Police Investigate Helstein Murder

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov 22, police received a call that someone was lying under the Schloss Brucke. The officer who investigated found the dead body of a woman, tentatively identified as Stephanie Helstein. She had apparently been murdered. No further details were immediately available. Anyone having any information regarding the crime should contact the police.

City Telephone System Opens to Businesses, Public

After a surprisingly brief testing period, Deutsche Post has announced that it will immediately make access to the city telephone system available to both businesses and residents. While service applications are open now, subscribers are cautioned that it may require several days wait for equipment installation and connection to the communication grid.

Two services are offered. A private line can be installed at any residence or business for a fee of 299RL, allowing the station owner to speak to any other telephone connected to the grid. An Answering Service intended for business users is also available. For a 349RL installation fee, Answering Service subscribers will not be able to use the phone for placing calls or normal telephone conversation. Instead, all callers will have their message transcribed and forwarded on to the business owner by Deutsche Post. Both services carry a 25RL monthly subscription fee and include an updated listing in the City Directory including telephone number.

Public use phones continue to be available for a charge of 1 RL per call at the Postamt at Alexanderplatz #3, at the Cafe Elektric and the public booth on the Unter den Linden.

Police Raid Unlicensed Distillery

Fischerstrasse #25, boarded closed after this morning's
Police raid on what is alleged to have been an illegal
distillery operation.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

In a scene more usual in Chicago, Berlin Police raided the site of what they allege to have been an illegal alcohol distilling operation early this morning, closing the site at Fischerstrassse #25 and making one arrest.

According to the arresting officer, Wachtmeister Pinden, a Herr Ritchie Rich "was arrested in connection with an illegal distillery in a house on Fischerstrasse". Pinder added that an investigation was ongoing and he could not comment further. But when asked if the alleged distillery was producing absinthe the officer responded that "We can't be entirely certain until we get the lab reports. More than that I can't say."

Requests to interview Herr Rich, who was in custody pending a bail hearing, were referred to Oberwachtmeister Danitz, who was not immediately available. Wachtmeister Pinder would not speculate when the prisoner might be made available for comment or when a bail hearing might occur. The name of Pierre Webb has come up as a "person of interest" in connection with the investigation, but so far there is nothing to tie Webb to the incident.

The scene of the alleged illegal distillery is directly below the city's most notorious brothel, providing ample evidence that one disreputable business attracts others.

Deutsche Post Publishes Directory

With the long anticipated arrival of modern telephone service to central Berlin, Deutesche Post has announced the publication of its first City Directory. The Berliner Adressbuch 1929 is a comprehensive listing of names, addresses and, ultimately, telephone numbers for all businesses and residents in the Berlin Mitte. The book is handsomely done, and gives a current directory Notecard.

The directory is available for purchase from Deutsche Post for 25 Reichslinden, and purchases are on a subscription basis. This means that subscribers will receive the latest updates at no charge.

J&C, the BAZ's publisher, still makes its Berlin Business Directory available for free at http://berlinprojectbusinesses.blogspot.com/ , but the Deutsche Post version is more up-to-date.

Berlin Given "A Taste of Atlantis"

For several hours over the last weekend, Berlin's iconic Unter den Linden became Unter dem Wasser as a series of freak flash floods turned the city into an inland sea. Authorities are placing the blame on a giant Ape who apparently dammed up the Spree just as torrential summer downpours unleashed unprecedented rainfall over the city. Zeppelins and boats allowed many citizens to turn the event into a lark, while most others found safety on rooftops or even with Victoria's Quadriga atop the not quite submerged Brandenberger Tor.

The Unter dem Wasser at the height of the flooding.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

The flooding began shortly after 16:00 SLT on Sunday but seemed to be confined principally to the poorer southwest sections of the city, including the popular Der Keller dance-hall. However, after a very brief intermezzo when the waters seemed to recede, the real flooding began, drowning the Alexanderplatz and the tony Behrenstrasse neighborhood. This time there was no stopping it, and over the next half hour the waters rose to levels that placed most of the city underwater.

When the water finally did drain away late that evening, it left everything soaked but remarkably little damage and, happily, no fatalities.

Victory welcomes refugees from the rising waters atop the Brandenberg Gate.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

As Zeppelin tours enjoyed a sudden rise in popularity, all manner of craft plied the Venice-like streets - from tire inner tubes to peddle boats to steam powered launches. In an especially moving moment, Cordelia Bellingshausen continued to play bravely upon her organ as the waters rose about her, inspiring calm at that particularly tense moment. Apparently her many near drownings in the canal served her well through this latest crisis.

