News Archives: [2004]  [2003]  [2002]  [2001]  [2000]  [1999]  [1998]

2001

News


- December 21, 2001 -

This December has proven to be one of the more active and exciting in recent memory. We have had several events happen recently. They include the following:

1. We are proud to have elixer join us. If you stop and think, of our current 11 active members, 7 of them were recruited and joined us this year, 2001. Adding elixer, he makes us a clean dozen. We are glad to have him with us. He adds additional maturity to us that a clan of ours wishes it could clone. Welcome Aboard.

2. sB left ss about 1.5 weeks ago. Good luck sB and thanks for the help when you were here.

3. SS has continued to remain steadfast and loyal to the tourney it signed up for. We have played 4-5 matches in the CAL Tourney. Mind you, many other clans in our shoes have folded and disbanded. It goes to show that even though its been a tough season for us, we remain true to ourselves and our clan. We are focused as to what ss is in the lean times as well as the phat times. People find it easy to give excuses etc., when we lose, the true professionals find ways to make a team win and win with honor. I tip my hat to those in ss who have fought hard and true.

4. What many people have overlooked in many ways is that ss has endured over 5 years of being a gaming clan. We have humble beginnings in QuakeWorld CTF. Then we competed in QW TDM. Currently, we remain active in Q3 TDM. Who knows what 2002 holds for us. It has been a fun and sad year in many ways. Friends leave, new ones come. But as I've said time and time again, "this isn't for me, it's for SS."

5. I finally upgraded: I now can see what I hit! Here is a recent system info check:

"[20:10] @ss-sirdark: SysInfo: OS:Windows 2000 Professional (5.1 - 2600)) Mem: (Usage: 196/256MB (76.56%) [||||||||||] CPU: ((1-AMD @~1600.90MHz) Graphics: (Leadtec GForce 3 DDR TI-200 64 mbs) Res: (1280x1024) HD: 44387.8mb free Uptime: (3h10m5s)" - In the words of ss-slug, "...about friggin time."

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe Happy New Year. I will be gone Dec 24, 2001 and return on January 5, 2002. We have a good outlook as we being the new year. I would not have it any other way.

One liner: "You can take the horse to the water hole, but you can't make him drink"

     - ss-sirdark


- December 2, 2001 -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SS - IT HAS BEEN A ROLLER COASTER OF A RIDE THESE PAST 5 YEARS. Wait, what's that I hear?.......what?? Another 5 more?............ GOD HELP US

One liner: ""Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a life time"

     - ss-sirdark


- November 19, 2001 -

In many ways, this week is a short week. In the USA, we have Thanksgiving where we have a two day holiday. Thursday and Friday of this week generally means no work and no school. Enjoy it.

Tonight is a fun packed night. Our pre-season match vs Clan *69 is on at 11 PM EST (10 PM CST). So far, things seem to be running smoothly. You can read more about CAL's Q3 TDM tournament at their web site. The map to be played is CPM4.

We also want to welcome Flopster to our collection of misfits =) (jk ladies, don't get your nylons tied in a knot). Glad to have you on, man.

One liner: ""It' a good day to die <-- who said this and what TV show?"

     - ss-sirdark


- November 18, 2001 -

CAL's Q3 TDM tournament web site has posted its RULES and its SCHEDULE for the 1st week, which is the pre-season week. The map to be played is CPM4 and is to be played before Thursday, November 22, 2001 (USA Thanksgiving day).

One liner: "" w00t, there it is"

     - ss-sirdark


- November 17, 2001 -

Let the gaming begin. As last reported here, the Cyberathlete Amateur League (CAL) is the recent on line tournament we joined. The news is as follows:

"The tentative divisions for this season are as follows (7 weeks):

PRE-SEASON STARTS THIS MONDAY - NOV 19th

CENTRAL

DELTA
---------------------
Jobber Patrol
Negative Seven
Silent Service
*69
Euphoria

Format Looks to Change

Following the vote in the forum it looks like all of the items up for vote will change. That includes the format of matches. It looks like our new format will be the traditional 'best of 3', map Q3DM7 (Temple of Retribution) will be added to the rotation, and machine gun damage will be set to 5pts.

Rules and Schedule to be Posted

Both the schedule and the rules will be posted before the weekend."

is what CAL's Q3 Tournament director, Mike Walters (Quake3 Team Deathmatch Administrator Cyberathlete Amateur League) stated.

The CAL's Q3 Tournament web site has posts that the pre-season week starts during the week of November 19, 2001 and Silent Service will be playing Clan *69. Good Luck to all clans and here is hoping for a smooth event.

 

One liner to think about: "" One bad apple in the barrel spoils the..."

     - ss-sirdark


- November 12, 2001 -

Well, its official per se. Silent Service has decided to try and take it to the next step, once again, and compete on line with Q3 TDM. SS has joined CAL's Q3 Tournament this evening. Regardless of the outcome, we feel we'd enjoy a little more activity and compete in another tournament other than OGL. Don't misunderstand, we aim to win, but we also will not lose sight of the fact that we want to have fun.

We make no bones about it. We know who we are and what we will achieve. We want to compete, and it will be FUN DAMIT. Even if I have to take slug our back and give him a good ass whoopin. What sense is there in anything but fun for Q3 at the moment? Alas, time will tell. Check back in 3-6 months and read the news then. =)

One liner to think about: "" If you are afraid to lose, you will never win" © ss-mac"

     - ss-sirdark


- November 10, 2001 -

The following is not necessarily new news but it certainly is worth mentioning. ss-habib has been working hard over the last 4-10 months on fine tuning his Quake3 1on1 skills to the point that he last competed in Quakecon 2001 earlier this year (August 2001).

ss-Habib now resides on a prestigious list of participants as he seeks further glory in q3 1on1 competition. I am sure the following two links are not the only web sites reporting this news, however nonetheless its worth posting:

A. World Cyber Games - ss-habib post

B. Challenge-US - ss-habib post

On behalf of everyone of us in Silent Service Gaming clan, we wish nothing but the best to Ryan Fields (aka ss-Habib) in his competition. Good luck and frag hard.


On another related topic, we want to wish NET QUAKE a happy 5-th Birthday. It was approximately back at the end of October beginning November 1996 that all this gaming really took off. Now I know there will be those nay sayers out there that will remind me of DOOM and DOOM2. But for me, and this clan began with Net Quake. Happy BDAY.

Ad: What company's logo is..: "We don't make things, we make the things you use, better"

     - ss-sirdark


- November 4, 2001 -

Hello all! I don't know who made that Logo, but DAM...... I'm not trying to be rude, just honest. I'm sure we were grateful at the time. This is my 1st post so.. I'm very nervous. I'm a lover, not a writer. With that said, please no pornographic emails Pollock's.

We are pleased to announced two great additions to the group; Noccy and Cal both formally of Clan Meat. Noccy was last in Clan Euphoria. Welcome aboard fellas and thanks for making me feel young again Cal.

We have been playing some great scrims and games. Fooling around the OGL ladder, passing the time, few bumps and bruises along the way. If you get a chance and have some spare change, please drop by the channel (#silent_service) and give a donation to Sirdark, he's in dire need of an upgrade. It would be greatly appreciated, for we would not have to play with pmove_fixed any more.

I can't tell you how glad I am to see the Yankees lose tonight. It was a good series and tonight's game was awesome so…. gg's to both Yanks and Backs. Halloween passing can only mean one thing. Holidays will be her sooner then you know it so hope everyone hungry. I know it just gives me a reason to drink up. I'm going to try to make this a habit; lets see how it plays out. W3rd!

Oh, I almost forgot, everyone knows its 3 licks Sirdark, pff

     - ss-saddam


- November 1, 2001 -

Well, I finally managed to squeek in a little time and update the IRC channel statistics. I know ss-Habib will be pleased to read this. Enjoy.

On another subject, I was rummaging through my HD and found this olde logo that was made for us sometime ago. We were soliciting ideas of a shield or logo for ss. It was nice but was not used in the end. I also do not recall who made it for us, alas:

One liners...: "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll lolipop?"

     - ss-sirdark


- October 30, 2001 -

Late Update:

I must admit now that I know I am getting old. Excuse #1 - At the end of last week, I was gonna report that we got a new member but I decided to hold off reporting it. Excuse #2 - I got sick and didn't have time. Excuse #3 - I was gonna post news but got lazy.

No matter how I try, I simply missed posting news about a new addition to ss. Please pardon me. Welcome blewout to ss. A mild manner reporter from a local Michigan newspaper. He, on occasion can be seen wearing a red and blue outfit flying through the nite skies. He fights evil single handedly, and no KRYPTONITE can stop him. Happy Gibbing, ss-blewout.

