WEATHER SERVICE URGES CAUTION AHEAD OF SUMMER HEAT

By: Roman

 As July approaches, this means that summer is about to reach its peak.

Meteorologically speaking, summer takes place over the course of three months: June, July and August. The peak of the summer season takes place in July where temperatures are the hottest and the summer is really in full swing. The weather service has begun to issue reminders that, although the season has started off a little off, it should crank up now that the aurora event has concluded.

“The aurora event brought slightly cooler than normal temperatures across the dream world, but that event has now concluded and we’re about to move into July,” DWPS senior meteorologist Neige said, “Temperatures are going to get hot- perhaps very hot. It may be like last year.”

A dream world-wide heat wave could be possible again for a second consecutive year, according to the DWPS. Record breaking temperatures were recorded last year, but the weather service is not sure of the extent of just how hot it could get this year.

“It could be slightly hotter or slightly cooler than last year. It’s still too early to make that determination,” Neige explained, “However, it’s important to start reminding the public of the dangers of excessive heat. It’s good to have a head start of information to pass along to the public.”

The weather service is not the only agency right now beginning to make information and announcements to the public regarding the heat. The health department- the DDCP- is also starting to send out reminders to the public about the dangers of the heat.

“Where there is excessive heat, there are also heat-related illnesses to be aware of,” DDCP chief Ophelia said in a statement issued to the public, “Remember, take care of yourself when dealing with high temperatures. Drink water, stay in the shade, limit outdoor activities. You don’t want to fall victim to heat exhaustion or stroke.”

At this time, the DDCP says that there haven’t been any cases of heat-related illnesses so far this year, but they expect that to change soon.

“Every year there have been cases of heat induced illnesses that range from exhaustion to stroke,” chief Ophelia said, “Let this be a reminder that, although we don’t want any cases documented, you must do your own part to stay safe once the heat turns up.”

At this time, temperatures across the dream world are steadily climbing, but nothing “excessive” is in the forecast as of yet.

“We’re watching temperatures climb up slowly and haven’t seen anything dramatic,” Neige said, “Nonetheless, if the temperature gets too high, we’ll issue the proper advisories.”

For the latest weather information, visit the DWPS’ website or if you’re looking for information about heat induced illnesses, you can visit the DDCP’s website for more information and resources.

RECORD NUMBER VISITS TO RURAL DREAM WORLD DURING AURORA

By: Oswald

The rural dream world saw a record number of people visit as a result of the aurora event.

According to the Dimension Patrol Unit- who keep records of this kind of information- the rural dream world saw a 104 percent spike in foot traffic when compared to average numbers. The DPU is crediting better visibility of the aurora event in the rural dream world than that in the District.

“The rural dream world is darker on average and this allowed for great viewing of the aurora in the last two weeks,” DPU chief Matías explained, “So naturally, people made their way out of the District and into the exterior dream world to catch a glimpse of the event.”

Lots of visitors made picnics and makeshift camps in certain dimensions of the dream world. Whether it was in the Desert, the Beach, the Tundra, or the Hills- people made sure to make the most of it!

“We decided to make a picnic out in the Desert because the lights here are so gorgeous,” one visitor told me, “The colors of the aurora are giving off a pinkish glow out here! You don’t see that often!”

“I picked the Establishment because these are the colors that are typically seen in colder climates,” one visitor said to me, “It reminds me of the holiday season!”

“The aurora at the Hills seem to be barely touching those antenna towers over there!” another visitor told me, “Such pretty colors… this was a good place to set up a picnic!”

The Dimension Patrol Unit heightened patrols during the event, but have now eased back following its conclusion.

“To ensure safety, I deployed more patrols out to the rural dream world to make sure things went smoothly,” chief Matías explained, “We wanted to make sure everyone had a fun, but safe time while viewing the auroras.”

As the auroras began to fade, foot traffic in the rural dream world began to diminish.

“Our patrol officers have been monitoring activity out in the external dream world as they normally do and have been making sure things go smoothly,” chief Matías said, “There were little incidents to report and it was an overall peaceful event. Good job to all of the patrol officers who ensured safety and monitored for anything unusual.”

For more statistics and other information from the DPU during the event, be sure to visit their respective page on the DPF’s website.

Q/A: Ask Nate

Dear Nate, can you change your own origin background?

By: Rue Rall

Hiya Rue! When you're born in the dream world, you get assigned a background based on where you were born! However, not everyone gets one…

You see, if you're born in one of many enclaves in the District, you get assigned that origin background. For example, if you are born in the Brazil enclave, you will be Brazilian! If your parents come from different backgrounds, they will be added as "secondary" backgrounds. Your main background is the one you will be referred to as for the most part, though identification cards will show both.

If you're born in the rural dream world, you actually don't have a background! Since the rural dream world has no real background origins, you technically have no background and are considered a regular dream worldian resident. However, you are able to change that by requesting so! To do this, you'll have to be physically residing within an enclave for at least six years. Once so, you can submit an application with the Bureau of Licensing to modify your existing ID card to change the background from N/A to wherever you've been living at!

This is the only "easy" way to change your background. Those born in the District can't easily change it and it actually goes up to the Council to decide, but even then, they usually reject applications. Humans from the real world who decide to live in the dream world also can't change their background. Lots of rules for backgrounds!

Even so, lots of people are proud of their backgrounds. Some rural dream worldians prefer remaining like that for their whole lives! Wherever you come from, take pride in that! At the end of the day, we are all living beings who have to get along- one day at a time!

Dear Nate, has the real world ever been completely shut off before?

By: Loch Doun

Hi Loch! As you may already know, the real world is illegal to visit, but a very, very and I mean VERY small number of people can access it freely for certain things- typically top secret stuff! Technically, the real world is open all the time for this particular group of people, but there have been times where it has been completely shut off for everyone.

The real world has only been completely shut off for less than a dozen times since regulation of it began in the early 1850s. Special informants who go to the real world to gather intelligence bring back information about what’s going on up there. The information that’s gathered is shared primarily with the IAA and Bureau of Real World Affairs. If a worldwide situation is unfolding in the real world, this information is labeled as “urgent” and is examined thoroughly.

Ultimately, if enough intel is gathered, it’s sent to the Council which makes a determination as to whether or not to shut off access to the real world all together. Typically, this would involve very serious global events that could endanger the lives of those who go to gather intelligence or other reasons. For example, access has been shut off in 1940, 1969, and as recently as 2020- and these are just the most notable examples.

The real world is now open again to this very small group of individuals, but remember, for ordinary people- it’s illegal! I’ve never been to the real world and I’m not sure if I’d want to visit. Lucid said it’s a strange world as well in the times he went up there… Hmm, maybe I should go ask him for more information about the real world… It wouldn’t hurt to learn more!