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AMW News Centre

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:19 am
by Walmington on Sea
This is a hub for news from across the RP group A Modern World. Members may post news stories from their own country either through their own national publications or, if leaking a story that may not be reported at home, foreign media outlets such as Walmington's own Standard newspaper or others pending permission from the relevant player.

Members remain quite free to keep their own news threads in operation, be they on the NS forums or our own off-site news forum, which may serve to archive news specific to their nation. Our hope is that this thread will make it easier for members -especially new arrivals- to get a feel for global conditions, and may serve almost to advertise our various nations and ensure that everyone can contribute.

If you wish your own news thread to be linked in this opening post, feel free to say so when you make your first news post here, and I'll make sure it gets done (though not necessarily in a prompt fashion, we are after all on AMW time!).

National Outlets

Africa

Americas

The Walmingtonian Empire
The Walmington Bugle

Asia

The Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Imperial News

The Caliphate
Al-Basirah

Marathas Federation
The Daily Saamana

Europe

France
The French Fleurs

Nibelunc
The Nibelunc News Network

Valendia
The Valendian News Network

The Rest of the World

Chrinthanium
The Sydney Morning Herald

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:49 pm
by Maxen von Bismarck
OOC: Syndicated from The Attic Rhetor.

LPQY MAGNA, AREOPAGITICAN
Burning Heretics, What Wood to Use?


There is a burning debate sweeping the forestless expanse of the Exarchate: what wood to use?

To be clear, one should never attempt to burn a heretic without the proper forms. Any burning that is seen by a law enforcement official will be inspected and law requires the pious individuals to have the famed IB1, IB2 and E86 forms notarized and singed in triplicate. A gentle reminder, during the burning the IB2 form must be displayed publicly at all times and the pink sheet of the E86 form must be left at the remains. Afterall, it's not the environment that deserves to be hurt! And the E86 form is integral to proper ecological recovery. Finally, the blue form of the IB1 must be present on the activist's/activists' person, at all times, for the 60 days following the burning.

Now onto the fun stuff!

A cord is a measure of volume of stacked firewood. One cord, (a full cord or bush cord) is defined as 128 cubic feet (3.62 m3) which equates to a woodpile 4 feet wide × 4 feet high × 8 feet long. The term "Cord" is believed to be derived from the length of string used to measure the log pile. It is common practice to have, at the very least, a cord of firewood before one prepares any sort of Christ Mass festivities involving the cleansing of sin.

If you are a first time fire-burner, or if you only want to burn a half dozen sinners: definitely go with a DRY softwood, like fir. Your odds of being happy are infinitely higher with fir, especially if you are just now buying wood for this year. The fresh aroma of fir creates a lovely holiday ambiance! Fir seasons quickly and when it is dry it is a truly delightful, trouble free wood! For the first time cleanser, there's nothing to dislike. It's easy to get going, it smells great, it's easy to split for kindling and it creates big, friendly, luxurious fires! However, there is one problem. It doesn't last as long as oak, madrone or another hardwood. You must feed the fire more frequently to keep it going with fir, and there is no guarantee that there will still be live hot coals in the morning for hot coco! Cord for cord the hardwood's may be a better deal, but as I said, there is a lot going for a softwood such as fir.

Now onto hardwoods! A hardwood is denser, heavier and long lasting than softwoods. Madrone, live oak, eucalyptus, walnut and black oak are all examples (if you don't know what those are, no worries! God hasn't deemed the Exarchate worthy of trees but definitely prosperity!) and all are the choice of the serious fire burner. Because hardwoods are denser, they provide more available fuel in the same space. As a result, hardwoods burn longer (if not as hot, the hottest wood is the mesquite; a softwood) and colder; a great way for a heretic to have enough time to renounce his ways before passing into Hell! With hardwoods, such as oak, it is always important to have a large supply of really good kindling because hardwood is difficult to start. Having a quantity of fir on hand is great source of good kindling, and everyone should remember to try out combination until they discover one which fits their needs.

Happy Christ Mass,
The Attica Rhetor

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:03 pm
by Chrinthanium
From the Sydney Morning Herald

Tropical Depression Forms West of Kanaka, Headed Into Chrinthani Sea

The Imperial Hurricane Center began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression 4 this morning. The center of circulation was located around 300 miles to the Southwest of Kanaka. The system, with top sustained winds of around 35 MPH, was headed towards the West-Southwest at around 12MPH. Forecasters prediction Tropical Depression 4 will become Tropical Storm Barry later today.

The track of TD #4 will take it into the middle of the Chrinthani Sea within the next three days as a strong Tropical Storm or a weak Cyclone. Residents in Aotearoa and the Chrinthani mainland should keep an eye peeled as it could become a factor in weather forecasts within the next week.

Emperor Nathaniel Delays European Tour A Few Hours

His Imperial Majesty has delayed his departure from Sydney to begin his European tour in order to meet Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah, who arrives in Sydney this morning. Once the meeting between the two heads of state is over, His Imperial Majesty will immediately fly out of Sydney enroute to Munstra with a meeting between him and Alderman Ahler scheduled tomorrow afternoon.

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:55 am
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Reorganisation of Arminiya's borders completed

Emirate to annex Nashava and Upper Karabakh


Image Image

YEREVAN, ARMINIYA

The reorganisation of the borders of the Emirate of Arminiya was completed today, following months of consultation and discussion. The reorganisation had been requested by the Emirate Government six months ago, following a heated territorial dispute between Arminiya and the neighbouring provinces of North Azarbaijan and South Azarbaijan. Officials ruled in favour of the Emirate on both counts, accepting their claims on Nashava and Upper Karabakh on the basis of ethnicity and historical possession.

