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Staff report -  NSA analysts have discovered an enigmatic message in NASA photographs of China taken during a recent mission of the space shuttle Enterprise.  According to an Agency spokesman, when viewed from near-Earth orbit, the Great Wall appears to include symbols from the Tralfamadoran language, which have now been translated by linguists at MIT, with the aid of newly declassified photographs from Area 51.  While US government officials have so far declined to reveal details of the message, sources close to the Institute told the observer that the Wall is believed to read simply, "Be patient.  We haven't forgotten about you."  Insiders at the prestigious university are reportedly excited by the message, though somewhat puzzled.  It was not known at press time who the message may have been intended for.

Special to the Observer - The following message was sent by special courier earlier to our envoy to the remote North:

Hi!  I guess your message was actually sent using a cruise line email account, huh?  I will try to look up your password.  The song is Please Come to Boston, by Dave Loggins.  Want the lyrics?  Here's a link:

    http://www.twin-music.com/azlyrics/l_file/lyr_daveloggins.html

I guess you're doing OK, n'est pas?  Is your mom's problem mostly her foot, or is she feeling bad in other ways?  I hope she can enjoy the cruise somewhat!  Hope you can too, of course.

I saw another water moccasin today, and once he realized I was watching him, he started moving rreeeeaaaaaallll slsllooooooowwww, which made me a bit nervous.  By the way, sure, it would be fun to pop him with the Glock, but a hoe would be better.  Anyway, I cleaned up the weeds on the dam this afternoon (that's where I've seen them), but we'll still have to keep our eyes open, near the ponds especially.

I guess you'll be reading this after I talk to you on the phone, huh?  Duh.  Not sure where I'll be tomorrow, but I bet you'll find me!  8^)

Special to the Observer - The following message was sent by special courier earlier to our envoy to the remote North:

Regarding the subject  Fwd: OK, HELP,   I don't understand how you're going to get this message if you don't get through to bellsouth web-mail first.  Anyway, the address you listed below is correct - and I just went there to verify that it's working at the moment.  I don't know why you can't get through, but sometimes **it happens...  Have fun!  Love,  Ken

Special to the Observer - The following message was just prepared for our envoy to the remote North:

Regarding the second subject  Hi, yes, I was informed of your call.   I am glad you're able to see these things, and sorry to hear that your companion is unable or unwilling to share these sights.  Love,  Ken