TRAGEDY STRIKES THE COURIER
-Rahi Taam-
In Late Summertime tragedy struck at the Imperial
test track when our Editor, Jewels Diamond met with the most unhappiest of
fates. She was researching new aircraft for a multi-part piece that
would be featured in upcoming issues of the Courier, when the ship she was
trying out crashed and exploded. They are not sure what part of the
ship malfunctioned, as the damage was so extensive nothing was able to be
recovered. All crew and passengers had their lifelights
extinguished. We are saddened at this tragic turn of events.
Even more so it brought to an end any support that the Courier had within
the Empire. As our many readers know, Jewels was a strong supporter
of the Empire and the new Emperor’s tenure in office. We were not
sure if we should go on. It has been within the last few months that
we discussed our options and came to the conclusion that we were going to
have to shut down completely and no longer offer our news services.
It would be difficult to carry the flame of hope as our inspiration had
been extinguished with the extinguishing of the lifelight of our brave
editor. Our thoughts, hopes and feelings go out to all who were
tragically lost on Flight 1506.
Amazingly, a
new light has come to us out of the darkness of our mourning.
Intergalactic Socialite and Businessman Lucero Taurendil has bought
the Courier and given it new life and direction.
It is ironic that in our darkest hour we have found a new light to
guide us...read on for a more in depth interview with our new publisher.
MEET THE NEW OWNER/EDITOR-An
Interview with Lucero Taurendil
-Kahtya Millions-
It is with
great excitement and happiness that the Courier is now brought to you by
Forrester Productions. Forrester
Productions is owned by Lucero Taurendil International playboy and
businessman, now editor, publisher and writer.
We were very lucky to have him give us a new outlook on the Galaxy.
CC:
Have you ever been involved with news and publications before?
LT:
No, I haven’t.
CC:
Why did you choose to go into it?
Did you always have a secret desire to be a writer?
LT:
Actually I wanted to produce something that I would like to read.
I get bored with the news out there as it really is unimaginative
and uninteresting. It is often
controlled by special interest groups that make sure you don’t hear
everything you need to know. As
a businessman I can assure you that there is more news out there than
people know. I need to know
certain things and I think people want to know the truth out there, not
just the truth from someone’s point of view.
As for being a writer, I don’t hold any illusions.
I will leave that up to the people who do it best.
CC:
As a Businessman what things have you seen that people might miss
in their daily lives?
LT:
I am not saying that people miss things per se, but I often find
that people become myopic in their views.
I want to see more and investigate the Galaxy as I haven’t been
able to before. I am sure many
others wish the same thing. The
news allows us to find out things at a distance without having to go there
directly. Therefore we can
contribute to making people better informed and more involved in the
Galaxy.
CC:
Are you involved a lot in Galactic events?
LT:
I do what I can, just as every citizen of the Empire does.
I don’t have a lot of free time, as I am sure most people
don’t. We have lives, we
have families, we don’t have time to sit around and say “what can I do
today?” The news will give
us information, or rather should, that we need to best make decisions
quickly and efficiently.
CC:
You mention a family, so what does your family think of your new
endeavor?
LT:
I imagine they think it is a foolish endeavor.
However, no risk has ever been taken and no great feat has ever
been achieved without trying first a foolish endeavor.
NEW LAYOUTS and FORMATS
Lucero
Taurendil
I will not
attempt to bore you with minutiae about what is right or wrong with
today’s holonews and newsnets, however, I will say it is time for a new
way to look at the Galaxy and the way it is presented to us.
I really want this news not to be the same dead repeated
information regurgitated back to me back and forth as so many other news
and zine sources do all the time. I
want this to be alive and vital. I
want it to become a living entity. I
want it to become part of the world we all live in.
I want you to fully participate in that world.
To that end, I have asked a few friends, and I hope to expand that
circle of friends, to submit pieces to me from all over the Galaxy.
Each issue I will ask again for the same submission.
The pieces will be reviewed by me and staff on their
appropriateness and then will be entered and given to you the reader.
Soon this web of readers and writers will be expanded until the
network of resources expands across the distances reaching to the Outer
Rim and perhaps beyond? The
new Courier will be an experiment of sorts to see if one person or 2 or 10
can make a difference. To that
end, I ask that you read through the pieces and think about them and how
they might affect you. Then if
you feel you want to submit a piece to us, do so.
That would make another person added to the web.
I hope all this is not too nebulous and ambitious, read and enjoy.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
NEWS
-Diego Reyes-
SAFFIRESTAR Corp announced its biggest profit gain
since the war years. Many
investors are usually shy about investing in weapons and ship
manufacturing after a war ends, but the investment community has been
surprised at SAFFIRESTAR’s bold moves forward not only to keep on
manufacturing but to come out with newer updated models of already popular
brands of weapons. The moves
have proved quite successful as the relatively young corporation has been
able to buy up some of the larger, older corporations and become one of
the largest manufacturers of both weapons and star ships in the Galaxy.
