Anything going on the judging?

CA! I was surprised that was you at the German helm. I got quite nervous a few times as I thought you were someone else who would have stabbed me with those last two builds.

Wait a second. Waaait a second. Three theists land in the draw because they didn't want to eliminate turkey. I SMELL COLLUSION! No Shiva Bowl for you!

I like to think of it as compassion, not collusion.

I have to admit that Northern France looked very tempting, but you did a lot to keep the alliance going. I'd considered a push into the North Sea at one point too, but the alliance was so communicative and cooperative it seemed like any one who stabbed would immediately feel the bite of everyone else on the board. As Germany that would have been my death knell and probably would have given the game to Turkey.

Kind words, CA. I too had considered the solo run, in my three build year. If I could have sold England on the fleet Brest, I would have stared at the board many an hour trying to decide. That was my only good opportunity. Like you said, any other time and the stabber would be ripped to shreds.

So, I just had a dream that all the eight of us were in a huge freeway accident together (along with a bunch of other people) and ended up in adjacent hospital rooms. We then decided to re-stage the debate live.

Over all, I'm sad to say, it was a modestly unpleasant dream, although not because anybody's behavior was unpleasant. We never got to the actual debate -- just negotiating rules and procedures.

lol, that's debate enough I think.

I was immensely frustrated by the Unholy Western Trinity.

I wasn't really in a position to make a solo push, but I didn't really consider it, because it was as CA points out as communicative and organized alliance as I've seen. People really did put those great debater skills to use.

I was pretty ineffective in this game, obviously. I trusted the west far too long, and never solidified a relationship with the friends I would have needed.

I was sorry about that semck, I really did have three alliances to choose from. You and I seriously discussed a sealion, I was really honoring an Anschluss with Austria right up until the end. France got to me first and was in favor of the triple and it made more sense for me, rather than being caught in the middle once the sealion had finished England.

I think our luckiest break was the confusion caused by Italy attacking Austria even though had already identified the triple.

Now, now, CA, let's be fair. I asked you for a sealion or a triple. You chose the triple. I played to England and Russia the appropriate card, but you got to pick.

Yeah, anyone know why Putin was such a prick and attacked Austria with such gusto?

Yeah that's probably true. As Germany I don't like allying with both France and Russia.

Yep just looked back at the message log and that was exactly what happened. Almost word-for-word. Paranoia won out.

Asking why Putin was a prick......

Too easy.

At any rate, great gunboat guys. I'd play all of you again in a hypothetical rematch. Especially a gunboat rematch.

With Putin and President Eden apparently dropping off, we'd have to enlist some of the judges as participants.

I'm not giving up but I'm having a hard time scheduling time to judge these debates--even though it's like number three on my list every weekend. (First is grading homework, second is family obligations). Don't give up on my yet please.

Hey, don't stress Mujus, the universe wasn't created in a day. ;)

What happened with Putin and Eden?

Bump

Bump again. Any progress?

Dubmdell, thanks for your patience! I appreciate your reference btw. :-) Anglican, home sick with a virus and barely able to grade a few papers, emails, etc. this week. I'm beginning to wonder if there aren't supernatural forces at work to keep me from this task.

No worries Mujus, I was only curious. Sorry you're not feeling well.

Obligatory holiday bump **no pun intended**

Hope you're feeling better Mujus :-)

I'll keep this short. I am religious, although not highly religious (not stating my religion). I respect all religions and the people who are religious because they show dedication to something they believe in. I like the idea of religion because it can bring together a community. It teaches the morals of life and should be used as a guide to live a good life. However, I dislike religion for causing conflict, which I think we can all draw many examples of. Therefore, I think religion is a nice idea, but like all ideas, is not perfect. As for those who are atheist, I am completely for it as well. It comes with less problems and I respect that as well. Each person makes their own personal choice, of which religion to follow, if one at all. I decline to mention specific religions, but I like many because many seem to provide guidelines for living life. On the other hand, I do believe some ideas start to get outdated. It's not easy to just go start a new religion to fit modern culture. As for what to do about that, I'm not one to speak.