Labour drops support for third runway at Heathrow

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 21:32 — Anonymous All three of the UK's major political
parties are now officially opposed to a third runway at Heathrow airport,
with Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary announcing the party is dropping
its support for the expansion Continues...

Radisson Blu opens East Midlands airport property

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 22:16 — Anonymous The 218-room Radisson Blu Hotel East
Midlands Airport is located in Pegasus Business Park, a few minutes'
shuttle ride from the airport terminal Continues...

Aloft Hotels debuts in London

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 19:53 — Anonymous Starwood"s Aloft Hotels brand has
opened its first UK property, a 252-room hotel situated next to London"s
Excel exhibition centre Continues...

Wyndham opening second Istanbul hotel

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 12:51 — Anonymous The 211-room Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis
Marina is due to open autumn 2012 Continues...

Qantas to resume limited schedule

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 13:05 — Anonymous As flights resume today, airline and
unions now have three weeks to hammer out a deal and passengers will be
relieved no industrial action can take place during this period Continues...

Jumeirah followers design future hotel

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 19:50 — Anonymous Participants hope to see hotels in the
sky and underwater, packed with the latest technology Continues...

Etihad and Virgin Australia eye Australian capacity increases

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 12:12 — Anonymous In light of Qantas dispute, airlines
consider a shuttle service between Sydney and Melbourne on certain days of
the week and operating a daily flight between Sydney and Bangkok Continues...

Royal Jordanian and airberlin seal codeshare

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 18:43 — Anonymous Agreement sees Royal Jordanian
passengers have better reach into Germany, Austria and Poland while airberlin
passengers gain from improved access to the Middle East, ahead of the German
carrier joining Oneworld next year Continues...

Frequent traveller: Lost and found

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 07:02 — Anonymous In which our correspondent finds
there"s nothing like being in unfamiliar surroundings to bring on moments of
madness... Continues...

Warsaw ups its game

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous The Polish capital is changing and, as
it does, so will perceptions, says Rose Dykins Continues...

Air France flight attendants' strike underway

Sat, 10/29/2011 - 19:20 — Anonymous In what is turning out to be a wretched
weekend for travellers, French carrier is running at 80% capacity with more
disruption to long-haul routes scheduled tomorrow Continues...

Qantas grounds all aircraft

Sat, 10/29/2011 - 13:54 — Anonymous Qantas has announced that all its
aircraft will be grounded from 5pm AEDT today in the most dramatic escalation
so far in the ongoing industrial dispute Continues...

In focus

Sat, 10/29/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Alex McWhirter examines topical
business travel issues. This month: London to Birmingham train travel
Continues...

Living the dream

Sat, 10/29/2011 - 07:02 — Anonymous Jenny Southan steps on board Boeing's
Dreamliner to find out what's in store for passengers Continues...

Bmi Regional to be sold to "UK-based investor"

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 21:08 — Anonymous The Aberdeen-based subsidiary of Bmi is
to be sold to an investor group based in the UK, with the brand retained "for
an interim period" and the published winter schedule proceeding as planned
Continues...

AA launches 150,000 bonus miles offer on UK-US routes

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 17:47 — Anonymous AAdvantage members flying with either
AA or BA on routes to the US from Heathrow, London City or Manchester can
earn up to 150,000 bonus miles over the next two months Continues...

Vueling to launch Cardiff-Barcelona route

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 18:14 — Anonymous Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling is to
fly three-times weekly between Cardiff and Barcelona from next March. Vueling
also said there is a "strong possibility that more UK routes will be
announced soon" Continues...

Air France to launch A380 service to LA

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 17:25 — Anonymous The French carrier will offer a daily
A380 service between Paris CDG and Los Angeles from the end of May next year
Continues...

Transaero to seat 700 passengers on A380

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 18:38 — Anonymous Transaero is set to become the first
Russian airline to fly the A380, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for
four superjumbos. The carrier plans to configure the aircraft with a
staggering 700 seats across three classes Continues...

Video: Heathrow's writer-in-residence gives airport reading

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Tony Parsons has given a reading from
his latest book Departures: Seven Stories from Heathrow, as part of his
writer-in-residence project at the airport Continues...

San Francisco in Pictures

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 23:49 — Anonymous One of my favorite things to do when
planning a vacation is to go to Flickr or Google Images and search for the
city I'm visiting. I use the photos as a guidebook – sometimes they'll
show the most common tourist sites or sometimes there will be hidden gems.If
you're not already planning a trip to this fabulous West Coast city,
you'll probably want to after checking out the photos below.Golden Gate
Bridge/photo credit: //chadh/Alcatraz/photo credit: //derekskey/Pier 39/photo
credit: //John Morgan/Cable Cars/photo credit: //@Andywithcamera// /San
Francisco Skyline/photo credit: //El Frito/Lombard Street/photo credit:
//Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar/—–This post is sponsored by the
InterContinental San Francisco Hotel, which is proudly LEED® EBOM Gold
Certified under the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), and is the largest
LEED Gold Recipient of existing buildings in California, and the 3rd largest
in the U.S.

Would you like the Hobo’s Picnic Buffet sir?

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 19:22 — Anonymous This intriguing TWA meal choice is
taken from one of hundreds of in-flight menus archived online by Northwestern
University, from airlines including BA, Cathay, Pan Am and Qantas
Continues...

Virgin Trains to add carriages to West Coast services

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 16:31 — Anonymous The rail operator will add two standard
carriages to each of its Pendolino trains from next spring, and introduce
four new trains, following the extension of its West Coast franchise until
December 2012 Continues...

Sofitel to open new properties in Frankfurt, Kiev and Singapore

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 17:37 — Anonymous Accor's luxury brand has signed
agreements for three new hotels, including a boutique Sofitel So property set
to open in Singapore in 2013 Continues...

FCO advises against “all but essential travel” to Bangkok

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 18:02 — Anonymous The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is
advising against non-essential travel to Bangkok and 26 provinces in Thailand
affected by recent flooding Continues...

In focus

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Alex McWhirter examines topical
business travel issues. This week: London to Birmingham train travel
Continues...

Route of the month

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Alex McWhirter looks at how new
services can benefit business travellers. This month: options from London to
Frankfurt Continues...

How to cope with… Dietary requirements

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Business Traveller suggests solutions
to common travel problems. This month: coping with dietary requirements on
the road Continues...

Hotel brands you need to know... De Vere

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous This group"s diverse range of hotels
and meeting venues make it a good choice for events, says Liat Clark
Continues...

Living the dream

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Jenny Southan steps on board Boeing"s
Dreamliner to find out what"s in store for passengers Continues...

Jet powered

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Private aviation may have survived the
worst recession in decades, but where does it go from here? Tom Otley reports
Continues...

Denver"s drive

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous The capital of Colorado is the place
for green power, modern infrastructure and forward thinking, says Lindsay
Sutton Continues...

Downtime down under

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous It would be a shame to travel as far as
Melbourne without factoring in some time for exploring. Tamara Thiessen makes
some suggestions Continues...

The tablet trend

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Can any of the new Android devices
topple the mighty iPad? Mark Prigg finds out Continues...

Golfing around... Bangkok

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Peter Swain tackles a range of
satisfying challenges on the Thai capital"s courses Continues...

Parisian gourmet

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous Michelle Mannion tries a quartet of
cuisines in hotels across the French capital Continues...

Warsaw ups its game

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous The Polish capital is changing and, as
it does, so will perceptions, says Rose Dykins Continues...

Electric storm

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous More and more electric vehicles are
being launched, but is the infrastructure in place to make it a viable car
hire option – and is the demand even there? Liat Clark reports Continues...

Air India to cut Dreamliner order

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 13:40 — Anonymous This is Boeing's second cut for its
B787 orders this month, following China Eastern"s cancellation of an order
for 24 Dreamliners Continues...

Easyjet to increase Gibraltar flights

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 21:00 — Anonymous The low-cost carrier will serve the
British Overseas territory with an extra four flights per week from next
summer Continues...

Cathay partners with Swire Hotels for in-flight menu

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 22:30 — Anonymous Business and first class passengers on
selected flights departing Hong Kong will be able to enjoy meals created by
Swire Hotels restaurants including the Michelin star Café Gray Deluxe
Continues...

Yas Hotel rebranded Yas Viceroy

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 12:46 — Anonymous Upgrades include a sleek new lobby and
re-introduction of executive club suites with free access to the executive
lounge, and private check-in and checkout Continues...

Tried and tested: ANA Dreamliner flight NH7871

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 17:44 — Anonymous Business Traveller was onboard the
historic inaugural passenger flight of ANA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Tokyo
to Hong Kong Continues...

First Look: ANA Dreamliner's maiden charter flight to Hong Kong

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 07:20 — Anonymous Editor of Business Traveller
Asia-Pacific, Reggie Ho, reports live from the ANA Dreamliner's first flight
from Narita to Hong Kong Continues...

Boeing delivers 300th B777-300ER

Wed, 10/26/2011 - 11:40 — Anonymous While all eyes are on the Dreamliner's
first commercial flight to Hong Kong today, Boeing recently notched up
another milestone with its latest B777-300ER delivery to first-time customer
Biman Bangladesh Continues...

