From: Adam Atkinson ROMA1 INFN IT> Date: 19 apr 1993 Subject: Strange way to publicise Shogi There is a satirical (left-wing, but who cares?) newspaper here called "Cuore" which has a strange feature called "Il Giudizio Universale" which literally means Universal Judgement but is also the Italian name for Judgement Day, I think. Anyway, the idea is that you write to the newspaper telling them the 5 things that make life worth living, and they keep a running total of the votes cast so far. The top 20 are published every week, and each week they also publish some other entries. Eg one week everything mentioning school, another week everything mentioning Yugoslavia, another week everything mentioning Giulio Andreotti (undead Italian politician - has been in parliament ever since second world war, although is now senator rather than deputy) ALSO, there is an editorial where they comment on the voting. A sudden spate of votes for something is usually mentioned, and even one vote from overseas will generally be mentioned. A number of votes for Shogi, all from overseas, would almost certainly make the editor say "Something is obviously going on here". e.g. 400 votes arrived all at once for the Italian pop singer Antonello Venditti and this was mentioned, even though to be in the top 20 you need about 8000 votes now. (First s place is "love", with about 25000 votes.) 10 or 20 shogi votes would probably do it, since the editor wouldn't know what shogi is. (A small number of votes for Lamu, a Japanese comic strip, got a mention). What do you think? I haven't got a Cuore with me, but if people think it's worth it I'll post the address next time I come in. You need to vote 4 other things as well, of course. If you want to know the Italian for the things you want to vote for, send me a private message and I'll tell you. I voted for wombats as well, but I think it would be better if SHOGI-L people only had Shogi as a common element. it will look more genuine. Adam Atkinson