Have you tried using VASSAL? It is a great way to play the game interactively or via PBEM. There are also modules for many, many other games that you can play with this gaming engine. You still need to own the game for the rules and charts, but the maps and pieces for the most part are handled by the VASSAL engine.
Obviously you and I differ on what constitutes a simulation. I don’t think Sabin or Dunnigan would say that Third Reich constitutes a true simulation since to many fudges and shortcuts have been taken to enhance game play at the expense of simulating true strategic warfare.
Maybe you need to reconsider the definition of the word “obtuse” (“difficult to comprehend : not clear or precise in thought or expression”). The Third Reich rules are simple, well organized, and follow the basic outline followed by many games published by Avalon Hill, SPI, Strategy & Tactics, and others. (RE: “Wargame Design” by Berg, Dunnigan, et al). Maybe because I’ve played so many games by those publishers in the past that I find wargames much easier to play when they are organized similar to the way the Third Reich rules are organized. Especially when compared to many modern gaming system rules which are scattered throughout a large rambling rulebook that is 3/4 fluff and 1/4 actual rules (i.e. Warhammer/Warhammer 40k).
I understand that the “obtuseness” of a set of rules is a subjective judgement, and I may be a special case (after all I consider Advanced Squad Leader to be the best set of rules in existence). At least you an I agree in the subjective judgement that Third Reich is a great game.
You might give VASL or VASSAL a try. With one of these programs you can play ASL opponents interactively or via PBEM. The basic engine for VASL has been ported to VASSAL which have modules for other game system (including Third Reich). You still need to purchase the game for the rules to use VASSAL but the VASSAL engine takes care of the maps, pieces, and die roles for you.
About the only thing we agree upon is that Third Reich is a great game and could take a day or longer to play. I don't consider the rules to be complicated/obtuse, and it is definitely not a simulation. It is a meat and potatoes grognard style game.
I love the modern Euro-games but many times would rather play Third Reich, Empires in Arms or Advanced Squad Leader with some old friends whenever I get a chance. The former are easier to get new people into playing and don't take a lot of time, the latter require a particular kind per pedantic personality and a commitment of time.
If not, it could be Alison Grimes (D-Kentucky).
The irony is that even though a McCain or Romney would be just as bad (or worse) we would at least have the Democrats screaming bloody murder over this. As is it, since their guy is in office they are hesitant to speak out against this.
...and vice versa
Not really. Only the Libertarian fringe of the Republican party and the far left fringe of the Democrat party seems to be upset over this. The remaining Republicans are for the surveillance program and most of the Democrats don't want to go against the leader of their party. (Not a good thing to do in an election year)
The irony is that even though a McCain or Romney would be just as bad (or worse) we would at least have the Democrats screaming bloody murder over this. As is it, since their guy is in office they are hesitant to speak out against this.
Very true. What most people forget is that when you are laid off you are normally given a couple of weeks or more notice, just that the company doesn't normally expect (or want) you to show up for those two weeks.
About 10 years ago I was laid off from a large company after being given my termination date about a year in advance. If I stayed on for the whole year (to help ease the transition of my job to several sites overseas) then I would get a rather large bonus for staying on.
Of course the last couple of months I was there I was bored to death since my job was already transitioned and I was just sitting on my thumbs in case something unexpected came up and they needed to consult me. I spent my days surfing the web, and doing job searches. When I had job interviews I told my boss and he gave me the time off to go to those. By the time of my exit interview I had a new job and reported to it that job that afternoon. I was able to pocket all of my severance and bonus for staying on until the bitter end, but in retrospect I wish I would have taken a little time off since I didn't take any vacation the previous year.
...One Dinosaur to find them,
One Dinosaur to bring them all and in the darkness eat them
In the Time of Cretaceous where the Shadows lie.
The very fact that there exists a kludge to fix TV demonstrates that TV is broken.
This is old news, Texas has been recycling piss for years and bottling it as Lone Star and Pearl beer.
Hackers are just a migratory lifeform with a tropism for computers.
