TC Times Archive
Last Updated on Monday, 05 April 2010 23:32
This is an archive for newspaper articles from the official Torn City Times.
| Columns | |
| Gossip | 'Hard Facts'* |
TCB has posted these articles in their entirety, and has not edited any content, apart from format changes (eg Author + ID).
This archive is not exhaustive- we are missing a lot of articles. Some dates on Articles are when they were added to TCB, not when the Article was published.
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* No longer updated/ active
The Great Egg Hunt 2010 - 05/04/10
Thirty-one days and thousands of muggings later Torn City has found a winner in the March Dog Tag competition. There was no real surprise from this reporter to hear that Torn’s own BodyBagger, currently level 88, destroyed the competition ending the month with an astonishing 11,245 Tags. Torn’s Project_Alice, currently level 62, came in second with 10,415 Tags; an amazing feat in its own right. These two players were the dominant force in the competition with no other player breaking 5,000 Tags. While Mayor Chedburn released the winners just a short time ago, he wasted no time in preparing the citizens of Torn for yet another exciting competition.
With the Dog Tag Competition at an end many players will be relieved to find a reduction in the number of random muggings and attacks. With any luck the price of morphine should return to its normal price, which could be good or bad depending on your occupation. With the bloody month of March behind us Torn’s citizens should crank up their awareness and get ready for the April Easter Egg Extravaganza.
Mere hours after releasing the Tag competition winners, Mayor Chedburn announced the Easter Egg Competition. Six, coloured Easter eggs have been hidden around Torn’s vast city. Members will have an entire month to try and collect these eggs in the hopes of trading in the set. Members lucky enough to find or acquire all six eggs will win a, “golden Easter egg collectible, and a few points,” said Mayor Chedburn.
The Mayor was not crystal clear on how to find these eggs, but one could only assume they would be found much like all other items are found in Torn: through the city. Citizens hoping to find an egg should make an effort to use the city link to direct them around Torn City whenever possible. If you’re going to the gym, go via the city, and don’t just take the direct link. Finding items happens randomly, but there are ways to increase your chances. Players can use merits, and in some cases, job points to amplify their awareness; certain drugs will also give you a brief awareness boost. A player with high awareness will likely find eggs faster than a player with low awareness, but it’s not a definite.
Younger players should be happy to know that this competition should give them a much better chance to compete with the higher levels. While higher level players may have a higher awareness the overall outcome of finding eggs is still random, and lower levels will find it much easier to find items in the city than they will trying to take down a level fifty or higher for some dog tags. The competition has already begun and that means you should have clicked on the city link to get to this newspaper article. Happy hunting everyone, and as Mayor Chedburn said, “Good Luck!”
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
Let's Get Personal - 05/04/10
Are you finding yourself depressed and despondent in your daily life? Is the clutter and emptiness of your mansion starting to get to you? If so, chances are, the missing ingredient is a spouse. Torn City remains one of the more progressive cities in the country when it comes to marriage. There are no laws or discriminatory measures put in line to prevent any two people from joining in marriage. This has drawn many Torn players into Same-Sex Marriages that are often based solely on monetary positioning rather than love or interest. Desperate players looking to marry might think the most convenient way is through the Torn City personals, but what kind of spouses will you find?
While it’s no surprise to see that Torn’s male population far outweigh their female counterparts, one would not know it from scouring the Men seeking Women personal section. One should not be surprised to find their own girlfriend, sister, or in some rare cases for female players, pictures of themselves populating random profiles on the personals board. Many male players desperate to find a mate will try to pass themselves off as an “attractive female” in order to garner sympathy and freebies from a generous and unsuspecting player. The profiles usually, if not always, feature girls aged fifteen to twenty-two all of whose interests seem to be money, sex, and chatting. Why are all these provocative women hanging out on torn looking for sex and money you might ask? In short, they aren’t. Don’t be one of the foolish individuals who fall prey to this scam.
With the bad behind us it should be said that the Torn City Personals still serve a purpose in the community, though not the purpose intended. Yes, it offers players looking for marriage an easy and accessible place to browse. It also guarantees that someone at some point will stumble upon your profile and notice you, but whether that notice will have good or bad results remains to be seen.
If a players overall desire is to find a highly active and valuable spouse than the forums would probably be a better place to start. While a handful of new players may occasionally glimpse at the personals out of actual interest more times than not these people are looking for scammers. Because their profiles are easily accessible personals posters may become the target of many attackers looking to make a quick buck; since many of these posters are faction-less and vault-less it makes them an easy target. The point is the personals have become anything but personals. Torn patrons would be better served looking for a spouse in their own way, in accordance with their personal desires.
So what’s the point of getting married anyway? Ultimately, it’s for the merits. Torn couples receive one merit every fifty days as an anniversary gift and this really is a deal too sweet to pass up. The trick is, like in real life, staying married. Since members can’t receive merits more than once a divorce will often set you back hundreds of days. If you’ve already received a fifty day marriage merit you will have to wait one-hundred days to receive your next one in a different marriage. There are several warning signs citizens can look for when preparing to propose. They should look at the player’s friend list. If a person has one friend and two-thousand enemies a light should go off in your head; maybe this person is trouble. If the person has been married multiple times, this could also be a bad sign. It’s a good idea to build up a rapport with someone before jumping into a relationship, that way you know what you are inheriting.
Everyone in Torn City should have a partner, but finding that partner is up to you. If you're feeling lucky head on over to the personals section and have a look around. You never know who you might find.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
Exports Away - 29/03/10
Tired of the long lines and ridiculous export laws, you wouldn’t be the first. Torn’s airport has been blasted with complaints lately over their ban on traveller’s carry-on luggage. Torn allows travel to beautiful locations around the world, and the members of those countries enjoy the stacks of money that Torn’s residents shell out for their goods on a daily basis. The recent opening of the airport in Dubai has given the richest of Torn’s citizens a place to buy the most extravagant gifts, which many residents could only dream of purchasing. However, while all these countries continue to benefit from the buying of their goods, the citizens of Torn continue to be kept out of the loop. They face long-waiting times for flights, the inconvenience of only being able to fly out of Torn City, and the bewildering law which completely bans the export of items from Torn.
With the recent invention of carry-on luggage tourists are now able to haul more loot than ever, which is great news, but only serves to beg the question, why not make it a two way street? Why are citizens forced to sell their items to players in Torn, and not throughout the world? One could make the claim that the ban on exports serves to better supply Torn’s residents. Markets that are currently jammed with supplies of morphine and cheap flowers could find themselves empty if travellers learned that bigger profits could be made in a foreign city. This seems doubtful though, as Torn is a city built on capitalism, and as long as there are members who need supplies, someone will be there to supply them, regardless.
The export problem could possibly be resolved by adapting the new Bazaar system. Perhaps Anonymous or another NPC could operate their own Bazaar out of each location. The Bazaar would be buying certain items arbitrarily, which would occasionally allow travellers to find bargains in areas like Mexico or Canada, that they once had to fly much further to acquire. The bargains would be far more a matter of luck than routine if the staff members are able to design the system effectively. All problems aside, as Torn continues to expand and game designers and players look for new depth and new twists that could draw in more players while still keeping things comfortable enough for the older and original players who helped make Torn the city it is today, the idea of exports and new flight laws become interesting concepts.
The idea of more fluctuating prices and the ability to trade exports from one location to another, as well as the ability to fly from one country to another directly would greatly increase the economic side of Torn. This resonates with many players who have long given up hopes of being the strongest or fastest player in Torn City. It adds depth that goes beyond the ideas of war and criminality. However, it would also be a big change, and that is something that has to be taken into account. The ultimate decision is up to the designers and Mayor Chedburn. While they have done a terrific job of crafting the city into its current mould we cannot forget that we are the citizens of this fine city and that it is up to us to make our voices heard. If you have an idea that you think would make Torn City a better place or just a more interesting place for us all, let your voice out and be heard.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
Pawn Shop To Go Out? - 29/03/10
Taking a trip to the East Side of the City you would find a bunch of local shops open but one without any visiting customers. The Pawn Shop, ever since created with last year’s update by Chedburn was rarely, if ever, visited. Its job was to offer a quick sell at points and donator packs and a quick buy for those who want them.
Though it was meant to lower the market price of the points over-circulating in torn and the price always hitting the $50,000 cap, there wasn’t really much impact. The price that Torn’s pawn shop offers to buy for points is $39,999 which is 20% lower than the market price. Well, any citizen with a brain would not step into this shop knowing that a bad deal is the only offer. Points are among the easiest objects to sell as a citizen can expect to receive cash from selling the points at the points market in a matter of seconds and at a lot better deal than the pawn shop ($49,000 minimum per point). Well, if the word to describe our Pawn Shop is not “Screwed” then I don’t know what other word would.
Perhaps the pawn shop might bring up some of the citizens as the dp buyer. It offers to buy a citizen’s donator pack at selling value which is ridiculously lower than the item market price for these prestigious privileges. When the business first started, the dp market price was around $4,000,000. Now the market price is $7,600,000 but the price it offers had always been constant and unattractive. The evidence is that it currently (and probably never) has no points or dp’s in stocks to sell to potential buyers.
What’s even worse is that Pawn Shop has been famous for being a good money maker as the 13 nerve crime. Many higher citizens had recorded at least a few attempts robbing money and points off the pawn shop. The Pawn Shop is constantly losing money being criminally harassed and it’s only a matter of time when it will be closed down. If it were a player, I’d say it’s as good as a “999 days in Federal Jail. Account Marked for Deletion”. For as long as it’s still running, it’s only giving out freebies to those with enough nerve and crime exp. But that might be good for us Torn citizens as well. I feel pity for whoever is in charge of that shop as something needs to change.
- Article by Amberlyee [907584]
All Hands Out? - 23/03/10
Take a good look out your window, and then tell me what you saw. My guess is that you saw tall grey buildings, a bustling Casino district overflowing with greed and profit, a permanently crowded government hospital and penitentiary, and lots and lots of hands out. That’s right, it’s impossible to go anywhere in Torn these days without running into beggars and grifters. Whether you’re stuck in the orange walls of Torn’s prison, visiting its convenient hospital, lurking in the forums, or just trying to have a conversation on the new Chat system, residents are finding it impossible to avoid an onslaught of citizens begging with both hands out. Where did this greed and idea of entitlement come from? I think it’s safe to say it was of our own design.
Much like in our everyday lives Torn citizens have a notebook full of sob stories made to influence and play on generous and naïve citizens’ sympathies. Everyone has heard the story of a scammed citizen, someone who ridiculously believed that giving someone all their money would somehow grant them a “too good to be true” sort of result. The citizen seeks out help anywhere and everywhere it is available. For Torn’s most active citizens this has become a great annoyance, and in some cases a great expense.
The beggars or scammers (though the words have different meanings, on Torn they are often interchangeable) have become a target of several Torn faction who dedicate much of their time to finding scammers and “giving them their just desserts.” Torn also has several popular sigs, including one utilized by this reporter, portraying players as members of an Anti-Begging Society or movement. Putting one of these in your profile may or may not be ample enough warning to keep beggars from randomly emailing and pestering you, but at least when they do they cannot say they weren’t warned.
If we are going to have hope of reducing the problem of begging it helps to start from the beginning. Who are the most prominent beggars in Torn? Sadly to say, it is the younger and inexperienced players. They come into the game with nothing, and are looking for nothing short of a hand out, to make their lives more enjoyable within the game. That initial belief rubs a lot of Torn’s citizens the wrong way because of the simple fact that they started in the same place, with the same resources that everyone else starts with. This isn’t an issue of what you deserve but an issue of what you can earn. The established players in Torn are always looking for new individuals who are going to be a valuable member of Torn’s society. That next member could be you.
When you decide to begin your career in Torn City getting noticed is everything. You don’t have to spam everyone or the message boards in order to get noticed, in fact, doing so will result in the exact kind of attention that you don’t want. Don’t assume the message boards will provide all your answers, the people who frequent the message boards, like myself, are not necessarily just looking to help everyone, or give hand-outs for that matter. Get yourself a trailer, hop on a TC help and information site, and start learning the underlying rules of the game. If you are active frequently you will be noticed. There are several factions out there always looking for new “upcoming” members and they will seek you out when the time is right. Despite the fact that you might seek out a faction right away for protection or benefits purposes this could ultimately hurt your status. You would likely end up in a weaker faction and might miss out on offers from more powerful factions who would be impressed by your persistence and enjoyment of the game. Think about what Torn City means to you, and what you would like to get out of it. Think to yourself, do I want to be the one who runs one of Torn’s elite Oil Companies, or do I want to be the guy begging for five bucks to go to the casino? Start thinking about your future early because in Torn, almost every decision you make from day one, will weigh on you down the road. Good luck, and get those hands out of our face and back in your own pockets, we will all be happier for it.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
Doctors Demand Higher Pay - 23/03/10
Doctors in Torn City have come together to deliver a stern message to Mayor Chedburn, ‘We want health reform and we want it now.” The hospital has long been a popular spot for many of Torn’s residents because of the advantages it offers. The medical field offers a vast array of knowledge for residents to soak up. Dedicated doctors, who reach the rank of Brain Surgeon, even gain the ability to revive members who are in the hospital. For many Xanax abusers, these doctors are a blessing they know all too well. However, somewhere in the mix the doctors have gotten lost. Their services are not being looked at valuably, and their pay continues to be overshadowed by many lesser professions.
Take me for example, when I’m not busy patrolling the beat and looking for the next hot button issue I spend my days moving furniture and helping Torn citizens move into their bigger and better properties. Just yesterday I moved in three such residents and made over twenty thousand dollars doing so. That’s about three times what the average brain surgeon made saving lives. Doctors have been pushed aside, in some cases making less than an entry level position at a candle store or fireworks stand. The Doctors and nurses of the hospital have come to one conclusion, they want a raise, and they want it sooner rather than later.
Like all other government jobs in Torn the salaries are determined by Mayor Chedburn. Soon the doctors will begin a petition, gathering the signatures of all Torn’s civilian residents who want what they feel has been a long time coming, some financial reform for health care.
Until real change comes to Torn the employees of Torn Hospital have to look for other ways to earn their income. This has translated into the ever-rising cost of health care items on the market. The underlying issue is, when doctors get the short end of the stick, so do Torn’s residents because ultimately we pay for the services. The doctors of Torn provide a valuable service and they deserve at least reasonable compensation for their time. With the dog tag competition running through March doctors have been working overtime trying to keep up with their patients and trying to keep the market saturated with morphine and first aid kits. As the competition comes to an end, doctors will be able to spend more of their time speaking out about the injustice of Torn’s health care system. The petition starts here Mayor Chedburn, and the ball is now fully in your court.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
How Bazaar! - 16/03/10
Welcome to the bustling wasteland that is Torn City. For years citizens have flocked to the city in the hopes of creating a fresh start. As Mayor Chedburn has continued his reign he has been anything but a dormant dictator, bringing evolution and fresh ideas to the city at all times. While citizens have been eagerly awaiting the rumours of ‘big updates’ in the future, this Monday, two of them arrived.
Here begins the age of the American “rummage sale”. Torn’s citizens now have a new home outside of Torn’s long-overcrowded marketplace. For a meagre price of 250 points, roughly 12.5 million dollars, Torn’s citizens can have their own shop right in their backyard. That’s right, the days of forking over ten percent of your hard earned money to the market capitalists are over. Citizens can now check the market value and price their own items accordingly to draw people to their store.
If handled correctly the new bazaars could easily sky-rocket some younger players into popularity. The new market system enables players to become an actual asset in the city. While many residents are used to scouring the market for the lowest price or buying arbitrarily, now players can more easily build up a rapport with a good seller for all their future transactions. Need a steady supply of drugs but don’t feel like wasting your time and money to fly there? Then hire a local shop to take care of all your drug needs for you. Some shop owners will surely take payments in advance and offer their best customers greater bargains for bulk orders.
Along with the updates to the new bazaar Torn also instituted an updated display cabinet for Torn’s collectors. The new display cabinet features a much more conventional cabinet look, with items displayed side by side instead of in a laundry list. It also allows the owner to customize his or her cabinet, displaying their favourite or most valuable items right at the top for all of Torn to see. Display Cabinets, like the bazaar, are purchased with points, and serve as an excellent way for you to show off all those wonderful items that have been collecting dust in your items menu for too many years.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
More Negative News! - 17/08/09
Oh no! Unemployment skyrocketed last week! Torn is out of bread? Whatever are we supposed to do!? Yet with all this terrible news, others are complaining about the clothes we wear in Torn City. So what does this all amount to? I know, the “Illuminati” are to blame for our shortage of bread! Ha! On a recent article about this “light bringing” society, this group is responsible for all the crime in this city. Our city of Torn relies on crime to get through the day. We’re all here as criminals. Should we get rid of crime? What would be the point of Torn City?
A reporter suggested that we have a lack of holly (yes, holly.) places in our city. Like hell I’m going to dress up all nice every Sunday just to go to listen to some preacher who’s most likely committed multiple assassinations.
My point is, if reporters are going to single out tiny little flaws in Torn, no one’s going to read the news because no one will care. Why are some citizens so concerned about crime? Who cares if there’s no bread left? Do we even eat!? The only real reason people come to this city is to be the top criminal. If somebody is going to complain about “secret criminal societies” in Torn, why even live here? Even the Mayor himself admits to committing over 500 criminal offences. The newspaper is supposed to report news. There was crime, inflation, and problems yesterday, and there was crime, inflation, and problems today. None of these news reports sound “new” to me.
- Article by TickTack [934337]
Squatters look to Torn - 17/08/09
Have you ever looked around the city closely, especially the residential and business sectors. More and more businesses and private residences are being boarded up and left vacant. The landlords have gone away or just forgot they had these premises.
The poor are looking at these empty properties with a jealous gleam in their eyes. Some now are even talking about taking a crowbar and removing the boards and seeing if the authorities would notice a new movement of people demanding squatter’s rights in these empty properties.
Would this be a warning to the rich property tycoons to manage their portfolios better or would the Torn police Authority clamp down hard on those who only wish to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Many who have to live on the breadline? Just avoiding starvation by selling knock off DVDs from the back of a stolen Reliant or mugging unsuspecting residents.
What will Mayor Chedburn's response be? Only time will tell if he sees this as a realistic threat or just another moan of the poor and malcontents
- Article by Hordari_Loca [888177]
TC Set For Benefits? - 09/08/09
Recently the number of unemployed people in Torn has sky rocketed. Torn City authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of people out of work. The high level of unemployment (which currently stands at around 30%) is also being blamed for the city's terrible crime level. With the average citizen being jailed over 44 times and committing over 1000 offences the city justice force is struggling to cope.
The unemployed are calling for Mayor Chedburn to implement a benefits system for people who are unable to find a job. They say they cannot get a reasonable job as the pay is not what they expect or can even live on.
There have been several solutions suggested by residents of the city. Some of them are: pushing forward public sector employment by putting stat gains up, others says that there needs to be a push to get the city's many employers to lower their sights and accept less skilled people and even put wages up. Employers have hit back by saying that it isn't their fault, they have many spaces in their company's but people don't want to work or expect stupidly high wages.
However most residents are calling for a tax break for mayor Chedburn and lower fuel prices from BPP; Torn’s only refinery. But as the demand for fuel increases and Chedburn continuously has to pay out for various crimes committed in the city citizens don't look set to get either.
Overall the outlook looks gloomy with the city police in disarray and the economy heading for a recession people are really starting to struggle. Mine as most players advice would be to lower you pay expectation and take whatever comes your way and to not expect something for nothing.
- Article by f3K [539951]
Band makes TC Tune - 09/08/09
A band whose members are residents of the TC community, have clubbed together to make a song dedicated to our beautiful city! The song is still in the producing stages at this current time, but will available in a few weeks for TC residents to listen and comment on!
Band member James had this to say:
"The song is about the daily life of a citizen in torn city, we also touched on what some residents resort to in times of hardship and also addiction"
The band has kept its identity anonymous just in case people take a bad turn or dislike to it! Everything will be checked over by TC officials should the song be released for the enjoyment of the public. The idea of making a dedicated song came about after one of the band members read an article in this very newspaper claiming the citizens of Torn are not expressing their views and opinions. We all go through harsh and bad times when we are poor or at a loss of some form, we don’t all share these feelings! Some of us actually like this city!
"This is a way of showing torn city how we feel through song, we are a rock/pop band and we hope the song will reflect that in our lyrics, using good old fashioned rock and a catchy hook!"
Who knows what people will make of Torn City’s first ever dedicated tune, but whatever the outcome, I and many other citizens hope there will be many more to follow.
- Article by Xcel [84611]
TCHS Awarded - 02/08/09
Torn Hospitals given Award.
The Torn HealthCare system has won a prestigious award for being one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world. For many years now this free healthcare system has been given to any citizen able to provide legal documentation that they are a legal citizen in Torn.
M.D. Dr. Rot ‘Neal - A leading expert in the medical world, had this to say: "Torn's health care system is the pride of the modern world. It is a wonder to me that such top notch healthcare is available to all residents for free."
What you see at first glance is poorly built hospitals that are often overcrowded. But what aren’t seen are the technically advanced treatments that are offered behind closed doors. Citizens that have taken a gunshot to the forehead, mauled by dogs, and even burned alive in arson are all treated for their wounds quickly and efficiently. They leave the hospital shortly after with bones mended, faces re-structured, and second degree burns hardly visible - all in the time lapse of half a day. Torn is very secret about their medical techniques. Many Torn Surgeons have been offered jobs in other countries, but no other then Torn can shell out thousands upon thousands of dollars a day for payment of these surgeon gods.
Even with this amazing medical system, some citizens have their urge to skip their treatment. Usually this involves doping up on mass quantities of pain killer like morphine.
One question we have to ask is - will Torn’s Healthcare always remain so free? We, the Citizens of Torn can only hope. We know we all have taken it for granted that we can blow our own foot off for fun or money, and be walking again the next day.
- Article by BipolarKittens [35853]
Golden Opportunity - 02/08/09
Have you ever been over the top annoyed with investment results ever since our Mayor changed the way our stock market works? Yes, we all have. For a while now, citizens have been buying and selling stocks, some have been making fortunes while others realized all their money simply vanished.
Times such as these are enraging, frustrating moments where you just wish for another way to invest your hard earned money. It's time to find a new, more creative way for us to just sit back and relax while all our money still accumulates in masses.
Currently there is only one other way to do that. Have you ever heard of the group of words, "Public Limited Corporation?" Why not kick your money out to them? But exactly what does this new unique PLC Company started by multiple people do?
The Public Limited Corporation is Torn City's first and only corporation to be floated unofficially on the T.C.S.E 31. A PLC is a corporation that has an unlimited number of shareholders and offers its shares to the wider public. CEO: PLC-chinaman5 [379290] is the man that started this whole idea; he is currently running a successful operation.
Kindly he answered my one question that is on the minds of thousands of citizens currently thinking about investing with PLC:
Reporter: How can I tell that you are trustworthy now that scamming is legal?
PLC-chinaman5: Nothing in Torn City is 100% safe and all investments are now at your own risk. I myself have never scammed anyone on this game and I despise those people that have. I will try to make you feel safe when purchasing shares, and I want you to be 100% confident if you decide to invest in the PLC. I will also send you a contract with all the appropriate details and terms/conditions once payment for the shares has been made to give you confidence in your PLC investment. But as I say, if you don’t feel safe then don’t invest."
Although many people may be wary about this new concept in business, many other people have already decided to take the risk and invest with PLC. Some of the largest investors currently hold millions of shares of PLC. Every week, PLC lets out a new report of their performance, based on how many shares people hold. So far so good, as PLC has recorded strong earnings and results for the past month. In all, this is a great opportunity for citizens to try something new. Whether or not you should trust them is your own choice, but hundreds of satisfied investors now choose the new Public Limited Corporation.
- Article by TickTack [934337]
Red Lights? - 26/07/09
The besieged Red Light District is expected to announce 1000 job cuts tomorrow.
The adult entertainment business is entangled in a cash crisis after the slutting exchange hits commercial homes. Tomorrow it is expected to reveal a choking debt of over $1 Billion TC Dollars.
To strategically keep itself in business, the adult entertainments industry is expected to axe a further 100 jobs from its strong work force and slash pay incentives and bonuses from its surviving employees.
Last week it was revealed that the adult entertainments were brainstorming radical plans to keep this section of the red light district in the spice. However, after many gruesome hours of unsuccessful plans and dead end ideas, the adult entertainments dropped to their knees and are pleading for the end of commercial slutting which has multiplied in the residential district.
Adult entertainments Managing director, Iva Esteedees, exasperatedly fussed that, that not only did she have to buy a licence to allow her girls to slut, but the ‘randoms’ who are doing it themselves, have no skills or style to please the customer, being very erratic to who they please and are providing no quality of service.
She further goes on to plead that this service stops, so her busty figures and hunky machos can keep their jobs and carry on slutting and escorting the way it always has been. On the positive side, the Casino and TC Community have a received a positive interest and carries on to sustain a wealthy income.
The slutting industry in the Red light district is predicted to give its final jiggle and giggle in a few months’ time, however; your frolicsome fun can be received by your next door neighbours.
- Article by Grooveryder [373825]
Protests at Torn Raceway - 19/07/09
Owners, drivers, crew chiefs and fans alike were up-in-arms yesterday at Torn City Raceway, down in the heart of the Red Light District. It seems the whole racing community is fed up with the dominance of a relatively small number of racers who seem to take home the lion’s share of the winnings. Would be racers, new and old; leave the track daily, never to return. Blame was being cast in all directions, but one thing is for sure, there are a lot of disgruntled racers in the city of Torn.
One racing enthusiast, darkroast [1049926], a relatively new resident of the city at just over 3 months, was heard to say that he had spent more than $500,000 attempting to win just one oval track race! “They won't even let you upgrade your car until after you get two wins! What pencil brain came up with that for a rule? Obviously nobody who has ever raced before!” “And get this,” continuing his rant, “I am racing a completely showroom stock GT against these cherry pickers who have been racing for years, and who have every upgrade known to man installed on their car and have WAY more experience than me. I tell ya, it’s a crock! I’ve got a better chance of finding a Private Island on sale for $10,000 bucks than I ever do of winning a race!” Sadly, darkroast has never won – not even 1 race. One might not expect such a new resident to win so soon in his racing career. However, it seems the problem is not just among new residents.
LovelyLadyLana [185349] has been a resident of Torn for nearly 4 years and had this to say, “Okay, so I have never been into racing much but I thought why not, I’ll give it a whirl. I got this great new mechanic and I knew he could get me into the winners circle and so I thought, why not? And well, do not let this get out, but I thought I would easily be able to go out and teach some of these good ‘ole boys a lesson on the oval track, I mean, I have lived in Torn most of my adult life. I work out at the gym regularly and I have a 5-Star job where I receive heaps of training and job specials. I mean really, who would be better prepared to win their first race than someone like me?” Yet LovelyLadyLana reports that she struggled early on, and to this day admits that she enters races at odd hours of the day so as to not be drawn into a race with those who are the, “known winners.” Imagine that, to have lived in Torn for 4 years and still not be comfortable racing down at Torn Raceway.
