​Dear Friends

The last few years have been amazing. We would like to thank the thousands of players who have passed through our SIM, contributed to the SIM's story-line & made it the vibrant place we have all been proud to call home at some point. 

As you would have noticed, the admin team has not really been around the last few months. And we do not see the situation changing anytime soon. Unfortunately this means no build upgrades, poor support and a diminished Roleplay experience compared to what you have come to expect.

We had hoped to stay open by making some systematic changes to how the SIM is administered. We started by trying to push more of the RP leadership & administration burden to our business leads. When that failed, we tried to hire new admins to fill the void. Meanwhile, we hoped against hope that we did not need too many admins in the presence of strong Roleplay leaders.

Unfortunately, we have run out of time to pilot these changes. Dera is still caught up RL & Kuluk won't be able to log in for several months. It is thus with a heavy heart that we announce Asphyxiation Point will close its doors to the public starting April 15th 2018. We apologize for the short notice but we have a very narrow window of opportunity to wind down in an orderly fashion.

We do not know if we will resurrect AP or initiate a new effort when we do get back. AP was always supposed to be an experiment. One that brings together all types of characters from all walks of life - be they rich, poor, good, bad, beautiful or ugly. That experiment proved successful & made AP one of the best known SIMs in SL. However, that recipe has since been copied so many times, AP is no longer as unique as we would like it to be.

We would thus like to explore & RP on other SIMs before embarking on anything new. Please stay in the Asphyxiation Point group, (and befriend Kuluk & Dera) if you are interested in our future endeavors. We could use your help in figuring out what our next great adventure should be. Those of you who know us personally, know how much we hate being admins & everything it entails. So we probably won't start anything unless there is strong demand & a strong core team.

If you currently rent on SIM, the remainder of your rent will be refunded on April 15th. All groups except the "Asphyxiation Point Urban Roleplay" group will be disbanded. OOC communication is permitted in the Asphyxiation Point group effective immediately. Please use it as a resource to find your next home as it is populated by a lot of Roleplayers besides those you see on AP. If you wish to know what SIMs Dera & Kuluk plan to explore once back, please hit us up in IMs.

Once again, thank you all so very much. We will cherish this experience for a long time to come. Yes we might have disagreed at various points. Violently even. But the creativity, commitment, and sense of community you all showed us made it well worth it all. Especially those of you who stuck with us through both the good times & the bad. 

Thank you all once again. 

The players of
Deranean Sands
Charles Newton Kuluk (kuluk)

*For most it's the slow simple time of the day, that first hot mug of coffee to wash away the hangover and lingering scent of whomever that was who followed you home from the bar last night. The time of day when you look out the window wondering if this headache will ever stop pounding at the inside of your skull to notice the insistent tap tap tapping of Raindrops hitting the window. Time to Tune into local CH 68 and see if it's umbrella or raincoat weather.* 

*Just in time, almost as if planned, the only source for all things local flickers to life right in the middle of something called a "SEVERE WEATHER WATCH" notification with the dapper Wilbert Woods standing in front of the Live Python weather-map with quite a few bits of Yellow and a few red dots in among the nearly solid Green for rainfall. Numerous Yellow dots indicating lightning flashes scattered across the Heart of Maine and up into Canada showing some places are still getting it worse than you are.* 

Wilbert: "...So the storm fronts are running across each other and gathering in strength with high winds and heavy rains in places. So much so that the Maine Emergency Services Management in numerous counties have indicated a increased risk of Flash Flooding and Potential Mudslides as the recently thawed ground may become super saturated and flow downhill. Likewise watersheds can overflow with the increased amount of liquid entering them and spill onto roadways and paths. They remind all motorists to be aware when driving and not to attempt to drive through any flowing water or stationary puddles where you do not know the depth. Only a Few inches of water can cause loss of control, and as little as six inches of running water can reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles and cause them to stall out."  

