10000 Islands Embassy

[Kuriko]

In order to gain endorsements we must telegram new nations, but due to NS rules they need to be marked as campaign.

I do not believe that's how the telegram preferences work. You're confusing "WA" with "region (official)".

I am not confusing anything, thank you very much. I personally have been either warned or been talked to before for not marking telegrams asking for endorsements as campaign telegrams.

[Kuriko]

The Mad Surfer is a news paper run by XKIer Jabberwocky every month, and we've decided to not keep it to just ourselves anymore .

---

THE MAD SURFER
The Official Newspaper of the 10000 Islands
August 2019

A good newspaper is never nearly good enough but a lousy newspaper is a joy forever.
Garrison Keillor

Weather: Sunny
Water temp: excellent
Waves: Macking!

POLITICS

MAYOR RETIRES!!

Our lead story today is of the most alarming nature. In a move that shook the entire XKI community to its very core, longtime Mayor of Taco Island, the inimitable Ater Nox, has retired, putting the political scene into turmoil. While it’s true that his post was largely ceremonial, not unlike Britain’s Queen, it is a great comfort, however, to find that his position will be filled by the highly distinguished and well regarded Louisistan, who will step into the breach to fill Ater's size 14s. Thank you, Mr. Nox, for your years of diligent duty. The upshot of this is that Mr. Nox will also be retiring from his post as Awards Czar. He will be replaced by The United Royal Islands of Euramathania and Sir Aersoldorf.

There was little in the way of excitement in the latest election cycle, with two of the races featuring but a single candidate. Nevertheless, TMS extends its congratulations to the winner of the seat for Himes West, longtime politico Flemingisa (MSPP); and felicitations to the victor in the non-race for Lyonesse East, Aersoldorf (TIP). We have every confidence in seeing a job well done by these fellas.
The election for Delegate was of more interest, in that Kuriko found herself with a valid opponent on Sargon Reman. Kuriko got off to an early lead, which she never relinquished. While Kuriko is a member of the newly formed Circle Party, an impartiality that transcends party affiliation is necessary to be an effective Delegate, and we trust she will fill the bill nicely.

---

CASINO NEWS

There is actually very little to report about the XKI Casino. While everyone was excited last month when the Casino resumed operation, activity proved to be a quick spurt by the Lottery as well as Sic Bo Sunday, but once again, eager gamblers find themselves waiting for the doors to open again.

---

Behind The Nation

Our readers have been anxiously awaiting the next installment of this popular series, in which we get to see the person behind the public face. This month we feature our new Mayor of Taco Island, Louisistan.

TMS: What country are you from?
Germany

TMS: What’s the grossest food you ever had to eat to be polite?
Something involving zucchini and eggplant, no doubt.

TMS: Who is favorite musician?
I'll name three bands here: Nightwish, Epica and Amberian Dawn. That's plenty of musicians.

TMS: What afterschool activity did you quit as a kid, and why?
Track&Field because f**k that sh*t. Judo because I lost interest.

TMS: If you could turn the ocean into a liquid other than water, which one would you pick?
Beer.

TMS: What is your favorite conspiracy theory? And do you believe in it?
The NSA is monitoring all your internet communications... Ob wait, that's not a theory anymore, is it?
In that case, my favourite conspiracy theory is that Boltor and Louisistan are really the same person. I very much believe that to be true.

TMS: Do you have a favorite author? If you could make them write fan fiction for any TV show which TV show would it be?
It's either J.K. Rowling or Tom Clancy. I'm not a big fan of fanfic. But why not have Tom Clancy write an episode of Star Trek Deep Space Nine?
TMS: If you could ban 1 food from the face of the planet what would you ban?
Again, eggplants. I mean, come on!

TMS: what is your favorite hobby?
I'm a volunteer for Germany' Federal Agency for Technical Relief, which is a disaster relief program.

Louis, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to accommodate our reporter's surf schedule.

---

WA SCENE
BY
THX1138

The corridors of the World Assembly building are always abustle with busy legislators dashing to and fro frantically in their administrative haste. Fortunately, we have our man THX1138 on the scene to help keep out citizens duly informed.
Returning Delegate Kuriko has made a point of publishing dispatches around new resolutions, and has revitalized WA voting and discussion areas in the forum and Discord.
XKI enjoys a lot of liberty in determining how the Delegate vote is cast, and all WA members, new and old, are encouraged to use the resources now at our disposal.

General Assembly:

Prevention of Mutually Assured Destruction (did not pass). In short, an attempt to change minds around the perceived benefits of international military build-up, especially of WMDs, as a deterrent to conflict. Socially conscious as the WA tends to be, there is also a long love affair with the military aspects of NS - not to be trifled with. This resolution’s efforts to curtail proliferation wasn’t well-received.

GAR #467 Affordable Transgender Hormone Therapy. The author of the above had much better support for this follow-up, and it passed with 76% of the vote. The usual flurry of ideological insta-repeals ensued but fell by the wayside. While the resolution does not provide a holistic solution to the difficulties of gender dysphoria, the majority mindset is that even a partial advance in civil rights is better than no advance at all, so this one will likely stand up to any further challenge.

GAR #468 Prohibit Private Prisons. The vote was close, and mostly split along traditional left/right economic lines. The neoliberals took it on the chin, and the Assembly supported the idea of doing away with privately owned, for-profit prisons.

Protecting Personal Privacy (did to pass). This contentious resolution has been around the block a couple times, and local author Marxist Germany did everything possible to see it succeed. Voter fatigue was a likely culprit in a decision that split just on the wrong side of ascension..

Preventing Unjust Warfare (did not pass). This one got a pretty rough ride and was perhaps a bit too esoteric for its own good. The main objection seemed to centre around a rather fluid and arbitrary definition of what is and isn’t ‘just’ in the context of warfare.

Treatment of the Deceased (did not pass). Speaking of rough rides, this one got the jumper cables. Aspiring proposal authors should take note: It’s probably not a good idea to create a dispatch that questions the intelligence and independence of the entire multiverse while your proposal is at vote. When life hands you lemmings, make lemming-ade.

Security Council:

Commend The Rejected Realms (did not pass). Problems with incomplete research and author credibility scuttled this proposal, which is a variation on a theme seen before in the SC. TRR doesn’t get a lot of love to begin with, and a commendation was always going to be a quixotic task for this author.

Commend Auralia (did not pass). The target of this commendation committed one of the WA’s ‘unforgivable sins’ (okay, maybe two) and the multiverse just wasn’t having this.

Condemn Kyrusia (did not pass). It’s usually a good practice to defer to the RPers on IC resolution decisions, and the multiple goat references didn’t seem to land well. 88% against.

---

LITERATI

This month's featured literary selection was composed by an author who has appeared in our newspaper before,and we are happy to have him back.

Untitled by Alemputo

A mountain range from a distance is fractals,
A map of endless curves of terrain
The sun will set behind them, only to rise again.
Will I see the distance? Will this mean the end?
But as the philosophers a thousand years ago
Had said,
The end is always a new beginning
Even If I am a desert, a plain, and
A meandering river away
The sun will set behind those mountains
Only to rise again.
So I suppose, as all men have assumed
Upon a star
Upon the glimmering hope a billion miles away
That perhaps in an off chance we will meet
Between the cragged stones of the snow peak
I now leave behind.
Maybe instead of wishing upon the stars
I should have wished upon the pine trees
That whisper in my dreams for my return
Every time the wind blows the purple majesty.
For then the hope of meeting becomes
A goal, an experience, the act of hopeful rest
Instead of eternal slumber.

