Hello Times readers, and welcome to the January double issue! This month's double ish is indeed a highlight, with some of the best poetry and articles this side of the Spin Speak. We hope you'll particularly enjoy the special focus on African-American history, which is honored in the U.S. in February, and the dash of Valentine's stories in anticipation of February 14.
For an upcoming issue of the Times, City Hall has asked me to gather articles, poetry, stories and information honoring the people lost in the recent tsunami and other natural disasters, both recent and historical. Authors, please send in your best work investigating the science behind tsunamis, volcanos, earthquakes and floods... report on your very personal experience with tragedy, whether it be a home lost to mudslides or family members killed in war... touch the hearts of others with your best poetry and songs... discover survivors of disaster in your local hospital, nursing home, school or veteran's association, and interview them.
There's so much that can be said and done in an issue like what we're discussing. I've certainly only touched the tip of the iceberg. Get out there and think deep, but also get new information. Learn about earthquakes in Iran and Mexico, epidemics in Africa and South America, and more -- events that your ordinary news reports don't seem to cover. Let's understand tragedy, share grief, cry on each others' shoulders, and remember.
Undoubtedly many will want to share their thoughts and feelings about September 11. We don't want to take away from the enormity of that day, but the upcoming issue will definitely focus on natural disasters, so I expect that only a few 9/11 stories will be published, if any. Thank you.
On a very different note, as announced a few weeks back, our new Whyville Senator is PUNKnPIE. She was inaugurated early last week to much applause and fanfare, and has already sent our City Workers several Y-mails urging a number of improvements. We anticipate a fruitful six months for her and for Whyville!
The next Senate Race is already almost upon us! Get your platforms ready and start discussing politics with your fellow citizens, because the Race begins Monday, January 31!!! To keep it consistent, City Hall has decided to work to always have election results in the first week of every other month.
To learn more about the Senate Race, please please please read this week's "New Senate Race!" and the related links. I guarantee the more you know the better your chances at winning the race. :)
CW neutral said of last week's Trivia Hour, "Today's trivia was one of the toughest ones. In the beginning, I updated the audience with the latest development of events on Whyville. Then, the trivia hour started. I picked the hard questions from beginning to the end, and that is why there aren't a lot of winners. I asked a lot of Whyville related questions as well. For example, no one could recall
that the old Whyology study had three surveys."
Neutral admitted that he likes to make the Hour tough every once in a while, to keep you all on your toes. Those most on the ball this week were gold837, ob1canob and xTrav515x, who each won 50 clams.
Finally, a sneak peek at a future Times addition -- in a few weeks you'll be able to share your favorite Times articles with your friends, with no chatting involved...!
Times Editor
P.S. No crossword just yet -- we decided to give you some extra time to read through all the articles before posting it! :)
