The State of Jefferson: A SimCity 4 multi-sport dynasty

[Young Drachma]

The idea behind this is something I'd always wanted to do and never have. I basically wanted to create a fictional place using SimCity 4, create communities each with their own character and such, then play out the leagues, rivalries and different sports for each of them.

Simtropolis actually has a place for 'city journals', but this is a much better place to post a dynasty and so..I'd just prefer to do it here.

I think if I do this right, you'll get to see a variety of different sports here, you'll get to know these communities in their infancy and as time goes on, when they grow up and as things change.

I'd like to start a high school league and see how that goes, perhaps do a little league and of course, explore the rivalries between the various colleges in the community via 2K Sports College Hoops 2K7 and NCAA Football 2K7. I'll use OOTP for the baseball stuff. I might even get EHM or WWSM into the act, but given how less customizable they are, it's not for sure that we'll be able to do that.

Anyway...here we go.

[Young Drachma]

The name of the place we're dealing with is called Oregano County. There isn't any particular reason for the name, other than...that's just what it's called. It's not in a particular state, though I like to imagine it as geographically somewhere in the south, just because of how close to sea level it is and how it looks, but culturally something similar to a northeastern area.

Here's a somewhat cloudy, yet aerial view of the place:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180157404.png

Here is a clearer vision of the area so far:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180157550.png

City folk seeking a quieter, comfortable lifestyle are moving in like wildfire. Oakley is the largest city in the county and is the county seat at just over 23,000 people. It's growing fast though.

Brookmont is the main university town in the county and has about 12,000 people or so...but that's deceiving as the majority of the town are college students and there are probably only about 2 or 3,000 people there who aren't college affiliated. The schools there are Brookmont University and a women's college that's also there, but is loosely affiliated with BU called Oakmont College. It's also home to the largest state university in the area.

But we'll talk more about that later.

Mannesylvania (Man-NES-lyvania) is the 2nd largest town right now with almost 10,000 people and is sorta the largest area in the 'back country' as the southwest part of the county away from the water is called.

I think the first place we'll take you all to, is Brookmont.

[Young Drachma]

I can't tell you how Brookmont got deemed the place where all the colleges would go. But that's precisely what it is.

It's home to the prestigious Brookmont University which is one of the best private liberal arts universities in the country. Bar. none. The school only has a total enrollment (graduate + undergraduate) of 13,290 or so. And some of that are students who take online classes, so I'd say at any one time..there are probably only about 11,000 students or so on campus.

Anyway..let's take a look at the campus, shall we?

Here is an aerial view of Brookmont University.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Mar.%2014,%20531180154573.png

You can also see in this picture, Oakmont College for Women. They only have about 2,900 undergraduates enrolled there and the women are allowed to take classes at Brookmont, which is overwhelmingly male (and a sort of contention for many..) . Oakmont is a pretty good school, it's tough to get into and it's also declining in terms of its enrollment.

But their arrangement with Brookmont allows them a lot of flexibility as the two schools share a common library and other facilities and some liberal arts programs. They haven't merged, but there is talk of it.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Mar.%2030,%20531180154902.png
This is the Tech Center. It's a technology incubator, development center and pretty much the most kick ass technical place around. Here they host a supercomputer and all sorts of other crap. I dunno know what they do. I just know they do a lot, they do it well and that lots of smart folks hang out there.

Next, we'll go downtown and check stuff out there.

Good times.

[Young Drachma]

Downtown Brookmont is home to University Square, where pretty much the heartbeat of the town is. Bars, banks, restaurants and whatever else are all here. It's a rockin' adventure. Or you know, not that great..but not that bad for a town that lives and dies by the student population.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Mar.%2030,%20531180154776.png

Brookmont has two Starbucks, a Burger King, an IHOP and you can see Blockbuster in that picture too.

If you look on the up on the far right, you can see the University Soccer Stadium and their Museum of Art and Culture. In the down far right hand corner of University and Stadium is the coolest dive bar in the county (I think...) It's called Abber's Brewery Restaurant. They brew their own suds there and they make an awesome burger. They also serve vegetarian fare in case you date one of those greeny chicks from Oakwood.

University Square is largely frequented by the Brookmont/Oakwood set. You won't many students from the state university hanging out down here. Main reason? Tension is usually pretty high and the two groups just plum don't like each other. At all.

[Young Drachma]

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Dec.%2016,%20571180162633.png

Olde State University is the largest state university in the region. It's home to about 18,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

It's not the flagship state university or anything like that, but it's a good, middle of the road school.

Some of their most famous alums in recent years have been comedians. I know, that's funny. In the past, the school has always been known for its excellent creative writing program and the fact that it has more teachers teaching in the state than any other school.

Here's an aerial view of the entire city at night.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Dec.%2016,%20571180162156.png

The OSU students like to point out while the nexus of city nightlife converges around University Square and they choose to avoid it, they like to let everyone know that "we have the Wal-Mart", as the Brookmont Wal-Mart is right down the road from the university.

Of course, the retort from BU students usually goes, "they only put it there so you all could get to work easier after you graduate."

[Young Drachma]

THE BATTLE FOR UNIVERSITY AVENUE
This matchup is called The Battle of University Road for one reason. The winner of the season series between the two schools in all sports are tallied and all summer long, whichever school has the most wins, gets to 'claim' University Avenue, which is almost so far from Olde State, that it's not worth bothering. But....that adds insult to injury because almost every year, it's won by the Rams and each year, they 'paint' near University Square in the colours of the OSU Rams, Red and Brown.

The Brookmont Wolverines feature no real stars. In fact, they're pretty terrible. Their best player is Washington, D.C. native Souleymane Cunningham, a 6'5" guard, who brings it every night.

He could have played at much bigger and better schools, but he got a full ride at Brookmont and his mother basically said that "all of that ball doesn't matter," but she didn't need to convince him, he knew what a degree from a school like Brookmont meant.

"Man, anyone can go to the NBA. But getting a top tier degree? That'll set you for life."

Meanwhile, on the Olde State side, the Rams come equipped with three playmakers. Nigerian center Keydren Fadipe, freshman point guard extraordinaire Britton Macklin and junior captain, Canadian Chris Parada plays shooting forward.

The heavily favoured Olde State squad is that way for a reason. They're experienced, they are good enough to win the conference this year and it seems that no one really expects Brookmont to win.

After all, the last Brookmont victory in this rivalry game -- which is only played once a year, rather than twice -- was in 1997.

[Young Drachma]

On the road at Olde State might be just down the road, but playing at the Peters Athletic Center (the PAC) is a very daunting experience.

But the Wolverines have a quiet confidence about them, that might bode well in this game.

We. shall. see.

[Young Drachma]

FIRST HALF

First things first, the PAC was loud. It was insane in there. And it seemed like there was more Brown and Red than I'm used to seeing, but...I guess you have to expect that with it being their home court, but the contingent of Brookmont fans who bothered to come couldn't be heard. This place was literally shaking from the moment the game started.

Scoring was low for the good part of the first half, with Olde State hodling on to a 6-2 lead after the first five minutes of the game.

Cunningham couldn't buy a bucket and the Wolverines didn't get a field goal for the first six minutes of the game, with their only two points coming from free throws.

Cunningham broke that streak at about 14:21 with a three pointer to close the gap to 8-5 and then on a fast break after a steal, he basically jammed it in like the ball was something he'd gotten illegally. Once this kid turns it on, there isn't a whole lot anyone can do about it, that's for sure.

The Wolverines rebounding kept them in this game, because there isn't any reason with the playmakers on the State squad, that they should have had a shot in this game.

Fadipe from Olde State is a really nice player. He's a big man, but he shoots the long range shot like Dirk and a fadeaway jump hook like Hakeem.

Cunningham is getting frustrated you can tell with just over 10 minutes left in the first half. They're down 16-10 and he's not only not getting the calls, but their just beating him down. It's got to be hard being the only good player on a team. Olde State leads the battle of the board 10-7 and both teams currently have six steals apiece.

The real difference is the fact that Olde State is shooting 61% so far, while Brookmont is shooting just 25%, the fact that they're only down by 4 at the moment must be some sort of miracle and if Cunningham can get himself into the game, they might be able to pull off the upset.

Macklin just hit a jump shot that had "beauty" written on it, to put the Rams up 18-12 with about 8 minutes to go in the first half.

And as the clock winds down, it's hard to think anything other than the Wolverines are just overmatched here. 13 defensive rebounds by OSU in this half, because it seems the Wolverines can't buy a shot.

22-12 lead for Olde State, both teams have mass subbed with about six minutes to go.

The Wolverines bench might be reading this, because they've come in and done more in about 1:30 than the starters did all game. They're playing hustle basketball on both ends of the floor and are really outplaying the 2nd team of the Rams. Too bad these two can't be the ones to play, because it might be a different result.

It's still early, but it's hard to see how the Wolverines can win if Cunningham doesn't get any looks.

Seems that Brookmont is trying to do too much and so, they've had chances here in the last four minutes or so, to close the 27-16 gap, but they're not able to convert on their rebounding opportunities.

What I can't tell currently is, whether the Olde State players really are 'that' good or if it's the futility of Brookmont that's making them look like the Pistons out there.

2 minutes to go and the score is 29-17, Olde State.

Wow, another 3 by Olde State. Boy, these kids are not joking around now. 35-20 with less than a minute to go, Olde State has this thing locked down now. They lead the rebounding battle 17-13 and all of their boards are defensive rebounds.

As the Wolverines run out the clock to try to end the half, I have to say that this Olde State squad is playing like this is an NBA game. And this arena is STILL rocking as if the game just started.

Halftime score 37-21. Alando Gatson leads all scorers with 12 points, 5-5 from the floor. He's not one of the big three for them, so that's pretty impressive.

Cunningham has 10 points, 4 boards and 3 steals so far tonight, but also leads his team with 4 turnovers.

[Young Drachma]

SECOND HALF
Brookmont is 5 of 6 from the free throw line, while OSU hasn't been to the line all day.

Parada just jammed it down the throat of one of the BU defenders and early in the 2nd half, it's 41-23 OSU.

Two consecutive baskets for the Wolverines and now they've secured another rebound. But before they can get carried away, they give the ball away again and Brookmont is toying with them like a dog with a dog toy.

OSU leads the battle on the boards 18-15 so far.

We're down to 17 minutes left in the 2nd half, with OSU up 43-29, with Fadipe just having scored on one of his patented hook shots in the paint. He's seriously got to be a first rounder on everyone's list and he's still learning.

I give the coach of this Broomont squad a lot of credit. His kids don't give up, they don't show any signs of being disappointed and they are playing their hearts out, despite being overmatched. I can tell that they are well coached, they just don't know how to execute consistently and they don't have the talent to play well enough to really make things happen.

But Cunningham is a star in the making, no doubt about it. They're really expecting him to do it all and against an opponent like this, that's just not possible.

13 minutes to go and the score is 49-38, Olde State.

This game isn't out of reach, but after that long range 3 the Wolverines just missed, it makes you believe that they're just not sure how to win this game, but that they want it bad. Meanwhile, OSU looks somewhere between bored and unable to deal with the constant pressure of not being able to get the shots they want off against this Wolverine zone defense.

BU has done a great job of forcing the other players to step up outside of the Big 3. The thing is, that's precisely what those guys have done to keep OSU comfortably ahead.

Less than 10 minutes to go and the score is 53-40.

The difference in this half, is that the Wolverines have figured out how to share the ball more with each other and it's resulting in taking more time off of the clock and slowing down the game tempo dramatically. If they could manage to score, it would be a lot more enjoyable. But nothing is worse than seeing a guy get 4 rebounds off missed shots and still not be able to put it in for 2. But that just happened.

Ugh.

8 minutes to go, 55-42 OSU leads.

Three straight threes for Cunningham and it looks like he's decided to take the game into his own hands with less than 7 minutes to go.

But he's come up cold with less than 5 to go, down 11, 62-51.

This game has been a crazy matchup with all of the rebounding by both of these teams. 66-51, with less than 4 to go, OSU has brought in the 2nd teamers to mop up the floor on this one and the arena is still just as loud as it was when we got started.

What do they put in the water on this side of town?

66-54 after a three by Cunningham, with 2:45 to go. The way that Olde State has been managing the clock all game, they're not going to give this one up.

OSU leads the battle in the paint 36-18 and now it seems that their playmakers have decided to make it from wherever they want on the court. Parada just made a 17 footer that was all net.

Just a minute to go. This rivalry game was exciting in terms of its atmosphere, especially since the State fans really come out in droves from this one, people from all over the state manage to check this game.

OSU just pulled their starters for good, as the clock winds down.

Christian Blizzard for Brookmont has been solid today surprising us all with 9 rebounds, 5 points and 3 assists.

Final score 73-56, OSU

Cunningham led all scores with 32 points today, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. Given the pressure they put on him, that's quite a coup.

Meanwhile both Gatson and Parada scored 24 and 23 respectively for the Rams. Parada also had 9 rebounds and six assists. Point guard Clement Couisnard had 10 assists for the Rams.

In the end, the Wolverines simply didn't have enough firepower to keep up, as we expected from the start.

We'll see you next year.

[Young Drachma]

Next, we're going to take a tour of some of the other towns and areas of Oregano County. Maybe get ready for high school baseball season? I'm not sure. But nonetheless, we'll go around the area and give you the scoop on the other communities that make up the county.

In case you forgot what it looks like, here's the aerial view of the entire county:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180157550.png

Now I'm going to go through and do town-by-town accounts of the areas we have now, and perhaps those to come...

[Young Drachma]

The first place we'll go on our tour is the town of Sandy Lakes. (Pop. 6,083)

To stick to the university theme, the first place we'll see is the University of St. Teresa, a private university of about 8,000 total enrollment. Their music programs are pretty top notch.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201317.png

The Shipyards are over in the 'Shippen' section of town. It was originally settled by the dockworkers who worked in the docks and it's still settled largely by working class families.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201437.png

The centerpiece of the Shippen area is Hobart Park. It's pretty much 'the' nexis of places to hang out in town.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201457.png

To the northwest of the Shippen area is the county fairgrounds, a few farms and in the right corner, you can see the newly built Sandy Lakes Golf Club.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201530.png

The fairgrounds sit near the shores of South Lake.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201565.png

Another new addition to town, largely because of its proximity to Oakley, is the Oregano Regional Sportsplex. It's a gleaming new athletic facility hosting soccer, baseball and softball. There are rumours of an arena coming to the arena too, but as of yet, it hasn't happened. The kids just call it 'The Plex'

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201578.png

Back to South Lake. Here is the South Lake Marina.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201719.png

Finally, in Olde Town Sandy (as it's called), the main street right off the lake is Old Commerce Avenue. It's home to shops and other fare and in recent years, is undergoing some sort of transformation into something more touristy and representative of 'old time' Sandy Lake. It's not really done yet, but I guess they're getting there.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sandy%20Lakes-Jul.%2014,%20631180201702.png

[Eaglesfan27]

Great job. I'm reading along (and getting the urge to fire up Sim City 4 again.)

[Young Drachma]

We're going to go to Lake Refuge now. It's called "Lake Ray-foo" by the locals. Have no idea why they do that. But that's pretty much what it's referred to.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Refuge-Jan.%2014,%20571180223045.png

Here is the Southside section of town. It's pretty quaint and suburban feeling. In recent years, people have been continuing to move from Oakley and commuting to town from Lake Refuge.

Here is Middle Island. It's home to the Federal Prison nicknamed Last Refuge. That's part of why Lake Refuge was home to poor people for a while. It's become more and more gentrified in recent years, but...you still meet people who work at the prison more often than not.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Refuge-Jan.%2014,%20571180223790.png

Here is the North Island.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Refuge-Jan.%2014,%20571180223800.png

This bridge will take you from the Southside to the North Island

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Refuge-Jan.%2014,%20571180223880.png

[Young Drachma]

Now we're in Oakley. The largest city and county seat of Oregano County. It's really the center and 'where it all happens.'

Here's the center of town, Veterans Square. It's a pretty cool place, it's a park mostly, but it also has a veterans cemetery. Veterans Square is also right near the high school, which is visible in one of these shots.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180224615.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180224714.png

I have to take more pictures. I thought I did and well, I must not have. I'll get on that.

Speaking of places where I need to get more photos, here's the main part of Manneslyvania called Curry. You can see Mannes HS and the field in this picture.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jan.%207,%20351180225265.png

[Young Drachma]

While we're waiting for more pictures, let's get you introduced to the local high school baseball league.

The Oregano County HS Baseball League (OCHSBL) began in 1961, after the county decided to stage its own baseball league for high school students.

