NationStates

A Promotion of Brewing
Category: Education and Creativity | Area of Effect: Cultural Heritage

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Noting that beer was the first drink of society in a time where water was dangerous and calories few and far between,

Toasting to the complexity of social ritual and development that sprang from the importance of beer, including the toast, the ritual offering drinks to guests, and the ever-popular social act of binging at a communal pub rather than going home,

Amazed by all of the innovation that stemmed from this early science of brewing, including the creation of wine, spirits, and culturally unique concoctions,

Praising the diligent yeasts that transform delectable malts and grains balanced by flavorful, bitter hops into a drink worth celebrating, and

Topping off a frosty mug in anticipation,

The World Assembly hereby

Establishes the International Brewing Appreciation and Promotion Program (IBAPP) as a subcommittee of the World Assembly Trust for Cultural Heritage (WATCH) to promote knowledge and appreciation of the world's diverse beer, mead, and cider styles, and tasks it with:

Develop standardized tools, methods, and processes for the structured evaluation, ranking and feedback of beer, mead, and cider by establishing a repository of known brewing styles, including a guide for color, smell, flavor, carbonation, and ingredients.

Organizing and coordinating with member states to promote brewing competitions and beer tastings at cultural events, both international and domestic.

Funding research into historical impact of beer and brewing on societies, and preserving techniques that may otherwise be lost to time.

Implores nations to make brewing equipment and ingredients for the small-scale homebrewer available for personal production and consumption.

Urges nations to encourage local communities to establish brewing and beer tasting events representative of their local brewing heritage to create an appreciation for both local and international beers.

Strongly Encourages nations that have banned alcohol consumption to lift or adjust those restrictions to accommodate consumption of brewed products, that their citizens might enjoy the fermented fruits of civilization.

The draft appears on everybody's desk, as if by magic. Most of them have at least a few drops of beer spilled on them. Others have quite a considerable amount. Ambassador Bell is once again standing at the podium, but this time, there is no lawyer behind him. More is the pity, for he seems to be slumped over the podium, grasping at it for dear life. Several empty bottles with no label are scattered on the floor, and the smell of beer permeates the room.

"Hey, yoush guysh, I did the thing," he slurs into the microphone.

Separatist Peoples wrote:

A Promotion of Brewing
Category: Education and Creativity | Area of Effect: Cultural Heritage

---

Noting that beer is the first drink of society in a time where water was dangerous and calories few and far between,

Toasting to the complexity of social ritual and development that sprang from the importance of beer, including the toast, the ritual offering drinks to guests, and the ever-popular social act of binging at a communal pub rather than going home,

Amazed by all of the innovation that stemmed from this early science of brewing, including the creation of wine, spirits, and culturally unique concoctions,

Praising the diligent yeasts that transform delectable malts and grains balanced by flavorful, bitter hops into a drink worth celebrating, and

Topping off a frosty mug in anticipation,

The World Assembly hereby

Establishes the International Brewing Appreciation and Promotion Program (IBAPP) as a subcommittee of the World Assembly Trust for Cultural Heritage (WATCH) to promote knowledge and appreciation of the world's diverse beer, mead, and cider styles, and tasks it with:

Develop standardized tools, methods, and processes for the structured evaluation, ranking and feedback of beer, mead, and cider by establishing a repository of known brewing styles, including a guide for color, smell, flavor,carbonation, and ingredients.

Organizing and coordinating with member states to promote brewing competitions and beer tastings at cultural events, both international and domestic.

Funding research into historical impact of beer and brewing on societies, and preserving techniques that may otherwise be lost to time.

Implores nations to make brewing equipment and ingredients for the small-scale homebrewer available for personal production and consumption.

Pushes nations to encourage local communities to establish brewing and beer tasting events representative of their local brewing heritage to create an appreciation for both local and international beers.

Strongly Encourages nations that have banned alcohol consumption to lift those restrictions, that their citizens might enjoy the fermented fruits of civilization.

The draft appears on everybody's desk, as if by magic. Most of them have at least a few drops of beer spilled on them. Others have quite a considerable amount. Ambassador Bell is once again standing at the podium, but this time, there is no lawyer behind him. More is the pity, for he seems to be slumped over the podium, grasping at it for dear life. Several empty bottles with no label are scattered on the floor, and the smell of beer permeates the room.

"Hey, yoush guysh, I did the thing," he slurs into the microphone.

