Setsetset::Net-accessible::20th century American English::Moderate Liberal:
Clean::Complimentary Edition::No Advertising::Terse::Brief::UnSetsetset
Are you reading this on someone else's Rico? Why not subscribe?
Our rates are reasonable and our service is second to none!
The full stories:
Geopolitics
HSDA Sub-chief to visit New Durban
[Marburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
The assistant secretary of the Human Space Defense Alliance, Mary Post, has already departed from Centauri and is due to arrive at an undisclosed location in this system within a month. Her itinerary and agenda are being kept secret, but sources report that she will be discussing military communication protocols between the LSN and ICA.
An agent for the HSDA announced the visit yesterday on system-wide infonet. Rumors had circled for days that a high-ranking HSDA official was to visit, and the announcement was apparently an attempt at infoflow management. Mary Post is one of several second-rank officials in the HSDA. As of last intersystem update (March 13, 2221), her responsibilities included general management and civilian protocols, but the apparent shift to military duties may reflect a shake-up at HSDA headquarters.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Shipstate Pure Land to visit Luyten
[New Durban, Luyten::March 25, 2221]
The largest shipstate in Known Space, the Pure Land, has announced intentions to visit the Luyten system. As usual, this has caused a flurry of diplomatic problems, but the outlook appears good for the ship's stay.
"The ICA has always enjoyed a good relationship with the Pure Land, and we expect little difficulty in accomodating them," said an ICA diplomatic agent. "Only a few technical details remain to be determined." An agent for the shipstate concurred. If all goes as planned, the shipstate will probably engage in various trade negotiations with local corps, while the citizens of the ship sample the fine culture of New Durban's cities.
Popular opinion, however, was not so positive. "We intend to protest the arrival of this ship of bloated fools," said the president of the Keuschburg Resistance Society, Inc. "Shipstates like the Pure Land stand to do only one thing: demonstrate that money can buy anything, even nationhood."
An ARCADIA poll is under way to determine popular sentiment.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
LSN agent accuses ICA Mitsubishi of espionage
[Wolverton, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
An agent representing the LSN government has accused the ICA branch of the Mitsubishi corporation of stealing sensitive documents by abusing infoservice management protocols. The nature of the secrets is reported to be legislative in nature.
"As with any nation, we in the LSN require a modicum of privacy and privelege into order to maintain an effective government," said the agent. "Towards these ends, we have contracted with an ICA branch of Mitsubishi to supply legislative agents to LSN officials in residence. These agents were guaranteed to be untouchable and remote, but we have just received evidence which shows that these agents in fact had back doors which allowed wonton access to certain Mitsubishi officials. Seeing as this has happened, we will be pursuing legal action in a non-Mitsubishi court."
When asked for comment, a local Mitsubishi official said, "These claims are completely ridiculous. Mitsubishi has always operated infoservice in complete confidentiality for all of our clients, even direct competitors. Besides, why would we wish to endanger relations with the LSN itself? We demand access to the so-called 'proof' which the LSN purportedly has, and we also plan to countersue if their ludicrous suit reaches the courts."
The two sides have not yet begun talks, but are reportedly preparing to do so.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Tripod communication breakthrough announced
[Obashi, Tetsuyama::February 28, 2221]
Researchers at the PanMedia Communication Lab here announced a breakthrough in understanding the Tripod languages. Scientists now believe that full real-time communication with the Tripods is now possible.
Tripods use a wide variety of linguistic modes depending upon several nuanced variables, such as ambient heat and time of day. Scientists now believe they have now adequately modeled the variables and should be able to communicate without the apparent gaffes which have plagued previous efforts.
"The difficulty is, now we have to find a willing Tripod to try it on," said Greta Wolfe, assistant researcher on the team. "The only Tripods available -- the ones at Freehaven -- haven't been willing to allow us to try new communication techniques in the past."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Expedition to Dardanelles canceled
[Kyongbo, Freehaven::March 16, 2221]
A joint LSN-ICA expedition to explore the ruins of Constantinople has been abandoned due to a breakdown in cooperation, a Freehaven-based official reported. The expedition was to determine the viability of re-colonizing the planet.