The six charter schools were:


Brookmont HS (Barracudas)
Lake Refuge HS (Catamarans)
Mannes HS (Famers)
North Curry HS (Canucks)
Oakley HS (Oaks)
Sandy Lakes HS (Dolphins)


At that time, West Oakley and Oakley students went to the same high school, because there were too few students in West Oakley to warrant their own HS or so the local officials decided when they entered into an agreement with Oakley in the 1940s.

The teams have 25-man rosters, with 35-man rosters in total, meaning they can include up to 10 JV players on their roster during the season.

There are no roster limits at the JV level.

The varsity season is 32 games. The JV schedule lasts 26. There are no playoffs at the JV level.

[Young Drachma]

Here is the way I set the league up:

3-man rotations
Pitcher endurance: High (HS kids often play both ways and kids will start sometimes and pitch relief other times. I figured it was good to have the teams be flexible)

DH is in effect at the varsity and JV levels.

Season begins March 10th.

[Young Drachma]

Here are the Oregano County Champions from 1961-1970:

1961 - Brookmont
1962 - Mannes
1963 - Oakley
1964 - Oakley
1965 - Mannes
1966 - Brookmont
1967 - Mannes
1968 - Mannes
1969 - Oakley
1970 - North Curry



At the end of the 1970 season, the OCHSBL voted to allow the six private schools into the league. The private schools were a separate subleague playing the same number of games.

There wasn't a real desire for a new round of playoffs, but, in the desire to maintain the consistency built over the years, they agreed to one.

So now, there would be a League Championship (best-of-five) for the new Public School League (PSL) and League of Private Schools (LPS) and the winners of their respective leagues would face off for the first team all year in the Oregano County Championship.

Some were heartbroken at opening up the OCC to non-public schools, but with increasing enrollments in those schools, it only made sense and it increased the cache of Oregano County baseball as a whole.

The six new schools were:


Brookmont Academy
Academy of St. Teresa
Oakley Baptist
Mannes Christian
Seaside Catholic (Sandy Lakes)
Oakley Catholic

[Young Drachma]

Here are the Oregano County Champions from 1971 to 1980.


1971 Oakley HS d. Oakley Catholic
1972 Mannes Christian d. North Curry
1973 Brookmont Academy d. Lake Refuge
1974 Academy of St. Teresa d. North Curry
1975 Brookmont d. Oakley Catholic
1976 Academy of St. Teresa d. Lake Refuge
1977 Oakley HS d. Oakley Catholic
1978 Academy of St. Teresa d. Brookmont
1979 Mannes Christian d. Sandy Lakes
1980 Oakley HS d. Brookmont Academy

[Young Drachma]

Time for more pictures!

We're going to head back to Manneslyvania:

Mannesylvania is a town of nearly 9,000 people, but despite that large population, the town is segmented to be something of a sprawled community. So it's doesn't have the feel of an Oakley or a North Curry, both of which are more metropolitan in the way they are setup.


Here is the Birchmont section of town.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jan.%203,%20351180249109.png

Here's a picture of Birchmont and Depot Plaza, where -- you guessed it -- there is a railroad depot.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jan.%203,%20351180249122.png

Another aerial shot of the Curry section of town.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jan.%203,%20351180249134.png

An aerial view of all of Mannesylvania

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jan.%203,%20351180249147.png

[Young Drachma]

Back to Oakley now.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248832.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248816.png

This picture is of the downtown rail depots in Oakley. There are two next to each other and it's kinda cool. There is the old depot and the new one.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248762.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248802.png

More downtown pictures...

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248781.png

The industrial section of Oakley:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180248542.png

Oakley Catholic HS is here:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180224897.png

Aerial view of the downtown area and the lake area:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180224731.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Oct.%2021,%20331180224721.png

[Young Drachma]

West Oakley

West Oakley is a small community of about 1,600 people. It's nothing more than a sleepy bedroom community for Oakley. Property values are the highest in the county.

http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Oct.%2029,%20021180225125.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Oct.%2029,%20021180225143.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Oct.%2029,%20021180225181.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Oct.%2029,%20021180225199.png

North Curry
North Curry has about 6,500 residents. It's most famous for being home to the county's only international airport. It's a growing community and its location in the northeast part of the county away from Oakley and being home to the airport gives it a unique ability to attract quality businesses and people seeking a more suburban lifestyle in an otherwise rural part of the county.

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Feb.%204,%20181180249206.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Feb.%204,%20181180249217.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Feb.%204,%20181180249228.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Feb.%204,%20181180249238.png


Oregano County International Airport is located in North Curry.
http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Feb.%204,%20181180249259.png

[Young Drachma]

In 1981, a referendum between the Oakley, West Oakley and Lake Refuge ended up creating two new high schools. A third high school, a county magnet school for gifted students was also created that year.

Lake Refuge HS was closed in 1981 and that town and southeast part of Oakley merged to create East Lake HS (Otters). The other high school was created from West Oakley and the southwest part of Oakley. That new school was called Robinson Memorial HS (Pioneers).

The magnet high school is based in Oakley, in the downtown area and is called Oregano County Magnet HS (Ducks)

[Young Drachma]

As I told you all, the communities began to keep growing around the mid-1980s as more and more people began to literally flee the cities to find a quieter lifestyle. The Oregano County area was spurred on largely through a variety of preferential tax programs that really encouraged people to move to the area.

With this many programs encouraging and more and more development, new communities were beginning to form out in the unincorporated areas of Western Oregano County, which had originally been nothing more than forest and hunting land (you should've seen the buck I shot a few years back out there...)

Anyway, as a result of this growth, the Oregano County Commission chartered four new towns in 1988.

[Young Drachma]

Here are the Oregano County Champions from 1981-1987:

1981: Academy of St. Teresa d. Oakley HS
1982: Sandy Lakes HS def. Academy of St. Teresa
1983: Oakley HS def. Academy of St. Teresa
1984: Seaside Catholic HS d. Oakley HS
1985: Oakley Baptist HS d. Sandy Lakes HS
1986: Oakley Baptist HS d. Oakley HS
1987: Robinson Memorial d. Academy of St. Teresa

[Young Drachma]

Oregano County's growth during the late 80s led to a variety of new areas being developed out in the eastern part of the county that was previously undeveloped. These new areas resulted in several new towns and cities being built.

The first of those was the City of Charlestown:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301827.png

The Parkmont section of Charlestown is the 'main' area of the city or at least, home to the most economic affluent residents in the city. Charlestown is a middle to upper class city with about 20,000 people. For an area that was pretty much all country 20 years ago, the recent growth has been staggering.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301691.png

The Charlestown Academy was founded by parents who children lived in the region and who wanted them to be educated in a classical liberal arts setting. The school remains today as a testament to their original vision on a sprawling 14-acre campus near Parkmont in Charlestown. The school expects to join the OCHSBL in 1988.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301701.png

Charlestown High School has been consistently named a blue ribbon school by the US Department of Education and was considered an anomaly in that, the school didn't field any high school sports teams. In the past seven years, significantly increasing enrollments have increased the demand for such activities and will result in the school joining the Oregano County Leagues in most sports in 1988.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301726.png

The Charlestown University Medical School is one of the leaders in the research of rare cancers that affect the brains of certain wild animals.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301844.png

Charlestown is also home to Charlestown Catholic HS:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Sep.%2026,%20121180301807.png

[Young Drachma]

The city of Lake Almonte is actually home to two separate townships. The first is the Town of South Charlestown.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Nov.%2024,%20101180303971.png

Palmer Island is a village within South Charlestown. It is home to the prestigious Palmer Island School. It is the only private school founded for hard of hearing and deaf students in the state.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Nov.%2024,%20101180304032.png

South Charlestown itself is a largely residential community, but unlike its neighbor due south in Charlestown, it actually has a relatively developing commercial sector. Because of its locale on the cusp of two other cities (Lake Refuge & Sandy Lakes), it's positioned well for more growth and economic opportunities, plus, as Charlestown continues to grow, more people are leaving there to live in South Charlestown.

The community has about 14,000 people.

It has its own high school, which was built just two years ago called South Charlestown High School.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Nov.%2024,%20101180304015.png

Here is "downtown" South Charlestown, which is comprised mostly of the main street called Commerce Avenue.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Nov.%2024,%20101180303982.png

The other community in the city of Lake Almonte is the Town of Almonte, a small bedroom community of just over 3,000. There aren't many families in Almonte with school age children (it's mostly a retirement community), but for the few who do have kids that age, they either go to South Lake in Lake Refuge or a few choose to go to South Charlestown since it's been open.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Dec.%2023,%20171180304510.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Dec.%2023,%20171180304499.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Dec.%2023,%20171180304473.png

[Young Drachma]

Here are the Oregano County Champions from 1988-1990:


1988: Mannes HS def. Charlestown Academy
1989: Charlestown HS def. Charlestown Academy
1990: Charlestown Catholic def. East Lake HS

[nilodor]

Cool dynasty, I'm enjoying reading it.

[Young Drachma]

You really can't speak to the rapid growth of the entire Oregano County area without taking a visit to what Oakley, the county seat, looked like in the 1980s compared to the 'quaint' locale that we visited less than 20 years ago.

Here is the view from Veterans Square:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Apr.%205,%20491180306960.png

The Bank of America tower, as well as the new Oakley Aquarium right on the lake there, tells you all you need to about how much the area has grown. Some estimates have the city over 80,000 and growing (I've seen estimates that say it's over 100,000..but can't substantiate that), though that number fluctuates with the outmigration to the suburbs that continues.

Here is the new regional airport in Oakley. Chamber of Commerce and business leaders pushed hard to get this thing built, but no one could manage to get them the green light to put it anywhere in town. So they had to go across the river to get it done. It's not anything near the size of the airport in North Curry, but...it's better than what they had before, which was nothing.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Apr.%205,%20491180306966.png

Here is a picture of the West Side of Oakley. This area was empty for a while, but the lure of jobs in the industrial sector in the 1970s, fueled the growth of an area really to put otherwise low-income, working class people. The decline of the industrial areas of Oakley in favour of more high-tech and commercial interests have sent this area in a tailspin, as its residents just don't have jobs.

Their high school, West Side HS, opened in 1983.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Apr.%205,%20491180306982.png

Just around the way, you can see a picture here of the South Side of Oakley. When state officials came to Oakley in the 1970s, seeking the chance to build a brand new state university here -- owing to the rapid growth of the region -- this area was crafted largely in response to that appeal.

Now, the State University at Oakley (SUO) sits right in the heart of the South Side. It's a largely residential area otherwise and has a growing art community in recent years, as graduates have been choosing to stay in Oakley after they graduate. The South Side is home to South Side HS, which was built largely because council members from the South Side balked at the West Side getting their own HS, but not giving one to the South Side, despite the larger population there.

The South Side is also home to the Oakley Zoo, which funny enough, is next door to the university. As a result, the zoology and animal science programs at SUO are some of the best in the nation.

It wouldn't be a city, if there was no mall, right? The highly anticipated Oregano County Mall was built in 1985, after three towns attempted to persuade developers to choose their locale for the first major shopping mall in the entire county. Oakley touted its size and diverse elements as the advantage for the location, allocated land and managed to get the prize.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Apr.%205,%20491180306996.png

In that picture above, you can also see the edge of the North Side of Oakley, which is the area just south of Veterans Square and has its own high school, (Tarrance Cawley HS, after a former mayor of Oakley) serving the residential area by the mall, as well as the rest of the North side)

[Young Drachma]

In 1991, a variety of changes led to a new divisional alignment (originally started in 1988) in both the public and private school leagues.

Robinson Memorial became an alternative high school and eliminated its varsity athletic programs.

West Oakley voters approved a measure to create a new high school of their own. The new name is West Forest HS. The reason? They wanted to dissociate themselves from anything Oakley in their school names, being afraid colleges might think their students went to school in that city, rather than the small hamlet of West Oakley.

Three Oakley schools (West Side, East Side and Tarrance Cawley (North Side)) all approved measures to add varsity sports programs, including baseball. Following this move, all four public Oakley schools were added to their own division (Union division) in the PSL.


Curry Central HS (West Curry) was opened in 1990 and voted to enter the PSL.

Two private schools -- Condotti Academy (Charlestown) and Romero-Finniski (Brookmont) were voted into the LPS.

The alignment starting in 1991 for both leagues were as follows:


PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Union Division
----
East Side
West Side
Oakley
Tarrance Cawley (North Side)

American
-----
Brookmont
Charlestown
North Curry
Curry Central
South Charlestown

National
---
West Forest (West Oakley)
East Lake
Mannes
Oregano County Magnet
Sandy Lakes


LEAGUE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Blue Division
----
Brookmont Academy
Charlestown Prep (formerly Charlestown Academy)
Oakley Baptist

White Division
----
Virtue HS (formerly Mannes Christian)
Condotti Academy (Charlestown)
Romero-Finniski (Brookmont)

Red Division
----
Charlestown Catholic
Oakley Catholic
Seaside Catholic
Academy of St. Teresa


Starting in 1991, the OCHSBL playoffs will be as follows:

Division champions and wild cards will play:

Sectional Championship (best-of-three games)
League Championship (best-of-five games)
Oregano County Championship (best-of-five games)

[Young Drachma]

Two private schools also joined the LPS in 1998:


Seminary Prep (South Charlestown)
Almonte Christian (Almonte)

[Young Drachma]

1998 will mark a year to remember, as five of the colleges in Oregano County agreed to create a new collegiate baseball conference - The Lakeside Five Conference, to begin play in 1999.


Brookmont University
Olde State University
State University at Oakley
University of St. Teresa
Charlestown University

[Young Drachma]

And then there were six.


The Lakeside Five became the Lakeside Six before a pitch was even thrown. Condotti-Vanguard University
in Charlestown agreed to become the sixth school to join the league for the 1999 season.

The league's 52-game season will start in May. The top two teams will face off at the end of the season for a best-of-five Conference Championship.

This venue provides a direct outlet for the best high school players in Oregano County to have an opportunity to play on at the next level, right in their own backyard.

The college league's ages are from 18-23 and the HS league plays from 13-17.

[Young Drachma]

I made the college league a summer league on purpose, I wanted high school kids to be able to make the move at the end of their senior years directly to the college league, so it's possible to track a kid from his first year on the JV team in HS all the way to his senior year of college.

[Swaggs]

Very cool idea for a dynasty.

You are tempting me to fire up Sim City 4. ;)

[Young Drachma]

Okay, let's go back to Curry. Things there are...well..growth is a funny thing how that works.

Curry's population is over 23,000 now and one of the big problems with that is, the fact that the community simply hasn't been able to keep pace with the increased numbers in terms of creating more jobs. So the unemployment rate there is soaring.

Anyway, that's another discussion for another day. You want pictures!

Here's an aerial of North Cury as it is right now:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180331069.png

Well one thing you weren't aware of, was the new state university in North Curry. It was originally just a 2-year college, but a referendum among the locals and some state funding, turned their little 2-year school into Curry State University.

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Jan.%2010,%20261180330983.png

Remember the airport? It's still here and still one of three in the entire county to date. And still the largest...

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Jan.%2010,%20261180330992.png

Curry Central High School, home of the Blue Jays is right here. The joke is that from above, it looks like a prison. Draw your own conclusions about what that says about the neighborhood it serves...but...that's the joke.

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Jan.%2010,%20261180331004.png

Here is North Curry High School, the oldest high school in town. North Curry is weird (for the moment) in that, there are no private schools there, so the students pretty much go to either of the public high schools or they go out of town to high school elsewhere.

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Jan.%2010,%20261180331024.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/North%20Curry-Jan.%2010,%20261180331031.png

[Young Drachma]

Remember there were four new cities incorporated by Oregano County back in 1991? Well, the fourth one was really the "little town that could" with just a few hundred people there at the time.

Fast forward nine years later and the town of Fishers Village is home to about 3,000 people and is the most remote part of Oregano County.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180332966.png

A largely agarian community, Fishers Village is really a step back in time. In recent years, it's become home to people attempting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, who want a quiet, country lifestyle and here..they get that and then some. The debates in this town are usually so rancorous, that you get a big fight on your hands if you ask to pave a country road for more street traffic.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Fishers%20Village-Jul.%2027,%20091180332887.png

In the distance, you're able to see the high school with the smallest enrollment in Oregano County -- Village Jr/Sr High School. Their ballfields are nice, though. And starting in 2002, you'll get to see them, since they'll be joining the OCHSBL.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Fishers%20Village-Jul.%2027,%20091180332923.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Fishers%20Village-Jul.%2027,%20091180332944.png

[Young Drachma]

Within rural Charlestown, there have emerged several villages. The most prominent are the twin villages of Deerfield and East Deerfield.