Weather for the next few days is forecast to be mostly sunny with only a small chance of rain, so we may hope the city dries out without further incident.

Town Meeting Promotes Direct Citizen Action

Saturday's Berlin Town Meeting, the third in an ongoing series of meetings between City Leaders and the public, was focused on the importance of citizen involvement in city affairs, and on various ways to encourage and promote it. The atmosphere was upbeat and positive, with numerous ideas, suggestions and discussions relevant to the topic.

The meeting opened with a status report from Fr. Jo Yardley. Setting the tone for the rest of the meeting, she said that "Technically the Sim is doing well and all is well, so the only things that need to change are whatever makes daily life in Berlin more fun. More visitors would be great of course but this is not a matter of life and death at the moment. I think much of what can be improved is up to the people themselves to improve." The ensuing conversation focused closely on what things might be accomplished directly by the residents and regular visitors.

"The city is doing very well," Fr Yardley reported. "We are still mostly occupied except for some of the Adlon rooms. The apartments still fly away. Visitor numbers are still good but of course not as busy as I'd like. If it were up to me, the city would be overflowing with people every day." There was a large spike in visitors on May 1st, indicating the popular success of the "Berlin Riots" event. "Our events are great," Yardley opined. "The bicycle race was fantastic. I think most visitors just come around to have a look and shop. But we also get a lot of return visitors from people within the community. We are trying to create more fun for people who are not tenants. And we're working on new jobs for all." She concluded her report with the announcement that the 1920s Berlin Project had been invited to participate in the Second Life 8th Birthday events. "We're having a little plot at the big SL 8 Years Old exhibition. With some luck that will bring us more visitors as well." Statistics on visits may be examined at:  http://www.slsensor.com/stat.php?id=879&timezone=1 .
 
Following Fr. Yardley's report, the meeting was opened for public discussion and a lively and constructive hour followed. A complete transcript of the meeting can be found on the 1920s Berlin Forum at: 

http://www.1920sberlin.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1011 .
 
Some of the highlights are presented here.
 
Zeno McAuley has opened a Talent Agency and is actively seeking performers and entertainers of all sorts for venues thought the city. Prospective talent should contact Herr McAuley directly with their proposal. Although she declined to set a specific date, Fr. Yardley announced that the long vacant El Dorado Club would be opening "soon". "That will make Berlin interesting to a whole new group of people," she explained.

Given the higher level of engagement of residents, and the persistent shortage of available housing, Alf Korhonen asked it it was possible to create more flat-type living spaces. "We are short on prims," Yardley responded. "Some of the buildings are build to 'grow' but without prims. We're at about 400 prims and still need some stuff. But Mesh is coming in July! I hope I can rebuild some stuff in Berlin with Mesh and thus free up prims. So who knows, we MAY get more prims after rebuilding some things. I'd sooner add a few low prim cheap hotel rooms to give people a place to stay then to build another region."

Several attendees suggested sports matches as a way to attract visitors. Football, boxing, swimming meets and races of various sorts were proposed - possibly playing teams from other, historically similar Sims. Other suggestions included more museum exhibits, better use of the waterways to hold regattas and social events on the boats and barges. "I think the issue is not that we don't have enough ideas but that I don't have enough time," Fr. Yardley responded. "People in Berlin can organise events. Just check with me first and I'll let you go for it. I should send a notecard to everyone letting people know that they are more then welcome to set up events, crazy roleplay, etc."

A suggestion to expand the number of "happy hour" events at Der Keller provoked a good deal of discussion. "I love the idea of more happy hours," Fr Yardly concluded. "Or at least more activity in Der Keller." The problem of wide variance in Time Zones seemed to argue for multiple Keller events. But Fr. Yardly also proposed starting a number of regular "mini-events" - regular times where people could gather  and socialize - at other locales. Morning coffee or lunchtime at the Elektric Cafe, afternoon tea at the Adlon, etc.

In response to comments that most of the city's shops and businesses were normally entirely deserted, Fr Yardley announced that a program was being developed to encourage people to spend time working in exchange for a "scrip" that could then be exchanged in various shops for items of interest or value. A sort of "Linden free" currency.

