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The Astyrian Network

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 3:14 pm
by ViZion
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Please only post if you're a member of Astyria.

The Astyrian Network recounts the daily news and happenings across the great region of Astyria, home to many large, fascinating nations ruled by a wide-ranging variety of governments. Dedicated to such a climatic region, we offer news that is both vast and intriguingly informative.

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 4:30 pm
by ViZion
Mengal News Network
ViZionarian Pub Sells For $5 Trillion
5/10/13

Vitalita, ViZion - An interregional exchange of business was finalized today when ViZionarian-based Pub 15 was sold to Trellin-based Eruthi Incorporated for a eye-popping total of $5 trillion. A full 80 percent ownership has been transitioned to the Trellin corporation as the massive purchase total is being transferred to the Morgan family, sellers of the popular pub. The family did not desire to sell the company, however after terrorists struck ViZion, hard times struck the family, who's financial hands were forced in the matter. The family still will maintain a minority 20% ownership stake in the company, allowing them to still bring in money from a company the family founded in the 1960's.

The company has never been stronger financially, with a gross income of well over $1 trillion in 2012 - and that total isn't expected to dip. Indeed, forecasts for the company show an expectation of immense growth in the coming years.

This seems to be part of a major trend - interregional business dealings in Astyria are becoming more and more common, as companies partner with each other and work together to foster a powerful regional economy that many expect to rival the current regional economic giants in the not-so-distant future.

PostPosted: Sat May 11, 2013 10:51 am
by Woodstead
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Perspectives is a component of the UBS Network.

PARRY, THE PACIFIST
Minister Grace Parry steps in in front of Volghan's Queen Charlotte Vaxon.
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Parry's keen to spend money and police the feud between Volghan government and socialist opponents.
Lee Wei, Perspectives National political columnist, Woldland.

Who would have thought that in the silver hair was a formula of strength, stronger than the kick of her party peers? Grace Parry, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Global Integration, has agreed to pay a high fee for the return of Woodstead natives from the state of Volghan. Yesterday, Parry spoke directly and sent an accompanying letter to offer the ransom of 100 grams of pure gold per captive, but also was asked to help draught a clause for peace programmes between Volghan and its opponents, preparing for direct action.

Queen Charlotte Vaxon and the Volghan Foreign Office quickly backfired, accepting that Parry would only allow 70% of the overall ransom to be paid this year, whilst she successfully submitted, "out of sensibility", an Executive Financial Statement request to the President's Office, and was immediately approved in front of the pale-faced National Treasury.

In a press conference, Parry says "Today is a day that marks history- Woodstead now becomes a mediator for Volghan- 'socialist terrorists', as dubbed by Volghan's government have been executed, and whilst we'd never condone, and even condemn such actions, we must be pragmatic and peaceful."

When asked at the conference about her logic in paying up, she did not hesitate to fight back. "It is imperative that we are setting an example. The alternative is either military action which costs just as much, and will paralyse our military; our other alternative was to ignore or haggle and inevitably lose almost 600 men, women, children. When a nation is faced with the possibility of no mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, it must offer a practical approach. Is it worth the price now, I ask?"

Whatever your views, it is certainly clear - right or wrong - this issue is one which can shape the road ahead for the nation and sustainability of the rather divided cabinet and coalition.

PostPosted: Wed May 15, 2013 8:24 am
by ViZion
Mengal News Network
Iconic ViZionarian Hotel For Sale
5/15/13

Vitalita, ViZion - Terrace Hotels & Suites Worldwide, an iconic ViZionarian-based hotel chain, has been put up for sale by its parents company, ViZion World Corporation. While there have been rumors of the possibility of selling the storied but struggling company for some time now, the massive conglomerate put the rumors to bed - and made it official. While the corporation's official stance on the sell is that the sell it to "help align the corporate focus at ViZion World Corporation," one would be forgiven if they were to suggest there was much more at work behind the scenes at the world's largest civilian-focused corporation.

For years now, Terrace Hotels & Suites Worldwide has been mired in poor management, and stalled growth. Once a beacon of greatness across the globe in the hospitality industry, today the chain has been well outpaced in growth and image from countless other foreign brands. The rich history of one of the world's oldest hotel chains to cover a multitude of countries has been covered by much more recent failures. And while there is tremendous potential in the company - it does have a solid global foundation and remains the nations largest chain of hotels domestically - many believe it is simply due time to change the ownership and management of the brand.