Support. I think it has been a while since I have said that...

Nitpicking a bit, but you missed a space after the comma at "flavor":

Separatist Peoples wrote:Develop standardized tools, methods, and processes for the structured evaluation, ranking and feedback of beer, mead, and cider by establishing a repository of known brewing styles, including a guide for color, smell, flavor,carbonation, and ingredients.

Leo and Steph enter the chamber, clearly in the middle of an argument.

"...damn you, woman, how do you understand the reinheitsgebot as anything other than the basis of national socialism?!? 'Thou shalt practice thine art only how I say thou shalt!' No lambics, no weisses, no winter warmers... typical Teutonic tyranny. And do not even think to get me started on the Plzen Fifth Column and its- OWW!"

Leo shouts in pain and grabs his shin where he's just run it into a wayward footstool; there's already a small bloodstain visible on the leg of his gray suit slacks, and he takes the next few steps at a somewhat pathetic limp. Steph appears entirely unsympathetic.

"Because, you pompous wreck, there's a little thing called 'context' that matters for this kind of shit. You're talking about a market intervention to ensure the quality and drinkability - like, health-wise - of the staple of life! This is not a fascist slight against your freedom to quaff pumpkin peach ale, it's a consumer protection law that means you're not drinking rice and corn swill with a huge marketing budget! The law you're badmouthing led to one of the richest and most competitive beverage cultures the planet has ever seen, and you're hung up on ethnic caricatures. Like any artist'll tell ya, you can't just come in and shit all over the rules for the hell of it - you gotta learn what the rules are and get real good at following 'em first. Then you know exactly which ones to break - and why - and how - for max beauty and impact. Without that you're just jerking off. Anyway, you're just pissed 'cause that psychotic monk you hang around with didn't win the... ah, here we are."

The two of them reach the Lyrical desk and have a seat. Steph looks at the sheet sitting on it just long enough to read the title, then immediately stands back up.

"Support!"

There are times when I get discouraged with the state of proposals in this body. This is not one of them.

Lots of minor nit picks; technically the term brewing applies only to beer. Wine is mentioned in the amazed part, but dropped out of the beer, mead, and cider part even though all four are based on natural fermentation (as opposed to distilling). So I think wine needs to be added to the Develops clause.

I would also suggest that instead of strongly encouraging "nations that have banned alcohol consumption to lift those restrictions" that such nations should pursue various techniques to lower and eliminate alcohol in the finished product, so that it can be sold legally in said nations. Inspirational Source.

Tzorsland wrote:There are times when I get discouraged with the state of proposals in this body. This is not one of them.

Lots of minor nit picks; technically the term brewing applies only to beer. Wine is mentioned in the amazed part, but dropped out of the beer, mead, and cider part even though all four are based on natural fermentation (as opposed to distilling). So I think wine needs to be added to the Develops clause.

Bell raises himself unsteadily from the podium.

"Wine'sh pretty good, but it def'nity deshervhes itsh own resolushun. I mean, itsh ushully sheparated from beer in law, an' I figgered it would be besht to give it itsh own proposhal later. Grapesh need a lot of tender lovin' care."

I would also suggest that instead of strongly encouraging "nations that have banned alcohol consumption to lift those restrictions" that such nations should pursue various techniques to lower and eliminate alcohol in the finished product, so that it can be sold legally in said nations. Inspirational Source.

Bell dry heaves a bit at the mention of lowing alcohol content, but collects himself after a moment. It is not clear if it was faked for effect or a condition of his intoxication.

"Y'can't go messhing with an artist'sh product!"

Sierra Lyricalia wrote:Leo and Steph enter the chamber, clearly in the middle of an argument.

"...damn you, woman, how do you understand the reinheitsgebot as anything other than the basis of national socialism?!? 'Thou shalt practice thine art only how I say thou shalt!' No lambics, no weisses, no winter warmers... typical Teutonic tyranny. And do not even think to get me started on the Plzen Fifth Column and its- OWW!"

Leo shouts in pain and grabs his shin where he's just run it into a wayward footstool; there's already a small bloodstain visible on the leg of his gray suit slacks, and he takes the next few steps at a somewhat pathetic limp. Steph appears entirely unsympathetic.

