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http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/264/fremetian-elections-2020/18

At last! The saga comes to a close...

Fremet wrote:http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/527/kingdom-of-spain-v-george-montreal

Spain In The South sues Reitzmag for actions of King George I violating the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act 2020.

Wow

Spain In The South and Nofoaga

Montenbourg wrote:Wow

Welcome back to the EU! :)

Montenbourg and Nofoaga

Please vote!
:)
http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/544/erradication-of-child-marriage-act-2020

Inquista and Nofoaga

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...THE MAD SURFER!

https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39774/mad-surfer-august-2020?page=1&scrollTo=1788824

Jabberwocky wrote:Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...THE MAD SURFER!

https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39774/mad-surfer-august-2020?page=1&scrollTo=1788824

All members of the EU should check out the "A View Abroad" column for a special something! :)

Fremet, Jabberwocky, and Ramekista

Inquista wrote:All members of the EU should check out the "A View Abroad" column for a special something! :)

We'll have the NS Edition ready in a day or so.

The NS Edition of The Mad Surfer is on the newsstands now! Let me draw your attention to the article written by Inquista in A View Abroad.

THE MAD SURFER
The Official Newspaper of the 10000 Islands
August 2020

July 2020 | June 2020 | May 2020 | April 2020

"A newspaper is a mirror reflecting the public, a mirror more or less defective, but still a mirror."
-Arthur Brisbane

Weather: sunny
Water temp: perfect!
Waves: nice medium swell


POLITICS
The Council of Nine
Last Updated: August 2020

Chief Executive: Markanite
Delegate: Kuriko
Minister of Labor: Human Sanity
Minister of Immigration: THX1138
Minister of Education: The tasmanian islands
Senator for New Republica South: Controlitia
Senator for Himes West: Wille-Harlia
Senator for Blue Canaria North: Grea Kriopia
Senator for Lyonnesse East: Thedairos

-Deputy Minister of Immigration: Haivon
-Deputy Minister of Education: Alf
-Deputy Senators for Himes West: Central russia, Margaux
-Deputy Senator of blue Canaria North: Wischland

And they're OFF!
July’s Senate Elections got off to an exciting start as the contest for Lyonesse East proved to be a three way race. Free Las Pinas (MSPP) jumped off to a quick lead, followed closely by Thedairos (TCP), with Haivon (WIP) trailing by a substantial margin. At the finish line, it was Thedairos.

The election for Himes West was not without its highlights as well, as Marxist germany declined the chance to repeat. XKI Deputy Cartographer Wille-Harlia (TCP) commanded the lead from the start, emerging victorious over Krystalveil (WIP). Wille-Harlia garnered 67% of the vote. Both candidates were running in their first XKI election, as were Free Las Pinas and Thedairos. Congratulations to Wille-Harlia!

But in a huge electoral surprise, this race for LE ended in a runoff, with none of the candidates garnering 50% of the vote. As a consequence, there was a runoff election. This is unprecedented in XKI history! (We didn't actually do the research to verify that, as the waves were seriously breaking, but it sure sounds sensational doesn't it, and we are, after all, in the sensation business). To make matters even more scintillating, the runoff election finished in a tie, 27 votes apiece. Fortunately, a law is in place to accommodate a tie. The Council of Nine convened to appoint a victor.

TMS has always been an outspoken advocate of the need, may, the duty to vote, and we are gratified to see 60 voters make it to the polls. Nothing beats an actively engaged populace.


SIC BO IS BACK!

As you know, if you read this publication, XKI Casino is back in operation. The Lottery is active, and gamblers are cashing in. And now Sic Bo, everyone's favorite addiction game, is back, our Editor’s personal favorite. That sound you hear in the background? The cheeringand laughter, the loud huzzahs? That's the sound of gamblers winning tacos. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? What are you doing sitting there? Get out and win some filthy lucre!


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It's time to rediscover the LinkXKI Casino and a whole new level of entertainment! Come and experience all that's new at the LinkXKI Casino. It's a whole new game!
You're gonna need a bigger wallet...

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Oh, Shoot! Cultural Officer Grea Kriopia has announced the Cultural Offices first photography Competition.

“As many of us spend time on NationStates, it's easy to start to see overlap or little reminders in real life that remind us of the game we all enjoy,” he told TMS. “Therefore, the theme of this photography competition will be 'things that remind you of NationStates'. This is an intentionally broad topic because everyone has different perspectives of NationStates and different experiences in their life!”

The competition turned out to be a smashing success. To see the photos and to find out who was declared winner, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39629/photography-competition-public-voting.


BUSINESS NEWS

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound! That noise coming from our Editor's office was the cry of pain as Jabber's wallet took a hit when his salt mines took a turn for the worse. Here's the word coming from the offices of Regional Reserve:

The Surgeon General of 10000 Islands has finally issued the long-awaited results on her 3 year study of the effects of excess salt on the human body. This study was prompted by they way many Islanders use salt, which is to shake many shakes of the salt shaker on all of their food before even tasting it. The study clearly showed a direct line between excess salt use and many health issues, including but not limited to googly eyes, morgellons disease, water allergies, foreign accent syndrome, fish odor malopathy, and skoptic syndrome. On hearing this, salt use plunged to levels unimaginable several months ago. People who owned stock in Salt Mines saw their stock lose an enormous amount of tacos this month.

Mortimer Printout - August 2020
Economic Outlook
Sector: 3 - Regular Economy
Item: Salt Mine
Bonus: -1,500 Ŧ
Mitigation: Inter Island Subway
Adjustment: -50%
Stock Market:
From 01-July-2020 to 31-July-2020
Average Change: -3,105 Ŧ
Percent Change: -7%—Stocks Decline
Average Dividend (Base/Dividend): (305/285)

The stock report in its entirety can be found here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39742/august-health-scare.


XKI Space Program

You read it here first, Dear Reader, and you will continue to hear more about the XKI Space Program. Not only have your fellow citizens reached the moon, but now we've seen our very first SPACE RACE! And an exciting contest it was as Markanite challenged our favorite Editor, Jabberwocky. Now, we here at TMS consider ourselves skilled at wordsmithing, but few compare favorably to Paffnia, so details of the Space Race might be better left to him, so read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39734/space-launch-results-august-2020.

Lunar real estate is going fast as Islanders are arriving there on a monthly basis. Get on board the Space Shuttle and get your own. To see what the lunar landscape looks like now, check out the Moon Map: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38862/moon-map.


BEHIND THE NATION

Dorab is well known in these parts, especially after making something of a hobby of running for political office. We cornered him between campaigns and applied the pressure with these penetrating questions.

TMS: What country are you from?
Dorab: Nebraska, United States of America
TMS: What’s the grossest food you ever had to eat to be polite?
Dorab:I don't find much food gross, so this is a hard one. I think I would have to go with cooked radishes.
TMS: Who is your favorite musician?
Dorab:Technically a composer, but Stravinsky.
TMS: What afterschool activity did you quit as a kid, and why?
Dorab:String Orchestra because band is better. Band has diversity in insturments.
TMS: If you could turn the ocean into a liquid other than water, which one would you pick?
Dorab:Tomato sause. Just imagine people coming out of the ocean dripping in tomatoes.
TMS: What is your favorite conspiracy theory? And do you believe in it?
Dorab:Maybe that Obama wasn't born in the US. It's just so dumb and random. I obviously don't believe in it.
TMS: Do you have a favorite author? If you could make them write for any TV show which TV show would it be.
Dorab:Reaching back to my early years here when I say Andrew Clements. His books were simple, but always interesting and thought provoking. As for the TV show, maybe "The Good Place." I do not watch much television though.
TMS: If you could ban 1 food from the face of the planet what would you ban?
Dorab:I'm noticing a theme here... Another tough question for me. I've never been particularly fond of provolone cheese, so I guess that.
TMS: What is your favorite hobby?
Dorab:Either coin collecting or camping. My favorite coin is a 1853 French coin with Napoleon on it and I go camping monthly with my Scouts BSA troop.
TMS: Who is your favorite comic book character?
Dorab:I never really got into comic books myself.
TMS: What vice could you never give up?
Dorab:Picking my fingernails. I find it so annoying when they are long, and it gives my something to do when I am bored.
TMS: If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
Dorab:A peregrine falcon! The thrill of diving through the air would be amazing.
TMS: What will be the title of your autobiography?
Dorab:The Moments, Thoughts, and Random Facts of [INSERT REAL NAME HERE]

Thank you, Mr. D for stopping to chat with TMS.


A VIEW ABROAD

Beginning in this current issue of TMS, we feature what we hope will become a regular column. Herein, we offer a view of life and politics in other regions, specifically regions with whom we have Embassies. In this, the pilot column, we are gratified to introduce to our readers the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Inquista, who has also resurrected EU's Embassy thread on our forums. To wit:

[i]The European Taco Act Ends in Catastrophe

The European Commissioner of Foreign Affairs returned to Europolis from his most recent trip to the 10000 Islands. While visiting the Islands, the Commissioner fell in love with their scrumptious tacos, which the Islanders use as their regional currency. The Foreign Affairs Commissioner met with the Premier Commissioner, and discussed the possibility of replacing Euros with deliciously edible tacos as a new and better form of currency. The Premier Commissioner was intrigued by the proposal and organized a meeting between the Foreign Affairs Commissioner and the Director of the European Central Bank. After some deliberation, ECB Director was happily convinced that replacing Euros with tasty tacos was a good idea. The Foreign Affairs Commissioner wrote a legislative motion on the matter and proposed it to the European Council.

The proposal was met with a passionate response. The Councillor from Icholasen was greatly hesitant. Icholasen is a country where nearly the entire population is violently lactose intolerant, and where dairy is classified as a controlled substance. After some debate, the Councillor from Icholasen proposed an amendment that would ban the tacos from containing any cheese or sour cream, and the amendment was subsequently passed. The Councillor from Inquista then expressed concern about the ecological impact of producing meat to put on all the tacos, and proposed an amendment that would make it mandatory that all tacos could only contain tofu. The Councillor from the Duxburian Union was very opposed to this, as Duxburians are typically required to eat at least 120g of protein every day as part of their diets. The Duxburian Councillors was out-voted on the matter, and the amendment was passed.

A debate then broke out between the Councillors of Angleter and Vayinaod, with the former of which arguing that the tacos should be heavily spiced, and the latter of which demanded that the tacos not be spiced at all. After the debate, the Council voted to heavily spice the tacos. The Councillor from Spain then proposed an amendment that required all tacos to have soft shells, rather than hard shells, which was then passed. The Councillor from Pravoslaviya was in disbelief of the whole proposal, and demanded to know why the EU was adopting an idea from the 10000 Islands, and then demanded that the Islands all be counted as to verify the claim that there were 10000 of them. The Council Speaker censured the Pravoslaviyan Councillor, and in the end, the whole Taco Act was passed.

The European Central Bank was converted into a massive kitchen, and the former ECB Director was replaced by the Head Chef of the Leagioan Eurocook competition. The new taco currency proved to be a disaster (and likely violation the EU’s Biological Weapons Act). The combination of the heavy spices, tofu and soft taco shell would almost always result in terrible food poisoning. Moreover, the tacos became an incognito smuggling conduit for the recently discovered ievonuia drug from Eastern Haane, which produces powerfully vivid hallucination. As food poisoning and vivid hallucinations created mayhem across Europe, the European Council quickly moved to repeal the Taco Act and motioned to impeach the Foreign Affairs Commissioner, who was last seen fleeing Europe on a flight to Blue Canaria North.

TMS is hoping our other emissaries will be inspired to persuade their regions to offer some cultural insight in these pages.


WA SCENE
By
THX1138

Congratulation to Delegate Kuriko, who earned in July yet another SC feather for a cap that is already so dense with them, it's at risk of taking independent flight. There's a secret to all this success, I'm sure, and some part of it must involve the ability to create some manner of temporal vortex inside which one has time to write these things. Such a spacetime eludes me, but Kuri seems to have found a way to do it while raising barns and working full time and catching the occasional fish, so I doff my own (featherless) cap.

Also in the list of July authors is Marxist Germany, with an equally well-structured commendation that didn't quite get the love. Commendations are tricky things to write, and people's reasons for supporting them at vote time are often subjective. It can all be a bit inside / clubby sometimes. There are frequently political motivations behind a lack of support. Occasionally, someone said or did something in past that forever relegated them to the 'uncommendable' category. It's a mysterious, sliding standard that is as varied as people themselves.

Personally, I have a couple hard and fast rules about commendations that determine whether I support them or not, and I do my best to make it about a fair assessment of the target's contributions to the game or the community. That said, everyone's formula is a bit different. Some get passed over, and I'm not sure why, others get support and I'm left scratching my head. It's always a good idea to set your own bar, give the resolutions a good read, and make your own decisions. There are regions out there voting in blocs, and doing so early, to capture what they call 'the lemming effect' – the tendency of later voters to simply cast their ballots in a manner that a seeming majority already have. Just because a resolution gets a lot of initial support, doesn't necessarily mean it's worthy of it.
On the subject of headscratchers, there were a couple in July, so let's do the review and talk a bit about it…


GAR#497 "Repeal: 'Military Identification Tag Act'”: The target passed just a couple months ago, and seemed to most to be a good idea. The repeal highlighted some potential flaws in the plan that could leave combatants open to unique forms of torture based on information provided on the ID tags. We’ll call this one 'lessons from Abu Ghraib'. The repeal passed with 80% support and the target is no more.

GAR#498 "Ban on Forced Blood Sports": A much tighter margin of support for this resolution, seeking to eliminate forced animal fighting like dogfights and cockfighting, and prohibiting forced gladiator-style fights to the death among sapient beings. For some reason, slaughtering an animal in the name of an imaginary deity got an exemption, which was enough reason for me to call BS on the whole thing. It still managed to pass by a sliver with 54% support.

GAR#499 "Access to Abortion": Despite a couple of attempts by minority players to undermine the WA approval process, this one eventually made queue. Gone are the heady days of Nation States where such a resolution would have inspired a tooth and nail battle to the last vote. Abortion must be available throughout the multiverse, and this new legislation will prevent those who maintain an ideological opposition from spitefully building their clinics on mountain tops. 71% support here, and that would probably have been higher if someone could convince IA to just use plain language occasionally. The support exists in the community, no need for the constant[font color="f30a71"] bafflegab[/font].

SC "Condemn ravana" (did not pass): This lover's quarrel did not capture the enthusiasm of the wider community, and the general voter message was 'take it up with your marriage counselor'. 90% opposed.

GA "Peaceful First Contact" (did not pass): If memory serves, there was another attempt at something like this about 2 years ago. That one wasn't great but this one really failed to bridge the gap between a nice, albeit naïve idea, and the realities of how groups of people come together in no man's land. It got a rough ride with 75% of voters and went back from whence it came.

SC "Commend Christian Democrats" (did not pass): MG's most recent opus got hamstrung early by his inability to campaign for it. The target is a prolific author in the WA, has provided issues to challenge the community, has maintained leadership positions in a variety of regions…slam dunk, right? Well, no. A big early stomp set the tone, and this resolution never recovered. 84% of voters suggested that you can either be a contributor to the community, or a Christian, but probably not both.

GAR#500 "International Criminal Protocol": Designed to make clear that the abuse, isolation, and mistreatment of the incarcerated is no longer permitted. Most of the problem 'against' voters had with this (apart from the usual NatSov complaints) was in the ways it defined such abuses. For me, that hesitancy to support came around forced labour. I don't really see a problem with prisoners being made to lend their labour as part of their repayment of social debt, and not all jurisdictions practice the sort of corporate exploitation of prisoners that is common in some places. Prisons themselves are run by inmates in terms of day-to-day operations (like the cooking and provision of food, laundry, etc) and that's okay by me. It's not a paying job, it's punishment. The voting was close until day 3, when a 61% majority gave it ascent. I was not among them, despite agreeing with a lot of the other measures outlined. This one could see a repeal.

SC "Condemn Mikeswill" (did not pass): This was one of those condemnations that was really a commendation sort of deals, but really, no one cared either way. 69% of voters have apparently been ripped off by Mike in the card market, and karma's a b*tch.

GAR#501 "Wartime Journalism Protection Act": Great in theory, impossible to enforce in practice. This will serve as a polite suggestion about what shouldn't be done to journalists in warzones, and what sort of access they should be given, but it assumes that the combatants are going to play nice, which they never do. 64% support and a good potential for repeal once exposed to the cold light of day.

SCR#315 "Commend Vippertooth33": The first successful SC resolution of the month emphasized the target's ongoing fight against online Nazi types. I frequently have trouble differentiating between fervent ideologues on the right and fervent ideologues on the left, and don't tend to buy into the 'arsonists-for-progress' veneer, so it was a 'meh' from me. Regardless, 80% of voters gave it the nod.

GA "International Transportation Preclearance Act" (did not pass): I don't use the term 'dumb as hell' very often here, but now I have. 71% against.

SCR#316 "Commend Frieden-und Freudenland": Author, community involved, friend of the Forest. Easy pass with 84% support, and Kuriko has a couple more of these easy-to-love commendations in the pipe.

GAR#502 "Repeal 'Freedom to Seek Medical Care II'": Honeydewistania's third of the month, and second win. The repeal identified a loophole in the target, and 86% believed strongly enough in the flaw to support the target's undoing.

Until next month, I'll pluck the feathers and have them at the ready. Keep your eyes on the skies.


ROOKIE OF THE QUARTER

Just as we were going to press, we received an alert from our InterIslands News Bureau. The Senator of Himes West, Marxist germany, has named the RoQ for this, the third quarter of 2020. The recipient of the award had to rush to this ceremony directly after receiving his Featured Nation Award, the very same Wille-Harlia! Evidently not one to rest on his laurels, Mr. WH was short of breath as he humbly accepted his award.


ASK SANDY
Featuring
Sandy Shoals

Dear Sandy, I've been with my boyfriend for 5 years, he's now 32. He's a great guy but for one thing: a disturbing tendency to spend the night at his mother's house. She only lives 15 miles away, so we tend to see her frequently as it is. One evening while I was visiting my sister, he left our two young children alone in the house while he went to his mother's. Why? It was her birthday! To me, that's not a good enough reason to leave the kids alone overnight, even though he returned before they got up. He's very sensitive about the subject and doesn't want to discuss it. I'm on the verge of carrying the argument straight to her and tell her to quit interfering. Any advice? Hot Under the Collar

Dear Hot, this raises a couple of questions. I understand there is a clinical term for this condition: Mama’s Boy, sometimes known as Peter Pan Syndrome. He's 32? You have multiple kids without tying the knot? (I'm traditional that way) If he's endangering your children, it's just too bloody bad that he doesn't want to talk about it. I recommend marriage counseling...with a baseball bat! Mom is clearly manipulating junior, and it's time for you to gain the upper hand. Your inclination to go to the source is well founded, but gird your loins  for battle, it's gonna get bloody. If he's not willing to side with his wife, it may also be time to consider other options.

Are you troubled too? Are you one of the many who seek advice for personal or professional problems? Ask Sandy Shoals!


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

Our RMB roleplay region, known as A Taco Archipelago, is currently conducting a Flag Design Competition. The winner stands to gain 100,000 T. Designs must be submitted by August 7. For more details, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39647/flag-contest-taco-archipelago.

For Card Players in the region, we have a new Cards Co-op, a cooperative framework for developing regional card culture and sharing card resources. To get the pertinent information on this critical development, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39633/welcome-cards-op.



EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Mad Surfer is looking for highly qualified, motivated, dedicated writers. But maybe you would like to try your hand at it, too. And now WE CAN PAY YOU! Yes, we actually now have a payroll department! Pay commensurate with talent and ability to ingratiate oneself with Editor. Stringent job examination includes placing a mirror in front of your mouth to see if it fogs up. Please notify Jabberwocky to apply.

Chief Executive Markanite is seeking RMB Regional Officers for our new RMB region A Taco Archipelago following the resignation of Marxist germany and Human Sanity For full job specs, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39630/seeking-new-rmb-regional-officers.

As always, XKI needs Emissaries to help conduct our foreign affairs. Please apply here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37610/emissaries-needed.

These job opening and more can be found publicly posted here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/board/71/10000-islands-job-opportunities.



You, too, can be one of the lucky few. Have TMS delivered right to your virtual door: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35671/subscription-sign-list.

The Mad Surfer is:
Staff Writers: Jabberwocky, THX1138, Sandy Shoals, Sherlock Quixote;
Foreign Correspondent: Inquista (European Union);
Editor in Chief/Circulation/Advertising: Jabberwocky;
Associate Editor: Marxist germany.

Read dispatch

My apologies for the double post.

Jabberwocky wrote:The NS Edition of The Mad Surfer is on the newsstands now! Let me draw your attention to the article written by Inquista in A View Abroad.
THE MAD SURFER
The Official Newspaper of the 10000 Islands
August 2020

July 2020 | June 2020 | May 2020 | April 2020

"A newspaper is a mirror reflecting the public, a mirror more or less defective, but still a mirror."
-Arthur Brisbane

Weather: sunny
Water temp: perfect!
Waves: nice medium swell


POLITICS
The Council of Nine
Last Updated: August 2020

Chief Executive: Markanite
Delegate: Kuriko
Minister of Labor: Human Sanity
Minister of Immigration: THX1138
Minister of Education: The tasmanian islands
Senator for New Republica South: Controlitia
Senator for Himes West: Wille-Harlia
Senator for Blue Canaria North: Grea Kriopia
Senator for Lyonnesse East: Thedairos

-Deputy Minister of Immigration: Haivon
-Deputy Minister of Education: Alf
-Deputy Senators for Himes West: Central russia, Margaux
-Deputy Senator of blue Canaria North: Wischland

And they're OFF!
July’s Senate Elections got off to an exciting start as the contest for Lyonesse East proved to be a three way race. Free Las Pinas (MSPP) jumped off to a quick lead, followed closely by Thedairos (TCP), with Haivon (WIP) trailing by a substantial margin. At the finish line, it was Thedairos.

The election for Himes West was not without its highlights as well, as Marxist germany declined the chance to repeat. XKI Deputy Cartographer Wille-Harlia (TCP) commanded the lead from the start, emerging victorious over Krystalveil (WIP). Wille-Harlia garnered 67% of the vote. Both candidates were running in their first XKI election, as were Free Las Pinas and Thedairos. Congratulations to Wille-Harlia!

But in a huge electoral surprise, this race for LE ended in a runoff, with none of the candidates garnering 50% of the vote. As a consequence, there was a runoff election. This is unprecedented in XKI history! (We didn't actually do the research to verify that, as the waves were seriously breaking, but it sure sounds sensational doesn't it, and we are, after all, in the sensation business). To make matters even more scintillating, the runoff election finished in a tie, 27 votes apiece. Fortunately, a law is in place to accommodate a tie. The Council of Nine convened to appoint a victor.

TMS has always been an outspoken advocate of the need, may, the duty to vote, and we are gratified to see 60 voters make it to the polls. Nothing beats an actively engaged populace.


SIC BO IS BACK!

As you know, if you read this publication, XKI Casino is back in operation. The Lottery is active, and gamblers are cashing in. And now Sic Bo, everyone's favorite addiction game, is back, our Editor’s personal favorite. That sound you hear in the background? The cheeringand laughter, the loud huzzahs? That's the sound of gamblers winning tacos. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? What are you doing sitting there? Get out and win some filthy lucre!


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It's time to rediscover the LinkXKI Casino and a whole new level of entertainment! Come and experience all that's new at the LinkXKI Casino. It's a whole new game!
You're gonna need a bigger wallet...

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Oh, Shoot! Cultural Officer Grea Kriopia has announced the Cultural Offices first photography Competition.

“As many of us spend time on NationStates, it's easy to start to see overlap or little reminders in real life that remind us of the game we all enjoy,” he told TMS. “Therefore, the theme of this photography competition will be 'things that remind you of NationStates'. This is an intentionally broad topic because everyone has different perspectives of NationStates and different experiences in their life!”

The competition turned out to be a smashing success. To see the photos and to find out who was declared winner, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39629/photography-competition-public-voting.


BUSINESS NEWS

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound! That noise coming from our Editor's office was the cry of pain as Jabber's wallet took a hit when his salt mines took a turn for the worse. Here's the word coming from the offices of Regional Reserve:

The Surgeon General of 10000 Islands has finally issued the long-awaited results on her 3 year study of the effects of excess salt on the human body. This study was prompted by they way many Islanders use salt, which is to shake many shakes of the salt shaker on all of their food before even tasting it. The study clearly showed a direct line between excess salt use and many health issues, including but not limited to googly eyes, morgellons disease, water allergies, foreign accent syndrome, fish odor malopathy, and skoptic syndrome. On hearing this, salt use plunged to levels unimaginable several months ago. People who owned stock in Salt Mines saw their stock lose an enormous amount of tacos this month.

Mortimer Printout - August 2020
Economic Outlook
Sector: 3 - Regular Economy
Item: Salt Mine
Bonus: -1,500 Ŧ
Mitigation: Inter Island Subway
Adjustment: -50%
Stock Market:
From 01-July-2020 to 31-July-2020
Average Change: -3,105 Ŧ
Percent Change: -7%—Stocks Decline
Average Dividend (Base/Dividend): (305/285)

The stock report in its entirety can be found here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39742/august-health-scare.


XKI Space Program

You read it here first, Dear Reader, and you will continue to hear more about the XKI Space Program. Not only have your fellow citizens reached the moon, but now we've seen our very first SPACE RACE! And an exciting contest it was as Markanite challenged our favorite Editor, Jabberwocky. Now, we here at TMS consider ourselves skilled at wordsmithing, but few compare favorably to Paffnia, so details of the Space Race might be better left to him, so read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39734/space-launch-results-august-2020.

Lunar real estate is going fast as Islanders are arriving there on a monthly basis. Get on board the Space Shuttle and get your own. To see what the lunar landscape looks like now, check out the Moon Map: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38862/moon-map.


BEHIND THE NATION

Dorab is well known in these parts, especially after making something of a hobby of running for political office. We cornered him between campaigns and applied the pressure with these penetrating questions.

TMS: What country are you from?
Dorab: Nebraska, United States of America
TMS: What’s the grossest food you ever had to eat to be polite?
Dorab:I don't find much food gross, so this is a hard one. I think I would have to go with cooked radishes.
TMS: Who is your favorite musician?
Dorab:Technically a composer, but Stravinsky.
TMS: What afterschool activity did you quit as a kid, and why?
Dorab:String Orchestra because band is better. Band has diversity in insturments.
TMS: If you could turn the ocean into a liquid other than water, which one would you pick?
Dorab:Tomato sause. Just imagine people coming out of the ocean dripping in tomatoes.
TMS: What is your favorite conspiracy theory? And do you believe in it?
Dorab:Maybe that Obama wasn't born in the US. It's just so dumb and random. I obviously don't believe in it.
TMS: Do you have a favorite author? If you could make them write for any TV show which TV show would it be.
Dorab:Reaching back to my early years here when I say Andrew Clements. His books were simple, but always interesting and thought provoking. As for the TV show, maybe "The Good Place." I do not watch much television though.
TMS: If you could ban 1 food from the face of the planet what would you ban?
Dorab:I'm noticing a theme here... Another tough question for me. I've never been particularly fond of provolone cheese, so I guess that.
TMS: What is your favorite hobby?
Dorab:Either coin collecting or camping. My favorite coin is a 1853 French coin with Napoleon on it and I go camping monthly with my Scouts BSA troop.
TMS: Who is your favorite comic book character?
Dorab:I never really got into comic books myself.
TMS: What vice could you never give up?
Dorab:Picking my fingernails. I find it so annoying when they are long, and it gives my something to do when I am bored.
TMS: If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
Dorab:A peregrine falcon! The thrill of diving through the air would be amazing.
TMS: What will be the title of your autobiography?
Dorab:The Moments, Thoughts, and Random Facts of [INSERT REAL NAME HERE]

Thank you, Mr. D for stopping to chat with TMS.


A VIEW ABROAD

Beginning in this current issue of TMS, we feature what we hope will become a regular column. Herein, we offer a view of life and politics in other regions, specifically regions with whom we have Embassies. In this, the pilot column, we are gratified to introduce to our readers the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Inquista, who has also resurrected EU's Embassy thread on our forums. To wit:

[i]The European Taco Act Ends in Catastrophe

The European Commissioner of Foreign Affairs returned to Europolis from his most recent trip to the 10000 Islands. While visiting the Islands, the Commissioner fell in love with their scrumptious tacos, which the Islanders use as their regional currency. The Foreign Affairs Commissioner met with the Premier Commissioner, and discussed the possibility of replacing Euros with deliciously edible tacos as a new and better form of currency. The Premier Commissioner was intrigued by the proposal and organized a meeting between the Foreign Affairs Commissioner and the Director of the European Central Bank. After some deliberation, ECB Director was happily convinced that replacing Euros with tasty tacos was a good idea. The Foreign Affairs Commissioner wrote a legislative motion on the matter and proposed it to the European Council.

The proposal was met with a passionate response. The Councillor from Icholasen was greatly hesitant. Icholasen is a country where nearly the entire population is violently lactose intolerant, and where dairy is classified as a controlled substance. After some debate, the Councillor from Icholasen proposed an amendment that would ban the tacos from containing any cheese or sour cream, and the amendment was subsequently passed. The Councillor from Inquista then expressed concern about the ecological impact of producing meat to put on all the tacos, and proposed an amendment that would make it mandatory that all tacos could only contain tofu. The Councillor from the Duxburian Union was very opposed to this, as Duxburians are typically required to eat at least 120g of protein every day as part of their diets. The Duxburian Councillors was out-voted on the matter, and the amendment was passed.

A debate then broke out between the Councillors of Angleter and Vayinaod, with the former of which arguing that the tacos should be heavily spiced, and the latter of which demanded that the tacos not be spiced at all. After the debate, the Council voted to heavily spice the tacos. The Councillor from Spain then proposed an amendment that required all tacos to have soft shells, rather than hard shells, which was then passed. The Councillor from Pravoslaviya was in disbelief of the whole proposal, and demanded to know why the EU was adopting an idea from the 10000 Islands, and then demanded that the Islands all be counted as to verify the claim that there were 10000 of them. The Council Speaker censured the Pravoslaviyan Councillor, and in the end, the whole Taco Act was passed.

The European Central Bank was converted into a massive kitchen, and the former ECB Director was replaced by the Head Chef of the Leagioan Eurocook competition. The new taco currency proved to be a disaster (and likely violation the EU’s Biological Weapons Act). The combination of the heavy spices, tofu and soft taco shell would almost always result in terrible food poisoning. Moreover, the tacos became an incognito smuggling conduit for the recently discovered ievonuia drug from Eastern Haane, which produces powerfully vivid hallucination. As food poisoning and vivid hallucinations created mayhem across Europe, the European Council quickly moved to repeal the Taco Act and motioned to impeach the Foreign Affairs Commissioner, who was last seen fleeing Europe on a flight to Blue Canaria North.

TMS is hoping our other emissaries will be inspired to persuade their regions to offer some cultural insight in these pages.


WA SCENE
By
THX1138

Congratulation to Delegate Kuriko, who earned in July yet another SC feather for a cap that is already so dense with them, it's at risk of taking independent flight. There's a secret to all this success, I'm sure, and some part of it must involve the ability to create some manner of temporal vortex inside which one has time to write these things. Such a spacetime eludes me, but Kuri seems to have found a way to do it while raising barns and working full time and catching the occasional fish, so I doff my own (featherless) cap.

Also in the list of July authors is Marxist Germany, with an equally well-structured commendation that didn't quite get the love. Commendations are tricky things to write, and people's reasons for supporting them at vote time are often subjective. It can all be a bit inside / clubby sometimes. There are frequently political motivations behind a lack of support. Occasionally, someone said or did something in past that forever relegated them to the 'uncommendable' category. It's a mysterious, sliding standard that is as varied as people themselves.

Personally, I have a couple hard and fast rules about commendations that determine whether I support them or not, and I do my best to make it about a fair assessment of the target's contributions to the game or the community. That said, everyone's formula is a bit different. Some get passed over, and I'm not sure why, others get support and I'm left scratching my head. It's always a good idea to set your own bar, give the resolutions a good read, and make your own decisions. There are regions out there voting in blocs, and doing so early, to capture what they call 'the lemming effect' – the tendency of later voters to simply cast their ballots in a manner that a seeming majority already have. Just because a resolution gets a lot of initial support, doesn't necessarily mean it's worthy of it.
On the subject of headscratchers, there were a couple in July, so let's do the review and talk a bit about it…


GAR#497 "Repeal: 'Military Identification Tag Act'”: The target passed just a couple months ago, and seemed to most to be a good idea. The repeal highlighted some potential flaws in the plan that could leave combatants open to unique forms of torture based on information provided on the ID tags. We’ll call this one 'lessons from Abu Ghraib'. The repeal passed with 80% support and the target is no more.

GAR#498 "Ban on Forced Blood Sports": A much tighter margin of support for this resolution, seeking to eliminate forced animal fighting like dogfights and cockfighting, and prohibiting forced gladiator-style fights to the death among sapient beings. For some reason, slaughtering an animal in the name of an imaginary deity got an exemption, which was enough reason for me to call BS on the whole thing. It still managed to pass by a sliver with 54% support.

GAR#499 "Access to Abortion": Despite a couple of attempts by minority players to undermine the WA approval process, this one eventually made queue. Gone are the heady days of Nation States where such a resolution would have inspired a tooth and nail battle to the last vote. Abortion must be available throughout the multiverse, and this new legislation will prevent those who maintain an ideological opposition from spitefully building their clinics on mountain tops. 71% support here, and that would probably have been higher if someone could convince IA to just use plain language occasionally. The support exists in the community, no need for the constant[font color="f30a71"] bafflegab[/font].

SC "Condemn ravana" (did not pass): This lover's quarrel did not capture the enthusiasm of the wider community, and the general voter message was 'take it up with your marriage counselor'. 90% opposed.

GA "Peaceful First Contact" (did not pass): If memory serves, there was another attempt at something like this about 2 years ago. That one wasn't great but this one really failed to bridge the gap between a nice, albeit naïve idea, and the realities of how groups of people come together in no man's land. It got a rough ride with 75% of voters and went back from whence it came.

SC "Commend Christian Democrats" (did not pass): MG's most recent opus got hamstrung early by his inability to campaign for it. The target is a prolific author in the WA, has provided issues to challenge the community, has maintained leadership positions in a variety of regions…slam dunk, right? Well, no. A big early stomp set the tone, and this resolution never recovered. 84% of voters suggested that you can either be a contributor to the community, or a Christian, but probably not both.