Originally an area covered by farmland, the area is emerging as a hamlet for residential homes in recent years.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Dec.%202,%20261180334804.png

The area is served by Deerfield High School
http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Dec.%202,%20261180334777.png

Due south of East Deerfield, is the community of Wardlaw. It's the smallest village within Charlestown and borders two other communities including Lake Almonte.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Apr.%2018,%20301180335044.png

Just west of Wardlaw, is the Ghostbrook Estates community. Ghostbrook Estates is home to The Ghostbrook School, a prep high school for boys in grades 7-12. Their sister school, which I'll be introducing you to later, is the once all-girls and now coed Robinshire School. The girls at Robinshire, nickname the boys at Ghostbrook, the "Scary Creeps" after one too many 'fresh' boys having their way at socials. Boys will be boys? Beats me...

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Apr.%2018,%20301180335034.png

[Young Drachma]

If you thought that was rural, you've seen nothing yet. The area beyond Wardlaw, the villages southeastmost in the county are simply called "The Shire". In reality, it's about six villages that total population of about 6,700. Let's get acquainted with this very beautiful setting right in Oregano County.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180338695.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-May.%2012,%20191180338667.png

Here is Robinshire. I mentioned it earlier as the home to The Robinshire School, a former all-girls and now coed prep school.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2016,%20031180336568.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Dec.%206,%20091180337309.png

Northeast of Robinshire is the settlement of Antoinette. It is so named because of the very famous Antoinette Brewery which was founded there. While HQ has moved on to Oakley, the original brewery is right there and tours are offered daily.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Dec.%206,%20091180337447.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Dec.%206,%20091180337194.png

Just west of Antoinette is the hamlet known as West York.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Dec.%206,%20091180337175.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2016,%20031180336609.png
West of Robinshire is the village of Grossmont.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-May.%2012,%20191180338607.png

On the very eastern edge of The Shire and as a result, Oregano County, we have the village known as Scotch Woods.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Mar.%2020,%20131180337972.png

The northeast corner of The Shire is home to the village of Kjelland (Shell-land)
http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-May.%2012,%20191180338591.png

Just down the road from Kjelland resides the high school for the entire Shire region. It's known as Far Woods High School.

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-May.%2012,%20191180338557.png

[Young Drachma]

In 2001, the Lakeside Six conference invited two new schools to join and changed its name to the Lakeside Conference.

Curry State University (North Curry)
University of Saint Catherine (The Shire)

The Conference realigned to two four-team divisions

EASTERN DIVISION
---
Brookmont U.
Curry State
Olde State
State University at Oakley

WESTERN DIVISION
---
Condotti-Vanguard
Charlestown University
University of Saint Catherine
University of St. Teresa

[Young Drachma]

In 2002, the OCHSBL voted to realign its divisions to align schools by enrollment sizes, to accomodate the addition of two new programs, Deerfield HS and the co-op team of Village and Far Woods HS (Village-Far Woods)

The new alignment for 2002 is as follows:

PSL
----
Group 4
Oakley
North Curry
Brookmont
Charlestown

Group 3
South Charlestown
Curry Central
East Side
West Side

Group 2
Mannes
Oregano County Magnet
Tarrance Cawley
Sandy Lakes

Group 1
West Forest
Deerfield
Village-Far Woods
East Lake

LPS
---
Group A
Brookmont Academy
Oakley Catholic
Oakley Baptist
Charlestown Catholic

Group B
Academy of St. Teresa
Charlestown Prep
Seminary Prep
Condotti Academy

Group C
Virtue HS
Romero-Finniski
Seaside Catholic

Group D
Ghostbrook
Almonte Christian
Robinshire

[Young Drachma]

Here are the Oregano County Champions from 1991-2000


1991: East Side HS def. Virtue HS
1992: Mannes HS def. Romero-Finniski
1993: West Forest HS def. Virtue HS
1994: East Side HS def. Seaside Catholic
1995: East Side HS def. Brookmont Academy
1996: Seaside Catholic def. Oakley HS
1997: Mannes HS def. Brookmont Academy
1998: Brookmont Academy def. East Lake HS
1999: East Lake HS def. Oakley Baptist
2000: Brookmont Academy def. East Lake


The Lake Six Conference Champions:

SU-Oakley (44-11) def. Olde State (36-16) 3 gms to 0 (1999)
SU-Oakley (43-9) def. Olde State (27-25) 3 gms to 2 (2000)

In 2001, Oregano County Magnet HS reeled off their best season in school history (23-10) en route to their first ever County Championship, ending their drought as the public school going the longest without a championship. They beat Almonte Christian 3 games to 1.

Congratulations to the Ducks!

On the private school side, Oakley Catholic has never won a title since joining the OSHSBL in 1971. They've made the playoffs 12 times and last won the LPS title in 1977 and despite four straight division titles in recent years, they've still gone without.

Call the conference whatever you want, the State University at Oakley (39-13) have turned it into their own personal playground, after claiming their third straight conference championship in 2001. The school is going to turn itself into a destination school for the legions of high school grads, as it continues to dominate. They faced off against Brookmont University in the Conference Championship, after Brookmont (28-24) swept past heavily favoured Olde State University (41-11) in two straight Conference Semi-Final games.

The championship series went the distance, but in the fifth and decisive game, SUO proved that it could not be stopped and they will again raise the Championship chalice another year.

[Young Drachma]

March 13, 2002
OAKLEY BUSINESSMAN TO CONSIDER PRO LEAGUE IN THE SHIRE
OAKLEY (AP) -- Prominent business magnate P.D. McKennel has been discussing with associates the possibility of an independent baseball league of professional standard.

The details are still very murky and the league wouldn't get off the ground for a few years. But the Associated Press has been informed that McKennel's desire to start a unique 82-game league that would play its game entirely for communities in The Shire at a new baseball complex just outside the Shire in the area known as the "Southshire".

A huge baseball fan, he has funded many of the programs in Oakley at various times during the years and has always said that he wanted to see an "opportunity for the favorite sons of Oregano County to play baseball well into their prime years," and this league would allow for that.

More information as it becomes available.

[Young Drachma]

Here is the current map of Oregano County.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1180411933.png

I forgot to show you all this last time, but here's a picture of the University of Saint Catherine.
http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Jan.%201,%20201180411882.png

The villages of the Southsire (it's supposed to be Southshire, but the originators spelled it wrong the first time and it's been spelled wrong and pronounced wrong ever since..)

Anyway, Southshire is a community of lakeside villages, each that are unincorporated areas that have place names. If there are youth there, they go to school in The Shire at Far Woods.

Here are some pictures of them:
http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412160.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412176.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412185.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412410.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412419.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Sep.%203,%201501180412495.png

I know you saw those soccer stadiums.....and yes, it's a reference to a future part of this dynasty that's coming. ;)

[MrBug708]

Is there no direct road from Oakmont to Olde State U?

[Young Drachma]

Is there no direct road from Oakmont to Olde State U?

No, there is no direct road to OSU from Oakmont. Why? Simple. The trustees from Oakmont, actually protested the move to put the State University about 10 miles away from their campus, preferring them to put it ANYWHERE that was further away, fearing a "decadent" element that would pervade their campus.

After all, they know about those boys from Brookmont, but they can't control what sort of crazy, vagrant elements that might come from some sort of state university.

Fast forward to present day and now, the girls are pissed because they can't get to Wal-Mart without a car, because as you can see, it's pretty damn far..but that's completely by accident.

So rumor has it, some sort of real estate development is going up somewhere in that area between Wal-Mart and Oakmont and when it does, the developers plan to build an access road to allow the Oakmont girls to get to Wal-Mart and conversely all of their boyfriends at OSU.

Nice observation, because I'd forgotten about it. :)

[Young Drachma]

I know I mentioned it before, but I wanted to definitively say that I intend to start a WWSM soccer league based on communities in this game. I haven't really set it up yet, but it's twirling around in my head.

So much so that I'm thinking that I might not bother making the adult baseball league, because that's a stretch, whereas the soccer thing makes PERFECT sense to me.

But we'll see. I haven't decided yet and maybe I could do both. But...the soccer idea really excites me because the area really facilitates that more than anything to me.

Feel free to chime in. The Shire area is really the predominate part of the region in terms of where the 'pro' sports element is located, because I just like it for its quaintness and the fact that the 'cities' in this region are a bit more disparate.

Maybe the idea is, people originally lived in that part of the region and moved to the cities and still root for local communities in The Shire.

But anyway...that's where we're headed. I don't think we'll do much more building right now in terms of the maps and so, we're moving forward to the next phase of this thing.

[BYU 14]

This is cool DC, very unique idea, just finished reading through it, nice job.

[Coder]

Absolutely great idea to create a "fictional world" :)

I'll probably steal this idea for my fictional junior hockey league game :)

[Coffee Warlord]

And of course, you caused me to dust off SC4. Jerk. :)

[Young Drachma]

Glad this little ditty here is making you want to head back to SimCity 4. It's such a great game. Simtropolis.com is a really good resource for add-ons and junk.

The comments from you all keep me energized, so thanks for them.

[Coffee Warlord]

Heh, I've been browing that very site at work all day in preparation for starting fresh tonight.

I've already gotten the 'I can do better, I'm restarting' disease again. :)

[Young Drachma]

Dude, I will say that this dynasty is the best design work I've EVER done on a region. I think it's wise to stick with a small map with a few cities and work to develop them a certain way. It only took me five years how to figure out how to play that game. lol....talk about longevity.

[Young Drachma]

CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
In 2002, the Olde State University collegiate baseball squad managed to win the fifth and final game of the Championship series to claim their first title and to end State University at Oakley (SUO)'s reign at 3 straight titles.

In 2003, SUO decided to unleash their fury on the entire collegiate baseball world by not dropping a game in the playoffs -- including a three game sweep in the Championship series -- against Olde State. It was SUO's fourth title in five years.

If they're not a juggernaut program, one doesn't exist.

[Young Drachma]

HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The first year of baseball in the Village-Far Woods area and expanded playoffs wasn't enough to daunt the Group 1 champions from the co-op program at Village HS and Far Woods HS.

After a 25-7 regular season en route to the Group 1 title, they entered the playoffs and soared all the way to the County Championship against an experienced Brookmont Academy squad that had won two of the previous three county titles.

Didn't matter

The VFW Warriors claimed the first county championship for The Shire in its first year of eligibility in 2002.

In 2003, North Curry HS clinched a tie of the Group 4 title with Charlestown, but there wasn't a tie when it came to the road to claiming their first county title since 1970. The Canucks last saw the playoffs in 1981 and being coached by Keith Foster who played outfield on the 1971 county championship team, the 2003 Canucks swept Condotti Academy in four straight games to claim their title.

"It was a lot sweeter winning it with these guys, knowing how much harder it is to win a title now than it was when I was wearing the Blue and White," said Foster.

It was the third straight year that a public school claimed the Oregano County title and seventh time in ten years that a public school won the championship. Public Schools lead the county championship series 18-14 since 1971 when they joined the OCHSBL.

[Young Drachma]

In 2004, Oregano County Magnet HS established itself as a force to be reckoned with in county baseball, claiming their 2nd title in three years, after grinding out the title in a seven-game battle with Oakley Baptist who were seeking their first county title since 1986.

Meanwhile, in the college ranks Curry State University (30-22) took SU-Oakley to the full five-game tilt in their Conference Championship matchup, leading to the upstart CSU squad taking the conference title. Despite that, SU-Oakley (27-25) has proven themselves to be 'the' team to beat, despite coming third in the eastern division this past season.

Olde State (40-12) flamed out again in the post-season, repeating the same fate as the school's last 40-win squad in 2001, that failed to bring home the county title.

In six straight years of conference baseball at the county level, no private university or college has claimed the crown.

Maybe they need to recruit better?

[Young Drachma]

While baseball is primarily the sport of the eastern part of the county, especially in the cities, football (or soccer to the uninitiated) is the sport of the 'outer' county region. Frankly, there is a huge debate among baseball v. football fans at which sport is the biggest on the county.

In any case, the Oregano County FA is one of the world's finest. It's teams play in two divisions with teams spread through the county, with an emphasis on The Shire and village regions. Baseball might be growing there, especially with the recent success with lower level ballclubs, but make no mistake...Oreganorians live and die by the back of the net.

[Coffee Warlord]

Palm Desert University would crush your entire conference. :)

(Yep, I've been playing this evening.)

[Young Drachma]

Palm Desert University would crush your entire conference. :)

(Yep, I've been playing this evening.)

hahahaha

Doubt it. ;)

[SFL Cat]

Wha? No football???!!! Dude!!!

[MrBug708]

Im buying Sim City 4 now :)

[Young Drachma]

Wha? No football???!!! Dude!!!

Give me time, give me time. Gridiron will arrive, rest assured. ;)

[Coffee Warlord]

hahahaha

Doubt it. ;)

45,000 people in an enclosed developing metropolis can't be defeated. :)

[Young Drachma]

I'm trying to coordinate the Oregano County Premier League. But WWSM is a devil to try and edit..mostly just because it's tedious. I'll get it together though and we'll go from there.

[Young Drachma]

OREGANO PREMIER LEAGUE
---
Shelter
Kingfisher
Brianna F.C.
Harris Athletic
Mannes
Pelican
Commodores
Far County
Fifty Lakes Professional
Seminary
Morton F.C.
Shippen Athletic
Ghostbrook
Neville
Southchester
Los Verde
Carnation
Briar Athletic
Palmer Island
Commoner F.C.


OREGANO COUNTY ASSOCIATION LEAGUE (2ND DIVISION)
---
Troopers F.C.
Squadron
Southtown
Kjelland
Cordelia
Curry Athletic
Woodstock
Oakley City
Commerce
Cousins
Bridgewater
Antoinette Brewery
Black Rose
AC Windsor
Cyclones A.C.
Deerfield
Shire Athletic
Blue Collar F.C.
Ghostbrook
Charlestown South
Sandlake United
Birchmont
Wardlaw
Logan Athletic

[Young Drachma]

LAKESIDE EIGHT SCHOOLS TO ENTER COLLEGIATE GRIDIRON
The schools of the Lakeside Eight have announced plans to expand past just offering baseball, unveiling plans to join the national college gridiron football league starting next season.

All Lakeside Conference schools will field a team in the new league.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to bring Oregano County to the rest of the country to see where stack up," said Commissioner Paul Deveer of the Lakeside Conference.

2004 was an exciting year for players who never considered staying in county to go to college, but this should stave off that concern. "It's awesome," said one high school football player.

[Young Drachma]

2004 FINAL STANDINGS, LAKESIDE CONFERENCE


School W L T Pct PF PA W L T Pct PF PA Streak
Olde State U. 8 4 0 .666 428 187 6 1 0 .857 276 73 Lost 1
St. Teresa 7 4 0 .636 299 212 5 2 0 .714 192 148 Won 3
Charlestown U. 6 5 0 .545 292 269 4 3 0 .571 171 173 Lost 2
Oakley 5 6 0 .454 217 266 4 3 0 .571 136 128 Won 1
Brookmont 6 5 0 .545 274 274 4 3 0 .571 184 143 Won 2
Saint Catherine 4 7 0 .363 190 333 3 4 0 .428 137 177 Lost 3
Condotti-Vanguard 3 8 0 .272 201 340 2 5 0 .285 130 215 Lost 1
Curry State 0 11 0 .000 129 393 0 7 0 .000 83 252 Lost 11


OLDE STATE LOSES IN NATIONAL ROUND OF 16 PLAYOFF
BROOKMONT -- In the first year of participating in college gridiron football, the Olde State U squad put up a valiant effort, after earning a bye to the Round of 16 in this year's playoffs, after going 6-1 (8-4, overall) in the Lakeside Conference this year.

But they ran up against a Miami of Ohio squad that was just too tough, losing 27-20 in a close battle.

Texas Tech (15-1) won the national championship game over Oklahoma 18-17.

(I used random team prestige/conference prestige)

[Eilim]

Just wanted to say keep up the great work.. and damn you for making me pick up the deluxe edition today! I *really* don't have time to add another game to my playlist but its already got its hooks in me. :)

[Young Drachma]

OREGANO COUNTY SQUAD ENTERS PRO LEAGUE

The first professional team is coming to Oregano County and for once, the whole county has a team it can rally around. Billionaire investor Mohat P.K. Donadrossa, who moved to Oregano County as a teen when his parents emigrated from Pakistan. After attending Brookmont Academy on a scholarship, he went to the University of St. Teresa and later become one of the wealthiest men in the world and certainly the richest in Oregano County.

The Oregano County squad joined the national professional league after Donadrossa purchased a moribund team under recievership and decided to build them a new stadium here in Oregano County, after their original park was crumbling and fans has essentially given up on them.