Track promoters say that residents, both old and new alike show up at the track daily with their shiny new showroom GTs and Corvettes. “You can see the excitement in their faces. They easily plop down either the required $10,000 oval track entry fee or they come ready to pair up with the fast car of the night on the drag strip.” But after a few races, with nothing but defeat and empty wallets to show for their efforts, they load up their cars, haul them out of the speedway, never to be seen again. “Who ever heard of racing, or any form of competition for that matter, without the benefit of various classes of racers to separate the skill levels? I mean, who wants to line up against Michael Schumacher in his first race, or any race, unless he or she has equal experience, financial backing and experience? How does the city expect us to grow the sport if newcomers have absolutely zero chance of winning?”
Some suggest that new racers gather in groups of 5 among those with the same experience level. Then, when they see an empty slate for an upcoming race, they all jump in immediately to try to get into the same field. Effectively, they are forming their own classes of racers, no thanks to the city for putting the effort in to form classes for new racers. Racers complain that it is impossible to get together this way, and even if they do, there are plenty of “ringers” out there who jump in at the last minute as the 5th racer and spoil it for the other 4. How could one expect racing to build if they send all the new talent packing every night?
With the indigenous population of Torn being nearly 50,000 people on any given day, one would honestly expect to see more racers down at the track. But until someone in the city puts the time and effort forward to develop classes of racing, one can be sure the protesting will continue and the number of racers will decline.
- Article by SwampRat [1197291]
Fuel Awareness - 19/07/09
Yesterday’s report of City Trade Board about fuel quality in our town was a totally shock. Eight of twenty-five checked petrol stations have petrol, which were classified as “very bad”, “bad” or “unacceptable”. The worst was normal gasoline “Unleaded 95” and “Torn Diesel”. A bit better was Torn Liquid Petrochemical Gas (TLPG). The safest were premium petrol “Extra 98” and “Torn Premium Diesel”. Our reporter has visited some petrol stations and talk with costumers, clerks and petrol station owners.
Costumers were totally shocked, when I informed them about results of inspection. A man in suit told me “This is unbelievable, I`ve just bought my new car, I wouldn`t destroy it any way”. Other women were suspicious: “Are you sure, young man? - She asks – I always use cheapest petrol I can find... refineries belong to mafia. I wouldn`t support them, because they supports terrorists.” Next driver I asked replaced “I am refugee from Poland. In `80s, when Poland was a socialistic country, there were always lacks of petrol. Personally, I used petrol mixed with solvent, but now there are other cars with other motors inside. When I have choice, I choose the best fuel I can get.”
Clerks and petrol stations owners think that this report is ruse against them. They also assert me about quality of petrol in Torn City.
Last walk-out in Torn West Refinery has raised petrol prices up to 20%, so drivers looking for cheap petrol. We want to warn you - very often saving is only on paper.
Our expert, car mechanic Tom Raxter told me: “Bad quality fuel can destroy motor in your car at once. We know samples, when dirt petrol damaged pump, injection system or carb. When petrol contains water, pressure in motor can destroy pistons. Full renovation of motor and fuel system costs up to 30.000 $, all depends on type of car”.
Fuel Trade Economical – Ray Sleter told me also: “Costs of production well-quality petrol cannot be changed, because this is an expensive business. There is only one variable: price of raw oil. Another thing, as abstergent and lubricating additives, depends on refinery or marketing head offices, therefore fuel from the same refinery, but from another marketing head office could be different quality. Just be careful, where you refuel”
We`ll follow this subject. Our reporters will inform you about all new things. Always remember this: branded and super market stations are always the safest.
- Article by Acient [1069295]
Mayor Under Investigation - 12/07/09
Recently at a press conference, Governor Shellinick announced that he was dumbfounded by the crime rate in Torn City. He stated that Mayor Chedburn was completely insufficient at his job and must be replaced. He stated that in Torn, there is no such thing as gun control, street racing is comparable to football, muggings, gang wars, and all form of felonies and criminal misdemeanours, are common place in this corrupt town.
The Governor began going through the standard legal process to have Mayor Chedburn impeached. To his surprise he found that anyone with a position that gave them the authority to do such a heinous act as impeach our good mayor has mysteriously, and anonymously “disappeared”. Police report that these disappearances have become more and more common with the increasing power of Mayor Chedburn. The police chief however stated that this was a complete coincidence and that it would be improbable and impossible that the mayor would have anything to do with these unclassified murders. I was able to squeeze in an interview with Chief Haldorf.
Me: There have been more and more murders related to people who could hurt Mayor Chedburn, and you still say that he would never have anything to do with it? How can you be so sure and trusting?
Chief: Firstly: I don’t like how you said “murders”. Not one of these cases has been classified as a murder yet. They could just be taking a very long vacation.
Me: Is it not true that in the case of District Attorney McKathy there was a trail of blood leading to where he normally parked his car?
Chief: … Technically yes.
Me: And you still believe that Mayor Chedburn is innocent of all association with these “disappearances”?
Chief: Of course! I have known Ched' since I took this position. He is a good man that would never be involved in foul play.
Me: Is it also true that you recently bought a mansion on your own private island?
Chief: Why yes it is.
Me: How, may I ask, on a policeman’s salary can you afford to buy your own island?
Chief: I think that you have asked enough questions for today.
Me: Could it be possible that certain politicians are “persuading you” in some way?
Chief: No. Now I will have to ask you to leave.
Clearly, not all factors are visible in this situation. Though regardless of this reporter's opinion, it seems that Mayor Chedburn is still invincible in holding his office. For the time being, we shall all obey under Chedburn’s infinite rule.
- Article by Patrick_Budd [477080]
Censorship in Torn - 12/07/09
Have you ever sent some mail only to find it didn't get to its destination? Have you ever gone to your local newspaper provider to find that your article about Chedburn has yet again been denied publication? Well I've got news for you, Chedburn the almighty Mayor of our city has been censoring your views in fear of exposing the truth. Many people have tried to change this and many have not been seen in days.
Chedburn has made many changes to Torn the past few months, but has he ever asked you what you wanted? The answer to that question won't be answered if Chedburn stops this article. I myself took my research to the streets, I've found many citizens who have been missing for over a year. Have you ever seen any news articles about these brave men and women? No, and you never will because Chedburn made them disappear for a reason.
A friend of mine, Candyman123 lives in constant fear of our Mayor and his secret service. Candyman123 was trying to suggest many things to the city's officials, and received phone calls from anonymous men, threatening him to keep his mouth shut, or he will be take a walk off Torn Pier with cement shoes.
In closing I would like to say, protect your rights, citizens of Torn and stand up for what you believe.
- Article by Fuelgivemefire [1000850]
Peace - Full? - 06/07/09
In the old days, this city used to be infected with danger. Newcomers are always easy prey for the old powerhouses, especially when they're grouped up in factions. A few hundred professional bullies used to keep the weak newbies firmly under their thumb, by collectively beating them up, leaving them to cry for mercy, and demanding many millions of dollars for surrender. Joining a faction meant joining the hospital crowd, rarely being able to see what else the city had to offer. Newbies were better off alone.
Many Faction leaders were being forced to feed the already rich and powerful, and eventually had their group disbanded: Either by the strong professionals, destroying their faction, or by themselves, keeping whatever honour was left of them. To put an end to the despair, the Mayor introduced the idea of a peaceful faction. Inhabitants were now able to group up, without the danger of being smacked down. That's where the tables started turning. The old HoF Factions saw their prey diminishing rapidly, and had no choice but destroying whatever few warring factions were left.
The Mayor hatched another scheme: he put a timer on the peaceful status. 31 days was decided to be enough to prepare any faction for war. Extending this protected status by another 31 days was possible, but at the cost of the faction's respect. But, so would the transfer to the Aggressive Status, within a single day. So the peaceful factions started extending their status to many months, even years.
The aggressive factions were left more furious than they already were, and they could only refrain to verbal abuse, desperately trying to make the peaceful faction give up their status, but to little or no response.
It didn't stop there. Eventually the first peaceful faction entered the Hall of Fame: The MoNeY PiT. Shock and Awe of historic proportions went all through the city. But after a month this Faction ran out of 'Peace Days', and disappeared from the horizon.
But other Factions that stocked up even more Peace Days were soon to follow: La Famiglia Vinerri, SUN New Beginnings, MELITA KNIGHTS, BAMF Training and RAWR all managed to poke their nose into the HoF, thereby outnumbering the Aggressive Factions in members.
Mayor Chedburn then removed the 31 days limit, effectively securing the Peaceful Status. Apparently he has some Respect for Peace after all.
Even the Norwegian Warring Machine known as HT has been rumored to try getting Peaceful. Where will it end? Only one person can tell.
- Article by DCLXVI [460509]
Making a Point - 15/06/09
It's been a noticeable, although not recent, trend for the price of points to constantly near on, or even sometimes above the price cap of fifty thousand TC dollars in the Points Market.
Perhaps I'm just not up to date with some of the recent happenings, but even so, I found it shockingly hard to believe. I had gone overseas for a while, and it was only until two weeks ago that I decided to return to my hometown of Torn. As I drove through the Northern Side of Torn, I noticed something strange. The building in the back alleys, where the infamous Point black market takes place, was crowded with people. However, back in my days, people came, picked, bought, and went in a very fast paced manner, unlike the sloth-like crowd before me now.
Suddenly, there was uproar as one person, later identified as Goldeneye, placed up a listing of 30 points at $49,700 each, three hundred below the market price. Immediately, a brawl broke out in the center of the room, each participant fighting for the right to buy them. Punches were thrown, shots rang out, and RPGs were randomly fired as people scrambled for cheap points.
When the brawl finally ended, I decided to interview a couple of people, the first being one of the participants of the melee (who prefers to remain anonymous, we'll call him Joe). Having been knocked in the head a time too many, his speech was slurred, but I managed to translate.
Me: Tough day at the market?
Joe: Hell yeah dawg, I've been at this market for the whole day.
Me: Can you explain why there are so many people here?
Joe: Well, there are always many people buying and selling at the market, but the congestion is because people can't find good deals anymore, and they stand in line waiting for it.
Me: So why aren't the good deals rolling?
Joe: When there are more people buying than selling, the sellers can charge more, because they know that the rich, high levels are willing, and are able, to pay.
Unfortunately, our interview ended there, as another brawl broke out, Joe decided to get involved.
Points: commodities used for a variety of things, therefore the price has been ever so steadily increasing. Back in the old times, I remember how hard it was to sell them for 24k due to competition, but now, anything below $50k is considered a bargain. The reason is simple: as more people are able to make more money through crime, inflation rises. The aristocrats, as dastardly as they may be, need points for the luxuries and have the money to spend on those valuable points. Will the supply of points ever reach equilibrium with the demand?
- Article by HeIIingame [451453]
Gentlemanly? - 15/06/09
The Scam behind the Gentlemen's Clubs
We have recently come across some information about a high society gentlemen¡¦s club: Pink Pooches, located on the outskirt of the East Side, which has been working not only to relieve the stress of our male folk, but also to turn their addiction to drugs and weapons. It seems males looking for entertainment and a good fun time, are being subjected to drugged drinks and enticed into buying illegal weapons from the club.
The news spread like running water two nights ago when a certain brain surgeon from the TC hospital was arrested a couple miles away from the club. He was said to have been driving under the influence of alcohol however during a minor search of the vehicle the arresting officer stumbled across a small amount of cocaine and two M4 carbines in the back seat. When asked how the good doctor came into possession of these items, he doctor was not willing to answer any questions until he had his lawyer present.
After many hours of intense questioning by the police, the doctor caved and told the truth about the weapons and drugs being sold at the club. The captain at the station immediately ordered for the arrest of the club owner (Holy_lord587) and whoever else was involved in the illegal acts.
Earlier this morning Holy_lord587, the owner of the club; was held by the police for questioning. The reports were released to us by a source at the station a couple of hours ago, however we are only permitted to relate part of the questioning and statements made during the session.
Captain of TC Police: How long have you been the owner of ¡¥Pink Pooches?¡¦.
Holy_lord587: For the past six months and there has never been any use of illegal drugs at my club. Weapons are strictly not allowed within the doors of my establishment.
Captain of TC Police: We have reason to believe that someone within your club is dealing these items to your customers. Are you sure you are not aware of this?
Holy_lord587: We run a clean club captain, the men come in have fun with your girls and leave.
Captain of TC Police: But do they leave all drugged up and with weapons in their possession?
Holy_lord587: Of Course Not.
Holy_lord587 has been kept in over night for further questioning. A source at the station believes the leads held on the club are very strong, and will testify in court. Meanwhile the good doctor has been released and warned not to go back to the club until the investigation is closed.
Males of TC are warned not to visit the club until further notice, but crowds of men seem to have flocked the club more so since the incident was exposed. Some of our other sources say the club has been getting even more attention now and business seems to be blooming more than ever.
- Article by dark_princess19 [370697]
Looking for love... - 08/06/09
…Ain’t life a drag?
Every day another group of hopefuls leave their heartfelt messages of longing in this newspapers ever popular personal ads section. Men and Women alike who are looking for that special someone and are willing to put their time and money to good use to take out an ad in the hope that “their” ONE is reading and feels the same. But true loves path has never run smoothly and more and more these days there are concerns over the authenticity of these people looking for love. As sad as it is to say, there has nearly always been an issue with two main groups of opportunists. The first of these are the “Gold-diggers” Taking a look through the latest batch of ads from “men seeking women” and nearly every one of them states that these money hungry harpies are one of their greatest dislikes. It seems that the men of Torn are concerned that all the ladies of our fair city are after is the contents of their wallets.
However it is the second group that causes concern not only for this reporter and his fellow gentlemen, but for the people of Torn as a whole. As the legendary rockers Aerosmith state….”dude looks like a lady”.
It would be a very naive or new arrival to Torn who wasn’t aware of these characters, gentlemen posing as the opposite sex generally in the hopes of gifts and marriage proposals. The photos that adorn their ads and profiles have a professional air about them and in many discussions between citizens it’s been noted that some of them are lazy enough to use the same pictures as others of their nature. They feel no need for caution or subtlety, after all the most recent census shows that of our population of just fewer than 170 thousand citizens, 22% of them are registered as females. This figure shows that even with these men of alternative lifestyle our population is severely lacking in ladies real or otherwise!
So surely any women looking for a companion and who isn’t interested in taking the nearest rich gent to the cleaners would be considered with a certain level of respect and awe. After all with all those lonely hearts out there we must be welcoming new females with open hearts and minds? Sadly not, these ladies have fallen victim to the same problems that plague our gents, but rather than be worried ABOUT gold-diggers and drag acts, they are in fact treated at being guilty of these things until proven innocent.
Glancing through the personals, in between the requests for “presents”, “money” and “dps”, you see ads from people such as XoPrettyAngelXo (1172809) who feels the need to state that: “Yes I’m real okay stop asking me please guys” and that her dislikes include “creeps who steal my display picture.”
Or there’s katinthehat (889142) who feels the need to defend her personal ad by stating “Not looking for someone to pay my way but to talk to if they are nice”
It’s a sad state of affairs when ladies have to defend their honour and even their gender because of the actions of others, the guilty parties here may not be breaking any laws, but their certainly managing to help break a few hearts.
- Article by Red_John [593516]
Real Estate "style" - 08/06/09
Torn City needs a “brush up” on its real estate. It needs more than its current drab selection of residences to make Torn’s real estate one of the finest. Sure we have the mansions, ranches, trailers...etc, but we don’t have the style; Mayor Chedburn should allow people to design and build their own homes. Not just point a finger at an image of a model they can afford and not necessarily like.
If you look at your house or island...isn’t there things you would change? For example, Torn’s version of a ranch is quite odd. The house looks like it was made out of blue clay, and the windows look like they were barred. The only thing that looks “normal” is the barn!
Let’s say that Mayor Chedburn allowed you to customize your house. Sure, we can have big pools, Jacuzzis, bars, and many other interior aspects that benefit one’s enjoyment and allow them to be happy in their home, but think about the exterior? What if we could buy a garden? Or maybe a few rose bushes, plant some flowers here and there? Change the color of our property (so in some instances, it doesn’t look like Claymation), and who knows? If we were all so house proud – some areas could even be brought back up off the ground!
Additions to the exterior would promote holiday spirit. For instance, during Christmas, why shouldn't we be able to buy a Christmas tree? We could buy lights, ornaments and huge, horrid, tacky, junk for our gardens! How would that not be cool? If it snowed – we could even build our own snow men!
Hopefully some reconsideration would go into this. Torn's real estate is so very bland and boring. Why don’t we give it a shot Mayor? If we can do things like Halloween town, then why can’t we make the places we live in more impressive?
- Article by -BC-Doom99 [492896]
Intruders Spotted in Torn - 31/05/09
Some residents in the East Side of Torn City were disturbed with the sudden arrival of some unexpected visitors on May 27th, 2009. At around one o' clock in the afternoon representatives from an unknown tribe shocked the local citizens. Torn’s normal routine was disrupted when these people attempted to test what was originally thought to be a nuclear bomb in the next minutes of their unsolicited presence.
One witness said, "I was shopping for cars in the Torn City Docks when a heavy duty Chevrolet truck suddenly crashed into a car on display in the TC Docks' perimeters. I was shocked because I have never seen such large vehicle inside the city."
A TC Docks employee also expressed his surprise with the appearance of the truck and said, "That kind of truck was last seen during the Vietnam War and no one in Torn owns such vehicle. When I realized that, I knew something was very wrong."
Indeed, something was wrong. In the next minutes, men with long beards came out from the truck and set up their bomb testing device right in the majestic tower located inside the TC Docks. The testing was supposedly an atmospheric test where nuclear explosions would take place above the atmosphere. If successful, the bomb could have swept away Torn’s entire population.
Fortunately, the Ministry of Defence of Torn City responded immediately with the call of a very concerned citizen who witnessed the horror that was about to happen. All of the men were arrested moments before detonation. The groups ' leader, Mr G, said, "It was about time. We wanted to test our weapon because war is coming. We didn't have time . . . and we had to sacrifice a civilization. Too bad, our superiors chose Torn."
When asked why they planned to test their weapon in Torn, Mr G answered, "All people here are criminals. If we have to wipe out people, it better be the bad guys."
Hearing the groups' leader's statement, Mayor Chedburn responded, "I think it is unfair. We have our own lives here in the city and other places have nothing to do with that. We don't kill other people; we do crimes only within our territory. I think we shouldn't be punished by people from other places because of that. We have our own laws and we punish our own people according to those laws. This is really disgraceful! – Justice will take over here”.
Saddened by the event, Mayor Chedburn and the whole security committee decided to surround all boundaries of the city with hundreds of armed personnel to ensure that all outsiders coming into Torn City bring no harm to the residents.
"It won't ever happen again." Mayor Chedburn said, in his final statement.
- Article by tinkee_dee [874055]
Torn City Radio - 15/03/09
I found myself in the vicinity of the Torn City radio offices only the other day, I decided to drop in and see what I could find out, maybe I could shed some light on some deep, dark secrets hidden in a black cellar. Either that or pull the dust cloths off some un-thanked heroes working in our community.
16th of July 2007 was the day the city first experienced it’s own radio station. Almost one year after building the original radio mast that twice caught fire. It was decided to move the mast outside of the city, away from the warehouse district. Since then the music has been very consistent, of which the transmission has been of uplifting happy music, due to the tireless effort of Tazzy. A radio official who never seems to leave her office, even to sleep!
The music on air is constantly changing, sometimes playing upbeat bouncy popular music. At other times heavy metal, or deep sombre music blares from the speakers of hundreds of listeners on the way to work, only just waking up, or just looking to sit down and relax.
DJs from the community volunteer, for no pay at all, for hours at a time. Tracks are requested by friends of the DJs or by citizens shouting at the top of their lungs from the streets outside. I am one such citizen that has found there is something special about dedicating a song to someone to let the whole world know.
Recently the radio mast’s range was upgraded to increase the range at which one can receive the signal. Neighbouring towns and cities now listen to the radio; don’t forget to email your aunts, uncles and grandparents, remind them to tune in!
On arrival, I found myself in what appeared to be an empty corridor, a ghost of what it used to be. Offices with nameplates hanging half off, with names such as DJ JesusJuice imprinted only to be hastily scrawled over with DJ McHillen. Suddenly, casting a shadow over my scrawlng pen on a notepad stood the legendary DJ Dani. Someone not seen for more than a month some thought she had retreated into a state of recluse to think deeply on the world, she held a hammer in her hand. As she found me, she greeted me warmly, asking if there was anything she could do to help. Laughing at my good fortune I took the opportunity to interview the living, walking, talking legend on the very day of her return.
She said she would enjoy being back on air again, that it would be great. “Of course. I love being able to entertain people, both friends and complete strangers. It unites people, and it’s a great feeling.” Her excitable nature bubbled over and I couldn’t help but become slightly infected, I felt inspired that such a person was looking after our airwaves. A perfect choice.
When I get home I shall definitely turn on my radio for the first time since Christmas. When I’m listening, I shall think about these new friendly faces I found in the radio building, Maria, Jewelz, Madrox, and many more. Tomorrow I’ll be steering clear of the item market, no more buying blank CDs and ripping bad music on them, I’ll be tuning into our community radio, will you?
- Article by SilvanXan [445764]
Transport for TC - 15/03/09
Well as every lady in Torncity knows transportation between homes & the city centre is absolutely zero. On speaking to staff members they were quoted saying buy a car. Well not everyone can afford a car, so this is not a good option. When questioned x-missy-k-x (523748) requested a bus service between her home to the East side, she said," getting to the shops to buy stuff is very hard, unless you have a car, I don't have a car so have to walk about in the city." when I asked if she felt uncomfortable walking in the city she replied, " I have had lots of training and thankfully I own good weapons. These don't look nice with my matching bag & shoes... I would love a public transport system set up.”
I also asked a housewife, -BC-Wacked_up (181029) what would she like to see transport for, she replied " I have to go to the shops on the East side, but spend time travelling back to the West side, to the bank, newsagents or estate agents". "I would appreciate a transport system set up, so make things quicker, the traffic jams are murder & a transport system would get me around the city both quicker & safer."
I asked The Silencer if he would like a transport system, he said "man that would be great it takes me hours to get across the city by car. It would be great if the system was set up for me to get from home to the Red light district; I have a lot of business in the Casino, with Tim the loan shark & the race track. So any improvements would be fantastic."
The citizens of Torn feel that a transport system has been a long time coming. Mayor Chedburn needs to get on to this and deal with the needs of the public.
- Article by TTso [846058]
A Fall From Grace - 09/03/09
Following last week’s news claiming that the Torn City Federal Penitentiary could possibly be closing came one firsthand account from an individual who spent more than a night in the cities cruel jail.
“They came for me during the dead of night. I was awakened by the shattering of a pane of glass in my bedroom. Startled, I awoke and looked down on the bear skin rug to see a small cylindrical device surrounded by the shards of glass. I recall a bright white light that forced its way into the back of my skull and a deafening noise that brought me too my knees. Dazed and confused I struggled to make sense of the events unfolding around me and what happened is still unclear, however I recall the blanket of smoke that surrounded me, flash lights, laser sites and gas masked people who came for me and took me from my stately mansion.
When I awoke, I found myself in a grey cell, not enough room to swing a cat in. No windows, just one door, one bed, one light, one bucket and no cat.
Attached to the door was a note that read:
‘You have been placed in Federal jail' Reason: Middleman activity.
I cursed my misfortune. Firstly, I’d lost 500 million dollars in the mammoth investment fiasco, and now this. The potential threat of losing everything, my cruise line company, faction and hard earned savings was a truly real and terrifying fear.
I was alone, or so I thought. I awoke each day to find a tray of medium grade gruel for sustenance and dirty water to satisfy my thirst, but nothing could satisfy my thirst for knowledge and all I had was questions. On my 2nd day of my 7 day sentence, I patiently waited for the delivery of my gruel.
A flap was lifted and the tray shoved through. I chose this time to make an attempt at communicate with my captors. I struck the steel door and shouted 'Can anyone explain to me why I'm in here?'
'Middleman activity', came the curt reply. 'I'm innocent; there must have been some mistake'
'There are a lot of people here who say that buddy. No mistake made. Enjoy your stay!' The jailers laugh echoed and faded.
Over the following days I discussed my infringements with various guards, never knowing if I was speaking consistently to the same guard. I even discussed potential solution to my infringement of the rules; however I was told that 'Administrators will remove anything that needs to be removed. You will not be informed of the decision'
With this information, I settled down to the inevitability of my sentence and stay in federal, with nothing but time to consider my position and options. Thoughts of quitting came into my head then left as others fought for attention. How was I going to cope? What misfortune would have befallen on my faction and company?
My incarceration ended as abruptly as it began. It was dark and I was asleep. The light in my cell suddenly sprang to life, waking me instantly and a blind fold was shoved through the door, which I was ordered to wear. The heavy door creaked open and I heard the weighty steps of boots and then felt the grip of vice like hands on my arms. I was lead to who knows where. The blindfold was hurriedly taken off and I was temporarily blinded by the sun and I was pushed out onto the road.
'We don't want to see you here again son' a voice said. 'Next time your stay will be permanent!'
Well, I'm back and I'm on the streets again. I'm trying to get myself clean, legal and on top of my game. My company and faction have held (barely) together since my incarceration and it's time to get it working at 100% efficiency once again.
The 100million dollar fine is going to take a long time to work off and I'm confident I'll overcome the obstacles.
To all of you who consider breaking or bending the rules, I offer this piece of advice:
'If you play with fire, expect to get burned!' "
- Article by Mr_Chameleon [476273]
Investment Rate Change - 09/03/09
Recently, Major Chedburn announced a great change in Torn City's Investment Banking (TCB). Due to financial crisis and inflation, investment rates have been lowered by from 1.40 per week to 1.25 per week. Our Mayor also promised Torn’s citizens that, depending on our financial situation, the investment rate will fluctuate up and down.
Our inhabitants, especially veterans and renowned faction leaders, strongly disapprove with this change. ‘Our city is supposed to be a growing community, but changes like this only represent blows on our stalk by the elderly women's scythe'', are the words of ‘Dean’, a lecturer from one of the Torn City's universities.
Several of our undercover reporters have also brought interesting news. Reports come from the infamous city's Southwest Side: rumours are that several respected faction leaders had a meeting out of town, discussing the possibility about inciting riots because of the recent changes. How the meeting ended is yet unknown, but what we do know, is that classified advertisements, asking for a chemical called Cesium-137, have grown in number by 20% in past days. Our reporters have also brought photos of rather suspicious well-guarded buildings, in districts resided by some of the city's famous scientists and physicists. Dean, also bragged that previously unpopular, and socially marked as ''geeky'' Physics courses have been taken by 40% more people than usual.
There were already several smaller riots on this theme, but the city's military personnel took care of them before they could attract more, already disappointed citizens.
All in all, Torn City's recent changes present our peaceful city community a great fear. Many of them, in one way or another, show somewhat a support, a compliment to growing, aggressive factions. Sadly, because of such a small thing as an interest rate cut some people can decide to devastate our city, with long term consequences.
- Article by Badavinche [763550]
Points Remain Stable. - 02/03/09
Citizens of Torn City have seen unprecedented inflation over the last six months and with the exception of property all non Torn City sold consumables have seen prices rise by 100% and more. In short, whilst guns, sweets, clothes, etc remain at the same price, items such as donator packs, points and even gas cans have gone through the roof. The steady influx of immigrants arriving in Torn City does nothing to ease this situation either.
