"Odelia's Fan"
digitally manipulated fractal flame collage by Mick Mather

OUTER DUST RINGS, Quadrant 7 - A remnant of the black hole currently occupying Quadrant 1 is adding another mystery to the growing number of visible events throughout the system. A spokesperson for The Ministry of Science & Future Technology has gone on record to report that sanctioned study teams are relatively certain that they're seeing a graviton attached to a superstring. Once the black hole began breaking apart, fundamental forces in each sector began behaving radically, in this display, for example, with an emission of light particles dubbed "Odelia's Fan" (after The Princess of Derby). The space around the graviton is extremely bent and another theory is that we're witnessing the creation of a new continuum portal that, if true, is suspected to reach farther into the known universe than any other previously discovered port. As with the Quadrant 1 activity, only authorized scientific teams are allowed in the area but satellite transmission of approved visuals - as seen here - are now available via EyeSpy Satellite feed. Since grid time is expensive, the Ministry of Education will purchase block feeds and make them available to appropriate study groups. Contact MoE for complete details.

Theorists Laboratory -

"A Black Hole Losing Gravity"
digitally manipulated fractal flame by Mick Mather

OUTER DUST RINGS, Quadrant 1 - The Ministry of Science & Future Technology has released the unsettling news that a black hole has apparently been captured by the Outer Dust Rings System. A research station, established at the fringe of Quadrant 1 to study an unknown and puzzling event, has now confirmed that a black hole in the throes of rapid entropic convulsion is the cause. Until now, it was always assumed that a black hole would continue to capture and devour anything in its path through eternity. This is no longer thought to be the case and it's clear that this stellar destroyer is losing gravity at an exponential rate. While no member of the research team is willing to offer a theory as regards what the end result of this strange occurrence will be, it is quite clear that the information being gathered will effectively change current paradigms relating to quantum mechanics of black holes. Currently, only authorized scientific teams are permitted in the quadrant but fly-by tours may be forthcoming.

Topographic Zoning -

"Reclamation Zone I"
digitally manipulated fractal flame & digital drawing by Mick Mather

TRACKS, Edge of the Sea of Dust - Geoformers have begun reclaiming large tracts of the wastelands north of the Sea of Dust. From a distance, the gridded locations of future reservoirs, reflecting pools and building foundations appear as a series of dots and dashes. These depressions not only resemble an ancient communication code, they are in fact based on that old code. One that tells the story of how the built environment to come is to be zoned, developed and marked for purposes of site design, satellite mapping and wayfinding that will eventually include visual signage, maps and municipal information directories. While there is a program for advanced study level students of geoforming, other disciplines - communication design, environmental foundation gridding, architectural community design as well as infrastructure development & management - will find the Work Studies Program to be an experiential addition to contemporary curricula and theory. Contact The Ministry of Education today for your information brochure and application.

"The Ribs of the Sea of Dust"
digitally manipulated fractal flame collage by Mick Mather

TRACKS, The Ribs - The Ministry of Science & Future Technology will be offering another series of digs for students interested in archaeology. This collaboration with the Ministry of Education will study the plate tectonics and inter-plate, oceanic volcanic activity that gave rise to this planet's name. The ribbed patterns of magma seen from space make the planet appear to be covered in a variety of track-like patterns. Similar activity is occurring on all of the planets with deep oceans and plate activity, especially Waterworld. Tracks itself is an elder sister and was once completely covered with water as well. The dig team process has a relatively simple application but competition for available slots is stiff. Contact either Ministry today for complete details.

Hunter of the Golden Flame -

"Volpes Auria Flamma"
fractal flame & digital painting by Mick Mather

LAST WORLD, The Solstice Hunt - The magnificent "Golden Fox", found only on Last World, will soon begin one of the most curious and amazing feats of the animal kingdom. Each year the Solstice Flare of a near plasma cluster, particularly brilliant at this time, sets in motion a pack-merge by these beautiful animals. As can be seen in this artists' rendition of one of the rare observances of such a merge, the concentric activity of the pack clustering is quite like a dance. Aside from being an interactive hunt the merge also serves the important function of inter-pack mating that assists in keeping the breed strong and pure. The Ministry of Tourism in partnership with The Federated Wildlife Service severely limits access to those areas of Last World where this activity is prevalent. For a vacation in a Federated Parks Service setting that you won't soon forget, don't delay in contacting your local office of tourism.