Arminiya has always been an anomaly in Arab politics. In 301 CE, it was the first nation in history to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Centuries later, Arminiya was conquered by the First Successors of Muhammad following the Great Khorasan Wars. In 757, the region was given autonomy and political independence as the Emirate of Arminiya, uniting Persian Arminiya with land lost to Byzantium. While Arminiya was forced to drop Christianity as the state religion and encourage its population to convert to Islam, the Christian community was not persecuted or forcibly converted, and the One Holy Universal Apostolic Orthodox Arminiyan Church remains alive to this very day.

In modern times, while Arminiya has a governor appointed by the Caliph, it is still self-autonomous. The Emirate has been controlled by a series of Arminiyan dynasties. The current Emir of Arminiya, Gregory III, exercises sovereignity over the region, although he is subject to the suzerainity of the governor of Arminiya, and the Emirate functions as a personal dependency of Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah (peace be upon him).

While the courts found in favour of Arminiya, this is unlikely to be the end of territorial disputes in this region. Possession of Arminiya is disputed between the House of Islam and the Byzantine Empire, and the Emirate itself claims further land in Anatolia and Azarbaijan.

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:34 pm
by Kyr Shorn
Scarlett Belle's Lost Parisian Weekend
By Sylvia Lamb, article taken from Entertainment Weekly (France)

Paris, France - There was more than just good times to be had for the Chrinthani pop sensation Scarlett Belle in France as after wrapping up their successful French tour they capped off their success with a party in the Hotel d' Luv in Paris.

A two-day bender of sex, drugs, and (in my opinion) bad pop music that climaxed when one of their bodyguards allegedly overdosed on cocaine and began shooting his semi-automatic rifle on the balcony overhead of terrified pedestrians in one of Paris's busiest streets.

After the hotel management finally contacted the authorities, three members of Scarlett Belle's entourage were arrested for possession of Cocaine, an illegal substance in France. The two members of Scarlett Belle were detained for 14 hours for questioning by the French Royal Police Force before being required to pay for the extensive damage to their hotel accommodations which is currently estimated to be 55,000 Francs.

But the true horror was discovered a few hours after the Scarlett Belle girls were released when the Hotel announced that two paintings by Pablo Picasso that had been part of the decor had suffered significant damage.

"We're not sure if they can be repaired at this point," the Hotel Manager said in his statement to the press, "This will of course be billed to the women in question and their management team who booked the rooms on their behalf."

Rumors of what went on in those rooms have flooded the internet, with reports of crazed drug fueled orgies, bathtubs filled with wine, and even one source stating that several women decided to pretend to be prostitutes and charged men a dollar for sex, including the Scarlett Belle girls.

The Chrinthani pop group has so far declined to comment.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 9:51 am
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Muhammad goes to the mountain

The Caliph travels to Chrinthanium


SYDNEY, CHRINTHANIUM

Officials announced today that Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah (peace be upon him) had departed from Persia yesterday. The Caliph left on a private flight from Tehran International Airport yesterday at an undisclosed time. The Caliph has now arrived safely in Chrinthanium, where he is expected to meet representatives from the Imperial Government.

The trip marked the Caliph's first foreign visit since he assumed office a fortnight ago. A spokesman for the Diwan al-Rasa'il said that the Caliph sought to "build bonds" with Chrinthanium, and end the "isolationist stance" of Islamic foreign policy. The spokesman also indicated that this would be the first of several foreign visits, in an effort to "court the countries of the world and establish the House of Islam on the international stage".

Officials refused to release the details of the Caliph's visit, but a press release from the Imperial Government said that Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah (peace be upon him) would be meeting with the Chrinthani Prime Minister and several other chiefs of state, before addressing the Imperial Congress. One Chrinthani newspaper even asserted that the Caliph would meet the Emperor of Chrinthanium, Nathaniel Thornton.

In the House of Islam, the Chrinthani Empire causes conflicted opinions. On the one hand, Muslims and Christians alike have celebrated Chrinthanium's anti-Catholic stance, and its staunch opposition to the Christian extremism that has swallowed up the Crusader Kingdom. Furthermore, Chrinthanium has played a role in Persia's economic recovery, and industrialists have expressed approval at the proposal to cement links between the two countries.

However, the Chrinthani Empire has also attracted criticism. Traditionalist Muslim clerics reject the notion of a Christian empire yet, conversely, also criticise Chrinthani society for its lax morals and consumerist culture. One leading imam even decried Chrinthanium as the "second-most godless nation on Earth", with Beddgellert receiving the dubious honour of first place.

Similarly, the Chrinthani Emperor himself has also been mired in controversy. Anonymous officials have expressed concern over Nathaniel Thornton's public behaviour and his embracing of the 'gutter press', as well as his alleged promiscuity and sexual transparency. The latest scandal involving the Emperor - a possible romance between himself and a Greek ambassador, while the former is still filing for divorce - has already attracted much criticism. Walif ibn Abdul Aziz, the head of the Wahhabist sect, even referred to Nathaniel Thorton as "the Sodomite of Sydney" in an editorial for a Right-wing newspaper, until officials forced him to retract his comments. Abdul Aziz later issued an apology.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:36 pm
by Kyr Shorn
Cleaning up the Scarlett Belle Incident
By Henri Reaver, article taken from Paris Today

Paris, France - Early this afternoon to a mob of reporters, the Chief of Police for Paris formally announced the charges that would be filed against various persons involved in the two-day party hosted by the Chrinthani pop-group Scarlett Belle. A party that has already attained mythical proportions in the music industry due to both the extensive drug use and crazed sexual exploits and the conflicting reports of the chaotic escapades that went on in those hotel rooms.

