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And now, we’re proud to present Neopia’s foremost financial experts. In addition to keeping you up to date on all the breaking news from the exchange, Neil and Maria will be joined by Xavier von Swynton, maitre d' of Neopia’s newest dining sensation, Gourmet Club. And now, here are our hosts…
KAUVUTO: Hello and thank you for joining us this week at The Neo-Market Report. I am your host Neil Kauvuto, Financial Editor of The Neopian Times, and as always, it brings me great pleasure to introduce my co-host, the lovely and talented Maria Blumaroono, who’s at the News Desk with the latest news from the Big Board. Maria, how are things going today?
BLUMAROONO: Well Neil, I’m glad to report that the Neodaq has continued its recent resurgence, climbing another thirty-two points. This marks the third consecutive week that the index has posted a gain, indicating to most analysts that the economy might finally be free from the deep winter thaw of a month ago. When asked to comment on the recent good news, my good friend Nigel the Chia said, “The best thing I’ve noticed about this bull market is the fact that, rather than being dominated by two or three huge companies, it seems like smaller gains are occurring across the board, in all sectors of the economy. It doesn’t matter if you’re in heavy manufacturing or the service industry, pretty much everyone’s doing well.”
KAUVUTO: In a surprising turn of events, one of the companies leading the charge has been the Neopian Auction House, whose value has jumped 250% in less than week, climbing from eight to twenty NPs a share in a matter of days. This sudden surge is all the more impressive when you consider the fact that TNAH had previously been mired in a slump since the middle of Y3, when shares peaked at sixty-six before collapsing during the second week of Relaxing. When asked to comment on his company’s recent rebound, Neopian Auction House Chairman John Blumarion said, “Well, to be honest with you, I kind of saw this coming. I mean, with the sudden boost in the economy, a lot of Neopia’s nouveau riche have been looking to spend their newfound wealth, which has sent the bids on a number of items skyrocketing.”
BLUMAROONO: Another company catering to the emerging affluent class has been Gourmet Club, Neopia’s hottest dining sensation. Joining us today is someone whose name seems to be on the lips of every Neopian, the maitre d’ at Gourmet Club, Xavier von Swynton. Xavier, we’re glad you could stop in for a visit…
XAVIER: Oh Maria, it is the grandest of delights to make your acquaintance. I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.
BLUMAROONO: Now, while we’ve got you here, is there any way you could score us a table?
XAVIER: Well, I’m sure that you’re well aware of the fact that we ARE the hottest restaurant in all Neopia, and while I’m rather certain that we’re booked solid for the next few weeks, after our little chat here I can take a look in my register and see if there’s any way to pencil you in. Now, I’m not making any promises; however, I assure you that I’ll do my best.
KAUVUTO: I suppose that’s all that anyone could ask for. Now tell us, Xavier, if we do manage to get a table at Gourmet Club, what would you recommend having?
XAVIER: For starters, you’ll be needing something to drink. For those of us watching our waistlines, a glass of Crystal One is always a suitable choice. However, if you feel like splurging, you might want to go with a Space Slush. When looking for an appetizer, you’ll want something nice and light. In this case, I’d go with the Honey Blossom, whose succulent petals are a delight to the palate. Next, I would recommend the Faerie Fruit Salad, whose tangy goodness is sure to win you over.
For the main course, I have to select a personal favourite, the Fresh Lobster Tail. Our head chef, Ernesto the Kacheek, is capable of creating a masterpiece of an entrée that’s sure to have your mouth watering. Toss in a hearty side order of Blue Toobers and a Peachpa Stuffed Potato, and you’ve got yourself a staggering feast.
As if you could possibly have any room left, there’s always our endless array of desserts. In this case, I’d recommend the Minty Choccywhip. Not only is this chocolaty confection a delicious treat, but as an added bonus, it also provides a hint of minty freshness. How can you beat that?
BLUMAROONO: Ah Xavier, to hear you describe those dishes, I can almost taste them already. You simply must find us a table! Very well, that’s all the time that we have this week. For Xavier von Swynton and Neil Kauvuto, this is Maria Blumaroono saying thank you and so long….
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