---

RECRUITING
XKI WANTS YOU!!!

Once upon a time, the population of XKI was in excess of 1200 nations. Recently that number had dwindled to an alarmingly low 980. As a result, Minister of Immigration, Sargon Reman, has kicked off a recruiting drive, and as a result our numbers are slowly but surely swelling. Sargon has recruited, ahem, several new recruiters who are working hard to bring in new members, despite being overworked and grievously underpaid…not to mention being given scant recognition. Furthermore, our Beloved Editor (yes he makes us say things like that) has signed on as a recruiter, so that’s his new passion. He has the unfortunate tendency to confuse his own whim with the desire of the greater populace (a trait he shares with a certain American president), so we’re promoting the need to recruit as a regional emergency…and who’s to say he’s wrong? Now that your fervor has been fanned, you are doubtless itching to become a recruiter, too. Fortunately, there are still positions available. Just contact the Minister, Sargon Reman.
But wait! Once new recruits have arrived on our paradisiacal shores, what's to prevent them from moving on? After all, the wanderlust that afflicts mobs is well documented. Lucky for us, the Ministry of Education hosts the Welcoming Committee, which greets pilgrims fresh off the proverbial boat, to regale them with our fair region's notable attractions. This Committee is headed by Minister The Tasmanian Islands, who also oversees the Buddy Program. Talk about your redundant systems! It's good to have backup.

---

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

Na Kanaka Isles has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Education by the Minister, The Tasmanian Islands. Congratulation!

Dominion of Compassion has named a Rookie of the Quarter. The recipient of this prestigious distinction, awarded to the Islander who has made notable contributions to the region in the last three month, is The Archipelago Territory. Congratulations, Archie! Our editor was seen polishing his own award, received a year ago.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES

As usual, the Department of Labor has a number of job opportunities for those willing to do a little actual work to earn your daily tacos.
10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37229/hiring-deputy-minister-immigration.
10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37228/hiring-buddies.
The Mad Surfer is looking for highly qualified, motivated, dedicated writers. But maybe you would like to try your hand at it, too. Please notify Jabberwocky to apply.

You, too, can be one of the lucky few. Have TMS delivered right to your virtual door: https://www.10000islands.proboards.com/thread/36968/mad-surfer-march-2019.

---

The Mad Surfer is:
Staff Writers: Jabberwocky, THX1138
Editor in Chief/Circulation/Advertising: Jabberwocky

[Jabberwocky]

Many thanks to Kuriko for all her help making this presentable on this platform; it seems she's a better editor than I. I owe you one, my lady.

[Numero Capitan]

Thanks for sharing with us, particularly enjoyed the WA commentary

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

Very enjoyable. The commentary on both GA and SC proposals made me smile.

[Marxist Germany]

Sharing TMS on the GP embassy was a good idea Kuri.

[Alkasia]

It's... IT'S AAAAALIIIIIVE

Glad to see this thread being used again. Would've hated to see it go after only a few months. Looks like the FA nation is still alive but isn't being used for updates anymore?

[Escade]

Nice update! Especially enjoyed the interview

(Also the Star Trek WW game that just ran makes me WW friendly again )

[Aclion]

I do not believe that's how the telegram preferences work. You're confusing "WA" with "region (official)".

I am not confusing anything, thank you very much. I personally have been either warned or been talked to before for not marking telegrams asking for endorsements as campaign telegrams.

That's odd, because during the Laz occupation there was a discussion on the issue of campaign spam where mods basically said "being in a region means you consent to receive official telegrams"

[Kuriko]

It's... IT'S AAAAALIIIIIVE

Glad to see this thread being used again. Would've hated to see it go after only a few months. Looks like the FA nation is still alive but isn't being used for updates anymore?

Sorry for taking so long to reply on this, I've been pretty busy. I would have used the FA nation if it were an official emissary report, which neither NS 181-1 nor TMS were. NS 181-1 was to be released by the Delegate instead of the FA department, and TMS is a private business owned by Jabberwocky who I offered to help release it on a wider scale.

[United Republic Empire]

I do not believe that's how the telegram preferences work. You're confusing "WA" with "region (official)".

I am not confusing anything, thank you very much. I personally have been either warned or been talked to before for not marking telegrams asking for endorsements as campaign telegrams.

You do realize that Regional Admin can send region-wide telegrams. Asking for endorsements is not within the guidelines of what the NS FAQ states that telegrams much be marked "campaign" for.

What special groups can be reached using Telegram Stamps?
You can address a telegram to:

region: <Name> to send a TG to all residents of a region. (Also available without the need for Telegram Stamps to the region's Founder, Delegate, and authorized Officers.)

Similarly, a telegram that encourages nations to vote on a World Assembly resolution or proposal must be marked as a campaign telegram.

viewtopic.php?p=34225522#p34225522 - plus there is this showing that Region-Wide telegrams sent by Regional Admin for internal regional affairs, suffices

I could only see this being a problem if the person was not the founder, delegate, or a regional officer - since they wouldn't have the option to send administrative region-wide telegrams. Whoever complained or told you off, obviously wasn't happy with you becoming popular.

[10000 Islands Foreign Affairs]

10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: September 2019
Population: 1186
Delegate Endorsements: 284
Forum: http://10000islands.proboards.com/

TITO
Has your region been invaded, or do you want to get in touch with TITO? If so, contact one of the following nations:
Commander-in-Chief: Markanite
Field Commander: Kanta Hame
Tactical Officers: Shy Guyia, Smugglers and Mercs (EF), Twobagger, Mingulay Isle
Executive Officers: Hakketomat, Aschente

Updates
- Since our last update, Kortexia has stepped down from his role as TO. TITO thanks him for his service.
- Additionally, Mingulay Isle has been promoted to TO.
- Finally, congratulations to our Minister of Immigration Sargon Reman on his promotion to be the 110th Knight of TITO.

Government

The current government of the 10000 Islands is:
-Chief Executive: Markanite
-WA Delegate: Kuriko
-Senior Senator for Himes West: Flemingisa
-Senator for Lyonesse East: The United Royal Islands of Euramathania
-Senator for Blue Canaria North: HumanSanity
-Senator for New Republica South: Aschente
-Minister of Immigration: Sargon Reman
-Minister of Labor: Paffnia
-Minister of Education: The Tasmanian Islands

Election Season
Since our last update, Delegate elections have been held. Former Delegate Kuriko returns to her post after defeating Sargon Reman. Aersoldorf was forced to step down from his post as Senator for Lyonesse East due to real life – the region thanks him for his service. Flemingisa was reelected as Senator for Himes West.

In the most recent round of Senate elections, Tanzoria did not run for re-election to his seat as Blue Canaria North senator. For that election, HumanSanity of MSPP defeated Marxist Germany of TCP. URI of TCP ran unopposed for her old seat as Senator for Lyonesse East. Senior Senator for New Republic South Dominion of Compassion of MSPP lost reelection to Aschente of TCP, a long time TITO contributor making his first foray into regional government.

Legislative Changes


Around the Islands

Role Play
Himes West Senator Flemingisa is working on a forthcoming Quiddich Role Play.

