in Jesus Christ. I don’t agree in mocking my Lord, I wish I didn’t fail Him but do and need his Grace to get by. I have done enough drugs and alcohol to last three lifetimes. I been in more fights and been abused longer than many individuals have been. I am not proud although I often find myself a braggart of events that one day will have to give account for and no, they wont help me then. I too find my heart tempted by wrong thoughts and often wrong motives, sometimes; I am my own worst enemy.

Where does this all tie into? I say this, next time when in a debate, instead of jerking on the chain of the fellow who is instigating, maybe simply let the chain lay, step over the trip wire move away from the killing zone and help the person not embarrass themselves in a thread which by and large wont amount to a hill of beans in life’s big picture.

I love to googilize and download lots of pictures to attach. I try to add humor and a lighter side to many threads I see as potential problematic encounters. Where Ignorance is Bliss/’tis folly to be wise by the eighteenth-century English poet Thomas Gray, Nice saying and if a person is ignorant then we should help not harm them.

I have not however, completely rid myself of my demons that touch me on my dark side and want me to strike out as only a Master Troll can do.

Shame on me for standing, in a darkened room with a view, binoculars in hand, pressed against my face looking into a window across the way and, feeling flushed, temples beating and a dry mouth yet unquenched, knowing it is wrong, but temptation lures me to fan the flames and be a part of yanking ones chains.

I shall always be like a heel hound however, in my “comfortable years” simply having some amusing anecdotes or yet help make one by posting and almost always attaching a picture worth a thousand words.

Now, I reflect back wishing no harm came from Grandpa Troll’s often went awry attempts at humor.

Here I stand viewing my often over zealous ambition to make the whole world stop and think, “Wow and I thought I was mucked up in the head!”

Grandpa Troll sits back down in his easy chair.

In a Room with a View

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room With A View Chapter Fifteen

What is a Master exactly? Some would say a Master is one whom controls surreal events as well as directing subliminal suggestiveness.

Masters seem god-like, yet are not deity in nature. They rule but have not the basic essence of well intended direction for your path of existence. They may even be considered tyrannical. They have a set of tenets for their beliefs and abide by so rigidly.

Masters come in various forms. Some form in an evil dependent way upon ones soul. Mastery of a craft or mastery of a trade does not make one a master at life now does it?

Often we inadvertently appoint a dark soul to be lord and master over our life. We follow it like the little puppy that follows a child home, eating the trail of food so when it arrives on the child’s doorstep, innocence is the cloaking factor while rulers of the child’s life allow such to be permitted, even for a moment to bring temporal joy. Soon, another distraction is upon us. This is the way bad habits take root and control our lives.

Then you have legendary Masters from Martial arts and music. From culinary to cultural icons, all with a bona fide degree of expertise to claim a small, insignificant throne, these Masters set forth standards.

China calls its masters Sifu or teacher. Hebrew is Rabbonni or teacher. In America we range from Doctor to Professor.

What of the smaller claims through deed and tenure that have gone unnoticed through society’s eyes? If one has accomplished a certain understanding and level of proficiency to such a degree that they can pass it on and enlighten another’s life, would not that person be considered a master?

Well, there is yet another Master and like me he is a Gemini, hot or cold not lukewarm. Whether endearing or abrasive he soon shall be crowned upon the throne of a 22-seated panel of Deities, none other than Master Zen.

He is a well-respected Apolyton Plus member from Mexico. Hermano Zen to the Apolyton community.

His interests include Civ, Politics, War, which form the basis for a successful civilization site. He is an economist. He is indeed a highly decorated member of such groups as Play the world demo game, The Apolyton team for the Civilization III Conquests Intersite Democracy Game, ACDG3 Spartans snd of course Spanish Civers!

Please take time in welcoming him as his coronation is fast approaching.

I am standing in the room, now a little fuller, with a view backed by 22.

Grandpa Troll

[Master Zen]

Actually I'm not an Apolyton Plus member, but still, thanks

(btw, one of those guys actually does look a bit like me, but I won't say which one )

[Rubychaser]

Grandpa Troll, you are a true sage

You do the Horde proud.

