Chatanplay - UK General Chat , Fun and Games Forums - Blogs

Why I started Chatanplay

Magic — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:25:13 GMT

Ive been asked in the past how chatanplay came into being, and why i decided to run a website. Well, here you will find out how it all started and why.

Years ago, I used to run an online P2P community. It was a popular site, and a place where i met many friends. The community ran for around 7 years or so, but as with most things concerning downloading files of the internet, it just got to risky for many, and I decided I didnt want to be the cause of any of my friends ( or family ) falling on the wrong side of the law. I made the decision to close down.

This site came into being as a way for me to still be active online, and keep freinds together in a fun, safe and freindly environment, whilst at the same time, trying to continue to build the community and attract new people to join us.

Its been a tough job, but also rewarding at the same time.

We have a loyal group that have stayed through good and bad, and the site has undergone many changes.

My goal is to simply provide a mixture of activities, ranging from interactive dicussion, Arcade Games, Interactive Radio, fun betting features, a virtual Shop, Users Photo Galleries, A blogging platform, Social group features, and a plethora of other things as well. Hopefully you will agree that there is plenty here to do to keep busy for a while :)

On the whole, I think ive done an ok job sofar, and its nice to see new people joining, and taking part.

If your an Old timer, here, or if you have just joined up, I just want to finish by saying thank you for joining and being part of what is, and always will be - ChatanPlay.

Hill Testing Mini's

MrMad — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:35:15 GMT

Broadloand Hill Test For Mini's

Yes Another Mini Blog lol

MrMad — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:22:20 GMT

Think this could be a good day out for all the family.

Sunday 29 and Monday 30 August sees Wings and Wheels return for 2010. The show is being held at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey and is open from 9am to 6pm.

The two day show will include a flying display, an assortment of motoring icons and a fairground. There will also be aviation and motoring simulators, trampolines, motorbike demonstrations and driving opportunities.

Mini Clubs including London & Surrey MOC often attend so there will be Minis to see!

The four hour flying display will be led by an assortment of RAF legends, and the Red Arrows will be joining the show on both days.

Brooklands Museum will have an assortment of motoring icons, racing up and down the runway. These will include Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, AC Cobras, Lotuses, Porsches, TVRs and the McLaren Mercedes SLR.

The show is raising money for nominated charities, Brooklands Museum Trust, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulances, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust and Help for Heroes.

Classic Mini's

MrMad — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:32:46 GMT

As some of you will know we own a classic mini - a mini clubman estate which are quite rare - it's been a labour of love which haven't touched for a while due to it not being kept at home. Mooosey has been a great help getting it to where it is now as I got very disheartened doing it on my own when I found so much welding needed to be done to it and was then just one problem after another.

Mooosey has now also caught the "mini madness" and his family have joined my family on viewing some of the get togethers. One main one we've been to is Poole Quay - they have a Quay for my Car night where they do different cars - we've only been to the mini night - people are so friendly and are so happy to talk about the restorations etc they've done.

Here is a brief history about the mini and I will update with pics and events we've been too as and when.

AND look out for the fan fair when I get our Clubby back on the road!!!!!!!!!!!!

The History

Classic Minis News !!!

50years of the mini has brought a very busy year to Classic Minis already....many mini shows have been attended including London 2 Brighton Mini Run,MINI United 2009 at Silverstone which featured on our stand Mike Coopers Ex H15 FUN Cooper S & The Simpson's Mini,Goodwood Festival Of Speed included about 8 of our current stock cars showing our quality of work including W&P latest creation the Margrave 50....but it was the Simpson's Mini which stole the limelight again....

Made Redundant

Magic — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:30:35 GMT

Sadly, its everywhere you look.

People loose there Jobs on a daily basis and however secure you feel you are, as I did, redundancy can strike at any time.

When you first hear the news, the thoughts that go through your head are many, and the prospect of being out of work, scary.

I currently feel somewhat Angry, rejected and i guess in a state of shock, after all, Ive been employed for a number of years and have done well.

As some will know, my health hasn't been that good, and the amount of pain medication I am on isn't going to serve me any favors in looking for new work.

How will I pay the bills, how will i feed the family, how will we cope, how will I deal with debt, these are just some of the worries that now face me.

The thought of dealing with debt agencies is now playing on my mind, and my hunt for a new job has begun.

A quick update

Magic — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:02:42 GMT

Been ages since i lasted madea blog, so here goes.

Work - Still employed, but sadly not for much longer. Weve all been told that we are being made redundant. D Day is in October, but it could happen before that, so its time to start the job hunting process again.

Health - Seems to have settled down now. Am on morphene, Beta blockers, and Blood pressure tabs, and also Simvastatin, to reduce high cholesterol, but hey ho, im still breathing lol.