"I love Oregano County with all my heart and I'm thrilled to be able to do this."

The team will play at a new stadium that can be expanded to seat at many as 80,000.

"We want the whole county to be able to come watch."

It'll be the biggest thing Oregano County has ever seen and a crowning jewel for the city of Oakley and West Oakley, who are combining forces to build the stadium.

The park will actually reside in West Oakley -- easily the largest developement ever in that city -- and as a result, there will be a new underground subway station built between Oakley and West Oakley to accomodate people who want to travel to the stadium and its accompanying commercial developments.

"It'll transform West Oakley from a sleepy town to a bustling commercial centre," said West Oakley mayor Francene McCarthy.

Photos are forthcoming.

[Young Drachma]

Just wanted to say keep up the great work.. and damn you for making me pick up the deluxe edition today! I *really* don't have time to add another game to my playlist but its already got its hooks in me. :)

At least it's cheaper now than ever. ;)

[MrBug708]

I have an unopened extra copy if anyone wants it? $20 shipping included

[Young Drachma]

The West End had fallen deep into a messy situation and as a result, the city decided to begin a massive redevelopment campaign that included the building of a brand new arena and football stadium; the latter part of a new mixed-use residential development in that area.

Here are a few pictures:

Omnivore Stadium as part of a mixed-use commercial/residential development. The building in the southeast corner there is a Panda Express restaurant.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-May.%204,%20511181011104.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-May.%204,%20511181011085.png

More of the West Side redevelopment project here. That's the Oakley Arena right there. They have a minor league basketball team and Junior "A" hockey team playing in the arena.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Feb.%2027,%20501181010013.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Feb.%2027,%20501181009951.png
A new Outback steakhouse, a movie theater and a Red Lobster all opened in the new West Side development by the arena.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oakley-Feb.%2027,%20501181009987.png

[Young Drachma]

WHERE IS OREGANO COUNTY?

I've had the hardest time with this, since the map I used was fictional..I had issues with figuring out exactly where Oregano County would be. Originally, I imagined it as a place somewhere in the south, with a distinctly northeast flavour.


But that stopped being practical for me as time went on, mostly because of the sports connections and the fact that I just didn't really this as a southern city or area at all.

But then it made sense.

It's in a state that's not a state, but probably would have been had not history done what it usually does.

The State of Jefferson (http://www.jeffersonstate.com/) is largely comprised of counties in southern Oregon and Northern California

Jefferson is a mostly rural area of Southern Oregon and Northern California in the United States. Several times during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries there have been attempts to establish the area as a separate state. This region on the Pacific Coast is the most famous of several that have sought to adopt the name of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States; the name was proposed in the 19th century for Jefferson Territory, as well as in 1915 in a bill in the Texas legislature for a proposed state that would be created from the Texas Panhandle region.

It's gives us the coastal area we need and the storyline for a metropolis that's born out of an area that was once very rural. It works for me, so that's where Oregano County is now going to be located. How big it is, is anyone's guess still...but for all intent and purposes, Oregano County is basically in Southern Oregon I surmise.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/Jefferson_state_flag.jpg/800px-Jefferson_state_flag.jpg

[Young Drachma]

I'm about to conduct another census of the region to determine how large the metropolitan area really is. We haven't decided whether all of Oregano County will be part of it or not, but...I'll go ahead and assess the numbers and then come back and let you know what the story is.

[Young Drachma]

One thing is for sure. Oregano County is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. It's hard to keep people away from a great place once they hear about it and clearly, people have heard about the Oregano County area and are moving here faster than we can manage to get jobs for them. Luckily, the commercial and industrial sectors of the region are growing too.

Oregano County is the economic powerhouse of a state that was once so rural that it had a population even smaller than Wyoming, the otherwise smallest population state in the union.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1181028477.png

Now, the state has several of the fastest growing communities in the nation:

From Money Magazine
Oakley, Jeffer., is the fastest growing city of more than 100,000 in the United States, according to the latest estimates from the Census Bureau released Wednesday.

The young city, located in Jefferson that incorporated only twenty years ago, grew by 11 percent to 260376 in the 12 months ended July 1, 2005.

Three other Jefferson cities joined Oakley on the top 10 list: Sandy Lakes (No. 3), South Charlestown (No. 7) and Brookmont (No. 10).

The MSA was finally listed in the most recent list of US Metropolitan areas by the US Census Bureau in its most recent (2005) report.

The Oakley-Charlestown, JF MSA totaled 1,548,209, ranking it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_metropolitan_areas)the #37 largest MSA in the country, above Round Rock-Austin, TX and just below Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC.

"The thing is, this region hasn't hit its peak yet. We're still growing and people are still discovering the beauty of Jefferson and more specifically, what the Oregano County area has to offer," said County Commissioner Todd Paul.

"I think we'll experience even more [growth] in future years, as our offerings get more robust and refined."

[Young Drachma]

The integration of Oakley and West Oakley has continued in recent years as the cities have grown from their humble beginnings.

This has resulted in a boom in residential and commercial properties in West Oakley, as Oakley becomes more congested, developers and buyers have sought out better opportunities out west.

The pro soccer stadium development was conducted in West Oakley and has a subway stop, the first one on the line, though now there are over 20 in cities throughout the county, with the goal being one in each before the end of the decade.
http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Sep.%201,%20131181024988.png

Here is West Oakley State U.
http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Apr.%2016,%20131181024734.png

Here's a skyline view of West Oakley, including the new international airport and both schools in the town now for post-secondary ed.

http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Apr.%2016,%20131181024687.png

[finketr]

why do i not have any recolection of the cool stuff in this game?

i hate to ask this, are you using any money type cheats? or are you able to have a stable economy?

and how do i get a copy of your map with and without city?

[Young Drachma]

why do i not have any recolection of the cool stuff in this game?

i hate to ask this, are you using any money type cheats? or are you able to have a stable economy?

and how do i get a copy of your map with and without city?

Almost all of the 'cool' stuff I'm getting are from simtropolis.com. Also, I have the Deluxe Edition with Rush Hour, so I can drive around and other crap, too.

Umm..as for the money cheats thing yeah. This was asked on the OOTP thread a while ago and I didn't mention it, but I guess it makes sense. I am using one money cheat that lets me craft the cities however I want.

But I'm doing that specifically because I wanted to 'accelerate' growth to develop the communities for the purposes of this dynasty. I've had the game for five years and so, I've done everything conceivable there is and yes, there is a way to develop cities naturally without using cheats. I've done it. You have to have stable tax policy and it would probably require more industrial areas than I have, for example, in this particular region.

It's certainly doable though and I have other regions where I've achieved it successfully. It just moves too slow doing it the 'right' way for me to bother with it for this thing.

I got the map from simtropolis, actually. I just started with wanting to do a region on water for once, during Memorial Day Weekend and it turned into this dynasty by accident basically.

As for the map with the city currently...I've never actually uploaded a region file before. But I imagine it'd be pretty big. I'll investigate though.

[Young Drachma]

The thing is, if you play sporadically, it makes it a lot harder to do a lot of this. You can go to simtropolis forums and see stuff way crazier and more unique than what I do, from people who spend way more time on this than I'd be willing to. But the techniques you pick up in terms of city planning, etc., are really useful and makes it a lot more fun.

It's one of those games you can put down for a year or two, come back to it and it's still just as interesting and amazing what the game can do.

[Young Drachma]

In Mannesylvania, Morris College is a liberal arts college based there, part of the burgeoning growing city.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jun.%2021,%20641181027983.png

The Curry section of town is growing too.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jun.%2021,%20641181028015.png

[Young Drachma]

The long-awaited residential development in the Oakmont section of Brookmont arrived and it's looking fantastic.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Sep.%2010,%20591181028987.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Sep.%2010,%20591181028996.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Brookmont-Sep.%2010,%20591181029027.png

[Young Drachma]

The sleepy hamlet of Deerfield, is no longer as sleepy as it once was, that's for sure, as Charlestown's growth has reached all of its areas.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Jun.%2020,%20331181029538.png

Charlestown is working to reposition itself as the "industrial capital of Jefferson" and specifically in Oregano County, but North Curry still holds that title for the time being. This is one of the redeveloped farming areas of East Deerfield that's now entirely industrial.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Jun.%2020,%20331181029548.png

[Young Drachma]

West Oakley State University is located in the growing and I forgot to show you the area where the first major highway in Oregano County was built in South Oakley. It goes to Mannesylvania and that's it for now, but there are talk of other mass roadways like this, as the region grows more and more. It's kinda crazy, but it's necessary to ease congestion, I tell ya.

Jefferson University, which is positioning itself as the premier institution in the state, built its brand new campus in South Oakley and continues to grow significantly.
http://omnivore.fm/city/West%20Oakley-Apr.%2016,%20131181024665.png

[Young Drachma]

Here's the most recent photo of Oregano County in her metropolitan splendor.

Actually, that's not it. I'll find the actual one.

[Young Drachma]

I just got back from vacation, so if anyone is still interested in this, I'll be getting back into it over the next few days.

[finketr]

i'm still reading and wondering where my copy of sc4 is.

[Young Drachma]

http://omnivore.fm/city/Oregano-1181775726.png

Here is the most recent map of Oregano County, Jefferson. The Oakley-Brookmont-Charlestown MSA has a population of 1.3 million currently and counting.

That means its the 40th largest MSA in the country, just above Jacksonville, FL and below Nashville, TN.

So what? Does that means we could have an NFL team and no other sport or an NHL team?

Who knows, but given that the population growth in Oregano County is the largest in the country at 39.38%, who knows how long the growth will last or if it'll trickle to other parts of the state, which would be an interesting thing if it did.

Other parts of the state, you say? Wondering what those places look like? Soon, you'll have the answer.

[Young Drachma]

Here are some recent pictures of Mannesylvania, which now has over half a dozen new townships within its borders.

Here is Mannes HS, still the crowning jewel high school in the city. You can see the newly built baseball stadium that's actually for Mannes HS, but all of the teams in the city tend to use it.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Nov.%204,%20821181774376.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Nov.%204,%20821181774413.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Mannesylvania-Jul.%2026,%20911181775680.png

[Young Drachma]

Speaking of the 'other' parts of the state, Jefferson isn't just a coastal state. The mountainous part of the state is comprised largely of an area that has developed into something called the 'Silicon Canyon'. Because Jefferson is sandwiched between Oregon and California to its north and south, tech companies in recent years have consistently relocated to Southern Jefferson, because of the state's overall pro-business policies (no corporate or state income taxes) and an environment that's enticing many young families to move to the state to escape an otherwise sweltering housing market.

Of course, that's caused housing in Southern Jefferson to swell, but not at the same pace as surrounding states. But we'll talk more about the southern part of the state later.

Right now, we're going to head a little more to the west.

Here are some photos of the Canyon Valley region. It's actually in the Western pThe Silicon Canyon-Serinda-Southworth Combined Statistical Area (CSA) currently has a population of 1.6 million, with the anchor of that area being the Silicon Canyon having a population of over 550,000, Southworth and Figueroa, two once sleepy bedroom communities have combined populations of over 200,000 themselves.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Canyon%20County,%20Wyoming-1181781579.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Canyon%20County,%20Wyoming-1181781627.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Canyon%20County,%20Wyoming-1181781620.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Canyon%20County,%20Wyoming-1181781606.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Canyon%20County,%20Wyoming-1181781627.png

[Young Drachma]

To get your bearings together between the two areas, Charlestown is about 188 miles from Silicon Canyon going north. It's a 3 hour and 40 minute drive. Or so Google Maps tells me anyway.

To get from Mannesylvania to Silicon Canyon? It'd be about a 5 hour drive or so, 282 miles away

[Young Drachma]

The southern part of the state is called the 'Gold Country'. It's still relatively agrarian compared to the mostly metropolitan areas throughout the rest of the state of Jefferson. There is one major city and the rest of that area is almost all farming and agriculture.

We'll profile that area next up, to give you the entire landscape of the entire state, population figures and all of that, as it'll build the next big part of what's going on in this storyline.

[Young Drachma]

Since I'm in a geographic mood..here are some other distances between cities:

Oakley to The Shire - 96 miles
North Curry to Lake Almonte - 88 miles
Lake Refuge to Charlestown - 77.6 miles
Serinda to Charlestown - 162 miles
Southworth to Oakley - 270 miles

[Young Drachma]

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (JHSAA)
Starting in 2005, Jefferson State will award its first state championships in baseball. Other schools will join Oregano County Schools in a statewide baseball league, that is expected to attract some of the most talented players from around the state.

"We think this league will solidify Jefferson as one of the premier baseball states in the country," said T.J. Marston, Commissioner of the JHSAA.

I'll list the names of the other schools participating, as well as maps of the other cities that you haven't seen next.

[Young Drachma]

San Alberto County encompasses the entire city of San Alberto, the largest city in the southern part of the state. San Alberto annexed all of the surrounding communities and became a consolidated city-county (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_city-county). Conversely, all of the previously independent communities within San Alberto are part of the city of San Alberto, though some of the more 'prestigious' communities will use their names and are identify as census designated places (CDP) for the US postal service and US Census Bureau.

San Alberto is north of Lake County and the San Alberto river runs through the city. San Alberto is the state capital.

Here are photos of the city:

http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Aug.%2026,%20501181803652.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Dec.%2027,%20671181805664.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%204,%20681181805708.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%204,%20681181805716.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%204,%20681181805762.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-May.%207,%20661181805498.png

[TonyR]

I like where you are going with this Dynasty DC (or at least where I think it is eluding to).

[Young Drachma]

Here are some photos of Terras County. The county seat is Allensburg and the entire county is serviced by Terras County High School. Northmont is the other incorporated community in the county, which totals about 17,000 people or so.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Terras-Nov.%205,%20151181866459.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Terras-Nov.%205,%20151181866469.png

[Young Drachma]

Here are some photos of Marshall County. The county seat is the City of Marshall. The other two incorporated cities there are Duncanwood and Lake Duncan. The county has about 15,000 people or so and is serviced by Marshall County High School.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Marshall-Nov.%2019,%20121181797437.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Marshall-Nov.%2019,%20121181797428.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Marshall-Nov.%2019,%20121181797449.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Marshall-Nov.%2019,%20121181797475.png

[Young Drachma]

Here are shots of Timmoner County, which has a population of just over 50,000.

Timmoner State University is located in the community of Crater Lake.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Timmoner-Jun.%2018,%20441181866131.png

The city of Meehan is a large industrial community on the edge of the county. It's the county seat and also has its own high school.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Timmoner-Jun.%2018,%20441181866141.png

The only other incorporated community in Timmoner is the Town of Benson. Benson and Crater Lake share a school district called Prairie Lake Regional High School

http://omnivore.fm/city/Timmoner-Jun.%2018,%20441181866158.png

[Young Drachma]

Sheldon County has 13,000 people and the only city in the county is Ruby Township. It's a farming community.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Sheldon-May.%202,%20051181796134.png

[Young Drachma]

Lake County is just south of San Alberto. The whole 'bedroom community' phenomenon hasn't really hit this place nearly as much as other places in the state, but who knows if it'll get there.

Sugarwood is located in the eastern corner of the county, bordering Sheldon County. It's the largest city in the county and is home to Sugarwood High School. The city has been in the midst of a renaissance over the past decade or so, as it was previously a city that had a great deal of crime and blight associated with it. It's still not necessarily a "warm and fuzzy" town compared to some others, but...property values are getting up there.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-Dec.%2017,%20221181868658.png

The other incorporated communities in Lake County are Sherman Township, Lakeview and Westview. Each has their own high school.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-Dec.%2017,%20221181868673.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-Dec.%2017,%20221181868681.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-Dec.%2017,%20221181868693.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-Dec.%2017,%20221181868714.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake-May.%2026,%20181181867869.png

[Young Drachma]

Here's an aerial view of San Alberto.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Gold%20County-1181876709.png

[MrBug708]

Hey DC, do you want to email me these cities to mess around with? :)

[Young Drachma]

Hey DC, do you want to email me these cities to mess around with? :)

So I'd just zip up the region? Which do you want? Oregano County or the Gold Country cities that I'm putting out now? They're actually separate region files.

If there is interest, I can upload them or something.

[Young Drachma]

For geographic purposes, San Alberto is about 56 miles from Oakley and as such, is considered part of that metro region.

The cities DO NOT like each other, generally. And this has always been the case, so much to the point that few people will live in one and commute to the other (which is insane anyway, because with traffic that might take hours. And the subway connections in the South Counties don't go to Oregano County yet).

Next up are photos from the main part of San Alberto. There is a whole unincorporated area in the county up river, but...we're not onto that yet.