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room with a View Chapter Sixteen

I love Apolyton. It is a family to me of many sorted types. The proud members and the members we sometimes take a dimmer view of. They are still family. We have the on topic and off topic posters. All are still family.

Then I think of a family member of mine, in my family known as America. Her name is New Orleans, the Big Easy.

Having been through too many hurricanes to want to relive, not one having come close as what terrible times have beset the people afflicted from Hurricane Katrina. Woe is my family down ‘round the bayou.

I am on one hand glad it wasn’t North Carolina but on other hand sad anyone too such a hit.

Whose fault many ask of the tragedy we now are forced to cope with?

I have learned that many an hour will be available for the blame game. That will go on for years to come.

What of the immediate response that should have taken place? It didn’t and many stenches rose quick over that.

There was the ugly stench of sewer. The stench of un-attended to personal hygiene caused stench of irritability among many emotions.

The stench over racism came up and with just reason. Look at the demographics. They are hard to ignore. Will this ever be addressed and admitted to if it was so? Not even a chance my fellow apolytoners.

Were the people warned before hand? Yes many were, I couldn’t tell you if all were, I wasn’t there and not sure what type of mass media coverage was available to the Cajuns people as well as country folks with barely a nickel to survive on let along travel on.

I have Arlo Guthrie playing in my head as I have always enjoyed his rendition of the Steve Goodman tune The City of New Orleans.

I also hear the Mayor’s plight lashing out at the Federal Govt. I am not a Bush Basher not am I a Bush Blind supporter. Rest assured, someone must have the authority somewhere to say send this or send that.

I have heard many years how New Orleans was a prime target awaiting a knockout punch. If this is true and the federal boys knew it, then why didn’t they react quicker?

I am both disgusted and embarrassed to say we take care of our own. I don’t want to get into a political debate but if this had been a more affluent area would we have seen such a slow response. I am not a scholar, but a mere man but even I know that a land that has water flowing toward it wont stand a “better chance” as time goes by after a catastrophe such as we have seen happen here. God knows it takes time but we have helicopters that could have been ferrying people to safety.

I am appalled to hear of stories of stranded people dying and not a chance to help them.

I have a heavy heart for the people of the police department. Some resigned which wont ever have an upside. A couple took their lives and that is a core sign of just how desperate times are in the Big Easy. The Deputy Chief of Police spoke clear and true although his peers may have a “political spin” and denounce him for stating New Orleans has been destroyed.
What do the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold) symbolize?
Purple represents Justice; Green represents Faith; Gold represents Power.
This January & February, celebrate the future because that is what these people have a future. The past and present is too dismal to want to live within.
In the chorus of The City of New Orleans it states, “Good Morning America how are ya? Don’t you know me I’m your native son?”
What of the developers of New Orleans? Where is there part in all this?
Build up this massive city and set it up for failure. That’s being too cynical now isn’t it?
Ok bring lot of help FEMA and bring it now. Don’t forget to help those whom are helping New Orleans and surrounding parishes.
Please don’t forget about the other areas hit, they need help.
Don’t be too harsh on the mayor; he is in a desperate and painful position. Someone said it on CNN; we don’t need photo ops or handshakes. We need money and lots of it. Food and housing as well as clothes are needed.
How sad is it for the families to not know the whereabouts of loved ones and bodies decaying. I am not proud of our lack of response and certainly a lot of miscommunication abound. I wonder why these tractor-trailer loads of emergency equipment were not sent? Bureaucracy I’m sure, probably some strings attached to it or something.
I have much more and will in coming days share what I am seeing, windows wide open, in Trolldom from A Room With A View!

This picture below seemed appropriate, from the Bergamini tomb in the Saint Louis#1`Cemetary in the east quadrant of the cemetary, simply known as the weeping child.

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room With A View Chapter Seventeen

The south and southeastern portions of the United States have had to anti up over many costly storms in the past decade. Through this tragic stage of events one event that does not pass with the landing and destruction caused by land falling Hurricanes and the oft-spawned tornado activity is what we have come to embrace as the blame game.

