Fire on the Runway: Part 3

By Tara Teal
Staff Writer (APJ)

When we left off with our last installation, Natasha Reynolds, the woman better known as Pyra Banks was discussing the formation and ultimate dissolution of costmed vigilante team "The Five". If you missed our previous two parts, be sure to check them in the archives at the arcadian post-journal's website.

Fire on the Runway: Part 2

By Tara Teal
Staff Writer

In the first part of my interview with fashionista Pyra Banks, she revealed to us that her crime fighting past had roots in human trafficking.

Fire on the Runway: Interview with a Legend

By Tara Teal
Staff Writer for Arcadian Post-Journal

Pyra Banks is a name synonymous with fashion, beauty, cosmetics and crime fighting? True, it's hard to tell while sitting across from this ravishing 50 something bombshell and business mogul. But she is indeed the ex-vigilante from the 70's.

We sit in her waiting room annexed to her office, over-looking the downtown Big City Skyline. She, across from me, wearing a tailored suit that she informs me is from their professional line. She sets down the cup of delicious Tibetan tea we have been sipping and offers me another imported Jacques-Paul Sauvignon eclair. As she casually mentions how many of her products are imported from Tibet, she brushes a wayward curl and I can't help but notice her perfect manicure.

She shows me a collection of portfolios from her modeling days. A countless score of gorgeous photos. Yet amid all this lavish elegance, one thing sticks out the most. Yellow, orange and red spandex. The outfit is showcased in several news clippings and an old poster. The most striking, is one of her clobbering two crooks. Grown men easily twice her size.

Disaster at the Expo

By Turner Dowl
Staff Writer

Four people were critically injured today at the Annual Big City Summer Science Expo when a demonstration went horribly wrong. Dr. Klaus Von Pfeifferkraub, lead engineer of Firemane Industries was demoing a hydraulic lifting arm designed for underwater construction and a remote drone when the devices malfunctioned. Dr. Von Pfeifferkraub was taken in for questioning by the authorities.

Firemane Industries Spokesperson refused comment.

Will we someday be able to communicate with insects?

By Susan Steele
Staff Writer/Editorialist Arcadian Post-Journal

Dr. Rochelle LaRosa, acclaimed entomologist and wife of inventor Dr. Martine LaRosa certainly hopes so. Today they revealed a preliminary invention, a radio that worked on scent. This device was displayed in hopes of generating buzz and funding for further research into practical uses of insect chemoreceptor and communication. 

“One day, our research may allow us to crack the human pheromone, create environment safe insect repellents and deterrents, and even have uses in nanotechnology.” stated LaRosa.

The device was a simple clock radio that was modified to play different tones based on the state of a small swarm of bees contained nearby. Dr. LaRosa demonstrated how by applying different chemical scents to the swarm, he could cause the clock to set off it's alarm, attempt to tune into radio frequencies and even play a glockenspiel version of "Hello My Lady".

While not the flashiest demo at the expo, Dr. LaRosa's device may someday eliminate the need for harmful insecticides, or at the least keep those pesky spiders out of my drawer.

Big City Gripped in Crime Wave!

By Tara Teal
Staff Writer Arcadian Post-Journal

It has been a hot summer here in the City of Dreams, and for some too hot. A local crime wave has infected all of Big City, from the premier real-estate of New Haven to the run-down slums and tenements of Archer's Row.

 "The heat makes people do strange things." Quotes Sgt. Mack MacSteiner of the BCPD.

"It's not even safe to go out anymore! I fear for my daughter's safety. What happened to all those fly-about heroes?" Asks Bessie Dukakis of Diamond Park, "What's the use of this 'Heroes Inc' if they don't do any heroing?"

When asked, Heroes Inc. had little to say:

"Heroes Inc is an institution that provides private security and investigation services, among others. It is our belief that crime-fighting, should be left up to local law enforcement." Stated Hunter Greene, company spokesperson.

Sgt. MacSteiner seems to agree, "A lot of folks talk about the days when these quote-un-quote 'Superheroes' used to parade around in tights and capes. Fact is, they're more trouble than their worth. Costumed vigilantes are dangerous, and no citizen, no matter how powerful, should ever take the law into their own hands."

Many of us are too young to remember the days of "The Five". The masked crime patrol organization that disbanded in the early 80's at the death of two of their members. The Booyaka Act of '86 also prohibited costumed vigilantism on a federal level.

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