Best Water Bottle with Filter Guide

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 23:37 — Anonymous Maybe we were on to something when I
wrote our filtered water bottle review two years ago.  As now there are more
water bottles with filters available than I've ever seen before.
Thankfully, water bottles with filters have also improved dramatically.  The
first one I tried was really hard to get water out of – it was like trying
to suck a think milkshake through a straw. When buying a water bottle with
filter there are a few features to consider*1) What is the water bottle made
from?* All of the water bottles we've featured below are BPA Free.  Many
people prefer stainless steel water bottles because they trust stainless
steel more than unknown chemicals in plastic. (I always prefer stainless
bottles or glass water bottles when available.)*2) What exactly can the
filter filter?* Does it only remove chlorine? Or also lead or other toxic
chemicals? Note that the majority of water bottles with filters are for
potable water (like that you get from your sink or drinking fountain.) Only
one of the bottles featured below can be used to filter microorganisms and
toxins. (And be sure to double check the claims and do your own research
before taking risks with unclean water. If you're going somewhere and you
want to ensure you have safe, clean water, we recommend a Steri-Pen.)*3) How
long will the filter last before you need a new one?* Some of the bottles
below last for 150 refills, others 300.Guide to Water Bottles with
FiltersStainless Steel Water Bottles with Filter*Camelbak Groove .6*The
Camelbak Groove filters the following:"Only use the CamelBak Groove with
potable tap water. The Fresh Filter contained in your CamelBak Groove does
not remove harmful microscopic pathogens that may be contained in tap water
outside of the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. …
[It's] is not a purifier and not certified to be effective against
bacteria, cysts or viruses.The CamelBak Groove is certified to reduce
Chlorine, Taste and Odor.  Chlorine is the leading cause of foul smelling
and tasting water.  When changed as directed, the Fresh™ Filter reduces
more than 90% of Chlorine, far surpassing the NSF reduction requirement.The
Groove lasts for 300 refills and costs $31.*EcoFlow Stainless*Here are the
details on filtration in the Ecoflow Stainless filter bottle: The patented
Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration reduces up to 99.99% of the following zones
of contamination: •Aesthetics: unpleasant taste, odor, clarity, chlorine,
dirt, sediment and Chlorine. •Biological: pathogens such as
cryptosporidium, giardia & other cysts and spores. •Chemicals: toxic
chemicals, detergents, pesticides and other harmful industrial and
agricultural wastes. •Dissolved Solids: heavy metals such as aluminum,
asbestos, copper, lead, mercury, chromium 6 and others. Ecoflo's exclusive
filter has been tested by independent governmental laboratories to EPA/ANSI
protocols and NSF Standards 42 and 53. * Approximately 12 months of use. 
•Removes up to 99.99% of pollutants as you drink. •Drink from tap water;
streams, rivers, lakes and pools. •Ideal emergency preparedness survival
bottle.Because this bottle filters so many contaminants it's cost is
steeper at $40. It says the filter lasts up to a year. One side note, several
reviewers said this bottle was more difficult to drink from.BPA Free Plastic
Water Bottles with FilterCamelbak GrooveThe Camelbak Groove (featured above
in stainless) also comes in BPA free plastic. It has all the same features of
the stainless bottle, but costs a little less at $19. One thing I like about
Camelbak bottles is their straw – it's easy for working out, drinking in
the car, and at your desk – as you don't get dribbles down your
shirt.*Britta Bottles*Brita water filters also has BPA Free plastic water
bottles.  It filters Lead, Chlorine, Odor and Taste and costs 18.99 for two.
Each lasts for 150 bottle refills.*Bobble Bottles*The Bobble Bottle with
filter filters  water of chlorine and other common organic contaminants. It
lasts for 300 bottle refills.  Plus it has a recyclable filter and is made
in USA,. They cost $9.00-$19.00 (depending on color). We've had a chance
to try out the Camelbak grove in Stainless, courtesy of Camelbak and liked it
a lot. The other bottles we have not tried, but all get good reviews on
Amazon./Note: This site uses affiliate linking as available. /

Thomas Cook crew vote for industrial action

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 22:23 — Anonymous Thomas Cook cabin crew have voted in
favour of industrial action, in a consultative ballot over the company"s
plans to cut 498 jobs Continues...

UPDATE: Floods cause Chao Phraya to swell

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 11:10 — Anonymous Bangkok's floods show no sign of
abating with the city's Chao Phraya river at risk of overflowing its banks.
Continues...

Bangkok's Don Muang Airport closes

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 19:04 — Anonymous Airports of Thailand suspends
operations at Bangkok's second airport from 7pm on October 25 after flood
waters flowed on to the runways and affected the lighting Continues...

Air Asia X completes switch from Stansted to Gatwick

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 20:10 — Anonymous Malaysian low-cost carrier Air Asia X
has completed its switch from London Stansted to Gatwick airport ahead of its
scheduled increase to six times weekly services between London and Kuala
Lumpur from December 14 Continues...

IHG looks to reposition Crowne Plaza brand

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 20:32 — Anonymous Intercontinental Hotels Group is to
undertake a global repositioning of its Crowne Plaza brand, wioth a
three-phase "Freshen Up", "Move Up" and "Shine" programme Continues...

Virgin Hotels set to debut in Chicago

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 15:49 — Anonymous The Virgin Group has announced its
first property under the Virgin Hotels brand. According to US media reports
the group has purchased the Old Dearborn Bank Building in Chicago, with plans
to open a 250-room hotel in 2013 Continues...

Singapore Airlines signs code share deal with Ethiopian Airlines

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 08:56 — Anonymous The agreement allows Singapore
Airlines" customers to fly to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Continues...

Starwood adds guest reviews to website

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 16:34 — Anonymous The group has added the ability for
guests to leave reviews of its hotels directly on its website, with criteria
including room comfort, cleanliness and SPG recognition Continues...

First view: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 11:15 — Anonymous Take a peek at the stylish new hotel
opening at Saadiyat Island on December 1 Continues...

InterContinental San Francisco: LEED Certification and Green Initiatives

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 23:43 — Anonymous Are you looking for a green hotel in
San Francisco? Then check out the InterContinental San Francisco. This 550
room hotel in downtown San Francisco just received their LEED Gold
Certification this year. Here's a bit more about the certification and
their current green initiatives.LEED CertificationThe U.S. Green Building
Council awarded InterContinental San Francisco the LEED Gold certification
for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. LEED is one of the few
reliable ratings systems for building energy efficient buildings. To earn
LEED Gold, the hotel was evaluated on efficiency and minimization of
environmental impact.It's the largest hotel property to date to receive
LEED EBOM certification in California. And it's only one of 13 other hotels
in the nation to receive this certification.Green Initiatives The
InterContinental San Francisco has undertaken many initiatives to become
greener and receive their LEED Gold award. Here are a few of our
favorites:Green MicrositeThe InterContinental San Francisco has a green
microsite that lists some of their green initiatives. TTransportation
Microsite The transportation microsite allows you to plan your visit based on
what's within walking distance from the hotel and lists public
transportation options from the airport.Use of Public TransportationThe
hotel's concierge assists guests with traveling by public transportation in
San Francisco. And more than 95% of the hotel's staff use public
transportation to get to work.Carbon OffsettingInterContinental San Francisco
is 100% carbon neutral as it purchases renewable energy credits to offset
100% of its electricity and natural gas use.ENERGY StarThe US EPA awarded the
hotel the ENERGY Star rating.Solar Power and Alternative Energy UseThe
InterContinental San Francisco uses solar panels to power some of their
equipment and uses regenerative braking power in the elevators.Temperature
Sensors in Rooms and ecoMode ButtonWhile most of a hotel's green
initiatives are behind the scenes, as customers we mostly notice what happens
in our rooms. One particularly cool feature in this hotel is an "ecoMode"
button. When you enter your room you press the ecoMode button which relaxes
the room temperature by a degree or two. Also, the rooms have temperature
sensors to adjust the temperature for energy savings when the rooms are
unoccupied.Local FoodWhat's not to love about fresh, local, organic food?
The InterContinental San Francisco features local and organic
options.Congratulations to the InterContinental San Francisco on achieving
the LEED Gold certification! GGTG hopes that more hotels continue to follow
its lead.—–This post is sponsored by the InterContinental San Francisco
Hotel, which is proudly LEED® EBOM Gold Certified under the U.S Green
Building Council (USGBC), and is the largest LEED Gold Recipient of existing
buildings in California, and the 3rd largest in the U.S.

UK carriers ponder Libya return

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 22:01 — Anonymous With Qatar Airways announcing the
launch of flights to Benghazi from November 1, British carriers BA and Bmi
continue to monitor the situation before committing to the relaunch of
services to Libya Continues...

Qatar Airways starting Benghazi services November 1

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 21:06 — Anonymous Carrier leads Gulf charge into
post-Gaddafi Libya by announcing four-a-week flights from November 1
Continues...

The Howard Hotel to auction off contents

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 22:42 — Anonymous Swissotel is to auction off the entire
contents of The Howard Hotel, following the closure of the property for
redevelopment last month, and just months after the hotel completed an
extensive refurbishment programme Continues...

Aer Lingus to increase Dublin-Gatwick frequency

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 18:37 — Anonymous The Irish carrier is to operate a total
of six flights per day during the winter season, increasing competition with
low-cost rival Ryanair on the route Continues...

Air France to retreat from Bangkok

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 18:51 — Anonymous From summer 2012 Air France will more
than halve the number of flights it operates to the Thai capital. At the same
time it will cut the number of business class seats it places on the market
from 35 a day to 42 a week Continues...

Restaurant check: Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 18:58 — Anonymous Business Traveller reviews Gordon
Ramsay's latest London restaurant located in the One New Change complex near
St Paul's Cathedral Continues...

Best Western plans to diversify globally

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 07:05 — Anonymous This global hotel giant aims to
convince the market there is more to it than its mid-scale offerings
Continues...

Rtiz-Carlton Riyadh opens today

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 11:22 — Anonymous Grand five-star hotel features a wide
range of business and leisure facilities, although the Club Lounge won't open
until January 14 Continues...

US watchdog probes Dreamliner repairs

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 12:40 — Anonymous The US Government Accountability Office
raises four concerns about repairs to the composites used for the B787
Dreamliner, with a week to go to the start of commercial flight operations
Continues...

JAL adds Santiago to its network

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 08:27 — Anonymous The move is part of a codeshare
agreement between the Japanese carrier and LAN Continues...

Sky Blue card offers flight discounts

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 15:00 — Anonymous Card members get up to 40% off on
Manchester flights, while Etihad Guest members can earn bonus miles when
visiting fan zones and use their miles to buy Manchester City merchandise
Continues...

American Airlines expands curbside check-in to international flights

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 20:35 — Anonymous International travelers will be able to
check-in at home and drop bags curbside with the skycap Continues...

Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi bookings go live

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 15:38 — Anonymous New five-star, opening on November 7,
is posting an introductory rate of AED1200 for room and junior suite
categories Continues...

New city guides added

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous We've added over 20 new guides to our
four-hour guide section, including suggestions for Calgary, Jaipur, Naples,
Krakow and San Diego Continues...

Desert art

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 07:02 — Anonymous Jenny Southan discovers bountiful
galleries and an abiding hippy spirit in the historic US city of Santa Fe
Continues...

Air traffic controllers to strike in Greece Sept. 4.

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 16:57 — Anonymous Air traffic controllers to strike in
Greece Sept. 4. Expect flight delays and cancellations.   This alert began
31 Aug 2011 20:52 GMT and is scheduled to expire 04 Sep 2011 23:59 GMT.
Event: Air traffic controller strike Time Frame: 1400-180

Delhi Quake

Thu, 09/08/2011 - 16:46 — Anonymous Please be advised that a tremor shook
Dehli late yesterday. The magnitude 4.2 earthquake has affected the National
Capital region including Dehli, haziabad, Faridabad, and Noida Summary Strong
tremors shook the Delhi metropolitan region and surrounding areas for several
seconds at

Emirates to launch daily service to Dublin

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 20:05 — Anonymous Emirates has announced that it will
begin daily flights to Dublin from January 2012, marking its first route to
the Republic of Ireland. The daily service, from 9th January next year, will
leave Dubai at 0700hrs and arrive in the Irish capital at 1130hrs. The return
flight leaves Dublin a

Virgin's Club House in Hong Kong

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 20:13 — Anonymous The Virgin Clubhouse is the perfect
escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong life, and the airline is
proud that Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers get the very best service
in the airport. The Clubhouse is positioned on the upper level of the
Terminal, it's split into two

Give the Pepper Club a shake

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 20:21 — Anonymous A new level of sophistication and
unparalleled luxury living has arrived in the heart of cosmopolitan Cape
Town. Innovative design, personalised amenities and unsurpassed service -
catering to your every need - are all part of the five-star experience you
can expect as a guest of Pepper Club.