Plenty of blame to go around while surely President Bush is to blame for everything from the parting of the red sea to the great locust attacks of Old Testament

I am sure even Oliver Stone could do a co-write with Michael Moore and come up with something mildly connected to all negative events in history and with a wee bit of journalistic curve, find GW as the guilt party.

Ok, in slight pun I have addressed this issue when in fact President Bush needs to shoulder the responsibility, not necessarily the blame, for helping right a long built up wrong. That’s what Presidents do.

So many were a party in whole or in part to this mess. While doing some good, even Wal-Mart and its leadership donated and were called out for not doing enough. Me oh my, just how easy is it to kick when the better muscle to flex would be our hearts. It is so nice when people do nice things for those in need.

I am not kicking on New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagle; he was confronted with a terrible situation. His office imploded as he fought to do the right thing. Louisiana’s Governor, what’s her name, she waited after being told she should evacuate.

Ok, lets move on. Maybe we should follow the advice of a entertainer now passed away, his name was Sam Kinnison. He was the son of a preacher. He fell from his roots and drank and did drugs and eventually died in a fiery crash on the way back from a gig one evening. He was funny in many standup routines, I saw him rock the house at the Warner Theater in Washington D C back in mid 80’s. He had the house rocking and it was awesome, until like the sprint commercial where you could hear a pin drop or the guy who ask on a cell phone, “Can you hear me now?” he lost all the crowd, when he taunted God and Jesus Christ and mocked Christ’s crucifixion.

What Kinnison said however, in one of his routines was about feeding the poor people, he stated there is Hadje’, please donate money to feed him and thousands like him poor little Hadje’ and he stated when setting up the joke that someone made this kid cry standing just off camera with a snickers bar and a can of Pepsi, the kid was crying because that’s what kids do when they want something and they cant get it. Then his punch line and it’s a beauty, maybe instead of sending money over and over to a land where no food will grow, because its sand and arid and no irrigation, maybe we should move the people to where the food is?

Ok, how about we move the people from a land below sea level, basically they are living in a tub and yes it filled up this time, to a land that wont flood? Help them so we don’t have to pull from the huge money tree many think we have in America.

Oh and I am attaching this image because I think its funny and the reason is because in addition to President Bush people want to blame him as well.

I am now, moving beyond my Room with a View for mere mortal’s tread below s I elevate my pressing optimisms and published ranting to a more immortal status.

Grandpa Troll

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room with a View Chapter Eighteen

So many events have cascaded through my mind and souls recently. I am a Grandfather twice over and this is great. I am sharing with Apolyton, as I am so proud of “Da Boyz” as Mrs. Troll puts it. I will keep the picture fresh and the world will know for the many shortcomings I have, sporting the beauty of these children is not one of them.

I have learned other things as well, professionally. During time when a hole seems to get deeper and darker and the workload heavier eventually you will bottom out. I did and with new managers hired, my team is growing, with the normal pains but still progressing forward. It is a time for me to remember when I too was a new manager, full of hope and full of myself. Wanting to change the world and break free from the reigns that constrained me. I am sure glad chains held me tight and I grew and now remember to teach not destroy my up and comers. To encourage and to lead is what I want most to accomplish. I was told once the difference between a Boss and a leader was a Boss tells you what to do a Leader shows you. Oh to maintain a position of leadership while under pressure, indeed a tough thing to do.

Then I found myself in the midst of a long forgotten lifestyle, well, not forgotten just not used, and that was a bar fight. Yeah, old Gramps got him into one and the Police had to come and calm things down. Thing was one of them was involved. A few punches were thrown barely any landed with enough intensity to harm, but enough ruckus was raised that more cops came and even the Chief came, he threatened to shut down the bar for good and right now a patrol car is reporting back but he instead I believe shut down several including one I thought I had a verbal agreement to open but alas no permit no party. Heck it was not in the correct business zone so why should it have been allowed to open. I can even remember what started the fight. Wait, I THINK I DO COME TO THINK OF IT!