[MrBug708]

So I'd just zip up the region? Which do you want? Oregano County or the Gold Country cities that I'm putting out now? They're actually separate region files.

If there is interest, I can upload them or something.

Well, I guess I like your open ended idea and it seems to have a great start on it. I like all of the files you've included like with the buildings and what not as well.

I'll take whatever you want to upload :)

[Young Drachma]

I'd have a hard time uploading the add-ons, because to be honest..I'm missing a bunch. You'd be better off downloading lots of add-ons from Simtropolis. But I'll work on getting the files uploaded eventually. I'm back to work after two weeks off. And of course, in the midst of more stories to post. But..I'll get there.

[MrBug708]

Any ideas on what to download?

[Young Drachma]

Ok, as promised..here are pictures from the largest individual city in the state with a population of over 600,000.

San Alberto

http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Aug.%2026,%20501181803652.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Dec.%2027,%20671181805664.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2015,%201501181878872.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2015,%201501181878881.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181878948.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181878959.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181878977.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879007.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879016.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879053.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879360.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879384.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879372.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879384.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879425.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Jan.%2025,%201501181879451.png

[Young Drachma]

That was just round one. There are MORE pictures of San Alberto. I tried to get a shot of every HS, so I can start to keep up, since there are so many.

http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Oct.%2017,%201911181883922.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Oct.%2017,%201911181883906.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Oct.%2017,%201911181883946.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Sep.%2013,%201721181882272.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/San%20Alberto-Sep.%2013,%201721181882296.png

I somehow forgot to get a shot of the other international airport in San Alberto. The main airport was just getting too bogged down. So they took an industrial section and built a new airport called Bessie Coleman International Airport.

[Young Drachma]

Yreka County is just north of San Alberto. It's emerging into something of a suburban hamlet, but it's still a small, conservative western town despite its otherwise cosmopolitan veneer. It's also home to two universities. Jefferson Wesleyan University, located in the Copeland, the county seat and bedroom community to San Alberto.

Recently founded private university by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints called Joseph Smith University, located in the town of Hannah.

There are three high schools in the county at present: Hannah HS, Copeland HS and Yreka County Magnet HS.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%2014,%20451181887311.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%2014,%20451181887251.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%2014,%20451181887240.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%2014,%20451181887194.png

[Young Drachma]

Any ideas on what to download?

What's funny about that is..I have SO many plugins that I've added that I've got some incomplete ones. That's why if you look closely at some of my photos, you can see these weird box-looking structures. Those come up for incomplete plugins.

I need to go through and gut my plugins folder and redownload crap, to be honest. I just haven't done it. Because nothing bugs me more than incomplete plugins, to be honest.

So..I dunno. Just troll around. I've downloaded all of the major stores (McDonalds, B&N, Wal-Mart, etc.) and I have some road plugins and of course, an assortment of parks, stadiums and such alike. But...it's mostly a preference thing to spice up the way your cities look.

The difference between 'growable' things and 'ploppable' things, is that growable stuff just crops up on its own. I prefer those things most of the time because it'll usually give a city a character in different parts.

There are also 'packs' that you can acquire with all sorts of random junk and that's usually a good place to start, since a lot of the add-ons have dependencies and having those packs will make downloading those things easier later.

I know I'm not much help. :) But it's not intentional.

[Young Drachma]

CSAs in JEFFERSON (2005)

San Alberto-Oakley-Charlestown CSA 2.6 million (21st in the country, just behind Baltimore and Tampa and ahead of Denver)
Silicon Canyon-Serinda-Southworth CSA 1.6 million (35th in the country, above Charlotte and below Providence)
Other areas: 970,000
Total state population: 5.17 million


OTHER RANDOM FACTS

Jefferson is the 21st largest state in the Union (which would entitle it to 8 US House Seats and 10 electoral votes), just slightly largest than Minnesota.

Jefferson is 29th in population density at 76.6 people per square mile, just below the national average of 80.7

The Oakley TV market (which includes Charlestown and San Alberto in its scope) is ranked #11th, just above Detroit and Tampa, but below Houston and Atlanta. It's the 2nd largest market on the west coast after Los Angeles. (Phoenix 14th, Sacramento 21st, Portland 23rd)

Silicon Canyon's TV market is actually called Southworth-Serinda, because Silicon Canyon was an unincorporated part of Southworth before it incorporated about ten years ago. The Southworth-Serinda market is ranked #28.

I haven't decided on a state capital. I'm tempted to build one from scratch, of course, rather than using an existing city. But I'll probably let you all tell me what you think when we get to that.

[Young Drachma]

The next thing for me to do, is figure out what high schools we have and then to add them to the state league for baseball and add the new colleges, too.

[Young Drachma]

Saint Pius X HS in Silicon Canyon won the 2005 State Title. They defeated the public school champions from Van Blake HS, another Canyon Valley school.


Here are the 2005 State Tournament Playoffs:


Post-Season Results
Regional Tournament Van Blake over Canyon Metropolitan, 2-0
Regional Tournament W.E.B. DuBois HS over Plainfield HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Village-Far Woods HS over Oakley HS, 2-1
Regional Tournament North Curry HS over Sugarwood HS, 2-1
Regional Tournament St. Pius X High School over Bishop Brynildsen HS, 2-1
Regional Tournament Joseph Smith Academy over St. Christopher HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Oakley Baptist HS over Academy of St. Teresa, 2-1
Regional Tournament Virtue HS over Almonte Christian HS, 2-1
State Sectionals Van Blake over W.E.B. DuBois HS, 3-1
State Sectionals Village-Far Woods HS over North Curry HS, 3-2
State Sectionals St. Pius X High School over Joseph Smith Academy, 3-0
State Sectionals Oakley Baptist HS over Virtue HS, 3-2
League Championship Van Blake over Village-Far Woods HS, 3-0
League Championship St. Pius X High School over Oakley Baptist HS, 3-1
Jefferson State Championship St. Pius X High School over Van Blake, 4-1

[Eilim]

Any ideas on what to download?


I suggest the NAM (Network Addon Mod) plugin, along with the Nam essentials and Rural Highway mod. These mods add quite a bit to what you can do with your transit networks.

After that I just suggest your browse the various "LEX"es for things that grab your interest. The main one I check out is the BCS LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/Default.htm) run by the sim devotion forums. I also grabbed most of the Mountain Theme Pack from the PLEX found here. (http://simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=0) as it adds some nice options for a more rural look which I prefer.

I highly suggest checking out the BCS lex as they seem to be really on the ball about making sure their are no issues with dependencies with easy to follow list with links right in the file description.

My usual "starter" addons at the moment are the NAM and all its optional addons, All three of JBSimio's school packs(with a few dependency files), and Deadwood's "Roadtop Bus stop" set. After that I usually will throw in a few different addons for each region as I build. Lately that being alot of NOBs work that can be found here. (http://tokitoko.hp.infoseek.co.jp/lot_landmark.htm) Some top quality stuff for your city.

Anyways, back to our regularly scheduled sports dynasty now. ;)

[Young Drachma]

In 2006, the Swarm of Serinda HS won the state title, knocking off Private Schools State Champions from the Academy of St. Teresa.



2006 State Tournament Results
Regional Tournament Sugarwood HS over Ruby Township HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Oakley HS over Marshall County HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Serinda HS over East Lake HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Monterra HS over North Curry HS, 2-1
Regional Tournament Joseph Smith Academy over Oakley Baptist HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Bishop Brynildsen HS over Canyon Christian HS, 2-0
Regional Tournament Robinshire School over St. Christopher HS, 2-1
Regional Tournament Academy of St. Teresa over Romero-Finniski, 2-0
State Sectionals Oakley HS over Sugarwood HS, 3-0
State Sectionals Serinda HS over Monterra HS, 3-0
State Sectionals Bishop Brynildsen HS over Joseph Smith Academy, 3-2
State Sectionals Academy of St. Teresa over Robinshire School, 3-2
Public School State Championship Serinda HS over Oakley HS, 3-2
Private School State Championship Academy of St. Teresa over Bishop Brynildsen HS, 3-2
Jefferson State Championship Serinda HS over Academy of St. Teresa, 4-2

[Young Drachma]

Here are the 2005 Collegiate Standings and Playoffs. The SUO dynasty hasn't resurfaced yet, as it turns out, as Olde State University claimed their first title in school history.


League Standings
Eastern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Olde State University 43 9 .827 - 529 162
Curry State University 39 13 .750 4.0 428 224
State University at Oakley 36 16 .692 7.0 351 208
Brookmont University 34 18 .654 9.0 399 243

Western Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
University of St. Teresa 42 10 .808 - 526 197
Condotti-Vanguard University 40 12 .769 2.0 403 240
Charlestown University 40 12 .769 2.0 452 230
University of Saint Catherine 37 15 .712 5.0 439 222

Northern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
University of Figueroa 20 32 .385 - 261 435
Figueroa College 13 39 .250 7.0 218 435
Mackenzie University 10 42 .192 10.0 202 503
Canyon University 10 42 .192 10.0 216 559

Southern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Downstate University 27 25 .519 - 395 334
Joseph Smith University 24 28 .462 3.0 320 347
Jefferson Wesleyan University 16 36 .308 11.0 206 330
University of Southern Jefferson 7 45 .135 20.0 225 515

Metropolitan Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Timmoner State University 32 20 .615 - 379 318
Concordia University 22 30 .423 10.0 294 346
Alberto State University 18 34 .346 14.0 237 375
Jefferson Tech 10 42 .192 22.0 199 456



PACIFIC COAST COLLEGE WORLD SERIES RESULTS
Regional Finals Olde State University over Curry State University, 2-1
Regional Finals University of St. Teresa over Condotti-Vanguard University, 2-1
Regional Finals Charlestown University over Timmoner State University, 2-0
Regional Finals Downstate University over University of Figueroa, 2-0
Conference Semi-Finals Olde State University over University of St. Teresa, 3-0
Conference Semi-Finals Charlestown University over Downstate University, 3-0
Pacific Coast National Champions Olde State University over Charlestown University, 4-0

[Young Drachma]

SEMI-PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE COMES TO SHIRE COUNTRY
Southsire - The Southshire area will be home to a semi-pro league starting in 2006, as a new league will begin play in the region. The league has yet to release its number of teams or when it will begin its season, but the expectation is that the league will begin after the college season and will run a fall schedule.

The goal, say the league organizers, is to create a league where players from around the state can still play when their careers are still at their peak, without having to move away from the region.

"We're excited about the new league and plan to give out details eventually."

[Young Drachma]

Here are more of the villages in the southshire areas. All are still part of the Village-Far Woods school district.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Apr.%2017,%201621181671109.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-Apr.%2017,%201621181671123.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641181671274.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641181671303.png

[Young Drachma]

JEFFERSON FALL LEAGUE

A pro fall league will begin play in 2006. The Jefferson Fall League will be for players over age 23, to protect the eligibility of all HS and college leagues throughout Jefferson.

The league will feature mostly players from independent leagues or free agents looking for exposure. It's likely that there will also be players from college who sign with the league; an added treat for residents of the Oregano County area.

The four teams in the league are:


Benson Farmers
Copeland Chiefs
Timmoner Blue Jays
Westview Windjammers


The league plays a 60-game split-season schedule, with the top two teams facing off in a best-of-five game Jefferson Fall Classic for the league title. All of the teams are located in the southern part of the state.

[Young Drachma]

2006 PACIFIC COAST BASEBALL ASSOCIATION SEASON
University of Saint Catherine won the 2006 College World Series title sweeping McKenzie University 4-0 in the championship.

League Standings
Eastern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Olde State University 47 5 .904 - 535 170
State University at Oakley 33 20 .623 14.5 389 277
Curry State University 32 21 .604 15.5 350 293
Brookmont University 31 21 .596 16.0 424 326

Western Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Condotti-Vanguard University 39 13 .750 - 615 303
University of St. Teresa 37 15 .712 2.0 454 277
University of Saint Catherine 33 19 .635 6.0 385 250
Charlestown University 28 24 .538 11.0 367 417
Northern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Mackenzie University 30 22 .577 - 367 333
Canyon University 21 31 .404 9.0 313 396
University of Figueroa 18 34 .346 12.0 255 383
Figueroa College 11 41 .212 19.0 286 505

Southern Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Downstate University 29 24 .547 - 384 337
Joseph Smith University 28 25 .528 1.0 309 316
Jefferson Wesleyan University 23 29 .442 5.5 313 408
University of Southern Jefferson 9 43 .173 19.5 200 492
Metropolitan Conference
Team W L WPct GB R RA
Timmoner State University 26 26 .500 - 378 308
Jefferson Tech 18 34 .346 8.0 294 484
Concordia University 16 36 .308 10.0 291 477
Alberto State University 13 39 .250 13.0 255 412




Post-Season Results
Regional Finals Olde State University over State University at Oakley, 2-1
Regional Finals University of Saint Catherine over Condotti-Vanguard University, 2-0
Regional Finals Mackenzie University over University of St. Teresa, 2-1
Regional Finals Timmoner State University over Downstate University, 2-1
Conference Semi-Finals University of Saint Catherine over Olde State University, 3-2
Conference Semi-Finals Mackenzie University over Timmoner State University, 3-1
Pacific Coast College World Series University of Saint Catherine over Mackenzie University, 4-0

[Young Drachma]

TIMMONER BLUE JAYS WIN INAUGRAL FALL LEAGUE TITLE

The Timmoner Blue Jays (36-24) knocked off 1st half champions, Copeland Chiefs (35-25) in 3 straight games to capture the first-ever Fall Classic title of the Jefferson Fall League.

The Jays were led by 32-year old triple crown winning pitcher Marty Youngwho went 11-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 114 Ks in 15 starts.

[Young Drachma]

TWO NEW UNIVERSITIES JOIN PCBA
In 2007, Jefferson University (San Alberto) and Seminary College (South Charlestown) will join the Metropolitan and Eastern Conferences respectively.

[Young Drachma]

2007 STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL REGULAR SEASON CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS


Public School League (PSL) Canyon Conference: Plainfield HS Cardinals(23-9)

PSL Southern Conference: Marshall County HS Enforcers (26-6) & Sugarwood HS Chiefs(26-6)

PSL Metropolitan Conference: Monterra HS Fliers (23-9)

PSL Shire Conference:
Village-Far Woods HS Warriors(21-11)

PSL Lake Plains Conference:
Curry Central HS Blue Jays (21-11)

PSL Union Conference:
Mannes HS Farmer (23=10)

Association of Private Schools (APS) Group A: Canyon Christian Crusaders (25-7)

APS Group B: Brookmont Academy (19-13)

APS Group C: Charlestown Prep (22-10)

APS Group D: Romero-Finniski (23-9)

APS Group E: Almonte Christian (21-11)

APS Group F: St. Christopher HS (23-9)

[Young Drachma]

2007 STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS
----
PUBLIC SCHOOL REGIONALS
---
Ruby Township Rioters (25-7) v. Sugarwood Chiefs (26-6)

Marshall County Enforcers (26-6) v. Monterra Fliers (23-9)

Village-Far Woods Warriors (21-11) v. Plainfield Cardinals (23-9)

Curry Central Blue Jays (21-11) v. Mannes HS (23-10)


PRIVATE SCHOOL REGIONALS
---
Academy of St. Teresa (17-15) v. Canyon Christian (25-7)

Bishop Brynildsen (23-9) v. Romero-Finniski (23-9)

Brookmont Academy (19-13) v. St. Christopher (23-9)

Almonte Christian (21-11) v. Charlestown Prep (22-10)

[Young Drachma]

State Sectional Championship
--
Sugarwood v. Marshall County
Curry Central v. Plainfield
Bishop Brynildsen v. Canyon Christian
Brookmont Academy v. Almonte Christian

[Young Drachma]

Public School State Championship
---
Curry Central v. Sugarwood

Private School State Championship
---
Almonte Christian v. Canyon Christian

[Young Drachma]

CURRY CENTRAL CLAIMS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Curry Central claimed its first-ever state championship, after knocking off fellow Oregano County school Almonte Christian in the state title series 4 games to 1.

2007 was the first time in the three-year state title series, that two Oregano County teams had met for the title and Curry Central becomes the first Oregano County school to ever win the state title.

"We're more than ecstatic," said M.G. Donnelly, head coach at Curry Central. Donnelly was one of the most vocal coaches about creating a state baseball league, a decade ago when the Curry program was in its early stages, so it's ironic that he gets to experience the spoils of a victory that he helped set the stage for.

"All of the credit in the world goes to my guys. They played their hearts out. We had to win a lot of ballgames to get here and so, I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to experience this with them," he said.