The question begs - who will buy the company. There's already bids coming in, although it's a surprise that none of them come from an Astyrian-based company. That, we figure, will change. If not, it will be a first, as Astyrian companies typically work together and tend to try and keep storied or historic brands within the region.

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:09 am
by ViZion
Mengal News Network
ViZionarian Sell-All
5/22/13

Vitalita, ViZion - In today's ultra-social world, where rumors spread not by magazines, but by social media and text messages, a tell-all tends to work people up, get them excited, and do what they can to get every last bit of juicy information that they can. However, in the international economy, we are seeing a major sell-all - as ViZionarian firms have shaken up the global economy and created a major frenzy by selling off several companies, many of them world-renowned with well-known story. Take, for example, Pub 15. The world's largest pub chain, owners of a revenue stream well north of $1 trillion in 2012 with an incredibly loyal following, recently netted the Morgan Family $5 trillion - while still retaining 20% ownership.

Or Terrace Hotels & Suites Worldwide? Owned by ViZion World Corporation, the well-known, storied hotel chain was sold for $175 billion - and they still retain a 10% ownership for the next 15 years. Two more companies are still up for sale, and we really do not know when this sell-all - caused by the economic crisis in ViZion due to the terrorism striking a major blow - will stop. What is known is that companies are clamoring over the chance to buy these vaunted companies, and will pay values through the roof for them.

Today, we sit at a historic position, when ViZionarian business men and woman are selling - not buying up - boatloads worth of companies. And it remains to be seen when the bleeding will stop. What is known is that many of these brands seem destined to end up in the hands of owners in the region of Astyria - much like that of Pub 15.

PostPosted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:37 pm
by Pangus
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In recent news, the Imperial Spartanian Ground Force, or the ISGF, has begun what they are calling Operation Silentium. The Nineteenth Armored Regiment, also known as The Cataphractos Tribulibus, have begun mobilizing their assets in order to push into southwestern Pangus. This move is said to be made in order to secure the southern half of the colony's coast, and to end the insurgency brought on by the splinter group who call themselves The Heralds of Pangus.

Ever since the discovery and defeat of the terrorist organization in and around Tet'liec, in the northwestern half of the state, it is believed that elements managed to escape south. While their have yet to be official reports the military commanders on the High Council, including Lord O'vesta Pal'land, have speculated that the Heralds may also be attempting to take to the sea. As such a warning has been put out to all ships entering Imperial waters on the western coast that they be on look out for pirate attacks, though docks in the old capital of Pangegian city still remain safe in ISGF hands.

While the Empire currently holds no navy it has kept up air patrols in colonial airspace in order to combat such things should they happen. Also along with slowly heightening acceptance rate of the colonization among native Pangegians, the High Council has released information that it has been thinking about allowing civilians to volunteer for a future naval military service with which they may earn their citizenship. More on that after the weather.

Today's Current Forcast

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Today's High: 29° C
Today's Low: 24° C
Current Temp: 27° C (81° F)
Feels Like: 27° C
Wind: ESE 11.27 km/h
Currently: Partly Cloudy
Forecast: Partly Cloudy
Humidity: 74
Pressure: 982.05
Rising: 0
Visibility: 9.99
Heat Index: 27
Sunrise: 5:46 am
Sunset: 5:15 pm
Tomarrow's Predicted Forcast

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Tomorrow's Forecast: Partly Cloudy
Tomorrow's High: 29° C
Tomorrow's Low:24° C

PostPosted: Sun May 26, 2013 3:28 pm
by Nu Sparta
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"We interrupt the regular IBC scheduled program to bring you current news on the arrival of King Bartholomew of the United Kingdom of Marginia at Corvus International Airport. As you know form recent news the High Council invited his majesty, King Bartholomew, to attend diplomatic talks. What is special about this though is that these talks are to happen in Deae Sedes, making the King and his entourage the first non-Spartanians to step foot in Spa'ria since the end of the Isolation Period.

Now we go live to the scene, with corespondent Via Nei'tallia, where the King is now dismounting the aircraft."

The small screen in the left hand corner widens and takes up the picture. The camera is focused on the the door of the aircraft which has just opened and follows the King as he makes his way to the bottom of the stairs.

"Thanks Ge'in. And there he is, his majesty is making his way down to the runway."