A total of seven members of the entourage of Scarlett Belle face charges ranging from drug possession, weapons charges, even an incident of public nudity and intoxication.

One of those charged, Christinabella Jordan (aka Lady C) has already plead no contest charges of public intoxication and nudity and paid the fines associated with those charges for a first-time offender and has been deported from France (she passed a drug test for illegal substances).

The attorneys for the others have not returned calls for comment.

The Scarlett Belle Incident has been condemned across the political spectrum of France, both the Prime Minister and her Deputy Prime Minister issued a joint statement saying, "This reckless disregard for life, limb, and property, in the name of pointless hedonism goes completely against the grain of civil society and human civilization."

The Queen herself is rumored to have commented, "We are not amused.", though the palace has refused to comment on the incident other than to state that "The Legal system must be allowed to take it's course."

As for the duo themselves, the Scarlett Belle girls both passed their drug tests, only turning up positive for alcohol, marijuana, and prescription sleeping pills, all of which are legal in France and in Chrinthanium. However a report leaked from Police HQ reveals that while their prescriptions are legal, the amounts that they are currently being prescribed are quite high (pun not intended). It is not clear yet if the Scarlett Belle girls are complicit in this or simply being taken advantage of by their doctor.

Since both girls passed their drug tests they were released from detention without bail and after paying fines and damages to the Hotel du Luv were deported from France this morning back to Chrinthanium, being banned from entering the nation for at least a year.

The amount of the fines and damages was not released to the public but is believed to be in the ballpark of over 85,000 Francs.

The ordeal of the pop-group is not over yet as they will face a House Inquiry in their homeland into the entire incident and perhaps charges in Chrinthanium itself.

Sales of their music has gone up in the last few days as the Scarlett Belle incident unfolded, currently in internet music sales their latest hit singles are all in the top ten lists in both France and Chrinthanium.

Addressing concerns from the religious and conservative elements of the French political and cultural spectrum, the police chief was quick to point out that more charges might follow depending on the on-going investigation and that the French government can at anytime request the extradition of the Scarlett Belle girls to France for trial, should more evidence of wrong-doing turn up.

However sources within the law enforcement agencies in France indicate that the various members of Scarlett Belle's entourage might be working to insulate the pop-stars from further damage and future charges, taking the fall in their stead.

As for the damaged Picasso portraits, they have been taken to the art restoration and preservation department of the Louvre Museum where in a statement to the public the curator stated, "The portrait of Maya with Doll can be restored, however Jacqueline with Flowers has suffered significant damage and might be damaged beyond repair. But we will do everything we can to ensure the full restoration of Pablo Picasso's work to it's original form."

The Louvre has already secured an agreement from the Hotel that both portraits will be donated to the Louvre’s collection, along with other original artworks that the Hotel possesses to ensure their future safety and security.

The representatives of the Scarlett Belle girls refused to give comment for this article.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 4:42 pm
by IngliHaShem
IngliHaShem gets Royal coat of arms
Image

PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:12 pm
by Chrinthanium
I apologize, but AMW is a closed RP group, and you do not appear to be a member.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:57 am
by Beddgelert
Y Bardos Two Households, Both Alike in Destiny
Premier's daughter in shock leadership triumph
Trevenya, Regnia, Beddgelert


Holding its annual conference in the world's largest and perhaps hitherto most criminally under-utilised building, the largest party in Geletian politics convened this month after nation-wide winter solstice celebrations to conduct elections to its controlling Central Committee. A range of candidates stood, including both allies and opponents of de facto premier Chivo, whose position as Chairman of the Council of State makes him head of the federation, though he has officially no direct hand in the Democratic Alliance of Parties and Mass Organisations, the chamber in which the Social Democrats, League of Communists, and myriad minor factions fight an unending war for national administrative control.

What few if any outside observers expected was a triumph not for one of Chivo's previously identified leading supporters or rivals, but for his own daughter, who only narrowly received enough votes to reach the Central Committee at all, but once there soundly defeated reformist candidate Coiseos Arrabonos in the race for the all-important position of General Secretary.

Twenty-nine year old Aileana Nichivo will now hold the most senior post at the head of Beddgelert's largest political faction, and can expect to face-off against an opposition leader old enough that his son is half her age again. Few expect League of Geletian Communists General Secretary Graeme Igo to give the newcomer a generous grace period.

Aileana's defeat of Coiseos suggests that the Social Democrats themselves are unimpressed by calls from liberal economists for restructuring and a move away from what Chivo has called Danu Capitalism. Her surprise triumph is being seen as a relatively left-wing choice on the part of the membership, and the dramatic failure of Coiseos bound to reinforce the notion of heavy Communist influence from across the floor

Since Chivo left the Social Democratic Party of Geletia in order to take up the Chairmanship of the Council of State, the party (in fact a vast alliance of centrist and centre-left organisations with no small nationalist component) has been rudderless and reputedly open to the charismatic influence of opposition bloc leader Graeme Igo, whose supporters are rumoured to view infiltration of 'bourgeois' parties as a legitimate tactic. Quite how the SDP's new General Secretary may approach this perceived conspiracy is as unknown as the rest of her character and design.