High-level officials could not agree as to military complements for the expedition, and it was therefore abandoned, said an ICA spokesperson, Pedro Agusto. "The LSN was pushing for a very military expedition, but we wanted to keep it non-aggressive," he said. "And the Tripods, not to mention the Corridor folks, would not take an expedition by force lightly." LSN agents refused to comment.
The surface of the planet has reportedly not been visited by humans since the Tripods used the infamous chlorophage on it. Although the system is populated, little intercourse has occurred with the rest of Known Space. The exact situation at Dardanelles remains unclear. "Until we can work together, we probably shouldn't go trying to rustle any Tripod feathers," Agusto remarked.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
"We'll try economic war," says SPR agent
[Steinwald, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A major SPR agent announced that although the SPR war against the High Kingdom is still a long way from a resolution, the SPR leadership still has a few tricks which it plans to use in order to save lives. The SPR leadership has long since tried to get guarantees of economic blockade from the other Spheres, but has not been successful in doing so. The agent reported that the SPR will try a physical blockade of the High Kingdom's major trade routes if required, but the leadership hopes such measures will be unnecessary.
Just how the SPR will enforce such a large blockade remains to be seen, and the agent would not comment as to specific tactics. "We want a short, clean war -- it's those [deleted] Dukes who want to make it dirty," the agent summed up.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
El Sudd peace breaks down; 15 killed in fighting
[El Sudd, Sol::January 15, 2221]
The continuing war between Sudan and El Sudd looks likely to continue for a long time yet. The latest peacefire agreement broke down when El Sudd forces broke the traditional Id al-Fitr holiday to gain strategic advantage. Over 190 civilians were killed when a small rural village was shelled, but LSN officials said they were still unwilling to intervene.
The war has continued now for over twenty years with no end in sight. Although Sudan no longer considers itself a member if the LSN, the LSN Parliament has refused to accept the nation's resignation from that body. Although neither side has signed a Document of War, the fighting has never been official and thus the LSN has not had sufficient justification to send in troops. Neither side is willing to escalate enough to force the LSN's hand, either, critics have noted.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Pirates kill 39
[Outsystem, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
In one of the worst pirate attacks of recent memory, pirates apparently vented all of the passengers and crew of a small liner on its way to orbit at Botha. The derelict ship was found yesterday by ICA cutters. The Malacca-registered Ali's Hope was bound for orbit at Botha with a group of pilgrims, ICA officials said. While the identity of the attackers was uncertain, several ICA investigation services were looking into it.
The bodies of all 39 people were found drifting near the dead craft. According to reports, none bore marks of a skirmish. "They may have just gone willingly," remarked one CIS officer.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Privateer union reaches stalemate with Saito reps
[Balthazar, Freehaven::March 13, 2221]
A union of privateers has been unable to agree to a licensing agreement with Saito which would bring it under that corp's wing. Negotiations stalled at the last minute, but both sides believed there was still hope. "We still think Saito is the best choice for us," said privateer representative Laurence Nshimirimana. "We aren't going to come in from the cold with anyone but the best."
"They're stubborn, and we like that," said Saito representative Dennis Chowdry. "We know we can work it out, but we like to see they have this much fight in them!"
The two sides are scheduled to continue negotiations once a place and time can be agreed on.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Election turnout in Potsdam low; virus blamed
[Potsdam, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A local election in Potsdam, New Durban was plagued with infoviruses and experienced subsequently low voter turnout. Approximately 19% of registered voters actually voted. Election officials have declared the vote null and void, in accordance with the ICA Low Turnout Act, and have scheduled a new vote for April 1, 2221. A series of infoviruses have been spreading throughout Potsdam and its neighboring settlements for approximately the last week. The source of the viruses is unclear, and no group has taken responsibility.
