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I have had a huge interest in maps and geography since I was a very small child.
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
BlackEyed Pete
Coffee consumption in Europe
C
Crabtree
Interesting maps showing portions of the Normandy landing sites, the initial naval operations, and assessed positions the following day.
hannah
Here's a map showing present-day countries that didn't exist in their current form in the year 1990
Does anyone else play this online game?
I've been playing for about a week and am hooked, apparently, it's gone viral in a short space of time. Well worth a look if you like something that has you scratching your head and you have a few minutes to spare or to play during a coffee break.
www.powerlanguage.co.uk
I've been playing for about a week and am hooked, apparently, it's gone viral in a short space of time. Well worth a look if you like something that has you scratching your head and you have a few minutes to spare or to play during a coffee break.
Wordle - A daily word game
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries. A new puzzle is available each day.
www.powerlanguage.co.uk
Janey
Wordle #134 — 23 Aug 2026 — X/6
#Wordle #134 (23.08.2026) X/6
Play at idlechatter.co.uk/community/wordle/
Play today's puzzle
#Wordle #134 (23.08.2026) X/6
Play at idlechatter.co.uk/community/wordle/Play today's puzzle
hannah
Wordle #134 — 23 Aug 2026 — X/6
#Wordle #134 (23.08.2026) X/6
Play at idlechatter.co.uk/community/wordle/
Play today's puzzle
#Wordle #134 (23.08.2026) X/6
Play at idlechatter.co.uk/community/wordle/Play today's puzzle
hannah
#Chronicle #11 (23.08.2026) 16844 pts
Current Streak: 2 days
Current Streak: 2 days
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Elysium Game Studio
Dec 2024
This keeps on popping up in my YouTube searches and I'm intrigued. It looks like the kind of game I would play and enjoy.
David76
Elysium Game Studio has unveiled the gameplay trailer for its upcoming title, Neo Berlin 2087, at Gamescom 2025. This indie game promises a rich narrative experience set in a cyberpunk version of Berlin, where players will navigate a complex detective story filled with themes of justice, friendship, and betrayal.
In Neo Berlin 2087, players assume the role of Detective Nolan, who possesses unique abilities to read human behaviour and hack into the minds of suspects. Utilising Unreal Engine 5, the game aims to deliver both first-person and third-person gameplay, featuring a strong emphasis on emotional storytelling.
While the graphics appear impressive, it is important to note that this is a double-A title, not a triple-A game, which may come with some limitations, particularly in voice acting quality. The game draws inspiration from classics like Deus Ex and Max Payne, with mechanics reminiscent of slow-motion action sequences.
The development team has been proactive in sharing gameplay trailers, reassuring fans that the game is progressing well. However, despite the anticipation, some vocal segments of the gaming community may express scepticism or criticism regarding its execution.
As of now, there is no set release date or specific PC requirements available for Neo Berlin 2087, but it is certainly a title to keep an eye on for those who appreciate narrative-driven games in a cyberpunk setting.
In Neo Berlin 2087, players assume the role of Detective Nolan, who possesses unique abilities to read human behaviour and hack into the minds of suspects. Utilising Unreal Engine 5, the game aims to deliver both first-person and third-person gameplay, featuring a strong emphasis on emotional storytelling.
While the graphics appear impressive, it is important to note that this is a double-A title, not a triple-A game, which may come with some limitations, particularly in voice acting quality. The game draws inspiration from classics like Deus Ex and Max Payne, with mechanics reminiscent of slow-motion action sequences.
The development team has been proactive in sharing gameplay trailers, reassuring fans that the game is progressing well. However, despite the anticipation, some vocal segments of the gaming community may express scepticism or criticism regarding its execution.
As of now, there is no set release date or specific PC requirements available for Neo Berlin 2087, but it is certainly a title to keep an eye on for those who appreciate narrative-driven games in a cyberpunk setting.
Gemma
Elysium Game Studio has officially announced that the game is slated for release in 2028. This futuristic game is already generating buzz, especially with the recent unveiling of its trailer at Gamescom 2026.
What's particularly intriguing about Neo Berlin 2087 is its gameplay flexibility. Players will have the option to experience the game in both first-person and third-person perspectives, catering to different play styles. The game is powered by Unreal Engine 5, which promises stunning graphics and immersive environments.
The game is set to deliver a rich, movie-like detective story that will surely keep players engaged as they navigate through its narrative. It sounds like a perfect blend of action and storytelling that many of us love in modern gaming.
What's particularly intriguing about Neo Berlin 2087 is its gameplay flexibility. Players will have the option to experience the game in both first-person and third-person perspectives, catering to different play styles. The game is powered by Unreal Engine 5, which promises stunning graphics and immersive environments.
