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 Forum index » Archive » Archive: Perplex City » PXC: General/Updates
[UPDATE] Sentinel - September 22nd
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step
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Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Posts: 119
Location: Boston-ish

 		[UPDATE] Sentinel - September 22nd
Quote:
View from Earth: Orbiting Entertainment
By R. I. BARNICA

In the few months since Earth was made aware of Perplex City, we've noticed many parallels between our cultures. The ingredients of our cultures are actually quite similar; it's the proportions that vary. Our politics, our journalism, our family relations are quite similar, although the levels of emphasis within a given arena can be dramatically different. Even our pastimes are similar. But there is one Earth pastime I haven't seen mentioned in Perplex City. It combines the physical enjoyment of hiking with the mental challenge of puzzles, and stirs in a dash of treasure hunt for good measure! It's called geocaching.

At any given time, hundreds of artificial satellites orbit the Earth. One constellation of 27 satellites, called the Global Positioning System (GPS), orbits twice daily. At any time, there are at least 4 satellites in line of site for a given location. The satellite broadcast a sort of time signal in the radio frequency. A handheld GPS receiver (GPSr) for these signals can be purchased at a number of Earth locations. Using the differences in time signals, and accounting for time of transit and relativistic factors, it can calculate one's exact location on the planet. Very likely, there is a similar system in Perplex City.

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Until May of our year 2000, the signals were partially encoded by the US military. Without proper decoding algorithms, one could only calculate one's location to about +/- 350 feet. But about five years ago, the restriction was lifted, and suddenly, you could determine your position to +/- 10 feet, in optimal conditions. Well, some inventive minds got together on the Internet and invented a game based on it; that game is geocaching.

Someone will create a "cache" -- a hidden box filled with (usually) inexpensive trinkets and a logbook. Using the GPS receiver, the precise location of the cache is determined and posted to a website which maintains lists of these caches, and who has found them. One such website is geocaching.com. There, interested parties (like your author) can select a cache, note its location and track it down using their GPS receiver. You can imagine that an inventively hidden or disguised cache can be difficult to locate even when you know that you're within a few feet of it. Once the cache is found, the discoverer records their code name in the logbook, and exchanges some of the trinkets they've brought along for some of those in the cache. Upon their return home, the find is logged on the listing website. This would be less cumbersome with Perplex City's keys. A key containing a GPSr-like tracking function would obviate the need for a separate GPSr. And finds could be logged immediately via the key.

Over the years, some Earth geocachers have become rather talented at finding caches. In order to make the process more challenging, some experienced 'cachers like to search at night with only the light of their GPSr display for illumination. This tactic certainly introduces an element of danger to the hunt! Those hiding the caches sometimes add interest to their cache by encrypting the coordinates or a description of the hiding place, us ing equations, ciphers or riddles. These are the kinds of caches I'd expect to be very popular in Perplex City. Overcoming the physical and mental challenges especially appeals to adults, while the treasure hunt aspects appeal to the child in all of us! While Earth influence on Perplex City has not always been beneficial, geocaching is one export that Earth could be proud of!


Quote:

Iona Interviews...
Alasandro Mere
By IONA RODIE

Property manager Alasandro Mere's Ascendancy Point offices are more modest than one might expect: a rather utilitarian closet strewn with stacks of paperwork and chunks of machinery shining with lubricants. It is located deep in the bowels of the building, and I am led there through labyrinthine corridors by a quiet young man who was waiting for me. Mere himself is not present when I arrive at his office, but joins me moments later, mopping sweat from his glistening head with an old-fashioned cloth handkerchief. He apologises profusely for the wait, and for the mess. "Let's go up to Vista, where we'll be more comfortable," he says, with a warm smile.

As property manager at Ascendancy Point, Mere has been responsible for the building's 1000-strong staff and day-to-day operations since the day the building opened, nearly ten years ago. This means that coping with the increasingly troubled systems falls to Mere, with all of the headaches this entails. Mere rubs his fingers through his moustache as he leads me to an elevator bank. "Yes, it's become a more challenging operation," he says. "Ten years ago, the building practically ran itself. Now that a certain amount of ageing and settling has gone on, we're finding lots of small details that could only cause a problem over a longer period of time." He waves a hand briskly. "Nothing to worry about, really."

But worrying is exactly what the newly-formed Ascendancy Point Residents Association has been doing. The organisation's president, Charlene Reckson, has said that the the building's poor management is to blame for the building's problems. "We've seen failure of climate control systems, power shorts, elevator malfunctions, and the maintenance department simply isn't inclined to speak to regular residents," she said. "It seems like helping the businesses in the building is management's only concern. We wouldn't see this kind of domino effect if the concerns of residents were addressed in a timely fashion."