The feed zooms back reviling the ceremonial welcome. A crimson red carpet has been laid out from the end of the stairwell to private entrance into the airport. On each side of the carpet were twelve Guardians, priest of the religious order of Mis'trapa's Warriors, accompanied by a tamed Spa'rian black wolf. Each man was dressed in black furs with embroidered silver chest plates and pauldrons attached and red feathered headdresses. Holding spears tipped with wings they raised them up and held them over the walk way as the a tribal horn was blown and the seated wolves howled in unison. The camera followed the King as he passed by and entered the through the glass door, held open by two more Guardians.

"And there you have it folks. King Bartholomew has officially entered into the Empire. From here he will be making his way to the Imperial Airship Regio Comitatu which will take him to Deae Sedes. We will be continuing coverage of the his majesty's trip up until he takes his first steps in the motherland."

PostPosted: Sun May 26, 2013 4:27 pm
by Woodstead
SOMETHING WENT REALLY, REALLY WRONG HERE.

PostPosted: Sun May 26, 2013 5:07 pm
by Neu Engollon
BLAP!

PostPosted: Tue May 28, 2013 12:13 pm
by ViZion
Notice of Ownership Change

The Viatas Family and the Freedom Press, both from ViZion, have announced the sell of The Astyrian Network to Armaj Heavy Industries, one of the leading global corporations. This will not lower the quality or shift towards a bias, as we will remain a strictly a regional news outlet, connecting news networks across the vast region of Astyria together. What this will do is infuse a greater amount of finances into the network, allowing us to expand our reach further, and improve our quality even more.

Thank you for your understanding.

[bump]

PostPosted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 10:45 pm
by Nu Sparta
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"For all you arms enthusiast out there we have some exciting news for you. As many of us here in Empire know Gis'ley Ti'mon, Head Chairman or CEO, of Coeli Concínnant has long talked about the idea of opening secondary education schools based completely around teaching the craft of gunsmithing. Recently he has come forward telling a story of finally beginning the venture. Originally he was waiting for the colonization of Pruden to begin as it was to become the Empire's major education center. Citing that it has taken to long and choosing to take advantage of Johamlandia's recent choice to expand their educational centers.

Dubbing the schools to be the Coeli Concínnant Institutes of Gunsmithing, they will be considered a subsidiary of Coeli Concínnant. The first campus is to be built in Johamlandia's capital, San Juan, and to be known as the Al'ti Campus. It's name coming from the ever famous Fer'il Al'ti, the designer of many of Coeli's best selling arms and child of the last Head Priest of the Phe'it Temple Hon'ru Al'ti.

Ti'mon has spoken of using Coeli's billion dollar industry to quickly build up and expand the CCIs should the first schools prove to be successful. The CEO has spoken of opening many schools within the Empire, the region and hopefully even internationally.

While some have accused the billionaire of being greedy, he has responded by citing that this will only help to advance the Empire educationally and culturally, while keeping Spartanian made arms at the top of the market."

PostPosted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 6:45 am
by Woodstead
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THE ROAD AHEAD?
New project to pave success.
Barney Strom, business correspondent for District Times, Rhydford

Where has you tax money gone so far? A good 5 million has gone towards the running of the healthcare system, another 8 million for education, plus 6 million on pensions and benefits, since April (Treasury). Add those figures, multiply it by fifty, and consider it a four year project. The recent overhaul of top class infrastructure from 4G to aqueducts has only opened opportunities for this nation.

This new proposal will be a new section of the ViaMoto- VX. The proposed route will pass from east to west, from Ottenside Ferry Harbour, to New Swansea. Of course, this is the tenth instalment, and will be the Woodsteasian component to the proposed Pan-Astyrian Highway. Both harbours have been also provided with a 20 million stimulus for building more gates, lanes and provide more long haul ferries. 923 miles of VX will meander through the small port town of Ottenside, cross over to New Utrecht's expansive forests just miles from the capital, up past the beautiful snow-laden summits of Mount Imber and Mount Mission, up through Saint Edwards District, ending up in the seaside resort of New Swansea.

"It's not just a direct and viable route", says General Commissioner for CommEx, "Astyria can witness the quaint seaside villages, the monoliths of rock, the accents, the lush forests, the patchwork quilt of meadows and cultivated fields". CommEx is a quasi governmental organisation- an ad hoc group, which has been working on our utilities, and employs a workforce of 800 contractors and works with 400 independent contractors.

The VX should be finished by January 2018, but a single lane pane with some junctions, will be open for January 2014, at the latest.

"This is something we pushed for from thee community. With more physical links", says President Moore, "we will experience better business and distribution, high quality additions, and fluid travel." It seems beneficial. For the price, it is.