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Aileana Nichivo, first woman to head internal government


It seems that the Igos -with Graeme serving as leader of the opposition, wife Vera a government minister with responsibility for public art as head of the Communist-aligned League of Culture, and son Sopworth a member of the Council of State as President of Cornitouti Republic- are no longer Beddgelert's most high-profile political family. However, the only child of a late mother, Aileana may be the last member of Chivo's brood to enter government.

Also Reported

-Record number of confused/bloody tourists admitted to hospital after defiling Druidic misteltoe crops over solstice period

-Beddgelen beat-em-up game
Whodaboss-2 expansion pack Demi-Gods Fight! to feature Christ-Emperor Tsugo w/resurrection power, Pharaoh Alexander VIII w/fire-spitting cobra, Pachakutiq Inka w/f-off big halberd

-Weekly insurgent score falls to 6-1 after bloody xmas 27-4 spike in Tsagija; Sygenii Highlanders Signalman killed in motorcycle drive-by, insurgent safe-house hit in aerial drone attack

PostPosted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:56 pm
by -Lorraine-
Budget Battles Rage in Senate While Funds Dwindle

The Senate today loaded up for a fight that is sure to cause hell on earth. The budget has been an issue since the dawn of government, and for the Virginia Senate, it has been a nightmare. Strict rules on borrowing and taxation has led the government to become one of the most fisically sound in the world, and also the most underfunded. However, a large pot of spare money has become available because of a Transportation Department surplus of the last 10 years. This money, unused as the departments large budget has covered repairs and building of new roads easily, now sits idley with 5 billion dollars that has collected. the DoT has stated that excellent work and few cost overruns has put them ahead of scheduele and under budget. They also claimed that if work continues on this pace, the percentage allocated to transportation could possibly be lower slightly in the future. Now is the question however to where the money should go.

On the top of the list is the military budget. The leadership has begun asking for additional funds to increase the size of the standing army, a move that would drastically increase costs. The National Guard has long since been the main defense of the nation, however it is ill equipped to fight a modern war. It's solution is to allocate the additional funds to upgrading it's current force to face future threats.
"The Army is already large enough to deal with any problem and it is well equipped, the National Guard is the nation's true defense force and what we need are for our forces to be ready to fight any threat out there. The last set of upgrades came in 2002, and now that we have some extra money on hand, it is time to do it again." -General Chaulklen, Roanoke National Guard Division.

The General does have a point. With the National Guard being 4 times the size of the Army, it constitues the majority of the defense force. What the general was talking about in particular though is the upgrades to the M7 Jackson battle tank. A design that is from the 60s. While they have been upgraded and no longer represent 60s, their last upgrade was in 2002, and he thinks that technology has come a long way and with 8 years of testing and experimenting, the lessons learned can do alot to help. In 2002 the tank was upgraded with modern armor, a new gun, and a new engine. However he now claims that new technologies can enhance those and bring the tank to compete with foreign threats. This so far has the most support, as the amount of money found is enough to upgrade the entire National Guard tank force with brand new equipment, and the costs of buing new tanks right now is to high to consider.

Among other contenders for the money is the Department of Welfare. They claim that the money will allow them to offer more services, however critics say that the money is to little to support the amount that the welfare department is assking for. However, deals are being worked out to provide the tanks, but to use some of the funds on Welfare projects.

The last major contender is the idea to put the money into a rainy day fund, to be put to use in cases of emergency, however the current fund has not been touched for years and already contains over $20 billion that has been collecting for a period of over 20 years. Attempts are being made to use this money aswell, however most are opposed to touching the pot, as it may be a saving grace in case of dire emergency.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:22 am
by Chrinthanium
'Sodomite of Sydney' Moniker Leaves Bad Taste In Chrinthani Mouths

Recently, in an article in Al-Basirah, a leading Islamic newspaper, Emperor Nathaniel IV was referred to as "The Sodomite of Sydney." The dubious title has left the Chrinthani people feeling a bit upset as the Caliph himself visits the Imperial Palace today. Though the statement was later retracted, the blogosphere in Chrinthanium exploded with outrage and discontent for the isolated Islamic nation.

Blogger Peter Houston stated on his popular blog, 'Peter Speak' that, "While we certainly do not always applaud the behavior of the emperor, why should we care who he dates, who he sleeps with, and what he does? Should our emperor be expected to represent the populace while acting as if the society in which he represents is beneath him?"

The Harrington Post also chimed in, "Emperor Nathaniel is very young. There are moments in every young mans life where his moral fiber could be considered questionable to those of a religious moral fiber. Yet here in Chrinthanium, the very fact that our leader not only has those moments of impaired judgement, but he doesn't hide them as if they were scandalous, makes our society greater than most in the world. Here there are no 'skeletons in the closet' for Emperor Nathaniel has always been honest and open with us in all his dealing--personal or public. The transparency in which he lives his life is a breath of fresh air in a world where world leaders often try to hide their indescresions."

Gladys Davies, Student Government Association President at Chrinthani National University, and editor-in-chief of the daily 'Gossip Talk' blog stated, "We expect that His Imperial Majesty will falter. We expect that he will act like any twenty-two year old would. We also do not offer apology for his behavior because he is the embodiment of what our nation is about--even if it is more offensive to other nations who believe in the invisible man upstairs. Our society is free. This means all are meant to live as they see fit, even Emperor Nathaniel. If he choses to enter into a relationship with the Byzantine Ambassador, then who are we to judge when many of us have had our fair share of rebound romances?"