Frl. Rosemary Thyme suggested that people simply get themselves out of their homes and spend more time about the city. "Don't hide indoors so much," she said. "Go out on the streets." This inspired Frl. Ceinwen Roberts to comment on the need for benches in public areas to encourage people to linger and socialize. Fr. Yardly committed to see that some were installed as soon as possible.(Several appeared on the Unter den Linden and Alexanderplatz by Sunday morning.)
 
Fr. Jaidiov asked what the single, most important thing that needed to be accomplished might be and, in response, Fr Yardley reiterated that she believed it was the citizens of the City taking on more responsibility themselves to make Berlin a more exciting place to live, work and socialize. "I think many people don't know how many options there actually are," she said. "It is your city just as much as it is mine. And everything here is to be used. Do you want to start a certain roleplay about a trial? The court house is there, let me know and go for it. Do you want to set your house on fire? Let me know and go for it. Anyone can organize a class at the schoolhouse. Also remember that in the 1920s people were more social; they would have chats with strangers in the street, unlike most modern people."

After the meeting concluded, Fr. Yardley released an additional statement summarizing the results and the steps that the City would be taking to implement many of the suggestions. "We are going to ask people to try and do more. To take the initiative. If you have an idea or plan, if you want to use Berlin for something, go for it! A notecard will be sent around explaining that people in Berlin have a lot more freedom to organize something than they may think they do, and that (after asking permission to ensure that the proposal fits into the historical theme of the place) they can set up events, sporting matches, races,  classes and parties in the city. The only reason we don't have more events is that I am rather busy!"

Town Meeting Called for Tomorrow

The third in an ongoing series of "town meetings" will convene this Saturday, 4 June 1929, at Noon in the Municipal Courthouse. The public is invited, and is invited to submit questions and suggestions regarding the status and management of the 1920s Berlin Project Sim. The purpose of these meetings is to provide a forum for discussion of any and all issues related to the operation of the Sim. The meetings will not address personal problems you may be having with other tenants, or visitors, real or roleplay. Personal issues may be discussed in private, if need be with Sim staff. Issues such as suggestions for events or historical recreations, the status of construction projects, questions about how and why things are done or specific problems that have a wide general impact are all open for discussion.

"If you have any special points that you want to discuss during this meeting," said moderator Jo Yardley, "please write them on a notecard and send it to me so that I can make sure they get discussed first. After we discuss the subjects that were sent in, everyone else will be allowed to talk."

Police Expand Uniformed Ranks

Police Wachtmeister Fabian Metzger
(BAZ Staff Photo)

The Berlin City Police have expanded the ranks of their uniformed officers with the addition of Wachtmeister Fabian Metzger to the force. Wachtmeister Metzger is a recent graduate of the Police Academy and comes to us from his native Düsseldorf. Prior to entering the Academy he served in the Army. "As a young boy I always wanted to join the police," Metzger explained. "Just to keep law and order. To be serving and protecting the people."

Please join the BAZ in welcoming Wachtmeister Metzger to his new assignment.

Images of Chaos - Scenes from the 1 May "Riots"

Just prior to publication, it was learned that the "riots" were a huge fraud perpetrated upon the citizens of Berlin through collusion among the police, the KPD and the City. Nothing more than Street Theater, following a script and mutually agreed upon "rules of engagement" established for the enjoyment of the participants. For those who made any attempt to take it seriously, too bad, you were played the fool. We publish these staged images only out of respect for the photographers who were not "in" on the fix and labored to record and inform.

Fr. Haru Menna leads the KPD "crowd" down Friedrichstrasse in an
attempt to pass the Police checkpopint enroute to the Sportshalle.
(Photo by Crispen Sturges)

Police Armored Car
(BAZ Staff Photo)

An auto burns at Friedfrichstrasse and Mittelstrasse early in the day.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

A fearless, machine gun armed Oberwachtmeister Danitz faces down the
huge crowd of KPD rioters gathered in the streets below.
(Photo by Dora Mills)

Freidrichstrasse looking west from the Police checkpoint that was the scene
of most of the violence committed against innocent civilians.
(Photo by Dora Mills)

 

Police Oberwachtmeister Danitz mans the Friedrichstrasse checkpoint
after the initial confrontations had passed.
(Photo by Sabriel Warwillow)

KPD members offer a flag of truce.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