     - ss-sirdark


Well hasn't this year been one of those "WTH did the time go?" It has for me. Then again, I must be getting old. =)

We like to welcome two new members to the mix. Cal and Noccy are gents that have been around the scene a while and know the "lean and mean times" but also have had some "phat times too." Although some may wonder why, I say..."why not?" Welcome fellas, kick your feet up and make yourselves at home.

I guess when I stop and think of where we are, its a place in time where "everyone knows your name" and a place where "everyone wishes they could be." What I mean is, we seek not fame of fortune at the moment, just a great place to hang with people whom we enjoy company. Its a great and yet, less stressful, place. Let's parrrdeeee.

BTW, FYI :

1. 4hrs 2mins until Pumpkin day

2. 3wks 1day 3hrs 59mins 51secs until USA Turkey day

3. 7wks 6days 4hrs 2mins 5secs until Santa Claus Day

things that make you go "hmmm": "Tough is the road that is seldom travelled...happier are them times too"

     - ss-sirdark


- October 21, 2001 -

This week we have to make public that on behalf of the entire IRC and QUAKE3 community, we wish ss-sittingbear and ss-siwy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. One is 25, the other 24. About time yall got rid of your diapers.

One liner to think about: "To thine own self be true"

     - ss-sirdark


- October 8, 2001 -

Hey there. This weekend was our Midwest fall leave festival. What is that? It's a time of year when all the wonderful colors change with the leaves. As a result, there are many local towns in the area that have hot apple cider brewing , caramel apples ready to eat, horses to ride, hiking trails to trek, and other wonder activities take place. It's the great example of how change is welcomed. Although I don't entirely take Winter over summer, it is part of an annual necessary change. It just makes me look forward to Spring and Summer that much more =).

Also, my bud ss-pureluck sent me some awesome pics of his new toy (car):

Nice going there man. I can't wait until I get my ride in it or when he comes to our Ohio LAN event. On that news, ss-iceolate is making waves of wanting to set up another great LAN event locally to Northern Ohio. More on this later.

One liner to think about: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

     - ss-sirdark


- October 5, 2001 -

Times are rolling. Of course by now, most of us that live in the northern half of the USA know all too well that seasons are changing. That isn't the only noticeable change around here. What's great with change is that there is a sense of "newness or excitement" that comes with the change.

  • We've changed the intro logo to ss's web page to keep the thought in our mind and hearts that although we are moving ahead with real life, we haven't forgotten about NY City and the pain we have there ever since Sept. 11, 2001.
  • SS of course is no longer in "summer mode." We have officially changed our mode now to "fall mode." With it will come new games, gaming, increase clan activity level, & maybe even new computers for some of our clan mates.

    We are also pleased to see ss-iceolate find his way back home. He had taken an extended vacation and is happy to be back. uh huh, sho nuff.

At certain times, we will come across stuff that just begs to be posted:

Here is one such recording. (wife learns about her husband) : Radiocallgonewrong.mp3

Here is one with a little more humorous tone (comedy): Movie_Preview.mp3

I see if there is a desire to keep these posts of pics, sounds, & music from the readers of this page and decide then whether to keep it up for future news posts. Stop in and tell us about it @

ETG servers: irc.enterthegame.com , specifically @ #silent_service

cyaz..

One liner to think about: "To err is human, to forgive, Supercalifragilisticsespaladocious."

     - ss-sirdark


- October 4, 2001 -

I am glad to report of two new additions to our clan. We welcome pureluck and donka to the gang. If anything, they can help keep slug busy and in check. Using a phrase that D|S-Slugs likes to use, "Welcome Aboard."

One liner to think about: "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

     - ss-sirdark


- September 28, 2001 -

The picture needs no further explanation::

One liner to think about: "You can lie to others, but how long can you lie to yourself?"

     - ss-sirdark


- September 27, 2001 -

Wow, I post some news and I get instant replies from the grave. These two are note worthy:

"hah yes, ss-thrush decided street racing for money was more exiting that playing q3, so he quit," as he ICQed me with that reply when he read our news post on 9/25/01. Well, to prove my point, take a look at his new set of wheels. I guess if I had that, I too would be gone from 4 walls and a computer screen. Stop in every once in a while thrush to visit. Make sure the door doesn't hit you in the ass on the way out.

The other reply came from ss-slug via icq. He said, "i didn't leave anyone and i didn't leave u, so shush." mmmmmmmmk If you say so, but you still know you miss me ss-slug and can't live without me. =) There is also a rumor going around that someone spotted ss-slug at a nearby store as he was leaving. I'm asking that anyone who has this pic to please forward it to me.

Til next time...

One liner to think about: "What good does honor do to a dead man?"

     - ss-sirdark


- September 25, 2001 -

"The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!"

Howdy there. It's been a while since I've had the desire to get on here and post anything. I guess I'm one who thinks if there is news to report, it will be posted, otherwise....no. I have been quite busy work wise and its a tough year. Our business climate is considerably low key compared to previous years. As a result, there is much pressure to try to "pull blood out of a turnip" when there is none. But, I'm not here to bore us about business. I am here because I want to give you a snapshot of:

A. what the is the status, as I see it, of the q3 on line gaming scene

B. clan ss status

C. take a step back and realize what's really important

The gaming scene has changed some. I would say it has shrunk, consolidated and even lost some of its momentum. Many will argue with me and that's ok. Those opposed will be people who want this "q3 scene" to live on. I don't blame them as they have a vested interest in "keeping hope alive", using a Jesse Jackson cliché. I won't go into too much detail but the q3 scene has been tarnished by recent events. They include some pretty intense arguments between the CAL League and certain clans such as Ichorvile and Clan Knightmare which have resulted in some pretty bad feelings. One specific on line gaming site (CAL) was expected to help revive the q3 tdm community. Suffice it to say, that it did the exact opposite. The Shackes web page posted some news on this. That's all I will say about that.

So what's going on now? I'm not sure what will happen, however, there are 2-3 other tournaments expected to pick up soon. The most recent is a q3 tdm tournament established by Clan Knightmare, it's called KIT. The well respected and traditional Quake Invitational League (QIL5) is also slated to begin this fall (2001). Finally, news has it that Resurrection2 will begin in January 2002. If KIT is run well and manages to get by with little disruption, it will set up for a nice hand off into QIL5.

What is Silent Service doing? Well, we are idling mostly. One of our players remains quite active in the q3 1on1 scene such as ss-Habib. He continues to do well and frag on. We have also adjusted our members roster to reflect those that continue "weathering the storm" with us, remaining steadfast, and dedicated. To the rest...well...Mom always said, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all, so I won't.

ss-thrush has gone completely inactive as he is focusing more on real life issues like a Brand New car and making sure he is able to maintain his monthly payments. GJ Thrush and GL =).

ss-shakazulu remains our one HPB and is hopeful that he will be able to contribute to ss in on line gaming when and if he goes LPB. He has to be the LAST HPB on earth =).

ss-siwy is also concentrating on his new job. Remember, he was the one who helped me to set up this "elite" looking web page =). Stay focused siwy.

ss-slug ... well, all I can say at the moment is that I hope he finds happiness. Since he left me, his life has not been the same. Yes, Its true. =)

Lastly, ss-sb, ss-saddam, and I remain "patching the holes in the boat" as much as we can. It is fun playing and keeping an on line dialogue with gamers. I will say this in general and not direct it at any one individual. One sure sign of my getting old is that I refuse to put up with BS from alias (no name) people on servers (regardless of the game played) where they have little respect for some order. Children who want to behave as such can do so, but I don't have to put up with it or be exposed to it. =)

I know I didn't get everyone in ss in this post, but the idea wasn't to try. It was to report some activity from the clan. I've offered this 100 times, all they have to do is author some news for posting and it will be posted. I have yet to get one SOB to do that. So there.

PERSPECTIVE:

Keep in mind that all this is really secondary to our lives (or at least it should be). We, in the USA, had a wake up call on September 11, 2001 in NY City. Our time is not infinite here on earth. What we do and say is how we will be remembered. Value the time you have now with your family and loved ones, for you never know when the "grim reaper" will come calling. We send our condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy. RIP...

I hope to post more stuff whenever possible. Oh yeah, before I forget, I know I am behind at the moment with the channel stats. I will be posting July, August, and Septeber 2001 this weekend.

=- Peace =-

One liner to think about: "On line gaming doesn't build character, it reveals it"

     - ss-sirdark


- August 14, 2001 -

I had to insert this. NOT posting this would be criminal. Remember one thing, I LOVE HABIB.