Home - All good at home, though due to finances, weve once again had to put our wedding on hold.

There ya go, I said it would be a quick update lol

Up from the ashes

prince mio — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:55:37 GMT

My dear family! *hugs and kisses all of you tight*

It is the moment I waited for so long and it brings the tears to my eyes as I am thinking of how long it has been since the last time I could post here or talk to anyone of you. So much has happened, so much has changed, but the love you gave me remains the same, your care and faith in me allowed me to fight and be strong. It's been the days and months full of the dark and the fear, trying to see how to live and how to cope with the things I knew and the things I have felt. I know that I have won a lot by now and the very fact that I am sitting here speaks for it... *blushes*

I want to thank you all for keeping my account and for remembering me. I want to thank to Elaine for talking to my pappa and to Chewy and Magic... Magic, I want to give you a big hug, my friend, and I want you to know that my heart goes out to you and to all your family. I want to thank you for keeping Hunting Ground or now Chat and Play alive, for keeping the fires burning, as the say. I must tell you from the bottom of my heart that I have not met anyone like you before and you were the person that gave me the strength to fight, you were the one that helped me to pull out from the fear. I know that thee is still so much to be done... *hugs you tight*

I am not sure what my pappa or little Lexi have told in here about me, so I shall leave it for the next post or the next time I am here. As I found out, there were rumors online that I ran away from pappa and there were people even stating that I am dead, but I did not run away and I'm alive. I have a lot to tell as I have learnt a lot. And I know that I would not be here without help from the most caring and beautiful person - Lex. This heart of gold was with me in every beat and when my pappa was in despair about me and the doctors were leaving very little hope, he was keeping the faith. Even when the sudden death of his pappa struck him, he kept it in secret from me and didn't show a sign of what has happened just to let me be strong and my heart to recover. I know that his contribution to my being here is priceless just as the thoughts and prayers of all of you. *hugs*

The tears are filling my eyes and I believe that I'll leave this post as it is now. I love you all and you are the best friends and a true loving family. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

*hugs and kisses*

With all the love,

Rasmus

I've been Busy - Home, Migraine, Genealogy

Chewy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:42:03 GMT

Absolutely fed up with these Aura Migraines and I think "touch wood" that I've finally got rid of it ... only plenty of sleep and resting my eyes and these wonderful cheap (lol) head patches helped.

Magz went back to work yesterday - oh it was soooo funny, we slept through the alarm and woke at 9.40am - there were tie's flying around the bedroom (Magz was due to start at 10am).

I rang Williams school and walked him up there - oh well one late morning won't hurt - normally William is awake before Magz and myself and comes in to remind us to get up lol not funny at 5am I can tell you - yesterday morning I think he's sussed that if he doesn't bother us he gets to watch tv longer and perhaps not get to go to school - biggggggggggg mistake - I walked him up there - school's important and at the moment he is being so lazy and just can't be bothered to do the work - wonder where he gets that stubborn lazy streak from .... hmmm have to think on that one ... okay reality check YES I can be stubborn and very lazy when I feel low - darn it that means I have to change to make him change.

Don't you just hate sometimes how your kids copy you, many a time I sit and watch William and think OMG Magz does that lol - Facial Expressions, Cheeky Looks, Wiggling his bum while dancing (yes Magz you do lol) ahh kids and partners what a joy they bring you.

Anyway, oh yes I got side tracked ... one of Ninja's friends is or should I say "was" researching their family tree, the reason it's now "was" as now I am doing it for them lol

I'm so addicted, I find it so very interesting, not only the excitement of finding a relative, but learning about the different areas, life style, jobs, and it certainly makes me appreciate how lucky I am, as in alot of cases in my family ascendants are paupers and lived a life full of struggle.

Anyway, I am now researching the HAYES of Tetbury, Malmesbury, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, London and possibly Ireland, so anyone out there related let me know :D I love Genealogy and Family Trees :)

OH and I can't forget doing my Mafia Wars lol I do love that Facebook game :)

Magic Radio has been brilliant lately especially with the new DJ's and building up a good schedule or different genres being played. Nice to listen to while playing Mafia Wars or doing my Genealogy research :)

Back to Work

Magic — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:16:16 GMT

Seems like its been an eternity, but I have finally been allowed to go back to work.

After several Meetings with Occupational Health and Doctors, I've been given the OK ( subject to review )

I've been through the Blues, been up, been down, but feel that finally, I can get some routine back in my life.

It felt strange entering the workplace today, seeing familiar faces, and lots of new ones. My first day resulted in me drinking lots of coffee, chatting to work colleagues, and well, it wasnt work ;)

This will change in the coming weeks however, and I will update my blog agian to let you know how its been going.