They now hold major shareholdings on many planets allowing the
plants to stay open and the economies of these smaller core worlds to stay
afloat. In addition this is
great news for the Empire who just awarded SAFFIRESTAR most favored status
and gave them the largest contract in both weapons and ships which will be
handled through smaller subsidiaries of the corporation.
“Saffirestar understands the difficulties facing the Coruscanti
Union at this time and is more than happy to accommodate its needs to the
greatest efforts of its ability.” Lady
LuLani Keahina, spokeswoman for the corporation in this sector stated in
an official release by the company. In
the next quarter it is rumored that the weapons manufacturer is to release
the MDK 5000, 7000 and the much anticipated MDK 9000 models.
These weapons were highly praised at the recent tradeshow on Ord
Mantell but release dates have yet to be determined.
In other Finance news, many avenues of revenue have
been re-electrified by the Empire’s multi-part taxation system which was
just unveiled by the Ministry of Finance.
The Committee on Finance has been working on a new tax package for
the last 18 monti along with the Emperor and other Banking and Finance
Advisors at the Ministry. This
will be the first new piece of legislation brought to the incoming Senate
this year and the first new banking/tax relief to help unburden the weight
of the war years in the Galaxy. In
a statement issued by Wort Hunzul, co-chair of the Committee, “The new
legislation should move quickly through the Senate as everyone would like
to open up trade and get the Economy moving again.”
JUEGI (SPORTS) of all
Kinds
PIEDI CORRUPTION
SCANDAL TAKES FIELD BY STORM
-Măt
Seastorm-
The Intergalactic Piedi Council has banned 5 players
for failing to pass random spice testing.
After the successful completion of the upcoming draft process many
Outer Rim planets had called for the testing of the highest paid players
in the “Supra Liga” of the Inner Core worlds. Their
petition for the testing of players, cited the corruption and high profit
margins of the Liga and alleged that this blocked their “Prima Liga”
from successful bids on players for their leagues and worlds.
Inner Core worlds previously had denied these allegations and
blocked this testing, stating that if the Outer Rim wanted to afford the
players they would have to pay just as much as everyone else.
However, when it was discovered late last season, after the Piedi
Playoffs, that the high pay coupled with the intense pressure to perform
could lead players to unethical behaviors (as cited in a report from Piedi
Star and soon to be Doctor Diegon LaTierra of Duro) the Inner Rim and Mid
Rim Worlds conceded to the testing of their top players.
Tomos Santosan, Joaquin Titaner, Tiwe Ruderre, Patr Citidorf and
Sustan Jordana have all pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of addiction
to the spice by-product “Volcano Dust”.
They are undergoing rehab and hope to be back playing at the end of
the first quarter if they pass their next round of tests.
The Outer Rim worlds have now called for a cap on salaries to allow
them to enter better bids on higher skilled players and to decrease the
allure to this lifestyle. In
addition it would allow players from the mid-ranks to make bids into the
different leagues. The
Intergalactic Piedi Council is looking into this matter along with the
Imperial Council on Ethics which is chaired by Senator Bail Organa.
In a statement issued from the review committee, Senator Organa
stated that no player is above the law or ethics of the Piedi Code no
matter how good they are or far they feel they have come.
He wanted all players and teams to be aware of the law and rules of
the game not just as a sport but as an example to sentient beings all over
the Galaxy to uphold the highest of ethical standards and to give their
playing their best efforts. “It
is important that our heroes whether they are on the field or in the
Senate remember that others look to them as examples on how to lead their
lives.” Senator Organa said.
FIREBALL
-Cedric Duir-
While the ball is not on fire the players feet seem
to be. It moves so fast that
it seems to end almost before you can extinguish the flames!
Fireball season is well underway with the pre-season roundups
looking great. Kitan Korandra
shot 43 points in the last match he played and looks like he isn’t
slowing down yet. Fast on his
heels is the bright Torch Forward Simba!
He is awesome and no one can seem to catch him.
In the Altra liga the specialists seem to be Bobby Aurer and Simes
Nicho. As the flames grow
higher stay tuned for all the action in the months to come.
Games will be broadcast for the first time over the newsnets and
the holonews in SIMULVISION to capture every piece of the action.
WHAT SUSTAINS US?
-Angeliqua Tassina-
~Editorial Note:
Nourishment is a powerful image across the ages for all beings.
Smells, tastes and even time of year can evoke feelings, memories
and loyalties. In this section
we will try to bring the best of the Galaxy and its dishes (and people).
