Hello and thanks for joining us as we present this week's edition of The Neopian News Brief, your weekly source for all the latest news and events from the world of Neopia. This week was packed with all kinds of new things to talk about, so let's get to it, shall we?
 Our lead story today is the debut of Turdle Racing, an exciting new game that's taken Meridell by storm. For those who've visited the Poogle Races, you know the drill... have a look at the five contestants, assess their strengths and weaknesses, then pick yourself a winner and hope that your ship--err, I mean Turdle, comes in. Remember, Turdles are exciteable little fellows, so whatever you do, DON'T point at them! Otherwise, your Turdle might get scared and stop dead in its tracks.
 If you've still got any NP left after your visit to the Turdle Races, it might be a good idea to swing by Meri Acres and try your hand at another popular new game, Tower of Turnips. Down on the farm, there's an abundant supply of turnips, which can be stacked into breathtaking towers that reach high into the pale, clear skies above Meridell. Should you collect your winnings and try again, or push your luck and keep on stacking? There's only one way to find out...
 For those who prefer to spend their time in the Battledome, Wednesday marked the arrival of a new challenger. That's right, straight from the darkest reaches of Mystery Island, it's Tekkitu the Witch Doctor! Armed to the teeth with a staggering arsenal that includes the notorious Tekkitu staff, this powerful shaman is one challenger who is not to be taken lightly...
 On the merchandising front, approximately 200 stores received their initial shipment of Red Kau plushies last weekend. As expected, sales were remarkably brisk, as scores of Kau plushies stampeded into the arms of loving new owners. By now, the remaining Limited Too stores should have received their supply of Red Kaus, so if you're looking to get one, be sure to give your local LTD2 a call. In other news, NeoPets merchandise has also gone on sale in the Captain Coconuts store at Universal City Walk, so if you happen to be in the area, why not stop by and pick something up?
 Another big story has been the release of Igloo Garage Sale, a fast-paced new game that features Terror Mountain's favourite second-hand vendors, Mika and Carassa. The clutter in their attic had really been starting to build up lately, so it's time for these two to clear out a little room. Help Mika catch the items as Carassa passes them down, but be sure to stay away from the falling pianos and bombs (hey, how did THOSE get in the attic?!?).
 The Rainbow Pool continues to grow more crowded by the day, as eight more paint brush styles were unveiled this past week. On Monday, there was the release of the pirate Meerca, while Tuesday marked the debut of purple Myncis and Faerie Ixis. Wednesday featured the premiere of baby Gelerts, and Thursday saw the arrival of starry and spotted Kyriis. Friday wrapped things up with a splash, as the Robot Buzz and Baby Wocky made their first appearance... whew!
 Rather than take a backseat to their owners, the Petpet Puddle was also a hub of activity this week, as four Petpet species received twelve new looks. It all started on Monday when Symols became available in pink, green and blue.
 On Tuesday, Halloween pet rocks were released, while on Wednesday it was Mortogs who had their chance to shine, as they came out in red, brown, purple and spotted styles. Lastly, on Friday, Crokabeks were made available in pink, blue, white and cloud.
 Speaking of Petpets, also making news this week was the arrival of the Petpet How To Draw Section. Now, you too will be able to create the likeness of your pet's adorable little sidekick. For now, there are tutorials on how to draw four Petpet species: Noils, Cobralls, Snorkles and Slorgs. However, it shouldn't be long before others are added.
 Thursday brought about the celebration of Kyrii Day, as all Neopians stopped to pay homage to these "uniquely" stylish rascals. In addition to the usual array of free training, Battledome weapons, and baked treats that were bestowed upon them, everyone's favourite mullet-sporting scamps were also treated to two stunning new paint brush styles (starry and spotted), which truly brought new meaning to the oft-cited refrain, "Hey, watch the fur."
 Now it's time to check today's headlines from the world of finance. Instead of building on last week's sixty-six point gain with another solid increase, the Neodaq continued its pattern of "up one week, down the next," as the index dropped another forty-three points. Leading the way, as usual, was BOOM! Boom Boxes, whose value plunged another forty nine points, falling all the way to thirty-seven NPs a share. BOOM!'s total collapse during the past two months is all the more staggering when you consider that, as recently as nine weeks ago, their shares were over 200 NPs each.
 With the implosion of BOOM! all but a fait accompli, many have now turned their attention to The Neopian Auction House. Would they be able to remain Kings of The Big Board, or would TNAH's value begin to slip, just as BOOM!'s had before them? As the week drew to a close, most of the doubters appeared silenced, as the Auction House's value remained well in range of 140 NPs a share.
 Also creating quite a stir this week was Neggwork Commerce, whose stocks tripled in value, jumping from thirteen all the way up to thirty-four NPs a share. Not only did NEGG post the largest gain of the week (at twenty-one points), but they were also one of five companies who managed to climb back above the 15 NP mark and resume trading.
 So then, with The Neopian Auction House establishing themselves as more than just a flash in the pan, one has to wonder if there are any companies capable of rising up to challenge them. Is it possible that someone like Neggwork Commerce, Lupe Consolidated, or Confederation of Fish Lovers could emerge to pose a possible threat to TNAH's current dominance? Only time will tell....
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