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Reckson and her association have been lobbying the Office of the Council to launch a full inquiry into the Point's management and maintenance practices. "Let them come," scoffs Mere. "We have nothing to hide. We know we're committed to keeping Ascendancy Point at the pinnacle of luxury living." He insists that as in any mixed-use space, some tenants may feel that their needs are not addressed as quickly as those of others. All problems, though, are managed based on a precise scale involving severity, scope, and age, Mere says. "Of course a problem affecting three office floors will be addressed faster than one tenant's faulty light switch," he explains. "It's all a matter of effectively deploying the resources we have available to us."

At the Vista Restaurant, we are shown immediately to a table; it appears that being the man behind the scenes has certain perks, including no need for pesky reservations. Mere jokes with the waitstaff like a man among his family. "I try to know everyone in the building," he boasts. "I want everyone to feel comfortable coming to me."

What, then, does he think about the whistle-blowers among the maintenance staff who have been reporting to the media in great detail regarding perceived failures of their superiors? His face sours, and he pulls out his handkerchief to mop his pate once more. "Let me give you some advice, young lady. You shouldn't believe everything you hear from the guys on the ground who don't see the big picture."

Mere points to ongoing systems upgrades and new procedures to assist maintenance workers on location as evidence that the building is continuing to improve its operational efficiency. "Ascendancy Point is absolutely the leading edge in developing a best-practices approach toward balancing maintenance requirements and tenant needs," he says. "We may not have achieved perfection, but I'd defy anyone to point to any operation as large and successful as ours is."

In order to press that point home, Ascendancy Point has begin a year-long celebration of its ten-year anniversary. In August, there was a ball to mark the building's groundbreaking, and the building's marketing staff have manufactured a series of milestones to celebrate from now until well into next year, when the building will celebrate the ten-year anniversary of its opening. Critics have said that this is a transparent marketing ploy intended to renew interest in the building as its novelty wears off and residents start to look for a change of scene. Mere dismisses these accusations out of hand. "We maintain full occupancy," he says. "We even have a waiting list for those rare times when a vacancy opens up."

Our lunch is cut short when Mere's key flashes an urgent message. He turns pale and excuses himself on the grounds that there is an "urgent situation," that he must attend to. "No matter what," he forces a smile on his way out, "Ascendancy Point is still the pinnacle of prestige living."

At the time, of course, I did not know what the urgent message was -- but it has now become clear that Mere was being summoned to the murder scene of one resident Monica Grand, an economist whose killer cannot now be identified, police say, because of flaws in the building's key monitoring systems. As of press time, the Office of the Council has said it is "seriously considering" the possibility of a formal inquiry. Mere could not be reached again regarding the murder and its implications for the future of his "pinnacle of prestige living."


Quote:
Alejo Busted
By JULIUS LOMAN

Rock star Alejo Jackson has been arrested for manually driving a vehicle within the city's central business district while under the influence of Sublimistat, police say. Although Jackson did not precipitate an automotive accident, he was flagged to be stopped by police based on the erratic behaviour of his car, including frequent lane changing and egregious violation of speed laws. "Just shameful how an influential celebrity can disrespect the public safety like this," said traffic officer Owen Jardin.

Police say that Jackson, who is the front man for hot band Roll for Damage, was arrested Tuesday night and released from custody on bail late Wednesday afternoon. Jackson has been arrested for similar offences in the past, most recently in late February of this year, when he was involved in a single-car accident on a long stretch of Fivebridges Road.

Jackson had been on his way to a performance at Heidi's on Azad Lane at the time. The band had to cancel their appearance, but has already issued a statement to fans promising a special compensatory performance to make up for any disappointment, on a date to be named later.

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Jackson does have a prescription for Sublimistat, which Sentinel medical advisor Dr. Stuart Ivanovitch says is used to stimulate creativity in patients who are suffering under heavy life stressors. The drug does have a deleterious affect on motor skills, though, as one of its major side effects is a mild but uncontrollable muscular tremor, and because in a significant number of patients, vision changes occur.

The band's publicist, Shane Cobalt, apologised on Jackson's behalf. "He never intended to put a member of the public in any danger," he said at a press conference. "Alejo is aware of the important of public safety laws, and hopes that he can find some way to give back to the community in recompense for this mistake."