One liner to think about: "False Friends and Shadows only last while the Sun Shines"

     - ss-sirdark


- August 12, 2001 -

Hello People. Long time no speak. It's been a good long time since our last post. This is a sign of the times and a sign that we have lives outside of IRC and on line gaming. It is all a good sign, too.

We remain where I last reported. Some of us have idled some in IRC, while others have been away on vacation, etc. In fact, even ss-Iceolate managed to get out and go to Florida in the middle of July. Now I will admit, who in their right mind would go to Florida during its HOTTEST and MUGGIEST time of the year? hehe Welcome back iceolate. As for the rest, some remain locked up in their suburban mansions with their AC on, chewing their "cud", and drinking their beer. (wonder who that is?) One of our boys got themselves a new car (some red, sports, fast car). Another member is now a workaholic in Canada and barely rears his head to grace us with his presence. Another is entwined in a "Harlequin long distance romance," another just got back from a Caribbean Cruise, and yet others remain the worker ants they are and checking in at 8 am every morning. As for me, well it depends. But I am oh so tired of my PC. In fact, this is the 2nd attempt at writing of this news as the PC locked up literally about 4 minutes ago. I am now rewriting all this and saving every 30 seconds just to make sure it doesn't lose all this important news, eh?! I'm here and will be until I'm the last to shut off the lights on the way out.

On a brighter note, we do want to welcome a new member to our ranks..he is ss-Exobist. (another Canuck) =).

Lastly, tonight in Mesquite, Texas they wrapped up the final (as anticipated) Q3 1n1 event by the CPL. ss-Ltrain and his trusty sidekick Iceweasel were there assisting in the coordination of the event. Great job fellas as many people in #quakecon were pleased to see quick, and mostly accurate reporting of the matches. In an anticlimactic final match, Zero4 beat Fatality to win $30,000 1st place. Not bad.

I'll try to at least post something monthly if not sooner, depending on newsworthy posts.

One liner to think about: "The more one sweats in practice, the less one bleeds in war."

Latah...

     - ss-sirdark


- July 5, 2001 -

"Yowza, yowza, yowza." (Name for me what TV show that comes from for special recognition on the ss news page.)

Some of us are relaxing, while others are forging ahead tuning their Q3 skillz. Not too much happening since the last post. However, we are even more in summer mode as we are on "rest" at the moment on the OGL TDM Q3 ladder. ss-slug has started an intra "fun" q3 1on1 ladder. It should prove interesting. We appreciate the effort and enthusiasm he is showing in managing it. Good Job, ss-slug.

I have also decided to attempt a LAN at my home. The date for now is set for July 20 - 23, 2001 (Friday through Sunday AM). We will see how it goes. At worst I know it will be at least me and ss-shaka, if not also ss-slug, ss-iceolate, and ss-thrush. More on this within a week. I hope to have internet connection for us also. Time Warner Road Runner is pretty good in its connectivity.

SD sings.....heidi, heidi, heidi, ho....(Name that tune/singer).

     - ss-sirdark


- June 23, 2001 -

We'd like to welcome Claw to ss. Claw will go down in ss history as the one player who waited patiently for all the right things to happen to him to have him join our ranks. Welcome dood. He is not new to the quake scene. In fact, even now, he continues to compete online with QuakeWorld TDM matches. To even quote the "stud in his own mind":

[01:01] @ss-claw`unf: I have an ADSL connection
[01:01] @ss-claw`unf: I live in Houston,TX
[01:01] @ss-claw`unf: I currently model for Hispanic monthly

riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

P.S.: Summer mode continues

On other news, imp left ss for greener pastures.

     - ss-sirdark


- May 29, 2001 -

Its been a good while since the last news post. hehehe...there is good reason. Remember I told ya its summer mode and well, little is happening that really requires news posts. However, it is time to show some good work and post STUFF..so here we go:

One new info piece to report is the addition of a new player to the "collective" (for you star trek fans). His uses the nick of CH, also known as ChickenHunter. He is local (loco) to the midwest, is mature, and has the skill and ping to boot. Its great to add someone like him as we have become more and more cynical of the remaining people out there that say "the right things for clan try outs" but only later to show themselves to be not as mature and in fact at times, complete idiots than originally seen. As a result, CH is nothing but a class act. He even rivals our recent addition of Ltrain (aka Soul Train man) ehehe. JK LT, both of these guys are truly a welcome addition. Frag on and frag often.

OGL remains the only active semi-competitive ladder we are on at the moment. I say semi because it is and will be mainly for fun regardless of the match outcomes. Don't get me wrong, we are there to win, but now only recently its not as chaotic as it was over the last few months. Consequently, its more enjoyable and we are having fun.

Another notable sign of SUMMER MODE is that many IRC channels are low in head count. Many people are away for several reasons including school (colleges and universities) being out. People are really just out there in real life doing more and that is not a bad thing (/me wonders wtf he is doing here typing all this crap out then =) ).

Well, lastly we also had our OGL match vs clan *69. GG fellas, ss won 2-1 in a best 2 out of 3 game series. We remain on OGL TDM ladder rung #4 for now.

ss-Habib is also on fire with his routine OGL 1on1 matches and currently holding rung #4. Great job bib, keep it steady!

ss-Kremkill is also working his way up the OGL 1on1 ladder. He currently sits #32. Stay focused and forge ahead krem!

OGL 2on2 team ss mex is moving right along in OGL's 2on2 ladder. We currently sit #3 rung. More action soon.

OGL 2on2 team ss evolution remains on REST (sad sobs). Word has it both players will get off their rest (ass) and become active again soon. Here's hoping they do! They currently sit #18 on that ladder.

Adios for now....

     - ss-sirdark


- May 12, 2001 -

It was 80 º F here yesterday and today its 49 º. I cannot get over the big difference between the two days. Then again, I should be used to it since the midwest is known for such weather/temperature shifts. At least, this isn't Houston Texas where they are now struggling with 90 º F days and high humidity (for slug, this means a bad hair day.)

I'm proud to report our new recruit to the posse. He goes by the nick of Ltrain. He is a graduate student in a Midwest state University. Welcome aboard man. It's a pleasure to have mature person with a good sense of humor. You can still find us at irc.enterthegame.com in our channel #silent_service. "Summer-mode" continues and so does our fun. Enjoy it, people.

In OGL, we made our next Q3 TDM challenge vs Clan TRT. We'll soon learn the outcome if the challenge is accepted. More on this later.

At the moment, the following holds true:

ss-Habib (Q3 DM 1on1 event) - Rung # 4

ss-Kremkill (Q3 DM 1on1 event) - Rung # 40

ss mex (Q3 DM 2on2 posse) - Rung # 13

ss evolution (Q3 DM 2on2 posse) - Rung # 18

ss Q3 team death match - Rung # 13

Happy fragging.

     - ss-sirdark


- May 10, 2001 -

Who can complain? Summer has arrived like a much needed bath, Q3 is dead, (not), and we continue to do some evening idling on irc.enterthegame.com in our channel #silent_service. We, on occasion, get some routine idlers, visitors, and old schoolers coming through the channel on there way somewhere. Its all kewl. For the most part, we are in "summer-mode."

OGL continues to be our passing involvement in quake 3 for team death matches, 2on2 matches, and 1on1 matches. We had our 1st ever OGL Q3 TDM event last nite and played a clan which we've not heard of before. Its rare when we find these type players so I will report it cuz it needs reporting. We lift our Q3 caps to Ninth Legion (9L) as they were a decent group of players and there was NO, I repeat, NO BS. It was pleasure. Remember people, we joined OGL for fun and win or lose, that's what this is for us right now. The format was the best 2 out of 3 games. SS wins on Q3dm14 (Grim Dungeons) and Q3dm6 (The Camping Grounds). GGs fellas. We managed to to play following members: ss-slug, ss-sB, ss-Habib, ss-Ultimo, and ss-Iceolate. We'll see who the next opponent becomes and as for now we sit on OGL's Q3 TDM ladder rung = 13 with 1/0 record.

ss-Habib and ss-Kremkill remain active within OGL's 1on1 ladder. I'll post news on their progress as they play their matches.

We are full with members at the moment. If we do recruit, it will be based very much on our usual high standards. If our "marriages" do not work out, they are quickly annulled.

     - ss-sirdark


- May 2, 2001 -

Its been a while since my last confession so... how about we post some news.

Over the last 2-3 weeks, ss has really been "chillin." Since the wrapping up of the Quake 3 Team Death Match EQL and Badland tournaments, our activity level has been reduced to idling in IRC and occasional pickups here and there. As mentioned previously, we have joined up On Line Gamers League (OGL).