In a related topic, the blogosphere has exploded with the recent revelations that Prince Theseus and Emperor Nathaniel have entered into some sort of social relationship. In a recent edition of 'Gossip Speak', Gladys Davies referred to Prince Theseus a "Captain Rebound" a name which has spread through the Chrinthani blogosphere to refer to Prince Theseus.

Hurricane Barry Churning in Chrinthani Sea, New South Wales, Pacifica prepare for impact

The Imperial Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch from Brisbane southward to Byron Bay. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the New South Wales coast from just south of Byron Bay to Port Macquarie. The center of Hurricane Barry was located 550 miles to the ENE of Brisbane and is headed to the Southwest at around 14 MPH. Maximum sustained winds were around 135MPH around the eye with higher gusts.

The forecast will take Hurricane Barry towards the Chrinthani coast over the next three days. A weak disturbance to the Sorthwest of Melbourne is strengthening as it digs in from the west and pushes towards the Northeast. Current forecast reasoning would bring Barry to the coastline around Ballina within the next three days. However, recent forecast model runs have begun to turn the storm more Southerly over the next 24-48 hours. IF this occurs, residents from Sydney northward could be put in the path of this storm.

Barry is currently in a condusive environment for some moderate strengthening over the next 48 hours as upper-level winds continue to be light. Barry is expected to reach peak intensity within 48 hours with winds that could be as high as 150MPH.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:41 am
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

There ain't no ocean wide enough

Imam's controversial comments spark tensions


TEHRAN, PERSIA

The first step in Islamo-Chrinthani relations seems to have hit a stumbling block. While the Caliph was welcomed to Sydney by the Chrinthani Emperor, comments made by one of the former's subordinates have received less of a welcome with the latter's subjects. The comments - inaccurately attributed to this newspaper - were made by Walif ibn Abdul Aziz in an editorial for The Struggle, the newsletter of the Wahhabist Muslim community. The editorial was later retracted, after officials found it violated laws on insulting foreign Heads of State.

While there has been no official response from the Imperial Government, the comments sparked a storm of complaints from Chrinthani Internet users, collectively referred to as the "blogosphere". Many Chrinthanis merely defended the transparent conduct of the Emperor and questioned the criticisms. Others, however, have lashed out at the House of Islam in general, with one SGA President of the Chrinthani National University referring to "nations who believe in the invisible man upstairs".

So far, Muslim response to these comments has been muted. A majority of Muslims lack access to the Internet, and the Chrinthani press has little-to-no exposure this side of the Indian Ocean. Officials have made no comment, but some intellectuals – who have access to foreign news material – have shared their sentiments. Ahmed Allouni, a Professor of History at the University of Tehran, said, "While the comments were inappropriate and poorly timed, the response has been disproportionate and indiscriminate. Because of the words of one Imam in a minority sect, there have been some odious remarks that I'm sure many Muslims will find deeply offensive."

Professor Allouni also decried what he perceived to be hypocrisy on the part of Chrinthani Internet users. After protesting Abdul Aziz's comments and stating that the Emperor's personal conduct should not be a matter of public discussion, Chrinthani Internet users immediately proceeded to discuss the details of the current relationship between Nathaniel Thorton and the Greek ambassador to Sydney, Theseus Palaeologus.

“You either declare that the Emperor’s personal life is off-limits, or you open it up for accountability,” Allouni said. “You can’t have it both ways. While I would prefer that such details were left alone, the Chrinthani press is undermining its argument by maintaining this bizarre double standard.”

It is uncertain just what effect – if any – this episode will have on greater relations between the two countries. Most influential Persians have dismissed the exchange out of hand, and it is unlikely that it will have any influence on the Caliph’s visit. However, some worry that this may be the first sign of incompatibility between Persian Islamic traditionalism and Chrinthani liberalism.

Irreconcilable differences between the two populations may well be another issue that the Caliph must solve.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 9:46 pm
by Chrinthanium
Barry Strengthens Again, Continues West-Southwest

Hurricane Barry, a powerful Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale of Hurricane Intensity, continues to churn its way towards the Chrinthani coastline. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Tewantin to Port Macquarie. A Tropical Storm Warning/Hurricane Watch remain in effect from Port Macquarie to Newcastle to the south and from Tewantin to Elliot' Head including Great Sandy National Park. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within 24-36 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning means Tropical Storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 24-36 hours. A Hurricane Watch weans Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 36-48 hours.

The latest update shows Hurricane Barry has intensified again. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 175MPH with higher gusts. Minimum central pressure is 912 millibars. Barry is moving to the West-southwest at around 14MPH and this motion is expected to continue over the next 24 hours.

A low pressure system over Victoria, which was predicted to push northeast towards the NSW/Pacifica border has stalled. The current forecast takes Hurricane Barry towards the Chrinthani coastline with no major changes in direction forecast at this time. Barry is expected to continue to the West-southwest, or Southwest over the next three days. Conditions are favorable for slight strengthening over the next three days.

Barry is moving dangerously close to the Chrinthani coast and residents and business owners alike are taking the storm seriously. Roads leading inlands from Tweed to Sunshine Coast are packed with evacuating tourists and residents alike.