Lets see, a few pompous people who came drinking and eating didn’t care for some off color humor. Yes that was it. No, wait it started because this was a BYOB club, bring your own battle, and it very rarely ever was a time to relax and tell stories, and it was widely regarded that it was good, heck, we even had cops coming and going, our regular beat cop sat down and ate and drank with us. Then a few nights ago, the law was laid down after one of our saintly patrons decided he had had enough, well, enough of us or me but not of his or anyone else’s straying from the purpose of the bar.

The raid came and a few levelheaded lawyers and soundmen of sound design came forth and this Chief of Police has yet to slap the padlock on this establishment.

I felt since I was the loudest and defended my right to walk my path, and I apparently failed to see the sign above the urinal.” Do as we wish and not as we do”

I paused, snickered felt a twinge of remorse for having to leave this bar of well doers but alas I think of Woody Allen I'd never join a club that would allow a person like me to become a member."

Thus I turned my membership in.


I went back to the logbook to see and as I suspected, very few topics were of designed content for this establishment.

But you know what, it was fun. I am going to have fun. The Chief of Police could have been a much harder case than he was but instead used the wisdom he had acquired over the years.


This I salute, standing in my room with a view.

As a parting Editorial comment, we all should lighten up about life!

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room With A View Chapter Nineteen

I remember my first car, it wasn’t much by todays standard but it represented freedom and status for my young independent self.

I got insurance, tags, gas and tires and went out on the road searching fun, frolic and adventuresome encounters.

Then later I had to get a new car, I ended up selling the older one and a small part of em went with it.

Many of life’s cycles have been traveled the same way.

Take for instance the Civilization genre. I cannot lay claim as some of having been a part of since the beginning this that takes so much of my time. I got hooked on CIV 2 on Playstation. My son had it and I watched him and fell in love with the game play. The first time I played was 18 hours straight!

I bought Call To Power as first game of this type for my PC and love this game; admittedly I am in the minority. I have gone through 1 and almost a second CD but just love it. I never could enjoy CTP2 for one reason or another.

Then along came CIVIII and the expansions, which I dove headlong into and simply enjoy them deeply. I will admit I suck as a player but aside from the fact I really haven’t whooped anyone, I would say I have gotten as much if not more enjoyment from these games of PBEM then anyone. The succession games have been a blast but not so much the democracy games.

I play this game almost everyday and then, CIVIV comes along.

I wonder as I did with my first car should I abandon her and start on a newer more appealing model? I know I always play Call To Power and have so many games going with CIVIII Conquests that I ponder playing this new game?

I know when it arrives I will, I will plat and start a story based upon a troll set back to start his own civilization and his take on what he sees.

Of the people who dropped from CIVIII radar, will they reappear or be replaced by new faces?


I have high hopes for the total picture that is enjoyment brought to us by Sid and da boyz.

This week the game arrives, hopefully and I will know of the treasures buried in data within the box as it unfolds. I also have Ages of Empire III coming and another World War Two shooter, this one Call of Duty 2 all waving at me wanting to be played.

Civilization though holds a special place to go, build up a land of my people and unwind from the hectic ness of the real world workplace and grind.

I hope many spread the word of the triumphant arrival and the success could also lie in the fan base, so lets get out there and promote this much anticipated user of our precious commodity of time.

I am standing in a room with a view

Grandpa Troll

[DrSpike]

No matter what your age, there are always too many games and not enough time.

[Grandpa Troll]

Originally posted by DrSpike
No matter what your age, there are always too many games and not enough time.

what he said

I however cant follow this advice below , for when I get to da gaming frenzy, I just play more............

[Sava]

I have no job and spend all my time playing games, but still, I have too many games and not enough time to play them!

right now, I have Quake4, FEAR, Black and White 2, and Serious Sam 2 that I have to play... but I am still hooked on Rome Total War and I am playing Day of Defeat Source

and Civ4 comes out in 3 days!!

TOO MANY GAMES!!!