Although it is a ladder system whereby we can challenge other clans to matches, its also much more. OGL has an extensive choice of games in which we can join ladders to compete. For now, we have signed up for a few Quake 3 ladder selections. They include:

    1. Q3 TDM 4on4
    2. Q3 2on2 (so far we have two teams signed up)
    3. Q3 1on1 (here too, so far we have 2 players signed up) - ss-habib & ss-kremkill

We joined this ladder system more for fun that anything else. Upon reading the rules, one quickly can become overwhelmed with such attention to detail the creators of this league placed into its design. The rules are pretty clear and leave very little room for any misunderstanding or ambiguity.

As a clan, we have challenged our first team in Q3 TDM (given that a clan is limited to who it can challenge and when). Our only choice at the time was clan {X-H}. Sadly though, clan {X-H} forfeited by not replying and we were awarded their "rung." Moving on, we have now challenged clan |9L|. The clan |9L| match was accepted and is set for play on Wednesday May 9, 2001 @ 10 pm EDT. More on this later.

Our ss mex 2on2 team (made up of ss-sirdark & ss-saddam) were scheduled to play vs Clan vVv. Sadly here to, even with an extension agreed to off from the original time to play, clan vvv never showed. We should win by forfeit I guess.

Our 2nd ss evolution 2on2 team (made up of ss-slug, ss-imp, & another to be named) are scheduled to play clan carebears. This ss evo vs cB match is set for Sunday, May 6, 2001 @ 10 PM edt.

In Q3 1on1, ss-habib has already played two matches and told me is 2 - 0, wins/losses. Currently he sits 19-th out of 32 currently. Good job, man. Stay focused! Our other man, ss-kremkill, has yet to begin his trek through OGL 1on1 ladder. Good luck on your start bro.

Finally, summer has arrived. We have been through this period of the year now as a clan four times. Yes, we have gone through 4 summers as clan ss. We also know that come this time of year, the activity level drops significantly to an almost stand still. Why? Well, some players will go home from school (college, etc.) for summer vacation, others travel on holiday, and certainly many people prefer to be outside rather than cooped up in a room starring at a monitor. Right ss-slug? Where does this leave us? Well, what I'm telling you is not to expect too much and not grow impatient as we all enjoy the warmer weather. I, for one, am expecting our 3rd child in early June and will be tied up for sure. Additionally, I plan on enjoying the outdoors as much as I can. I will be online, but perhaps not as visible. So get out there and enjoy yourself too. =) Golf anyone? =)

     - ss-sirdark


- April 18, 2001 -

Late Update:

I have managed to find this elusive web site for OSP gaming. =) Yes, I found it. I signed up and am thinking of signing our clan for Q3 tdm gaming simply to keep us active and in shape. I'll report more on this later as soon as I can make heads and tails out of their rules, etc.

     - ss-sirdark


Some mixed news to report...

First off, BADLANDS finally ended. Unfortunately, the news is that the final week was closed with too many forfeit's or no games played. Sad to see that but oh well. Can someone say "break?" Here are the results from that event:

East

Tier 1:

D|S - DarkSide

Tier 2:

]km[ - KnightMare

Tier 3:

u238 - Atomic Punks

Tier 4:

DigA - Digital Annihilation

West

Tier 1:

FiTH - Fire in the Hole

Tier 2:

d| - defiance

A big kudos to my Brothas @ Clan Knightmare ]km[ for their "steady eddie" performance. Way to go fellas.

On a final note, Blaze and reflux have left ss. Good luck. Also, Sumnr has been MIA for over a month. No word on him so he is removed from the members list.

     - ss-sirdark


- April 11, 2001 -

After my most recent rants and raves, I've decided to step back and take a lighter approach to all this. The following is an excerpt from a quake3 1on1 fight I had with a fellow clanmate named ss-slug. All I have to say is GG ss-slug - YOU OWNED ME AGAIN. How sad. When will I ever learn not to mess with a leet player like him. Here is ss-slug owning ss-sirdark.

We also would like to welcome ss-kremkill to our posse. =)

Lastly, I am still not sure about Tribes2. I am still toying with it. It has to grow on me perhaps. We'll see.

     - ss-sirdark


- April 10, 2001 -

Well, I have news to report that really isn't news, per se.

Quake 3 team death match competitive online gaming is officially dead (imho)

Over the last two weeks, we have essentially rode the wave of finality on bringing to a close Badlands. We were to play clans freestyle and clan Negative Burn. Both matches were forfeited by both clans. Clan Freestyle's forfeit was expected as they "closed up Q3 tdm shop" about 3 weeks ago. What was a partial surprise was nB's forfeit. This continues to cement in my mind the fact above. Q3 tdm is dead. As much as the last few remaining people out there would have you believe otherwise, it is dead. Clans no longer care or desire to play Q3 tdm for many reasons including but not limited to... llamas and their bad attitudes, leagues changing rules (esp in the play offs), lack of support by many good sportsmanship clans, and many top name clans leaving the tdm game altogether. Call me Nostrodamus, but what will now happen is that all the middle level, so-called, Q3 tdm clans will begin to fight, crawl, and scratch their way to the "top." You know who they are. It will fun to watch all this unfold.The person who said this following quote has no idea of what true team spirit and gaming is about. He said...(think about it)

"Its not about clans anymore, when will you people get that? Its about which 4 a team can field at any given moment' You old school guys need to figure that out."

If that is the now present general attitude from the NEW Q3 tdm community, they can have it.

To add fuel to the fire, Clan The Stickmen and Clan Knightmare both have dropped and left the EQL2 play offs. For all the news being reported, I can honestly report that it had to do with one main issue: Changing League rules. On a minor note, 1 clan also left because "they don't play Q3 anymore." Sure, right. Read here @ Shackes.com for some more news on this topic.

On a side note, ss-reflux lost his DSL connection a few weeks ago. As a result, he has been one of the biggest idling llamas I've known =). As such, he claims to be playing Q3 bots and wanted me to post this snapshot. GG reflux.

Life goes on...Tribes2 here we come? We will see if Tribes2 holds our interest as a clan. That has yet to be seen.

     - ss-sirdark


- April 6, 2001 -

"Elo ladies" © ss-sirdark. I hope everyone has had a great week. I have. Its been a great week being on vacation. In fact, its been so awesome, the temperature even hit 72°F here today. This coming weekend is also expected to be awesome. To top it off, "The Masters" is being played this week and I enjoy watching it with little interruptions.

There are times in life that one has to simply bite their proverbial tongue and wait for life to bring justice to things. A while ago I announced that I was stepping down from EQL officiating because of a few good reasons (read below if your complete oblivious). Well, life seemingly is being just and the EQL seems to continue to do things that prove me right (I am sorry & sad to say it). Well, read this this post @ shackes.com authored by 519styles. If you still think I was wrong or unjust in my position before concerning EQL, then this is enough proof that even Johnny Cochran would not be able to argue successfully against. Enjoy reading it. I did as I was in awe.

Here are a few excerpts from the shackes.com post:

"...As a league that was looked down as a joke at first and was thought to be eaten up by Badlands, it really held its own. Now that sirdark is gone however, I don't even want to call it a league..."

"...the EQL has really just been taking huge strides backward, counteracting any legitimacy the QIL and CPL have brought to the gaming world... "

This from another EQL official (Cracker^trt) "...I won't elaborate much on this, but here is my take. I told D|S-Desys that the rosters would remain locked. I told kfc-nookie (an EQL official) to tell everyone the rosters would remain locked since he was getting questioned. Criminal and I discussed the situation and he felt the same as I did. As far as I knew, the rosters would remain locked and km and D|S were to play last night. I was busy until the evening when I come on irc to find that Stealth decided to unlock the rosters, telling me he contacted ALL the clans in the playoffs and there were no problems. After finding this wasn't the case later last night I have decided I've had enough of EQL. I started just running GTV, but Criminal practically handed the leauge to me in his absence. Since that happened Stealth has apparently decided to take matters in his own hands. I thought I could help restore some order to EQL when I started, but now this league is WAY beyond repair and I don't feel it's worth my time any longer. Feel free to contact me in IRC if you have any questions..."

"...All the other clans should smarten up and drop like ]km[ did..."

Like I said, I am sorry time proved me correct on what I believed to be right and wrong.

     - ss-sirdark


-April 2, 2001-

Late Update:

Finally, someone with the right Skeelz wrote up a good summary on all the mayhem surrounding EQL.Great job on the write up, Cache. Read Cache's report here.