The next update will be issued in three hours.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 12:56 am
by Chrinthanium
William Mumea Takes Control

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NOUMEA, KANAKA - In a surprise vote, outspoken William Mumea takes control of the National Satanic Democratic Party of Kanaka. Mumea has served twice as a Senator from Kanaka to the Imperial Senate, and now occupies the House seat for Kanaka in the House of Representatives. The only political candidate from the NSDPK to win election to the Imperial Government, Mumea is ready to take the party in a new direction.

The National Satanic Democratic Party of Kanaka is an ultranationalistic political party calling for the seperation of Kanaka from the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium. Often their candidates fail to win public office, but the firery William Mumea has won over many hearts and minds in the far-off province since switching from the Chrinthani Liberal Party two months ago. While calling for seperation from the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium, Mumea suggests that the break from Sydney be more a half-step than a full step. Advocating semi-autonomy for a period of twenty years, followed by complete independence from Imperial rule, Mumea hopes he can gain support in the Imperial House of Representatives, the Senate and at home.

Mumea, 46, recently came out of the closet as a homosexual after his second marriage ended in divorce. He's the father of three children, Richard (20), Haley (17) and Kia (10). He graduated from Chrinthani National University with a Masters in Political Science in 1988. He was born in Noumea, but raised in Melbourne by his grandparents after a fatal car accident claimed his parents life. He returned to Noumea after he graduated college. He's also an avid soccer fan, writer, painter, and general handyman.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:26 am
by Belgeland
Het Financieele Dagblad - English Version

Polls show coalition still supported

The most recent bi-monthly opinion poll from Poliopinie.org was released this morning, to the surprise of many commentators, the governing coalition increased its support over the November poll. The Liberal Party increased its support by one percent to 38%, their alliance partners (Freedom Party) going up by slightly more to 12.45% - giving the ruling coalition just over 50% of public support, this despite the recent budget cuts described as "barbaric" by the leader of the Labour and Communist Coalition. The main opposition (Conservation Party) struggled to make an impact, dropping by .33% to 26%. However, it has been the loud groups of the left who have suffered, the Labour and Communist Coalition faring badly; the support for the leftist coalition is now down to 3.67% (down 1.33% after the parties reaction to the cuts leading to the expected announcement of the Deputy Leader's resignation later this afternoon. The Social Democrats are apparently picking up some of the slack, making minor gains to 9.67% (up by .33%). The New Liberals also seem stable on the fringe, (only falling by .45% to 5.4%) apparently sustaining their recovery from the woeful election performance and following leadership battle. The Federalist Bloc making a loss of .5% with the economy and foreign affairs dominating current affairs.

Full results:
Code: Select all
Party          % Support  +/-
Liberal (Whig)    38     1
Conservation      26    -0.33
Freedom           12.45  1.23
Social Democrat   9.67   0.33
Labour & Comm     3.67  -1.33
New Liberal       5.4   -0.45
Green             0.39   0.06
Federalist        4.1   -0.5
Independent/Other 0.32  -0.01


Brussels prepares to host international trade summit

The political elite continue to prepare for the upcoming trade summit to be held in Brussels, it is not yet clear how likely the coalition leaders will be to striking a deal, despite many countries due to send high ranking political figures to the conference. The Finance minister, Zuylen van Nijevelt [Freedom Party] stated that he hoped that "the conference will be successful... maybe we can agree a new Free Trade Agreement or two".

Markets, at a glance

BEX - 3,895.96 Up 2.67%
GEX 100 - 2,678.11 Down 1.49%
BEL 20 - 2,149.30 Up 1.01%
Luxx - 1,508.85 Down 1.51%
BMX - 786.49 Down 1.22%
AEX - 458.34 Up 3.57%

[OOC: Meh, rubbish but hopefully this helps give people a feel for Belgeland]

PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:48 am
by Chrinthanium
Emperor's Approval Ratings Stay Steady

The Sydney Morning Herald, in conjunction with Chrinthani National University conducted a survey the past week asking people whether or not they approve of the job Emperor Nathaniel IV is doing.

SMH/CNU Poll 1 Jan - 3 Jan. The question we asked was: Do you approve of the job Emperor Nathaniel is doing leading the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium?

Strongly Approve: 38%
Approve: 41%
Disapprove: 12%
Strongly Disapprove: 9%

The overall numbers show the emperor with a total approval rating of 79%, which is only down 1% from his all-time high of 80% last March when he signed the Constitution into law. The previous polling gave the emperor a 76% approval rating, and his average approval rating since assuming the throne in August of 2009 is 68%.

Polling by political association:

Liberals: 87%
Conservatives: 29%

Polling by age:

17-25: 89%
26-35: 70%
36-50: 58%
51-65: 46%
66 and over: 39%

Polling by Province:

New South Wales: 72%
Victoria: 69%
Aotearoa: 68%
Pacifica: 67%
Ithansia: 64%
Carpentaria: 64%
Kintau: 57%
Thornton Islands: 51%
Kanaka: 50%
Vanuatu: 50%
Diemansland: 50%

Polling by sex

Male: 81%
Female: 65%

PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 4:26 pm
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Military exercises held in Mazandaran Sea

Navy mobilises for war games


BAKU, PERSIA

Today marked the beginning of a major military exercise in the Mazandaran Sea. The operation - which involves 20 ships, 100 aircraft and 8,000 personnel - is expected to last three days. The exercise comes during a time of rising tensions in the Mazandaran Sea, following an uprising in Depkazia and the subsequent military intervention of the Shield.