The game is set to deliver a rich, movie-like detective story that will surely keep players engaged as they navigate through its narrative. It sounds like a perfect blend of action and storytelling that many of us love in modern gaming.
Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Infinity Ward
Oct 2026
Activision has announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to debut in October.
Modern Warfare 4 is expected to release on the latest platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and even the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
Modern Warfare 4 is expected to release on the latest platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and even the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
David76
For the first time in franchise history, players will have the opportunity to dive into a campaign mission during the beta phase! This is a significant shift for the series, which has traditionally kept campaign content separate from beta testing.
Activision has recently unveiled a wealth of details about the beta, which is set to kick off this Friday. The official Call of Duty X account shared a comprehensive image outlining all the content that players can expect to access. It looks like there's a lot more to explore than many of us anticipated!
Alongside the aforementioned campaign mission, the first weekend includes five 6v6 multiplayer maps: Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, and Lotus. On those maps, you can expect Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search & Destroy, as well as the new and yet-unrevealed Inflation game mode. The recently revealed Kill Block mode is part of the first session in both its 3v3 and 10v10 variants, too.
Luckily for players who don't want to pre-order to play the early-access portion of the beta, the open portion is more exciting, as it includes new content on top of what's available in the first weekend. The second takes place 28th August - 1st September on the same platforms, now with the addition of Nintendo Switch 2 - another first for Call of Duty.
The chief addition in terms of what's playable is Warzone's upcoming Resurgence map Zodiac, which has been teased but never officially detailed. It's still not clear whether the updated version of the free-to-play battle royale mode launches alongside Modern Warfare 4 in October or later in the year.
This beta is shaping up to be a unique experience, blending the thrill of multiplayer with a taste of the campaign.
Activision has recently unveiled a wealth of details about the beta, which is set to kick off this Friday. The official Call of Duty X account shared a comprehensive image outlining all the content that players can expect to access. It looks like there's a lot more to explore than many of us anticipated!
Alongside the aforementioned campaign mission, the first weekend includes five 6v6 multiplayer maps: Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, and Lotus. On those maps, you can expect Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search & Destroy, as well as the new and yet-unrevealed Inflation game mode. The recently revealed Kill Block mode is part of the first session in both its 3v3 and 10v10 variants, too.
Luckily for players who don't want to pre-order to play the early-access portion of the beta, the open portion is more exciting, as it includes new content on top of what's available in the first weekend. The second takes place 28th August - 1st September on the same platforms, now with the addition of Nintendo Switch 2 - another first for Call of Duty.
The chief addition in terms of what's playable is Warzone's upcoming Resurgence map Zodiac, which has been teased but never officially detailed. It's still not clear whether the updated version of the free-to-play battle royale mode launches alongside Modern Warfare 4 in October or later in the year.
This beta is shaping up to be a unique experience, blending the thrill of multiplayer with a taste of the campaign.
Jason
Activision has just released the official PC requirements, and it's time to see if your rig is up to the challenge.
To get in on the action, here's what you'll need:
Minimum Requirements:
To get in on the action, here's what you'll need:
Minimum Requirements:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400
- RAM: 12GB
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 580 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: At least 25GB of available space
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 1800X or Intel Core i7-8700
- RAM: 16GB
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 25GB of available space
Gemma
Infinity Ward has just rolled out the first significant update to the beta, and it's packed with changes based on player feedback from day one.
Here's what you can expect:
Key Updates:
These updates show that Infinity Ward is listening to the community and making adjustments to enhance our gaming experience. If you haven't checked out the beta yet, now might be the perfect time to jump in and see how these changes feel!
Here's what you can expect:
Key Updates:
- A brand new map has been introduced, offering fresh terrain for players to explore and strategise on.
- A new game mode has been added, expanding the gameplay options and keeping things interesting.
- One of the most talked-about changes is the adjustment to footstep audio. Players reported that footstep sounds were a bit too pronounced, and the developers have toned them down for a more balanced experience.
- Weapon lethality has also been tweaked, ensuring that the gameplay feels fair and competitive.
- Map voting has been implemented, giving players more control over their gaming experience.
Thank you to everyone for your energy on Day 1 of the Early Access Beta. We had a blast playing with you, and we're ready to run it back all weekend.
Day 2 will bring a variety of bug fixes and gameplay adjustments, including a new Map and Mode which join the Multiplayer rotation at 10:00am PT
We'll be deploying an update shortly that aims to address a lot of the community feedback from yesterday. We heard you loud and clear on the footstep volume, so we've adjusted things downward for today. We've been following the conversation and agree that time-to-kill (TTK) isn't quite right yet, so we've tuned down the lethality of some of our guns to start. Finally, we made a tweak to boost visibility on Transit 213. Let us know if you think these adjustments are in the right direction, and expect more in the future.