     - ss-sirdark


Update:

I posted the following rant (found in Rant #18 --> Shackes here ) and I feel I need to post it here so my position is clear with respect to EQL:

#18

By: sirdark [Mar 27th 2001, 10:13 pm] [ reply ]
#16, Not that it matters much I'm sure, but just to let everyone know. I have quit eql officiating this evening. I have removed myself from what has become a huge ego fest and problem among clans and some eql personnel. I see words being thrown around like "deserve." No one deserves anything, if anything, they earn it.

In regards to the EQL playoffs, I fully support the teams as they were originally posted including Energy and *69. To remove them now, regardless, is a complete disrespect to the rules as they were originally authored and designed.

Simply to create a new set of rules to accommodate clans that "believe" they belong somewhere is another perfect example of what this has all become. The only reason I signed up for EQL as I was asked to officiate, was because I believed in rules and standards. I temper them with justice. You can argue with me all you want. I will not drop principles. Something I see EQL now doing.

I wish EQL the best and thank them for allowing me to help where I could. I really hope the right thing is done. Anything less is a mockery to the spirit of true competition.

SD peace.

No matter how you cut it, what has been done is a mockery. Just in case you haven't grown tired of all this, read more @ Challenge-us. And if you still aren't full, check out a half baked attempt at justifying EQL's actions by this so called report by snagger. Notice the well balanced, two-sided report? Not.

Ok. Unless I'm officially asked to reply, I am done with this rant. Adios.

     - ss-sirdark


This is great. I'm on vacation this week and the weather is completely awesome. You have to remember that in Northeast Ohio and in early April, its not always above 50° F. It is this week though. I am playing some golf, spring cleaning (domesticated side of sd), and resting.

In surfing the net this evening, I found this link posted in eSports-America. To say the least, I am very disappointed. EQL has single handedly changed the play off rules as they see fit (which they can do as its their tournament). However, its a complete "slap in the face" imho to any true meaning of the word competition. You may recall, originally the play offs were established to allow the top two clans in each division (A-B-C-D) to advance into the finals. Well, now they have decided to only allow certain clans in the play offs and eliminate the original rule. Their justification as I've read it and understand it is to give clans that are...

"more deserving of the positions"

I am sorry. I cannot believe what is happening here. Deserving? WTF? Teams who EARN, You hear me EARN!!!!! their way into the play offs should be in the play offs. What about the teams that made it there regardless of who they are? Wait, they don't count, they may be no name clans. We can't have that. "Its my toys and I will play with them as I want" is the attitude here. For this reason, I quit officiating EQL and left. You can read my comment in Rant #18 --> Shackes here. Simply put, acts like this is why I have no respect for people who have no backbone. Whatever. I'm glad I left. Enjoy the now meaningless tournament.

     - ss-sirdark


- April 1, 2001 -

Well, even though today is a day that many people pull off pranks and practical jokes, this next rant is no joke. I want to be very clear about this so there is no mistake as there are people who read stuff on news servers such as Shackes.com and Challenge-us.com. And that is...

I (ss-sirdark) may have left from Quake3 Team Death Match competition, but in no way in hell does that mean I left my clan Silent Service. Com'n Ladies. WTH? Are you (reader) that boneheaded to think we ALL act like some of you 14 yr olds that drop and hop clans every other month? If so, your stupid. Our Clan was around before Quake3 and it will be around (with me) after Quake3. So next time you read something about me or anyone else leaving this beloved clan, check in here and ASK the person. gesus..(end of rant).

Other than that, life is grand. See you on some Q3 server for funzies.

In other news, ss-alpha (who came to us asking to join) has literally disappeared. If he left for good, he did so without saying a word. Funny. And people wonder why we take recruiting so seriously. Its to try to WEED this type of people/players from ever joining in the first place. No commitment, no focus, no responsibility. Good luck, whatever.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 29, 2001 -

Update:

We have removed ss-wasp and ss-nitro aka ss-angeldust from the member section of our clan and web page. Fact is they have not been seen on at all and have been inactive for over three months.

     - ss-sirdark



Slow week in a way. For starters, we have ss-rivet0r, "i quit guys." He leaves on good terms per se, Rivetor was rarely around to play much as it was. It was fun when he did play as he was a "colorful player." Good luck man.

[19:49] *** Joins: ss-rivet0r (Seanstreck@sien6-170.hou.tx.bbnow.net)
[19:49] *** ChanServ sets mode: +o ss-rivet0r
[19:49] @ss-rivet0r i'm retiring :(
[19:49] @ss-drc y
[19:49] @ss-rivet0r i don't play anymore
[19:49] @blaze who is rivtor
[19:50] @ss-rivet0r who is blaze heh
[19:50] @ss-rivet0r blaze, are you new?
[19:50] @blaze haha
[19:50] @blaze kinda
[19:50] @ss-rivet0r hehe, k
[19:50] @ss-rivet0r i quit guys
[19:50] *** ss-rivet0r is now known as rivet0r
[19:50] @rivet0r heh
[19:50] @rivet0r am i ever here?
We also played our week 5 Badlands round - ss vs 519. Clan 519 took the 3 match game, 2 - 1. GG fellas.

We already know that in week 6 of Badlands, we were to compete vs Clan Freestyle, however they have since quit Quake3 TDM. As a result, Clan ss receives a forfeit win. GG? nah.

The big buzz going on now is the official, nation wide release of Tribes 2 (Official web site). Its out in stores now. Go buy one and see if its worth pursuing. Here is a Tribes 2 Review detailing what Tribes 2 is all about. It is worth reading.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 26, 2001 -

Now that all games have been played, the gibs cleaned up, and the rocketlaunchers/rail guns polished, we have a the final eight teams that survived the EasternQuakeLeague season. No matter how they got here, they made it. Great games by all. And the Oscar goes to.....

1. The Stickmen
2. clan Kapitol
3. Clan 519
4. Darkside
5. Clan Knightmare
6. Ichor Vile
7. Star 69
8. Internal Energy
Here are some additional comments by 519*styles on Shackes.com.
** 519 vs. Ichorvile: The 519 vs. Ichorvile scenario isn't quite as famous as the 519 vs. Freestyle or the 519 vs. Arson scenario... but it's equally as exciting. Both teams will show a fierce game face come gametime, and an intense showdown will take place.

** D|S vs. ]km[: D|S has been taking games from "big" teams, but so has ]km[. Usually your middle games are the most exciting, and there's no doubt that this match up will serve for some great games. I think ]km[ has the power to beat D|S, but they are going to have to play at TOP FORM in order to pull a win off vs. Darkside.

More information will posted soon on the time frame and set up for the play offs.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 25, 2001 -

ATTENTION: I am [-deleted to maintain the integrity of this web page- (sd)]

     - ss-slug


- March 24, 2001 -

Update:

(Another Evening news edition]: I will try to get this information right so bare with me...

A lot occurred and didn't occur tonight within the EasternQuakeLeague.

* Our Clan ss played vs clan DIGA. We won 2 - 1. The maps played were Q3dm7 (ss choice), Q3dm6 (DIGA choice), and CPM4. Game 1 seemed to be in the bag for clan ss but somehow they let it slip away in the final minutes of the game. Close game ending in a 76 - 73 clan DIGA victory. Game 2 was completely different were clan ss controlled the level solidly for the entire 20 minutes. ss-ultimo led Silent Service into victory with 50 frags. Game 3 was close at first but then Silent Service managed to maintain a steady 10 - 15 frag lead. Final score was <15 frags. The game screenshots can be found at the gallery section of this web page.

* In a surprising turn of events, this occurred tonight also:

[22:06] *** Joins: nex-risen (risen@24-168-133-100.nj.rr.com)
[22:06] nex-risen: yo
[22:06] nex-risen: nex drops eql
[22:06] nex-risen: been fun playing
[22:06] @afkb0x: :O
[22:06] @afkb0x: ...
[22:06] D|S-Desys: wtf no way
[22:06] @afkb0x: this is gay
[22:06] @afkb0x: clans think they can just quit
[22:06] @afkb0x: and disappear
[22:07] @afkb0x: how gay
[22:07] *** EQL-ss-sirdark changes topic to 'Eastern Quake League <> http://www.easternquakeleague.com <> Demos on www.esports-america.com <> Week 11 map: cpm4 <> Deadline = Saturday <> <> stx vs 519 now <> ss v DIGA now <> nex drops eql

If this holds true, this will completely change the EQL landscape for the play offs. Clan nex was to play vs Clan Energy. This means Clan Energy will get 6 points to a forfeit win making them eligible for Division B finals as one of the top two clans. Also, Clan nex was #1 ranked in Division D. They have quit EQL (who led that division with 45 points). Clan 519 is #2 with currently 42 points. Clan freestyle quit earlier this week and as such they were #3 with 39 points. That means the next runner up is Clan s69. It seems they will be a shoe in for the final #2 spot of Division D.