In stark contrast to the violent actions of the Police, the Naval Security
Forces performed with calm professionalism throughout the worst|
of the unrest.
(Photo by Sabriel Warwillow)

 

Hospital staff assist the injured after the Police rioted against the public.
 (Photo by Zeno McAuley)

The Hospital had to add extra beds to care for all the people
injured in the violence of 1 May. Over 95% of all victims received their
wounds at the hand of the Berlin City Police.
(Photo by Sabriel Warwillow)

Corpses littered the streets for three days.
(Photo by Sabriel Warwillow)

"State of Emergency" Suspended

Das Berliner Polizeipräsidium has announced that as of 14:00 hours today, Tuesday, 3 May, the State of Emergency imposed Sunday is cancelled. Two arrests have been made, and the ringleaders of the unrest are said to be in police custody. Police stated that Frau Heru Menna had been apprehended following a brief gun-battle and that they now considered the city to be secure.

Damage and debris continue to litter the side streets, and several corpses remained to be collected. But everything seemed otherwise calm.

KPD Sniper Felicci in Police Custody

Ellis Felicci
(Photo by Sabriel Warwillow)

Ellis Felicci, the KPD sniper who briefly terrorized the southwest sections of the city on Sunday by firing randomly from balconies and rooftops, was captured just before 18:00 hours local time Monday by Naval security personnel. He was discovered hiding in a coffin among the real victims of the Sunday rioting in the undertakers establishment on Alexanderplatz. Felicci had been sought throughout the city since his escape from the hospital Sunday night, where he was being treated for gunshot wounds sustained during the rioting. He was transferred to Police custody and incarcerated in the jail at the Main Police barracks at the west end of Friedrichstrasse. This is the third time in 2 days Felicci has been in Police custody.

Morganic Clarington after examining the damage to
his Mittelstrasse bakery.
(BAZ Staff Photo)

In other riot related news today, Police reported the detonation of a small bomb on the Unter den Linden near the now unmanned checkpoint at Friedrickstrasse that was the scene of so much violence yesterday. There were no injuries and only minor street level damage. Two hours earlier, on Mittelstrasse, Clarrington's Bakery, a local landmark in the Jewish quarter, was severely vandalized. Wood planks put up to protect the glass were torn off, the windows broken, and the furnishings and inventory inside largely destroyed. Nothing was reported stolen. Clarrington, well known for his artistic and philanthropic activities, was visibly upset by the loss, but vowed to reopen as soon as calm was restored.

Magdelenenkirche Bombed Four Times

The Magdelenenkirch was the target of an armed intruder and two bombing attacks last night, bringing to four the number of bombings at the church since the start of the present unrest. Only light damage was done, and no one was injured. Pending an easing of citywide tensions, the church will remain locked and occupied. Parishioners or others desiring entry should make arrangements with Father Hellendale.

"I was in the church when I thought I heard a movement in the tower," said Hellendale, describing the events leading to the bombings. "We've had four bombs now. I was in the church (last night) when I thought I heard a movement in the tower, so, naturally I went up to investigate. I found a man up there wearing a red armband. I asked what he was doing and he didn't reply, so I asked him to leave." Instead the intruder, who the priest could not positively identify, pulled a gun. "So I slipped down the ladder and set the bells ringing," Hellendale continued. (Detective) Sonnenkern and one of the sailors came running but when we went back up the man had gone."
 
It turns out that the armed intrusion was only the precursor to an even worse assault. While locking the building's heavy front doors as a precaution, Father Hellendale had a second visitor. "Just as I was about to close the doors a woman arrived," he said. "Haru Menna. Goodness knows what I was thinking but I let her in briefly. I didn't like her attitude at all so I asked her to leave after a minute and she did. I shut the door after her, turned the lock and came back into the church, and then I heard a tremendous blast."

The first explosion was apparently detonated outside the front doors, which bore the brunt of the force, although the tremors did cause some damage to the organ loft. The explosion was reported to the police. "About an hour or so later there was a second blast, right outside the rectory," Hellendale continued. "And this evening we've had two more blasts, mainly outside the doors and beside the tower. Since the second pair of blasts Sister Perpetua and I have been securing the church. We've heard shots too, close by, but I don't think they were directed at the church."

No arrests have been made in the case.