[Young Drachma]

2007 COLLEGE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONS
----
EASTERN CONFERENCE: Olde State (45-7)

WESTERN CONFERENCE: Condotti-Vanguard (39-13)

NORTHERN CONFERENCE: Figueroa College (41-11)

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE: Joseph Smith University (25-27)

METRO CONFERENCE: Timmoner State (26-26)

[Young Drachma]

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
REGIONAL FINALS
---
Curry State (32=20) v. Olde State (45-7)
State U. at Oakley (34-18) v. Figueroa (41-11)
Saint Catherine (36-16) v. Condotti-Vanguard (39-13)
Joseph Smith (25-27) v. Timmoner State (26-26)

[Young Drachma]

College World Series Championship Semi-Finals
Curry State v. SUO
Condotti-Vanugard v. Joseph Smith

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
Condotti-Vanguard def. Curry State 4-2

[Young Drachma]

In 2008, two new schools will join the PCBA.

Western Conference: University of Southchester (Southchester, Southshire)
Northern Conference: Mountain State University (Winter Mountain)

[Young Drachma]

TIMMONER REPEATS AS JFL CHAMPIONS

The Timmoner Blue Jays (32-28, 2nd half champs) repeated as Jefferson Fall League Champions in 2007, after a 3-1 series victory over the Benson Farmers (39-21, 1st half champs) .

Timmoner ace Marty Young had another stellar season going 11-3, with a 3.11 ERA in 15 starts, with 106 strikeouts.

[Young Drachma]

FIGUEROA COLLEGE CHANGES NAME
Figueroa College, a 8,000 student liberal arts college in the Silicon Canyon city of Figueroa has announced that in 2008, the school will become known as Parsons University, after a wealthy donor gave more than $70 million to the school, the college decide to name the school after him.

The 2007 Northern Conference Champions, Parsons were swept in the Regional Finals by SUO.

"We're proud to be Parsons," said E.G. Marlow, President of the college.

[MrBug708]

No more Figueroa? That's the last name of my gf :( (MY name isn't Parson's either..lol)

How are you coming across all of the scores?

[Young Drachma]

No more Figueroa? That's the last name of my gf :( (MY name isn't Parson's either..lol)

How are you coming across all of the scores?

For baseball, I'm using OOTP 2007.

EHM and FM are something of a pain to edit, so I haven't started my soccer league yet, though this region is DYING for one. I might embark on that journey one of these times.

I still have no idea exactly what it is I'm doing here, just creating places and going forward from there. Baseball seems to be the easiest sport to manage and I'm trying to find a way to get pro leagues here, but I just don't know what leagues to do, the best way to do it or whether I should integrate a team from Jefferson into an existing major league or not.

As for Figueroa, Figueroa University (FU, indeed) still exists. That's why Figueroa College changed their name. Funny enough, I got the name from a friend's girlfriend whose shares that last name.


Here is the alignment for the 2008 season of college baseball, the league is now the Pacific Coast Baseball Association, roughly a low D1-D2 quality league.
------------
Pacific Coast Baseball Association
----
EASTERN CONFERENCE (Oakley Area, Oregano County)
Olde State University
State University at Oakley
Curry State University
Brookmont University
Seminary College

WESTERN CONFERENCE (Charlestown Area of Oregano County)
Condotti-Vanguard
University of Saint Catherine
University of St. Teresa Hornets
University of Southchester A's
Charlestown University

NORTHERN CONFERENCE (Silicon Canyon area)
Parsons University
Mackenzie University
Mountain State Bisons
Canyon University
University of Figueroa


METROPOLITAN CONFERENCE (San Alberto Area)
Timmoner State University
Concordia University
Alberto State University
Jefferson University
Jefferson Institute of Technology


SOUTHERN CONFERENCE (Rest of Southern Jefferson counties)
Joseph Smith University
Downstate University
University of Southern Jefferson
Jefferson Wesleyan University

[Young Drachma]

I would like some way to integrate users into this. On the OOTP boards, people have created players that start in HS and play all the way through college, etc. But I'd like to find some way to create "fondness" for particular regions for readers, because well..even when I first started, I tried to figure out "well, where would I live?"

And at first, I couldn't decide. But I eventually did.

I think it would make stuff more interesting as we move forward, since this dynasty achieves something that I've always wanted to, which is to get people more interested in the teams and places, rather than JUST focused on the mundaneness of individual players.

So I'll take ideas of what folks reading here might be interested in knowing about the areas or specific sports that you'd be interested in reading about.

[Young Drachma]

JHSAA REALIGNMENT
In 2008, high school baseball will look a little different as both the public and private schools will move to eight conferences apiece.

That means, the state playoffs will add another round and in addition to the 8 conference champions, eight schools will vye for playoff spots each year.

I'll unveil the schools that are leaving their current conferences, as well as the few new schools a little later.

[Young Drachma]

Here are pictures of Smith County in the southern Jefferson area near San Alberto. The city of Marchwood is largely a suburb of San Alberto with about 70,000 living there. It's home to Marchwood High School and Marchwood University.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Smith-Mar.%208,%20101182319439.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Smith-Mar.%208,%20101182319453.png

[Young Drachma]

Here are pictures of Hannover County in Southern Jefferson. The only major settlement there is the city of Columbia, home to Columbia High School. The city of 14,000 or so, is a major agricultural center.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Hannover-Nov.%206,%20121182396367.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Hannover-Nov.%206,%20121182396344.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Hannover-Nov.%206,%20121182396272.png

[Young Drachma]

Murphy County is a growing part of the San Alberto metroplex.

It's cities total over 100,000 people.

The Village of Keebler is a small hamlet inside Murphy County.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Sep.%2017,%20131182390535.png

Delphi is a border town.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Sep.%2022,%20131182390543.png

Murphy County is home to Turner HS serves all of the outlying counties, while Murphy city is served by Murphy South HS and Murphy Central HS.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Mar.%2022,%20291182393208.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Mar.%2022,%20291182393200.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Mar.%2022,%20291182393080.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Mar.%2022,%20291182393200.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Murphy-Dec.%2014,%20261182391796.png

[Young Drachma]

The High School regular season starting in 2008 has been expanded to 38 games from 32.

Realignment has transitioned each of the leagues from six to eight conferences, meaning the playoffs will be well...pretty darn exciting and should lead to more competition among the teams.

The first eight are the PSL schools (public) and the last eight are the APS (private) schools.

Here are the newly realigned conferences:

Canyon Conference (Silicon Canyon)
----
Canyon Metropolitan HS Woodsman
Figueroa HS Mountaineers
Plainfield HS Cardinals
Serinda Area HS Swarm
Van Blake HS Travelers
Winter Mountain HS Snowmen

Southern Conference
---
Marshall County HS Enforcers
Meehan HS Miners
Prairie Lake Regional HS Plainsmen
Ruby Township HS Rioters
Sugarwood HS Chiefs
Terras County HS Thunder

Metropolitan Conference
---
Mary McLeod Bethune HS
Metropolitan HS Centaurs
Northbridge HS Nightcrawlers
Susan B. Anthony Bees
Thomas Jefferson HS Colonials
W.E.B. DuBois HS Trail Blazers

Lake Plains Conference
---
Curry Central HS Blue Jays
North Curry HS Cancuks
Sandy Lakes HS Dolphins
Tarrance Cawley HS Titans

Union Conference
---
Brookmont HS Barracudas
Charlestown HS Navigators
East Side HS Robins
Mannes HS Farmers
Oakley HS Oaks
Oregano County Magnet HS Ducks
South Charlestown HS Tigers
West HS Flyers

Golden Empire Conference
----
Marchwood HS Bucs
Murphy Central HS Colts
Murphy South HS Fillies
Turner HS Tridents
Columbia HS Comets
Jefferson Math & Science Academy Honeybees

Southern Plains Conference
---
Copeland HS Horsemen
Eastwood HS Wasps
Hannah HS Fulmars
Monterra HS Fliers
Piedras HS Palmettos
Yreka County Magnet HS Gold Miners

Group A
---
Bishop Brynildsen HS Orioles
Canyon Christian HS Crusaders
Saint Clair Academy Saints
St. Piux X High School

Group B
---
Brookmont Academy
Charlestown Catholic HS
Oakley Baptist HS
Oakley Catholic HS

Group C
---
Academy of St. Teresa
Charlestown Prep
Condotti Academy
Seminary Prep

Group D
---
Romero-Finniski
Seaside Catholic HS
The Shire School
Virtue HS

Group E
---
Almonte Christian HS
Ghostbrook School
Palmer Island School
Robinshire School

Group F
---
Joseph Smith Academy
Peoples Academy
San Alberto Catholic HS
St. Christopher HS

Group H
---
Graybill Academy Spurs
St. Stephens HS
The English School Blazers
Wyatt-Lyon School Olives

Group I
---
Charlestown Baptist HS
Kimwood Christian HS
Murphy Catholic HS
Ridgemont Turner School

[Young Drachma]

I am again going to attempt to create a professional soccer league for all of Jefferson, mostly likely centering it around Oregano County since that's where we started and it's the anchor of this whole dynasty anyway. I found a league someone else created using Belgium that might do the trick. Or so, I hope anyway.

Hopefully, WWSM will cooperate.

[Young Drachma]

Because of the overlap in a lot of the metropolitan regions in Oakley, you don't have a serious bottleneck in terms of what newspapers dominate what areas. Instead, most of the major newspapers compete on each other's turf by printing regional editions and vie to get the "scoop" in someone else's area. National rank of as March 2007 in parenthesis.


OAKLEY TIMES 471,430 (11th)
SAN ALBERTO DAILY REPORTER 377,190 (18th)
CHARLESTOWN STANDARD 339,200 (24th)

[Young Drachma]

The Belgian League allowed me to go ahead and edit the entire thing, so I could create an All-Jefferson professional league. The players are all fictional.

The league is setup like this:

JEFFERSON PREMIER LEAGUE
JEFFERSON CHAMPIONSHIP
JEFFERSON THIRD DIVISION (separated into two leagues: JEFFERSON CONFEDERATION & JEFFERSON FOOTBALL CONFERENCE)

[Young Drachma]

Fifty Lakes Professional (Oakley) are the most dominant team in Jefferson Football history. They've claimed the title 35 times in history and currently are on a streak that's seven of the last eight titles.

PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
----
2007-present
2007: Southchester
2008: Charlestown Union
2009: Kingfisher
2010: Kingfisher
2011: Fifty Lakes Professional
2012: Fifty Lakes
2013: Fifty Lakes
2014: Harris Athletic
2015: Fifty Lakes
2016: Fifty Lakes
2017: Fifty Lakes
2018: Fifty Lakes

RUNNER UP
---
2007: Union
2008: Fifty Lakes
2009: Union
2010: Shelter
2011: Union
2012: Kingfisher
2013: Union
2014: Union
2015: Kingfisher
2016: Far County
2017: Kingfisher
2018: Union

THIRD PLACE
----
2007: Kingfisher
2008: Commoner
2009: Fifty Lakes
2010: Union
2011: Deerfield
2012: Southchester
2013: Kingfisher
2014: Fifty Lakes
2015: Brianna
2016: Deerfield
2017: Harris Athletic
2018: Los Verde

[Young Drachma]

In 2018, Canyon University became the first collegiate team to advance to the Premier League, after winning the Jefferson Championship.


JEFFERSON CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION
---
Winners
2007: Commerce
2008: Far County
2009: Southtown
2010: Carnation
2011: Sea Mont
2012: Ghostbrook
2013: Murphy Athletic
2014: Cousins
2015: Palmer Island
2016: Cousins
2017: Carnation
2018: Canyon University

Runner-Up
---
2007: Curry Athletic
2008: Curry Athletic
2009: Oakley City
2010: Oakley City
2011: Palmer Island
2012: Oakley City
2013: Palmer Island
2014: Copeland
2015: Carnation
2016: Antoinette Brewery
2017: Sea Mont
2018: Copeland

[Young Drachma]

HERE ARE THE THIRD DIVISION PAST CHAMPIONS

FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION CHAMPIONS
---
2007: Allensburg
2008: Terras County
2009: Golden Country
2010: Villager F.C.
2011: Sandlake United
2012: Golden Country
2013: Cousins
2014: Pelican
2015: Joseph Smith Univeristy
2016: Golden Country
2017: Cyclones A.C.
2018: Blue Star Metropolitan

FOOTBALL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
---
2007: Granger
2008: Callie Ross
2009: Black Rose
2010: Robinshire
2011: Copeland
2012: Granger
2013: Robinshire
2014: Granger
2015: Concordia University
2016: Southtown
2017: Granger
2018: Commerce

[MJ4H]

THIS IS FUCKING RAD

[Young Drachma]

Going through the Jefferson leagues to find a favourite team to track is...challenging to say the least. You wouldn't think, given the players are fictional, but the considerations are basically the same as choosing a real life team, because you don't want to choose a juggernaut per se.

Maybe an up and coming team to follow.

I'm going through the teams and maybe I'll post my whole thought process of choosing a new favourite JPL team.

[Young Drachma]

Well, when trying to choose a JPL team, you pretty much factor out Fifty Lakes Professional. The most dominant team in the league -- by far -- they've claimed the JPL title seven of the last eight championships. They are the gold standard and their fans usually have tons to cheer about. They're also the reigning Jeffersonian Cup champions and Jeffersonian Super Cup champs.

The only thing they seem to lose at is continental competitions, not having claimed any sort of title outside of the nation since 1990.

But who knows if they'll decided to go there too.

So rule out Fifty Lakes.

I automatically rule out Kingfisher FC. Their unofficial nickname is "The Bridesmaides." They've come in second three times in the last eight years and since 2000 have come in 2nd eight times. They last won the JPL title in 2009 and again in 2010, the second most titles (4) other than Fifty Lakes since 2000.

But they play in Lake Refuge. Sorry, can't support a team from there.

Other teams that I rule out because of geographical concerns include Pelican (Lake Refuge), Canyon University (what? a college team? no way, man. Plus they are $53m in debt.)

In the end, I narrowed it down to teams that I could connect with (having grown up in South Charlestown) or that I could just appreciate for other reasons (my parents are from Oakley and I went to college in Robinshire.)

I narrowed my team search down to:

Southchester
Even though they're currently playing in the Championship (1st division), I spent a TON of my college days hanging out at the stadium in Southchester. You won't find fans who are more passionate and who really appreciate good football. They're on the rebound and even though they're heavily in debt, I'm hoping they can make it back to the top division for the first time since 2016-17 when they were relegated.

Carnation
These guys play in Oakley and are led by 29-year old Brazilian striker Rodrigues who has 10 goals already this year in 13 games. Of course, they wear pink.

Hmm...

Charlestown Union A.C.
Simply called 'Union' to those in the know. Last won the JPL title in 2008. Were runner up in '07, '09, '11, '13, '14 and last year in 2018.

Fans who sign on with these guys essentially say that "this year will be the year," knowing that it 1) probably won't be and 2) that's okay, because at least they're not in danger of being relegated.

Union fans are the eternal optimists, because they seem to always find the good in any situation.

Down 5-0? This will teach our boys about adversity for later in the year.

In a close game? "See, we're getting closer boys. This is game we'll all remember later in the season."

You name the scenario and they'll tell you all about why it'll work out for the better.

Do I have that much positivity in me?

Commoner F.C.
I really have a soft spot for this team. They share Omnivore Stadium in Oakley with. The best parallel to these guys are the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. Only, with Commoner it's even better. The local fans really do own the team. They're the shareholders, they're the ones who dipped into their pockets -- along with significant corporate bucks -- to build Omnivore Stadium, one of the classiest fields anywhere in Jefferson at large.

They're also perennial underachievers. It just so happens that a few of the neighborhood boys who are lifelong supporters of Commoner (nicknamed 'Cinderella's Boys) happened to strike it rich during the dot-com era and have funnelled cash into the team. But they were in the first division from 2009-2010 until 2014-15.

Their strength is that they have more locals on their club and so, you don't have to worry about their guys leaving every few years to go on to brighter stars elsewhere. That's because no one wants Commoner players. They stay, they're loyal and as a result, they've got a fan base that's supportive so long as the team basically shows up and plays hard.

They came in 3rd in the JPL back in 2008 and to se their fans, you'd think they won the World Cup. They won the Jeffersonian Cup in 2001 and again in 2014 and did the double that year winning the Super Cup too. But that's when they were still 1st division.

In other words, I'd have very little to cheer about here. But I'd feel good?

Harris Athletic
Another Charlestown team. It just so happens that this is the team that my family supports unwaveringly.

Well, in recent years, that's a good thing. They won the JPL title in 2014 and came in third in 2017.

Their Under 19 team has a great crop of young players, a great criteria for me because I want a team that has players I can root for down the line.