* Equally surprising is what was posted in ETG's IRC channel #eql:

[23:32] Keymaster: 4-nB was supposed to be tonight
[23:32] Keymaster: but it appears to not be happening
[23:37] *** EQL-Evil changes topic to 'Eastern Quake League <> http://www.easternquakeleague.com <> Demos on www.esports-america.com <> Week 11 map: cpm4 <> Deadline = Saturday <> <> stx over 519 3-0 <> ss over DigA 2-1 <> 4 over nB (forfeit)'


* Lastly, the match regarding Clan snb vs clan KM was extended and is said to be on for playing on "Sunday night @ 11:45 pm est." Also waiting to be scheduled (who requested an extension) is Clan D|S vs cK. Clans Omni vs KFC is set for Sunday 9pm est.

/me sighs bigtime.

     - ss-sirdark


Whenever someone sets a standard (me), there are always those who care to emulate a good thing. Ok, so here goes. This riddle I received from a fellow ss member:

Question: How old is sirdark?

Sirdark is twice the product of the 2 digits of his age. So how old is sirdark?

Answer: Check with ss-saddam himself.

ss-saddam

     - ss-sirdark


- March 23, 2001 -

Update:

(Evening edition news]: btw, it is true, Nostradamus = sirdark...

I was browsing Shackes.com, specifically this link, and I am now pretty much convinced of what I said earlier. QUAKE 3 IS DIEING BIGTIME. The question is no longer, "Is the ship sinking, its how fast is it SINKING?" I cannot get over repeating that over and over and over and over and over in my head. On the one hand, I am glad to see it end per se. On the other hand its a little sad especially since Quake3 TDM never had a long life as did QuakeWorld or even NetQuake. What is more alarming is who is cited as speaking some critical words from the Quake3 community. Its a key player from clan Stickmen. He says...

#8 X By: anon@207.230.25.197 [Mar 23rd 2001, 10:25 pm] [1 replies] [ reply ] Connection problems is putting it kindly... In game 1, we were up 10 with < 5 minutes to go when THREE of our guys dc'd at once... All had weapons too.. After that we just got spawned. Vile and doggods connects were so bad that they sat game 2, so we put in twistkill and wombat- both of whom had never seen the map before... The sad fact is that nex, d|s, and ck all have connections that demolish ours. We dont have any 20 pingers, they all have at least 2, and their other players are solid as well. We also WOULD have beat ck if our connects had held, but you cant expect pj'ing 100 pingers to beat these guys with near lan connects. You may say I am just making excuses, but watch the demos- I just stating facts- and we really haven't bitched much about it at all.

Frankly, we are tired of being outpinged and lagging out every fucking match, and our interest in Q3 is fading fast. We will finish out EQL, talk with MGON, and see where it goes from there. QW anyone?"

-swerdnik
Like I said, Quake3 will never be the same fellas. Wake up to reality. Here is one more example of the "writing being on the wall" found @ Esports-America.

stx-wombat

eSports-America: Why did you guys forfeit the 3rd game? Was it due to the revelation, as many clans this week discovered, that you didn't want to play Quake anymore?

stx-wombat: It was pretty pointless, only 2 of our guys bothered to learn the new map. None of us even bothered to learn the map for the 3rd game. It would have been a pointless game.

eSports-America: Are you guys going to continue to play in Badlands and what sort of effort should we expect for the EQL Play offs?

stx-wombat: We haven't decided if we want to continue playing in badlands with the recent lack of interest the Q3 community has shown lately. Putting forth all the effort to learn new maps and strategies seems pointless to us right now. I'm not positive about this, but we may be dropping from this tournament seeing as most of the new maps aren't of interest to us. IF EQL has LAN finals, we will definitely prepare for it.

     - ss-sirdark


Upcoming Q3 team death match events for ss include one last round in EasternQuakeLeague vs Clan DIGA and then we go to week 5 of BADLAND's whom we play vs Clan 519.

Falc, administrator from www.teamplay.net has announced the following on the Badlands web page...

"The maps for Week 5 are: BLPalace, BLPalace, MrcQ3dm5 . The week 5 deadline is: Wednesday, March 28th."

"We're going to do a little change of format for the end of the season. Week 6 maps will be mrcQ3dm5, mrcQ3dm5, cpm4. Then in week 7, the clans can choose any badlands map they want. The team with the better record will choose the first and third maps while the other team will choose the second. This will help give us an idea of which maps the clans really prefer since no one seems to want to express their opinions on the message board. ."

The last big hurrah for Q3 1on1? Both Shackes.com and Challenge-us.comreported the recent announcement of QuakeCon 2001.

Slated for August 9 - 12, this year's event marks the first NVIDIA® QUAKE III Arena Championships at QuakeCon boasting over $50,000 in cash and prizes. This 512-player battle pits the world's top players in the only QUAKE III Arena tournament officially sanctioned by id Software, a leading independent developer of entertainment software. The competition reaches a climax Saturday night when the QUAKE III Arena champion receives a $30,000 cash prize and lays claim to the title of QUAKE III Arena champ.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 22, 2001 -

I love when I'm right and I see a trend coming. The problem is this is not a trend. It more like an epidemic now....

Guess what? There is more to report today.... In Badlands tonight, clan kryptic rage vs clan omniscient were to play their week 4 match. It now appears that clan kryptic rage has folded. Yes, quit all Quake3 TDM altogether. This is what was posted on their channel topic bar:

[22:10] *** Now talking in #kryptic
*** The (Topic) For Channel #kryptic: we are gone
[22:10] -billab0ng- You are the 43489th person to join #kryptic
[22:11] *** carde changes topic to 'we are gone <3's, it was fun while it lasted :D'
[22:11] *** guntha changes topic to 'we are gone <3's (due to inactivity and inactivity alone, we ARE the tightest group of friends ever)'
[22:11] <@guntha> DAMNIT
[22:11] <@carde> dammit gunthafag

So where does this leave it? Stay tuned for more.

Now I'm really enjoying this. Call me sadistic. Wait, you can already cuz I'm SaDistic

     - ss-sirdark


- March 21, 2001 -

Yall thought I was full of it eh? Well, where there is smoke, there is fire. Remember this....

*** The (Topic) For Channel #freestyle: freestyle cs/Q3/tribes - www.geocities.com/freestyleclan - sponsored by www.questarena.net -| its been fun but i am i calling it quits, gl to all, -puppetmasta" ??
Well there is more news to report. Earlier this week, clan freestyle forfeited their week 10 match vs clan Stickmen. Furthermore, I just got this news reported in the #badlands channel:

[15:38] snb^Fiammetta: did muiy msg you
[15:38] @Falc: no
[15:38] snb^Fiammetta: he said they would forfeit
[15:38] @Falc: :(
[15:38] @Falc: ok

[16:55] ss-sirdark: Muiy
[16:56] ss-sirdark: yall forfeited vs stx in eql week 10 and now rumor has it that yall forfeited vs snb for badlands.
[16:56] ss-sirdark: Is this true?
[16:56] * ss-sirdark lookin for quotes for ss news.
[16:59] f`muiy: yea, we dont have 4 ppl who want to play Q3 anymore
[16:59] ss-sirdark: ah OK
[17:00] ss-sirdark: I appreciate the input. Good luck with cs etc.
So where does this leave it? I don't know yet. One thing is clear. The Quake3 Arena scene is not/will not be the same.

Today's news may not be over with. Stay tuned...

     - ss-sirdark


- March 19, 2001 -

Apparently, ss-Habib had a change of heart? Who knows. I saw something last night that sorta gives me the impression he regrets quitting tdm now. But I will tell you this...there is a trend of notable players leaving the Q3 tdm scene:

[12:20] *** Now talking in #nex
*** The (Topic) For Channel #nex: team nex - Q3TDM/CS/Tribes2 | lpb | east -- Officially sponsored by gametrak.com -- Excal's t1 lines cut, afk till verizon fixes them || http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~danh/sample/ep-sample.avi || avail quits gaming, cept for dod when he's drunk

[12:21] *** Now talking in #freestyle
*** The (Topic) For Channel #freestyle: freestyle cs/Q3/tribes - www.geocities.com/freestyleclan - sponsored by www.questarena.net -| its been fun but i am i calling it quits, gl to all, -puppetmasta

And of course there is the recent leaving of Makaveli. Where there is smoke, there is fire?