ACSA Airfare Hike 1 October 2011

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 17:28 — Anonymous Please note that 1 October the cost of
flying will increase as the ACSA tax hikes come into effect. On local
airfares travellers can expect to pay between R40 and R60 more per ticket.
Air travellers will be paying close to 70 percent more in airport taxes from
October 1, when ACSA’s ne

Etihad wins Airline of the Year award

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 19:06 — Anonymous Etihad Airways has been named Airline
of the Year in the 2011 TTG Travel Awards. The award was announced at a gala,
black-tie dinner in London in front of 900 invited guests. Etihad Chief
Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, said: "This award is further recognition
of the hard work of

Swiss International Airlines News

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 19:17 — Anonymous SWISS is further expanding services
from Geneva, adding Nice to the network and increasing frequencies to Madrid,
Moscow and London (City) Airport. From February 2012 SWISS will be offering a
new daily non-stop service between Zurich and Beijing, with convenient
connections to and from G

Protea Hotels - Cape Castle Apartments

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 19:20 — Anonymous Enjoy the convenience of being
literally on the doorstep of the V&A Waterfront at the Protea Hotel Cape
Castle, a 3 star hotel in Cape Town that offers comfortable apartments with
all the trimmings. This budget hotel in Cape Town is positioned directly
adjacent to the Victoria & Al

Yellow Fever Vaccination for In-Transit Required

Fri, 09/30/2011 - 16:26 — Anonymous   Yellow fever is an infectious
vector-borne disease that is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an
infected mosquito vector such as Aëdes aegypti. South Africa has a risk of
introduction of the disease as the mosquito vector exists in the country. The
South Africa

Air France CEO resigns

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 16:22 — Anonymous Pierre-Henri Gourgeon has resigned as
CEO of both the Air France-KLM group and Air France itself, with the group
delaying the setting up of a dedicated holding company until 2013
Continues...

BA Executive Club launches Bronze tier

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 17:18 — Anonymous Members will attain the new status
after earning 300 tier points or taking 25 flights, with benefits including
premium check-in, advance seat selection and 25 per cent bonus Avios points
Continues...

Etihad and AA launch reciprocal miles redemptions

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 22:03 — Anonymous Members of the Etihad Guest and
AAdvantage schemes can now redeem miles on flights operated by both carriers,
following the expansion of a frequent flyer agreement between the two
airlines Continues...

Air Berlin to launch Berlin-LA route

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 22:48 — Anonymous Air Berlin will become the only airline
to offer nonstop flights between Berlin and Los Angeles when it commences a
three times-weekly service in May 2012 Continues...

UK falling behind in attracting Chinese visitors

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 12:18 — Anonymous France, Italy and Germany all
attracting more Chinese visitors as UK struggles with Visa challenges, VAT
and lack of direct flights Continues...

Ascott to enter Oman

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 13:59 — Anonymous The 220-unit Somerset Panorama Muscat
will open in 2014, around 10 minutes from the new international airport which
is scheduled to open in the same year Continues...

BAA to sell Edinburgh airport

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:57 — Anonymous The airport operator has opted to keep
Glasgow airport over Edinburgh, following the Competition Commission"s ruling
that it must sell one of the two key Scottish airports Continues...

Ryanair to launch Bournemouth-Wroclaw route

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 18:14 — Anonymous The low-cost carrier is to add six new
routes to and from Wroclaw in Poland from March next year, when it sets up a
new base at the airport. New destinations include Bournemouth, Malta and
Venice Continues...

Ryanair to launch Bournemouth-Wroclaw route

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 18:14 — Anonymous The low-cost carrier is to add six new
routes to and from Wroclaw in Poland from March next year, when it sets up a
new base at the airport. New destinations include Bournemouth, Malta and
Venice Continues...

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh set for March 2012 opening

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 18:48 — Anonymous IHG"s boutique Hotel Indigo brand is
set to open its second Scottish property early next year, with the 66-room
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh located in a Georgian townhouse dating back to the
1800s Continues...

Estonian Air to reward FFP members for social media interaction

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 20:46 — Anonymous The carrier says it will be the first
airline to launch a loyalty programme fully-powered by social media, and will
reward members for being "strong advocates online", even if they do not
actually fly Continues...

Lufthansa to axe Heathrow-Dresden

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 22:05 — Anonymous Saxony will no longer enjoy a direct
link with London when Lufthansa withdraws its service from the start of next
summer"s schedule Continues...

UPDATE: Bangkok goes on with its daily routine, for now

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 12:00 — Anonymous Life in central Bangkok remains normal
even as other Thai regions suffer heavy floods from continuous monsoon rain
Continues...

Vueling launches Duo seat for business travellers

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 17:56 — Anonymous The Spanish low-cost carrier has
launched a new Duo product for business travellers, with the middle seat kept
free, reserved space for hand luggage, and complimentary drinks and snacks
Continues...

First 'ibis budget' hotel opening in Tangiers

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 18:21 — Anonymous Accor to open first hotel following
brand segmentation revamp next month, and announces two more Adagio hotels in
the Middle East Continues...

The big picture: Peach Aviation aircraft painted

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 06:51 — Anonymous The carrier has released images of its
first A320 painted with its bright livery Continues...

Accor gears up for Middle East expansion

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 12:00 — Anonymous First ibis budget hotel opening next
month, more Adagio properties coming to Middle East, Pullman London opening
next April and Grand Mercure set to be the group's Chinese-tailored brand
Continues...

UPDATE: Floodwaters begin to seep into Bangkok"s outer districts

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 15:43 — Anonymous The prime minister urges the capital's
residents to move their belongings to higher ground and orders the military
to protect important buildings. Continues...

BA to add Gatwick-Nice route

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 17:30 — Anonymous British Airways is to reinstate flights
between Gatwick and Nice next year, with a three times-daily service
competing with Easyjet on the route Continues...

Apply for your new passport now, says Home Office

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 17:30 — Anonymous The Identity and Passport Service is
advising travellers to apply for their new passport over the next few weeks
to avoid the "New Year rush" Continues...

Visit our facebook pages to win a Dreamliner model

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 17:35 — Anonymous To celebrate the launch of ANA's
Dreamliner passenger services next week, Business Traveller is partnering
with Boeing to give away two exclusive prizes Continues...

Blinded pilots risk crashing

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 18:08 — Anonymous The incidences of laser pointers being
used to "dazzle pilots and controllers" is soaring, according to the European
Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation Continues...

East Midlands installs ticket collection machines

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 19:47 — Anonymous The rail operator aims to make it
easier for customers to collect their tickets, with the installation of 30
self-service ticket collection machines at major stations across its network
Continues...

Hyatt opens Lexington Avenue property

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 20:29 — Anonymous Hyatt 48 Lex features 116 studios and
suites designed by Nobutaka Ashihara, and American bistro Lexington Brass
Continues...

Win a stay at the Citadines Prestige Trafalgar Square

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 07:01 — Anonymous This month we're giving away some great
prizes, including a two-night stay at the Citadines Prestige Trafalgar
Square, and a bottle of Boss Orange fragrance signed by Orlando Bloom
Continues...

Meet in Brussels

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 07:02 — Anonymous The Belgian capital has an abundance of
venues for special events, finds Liat Clark Continues...

How to Find a Green Hotel in San Francisco

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 23:09 — Anonymous San Francisco is a fantastic city full
of excellent restaurants, historic sites, and a respect for the environment
that's lacking in many U.S. cities. Whether you're visiting for business
or pleasure, here's everything you need to know to find an eco-friendly
hotel in the City by the Bay.1. Look for hotels that are LEED certified.LEED
certification, designated by the US Green Building Council, is one of the
most reliable (and objective) standards of green hotels.2. Think about what
matters to you.Is it important that the hotel offers recycling in all rooms?
Has a restaurant that focuses on sustainable food and composts leftovers?
Uses energy efficient light bulbs? Prioritize your preferences and find a
hotel that matches them.3. Scour the hotel's website.A hotel's website
can be a good starting point in your search and will give you a sense of
steps the hotel has taken toward sustainability. Just remember to look at
objective sources of information, too.4. Get your facts straight.Know how
green hotels are certified in various directories — and which directories
you can trust. Read our post about finding eco-friendly hotels through green
accreditation directories.Photo credit: el Frito5. Check out customer
reviews.Use sites like TripAdvisor to see what other travelers have said
about the hotels you're considering. Are they as green as they say they
are? What have people really enjoyed (or not enjoyed) about the hotel?6.
Consider location.If your hotel far away from the city center and not
accessible by public transportation, it probably isn't the greenest option
— even if it's LEED certified and serves certified organic food in its
restaurant. Make sure you'll easily be able to get from your hotel to the
areas you'll spend your days in San Francisco.Sustainable activities,
restaurants, and accommodations abound in City by the Bay. It's easy to be
green in San Francisco. Enjoy your stay!—–This post is sponsored by the
InterContinental San Francisco Hotel, which is proudly LEED® EBOM Gold
Certified under the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), and is the largest
LEED Gold Recipient of existing buildings in California, and the 3rd largest
in the U.S.