Here is a sample, just a taste of things to come…~
Avocado Angel Eggs
Serves: 24Bottom
of Form
Ingredients
- 1 dozen large hard cooked eggs, peeled (any kind you prefer, chicken
or even thrancil, etc.)
- 2 ripe Avocados
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ Tbsp coarse ground garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped shallots or green onions
- 2 tsp capers mashed, optional
- Garnish, slivers of red or yellow bell pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Slice each egg in half lengthwise removing egg yolks.
- Use egg yolks in another recipe.
- Cut avocado in half and remove seed. Peel avocado and cube.
- In bowl combine avocado, lemon juice and garlic mashing to blend.
Stir in shallots or green onions and capers, if desired.
- Fill each egg white with avocado mixture. Garnish with bell pepper.
- Serve.
As
we head into colder weather in most of the Galaxy here is a traditional
favorite of mine from the Alderaan-Caamas zone
Hot
Chocolate
Makes
4 servings
This is rumored to be from the human settlers that first came to this area
before the records. Each
family has their own spin on it but here is one from a dear sweet friend
that is sure to please. The
histo-holos date it back millennia to a Castillian-Spanish Hot
Chocolate/Cocoa recipe. The consistency of the finished product
should resemble chocolate pudding that hasn't quite set. Yes, this
is a thick, rich and velvety luxurydrink!
Ingredients needed:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao/cocoa powder (We here at the courier
highly recommend the Dagoba Organic Chocolate-Dagoba’s warm swampy
climate is ideal for growing some of the richest cocoa around and the
Dagoba Chocolate is Fair Trade).
- 1 cup sugar (You may use traditional sugar or raw cane)
- 1/8 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 water
- 4 cups milk or milk substitute of choice (another recommended
favorite is a soy chai to add some extra spice to it!)
Procedure:
- Mix cacao powder and sugar together.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and combine with the
cacao-sugar mixture in a medium sized saucepan. Stir this until it is
a smooth paste.
- Begin heating this mixture, continuously stirring it with a whisk.
Gradually pour in the milk. Continue stirring as you bring to a
simmer.
- Allow simmering, stirring often, for about 10 minutes. The drink is
ready when it thickens and is glossy and smooth.
Whipped
cream and chocolate sauce makes this extra yummy as well as a bit of
cinnamon added on top of that as my friend always says, cinnamon is good
to warm the heart.
WHAT DO THE GALAXY-FATES HAVE
IN MIND FOR YOU?
~Bamberri~
-Editorial
Note-We left the scopes in as they are so fun, we hope to expand some of
the more fun aspects as well as the more serious pieces, Bamberri does a
great job with these.-
Metal - If
your birth Year ends in a 0 or 1 you are strong like steel and just as
flexible. You are called upon to be the VIP at many ribbon cuttings
and openings. Why not?
You are the most qualified for the job.
Try not to slice off more than you can handle as you need to keep
you health in mind as the weather on most planets changes.
However, if it fits in your schedule there is no reason to turn
down an invitation to the party and be the sharpest one there!
Water - If
your birth Year ends in a 2 or 3 you are able to flow and change like the
rivers and lakes. Dipping into your pools of resources has been
quite handy of late as you have had much time to have fun and relax with
friends and family. Now it is
time to return to reality as the tides turn to the Harvest moons.
Never one to be gloomy you return to your constant and steady ways.
It will be smooth sailing through the end of the season if you
focus your thoughts on the matters at hand.
Wood - If
your birth Year ends in a 4 or 5 you are like the trees and reach out to
touch the skies. Leaving things to the last minute can make you feel
overstretched. Try to remember
all the details that you have been avoiding or wish you could avoid, they
will be important later. Make
a list of things that still need doing before you are ready to hibernate
in the upcoming months. While
the holidays are not always the best of times for you, your friends,
family and loved ones are always nearby to support you.
Fire - If
your birth Year ends in a 6 or 7 you burn with Passion for everything.
Normally bright and sunny you are used to being the life of the party.
Your fire has burned out. You
need a bit of recharging. Try
a spa holiday or mid-autonno get away to rekindle your flames.
Don’t get stuck burning out for the whole rest of the season with
your same routine.
Earth - If
your birth Year ends in an 8 or 9 you are solid and grounded. While
you are a grounded and normally solid person, lately you feel detached and
cut off from your regular earthly bounds.
This can be disturbing for your general calm.
It also can feel like a curse.
However, it can be both a curse and a blessing.
I say it can be a curse as it is likely to throw you for a loop and
leave many things upended in your world, which is not a great feeling for
anyone. It can be a blessing
as sometimes things have to completely change in order for true change to
happen. A deep change is just
what you have been working towards over the last few months, and your hard
work, though disconcerting will finally come to fruition.
Always remember, change is what we make it.
It never is all good or bad, it just is change.
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