BTW, Muiy made a valiant attempt (jk Muiy) at reporting our news of ss players retiring from competitive Q3 tdm gaming. Read Muiy's report here.

I am sure I am not done with posting news today. Hang tight, buckle your seat belts, and keep hands and legs inside the roller coaster.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 17, 2001 -

Update:

[20:06] ss-CDoGG: im done man.
[20:06] ss-CDoGG: ggz
ss-cdogg retires tdm. Good luck.

Perspective by ss-slug:

I agree with SirDark 99.9% ( I try to never agree 100% with him ) The game was fun in Quake 1, but the clan was much different than it is today. We rarely recruited by skill cuz attitude was far better to have around. SittingBear was so young he didnt even know what a vagina was and sirdark, yah, he was old and still is.

The Q3 scene differed cuz we started recruiting by Skill and shoved attitude aside to get somewhat serious... everything was fine for awhile as far as I saw it. Then it happened.. the people we recruited to help us out, left for better clans.. if thats what you call them. This brought in the new recruits and some people didnt adjust well. We'll see if they can come together and figure it out or sync-up.

Anyways.. As far as SirDark quitting the scene of Competetive TDM, I think its a MAJOR step. I liked the old days where all you had to do was try to be the best outta maybe 10 people (or within the clan) instead of tryin to be the best outta the 1000's that are online playin. SirDark mentioned the Ping and CPU and all the other ingredients that fall into it. The .1% he left off is the fact that his CPU, PING and SKILL are all GREAT.. but rather his STYLE changed. FORGETTING about all the Bullshit tournaments and 'happy go lucky llama's' trotting around with "I fragged fatal1ty" T-shirts on will bring his old style back, im sure.

fuk this..

     - ss-slug

     - ss-sirdark


Sirdark retires from Q3 team death match competition. All (notice I didn't say "good") things come to an end. For me this is it regarding Quake3 Arena competitive gaming. The game has taken a turn for the worst.

When I began this escapade, I figured it was a breathe of fresh air, a new game to replace my previous passion, quakeworld team death match. Nah, never really was. The game was so so and the game and your ability to "own" in it was truly based on three things: That is Ping, Frames per second, and skill. Frankly, imho, you can have all the skill in the world but if you lack the other two ingredients, forget it. I was thrilled cuz I finally managed to get cable modem in March 2000 and I had a decent PC and Video card. (who knows in the end).

After countless playing, this really became a chore. I'm not here for another chore in life. God knows, I have my hands full already. Moreover, playing this game brought out the worst in people as they resorted to "win at any cost." People in the Q3 gaming community resort to cheating, ping masking, lying, using loopholes in tournament rules while sacrificing the spirit of true competition, and ringing to name a few. You know who you are. Sok. Run your life that way. See how far you llamas get. I'm done. I'm out fellas.

Makaveli (the great Q3 player who recently called it quits) said it best... while in a rant and quiting from Q3, he said "My first introduction to the ugly side of the quake community obviously started when I began to get somewhat good." In this case, it was ss who was "getting good." Oh Don't get me wrong. SS > Q3. SS was here before quake3 arena and it will be here after it. I do support the other members of ss as they are finishing the EQL and Badlands season. These ss warriors will be the last ones shutting off the lights in Q3 for ss. Enjoy fellas.

Oh yeah, by the way, sittingbear & Habib also retire from competing in Q3 Team Death Match.

In our EQL match vs clan star69, it was s69 over ss, 3 - 0.

Our next BADLAND's match (week 4) Deadline is this Wednesday, March 21th. The map rotation for Week 3 is going to be Qfraggel2a, Qfraggel2a, BLPalace.

     - ss-sirdark

 


- March 11, 2001 -

SS welcomes blaze & alpha to the clan.

Our next BADLAND's match (week 3) Deadline is this Wednesday, March 14th. The map rotation for Week 3 is going to be cpm9, cpm9, qfraggel2a.

     - ss-sirdark


- March 5, 2001 -

The news here relates to the BADLANDS tournament. Falc , the admin of the tournament posted some key information. The beauty of sometimes reporting news, is that, it has already been written/authored/reported. Here it is in its duplicated form...

blpalace released! (posted by Falc, 03/04 at 11:00pm) A new Badlands map has been released! It's a modified version of tpalace called blpalace. You can download it here: (location site removed). This map will probably be used in a couple of weeks to give everyone time to download it and get it running on the servers. Remember: Week 2 Deadline is THIS Wednesday, March 7th. And for the teams that have already played their week 2 match, the map rotation for week 3 will be: CPM9, CPM9, qfraggel2a.

Go to the gallery section of SS's web page to download - blpalace

     - ss-sirdark


- March 3, 2001 -

A big kudos to ss-Banz, ss-Drc, Kauffee, and pycho who managed to solve "Einstein's Riddle". There was another person who solved it, but then told me they found the answer on the net. That was lame. Any ways, way to use those brain cells fellas. Good job.

Onward and upward, we played our EQL match vs clan nex. GG fellas. They are one good east coast Q3 tdm clan. As far as our next BADLAND's match is concerned, it is vs clan snb. We are hoping to set this up soon. More on this as soon as its set up for play. Remember, "The map rotation for week 2 is: Q3ngiarena2, Q3ngiarena2, CPM9. The deadline for week 2 is: Wednesday, March 7th."

     - ss-sirdark


- March 1, 2001 -

I will not take credit for this riddle and/or its source. But I challenge everyone to it and msg me (ss-sirdark) when you get the answer. I already worked it out in 15 minutes. =). I saw this post in clan Negative Burns IRC channel. It was posted by none other than, nB`Bishop. Happy burning of brain cells...

Einstein's Riddle

There are 5 houses in 5 different colors. In each house lives a person with a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet. No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar or drink the same beverage.

"The question is: Who owns the fish?"

Hints:

The Brit lives in the red house.
The Sweed keeps dogs as pets.
The Dane drinks tea.
The green house is on the left of the white house.
The green house's owner drinks coffee.
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
The man living in the center house drinks milk.
The Norwegian lives in the first house.
The man who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps the horse lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
The owner who smokes Bluemaster drinks beer.
The German smokes Prince.
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
The man who smokes Blends has a neighbor who drinks water.
** Einstein wrote this riddle this century. He said 98% of the world could not solve it.**

BTW, don't go all gay and look for the answer out on the net. Give it a shot and try it. You are a brainless, llama otherwise.

     - ss-sirdark


- Feb 28, 2001 -

We would like to welcome Impaler to the clan. It never hurts to add another CANUCK to the clan =) . GL dood.

We managed to finally play our SD2 match vs clan wk. What I most proud of is that ss played the match with legit players, no controversy, and above and beyond all else, no ringers. I've said and will continue to say that, "this On Line gaming scene doesn't build character, it reveals it." Well, guess what? We have learned a lot about what clans will do to win. NP here. Truth is known.

We continue to be busy in two leagues. EQL and BADLAND's are ongoing at this time. We had a great BADLAND's match vs a clan that I have the most highest regard for in its class and professionalism. GGs clan KM. You've earned it. We also had an interesting round in EQL vs clan f`. GGs gents. Good luck in your remaining schedule.

Our next round in BADLAND's, is vs clan snb. News posted on Badlands states, "The map rotation for week 2 is: Q3ngiarena2, Q3ngiarena2, CPM9. The deadline for week 2 is: Wednesday, March 7th." I suspect it will be another good round. Our next round in EQL is vs clan nex. That will be a learning experience as clan nex is one of the top eastern clans imho. Remember, "False friends and shadows only last while the sun shines." Keep those heads held high.

Lastly, but not leastly, I thought I'd post some news worthy of print. Happy reading... Character and class in a clan....OR NOT.

     - ss-sirdark


- Feb 18, 2001 -

We would like to welcome Banz, Geoff, DRC, and CDogg to the clan. Glad to have people who are committed to playing, winning, learning, and being loyal to a clan. We hope to step it up a notch and be out there practicing more and more. Balancing real life work with irc-ism is a challenge (for those with real lives). Happy fraggin.

For TP.net's BADLAND's, we are waiting to schedule and play vs clan knightmare. The time was extended by a week due to TP.net about to release a new OSP mod version which contains the ability to set the desired server settings for "badland" settings. More on this soon.

     - ss-sirdark


- Feb 16, 2001 -

Clan ss is undergoing change. We have had several players quit or clan hop. However, the good news is that we are also recruiting new players. The challenge for us will be (as we have had to deal with it historically) is to be patient and strong. A clan's measure of strength is not done in a match game or two, it is done over a period of time. Time will define how we hold out. I am quite proud from where we have come and where we are going. The current players are a great group of people with respect and skill unmatched in my opinion. We are waiting to play out SHOWDOWN2 - ss vs wk.