Shelter’s Taco Island
- following the retirement of Mayor Ater Nox, Markanite appointed Louisistan to be the new Mayor of Shelter’s Taco Island. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... aco-island
- Louisistan immediately opened his Mayor’s Mansion. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... rs-mansion
- Delegate Kuriko was temporarily held by the Taco Island Police Department for a list of offenses. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/post/1700141/thread
- A deal was struck between rebel leader Aschente and Mayor Louisistan after a drawn out conflict dating back to Louisistan's appointment as Mayor. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... able-louis
- The mysterious HATE group is beginning to make a mark on Taco Island. Their goals are as of yet unkown. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37641/group
- SweetHaven and United Royal Islands have started Werewolves #64: Chaos in the Carnival. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ame-thread
- New Mayor Louisistan inducted Ater Nox, the outgoing Mayor, into the Spammer Hall of Fame. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37504/ater-nox

Other
- Paffnia was appointed Cartographer-General by Chief Executive Markanite. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... er-general
- Paffnia subsequently released the updated XKI Map. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... 00-islands
- Paffnia has appointed Free Earthian Yap as the Deputy Cartographer-General to help oversee the integration of the Map with RP. We look forward to seeing their continuing efforts! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... er-general
- Senator for Lyonesse East United Royal Islands has posted the House Cup, Shield, and Sceptre competition and Prolific Posting Contest for the month of September. Thanks to URI for running it and to Taco Island Charities for funding the Prolific Posting Contest. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -fall-2019 and http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ng-contest
- 10000 Islands participated in N-Day this year as part of the Canopy faction, coming in second place with their many friends. See here:
https://www.nationstates.net/page=factions
- Regional Reserve Chairwoman United Royal Islands declared Paffnia the “Account of the Quarter”. Congratulations to Paffnia! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... er-q3-2019
- THX1138 was named a Featured Nation by The Tasmanian Islands! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... on-thx1138
- In the month of September, Escanaba was our top recruiter, relatively new recruiter THX1138 was our runner up recruiter, and HS and Jabberwocky made substantial contributions. The regional population is up 115 nations over the month of September. Good work to all!
- Escanaba was promoted to Deputy Minister of Immigration by Sargon Reman and Na Kanaka Isles was promoted to Deputy Minister of Education by The Tasmanian Islands
- Some of you are getting new Emissaries shortly! Ammotangadia has been appointed emissary to the Renegade Islands Alliance, The Tasmanian Islands has been appointed emissary to The Union of Democratic States, Ayunli was appointed Ambassador to The Rejected Realms, Marxist Germany was appointed emissary to The Hole to Hide In, THX1138 has been appointed emissary to Europe, Philosophy 115, and the Western Isles, and The Valencian Federation has been appointed emissary to The Coalition of Democratic Nations. Congratulations to all of our new emissaries and I hope everyone gets a chance to mix and mingle. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ies-needed
- The Tasmanian Islands has hired Sargon Reman as a Buddy. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ki-buddies
- longtime 10000 Islands contributor and former Delegate Dominion of Compassion announced that he was leaving the region to pursue other interests. We wish him the best of luck in his future pursuits. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/post/1700572/thread
- for a more offbeat and upbeat take on recent 10000 Islands news, check out The Mad Surfer on the 10000 Islands forum thanks to Jabberwocky and his team! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ember-2019

[Lord Dominator]

Nice stuff

[Benevolent Thomas]

I wish Dominion of Compassion all the best. Leaving that community is no easy thing to do and NS can seem like a very lonely place without them. It took me a few years of drifting to find a new place to call my home with strong enough friendships to keep me coming back. I've entertained the idea of returning myself a few times, but I've found it too difficult. Although the circumstances of our departures vary, I see so much of myself in their announcement and my heart aches. I see that you have not logged in for a while DoC, so I will leave a message here in case you leave your nation to CTE:

I have no idea what happened and I don't need to. Reach out to me if you need someone to talk to and I will make myself available for you. If you need any advice or support in your next venture, it's yours. Welcome to the expats club, you're in good company.

[Kuriko]

Statement from the Delegate's Office

Greetings my fellow NS players. Today, at 12am EDT, the major update, Fedele and Funk illegally ejected Vizier Todd McCloud and banjected Vizier Bachtendekuppen. These actions are in direct violation of both the Concordat and laws of The East Pacific. Furthermore, they banjected Delegate-Elect Marrabuk and attempted to eject Vizier Aelitia. At this time, we believe with all our hearts that the regime headed by Fedele (aka Scardino) is an illegal coup dêtat of the region, and stand against them with our military forces.

TITO has mobilized, along with multiple other regions, to defend the Concordat of The East Pacific and it's lawfully elected government. We stand in solidarity with Marrabuk, the lawful delegate of TEP under the Concordat, and the government they are attempting to form. We vehemently condemn the actions of Fedele, and make it known that it will be our mission from here out to see to a quick delegate transition to Marrabuk and peace returned to The East Pacific.

- Sincerely,
Kuriko
WA Delegate of 10000 Islands

[Lord Dominator]

Wonderful to hear

[10000 Islands Foreign Affairs]

10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: October 2019
Population: 1177
Delegate Endorsements: 298
Forum: http://10000islands.proboards.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/mw27pug
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the10000islands

TITO Command

Has your region been invaded, or do you want to get in touch with TITO? If so, contact one of the following nations:
~Commander-in-Chief: Markanite.
~Field Commander: Kanta Hame.
~Tactical Officers: Shy Guyia, Smugglers and Mercs (EF), Twobagger, Mingulay Isle.
~Executive Officers: Aschente, Hakketomat.

Government

As of this report’s publication, the Government of 10000 Islands consists of:
~Chief Executive: Markanite
~WA Delegate: Kuriko
~Senior Senator for Blue Canaria North (Emissary Report): HumanSanity
~Senator for Himes West (RP): Flemingisa
~Senator for Lyonnesse East (Houses): The United Royal Islands of Euramathania
~Senator for New Republica South (Debates and Discussions): Aschente
~Minister of Immigration: Sargon Reman
~Minister of Education: The Tasmanian Islands
~Minister of Labor: Paffnia

- Following the coup of The East Pacific by Fedele/Scardino, Delegate Kuriko issued the following statement: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1270303
- Some of you are getting this update for the first time! We are excited to announce new embassies with Lazarus, Hartfelden, and a re-opened embassy with The East Pacific! HumanSanity has been dispatched as Emissary to Lazarus, Aschente to Hartfelden, and Hakketomat to The East Pacific. Our new emissaries look forward to meeting you all!

WA Affairs

The Council of Nine has recently opened the position of World Assembly Secretary to be tasked with recruiting and assisting aspiring WA authors, providing information to Islanders about WA proposals, and conducting international outreach for WA proposals. Markanite has named Sargon Reman our inaugural WA Secretary and he has named Mingulay Isle as the inaugural Deputy WA Secretary. Congratulations to them both! We're excited to see what this new office will do.
Hiring here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -announced and here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ppointment

Additionally, thanks to my new Deputy Senator, THX1138, we have a new section covering WA votes in 10000 Islands! It will briefly cover WA resolutions and 10000 Islands' regional vote on each.