PostPosted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:04 pm
by Aurora Confederacy
A historic meeting this afternoon between Auroran Oceanic, the main ferry operator in the Aurora Confederacy, and the harbour authorities of Cadenza have resulted in a ground breaking long distance ferry service between The Mercantile Federal Republic of the Aurora Confederacy and Trellin.

The service between the hermit nation and the Federal republic is likely to be a weekly service with departures every wednesday from the ferry port at South Sands which is run by the local nuclear power station.

Martin Guildersson
Aurora Confederacy News

PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:19 am
by Neu Engollon
DURF!

PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:39 am
by Nu Sparta
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"In the most recent of events Spartanian families with service members can now lay their minds at ease knowing their loved ones are safe and sound. The war in Pruden has been officially dictated by military leaders and the High Council as being over. Now becoming known as the Prudenesian Boarder War, due to the reasons it began, the war consisted of a long campaign through the entire country. Unofficially the fighting ended with the capture of several rouge Prudenesian military generals after the Siege of Shapolis, the old Dominion's capital.

Many spectators of the war wonder why the war carried on for so long and proceeded throughout he country. The High Council has offered an official statement regarding that."

The screen fades to one of Is'jilia Avitia, the redheaded Raven Eye of the Active Elite Corps, standing on podium in front of High Council room doors. The statues of Ret'li and T'ahli, the twin gods of order and chaos, towering over and flanking on her on both sides.

"Many have questioned the reason of the Imperial Spartanian Ground Force invasion of the entire country of Pruden over a simple boarder dispute. While we could not give answer to that question during the war, due to holding sensitive information secret, we can now publicly state the answer why.

While we had originally intended to only capture and hold the first major city of Pruden, Trina, to show our serious intent and force the Dominion's hand into respecting our boarder. After its capture, and the defeat of the Prudenesian retaliation from the Galoban Mountain Range, we issued the Dominion President Emily Dankscroft the chance to surrender. In response we received a notice that the Prudenesian military would not surrender and that the President was no long in control of the country. Instead a council of rouge Prudenesian military generals had usurped control.

They had forced unwilling civilians into service under them in a mad attempt to push us out. As was only right we had our forces continue to move through to the capital and capture these rouge generals. We accepted the surrender of any unwilling combatants, though we were still forced to put the city into ruin during the siege. As such we are placing the old Dominion under the rule of the Empire as a colony to see the damage done to the restored and proper charge of it be taken.

Thank you that is all."

She stepped down from the podium as the camera fades back to the newsroom and Ge'in Xia'lu.

"Well there you have it folks. In other new on Pruden, ex-president Emily Dankscroft has been named Governor of the Prudenesian colony. Many are saying that this she will simply be a puppet figure with no real power and that it is all an attempt to cull the Prudenesian civilians. Though this has yet to be seen and only time will tell."

PostPosted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:53 pm
by Pangus
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"It has been announced by the High Council that the Empire will soon begin hosting naval trials in order to set up the Imperial Navy. The trials are to take place along the northern coast of Pangus near the Tet'liec area. Initial training will be held in Loi Canal, which will act as a mock naval center, and conducted by Imperial Spartanian Ground Force training specialist. Ship testing and training will be done using refurbished naval ships taken from the old Royal Republican Navy of the ex-Republic of Pangus.

As stated before, Pangegian civilians will be allowed to sign up for the Imperial Navy and with their service earn full citizenship in the Empire. Recruitment centers will be opening up in both Corvus and Tet'liec and all recruits will be transported free of charge to the training area. Initial training is set to last only two months time, in which all recruits will be paid according to the rank they will be given at the end. Its been said all ex-naval veterans should identify themselves during sign up to be selected out for special training in order to take leadership positions."

PostPosted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:49 am
by The-Third-Panzermmee
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Copyright Mancharctica News Service
Timestamp: 1402 EMST Panzermmee
7 | 22 | 2013


Flags of our Fathers
Written by Emma Storme




Today marks the 40th anniversary of the War in Arcosova, and Government officials made it a day to remember. At 0800, citizens around the nation gathered in the capital to witness one of the largest Victory Parade's ever conducted in Panzermmee's history. 10,000 Veteran Soldiers and Officers who survived the war and it's toll began their trek down the famous Independence Trail that extends nearly 15 miles. They weren't alone. Proud Servicemen and Women trailed behind them, along with hundreds of Armored Vehicles and other Military Transports. Combined efforts of the Air Force and Navy allowed for an hour long fly-by with thousands of Gripen aircraft, trailing colored smoke matching the designs of the flag.