We want to welcome Starseed and Reflux to Clan ss .

In the TP.net's BADLAND's, we are waiting to schedule and play vs clan knightmare.

     - ss-sirdark


- Feb 9, 2001 -

Woot. Never let it be said that the quake3 scene is without "spice." Lots to report and it goes like this...

In week 5 of EQL, we played clan trt. I wont try to spell their clan name (no disrespect) its just that my spell checker wouldn't be able to confirm it (and lazy to look it up), =). ss took it 2 - 1 in a decent round considering we did not have our starters, per se. No matter. Remember WWOG and LWOE. Game 1 - Q3dm6 (ss choice), ss won decisively 103 - 72. Game 2 - Q3dm14 (trt choice), ss came from a great comeback as TRT lead the game thru the 1st 15 minutes. SS stepped up to the challenge and won it 73 - 58. Game 3 was a very close game as clan trt switched their lineup and the match went into a 5 minute overtime where trt took game 3 on Q3dm6, 117 to 116. GGs and good luck, clan trt.

There is word that in the SHOWDOWN2 tournament, the winner of the LOSER's BRACKET was to be decided between clan wK vs clan |12|. This match was not played and Clan wk was given a winning forfeit. So as fate will have it, ss will play clan wK. Read about it at ss vs wK. To make things even more ugh..... "rough," there was some big controversy in the match between clan wK vs clan snb. As a starter, you can read the rants beginning at Teamplay.net re: wK vs snb. The news was finally reported as it should have been long ago @ shackes.com. No matter what happens within SHOWDOWN2 now, it appears that Clan wk will always have an asterisk by any wins after their match vs clan ]km[ in the loser's bracket. Read the scoop regarding a "Illegal Player" at Clan WK using an Illegal player. Follow the complete rant at shackes at rants of Clan WK using an Illegal player. As an aside, in week 5 at EQL, both clans, clan wK vs clan snb went at it again whereby snb took the series 2 - 1. What does this mean? Probably not much but the rants and word is there was much tension between the two clans. In fact, the illegal player GNXS was even allowed to play for game 3 for clan wk in the EQL clan wK vs clan snb match. In the end, it mattered very little as SNB showed a strong domination not seen recently. GGs fellas.

Lest I forget, in week 4 of EQL, ss played vs The Stickmen. It was a clear and decisive victory for clan Stickmen. They continue to demonstrate their Q3 Team domination skills in this game. GJ and GL fellas.

SHELBYCON 2001 (Shelby, Ohio) on February 2 - 4,2001 . was a great time. Big Kudos to ss-Iceolate & ss-Thrush for setting it up. Events like this require a lot of time and is usually a thankless job. GJ fellas. There was a Q3 1on1 tournament and overall Q3 TDM for 2-1/2 days. Lastly, Decanter and Corgan left ss.

     - ss-sirdark


- Jan 21, 2001 -

"Lookie, lookie, news is finally posted." Well, real life is taking lots of my time recently. I've been in and out traveling etc. News thats fit to report over the last few weeks goes like this...

We are waiting for the SHOWDOWN2 finals of the loser's winners bracket. In a recent turn of events, there were 4 clans left to play. They included Clan ki, clan wK, clan snb, and clan HKA. Clan HKA and Clan ki both dropped out and gave winning forfeits to clans wk and snb. So as fate will have it, one of the final matches is clan wK vs clan snb. Read about it @...here... clan snb vs clan wK. There is also another rumor that clan |12| has broken up. If this is true, then snb and wk is the final match. Either way, we wait the winner of the loser's bracket to play us for "all the marbles" in the SD2 tournament. Go ss.

EQL has started and we are now into our third week. GGs to clan kryptic rage (kr) who won our first set 3 - 0. They are a good clan with skill. This week we play against clan 5am. I am not sure when the deadline is set for to have played this round (week #3), but it will be within days of today.

In other news, we are proud to have Ultimo join our clan. We ran into Ultimo @ a LAN tournament that ss-shakazulu set up, called LOCKOUT. Over 20 ppl showed up to compete in a Q3 1on1 tournament. Ultimo took #1 with our very own ss-elwood in #2. Also in #3 through #5 included ss-thrush, ss-corgan, ss-shakazulu. Great gaming fellas. Also noteworthy is an upcoming Lan in Shelby, Ohio, on February 2-4,2001 - ShelbyCon .

     - ss-sirdark


- Jan 6, 2001 -

w00t, w00t, and w00t again. The times have been few and far between that we can rejoice in "dominating" (and yes I feel we have earned the use of this word now) in a quake tournament. Its only been recently that we have come together as a clan and played our hearts out and won matches. Sure, Im getting "deep in thought," but tonight we played one good solid round vs clan |12| and winning 2 - 0. Clan ss has "stepped up to the plate" and is doing well. Believe me, I know how it feels being on the other side because we have been there too. You can read more about our match tonight @...SHOWDOWN2 - ss vs |12|.

Moreover, what is commendable is that we remain UNDEFEATED (i.e. without a single game loss) in the SHOWDOWN2 Tournament. Oh. I am sure we will lose once again sometime, but not today. Now, some may try to steal our thunder and say we have had an easy schedule, or that we have not really matched a clan with their starters, or even that a match played was flawed with lagg or packetloss stories, but ya know, whether we win or lose from here on out, we are proud. Proud to play Q3, proud to silence the "nay sayers" and proud to be here to see it.

As for now, we now advance to the FINALS bracket of this event. We wait and see who the winner is from the loser's bracket to determine who and when our next match will be. My guess is that it will be played within 3 weeks. WHO we play is the question. Remember folks, this is double elimination and we need to lose twice to end up #2 at WORST. If we win our 1st match set, we win SHOWDOWN2. Stay Tuned.

In other equally important news, Eastern Quake League (EQL) has begun and we had a "by" for week 1. Week 2 begins tomorrow Sunday Jan 7, 2001 and ends Saturday Jan 13, 2001. As a result, its a WHOLE new LEAGUE with much tougher competition NO DOUBT. We welcome it as a good friend once said, "You will never win, if you are afraid to LOSE." We match up 3 games (it is a not a "best out of 3 games" match) vs clan kryptic (kr). We intend to play and do well. Gluck to both, but really better luck to Clan ss .

     - ss-sirdark


- Jan 3, 2001 -

I just got back from holiday. I was out visiting family in Chicago and Wisconsin. It was a great time, but there is not place like home! Driving 6 hours in each direction can get old fast. Our clan likewise has been off line over Christmas and New years. However, things are heating up here quickly.

#1 - Clan ss will not play clan |12| for while longer. Showdown officials desire to wrap up the loser's bracket 1st before forging ahead with the winner's bracket. You can read more about it here...SHOWDOWN2 . Either way, we are enjoying the tournament.



#2 - Our clan ss had a "by" in week 1 of the Eastern Quake League (EQL) . This league will prove formidable for all clans involved.

Below is the schedule as I have received it from EQL officials for the upcoming weeks.

Wk 1(ends 1/6) Wk 2(ends 1/13) Wk 3(ends 1/20) Wk 4(ends 1/27) Wk 5(ends 2/3)
Div A
cK vs km cK vs aR nB vs km cK vs o cK vs nB
nB vs aR nB vs o aR vs o aR vs km o vs km
o break km break cK break nB break aR break
Div B
stx vs trt stx vs 5am kr vs trt stx vs ss stx vs kr
kr vs 5am kr vs ss ss vs 5am 5am vs trt ss vs trt
ss break trt break stx break kr break 5am break
Div C
D|S vs snb D|S vs ki 4 vs snb D|S vs wK D|S vs 4
4 vs ki 4 vs wK wK vs ki ki vs snb wK vs snb
wK break snb break D|S break 4 break ki break
Div D
519 vs St 519 vs nex f vs St 519 vs HKA 519 vs f
f vs nex f vs HKA HKA vs nex nex vs St HKA vs St
HKA break St break 519 break f break nex break

     - ss-sirdark


- Jan 1, 2001 -

Happy New year.

     - ss-sirdark


News Archives: [2004]  [2003]  [2002]  [2001]  [2000]  [1999]  [1998]


The Silent Service web site was designed by Kris Briegmann (siwy) and is maintained by SirDark.

All trademarks used are properties of their respective owners.
All rights reserved. All pages Copyright © 2001 by DLares.
Logo page Silent Service news Silent Service members page Silent Service Discussion Forum Silent Service Clan History Silent Service IRC channel statistics! Join Silent Service! Silent Service picture gallery! Silent Service private section!