Emergence From the Birth Chamber -

"Hyper Cooling View"
fractal flame & digital drawing by Mick Mather

STAR CHAMBER: QUADRANT SIX, Outer Dust Rings - The most recent gas bubble to emerge from the cluster of birth chambers in Quadrant Six shows signs of becoming a planet. The gas bubble that was ejected suddenly and quickly from one of the unstable canals is currently undergoing hyper cooling. In addition, post genesis ion streams driven by magnetically charged winds of super heated gas seem to be providing the required ingredients for this recipe of planet building. While it's too soon to know whether the newborn will remain on the current path to planet status, study teams are busily recording every facet of the post-delivery process. It may be decades before probes can be sent and perhaps a generation before manned research teams will be able to stand on the surface. If your adolescent scientist is showing any early interest in this phenomenon, be aware that the Ministry of Science & Future Technology is planning experiential learning programs in partnership with the Ministry of Education and The Ground Zero Geological Foundation. Contact any of these partner organizations for enrollment details today.

Green Shadow Peaks -

"Night Shift"

digital collage by Mick Mather

NWY, Green Holiday - From far across the Lake of Shadows can be seen seasonal displays that decorate the shoreline. Reflections bounce off the water and into the cityscape that stands as a silhouette against the night sky. Twin towers - known as the Green Shadow Peaks - are edged with blue, green and yellow, making for a striking display this time of year. The special solar glass panels create a somewhat fantastic effect with the interior lights shining out upon the water while appearing dark to the viewer outside. These reflections, referred to as The Night Shift Effect, have been an integral part of the experience since their construction over 100 years ago. Even though temperatures are relatively mild in the cool season, tour boat operators always recommend warm clothing for the popular "Night Light Excursion". Family rates are about to go into effect, contact your agent today for complete details and booking information.

Ex Patriot Terran Artist to Appear -

"A Square Peg and A Round Hole #21"
digital painting by Mick Mather

DERBY, Commondale Gallery of Art - In a few short weeks the unveiling of a new digital painting by the ex patriot Terran artist, Michael Warren, will take place in Commondale, Bards Wood, Derby. This new work is part painting and part installation where a special curved screen has been installed in the Main Gallery of the Commondale Gallery of Art. This unique construct will allow the viewer to walk into and become a part of the artwork - including the opportunity to make your way to the wormhole and disappear through the portal. Those who take advantage of this interactive aspect of the display will emerge into the Ballard Room of the gallery where 20 monotypes - created by the artist over a decade ago - will be on display. Access to The Robert Gate in Oopsville will be dedicated to patrons of this exhibition during the opening and this connection through space and time is intended to mimic that Jump Gate experience. Early registration for this event is already brisk. Contact your tourism agent now!

Ancient Monument discovered -

"Pyramid Valley, Oopsville"
digital painting by Mick Mather

DERBY, Oopsville, Ministry of Ancient Antiquities - A millennial storm recently made all known maps of the Great Northern Dessert of Derby void with a month long shifting of the sands by gale force winds. Even as cartographers were scrambling to retrieve satellite data, early remapping photographs showed a pyramid structure near Oopsville. The historic tourist attraction known as the Sand Hills of Oopsville suffered major shifting and initial assessments were grim for the future outlook of the area. The largest dune, having been completely removed by the storm, gave up its secret and both the Federated Park Service and the Ministry of Ancient Antiquities have upgraded their disaster reports to reflect the fortuitous news. In the photograph shown here, the scale of the monument is difficult to ascertain since it is dwarfed by the newly created dunes that surround it. The Park Service has already graded a service road to the area so that geologists and engineers can undertake the stabilization processes required that will allow study to begin as quickly as possible. Interested in seeing the new pyramid? Do you have a name for the new pyramid? The Ministry of Tourism is undertaking a public information campaign built around the important needs of preservation, scientific study and cultural heritage that will include day trips and specialty tours very soon. Contact your agent today!

Stairway To Heaven -

"Bold Moon Ascending the Stairway"
digital collage by Mick Mather

FOREVERLAND, The Stairway to Heaven - Recent acquisitions by the Outer Dust Rings Art Museum - currently on view in the contemporary wing - include this piece by the expatriate Terran artist, Michael Warren. There has been much interest in the worm hole gates - known as jump ports - over the centuries since their discovery. This rendition of the jump port nearest Foreverland shows one of its moons as it crosses in front of the stair-like structure. Myth and legend have long since referred to this portal as the Stairway to Heaven, because, as it is written, the other end of this particular worm hole lies in deep space where Heaven itself is believed to be located. When the first astronomers discovered the unique physical structure of The Stairway some weight of truth was quickly applied to what had heretofore been relegated to the status of faith-enhanced remote viewing, traditional fables and superstition. The Museum is located in Oopsville, Derby and their hours run 24 hours a day Tuesday thru Saturday - closing at midnight thru to midnight Monday.