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A view at the very front of the massive movement.


During the march, the veterans began to lock their arms in, and march in sync, with many participants being seen shedding tears. Reporter Mikael Carmon managed to interview veteran Aleksei Borshce, one of the many overjoyed soldiers:

"I'm very pleased to be a part of this wonderful celebration" he responded immediately, "it's very good for all of us, because it really makes us feel appreciated. It's not easy coming back from a war, watching your brothers die. The meaning of life begins to slip away from you. You're left to roam alone in the world again. At least in war, you had a purpose. But this...this makes me remember why I love being a soldier and member of Panzermmee." his grin and tears of joy were merely a fraction of the emotions felt by the memorial.

PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:21 pm
by Woodstead
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LORRY LOBBYISTS LOBBY LEVY
New congestion charge rise angers unions.
Ira Eisenberg, Argyll Town Courier, Woldland City Limits

In May 2013, Woldland Transport Advisor Una Corbin announced a punitive rise in congestion charge. Since then, the Consortium of Buisness and Industry and the National Distributors Union have peacefully lobbied in the National Assembly and Woldland City Hall to cancel the rise from $5 for peak hours to $10. This doubling of charge "is an inefficiently tight valve which will allow the flow to erode", says CBI leader Travis George, and it would seem that the flow has somewhat been pitted with rocks.

In mid-July, tensions rose again when new Viamoto 1 tollbooths would charge $5 for any passing cars and motorbikes, and $10 for all "high capacity", "long" vehicles, and with other roads ill-equipped for trucks and heavy machinery,distributors either face this rate or face a fine/ repair bill.
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The middle of the blockade taken from the King Josiah entrance.

Today, at 10am an estiated 300 trucks and contents joined a convoy forming behind the NDU and CBI's converted coach. Approaching Woldland, the convoy blocked three lanes with 7 drivers, with the remainder moving at around 5 miles per hour through the inner lane. The slow convoy later neared the first toll booth under construction, which is to finish and be operating by September, at minutes after noon, before being assisted by Woldland Metropolitan Police, Abbeyland District Police, and New Utrecht Metropolitan Police before entering the King Josiah Cross-Channel Tunnel and being met by a blockade of Port Lux Community Police just five miles from their ending point at Greater Medway Service Station.

Conveniently for the annoyed commuters and public services, all drivers were slapped with a fine from $80 to $100. Meanwhile, since the beginning of July, 120,000 petitions have been sent to the government EPet site to amend or repeal the terms along with City Hall. Woldland Metropolitan Courthouse will be the venue of yet more drama on 5th August when leaders from both organisations may face a punitive personal fine for what the Commissioner calls "disruption of peace, disregard for safety of others, and failing to produce [a permit upon request]."

Mayor Syeda Khan released a statement that claimed "it [Woldland City Council] will review the charges proposed, as well as urging the National Government to review tollbooth plans."

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 1:36 pm
by Woodstead
U News
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: WE APOLOGISE
The story you are looking for has now been removed from our archives after an investigation in to this contributor's source was ruled to be unsubstantiated. Under the Media and Communications Act of 2015, the story 'A MONTH TAX FREE' by Shraya Khan, was removed after several pieces of compelling evidence were presented after we published the articles in question.

Our organisation takes accusations of unethical sourcing and misinformation extremely seriously. As part of the Journalistic Practice Code of 1988, and in line with our own values, U News has discontinued its contract with this contributor.

We apologise for any inconvenience. U News and other excellent media companies of all types are currently working with the Union of Journalists to combat similar abuses and fraud within our industry. Project Integrity is the new UoJ-led operation to help crack down on poor journalistic practice, misleading advertisement in media publications, and investigating repeat offenders. We hope that you can help us and the UoJ by emailing them at projectintegrity@uoj.org.wd with any details of suspicious activity.

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PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:40 pm
by The-Third-Panzermmee
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Copyright Mancharctica News Service
Timestamp: 950 EMST Panzermmee
8 | 13 | 2013


When Terror does its Job
Written by Dusty Sandler


Authorities were surprised to receive hundreds of emergency calls from the same location, all pertaining to armed men of an unknown origin firing at civilians.