I interviewed citizens on the streets of Torn City and the general consensus was that most of the inflation was linked directly to the Torn City Points Market (TCPM) and the price of points. One new arrival asked me how long I thought it would take before he could afford to become a donator. I imagine it won't be long before he turns to crime to pay his way in this ever more expensive city.
With so much of Torn City's wealth dependant on the price of points, the Torn City Central Bank was recently left with no option but to implement a massive $300bn bailout plan. This measure was taken in order to prevent the rapidly increasing price of points getting any further out of control. Shortly before the drastic action, the price of a single point had reached $70,000. The usual procedure for banks, of cutting interest rates to curb inflation, was obviously considered too risky, potentially leading to civil unrest and riots.
So far though, the measures implemented by the banks have only halted the price increase and citizens might not see the drop in prices most had hoped for. Eager to see just how solid the banks bailout plan would prove to be I went to West Side South Bank University to speak to Professor of Economics, Dr John Thomas Ph.D. I asked him what suggestions he had and what citizens of Torn City could expect from the current implementations.
Professor Thomas told me that there were really three ways the banks could deal with the point’s crisis:-
1. Capping.
Similar to the measures carried out by the banks, this would see a maximum sale price implemented. The benefits being that a maximum price could be fixed until such time as the economy stabilises. The problems being that it stifles a free market and restricts true growth.
2. Moratorium.
By closing the points market for short or even extended periods of time. This would force sellers of points to bring down prices in order to ensure a sale when the market was open. This however could result in frustration for the sellers who failed to make necessary sales in the open periods.
3. Increased Availability.
At present the citizens of Torn City have the opportunity, once a week, to vote, comparing their city with that of others. For their efforts they are rewarded with a free point. By offering citizens the chance to vote more frequently and on other matters, with more point rewards, the number of points in circulation would increase and therefore their value would decrease.
Professor Thomas went on to say that while the first two options were solutions to the problem, they were only temporary solutions and in the longer run would restrict overall growth. "A bit like plugging a leak with paper tissue. For a while the leak would stop but when the tissue dissolves, the water flows just like before". Although the number of points submitted by the banks for sale on the TCPM is vast, it is not out of the question for the super wealthy to buy up these points, wait for the prices to increase again and then make enormous profits by re-listing them in smaller batches.
So, the banks seem to have halted this unprecedented inflation, but for how long?
- Article by Nicstroud [832702]
DOG TAGS ISSUED - 01/09/08
Today, 5 years on from the initial proposal of identification for the city, Mayor Chedburn has announced that behind the scenes, the government and the police force have been working very closely to formulate a new plan for identification within the city. They decided on issuing each resident and visitor a dog tag.
“The dog tags are for your own good. They are being distributed to every one within the cities boundaries. They are here to help reduce crime and therefore must be worn at ALL times. Anyone caught without one on will be cautioned.” says the Mayor.
We have been told that, anyone who has not received a dog tag by 12pm on Monday September the 1st should contact police or their local authorities. Anyone that has not received a dog tag and fails to raise the issue will be subject to a caution. This is a very serious matter. Despite this there are a number of protestors outside government buildings within the city stating the idea is ridiculous. One gent said “It is stupid, do they not realise what this will do to the city. For one, I think there is more to this than they’re letting on, perhaps an experiment. Also, have they not thought about the possible circumstances with the high value of this ‘accessory’? People will be mugging anyone stupid enough to go out sporting their new bling! The tags will be held ransom. It will be happy slapping gone silly. Happy tagging!”
- Article by xhotdamnx [584481]
Killer Missing: Escaped - 01/09/08
Panic spread like wild fire today in the city of Torn. As the news of the psycho serial killer Kurt Jameson, escaped from Torn City Jail supposedly minutes after midnight. As of yet there is no word of where the criminal may be hiding, or who may be keeping him.
The police began searching the river that runs by the cities prison in the early ours of this morning. After hours of searching, the only clue they found in the river was one of Kurt’s shoes.
No one knows how Kurt managed to escape from Torn City State Prison undetected. After finding the hole in the wall by complete accident, the warden of the prison ordered an immediate search of the prisons surroundings.
I managed to get hold of the warden and ask him a few questions.
Q) “Warden, what time is it thought that Kurt Jameson escaped from Torn City State Prison?”
A) “At this time, we do not know if Kurt Jameson has managed to completely escape. He may be hiding somewhere in the prison. But it is believed he must have left during the storm last night. This is thought because the noise of him getting out would have been masked by the noise of the storm.”
Q) “Do you have any leads at this time of Mr Jameson’s whereabouts? Or where he may be heading?”
A) “At this time we are questioning all the inmates that have been associated with Mr Jameson. So far none of them have known about his plans to escape the prison. All though he has been reported to have been acting slightly different then usual.”
Q) “How can you assure the safety of the Citizens of Torn City?”
A) “We are currently doing all in our power to find this man. After killing a whole family, this man has to be captured and put back into prison, and kept under a higher level of security, before his spree continues. Now if you don’t mind I have business to attend to, so that’s all I can answer for now.”
The warden seemed to be very tense, but who can blame him. He managed to let a psycho killer escape his prison. With the lives of the cities citizens at risk, people are in fear of their lives. And it’s only been a few hours.
This man has killed many people before. And who’s to say he won’t do it again. But the question is… Who will his next target be?
I’ve heard rumours that it may be the cities mayor, Chedburn. After talking to some of the inmates, I found out that Kurt was obsessive about Chedburn, Talking about how he wanted to kill him and his family. Why? They do not know. It was rumoured that Chedburn was one of the witnesses to the murder of the Austin Family, and he gave evidence that sent Kurt to jail.
- Article by -The-Joker- [44260]
Factions Fixed Forever?! - 23/08/08
For months, factions have been going in several different directions. Citizens will stand behind their factions being peaceful and others will stand behind aggressive factions. Time will show that Torn City was based on attacking, war, money, weapons, and drugs; nothing that even whispered the word peaceful.
As of a few months ago, pickets and riots were being gathered everyday outside of city hall in regards to there being a protection on factions who were against warring. Mayor Chedburn decided to change factions and give them an overhaul to accommodate those who did not want to fight.
Initially, the mayor created peaceful status to which a faction could not be declared upon and if they declared on anyone, they would immediately relinquish their peaceful status and become aggressive. With the first change, factions that warred could not declare on anyone with 50% or less of their total respect. And with this first change, HOF factions in turn rioted and threatened massive mayhem. The change only lasted but a few days.
Eventually, more changes were made and pleasing everyone seems quite the impossible task for Mayor Chedburn. Wars were cancelled and factions were limited to only 50 wars at a time. No one was happy, but it helped the situation of declaring on everyone in the city. Just a few weeks ago, the only attacks that count towards a chain of respect being gained are those that end in the victim being sent to the hospital. No longer do muggings assist in gaining respect leading to factions figuring out another way to gain money and attack longer.
A very large addition and or fix to factions have been made regarding what organized crimes were allowed, how many faction members could participate and what crimes they could commit. Previously, no factions could hijack planes; some crimes just seemed way out of reach for factions. Now, anything seems possible when you’re in a faction.
Chedburn posted a notice in the city center regarding the new system of crimes that are related to factions. This was the message posted,
“ Citizens; Major changes have been made to your factions. We are enforcing that crimes you commit to make money and gain respect will now involve the following rules and or regulations:
-Factions can commit multiple organized crimes at the same time.
- Faction members can no longer join the crime; a leader or co leader must select them before the planning starts.
- Organized crimes can only be started with the correct amount of people in the team. For example, no more and no less than two faction members can be used for the blackmail crime.
- A lot more respect can now be earned overall, giving factions a bigger buffer of respect during wars.
- If a person is a member of an organized crime, they cannot leave the faction or be kicked until the crime has been initiated, or cancelled.
- The leader or co leader of the faction must wait until the crime has been planned, and then call the number provided to initiate and complete the crime. Any member of the team however can cancel the crime.
- Peaceful factions will lose their peaceful status if they try committing crimes harder than a Bomb Threat. In this case, there are warnings to avoid accidental loss.
- A faction crime cannot be initiated unless all members of the team are ready and not in the hospital, jail, or traveling.
- There will always be a chance to fail an organized crime, the better the team members; the less likely you will fail.
- These new organized crimes may seem harder than before. Test what your faction is capable of, and select the correct faction members for the job.
-Experience will now be gained or lost while doing these organized crimes, just like committing them on your own.
Let any city officials know if you experience any problems with the organized crimes. Good luck!”
After this message was posted, reactions were stalled and eventually either protested or praised. Peaceful factions are limited to what they can do, especially when it comes to what crimes they can commit. Many citizens feel that if a citizen is in a peaceful faction, they should be handing out fliers instead of making bomb threats. The Torn City Times suggests that citizens see how the new regulations work out. Perhaps Mayor Chedburn has actually figured out a way to please everyone. Now that would be a miracle.
- Article by beendigtparado [420844]
The Past of TC w/ Gelosea - 23/08/08
Today Gelosea [34] has given this writer the pleasure of speaking about her past, her history, and her experience as one of the first Torn City citizens. She was one of the first to roam around in this glorious city and knows what it was really like to grow up in this war driven city. Gelosea was here from the start and has seen the city change and develop for more than 1,300 days.
Torn City has progressed quite a bit over the past few years. More and more travelers have been settling in to this great area. Statistics show that over 100,000 people live within the city committing crimes, selling drugs, buying drugs, spending money on extravagant items and are often seen going into various gyms every few hours.
There is not much about the history of Torn City. No early citizens are left to discuss their knowledge of the city and some don’t feel like remembering the old days. Many citizens are unaware of Torn City’s history and today Gelosea has given the Torn City Times the pleasure of sharing it with our readers.
Torn City Times: Gelosea, how did you find about this City?
Gelosea: God, it was so long ago. I think I was just bored and wandering around and somehow got stuck there! I liked it because it was quiet and you got to know everyone very quickly... No one was a stranger!
TCT: What was it like when you first moved to Torn City?
Gelosea: I joined it before it was really a city. My house number was actually in the 600s, but hardly anyone lived here because there wasn't much to the city. Only donators could attack and be attacked because it was in testing, and factions weren't allowed or seen being founded until quite a while after the mayor got the go ahead that Torn City was actually a city identified by the government. The only city staff at the time was Mayor Chedburn, his right hand man, Quacks, and I think some guy called Kirby, who disappeared... then Mouser appeared as a city administrator.
TCT: So far, what has been your favorite update?
Gelosea: When factions first started forming I guess! The EP and S.U.N members in the early days used to really annoy me by spamming the forums. They didn't know what factions were going to be like, but they just got a load of people together anyway, made them change their names to have the tag on the beginning and stuff like that, I thought it was really stupid. I told Tempie this a couple of months ago, actually - and I think it hurt him a bit.
TCT: Can you tell us what it was like to be one of the first to experience brand new updates that would affect every person that moved to Torn City?
Gelosea: I never thought the city would grow as much as it did, I left for a couple of months for reasons beyond my control and despite being on the first ever list of Helper staff (there were only 3 administrators and a secretary at the time) I came back and it was a metropolis! The only people I recognized were Chedburn, Quacks and Wynn, all of my old friends like Apredox and Eclipse had moved as well. So basically when factions and attacking was made legal, I never thought about how it would effect so many people. I'm quite proud that I was around at that time... hell, I'm even responsible for the terrible name of 'el cascado' a lot of people just moan about how laggy it was, but that never bothered me. I liked the people.
TCT: Before I go on, is there anything you would like to say?
Gelosea: Well there is one thing I'd like to say... QUACKS GETS HOTTER WOMEN THAN CHEDBURN!!!!! Yeah.. I’m the one that started that campaign. But lets be fair right? Ched gets hotter men than quacks. All sexy ladies can send their photos to Quacks to join me and whats-her-name on Quacks's profile <3 ! (*Disclaimer: Gelosea’s comments about the mayor of Torn City in no way reflect the views of the Torn City Times and should be taken lightly, with some milk and sugar)
TCT: What update would you say has effected how people live here the most?
Gelosea: I would probably say the recent housing update. Getting a new house was quite a difficult task before, but now its easy to just rent one from an accomplished citizen. But now you can't sell it for the full market price back to the paper, which I think, complicates things a bit. I guess the bounty section of the paper has also affected a lot of people as well. There were people who specialized in bounty hunting before, but now anyone can do it, so I guess that's put a few people out of work.
TCT: Do you consider it harder for newer players to start up now than before, or would you say it’s easier?
Gelosea: I'd say it's harder... back in the beginning, everyone was friendly and willing to help. Sometimes they would even offer money but now there are so many people that everyone just gets fed up of being asked for help, especially considering all the beggars. And then there are the a******s who think its fun to hospitalize new players which is kind of pathetic, in my opinion. Also in the beginning, I guess there were such a great number of stronger players, and most people were in the same sort of place.
TCT: Do you have any advice for new citizens?
Gelosea: It's not about what you know, it's about whom you know because if you make good friends in the city (without just making them to get money), you will enjoy the city more and have a motive to be more active, as well as having people to turn to if you ever have questions.
TCT: Is there any updates since you have moved here that you have disliked?
Gelosea: I'd have to say the peaceful status on factions. On one hand I think people should have a peaceful place to communicate and work on things together, but on the other it would completely defeat the point of factions. So yeah, I don't know. Other than that I didn't like it when they took the dogs away, I didn't like dogs that much myself, but it wasn't really fair on the players that made a living on them.
TCT: Well, thank you for taking the time to talk to me! I'm sure the younger players will respect your advice, and everyone will enjoy hearing about the development of Torn City!
Gelosea: The pleasure is mine!
Well, there we have it , an insight to the past of Torn City; with the lovely Gelosea!
- Article by Karty [285221]
Hijack Hiccup - 30/07/08
Several days have passed since a Torn City Airways Boeing 777 was hijacked in midair on its way back to Torn City to deliver premium cars. Shortly after the article was published days ago, making citizens aware of the mile high hijacking, the reporter who wrote the article was kidnapped and removed from the city. No one has heard from him since, however, city officials believe that the same suspects responsible for the hijacking are also responsible for the kidnapping of the Torn City Times news reporter.
The faction that is responsible for the attempted hijack is the Republic of Futuria faction. Specific suspects in the report are listed as Lunchtime, tireland, Druid and Axl_Rose. Police interrogated faction co-leader; Rasoras while the Boeing 777 was still in flight. Through Rasoras, police were able to determine who the participating members were as well as their plans on how they would rob Torn City of over a million dollars in cash and items.
Shortly after Rasoras was interrogated, Federal Bureau of Investigation officials received a telephone call from Lunchtime, who demanded a million dollars in cash to be wired to the faction’s bank. Apparently, the citizens on the plane, faction leader, Druid and member tireland, had taken an older woman hostage and were not going to let anyone go until the money was placed into their account. FBI negotiators, acting as fast as they can, assured Lunchtime and the others on the plane that the money was theirs.
Approximately six minutes later y faction member Axl_Rose stole a boat at the Torn City docks in order to catch the other faction members who parachuted from the Boeing 777. Druid and tireland both exited the plane within a minute of each other, however, Druid’s parachute failed to deploy and once he was found in the ocean, policemen were able to capture him and escort him to the hospital prison.
Unfortunately for the Republic of Futuria faction, the FBI negotiators never wired the money demanded by Lunchtime. Many citizens discussed what reasons were to blame and how the faction was unable to successfully hijack the plane while in flight. Citizens also tried to develop their own ideas of how they could accomplish the crime. Through countless brainstorms, no one felt that they could possibly be as well organized, smart enough, or strong enough as any other factions in order to get any amount of money at stake. One fact is for sure though; that any faction who successfully hijacks a plane in mid flight will gain the most respect among citizens as well as go down in the history books as the first group to commit the hardest organized crime within Torn City.
Additionally, due to the high rate of crime within the last few weeks, Mayor Chedburn felt that it was not necessary for the faction or its members to be jailed. He felt that it added a bit of excitement to Torn City and laughed when asked how he would feel if it were to happen again. The mayor stated to the Torn City Times that, “This wont happen again anytime soon. We never sell two parachutes together that both work! Plus, they have to be a bit smarter than those guys. Hell, we never even wired the money to their account!”
- Article by beendigtparado [420844]
Mile High Hijacking! - 17/07/08
A Torn City Airways plane was recently hijacked on its way to China earlier today. The aircraft, which was carrying the latest shipment of premium cars, was on its way to the Torn City Docks. It was reportedly taken over by four men, three of which were carrying Enfield SA-80's and one man who seized the pilot with a razor blade. According to police records, it is currently unclear how many cars are on board the plane but an estimated 30 million dollars in cars were recorded before the plane took off. Reports where received by an employee who had e-mailed the Torn City Police with his laptop. Accuracy of the information given by the employee is still under investigation. Police are tossing the idea around that it is perhaps an attempt at receiving a large ransom from Mayor Chedburn.
One faction spoke out against the claim about the participation in this apparent organized crime. This faction however, remains anonymous because the police do not want to bring the wanted attention to this faction. They claim they will kill all passengers and destroy the plane if 100 million dollars is not wired to their over seas bank accounts by the end of Thursday. Who will pay the ransom is the real question that many seem to be asking. Citizens hope that a rich philanthropist, or maybe the company who is expecting that shipment of cars. The real fact of the matter to many citizens is how will they travel to buy their drugs if the air ports are closed. Additionally, many are also asking how will factions hide from their aggressors during a war?
Recently Chief of Police in Torn City and a Federal Government Agent who specializes in air security were unhappy about making any comments on the matter at hand. Both refused to answer any questions to whether or not air travel will remain a pay and go service as well as what further security will be added. Angry citizens were heard asking, “If some measly aggressive faction can organize a plane hijacking what’s stopping a group of TC rebels from kidnapping the mayor?”
Citizens are being told, before they engage in any future air flight, that they need to be certain about the security that is seen within the Torn City Airways Airport. Officials are tying their best to help prevent any future dirty bombs being planted in a plane after the apparent bombing in the city center in March, 2008.
When asked what evil may have caused this plane high jacking, Mayor Chedburn responded to his citizens by saying, "Respect, Power, Greed, all of these are what drives the evil mind and many Torn City citizens. This evil is very apparent in many strong, aggressive factions.”
After the mayor’s comment, many are uncertain of how the city will ever return to a safe state as many have had a difficult recovery after the first dirty bomb was dropped. Many Devastation members, even though they have separated from the faction, are still glowing neon green. No one is confident that the city will not be attacked again because of the high supply of Cesium-137.
Mayor Chedburn has stated that that the ransom should be resolved quickly so that citizens may return to their not so peaceful lives. If not, he reassured, “The Torn City government will plan a counter attack on the hijackers and my officials and I will try our very best to help prevent an incident like this from happening again.”
- Article by ByByeTC [491192]
Crude Talk - 17/07/08
The President of BurgijaM Petroleum Products (BPP), Sifonjer [455259], predicts that oil should and probably will hit the hark mark of $170 a barrel. Sifonjer is the president of the only oil refinery in Torn City with a company rating of three stars. His speculative statement comes at a time when oil inflation is emptying people’s pockets around the world especially when his refinery is the only one for several hundred miles from Torn City. Sifonjer declined to give any indication of his plans to step up oil output; however, his statement may have fueled negative sentiments causing a scare among the global markets and a number of shareholders.
Shortly after becoming the first CEO of BPP, the crude prices went up to a record of almost $142 a barrel. The Torn City stock market slid across the board with the benchmark index slipping to almost 620 points at close on Tuesday afternoon. Even though the BPP members recognize that they hold the high card on the oil supply they are acting as if nothing is happening in the face of the current rise in demand.
Sifonjer was rumored to have sent out signals that encouraged the speculators to hedge their bets and thus aggravating the speculative elements in the current price rise.
Some have claimed that the extraordinary rise is not entirely due to speculation. Demand from emerging economies has helped maintain the high price of oil despite declines in the advanced overall economy within the city. The company’s refusal to increase the output only magnifies the dramatic problem with lack of oil coming into Torn City. Now is the time for oil consumers to start thinking seriously of counter measures.
Currently, Sifonjer has a leg up on the supply side oil and therefore consumers also hold a few powerful cards on the demand side. Suggestions are made to consumers that they should start playing the market now simply because the global economy is rumored to be heading for a threat of dropping in the near future. At the same time, vigorous research must continue for alternative technologies such as corn oil and other various methods of conservation.
- Article by sas011 [433568]
Who's That Reporter? - 08/07/08
Recently, to boost the production of The Torn City Times newspaper, freelance writers have been accepted due to the recent loss of the previous reporting staff. For quite some time, the newspaper has been lacking in the department of putting out articles in a timely manner and for that, 100 points are now offered for work that is accepted. Regardless of the new format of this paper, the previous reporters should still get recognized for being exemplary writers; writers that can be used as a template for all of the up and coming reporters.
Among the list of previous Torn City Times reporters there are well known citizens. To commend them, here is a list of the most recent reporting staff that has left:
Dash [3901]
Lance [51998]
Silent-Walker [91795]
The-Heretic [26016]
PussyKat69 [438789]
BD8 [371710]
Yuri_Orlov [175440]
(These are the names and Ids that I can recall…to the others, I apologize)
The newspaper staff would like to thank these writers for making the newspaper what it is and giving it their own type of style that readers enjoyed. Recently, a letter to the editor was received from the previous editor, Yur_Orlov. Yuri has been in the middle of a move from Torn City to another city and with his time, he sent the following letter which is unedited and in full content;
“What happened to the newspaper? Where is Dash, Outsider or even that lovable curmudgeon Lance? Even this fair soul a former reporter / editor of the previous incarnation cannot say (or won't xD) They wrote for the fun of it, without a bold sales pitch to force everyone to purchase the paper...
For those that write in the paper today know nothing of their forbearers and the suffering that came before, there was no 100 points or even recognition from the mayor or his officials for our stories. The forums every once in a while became alive with either controversy or in laughter. Those days I fear are long gone; a story to move the masses is tough to do even for the best. That is why I sit at this antique typewriter of the style us old newsmen used back in the early days. Reminiscing and feeling it was time to come out of forced retirement. So I propose new legislation in the form of submitting a humble story. Create collectors items for those old reporters whom we all loved or hated but read as a pastime while waiting for the gym to load.
For Dash who could make you laugh or cry with his quick wit…
For Supreme101 who's interviews made you feel like you knew the person he was talking to…
For Lance who was at one point so hated that there was a club to honor that position and a counter club that loved him…
For Jordanmanuk who knew nothing about how to play this game but tried his hardest to produce readable stories…
For all those that touched the TC community by writing for the paper with no reward they should be remembered by creating items that capture their legacy, just as staff past are remembered so should we few…
Hopefully this will create some controversy at the city center and what I was known for...at least that way, you know the newspaper is still being read!”
Please remember, readers and future writers, that it is time consuming and difficult to write news for this City. Most of the news that makes it to publishing is about crime and eventually, that gets depressing. And prior to the freelancers, there was no reward for such an artistic act. That is why the Torn City Times staff ask that you give a moment of silence for those who gave their time and creativity searching for the truth, the news, the laughter, and the controversy.
Article collaborated by Yuri_Orlov [175440] and Yue [420844].
- Article by Yuri_Orlov [175440]
Victim or Irresponsible? - 08/07/08
Tim is Torn City’s only loan shark and because of that, he takes pride in his job. When he first moved this city, he thought he found his dream home, however, recently he has been getting very agitated with many of the citizens within Torn City. For years he has done nothing but help the citizens with their assorted money problems, and now things have taken a turn for the worst for Tim.
After word spread about how he keeps a large sum of money on him at all times, more and more people, some who are even prior customers, are mugging him multiple times, every day. Obviously he has been having trouble with maintaining a living and his once profitable occupation has now turned over negative profits for the past year and a half.
Tim recently contemplated retirement, but at the age of 39 he has too much to work for, especially with a baby on the way. The only way that Tim knows how to make a living is being a loan shark and by golly, he is the best. Anyone with a problem like his would want to speak about it and get make the public aware.
Recently, Tim was spotted at a local clothing shop trying to fight off a mugger. Heroik, a freelance writer decided to speak with Tim about his recent hard comings…
Heroik: “Hello Tim, how are you today?”
Tim: “Could be better, you got my money?”
Heroik: “That's not why I am here...” he laughed as he glared at him, “I am here for the Torn City Times and I would like to interview you to let the public know your problem.”
Tim: “Okay go ahead...”
Heroik: “So, how does it feel being you right now?”
Tim: “Well, I feel used to be honest, but lately, I have done nothing but help these people and now they are betraying me. Sometimes I wonder if the muggings will ever stop.”
Heroik: “Did you see the recent comic about you having a line behind you with muggers?”
Tim: “Yes…I laughed, then cried…Literally. It was true…my family laughs at me and so do I, until I realize that I’m the butt of their jokes…”
Heroik: “Why don’t you stop walking around with large sums of money?”
Tim: “Sir, I understand you are trying your best to be a good reporter, but any idiot can understand that it’s my job. I am a loan shark so money is my business. If I have a customer come up to me in need of cash, I have to give it to him and I need to have it, otherwise, I’ll lose a future potential customer. Not like it matters now a days anyway.”
Heroik: “Yes, well,” Heroik coughs, “Of course any idiot would know that. Anyway, next question. Why are you always walking the streets, and shopping at the clothing store if the muggings always occur? Can’t you get your wife to go places for you? Also, why are you always shopping for clothes?
Tim: “Well, there is a reasonable answer for that. My wife is a quadriplegic, and my son, Tim Jr., he’s five, is too young to subject himself to the streets of Torn City. Catch my drift?”
Heroik: “Oh yes of Course…please continue…”
Tim: “Anyway…about the clothes. That is kind of embarrassing for me.”
Heroik: “Our readers and myself are very considerate, and feel for you. There is no shame in sharing, especially when more comics can be made at your expe…I mean, go on…”
Tim: “Well, recently I have been gaining weight, lots of it. My doctor says the excessive eating is from the stress of constantly being mugged. He tells me to take yoga, but I never really considered it. I am up to 367 pounds now from my former 210 and I need new clothes that fit me every week now. “
Heroik: “Ahh sorry, you are too depressing for words Tim. You are married to a quadriplegic and are stuck raising a young boy, basically, on your own. Now due to the stress of constantly getting mugged you have gained nearly 150 lbs and need to buy new clothes weekly.”
Tim: “That pretty much sums it up,” Tim says, as he starts to tear..
Heroik: “Oh stop it Tim, you’re going to make me cry…To all the readers out there, please try to not mug Tim. He is a person too and deserves respect. Thank you for speaking with me Tim.”
Tim: “The pleasure was mine.”
A few mere moments later, unknown to Tim, Heroik was only looking for a target. He grabbed his money clip and ran as fast as he could with $240.
- Article by Heroik [511869]
Peace Worth 1/2 Respect? - 04/07/08
For the past two days, gang related activity has nearly tripled. City officials have failed to release any official comments regarding the recent epidemic of violence, but reports indicate that the unusually high criminal activity is the result of the recent removal of peaceful status from the majority of factions.
