Hi folks,

Well, I hope everyone had a good Christmas. I'm sitting here with the family watching the world juniors hockey championships... Canada is up on the Czech Republic 1-0, so all is good. =)

Concerning DC-139 - this game has had a great run. Once again, a Persian solo has been proposed as a game resolution. However, I don't think we can have a typical vote on this for a couple of reasons:

- Mikael has gotten me word that he is very ill with the flu and is not regularly checking email at the moment
- Jon is just starting out on his month-long trip where he will be without internet access
- Felix has just suffered the loss of his father and is resigning his positions in all games

Thus I am left looking at the game board and realizing that if we continue, all powers except for Greece and Persia will either be placed in Civil Disorder or will have to have replacements found for them. With Persia at 16 centers, only 2 away from forcing the solo, my personal feeling is that this game is already very close to completion.

My proposal is that we accept the Persian solo as proposed. If we do this, we can close the book on this game without handing out any 'abandons' and with everyone on the board surviving. Admittedly, this is not the most satisfactory conclusion, but I believe it is the fairest to all parties. (Two centers short of a solo, I don't believe I could convince Nathan to accept a DIAS - as I wouldn't accept one if I was in that position as a player.)

However, I throw the floor open to you, the players. Please let me know what you're thinking. If I hear no dissenting voices within 48 hours, we will accept the Persian solo and amicably close this game.

Thanks everyone!

Trout