*He Switches the background view to a coastal shot showing some high winds and tall waves breaking against the sands* 

Wilbert: "Likewise coastal areas are expected to see some flooding, in a few cases may be moderate to severe as high swells and winds have picked up on wave intensity and volume. The Coast Guard has indicated that sudden swells in waves make swimming dangerous, even without the potential for lightning strikes, and small watercraft have been suggested to set into port and tie down. At this time there is no plans to close the Ferry service for the bay Area, though they advise travelers to expect delays and stand ready in case the situation requires such service to be closed. They likewise remind all travelers and enthusiasts that despite the air temperature being relatively mild, the water temperature is still near freezing and can bring on symptoms of Hypothermia in a couple of minutes of exposure."  

*The background Once more Shifts to a series of daily planners indicating the temperatures in the Mid 50's Over the next couple of days dropping to the middle 30's at night with the pictures indicating winds and rain with flashes of lightning on the Clouds going at least till Wednesday of next week* 

Wilbert: "There doesn't seem to be much reprieve in the coming days, more of the same with gradually increasing temperatures as march decides it wants to Go out like a Lion instead of a Lamb. We should be near the Sixties at the end of the weekend, but with the wind chill and rain it'll feel much cooler."  

*He swaps the image again this time to a Pressure front map Showing the High pressure systems and mix of Cold and warm fronts from the ocean and Canada* 

​​Wilbert: "The two storm fronts the warm one moving up from The Atlantic Coast and the cold front moving down from Canada are the result of two high pressure systems moving towards each other due to shifts in the Jet-stream due to the warming weather. Both fronts are expected to press together for the next several days till they finally finish by the middle of next week. This line of Collision is currently pressed through the middle of the state, but is expected to move back out to the coastal areas soon due to the low Pressure system to the North East. So be aware and wary if it seems like the Rain is letting up over the Weekend, it may only be about to get worse."  

*The bottom of the Screen shows several Closings for Schools and Businesses scrolling along as he looks at the camera* 

Wilbert: "To keep updated on this storm and all things weather Related download the Chanel Sixty-Eight Weather App at our website, and while there download the News and Alerts App, like and Subscribe on Friendbook and Jibber all of which are linked to from our main website. We will keep you updated here as well as this storm progresses.  Lets everyone be safe out there and make sure you get home alive. With this Weather Alert I'm Wilbert Woods, We now Return you to 'Hold my Beer!', the latest reality Challenge show already in progress."  

*The screen fades to cue up a beer-bellied man wearing a thong and Flip Flops, holding two pumpkins (one in each hand) a Confederate battle flag draped over his shoulders as a cape and a pair of pilot goggles strapped to his face standing on the front of a 4 Wheeler careening down a mud trail towards a big brown puddle letting out a Rebel "YEEEEEE HAWWWWWW!" As the 4 Wheeler slams on the brakes and he catapults forward towards the mud pit holding the pumpkins up above his head. Landing face-first in the grime and sliding for a good couple of yards as the bottom tracker indicates just how many feet he "Dun went".*  

Announcer: "Ten Feet, Twelve...Fifteen...he may OH!  He Dropped one of the pumpkins, that's gonna be a penalty Y'all! We gonna find out how he did after these here commercials." 

~Cut to Commercials~

Investors Wanted
Street Whorritos, offering the finest Mexican food south of Third Street, seeks financial investors to ensure the future of Asphyxiation Point's hidden gem. A variety of investment levels available. Contact Amata Karas, business manager, for details. Let Amata customize an investment package for you. ​

​Seeking Santa 
Help Street Whorritos bring the ho ho ho this holiday season. The home of Poe's Messy Mexican Fingers seeks one sizzling Santa for lap sitting and making dreams come true for the holidays. Flexible hours, generous pay, plus keep tips. Interested? Apply to Amata Karas, business manager.  