[Paddy]

Thanks again Gramps

[Grandpa Troll]

A Room With A View: Chapter Twenty

I have to say, I proclaimed I wouldn’t do it. I have convictions and I have integrity and I am learning patience and after all, I am a grown man for goodness sake.

I spoke with my wife as many men do, consulting with the love and inspiration of your life, of how it would be possible to swing the 3 releases on CD of the games I have enjoyed most. This would be Call of Duty 2, Ages of Empire III and I forget the other lesser known title..hmm..It’ll come to me.

We searched the World Wide Web and found a place, a BIG HUGE PLACE where I could find at an acceptable price da mutha lode!

Ok, I am a professional manager/firefighter of unthinkable mountainous seeming problems, confidant to those in need, inside and outside of my employ. I am an ear and sometimes a pincushion for my many valued partners or contractors for those of you outside the “WIN-WIN” realm of thinking.

I felt so proud and felt so dignified at preordering these three games..oh the other one was Civilization Four. It’s an “ok game” I thought I might purchase it and see if its any good.

Then as time approached, my heart was a pounding, memories of past addictions and then..release time, all bets off, Santa is coming early.

“Pant”..breathe slowly..wait wait..what..what is up?

I clicked to see what was up with the BIG HUGE PLACE known as Amazon.com?

I preordered but to no avail, it didn’t ship.

One day passes as other in America are getting it.

Two days pass and it is ready to ship. Three days, with two in the holding pattern. I am told they are preparing to ship it. I bet them sons a gun are playing with my copy. Why I oughtaa..ahh never mind..

I went to Amazon and from another computer tried to see if I could buy it and sure, we got plenty, purchase now and we will send it out and you will play tomorrow.

I emailed and emailed and well, got kinda a cold shoulder and an I don’t give a ___ Attitude, wait or cancel your order approach to me.

It is almost 5:00 P M on October 28, 2005 and yes I am with an ear awaiting UPS because after my fourth and more assertive, not nasty, but more persistent aggressive non-passive approach it is on the move and out for delivery, the BIG BROWN UPS truck arrival is near.

But it took 4 days from them to me to get it going, unacceptable to me.

But I am a little guy, I spent about $165.00 U S Dollars and what did I get? Gaffed off.

Its ok, as a wise man sayeth once before me, Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!”

Another wise man also said, “We all walk in the path of those whom have gone before us”

I say Amazon did what they felt was right. I am a consumer, I entrusted them to send it on they didn’t and that’s ok.

I will have it, hold it, love on it and then install it. Heck, I may even take some nice picture of my games posing in various stages of undr….wait..(ahem..clearing throat..much deeper macho tone now) I mean pictures of my game being open and installed.

Ok, I am not gonna bash Amazon, I will simply look next time for a better offer like EB Games whom I have bought the bulk of my pc games from.

I am ready, preparing for a wonderful weekend with my new game, I am gonna play CIV IV and not even install AOE III for a bit. The shooter, Call of Duty 2 will come shortly.

I am grown up and I want my game and that’s that.

I am so glad I am reserved and in control of my emotions and desires. Well, I am but this is different, This is CIV IV and I will say that I have a good feeling and will not let things like a French Tech Tree or mislabeled CD be a cold water committee to me. Maybe I wont even experience them?

O.k. I am gonna do a few things, mouth is dry, paranoia says it might not be here, the truck broke down or the driver was sick or they will get it tomorrow. No, its my destiny, my privelege and by goodness, I will not be denied. I am worse than a spoiled brat, I want my toy and I want it now!

I am glad no one else feels this way, only room for one big kid..standing..in a Room with a View!


Afterall..I am CIVILIZED!!

[duke o' york]

Re: A Room with a View Chapter Eighteen

Originally posted by Grandpa Troll

I paused, snickered felt a twinge of remorse for having to leave this bar of well doers but alas I think of Woody Allen I'd never join a club that would allow a person like me to become a member."

It was Groucho Marx in fact, but we'll let that go, having been drawn into the fascinating existence of the Grandpa!
Hope you're enjoying Civ 4, and keep the 'polytubbies updated with your progress.
(in the appropriate threads, of course )