Anarchists Threaten Further Violence

The BAZ has learned from a reliable source that anarchist groups loosely allied with the KPD have plans to launch additional attacks within the city tomorrow, Monday, 2 May, using a cache of weapons and explosives said to already be stored within the city. Unconfirmed information suggests that the attacks may be made at random or against citizens staying in their homes. Among the weapons thought to be in the anarchists' arsenal is the Mauser C96 semi-automatic pistol, a weapon with a longer barrel and considerably higher muzzle velocity than most handguns, giving it superior range and penetration and making it a particularly deadly weapon. Citizens are urged to take precautions to defend themselves and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the Police or Naval personnel.

Police Action Precipitates Chaos, Violence

Property damage, numerous injuries and at least one death resulted from specious police action against small groups of unarmed and innocent civilians throughout the central and southwest districts of Berlin throughout the day today. While the KPD cannot totally escape blame for their aggressive and armed reaction, the majority of Police actions involved their attempt to enforce the ever more obviously unnecessary emergency decree used to justify their incompetent management of what should have been a minor skirmish and a few arrests.
 
The focus of the violence was the Freidrichstrasse, where the Police had erected a checkpoint manned by armed sailors and police-manned machine guns. The checkpoint commanded the east end of the street, while the Police Barracks and Headquarters controlled the west. For most of the morning Police occupied themselves with harassing and bullying civilians walking the streets, although a rifle-armed KPD member thought to be Ellis Felicci remained at large in the cities poor southwestern section and harassed police and civilians alike with occasional sniper fire. Wachtmiester Pinder had actually cornered Felicci at about 15 minutes before noon in the Althausegasse, but allowed him to escape and continue his harassment.

But by noon the entire affair had become an out-of-control "police riot". Citizens were threatened with being shot if they failed to comply with the continually changing demands of the "state of emergency", and several people were clubbed by police and remain in hospital. Not satisfied with losing control of the situation and turning the entire city into violent police-induced chaos, they next proceeded to botch the siege of an apartment on the north side of the Freidrichstrasse where the last of the pro-communist elements had taken refuge. Although a white truce flag was presented from a second story window, the police ignored it and pressed the assault. Shots were fired and several gas and smoke grenades were exploded, although it is unclear by which side. At one point the Officer-in-Command, Oberwachtmeister Danitz, threatened to fire the building unless the occupants, already offering the truce flag, came out.

At about 13:00 local time, the Police completely lost control of the situation, with the large and increasingly angry crowd demanding they cease their outrageous behavior immediately. The Police, principally Danitz, responded by clubbing several members of the crowd senseless and threatening to shoot the rest if they failed to disburse immediately, which the crowd refused to do. At about 13:20, Officer Pinder arrived with a Municipal Judge in tow, the situation having reach a point of high tension and extreme danger. At 13:21, the judge relieved Danitz of the command and ordered him to return to the police station. Wachtmeister Pinder then attempted to persuade the crowd to disburse, shouting that "There has been enough violence for one day," and urging them not to provoke more.

By this time there were numerous and seriously injured people littering the street, including some of the medical staff who had been attempting to render aid, and attention was gradually shifted to caring for the injured. Inconsistent reports indicated that Ellis Felicci was alive and in stable condition at the hospital, but that an American had died of his injuries despite best efforts of the medical staff.

[Ed. Note: As of the time of this edition, the situation had calmed but remained confused. Additional information can be expected, along with photographs of the events, over the next 24 hours.]

Police Impose "State of Emergency" in City Core

Despite the fact that Berlin was quiet this evening, with few people out on the streets, the Police have announced that they have imposed a "state of emergency" as of 17:30 local time this Saturday evening. "Due to rumors of May 1st riots in Berlin there is now a State of Emergency in the Berlin Mitte neighborhood. Anyone in the city wearing red flags, gathering in groups of more than 3 people, not stopping at manned checkpoints, harassing the police or not directly following their orders risks being arrested." Police had begun erecting barricades and checkpoints on the streets feeding the Unter den Linden about an hour before the announcement, and no mention was made as to how long the declaration would remain in effect.

For most of the day, people gathered in public houses and cafes to discuss how best to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow. At worst, confrontations between the KPD, NSDAP and Police could fill the streets with violence and cause damage, injury and even death to an unknown degree. At best, rumors of a negotiated agreement between the KPD and Police to allow indoor gatherings and demonstrations to proceed unhindered could prove true and the day could pass in relative peace. As residents hoped for the best, they seemed to be preparing for the worst.