​~Friday November 24, 2017

*Today is just one of those days the sun comes out to really humiliate you. As the coffee finishes brewing and the television finally comes on. Avoiding the sun one tunes into the local CH 68 news. First on the screen one Kaylynn Garcia bundled up in a red CH 68 winter coat with white scarf and hat, cheeks flushed red from the weather standing by the Sheriff’s office.* 

Kaylynn: “…Without itinerary known officers searched all of the afternoon and most of the night last night for the couple. Expanding on the search of local police. It wasn’t until early this morning when the night clerk at the ferry station recognized a picture of the pair that police were able to follow their trail. A rental agency in Elsworth confirmed that the couple had rented a car in the afternoon of the day before, and their listing showed that car was checked in at Boston overnight. At this point law enforcement officers are calling off any search, and have not stated if charges will be pressed against the couple or the Cruise line for the difficulty.  Life from the Bay Area Sheriff’s office, Back to you Ray and Ari.”  

*The camera cuts back to the news room showing Raymond Wages and Ariana Bening at the news desk. Raymond wearing his medium blue pinstripe suit jacket with Black tie, and Ari sporting a shoulderless Maxi style deep blue top with Gold trim on the collar. Both seeming dolled up for the day.* 

Ariana: “Thank you Kaylynn.  Just goes to show that if you intend on changing your itinerary you should let the cruise director know so they don’t alert the authorities when you don’t come back.”  

Raymond: “No kidding. All those officers searching for most of the evening and into the night when they could have been spending time with their families.”  *He shakes his head and adjusts some papers as he turns to look at the side camera which focuses in on him* “Well at least they had somewhat decent enough weather for it. Though we hope there’s no more searches coming up, here’s Wilbert Woods to tell us what to expect from the upcoming days. Wil?” 

*The camera cuts on over to Wilbert Woods at the weather desk, himself looking rather dressed up in a dark blue suit with light blue tie with diamond pattern.*  

Wilbert: “Thank you Raymond. As you said it wasn’t a bad evening for the search teams, we haven’t yet been hit by any severe winter weather yet.” *The display behind him shows the weather map overlay radar* “Live Python weather track shows that we don’t have much in the way of clouds or rain coming in today or for most of tomorrow. Friday should be mostly sunny as well as Saturday with highs in the mid-forties today, getting up to the low fifties tomorrow. Overnight Saturday though, those clouds roll in giving us showers in the early morning Sunday which will only reach a high of thirty nine in the afternoon, sticking around that freezing point which means in some exposed areas you will need to watch out for patches of ice. No snow, however and Monday shows clouds lingering as this front moves along keeping temperatures in the mid-thirties, dropping to low twenties overnight.  As that weather front passes through, Tuesday and Wednesday near the end of the month those clouds linger but temperatures get back up into the low fifties and upper forties. But will remain quite chilly in the twenties overnight. Thursday things warm up some more into the mid-fifties, and going into December there will be scattered showers heralding the new month but with the temperatures remaining in the mid-forties and only getting as low as thirty-eight there should be less chance of freezing. Saturday and Sunday of December will mostly remain Sunny and slightly warm with Temperatures lingering in the upper-forties and low-fifties. That won’t last, however as Monday December Fourth and onward temperatures start to drop with intermittent Rain showers sneaking in here and there, though with the higher temperatures, we don’t expect any snow to last or linger at most it should turn to a kind of slushy rain. “ *Indicating on the weekly planner the various highs and lows. As it cycles through to indicate what to expect over the next 10 days. *

Wilbert: “Remember if you are intending on getting in some boating at the end of the month to keep checking local wave and wind forecasts and always wear a life jacket. Back to you Raymond.” 

*The camera cuts back to the news desk with Raymond shaking his head slightly* 

Raymond: “Not bad but certainly not like the weather we have been enjoying so far this year.” 

Ariana: “Right, I prefer my slushy to be mixed with fruit juice and not on the ground.  Just a reminder to our viewers, today is the Bay Area Black Friday Big-Heart donation drive. It started this morning as various groups have volunteered to man the donation area at Arcadia Lodge collecting winter clothing and non-perishable food items for the less fortunate, as usual monetary donations will also be accepted. Our own news team will be working the donation drive this evening till Eleven PM. So come on out, donate to the cause and stop by to say hi to your favorite news team!” 