News in Brief
Quote:
Lighting Pranksters Strike Academy

The Academy awoke this morning to discover it had been hit by pranksters, presumably students, who painted all seven statues of the institution's founders blazing yellow. Academy master Sente Kiteway was reportedly unimpressed with the Lighting of the Way joke, and has ordered staff to work on the holiday at cleaning up the statues. The identity of the culprit or culprits is not known. (Full text)


More News in Brief
Quote:
Corolla Case Dismissed

The murder case against Michael Corolla has been formally dismissed after prosecutors have admitted that their case has gradually unravelled upon closer examination in recent weeks. The prosecution was rebuilding the case after an initial mistrial was called due to jury misconduct. (Full text)


More Headlines
Quote:
# Brotherhood Opens Doors
# Lowry Injured
# Harbonnes at Home


Letters
Quote:
WHISPERS OF WAR

I am absolutely shocked at the article the Sentinel printed last week from that Earth writer, 'Cookster.' We are all terribly aware of the awful history of Earth and its ongoing wars, so how can we take advice from this source when it comes to addressing the topic of war? Have the people of Earth not realized that this constant rehashing and glorification of war been partly to blame for their terrifying failure at lasting peace? Perhaps the people of Earth should learn from our example, and leave the horrors of the past where they belong -- in the past.
Sharon Alvarez

In light of the completely poor taste of the last week's 'View from Earth' article, I sincerely hope the Sentinel will re-examine its stance on publishing Earth material. I understand that to some degree, sensationalism and shock value do drive newspaper sales, but this sort of thing is simply over the line.
Helmut Flannagan

Since the new Academy Museum curator has come on board, all we hear out of the Museum are rumours of preparation for a comprehensive exhibit on war and the city's history of war. If you, like me, feel that this topic should not be dragged out into public view as a distasteful spectacle, then please join me at a protest in front of the Museum on Saturday, beginning at 10am. Let's join together and make a stand for decency and peace.
Soo-Yung Rosenthal

_________________
Every step 3 brings with it new perspectives.
[Synagoga Nick: Puppy, Team Tollin, CoD: Stephen7]

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 4:52 pm
Last edited by step on Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:21 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Macavity
Entrenched


Joined: 25 Jul 2004
Posts: 883
Location: UNSC Comm Relay Station Alpha, West Shokan, NY

 		Hrm. I think it's about time someone challenged the dominant paradigm in Perplex City . . .
_________________
You are likely to be eaten by a grue. If this predicament seems particularly cruel,
Consider whose fault it could be, with no match or torch in your inventory...
NP: Erase The Truth

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:12 pm
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Crane
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Joined: 30 Apr 2005
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Location: England

 		No one will. Most of the older people, the ones who have the power, take Ceretin to keep them smart as they get older. Ceretin is a government sponsored product, containing a behaviour modification drug, to ensure the dominant way of things in PXC will never change.
[/paranoia]
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The Beginning of the Naked Kurt Jokes:
(18:19:40) Crane: *pictures Kurt getting changed*
(18:20:21) rjw76: Crane: bad :S now I'm thinking of the same thing Razz
(18:20:26) Crane: ^ ^

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:55 am
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SteveC
Unfettered


Joined: 05 May 2005
Posts: 381

 		Alasandro Mere
Who thinks Alasandro Mere might be the extra person in Server Room 4 from the heat sensor program? What made me think of it was the comments on office size...

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 7:49 am
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RI_Barnica
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Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 124

 		Re: [UPDATE] Sentinel - September 22nd
Quote:
View from Earth: Orbiting Entertainment
By R. I. BARNICA


Hurrah! I finally got published! OF course, it's a completely frivolous article (not war or healthcar or free speech), but I'm published nonetheless! Now I know what it feels like to write for the Sunday entertainment section. Very Happy
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"The mad fishmonger of Worcester shovels his periwinkles everywhere. " -Charles Fort

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 9:02 am
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PC Tex Ripley
Decorated


Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 226

 		D'oh, well I guess I should stop looking for new caches placed in and around the cinemas in Toronto then.. Rolling Eyes


(nice photo btw RI Wink )

Tex...

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:53 am
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RI_Barnica
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Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 124
PC Tex Ripley wrote:
(nice photo btw RI Wink )


Thanks, Tex. I think the illustration accurately captures my serial-killeresque good looks while refusing to downplay my puppy dog charm.
Or something.
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"The mad fishmonger of Worcester shovels his periwinkles everywhere. " -Charles Fort

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 11:00 am
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MrDoug
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Joined: 14 Nov 2002
Posts: 74
Location: On the Outside looking in

 		People on ludes should not drive!
Quote:
Jackson does have a prescription for Sublimistat, which Sentinel medical advisor Dr. Stuart Ivanovitch says is used to stimulate creativity in patients who are suffering under heavy life stressors


Well at least we now know what the PPC team is using to keep going during this marathon of a game.

Question: If there is so much adversion to even talking about the war then why are they writting to the paper to complain about it? I am also having a very hard time with the logic behind not talking about it. Is it the 'if we do not talk about it it will go away' approach?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 8:13 pm
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JamesDart
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Joined: 28 Apr 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Washington State

 		Yay! I love Geocaching! I've found a few caches myself. Haven't done it in a long time though.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 8:43 pm
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