BPA Free Water Bottles with Straw

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 00:01 — Anonymous When we first tried a Camelbak BPA Free
Better Bottle I was a little skeptical of the straw.  Honestly, I didn't
like it. It wasn't until I tried the Camelbak Stainless Steel Better Bottle
that I liked the straw.Now, I'm a water bottle with straw convert.  I
can't imagine using any other type of water bottle for driving in the car,
sitting at my desk, or working out.  The straw prevents water dripping from
down my shirt (which can be embarrassing.)Lately I've been using a Camelbak
Stainless Steel Water bottle with a straw; but for a long day if you need
more water this doesn't always have enough.  I started trying to find the
largest BPA free water bottle with a straw that I could, which was a bit of a
task.  So if you're looking for a water bottle with a straw, here's a
breakdown by category. (If you're wondering why we are only considering BPA
free water bottles, read this post about healthy water bottles).Biggest BPA
Free Water Bottle with StrawThe largest bpa free water bottle with a straw is
the Camelbak 1 liter.  I've been using this bottle for a little over a
month now and it's awesome.  It holds a lot of water (even enough for a
thirty pregnant lady) and the straw itself is bigger – so you get more
water with each gulp.Insulated BPA Free Water Bottle with StrawThere are
three Camelbak options for insulated or double walled water bottles:Camelbak
Better Insulated Bottle is made of BPA free plasticCamelbak Better Stainless
Insulated Bottle (0.5 Litre this style comes in plain silver or
purple.CamelBak 0.5-Liter Insulated Stainless Steel Better Bottle this style
comes with colors and designs, but is a little more expensive. (I own this
one and like it)Stainless Steel Water Bottle with StrawThese are all the
options for stainless steel water bottles with straws:Nathan Stainless Steel
700ml Silicone Sleeve Flip Straw Bottle this has a silicone sleeve and holds
.7LNathan Stainless Steel Flip Straw Bottle does not have a silicone sleeve
and holds either .5L or .7L.Eco Vessel Insulated Vacuum Sealed Stainless
Steel Water Bottle with Flip Straw Top these come in various colors and hold
either 25 oz (about .74L) or 17 ounces (about .5L)CamelBak 0.75- Liter
Stainless Steel Better Bottle has the traditional CamelBak bite valve and
holds .75L of water.  (I have used this bottle for over a year and still
like it a lot and would recommend it.)There you have it – the best options
for water bottles with straws.  As I mentioned, we didn't feature any
water bottles that have (or may have) BPA.  Be sure to check out our other
guides if you are exclusively looking for a stainless steel water bottle or a
glass water bottle./Disclosure: Camelbak sent me a free 1 L water bottle and
a water bottle with filter to test. Also, this page contains affiliate links
– meaning if you purchase a water bottle on Amazon after clicking on the
link, GGTG earns a small amount of money. It doesn't hurt you, it just
means that we can continue to stay in business./

Top 5 Ways to Eat Local Food: Blog Action Day

Sun, 10/16/2011 - 18:09 — Anonymous If you live to be 80 years old and eat
3 meals per day, you'll eat over 87,000 meals in your lifetime. That's a
lot of food.Most of us are vaguely aware of the impact of food on the
environment, but it's not something we think about every day. It should be.
For Blog Action Day 2011, here are five simple ways to reduce your food's
environmental impact.1. Dine Out SustainablyWhen you go out to eat, choose
restaurants that serve sustainable food. Check to see if everything from
meats and cheeses to wines and produce come from local sources. Ask locals
about their experience with the restaurant, check reviews online, and scour
the restaurant's website for more information. Some questions to
investigate:
* Is the seafood sustainably sourced?
* Does the restaurant have relationships with local farms and producers?
* Are there organic options?

2. Grow Your Own FoodThere's something incredibly satisfying about walking
out your back door to pick basil and cherry tomatoes for your homemade
bruschetta. You'll feel so self-sufficient. Backyard gardening can save you
money, too. Organic produce is expensive to buy, but easy enough to grow. And
trust me, heirloom tomatoes taste much better when they're from your garden
and cost a fraction of what they would cost at the farmer's market. Getting
started isn't as intimidating as it sounds. To grow your garden:
1) Get vegetable starters from a local plant sale. This will require a small
up-front investment, but will pay off later.
2) Follow the instructions for planting and caring for your plants.
3) In just a few short weeks or months, you'll have a garden full of
herbs, fruits, and vegetables to munch on.

image credit: jlz3. Shop for Local FoodsThe shorter distance your food has to
travel, the better it is for the environment. Plus, you can rest easy knowing
that your meat came from a cow that was treated well at a local farm. And
your squash will taste much fresher if it didn't travel 3,000 miles to get
to you. Shop at the farmer's market or co-op to find a selection of
delicious, local foods.4. Go OrganicTake your commitment a step further and
go organic /and/ local. Eating organic foods doesn't have to be an
all-or-nothing deal. Some organic food can be quite pricey and it's fine to
buy the organic version of one type of produce and the conventionally grown
version of another. Environmental Working Group's free Shoppers Guide to
Pesticides in Produce can help you decide which fruits and veggies you should
prioritize and buy organic.5. Eat In SeasonIf you eat primarily food that's
in season, you'll significantly reduce your environmental impact. I'm the
first to admit that I crave avocados and bananas in January and I think
it's fine to indulge on occasion. But unless you live in Central or South
America, that avocado has to make a trip of thousands of miles to get to your
plate. Just be aware of your food's impact on the environment and make
educated choices.Each of us can lessen our environmental impact if we're
all just a bit more mindful of our eating habits. If want to be further
convinced of the effects of food on the environment, here's a brief
overview from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Top 5 Ways to Eat Local Food: Blog Action Day

Sun, 10/16/2011 - 18:09 — Anonymous If you live to be 80 years old and eat
3 meals per day, you'll eat over 87,000 meals in your lifetime. That's a
lot of food.Most of us are vaguely aware of the impact of food on the
environment, but it's not something we think about every day. It should be.
For Blog Action Day 2011, here are five simple ways to reduce your food's
environmental impact.1. Dine Out SustainablyWhen you go out to eat, choose
restaurants that serve sustainable food. Check to see if everything from
meats and cheeses to wines and produce come from local sources. Ask locals
about their experience with the restaurant, check reviews online, and scour
the restaurant's website for more information. Some questions to
investigate:
* Is the seafood sustainably sourced?
* Does the restaurant have relationships with local farms and producers?
* Are there organic options?

2. Grow Your Own FoodThere's something incredibly satisfying about walking
out your back door to pick basil and cherry tomatoes for your homemade
bruschetta. You'll feel so self-sufficient. Backyard gardening can save you
money, too. Organic produce is expensive to buy, but easy enough to grow. And
trust me, heirloom tomatoes taste much better when they're from your garden
and cost a fraction of what they would cost at the farmer's market. Getting
started isn't as intimidating as it sounds. To grow your garden:
1) Get vegetable starters from a local plant sale. This will require a small
up-front investment, but will pay off later.
2) Follow the instructions for planting and caring for your plants.
3) In just a few short weeks or months, you'll have a garden full of
herbs, fruits, and vegetables to munch on.

image credit: jlz3. Shop for Local FoodsThe shorter distance your food has to
travel, the better it is for the environment. Plus, you can rest easy knowing
that your meat came from a cow that was treated well at a local farm. And
your squash will taste much fresher if it didn't travel 3,000 miles to get
to you. Shop at the farmer's market or co-op to find a selection of
delicious, local foods.4. Go OrganicTake your commitment a step further and
go organic /and/ local. Eating organic foods doesn't have to be an
all-or-nothing deal. Some organic food can be quite pricey and it's fine to
buy the organic version of one type of produce and the conventionally grown
version of another. Environmental Working Group's free Shoppers Guide to
Pesticides in Produce can help you decide which fruits and veggies you should
prioritize and buy organic.5. Eat In SeasonIf you eat primarily food that's
in season, you'll significantly reduce your environmental impact. I'm the
first to admit that I crave avocados and bananas in January and I think
it's fine to indulge on occasion. But unless you live in Central or South
America, that avocado has to make a trip of thousands of miles to get to your
plate. Just be aware of your food's impact on the environment and make
educated choices.Each of us can lessen our environmental impact if we're
all just a bit more mindful of our eating habits. If want to be further
convinced of the effects of food on the environment, here's a brief
overview from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Amdani/Daibai

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Amdani/Daibai 224-1126 Empress Iolanthe
and the Imperial party refueled in-system and attended a celebration at
Malawi Highport held in her honor by Dame Alanni hault-Bennes, Baroness
Amdani.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 272-1126 Famed composer
Jynel Loyola-Guirard announced today that her new opera, Margaret, will have
it's opening performance at the Zhakirov amphitheater on 320-1126. The opera,
in five acts, deals with the regency of Empress Margaret I, and her
tempestuous coming of age in 702.The Imperial Seneschal has confirmed that
Grand Princess Ciencia Iphegenia and her husband Doctor Ganidiirsi Simalr
will be guests of honor on opening night.Ω

Mithril/Spinward Marches

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Mithril/Spinward Marches 232-1126
Arrived 232-1126Professor Elke Ragnarsdottir, of the University of Sacnoth,
has issued a report covering the first part of her expedition's second season
excavating on Mithril. Professor Ragnarsdottir has been searching for
artifacts demonstrating that the Aslan reached the world centuries before
they were thought to have reached the Marches. Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 039-1127 The Imperial
Palace today released video footage of the first birthday party of Ardyth
Kelvin Alkhalikoi, daughter of Prince Varian Alkhalikoi Alkhalikoi and
Princess Helena Kelvin Alkhalikoi. The party was held on 178-1126 at the
Ducal Palace on Sanches.Ω

Sirma/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Sirma/Core 228-1126 Received:
228-1126The investigation into the death of Matimuu ap-Natas (son of Lord
Harlin ap-Natas, Baron of Argiluu) has been taken over by special officers of
the Ministry of Justice. A spokesman for the MoJ said that there are special
considerations in thecase that cannot be disclosed at this time.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 251-1126 Controversial
author Jamison Melendez-Kyzl has issued a press release promoting the
upcoming release of his second book about the disappearance of Jeffrey Long.
Long, a former reporter for the Phoenix Sun news organization (headquartered
on Terra/Solomani Rim), is the author of a series of articles on a condition
known as 'hyperspace sickness," evidence for which Long alleges has been
suppressed by a military and industrial cabal. In 1118, Long vanished from a
private mental health facility where he had been undergoing treatment for an
unspecified mental disorder. Melendez-Kyzl's previous book on the subject,
Manufactured Madness, was released three years ago, and claims that Long's
disappearance is the result of a plot to discredit the reporter. According
to the release, Melendez-Kyzl's new book, Continuing Madness, will collect
together information on the controversy that has come to light in the last
three years.Ω

Iianen/Daibai

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Iianen/Daibai 244-1126 Empress Iolanthe
and the Imperial party refueled in-system. The Empress diverted her course
slightly in order to be able to attend a celebration of the 102nd birthday of
Sir Humperdin hault-Klanna, Baron Iinen.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 263-1126 The Imperial
Palace announced in a press release issued today that the Emperor, his
daughter, and his son-in-law will eat the first meal cooked in the kitchen of
Alois', a new restaurant opening on Capital later in the week. The restaurant
is operated by Alois Guste-Alciatoire Guilbert, a relative of the famous
Guste-Alciatoire family of Terra. Guilbert moved to Capital from Terra a few
years ago, and was persuaded to open the restaurant after a few members of
the court tasted his cooking.Ω

