DATELINE–The World Without Borders

New York, NY. Club promoters say they’ve got the germ of the next underground scene: the bacteria known as Vibrio phosphoreum. Originally classified as Photobacterium, this bacteria derived from such deep sea creatures as squid literally glows in the dark when it comes into contact with oxygen. While some forms of Vibrio are highly toxic to humans, P. leiognathi, a hearty and innocuous strain, has become all the rage among Gotham’s fashionable in-crowd. The bacteria is being imbibed in pricey cocktails with names like “Hello Yello” and “C-ME-C-U". But besides the obvious attraction of serving up eerily iridescent drinks, the driving force behind skyrocketing sales of Vibrio -laced refreshments is its surreal side-effect. For several hours after consuming the luminescent bacteria, bodily fluids glow in the dark.

Anaheim, Calif. After a successful launch in early February, the Russian space agency has reportedly sold its “solar sail” technology to a United States aerospace firm. The extravagant Znamya or “banner” device consists of a thin metallic mirror over 200 feet in diameter attached to a powerful artificial satellite. The orbiting mirror is designed to reflect the sun’s rays thereby creating an intense beam of light that can illuminate a three mile radius of land anywhere on earth. Using a standard satellite transport, the solar mirror can be repositioned within less than 12 hours and then locked into a fixed geosynchronous orbit. According to Znamya’s new owner, Matin-Dummond Technologies, the $4.9 billion dollar satellite has already been contracted by the Bechtel Corporation and several law enforcement agencies.

Havana, Cuba. The Cuban government announced it will debut its first ever foreign television advertising campaign to promote the nation’s growing tourism industry. The ads entice would-be visitors with the unique opportunity to “observe first-hand a true Socialist state” while enjoying the comforts of Cuba’s four star resorts, exciting discos, and authentic restaurants. Scheduled to air in July of 1999, the campaign is intended to highlight the 40th anniversary of the Caribbean nation’s communist revolution. Produced by the British ad agency Wexley-Horell, the 30 second spots will be broadcast throughout Canada, France, Spain, Germany, and parts of eastern Europe.

Federal District, Mexico.A $2.4 billion civil suit has been filed against Volkswagen AG by the City of Mexico. The lawsuit charges the German automaker with “willful acts of environmental destruction” and may have been inspired by the wave of anti-handgun suits currently sweeping the United States. Chief among the complaints is the continuing manufacture of 60’s era Volkswagen “Bugs” in Mexico. The popular model which was recently revamped for U.S. and European markets is still being made and sold as new in its original, gas-guzzling incarnation to the Mexican consumer. The City’s chief litigant in the case Lic. Eugenio Riuz says Volkswagen is well aware that it cannot sell the 60’s Bugs in any other market because of safety and emissions standards but “continues to dump them on us.” In its defense Volkswagen issued a press release stating its “firm commitment to surpassing environmental protection standards around the world.” The company also expressed disappointment over the lawsuit and hopes that the dispute will be settled before the case goes to trial in August.