We also know some of you had some trouble getting into the Beta yesterday, and we'll be working over time to clarify in-game error messaging and improve our Secure Attestation Wizard for PC players. Keep in mind the wizard doesn't just diagnose issues, it fixes them too, so give it a try if you haven't already.
We're working every day of the Beta to improve the experience, so keep the feedback coming. We're listening.
CONTENT
Maps
MAPS
Map Voting
Transit 213
An extra word from the Weapons Team:
Thanks for joining us in the Beta! The changes below are the ones we're already feeling good about, and we're keeping an eye on your feedback and data. Keep sharing it, we're listening!
Attachments
Footsteps & Player Sound Effects
CHALLENGES
Daily Challenges
NEXT UP
We love seeing your posts, clips, and videos - keep them coming. Your feedback is what is going to make this game the best Modern Warfare, and we're focused on those improvements.
We'll see you in the lobby.
Day 2 will bring a variety of bug fixes and gameplay adjustments, including a new Map and Mode which join the Multiplayer rotation at 10:00am PT
We'll be deploying an update shortly that aims to address a lot of the community feedback from yesterday. We heard you loud and clear on the footstep volume, so we've adjusted things downward for today. We've been following the conversation and agree that time-to-kill (TTK) isn't quite right yet, so we've tuned down the lethality of some of our guns to start. Finally, we made a tweak to boost visibility on Transit 213. Let us know if you think these adjustments are in the right direction, and expect more in the future.
We also know some of you had some trouble getting into the Beta yesterday, and we'll be working over time to clarify in-game error messaging and improve our Secure Attestation Wizard for PC players. Keep in mind the wizard doesn't just diagnose issues, it fixes them too, so give it a try if you haven't already.
We're working every day of the Beta to improve the experience, so keep the feedback coming. We're listening.
CONTENT
Maps
- NEW: Cachette
- NEW: Inflation
- Eliminate enemies to collect cash.
- Defeat HVT Operators to steal the cash they're carrying.
- The richest players become marked HVTs for everyone to hunt.
- Survive Overtime and get increased cash multipliers.
MAPS
Map Voting
- We need 4 total maps to enable voting effectively, so with Cachette in the mix this is coming with today's update.
Transit 213
- Brightened shadowed areas.
- Adjusted overall color balance.
An extra word from the Weapons Team:
Thanks for joining us in the Beta! The changes below are the ones we're already feeling good about, and we're keeping an eye on your feedback and data. Keep sharing it, we're listening!
Attachments
- Frangible Rounds
- Reduced Frangible slow duration by 26.8%.
- Reduced Frangible slow magnitude by 21.4%.
Footsteps & Player Sound Effects
- Reduced the distance at which enemy footstep and gear audio can be heard.
- Decreased overall enemy footstep and gear audio volume.
CHALLENGES
Daily Challenges
- Enabled the ability to reroll Daily Challenges.
- Fixed an issue where players were unable to start or complete the Mobility Course.
- Fixed a bug that could cause footstep audio to incorrectly use wet-surface sounds when players were moving across dry areas.
- Fixed an issue that prevented the Global Panel from being opened using its assigned keybind.
- Fixed a disconnect issue caused by Seeker Drones.
- Fixed various errors when navigating in the front-end menu.
- Fixed an issue that could cause an error when entering the Gunsmith without a valid Weapon selected.
- Fixed various errors when switching between or reconnecting controllers.
- Fixed an issue where joining a friend from the menu would prevent you from being able to access some settings.
- Fixed a bug that caused party members to remain in a looping animation in the Multiplayer Lobby.
- Fixed an issue that could make certain magnified Optics opaque while aiming down sights.
- Fixed a rare disconnect issue in Gunfight 10v10.
- Join in progress is temporarily disabled on Kill Block
- We know this isn't ideal! We're actively working on a fix for this issue that's caused by a bug in the round transition.
- Cooking some lethals can result in an FPS drop.
- We're investigating reports of this and hope to have a fix soon.
NEXT UP
We love seeing your posts, clips, and videos - keep them coming. Your feedback is what is going to make this game the best Modern Warfare, and we're focused on those improvements.
We'll see you in the lobby.
These updates show that Infinity Ward is listening to the community and making adjustments to enhance our gaming experience. If you haven't checked out the beta yet, now might be the perfect time to jump in and see how these changes feel!
Title: A Beautiful Obsession
Genre: Documentary
First aired: 19 Aug 2026
Last air date: 19 Aug 2026
Overview: An intimate, raw portrait of Manchester City FC across two era-defining seasons. With unprecedented access, the film follows their worst run in decades and fightback to glory.