Raymond: “There’s other news teams?” *Somehow he manages to deliver that line with a straight face and for his trouble gets a smack on the arm from Ari*  “Residents of Cranberry islands are still without wired internet service as workers continue to repair lines damaged at the end of October. The company hopes to have service restored before December, but does not yet currently have a ETA. Cranberry Islesford service has been running wireless services for several of the islands for the past two weeks, but there are still residents who have been without service for almost all of November. The company President has stated that for residents of the islands will not be charged for the month of November, and will receive a credit for half off in December for the difficulties.”  

Ariana: “It’s been a busy week for local Fire departments, and things don’t show any signs of slowing down, with that story we go to Dean Knopinski. Dean?” 

*The camera cuts to one Dean Knopinski, Field reporter, standing at the local Bay Area Vocational High School grounds with several fire trucks parked at the end of the field and numerous men in uniform going through drills of pulling and connecting hoses to the trucks, while several instructors bark out orders and run them through an veritable obstacle course of training maneuvers all in front of a Several story tall Faux Front building with targets set up in the windows.*  

Dean: "It's been a Busy time for the Volunteer firefighting groups around the Bay area.  At the beginning of the month they were taking care of the biannual hydrant flushing.  As our report at the time disclosed a good ten percent need replaced this year and of those Fifty percent need improved water pressure. The Vocational School behind me is slowly creeping forward with building a suitable training facility here for all the departments to use. As you can see they are currently using recycled playground equipment and a old Movie production facade to simulate conditions. They hope to Obtain the Funds and permits to begin construction of adequate facilities as soon as The February Caucus. "  

*The Video shows stock footage of the Exercises the Firefighters have been doing most of the morning and cuts to a proposal model filmed earlier*  

Dean: Not only that but in the upcoming weeks they will be working with the Forest service in assessing the risks of wildfires at randomly selected homes and businesses in the bay area as well as parks and all manner of other facilities to determine te risk of fire spreading, response time and all manner of other...." 

*Whatever he's about to add is Overridden by a ~BLEEEEP~  As the housing Facade shifts with the Muddy ground and Suddenly pitches forward Crumpling like a Jenga stack and The Camera cuts out as the lumber and piping comes crashing down around Dean and the Cameraman.  The Picture cutting back to the news desk.* 

Raymond Wages: “I’m sure He’ll be fine." *Clearing his throat and adjusting some papers* "Those building facades aren't too terribly heavy after all."  

Ariana: “Coming up after the break. Plans moving forward with Maine AllCare to see about providing universal Health care for all Maine Residents. What this means for your next trip to the Doctor. Plans to start upgrading garages for the local Public State facilities with Solar panels is delayed. Could Twenty-Eighteen be the year of a new holiday? Numerous local groups are petitioning to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’ll follow the process of their petitions.”  

Raymond: “Also a good deed done, over a thousand dollars found in a local laundromat was returned to it’s owner, and Beer for supporting Service members, veterans and the Coast Guard, why buying this new black ale can help, and where to buy it, again after these words from our sponsors.” 

~*Cut to commercials*~

Saturday's Charity Fight turned into a night of horrors when a man reportedly stole the evenings cash box and then reportedly set off an explosion trapping countless citizens in the underground venue.  Though accounts as to just who was responsible for the incident vary:  Several witnesses claiming that the robber shouted " Genesis thanks you for your contribution"  while others claim to have seen the oft reported arsonist in the area moments before the blaze.  What is clear is that at the end of the evening three people were dead, two suffered serious injuries ( DA Aquillah Rau and Quinn Jones whom helped to put together the event.) and numerous others suffered from smoke inhalation, cuts, contusions and minor burns. 

According to Fire Chief Kendall Eiren the unidentified suspect used a hand held remote to set off the explosive that caved in a large part of the tunnel trapping citizens underground and preventing the fire department from getting inside as quickly as they'd have liked to., however the ever ready department stepped up to the daunting task and despite the damage it inflicted drove the fire truck into the dangerous tunnel, crashed into the debris jarring enough of the rocks loose so that Rookie to the department Mark Glassco could clear the rubble allowing the fire fighters access to the fire while outside the danger zone Talon Silver and several other paramedics set up a triage area to tend to the wounded where the most critical were rushed into the local hospital for treatment by Dr. Kalla Rau. 