Blue Collars Athletic
Another one of the Oakley teams. They've been in the Premier League since 2010-11, but the best they've done is finish as the runner-ups in a recent continental competition.

An upstart to be sure and of course, one of the grittest teams in all of the JPL, their name says it all, really.

[Young Drachma]

December 1, 2006
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS ARE BANKRUPT
Forbes magazine reports that Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays are flat broke. The condition of Tropicana Field, poor attendance and a decline in the stock market all attributed to the poor financial state of the team, which led to their demise.

"Major League Baseball regrets the situation in Tampa and that we were not altered sooner to the true situation of the Devil Rays organization," said Commissioner Bud Selig.

MLB has yet to decide what will happen to the franchise and officials in St. Petersburg are mystified as to what they will do in the face of a stadium that will not likely have a team in it.

"We're evaluating our options," said one member of the St. Petersburg city council.

[Young Drachma]

BARKER TO THE RESCUE?

CHARLESTOWN -- According to one report, Nicholas K. Barker, owner of the Charlestown Union A.C. soccer team and billionaire who founded an internet firm in the 1990s that later sold to Earthlink, is reportedly interested in purchasing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who are -- according to the associated press -- just days away from filing for bankruptcy protection, after it was discovered just days after the World Series that the team was flat broke.

The Devil Rays would be the first team since the 1969 Seattle Pilots to go bankrupt and would be the first move since the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington D.C. in 2005.

"We're really interested," said Barker, 34, who would become the first African-American owner in MLB. "We think this is the right time, the right place and that the entire state of Jefferson is ready."

MLB spokesman had no comment, but most figure that if Barker and his team make an offer, that the deal would be accepted by MLB owners, who aren't particularly interested in stomaching another deal in which they have to absorb ownership of a member club.

It would be the first major league club for Jefferson.

[Young Drachma]

Editorial in the Oakley Register-Gazette from January 3, 2007

JEFFERSON IS READY FOR THE MAJORS
With the news that Nicholas K. Barker, a proud Oregano County native is on the cusp of purchasing the otherwise dreadful Tampa Bay Devil Rays after the team goes into bankruptcy next week, we are proud to say that we sincerely believe that Oregano County -- and the entire state of Jefferson -- is ready for Major League Baseball.

Unlike our neighbors to the northwest in Portland, baseball in Jefferson is a game that is revered unlike any other. The Americana and the lore that are associated with the game have not died in our state and with a population nearing 5 million, we're fast becoming the largest state without a major league team of any kind.

More than anything, a major league club will signal that Jefferson is finally something more than just the 'accidental' 50th state. Our founders believed that this region -- once a rural area half in Oregon and half in California -- was worth more. In 1946, when Jefferson became the 50th state, the founders never would have imagined the place that exists now and yet, we believe they would be proud.

With rumours of other sports to follow, baseball coming to the state could possibly be the first to put itself on the map in Jefferson and give the state something to rally around, given our absence of Division I athletics.

We support the move of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to Jefferson and hope Major League Baseball will approve this potentially groundbreaking move.

[Young Drachma]

January 25, 2007
MLB APPROVES SALE OF DEVIL RAYS TO BARKER
Baseball owners took another step toward moving the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to Charlestown next year, giving conditional approval Friday.

Owners approved the move during a conference call by a 29-1 vote, with the Seattle Mariners dissenting, a baseball official said on condition of anonymity, to the ownership group of Charlestown, Jeff. billionaire Nicholas Barker.

The move would be the first of a major league baseball team since the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals after the 2005 season. The resolution stated the Charlestown club would have "an operating territory and a television territory to be defined pursuant to the major league constitution and the major league rules."

The Oregano County Regional Council voted this week to approve a thirty-year lease agreement for the use of two-year old Western Digital Field, in the Deerfield section of Charlestown, which seats 33,000.

The Devil Rays declared bankruptcy on January 18th, 2007 and it was generally expected that the ballclub would not be returning to Tampa. Tampa officials have vowed to sue MLB for failing to find a 'suitable' owner to keep the team in Tampa, even if it meant purchasing the team themselves.

[Young Drachma]

Here are some pictures. First of Charlestown Stadium, the soccer field right near the baseball park.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Apr.%2012,%20701182913255.png

And here are some photos of Western Digital Field, the newest baseball stadium in the state and next season, home to a major league team. To the left of the stadium, you can see the Charlestown Zoo.
http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Apr.%2012,%20701182913272.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Apr.%2012,%20701182913313.png

[Young Drachma]

CHARLESTOWN WELCOMES MLB IN 2007

CHARLESTOWN -- Charlestown and all of Jefferson now have a rooting interest in Major League Baseball, as the 50th state gets to welcome MLB to its borders for the first time, as the sale of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays became final, the new Charlestown franchise prepares for its first season in MLB.

The only change that MLB announced going into this year, is that the new Charlestown club would be shifted from the AL East to the AL West. The AL East will stay a four-team division. "One less team to play the Yankees and Red Sox all of the time and I doubt they're disappointed," said one spokesman.

The new Charlestown club will unveil its nickname in a ceremony to be held in Center City Charlestown next week.

"We're so giddy we can barely stand it," said newly named GM Tristan Schofield, a 27-year old native of South Charlestown, who was picked to run the club, after spending the past three years working with a San Alberto investment banking firm.

[Young Drachma]

CHARLESTOWN IS HOME TO THE COMETS

The Charlestown Comets are the newest club in Major League Baseball. And the locals couldn't be happier.

"This is going to put us on the map," said Lila McCaffee, a Lake Refuge native who moved to South Charlestown a decade ago.

Jeffersonians often feel slightly by those who live outside of the West Coast and often forget the state is there, asking them, "so where is that? California?"

But with the increasing growth of Jefferson's metropolitan areas, coupled with increasing interest from Major Leagues seeking one of the few emerging new markets that are still left untapped throughout sports, Jefferson's major cities are increasingly being recognized across the world.

"We're thrilled that the recognition that Jefferson is a world class state with world class cities, is starting to become the watch brand of professional sports. We've been increasingly noticed for our growing technology sector and for global 1000 firms seeking a beautiful, low-cost environment to do business. But this is a totally different level for us," said Jefferson Governor Elizabeth Freeman (R), who was on hand for the unveiling of the Comets logo and uniforms.

"This is a historic day for Jefferson and for our ballclub," said GM Tristan Schofield, who was hired just three weeks ago. Rumors are that second-year manager Joe Maddon is probably not going to be retained, as the club will take a stab at former Marlins manager and reigning Manager of the Year Joe Girardi, as well as several others who might be in the running.

No comment from team officials related to the move at manager, with spring training less than three weeks away.

[Young Drachma]

MADDON OUT AS MANAGER OF COMETS
CHARLESTOWN -- As expected, Charlestown Comets GM Tristan Schofield announced today that the Comets had accepted the resignation of Manager Joe Maddon. Maddon said that he was not 'comfortable' with moving his family cross-country with the team's recent move to Jefferson, over 3,000 miles from St. Petersburg where the team spent the past nine years.

Potential candidates include former Marlins skipper Joe Girardi, Cubs bench coach Alan Trammell, Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel and Dodgers hitting coach and Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.

Schofield said he hopes to come to a decision before spring training begins.

"It's tough to come in like this and start anew. But we've got a pretty good nucleus and we're looking forward to really getting off to a great start out of the gate."

[Young Drachma]

While we wait for an OOTP roster set that's actually working, I'm going to instead focus my energy on choosing a favourite soccer team. Because well, it's about time, right?

We'll go through and show you the stadiums and communities of each of the finalist teams I listed.

[Young Drachma]

I've realigned baseball to have six five-team divisions (3 in each league.) The differences are:

Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central to AL Central)
Cleveland Indians (AL Central to AL East)
Charlestown Comets (AL East to AL West)

162 game schedule, teams play 80 games within their division, 60 inter-division games and 22 inter-league games.

[Young Drachma]

COMETS HIRE CITO GASTON
CHARLESTOWN -- The skipper of back-to-back World Series champs in the early nineties, Cito Gaston is getting another chance to manage in the big leagues. This time, it's with the Charlestown Comets, the relocated team now playing in Jefferson after leaving Tampa Bay, when the Devil Rays franchise owners declared bankruptcy in early January.

Gaston, 62, says that he's not rusty and was ready to go.

"I've been waiting for this for a while and wasn't sure it'd ever come. But it's the right opportunity and this team is ready for change. I can't wait."

Don Zimmer, who was scheduled to serve as a special assistant for the ballclub, has agreed to serve one final season as bench coach for the club this season. The Comets hired former Brewers great Robin Yount as the team's new hitting coach.

[Young Drachma]

I haven't decided how I want to go about this with the Comets. Part of me wants to do what I normally do, which is simulate a while ahead and go from there.

Another part of me, is considering something I've never done before. That is, to simulate to today's date and to run the season parallel to the MLB season. There will be obvious differences, because of the moves the game will make, etc. As well the obvious alignment differences between the leagues.

But all in all, I'd be intrigued to see how that would go. And given following my real life team and their division doesn't interest me much, this might be the way to go, no?

Hmm....let's see.

[Young Drachma]

Payroll in Charlestown is just $32 million, because we're basically playing with the entire roster we inherited when the team left Tampa. We've make a conscious decision to go through this season, at least towards mid-season without making any major moves, save for the signing of Akinori Iwamura, the Japanese third baseman.

We'll be monitoring the Japanese leagues for potential signings for next year and we'll be considering our options in terms of possible deals in regards to players as we see fit, down the road.

[Young Drachma]

JUNE 1, 2007
----
The Comets are 26-27, third place in the AL West. I'm not really sure what I want to do with what we have yet, but I'll give it a few more weeks before I slow things down and try (and I do mean try) to do this everyday thing, to see what happens.

[Young Drachma]

JUNE 17, 2007

Here are the major league standings for June 17, 2007

American League Standings
East W L PCT GB
New York Yankees 44 26 .629 -
Cleveland Indians 43 26 .623 .5
Boston Red Sox 36 33 .522 7.5
Toronto Blue Jays 34 32 .515 8.0
Baltimore Orioles 28 42 .400 16.0

Central W L PCT GB
Milwaukee Brewers 36 33 .522 -
Minnesota Twins 34 35 .493 2.0
Detroit Tigers 30 38 .441 5.5
Kansas City Royals 27 41 .397 8.5
Chicago White Sox 26 42 .382 9.5

West W L PCT GB
Oakland Athletics 44 25 .638 -
Los Angeles Angels 40 29 .580 4.0
Texas Rangers 32 36 .471 11.5
Charlestown Comets 29 39 .426 14.5
Seattle Mariners 27 41 .397 16.5

National League Standings
East W L PCT GB
Atlanta Braves 43 27 .614 -
New York Mets 38 32 .543 5.0
Philadelphia Phillies 33 35 .485 9.0
Florida Marlins 32 36 .471 10.0
Washington Nationals 30 40 .429 13.0

Central W L PCT GB
Cincinnati Reds 38 30 .559 -
St. Louis Cardinals 36 32 .529 2.0
Chicago Cubs 35 34 .507 3.5
Pittsburgh Pirates 31 36 .463 6.5
Houston Astros 31 37 .456 7.0

West W L PCT GB
Arizona Diamondbacks 40 30 .571 -
San Diego Padres 38 31 .551 1.5
Colorado Rockies 34 35 .493 5.5
Los Angeles Dodgers 31 39 .443 9.0
San Francisco Giants 31 39 .443 9.0

[Young Drachma]

I don't want to get too crazy about making deals and the such, but I won't deny that we're going to listen to teams about making upgrades if there are some worth making and players worth having.

Current MLB leaders in specified categories are:
Garrett Atkins (COL) .370 BA
Nick Swisher (OAK) 33 HR
Nick Swisher (OAK) 71 RBI
Joe Blanton (MIN), Matt Cain (SF), Andy Petitte (NYA), Brandon Webb (ARZ) 10 WINS
Andy Petitte (NYA) 2.44 ERA
Johan Santana (MIN) 132 K

[Young Drachma]

CHARLESTOWN COMETS STATUS REPORT

June 28, 2007

There weren't many reasons for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to celebrate. But given new life as the Charlestown Comets, Jefferson's first major league team are keeping the locals proud. As a result, despite the team's 36-43 record, placing them 13.5 games out in the AL West, the fans have sold out Western Digital Field for almost all of the team's home dates this year.

Unfortunately, at just 33,000 seats, the ballpark isn't exactly equipped to handle the swelling. Club officials have considered adding bleacher seats to the stadium, but that move wouldn't happen until the off-season.

"We're really excited that the fans are coming out to games in droves. We're working hard to get a product on the field worthy of that support," said GM Tristan Schofield.

Meanwhile, the ballclub boasts the best farm system in the majors, with no less than five prospects on the recent Baseball America 100 Top prospects list.

So if things continue in this path, with a new, energized fan base...and who knows, this team might be one to watch down the road.

The success of the youthful AL East returnee Cleveland Indians (49-31) who lead the Wild Card race and the AL refugee Milwaukee Brewers leading the AL Central (44-36), the Comets believe that anything is truly possible in the future.

As for deadline deals, closer Al Reyes (3-2, 17 SV, 1.51 ERA) is attracting many suitors, as well as utility man Ty Wigginton (.299/15 HR/38 RBI) and outfielders Carl Crawford (.320/13/53/16 SB) and Rocco Baldelli, who despite a .229 batting average, has 10 HRs and 10 stolen bases this year.

Meanwhile, Schofield says he's not so keen on dealing the team's future. "We've got guys who can help us down the line and so, I'm not sure we want to go back to the rebuilding drawing board. If someone offers us something competitive, we'll surely take a look at it. But we don't want to just give away guys."

With a team payroll of just $24.5 million, second lowest in the majors, Schofield said that ownership plans to spend and spend big over the next three years to get the team into serious contention.

"We want to be more than just a team that wins ballgames. We want to create a true legacy of excellence."

[Young Drachma]

HARRIS ATHLETIC, COMETS TALKING STADIUM
With the all-star game just two weeks away, Comets ownership are hoping for the day -- hopefully in the future -- that Jefferson can host an All-Star Game. With the fans selling out Western Digital Field in Charlestown, ownership has begin discussions with the Harris Athletic Football Club, a Jefferson Premier League soccer team, that is seeking out a new stadium of their own for the first time in team history.

Meanwhile, Comets officials heard about their desire for a stadium, thought of their own plight -- realizing that Western Digital Field was never build for a major league club, but was intended to woo a minor league club to the region -- once an MLB club fell into the region's lap, they responded.

But now, the team would have the opportunity to get a ballpark that they'd probably not be able to get otherwise.

"We're talking and we'll see what we're able to come up with," said J.P. Martinez, chairman of Harris Athletic FC. "I think it is extremely exciting for the region to have a major league team here in Jefferson and we're going to work together and see if we can't come up with a first-class stadium for both clubs.

[Young Drachma]

Two sites in South Charlestown on the north side of Lake Almonte have been identified as possible places for a new stadium for both Harris Athletic of the Jefferson Premier League and the Charlestown Comets of MLB.

Comets GM Tristan Schofield was glowing about a potential deal, on the cusp of the All-Star break and talks of Charlestown hosting the All-Star game in 2011. Commissioner Bud Selig, has said that the new stadium would be a "welcome surprise" though he's concerned that a "multipurpose stadium might not be the best solution long term."

In any case, Comets officials have said that they are conceding that Western Digital Field is a temporary solution for the ballclub.

"We're thrilled to be here and it's a huge upgrade over where we were before," said outfielder Rocco Baldelli, who probably won't get any Christmas cards from the Tampa-St. Pete faithful after that statement.

Here are some shots of the two potential sites for a new stadium for Harris Athletic & the Comets.

The first, is a right off of Lake Almonte, with a view of downtown and of the Charles Bridge

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Oct.%207,%20251183082580.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Oct.%207,%20251183082570.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Oct.%207,%20251183082552.png

The other location would be right next to the South Charlestown High School

http://omnivore.fm/city/Lake%20Almonte-Oct.%207,%20251183082482.png

[Young Drachma]

June 29, 2007
---
The Comets announced their first major trade since moving to Charlestown, parting ways with 25-year old outfielder Carl Crawford, OF Travis Buck and 2B Luis Rivas along with minor leaguer SS Reid Brignac for 26-year old right fielder Chris Duncan, 2B Adam Kennedy and minor leaguer Tyler Greene.

The centerpiece of the deal for the Cardinals, who have a half game lead over the Cincinnati Reds pulled the trigger on the deal, while the Comets decided to let go of Crawford, rather than holding out for more later in the trade season, feeling that Duncan was a legitimiate player for them.