Oct 18, 2019 GA Ban on Sterilisation of Minors etc: A brief resolution to prevent, in all member nations, the sterilization of minors or incompetent persons without the approval of an independent Institutional Review Board, that deems it necessary for the health of the individual.
Author: Imperium Anglorum
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... minors-etc
Regional vote: For 0 | Against 8
Delegate vote: Against (weight 293)
Final WA vote: For 10295 (77%) | Against 3128 (23%)
Result: Passed Oct 21, becoming GAR#472

Oct 22, 2019 GA Responsible Land Management: A comprehensive replacement for the recently repealed GA #432 'Preventing Desertification', suggesting measures for nations to take to reduce the effects of sapient impact on the environment, and specifically on the overuse and wear and tear on soils.
Author: Refuge Isle
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... management
Regional vote: For 9 | Against 3
Delegate vote: For (weight 296)
Final WA vote: For 11330 (77%) | Against 3404 (23%)
Result: Passed Oct 25, becoming GAR#473

Oct 26, 2019 GA Financial and Economic Education: A safeguarding resolution outlining the specific forms of education a nation must provide to better inform inhabitants about the economic workings of their nation, and their responsibilities within it.
Author: Imperium Anglorum
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -education
Regional vote: For 3 | Against 9
Delegate vote: Against (weight 297)
Final WA vote: For 11415 (84%) | Against 2183 (16%) Result: Passed Oct 29, becoming GAR#474

Oct 27, 2019 SC Repeal: Condemn The Black Hawks: An effort to repeal SC#52, citing its inferiority to a second, standing condemnation against the same region, and bringing into question some of the assertions made in the target.
Author: Tinhampton
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... lack-hawks
Regional vote: For 10 | Against 9 | Delegate's Prerogative 3
Delegate vote: For (weight 297)
Final WA vote: For 2202 (18%) | Against 10258 (82%)
Result: Failed to pass

Oct 30, 2019 GA Promoting Natural Sciences in Schools: A resolution to mandate, and in some cases subsidize, the education of sciences throughout the WA, in an effort to generate a fact-based understanding of the natural world.
Author: Kenmoria
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... es-schools
Regional vote: For 6 | Against 2
Delegate vote: For (weight 301)
Final WA vote: For 13290 (91%) | Against 1244 (9%)
Result: Passed Nov 3, becoming GAR#475

Around the Islands

- Minister of Labor Paffnia has hosted the regional Poet Laureate contest this October - the theme was fright! Congratulations to poetry extraordinare Aersoldorf on his victory! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... test-10-19 and here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... contest-10
- Taco Island Charities has opened up a time capsule. In one year it will be opened, and if enough nations survive then a million tacos will be split between everyone who put an item in! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... me-capsule
- XKI keeps NationStates relative time, and this October we entered NS Year 300! Welcome to the fourth century! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... s-year-300
- This month, Lyonnesse East Senator United Royal Islands is hosting the House Cup and Shield contest - a periodic recruiting event between XKI's Great Houses. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -fall-2019
- URI also hosted a prolific posting competition won by Houses Louisistan and Echolilia, with individual awards going to HumanSanity and URI. See contest here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ng-contest and results here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/post/1706988/thread
- With new technological breakthroughs on thermionic desalination technology, Mortimer Report payouts based on the regional shop are higher this month for some items. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... h-oct-2019
- Chief Executive Markanite posted a message to commemorate Empire of Power Annexation Day here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... xation-day
- Recruiting was at a steady hum in 10000 Islands in October. Escanaba was top recruiter once again, but this time Minister of Immigration Sargon Reman gave him a run for his money. Thanks to Naba, Sargon, and everyone else who pitched in!
- In celebration of the spooky Halloween holiday, Chief Executive Markanite has started a scavenger hunt! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ooktacular
- BUT don't get too comfortable, little bitty ghosts are coming to attack and steal our candy! They've already popped up in our main discussion board and at a political rally! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ack?page=1
- Haivon has been named Featured Nation by the Ministry of Education. Congratulations! http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... To=1711532
- The 110th TITO Knight, Sargon Reman, has a new statue that has been added to the Hall of Heroes courtesy of Marxist Germany. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... To=1710483
- For a more... surf's up take on regional events, feel free to check out Jabberwocky's The Mad Surfer. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... tober-2019

The region has benefited from a significant number of new arrivals, and this has increased RMB activity exponentially over the last months. October saw open discussion on a variety of topics, from the true nature of Fascism to the merits of abortion. In this section, a curated collection of some of the best posts of the last month:

- First up, this excellent post by Finalanswer Archive in the context of a larger discussion around capitalism versus socialism, and wage equality: https://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36612720
- A cheeky and humourous post from the NS mods, who made quick work of removing an unwanted and offensive guest: https://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36668824
- A dark secret revealed by nation 1984 Commune: https://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36680269
- An even darker secret revealed by Evil Dictators Happyland: https://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36691807
- Jabberwocky, always with the existential questions: https://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36791063

Regional Poll of the month asked who played the best Catwoman: https://www.nationstates.net/page=poll/p=148619

Meet a Nation

We're adding another new feature! Each month, I'll sit down with one of our regional members so that everyone can get to know them a little bit better. This month I sat down with Republic of Tikistan, the 98th Knight of TITO!

HS: How did you originally hear about NationStates?
Tiki: I saw it in a message board of general stuffs
HS: When you signed up what were you expecting?
Tiki: I thought its gonna be about making my nation and laws and government and such
HS: How has that differed from why you've stayed around?
Tiki: I didn't know there will be a lot about acting with other nations and also I didn't know there is gonna be regions
HS: What specifically about "regions" and XKI specifically attracted you initially?
Tiki: I like to react with other ppl and also I like to be a defender. TKI is specially active.
HS: And what keeps you coming back day-in and day-out to play?
Tiki: Counting threads are fun also I like Tito Knights missions but I am using a app now and missions are hard to do. Probably I'm gonna not use the app soon.
HS: What would you say is your proudest accomplishment in NS?
Tiki: Being a TITO knight
HS: What is the time you've laughed the hardest playing this game? The time this game has upset you the most?
Tiki: Woonsocket made me laugh a lot but I can not remember 1 time only. I got little bit upset when people accused that I am a invader.
HS: Do you have anyone that you'd consider like a mentor to you in NS? Why and what did they do for you?
Tiki: Yes Woonsocket When I got a question always I tell him also he told me how I better do TITO missions and such.
HS: Do you have any goals in NS that you're working towards that you haven't accomplished yet?
Tiki: I wish I will get 100 battle stars but it is little bit slow now because I am using my phone for posting and it is harder to do missions on my phone.

Thanks all for reading! Until next month!

-HumanSanity and THX1138, Senator and Deputy Senator for Blue Canaria North, your 10KI Update staff

[Lord Dominator]

Mildly amazed the vote on repealing our Condemn was that close

[Marxist Germany]

Liking this newer format, good job Human Sanity!

[Conquerus]

Thanks for the report, 10KI!

[10000 Islands Foreign Affairs]

Fellow 10000 Islanders and NationStates players,

The Council of Nine of 10000 Islands and the Cabinet of the South Pacific are pleased to announce the ratification of the Southern Islander Accords.

The first treaty between 10000 Islands and the South Pacific, it helps to symbolize both regions' commitment to the Defender community. Both regions anticipate continued, if not even increased, military cooperation on efforts to ensure natives continue to be protected from those who would seek to destroy their communities. In addition, both regions will endeavor to increase cultural ties with one another in order to bolster our already healthy communities. It is our hope that this treaty can help strengthen the Defender community at large and that this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship between 10000 Islands and the South Pacific.