Many made plans to remain home or in their places of business through the day tomorrow, or to watch events unfold from rooftop vantage points. Some seemed to be looking forward to Sunday as if it were a spectacle promised and staged for their own entertainment. But most seemed resigned to some minor inconvenience and intended to go about their day and their business more-or-less as normal. With Voltaire Vanguard in prison, there seems to be some confusion within the KPD and no one was available to comment on the situation as of the time of this edition. A Police spokesman advised people to simply "stay indoors", and this is probably good advice, at least until it becomes clear how the situation will unfold.

Yesterday following a philosophical and political argument between KPD members and Father Cuthbert Hellendale, his residence next to the Magelenenkirche was struck by bricks and left with KPD posters on the walls. This is the only violence reported thus far. When asked for comment, Father Hellendale said, "Do not be cowed by the Communists. I have reason to believe that one or two communists will try to attack the church." He added that Sunday services would be held at 13:00 as usual regardless of events..

Police Clarify Position on Demonstrations

Berlin Police Headquarters released the following statement today to explain and clarify their position on public demonstrations approaching May 1st.
 
"Berlin, 28 April 1929
 
We expect the people of Berlin to respect the law. If they decide to demonstrate anyway they can expect to be treated as trouble makers and criminals. Certain elements in this city have announced that they will demonstrate anyway. The police have received reinforcements and will accept no disobedience; civilians will follow all orders given by the police or will have to deal with the consequences.
  
All parties have permission to gather and have their May First celebrations, as long as they are not held not outdoors. There is no reason to go out on the streets in groups unless the motive is to cause trouble and bring even more tension to our city.
  
Polizeipräsident Karl Friedrich Zörgiebel"
 
 
When asked to comment upon Police preparations for Sunday, Oberwachtmeister Danitz issued the following response.
 
"Our statement is that we will uphold the law. Since 1924 public demonstrations have been forbidden. There have no problems with this for the last 5 years. About six months ago a political gathering by the NSDAP ended in street fighting and several people died. After these horrible days our respected Polizeipräsident Karl Friedrich Zörgiebel made it clear that from 13 December 1928 onwards political gatherings in the open air would not be allowed. This decision has received massive support from the people in Berlin who generally are sick and tired of the many skirmishes in their city. This temporary law was created for the protection of the public and to keep peace."

Police Move Quickly to Qwell KPD Protest; Prisoner Shot in Cell

The protest organized by the KPD to express their displeasure over the City's denial of a May 1st demonstration permit was a non-event, with only a few KPD members showing up outside Party Headquarters on Steinpfort Strasse to chant slogans and taunt the police. Police, who were on the scene within minutes, demanded the protesters disband in accord with the City's newly enforced ban on public gatherings. When protesters refused to disperse police made three arrests for "political agitation" and the demonstration came to a rapid conclusion. Those arrested were identified as KPD members VoltaireVanguard, Haru Menna and Elis Felicci.

Upon conveyance of the prisoners to Police Headquarters on Dorotheen Strasse, VoltaireVanguard, a prominent official in the local KPD, was shot in his cell by Police Oberwachtmeister Danitz. The shooting occurred at approximately 15:30SLT and within 2 minutes an officer was dispatched to the hospital to seek a medical doctor, but none was immediately available.

According to police, the prisoner drew a weapon in the cell and ObW Dantiz fired in response. Fellow prisoner Felicci disputed the police version of events, claiming that Vanguard had no weapon. "I saw everything," said Felicci, who was quickly released after payment of a fine. "It was officer Piden. He [Vanguard] didn't have a gun. They [the police] planted the gun." Officer Pinden stated unequivocally that the shot had been fired by ObW Dantiz, who corroborated this account.

At this time, about 10 minutes after the shooting, prisoner Haru Menna claimed to have some training in First Aid and asked to be allowed into the cell with the wounded and heavily bleeding Vanguard. Police agreed, but as Menna was being searched at about 15:45, a small explosive device was detonated filling the cell level with thick smoke. Police evacuated the cell area, leaving the two prisoners there. "I shut her down there," Officer Pinder reported. The Officer in Charge, Danitz, responded, "Let them choke on their own smoke. We need to get us some teargas. I cant wait till they send us our new rifles." Officer Pinder laughed at this, and ObW Danitz added, "The next person we arrest, we just throw down the stairs."