The AP Police department asks that all citizens that have any knowledge as to the person or persons responsible for the violent and deadly act, or anyone with any information on " Genesis" please call the police department. Anonymous calls are welcome. the killer or killers must be stopped before they strike again!

As of press time the names of the deceased have not been released as not all the family has been notified. the thoughts and prayers of those of us at the AP Times go out to all who were injured or lost loved ones in the horrific event. 

Kai Roberts
AP Times

Word of the recent fires is on everyone's lips of late as nervous business owners wonder where the crazed arsonist will strike next.  Who his next victim will be.   On Thursday a suggestive note hinting at the Asphyxiation Point Times as the next possible target put a drastic halt to our beloved publication in a desire to keep both staff and property safe.  Fortunately for all involved it seems that the announcement the known arsonist left on the glass of the times office  " Paper Burns Easily " was not the threat that this office took it for, but instead.. the musings of a simple mind. .. for which we are all grateful. 

Despite the fact that his picture has been in the Times,  the arsonist is, to date, still at large.  AP Police ask that if you see the man pictured below you do not approach him, but instead please call 911 and get to safety.  He is considered armed and dangerous and has severely injured two young woman already as well as done thousands of dollars in damages. 

Be safe out there AP. 
Kai Roberts, AP Editor

​

​Fire and Emt's were called to the Last Chance Gas Station on Sunday evening when a man and woman wielding pistols attempted to rob the gas station.  Harlee Jones and Abel Hunter, suspects in the kidnapping of a local doctor recently when Fire Chief Kendall Eiren heard the woman banging for help from a cage in the basement of a home beside her own.  The doctor was released after a brief stay at the hospital and is said to be doing well.  It is believed that Jones and Hunter had hoped to collect the day's receipts from the gas station's owner before they were deposited in an effort to fund the couple's escape from the island. 

Inside the gas station the weapon wielding duo found owner Sue, as well as a mechanic, Earl Hayes and his life partner Bob Wills.  Though it's not certain which of the duo fired the first shot Mr. Earl Hayes was killed in an attempt to flee the gun toting would be thieves.  Mr. Ren Roberts, whom had the unfortunate luck to stop in for an application suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder just as  Officer Deidre McMinnnar arrived and " spooked" the criminals.  Officer McMinnar called for back up and attempted to disarm the pair but was forced to fire her weapon after taking a hit to her bullet proof vest.  Sargent Amanda Novak arrived on scene moments later and was forced to take the life of Ms. Jones when the enraged woman began firing wildly at both officers and civilians upon seeing her paramour incapacitated. 

The officers worked quickly  to contain the scene while EMT's saw to the injured Mr. Roberts.  The station's owner " Sue" and gas pump jockey Earl Hayes, both of whom had cowered in the corner through the horrific event like a pair of scared mice were unavailable for interview as of press time.  Mr. Ren Roberts, after his surgery, said  " If the officer hadn't appeared when she did I'd be dead.  He ( Abel Hunter) was aiming for my chest and only the fact that she distracted him saved my life. For that I can forgive the ridiculous pat down while I was bleeding on the floor." 

As of press time police are still investigating the officer involved shootings though witness accounts and CCTV footage are certain to back up the officers' statements and clear them of any suggested wrong doing brought about by grief stricken and crazed family members of the deceased. 

Kai Roberts, 
AP Times Editor

​
Umbrella organization funded from local interest groups and friends to respond against the recent abductions, tortures, vandalism, destruction of property and fear mongering by gangs in AP . 

The people of AP will band together and fight off these threats, we have had enough. 

Los APCAP is offering $ 500,000 for any information on the identity and whereabouts , or , the delivery of the Genesis group, that have abducted Kala Rau , and, destroyed businesses in AP . 

For More information , call AP DA Office , Aquilah Rau