Signal Codes Revised

Licoco continues to embrace the Information Age. In response to the Island's rapid technological development, the Office of the Department of Information and Administration last night announced the following changes to the signalling code, effective 12 noon, Sunday 8th May.

1. The signal "Floodwaters rising on Grand River," formerly denoted by two short puffs of white smoke, then one long puff of white smoke, then one short puff of black smoke, then one short puff of white smoke, then a black ring of diameter 10% of height (..-..O10), will now be denoted by three short puffs of white smoke, then one short puff of black smoke, then one short puff of white smoke, then a black ring of diameter 10% of height (.....O10).

ODIA research indicates that this adjustment could reduce transmission time by up to half of the time taken by a long puff, freeing up valuable network space for other signals and birds.

2. In recognition of the changing political climate overseas, the signal of three short puffs of black smoke, then three long puffs of black smoke, then three short puffs of black smoke, then a white ring of diameter 20% of height (...---...O20) will no longer denote "Bloodthirsty Mongol hordes massacring population in Licoco Town." It will henceforth denote "Bloodthirsty American petrol dragons breathing thunder fire on Licoco Town."

A new signal, to denote the old message, is currently being finalised at the ODIA, and will be announced in due course. In the meantime, anyone needing to send the old message should use the old signal, followed by the signal "Sort of" (O50.). The state of alert for Mongol invasions remains at Black Special (observe extra vigilance).

3. The signal "House on fire," (formerly O10---) is replaced by the equivalent signal in white smoke (O10---). This is so that the signal smoke should not be confused with the smoke from the fire, which, it is assumed, will be black. If, through circumstances beyond the control of the building owner, the smoke from the fire is white, then signallers are permitted to use the old (black) signal.

In addition, the ODIA is pleased to announce the provision of firewood at the long-distance relay semaphors of the tornado warning system in the Massive Central region. This will enable the news of tornado sightings to be relayed across the island at any time, even at night. ODIA researchers are confident that these revisions will put Licoco Island back at the forefront of Information Technology.

ODIA: Working for a more dynamic, efficient Licoco Island.