"Because, you pompous wreck, there's a little thing called 'context' that matters for this kind of shit. You're talking about a market intervention to ensure the quality and drinkability - like, health-wise - of the staple of life! This is not a fascist slight against your freedom to quaff pumpkin peach ale, it's a consumer protection law that means you're not drinking rice and corn swill with a huge marketing budget! The law you're badmouthing led to one of the richest and most competitive beverage cultures the planet has ever seen, and you're hung up on ethnic caricatures. Like any artist'll tell ya, you can't just come in and shit all over the rules for the hell of it - you gotta learn what the rules are and get real good at following 'em first. Then you know exactly which ones to break - and why - and how - for max beauty and impact. Without that you're just jerking off. Anyway, you're just pissed 'cause that psychotic monk you hang around with didn't win the... ah, here we are."

The two of them reach the Lyrical desk and have a seat. Steph looks at the sheet sitting on it just long enough to read the title, then immediately stands back up.

"Support!"

Bell unsteadily bows. He is eager to get into the discussion left half-finished, but too sloshed to effectively contribute.

While I can think of a good many reasons why some nations might oppose this, starting from nations that are founded on various religions that have bans against alcohol of any kind, ranging through various issues to do with alcohol awareness and the like, and finishing up with various temperance nations (that I am sure exist out there somewhere) I have to say that my government (for whom I am speaking) has no real problems with this proposal.

Personally I do not drink. At all. (In the sense of alcoholic drinks - not in the sense of imbibing liquid of any kind - I would clearly be dead by now if that were the case!). This is for various medical and personal reasons, but since they are mine, and mine alone, and they are not based in religion or moral reasons, I have no desire to impose my personal view point in this instance on anyone else (bet you didn't see that coming, huh? ).

Overall, I can't find a single thing to object to, given we are not a nation that forcibly bans alcohol from our citizens. And while we do encourage moderation, it is generally left up to the individual to make up their own mind.

So - *shrug* I would say that, pending any future rewrites that might require us to replace water with beer, or forbidding the sale of soft-drinks in pubs (not that we think that is going to happen - just examples), you have our conditional support.

(Surprise!)

DeeDee reads the proposed resolution, having somehow appeared in the room without visibly walking through the door.
"Ambassador, you have my full support for this, and I look forward to sampling the wares of the various member states. I assume that passage of this resolution will include a WA-wide beer-fest here?"

Lord Dominator wrote:DeeDee reads the proposed resolution, having somehow appeared in the room without visibly walking through the door.
"Ambassador, you have my full support for this, and I look forward to sampling the wares of the various member states. I assume that passage of this resolution will include a WA-wide beer-fest here?"

"General Assembtoberfest! WOooo! I dunno if people'll be able to shay that after a few beersh..."

OOC: I see this is becoming a trend.

Separatist Peoples wrote:"Y'can't go messhing with an artist'sh product!"

"Well I was hopping the universe the other century or so and walked into this nice establishment just in time for lunch. Due to its location it was unable to serve alcohol, which was rather odd because this was a land of general drunks and a ton of pubs. So there was this bottle of shandy without alcohol. Since I wanted something I ordered it with my meal. It had a nice solid beer taste. Beggars can't be choosers and all that, but I think I was not left begging."

OOC: I was in London and the product was Fentimans Shandy.

Tzorsland wrote:OOC: I was in London and the product was Fentimans Shandy.

OOC: Have you ever tried Fentiman's Curiosity Cola? Lovely stuff, in my opinion...

Tzorsland wrote:

Separatist Peoples wrote:"Y'can't go messhing with an artist'sh product!"

"Well I was hopping the universe the other century or so and walked into this nice establishment just in time for lunch. Due to its location it was unable to serve alcohol, which was rather odd because this was a land of general drunks and a ton of pubs. So there was this bottle of shandy without alcohol. Since I wanted something I ordered it with my meal. It had a nice solid beer taste. Beggars can't be choosers and all that, but I think I was not left begging."

OOC: I was in London and the product was Fentimans Shandy.

"I s'pose I c'n mention it, I guesh."

OOC: Never tried Fentimans Shandy, but then, I'm a fan of New England style IPAs.

The Darmeni delegate looks at the first line and shudders at the improper verb tenses used.

Separatist Peoples wrote:Noting that beer is the first drink of society in a time where water was dangerous and calories few and far between,

Fairburn: I'm a little worried that the large supply of beer will take away the demand for Orange Julius', but as long as I decide what to put in my mouth, and I don't just mean drinks, then the only complaint I have is that we could do absolutely nothing and still be compliant.