The police then began negotiating with Menna, offering to open the door to the smoke filled cell area only if she would handcuff herself first. At 16:08, a third attempt was made to locate a doctor and one finally arrived at 16:17, nearly 50 minutes after the shooting. At that time, ObW Dantiz told the doctor that he was not required, and that they had decided to transport the victim to the hospital using the police truck that had been sitting outside the building the entire time. Transport finally occurred at 16:27, nearly an hour after the shooting.

Haru Menna subsequently denied exploding the smoke bomb, claiming instead that Officer Pinder had accidentally dropped and detonated it while searching her. She did not deny carrying it into the police building, where she was further detained on unspecified charges.

KPD to Protest Permit Denial

Reliable sources within the German Communist Party (KPD) confirmed plans for a public protest tomorrow of the City of Berlin's denial of a permit to hold a long anticipated march and rally on May 1st. The City cited its concerns over possible security problems and the potential for violence between the KPD and their NSDAP rivals as the reason for declining to issue the permit.

Party officials were unavailable for comment late this evening on either the permit denial or the planned demonstration, and the exact location of the protest could not be confirmed. KPD headquarters is located at the east end of Steinpfort Strasse. The demonstration is expected to begin at about 2:00pm SLT on Wednesday.

Aerodrome Brings Aviation Age to Berlin

Since the end of the Great War, the science and business of aviation has made unprecedented strides forward. So much so that it is now possible to speak realistically of an "aviation industry". The Atlantic Ocean has been crossed both ways multiple times, regular airship service has been established between Hamburg and North and South America, and speed, distance and altitude records fall almost monthly. Even under the burdensome and unfair restrictions of the Versailles Treaty and Locarno Protocols, the German civil aviation industry is thriving. And with the opening of Berlin's aerodrome to the public the city is positioned to take a leading role in flight services.

"Fixed wing aircraft have proven themselves in war and changed the complexion of conflict forever," according to Captain Wolfgang Vedrina, part owner of Berlin Flugdeinst. "The Great War only touched a small part of how the airplane might be used by the military.  In civil life, airplanes can be used for everything from transporting people to transporting goods and the mail. I started Berlin aviation by flying from the street at the Brandenburg Gate and the popularity of the concept increased from there." Vedrina believes that the airfield will have a broad attraction far beyond the small percentage of Germans who are aviators. "For me, the development of aviation is a natural and historical phase in SL Germany.  My avatar's background mirrors historical characters in many ways and my own interest in aviation manifested in being able to spawn SL Berlin aviation. The ability to see the SL world from the air...especially here where avatar flying is not allowed... will attract people."

The Berlin Aerodrome, nestled against the canal in the factory district.

The aerodrome, which has been open for about a month, is located in the factory district across the canal from the Sportshalle and football field. It is a city-owned, public use facility, which means that pilots both resident and transient are welcomed to use the field to operate their aircraft. In addition to providing a local venue for aviators, the field offers options and services that will interest the general public. The Berlin Flying Service operates from the aerodrome and offers a variety of services such as hot air balloon flights, zeppelin tours, flight excursions and even flying lessons for would-be aviators (and aviatrix). Residents may not know that the zeppelin service also offers an alternative means of traveling to the city from the Teleportplatz, or that tourists may ride the zeppelin from the Teleportplatz and tour the city from the air without having to adhere to the city's strict dress code. For information on the zeppelin flights stop at the mooring just next to the train station at the Teleportplatz, or the Berlin Flugdeinst office at the air field. People are welcome to come by the field any time.

Police to Turn Blind Eye to Wardrobe, Avatar Violations

This Sunday 10th April 1929 has been designated by the City Fathers (ok, the City Mother) as a "relaxed rules day". Everyone will be permitted to visit the Sim in modern dress and even unrealistic avatars for the 24 hour period beginning at Midnight Sunday. "This is your chance to show people the city without them having to change their clothes and avatar," explained influential club owner Jo Yardley. "A great day to bring friends to the city who don't like changing their outfits or who don't want to use a human shape." This will also be a rare opportunity to race around Berlin in a modern or unrealistic vehicle and do things that might not normally be tolerated by our vigilant Polizei .... but just for 24 hours.

Some rules will remain in force, including the ban on Nazi activity, nudism and public displays of, uhm, extreme affection. Linden Labs Terms of Service, of course, remain in effect. Normal rules enforcement will resume at 23:59SLT on Sunday.