On March 9th of this year, Mayor Chedburn announced his intentions to remove municipal protection over inner-city gangs. Since, it has been a controversial decision that has been met with criticism and praise alike. Many citizens were initially outraged with the decision to even protect gangs and some citizens went as far as accusing the Mayor of being paid off by the larger, better known factions. The mayor has since denied any allegations to this matter.
According to the Mayor, when the gang protection bill was passed on February 12 of this year, his administration was overwhelmed by how many factions wanted the government protection. Mayor Chedburn stated that he had no choice but to revoke the peaceful status eventually, or offer it, with a price. For weeks since his announcement in February, residents have protested his decision by causing riots throughout the city and obscene posters at the city center.
On June 24, 2008, a week before the protection for the majority of peaceful factions would end; Mayor Chedburn announced a program for gangs to retain their government protection. Hoping to curb both the controversy and criticism of his decision, he stated that leaders could prolong their peaceful status by paying a price; respect.
In order to qualify for the program, a faction must have a fair amount of “street cred,” around 250 respect, to be exact. A shroud of secrecy will not protect factions that plan on signing up for the protection program any longer. As a result, factions that sign up for the program will undoubtedly lose respect on the streets. Reports have indicated at least 50% of a factions respect will be loss when the paper work is signed.
While many factions have signed up for the program in a city where respect is its own currency, many factions have stubbornly chosen not to sign up. On July 1st, the peaceful status was revoked from factions. The majority of the factions that refused to retain protection are now being decimated. For three months, unprotected factions have become experienced at coordinating and launching their own chain attacks and as a result, uncoordinated and ill prepared factions recently thrown into the world to defend them selves are not doing as well as they perceived they would.
Countless numbers of faction leaders and members have abandoned their head quarters in hopes that they will still find a faction protected under the new laws and guidelines. While many are inclined to believe the violence will continue to escalate, experts believe the violence may have already peaked.
One expert stated that, "The reason violence has gotten so bad over the past few days is because there was an extreme amount of hype surrounding the removal of government protection. For months we have had the protected citizens training and waiting for July 1st; D-Day.” He continued, “The unprotected citizens who have had disapproval towards the peaceful status from the beginning have been preparing and wait for July 1, 2008 as well. I expect a slow decline in violence in the near future.”
Expectedly, some residents are still skeptical that Torn City will ever be the same. In regards to those who don’t believe the city will ever be the same, one anonymous citizen stated, “Need I remind you where we are all living? This is Torn City. We have the highest crime rate out of any city in the world. There are well over 800 known gangs residing in this city.”
As the citizen continued, he grew angry; “Every single one of us is affected by criminal activity every day of the week. Most of us have become used to this violence, and for some of us its what keeps us here. It is because of this criminal activity in Torn City, even the most mundane activity can be exhilarating. My point is, if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. You should know by now, Torn City is a far cry from being a safe city. Our city has survived so much worse then this. Hell, we survived a dirty bomb attack for God sakes! This recent rise in gang activity looks like a tea party compared to the days of World War III!”
Many citizens are continuing to train hard and hold their ground as peaceful factions lose their status. We at The Torn City Times are dedicating to helping citizens become aware of any developments on the factions and hope that our readers will look to the paper for insight.
- Article by Ghostbuddy [254479]
Colts Jewels Grabbed! - 28/06/08
Around 2 to 3 million dollars in gold, diamonds and jewelry, including Torn City’s Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl rings, were stolen from a city jewelry company in one of the largest heists in the city's history.
The heist occurred at the Jewelry Shop, on the East Side of the City and is actively being investigated by city detectives. Apparently, the perpetrators disabled the alarm system and cut a hole in the roof of the building before fleeing with a safe through the front door that weighed at least 1,500 pounds, according to a police report.
No suspects were immediately identified, however, the police suspect that someone with great upper body strength may be involved. The following teams are going to be questioned later today about the matter: Seven Nation Intramurals, The Super Sarongs, Lost Fighters, Butte Pirates and a few more teams that are currently being disclosed.
Colts Manager, Buthidae [356841], declined to comment extensively on the heist but was being reassured that the best city detectives were actively investigating the missing rings. The only statement that Buthidae could provide was, “All I’m being told is that they are looking into the matter but I can’t tell you who I think did it…yet.”
The Jewelry Shop on the East Side of Torn City is now the scene of a multi-million dollar heist. When asked about the extent to which the thieves took in carrying out the crime, Unicron acknowledged, "Whoever did this knew what they were doing."
An employee discovered the break-in and theft Saturday morning after he could not access his work e-mail from home. The thieves cut the phone lines that connected to the main company server when they disconnected the alarm system preventing anyone from checking their email or private files from home.
According to City Officials, it is believed to have occurred sometime since late Friday night. Detectives thepeon [356975] and FadetoBlack [29545] are leading the investigation and took evidence from the scene with the assistance of state police so that they could assess what was left behind and give more information on who may have stolen the merchandise.
Colts Owner Unicron [61736] said earlier the company is cooperating with the investigators and said the break-in was "unpleasant" but only briefly hampered their operations. Unicron also stated that, “Regardless of our rings, we’re still winners and we’ll be training and playing like we always have been. We’re a great team and a few shiny rings being stolen wont stop us from winning again next year.”
When asked about how deliveries would be affected, such as the Super Bowl rings, the Jewelry Shop Owner, Aaron said, "I'm not going to discuss specifics. Our biggest customers understand we've run into a bit of a hiccup." He complemented his employees saying that, "Everybody is being positive. And that’s what we need right now.”
While many jewellery manufacturers in the city have either moved or gone out of business, the family-owned Jewelry Shop is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year in part by transforming its business to more than just a few diamond rings with either silver or gold. Shop owner, Aaron is now involved in advertising and promotional specialties where he now designs, makes or markets a wide variety of products from high-dollar corporate and commemorative rings to recognition products.
"The good news is that we're back up and running and we're mainly focused on supplying our customers as we normally do. Just because we have a hole in the roof and a few broken windows, we’re still open. Lets just hope it doesn’t rain!" Aaron said as he laughed.
In other news, please expect thunderstorm warnings until Wednesday.
- Article by CalisFinest [479239]
Darkness in TC: Gone? - 28/06/08
Attacks to power stations across Torn City have been reported as of Last Sunday. The attackers in question are the infamous Torn City Global Warming protesters who managed to destroy an electrical server in a near by power station as part of their campaign to plunge the city into darkness. At several times over the past few weeks were they successful.
The power "lag," as the chairman for Torn City Power called it, has pulled the city to a halt over the past week at different times throughout the day and has caused many of the citizens to complain about not being able to make it to the gym and or to the city center where they enjoy a beer at the city bar. The recent upgrades to the city’s new “efficient” power seem to be the cause but what or who to blame is currently unknown.
Mayor Chedburn stated that everything should be back to normal and that there should be no more issues with the subway, train stations, or any of the electrical towers in general. The brown outs have stopped since his statement, and many believe it is still something to worry about and continue to complain and disagree if the real issue has been fixed.
Some citizens were protesting that another 2007 blackout may occur, frightening many others and children. The last blackout, which occurred in February 2007, was caused by a flight returning from Switzerland that crashed into a transformer. Mass panic happened everywhere in the city and caused many citizens to move. Banks also lost their records causing many to lose their savings.
Chedburn also stated that, “We’re lucky that the problem has been resolved in time for the factions to be corrected and given the chance to be made peaceful, if they worked for it, because even more chaos would have been caused. We didn’t want to send out countless number of police into the city center because we want to catch The Global Warming protesters before they do this again.”
Not long after the Mayor made his statement to the city, the Torn City Global Warning protestors were captured and placed into federal confinement until further notice. No names were given as of June 28, 2008.
- Article by Lyno [536065]
The value of your friend? - 26/06/08
What's your friend worth to you in this Torn(ed) City?
Having a friend in this city, which you can fully trust to - it's a rare thing to have. I've read and heard many stories and rumours of people who have broken their precious relationship of their former friend due a misunderstanding. AKA scamming. Scammed by your 'best friend'. These days this business seems more like normal, just like eating breakfast. Those who you've known all your life, choosing money over you.
It's more like that society turns you into something evil. Something where you're willing to do anything to have the dollars with the corrupt mayor's face on it. It's like society hypnotizes you to go into the dark road. Just like this city, it's totally dark where you have to watch out if you go on the street. You could just get robbed, businessmen, woman or children it doesn't matter. Hell, even if you're in your car waiting for the light to turn green.
What's with this city? You would say that these bounds, friendship, should be preciously restored, if it's damaged in any way. Communicating is the first cause of these broken relations though. Try to communicate more frequently with your loved once, friend, ally, family or even if it's a relationship based on a invisible contract. For example your protectors. Not communicating with each other makes it harder to read for your friends where you stand, against - or with them. Even TRUE friendship, which you'd think would be very hard to be broken, is easily broken up with just a few misunderstandings.
Of course everyone wants that precious palace or hell a private island just outside the city. Is it really worth getting this, where you are in the end, still getting owned by the feared underground Organised CRIME Factions (OCF')? What will happen, when the so-called peace, forced by the Mayor by a temporarily no-fire statement will end? Will you then turn your back to your old friends, who kept you in their peaceful house? Will the Mayor use the SWAT teams forcing the little crime offenders to stop. Knowing they can't do anything about those OCF's.
What am I saying - Peaceful? Officials are scared going to work without seeing a bench blown up in the park. Or even getting abducted, and hopefully - knowing that they only want cash - not getting slayed by the abductors. Using the train - once the safest way to travel - now also is very dangerous.
I'm trying to tell you readers - Don't give up, as in hard times, friends and family are those willing to help you. In hard times you will see the true faces, without the masks of your friends. Remember - there are a lot of people just toying with your emotions, faking to be your friends, just to have the benefits of your current financial situation.
So - who is your friend?
- Article by Wirindre [174889]
The Noobs Strike!! - 26/06/08
WARNING bolt your doors and shut your windows the noobs are attacking!!! We have always had noobs but now… now we have a higher amount of noobs infesting our city than ever before. They are like the common cold. Not deadly not dangerous but annoying enough to make you stop what your doing and focus on it. And much like the common cold there is no cure. This “species” if you will keeps coming back. There is no vaccine there is no escape. Sure some of us have our guns and canes to beat them off of our lawn but when we have them by the thousands attempting pathetic scams on our old folks who want to retire in peace. When we have them crawling around the gutters in the sewers begging for cash, and really just waiting to have a bounty placed upon them. What are we supposed to do? What can we do to stop these little things from attaching themselves permanently to society? Well here are some tips to remember and use as a weapon against these infuriating people.
1. This is the most popular choice by far, and it is a simple bounty if you stroll down to the good old newspaper stand and tell them to put a good old bounty on “sxcbby” then they will realize (maybe not quickly as scientific test prove that they have very limited mental capabilities) that they can’t beg and scam and be well… noobs.
2. The “repetitive maneuver” e.g. below
noob “ hez u better sendz me 100 billion dollrz or me will getz my lvl 100 friend to hosp u!!!! also mez hax ur accounut because I am a haxer and have already taken overz chedburns account and willz destroy urs”.
You “sure sending the cash how much do you need?”
Noob “how much do you havez?”
You “sure sending the cash how much do you need?”
Etc etc.
3. Now the third and final noob repellant method. This is a simple one really. You simply click the report feature then the ignore button. They will soon be picked up to be taken to the asylum. (Code name fed jail) you shouldn’t ever hear from them again.
Ways to spot a noob a simple guide. They will misspell very common words such as “have” and “yours” and “you”. They will use their own language known as “1337” (experts are still deciphering It.) they will insist upon being hackers and or being staff. They will also insist upon having high level friends who we all know don’t exist. Lastly they will swear a ton and call YOU a noob.
Well I hope that you have found this guide useful and can use it to discover and obliterate at least a few of the evil race that walks among us, and please if you know a noob that has gone unpunished there are ways that they can be “taken care of.”
- Article by DOA_jon182 [679838]
Crack-Down on TC Drug Use - 23/06/08
It seems that the city has taken extreme measures to halt the mainstream drug use that is so widely used by Torn City citizens. Several days ago, Mayor Chedburn officially stated that there would be noticeable changes to those who trained while high or those who trained only one aspect of their physique. Anyone who was settled in knowing who they could and could not beat by keeping track of their enemy’s physical statistics are now throwing away their graphs and charts and testing the waters with their new opponents.
One of the factors in attacking is now the effect that drug use will have on a citizen. Drugs were once on the black market and very expensive. City officials felt it was best to bring drugs out in the open and sell them with a minimal tax so that they could control the output of these drugs from any dangerous factors or lowlife drug dealers. Drugs like xanax and ecstasy now seem to be a little different these days and it’s a theory to many that the Mayor and some of his officials have laced these drugs with other components that will alter the way a person fights…and not in a “hulk mad, hulk get big and green” kind of way.
Previously, the way that fights on the streets went, they were simple and easy. If someone beat you and you knew what he or she trained, you could train whatever you needed knowing that you could eventually beat him or her. Perhaps, even with the help of a drug during your training time. Now, citizens have no idea what to think because they’re getting mixed results. Drug selling and buying seems to have slowed down until everyone knows what they’re in for.
WickedPrincess [249533] is an avid drug user and has seen both the good and the bad side of the new method of fighting. WP says, "I train with xanax every time I go to the gym. Now, someone who has never used drugs beats me and they have 1/5 my stats! Even still, I can beat a druggie like myself and I have 1/4 their stats." Now, even though she can take down someone a lot stronger than her, she continues, “I honestly hate the new system I’ve spent a lot of money for donator packs just to be able to do xanax. And then the new fighting system comes along and I get screwed because I bought donator packs to buy drugs!”
Many are unsure of what they should train when they head to the gym. Most citizens train what they have been training but then think if they should return with a new regiment. Hopefully, there are a few courageous citizens out there who will test the new attack system extensively and inform those who are worried about their abilities. For now, the staff at The Torn City Times suggests that our readers save up and fly to Switzerland and lay off those drugs. Drugs are bad or are they? Mmkay.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Win 2M daily.. for Life! - 21/06/08
Many citizens of Torn City are being hurt by the economy with the stocks falling frequently, a new real estate service, a lack of well paying jobs, and many other factors that disappoint the hard workers of this city. The Torn City Times gets many letters containing the subject, “How can I earn money?!” or, “May I please have some cash, I’m new in the city,” and the like. We, the staff at The Torn City Times, are quite sure that our readers are also sick of those borderline homeless citizens who like to beg for a living. Well, keep reading if you’d like to know how to earn money the quick way, or, TWO MILLION PER DAY!
Posted on the boards in the social part of the city, the center city, are always ways to make a quick buck. Highlighted will be the successful contests and lotteries that have been seen in the past as well as some amazing new ideas that are currently posted. The Fun & Games boards at the center city is a place where the well off citizens can reach a helping hand in a creative way to the citizens who have a hard time making good money for themselves. These citizens throw contests for artwork, as well as lotteries, raffles, and even a simple give away. There are many, many contests that are worth mentioning however, one contest will be focused on this week for the sole reason of being completely and utterly awesome.
A cruise line agency titled, “Tupac is Alive” is throwing a raffle. The two owners, Primetime [90028] and Freebird [94563], have decided to give away to the grand prizewinner, TWO MILLION DOLLARS PER DAY (equal to 730 million per year)! Recently, Primetime posted a notice in the Fun & Games section of the city center, a proposed idea of a raffle. Many citizens have had successful raffles in the past and this one should be no different. Now, it may be on the expensive side, however, the raffle entries will pretty much be what you make in the game for the next couple of years.
Every ticket is worth 125% of a payday with the cruise line, so 2.5 million per raffle ticket. The winner will be given a job in the company, regardless of their working stats (and if the winner is unhappy with that, Primetime says that there are ways around it!). Despite the 2 million per day and the added working stats, the company has some pretty nice incentives! Be warned though, Primetime and Freebird plan to sell 500 raffle tickets, otherwise, they will not be able to hold the raffle!!! So if you’re interested in winning 2 million per day, SHOW YOUR INTEREST AT THE CITY CENTER BOARDS!!! This factor CANNOT be stressed enough!
For all of the citizens who write The Torn City Times asking about how they can make a quick buck, walk around the city, because we’re sure there are many ways you can use your talents or just gamble a little, and earn a good chunk of change in a few days. Even though there are the citizens who like to take your money and run just use some common sense when you’re entering the raffles and contests. Get to know your community and those who like to help out. For a list of current noob foundations, continuing contests, and some tips on making money, check [420844]’s front yard in a few days. Good luck citizens!
- Article by Yue [420844]
TC has oil! - 21/06/08
Reported by zak on the 20/06/08
About 5 weeks ago the largely unannounced BurgijaM Petroleum Products started producing oil for Torn City. The new company which is now nearly more than 5 weeks old had an extremely positive effect on the stock market. In the 24 hours after the company set up shop the stock markets rose 10%. There are also rumours that it’s record profits were behind the 25% jump about a week ago although these rumours are unconfirmed it seems that this new company will make life in torn city very interesting in the near future.
The most surprising aspect of this new development is the secrecy with which it has been carried out. A survey of 250 torn city residents has revealed that only about 2% knew that torn city had an oil company at all. One resident said “wow, I never thought anyone would have that much money for months yet” others are surprised that an event this momentous has only been reported 5 weeks after the initiation of the new company.
BurgijaM Petroleum Products which is currently owned by Sifonjer has so far made record profits beyond $40,000,000, more than double first Television network’s record. If the company continues to hold up such high standards then Sifonjer could well become the richest person in Torn.
The only question this reporter has is “how long until someone else sees these profits and sets up a rival company”, this currently seems to be a very real threat. There have already been several people enquiring about starting an oil company. How long until they start their own could just be a matter of time.Only one thing is certain. This company can only mean more prosperous times for the residents of Torn.
- Article by zak [486246]
No More Peace? - 21/06/08
Well the time is almost here! Only 10 days left of peaceful status when the first factions were placed in this comfort zone. When we first saw the appearance of peaceful / aggressive status of factions, some of us had mixed feelings about it. Some finally found a safe haven where they could socialize with friends. Others were just counting down the days when they could wreak havoc on helpless factions and citizens. At this very moment in time there are 10 days left and counting from when peaceful status first began. After that then all hell will break lose.
There are some questions you might want to ask yourself when peaceful status is over. Should we create a new faction to stay in peaceful status? Should we spit in the wind and take on a HOF faction? Well the decision is up to you . . . or is it. There have been rumors that Sir Ched is thinking of making a way for people to stay in peaceful status for a certain amount of time, but for what price? Only time will tell.
Will the new attack system help or hurt you once this utopia is over for your faction? Maybe your peaceful faction could become a blood thirsty cult, knocking off some HOF giants. Now several Davids can attack one Goliath taking on a new strategy in chaining. Also, the addition of temporary weapons could also give you the edge in an uphill battle.
What will your choice be when peaceful status is over?
- Article by MyDarkSide [294288]
Poke Her for Money - 19/04/08
For a long time, Torn City has had a tiny casino located in the Red-Light District. Many people visited this casino, but it was in major need of repairs and new additions to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the city. Alas, construction went underway and the roulette tables were replaced, but more importantly, Torn City got poker tables!
Poker is becoming a growing trend in this city as many men and women are jumping into those seats ready to put down a big chunk of change per go. Many have lost their shirts, weapons, homes and friends because of the game, while others have strolled home at night ecstatic and richer than they could have dreamed. There will always be ups and downs to this addicting game, so how about we discuss both?
Being as there is a diverse group of economic households, Torn City is full of money grubbing, low lives that will try and do anything for money. Citizens will go as far as to mug people as they head home, or even get another person at the table to cheat with them. How could they possibly cheat, you ask? Simple. However, those details will not disclose this information as the Torn City Times does not believe in cheaters nor would it like to create more.
On the upside, Poker is enjoyable. If a table is started and there’s good banter between the gamblers, it can become a lengthy and fun time. There are many citizens who enjoy it and return everyday, no matter how low they are in their winnings. Also, citizens who were scrounging for money now have a chance to use some of their skill and earn money the fun way, in poker.
So go cash in, grab some chips, a seat, a drink or two and get ready for some intense poker. We at the Torn City Times say, good luck to everyone who sits down at the tables and don’t get ahead of yourself. You want to make money, not lose it all in one sitting!
- Article by Yue [420844]
TornCity, A Burning City? - 19/04/08
Lately, a growing number of citizens have been sent to the hospital for severe burns and, or to jail for being caught trying to burn well-known buildings down. Countless times a day buildings will be demolished and burned to the ground. One must ask, where are the firefighters?! It is no wonder that millions of dollars go into restoring these buildings so they can be used again quickly, but as fast as they go up, they are burnt down again.
While visiting the burn unit of the Torn City hospital, many citizens such as Cindderella [447786], Eng21inE [161117], CornTity [646040] and a large number more on my way to the lunch hall. Recovery times vary from four hours to over ten hours, which, in this city, that be a lifetime. Thankfully, any Brain Surgeons with free hands and low amount of cash can try and make a quick buck by assisting these citizens in giving them a quicker recovery time.
After visiting the hospital, it was over to the city jail so that someone could be interviewed because they were caught for “trying to burn something down.” No burn victims were interviewed because it was best to let them rest as they did not look so well. The citizen doing the most time in jail for trying to burn down a building, or suspicion, to say the least, was UnDeFeateD [463547]. Below you will find a very short interview between him and this reporter, uncensored and in his own words, he answered all questions as he sat on his cot, carving something out of a piece of soap.
Yue: What building were you trying to burn down?
UnDeFeateD: I was trying to burn down the Government Building.
Yue: Were the cops just targeting you and someone else was trying to burn the building down or do you admit it was you?
UnDeFeateD: I believe the cops were just targeting me. For some reason, they have a grudge against me. Maybe it’s because of my good looks or my money. Anyways, while they were forcing me into their cruiser, I saw one other player burning down the Government building right in front of my eyes. Yet the police let him go.
Yue: How often do you try to burn this building or other buildings down?
UnDeFeateD: I try to burn this building down 8 times a day. It earns me a good pay and, well, the government doesn't have a shortage of these buildings. ;)
Yue: Are you aware of the amount of tax dollars that go into rebuilding these buildings?
UnDeFeateD: Tax dollars? Doesn't Chedburn pay for the damages?
Whether or not police forces or Mayor Chedburn will try and deter citizens from burning down the city buildings. Until then, however, it is evident that many will continue to buy gas cans and use them to make a pretty penny off of these charred buildings no matter how severe the consequences may be.
- Article by Yue [420844]
TC Gets TV! - 03/04/08
One of the very first multi-billion dollar companies has been started up! Torn City has its VERY first Television Network, and named for the experience it is titled, “First Television Network.”
FTN is currently directed by 493 days old, SrThomasJN [377584]. To get this company started, many investors gathered their funds together to start up this company. Their names will remain anonymous unless they would like to be called upon.
After its first day up and running, FTN was only able to bank $2,557,500, however, there is quite a lot of speculation to why the daily profit was so low as well as how to get that up within a few days. Possibly the rating will increase soon, employees will be replaced and the company will be at its best. Till then, we will be watching their profits to see how they do.
Congratulations and good luck to The First Television Network, SrThomasJN, its investors and it’s employees!
- Article by Yue [420844]
A Big Winner Speaks Up - 03/04/08
Lately, the lottery has been becoming a common trend for everyone and anyone. The lottery was started in late 2007 and the first drawing was Christmas Eve. Citizens are flocking to the casino to buy their tickets for a chance to win a multi million prize, which has averaged over 100 million every week since it began! And with lottery tickets at 10,000$ each, that’s about 10,000 tickets sold, PER WEEK!
After her large winnings of 200 million, Angel of Betrayal sent this reporter a letter about her experience as a big winner. She shared how she remembers when many citizens, like her self scrounged just to get through the week. Then, her first comment about the winning experience did not send a surprise at all as many have also experienced an influx of these, dare it be said, low lives, as well. Angel of Betrayal said, “Some worms have absolutely no self worth and are willing to beg just for they have something to do.” And referring to her front yard and the “Don’t beg or I’ll shoot” signs, she asked why citizens would still insist on knocking on her door to ask for some spare change when she clearly has a shotgun in hand and enough money to hire any hit man she needs. For this curious question, Angel of Betrayal is not alone.
Angel of Betrayal received many letters and in addition to the letters asking for money and items, she was asked if she had any secrets to winning the lottery. To that, she answered, “Now why would I share it with an idiot that I don't even know?” All that she would share was that,” I don't think it matters what time of day you buy tickets or when, just as long as you play. It only takes one ticket to win!”
Besides all of the annoying letters that Angel of Betrayal has received, she discussed her and her husband’s well being after the winning. Like all normal citizens of Torn City, one of her and her husband’s many desires include a private island which, after giving some of the winnings to friends, they invested into their bank to save up for the day when they can visit the real estate agent and get their dream home.
The large sum of money has not changed Angel of Betrayal but maybe that private island she plans to buy will? Finally, she thanks the members of HT for their Thank You letters and wishes good luck to any citizens who play. So go get those tickets and maybe this week will be YOUR lucky week for some big winnings!
- Article by Yue [420844]
BOMB SET OFF!CITY PANICS! - 03/03/08
It finally happened. Many reports by our great Mayor, Chedburn, have been said about a dirty bomb. There was no word of who had them, how they were made or what they would do until recently. Factions began warring each other after a grace of peace of about five days. After that, wars started to heat up, especially between Devastation and Hells Angels. Devastation has been on the rise for quite some time to stay at number two on the Hall of Fame. Anyone and everyone, it seems, has been trying to take them down and today, it has seemed to happen!
At about 4:20am, as many citizens were celebrating by smoking a cannabis, the news stations began to flare up, telling citizens to stay inside of their homes. Everyone began to wonder what was going on, but it seemed that a bomb was on the radar heading for our great city. ..when in fact, it was simply planted outside of the Devastation faction headquarter. Many were on the edge of their seats as speculations started in the Hells Angels faction room. Jamil denied any allegations of having dropped the bomb, but Devastation members knew better. It was confirmed when the event arrived, “Your faction has been severely hit by a radioactive bomb activated by JamilB!”
Sinista in Devastation got the worst brunt of it as they are in the hospital for 60 hours total. Nothing will get anyone in Devastation out of the hospital. Morphine, revives and drugs will do no good. This radiation poisoning is taking a toll on their members and they are going to be recovering for a good two days. Other citizens were also harmed as many were trampled, or got sick and they too, immediately went to the hospital to get checked out. A total of about 1500 citizens ended up in the hospital, overloading the nurses and doctors with very little help. Every surgeon was called upon and the price of revives and morphine shot up within a matter of minutes.
No further reports of what other damage the dirty bomb has done besides taking 10,000 respect from Devastation, which seemed to go into thin air. The many members of that faction pledge to gain it back quickly when they are fully recovered. Any more news will come later…the Torn City times warns all citizens to stay in their homes and not to travel to the city. Also, anyone on planes or planning on leaving the city, take precaution. There is no word on if the airports have been harmed, but one can only imagine…
***Update! As of 4:45am, Mayor Chedburn has made a statement. The bomb was not dropped, per se. I apologize to the citizens because in my panic, I had a few bits of information about the bomb incorrect. The bomb was not "dropped," nor was there a "radar," however, it was planted and detonated. Where it was planted is unclear at this moment, everything else in the article is correct. Thank you.