The drills are the most extensive operation carried out in the Mazandaran Sea since the North Sea Flotilla was formed in 1979. War games involve anti-mine laying operations, forward air deployments and naval interdiction and patrol. The start of the exercise was marked with a live-ammunition bombardment of the Mangyshlak Threshold, some miles away from the Shieldian maritime border in the Mazandaran. The drills are being co-ordinated and organised from Baku, North Azarbaijan Province.

Speaking to the press, a spokesman for the Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Daheer ibn Al-Asad, said that the drills had been planned "months in advance", and were "a standard and regular fixture of any modern navy". The Grand Admiral expects the war games to proceed "without complication". The Board of War has issued no comment, beyond reiterating Al-Asad's statement.

However, outside analysts have voiced their suspicions that the war games were specifically drawn up in response to the Shieldian invasion of Depkazia. The military presence on the Islamo-Shieldian border was recently reinforced, and anonymous soldiers have notified the press that Muslim armed forces have been conducting regular military drills. In this context, the war games could be regarded as a clear show of force and a emphasis of Persian naval presence in the Mazandaran.

The Shieldian Government has so far issued no comment.

PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:39 pm
by Chrinthanium
Senator Christie Wentworth Elected New Senate President

Image

Senator Christie Wentworth (LP-Ithansia) was elected by the Senate to fill the role of Senate President after Mark Drummond was officially expelled. The Senator, a twenty-one year veteran of the Senate, is expected to push her agenda for a more streamlined, smooth flowing system of rules to replace the complicated and drawn out Senate procedures which have been in place for over 200 years.

In a related story, Matthew Wentworth, 28, and only child of Senator Wentworth and her husband Thomas has been hired by Thomas Lloyd, personal assistant of His Imperial Majesty, to work as Emperor Nathaniel's private secretary, replacing Linda Gibson who recently retired from 35 years of service to the Imperial Palace.

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Matthew Wentworth

Hurricane Barry Weakens Slightly, Headed for Southeastern Pacifica or Northeastern New South Wales

Hurricane Barry, as of the latest advisory, was located 215 miles to the East of Brisbane, moving towards the Southeast near 13MPH. Maximum sustained winds have come down to 165MPH, still making Hurricane Barry a dangerous Catefory 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Tewantin to Port Macquarie. The Tropical Storm Warning/Hurricane Watch remains in effect from Port Macquarie to Newcastle. The Tropical Storm Warning north of Tewantin has been discontinued as Barry has turned to the Southeast, taking the chance of Tropical Storm force winds from the Central Pacifica coast.

Barry is expected to make landfall along the coastline sometime tomorrow either late morning or early afternoon. Forecast models are in good agreement that Barry, once inland, will turn due Southward and weaken as it begins interacting with land. A weakened Barry is expected to be caught up in the zonal flow and pushed back out to sea somewhere over the Southern New South Wales coast as a minimal Tropical Storm.

Storm surge estimates of 12-20 feet are expected in the area where the eye makes landfall.

Rainfall amounts of 4-6 inches are possible along the path of Hurricane Barry with higher amounts possible in isolated areas.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for the Southeastern Pacifica coast and the Northeastern New South Wales coast in effect until Noon tomorrow.

Flash flood warnings have been issued from Tewantin southward to Sydney.

High wind and inland Hurricane Warnings have been issued for most of Southeastern Pacifica and Northeastern New South Wales.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:34 pm
by Europe - Prussia
Valendian News Network

New Kingdoms? The Basque Country and Nova Valendia requested their upgrade to the Kingdom Status

By Julie Husserl, correspondent in Randgriz, Kingdom of New Prussia

And it finally happened. Today, in the oppening session of the Valendian Parliament, representatives of the local goverments of Nova Valentia, the Basque Country, Navarre and the Pyrénées Atlantiques presented the last documents and proves required to become a Kingdom.

Currently an Imperial Domain, Nova Valentia announced in the 2005 their plans to become a kingdom and started to send the documents requested to the Parliament the 2006. Is still unknown which name the new Kingdom might use, but there's some rumors that they might use the name Brunei, the same name that the territory used before their forced annexation to the Spanish Empire in the XVI century.

The second case is, by so far, much more complex. In the 2002, the local goverments of the Basque Country, Navarre and the Pyrénées Atlantiques announced that they would separate from their current Kingdoms, Iberia in the case of the Basque Country and Navarre and Occitania in the case the Pyrénées Atlantiques, to create their own separate entity, alluding their common culture. 8 years had passed, and after lots of fights with the goverments of Iberia and Occitania, the three local goverments were able to present the final documents to the Parliament, albeit not free of controversy coming from both Iberia and Occitania.

The Valendian Parliament has announced that in the following 3 months they would take a decision regarding this issue. Until then we will have to wait if the number of kingdoms that compose the Empire increases from 6 to 8.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:00 pm
by Ferkas
Three More Denied as Elections Draw Near
Published In: St. Paul Herald

Three more election applications were denied today by the Legislative Recensea Concilium. Brandon Lilian, Keith O'Lean and Ishmal Jerzib were all denied their applications to run in the upcoming National Election cycle, just days after four more applications were also denied. The Legislative Recensea Concilium made the ruling today with an 8-1 vote, using powers recently granted to them by the Senate to review any and all applicants who intend to run for office, as a way to check the credentials and legality of potential candidates.