Mora/Spinward Marches

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Mora/Spinward Marches 247-1126 Received
247-1126Archduke Norris of Deneb and Duchess Elane Shankarr Muudashir today
presided over the formal ceremonies opening the Archducal Palace on Mora. The
palace will serve as the headquarters of the Archduchy of Deneb. The building
was slightly rebuilt to incorporate emblems of Deneb, and to equip it as the
center of the Domain government. Ω

Orichalc/Massilia

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Orichalc/Massilia 252-1126 Received:
252-1126Empress Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in-system, and took
on two new escorting vessels.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 255-1126 The Imperial
Palace refused to comment on a rumor that Grand Princess Ciencia Iphegenia's
child will be a girl. Rumors have been rampant since the announcement of the
royal couple's second pregnancy.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 259-1126 The Seneschal for
Axel Aella Murdoch, Marquis of Haley announced today that the Marquis' wife,
Hannah Zeira Murdoch, is pregnant with the couple's first child, and that
Emperor Strephon has agreed that he and the Empress will act as the child's
godparents.Ω

Lagna/Massilia

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Lagna/Massilia 269-1126 Received:
269-1126Empress Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in-system. They were
given a tour of the desert world's most striking canyon, the Valles Optimus
Maximus by Admiral Sir Eric Sahuc-Bigler, commander of the naval base in
system.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 278-1126 The Seneschal for
Axel Aella Murdoch, Marquis of Haley announced today that the Marquis has
ordered him to announce that the Marquis' wife, Lady Hannah Zeira Murdoch,
will give birth to twins, a boy and a girl.Ω

Kline/Magyar

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Kline/Magyar 281-1126 Received:
281-1126Lady Lynette Hutara Murdoch (former regent for the Marquisate of
Haley) has arrived in system as part of her five year tour of the Imperium.
She will spend the next few weeks as a guest of Baron Charles Adelbert of
Kline and his family.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 295-1126 Emperor Strephon,
in a proclamation issued today, announced that Alois Guste-Alciatoire
Guilbert will henceforth be allowed to designate his new restaurant "By
Special Appointment to The Emperor" in honor of its fine cuisine.Ω

Forquee//Massilia

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Forquee//Massilia 288-1126 Received:
288-1126Empress Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in-system, where
they were joined by the INS Pantera, which will remain as part of the escort
back to Capital.Ω

Kamsii/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Kamsii/Core 298-1126 Received:
298-1126The public relations office of KamsiiCo today issued a press release
announcing the formal opening of their new attraction, Yael-Land, which
recreates a pre-contact village of the Ael Yael, where members of the
non-Human species will recreate their culture and society for the benefit of
the tourists on Kamsii.Yael-Land replaces the Droyne exhibit, which closed in
1124.Ω

Iggarir/Massilia

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Iggarir/Massilia 288-1126 Received:
288-1126Empress Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in-system, where
they were given an informal tour of the Scout Base and entertained at dinner
aboard the IISS Cruiser TuscaroraΩ

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 320-1126 Jynel
Loyola-Guirard's new opera, Margaret, opened tonight at the Zhakirov
amphitheater. The opera, in five acts, deals with the regency of Empress
Margaret I, and her tempestuous coming of age in 702. Grand Princess Ciencia
Iphegenia and her husband Doctor Ganidiirsi Simalr attended the opening gala
and the first performance as guests of honor.Ω

Tolson/Magyar

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Tolson/Magyar 334-1126 Received:
334-1126Lady Lynette Hutara Murdoch (former regent for the Marquisate of
Haley) has arrived in system as part of her five-year tour of the Imperium.Ω

Keshi/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Keshi/Core 360-1126 Empress Iolanthe
and the Imperial party refueled in system, and were feted by Baron
Sir Vasili Havasu hault-Jung of Keshi before proceeding along their way.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 003-1127 The Archducal
yacht of Illellish arrived, carrying Archduchess Lady Isis Arepo Illethian
and her mother, Lady Jessica Arepo Ilethian, arrived today for an extended
visit with the Imperial family. The Archduchess has expressed an interest in
attending Jynel Loyola-Guirard's new opera, Margaret.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 009-1127 Although the
Imperial Palace would not confirm or deny it, a rumor persists that Alois
Guste-Alciatoire Guilbert, owner of the new restaurant Alois', was requested
to prepare a meal for the imperial family a few days ago, at the palace. 
Archduchess Lady Isis Arepo Illethian and her mother, Lady Jessica Arepo
Ilethian were also guests, and all are reported to have enjoyed the meal
immensely, although the regular cooking staff was somewhat annoyed at the
intrusion.Ω

Aursis/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Aursis/Core 015-1127 Received:
015-1127Empress Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in system. The
Empress visited an old friend of her father, Sir Simon Bono-De Lambre, second
in command at the local Scout base.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 022-1127 Jynel
Loyola-Guirard's opera, Margaret, will conduct it's final performance at the
Zhakirov amphitheater on 032-1127, and move to the slightly smaller Antiama
theaterThe opera, in five acts, deals with the regency of Empress Margaret I,
and her tempestuous coming of age in 702.Ω

Khusgurlu/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Khusgurlu/Core 032-1127 Empress
Iolanthe and the Imperial party refueled in system, where the Empress was
conducted on a guided tour of the Imperial Naval Base by Admiral Sir Vasili
Ming-Milos.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 043-1127 Empress Iolanthe
and the Imperial party arrived in system, returning from their trip to
Sol/Solomani Rim. The Imperial family plans a quiet evening at home and a
welcoming feast tomorrow night.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 045-1127 Empress Iolanthe
appeared at court for the first time since her return from her trip to
Sol/Solomani Rim. Grand Princess Ciencia Iphegenia, her husband Doctor
Ganidiirsi Simalr, and Archduchess Isis Arepo Ilethian, of Illelish were also
present.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 055-1127 In a formal
presentation at the Imperial Palace today, a representative of Marchioness
Alessandra Da Silva of Terra presented the Emperor with an enormous white
diamond, (cut weight 442.67 karats), one of the largest cut stones in the
Imperium, and the second largest cut stone ever discovered on Terra. With the
consent of the Imperial couple, the stone was named Empress Iolanthe, and
received into the Imperial collection. It will be on display in the main
reception room at the Moot Spire for the next 90 days.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 063-1127 Archduchess Lady
Isis Arepo Illethian and her mother, Lady Jessica Arepo Ilethian, departed
unexpectedly today, cutting short what was to be an extended visit with the
Imperial family. No one at the Palace or with the Archduchess' party would
comment on the reason for the early departure, other than to say that it was
for personal reasons.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 068-1127 The Imperial
Palace was the site of a celebration in honor of the first birthday of Lydia
Bennas Alkhalikoi, daughter of Princess Tabitha Bennas Alkhalikoi and Prince
Lucan Alkhalikoi. Also attending were the Emperor and Empress, the Grand
Princess and her husband, Prince Ganidiirsi Simalr and their son, Prince
Casimir.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 075-1127 Received:
075-1127Rumors of an assassination attempt against Secretary General Jan
Malikov have just reached Capital, but no details are available because TNS
correspondents were expelled from the Solomani capital four years ago. All we
know is that Solomani spokesmen say that Malikov's security forces foiled the
attempt, and all assassins were killed or captured. Malikov himself was not
harmed, but two members of his bodyguard were wounded.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 081-1127 The Emperor's
seneschal has released photographs and live Tri-D images of the recent
birthday party for Lydia Bennas Alkhalikoi, daughter of Princess Tabitha
Bennas Alkhalikoi and Prince Lucan Alkhalikoi, held at the imperial palace a
few days ago.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 085-1127 Received:
085-1127Rumors continue to circulate that Secretary General Jan Malikov was
severely wounded, if not killed, in the recent assassination attempt.
Solomani officials continue to deny that Malikov was harmed in any way, but
do acknowledge that one of Malikov's bodyguards was killed, contradicting the
press release of a few days ago.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 090-1127 Professor Julian
Trane, distinguished interstellar historian and visiting professor at the
University of Sylea, announced today that he will finally leave Capital,
after an extended stay, to take up a position as head of the Dapartment of
History at Mendes University on Agidda (in the Solomani Rim). Professor
Trane's advanced seminars at the University of Sylea have been immensely
popular with students, and his presentations at public meeting halls have
been equally well-attended.Professor Trane's researches deal with the
cyclical nature of historical trends.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 092-1127 Professor Julian
Trane announced today that he will delay his departure from Capital for a few
days, at the personal request of the Emperor. Professor Trane, who specialty
concerns the cyclical nature of historical trends, has been asked to meet
with the Emperor in a closed session at the Imperial departure.Neither the
professor nor the Imperial palace would comment on the nature of this
meeting.Ω

Dimmurak/Solomani Rim

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Dimmurak/Solomani Rim 102-1127
Received: 102-1127Local patrols have found a severely damaged freighter in
the outer reaches of the system, drifting under minimal power. The freighter,
identified as IMS Hammond, a Marava-class far trader, had evidently been the
subject of a hijacking attempt, but no other details are available at the
present time.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 109-1127 Received:
109-1127Secretary General Jan Malikov appeared in public today for the first
time since the assassination attempt several weeks ago. Although he did not
appear injured, Malikov seemed unnaturally stiff and spoke for only a few
minutes, reading a short statement for members of the local press. Secretary
General Malikov refused to answer any questions.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 114-1127 An aide to
Marchioness Alessandra Da Silva of Terra arrived today, bearing a gift for
the Imperial family: a copy in miniature of the commemorative statue to honor
the Empress Iolanthe erected on Terra. The copy was executed and
autographed by the sculptor, Alexander Liu Pratt.Ω

Excalibur/Sword Worlds

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Excalibur/Sword Worlds 120-1127
Received 120-1127After over three year's worth of evaluation, the Imperial
Interstellar Scout Service and the government of Excalibur issued their final
report on the excavations on the third moon of Excalibur. Baron Arvin
Hault-Devros, IISS liaison to Excalibur's government was quoted in a press
release accompanying the publication of the report: "The excavations have
revealed evidence of an interstellar intelligence in the sector, predating
the arrival of Humaniti. Their physical remains indicate that they were
unrelated to any known sophonts in the region, but their technology was
barely capable of interplanetary travel – they do not appear to have
developed the jump drive in any form.We have found remains that are
consistent with a sublight colony ship of unkown design."Hault-Devros
re-emphasized that no Ancient artifacts have been located at the site.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 128-1127 Jynel
Loyola-Guirard's opera, Margaret, will close it's run tonight in a final
performance at the Antiama amphitheater. The opera, in five acts, was very
popular during its run, a number of touring companies will begin playing
various other venues on Capital and elsewhere in the Imperium.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 131-1127 Received:
131-1127Secretary General Jan Malikov collapsed during a public appearance
today, and Solomani officials were forced to admit that he had been seriously
wounded during the assassination attempt several weeks ago. Malikov was
addressing a small group of government officials (the speech was outdoors and
televised live) when he began to wobble and his speech became slurred. He
fell into the arms of one of his aides, and was taken indoors immediately. A
statement issued later admitted that Malikov was wounded during the attempt
on his life, but did not want to worry the public with reports of his
condition. A few hours after his collapse, he was shown awake in his hospital
bed, but he did not speak.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 141-1127 The miniature of
the commemorative statue to honor the Empress Iolanthe erected on Terra in
1125 was placed on display for the general public in the main entry hall of
the Imperial palace. The miniature is a copy of the larger statue, executed
by the sculptor, Alexander Liu Pratt brought to Capital as a gift from
Marchioness Alessandra Da Silva of Terra.Ω