***
- Article by Yue [420844]
Factions Revamped? - 12/02/08
Definitely one of the biggest updates to hit Torn City since companies, the changes to the faction system are guaranteed to cause an uproar, but will players be shouting yay or nay? There is great speculation as to what has brought these updates. Could it be true that mayor Chedburn is really trying to increase the number of terrorist factions in the city? And not only preventing the growth of some of the larger factions? This reporter for one is trying to get to the bottom of these updates.
Amongst the smaller updates, such as newbie gangs earning higher respect at the beginning of their careers, the City Council has also began grading gangs, Aggressive and Peaceful. Aggressive gangs are those which actively war in the City, whilst peaceful gangs are those newer factions, and any faction not involved in wars. An aggressive faction is not allowed to declare on a peaceful faction. But what does this mean? Looking at the bigger picture, Torn City is guaranteed to see an increase in factions. Why? Players will no longer fear owning a faction, safe in the knowledge that they cannot be declared on.
But the biggest and probably most exciting update, is the faction specials! Different specials bought with “respect” that offer great advantages to factions. Gym gains, nerve bar increases, better hospital care (less hospital time) and rumoured advantages with organised crimes are said to be unlocked for any faction with substantial respect.
And so, it must be asked, which factions benefit most from this update? Bigger factions, able to spend respect on increased stats? Or smaller factions safe in the knowledge that they cannot be declared upon? Only time will tell, and expect to see a follow up story in the following months.
- Article by Silent-Walker [91795]
Tips to New Citizens - 11/02/08
Within the last couple of weeks, the homeless citizens of Torn City weren’t allowed to ask for cash or items on the streets while others passed by. But with the recent rise of those homeless citizens, asking for spare change no longer holds as harsh as a punishment as before. It was discussed how they have become homeless and out of their cash, but the Torn City Times Staff would like to suggest a few ideas of how to become a wealthy citizen.
It is not at all difficult to make money in this city after you’ve been living here for quite some time, but for the new citizens, we understand you’re only just getting used to the area. So please, read on, and use what your momma gave ya!
1. We may be the Torn City Times staff, but there are many ways to make cash where the cops won’t bother you. Search under the bridge, sell some burned movies and in due time, you’ll be making millions!
2. Don’t play Black Jack! And if you do, play smart. Only bet what you can afford to lose. And as the warning tells you, you can lose all your money in a matter of seconds!
3. Listen to TC Radio. Occasionally, during their shows, DJs will give out prizes to their listeners! (Please also look for a future article on the TC Radio and the DJs!)
4. If you will visit Body’s [profile=70242] front yard, you will find valuable information about the Dollar Sale. It is an event that happens every Sunday (usually) where you can purchase items on the market for a dollar and sell them for a nice profit!
5. Use the bars, chat areas, etc. (Or as we call it, IRC). You can visit #lobby and make some new friends, or even, with the holidays approaching, a Valentine! Also, some rooms will have random giveaways, so be sure to look out for those by typing /list into the subject field.
6. Visit the City then the Red-Light District and follow that to the best TC fan sites. You will find help for many issues that you have and better tips and help.
7. Enter competitions! Follow the rules and take your time and you can win a lot of points to sell on the market.
8. And last but not least…check out the boards for Fun & Games. If you’re good at graphics making, you can earn a pretty penny doing that work. And eventually, do freelance work through your own home (we suggest adobe cs2 for your work). There are also many OTHER, simple and non-graphic contests there, and it’s all worth a look.
I hope that all of these tips will be useful for the new users who move to the city, as well as anyone else who are still looking for a way to earn some extra cash. I also hope this will stop anyone from mailing other citizens for cash, well, more or less, dream.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Body Found! TCRA Escape! - 15/01/08
It has been days since Body was kidnapped and finally, she’s been found! You must all be asking yourselves how in the world was she found and who found her. Well, I will tell you just that! I have received countless mails from many citizens of Torn City, trying to get any information out of me they could. And it seems that out of those many citizens, only one was the super sleuth needed to crack the case.
After receiving an edelweiss from Icon [293019], Wollongong [12833] was able to successfully locate Body’s…body and free her from the TCRA (The Torn City Resistance Army). Additionally, Wollongong rewarded Icon with a 5 million dollar bonus for giving him the golden tip to free Body. Along with Wollongong were Torn City’s finest citizens accompanied by the globe’s fiercest armies.
This rescue mission and figuring out who kidnapped our beloved Body was not an easy task. Almost 1,500 replies were posted on her cry for help board in hopes to figuring out the clues to solve the case. Icon was able to “weed” out the clues, shakedown many suspicious characters and not so suspicious characters (including myself), asking anyone and everyone. Icon concluded that the edelweiss, from Geneva, Switzerland (a high, neutral place) uncovering the secret hideout of the TCRA.
Unfortunately however, the TCRA members are still unknown. We suppose they knew they were being looked for and decided to leave Body right before their grounds were infiltrated. The TCRA have indeed escaped and perhaps next time, we’ll be better prepared to defeat them. They could be anyone, so be careful whom you trust and watch your backs…you never know who will be kidnapped next.
Disclaimer: I had someone get upset that this wasn’t real and everyone was worrying about Body. This entire ordeal was posted in “Fun & Games” for a reason! No “Body’s” were hurt in the creation of this exciting game. Thank you Wollongong for getting this rescue team together and get their minds working :)
- Article by Yue [420844]
Kidnappers issue demands - 06/01/08
Valuable information about the kidnapping of Body has been scarce up until now. I recently received a scribbled note from the group of kidnappers, known as The Torn City Resistance Army (TCRA) which has released some critical data about the demands they are issuing.
1) 5 million dollars are to be paid in unmarked $10 bills. The group will specify the payment procedure in detail in later communications
2) Disbanding of the biggest factions in Torn City (HT, 39th Street Killers, Devastation, InQuest , PT - FAMILY, Vae Victis, Destructive Anomaly, Goodfellas, jfk, Random Acts of Violence, HT-Vendetta, SPITE, Bears Id Like 2 FaQ, --BH-- , Unscrupulous, Notorious MiG, Sweet Pink Secksy Fluffy Bunnies, PT - Special One, The Art of War, PT - Penguins)
3) The return of sensible posting in the TC forums
4) Imprisonment of Dirty-Rockstar, and all her copy-cats.
5) A review of all staff, which may result in "letting go” of some officials.
They warn they WILL harm Body if any attempt at rescue is made. Very soon after this information was received, I shared the note with a good friend of mine asking him what he thought of the whole situation. He suddenly became enraged and gave his opinion fiercely. For security reasons, his/her name has been kept in secret
The-Heretic: What would you like to do about the situation at present?
***: This is outrageous! I mean, okay, I can agree with some of the demands... but what the hell! Kidnap an innocent person to achieve this goal? And Body, of all people! Damn to hell with them people! I curse those, who think hurting the innocent will help the good cause. Do this, and you are a cancer worse than the disease you are saying to be fighting! They must hang! So they want 5 Million as well hey .. well, I say, never give terrorists what they want, it'd only encourage those b*stards!
You know what .. I am going to sell some of my assets, and put out a bounty of 5 MILLION DOLLARS to the person who identifies these thugs, and who can show the location of Body!
The-Heretic: What are your views on the violence in TC in general?
***: Violence in Torn City is just a plain and simple normal thing. What I oppose to is the kidnapping of a completely innocent person to attempt to achieve some goals.
The-Heretic: Do you agree with the disbanding of the big HoF factions, or oppose that point?
***: As for the disbanding of the top factions, could be fun, gives an opportunity for the smaller factions to rise and add some fresh names to the HoF.
The-Heretic: Any views on the demand that all staff are reviewed?
***: A review of staffers seems sensible.
- Article by The-Heretic [26016]
Gossip
Big Dogs Dominate - 05/04/10
The bloodiest month of the city has passed to see the survivors of the Dog Tags death match. Unlike last year, no surprises are to be found as BodyBagger [99177] took home the Golden Dog Tag with 11,245 dog tags on him. Some players have attempted to spy out the basis of his success and eye-popping results followed. According to a forum response, BodyBagger has at least 40 billion dexterity and 12 billion defence. Those alone would have already put up an invincible protection, not to mention how much he has for speed and strength. Simultaneously, BodyBagger is also known to be the highest lev elled player of Torn society.
With some jealousy among the players, Mayor Ched jokingly suggested people to group together and attack BodyBagger for a chance to win over $550 million (that is if BodyBagger converted all his reward points to money). “Just think, a few well planned attacks on him with your faction, and you'd have $550,000,000...,” quoted Mayor Ched. He sure has a good sense of humour, a smart brain (that had gotten over 150,000 people on to TC) with the compensation of being a bad director, and the starter of one of the most negatively rated posts on the forum.
Finishing behind BodyBagger was Project_Alice [185740] and Skuodas_LT [1414] who took 2nd and 3rd respectively. Also, it is worth to know that the leader board is completely dominated by high levelled and older players. This in turn sparked strings of complaints among the low levels for such an unfair contest. Meanwhile, a few other players were unhappy about the late finish of the grand-prix. They claimed that they were mugged on April 1st and that some of them had to forfeit hundreds of dog tags. Too sad for them, but optimistically speaking, it was April Fools’ Day and no one is really to blame.
Informatively, when I took some random reads at a few thread comments, not many citizens seem to be looking forward for another dog tag competition next year. If that’s the case, Mayor Ched might want to check out some of the cool alternatives in the suggestions section of the forum. Fascinatingly creative ideas such as a zombie holocaust (see the Zombies! Thread in the suggestion forum). Otherwise, the month was enjoyable and ironically peaceful for a few low profilers.
- Article by Amberlyee [907584]
Torn Down Under - 29/03/10
After months of silence and suspicious behaviour it has been revealed that Mayor Chedburn and the Australian authorities are negotiating to open their respective embassies on Australia and Torn respectively. If this negotiation has a positive conclusion the citizens of Torn will have a new country to visit and terrorize. Torn will be opening it’s embassies, yes not one but two, in the city of Melbourne and Adelaide. Some say that the rising popularity of Torn and high educational quality and the beauty of the nature in Down Under makes this a perfect deal. This will allow the citizens to learn new things and explore new places which also lead to finding and creating new items.
To enhance the relations with Australia, soon after the embassies are created Mayor Chedburn plans to launch many new items which includes kangaroo plushie, koala plushie, model of The Sydney Opera House , model of the Trophies won by the Australian Cricket team (1999,2003 and 2007) and many more.
The Australian authorities have guaranteed that this deal will help improve Torn’s current economic status tremendously. Mayor Chedburn who believes that it will has also ensured that the citizens of Torn will not be disappointed by the outcome of the deal. However Mayor Chedburn will be holding several debates and discussions in the city forum and City Centre along with his fellow staff members just to ensure that at least 60% of the citizens support the deal.
The Mayor has also announced that once in Australia the citizens of Torn would be able to access many new features which will be loaded with heaps of fun and will improve the knowledge of anyone who tends to take them seriously. The features will include Croc Hunting, attending Universities visiting the Opera House and learning how to play Rugby, the Australian way!
The negotiations will continue till the end of May and will be concluded on the first Sunday of June. Could this be the turning point in the history of Torn?
- Article by Hell_Ace [421422]
Low Level Terror? - 23/03/10
As my days continue here in Torn City, I’ve come to see more and more hostility towards newer citizens. People treat them like scum, like trash, like there nothing and have no chance here in Torn. Yes, this may be true for some people, but not all. Some people are very bright and talented. They settle in quickly and get right to the streets committing crimes left and right, making names for themselves. Some join factions right away and some avoid them. One thing that I have noticed an increase in is the ones that beg for money and items from people.
I believe this increase in beggars is a direct reaction by firm motions from higher levelled citizens of Torn. They bounty the beggars, they frequently attack them as well. The beggars then become helpless and beg more for help to “take care of” the citizens attacking them. Once that approach fails, the new citizens soon leave Torn and never return. Because of these beggars, the innocent young, and some very talented players get punished for no reason other than them being new. The hate that has grown towards these newer players is unbelievable. It seems that everyone is a firm believer that any new person to Torn is or will be a beggar.
Just the other day I saw a level 1 in the hospital after an attack from a level 38. Don’t you all think that’s a bit unfair? How can the young’un defend themselves against such strong person? But most of all, what do you higher levelled people get from attacking the “noob” or “newbie”? Does it make you feel proud of yourself to know that you can actually take on a new person who’s just warming up to our wonderful crime filled city?
Not all low levelled citizens are “noobs” though. Some do choose to stay at low levels. But the newcomers to Torn should not be penalized by us older more sophisticated and hardened Veterans of Torn. As the hostility grows I do see a small light in all the hate. Some helpful and dedicated citizens of Torn do help these younger newcomers. They give them cheap or free rent on houses, send them money, give them advice, and even give them protection. Some people actually send them weapons and other items. I’ve heard stories of some people even getting jackhammers given to them at level 2! I wish I was that lucky when I first arrived here in Torn. My personal opinion on newcomers to Torn City is that they should be welcomed; they help build the Torn City economy.
Is there anything we can do to stop the hatred towards the citizens living in the shadows of Torn? Can we help them move from shacks to beach houses? Can we help keep them from being abused by older veterans having a laugh? We need to stop this madness and help Torn’s future. Let’s not drive the citizens to leave, we need their money!
- Article by zezus [889466]
Pay Attention. - 16/03/10
Torn City has its share of upper, middle, and lower class citizens, just like anywhere else. While the rest of the world squabbles in a philosophical debate over how to best govern, the theory and practice of capitalism is alive and well in Torn City. One can’t help but get caught up in thoughts or conversation of social injustice when they see some players with a long list of Private Islands, Castles, and Palaces in their possession, while others scrape by to simply make an upkeep payment on a Mansion. The game doesn’t stop there. Market prices are generally set by the richest of Torn’s players, often pricing average players out of the market. So for many of Torn’s hard working citizens the question remains, ‘what can I do to move up the economic ladder?’
Perhaps the easiest way is finding a decent job. Since the best businesses cost billions of dollars a new player’s best bet is to try and align themselves with one of these businesses. For new players looking for a job, working stats are everything. Since good working stats are required for the best jobs young players should begin planning at an early age for their future. If you want a job at an Oil Rig or a Sports Team, you’re going to need a lot of manual, so plan accordingly.
Another popular method of climbing the proverbial ladder is by befriending a powerful faction or player. Many factions limit themselves to private recruitment or set minimum level requirements, but there are lots of decent factions out there that are prepared to accept almost anyone who is willing to participate. Choosing a faction can be a make or break moment for a young player. If you’re concerned with quick stat gain, you’ll want to find an aggressive faction, preferably one with a high steadfast rating. If you’re looking for friendship and protection a faction with higher level members would probably be a smart bet. Then once you’ve aligned yourself with the right people, the rest is up to you.
What makes a new player a good faction member? The key word that comes to mind is loyalty. Other factions are always going to try and persuade members away from other factions; however, members must weigh the counter-offer with the possibility of starting over with a fresh crew. In my faction loyalty weighs heavily on my mind when addressing the requests and favours of my faction mates, with the loyalist and hardest working members getting the most help. The point is that being involved gets you noticed. Think of ways you can offer assistance to your faction, think of new ways that your own personal skills, be it in Torn, or in real life, can improve your faction. Many leaders are more than willing to recruit a new player as long as they know they’re getting a long-term hard worker, rather than just someone bouncing from place to place looking for a handout. In Torn City, much like in the real world, loyalty, persistence, and hard-work are everything.
- Article by Oscar_Acosta [951813]
Dog Tag Competition 2010 - 08/03/10
The dog tag competition has returned. Older players here in Torn remember the first competition, where a few lower levels managed to win the prize for the competition, by using strategy and staying low. Many citizens this year have decided to not participate this year, mainly to avoid getting mugged and use the opportunity to train stats while other players use the precious energy to mug their peers for dog tags.
A few people frowned at the fact that the same old dog tag tactic was used to get people attacking again. There was a superb suggestion about attacking competitions in the forums. Instead of dog tags, a few players should be turned into zombies, and get events the next day, saying that they have been infected by a strange disease, and must attack people to turn them into zombies also. The people that have converted the most players into zombies at the end of the contest will win some sort of prize. It was a great idea, and many people wonder why Chedburn has decided to hold the same dog tag competition as last time.
The people of Torn have proven time and again that we all get extremely bored very quickly. The recent education and bookie updates were great, and fresh features to Torn. However, the reason why the concept of dog tags was reintroduced to the game is unknown to the people of Torn. Will there be another dog tag competition next year? Or will Chedburn and developers finally create the zombie attacking concept to the game?
- Article by TickTack [934337]
Spelling Nazis - 28/02/10
Torn City, being a text game, involves a fair amount of words.
It is the primary means of daily communication between players and so I feel it is worth taking a little time to look at one aspect that frequently causes arguments and flaming - spelling mistakes.
We all make spelling mistakes from time to time but only here on the internet do some people feel the need to explode with incandescent rage, shriek obscenities or laugh cruelly when another player slips up and mis-types a simple word.
These hecklers will never be completely placated, but I think the following information may go some way towards calming their anger...
It is worth understanding the fact that here are 3 basic types of spelling 'mistakes' to be found and it is useful to recognize the differences -
1) Genuine mistyped words/incorrect spelling errors made by otherwise normal, mature people.
These account for the bulk of mistakes and can be identified by looking at other posts made by the same poster. If they are largely coherent and easy to read then the small error does not need to be pointed out.
The only exception to this rule against pointing out small errors is when the poster in question is ranting a similarly insignificant point with another poster, i.e.; "Wat are you talking about you idiot?? Everyone knows the Xbox was released in 2001 not 2002. Retard"
2) Errors made by people who do not speak English as a native language.
The internet, as we all know, is used by people from many countries (except maybe North Korea and Tibet) and so includes many who have not had the benefit of being taught good English.
Despite this there are a huge number of non-native speakers who have frankly made a bloody good go at it and are often indistinguishable from 'native' posters.
It is therefore completely forgivable when they make some slight mistake. Even the beginners who have been learning just a short time are often easily identified and with a little effort it is usually still possible to understand their posts. They are also usually grateful if they have the occasional slip pointed out to them in a polite manner.
This group receives my utmost respect.
3) 'Gangsta' speak for the 'kewl kids'
This error of course needs no introduction. It is recognizable from 10 page clicks away and one of the dumbest methods of expression on the entire internet.
They are not really mistakes, unlike the children who make them, in that they are entirely deliberate.
These posters are always, ALWAYS virgins living with their mother who feel insecure and therefore have a desperate need to impress their equally worthless friends.
Their mistakes should be pointed out at every opportunity. So should the fact that their parents are not married, they look like puberty has just hit them with a rusty mallet and they probably smell of cheese.
They should then be taken outside and shot. Sometimes Darwin needs a little helping hand.
- Article by Eliott [493481]
The First 100 Days - 17/08/09
It all began when a friend of mine invited me to visit Torn City. Mind you, I've NEVER been to Torn City before and knew NOTHING about the place, its residents, its government, politics, or anything else concerning the City of Torn.
So I arrived, barely anything in my pockets, no place to live other than a shack. The crime rate was ridiculously high, citizens stealing, looting, killing, attacking, lying, scamming, assassinating, complaining about the government officials, and dealing drugs. Strangely this all appealed to my very own sadistic nature.
The first 100 days saw me join a faction, train my stats, attack those that mugged me and bullied me when I was below level 10. The first 100 days saw me progress from level 1 all the way to level 15, commit over 2800 offenses, become co leader of 2 different factions, marry a legendary level 19, accumulate several awards, and meet some great people in a crime ravaged city.
I've been scammed, I've lost some attacks, I've been to jail, I've busted some people out, bailed some people out, been busted out and bailed out as well. I’ve changed my name, seen friends go to Federal jail, seen friends get a mail ban, lost a couple of races, found random items around the city, visited the hospital, bought, sold, and exchanged items, and I figured out how to use some of the items.
The next 100 days should be just as exciting as the first 100. They may be more productive, I may accumulate more items, wealth, etc. I'm one step closer to being in the hall of fame. Of course, I have MANY more steps to take. Happy hunting, looting, and whatever mischief everyone is into these days. The holidays are coming up in a few months and I can’t wait to see how they're celebrated in Torn City.
- Article by StoneCold_SA [1191727]
A Whole Loaf of Trouble - 09/08/09
Strangely, if you believe the word on the street, we’re running out of bread! It would seem only the super-rich and the bakers have what everyone needs – that staple food that is bread. Going to mansions - the one most recognized home of the rich - seems to be the new past time for Torn.
Due to the massive number of these "Bread hunters" the Torn law enforcement has been unable to aid the rich in defending their properties; thusly the protection of their mansion is left completely to the guard dogs who have limited success in this field.
When speaking to the city’s proud owners of mansions, they claimed that they do not have any bread at all and that if they did they would most certainly not make it possible for the most novice of thieves to obtain it.
It’s a mystery as to why Torn’s stores do not provide the very basics to its citizens and that with high demand from almost all the city why are the stores not stocking up on this current luxury and making a nice heap of cash.
If the rich do have the bread then I’m sure the people want to know where they are getting it from. Although they better answer fast as the high crime rates involving mansions is rising by the minute. It’s only a matter of time before this gets violent!
- Article by Leafeh [467479]
What am I wearing!? - 02/08/09
My previous article described Torn’s lack of Real Estate style. Well, this idea of “style” not only needs to be included in housing, but also with Torn’s residents. If I could ask Mayor Chedburn…what exactly are we wearing? Sure we have jackets, an undershirt, and trainers…but we can’t wear them…now can we?
One could assume that the lower class citizens are running around butt naked (this is one idea, however for all we know…we could be running around in thongs) with perhaps a leather vest, or chainmail. Now for the middle class citizens, one could presume that they are also running around butt naked, with maybe a full body armour suit. And for the higher class, well they have their Interceptor vests (or tights, whatever you want to call them).
What if we had a tourist or a military invasion from another city? And when they came into the city, they saw naked people running around in leather vests, some in full body suits, and others in tights! We would make them laugh so hard…we would win without firing a single bullet! Unless Chedburn had a reason for all this hilarity…I find it hard and quite embarrassing that I live in a city where the majority of us could be naked. And I hope some of Torn’s residents find this just as awkward as I do.
Chedburn should create more clothes (or at least clothing that we can wear!). Something that we can walk around in, something...creative. Creativity is what makes Torn more real/appeasing to its growing population. We have some great ideas in the past!! I remember many of them! But I believe the whole thing on “our clothes” and what we are wearing needs a bit of help!
- Article by -BC-Doom99 [492896]
The Illuminati - 26/07/09
I picked this topic knowing the danger that is lurking around me. The "Illuminati", an ultra-secret society, have found its way into our beloved city. That’s right, the "Illuminati" has infiltrated our city and they have already started controlling everything within.
Some may ask: “How’s that possible? “The answer, quite frankly, is very obvious, but first let me introduce to you the "Illuminati" dear readers for I have noticed that some citizens are not quite familiar with this term. The "Illuminati" is a secret society that aims to dominate the world. The plain idea of world dominance is considered by a lot of people as naive. That might be true; however, the mechanism of the "Illuminati" makes that naive idea, as some might insist, a very possible thing to happen. The powerful Illuminati are made up mostly of international bankers. The Illuminati controls the mainstream media, workforce, education system, companies, banks, energy supplies, and governments. The "Illuminati" is accomplishing its goal through economic means using devious tactics.
Torn City is experiencing a failing economy. Many citizens are being pushed toward a life of crime. There have been 245,198,093 criminal offenses in Torn City and 10,778,530 people have been jailed. This is a clear sign that the "Illuminati" are controlling our economy. They are controlling the major business such as the oil rigs. Furthermore, most citizens are being kept under the control of the "Illuminati" through the absence of the role of god and religion. Because there are no religious features in our city, most people are in a current pursue to earn more cash that is controlled by the "Illuminati”. The absence of religious activities has made Torn City’s citizens more violent and tends to execute brutal crimes against each other which are exactly what the "Illuminati" wants. They want us to be weak and fragile in order to control us easily without any kind of resistance.
Now the question rises itself, why isn't their holly places in Torn city? There are definitely no churches, mosques, and not a single place to pray. We can also see the dominance of certain factions and certain people over Torn's entire population. Today, most Torn's population is suffering from poverty but we were surprised by the emergence of a new political agreement between Torn city and Dubai where the value of items exceed nine figures and only 0.01% of the population can afford it .This move is a clear evidence that Torn's mayor is just another puppet being manipulated by the Illuminati who remains to this very day hidden in the shadows.
- Article by youngking [986467]
Questionnaire? - 19/07/09
This last month has seen the release of the mass survey that the cities government sent out to all households last month. The survey which was designed by the mayor himself was, according to city hall, 'an aid to help tailor the cities services and public spending to the needs of the city inhabitants.' Whether or not this survey was intended to try and quell the recent rebellious souls who claim that the major and his government don’t have the best interests of the public in mind is yet to be seen.
An anonymous contract worker who developed the automated survey reading machines has come under some fire from certain citizens who were notified that their surveys were being nullified because the programming had indicated that they had not answered truthfully; many of the affected have stated that they did answer truthfully.
The data management branch of the government which handles city statistics has verified the details, 'to the best of their ability' and released them to the public which can be accessed as a paper document from any official building or an online version via the government website for those citizens with internet access.
Our political correspondent at Torn City Times has analysed the statistics and predicts that a number of changes will be taking place, including a move of finances from senior citizen support to student help as the survey revealed a higher population of young people. For now however, the public is now looking towards city hall to see what, if any changes are made.
- Article by Hobbie [443763]
Call Me Grumpy? - 12/07/09
I don't think I could write here in words how angry the vast majority of you make me. Sunday evening; the night I sit down at my desk and open a folder containing the submissions for the Official Torn newspaper, used to be fun. Previously, I enjoyed reading the numerous submissions. Some of them even made me smile: the sort of ear to ear smile that shamefully appears on your face when your dog farts in front of your posh friends. Now though, opening this folder is as painful as a tobasco enema.
'Back in the day' - There would be plenty of articles that were at least acceptable - albeit with a spell check here and there, and a crash course in grammar, far more than we receive at the moment. It used to be similar to going to Woolworths and being told by your parents that you're allowed 'a few bob' to spend on pic n mix. You stood there lulled by the many, many sweet filled jars - unsure of what to choose, knowing full well they would all make you frighteningly hyper for 30 mins, before sending you to sleep, dreaming about the classroom honey and dribbling endlessly on your pillow. Now though, it's like deciding between trying to find your g-spot with the spikey end of a pineapple, or shouting 'didicoy' at the local caravan folk before your head is smashed in by a stolen baseball bat. Neither of which are nice, and would be frowned upon by the bearded woman in A&E.
I'm not trying to discourage any of you from submitting an article - assuming it is original, and not stolen from the Autistic Times, a repeat article, or the template I so kindly gave you. The well written articles bring me more pleasure than a top shelf magazine, and I urge more of you to try. The harder you try, the higher the chance you'll receive 100points. If any of you think that this is unfair, or have any ideas why the submisson folder is generally of a poor standard these days - then please mail me or start a thread in the suggestions forum.