Thanks for reading.

Feeling down.

Magic — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:52:11 GMT

Today would of been my Sisters 35th Birthday.

AM sitting here thinking of how I came to meet her, which was a miracle in itself.

I also re read her blog posts, and cant believe how strong she was, even when she found out the cancer had returned. She truly had a remarkable attitude to life, one from which we could all take a few tips from.

Spending time with her, looking after her for several weeks prior to her death, was one of the greatest privileges I have ever had. There were some great times, and lots of heart breaking times, but i will never forget her smile, and will always admire her strength. I really miss her, and even to this day, keep expecting her to ring, or pop round like she used to.

This time last year, I made her wear a silly wig, well we both did, for the whole day. What a sight we must of been, but at the same time, she had a beaming smile all day, which didnt fade. I think she had a great Birthday, and I was proud to have been a part of it.

RIP lil sis

How to play Mafia Wars - Video

Chewy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:17:34 GMT

Hope it helps you

Tips for Mafia Wars

Chewy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:49:13 GMT

MAFIA WARS on Face Book

I just love it and I have a brilliant mafia family so here are some tips

TIP 1. do not leave your Mafia in Moscow and go back to facebook home page .. you can not do the jobs in NY or CUBA people post.

TIP 2. Visit your mafia and grow your mafia by adding their "Like" on Mafia Jobs

TIP 3. Click "Like" on Mafia posts - you will be amazed that you get a steady stream of people adding you.

TIP. 4 Help your mafia by gifting, especially if you've already vaulted - they then respond better to your requests for gifts and the more you do and get noticed the more they support you in Wars etc.

TIP 5. Help your Low Level Mafia as well as your High Level Mafia .. everyone in your mafia is important.

TIP 6. You can Help out and do 25 jobs in each city - that's 75 jobs that help you level up.

TIP 7. DON'T listen to rumours ... you can join Zynga Community Forums - Powered by vBulletin through your Face Book account to get the facts.

TIP 8. Zynga Community Forums - Powered by vBulletin .. also a good area to get new mafia.

TIP 9. If you haven't max'd out your MW invites for the day can you PLEASE SEND INSIDER TIPS!

Best free gift out of all of them. Make sure you send your free gifts out everyday. Other good free gifts to send are blackmail photos because to earn them in the game you have to rob electronics store so many times just to get the camera, then do the job that actually drops them. this can be VERY energy intensive. They have great trading value!!

TIP. 10 Why declare war? There is no detriment to the person who loses the war. Everyone who plays gets 3, count'em THREE whole exp point. (yay!), and the winning team each get a free limited edition loot.

TIP 11. Gift, Gift, Gift - you'll be amazed at the gifts you get back

TIP 12. Put at least one weapon into your wish list! The collectables are great to vault, but you need to keep an eye on improving your attack and defence scores too.

TIP 13. Mika Vesasto's Wishlist Adder
wish list adder, add loot to your wish list when you don't already have one

TIP 14. Tip website .. lots of info
Mafia Wars FAQ

TIP 15. Make sure you click on some of your mafia and suggest mafia family for them .. I send at least 500 requests a day for my mafia to grow :)

Upon Reflection

Chewy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:35:28 GMT

Snow, snow and more snow - well finally after the snow settled and caused chaos round the country - finally it's all gone in Gloucester - the bonuses of living in a City where the warmth of the buildings, traffic and living on low land all helps.

Mind you, don't get me wrong we had some fun in the snow - the amount of Snowmen I saw was amazing - William made a massive one on our front lawn - then decided to have more fun kicking it to pieces :). Tony and Lewis took the wheels off Williams skate board and made a Snowboard which they all had a go at and - what a laugh - William now wants to find more snow and learn how to properly snowboard - okay first I'll have to save up for a full body amour as I can see broken bones :D lol.

Wednesday 13th Jan 2010
The other day I was sitting at my laptop and my vision was strange, it was like someone had taken a rubber and erased part of my vision, I was seeing strange lights. I got up and decided to make my self a sandwich, I felt disorientated and strange. I went over to our table and picked up a letter and tried to read it .. I didn't recognise any words - this completely freaked me out - I couldn't read. The only word I could see and say was Garage - but for the life of me I couldn't think what a garage was - so I asked Tony .. you can imagine his response. My left eye, predominantly felt like someone had a knife sticking into it.

Okay now I was really scared, I couldn't think about what I wanted to say and how to say it, I couldn't visualise words, let alone pronounce or speak them. I rang the doctor, as I thought my brain was shutting down and I was having a breakdown.

Tony took me to the doctors, the first thing she did was test me more an TIA - trans ischemic attack - which to you and me is a Mini Stroke. OMG I was soooo scared.