Around 10 am on a fine Tuesday workday, a reported 23 masked men all armed with assault rifles and other varying weapons, conducted a deadly assault on the toll-booth of a busy port-side roadway. Authorities say that an immediate Counter-Terrorism group responded to the incident and arrived at the scene within an hour. Local police forces had already engaged with the men, unsuccessfully suppressing the terrorists. Casualties had already soared past 20 with only the dead in plain sight counted.

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A view of the CT team engaging the enemy.


The team immediately went into action against the terrorists, trying to remove the injured from the line of fire and force the men out into the open with grenades. It was a homefront war scene, with bullets soaring and explosions rocketing the ground. The incident continued for nearly 3 hours, with the response team sustaining a single injury. After further examination and testing, the terrorists were reported to be of Bigtopian origin. Any decisions in response to today's attack have yet to be announced, and many public figures are outraged. From the looks of it, the Public are calling for a declaration of war. With a body count of 78, and hundreds more in critical condition, the incident is surely not to be taken lightly.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:58 am
by Stretta
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Daily news from the capital


BOOM OR BUST

With population figures on a steady rise, political figures were today asking how Stretta could deal with the challenges this brings.

In a post-war economy, and a time of swift social change, there has been a rapid increase in population with the news today that Stretta has reached 1 billion citizens. Some might call it a milestone, but figures in the opposition party were today calling for tough measures to curb this staggering growth. Kenneth Winstanley of the Strettan Alliance Party feels that "population rise just cannot continue in the way that is currently. Without measures to ensure the prosperous growth of Stretta, and of its burgeoning population, we will simply collapse. Our education system faces troubles ahead, as does our healthcare and welfare systems. We just cannot sustain this level of growth."

Goodstone, currently attending the AstyrEcon world summit, rebuked such claims. "When the end of the war came, we carried on fighting. The people said they wanted a wealthy and peaceful Stretta, and me and my cabinet have delivered on that. With a great nation comes immigration and newborns. People are happy and they have children. People see Stretta and our success, and they want to live here. There are growing sectors and industries that will supply ample employment. Schools and hospitals will continue evolving to meet demand. The notion that we are close to collapse as a result of our net population growth is nonsense."

With an election expected soon, these two sides will no doubt be using the issues of immigration and social services as key weapons in their manifestos, and this will boil down to a question of 'is Stretta better with more Strettans?'

PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:09 pm
by Pangus
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Liberal Tourism To Take Place in Tet'liec?




Just hours ago Lord Qui'tal Gru'elis called a media press conference dealing with how he would utilize the Tet'liec estate to benefit the Empire. Along with the more traditional ideals of using the area's resources, such as harvesting the timberland in the area, quarrying the more rocky areas for stone and other minerals, and exploiting the sea Lord Gru'elis has chosen to follow in the footstep of Lord Pal'land and attempt to bring in extra revenue through tourism. However unlike Corvus' tourism market that draws in people from around the world with its airship cruises and fashion-fuel market, Tet'liec will be taking a more controversial approach and the Lord was more then happy to share his plans.

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(Red Light District in Amsterdam)
"Along with allowing such companies as Red Moon Mining Co., and Timberlake Lumbering set up on the estate I will be enacting several polices and projects that will give Tet'liec, as a city, a new face to present to the world. Taking ques from the Dutch city of Amsterdam and other major European countries I will be commissioning construction projects to expand the city adding on a Red Light District. To follow there will be polices enacted legalizing such trades as prostitution and the selling of certain substances under the proper licensing, advertisement, and governorship within the area. This district will also be open to proprietors of a more taboo nature. Of course along with this more liberal area will come updated policies to protect citizens and civilians and inhibit wrong doing."

As Lord Gru'elis moves ahead with this plan it begs one to question how this will effect the popularity of the area to be populated by Spartanian citizens. This is also sure to spark a debate on whether or not Lords are granted to much freedom over the land they are assigned to govern by the High Council.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 12, 2013 4:35 pm
by Woodstead
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NO HIT, SHERLOCK
Mayoral office receives over 2,000 compaints.
Karianne-Marie Danvers, CanterburyLive, Steedcraft District Hall

Since 1988, Yvonne Sherlock has had a political career in Steedcraft. She moved to the chief town, Canterbury, first taking her seat in Steedcraft District Council as councillor, before becoming Leader of the Council in 1996, and Mayor of Steedcraft District in 2003. However, on the tin anniversary of her obtaining office, questions are being raised over her effectiveness in Steedcraft District and the Council itself.
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"COUNCIL HAS NO STRUCTURE": Calls have come through requesting a restructure of the district boundaries and powers.