Disi/Zarushagar

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Disi/Zarushagar 152-1127 Received:
152-1127In a press release datelined 279-1126, Imperial Navy Public relations
officer Lieutenant Kevin Bensen-Honydeau announced that the Fleet Exercises
in Zarushagar will commence next week, and conclude with a mock invasion of
this system eight weeks later.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 169-1127 Received:
169-1127The condition of Secretary General Jan Malikov,  wounded during the
assassination attempt several weeks ago, remains a matter for speculation.
Solomani officials continue to report improvements in his health, but his
public appearances have been short and infrequent since his recent collapse.
Malikov is always shown seated, and sometimes reads a short statement, but
any improvements in his health appear to be slight.Ω

Nusku/Sol

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Nusku/Sol 161-1127 Received
161-1127.Local authorities have penetrated what they believe to be a station
on a smugglers' route to bring Solomani dissidents into the Imperium, provide
them with documentation and backgrounds, and take them deep into the
Imperium. Several arrests were made, but no word is available as to the names
of those involved, or their position with government, local or Imperial.Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 182-1127 Alois
Guste-Alciatoire Guilbert, owner of the new restaurant Alois', announced
today that his restaurant has become so popular that he has decided to move
to larger quarters. "Many people in my position," he said, "Would keep the
same building and simply turn customers away. But I feel that good food
should be made available to everyone who wants it."Ω

Excalibur/Sword Worlds

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Excalibur/Sword Worlds 178-1127
Received 178-1127Genetic material from the excavations on the third moon of
Excalibur is being sent to several universities throughout the Imperium,
including the University of Sylea.  A representative of the Imperial
Interstellar Scout Service made the announcement, saying that the samples
would be carried by special Scout couriers because of the importance of the
findings. "It is to be hoped," said a representative of the IISS, "that the
samples will confirm the discovery of a previously unknown sophont race."Ω

Capital/Core

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 16:16 — Anonymous Capital/Core 185-1127 In a press
release issued today, the University of Sylea announced that Doctor Otis
Adelbert Molitor, professor emeritus of the Department of Imperial History he
has completed the final volume in his three part history of the Third
Frontier War (979-986). Titled Lost Throne, the book covers the final 2 years
of the war and the events leading to the Abdication of Emperor Styryx (ruled
945-989) in 986.Ω

Ludmilla/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Ludmilla/Solomani Rim 030-1121 "Cheng
Golok lives!"A senior leader of the Interstellar Brotherhood of Labor
addressed a crowd of Human and Vegan workers outside the Asterion Sports
Facility in the capital. The speaker called for "eternal resistance to the
forces that would divide us along lines of species or profession," and named
the Human-supremacist faction in the government as "enemies of the
people.""It was a typical Cheng Golok occasion, and the speaker could not
have been anyone else," said one commentator after the speech ended. "His
face was slightly different, but his gestures, his choice of words, even his
choice of venue - all vintage Cheng Golok. He's alive, and he's apparently
declared war on the government of Ludmilla and its off-world sponsors."IBL
officials could not be reached for comment.Ω

Shululsish/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Shululsish/Solomani Rim 011-1121 The
planetary corporation Shululsish Internetworking LIC has announced a very
large joint venture with Anaun Twoyen and other members of the Ewm Shao Gwi
tuhuir. The Vegan consortium has signed an agreement to purchase several
trillion credits of Shululsish-built computers, networking devices and robots
over the next ten years. In return, SI will act as Ewm Shao Gwi's partner in
marketing Vegan consumer goods and light-industrial equipment on Shululsish.
A new corporation, Alderamin Holdings, will be established to coordinate the
activities of the partnership.At a press conference, Anaun Twoyen stated that
"This partnership represents a new era of prosperity for the Alderamin Trade
Zone. Naturally, we are pleased at the prospect of opening new markets in
this region to Vegan goods and services."Ω

Rhylanor/Spinward Marches

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Rhylanor/Spinward Marches 038-1121 A
prominent member of the local nobility has announced that she is about to
submit an extensive legal case against Archduke Norris.Baroness Jynel
haut-Kurshar appeared in public today to make the preliminary announcement.
"My colleagues and I have been working for years to assemble this case. We
have investigated the archduke's doings over a long period, stretching back
before the opening of the Fifth Frontier War. We have uncovered clear
evidence of the then-duke's questionable actions, and look forward to
bringing the case before an Imperial court."The baroness refused to go into
details, saying that she did not wish to reveal any details prematurely."Be
sure of it, though. We have the goods on Norris."Ω

Capital/Core

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Capital/Core 045-1121 The Imperial Mint
has officially begun the issue of a commemorative coin marking Emperor
Strephon's Jubilee.The coin is being issued in both 5-credit and 500-credit
denominations, the latter made from an iridium alloy in 125,000,000 copies.
On the obverse of the coins will be a portrait of Emperor Strephon in
profile. On the reverse will be an Imperial Sunburst.The actual minting of
the 500-credit coin has been spread out among the sector treasuries in
proportion to the population of each sector. The coin is expected to quickly
become a prize for many collectors.Ω

060-1121

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous 060-1121 Vantage/Solomani RimA
prominent Solomani Party official has been cleared of all criminal charges
against him.Jan Malikov, an influential leader of the Nationalist faction,
was charged with criminal corruption and anti-Solomani activities last year.
His arrest on the floor of the General Congress of the Solomani Party
disrupted that convocation and may have affected the elections for
Secretary-General that were underway at the time.Malikov mounted a stubborn
defense against the charges before the Vantage planetary courts. That effort
has apparently paid off, with a finding that the evidence was insufficient to
convict him of any charge.Malikov has made no public statement yet as to his
future plans, political or otherwise.Ω

Mora/Spinward Marches

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Mora/Spinward Marches 080-1121 The
office of Duchess Delphine of Mora has confirmed the whereabouts of Dame
Elane Shankarr Muudashir, the Duchess' grandniece and heir. Dame Elane is
present on Mora, having cut short her planned Grand Tour of the Imperium. She
is currently housed in the Matriarch's Palace and is making no public
appearances.The Office of the Duchess has declined to answer questions from
the press regarding the reason for Dame Elane's change in plans.Ω

Esperance/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Esperance/Solomani Rim 065-1121
Imperial military police, aided by officials of the Waothani government, have
located and arrested Paolo Muriz, the former President of Nueva Argentina.
Ex-President Muriz was taken in the company of several other members of the
former government, all carrying weapons and apparently engaged in guerilla
resistance against Imperial forces. He and his compatriots are presently
being held in an undisclosed location, and will be tried for war crimes at
the earliest opportunity.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 110-1121 After a series
of contentious floor debates, over 50 liberal members of the Secretariat have
staged a walkout.The Liberal wing of the Solomani Party has spent much of the
current session of the Secretariat pressing for a less restrictive definition
of the term "Solomani."The original definition of the term covered only
Humans born on Terra. Current Solomani law uses the term to cover all members
of the "Solomani race," meaning Humans of predominantly Terran descent.
Simple genetic tests are available which can confirm Solomani status.The
Liberal members of the Secretariat have recently agreed to cooperate in order
to pass a less restrictive definition into law. Their proposed bill would
permit all Humans to be eligible for membership in the Solomani Party.
Despite their newfound cooperation, they have had only limited success in
bringing the issue before the Secretariat.Although the Racial Affairs
Committee has heard several days of testimony, it remains deadlocked on the
issue. Meanwhile, with the support of Secretary-General Marc Chissano,
radical Party factions have passed several procedural measures which may make
a redefinition bill almost impossible to pass even if it escapes the
committee.The current walkout of Liberal delegates is intended to protest
continued radical intransigence. How long the walkout will last, and what
strategy the Liberals will try when they return, is unclear.Ω

Twilight/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Twilight/Aldebaran 117-1121 A sudden
popular uprising has - much to everyone's surprise - managed to depose the
dictatorial government of this Solomani world.Within the past ten days, a
wave of general strikes has paralyzed major population centers across
Twilight. When the planetary government attempted to crack down, Home Guard
units went over to the strikers and attacked government secret-police troops.
As of today, rebels appear to be in control of the capital city and have
announced the capture or exile of the former government's top
officials.Twilight has long been ruled by the autocratic Chissano family.
Since the outbreak of the revolt, few members of the clan have been accounted
for, but most appear to have fled off-world. The most prominent member of the
family is Marc Chissano, who currently holds the office of Secretary-General
of the Solomani Confederation.Ω

Twilight/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Twilight/Aldebaran 123-1121 A rebel
junta appears to have taken effective control of this Solomani world, despite
a few pockets of resistance by Interior Ministry troops loyal to the
dictatorial Chissano regime.Representatives of the junta issued a statement
declaring the establishment of "a republican government which will rule in
accordance with the expressed wishes of the people." The statement promised
"free and fair elections, as soon as the security of such elections can be
guaranteed."The junta also issued an official order for the recall of
Twilight's delegate to the Secretariat of the Solomani Confederation.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 132-1121 The
Secretary-General of the Solomani Confederation has taken the unusual step of
ordering Solomani Navy forces to intervene directly in the ongoing civil
unrest on his home world.Rebel forces have recently seized control of most
centers of government on Chissano's home world of Twilight (0912 Aldebaran).
Claiming to be the legitimate government of the world, they have issued a
recall order for Twilight's delegate to the Secretariat. Since that delegate
is none other than Secretary-General Chissano, their order - if legitimate -
could bring an abrupt end to the current government of the entire Solomani
Confederation.The result could be a constitutional crisis. Although it has
always been theoretically possible for a Secretary-General's home world to
recall him, the situation has never before arisen in the 250 years since the
establishment of the Confederation's current constitution.Secretary-General
Chissano has made no public statement on the subject, and appears to be
prepared to continue his legislative program without interruption. However,
Solomani Navy forces in Aldebaran and Star Bridge subsectors have been placed
on high alert, and a naval task force will depart for Twilight within a few
days.Ω