Harold: If only we could have a proposal promoting cream pies...

Fairburn: (hands Harold a pen)

Harold: Consider it a long-term goal!

Barbera: (suppressing anger) With all due respect, we must oppose strongly this sinful and irresponsible proposal. The consumption of alcohol is a tradition that comes from the Devil himself and is one of the biggest killers of sapient beings! We instead suggest drafting a proposal to enforce prohibition on all inhabitants of World Assembly member states.

Fairburn: Now you know why no-one ever sees Barbera at the Strangers' Bar.*

*OOC: Please tell me that someone noticed this. Anyone?

OOC: I think you may have had a little too much of the homemade stuff.

IC: "Ambassador, I love beer as much as the next delegation, but I really don't see how this is an issue of international importance. I also share the concerns of Ambassador Fairburn, that this proposal would threaten the popularity of Orange Julius, and therefore would make the World Assembly much less funny."

Wallenburg wrote:"I also share the concerns of Ambassador Fairburn"

Barbera: Do my senses deceive me?! Ambassador Ogenbond and Ambassador Fairburn agreeing twice in the same day?! It is thus confirmed...

The world is ending! O God Almighty, save us from Your wrath and provide us with Your mercy! Save us from the notion of cats and dogs living together! Someone sound the alarm at once!

Harold: On it! (activates fire alarm)

Fairburn: (sighs) It's true, you know. I'm surrounded by idiots.

Hall: "While I personally object to this proposal, the nation of Overthinkers will support it."
Ryder: *raises mug*

OOC: Possibly a dumb question, but is the use of WATCH, being from GA#287, a House of Cards violation? I suspect it might not be, given that this is authored by a Secretariat member and has been looked over by more experienced GA users, but I would appreciate clarification.

No. It isn't. And that really should be worded into the Rules post, which doesnt explicitly refernxe that anymore.

Wallenburg wrote:OOC: I think you may have had a little too much of the homemade stuff.

IC: "Ambassador, I love beer as much as the next delegation, but I really don't see how this is an issue of international importance. I also share the concerns of Ambassador Fairburn, that this proposal would threaten the popularity of Orange Julius, and therefore would make the World Assembly much less funny."

OOC: Considering I have 6 gallons of the homemade stuff ten feet from me...and about a case in the other room...and the jug of cider...oh, and the mead in the fridge, I'd say that I don't have nearly enough of the homemade stuff!

IC: "Amb'sshador, how soshiety drinksh is a yuuuge part of itsh cultur'l heritage, an' cultural heritage is alw's worth protectin'. We promote honey farming, 'fter all! That'sh the greatisht part of th' cultural heritage category, itsh all 'bout savin' little pieshes of culture!"

States of Glory WA Office wrote:Fairburn: I'm a little worried that the large supply of beer will take away the demand for Orange Julius', but as long as I decide what to put in my mouth, and I don't just mean drinks, then the only complaint I have is that we could do absolutely nothing and still be compliant.

Harold: If only we could have a proposal promoting cream pies...

Fairburn: (hands Harold a pen)

Harold: Consider it a long-term goal!

Barbera: (suppressing anger) With all due respect, we must oppose strongly this sinful and irresponsible proposal. The consumption of alcohol is a tradition that comes from the Devil himself and is one of the biggest killers of sapient beings! We instead suggest drafting a proposal to enforce prohibition on all inhabitants of World Assembly member states.

Fairburn: Now you know why no-one ever sees Barbera at the Strangers' Bar.*

*OOC: Please tell me that someone noticed this. Anyone?

Bell blows a raspberry at Barbera, which the translator picks up and translates in a cool, female voice: "If you wish to refrain from consuming alcohol, you may continue to do so. Historical brewing is itself a tradition that should not be lost to time, regardless of personal endeavors to avoid the products."

OOC: Isn't this committee only? I am not seeing here any clauses that would justify the stat change especially given the vague nature of the mostly passive active clauses.

The United Royal Islands of Euramathania wrote:OOC: Isn't this committee only? I am not seeing here any clauses that would justify the stat change especially given the vague nature of the mostly passive active clauses.

Implores nations to make brewing equipment and ingredients for the small-scale homebrewer available for personal production and consumption.

Pushes nations to encourage local communities to establish brewing and beer tasting events representative of their local brewing heritage to create an appreciation for both local and international beers.