"Sherlock has not gone the right way with her methods", says NOW party councillor, Hilda Burroughs "However, she has been correct in her ends- Steedcraft's hospitals run smoothly, for a start, and buses don't turn up 10 minutes late anymore."
However, despite a rather balanced view from her so-called rivals, the citizens are not happy; monthly council tax, last year, was raised by an average 40 Credits, and she is accused of "splashing out on the council, and axing the people". Despite this, most of the council, irrespective of their affiliation agreed with Geraint Hughes, Unity councillor, who said that 'an investment in the council facilities' might be excessive, but it is also 'an investment in the people'.

"My constituency's people write to me everyday about Steedcraft's support of its towns, villages, and hamlets. I know my colleagues do too." says one National Assembly Representative (Labour) for Steedcraft- Canterbury Town, Millard Simmons. "Let me make it clear that I don't want my constituents to attack our councillors or our services, or the civil servants; I just don't see why our mayor is taking the blame, when she can only have some control over budgeting, for which she has cut everyday spending. Councillors take less money, and in the long run the new facilities will cost much less to run than our outdated libraries, crumbling schools, and Swiss-cheese asphalt.

"Simmons and I do receive a bunch concerning our place in Steedcraft. A fair number do ask that we disband into separate authorities- Steedcraft as a district for all town except my area; many are now asking that Canterbury, the chief town of Steedcraft, becomes a unitary authority. I'm sure such concerns have been raised elsewhere, too" acknowledges the other Steedcraft- Canterbury Town representative, Paige Havers (Unity).

Leyland Luton, Primary NAR (Independent) for Steedcraft- South agrees. "I meet with the Mayor and NARs every other week; satisfaction is at a low for people, but those who use our improved leisure centres and roads are suddenly starting to prove that the bills and taxes are fair. I'm sure that the people would rather a council with coffers, which ask for a payment, rather than suffer without it."

Tasha Howes, Secondary NAR (NOW) for Steedcraft- North responded "I think that the council and the mayor invest time and money for the people- we're there for that. Spending is down, and in her defense, she enacted a 15% pay cut for all councillors until further notice. This is not frivolous spending- we will be selling off some of our swimming pools, our waste management services, and our remainder of the bus fleet for the area.

Under a Freedom of Information request which our parent company, UMC, sent we have revealed characteristics. After referencing records from 1988 to 2012, we can see figures to suggest that income is being raised, but outcome is going down slower.
FACT FILE: Steedcraft District Council
  • 1988 spending was C1.59 per capita, and 2012 figures were C1.37, whilst 2003 figures were C1.62;
  • The basic councillor salary was C90,000, C70,000 in 2003, before being cut by 5% from the 2012 salary to C45,000;
  • Schools received a one off rejuvenation fee for renovation, totalling C1.5 billion, (C1.2billion was from central government) in 2007;
  • School maintenance costs across Steedcraft since 2009 have gradually plummeted by almost C3,000,000;
  • Steedcraft, by order and approval by Sherlock, invested C90 million in renovating two sports centres, and building a new one;
  • The District Council now receives C3billion for gym memberships and sport centre admissions;
  • A-grade students gradually went down to 7.2% from 1988 to 2010, but have since risen by 5.9% since;
  • A grant from Central Government of C2 million matched the the Council investment into building social housing;
  • The Council Tax rise has been drafted to stagnate on January 1st, and fall throughout 2014 and 2015, by government approval; and
  • The projected balance will put Steedcraft well into the black with C15.8 million, after all interest-free loans are paid off.
However, the fact file is possibly not as sobering to the Steedcraft and Deershead chapter of The Taxpayers' Alliance, who last week raised a petition on the Steedcraft E-Petition website to curtail the rise by next pay day; the national headquarters of the Taxpayers' Alliance don't seem as frustrated as their wing, but do seem prepared to take Steedcraft District Council to Steedcraft District Court.

CanterburyLive interviewed Taxpayers' Alliance patron, Guillaume John-Baptiste who said that 'the private sector needs to invest further' into housing. On Monday, he delivered a speech at Steedcraft's Buckley Town Hall. Whilst Buckley and Smithstead's residents seem the most opposed to the Mayor of the district, he suggested that breaking Steedcraft into two will 'add teardrops to the ocean'.