Jason
I don't think moments like these should be filmed.
Cappuccino Kid
Yeah, there were a fair amount of tears. De Bruyne, when he was basically told the club wanted rid of him, looked in bits as well, and when you see him with the family it's easy to forget that these guys are people and family men as well.
There were a couple of bits of decent insight, like the fact that they acknowledged there was noise about Cherki's attitude off the field and showed the background checks they did with former coaches, and one did actually come back with a bad report, although the rest were fine, and that's why they decided to proceed.
Scottish Batman
The main thing I take from this is that he definitely stayed too long at City and shouldn't have signed that extension.
New season starting soon.
The 2026/27 Premier League season runs from 21 August 2026 to 30 May 2027, opening with Arsenal vs Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
Start date: 21 August 2026
End date: 30 May 2027
Defending champions: Arsenal
Promoted clubs: Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Hull City
Relegated clubs: West Ham United, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Total fixtures: 380 matches across 33 weekend rounds + 5 midweek rounds
Transfer window: 15 June 2026 – 31 August 2026
New rule: Ban on gambling sponsors on front of shirts begins this season
The 2026/27 Premier League season runs from 21 August 2026 to 30 May 2027, opening with Arsenal vs Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
Start date: 21 August 2026
End date: 30 May 2027
Defending champions: Arsenal
Promoted clubs: Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Hull City
Relegated clubs: West Ham United, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Total fixtures: 380 matches across 33 weekend rounds + 5 midweek rounds
Transfer window: 15 June 2026 – 31 August 2026
New rule: Ban on gambling sponsors on front of shirts begins this season
Jason
Watching the Newcastle and Aston Villa squads being decimated this summer, and seeing Everton, Forest and Wolves being penalised previously, PSR has been a disaster for Premier League equality. I understand the cartel clubs voting it in, but why did the rest?
Cappuccino Kid
Said to my mate before the Hull v Man United game today, "You'd fear for Hull this season. That's as bad a starting 11 I've seen in a long time in the Premier League."
Hull win 2-0
Hull win 2-0
Scottish Batman
Disastrous starts for both Man United and Tottenham.
Insipid performance by United. A team that are favourites for relegation bossed them fairly easily, were never under any real pressure and thoroughly deserved their win.
Tottenham thumped 3-0 by Brentford. Their first half performance was even more pathetic than United's earlier in the day. Brentford could have scored 5 or 6. Maybe a daft thing to say after one game but I think Spurs will be in a relegation battle again this season.
Insipid performance by United. A team that are favourites for relegation bossed them fairly easily, were never under any real pressure and thoroughly deserved their win.
Tottenham thumped 3-0 by Brentford. Their first half performance was even more pathetic than United's earlier in the day. Brentford could have scored 5 or 6. Maybe a daft thing to say after one game but I think Spurs will be in a relegation battle again this season.
Words we can all relate to...........
Gemma
"AMOR FATI"
(noun/Latin) This phrase means embracing everything, the good, the bad, the painful, as necessary parts of your story. It's not just acceptance, it's choosing to love what shaped you.
Some things didn't happen to break you. They happened to build you.
(noun/Latin) This phrase means embracing everything, the good, the bad, the painful, as necessary parts of your story. It's not just acceptance, it's choosing to love what shaped you.
Some things didn't happen to break you. They happened to build you.
Gemma
TWATTLESHIP
(n.) A long and exhausting voyage through someone's pointless opinions. No direction, no wisdom, no rescue boat. Just one tiresome creature steering the conversation directly into the fog of nonsense.
(n.) A long and exhausting voyage through someone's pointless opinions. No direction, no wisdom, no rescue boat. Just one tiresome creature steering the conversation directly into the fog of nonsense.
Gemma
BITCHELIN STAR
/bich-uh-lin-star/
(n.) The highest honour awarded for delivering premium-grade bitchiness with elegance, precision, and zero apogies.
/bich-uh-lin-star/
(n.) The highest honour awarded for delivering premium-grade bitchiness with elegance, precision, and zero apogies.
Title: The Gentlemen
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Crime
Creator: Guy Ritchie
First aired: 07 Mar 2024
Last air date: 07 Mar 2024
Overview: When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren't going anywhere.
Spikey
It doesn't take itself seriously, is light hearted at times, but of wit, some daft violence and a bit of Guy Ritchie's over-engineered style of script make this a good watch.
Gemma
Back on September 3
hannah
Looking forward to bingewatching season 2 in a couple of weeks. The first season was a lot of fun. I recall it being noticeably slick in terms of it's plot pacing, acting performances and overall cinematography.