Faithfully yours,

World Assembly Delegate of 10000 Islands,
Kuriko

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the South Pacific,
Omega

[Imma be imma be]

Wanna open up embassies?

[Kuriko]

Wanna open up embassies?

Hello. To first open an embassy with us you must check out our embassy rules and then fill out an embassy request. Hope that helps!

[10000 Islands Foreign Affairs]

10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: November 2019
Population: 1143
Delegate Endorsements: 303
Forum: http://10000islands.proboards.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/mw27pug
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the10000islands

TITO Command

Has your region been invaded, or do you want to get in touch with TITO? If so, contact one of the following nations:
~Chief Executive: Markanite.
~Field Commander: Kanta Hame.
~Tactical Officers: Shy Guyia, Smugglers and Mercs (EF), Mingulay Isle, THX1138.
~Executive Officers: Aschente, Hakketomat.

-Twobagger has stepped down as Tactical Officer. TITO thanks him for his service! THX1138 has stepped up as our new TO.

Government

As of this report’s publication, the Government of 10000 Islands consists of:
~Chief Executive: Markanite
~WA Delegate: Kuriko
~Senior Senator for Blue Canaria North (Emissary Report): HumanSanity
~Senator for Lyonnesse East (Houses): The United Royal Islands of Euramathania
~Senator for New Republica South (Debates and Discussions): Aschente
~Senator for Himes West (RP): Marxist Germany
~Minister of Labor: Paffnia
~Minister of Immigration: Sargon Reman
~Minister of Education: The Tasmanian Islands

In November, 10000 Islands held elections for its Himes West and Lyonnesse East Senate seats. United Royal Islands of The Circle Party was unopposed and secured re-election as Lyonnesse East Senator. Marxist Germany running as an Independent defeated Haivon of the Mayor Shelter Political Party to be elected Himes West Senator.

This election season saw the piloting of the new duties for the New Republica South Senator as Aschente hosted a formal debate for the Himes West candidates. You can see the debate here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ion-debate

Information about other government officials of 10000 Islands can be found here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/post/1716383/thread

Additionally, 10000 Islands is proud to announce the signing of the Southern Islander Accords with our allies in The South Pacific. More information can be found here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... er-accords

WA Affairs

This is the first full month since the creation of the World Assembly Secretary position here in 10000 Islands. In celebration, I wanted to give a few special shout outs to 10000 Islanders who authored resolutions passed in the last month.

Congratulations to 10000 Islands Minister of Immigration Sargon Reman on the passage of his resolution SC#288 Commend Grays Harbor: https://www.nationstates.net/page=WA_pa ... /council=2

Congratulations to 10000 Islands Himes West Senator Marxist Germany on the passage of his resolution GA#477 Convention on Animal Testing: https://www.nationstates.net/page=WA_pa ... /council=1

Congratulations to 10000 Islands WA Delegate Kuriko on the passage of her resolution SC#290 Liberate Aurelia: https://www.nationstates.net/page=WA_pa ... ?start=289

Now, the full report:
Nov 3, 2019 GA Protecting Borrower Rights: A comprehensive resolution outlining mandatory protections to the indebted, and preventing nations from criminalizing debt or incarcerating debtors.
Author: Imperium Anglorum
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... wer-rights
Regional vote: For 5 | Against 2 | Delegate’s Prerogative 1 | Abstain 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 298)
Final WA vote: For 11637 (79%) | Against 3020 (21%)
Result: Passed Nov 7, becoming GAR#476

Nov 4, 2019 SC Commend Grays Harbor: Seeking to commend the target nation for outstanding work in the areas of diplomacy, security, authorship, and artistry.
Author: Sargon Reman (10000 Islands)
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ays-harbor
Regional vote: For 12 | Against 0
Delegate vote: For (weight 294)
Final WA vote: For 11013 (82%) | Against 2464 (18%)
Result: Passed Nov 8, becoming SC#288

Nov 7, 2019 GA Repeal: Ban on Sterilisation of Minors etc: Claiming, of the recently passed target resolution, a misleading title, a lack of clarity around the composition of the medical review board, and potential delays in emergency medical procedures.
Author: Arkhamanishka
Note: A Legality Challenge was issued against this repeal, citing a rule violation. The GA Secretariat voted to support that challenge, deeming the resolution illegal.
Result: Resolution withdrawn

Nov 11, 2019 GA The Amelioration of Maritime Conditions: A brief and imprecise attempt to regulate water pollution in nations, with mandates to track pollution levels, and reduce pollutants if above an international average.
Author: Radical Republic
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... conditions
Regional vote: For 1| Against 10
Delegate vote: Against (weight 300)
Final WA vote: For 3187 (21%) | Against 11757 (79%)
Result: Failed to pass.

Nov 15, 2019 SC Condemn Atlantic: A mainly retroactive condemnation of a once peaceable region that embarked on a ruthless, expansionist campaign, raiding numerous regions, and mistreating or ejecting native populations.
Author: Bormiar
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... n-atlantic
Regional vote: For 2 | Against 4 | Delegate’s Prerogative 3
Delegate vote: Against (weight 305)
Final WA vote: For 10050 (76%) | Against 3223 (24%)
Result:. Passed Nov 18, becoming SC#289

Nov 15, 2019 GA Convention on Animal Testing: Seeking to ban animal testing for nefarious purposes, and presenting a framework for ethical testing of animals, with guidance for humane release, reintegration, or rehabilitation, afterwards.
Author: Marxist Germany (10000 Islands)
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... al-testing
Regional vote: For 7| Against 2 | Abstain 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 306)
Final WA vote: For 7621 (51%) | Against 7310 (49%)
Result: Passed Nov 19, becoming GAR#477

Nov 20, 2019 SC Liberate Aurelia: Designed to empower the Security Council to remove a password from the target region, in order to oust occupying forces.
Author: Kuriko (10000 Islands)
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... te-aurelia
Regional vote: For 13 | Against 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 312)
Final WA vote: For 12414 (85%) | Against 2236 (15%)
Result: Passed Nov 23, becoming SC#290

Nov 29, 2019 GA Repeal Ban on Secret Treaties: This repeal attempt expresses concerns over the unnecessary bureaucracy created by the target resolution, and argues that it stands as barrier of clandestine but peaceable alliances. It also cites some confusing language with the text of the target.
Author: Refuge Isle
Note: A Legality Challenge was issued against this repeal, citing a rule violation. The GA Secretariat voted to support that challenge, deeming the resolution illegal.
Result: Resolution withdrawn

Around the Islands

-Minister of Immigration Sargon Reman is hosting a recruiting competition for the month of Novmeber. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ompetition

-Senior Senator HumanSanity with the help of Poet Laureate Aersoldorf hosted celebrations for two 10000 Islands holidays.
We celebrated Wootsockens Day on November 4th, which commemorates the anniversary of Woonsocket and Wordy's wedding: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ockens-day
We also celebrated Ananke II Day on November 5th, which commemorates the service of longtime 10000 Islands Delegate, TITO Knight, and former TITO Tactical Officer Ananke: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... nke-ii-day
In honor of Ananke Day, HS also restarted her old Book Talk thread: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ook-talk-2

-Deputy Cartographer-General Free Earthian Yap and Cartographer-General Paffnia released new versions of the 10000 Islands map for use in Role Playing including a physical geography map and a map with capitol cities. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... p-versions
They have also introduced the concept of Trade Pacts to the regional map. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... utes-pacts
Jumping off of that, Paffnia and HumanSanity established the Liberal Understanding and Agreement on Commerce (LUAC) Trade Pact. They were shortly joined by The United Royal Islands of Euramathania. See more here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... merce-luac
In other bright news for 10000 Islands Role Playing, Delegate Kuriko is starting conversations around world building for the 10000 Islands community! More here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... eate-world

-Lyonnesse East Senator The United Royal Islands of Euramathania has wrapped up the House Cup, Shield, and Scepter competition from October. The House Cup is awarded to the Great House which sends the most recruiting telegrams in the month. The House Shield is awarded to the Great House which sends the most recruiting telegrams per WA member in the month. The House Scepter is awarded to the Great House which has the member with the most efficient recruiting telegram in the month. Great Houses are based on the lineage of who recruited members to 10000 Islands.
Congratuations to the House of Improving Wordiness, led by Escanaba, on winning the House Cup; to the House of Sargon Reman on winning the House Shield; and to the House of Echolilia's HumanSanity for winning the House Scepter. Thanks to all who participated!: http://10000islands.proboards.com/post/1714176/thread

-Minister of Labor Paffnia has commissioned new medals for our N-Day and Z-Day contributors! Thanks to Almonaster for their work on the designs. See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... To=1714566

-Mayor of Shelter's Taco Island Louisistan and HumanSanity are hosting a Gravedigging contest in Taco Island. Islanders have been digging through thread archives going back as far as 2004 to bring back old favorites. See more information about the compeitiotn, and maybe if one of the threads catches your eye, here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ng-bonanza

-In the Regional Reserve, the Mortimer Report came out with profits despite a meteor hitting 10000 Islands! Thanks to Regional Reserve Chairwoman The United Royal Islands of Euramathania and Deputy Regional Reserve Chairbull Woonsocket for their work on this! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... ts-islands
Additionally, the pilot project of Universal Post Count Payments in response to the difficulties with receiving Tacos for mobile posts was integrated into the Mortimer Report by the RRC. More information is here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... To=1714595
Lastly in RRC news, Congratulations to WA Delegate Kuriko on winning Account of the Quarter for the fourth Quarter. See the announcement here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... er-q4-2019

-Taco Island Charities, long staffed primarily by Chairman Paffnia, has expanded its staff to include Sargon Reman and The United Royal Islands of Euramathania. Congratulations to Sargon and URI, and we all look forward to seeing what this new team can accomplish! See here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... To=1714589

-Mayor of Shelter's Taco Island Louisistan has opened elections to the informal, non-governmental, fun Taco Island Parliament! Voting threads are scattered throughout the Taco Island sub-board - the announcement and information may be found here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -announced

-Lastly, Poet Laureate Aersoldorf penned this beautiful poem regarding life in Taco Island. I have re-printed it in its entirety here:

You're what you eat some people say
But I declare to you this day
Your actions tell so much ‘bout you
That people are that which they do

I spam all day and in the night
Yes when it’s dark and when it’s light
I simply, really, love to spam
So you can call me Spam-I-Am

That Spam-I-Am, that Spam-I-Am,
I do detest that Spam-I-Am,
Always spamming here and there,
I find his drivel everywhere

Would you like to spam with me?
It’s so much fun, just try, you’ll see
I do not want to spam with you,
I’ve more important things to do

Would you, could you, on the moon?
Would you want to spam with Woon?
What about while in a box?
Or perhaps with Ater Nox?

Would you, could you on a boat?
What about upon a float?
Would you, could you in your car?
While downing drinks inside a bar?

Would you spam out in the rain?
Or riding on a speeding train?
Would you, could you in your house?
You can send it with your mouse.

I would not, could not, on the moon,
Nor will I with the bullish Woon.
I do not want to sit and spam,
You leave me be now Spam-I-Am.

Not in a box and not on a train,
I don’t know Nox and hate the rain,
Not on a boat or in a bar
Not while I float nor in my car.

I won’t have spam inside my house,
I will not send it with my mouse,
I do not like you Spam-I-Am,
So in your face my door I’ll slam

You do not like to send out spam?
I can’t believe that that’s true fam,
You don’t like it, so you say,
Try it, try it and you may.

Spam if you will let me be,
I will try it and you’ll see,
I’ll post some nonsense here and now,
Hey!! Eureka!! Holy Cow!!

Say, I think I like to spam,
Thank you, thank you Spam-I-Am,
Let’s spam all over these fair isles,
And bring to faces many smiles

-And, lastly, on the game side:
Regional pollster Jabberwocky continues to press Islanders for their most beloved authors through history, and November saw a variety of options from the Edwardian era, but since we highlighted the Catwoman poll last month, it's only reasonable to find out whom XKI feels played the best Joker: http://www.nationstates.net/page=poll/p=149652

On the RMB, LimpBizkit had this to say about the Joker poll results http://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36966777
Evil Dictators Happyland asked a burning question: http://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36900132
A surprising turn of events: http://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36904201
Which may explain why this debate keeps raging http://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36916743
And finally, the enemy is revealed http://www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=36989218

Featured Nation Interview
This month I sat down with Hakketomat, a long time 10000 Islands resident and TITO XO, who has also served as Senior Senator in the past.

HS: How did you originally hear about NationStates? When you signed up what were you expecting? How has that differed from why you've stayed around?
Hakke: I was once looking for a game in which I could simulate a country or at least run a country in a way similar to a grand strategy game but not so reliant on warfare. Something more political. I was hoping that I would get something less text based but NationStates is what I found when I ran a Google search. That is to say... NationStates was one of the free games I found.
Why I stayed even though NationStates didn't meet my expectations is because as luck would have it, I received a recruitment letter that invited me to join 10000 Islands. Even though I was reluctant to take part in the forum activities, I managed to overcome that reluctance and spam a bit. Had it not been for that, I would most likely have quit the game soon after having started playing.
HS: What specific aspects of the forum / forum activities attracted you and got you involved?
Hakke: At first it was the World Assembly discussions. I was attracted to the WA and the lawmaking. Then I realized that the WA is mostly bollocks.
I got into the spam section Taco Island. It was there where I first started to make friends.
HS: That’s cool! Who were some of your first TI friends? Also, relatedly, is there anyone you’d identify as a mentor in NS or in any aspect of it? If so, who and how did they shape how you play?
Hakke: Some of my first friends... Aersoldorf welcomed me into his house and our friendship started from there. That was early on. That was on the suggestion of my assigned forum buddy Ardreas. Ater Nox became my spam buddy and managed to keep me interested in Taco Island.
But your question is specifically limited to Taco Island, and Ardreas wasn't much involved there as far as I could tell. So my first TI friends would be Aersoldorf, whom I spammed with in his Mayor Mansion thread, and Ater Nox and Louisistan.
As for mentor in NS... not anyone specifically.
HS: Is there anything that people do in NS that you've always wanted to try but never had the chance to try?
Hakke: I can't come up with anything that I feel like I would like to do. I've never gotten around to write WA resolutions. But I'm not too bummed out about that since I don't care for the WA.
HS: Haha that’s fair. What would you say is your proudest accomplishment in NS?
Hakke: I'm proud to have served on TITO Command as an Executive Officer for about two and a half years. That makes me the longest serving Executive Officer. I've also served on TITO Command under three different Commander in Chiefs.
Editor's Note: Hakketomat, Kanta Hame, and Kortexia all hold the distinction of serving under all three Commanders-in-Chief. Additionally, Paffnia holds the distinction of being the only Minister to serve under all three Chief Executives.
HS: What is one of your favorite things you've done in this game or the time you've laughed the hardest? What's one of the more stressful or frustrating things you've done?
Hakke: Oh... I've laughed a lot of times when reading funny posts and responses in Taco Island threads.
One thing that has been very frustrating is explaining to others the concept of vampires and how a cross and holy water isn't gonna help fending off vampires. Another thing that has been frustrating is explaining to my fellow Islanders that I'm a vampire and not something else. I'm not gonna mention what something else I'm talking about. It's actually a taboo subject.

Thanks for reading! Until next month, your 10KI Update staff Senator HumanSanity and Deputy Senator THX1138

[10000 Islands Foreign Affairs]

10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: December 2019
Population: 1104
Delegate Endorsements: 308
Forum: http://10000islands.proboards.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/mw27pug
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the10000islands

TITO Command

Has your region been invaded, or do you want to get in touch with TITO? If so, contact one of the following nations:
~Chief Executive: Markanite.
~Field Commander: Kanta Hame.
~Tactical Officers: Shy Guyia, Smugglers and Mercs (EF), Mingulay Isle, THX1138.
~Executive Officers: Aschente, Hakketomat.

Government

As of this report’s publication, the Government of 10000 Islands consists of:
~Chief Executive: Markanite
~WA Delegate: Kuriko
~Senior Senator for Blue Canaria North (Emissary Report): HumanSanity
~Senator for Lyonnesse East (Houses): The United Royal Islands of Euramathania
~Senator for New Republica South (Debates and Discussions): Aschente
~Senator for Himes West (RP): Marxist Germany
~Minister of Labor: Paffnia
~Minister of Immigration: the knights apprentice of Sargon Reman
~Minister of Education: The Tasmanian Islands

Information about other government officials of 10000 Islands can be found here.

Additionally, some of you will have new people delivering this report this month! Haivon has been appointed emissary to Portugal, Dandhican has been appointed emissary to The North Pacific, and Dorab has been appointed emissary to Middle Earth. Congratulations to all our new emissaries!

Around the Islands

-The Mayor of Shelter's Taco Island, Louisistan has closed the general election for the Taco Island Parliament. The Dragon-Gold Coalition, under its leader Tuga Nation has the plurality of seats and the opportunity to form a government. We will see how 2020 plays out in the Taco Island Parliament and Senate under Prime Minister Tuga!

-Several nations, under the leadership of Haivon have banded together to create the 10000 Islands Space Program or XKISP. We look forward to monitoring their progress as they race for the heavens!

-Following the release of Season 2 of NS Trading Cards, several XKIers have begun putting together their 10000 Islands sets! Additionally, Minister of Education The Tasmanian Islands has made a list of Epic and Legendary cards of 10000 Islanders for reference.

-Chief Executive Markanite rang in the holidays with some festive cheer including snowflakes for the forum and the ability for members to partake in a gift exchange! Happy holidays to all!

-Minister The Tasmanian Islands named Libraziland the Featured Nation for December in recognition of their RMB and forum participation and sweet flag design!

-WA Secretary The Knights Apprentice of Sargon Reman has released new WA Secretariat Engagement Awards to reward Islanders for endorsing each other, endorsing the Delegate, and other milestones. Thanks to Isles of Metanoia for their hard work on this! Additionally, in preparing for the newly established WA Secretariat, Markanite has restructured our WA voting polls! As a reminder, our discussion threads are always open to non-Islanders to come give their pitch so Islanders can read and decide how they're going to vote! The Secretariat will also be releasing occasional reports, and Secretary Reman has released the first report including an interview with Molly Muse about the future direction of the Secretariat!

-Delegate Kuriko with the help of Marxist Germany has organized a Cultural Event with The South Pacific! The event is hosted on the RMB of the region TSP XKI Cultural Event and in an event Discord server. We're sure it'll be a barn burner and help us get to know our new treaty allies!

-In celebration of the New Decade, Markanite has opened a thread for Islanders to share their goals for the upcoming Decade! Take a look here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38174/new-decade-approaches

-10000 Islands enjoyed exceptional RMB activity throughout the month of December, with many new nations joining the region and saying hello. There was, of course, lots of well-wishing around the holidays, but also lively debate, and a great deal of discussion around developing RP activity. Please enjoy this month's curated collection of posts since the last report:

We begin with a subject that was the talk of the region, relating to our Delegate, Kuriko www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37095593
The always helpful Jabberwocky lends some perspective on NS economics www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37102200
The Islands are always open to trying new things, but this might be a bit radical www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37111144
Just when you think you're out, they drag you back in www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37166225
It is what it is, says Marxist Germany www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37172056
Being late to the party can be confusing www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37207680
Imbibing too much at the party can lead to this sort of thing www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37217506
And sometimes, you just need to get back to basics www.nationstates.net/page=rmb/postid=37252843

Regional Poll of the month asked Island residents to roll the dice www.nationstates.net/page=poll/p=150829

-Lastly, congratulations to all! Taco Island, 10000 Islands' legendary and beloved hang out zone, has hit 100 pages! Join us in our celebration

WA Affairs

I wanted to start the WA section of the report by highlighting a few developments.

First, following the formation of the WA Secretariat, we have restructured the WA section of our forums. Our friends abroad will still have access to our public discussion threads to give their input and lobby for 10000 Islands' vote.

Second, Delegate Kuriko has opened a thread listing her proposal "approvals" and to lobby her to approve a proposal. Check it out here: http://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38200/approved-proposals-1-20-3

Third, Congratulations to WA authors from 10000 Islands!
-Congratulations to author Kuriko and co-author THX1138 for their work on SC #291: "Commend Duxburian Union" for Duxburian Union's service to our embassy regions of European Union and The Order of the Grey Wardens

-Congratulations to author Kuriko for her work on SC #292: Repeal "Liberate Aurelia". After the passage of the resolution, the region Aurelia has been password protected and returned to native hands.

-Congratulations to author Kuriko, co-author THX1138 and the nominee 10000 Islands Chief Executive Markanite on passage of SC #293: Commend Markanite! Markanite is the current Chief Executive of 10000 Islands, a Knight of TITO, a former WA Delegate and longtime Minister of Education, and a recipient of the prestigious Heart of the Islands award which is bestowed by the Council of Nine on those who are dedicated to the spirit of the betterment of the Islands. This Christmas Day resolution represented the third Commendation for a 10000 Islander in 2019, following Woonsocket and Paffnia's Commendations.