- Article by xhotdamnx [584481]
Comical Catastrophe! - 06/07/09
Where have all the comics gone? In the old days, Torn would see several new comic strips per week, yet now we're lucky to have one or two per month. I used to look forward to the fun of reading the comics every time a new one came out, but now, it seems as if the muses have left our little city.
Wandering downtown to search for the reasons behind this, I searched around for the typical commercial artists who might like to submit a comic or two. For 50 points if your comic is submitted, surely it's worth giving it a try! However, I only managed to find two people who would consider submitting a comic. Why?
"Well, the money's not that great," explains Bob. "You get 50 points for a comic, but 100 for a newspaper article. If you've got a good idea, you pay someone to convert it into writing for you."
Here at Torn, Ciara is desperately hoping for the new installment of the Torn Comics. "You see," she pleads, "I'm hoping to submit some myself, only I've got no ideas. Please, draw some more comics and get us all laughing again!"
So is it the case that we've become a city of stony-faced crows? I hope not. All you Torn artists - get drawing! I'll even offer the author of the first new comic submitted a reward. Now,m get out those pencils, and get scribbling.
- Article by Tiula [949113]
The Language of.. Leet? - 28/06/09
Cultural scientists, known as anthropologists, agree that it takes hundreds of years for a language to change into something completely different. Well, the citizens of Torn, called Tornites, have anthropologists stumped!
In the few years since Torn City has opened its borders, tens of thousands of citizens have entered and taken residence in the city, and in those few years, all but a handful have almost completely lost touch of the English language. Most Tornites speak "Tornese", a form of English in which grammar is broken down, and words and sentences are constructed in abbreviated forms for ease and quickness is speech and writing. In other cities, similar languages have formed, called "leet", or "elite", for the good or cool players.
Luckily, I got the opportunity to interview Yukio, a well spoken citizen about his thoughts on Tornese (leet). Yukio is head of the faction Avant-garde, whose members are known for, if not their strength, their proper way of writing.
Me: I'm sure you've noticed the lack of grammar and spelling in the city. Why do you think people speak Tornese?
Yukio: The people of Torn speak this "Tornese" mainly because they are (too) lazy to type, in my opinion. Some of our younger residents may speak (Tornese) because they type like that in their every-day life (S.M.S, E-Mails, and Instant Messenger), so it's absolutely normal for them to 'bring' this language here.
Another reason is that not everyone speaks English as their native language. They write English words, but they are actually translating their own language.
Me: Do you think that people will stop speaking Tornese, and adopt proper English any time soon?
Yukio: I doubt this will happen. Of course, some residents grow up and start speaking and writing correctly, but new young, inexperienced ones come along as well, which drags the scale back down.
Me: What effect do you think Tornese has on communication between citizens?
Yukio: "Tornese" has many dialects. Mine, for instance, and the 12-year old kid that stands before the computer reading this at this very moment. There are some problems with communication, but we can get along selling that pair of dumbbells. It's kind of like a German would understand a Bavarian farmer.
I suppose the different background of our citizens almost forces them to speak Tornese. The quick, sloppy, dirty English. I, for one, will continue speaking proper English in Torn and the surrounding cities and towns, if only because I like the language as it is.
- Article by Korimito [851594]
Finders Keepers... - 21/06/09
Just how normal is Torn? Where else are coat hangers priced above daggers, and finding just a few hundred dollars on the street unfair?
People in Torn must have holes in their pockets a mile wide. It is common to find briefcases containing thousands of dollars just "lying on the street", so the Lost and Found Office must be searching around the streets trying to find this missing money. Or, to be fair, the Lost Office. I mean, how many people have found some money or items and then returned them to their owners?
I had the opportunity to take to Amilie, who not only being a worker at the Torn Lost and Found Office has lost $4,377 in a briefcase.
Tiula: So, Amilie, did you ever find your lost money?
Amilie: Never. I had hoped that someone would return it, but no-one did. I was so upset - I was saving my money for a new car.
Tiula: Do you get a lot of people in here having lost money?
Amilie: Unfortunately, yes, we do. Nothing ever turns up. I have a plea for anyone reading this - if you find some money, do please return it. There may well be rewards.
Tiula: What else gets lost?
Amilie: Boxing gloves... coat hangers... pretty much anything. Some people lose up to a million pounds! It amazes me why people never hand stuff in. Does no-one have any sense of justice?
Whilst Amilie has been hard at work trying to restore lost items to their original owners, Bill has been hard at work trying to find them - and keep them.
Tiula: Bill, how many items have you found so far?
Bill: Forty-three and counting.
Tiula: What sort of things do you find?
Bill: Generally money - my record is $67,992. Sometimes other items too.
Tiula: Do you every take things to the Lost and Found Office?
Bill: Never. "Finder keepers, loser’s weepers" and all that. It's their fault for having lost it.
Whether you think you should return your money or whether it's yours by right, next time you find something on the street, just have a think for a moment or two. Are you a keeper or a weeper? Only you can decide.
- Article by Tiula [949113]
Identity crisis? - 15/06/09
Do you ever feel like a different person? Ever wanted to change who you are? To residents of Torn, this is not an issue. Changing your name is relatively quick and easy, and reasonably cheap. But why would you want to change your name? Danger? Fun? There are a number of reasons. I asked a fellow now going by the name of: Artist [776403], who has been known to go through a number of name changes. I asked why:
"Well, I like to change depending on how I'm feeling sometimes. I've been doing a lot of drawings lately, and have been making a living out of it, so this seemed appropriate. That's not always been the case, though. Before now I've had to change my name just to protect myself from attacks. It doesn't work forever, though."
Is your life worth more than your identity? What about changing your GENDER?
The fact that Torn now allows same-sex marriages may have eliminated the need for some people to change sex. However there are still those who undergo the procedure, some regularly. Rumor has it that spacemanspiff [1074079] changes gender like we change our socks... Not being one for rumors I went directly to the (currently) man himself, to get the dirt:
"Change gender? Who told you that? I'm not a trans-gendered! Is that a word? Anyway...I've never even worn a thong before...Well, okay. Maybe once in college but I had been drinking and it was on a dare.... I just like variety, okay!"
Feeling somewhat uneasy with the whole ordeal, I decided to get the thoughts of others on the matter. Hellflamedex [952786], had this to say:
"I think it¡¦s quite disturbing that one could change from a woman to a man so easily, and the other way around - of course - but not so much. I mean come on; there should at least be a limit to how often you can go through with it. Its not right!"
What do YOU think? Does this gender change go against the laws of nature? Should we be happy with what god gave us? Should there at least be a higher price? I leave that to you!
- Article by Leecalibur [874807]
Game? Who's playing? - 08/06/09
A woman was found fighting for her life in the Red Light District near the casino last week. It was local, Mr_Torn123 found her: "We thought she was dead. We found her lying on the street bathed in her own blood. When we realized she was still breathing, we immediately rushed her to hospital.”
Police officials said that they had found a note in the girl's pocket with the message, "This is what you get for pissing me off. Enjoy the hospital." Further investigations showed that the girl is a victim of an attacking game; a victim of the new attacking contest of one of Torn's most powerful factions. A member of this certain faction can post a name of the person they wanted members to attack. Some factions call this their "Enemy List". Of course, the person who can hospitalize the "enemy" will get compensation.
I managed to get a small interview in with the victim. She wished to stay anonymous.
Reporter: “How long have you been in the hospital?”
Victim: “I have been going in and out of the hospital for 3 weeks now. I feel so helpless! I can't fight because they are too powerful. They have lots of money.”
Reporter: “May I know why you are being attacked so often by the members of the same faction?”
Victim: “When asked why they are doing this to me, nobody can give me a valid answer. I really do not have any idea what I did wrong. I made my own investigation and emailed those who attacked me. All they can answer is that I'm on their enemy list. Some would even apologize and said they are just doing this for money and not for brotherhood. For some reason, a member of their faction declared war against me. I might have offended him in one way or another. I have tried emailing their leader. I begged him to tell his members to stop attacking me. This is injustice in my part. The members don’t even know how this started. I am the victim here and not their co-member.”
Reporter: “Can you tell me what happened next?”
Victim: “I tried to reconcile and apologize to the enemy even though I didn't do anything wrong - just to stop the bullying. I'm tired of going in and out of the hospital. All I get in response are rude words. He threatened me further. He said that he was having fun. The worst thing is, I can't do anything but go to the hospital or travel. He is too rich and to powerful. I cannot fight him. His faction leader won't even want to interfere.”
These are the sentiments of a victim who eats hospital food everyday. Despite this, she remains strong. She wishes someday that she can find justice to make things even. If only she could defend herself from the attacks and hospitalization that she encounters everyday, if only she can - but for her, life seems so unfair. All she can do is to accept and embrace violence with her whole heart without any hesitation. She believes having a forgiving heart and understanding mind are the best weapons that she can use to succeed in Torn and fulfil her wish to become one of the noblest citizens the city has.
- Article by LaTikA [1115468]
Chedburn Condemned! - 31/05/09
The scene is the United Kingdom, just outside the Houses of Parliament. The time is 7:30 pm on Saturday 24th of May. For the first time in the history of Torn City the international community has made its presence known to the people.
Several political leaders have declared their abhorrence of the non-liberal and (in words spoken by the Chancellor of Germany) “un-democratic society which is being imposed on the helpless citizens of Torn City” The group - consisting of countries such as Britain, France and Israel to name but a few – condemned the actions of Mayor Chedburn for not having a working democratic political system in his city. These statements come at a time when unrest and rioting in the city is at an all time high due to the unemployment and economical crises.
The declaration has received mixed views in the city so far. One view point is that these leaders have no right to exercise their opinions over Torn; a view certainly shared by right-wing activist Reltiha. Due to the indifference required in the Times I cannot print all of what was said at the rally I attended but one quote that particularly struck me was, “They wish they were from Torn! They are not from Torn! And so they want to bring Torn down to their levels of weakness! I say no! We will not be oppressed! We will triumph!” Others welcome the intervention by the foreign leaders. For example, I spoke to a couple who were unwilling to be named because of fear of persecution.
Supercali2: Do you welcome the statements made by these leaders?
Mr. and Mrs. X: Definitely, it brings us one step closer to self-determination.
Supercali2: Do you have no confidence in the ability of Chedburn to return the city to its former prosperity?
X: He had his chance. It’s time for him to go.
So far we have had no official response from the Mayor’s office. This whole situation can be looked upon in a different light, however. So far the international community has made no communication with Torn City on the basis that it wasn’t its own state. Surely, now that they feel the need to say something, they recognise Mayor Chedburn not only as a threat but as a leader of an independent country!
- Article by supercali2 [867527]
The Paramedic Pandemic - 25/05/09
In the early hours of this morning an unidentified explosive went of leaving Eastern Torn in ruins. Police believe this to be the work of some unknown faction that is trying to get recognition. The chief of police had this to say: ‘we do not know, as of yet, what the purpose of the attack was. When we do, we will put the offenders behind bars’.
As the chief was giving this speech a group of people in civilian clothing jumped the taped area and started medical operations on those who had been hit by shrapnel in the explosion. After hours of work and sending several people to the item market to resupply them, the mystery group moved further into the chaos and continued. Several hours of painstaking worry the mystery group and over 300 residents walked out of Eastern Torn.
I managed to get a quick word with the man who looked like he was leading the group.
Robstar4: Sir, can you tell me your name?
-Shiesshies-: My name is Shiesshies. Here’s my card kid; now I got work to do.
Robstar4: Please. I just have a couple of questions.
-Shiesshies-: Ok then. Make it quick.
Robstar4: Thank you. First of all what is the name of the group you have put together?
-Shiesshies-: We are the Torn Paramedics.
Robstar4: What is it that you do?
-Shiesshies-: We revive people at the cost of $200k.
Robstar4: So you’re just moonlighting medics?
-Shiesshies-: That damn hospital couldn’t get people out if their kid’s life depended on it. It’s a waiting game with them. We can be at the scene or by the hospital bed within minutes most of time and have you out in a couple of seconds.
Robstar4: So are your services hireable?
-Shiesshies-: Yes we can be contacted on our pager, found in the city’s IRC channel: Torn Paramedics. If one of our members is online and has the energy you will be revived instantly.
The group then wandered off somewhere into the red-light district, probably to revive someone who instead of getting paid got attacked. Contact information can be acquired by typing Shiesshies into the city’s listings.
- Article by DrBrown [700846]
Ripped and Torn. - 17/05/09
Word Art from Microsoft Office, a layout worse than a post-war cemetery, and graphics far too reminiscent of a parent’s desktop background proudly created by their seven year old son let loose on Microsoft Paint. Is that the best he can do? Is this really Torn’s alternative newspaper? With his shady editorials, it seems that Ateeq still has a few lessons to learn.
Let’s start with the humour. Jokes stolen from ‘My Bumper Book Of 1001 Jokes’ or perhaps one of those desk calendars with a joke a day, do not pass as the actions of a professional editor. And how about his somewhat limited use of the full hexadecimal chart? It is a colour scheme designed specifically to make you physically sick; one that even Elton John wouldn’t be seen dead in. Reiterating this for the Brits: Is it too much for Pat Evans? I think so.
Moving away from his appalling consideration for others’ eyesight, let us not forget his cowboy antics that go directly toward undermining not only the great city that is Torn but also the Mayor’s plans to clean up the city. Ateeq’s manner of gathering articles, namely, resorting to bribery over Torn’s second currency – that is, there points system - is a bit of a weak effort. It’s obvious to all that he’s trying to label himself as the voice of the people, publicizing their ‘o so horribly suppressed’ and unheard views against the tyrannical rule of the “Official Voice” that is Torn City Times. Well. What is far more obvious is the fact that he’s doing a pretty poor job of it. I mean, it is an excuse for a newspaper; being aptly likened only to one man and his dog taking on Microsoft. Maybe he could tackle Paint.
- Article by xhotdamnx [584481]
Price Capping:A Mistake? - 15/03/09
Recently as many of you know a $50k price cap was placed on points being sold in the market. The object of this cap on the price of points was to stop point prices skyrocketing and to stop inflation. I took to the streets to find out the views of the citizens of Torn City.
DV7:Hello.What do you think of the recent price cap placed on points?
Anonymous: I think it is a great idea. It stops inflation and directly impacts the prices of other items such as Donator Packs, Gas Cans and Laptops making them cheaper for the poorer TC citizens. I hope there will be many more prices capped throughout the year.
DV7: Thank you for your time
I then travelled to the poorer regions of the city seeking the opinions of some of the poorest citizens in TC.
DV7:Hello.What do you think of the recent price cap placed on points?
P00R: I think it is terrible! I used to be able to sell my points for much more than that and since the price cap was placed I have fallen into worse debt than ever before. I hope it is removed quickly in order to allow the poor to gain a large source of income.
Finally I travelled to Millionaire Estates, one of the richest areas in TC
DV7:Hello.What do you think of the recent price cap placed on points?
Richie: I think it is one of the best things to ever happen to TC. It lets me buy points cheaper. I know exactly how much money I will need to buy a certain amount of points. If I buy points now and wait until the cap is removed it will make me very, very rich!!
With these opinions put forward how will Chedburn respond? Will the price cap be removed? I think we will find out over the course of the year if the price cap really was a bad mistake.
- Article by DV7 [966207]
Big Brother Returns - 09/03/09
Yes it's that time again as Torn's hopefuls queue up around the block for the Big Brother IV auditions, all looking for that place which could see fame and fortune change their lives. With the auditions closing on March 10th, the tension is mounting as the potential housemates compete to grab the secret selection committee's attention with their application. This promises to be the biggest and best BB Torn City has seen and the Torn Times has been granted exclusive coverage.
***Important***
Although, for those of you having not yet sent in applications and wish for an opportunity to participate: please read the following information and apply today, Applications will be closing Monday 10th March.
Show producer Body gave me a tantalising taster of what this year’s BB housemates could expect. "Of course the tasks will be a surprise but hopeful contestants should brush up on a few skills like art, writing, music, movies and history. A few dependable friends won't go amiss either". When asked what they could expect from Big Brother this time around, Body simply said, "They should be afraid, very afraid". So can we expect an evil Big Brother? Time will tell.
With a complete refit, remodel and interior design overhaul, new tasks and more cameras than ever, this year’s Big Brother will see the contestants put through their paces like never before. The contestants will need to be quick witted, shrewd, cunning and most of all very active, endurance could be the key. Who will out-perform, out-shine and out-last the competition? Who will capture the public's attention and survive the voting? Only time will tell. Watch this space for exclusive blow by blow coverage.
For full application rules go to:-
http://www.torncity.com/forums.php?forumID=13&ID=5360352
Have you got what it takes?
- Article by Nicstroud [832702]
Competition Craze - 02/03/09
The announcement that was recently made by Clansdancer has made people all over Torn City running to their attic in search of their camera. This announcement was that there was soon to be a new competition. This was later confirmed in the TC town hall on Thursday February 19th.
The astounding thing about this competition was the big fat prize check. This is the official list of things that the lucky few who had been successful, could get their hands on:
• First prize - Estimated value - $2,000,000,000+
• Second prize - Estimated value - $1,000,000,000+
• Third prize - Estimated value - $500,000,000+
-FBc-legend a citizen in Torn City said “Looking at all those noughts is enough to make a grown man cry.” Many agreed with this statement, but their hopes were put down largely when they heard what they had to do.
The aim of the competition was to take a picture of oneself with a wolf or bear theme. You also had to be holding a paper with your ID and name, if you like, written on it. Many people said that it was a silly competition, the idea of dressing up as a wolf or bear seemed childish. But some made an attempt nevertheless lured by the crazy amount of money to be won. Mayor Chedburn said, “The whole idea of this competition was to get the fun back into TC and for all of us to have a laugh at grown men playing dress up games!”
Whatever happens, whoever decides to enter or not, by the end of this competition somebody will be a billionaire. And this lucky person will be announced in two weeks time by Mayor Chedburn. While many are checking the forums for a laugh, some are waiting in anticipation
- Article by -BC-srahman [867005]
Peaceful City? - 22/02/09
Today I am here to find out about peaceful factions. It has been apparent to me from the early days of my life as a Torn City citizen that many things have changed concerning factions, and faction warfare.
I started to notice this when I was looking through the Torn City Forums, where citizens alike, if they be friends or foes, share they ideas and comments about the current happenings, changes and situations that occur in Torn to this day. Whilst I was looking around the ‘Faction Talk’ part of the forum, it became apparent to me that they were a large number of peaceful factions recruiting. This made me wonder, and ask the question, why?
I conducted an interview with a citizen of Torn to find my answer.
[BiiG-Sliick94] Good afternoon Foggy.
[Foggy] Good afternoon to you too Sliick
[BiiG-Sliick94] I am here to talk to you about the recent increase in peaceful factions. What exactly are your views on this?
[Foggy] I can understand why they are growing in numbers at the present time from what I have read in the forums. I have no experience with warring factions because I have never been a member of one. I have heard that there are a few of those warring factions that will chain your faction into oblivion because of an inequity in the battle stats of their members to any new one that tries to grab a foothold.
I like the ability to do crimes and train your stats without having to worry about being hospitalized all the time or expending all your energy attacking other players. I like my faction and the benefits that come along with it as well. When I joined this faction during Dog Tag days I was being attacked at least 8 times a day. After joining, that decreased to once a week within 10 days and the Dog Tag competition was still going on. So I like those benefits as much as any.
Until they find a tier system to bring equity to the warring factions I plan on staying right where I am as long as I can. It just makes life easier to live in TC, Strength in numbers so to speak. My view is let those who want to attack do their thing, but let the peaceful factions play the game too. If you want to attack one of their members, be ready to take the consequences of your actions and don't cry when you don't like those consequences.
[BiiG-Sliick94] Very nice Foggy, its show you have lots to speak about concerning this topic. I agree with you on one of your first points about chaining. But I have also heard rumours that some of the top factions hate obliterating smaller warring factions, but they just have no choice. What are your thoughts on that?
[Foggy] To be honest with you Sliick I am not informed enough nor have the experience to answer this question intelligently. I have no idea why they have no choice. Seems simple enough to me to just quit attacking until the other faction has 0 respect or extorting their funds until they are bankrupt. But like I said, I have never been a member of a warring faction and cannot base an answer on experience or acquired knowledge.
I do have a friend that was in a faction and by some turn of events lost their peaceful status and ended up being destroyed. Their leader was fedded for forum violations and ended up banned, fedded and deleted from the game. He was a really good TC fan, loved the game but apparently was too vocal about his factions’ destruction and his feelings about the unfortunate demise. But to add on an up note the faction has been reborn with new leadership and is thriving once again. I'm sure that for whatever reason they lost their peaceful status the new leaders will be sure to avoid it in the future.
[BiiG-Sliick94] Thank you for your time and contribution to this article Foggy. Can I just get one more thing from you though? What do you think lies in the future for peaceful factions?
[Foggy] Well you just never know for sure what is going to happen in TC. One thing I have learned in the six months that I have lived here, changes are always in the pipeline and only Chedburn knows for sure the direction he's going to take Torn City. But to be honest I'm not even sure he knows that from the posts of his I have read. I don't anticipate any radical changes in the peaceful status as we know it now, much to the dismay to many of those that oppose it. My vote is long live peaceful status. Let us rob, steal and plunder in peace, even though I do find stealing an old ladies purse despicable and she does pack a good whack to the head to those who fail. (Foggy rubs his head remembering the painful incident) Of course I'd never do something as low as that unmanly act.
From that lengthy interview, I think I found my answer. Peaceful factions are formed for shelter, for comfort, and for a place to stay. People often think that they should go to war, but due to the path this game has followed; younger warring factions will soon be disposed of, by the mighty and wealth or the senior ones.
- Article by BiiG-Sliick94 [1030104]
Torn City Forums - 15/02/09
The earliest prospectors that came to our land knew that to make Torn a good city, you need a place for inhabitants to meet, talk, trade, find new business partners, fall in love…
That's how the idea of Torn City Forums first got to mind.
Quite soon after the basic facilities were built, after some hard sweat, Major Chedburn presented the City's Forums.
In the beginning, it was basically a place for Major to announce the news to citizens.
Local citizens also often talked, questioned others for advice, and met new friends here.
It all changed after large amounts of oil were found in a nearby village. Torn City became the gathering point of many oil prospectors, rednecks and refugees looking to make easy money. Very little succeeded, leading to growing crime in the city. Forums became a gathering point of masses, but there were now much more topics that they talked about.
People started looking for jobs, bragging, talking about factions, asking for medical help, jail bailouts, gambling, stock market tips and much, much more.
The Forums grew into a large place where thousands of Torn City's citizens gather and talk, as the Major intended them to be. People are social creatures, and it's just what you can see on the beloved Forums. Put your hat on and join the discussion!
- Article by Badavinche [763550]
House Prices - Too Low? - 01/09/08
Has anyone ever noticed that, despite the change in Torn City’s economy, house prices have stayed the same? Well this reporter had, and was curious to the reasons behind the stable prices of homes in the city.
Since starting out over 3 years ago, Torn City’s only estate agent, TC HOMES (which is located at 13, Willoughby Road, West Torn), have never changed the prices of their houses: whether it is a buyer’s first home (usually a trailer at $5,000 or an apartment at $25,000) or their newly acquired mansion for a whopping $3,000,000.
Because of these stationary prices no other estate agent has been able to get established in the city where money is everything: due to the inability of making profit on properties whilst still beating Torn City’s current estate agent’s prices, which have not kept up with the city’s inflation.
This has been the same case for citizens who have sold properties before upgrading to a larger home. They make a loss because of the need to undercut the estate agent’s prices to make a sale.
I questioned the owner of 'Torn City Homes' on why the Estate Agent's prices have remained static and why they have not gone up with inflation. His simple reply was:
"Should they be changed?"
I got the impression he was not a businessman. This is fortunate for all those looking to move to Torn City and buy their own house. I asked a new citizen to Torn City what she thought of the houses here:
"Its great for first time buyers like me and my boyfriend. We couldn’t afford anything above a shack in other towns, but here we've got our very own apartment. It's spacious, and is a perfect for raising a family. It’s made us very happy."
TC HOMES is not all good news for Torn City citizens though. As people look to buy larger homes the price increases dramatically. Mansions are common in Torn City, and many can be seen on the selling and rental market. However, ranches are a lot rarer. Palaces and castles even more so, at $65 million and $200 million each: completely un-upgraded. Private islands are nearly unheard of in Torn City. Is this discrimination against those in Torn City who have done well for themselves?
- Article by samnewman [718347]
Ask Yue-rself #7! - 23/08/08
A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks. Today, we’ll talk about petty crime, BB and our Body, marriage, drugs…well, you read on and see what’s up with citizens in this city.
D.O.C. asks, “Why pay $200,000 for some pixie sticks when you can have a box of chocolates?”
Dear D.O.C.,
Hey man, have you TRIED those pixie sticks? There’s more than just colored sugar inside of them! Plus, they’re hard to find! Anyone can steal a box of chocolates from the sweetshop.
Sincerely,
BoB
Faction Father asks, “My Question is why is there a new faction system, i liked the old one and i don't see why you can only do certain crime without becoming aggressive!!!”
Dear Faction Fater,
Well Faction Father, Torn City is based on WAR! And CRIME! And DRUGS! And SEX! Wait, no, there’s no sex…wait, WHY ISN’T THERE ANY SEX!? Why do I live here?!?! Oh yeah, I get paid well. Back on topic, well what about companies? They don’t have to divulge in war, why not stay in one of those? The only peaceful faction I believe in though are charity factions to help new citizens. Other than that, pull out your weapon and fire a few off. I really have to get my mind out of the gutter…
Sincerely,
BoB
Confused Turkey asks, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?”
Dear Confused Turkey,
Who was smoking the cigarette?
Sincerely,
BoB
Marriage is Crazy asks, “What the heck is up with people on torn city taking this marriage stuff seriously? I was with this girl and she would be asking me why havent i signed on one day and where was i at like i was out cheating on her lol this stuff is crazy”
Dear Marriage is Crazy,
Hey, you got to take what you can get with the women here. There are so many men in this city that they expect commitment. That way they have the upper hand. I just sent my wife 50 xanax for our anniversary. Come on now. Would you rather marry a man for your benefits, or actually have a real live woman? Or a woman in drag? It’s so hard to tell these days!
Sincerely,
BoB
BBFan12 asks, “BoB, do you watch Big Brother? Body hosts it and I think it’s awesome with all the tasks she creates!”
Dear BBFan12,
OF COURSE I DO! I love everything Body does! I’ve been watching lately, and it’s only week two and they already have a hard task! This week they’re doing the charity task where the players have to ask their friends to send Body items for the dollar sale.
Of course I’m supporting TEAM 2! (shameless plug for my editor and her team)
If you’d like to help out, all you have to do is send Body an item of either a Flamethrower, Jackhammer, Minigun or xanax to [70242] with the name of your favorite houseguest or their team number on it. Packages should be postmarked by August 25th, 2008 in order for them to count!
So donate to charity and help your favorite Big Brother houseguest! Like I said, I’m voting for Team 2 with Captain Acidalia [12990]! But, you make up your own mind.
To get to the Big Brother house, it is located on the west side of the city. You can view the tasks to see the teams and then help out whomever you’d like. Also, you can visit the den in the city center by using this link: http://www.torncity.com/forums.php?forumID=13&ID=3674578
Well that was a rant, now wasn’t it! Good luck to all the players!