Since being granted these powers the Legislative Recensea Concilium has rooted out more than 20 potentially fraudelant applicants, all denied because they were unable to provide evidence of their accepted Christian faith. Some have complained that these recent actions are nothing more than an attempt by the Coucil to prevent the Unity Party from making gains in the election, where some polls see them leading in key areas. Senior Council member Cardinal Prince Nicholas LePontiou issued the following statement to those that questioned the motives of the Coucils recent actions.

"We take these actions as seriously as we can. We know that it is our duty on this Council to protect the religous integrity of our lands by preventing the immoral and heretical from taking a seat of power. That some would try to stop our Divine goals by accusing us of such an action is more of a reflection on them than on us."

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 2:51 am
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Naval crisis in the Persian Gulf

Crusader vessel seized for violating national waters


ESFAHAN, PERSIA

A military vessel was seized today by the Muslim Navy in the Persian Gulf. The vessel, a light missile boat identified as belonging to the Crusader Kingdom, was alleged to have entered Persian waters without permission. A detachment from the Grand Fleet detained the vessel and moved it to Bandar-Abu Bakr, where it remains in port facilities. The sixty-four crewmen on board the vessel have been arrested.

Speaking to the press, the Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Daheer ibn Al-Asad, confirmed that a "Christian military vessel" had been detained "off the southern coast of Persia". The Board of War reiterated these claims, while also reporting that "sixty-four officers and crewmen" had been detained by Muslim military police for "questioning". Al-Asad added that the Board of Correspondence had been contacted, and notified the Crusader Government of the detainment.

Since the Fall of Arabia, the Persian Gulf has been heavily disputed between the Crusaders and the Muslims. It was a site of heavy conflict during the Great War, with the Muslim Navy blockading the Straits of Hormuz and sinking several Christian ships. There are no internationally recognised borders in the Gulf, and the House of Islam claims the whole body of water as sovereign territory.

Al-Basirah will report on new developments in this crisis as they occur.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:41 am
by Ferkas
Gulf Crisis; Naval Vessel Seized by Caliphate

Persian Fleet on Elevated Alert
Published In: St. Paul Herald

The NCKA Bradshaw, a light missile boat, was illegally seized late last night by forces of the Caliphate. Latest reports indicate that the vessel has been moved to harbor in the Caliphate and that the crew has been detained.

The Bradshaw was on routine patrol for the Persian Gulf fleet when it was approached by a detachment of vessels belonging to the Caliphate, who forced it to heave too. Charges published in Al-Basirah, a major Caliphate newspaper, indicated that the vessel is being accused of violating national waters.

A recent statement made by Lord Minister Sir Ian Reichenstien of the Ministry of Defense made it clear that the Kingdom views these charges as illegitimate and that the Ministry of State has been in contact with the Caliphate Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister in an effort to earn the release of the vessel and all personnel.

In the mean time naval and air force elements along the Persian Gulf area have been placed on a level of elevated alert, including additional air and naval patrols and an increase in force readiness. Reports earlier today from Dammam indicated that several other light missile boats and the frigate NCKA Leonard departed the port to carry out an active patrol down the disputed Arabian/Caliphate border.

More information will be made available as it comes in.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:55 am
by Kyr Shorn
French Diplomat Arrested in Lpqy Magna
Whereabouts currently unknown

By Odetta Le Fleur, article taken from French Daily

Paris, France - In Lpqy Magna, the capital of the Catholic Exarchy of Areopagitican, Jean-Luc Moreau, one of the diplomats representing Their Most Christian Majesties has been arrested by currently unknown elements in the Exarchy government.

No formal charges have been filled against Jean-Luc at this time, but his arrest is currently believed to be connected to his membership in the Church of Satan. A religion that emerged from the chaos of the French Revolution, once a banned sect, it was granted legal recognition in France after the War of the Holy League.

It is currently not known where Jean-Luc is being held, what his conditions are, or even if he is alive at this time.

It is known however that the Queen herself has traveled to the Areopagite Embassy in Paris to demand a formal explanation and Jean-Luc's safe return to France.

We will update you as soon as we have more information on this breaking story.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 1:48 pm
by The ByzantineDiscidium
Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Latest update in the Gulf Crisis

Detained military vessel identified by Crusader press


ESFAHAN, PERSIA

The authorities have confirmed the identity of the detained Crusader military vessel as the NCKA Bradshaw. The NCKA Bradshaw - which had previously been identified by sources in the Crusader press - was detained by the Muslim Navy for violating Muslim national waters. The crisis is the latest clash in the disputed Persian Gulf, which has long been a source of conflict for the House of Islam and the Crusader Kingdom.

The Board of War, in a statement to the press, confirmed the identity of the vessel and reiterated the charge. The statement also confirmed that the crew members had been taken to an unidentified location for interrogation, and could be faced with further charges for spying. The NCKA Bradshaw remains in port at Bandar-Abu Bakr.

The Board of Correspondence condemned the reaction of the Crusader military to the detainment of the vessel, asserting that it was a matter of "Muslim sovereignty" and stating that the House of Islam "refused to be intimidated" by "gunboat diplomacy". The statement came in response to increased ship movements in the Gulf, along with an elevation in alert status for Crusader forces stationed there. The chief of the Board of Correspondence, Sayyid al-Sadr, stated that "Crusader militancy" would make finding a diplomatic solution "impossible", and called for a complete demobilisation of all Crusader naval and air assets along the Persian Gulf.

In response to perceived Crusader aggression in the Gulf, the Grand Fleet left port and began a patrolling operation along the Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz.