Your Nation's Fact of the Week

[Superbunny]

The nation’s flag has a yellow color on its right side. While many Bunnean speculate this is because of the nation’s large focus on cheese exports, it’s actually just because the flag painter spilled yellow paint on the right side and just went with it.

[Apiary One]

Apiary One uses metric for just about everything. But we use the Fahrenheit (°F) scale for temperature, because we find it much more logical for daily use such as the weather. For absolute temperatures, we use the Rankine (°R) scale, based on Fahrenheit.

[La Habana Cuba]

Historic International Breaking News.
:

The Democratic Communist Socialist Republic of La Habana Cuba wishes to improve economic, political, tourist and cultural diplomatic relations with it's overseas ethnic Cuban immigrant community of Cuban Americans and Greater Miamian ethnic Cubans.

Now that we have a new democratic constitution, It is time we put an end to our hostilities, La Habana Cuba and the revolution.

Our overseas Cuban American and Greater Miamian Hispanic immigrant community of ethnic Cubans will be able to visit La Habana Cuba with ease and invest in La Habana Cuba.

La Habana Cuban, Cuban Americans and Greater Miamian Hispanics of Cuban birth and descent artists will be able to visit and perform in La Habana Cuba, the USA and Greater Miami Shores through cultural exchange.

Diplomatic Relations request to be posted soon.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel - President of The Council of State and Council of Ministers Collective.
The Democratic Communist Socialist Republic of La Habana Cuba.

[The Fylkirate]

In terms of CK2 Mechanics, the Reformed Norden Faith can be explained as thus:
Nature

Unyielding: Largely reformed as a result of a foreign religious occupation and tyrannical Crusader regime, the reformed faith refuses to convert to the Trajan or Hyaran faiths.
Proselytizing: The faithful prefer to bring about their religion by the word and letter, rather than by sword. While combat against heretical old pagans exist, they are rarely sanctioned.
Cosmopolitan: While Hyaran-Norden relations are almost non-existence, Trajans are accepted as a minority in Norden lands under the Fylkirate, as long as they do not attempt to proselytize.

Doctrine

Astrology and Haruspicy: Studying the stars as well as other forms of divination are some of the goðar's many duties.
Equality: Part of the reformation was to bring equality among the two sexes in terms of political and social power. Concubinage as a form of legal relations between freemen in the Norden Lands is accepted, and women can hold any political office a man can.
Ancestor Veneration: Pious and noble ancestors belonging to the age of reformation and before can be venerated as Spirits, or even raised to gods of the pantheon. The only example of the latter would be that of Fylkja Brynhildr, who was venerated as a Spirit and later a goddess in her own right after her death.

Leadership

Temporal: The head of the Norden Faith is the Fylkir/Fylkja, who is also the Goði/Gyðja of the Temple of Hermand, the faith's most important holy sight.

[Subhurbia]

The largest cities in every division (except the ones of Central and South Suhurbia) are half on land, half off land. For example, the city of Uguaria, the largest city in North Suhurbia, is a coastal city, but also has a tunnel that links to the underwater part of the city.

[Pacomia]

Caciro is now sister cities with Portland, Oregon, USA, as of 2 days ago.

[La Habana Cuba]

:
President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
The Democratic Communist Socialist Republic of La Habana Cuba.

While we have not yet received an official response to our diplomatic relations request with Greater Miami Shores, I am very happy to report the Government of Greater Miami Shores has stated, I am doing a Great Job as President of La Habana Cuba:
viewtopic.php?p=35952041#p35952041

Much more than I expected, I consider it a good sign that we can end our hostilities towards each other, that they can end their hostilities to La Habana Cuba and the revolution.

This will be historic.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
The Democratic Communist Socialist Republic of La Habana Cuba.

[Zhouran]

Thanks to the creation of military-oriented powered exoskeleton-frames and 2nd gen. Tactical Infantry Armored Suits (full-body powered exoskeleton-suits) for use by the Zhouranese People's Army, there are downgraded civilian-oriented exoskeleton-frames and exoskeleton-suits used within the Zhouranese workforce, with the former being commonly used for physical work such as logistics and construction, while the latter being commonly used in more high-risk occupations such as mining and demolition.

[Ebrilond]

Ebrilond has three currencies. The Ebrilondian Oscal (which is to be used by natives), the Ebrilondian Elyenburgh (which is to be used by visitors, similar to that of Cuba), and the Ebrilondian Capital City Currency or simply Jomooniee Currency (which is only valid in the State of Jomooniee, designated for the Capital City's hugeness).

[Bears Armed]

One species of "butterfly" that's native to our nation is in fact not only not a 'true' butterfly, it's not even a member of the same order as those (the Lepidoptera) at all. Instead, it's a member of the order Neuroptera, which mainly contains the Lacewings and Ant-Lions, belonging to the family Kalligramatidae which died out elsewhere millions of years ago but has managed to survive here because one of its food-plants has also persisted...

[Shantigara]

After ascending to power, it is a tradition that the High Nawab of Shantigara will buy outfits for the members of his Cabinet. In turn, the Rājā (the Shantigara Monarch), will gift the High Nawab a new outfit. However, it is customary for these outfits to be returned once the High Nawab leaves office.

[Themyscia]

Since the 1950s when Themyscia ceased to be isolationist to the rest of the world, due to Themyscia and paradise island pretty much identical in terms of being a land of Amazons, DC comics changed Wonder Woman so she came from Themyscia and it is still true to this day.

[Synne Industries]

The Synnian isles are connected by chains of artificial islands collectively known as Brimstone Bay. These artificial islands are off limits to civilians with an exception of some larger flatter ones. The reason for this is that most of the other islands house ballistic missile silos, concealed hangars, military shipyards and VLS's. The islands are designed to be rocky and mountainous to obscure the vision of ships. Though the islands are primarily used for missile strikes they are also fully capable of functioning as close range defenses against landing ships or even cruisers and destroyers. Many of the islands have retractable naval guns, AA weaponry, smoke dispensers, torpedo tubes, flamethrowers, napalm piping, chaff, flares and even rails running below the island to ram nearby ships.

[Voxija]

In the twenties, life roared like in other countries. Voxija was known for adultery and miscegenation. There are many cases of Australians going to Voxija to marry aboriginals. There was no Prohibition and less crime. Because of the climate, Voxijan fashion designers were the first to adopt the miniskirt. It was deemed indecent by most Voxijans, though.

[Gandoor]

Of the thirty produced episodes of the GBC horror anthology series The Realm of the Macabre aired between 1966 and 1969, seven episodes were banned from being repeated due to viewer complaints and one episode was banned before being broadcast.

The seven episodes banned from repeats were:

• Episode 4 - A Stalker in the Shadows - Aired 5 September 1966
• Episode 11 - The Cryptkeeper - Aired 18 March 1968
• Episode 14 - La Maison des Damnés - Aired 8 April 1968
• Episode 19 - Them - Aired 13 May 1968
• Episode 24 - The Flayed Flesh of the Innocent - Aired 1 September 1969
• Episode 25 - Revelation - Aired 8 September 1969
• Episode 30 - Memento Mori - Aired 13 October 1969

The single episode banned prior to broadcast was:

• Episode 8 - The Masque of the Vampire - Planned to air 3 October 1966

All eight banned episodes have been unbanned since the 1980s and, in the case of The Masque of the Vampire, had its overdue television premiere occur on 28 October 1985.

[Xeloncaresia]

1. 50.9% of Xeloncaresia’s population is indigenous to Xeloncaresia. The other 49.1% are immigrants or descendants of immigrants and are as a result of the 19th and 20th century migration waves after an economic boom in the nation.

2. It is mandatory to learn two languages in Xeloncaresia: Rhône and English. Most Immigrants and descendants of immigrants speak three or more languages everyday. The English taught in schools is based on British English.

[Jerno]

Jerno has 6 Navy Fleets The Royal Jernoan Navy, Jernoan Navy, The Pacific Fleet, The Oriental Fleet( services the Middle East and the Indian Ocean), The Mediterranean Fleet, and finally the Atlantic Fleet. The Department of Defense spends Billions of Dollars every year to maintain the Armed Forces of the Socialist Colonial Kingdom of Jerno

[Zhouran]

Every year, Zhouran publishes over a whopping 300,000+ and more scientific papers annually, the highest in the world. Since authors of peer-reviewed scientific papers need cash payments for their work and research, they receive lucrative financial incentives from Zhouran's numerous academic universities and various research institutions. As a result, Zhouranese academic authors each receive a financial award of around a couple of hundred-thousand Zhouranese yuans, or over hundred-thousands and more US dollars, for each research work published.

[Minroz]

In Minrozian customs, rice wine or tea is poured in front of an altar or tombstone horizontally from right to left with both hands as an offering to gods and in honour of deceased. The offering is usually placed on the altar for a while before being offered in libation. In more elaborate ceremonies honouring deities, the libation may be done over the burning paper offerings whereas for the deceased, the wine is only poured onto the ground.

[Aikoland]

The Citoyens and the Royalistes were two political factions which arose in early 19th century Aikoland and eventually evolved into the modern Social Democratic and Conservative Parties.

The Citoyens advocated more rights towards the individual citizen and, during the period of the United Assembly when the monarch was still the official head of government, supported a stronger United Assembly against the monarch. And when the modern Parliament was created in 1837, supported the elected Chamber of Deputies against the then-unelected Senate. The Citoyens evolved into the Liberal Party, which was formally established in 1876, and the Liberal Party eventually split in the mid-1930s with most members of the party forming the Social Democratic Party and the rest forming the New Liberal Party. (The New Liberal Party would never win more than a few seats in Parliament and officially dissolved itself in the 1950s)

The Royalistes, as their name implies, were strong supporters of the monarchy and, while they did not want to return to an absolute monarchy, supported an increase of the monarchs power over the United Assembly. Following the creation of the modern Parliament, they generally supported the unelected Senate over the Chamber of Deputies, believing that the Senate should serve as a check against the whims of the elected masses. The Royalistes officially became the Conservative Party in 1873 during the premiership of André Barbier, who was also the first Conservative Prime Minister as a result.

[The USA of America]

Important Excerpt to be posted.
:
Ana Maria Polo,
He dicho Caso Cerrado - I said Case Closed.
Ministra of Justice and The Supreme Court.
Miami Shores Council of Ministers.
The Conservative Republican Nationalist Party.
The Democratic Capitalist Republic of Greater Miami Shores.

Thank You, President Donald J Trump of The USA for inviting me to host your 2020 national Presidential and Parliamentary elections on election night.

I am a fair and balanced impartial democratic judge like NS Fox News, lol, but don't try me, or I will hold you all in contempt, fine you, jail you and throw away the keys.

Finally Joe Biden has 1 vote on the Poll, but while it is still early in the state primary process and debates, Joe Biden is leading in the national and most states RL RW Polls with a plurality of the votes, if Joe Biden goes to the Democrat Convention with a plurality of the votes, he will not be able to win the nomination for President on the first ballot.

Giving Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren a chance to team up against him on the second or third ballot, for President and Vice President candidate either way.

A candidate needs 1885 votes out of 3768 elected delegates to win the nomination on the first ballot, but all 3768 elected delegates and 764 automatic party delegates can vote on the second or other ballots if needed any way they wish.

1885 + 1883 - 3768 - 1884 +1- 1885
3768 + 764 - 4532 - 2266 +1 - 2267 - 83.14 % + 16.86 all Percents slightly adjusted.
1884 + 383 of 764 - 2267 - 50.13 %
All Percents % slightly adjusted.

Most or all of the 3768 elected pledged delegates will probably stick with their first ballot choice and commitment in the second or third ballot, unless they can be convinced to back another candidate in a deal for the Vice Presidential nomination spot on the ticket, giving Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren a chance to team up and make a deal either way.

I thank all fellow nations who have voted and posted so far and those who will.

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=468594

He dicho Caso Cerrado - I said Case Closed.

:
Ana Maria Polo,
He dicho Caso Cerrado - I said Case Closed.
Ministra of Justice and The Supreme Court.
Miami Shores Council of Ministers.
The Conservative Republican Nationalist Party.
The Democratic Capitalist Republic of Greater Miami Shores.

[Bears Armed]

Sesquiavis
This is a species of prehistoric Bird, currently known from only one fossil which was found in Bears Armed five ago, that has now been scientifically described. The type specimen is unfortunately incomplete, which has hindered its more detailed classification.

Discovery
This fossil was uncovered during routine operations at a limestone quarry in the Treur Khrahr’neth hills to the south of Urrath-am-Barrah, in June 2014. Quarrying work was immediately halted so that this item could be studied in situ before its careful removal — along with surrounding material, which included some smaller fossils of other organisms as well — for preservation and analysis at Kings’ University. Professors Arranna RedRose and Mirrach White, both of that establishment, led the project.

Age
This fossil was found in a stratum that is attributed to the earliest stage of the Palaeocene epoch, as it lies just above the thin layer of Iridium-rich clay which is thought to have been deposited due to the ‘K-T Event’ that ended the Mesozoic Era. Several of the other species found with it represented types of organism previously thought to have died out during or even slightly before that ‘Event’, however, which — presuming that that clay layer has indeed been correctly explained — raises the possibility that at least some of these fossils had been re-deposited there after the erosion of even earlier sediments in which they had originally been buried. Thus, the possibility that this bird was actually a resident of the Upper Cretaceous instead cannot be ruled out completely even though such a large bird being already extant alongside the [‘non-Avian’] Dinosaurs would be unprecedented in our current knowledge and seems improbable.