Mora/Spinward Marches

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Mora/Spinward Marches 138-1121 Baroness
Jynel-haut Kurshar's allegations of criminal activity against Archduke Norris
have been making news here for some time. Today, while making a number of
other announcements, a spokesman for the Archduke has issued the first
official comment on these allegations."The Archduke has been briefed on
Baroness Jynel's activities," said Sir Clement Eshgaani. "I wasn't present at
the time, but I understand he was . . . amused."Sir Clement continued,
"Archduke Norris is quite willing to justify his actions before any tribunal
competent to judge them. In fact, he has such a tribunal in mind, and is
willing to pay the Baroness' expenses if she wishes to put her case before
it. After all, a trip to Capital is expensive. So is the process of winning a
private audience with the Emperor. Of course, the Baroness will doubtless be
away from her estates for several years, but the Archduke is sure that she
will be willing to make that sacrifice in pursuit of her quest for
justice."Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 143-1121 Nationalist
politician Jan Malikov has returned to Home, in order to take up his seat
representing the Bootean League in the Secretariat.Malikov has not yet made
any public statement regarding the current set of crises afflicting the
Solomani Confederation's central governing body. However, he has already
scheduled several meetings with other influential members of the Secretariat,
including leaders of the Liberal and Radical blocs. Political observers
speculate that he may be trying to smooth over recent disputes between the
two opposed factions of the Solomani Party.Ω

Sarmaty/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Sarmaty/Solomani Rim 156-1121 Imperial
fleet maneuvers in the Sarmaty system have apparently resulted in disaster,
as the 10,000-ton cargo carrier Pride of Kha'urru came under fire from
elements of the 1291st Colonial Fleet. The cargo carrier suffered serious
casualties to the crew and losses to cargo, and may itself be a total
loss.According to Navy spokesman Lieutenant Fielle Wilson-MacCraig, "The
cargo ship failed to heed navigation warnings and proceeded into the midst of
a live-fire zone. At this time, the Navy does not believe the carrier's crew
was negligent, as there is evidence that its comms and sensor systems were
malfunctioning. Unfortunately before a warning could be delivered, gunnery
officers on three ships participating in an exercise mistook the cargo
carrier for a target buoy. The results were inevitable. The exercise was
immediately halted and all hands mobilized for rescue and salvage operations.
Naturally, the Navy will cover the cost of indemnities for the lost crew and
cargo."Naval operations in the Sarmaty system have been halted until further
notice, pending a full investigation of the incident. The Pride of Kha'urru
was a carrier registered within the nation of Aorhtoi on Sarmaty, of Aslan
crew and ownership.Ω

Home/Aldebaran

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Home/Aldebaran 160-1121 The Secretariat
of the Solomani Confederation saw an open break in protocol today, as a
prominent delegate denounced the Secretary-General from the floor.Jan Malikov
called Marc Chissano's occupancy of the Secretary-General's office "immoral,
illegal, and unconstitutional," and called on Chissano to obey the recall
order which has been issued by the current government of his homeworld.
"Chissano has lost any legitimacy his government might have held. He has only
two choices at this point. He can step down and permit this body to elect a
new Secretary-General who can weild power within the Charter. Or he can rule
as a dictator. May our posterity judge him mercifully if he chooses the
latter course."Malikov's sudden denunciation comes after several days of
quiet negotiation between his Nationalist faction and other factions within
the Solomani Party. Observers have speculated that Malikov has been trying to
resolve differences with the Secretary-General's Radical faction. If true,
then any hope for such a conciliation now appears doomed.The
Secretary-General's office has issued a statement calling Malikov's speech
"criminally irresponsible." Secretary-General Chissano thus far claims that
the government of his homeworld Twilight is a mere "rebel junta," without the
authority to issue a legal recall order.Ω

Shululsish/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Shululsish/Solomani Rim 190-1121
Professor Ililek Kuligaan of Dlan University is in the Solomani Rim on
extended sabbatical, largely to study the recently-concluded succession
conflict within the Duchy of Alderamin. When interviewed on Shulusish, he
observed that "These things follow a Darwinian process. Everyone starts out
by trying to gain the support of the marginal worlds, where a noble can get
his name out on the news early. Once that's done, the ones who were
successful go for the more important worlds to try to clinch the deal. Of
course, there aren't as many of those worlds, so that's usually when the
quarrel gets nasty."When asked about similar situations in other parts of the
Imperium, Professor Kuligaan was vague, but stated that "This kind of
struggle is actually endemic to the Imperial system, I'm afraid. Whenever the
man on top vanishes without a clear heir, all the usual ties of loyalty start
pulling people in a hundred different directions. We're fortunate that the
usual rules of succession don't allow for these events very often."Ω

Gyurenek/Magyar

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Gyurenek/Magyar 254-1121 Officials of
the Imperial 109th Fleet have been taken by surprise by the sudden appearance
of a small Aslan ihatei flotilla. The Aslan, making up the equivalent of a
light cruiser wing, powered down all weapons and opened communications with
the Navy freely. They have expressed a desire to immigrate into the Imperium,
and have apparently produced documents claiming the sponsorship of senior
Imperial officials.Ω

Muan Gwi/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Muan Gwi/Solomani Rim 260-1121 Fresh
from her triumphant visit to Shulgiasu, the ancient Vilani capital of the Rim
Province, Empress Iolanthe has arrived on Muan Gwi to a tumultuous welcome.
This first visit of a member of the Imperial house to the Vegan homeworld has
moved even the staid Vegans to enthusiastic celebration. Members of the
Guardian tuhuir greeted the Empress with the Opening of the Gates ceremony, a
rite of great antiquity involving almost six hours of intricate dance and
pageantry. Historians report that the Opening of the Gates has not been
performed in its entirety in almost 2,000 years, and until now has never been
recorded by a Human audience.Following the ceremony, the Empress was taken to
the estates of Archduke Adair, who will spend the next three days escorting
his distinguished visitor on a grand tour of the Vegan homeworld. A series of
official meetings between the Empress and the Viceroy will follow.Ω

Vantage/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Vantage/Solomani Rim 265-1121 Jan
Malikov, a prominent Nationalist leader of the Solomani Party, has returned
to Vantage after walking out of the Secretariat earlier this year. Today he
announced that a Solomani Party caucus would be held on Vantage within a few
weeks, "as soon as delegates can gather from all the worlds of the Near
Bootes Cluster." The subject of the caucus was not announced.Ω

Terra/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Terra/Solomani Rim 293-1116 The Empress
Iolanthe has arrived on Terra, accompanied by the Archduke of Sol and their
respective entourages. A substantial portion of the Imperial sector navy has
also arrived as part of the Imperial escort, including elements of the 79th,
97th, 115th, 116th, 293rd and 294th Fleets.In her first public statement,
given from the Imperial Lounge at Starport Lagrange, the Empress announced
that she carried an Imperial Warrant from her husband, and had been charged
with implementing a number of changes of policy with respect to Terra and the
rest of the Rim during her visit. She gave no details, but expressed the
opinion that "all Imperial citizens of good will should have cause to approve
of the prominent status of Terra and her children within the Imperium."In a
separate statement, Archduke Adair made mention of the apparent disorders
going on within Solomani space. "Neither the Iridium Throne nor the Archduchy
of Sol has any opinion on the political institutions of Solomani worlds which
fall outside space claimed by the Imperium. The so-called Solomani
Confederation must resolve its own internal disputes. It would be neither
prudent nor justifiable for us to interfere in that process."As is usual for
high-level Imperial officials, the Archduke carefully left open the question
as to which Solomani worlds might be claimed by the Imperium.Ω

Ushra/Dagudashaag

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Ushra/Dagudashaag 300-1121 Grand
Princess Ciencia Iphigenia married her consort-designate today, in the midst
of grand ceremony and public spectacle.The Grand Princess was resplendent in
a blazing white gown of Ushran shimmersilk, crowned with a diamond tiara.
Doctor Frater Ganidiirsi Ling Simalr wore the full formal robes of a tenured
professor of the University of Sylea, subdued in a deep blue that contrasted
well with the brilliance of his bride's gown.The ceremony was organized along
traditional Solomani lines, in deference to the customs of House Alkhalikoi.
Emperor Strephon gave away the bride. To the surprise of many onlookers,
Prince Lucan Alkhalikoi also appeared at the ceremony, looking unusually fit
and handsome in the full dress uniform of an Imperial Navy ensign. Also
present in the bridal party was the Grand Princess' childhood friend, now
Archduchess Isis of Ilelish.The groom's father, Duke Khugi Laragii Simalr of
Ushra, served in the traditional role of "best man." Many other members of
the Simalr clan were present, to round out the groom's party and wish the
newlyweds well.After the wedding, Emperor Strephon presided over the
coronation of Doctor Simalr as a new Prince of the Imperium. During the
following state dinner, the Emperor spoke of his new son-in-law with unusual
warmth."We are fortunate to welcome such a scholar, such a man, into our
family," the Emperor said. "Prince Ganidiirsi will doubtless serve our
Imperium with distinction, as a leader in the sciences, as a representative
of our many diverse peoples, one day as Prince Consort. For my part, I count
myself doubly fortunate. To trillions of Imperial citizens, Ciencia Iphigenia
is the Grand Princess, the heir who will one day take up the Imperial throne
and mandate. To me, she is also my daughter, a young woman I love dearly. I'm
therefore pleased that she has wed a man worthy not only of the highest
estate, but also of her profound and lasting affection."Ω

Terra/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Terra/Solomani Rim 308-1121 The Office
of the Archduke of Sol has confirmed that Empress Iolanthe will be extending
her stay on Terra for some time."At present the Empress has cancelled the
rest of her itinerary through the Solomani Rim sector," said a spokesman. "We
can't say what her long-range plans might be, although of course we are happy
to enjoy her continued presence here on the rimward fringe of the
Imperium."The Empress herself has made no comment on the subject, despite
recent public appearances in the Gizeh Plateau monument district and at a
performance of ancient light operetta in London.Ω

Ludmilla/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Ludmilla/Solomani Rim 320-1121 A
general strike and associated pro-democracy protests on Ludmilla have
apparently led to a collapse of the local ManFirst government. Several
Cabinet officials belonging to the ManFirst Party have resigned, and
President Valleterre has gone into seclusion. This leaves the planetary
government in the hands of the moderate Vice President Iole Shirika. She has
announced the formation of a provisional government to hold power until open
elections can be held. The Interstellar Brotherhood of Labor and the Ewm Shao
Gwi tuhuir have both been called on to provide representatives for the
provisional Cabinet.Ω

Ludmilla/Esperance

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Ludmilla/Esperance 340-1121 Several
senior officers of the Ludmillan planetary fleet have apparently mutinied
against the authority of the provisional government, taking their commands
out of port and into deep system space without orders. Tukera Lines freighter
captain Qing Xiao-wen stated to TNS reporters that while his ship made its
way toward the planet, it detected multiple outbound jumps in the vicinity of
the system's largest gas giant.Ω