"We're pretty happy with this deal. Chris is a good player who'll contribute immediately. We're happy about what it does for us," said GM Tristan Schofield announcing the deal.

Crawford is hitting .320 with 101 hits, 17 doubles, 13 HRs and 16 stolen bases.

Duncan is hitting .278 with 18 HRs and 48 RBI this season.

Crawford is a bonafide leadoff hitter and should give the Cards a jolt in center field, allowing them to rest Jim Edmonds, who has declined and battled injuries in recent years.

Meanwhile, Adam Kennedy has already been dealt for future considerations to the Washington Nationals for C Brian Schneider. Kennedy wasn't going to play for the Comets, the Nats could use him and so...the deal was easy to setup.

Schneider was hitting just .200 for the Nats in limited play this year. Kennedy was hitting .251 with 28 RBI and 3 HRs this year with the Cards.

[Young Drachma]

I honestly had no idea when I started seeking out stadium sites or I'd forgotten, at least, that the site in South Charlestown right by the lakefront was there and actually available. No idea.

But maybe it'll work out for the better, I dunno. We'll see.

[molson]

Just wanted to say that I skipped over this dynasty for a while, mostly because I had no idea what the hell it was about from the title, but now that I've check on it, I'm hooked and will be following along.

[Young Drachma]

Just wanted to say that I skipped over this dynasty for a while, mostly because I had no idea what the hell it was about from the title, but now that I've check on it, I'm hooked and will be following along.

I appreciate the comment. Very much. And I even changed the title to something more tongue-in-cheek, but perhaps slightly more descriptive. Especially since it's branched out past its humble Oregano County roots.

[Young Drachma]

COMETS TO UNVEIL PLANS FOR NEW BALLPARK
CHARLESTOWN -- Less than six months after moving to Charlestown, the Comets have announced long-term plans to move from Western Digital Field in 2011 to a new, 44,100 seat retractable roof lakefront ballpark in South Charlestown.

Currently, the site is home to the Charlestown Children's Museum and a local fire station, but both will relocate to a different section of town, well in anticipation of the stadium project, which is part of a larger commercial development near that area.

"People have been vying for about thirty years to get access to that plot. It's been all sorts of stuff over the year and in the past fifteen years, it's been a seaside park. But we knew that wouldn't last forever," said Charlestown University professor Marcus Jacobsen, who said that the development would be a "huge boost" for the South Charlestown area, a suburban community about 13 miles south of Charlestown.

The new ballpark would be about 25 miles from the current stadium, but most have said that the impact would be 'neglible'. "The entire region supports this team. There is no way it would survive here if it weren't a team for the entire state," said Jacobsen.

[Young Drachma]

Given my desire to #1 build the new stadium and show it to you and #2 ensure that I'll actually be able to use the current league I'll go ahead and fast forward a few years to get further down the line. I tried to simulate the first setup I had and it crashed halfway through the year. That's what I get for wanting to use real players, I suppose.

But we'll try again and see what happens.

Wait until you see the new screenshots of South Charlestown when we get there.... ;)

[Young Drachma]

Monica County is a suburb of San Alberto county, with about 70,000 people. It's separated between the more metropolitan locale Carpenter and South Carpenter.


http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Nov.%2013,%20171183179967.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Nov.%2013,%20171183321780.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Nov.%2013,%20171183179977.png

The northwest part of Monica County is an exurban/rural area called East Meadow and an industrial area called Henry Park

http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Apr.%2016,%20421183323997.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Apr.%2016,%20421183323945.png


http://omnivore.fm/city/Monica-Apr.%2016,%20421183323901.png

[Young Drachma]

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Hockey/AHL/TOR_2970.gif
CHARLESTOWN MARLIES TO BEGIN 2006-07 IN NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

CHARLESTOWN -- The Second Capital Center won't be without a main tenant for too long, after the National Hockey League agreed to the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to Shannon Van Nostrand, CEO and founder of Second Capital Bank of Charlestown for $212 million. The newly relocated team was named the Marlies, after the Lake Marlborough section of the city where the arena is located.

"We're thrilled to bring major league hockey to Jefferson," said Van Nostrand about the deal. The Marlies will benefit from the league's reallocation draft after the 2005-06 season, to place prospects and existing players on new teams almost en masse.

"We're coming in at a really good time for the league and the future of the NHL, I think."

The National Hockey League was acquired in a $1.4 billion deal by Bain Capital Partners in 2004, before being sold to NHL, LLP a partnership founded by more than a dozen owners to bring the league back to individual franchise ownership. Bain still owns a minority stake in what's billed in this web era as The NHL 2.0.

[Young Drachma]

Here are pictures of Second Capital Center in Charlestown and the Marlborough section of town.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Oct.%207,%20711183433482.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Oct.%207,%20711183433456.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Charlestown-Oct.%207,%20711183433519.png

[Young Drachma]

TOWNBALL IN THE SHIRE

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433721.png

A tradition each summer is townball in Shire Country. Here are the communities (in pictures) that participate in the league.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434361.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434372.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434386.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434397.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434406.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Southsire-May.%203,%201641183434421.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433703.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433703.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433745.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433755.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433795.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433846.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183433891.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183434061.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183434101.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183434127.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/The%20Shire-Aug.%2020,%20261183434144.png

[Young Drachma]

New communities have cropped up in Yreka County, as San Alberto continues its huge real estate boom over the past few years. The metro area is soaring and doesn't seem to show any signs of stopping.

Here are some shots of the communities:

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685646.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685669.png
Shelby was made famous in recent years, after a song by Copeland native and rapper 'Phenom K' made a song that reached the Top 10 on the charts called "You Ain't Nothin' But (A Shelby Bitch)". Phenom (real name: Dennis Marquez) said he wrote the song during his sophomore year of high school after his girlfriend (from Shelby) dumped him for another guy.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685678.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685691.png
On the left, you'll see metropolitan Copeland, the major city in Yreka County. The eastern part of the county is the sprawling area, right on the San Alberto river.

Below, is a shot of the western part of Yreka County, prominently featuring the notable areas that you all should be familiar with, including Hannah and Copeland.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685710.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Yreka-Feb.%206,%201261183685723.png

[finkenst]

i really hate you now...

i can't remember how to do anything in sc4, including getting a city to make money....

anyway, i love the screen captures. I need to figure out how to play sc4 in a window instead of full screen..

[finketr]

Alright.. so i bought sc4: deluxe.. i hate fofc sometimes. :)

[Young Drachma]

HAHAHA. Too bad I don't get a commission. :)

[Young Drachma]

I'm going to recreate the soccer league for this region, but I'm going to wait a little before I create more communities before I do it. That way, I can go through and create teams all the way to the fourth division. Or perhaps, more. It depends. But I'm looking forward to doing that.

[finkenst]

so... is there a way to get the bonuses without having to do the rush hour driver stuff?

[Young Drachma]

There are lots of cheats available at simtropolis.com. Usually, you can get something that you plop once. Let it go for a month and then delete it. If you let it run and try to get 'unlimited' money, it'll crash the game. Usually the $4 bn it gives you after a month is more than enough to run an entire city on.

I tried to link you to it and for right now, it's not working for some reason. (The site)

[Young Drachma]

The next stop, is ironically in honour of Lady Bird Johnson. We're heading due south of San Alberto, about 90 minutes away to Johnson County. Here's an aerial view.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Gold%20County-1184212486.png

[Young Drachma]

The suburban hamlet of Lyndon sits on the western edge of Johnson City, the county seat of Johnson County.

Lyndon is home to about 7,000 people and is a primarily upper middle class community.

During the day:
http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-May.%2016,%20101184205481.png

At night:
http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-May.%2016,%20101184205535.png
http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-May.%2016,%20101184205548.png

On the east side of Johnson City is the municipality of Bennett. Bennett is a solidly middle class community and diverse as is most of Johnson City, especially since as you get further out of San Alberto, you start to get a more homogenized population on the whole. The small community of Jackson is just south of Bennett. The two are rivals and collectively are home to about 34,000 people or so.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212194.png

And here is Johnson City.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212218.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212264.png

Johnson City is home to Dow University (formerly Dowling Downstate University..imagine the confusion...) and the University of Johnson. Dow is home to one of the best law schools and also features the #1 Public Health program in the nation. People from all over the world come to study here and really, it's Johnson's claim to fame. It's too far really to commute, though some people do it. Since it's not connected to the subway, people can only take the train between the cities and well...a lot of them do.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212272.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212324.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Johnson-Nov.%2022,%20621184212334.png

It serves more as a regional hub for Hannover and Johnson counties than anything else, especially given its locale as a border county between the California and Jefferson state line.

[finketr]

I hate you.

:)

another question: How did you apparently get all big city squares in the region? I'm probably missing something easy.

[Young Drachma]

Big city squares? Umm...I just created a new region from scratch and it was a large region. Are you meaning how did I get such large cities to use for the southern part of the state?

[finketr]

clearly, i need to read the manual on how to create a large region, etc etc etc

i'm losing money in my initial city, trying to remember how to play and deal with the rush hour scenario stuff...

[Young Drachma]

The best thing to do from the start, really, is to ensure that you build small. Industrial will usually make you money early on, then you can build residential..and commercial last. Also, look at your tax rates. I usually lower the tax rates to start off, spurring growth early. And it's good to build small, save and then build a few communities that border each other, because that will encourage development throughout the area.

If you're trying to build and want to do it quickly...here are a few handy cheats. (ALT + C) to active the cheats box.

youdon'tdeserveit - activates all of the rewards
howdryiam - eliminates the need for connecting water pipes
fightthepower - eliminates the need for power line connections

As for trash, I usually put landfills in places I don't care about and make that town the trash hub for a four-city area, depends.

[Young Drachma]

I forget who it was. But if you were asking how to run SimCity 4 in window mode, you need right click on the shortcut, click on properties and in the Target area, after the path, put a -w

Like this:

"C:\Program Files\SimCity4\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w

[finkenst]

I forget who it was. But if you were asking how to run SimCity 4 in window mode, you need right click on the shortcut, click on properties and in the Target area, after the path, put a -w

Like this:

it was me... thanks for that hint...

here's my first region/city, etc. Some terraforming done in the quadrant to line things up.


http://www.moosh.net/%7Etimothy/sc4/sc4-r1-t1.png

[Young Drachma]

I like how you have water everywhere. And I like the river going through the city, because it gives you lots of options for industry and seaports and stuff. Something I've made poor use of through my areas for the most part. Oregano County isn't nearly as industrial as it ought to be, which is explains why the southern part of the state and those counties are exploding so quickly. You can probably blame California, too.

The island ought to be fun to build on for you.

[finketr]

I've updated a bit since that picture... the island just kinda happened... as i was doing the terraforming, it hit me: What if i make this a big island?

I've connected the little oval lake to the ocean via a river/canyon... that's why my river looks a little screwed up.. apparently, i switched from valley to canyon to valley... oops. :)

that little square that has a big gap between the island and the mainland will be expensive to build on...

In this particular map, when i have 25-35 minutes only, i terraform. When i have more than 45 i build up that ugly city that I'm working on...

I've thought about trying to make a mountain pass on one of those square but haven't gotten to it yet...

ah well.. back to work. :)

[Young Drachma]

The goal for the rest of this dynasty is to lay out all of the other counties and get the communities settled. Then once I have them all worked out, I can start to at least develop leagues around those areas and even if there are changes, I can still have the core areas in place to work with.

[Young Drachma]

Bessener County is the largest border county between Jefferson and Northern California.

Home to over 300,000 people and located close to two hours from San Alberto, the entire Bessener region is a economic powerhouse on its own accord. In 2001, Bessner City annexed all of the surrounding communities in the county and became the City and County of Bessner, only the second such city in the entire state.

Despite its relatively metropolitan status, Bessner is isolated from other cities in the state and as a result, has the veneer of being 'country' as the surrounding counties are extremely rural in their nature or are too far to be considered part of the Bessner metroplex.

The area developed steadily due to housing prices in California soaring, as well as the dredging of Lake Coulon and expansion of the Lake Bessner area.

Here are downtown pictures of Bessner:
http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Mar.%209,%20501184644751.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Mar.%209,%20501184644761.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Mar.%209,%20501184644786.png

Plum City is a small formerly agrarian community that's developed into something of a middle class bedroom community in recent years. It's home to Desdemona College, an independent college founded by Unitarians.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646215.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646257.png

Mann Township is located between Plum City and Bessner, in the southeast corner of the county.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646291.png

Cook and Holland are two communities on the southwest side of the county.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646314.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646333.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2011,%20661184646595.png

Beacon Isle is the area between where Lake Coulon and Bessner Lake now meet. Once the project that created the extensive waterway was completed, the Isle was immediately sought after as a cheaper locale for real estate from the main downtown area of Bessner. It's since become part of the greater downtown, though it's known for it's huge mosquito problem.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Bessener-Sep.%2018,%201131184649909.png

[Young Drachma]

Ok, I'm ready now. I'm going to go ahead and start pro leagues based on the cities through Jefferson. What the storylines will be, is beyond me. But..I'm going to go ahead and do them in separate threads, so people can get straight to the info, without having to read the entire thread here to find out about them.

But before we get there, here are some pictures of Iron County, a locale just west of Johnson County. It's part of the San Alberto metro area, though on the fringe of it, as it's still a fairly rural area.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Iron-Sep.%2017,%20631184726247.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Iron-Sep.%2017,%20631184726264.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Iron-Sep.%2017,%20631184726287.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Iron-Sep.%2017,%20631184726337.png

[Young Drachma]

Manhattan County is an agrarian county on the edge of the state. The sole incorporated town in the county is called Manhattan Farms.

http://omnivore.fm/city/Manhattan-Feb.%2014,%20101184725827.png

http://omnivore.fm/city/Manhattan-Feb.%2014,%20101184725841.png

[Young Drachma]

My plan is to incorporate college football into this dynasty (or on a new thread?) using colleges and universities from Jefferson and replacing an entire D-1 conference to do it, ideally.

[Young Drachma]

Using NCAA 2008, I'm either going to replace a major conference and create an all Jefferson university conference. Plus two outlier schools will be in other conferences for a total of 12.

[Young Drachma]

Though somewhat belatedly, I've uploaded both the Oregano County region and the Gold Country (Southern Jefferson/San Alberto) region for download.

They're zipped and I think you'll just download the folders to the C:\Documents and Settings\whateveryoursiscalled\My Documents\SimCity 4\Regions directory.

You can get the zip file here:

Oregano & Gold Country (http://www.omnivore.fm/Oregano.zip)

The two folders are included in the same zip, both are separate regions and so, the folders both get downloaded to that same directory above and they should work. I'm uploading them right now, so they might not be there if you're checking just after I post this.

[Young Drachma]

The Jefferson Townball League has been around since 1934. What began as an informal, but hotly contested sixteen team league is now the hottest ticket anywhere in Jefferson, with 40 teams now participating in the annual event which culminates with the Jefferson Series, a best-of-nine game battle royale that determines the champion of Jefferson.

Due to the rapid success of the league that began with the professionalization of teams in the late 1970s, the expansion of the facilities the teams play in, a regional TV deal and expansion to 40 teams..the league is now breaking new ground in 1991, by creating a 162-game schedule and interleague play for the first time ever.

It remains to be seen whether fan interest will remain as high as it's been since the beginning.

The playoffs in the league begin with a one-game winner-take-all game called Elimination Day. The games begin in the morning and go all day long. The winners of the Elim games, advance to the Stage Series, a best-of-three game affair, which leads up to the best-of-five game Town Series, determining the champions of each league.

The winners of the Town Series advance to the best-of-nine Jefferson Series, the highlight of the baseball season in Jefferson.

You can visit the league web site for the Jefferson Townball Association here.

http://crayon.tv/townball/leagues/league_100_home.html

[Young Drachma]

NORTH YORK (http://crayon.tv/townball/teams/team_12.html)
39 playoff appearances, 9 Jefferson Series titles

Sure sounds good, until you realize that The Bullies last claimed a Series title in 1965 and last made it to the Series Finals in 1970. It's been a lean 30 years or so for the ballclub and most blame the expansion of the league and the professionalisation of players. In any case, the fans are holding out for future success, but with the team's last division title (and winning season) having come back in 1985, it might be a longer wait.

[Young Drachma]

MANNES FIVE LAKES (http://crayon.tv/townball/teams/team_5.html)
24 playoff appearances, 3 Jefferson Series titles

For a franchise that began with the league in 1934, this club is the proverbial 'late bloomer'. They didn't win their first division title until 1963. But since 1978, they've missed the playoffs just twice, claimed 11 division titles and won the Jefferson Series in 1987, 1989 and again in 1990.