Description (Summary)
The only specimen for this species that has been found so far takes the form of a partially-disarticulated, but mostly complete, skeleton. The limbs are separated from the body, but are basically complete except that the lower half of the right leg (other than its 1st & 2nd toes, detached) is missing. The lower neck is also separated from the body, with the upper neck and all of the head missing.
The species represented by these remains was definitely a true Bird, rather than a [‘non-Avian’] Dinosaur. Certain anatomical features, including its possession of a triangular pygostyle (OOC: the bony structure at the base of a modern bird’s tail) place it clearly within the Ornithurae, although assigning it confidently to any specific family or order is not yet possible: Indeed, the absence of its head makes even certainty about whether it belonged to the Palaeognathae (along with Ostrichs & their kin) or the Neognathae (along with Fowl, Waterfowl, and the Neoaves (OOC: Neoaves = all of the other ‘modern’ birds’]) impossible, and there is therefore even a possibility that it belonged to some even older — and otherwise unknown to us — lineage instead. However, it is sufficiently different anatomically from the previously known Palaeocene species of large birds found in the IDU, belonging to the orders Palaeogalliformes* and Gastornithiformes**, that its having being ancestral to any of those is considered highly improbable.
Even without taking the head and upper neck into account, this bird — as reconstructed from these remains — would have stood around six feet tall. It was clearly flightless, with only rudimentary wings, but its strong legs & feet (with three toes, all pointing forwards, on each foot) would have allowed it a good running speed instead. Its dietary habits cannot be identified without more information about the head and especially the beak… Professor Urrth’hro SilverBear, at National University (at Council Groves) has suggested that some of the smaller fossils of other organisms found in association with these remains were actually there because the living bird had swallowed lumps of limestone already containing them for use as gastroliths (OOC: gastroliths = stones swallowed by a bird or other animal to help grind up tough food in its stomach), which might indicate a diet based on tubers or coarse vegetation, but this seems unlikely bearing in mind the general unsuitability of limestone for such a role.

Naming
The full binominal assigned to this species is Sesquiavis sesquiavis, which translates into English as ‘One-and-a-half-bird one-and-a-half-bird’. Professors Redrose & White acknowledge that this was inspired by one of their crew using the expression “That’s a bird and a half!” when they first saw the fossil clearly, but deny firmly that their repetition of the genus’s name as the specific designation as well was because another person present at that uncovering responded to the original statement with “You can say that again!”

_____________________________________________________________________

* Palaeogalliformes is an order endemic to (i.e. native only to) the IDU’s geographical region, almost certainly a sister-group to the more widespread order Galliformes (which includes chickens, pheasants & partridges, grouse, turkeys, and so on…).
** Gastornithiformes was the now-extinct order that included the gigantic birds known today as Gastornis or Diatryma, and was almost certainly quite closely related to the surviving order Anseriformes (which includes the ducks, geese, & swans, as well as some lesser-known groups).

[Subhurbia]

If you were born under one of the astrological signs under the fire element (being Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius) in South Suhurbia, you will live life easier and get by with society much better than any other signs, especially earth signs. Fire personalities are favored in the South, South Suhurbia’s culture is known to be very active, full of life, passionate, outgoing, and competitive. But this is only in South Suhurbia. In other divisions the rules are different. If a person’s Moon is also in the same element as that preferred element, the person would be quite blessed in that Division. In the North Division, water personalities are favored, and those born under water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are more looked up upon than any others, especially air signs. Though those born under air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are preferred to any other element in East Suhurbia. In fact in East Suhurbia, air signs are exalted due to the society’s socially advanced culture, and scientific/logic oriented mentality. In West Suhurbia, those born under earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) end up the most successful in that society and earth personalities are favored upon. This may be due to West Suhurbia’s culture being centered around hard work, stability, and maturity.

[Voxija]

13 is a very lucky number for Voxijans in general.

[Gandoor]

An interesting fact that has gone mostly unmentioned in the news regarding Gandoor's most recent election:
Prime Minister-designate Park Sang-Hee will be the youngest Prime Minister upon her appointment to the office this coming October. At age 40, she will beat the record previously held by Robert S. Stevenson, who was 43 when he was first appointed to the office in 1910.