FIRST DAY of ISSUE -

"Commemorative: Oil Discovered on LTK (Block-of-4)"
artistamp design by Mick Mather

LTK, Outer Dust Rings Federated Postal Service - The Postmaster General of LTK has announced that the First Day Ceremony, commemorating the discovery of oil in the Northern Provinces, will be moved up. The recent flap over a mirage of what appeared to be an invading horde has created a major spike in tourism and travel to visit the historic location where the 100 Years War began. Hundreds of scientists and their research assistants are already living in a tent city at the coordinates of the recent magnetic anomaly causing a sharp increase in the need for postal services. "Additional tourist traffic has also increased", the PG stated in a press release, "and we've sent a special team to handle this unexpected influx." Please adjust your planning calendars and mark the date of August 1st, to reflect the new First Day of Issue. The original October 7th date continues to be set aside for another special event to be revealed at the Commemorative Issue Bourse Office during the ceremonial release.

(Further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, historic documents, arts & culture, myth & legend, etc. is requested - please scroll to the bottom of this page for details and contact info)

ODR Wire Service Special Report -

"Crossing the Line"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

LTK, Great Northern Oil Fields, ODR NEWSWIRE - Initial reports that invaders have once again taken control of the oil fields on LTK now appear to be false. A magnetic anomaly triggered a ghost image of a past event that witnesses said appeared to be another invasion. According to Caitlin O'Leary, a Great Northern Oil customer service representative, "a host of armed foot soldiers charged straight for us through a reddish, lined and mottled haze". The actual attack that is said to have ignited the 100 Years Civil War occurred at those specific coordinates. "We turned en masse and headed for the armory," another witness said, "and we were relieved to hear that it was nothing more than a rogue ion stream combined with an extremely potent magnetic spike that caused the mirage". This sort of apparition is quite common among the Sand Mountains at Oopsville on Derby but quite rare on LTK. This false alarm, while frightening, served as a warning to ever maintain vigilance, even during days as peaceful as these.

(Further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, historic documents, arts & culture, myth & legend, etc. is requested - please scroll to the bottom of this page for details and contact info)

Susu Islands -

"Susu Islands"
montage and digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather
(original photograph - top - by SusuPetal)

NEW WORLD YORK, Susu Islands - The Outer Dust Rings Federated Postal Service in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism has announced plans for a joint release of a philatelic passport. This first-in-a-series of mini-stamp collector albums - as part of the "Your Paradise" campaign - will feature The Susu Islands of New World York. Famous for it's tropical atmosphere, miles of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, this out-of-the-way island paradise is perfect for swimming, diving, boating or casual beach combing. Each page of your personal passport will have a place for local postage stamps and will be annotated with the official mark of the local tourist authority. 12 different postal commemoratives and official rubber stamp imprints will be available at specified locations - such as "Sunset Bay" (shown). The close proximity of each individual island and the availability of every form of transport in this group makes for an ideal family vacation. Send your request for further information and your FREE collector album today. Let your adventure begin!

(My sincere thanks to SusuPetal for permission to use and manipulate her photograph - the top image seen in this post - further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, historic documents, arts & culture, myth & legend, etc. is requested - please scroll to the bottom of this page for details and contact info)

New Currency -

"Mud People of Jericho"
montage by Mick Mather

JERICHO, Anthroplogy Theme on Jericho Currency - Coined money on Jericho has been scheduled for recall by the ODR Federated Mint. Soaring costs of precious metals following the 100 Years Civil War has fostered the introduction of a new, plastic-based currency, already being introduced as the recall begins. The One Dollar denomination (shown) is perforated and all 28 segments can be detached as needed. Already referred to as the 'Mud Penny', each segment features the common image of one of the ancient 'Mud People' whose descendants still exist in the arid regions of the planet. Anthropologically speaking, the mud people are a reptilian evolutionary anomaly found only on Jericho. The strict enforcement prohibiting movement of the old, metal currency off-planet will be lifted upon final recall and tourism initiatives aimed at attracting banknote collectors from across the system are being planned.

*(further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, etc. is requested - please leave additions in the comment box)

Ministry of Tourism -

"Derby Sunset"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

DERBY, Where the Sun Burns Down the Sky Every Night - The Ministry of Tourism will release a new series of post cards to kick off the "Sunset Season" as part of the "Your Paradise" campaign. Beginning next month, a commemorative postage stamp will be issued by the Outer Dust Rings Federated Postal Service and unveiled at a First Day of Issue Ceremony in the village of Commondale during the Alignment of the 12 Festival. All items - the postage stamp, post card and a Maximum Card First Day Cover - will be available during, and for 30 days after, the event. Planning a trip to Derby? Now is the perfect time. Welcome Home to Your Paradise!

*(further information, star maps, system maps, jump gate locations, etc. is requested - please leave additions in the comment box)