Victory.

Well, I won the aforementioned game in a time victory (!!!). I found that building multiple cities at the same time is the best strategy to have (for me, anyway). I built five cities right off the bat and developed them simultaneously. Later, when they were fully developed, I built two more. I caved and allowed open borders with two of the civilizations; it was really late into the game, so I don't think it made a difference (positive or negative) either way. I don't think it had any influence on my winning the game overall, but... I did it anyway. The main thing I did differently this game was dabbling in a little of everything I was offered. I didn't focus on just military or just culture. I just interchange between economy, culture, military, etc. It seemed to work well. At one point, it got difficult keeping track of everything. So I specifically took the time to move the boats created into the sea, put the military units at the borders, automated the workers, and (gasp) deleted the religious missionaries, who serve no purpose to me. They're in the way and don't do anything in my civilization so I opt to get rid of them. Again: [Disclaimer: This is only my perspective in the game, not in real life!] I seemed to keep up with the actual time period. As I entered the modern era, I was building Broadway and discovering Rock and Roll. I'm glad I discovered a strategy that actually worked for me. Now I'll have more of an idea regarding how to win again!