Strongly Encourages nations that have banned alcohol consumption to lift or adjust those restrictions to accommodate consumption of brewed products, that their citizens might enjoy the fermented fruits of civilization.

Bell points at the three clauses at the end, then the section of the rulebook that allows non-mandatory "urges" as operative clauses. Then he burps.

Separatist Peoples wrote:Toasting to the complexity of social ritual and development that sprang from the importance of beer, including the toast, the ritual offering drinks to guests, and the ever-popular social act of binging at a communal pub rather than going home,

Feren begins the Imperial Statement, the current draft easily falling into the sole jurisdiction of Civil Oversight; "Let it be known that the act of binging is not officially promoted by the Imperium; it's not healthy. All things in moderation, so on, so on."

Separatist Peoples wrote:Amazed by all of the innovation that stemmed from this early science of brewing, including the creation of wine, spirits, and culturally unique concoctions,

"I believe the Diplomatic Overseer was quite fond of Pre-Unification Balder Wines during his tenure here; You may wish to try them, I understand 2452 is a quite popular vintage." Feren pauses for a moment, appearing to rather entirely forget why he was here, "In any case, it may be worth noting the medicinal properties of certain alcohols; though I would not recommend the ingestion of most of them."

Separatist Peoples wrote:The World Assembly hereby
Establishes the International Brewing Appreciation and Promotion Program (IBAPP) as a subcommittee of the World Assembly Trust for Cultural Heritage (WATCH) to promote knowledge and appreciation of the world's diverse beer, mead, and cider styles, and tasks it with:

Develop standardized tools, methods, and processes for the structured evaluation, ranking and feedback of beer, mead, and cider by establishing a repository of known brewing styles, including a guide for color, smell, flavor, carbonation, and ingredients.
Organizing and coordinating with member states to promote brewing competitions and beer tastings at cultural events, both international and domestic.
Funding research into historical impact of beer and brewing on societies, and preserving techniques that may otherwise be lost to time.

"I fully recommend that Wines be added to the list in specific, they are not to be ignored."

Separatist Peoples wrote:Implores nations to make brewing equipment and ingredients for the small-scale homebrewer available for personal production and consumption.

"For reasons of health and safety, the Imperium cannot officially recommend this. As it is non-mandatory, and only mildly objectionable, however, it has no bearing on the Imperial Position."

Separatist Peoples wrote:"Hey, yoush guysh, I did the thing," he slurs into the microphone.

Rehlan simply stares in what can only be described as disappointment. Seretis, on the other hand, steps forward to deliver the Imperial Position. "The Imperium simply does not see any necessity for this Legislation. However, in a rare voice of unanimity, we see even less reason for it not to exist. The Imperium will support this legislation." Feren chimes in at this point "I recommend that you do seriously pursue this draft, regardless of whether or not you've sobered up."

OOC: Wine really does deserve it's own resolution. Its easier to brew than beer, but way, way harder to create quality ingredients and to age properly. A load of vitaculture has to be incorporated, which really isn't necessary for a brewing resolution. So, wine isn't being included in this version. Not because I dislike it, but because it genuinely deserves its own special attention.

Separatist Peoples wrote:
Bell points at the three clauses at the end, then the section of the rulebook that allows non-mandatory "urges" as operative clauses. Then he burps.

Your urging clauses needs work; as it stands, I have no idea if "pushes" means that the WA is going to send some tweed-sportcoat wearing pencil-pushing bureaucrat to actually physically push on our legislators until they relent and encourage your local brew festivals, or something else. We will not tolerate the WA pushing us to do anything. While we support the promotion of local culture in all it's many forms, we abhor physical coercion.

The United Royal Islands of Euramathania wrote:

Separatist Peoples wrote:
Bell points at the three clauses at the end, then the section of the rulebook that allows non-mandatory "urges" as operative clauses. Then he burps.

Your urging clauses needs work; as it stands, I have no idea if "pushes" means that the WA is going to send some tweed-sportcoat wearing pencil-pushing bureaucrat to actually physically push on our legislators until they relent and encourage your local brew festivals, or something else. We will not tolerate the WA pushing us to do anything. While we support the promotion of local culture in all it's many forms, we abhor physical coercion.

"DON'T STOP BELIEVING! HOLD ON TO THAT FEEEEEEELING!" Bell sings along with a nearby radio, wildly off-key. As he flails in time with the music, he knocks over a fountain pen and blots out the word "pushes" and makes it look like "urges".