Dec 2, 2019 SC Commend Duxburian Union: Emphasizing the many contributions of the target to their native region, and to the international community, through proxy, with specific emphasis on their work as a defender.
Author: Kuriko
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... rian-union
Regional vote: For 13 | Against 0
Delegate vote: For (weight 307)
Final WA vote: For 10731 (84%) | Against 2111 (16%)
Result: Passed Dec 5, becoming SCR#291

Dec 6, 2019 SC Repeal “Liberate Aurelia”: A brief resolution repealing the previous liberation, thus allowing defender forces to permanently secure the region from invasion.
Author: Kuriko
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... te-aurelia
Regional vote: For 13 | Against 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 303)
Final WA vote: For 13497 (94%) | Against 911 (6%)
Result: Passed Dec 9, becoming SCR#292

Dec 8, 2019 GA Repeal: “Promoting Natural Sciences in Schools”: An effort to strike recently passed legislation, citing vague definitions and the lack of any requirement that educational material be peer reviewed.
Author: Kaschovia
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... l-sciences
Regional vote: For 7 | Against 8 | Delegate’s Prerogative 2
Delegate vote: Against (weight 304)
Final WA vote: For 5657 (38%) | Against 9059 (62%)
Result: Failed to pass

Dec 12, 2019 GA Repeal: “Ban on Secret Treaties: Another in a series of attempts to repeal the target, this one focusing specifically on the use of an out-of-context and confusing definition, that some consider frivolous.
Author: New Waldensia
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... t-treaties
Regional vote: For 10 | Against 0
Delegate vote: For (weight 307)
Final WA vote: For 7132 (49%) | Against 7296 (51%)
Result: Failed to pass

Dec 16, 2019 GA Repeal: “Civilian Aircraft Accord”: Seeking repeal due to concern that assisting aircraft in distress in foreign airspace could lead to conflict.
Author: Bitely
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... aft-accord
Regional vote: For 1 | Against 12
Delegate vote: Against (weight 310)
Final WA vote: For 3693 (25%) | Against 10796 (75%)
Result: Failed to pass

Dec 20, 2019 GA Ensuring Commercial Vessel Navigation: Mandating universal standards for national oceanic charting, and requiring all commercial vessels ready access to that information .
Author: Terttia
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... navigation
Regional vote: For 7 | Against 1 | Delegate’s Prerogative 2
Delegate vote: For (weight 309)
Final WA vote: For 11876 (85%) | Against 2056 (15%)
Result: Passed Dec 24, becoming GAR#478

Dec 22, 2019 SC Commend Markanite: Celebrating the achievements of the target in the areas of regional leadership, WA Delegacy, defence of founderless regions, and international engagement.
Author: Kuriko
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... -markanite
Regional vote: For 18 | Against 0
Delegate vote: For (weight 311)
Final WA vote: For 10192 (82%) | Against 2208 (18%)
Result: Passed Dec 25, becoming SCR#293

Dec 24, 2019 GA Don’t Shoot Strangers Act: A resolution seeking to make illegal a violent response on first contact with an unknown individual or group.
Author: Umeria
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... angers-act
Regional vote: For 4 | Against 8 | Delegate’s Prerogative 3
Delegate vote: Against (weight 306)
Final WA vote: For 2776 (21%) | Against 10269 (79%)
Result: Failed to pass

Dec 28, 2019 GA Repeal: “Convention on Animal Testing: An effort to revoke recently passed legislation due to concerns around definitions and potential difficulties with enforcement that could result.
Author: Concrete Slab
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: http://10000islands.proboards.com/threa ... al-testing
Regional vote: For 5 | Against 3 | Abstain 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 306)
Final WA vote: For 11532 (91%) | Against 1193 (9%)
Result: Passed Jan 1, 2020, becoming GAR#479

Meet A Nation Interview

This month I sat down with Free Earthian Yap who is our new Deputy Cartographer-General and alongside Paffnia has added a new Trade Routes and Pacts concept for the regional map.

HS: How did you originally hear about NationStates? When you signed up what were you expecting? How has that differed from why you've stayed around?

Yap: I have found out about Nationstates by an accident really, as i remember i was searching for news or trying to find an old article i have read. I didn't know about Max Barry or Nationstates, thought even finding it was exciting, I played many strategy games similiar to it couple of them were actually text based, idea of creating a nation, whole culture even a language sound intriguing, also I always liked designing flags, symbols, and best part was role playing with others, since then nothing actually changed I still like the whole system Nation states was based on.

HS: What are some interesting things about how you designed the flag or symbols of your nation?

Yap: I actually have many other puppet nations just made them to create, design flags. Flag of Free Earthian Yap isn't that good because its was my first try yet I am going to keep for a time. On Free Earthing Yap I first imagined a post-apocaliptic environment, people united under one state. Influenced from fallout games I was spending lots of times during the creation, then I wanted to add some cultural, ethnic flavors to it, I took some parts from asian countries and i made sure these were ironic/dark humored parts.
I was aiming to become an anarchist-royalist/anarco-monarchist but end up becoming an anarco-capitalist 'state', so i went with it.I also wanted to create an in depth factbook with language and more but,now i don't have enough time for it because of personal issues.

HS: Where did you get the idea for the trade routes/pacts idea that you and Paffnia released for the regional map? What direction are you expecting Islanders to take this improvement?

Yap: I'm going to tell you the entire story, when XKI was looking for a new cartographer general,i wanted to apply because i had an idea of creating an entire new map for the XKI,i found it a bit old.I wanted to modernize it as much as i can because i'm a part of this society and wanted to improve it yet i didn't know what others would think i didn't know how to proceed and many of the rules,thought i have messaged paffnia for the position believing i could learn during the process, then i saw paffnia has become the new cartographer general which was good for me because i talk to him before,so i just told him of my idea of making a new map,he said work on it and send me the files,the idea of creating trade unions or agreements was inspired from EEA,i believed it would create great opportunities for roleplaying. Throughout the process he help me a lot, guiding me to what to do, what are our basic rules for XKI's archipelago map,most of flags came from him because many Tito Knights has lost their active nation status,he send me web archives to find it,still doing the work i should do,i have to trace newly found trade unions and nations who wants a different spot on RP Maps,but like i said i don't have much time to read it all and make it all so just sends me news so i can update map weekly.
Many thanks to paffnia for it,without him this whole idea wouldn't work.
What i expect or what i hope islanders will do is create trade unions,create their own forum pages to make micro-transaction and have fun doing roleplays.I believe, if we have a live,active and fun community more nations would be eager to join us.

HS: Who apart from Paffnia are people you connected to early on in 10000 Islands' community? What else drew you to the region?

Yap: I can say New Fjordland recruited me in to XKI,formerly i was a member of 2d anime girl region which wasn't looked like that when i first joined,got weirder every day,the second i decided to leave i get a recruitment telegram from him.Also i use to in contact with Jiru namstansal,somethings on Jiru namstansal made me believe he was an alt nation of someone in XKI,if you are still out there Jiru namstansal,i miss you,please come and tell me more about your infinite long caterpillars and cola product of yours looks like cola but tastes better with less sugar.

HS: What is one of your favorite things you've done in this game or the time you've laughed the hardest? What's one of the more stressful or frustrating things you've done?

Yap: My favored thing to do is roleplaying HARD,like defending the ideology of my nation,even if i don't care about it,i like to make fun of extremist invaders whenever i see one.I don't remember the time i laughed the hardest,but the most frustrating things for me are events,as a region we are always uncoordinated like the last zombie event,for me i wanted to create zombie hordes but after seeing people working on cures,i started to work on cures until someone came to kill my entire population,i believe people should do whatever they want,we don't have work like ants but without coordination in such events,people doesn't get to have fun and feels excluded.
After all we are all here to pass time, have fun and socialize.

Interview lightly modified for readability

Until next month, your 10KI Update Staff is signing off - HumanSanity and THX1138