Dzim Zhia Gwi/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Dzim Zhia Gwi/Solomani Rim 332-1121
Officials of the Ewm Shao Gwi tuhuir have voiced approval of the IBL-led
provisional government on Ludmilla. "We reject any allegations against the
Brotherhood that may suggest anti-Vegan racism," stated tuhuir spokesman
Tyarr Elnak. "Such racism is a feature of the former ManFirst government, not
of the Interstellar Brotherhood of Labor. Our tuhuir has no quarrel with IBL
positions regarding interspecies relations or trade unionization. IBL
opinions on human politics are not otherwise our concern."Meanwhile, Joaquin
Valleterre, formerly President of the Ludmilla Republic, appeared on
Esperance today to deliver a fiery public statement denouncing the pro-labor
movement on his homeworld. "These so-called labor leaders are nothing but
jackbooted thugs, subverting the normal mechanisms of democratic government
in order to impose their own views on everyone. The ManFirst party is the
true expression of the will of the Ludmillan people, and we will not be
denied our place."Ω

Vantage/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Vantage/Solomani Rim 360-1121 After
meeting in closed session, a Solomani Party caucus has released a manifesto
calling for extensive reforms within the Solomani Confederation.Meeting here
on Vantage in closed session, the caucus is largely composed of
representatives from the worlds of the Near Bootes Cluster. Many of them are
members of the Secretariat who abandoned that body earlier in the year,
protesting the "illegitimate" government of current Secretary-General Marc
Chissano.Caucus spokesman Jan Malikov announced the existence of the
manifesto today. "For over a century, we Solomani have been living in a
prison of their own devising. In the name of our racial destiny, we have
denied ourselves the freedom that was once considered our birthright. For
fear of our foreign enemies, we have done ourselves far greater harm than
those enemies could ever have done. No more!"Malikov distributed copies of
the so-called Vantage Manifesto to members of the press. Among other reforms,
it apparently calls for an end to the Solomani Party's monopoly on legal
political activity, several reforms to the Confederation military command
structure, and the abolition of SolSec's "monitor" program.When asked about
the consequences of the manifesto for members of the Party caucus, Malikov
observed, "Manifesto or not, we're all dead men if the Chissano regime lays
hands on us. We may as well make a stand for what's best for the Solomani
people."Ω

Esperance/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Esperance/Solomani Rim 030-1122
Imperial Navy spokesmen have announced the arrest of several Vegans for
violation of Imperial interdiction laws. The identities of the arrested
Vegans are under seal, but the Navy has announced that all of them are
members of the secretive Tunshaon Gwi tuhuir.Ω

Terra/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Terra/Solomani Rim 036-1122 A
substantial portion of the Solomani border fleet has apparently declared its
support for the so-called "Vantage Manifesto," opposing the Solomani central
government.A cabal of senior Solomani Navy officers, led by Fleet Admiral
Michael Leonov, has declared the Near Bootes Cluster to be free space. Fleet
Admiral Leonov has disavowed any intention to move against Home. However, he
has committed forces under his command to defend the Cluster against any
attack, "whether from the Imperium or from the lackeys of the illegitimate
Chissano regime."Admiral Leonov is being advised by Captain Alexander
Spyridion, a former defector to the Imperium who is apparently in the good
graces of the resistance movement. Spyridion is acting as liaison to the
civilian authorities, currently operating under the command of prominent
rebel leader Jan Malikov. The position of SolSec political officers formerly
posted to Leonov's fleet is unclear.Unconfirmed rumors indicate that the Near
Bootes Cluster is not entirely unified behind the Vantage Manifesto. Forces
under Leonov's command have apparently fought minor engagements with Home
Guard units based on the Cluster worlds Aquitaine and Polyphemus.Ω

Sarpedon/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 07:31 — Anonymous Sarpedon/Solomani Rim 070-1122 Imperial
officials have detained several members of the New Bavarian Freikorps,
charging them with technical violations of an Imperial edict.The Freikorps
landed on Sarpedon just over a week ago, and has clearly been making
preparations to take on a new ticket in an unknown location. The Imperial
action has removed several members of the mercenary unit's command cadre, and
may put the unit out of action for an indefinite period.Ω

Esperance/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Esperance/Solomani Rim 300-1120Escorted
by a powerful Imperial naval detachment, Archduke Adair arrived in-system to
perform a brief inspection of colonial forces occupying Esperance. After
receiving a briefing on the situation, the Archduke appeared in public to
praise the Imperial soldiers and spacemen involved in bringing the Esperance
War to a speedy conclusion. "With malice toward none, with mercy to all, we
intend to bring a new era of peace and reconciliation to this troubled
world."The Archduke had particular praise for the Imperial commanders on the
scene. For his actions as overall commander during the Esperance War, the
Archduke announced that he was granting a baronetcy to Admiral Sir Kristian
Sandkvist, commander of the 1295th Colonial Fleet, effective immediately.In
other news, the Vegans of Waothan have taken the unusual step of agreeing to
all terms of the Imperial peace accord before those terms could be announced.
"We are confident that the Imperium will protect our rights," said Raeb
Alaok, advisor and spokesman for the Waothani central government. Raeb Alaok
declined to address rumors of recent shuffling of administrative positions
within the Waothani government.Ω

Hoatzin/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Hoatzin/Solomani Rim 310-1120Archduke
Adair appeared in public with Countess Aurelie Muuadin of Hoatzin today,
presiding over a gathering of Hoatzin's foremost industrial and business
leaders. The Archduke praised the Countess for her management of her domain,
particularly with regard to the recently negotiated end to the Stralsund
dictatorship and the financial bailout of the Gran Hoatzin Consortium.
Afterward, gossip columnists speculated about whether the Countess had
attracted the Archduke's eye, but there seemed no visible evidence of any
personal connection between the two.Ω

Shululsish/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Shululsish/Solomani Rim
320-1120Archduke Adair has arrived on Shululsish to preside over the upcoming
meeting of the ducal senate. He has taken up residence on the estate of Count
Gyldenskjold, sharing those quarters with such worthies as the Countess of
Hoatzin and the Aslan leader Teahtaukhakhtko. Late this evening he appeared
at a grand ball held in the Ducal Palace, accepting the homage of the
assembled peers.It appears that a clear majority of the duchy's peerage has
arrived on Shululsish for the convocation. A clear quorum of the electors
seems almost certain. The highest-ranking peer not in attendance is the Count
of Dimmurak, who sent his regrets (and his proxies, held by the Marquis of
Boqueron). Many other prominent figures of the Alderamin region are also
present, including representatives from all major Imperial corporations and
several delegates from the Vegan Autonomous Region.One delegation of
particular interest is that of Teahtaukhakhtko. The Aslan chief is naturally
accompanied by his son and heir Staiyoea, but also by two young Aslan not
formerly seen in his retinue. Aslan-watchers on Shululsish have spent much
time speculating about the identities of these new followers, whom the ko is
apparently treating with great honor.Security in the starport area and
throughout the capital is very tight, with Imperial and planetary forces all
involved and on high alert. There has been no trouble, although a minor
incident occurred early this morning when a passenger off the Dingir Star was
arrested by the planetary constabulary. The passenger's identity is still
being held in confidence, but he is reported to be a former employee of
Tukera Lines presently traveling on a Cuchulain passport. Constabulary
spokesmen announced that he was being held on suspicion of involvement in
assault and extortion charges, dating back to 1116.Ω

Shululsish/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Shululsish/Solomani Rim 322-1120Today's
debate in the ducal senate involved the identity of the next Duke of
Alderamin. Post-session interviews revealed several surprises. Count Carl
Gyldenskjold of Shululsish was mentioned by a number of the barons as the
leader in the day's discussion, winning a substantial plurality of the votes.
Other candidates receiving significant vote blocs included Count Willem
Salacrou of Cuchulain and Countess Aurelie Muuadin of Hoatzin.The biggest
surprise of the day involved the Aslan chief-paramount, Teahtaukhakhtko.
Apparently at one point in the day's discussions he was nominated for the
duchy, and during the balloting he received a small bloc of votes. However,
the ko himself refused to be held in consideration for the office, and quite
visibly instructed all Aslan members of the senate to abstain from voting.
Thus the ko received votes only from non-Aslan senators, and clearly did not
vote for himself. No explanation has been forthcoming for this maneuver.A
small bloc of pro-Solomani peers registered a protest vote by nominating and
supporting the ancient Solomani cultural icon, Mickey Mouse. Archduke Adair
was said to be noticeably irritated, and ruled the nomination out of
order.The day's proceedings were apparently orderly, although Baron William
Royce of Hoatzin was ejected from the convocation about midday. The palace's
Sergeant of Arms refused to comment on the reason for the ejection, other
than to note that it was ordered by Archduke Adair. Baron Royce was seen
departing the senate building wearing an unusual piece of costumery: two
large black discs affixed to the sides of his head.Ω

Shululsish/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Shululsish/Solomani Rim 323-1120On the
final day of the senate convocation, the electors continued to cast their
ballots in order to select a candidate for the Duchy of Alderamin. Unofficial
sources indicate that there was considerable back-room negotiation, both
overnight and between today's rounds of balloting. On the 14th ballot, Count
Carl Gyldenskjold of Shululsish won a clear majority of the electorate and
was declared the choice of the convocation by Archduke Adair. The Archduke
immediately decreed his concurrence with the selection, and announced that
Count Gyldenskjold will immediately assume the position of Duke of Alderamin,
subject to confirmation by the Emperor.When the news reached planetary
networks, Shululsish erupted into impromptu celebration. Count Gyldenskjold
is quite popular here on his homeworld, and many citizens were quite open in
their wish that he be promoted to the duchy.Ω

Esperance/Solomani Rim

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 04:45 — Anonymous Esperance/Solomani Rim 341-1120Nueva
Argentina signed the Imperium-brokered peace accords today, although leaders
of the former Human Bloc of nations expressed resentment at the terms of the
agreement. "This treaty places Esperance in the effective control of Waothan
and its Vegan-irredentist government," said President Miguel de la Pena of
Gran Colombia. "No matter what the fortunes of war, the Human citizens of
Esperance have rights as well, and will one day cast off this fascist
regime."Speaker Raeb Alaok of the Waothani government rejected these veiled
threats. "Waothan has no interest in violating the rights of Human citizens
of Esperance. Indeed, Waothan has many Human citizens of its own who are
valued members of society. Still, the so-called Human Bloc has several times
committed treason against the Imperium, violated the Rules of War, and
trampled on the civil rights of Vegans everywhere on this planet. They can
hardly claim to be the victims at this point."Ω