Sincerely,
BoB
- Article by beendigtparado [420844]
Ask Yue-rself #6! - 30/07/08
Installment number six of the Ask Yue-rself advice column is here! Keep asking Yue your questions, she’s running out of things to send me! We’re offering the BEST question of the week that gets published a prize! We’re thinking 500k? If you make us laugh, we’ll send you cash! Of course we’ll have to vote on it, but we’ll see how that goes…So keep them coming!
Walking to Work asks,
“What the Heck is with the gas prices today?”
Dear Walking to Work,
Honestly? I HAVE NO IDEA! JEES! What’s going on Today!? Officials are letting prices of gas rise and there seems to be no help in sight! SUVs that were once the most popular item out there are now becoming cheaper than anything. Jeff Dunham now looks straight driving around in a Prius and soccer moms aren’t driving around in minivans! It’s madness I tell you!
Unfortunately WtW, I have no idea. If I knew, I would be hording my knowledge in a bunker in England where you couldn’t find me. Well, good luck finding me anyway!
Sincerely,
BoB
Rookie asks,
“What else is there to do in Torn City besides using the gym and committing crimes?”
Dear Rookie,
Personally, I think you should join the Big Brother house! What other way to let yourself go and let people know what you’re thinking? Eventually, everyone will know your name, but that’s only if you take off all your clothes. If you win and that doesn’t work…open up a massage parlor that’s open late at night. That’ll make you popular! And if you don’t get it, then I’m not explaining.
Sincerely,
BoB
I r noob asks,
“How do I know if I'm still a n00b? :D 750+ days, and I am still a n00b!!! WHAT is the SECRET!?”
Dear I r Noob,
Let me put it this way. If you get your butt kicked by someone who’s 200 days old, then you’re a noob. If you don’t know how to get your level up or how to train properly, you’re a noob. Still, who knows how to do all that? Although, if you take advice and your beatings like a good “new-player,” you’re not as much as a noob as some people who end up posting on the forums. Trust me…there are tons of noobs lingering on the message boards!
Sincerely,
BoB
Still on Welfare asks,
“I tried all the ways on the ways to get money, none of them worked! Any other ways?”
Dear Still on Welfare,
There are plenty of ways to make money in Torn City. Commit crimes and play the stock market. If that doesn’t work, sell your body to science, or Chedburn, I heard he’s looking for a new wife! Of course I would hit that, but I’ve got the wrong type of equiptment!
Sincerely,
BoB
- Article by beendigtparado [420844]
Staying Safe and Secure - 17/07/08
Many citizens are unhappy with the Mayor and his decisions to stop freedom of speech from continuing at the city center at such a great scale. Everyday, citizens are seen gathering to protest actions by other citizens, government officials and even the mayor himself. Recently, officials have decided to break up more than several protests and conversations due to an undisclosed reason that citizens are still unaware of.
One citizen located in the Red-Light District, Wollongong [12833], who owns a welcome center, Torn City Complete, just outside of the city was seen protesting on behalf of an unnamed citizen before a city official stopped him. Wollongong stated that the citizen was moving out of Torn City when he asked him his reason for leaving. The citizen told Wollongong that someone he knew personally, outside of Torn City was stalking him while he was at home, working, visiting the mall and even when he was buying groceries. Sadly, this citizen left and has since, not returned.
Many citizens are at a risk within Torn City because they feel the need to trust anyone and everyone with their very personal information such as phone numbers, personal pictures and even their home addresses that are located outside of Torn City. The Torn City Times staff feels that it is the right of all citizens to be aware of the dangers they can face when interacting with others that reside in this city. All readers must be aware that everyone here acts in criminal matters everyday and that they should take the proper precautions regarding their own safety.
Another dangerous factor that lies within the gates of Torn City is age. There is no way for officials to verify successfully, the age of every citizens that moves in. Therefore, if citizens are under 14, officials suggest that they have parental consent before venturing in the city center or bar and game areas alone. Additionally, if any citizens are under the age of 18, they are suggested to not give any of their personal information out regarding their names, addresses or phone numbers. No one should be giving any personal information out, but being a large city, there is no way to control the information that is exchanged between citizens.
More about the unnamed citizen can be read at the Torn City Complete welcome center in the Red-Light District and TC community part of the city. Any questions regarding safety precautions can be addressed to Yue [420844] and or the Torn City “Player Policies”, located on the left side of your monitor.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Ask Yue-rself #5! - 08/07/08
In light of the past holiday, the Fourth of July, a few interesting questions arrived in my mailbox. Well, one in particular. Enjoy this short introduction while I just jump right into the questions! Oh, and keep sending them in to Yue!!!
FoJ asks,
“Do other countries have Fourth of July?”
Dear FoJ,
“Of course! Everyone celebrates the day that America got its independence because, you know, America is that awesome. But seriously…yes, everyone does, it’s a day on the calendar, isn’t it? It’s just not a holiday in every country!”
Sincerely,
BoB
Poor Man asks,
“My faction keeps telling us (me and the other members of the faction) to donate and join the organized crimes. However, the last time they paid us was last easter (they paid us 20,000). I don't want to donate more money than I get paid (cause that would obviously cause me to lose money). However, I am afraid that if I ask my faction leader when and how much I will get paid, I will be kicked out of the faction. What should I do?”
Dear Poor Man,
“Whoa, slow down there. Okay, so you don’t want to donate because you don’t get paid enough? That’s a fair deal. Why not leave them anyway because they sound like a scam. Why not just go into the faction protection business? I’m sure you can make a good buck! Lol, just kidding. Any faction that requires donations is not a faction worth being in, honestly.”
Sincerely,
BoB
Not a Horny Toad asks,
“Why is that there is now a personals section, when all people do is make fun of it!? Maybe some of want to find a nice wife to settle down with and have e-kids, ever think of that?”
Dear Not a Horny Toad,
“Well you see, there are a lot of single citizens in Torn City. A lot of them are men pretending to be women…so essentially; they go and take a picture, edit it well and hope they get gifts. Don’t be a fool! Ask them for a webcam! Of course people are going to make fun of it, because most of us found our other e-halves without putting ourselves out there showing fake cleavage.
And did anyone tell you? A vasectomy was required before you moved to this city…that way, none of those weirdos can procreate.”
Sincerely,
BoB
Tired of Spam asks,
“Why do people advitise other online games even though they know its against the rules? i mean whats the point of making a new account and spending money just to get sent to federal jail?”
Dear Tired of Spam,
“Citizens will go and advertise for points and essentially, people will come back here and spam. Mayor Chedburn has gone to great lengths in trying to prevent others from doing so. However, many can slip through the cracks. They ruin our census and create havoc, and regardless, they make a good laugh for the rest of us. Just ignore them and move on. They’ll be put in federal jail sooner or later.”
Sincerely,
BoB
- Article by Yue [420844]
Badger Belches for Baby! - 04/07/08
Police have released information about an attempted murder of a six-month-old baby. The parents of this baby have been charged with neglect when they left their child alone in their tiny trailer with a bottle filled with enough poison to bring down a pack of city rats.
Reports show that the parents were attempting to rob the Torn City Bank and left the baby at home. One officer stated “When the 2 individuals walked into the bank asking each other…Is this here bank the one were gonna rob?” I knew something just wasn’t right with them red necks. Tellers stated that they were lucky that an officer was in the bank making a withdrawal at that time.
The pet Badger, Rex, was trying to stop the child from drinking from the poisoned bottle. However, in his effort to stop the baby from drinking it, Rex consumed the contents of the baby bottle. A neighbor stated, “Rex swallowed the milk inside the bottle and then burped and fell over. I thought he was just full but, he was more than full…” Rex was rushed to the Torn City Animal Hospital in the Red Light District but passed away moments later after he arrived.
The parents of the six-month-old baby are now in custody. The father stated as he was being taken into the court house, that, “We didn’t know there poison was in the bottle, like who would put poison in the fridge labeled, 100% Real Milk with tiny words saying. ‘Caution contains rat poison?’ We were just going to the bank!” Both parents are now facing a number of charges.
A memorial ceremony will be held at the City Hall tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for the city hero, Rex the badger. One citizen shouted to a news crewmember, “He will not be forgotten!” Donations for the Torn City Animal Hospital will be accepted at 1 Bryan Drive in the Red Light District and will be greatly appreciated.
- Article by -Jthreeb- [362723]
Happy Fourth! - 04/07/08
Well, it’s finally the Fourth of July in this majestic city and it’s a mystery of what wonders we shall see. A lot of people have moved into the city as of recent and have never experienced a holiday in Torn city. We at The Torn City Times know a lot of our older players have many stories to bore us with but since most holidays have been forgotten. Perhaps that holiday spirit has been replaced by crime spree spirit, or because none of the town officials would agree to organize a simple fireworks show. Regardless, we would like to crack some spirit into this holiday of Independence!
No one can help but get excited and hope that maybe, just maybe there will be a great event in the city. Perhaps, Mayor Chedburn is cooking something up for the citizens and regardless, one thing is for sure; all of the newly opened firework stands should be ready for a giant day of business. Citizens have been flocking to the firework stands by the thousands since the Mayor legalized the sale and use of fireworks. Stand owners predict a huge boom in the cash flow for this Fourth of July weekend.
Due to the influx of purchases, many employees have demanded an increase in wages because they are running the stands are only being paid minimum wage. Theft in the stands has risen because so many citizens will be surrounding the employees at one time. Employees have been mugged and beaten as well and are also demanding medical benefits due to the unkind citizens of Torn City.
The big question is though, will you be going to the Torn City Park to do your part? Will you be lighting up the skies that have been darkened by the dirty bombs dropped just months ago? Will you be be parting and enjoying the day and night with a six pack with your friends in awe of the great spectacle? Will the many criminals take a well-deserved day off and burn down a fuse instead of a building?
Only time will tell if this holiday will do any good for the city and if we will finally get a day of fun and peace and entertainment. Everyone knows that there isn’t much crime-less fun around here with a good chunk of change. City officials have even turned to crime to help keep them selves entertained. The Torn City Times staff ask that everyone put down their guns for a night and enjoy the city skies that will be lit up with color. Enjoy the holiday and take a break from breaking the law, even criminals need a day off.
- Article by jon182QUIT [679838]
Ask Yue-rself #4! - 02/07/08
Hello again fellow Torn City citizens. It’s been awhile since my last column came out but I’m taking my time. Yue hasn’t been getting many questions for me to answer, so I urge people to send her questions! Your questions can be about relationships, Torn City, money, food, anything! Well, before I ramble on, lets get to this weeks questions.
SS asks,
“How do I increase my nerve?”
Dear SS,
Well, a good way to get the nerves, and I assume you want to ask a girl (or boy out…however which way you swing), is to go find the biggest, nastiest, blackest BEAR and growl at it. Hopefully, the bear wont beat the crap out of you and you can go on a date with Jack or Jane.
Another good way to increase your nerve is to keep doing the same crimes over and over. Get used to stealing DVDs, trafficking drugs, and all that kind of stuff. Taunting the police and being used to what your doing will give you unbreakable nerves and eventually, you’ll be able to steal from the pawn shop.
Sincerely,
BoB
Roman asks,
“Why are you so good at what you do?”
Dear Roman,
Well Roman, some people get blessed with being strong, good-looking, or what have you. On the other hand, I was blessed with being able to answer the weirdest questions that the citizens of Torn City could ever have! Is that really me being good at something?
Sincerely,
BoB
Expletive asks,
“What’s the meaning of life?”
Dear Expletive,
To me…the meaning of life is training, doing my crimes, and sleeping. I think the powers that be have put it into the minds of all citizens to strive to be better than The_Legend, or King_Ace…I’m not sure what name he’s going by now a days. You know, it’s really hard to say. I hope someday that I will be able to get the box in the Mayor’s office that’s labeled, “the meaning of life.” He keeps telling me they’re adult movies, so maybe that’s the meaning of life.
Sincerely,
BoB
Poor Soul asks,
“My hospital bill is getting outrageous, can you tell me the best insurance company so i can get better rates?”
Dear Poor Soul,
I don’t think Torn City has ever had any insurance companies available for us. And I don’t know about any of the others who were hit when that Dirty Bomb was dropped, but I still have a 25 million dollar bill for that radiation removal. I suggest that anyone harmed during that bomb explosion send their bills to the person who dropped it. I would give you his name, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it is.
Sincerely,
BoB
- Article by Yue [420844]
A Newb or, A Noob? - 28/06/08
There have been many letters to the editor received about an article that was published a few days ago, “The Noobs Strike.” Said article stated that not all noobs were like beggars and that the writers of the letters, themselves, were indeed the noobs. However they were very polite and were indeed newbs, not noobs. But rest assured they were responded to with haste and were told that they were made aware of the difference between a noob and a newb. Many of them did not have nor do they now have the knowledge of the fine line between a new player who is willing to learn and a new player who wants everything all at once.
If a citizen is new to Torn City, and have never lived here before but are willing to adapt to the society as a whole, then they are considered newbs. On the other hand, if a citizen moves to the city and wants the biggest house and all the money with no work while using vulgarities, they will then surely be labeled; noobs. Not only do newb citizens deserve respect so that they may enjoy the city, assistance and advice is necessary to let them know that Torn City isn’t all that bad.
However, if you are a noob who may or may not be new to the city, please, take a chill pill. Sadly, newbs get mistaken for noobs everyday. The Torn City Times are hoping that this article may help older citizens be aware that not all new citizens are money hungry annoyances begging for a place to stay. There is a simple test one can do to know if they are dealing with a newb or a noob. Start off by looking at the mail they send you because if thy use proper grammar without slang and they don’t throw around vulgar words like a sailor, then that’s one way to know you’re dealing with someone willing to learn and accept your advice.
Another way to tell what kind of person you’re dealing with is to see if they, in any way shape or form, are asking for a free item or money. Some clever ways that noobs do this is say its their birthday or that someone robbed them, but don’t be fooled! Lastly, look to see if they were polite with their answers to your questions. If the citizen becomes vulgar when a satisfactory answer is not received, then you know whom you’re dealing with.
One of the main reasons it’s good to understand the difference between a newb and a noob is because when citizens move to Torn City, we do not want to push them away. If it was perfectly fine to them all like noobs, devastating consequences may bring our great city down with a large decrease in population. The most movement that would be seen in the city would be the tumbleweeds rolling through the city. The city center would be pointless because eventually, the older citizens would die out and no new citizens would be around to replace them.
So please, remember, don’t be rude if you ever meet a newb citizen. They may end up being the one who discovers how to grow money trees. They are not like noobs, or do they deserve the wrath some may put upon them in thinking that they are noobs. They are not always as determined as noobs and will not necessarily put up with rude citizens when they simply ask a question. The staff at The Torn City Times cannot nor do they want to imagine Torn City without crimes, extortion, nonstop fighting for any reason or without dirty bombs. If all of that disappeared, we’d have nothing to write about!
- Article by DOA_jon182 [679838]
Treasure Hunters - 26/06/08
It has been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This is especially true in Torn City. To the citizen who has some cash to spare, finding a leather vest in the city might not seem like much. Perhaps they will put it in their display case to show off to the other citizens who pass by. But to other, less crime-savvy citizens, this find will make their day! There is a multitude of items that can be found in the city, from Skateboards and Boxing Gloves, to Sawed-Off Shotguns and Glock 18s. Some of them are practically useless, while some are very valuable. But one thing is for sure, everyone who has found multiple treasures in the city has their favorite.
“My favorite is definitely the Pixie Sticks!” says ---ScarFace--- [613138]. “I love my S&W Revolver.” comments EazyE312 [502266]. “I found a Firewalk and Pixie Sticks and probably around thirty Sawed Off Shotguns.” says HT-Kjartmann [32356]. Everyone has their favorite. Even Dirty-Rockstar [229870] loves her Hazmat Suit. Me personally, I am partial to the Skateboard I found a few weeks ago while walking to work.
The grand daddy of all finds is one up for debate. It could be the RPG launcher, an extremely powerful weapon that was once available for purchase in Mexico. However, Mexican authorities banned the sale of the weapon in the market place to the private citizen, driving it to the black markets. Or perhaps it is the Pixie Sticks. Not sold at the sweet shop, they are extremely delicious and make whoever consumes them very happy. Regardless of what the best item is, there are plenty of reasons to go treasure hunting in Torn City.
Happy searching everybody!
- Article by penguingeneral [314567]
Ask Yue-rself #3! - 23/06/08
BoB here, writing for Ask Yue-rself. Yes, I finally gave myself my advice columnist name. Spiffy, huh? No more Nameless! So every week, I’m getting a few questions from citizens of how they can improve their lives in the city, or just a random question, like last week and why the city is gray. Sometimes, I just need to add light to the questions because quite frankly, some questions are ridiculous! Regardless, here is installment #3 of Ask Yue-rself! Enjoy!!!
Davy asks:
“What is the point of these factions with 50,000 respect warring against the factions who are trying to just trying to get by with the few hundred respect they have?!”
Dear Davy,
Well, my answer can go a few ways. I could tell you, buck up and don’t join a faction until you can fight back, or I can say, “Oh jees, join a peaceful faction!” However, in my honest opinion, I would just tell you not to join one. Even if you’re in a peaceful faction, you will still be extorted against. If you join a warring faction and are weak, you’ll be brought down in a matter of a few days. But come on! What’s the point of joining a faction, a gang, just to “hang out?” A faction is meant to fight and earn respect for you and your faction. Many may not like what the HOF factions do, but hell, they worked HARD for where they are!
Long story short, they do it because you’re sitting ducks and are easy targets. If you join a company to “hang out,” you’ll have less chance of seeing white 24-7.
Sincerely,
BoB
SIA asks:
“When you attack someone, can you get attacked instead of them??”
Dear SIA,
This is more of a technical question, and I think you’re asking if you can get attacked while attacking someone else…a lot of citizens who fight like to hit and run. So if you’re attacking a person with intent to mug, and you’re standing close to another target or the street, you can get attacked and end up going to the hospital. However, if that happens, it will just look like you tried to run from the person you wanted to mug. If you didn’t want to know that, mail me back and I will give you the right answer to your right question.
Sincerely,
BoB
ANAL Member asks:
“As a Member of ANAL, I have a question to ask, If we, the experienced players, bash new players (Newbies/noobs), Does it teach them anything about TC? Should we hold back on our spree and teach them something about TC instead of Bashin them?”
Dear ANAL Member,
There are many new citizens who really deserve to be made the butt of a joke. On the lighter side, if we do it to all of the citizens, then our population may decrease! My advice is to treat those new citizens with the same courteous help you received, until they prove that they cannot be trusted, then, we can play with them. And another bit of advice; don’t waste your energy putting a noob in the hospital! Just waste 10k on a bounty instead!
Sincerely,
BoB
Open Door asks,
“Whenever I go to the bathroom, especially in the morning, my cats open the door and watches me pee!!! What can I do to make them stop?”
Dear Open Door,
Seriously? Have you tried LOCKING your door? Even still, I would be worried of why they want to watch. Next time they come in, make sure their paws are where you can see them.
Sincerely,
BoB
That’s it for this week folks! Please, KEEP THOSE QUESTIONS COMING! We didn’t have a lot this week, so if you’ve already submitted a question, FEEL FREE TO SEND ANOTHER! Also, please feel free to send ideas along for us! We love hearing from our readers.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Citizens Refute HOF Part2 - 21/06/08
And the interview continues...read on the find out more about FRAG! And if you haven't gotten the website yet, check the author's profile!
Yue: The protection fee is 2 million, what does this do exactly? Where does it go?
FL: That money will ultimately go all over the place. The first stage is investment – we are aiming to have a certain amount of cash on-hand at all times. Currently, we are aiming for $1B as our absolute minimum. Fighting the Hall of Fame is not a cheap business – one has to remember that HoF factions regularly spend tens of millions of dollars on a single chain. We will not be getting extortion money like the Hall of Fame regularly does, so the only thing we can do is rely on our membership for start-up capital. We still have quite a way to go to achieve that goal, but we’re steadily making progress. After the investment stage is complete, the money will go towards defending our members by any and all means necessary. We will not, however, pay any HoF faction anything. If we are exceedingly successful, then the third stage will be paying out “dividends” to our initial investors (all factions that paid their dues prior to the end of peaceful status – there are 75 days remaining) with any excess money that we end up making.
Yue: What HOF factions have you dealt with in the protection process and how has it resulted?
FL: Because peaceful status is not yet up, we have not had any direct dealings with FRAG protection yet. If a member chose to become aggressive, then that would be a non-issue, since going aggressive is disqualifying criteria for FRAG protection.
I have dealt with HoF protection in the past, however. HoF protection truly was a scam to a certain degree, so I suppose Supermikk and I may agree on something. Basically, you had HoF factions that found that it was mutually beneficial, either monetarily or respect-wise, to not go to war with one-another. As a result, they’d agree to treaties with each other – don’t war our protected, and we won’t war your protected. However, they would often allow each other to declare on and chain the others’ protected for one chain if the other faction needed more targets for a particularly large chain. The protected faction which was just used as a respect farm would be informed that, “There was a misunderstanding, we were unable to communicate with the attacking faction in time to prevent the attack, but as you can see, the war is over now.” Often they’d use the excuse that because the protected faction didn’t list the name of the faction responsible for their protection as the protective agent that the attacking faction simply were unaware of this fact.
Which leads me to the next point about why HoF protection ultimately is useless – HoF factions will war each other. The second they go to war, they almost immediately declare war on the protected factions. While the war may result in one HoF faction beating another, it is often by a relatively small margin, but many protected factions are destroyed by the war. Yet, for some reason, many still think that FRAG protection is a scam, and HoF faction protection is legitimate. The greatest irony in all of this is that people fear the HoF factions so much that they turn to the HoF factions for protection! It’s absolutely absurd.
Yue: I've been in a third party contact tag for a few weeks with us trying to set this up. Will you ever give yourself up?
FL: Eventually perhaps I will. Until we’re very powerful, however, giving myself up would just serve to impede progress.
Yue: How many factions are you currently providing protection for?
FL: I don't want to give out an exact figure, but currently, represent around 100 factions, and growing.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Ask Yue-rself advice #2 - 22/05/08
There was a very nice response to the first “Ask Yue-rself.” I would like to thank all of those who did send questions because we got quite a few. As I stated before, I do not answer these myself, I forward them to someone! They have yet to pick a name for them to go by, but hope you don’t get too offended by their answers and enjoy them. We saved a number of questions for future use so if you do not see a question you submitted yet, look again next time articles are published! Keep on sending those questions!!!
Please note that no questions were edited and they were published as they were received.
Broke asks:
I wanted to ask is there an easier way to get money, because my job doesnt pay enuff and crimes give you chump change.
Dear Broke,
This is where you save up 10,000, get a sex change, and then offer pictures of other girls to the “sexy bois” out there. I don’t really condone that, but everyone else does it right?
Sincerely,
Nameless
Confused asks:
I tried using the passwords you just sent me but they did not work, feel free to send me more passwords to try! For your information, hes a hacker if that helps... He knows a lot about computers.
Confused,
WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU GOING ON ABOUT!? I sent you nothing. I have no mailbox because I smashed it in with a bat and told the mailman to leave me alone. Hence why you don’t know who I am. Get off your crazy horse.
Sincerely,
Nameless
M4F asks:
How the hell do you find a wife who is not…
1. A guy
2. Someone looking for gifts
3. A gay
M4F,
I think there’s someone named “Bored” who’s looking to get married, why not give him a shot? But in all seriousness, ask them for a web cam if you’re really looking for a “serious” relationship in this city. If they don’t have a web cam, a picture of them holding a paper stating their name and city address will suffice. Make sure it’s not edited.
If they say their camera is
1. Broken
2. Being borrowed
3. Has no batteries
4. Stolen
5. Missing
Then steer clear and move on, they’re probably REALLY ugly or REALLY fake.
Sincerely,
Nameless
Inquisitive Color asks:
Why is torn city grey?
Inquisitive Color,
Gray is an amazing color to see blood on. That way, we can tell who can’t hold their own and when we need someone to mug, we’ll be able to find our targets easily. Screw this, I don’t know why it’s gray. Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Maybe Chedburn likes gray?
Sincerely,
Nameless
Mary’s stalker asks:
Since Mary had a little lamb. Whose fleece was white as snow....(you know how the rest goes.)
Did Mary's lamb ever follow her to a butcher's shop?
Dear Mary’s stalker,
How was that rack of lamb that we sent you? Hopefully, it was delectable!
Sincerely,
Nameless
- Article by Yue [420844]
Ask Yue-rself! Advice #1 - 19/04/08
Good morning Torn City citizens. I would like to introduce you to a new, frequent column in the Torn City Times. I will be posting questions asked by regular users that are answered by an anonymous citizen to help answer them for you!* Names will not be given, so, I encourage you to send me a letter of any questions you have if you would like them answered. They can be about anything as long as they are appropriate!
Now, without further ado, ASK YUE-RSELF!
Curious Female(?) asks:
Why do men pretend to be women in this game?
Dear Curious Female(?),
Currently, I don't know if you're a female. Apparently, this city has over 50,000 females compared to how many men? Of course, if one were to have a "sexy" picture of their "fine selves" posted on their front door, men will come knocking. There are many assumptions of why men pretend to be women.
1. They really want to be a female
2. They're gay and want to flirt with the men
3. They're looking for free handouts
4. They love to cross dress
So please, question asker, what number are you?
On the other hand, I bet you really are a sexy being!
Sincerely,
Nameless
Afraid of Drugs asks:
I want to buy some drugs on TC, but I don't think I'm ready for Rehab. What do I do!?
Dear Afraid of Drugs,
What are you, nuts?! Pop those pills and drink up!!! Drugs are awesome. And when you are unable to train in the gym, DO SOME MORE! You're not cool if you don't do drugs! Ya dig?
Sincerely,
Nameless
Not Asian asks:
2+2x2=?
Dear Not Asian,
The answer to everything is 42. Actually, in this case, it's 42 divided by 7.
Sincerely,
Nameless
I Need Cash asks:
Recently I have been attacked after asking for cash. Is it wrong to ask for cash in TC?
Dear I Need Cash,
stfu. I've got no cash for you. I'll be sending DirtyRockstar to your house for a special visit.
Sincerely,
Nameless
Why Are We Here asks:
Is duct tape the true solution to all world problems?
Dear Why Are We Here,
A wise man once said, silence is golden, and duct tape is silver. So if your girlfriend or boyfriend wont shut the hell up, grab some silver. Problem solved.
Sincerely,
Nameless
Poor Soul asks:
Why cant we all be rich?
Dear Poor Soul,
It's not easy to be a rich person in Torn City. For some it is, but for some it is not. We can't all be rich though, who would take out the trash, fix the toilets, clean up the dead dogs in that reservoir...I mean...next question please...
Sincerely,
Nameless
Keep sending your questions!!!
Please note that I used my name for the simple play on words. I am not responsible for these answers and am just reposting them. Also "nameless" was used because the advice giver hasn't come up with an alias yet!
*If you do not like the answers provided, please do not be offended. If you are, we apologize in advance and hope you can build a bridge and get over it.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Interview With Our Body - 03/04/08
Not too long ago, an active member in the Torn City community was kidnapped and held hostage. Body was held in Switzerland and thanks to Icon for finding her with his fine detective skills!