He told the rabble of 3,800 that whilst the council was not about frivolity as much as prosperity, 'Sherlock was one for Conan's curious eye', and called her tax rise 'dangerous'. C50 was the average rise, so we took to the streets in Steedcraft's Meadowsgreen, where we found the reaction was watered down to the trickles, from the raging torrent of the local TA chapter.

"I don't like her [the Mayor] views on most things, but I think that if our council needs to repair and rejuvenate, a rise is priceless over a weekly shop." Boris Keggworth, 49
"Sherlock isn't very popular, but the leisure centres see more children off the street. If that's what a few bob here and there means, then I'll happily pay up."Yvette Becker, 28
"I'm a teacher at Meadowgreen West Secondary School, and our truancy rates are down; I personally have to partially credit- no pun intended- some of the payments to school rejuvenation. We have stocked school libraries, working computers, and the people in the school are more productive with natural light shining into school buildings." Adam Barlow, 32
"The council has invested money, I believe, to maintain a new cemetery in our own town. Having lived without a cemetery for 47 years, last year's opening meant that my recently- passed wife is in a nice plot within miles of home." Oscar Gat, 84
"I will not vote for Sherlock again, but that's more to do with hearing of the death threats and complaints made personally against her. She's young, and seems to be struggling. It's only kind. I support her and her advisors' financial policies." Ethel Braithwaite, 65

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 6:37 pm
by Nu Sparta
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(Live Broadcast 10/17/2013)





The camera zoomed in on Emily Dankscoft as she approached the podium. The Nu Spartan flag and the flag of the old Dominion of Pruden could be seen behind her clear, as well as the Imperial Seal on the wooden podium she was standing at. The Prudenesian woman scanned the now silent crowd. Her demeanor implied a confident woman easily recognized to be the work of years of presidential speech training.

"My fellow citizens, today is a day in which all of you are filled with mixed emotions I am sure. The war has ended in victory for the forces of the Imperial Spartanian Empire, yet here I am your president alive and well presenting to you a speech. I know there have been many rumors that surmounted about my disappearance during the war. That I was captured by the Spartanians or that I had abandoned you. So allow me to first set the record straight.

I was not captured by Spartanian forces, and neither did I abandoned you. Instead I was betrayed by the very military generals that had taken the oath to put the nations best interest first! They had me, and others in my cabinet, unlawfully imprisoned in the military facility of Baker's Prison where many atrocities were done to me! They continued the war for selfish reasons forcing the unwilling to serve and expecting them to die for them, succeeding only in the unneeded lose of innocent life and the destruction of our once great capital city!"

The blonde woman's voice had gone from monotone and professional to passionate and emotional.
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"We all have mixed emotions on what should have been done during the war, but as president I was left with few choices. Facing a clearly superior force I wanted to surrender to the Spartanians knowing in the long run that it would saved thousands of lives that were instead lost. I speak to you now advocating the need for the end to civil unrest and peace. I am sure there are many of you out there that dread the idea of this once great democracy becoming a colony under control of a foreign empire, but I ask you this, is it worth the life of your children? What about your loved ones and relatives? Is their blood really worth seeing this country returned to what it was?

I'm sure many of you right now are saying to yourselves that it IS it. Your justifying to yourselves the ideas by thinking life will be horrible under Spartanian rule. Thinking you will be mistreated in your own homeland, but I assure you that these are nothing more then mere Orwellian fantasies. There is more then enough evidence to disprove any wild theories you could think of. Look at Pangus, since becoming part of the Empire they have only since advanced both socially and economically. If the Spartanians were really so cruel would they have taken the time to rescue me and place me in a position to help run the homeland?

All I am asking you, my people, is that we let today be the start of understanding. That we give the Spartanians a chance to prove that they are not the evil men and women we believe they are. That we give our families that have survived the war a chance to continue to live on in peace. That we give our children a chance to grow up in a world void of bloodshed! Asking is all I can do the rest is up to you."

The camera shifted view to the Dominion flag. A roll above it came unraveled, a new flag covering the one before it. It was red like the Nu Spartan flag. On it were two elk with two ravens above them all facing center towards three stars.

"From here on out the Dominion of Pruden is no longer. Hence forth from this day forward this state shall be known as the Royal States of Prudenesia. I am no longer your president. Instead I have been named acting governor to advise and govern side by side with the acting colonial ruler when they are placed into position. I will preform my duties to the best of my abilities for the good of my fellow citizens, just as when I was acting president. As more information comes from Empire I will be sure to keep you all well informed. Thank you."

PostPosted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 7:44 pm
by Neu Engollon
ZOOP!