Although officials worked to eliminate the viruses before the election, they were unable to reduce the risk sufficiently before the voting began. Most voters shied away from logging on to the public nets as a result. Not everyone was scared away, though. "Democracy has got to go on, no matter what, right?" asked biofuel engineer Martin Klein. "And besides, my system is just about virus-proof. I always keep it updated with the latest apps."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Fire at Segrada kills 12
[Segrada, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A rare fire at Segrada station resulted in twelve deaths and over forty injuries. Arson is suspected, but doubtful, say fire investigators.The accident apparently occurred as workers were fixing the fire extinguishing equipment in Sector 418C. "Otherwise, there couldn't have been a fire in the first place," said fire investigator Bryan Sato. Although the exact source of the fire is unknown, a restaurant kitchen has been identified as the likely starting point. People in the restaurant were probably unfamiliar with evacuation procedures and panicked, said Sato. Few of the injuries were inhalation-related; most were broken limbs and bruises caused by being caught underfoot.
"Personally, I think Segrada's codes are way too lax," added Sato. "They don't even notify people in a sector when it's getting infrastructure maintenance."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
President of Back Stretch unification movement assassinated
[Astrakhan, Caspia::December 12, 2220]
President Nurgaliyev of the Outsystems Drive for Democracy (ODFD), the leading Back Stretch unification movement, was killed while dining in a public cafe in Astrakhan. The attackers have not been identified yet, although anti-unificationists are the natural suspects.
The attackers used standard slugthrowers in a drive-by attack, killing fourteen people dining on the cafe's veranda. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers' vehicle was a black aerolimo without markers. Authorities have begun a search, but no leads have been reported yet. The movement has, for at least the last two years, been pushing the various governmental authorities in the Back Stretch to meet and agree on mutual purposes and communication protocols.
"They made a lot of enemies, you can be sure," said Astrakhan Public Investigator Louis Fremont. "Almost anybody would've wanted to see Nurgaliyev vented."
Luckily, no one inside the cafe was injured. "Thank goodness I had that bullet-proof glass installed last year," said owner Sam Patlayev. "But I still feel really bad for the victims." he added. "I'll probably try to visit them in the hospital."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Protests at Sea of Japan reclamation kill 12
[Japan, Sol::January 13, 2221]
The continuing reclamation of the Sea of Japan turned deadly when protesters were killed by nationalist militants. Twelve people were killed in the nighttime attack, during which the militants apparently used sniper weapons on the protesters' camp. The government expressed sorrow, but maintained that reclamation efforts will continue apace.
"This is ridiculous!" screamed a protester when asked for an opinion of yesterday's events. "We're completely peaceful, and they come and tag us like this! Clearly, the government was involved, and they're going to pay. The world sees what a terrible thing this reclamationis."
"This event is extremely unfortunate, and our hearts are with the families of the protesters," said a government agent. "But we cannot stop the work in the Sea. It is a necessary part of cleansing our polluted waters, and the land created has already benefitted thousands of families and corps."
The exact identity of the militants was unclear, and no groups have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Fuel shunt problems cause continued closure of Keuschburg Port
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 25, 2221]
The main Keuschburg starport has remained closed for four days now, and the government has pushed back the re-opening by a further day. The delays were originally caused by a high-level infosystem failure, apparently due to radiation damage on the surface. However, once this was solved, a further problem with the fuel shunting system was discovered.
Questioned again as to the unprecedented length of closure, a Port spokesperson said, "Look, we're working as fast as we can. We want to see the port re-opened as much as anyone else. But safety comes first, right?"
"I think there's some kind of conspiracy going on," said cargomaster Erik Thompson, of the Matsushima Maru. "It's the longest delay I've ever seen -- they'd have to be either monumentally stupid, or have something else up their sleeves, for it to go on this long."
Other ships' crews interviewed, however, didn't believe rumors of either a bomb-scare or bioweapon search.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
No end in sight for Turkey war, says LSN agent
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A high-ranking LSN agent announced yesterday that the Turkey War on Earth is likely to continue for an indefinite period. It appears that the four invading forces are unwilling to consider a ceasefire. Additionally, Kurdistan appears to be resettling large numbers of its citizens in order to assimilate the conquered territories.
"Actually, these areas are historically a part of Kurdistan anyway," said a Kurd spokesperson when asked. "We are not doing anything but righting past wrongs."
Nonetheless, as all sides have signed Documents of War, the LSN government has not stepped in. "That's the way the [Document of War] system works," said an LSN spokesperson.
Turkish settlers at Esai, Luyten have stepped up their protests since the release of this news. No skirmishes have been reported since last month's Greek-Turkish melee, but police are still regularly patrolling the area around the Turks physical protest site.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Basque separatists disavow knowledge of bioweapon attack
[Berenger, Sol::January 12, 2221]
A major Basque separatist group, the KMD, has denied claims that it was responsible for a bioweapon attack which killed 157 people in Jovian orbit. An agent for the group has said that the KMD does not engage in violent protest, even though it would be justified in doing so. Many witnesses to the attack have stated that Berenger pubterms flashed messages announcing the attack was instigated by the KMD.
However, when asked about this, the agent said that forging pubterm ID's was "child's play." LSN authorities are investigating the attack, but have not made any announcements yet.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
ICA Intelligence Division operative resigns in disgrace
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 26, 2221]
ICA Intelligence Division field officer Sally DuQuesne has resigned from ICAID service, surrounded by rumors of improper allocation of funds. DuQuesne was the highest ranking officer in the Keuschburg branch of the ICAID, and her resignation has come as something of a shock.
"I have decided to take a permanent leave of absence to spend more time with my family," was all DuQuesne would say. ICAID agents were unavilable for comment. ARCADIA sources report, however, that DuQuesne has a history of improper use of funds, including interplanetary and insterstellar trips at taxpayers' expense.
"DuQuesne almost certainly stole one too many cookies from the cookie jar this time," said one source, who declined to be named.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Additional stories available only to subscribers:
Money
AlphaBank says interest rates must go up; Mitsubishi protests
[Kokoro-no-Kami, Tetsuyama::March 5, 2221]
AlphaBank has announced that its Intercorp Interest Rate (IIR), the rate it charges other corps, must go up on a system-wide basis. This is to guarantee that the economy of Tetsuyama does not overheat in this post-Tripod War recovery period. AlphaBank spokespeople pointed to the rapidly rising inflation rate in the system as a primary cause.
Mitsubishi does not agree, however. "That's a bunch of BS," said Rumiko Tadao, a Mitsubishi spokesperson. "They just want to make sure that Mitsubishi doesn't profit from the recovery, because they know we have the potential to rival them in-system." She went on to present reasons why the recovery in Tetsuyama could lead to major Mitsubishi profits and growth. AlphaBank spokespeople and agents had no comment.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
PanMedia accuses Siemens of breach of contract
[Fidelis, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
PanMedia has issued a statement saying that Siemens, which had been under contract to provide heavy machinery and skills for the PanMedia amusement development here at Fidelis, has broken the contract. PanMedia is prepared to go to government arbitration if necessary, said the statement.
"We have relied upon Siemens for provision of various aspects of our ongoing project," said a PanMedia agent when questioned. "But they've consistently used assinine excuses to delay provision or to provide substandard skilled work. They've broken our trust for the last time."
When asked for a reaction, a Siemens agent responded: "We see little need to provide adequate resources when they have delayed credition as often as they have delivered. PanMedia is not a banking concern, and they should not concern themselves with banking as such."
If the two are unable to reach an amicable settlement, they will probably have to go to government arbitration. As the current arbitrageur for inter-corp disagreements is Mitsubishi, it is expected to go smoothly.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Illegal contacts reported between Mitsubishi and ICA Auctioneers
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 25, 2221]
Authorities responsible for auctioning off surplus military hardware from the Tripod War have reportedly had illegal contacts with Mitsubishi Military Armaments, the primary Mitsubishi military firm. According to a government affidavit, MMA employees attempted to gain amicus access to ICA auctioneering agents. According to the affidavits, Mitsubishi Computer Corp. maintenance workers tried to pass amicus coding to MMA agents. Such access is strictly illegal under ICA law, but has proven difficult to enforce in the past.
"Don't worry, the ICA system of fair service for a fair price has not been compromised," said Prosecutor General Himamatsu Ando in a statement yesterday. "We will get to the bottom of this."
The government is expected to issue a summary of preliminary findings sometime later today.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
LSN dollars found in Lt. Governor's account
[New Zanzibar, Luyten::March 20, 2221]
Approximately LSN$1.2 million have been discovered in an account belonging to Lieutenant Governor Trevor Hampton. The discovery came as part of a routine tax-maintenance sweep.
"There isn't a law against having LSN currency, is there?" said Hampton when asked. "And I plan to donate it all to charity. That's why I got LSN currency. I needed to make it usable in Bangladesh, where I planned to send it."
The investigation into the exact source of the funds is proceeding under ICA supervision.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
IPO for Genesis branch one of the highest ever
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A new branch of the Genesis corp, GeneSystems, had a lively reception as it made its initial public offering. Shares opened at $24.50 and rocketed to $112.30 by the end of the trading day. This was the highest IPO ever for a Genesis spin-off.
The branch, concerned with infrastructure infosystems manufacture, had previously been a partial subsidiary of Genesis Infosystems. It was spun off in an attempt to capitalize on the smaller branch's extreme vitality and creativity, a Genesis spokesperson said.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Siemens scores coup; VP from Saito jumps ship
[Brecht, Kapteyn's::March 2, 2221]
Saito senior VP of research Rosa DiAntonio has agreed to move to Siemens, where she will direct their ongoing military weapons research. The move has apparently been in the works for several months, sources report. DiAntonio's previous work had focused on gauss power cells, which are still excessively massive, according to military researcher Don Clarke. "She helped the ICA field infantry with gauss weapons in the Tripod War, and she still has a lot of ideas brewing, I'm sure."
Although Saito had previously tried to keep her with higher benefits, she finally opted into her Professional Betterment clause. Saito has signed a peremptory suit with ICA officials. Saito agents and spokespeople refused to comment.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Starwhale joint venture announced
[Laredo, Petit-Sol::March 12, 2221]
In one of the first ICA Starwhale joint ventures, human scientists from Baryon Labs and Starwhale representatives announced that they will begin a research corp dedicated to economic modeling, using Starwhale biothinkers.
"We're very excited about this," said Senior Researcher Roland Derrey. "This may be the next big breakthrough in economics."
Although the venture has attracted a great deal of media and scientific attention, the business community has been colder in its estimation. "New economic models are just another kind of fashion," said Mitsubishi VP Kathryn Cook on hearing the news. "If these guys come up with something really good, well, I'll believe it when I see it."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Applications taken for ARCADI researchers
ARCADI, the publisher of this news resource, is currently seeking researchers in a wide variety of fields, including biotech, corporate intelligence and xenosentience. Interested parties should contact the nearest ARCADI office for more details.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Starwhale store's merchandise reported malfunctioning
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 26, 2221]
A biotech store on the western Major ring has closed up shop for several days now, reporting that some of its more sensitive merchandise has suddenly ceased funcitioning. The store sells a variety of goods, but the majority are Starwhale-produced. The store is also a joint human/Starwhale venture.
"It's pretty annoying, really," said co-owner Nathan Argenault. "It's possible the stuff will be recoverable, but unless we can figure out what caused it, we'll have to call it an act of god and just forget about the possibility of insurance." Insurance investigators were already checking out possible causes.
The Starwhale co-owner was unavailable for comment.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Additional stories available only to subscribers:
Sport
Esai Pirates win over Durbantown Goldies
[Esai, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
In another major playoff game, the visiting Esai Pirates beat the local Goldies in zero-G jai alai, 7-5. It was widely acclaimed one of the best games of the season, and was full of drama to the very last moment. Perhaps the highlight of the game was Jordan Turhan's amazing sweep of the offense in the third. With both amazing dexterity and visible determination, he performed a crowd-startling three-point shot. The applause lasted the full allotted two minutes, and a rare riot subsequently erupted at the gate between the Pirates' and Goldies' fan sections. The riot was only quelled after security resorted to stun batons.
Another highlight was Goldies coach Berzhin's choice to enter the game himself at the end of match one. He played with the immaculate skill and insight which he fans still remember from his days with the now-defunct Gruenring Impact. Although he only played for seven minutes, he made three assists and contributed one to the Goldies' final score of five. He signed memorabilia for a full hour after the game.
The Pirates now appear set to be in the final, assuming they can win over the Keuschburg Titans.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Luyten Cup to be held in new Botha hab
[Rembrandt, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
The Luyten Soccer Cup will be at a new venue this year, Luyten Soccer Club officials announced today. The site is likely to be the new Rembrandt habitat at Botha.
"Rembrandt has a beautiful field, just designed for football," said LSC spokesperson Roberto Szimchek. "The stadium they've got there, well, it's just perfect. Plus it has seating for 5,000, which no other location in the system does."
Emmanuel Vivaldi, a spokesperson for the original venue, the Palodome, said they will be sad to see the Cup go. "The Luyten Cup has always been held at the Palodome, and I know a lot of fans feel that it belongs there. But I suppose the LSC knows best."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Steinwald Slicers beat Mittetal Waves in perfect game
[Leipzig, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
The Steinwald Slicers beat the Mittetal Waves in a perfect game of zero-G jai alai. The final score was 12-0.
"What can I say?" said coach Reiner Sloan. "We have been waiting for a win like this all year, and we've trained more than just about anybody else. Everyone's minds are clearly set on the System Trophy."
Richard Singh, the team's point man, put in a particularly great showing. Late in the second match, he made a perfect reverse positional, the first perfect play performed on New Durban since Debbie Narasimha's perfect reverse transitional in 2215. Following the shot, the live audience gave a tremendous standing ovation which was only calmed when security was called in.
The Waves are scheduled to play the Slicers again next week after a match with the Australis Stars.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Crushing defeat for UNDK Lions
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
The University of New Durban-Keuschburg Lions lost 12-28 in their most recent game against the New Durban Tech Dragons. The loss means they have no hope of getting into the playoffs later this year.
"We couldn't get together as a team," said coach Anna Fabrizzi when asked. "We were all too busy thinking about our own chances at the playoffs, and we couldn't work together enough."
The Lions have lost the past five games, making their record for the season 17-6. Although rumors have been circulating that Fabrizzi will quit or move to a different post, she has denied them pointedly. "I'm not a quitter, never have been," she said. "We just need to get our minds focused, and we'll be back stronger than ever next year, mark my words."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Approval for ICA Olympics long way off, says minister
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
A recent attempt by a consortium of sports groups, the ICA Sports Association (ICASA), to start an ICA Olympics has failed. The groups are planning to make another bid to the ICA Science and Culture Ministry within several months.
Although the there are various ICA-wide sports competitions, and even a few inter-sphere competitions, there are no sphere-wide competitions of such a varied nature as the Olympics would provide. "We need everything, all in one place, to showcase our best and brightest," said an ICASA spokesperson. "Do we want to see our best athletes have to go all the way to Earth every four years just to get the recognition they deserve?"
ICA Science and Culture minister Jennifer DeVries took a more cautionary note. "The ICA is still young, and we're still busy recovering from the Tripod War. A project of this scale just isn't right for this time and place. Within a few years, though, I'm sure we'll be ready."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Annual kite championship next week
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
Following the finish of the regular kite season, next Sunday will be the annual championship of the Luyten Kite Association. As usual, the circuit will be Central Way. All aero traffic will be halted for the six hours of the race.
The front-runner and critical choice this year is Gargoyle, who has been on quite a winning streak lately -- fourteen competitions without a loss. Some believe that he will finally crack under the pressure of this race, which many consider to be the biggest of his career (seeing as he had never before qualified for a championship). However, he seemed nonchalant when interviewed.
"It's just another race," he said. "I'd like to win, sure, but I know in my heart, it's just another race."
"That's Gargoyle for you," said one of his competitors, Angel. "You could vent him and he'd still act like it was nothing."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Goldies-Presidents game called off
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 26, 2221]
The game between the Durbantown Goldies and the Keuschburg Presidents, scheduled for Wednesday night, has been called off due to transportation problems.
"This damned fuel shunt problem is really getting out of hand," said Presidents' president, Marco VonDaschke. "The fans are going to start beating down the Port Authorities' doors if they miss another game," he added.
Whether to push the season back one game, or to just factor the game out, has yet to be decided.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Additional stories available only to subscribers:
Culture
Pamela Dearbourn dead at 99
[Sandusky, Petit-Sol::March 14, 2221]
Nobel Prize-winning infoscientist Pamela Dearbourn has died of radiation-induced cancer. She is survived by several children and grandchildren.
Dearbourn won the Nobel Prize for infoscience in 2187 for her groundbreaking work in delimited processing shunts. The work has proven useful is dozens of infoprocessing applications, and PanMedia erected a large statue of Dearbourn in honor of her contributions. All corps contacted agreed that her discoveries will stand the test of time, and have benefitted humanity greatly.
Several of her insights came from work with her longtime research partner, the Starwhale usually called Moonslide. Accusations of intellectual theft followed Dearbourn until her death, but she consistently denied any wrongdoing. Moonslide has been unavailable since the late 2160's. The Nobel Prize committee has denied pro-human bias, and many say that the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to an unnamed Tripod in 2216 was an attempt to prove this.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Luis Toltenmark concert announced
[New Durban, Luyten::March 25, 2221]
Popular singer Luis Toltenmark is going to be performing in Keuschburg at the beginning of next month, a press release stated. The concert will be free, and will be performed in the city's central Biko Memorial park.
"Toltenmark is a true citizen, and he's never forgotten his roots," said one citizen of the city when asked. Toltenmark was born in Keuschburg, though he has lived in Petit-Sol since he was nine.
Toltenmark's singing is the sort of folk-tribal that is popular with older audiences. His last album, Mary's Hut, was not a critical success but had excellent sales.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Author Ghent to appear at Keuschburg
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 26, 2221]
The noted fiction author Fiona Ghent is scheduled to appear at Keuschburg sometime within the next two months, according to her publishing agent. "Miss Ghent is already on a ship bound for this system," reported the agent for Culliers-Cai Books, Ltd. "She will be bringing her newest novel, the name of which is not yet known."
Ghent's earlier work includes Powerful Kind Fist and Days at the Teat, both of them top-sellers on nearly every list. Her pro-LSN may spark protests, but Culliers-Cai have said they expect little problem.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Latest from Petit-Sol: White!
[Brimwald, Petit-Sol::March 13, 2221]
The latest on the fashionets from Petit-Sol is simple, pure white. This season, everything is okay as long as it is the color of freshly fallen water snow.
"White is a statement -- it says 'I'm pure even though the world isn't'," commented noted designer and Chanel house manager Terrence diForma Chen. "White shows you're a person not afraid to be real, to be moral, to be upright."
Other fashion designers seemed to be following the trend. Only one major Petit-Sol label is bucking the trend. Brideshorse For All, the Petit-Terre couture house, presented a line of all-grey wares. Longer skirts and veils were common for the men and women, while everyone else should go with orange, said the lead design team from Brideshorse. "We need to show how much these latest wars have confused us and angered us and saddened us," they said. "We need clothes for mourning, not bright what-have-yous."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
88 Temples at Mitsuwan officially open
[Yamamura, Mitsuwan::March 3, 2221]
The Shinto temple circuit which has been under construction at Mitsuwan for the past year has finally opened. Traditional priests presided at the ceremony which was held outside. All the attendees wore environment suits. More than 15,000 pilgrims per year are expected to follow the route, which takes in excellent views of the grand Iron Mountain, this year.
"This should help get our beautiful planet back up to speed," said a Mitsuwan infoflow manager, referring to the recent Tripod War. "We need to show everyone what a gem we have here, and we welcome pilgrims of any faith with open arms."
"It's a waste of public money," said one vocal critic, an old man who declined to be named. "We already got a bunch of them danged temples, and no-one's visiting them, so what do we need a bunch of new ones for?"
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Puccini opera to be staged despite protests
[Thoreau, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
The Puccini opera Turandot is scheduled to be staged at the prestigious Ambersley Theater in Thoreau, against protests from the local Sinitic community. Although the opera appears set to go on, the local Chinese Citizens' Coalition (CCC) appears ready to step up protests even to the point of blocking the performance.
"This kind of archaic tripe is just what we came to Luyten to avoid," said Chen Bingxin, secretary of the CCC. "Haven't we evolved beyond this? Isn't the ICA supposed to be a place where skills, not stereotypes, are what count?"
"Turandot is one of the all-time classics," said an Ambersley spokesperson. "It's about themes anyone, including a Chinese person, can understand. Would they ban Merchant of Venice, or Father's Heart Beats in My Hands?"
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Bremer exhibition set to tour
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
An extensive collection of paintings by the eccentric 22nd century painter Walter Bremer is scheduled to tour the ICA, coming to Luyten in late 2221 or early 2222.
Bremer's works have been some of the most valuable of recent decades, with some examples reaching prices as high as pre-digital masters'. His largest series, Oneness, is widely believed to be the most expensive of his works. Many Dots, from this series, is the seventh most expensive painting of all time, reaching $229 million at its last auction. The exhibition will not include many works from this series, though, sources said.
The artist's work remains largely unappreciated by the public. As one passerby (who declined to be named) put it, "Bremer was just another freak, painting garbage for people with garbage in their heads."
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Concert by Bantu Beat attracts record audience
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
Monday night's concert by the highly popular group Bantu Beat attracted a record live audience, with over 12,000 attending. The group, whose music combines several regional Earth styles as well as sounds from the Redriver Shojin culture, has enjoyed a fast rise to popularity in Luyten and surrounding systems. Their latest music agent, Music From The Walls Down, has not left the top ten for six months.
"Oh, wow, [the concert] was so completely icy," said one concertgoer. "It was even better than a sim of [Bantu Beat]! It was just... steel." Most concertgoers agreed.
The last local concert with such a high live attendance was the farewell concert of Yevgeny "Lightning Lemon" Antonov, the famous Caucasian Blues musician, at Noble Hall in Keuschburg.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Children's Art and Science Fair coming soon
[Keuschburg, Luyten::March 24, 2221]
Officials of the Keuschburg School District remind everyone that the annual Children's Art and Science Fair is coming up on March 31. It is too late to sign up for the main competition, but slots are still available in the open competition. Any child up to 21 years of age may sign up.
The projects will be on display on the 31st beginning at 9:00 am. Judging begins at 1:00 pm, and presentation of prizes begins at 4:00 pm. Be there to see the grand prize, a A$10,000 scholarship for a university of the winner's choice. Numerous smaller prizes will be given away as well.
Want to read more? Then why not subscribe?
Additional stories available only to subscribers:
This page (http:// www.jiawen.net/ arcadianews.html) designed and ©2000 by Rachel Kronick. All rights reserved. Last updated July 20, 2000. All names mentioned are used for satiric use only, and no offense is intended or should be inferred.