It has been quite some time between the last article about her kidnapping and now. I decided that I wanted to interview her about her experience, but alas, I had to wait until she was, dare I say, “normal,” again? It took a bit of waiting but I was finally able to meet up with Body and discuss with her what happened. Below you will find out talk from this past Saturday…
Yue: So Body, how are you on this fine afternoon?
Body: I’m good! Wondering aimlessly around my house naming all my dust bunnies. They have multiplied, so figured I might as well be on a first name basis with them. K
Yue: Now, it's been awhile since you were rescued, how do you think you have coped after such a horrific event?
Body: I’ve done well. I have seen my psychologist three times a week and they say I’m recovering…then they snicker and hand me a bill.
Yue: Of course your mail was saved while you were missing, to what degree was the amount of mail you received from concerned citizens?
Body: The mail poured in. Was hard not to reply. But I get mass mail on a normal basis. People get upset when I don’t reply immediately, but I usually can’t reply to all email until the weekend comes.
Yue: Were those mails caring, curious, etc? I only ask because you are in charge of the dollar sale and some people are just wayyyy to into it!
Body: All mails were nice, funny, caring, curious, etc. No negative mail on it at all. It showed me people like some variety of things to do. There were tons of mails about dollar sale, of course. Stone covered me, which was greatly appreciated.
Yue: After your return, have you and your savior (Icon) gotten close at all? Kind of like a damsel in distress thing?
Body: ;) Icon…wow. There’s so much I could say about my hero…but mom always said if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing. :p Icon is a sweetheart. He and I have this love/hate relationship…. we love to hate each other. But it’s all in fun. xD
Yue: Do you have ANY idea who the TCRA are?
Body: No, are they affiliated with the IRS?
Yue: Do you know why you were targeted?
Body: Yes, because they couldn’t find Chedburn. He was first choice, but couldn’t participate…so they settled for me. I’m guessing because they knew it would affect projects I do. Dollar sale was running and BB house was supposed to open in January, but that threw a wrench in the plans and delayed it.
I would personally like to thank Body for taking the time out to answer my questions.
- Article by Yue [420844]
Face of Fame Altered - 13/02/08
Faction updates have occurred, and you can read about them on the front page and in the announcements in City Hall. It has been a long wait until now and wars will be changing for the long term. Just a few weeks ago, many citizens were creating uproar, speaking out against the Hall of Fame factions saying that they were going to destroy factions all together. It was a 360-degree flip to the other side of the fence when Mayor Chedburn actually changed the way to earn respect, upsetting many HOF players to the point of moving out of Torn City and ended in backtracking all together. That’s the short end of the stick, but lets talk about what’s going on inside of the HOF.
Respect. Mayor Chedburn has said for quite some time that respect will play a bigger part than just letting whomever run to the top. No clues were given to what respect will be used for, but there were and still are many predictions. Using your respect and getting higher every time the faction leader plans to upgrade, a faction will need to keep chaining to gain the upgrades they want (Costs are to be figured out by the faction leaders).
Upgrades are as followed:
Vigor: Decreases hospital time of attacked members by up to 3 minutes
Steadfast: Increases gym gains of members by 1%
Gallant: Increases members nerve bar by 1
Enormity: Increases personal crime skill for members by an unstated multiplier
Chaining: Boosts chain interval time by 30 seconds to 5:30 minutes
It wasn’t long before certain HOF factions used their respect to upgrade their factions. Devastation was quick to upgrade the Steadfast of their faction leading a decrease in HOF status. Other HOF factions have upgraded already such as HT (Steadfast, Enormity and Chaining) and 39th (Steadfast). Some haven’t upgraded like Inquest, PT-Family and Destructive Anomaly whom are probably going to wait out and see what outcome best fits their faction.
With these changes, additionally, anyone who plans on staying the night in a faction will now have to stay for three days until they are able to leave and move again. Many are worried about how their attack chains will turn out, while other factions are already scheming up what to do. Also, that change makes it harder for citizens to join factions, however that is not such a bad thing. This will give citizens the chance to train and strive to be among the best. Who upgrades what and how it enhances or hurts their faction, only time will tell and TCT will be on the scene!
- Article by Yue [420844]
Love Is In The Air - 11/02/08
About this time last year, Torn City was covered in darkness. Mayor Chedburn scrambled, as we thought, to "enlighten" his people with what happened. Apparently a backup generator had caused a blackout and anyone that had moved to the city within 40 days of that blackout had to reassert themselves into the community again. However, looking back at such an event, we have reason to believe that the mayor had something to do with it and, on Valentine's day, had a hot date. We cannot confirm this allegation, but have also decided not to delve into the past and chalk it up to an accident, and move on. The staff at the Torn City Times feel that they speak for everyone else when they say that those days were extremely horrible and we would like not to think about them again.
And so with Valentine’s day approaching again, Torn City is in a state of panic, (mostly the men) looking to buy extravagant presents for their partners. This will be the first Valentine’s day Torn City has seen for two years, as this time last year. And so this will truly be a new experience for two generations of Torn City players. All the staff here at the Torn City Times, can only hope, that Chedburn has failed to find himself a hot date again this year and all will be well in the city.
As a result, the city’s market traders have seen a great boom in sales, with flowers being the favourite item of Torn City’s lovers. The richer players of Torn City buying White Roses for their wives, friends, lovers. Whilst slightly less rich players preferring to buy bunches of roses or rare plants such as orchids or Dahlias. However, flowers are not the only thing on the shopping list, Many are also buying thongs, high heels or leather bullwhips for their partners.
It is expected that there will be a tremendous boom in marriages across the city with most churches already fully booked. But with the divorce rate in Torn City climbing, we can only ask, How long will these lusty, spur of the moment marriages last?
Co-written by Silent-Walker and Yue, chief reporters for the Torn City Times.
- Article by Silent-Walker [91795]
TCRA Impacting TC? - 11/01/08
With the recent, or not so recent, kidnapping of Body, everyone is going amuck trying to find out where she is. Meanwhile, a note published by The-Heretic was found in the paper just a few days ago listing demands of the TCRA (Torn City Resistance Army). It has become evident that there are certainly NO detectives in this town and perhaps we need to hire David Addison and Maddie Hayes to solve this case!
Where is Body? Is she still alive?! Who knows! There are plenty of unanswered questions that we cannot find answers to. I, myself, have been shaken down for questioning, but alas, I know just as much as anyone else, perhaps even LESS.
What I do know is that most of us are clueless and that is quite clear. Many of you have your ideas of who kidnapped her or where she is, however, whom can we believe? Who can we speak to or trust? The culprit’s can be ANYWHERE. While walking around the city, you can notice a slight change in the atmosphere. As per one of the demands of the TCRA, “4) Imprisonment of Dirty-Rockstar, and all her copy-cats.” Now, although they have not been imprisoned, they have deemed themselves a different character. Weeks ago, before heading to the big house, younger citizens and blatant “handicapped” citizens were being attacked for nothing more than fun. And now, after this all began, Dirty-Rockstar has turned the other cheek and can be seen offering assistance to others. Quite a change, I must say.
When it comes to helping those, a recent influx of citizens has decided to put their money towards charities. Valkyrie has started a Torn City celebrity poker tournament to take place monthly. I myself have signed up in good faith to help those charities as well (a list of those charities can be found below). Fearing though, that one charity, run by Body, herself may not continue…if we cannot find her alive. But! Getting back to the poker tournament real quick, “It was a lot of fun!” Valkyrie told me. She also posted this short blurb in the message boards to sum up the very FIRST tournament! “It was an exciting game full of sexual innuendos and smack talk. Of course it was all in the name of charity so it didn't get too ugly. The game really got exciting when it came down to the last two people WickedPrincess and Bell. They had been hashing it out in the forums earlier and it looked as if Bell would win. In the end, WickedPrincess held true to her word and took Bell for every penny he had. Then She donated all of her winnings, a whopping 7 mill to her favorite charity organization the Battered Newbie Shelter owned by Salty.”
Well, it seems that the TCRA is actually making somewhat of an impact on this great city. Players helping players, and avidly looking for our beloved Body (even though some lost their minds)…they all have something in common, THEY WANT THEIR BODY BACK! So keep searching citizens! You need to WEED out the rumors and liars and find Body soon! Her plants are going to wither and someone needs to keep our city sane!!!
- Article by Yue [420844]
Yar!! Hidden Treasure!..? - 20/12/07
It seems that, for this reporter, normal days are becoming a thing of the past. As I was sitting in my room early this morning around 11am, watching V for Vendetta, my doorbell rang. I opened my door and there was no one there, just a car speeding off in the distance. I looked around to see if anyone else was left behind, but noticed that there was a box at my feet with, “OPEN ME,” written in a dark shade of red lipstick on it. I must admit though, this box intrigued me as it was quite large, and being so close to Christmas, I was hoping for the best.
I carried the box to my kitchen table and started to open it up and was immediately forlorn with what was in side. I had no clue what anything in the box was, nor who it came from. All it had were some clues to what seemed to be…dare I say it…hidden treasure? The old rigid box looked like it had been through hell and back so I treated it with care.
As I opened it, I found several items that were very interesting. First, lying on top of everything else were photographs of masked men holding AK-47’s. They were not labeled; they were not very old either, but looked suspicious enough. Underneath that looked to be a shopping list, but instead of the regular milk, OJ and chicken were listings of tools and weapons, namely, hammers, chainsaws, crowbars, that sort of thing.
Additionally, there was a set of papers; lists of TornCity officials and accompanying those names were lists of duties. Rolled up neatly with a rubber band was a map of our great city with homes circled in red and marked with codes and numbers. At this point, I became suspicious and dug through the box for more. The last thing I came across was a USB-Flash drive. I took it over to my computer and popped it in. On this USB there were videos of men training in a camp on a desert.
At this time, most of these items mean nothing to me. They just make me wonder what’s going to happen in the next few days. I felt it quite important to lend this information to my readers in hopes that perhaps, they can assist me in unfolding this mystery. I also feel that our message boards will hold some great deal of information in the future. Either way, only time will tell what these photos, videos and map mean to our City. Will you be the one to do it?
- Article by Yue [420844]
Post Office Strike - 11/11/07
It has come to our attention a certain rumour about a possible strike in the Post Office. It seems that our postal workers are demanding a 5% increase in their basic salary or they will stop delivering mail in Torn City. As you can imagine, this would cause havoc in town as our only way of communicating with each other is through the Post Office. For all of those that use IRC, it would be affected as well, as the postal strikers are planning to set up camp in front of the Telecoms centre. This would definitely affect both services. In other words, unless our Mayor can make a deal with them, we wont be able to talk to each other in the city.
That was the memo that was lying on my desk at 6am this morning. No one was around so I hoped no one else had read it yet. I called BD8 to help me with the scoop. We met up in front of Jesters house at 10am. For those of you that dont know Jester, he deals with security and city issues. Oddly enough, all the lights were turned off at Jesters house. We knew what that meant, so we convinced the butler to let us in.
Once inside we went to Jesters study and looked around to see if we could find any information related to the postal strike. Jester is a very organised person, so the odds of finding confidential information lying around were very slim. We stopped looking around and about to give up, when BD8 noticed that Jester didnt take his laptop with him. Quickly, we called ClansDancer to send us a Stealth Virus to hack Jesters computer. DARN, nothing to be found in his computer. We left Jesters house feeling defeated, and all of a sudden ClansDancer calls BD8 back. I could see BD8s frown turn into a grin as he was talking to ClansDancer. Come on PussyKat69, we got him, he told me.
We got back in the van and headed towards the Red Light District. There we saw Jester talking with Anonymous. What was he doing with that sneaky character? I took from the van our highly sensitive microphone to listen into their conversation. Once set up, we couldnt believe our ears. It seemed that Jester was contracting Anonnymous to blow up the Telecoms centre during the strike to get rid of all the postal workers. But the evil plan doesnt end just there. Jester was selling all his stocks from Messaging Inc so it will plummet. Once it went bankrupt he was going to rename it to Clown Communications and be the sole proprietor of all the mail and cash transactions in Torn City. He hired Anonymous so he could set up the mission for all level 36 to blow up the Telecoms centre, so Messaging Inc plummets faster. Once the stocks reach $1 he was going to buy them all as I previously mentioned.
Enough heard, we left the scene; before they realised we were listening in. On our way back to TC Times, we called up Dime and is0lation to let them know the whereabouts of Jester and what he was up to. Quickly, is0lation setup a squad to bring Jester and Anonymous in. Luckily, they were still there and arrested on the spot. Chedburn was informed of this and doubled the security at both the Telecoms centre and Messaging Inc to prevent anyone from causing any trouble to both the company and the postal workers. The syndicate leader, later in the day met with Chedburn and behind closed doors came to an agreement.
Congratulations, dear Mayor, once again you have saved the day.
- Article by PussyKat69 [438789]
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Hard Facts
"The lighter side of Torn City goings on"
Torn City: Not So Bad - 12/03/08
Has anyone else read the newspaper lately? Well, since you’re reading this, I assume you have. Every single article is another report on one of the problems we face in Torn City. But where are the articles that highlight the not-so-bad points of the city? Is there anyone out there that sees more than just the negative? Is there anyone out there just so dang sexy that they can’t keep women off them?
Well, I don’t know about keepin’ the ladies off me, but I know that I will highlight the positive points of our sorta fair city. And I know that right here in the Hard Facts section, the lighter side of Torn City goings on, is where you’ll find it.
So, just what exactly isn’t corrupt and borderline life threatening here in our city? Good question. Let’s take a look at a few things that make Torn City a wonderful place to live.
First off, in a study that included nine other cities with the same population and crime rate, Torn City led the way health care. That’s right, our hospitals and emergency response teams are the absolute best. We all see people walking around, quite alive, who have been shot, blown up, hacked into bits and hit by cars, but despite all these attacks and wounds, live to spend another day in Torn City. I’d say that’s pretty nice.
Next on our list; employment. Out of the nearly 150,000 residents of Torn City, after factoring in the fact that many residents are self employed ( not all legally, sadly ), 19 out of 20 people are employed. In a city that is supposedly so rampant with crime, villainy and strife, only 5% of the population is unemployed. It can be safely assumed that the greater majority of the Torn City populous are nice, well-rounded, educated individuals content with their lives of peace and harmony. Sorta makes me wanna have a kid, sorta. ( Booze still doesn’t count as a child in society. Dang. )
Coming in number three on our list, we have the fact that here in Torn City, we still have a say in what goes on. I’m not the only person who’s gone downtown and used a voting booth. I’m not the only person who’s ever posted a letter of suggestion or criticism in one of our cities community forums. I am most certainly not the only person who’s ever talked one-on-one with our cities leaders. We’re pretty lucky that our fears, concerns and needs are all heard and seen to. A recent report among the other cities near Torn City says that the Officials here in Torn City work nearly 55% harder and an amazing 79% of all suggestions and concerns are taken into effect. That’s what I call power of the people.
Our second to last reason to smile here in Torn City is the all mighty dollar! C’mon folks, are any of us poor? Do any of us go hungry? Is there a single one of us who doesn’t at the very least have several thousand dollars in their pocket at any given moment? We truly live in a prosperous city and society. If it wasn’t strictly because I needed the extra protection, I could easily afford to drive a Corvette and not the cement truck I currently own. ( Don’t get me started about the CT2007 )
And finally our number 5 and last reason to love Torn City; Booze! I personally have over seven thousand gallons of beer alone in my Palace’s wine cellar. ( Let’s not talk about how much rum I have. I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to have as much as I do. I actually swim in it. ).
Well folks, I certainly hope this little article has opened your eyes to the up-sides of Torn City. Even when we have bad days and everything goes wrong and crimes are committed, we still have reasons to smile. Take care, readers. Thanks for reading.
Disclaimer: The statistics in this article may or may not be 100% factual. Also, the writer may or may not have been wasted beyond normal human imagination while writing this article.
P.S. Thanks everyone for your many mails. I get several a day giving kudos or requesting more articles. I’ll do my very best to keep you guys smiling and up to date on some of the goings-on that you might not see. Till next time, thanks for reading.
- Article by Lance
Just one of those days. - 12/03/08
Hello readers. Ever have one of those days where everything that could possibly go wrong, goes wrong? Well, I'm sure some of you have. I had one today. Allow me to elaborate.
First thing this morning, I roll over and plan to get up out of my bed and yawn and stretch and I don't know smile and wave to the oncoming day. I don't know, but here's what really happens: I roll over, fall out of my bed, slam face first into the floor, roll under the bed, onto a .45 I keep loaded under there for protection purposes and end up with a gunshot wound in my left foot.
How it happened I have no idea.
Anyways, there I am, rolling around on my bedroom floor at 7 am bleeding from my foot... alot. After about an hour in my bathroom doctoring my foot ( you'd be surprised how good you get at self-surgery when you're a street reporter ) and am now very hungry. So I head to my kitchen.
Why is there a man in a mask looking through my refridgerator? I'd love to know this, but I don't get to ask the question as right about then said man finds it suiting to shoot me in the shoulder before fleeing through my window. The window he broke.
Another hour in the restroom and I'm off to a poor start. Two bullet wounds and broken window. That's not mentioning the lost blood. ( The blood loss was getting pretty high ) Well, I get a shower, eat some toast, drink some coffee, tape over my window and head down to the local bar to look for a new story.
On the way to the bar I'm mugged, at the bar I'm mugged, on the way home from the bar I'm mugged. Great way to spend five hours.
I'm home now, safe and sou... crap. Another burglar. Ouch. He shot me in the chest. This was a bad one. I lost conciousness and ended up in the hospital. Again.
Just one of those days.
- Article by Lance
Anarchy in Torn City? - 12/03/08
I will keep this brief as I am very busy running my Law Firm. As I went to unlock the door to my Firm, I noticed a giant A spray painted and circled on the side of my building. Through some of my contacts down on the street, I hear whispers of something. Something big. I fear Torn City will be, well, torn by anarchy and strife very soon. Let us hope that Anarchy prevails, err, I mean, umm, that... I need more booze.
- Article by Lance
It's a good life - 12/03/08
Yah know, life in TC's tough. Now, of course, it's tough on everyone. Torn City is pretty indiscriminate in its brutality. But back to the point, it's tough. To illustrate my point I'm going to give you a run down of my day.
First off, I wake up and walk to the washroom to shower, shave, brush my choppers, you know, get good lookin'. Well, sometime in between waking up and tying my shoes I usually end up being bludgeoned in the head and wake up in the hospital. This is usually just the first of many beatings.
Next, I go over to my liquor cabinet and drink my breakfast. Then I walk a perfect line out onto my balcony to get a breathe of fresh Torn City air. *cough* Well, here's where I usually get smacked around for the second time, though this is the most varied. I've been shot in the face by a sniper, I've been axed in the back ( and consequently nose dived off the balcony and into on coming traffic ), but my favorite is the time a ninja clawed up the wall and stuck a grenade in my pants and swan dove into the back of a passing matress truck. I gotta hand it to ninja, that was a sweet exit. Of course the grenade prevented my complimenting him personaly.
Then after getting out of my personal room in the hospital, I walk in my front door and get nailed again.
Of course this time I duck and roll into my house and usually shoot whoever's waiting for me, hence saving myself another hospital stay. Sadly, there's usually a bomb so I have to run out of my building and right into a flamethrower.
More hospital, more pain. Pretty much my entire day consists of three things: Death, booze and crazy letters in the mail. ( the letters are a topic for another day)
Well, it's about time for someone to rappell through my window and show me the finer points of an AK-47, namely how many holes they can put into a human body. In fact, I'm fairly certain tha... *shatter* Right on ti...*gunfire*
- Article by Lance
Law Enforcement - 12/03/08
You know somethings wrong when you can back your cement truck into a cop car and have the cop just drive away. As a great man once said, "Sometimes life's okay." Now, the fact that I didn't get some steroid enhanced ticket made my day, but the fact that the copper didn't even care, that concerns me. Allow me to explain.
First off, as a reporter, I've seen a lot of crazy stuff here in Torn City that most people don't. Most of it's just the run of the mill corruption. Police officers taking very convienent breaks and many citizens not spending much more than thirty minutes in prison. But there are a lot of loose ends and equations that don't add up.
Second, back in the day, if a cop so much as thought you were selling bootleg CDs, your butt found itself plopped on a particularly cold jail cell, for quite some time. Now adays, crimes such as murder go unpunished and standing under the wrong street lamp lands you record times in jail.
Now let's focus on what all this could mean and what all it's leading to. The police don't take their jobs seriously anymore. Punishments don't fit the crimes. With enough money, anyone can do anything.
I'm no genius, nor am I the most popular person out there, so I'll leave the deducing up to my readers.The big question: what's going to happen? Where will this lack of law enfocement lead? Why is that granny still carrying a Minigun? All good questions.
Just think about it. And be ready.
NOTE: This article is 100% ficticious and does not relate to any viable goings on in Torn City, nor is any of it's content meant to be taken seriously. This article is purely for the enjoyment of it's readers. In other words, it's not a conspiracy theory.
- Article by Lance
Love in the City - 12/03/08
Torn City is truly a city of darkness, corruption and general despair. As the thick cloud of suffocating oprression squashes the hopes and dreams of most, some truly brave, if not valorous souls find it within themselves to fight through the taint that is Torn City and find love. A great man once asked "Do you think love can blossom, even on the battlefield?" Well, Vengeance and Charisma have an answer to that question.
The answer? "I do."
That's right, after meeting on August 2 of this year, Vengeance and Charisma began a beautiful relationship that wound up in their loving matrimony yesterday, August 31. The wedding was held in a small church in one of the few sunny areas of Torn City. Despite the lack of room in the church, the house was packed with family, friends and well-to-do's.
After the vows were said and the knot tied, I was barely able to get a moment with Vengeance to ask him a couple of questions. "Congratulations, do you believe Charisma and yourself will be happy together?" I didn't think it possible, but the smile upon Vengeance's face grew even larger. "Of course. We're very much meant for one another. We're soul mates. I can't imagine life without her. Oh, I think the tap's running low, gotta go." And with that he was lost to the crowd. I caught a last glimpse of the perfect couple descending the stairs of the chapel into a very sleek sports car.
All in all, this happy couple proves that Torn City is not all crime lords and drug addicts. As a believer in love, I wish you two,Vengeance and Charisma, the best of luck in your future.
- Article by Lance
Veterans + Me = ? - 12/03/08
I really thought a cement truck would save me from all the possible dangers on the Torn City streets. I was wrong. Here's a funny story.
I just got out of the hospital after having holes blown in me by a granny with a mini when what should happen? I end up right back in the hospital. I'll tell you the end first.
'Holy sh' I screamed right before an anti-tank hit my cement truck right in the grill. Now, I'm sure you're curious, 'how did an anti-tank rocket end up blasting into my ride? A veteran player. Oh yeah, that's right. This joker is strolling down the middle of the higway with a jackhammer and an anti-tank. Who does that?!
Well here's why this guy decided to nail me. I honked at him. Mhm, I honked at him and he decides to honk back. By honk I mean launch a rocket at me.
Oh, by the way, two things are really blarring in my mind. One, I got smacked down by a n00b and a veteran all in the same week. Two, I'm writing this from a hospital bed, a hospital bed which is now reserved for me. Why? Because I'm here weekly.
Well, I'ma go. By go I mean 'to sleep' because I'm typing with my toes and it's a little on the difficult side.
- Article by Lance
Noobs + Guns = ? - 12/03/08
Okay, so there I am, in the jiffy store with my candy bar and gallon of milk. I've gotta admit I was pretty anxious to get out to my cement truck. ( If you've stepped out into the street and lived long enough to see all the n00b drivers out there, you know why I drive a cement truck ) Anyways, I'm standing there having a chocolate craving and am ready to guzzle down a gallon of milk, when all of a sudden this punk-n00b runs in the door swinging a gun around with what looks like pantyhoes over his head. I'ma take a minute and break some things down for everyone.
Alright, first off, this guy's been in town like three days and he's already galavanting around with an Uzi. Back in my time, you had an AUG and you were hot stuff. Anywho, this fella walks up to the counter and says 'i want all teh moneyz' Now, if you know me, I wanted to murder the guy for his slaughtering of language, but seeing as how I couldn't be assessed to put down my candy bar, I just settled at making angry and impatient noises.
After what seems like thirty seconds ( it was really only about thirty seconds ) the cashier hands the guy $7. This n00b looks at the woman and screams 'moooooor!' Greedy, much? Well the woman runs into the back and comes back out with a frickin' minigun. I mean, come on! All I want to do is eat my chocolate and drink my milk, but no! This n00b has to mess that up.
Well, my nights not over yet. Sir Pantyhoes McMoron there's got to start shooting. ( he has an Uzi and can't hit an old woman five feet in front of him ) The old woman cashier fires up the ol' mini and before I know it I'm standing there with a bullet riddled gallon of milk, a broken candy bar and about three weeks of painful hospital stay due to nine, yes nine, bullet wounds.
I'm standing there, covered in milk and blood and all I can think of is how this kid got a gun like that. And also how grandma there got a mini! Right about now I pass out.
I wake up in a hospital bed. Next to me is a get well soon basket with a note. The note read 'sowry u get hurted i owez u moneyz' Apparently the n00b had a conscience and sent me a goody basket. ( from behind bars, well, for the time being, because ten minutes later someone who'd been in town two days busted him out of jail ).
Alright, this story needs a point, and a happy ending. Okay, point first. People, please, I mean Please! don't sell n00bs big guns. Hell, don't sell them guns, period! Don't let anymore candy bars go uneaten and abused. Now, about the happy ending. After being busted out of jail, I found that n00b and ran him over with my cement truck and drove off laughing. I find it a little hypocritical, but darn if I didn't feel so much better.
Oh yeah, I was eating a candy bar when I ran him over. Now who's broken!?
- Article by Lance
Drive-Bys - 12/03/08
I'm sitting on my porch, still loving my new ranch when all of a sudden I get hit by car. Now, I'm not one to complain, but how does that work?
My ranch is located over fifteen miles outside town and lemme tell yah, if someone is such a bad driver they lose control and carene fifteen miles out of town, crash through my gate, run over my cow and hit me while I'm sippin' sweet tea, we need to look at who's giving these people their drivers licenses.
Well, once I was out of the hospital, I decided to look into the drivers license office. I walk in the door and look around. There's no one there, but I hear some ruckus in the back, so I step around the counter and look back around the dividing wall.
n00bs. Yes, n00bs. There's a group of n00bs stamping out drivers licenses while a rather chubby man is duct taped to a chair. I count myself lucky they didn't see me ( or smell me, I hear they can smell your money from miles away ), lest I would have been swarmed upon and left, pennyless and unarmed.
Well seeing all that, I'm not surprised there are so many bad drivers out there.
I was troubled by all this as I walked home from town, all fifteen miles. I would have driven home had not my last three vehicles been hit by run-away n00bs. Though, I won't say I didn't get a chuckle out of watching dozens of n00bs slam into fences and trees on my way home.
Over all, the problem lies in the system.
I just realized, the real license officer is still tied up. Oh well, it's funny to see people get hurt. Though, when they start letting n00bs drive busses, I'm moving outta Torn City. That or buy a castle.
- Article by Lance
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