Consequently, she put down my symptoms to being an Aura Migraine - Migraine - but until that point in the doctors I didn't have a headache well it felt more like severe eye strain really and nothing like what I remember seeing my mum suffer with migraines.

The doctor explained that you don't have to have Headache with Migraines - wow that was a new one on me!!! - but as I was suffering with aura's I was to write down all my symptoms when they start and go and lie down immediately and ensure it goes, as the symptoms can be confused with TIA's and because I am a "Smoker" and the Aura Migraines I am more at risk for a TIA - okay now that freaked me out.

So when I've finished my pouch of tabacco I am definately packing in smoking .... if having a mini stroke you loose your mind like I did there is no way on this planet I want that ever happening again.

When I got home from the doctors - my blood vessels in my left eye just blew - so I lay down and closed my eyes and dosed off, to help myself.

Today I am not confused mentally, but I still 3 days later have slight pain in my left eye.

That did get me thinking though... I wear glasses and about 3 months ago, I was loosing my sight in my left eye and seeing floating lights - no other symptoms except a bloodshot eye. Tony took me to the opticians and then I was referred back to the doctor who referred me to the hospital for further investigate - they could find nothing wrong with my eyes and gave me tear drops to help with the dry eyes - I now joke about having to put my tears in to cry lolol. That episode of loss of sight and auras lasted over a month.

At least I now know it's Aura Migraine and as me, being me I've investigated it and know now that I have to stop smoking and get plenty of eye rest :).

The funny thing was I wasn't worried about loosing my eye sight, it was loosing my mind that was the most frightening thing!

Last night
I drove over to get Leone, as she's staying the weekend, we stayed up until 1.30am playing scrabble and on facebook and I was playing games in our arcade - I see Tony reset all the scores again.

It's now 12.27pm and guess where Leone is .... yep still in bed :D aww bless her, she said last night but I'm not tired mummy lol within 10 mins she was flat out asleep :D

Think I should go and wake her up now, and Tony he's still in bed, I can't see how he is going to cope going back to work, when his morphine tablets knock him out .. oh well that's for him to deal with :D he won't listen lol - when does any man lol

Spoke to Jess and Chris in the week, Chris is loving the cats that he's now got as pets, where they are living, one's called Gigsy but she's a female lol. They start back at school next week as the Taxi hadn't been sorted yet.

Jess is enjoying it where they are she has a close family member that lives near by and she's been spending time with her - Jess is really finding her feet now, and has changed so much, developing into a young lady. Looking back on the photos and seeing the change is amazing and comforting, knowing Tony and I gave them both a really good start and got them on track after Karen, their mother passed away.

It's been very hard, but worth it.

OOO kettles boiling

speak again soon

xxxx

The trials and tribulations of a webmaster

Magic — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:34:45 GMT

Running a website is fun, rewarding, and at times challenging.

An update

Over the past few months, Ive been working a lot behind the scenes getting the site ready for its new launch. On the whole things went pretty well, lots of cups of coffee, lots of frustration, and at times, feelings of "why did I bother", when things weren't going well. ( There were lots of times like that )

The site software has seen some significant changes, and with those changes came a completely different way of working with the code and back end structure. Even now, in its near completed state, there are numerous bugs and errors that on the whole, go unnoticed by the end user, namely you.

The recent upgrade was a nitemare and had me up nearly all night rectifying countless errors.

Having said this though, running the site is something I enjoy, and whilst it can be challenging at times, it is also satisfying when it comes together and people such as yourself get enjoyment from using it.

The site still has a long way to go, and on its journey, I'm glad you have all chosen to be a passenger, and its a pleasure having you all aboard :)

The future

What the future holds is anyone's guess, but the site will continue to develop and grow. Unlike previous sites I've developed, this one will remain clutter free, and have add-ons that are practical, usable, and user friendly. The chatroom is proving to be invaluable, giving users the abilty to chat in real time to the OnAir Djs, and generally settle back and have fun.

The arcade is still a main focus point for many people, and now most of the site work has been done, it will be getting some attention and New games added on a regular basis.

As is always the case, please feel free to leave any comments, either here, or in the forums

Thanks for reading :)

A new look, a new beginning

Magic — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:37:11 GMT

Many of you will know that behind the scenes, Ive been working at getting this new site up and running.

Well, as you can see, its finally here, on Xmas Day.

With anything new, there is change, and as you browse around the site, you will see many changes. Im sure you will agree, things look a l lot "cleaner" and better organised.

As with anything new though, I expect there to be be a few bugs here and there. If you come accross any, please let us know, and we will do our best to resolve them.

Heres to now, heres to the future, and have a very Merry xmas and a wonderful New Year.