GAR#500 "International Criminal Protocol": Designed to make clear that the abuse, isolation, and mistreatment of the incarcerated is no longer permitted. Most of the problem 'against' voters had with this (apart from the usual NatSov complaints) was in the ways it defined such abuses. For me, that hesitancy to support came around forced labour. I don't really see a problem with prisoners being made to lend their labour as part of their repayment of social debt, and not all jurisdictions practice the sort of corporate exploitation of prisoners that is common in some places. Prisons themselves are run by inmates in terms of day-to-day operations (like the cooking and provision of food, laundry, etc) and that's okay by me. It's not a paying job, it's punishment. The voting was close until day 3, when a 61% majority gave it ascent. I was not among them, despite agreeing with a lot of the other measures outlined. This one could see a repeal.

SC "Condemn Mikeswill" (did not pass): This was one of those condemnations that was really a commendation sort of deals, but really, no one cared either way. 69% of voters have apparently been ripped off by Mike in the card market, and karma's a b*tch.

GAR#501 "Wartime Journalism Protection Act": Great in theory, impossible to enforce in practice. This will serve as a polite suggestion about what shouldn't be done to journalists in warzones, and what sort of access they should be given, but it assumes that the combatants are going to play nice, which they never do. 64% support and a good potential for repeal once exposed to the cold light of day.

SCR#315 "Commend Vippertooth33": The first successful SC resolution of the month emphasized the target's ongoing fight against online Nazi types. I frequently have trouble differentiating between fervent ideologues on the right and fervent ideologues on the left, and don't tend to buy into the 'arsonists-for-progress' veneer, so it was a 'meh' from me. Regardless, 80% of voters gave it the nod.

GA "International Transportation Preclearance Act" (did not pass): I don't use the term 'dumb as hell' very often here, but now I have. 71% against.

SCR#316 "Commend Frieden-und Freudenland": Author, community involved, friend of the Forest. Easy pass with 84% support, and Kuriko has a couple more of these easy-to-love commendations in the pipe.

GAR#502 "Repeal 'Freedom to Seek Medical Care II'": Honeydewistania's third of the month, and second win. The repeal identified a loophole in the target, and 86% believed strongly enough in the flaw to support the target's undoing.

Until next month, I'll pluck the feathers and have them at the ready. Keep your eyes on the skies.


ROOKIE OF THE QUARTER

Just as we were going to press, we received an alert from our InterIslands News Bureau. The Senator of Himes West, Marxist germany, has named the RoQ for this, the third quarter of 2020. The recipient of the award had to rush to this ceremony directly after receiving his Featured Nation Award, the very same Wille-Harlia! Evidently not one to rest on his laurels, Mr. WH was short of breath as he humbly accepted his award.


ASK SANDY
Featuring
Sandy Shoals

Dear Sandy, I've been with my boyfriend for 5 years, he's now 32. He's a great guy but for one thing: a disturbing tendency to spend the night at his mother's house. She only lives 15 miles away, so we tend to see her frequently as it is. One evening while I was visiting my sister, he left our two young children alone in the house while he went to his mother's. Why? It was her birthday! To me, that's not a good enough reason to leave the kids alone overnight, even though he returned before they got up. He's very sensitive about the subject and doesn't want to discuss it. I'm on the verge of carrying the argument straight to her and tell her to quit interfering. Any advice? Hot Under the Collar

Dear Hot, this raises a couple of questions. I understand there is a clinical term for this condition: Mama’s Boy, sometimes known as Peter Pan Syndrome. He's 32? You have multiple kids without tying the knot? (I'm traditional that way) If he's endangering your children, it's just too bloody bad that he doesn't want to talk about it. I recommend marriage counseling...with a baseball bat! Mom is clearly manipulating junior, and it's time for you to gain the upper hand. Your inclination to go to the source is well founded, but gird your loins  for battle, it's gonna get bloody. If he's not willing to side with his wife, it may also be time to consider other options.

Are you troubled too? Are you one of the many who seek advice for personal or professional problems? Ask Sandy Shoals!


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

Our RMB roleplay region, known as A Taco Archipelago, is currently conducting a Flag Design Competition. The winner stands to gain 100,000 T. Designs must be submitted by August 7. For more details, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39647/flag-contest-taco-archipelago.

For Card Players in the region, we have a new Cards Co-op, a cooperative framework for developing regional card culture and sharing card resources. To get the pertinent information on this critical development, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39633/welcome-cards-op.



EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Mad Surfer is looking for highly qualified, motivated, dedicated writers. But maybe you would like to try your hand at it, too. And now WE CAN PAY YOU! Yes, we actually now have a payroll department! Pay commensurate with talent and ability to ingratiate oneself with Editor. Stringent job examination includes placing a mirror in front of your mouth to see if it fogs up. Please notify Jabberwocky to apply.

Chief Executive Markanite is seeking RMB Regional Officers for our new RMB region A Taco Archipelago following the resignation of Marxist germany and Human Sanity For full job specs, read this: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39630/seeking-new-rmb-regional-officers.

As always, XKI needs Emissaries to help conduct our foreign affairs. Please apply here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37610/emissaries-needed.

These job opening and more can be found publicly posted here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/board/71/10000-islands-job-opportunities.



You, too, can be one of the lucky few. Have TMS delivered right to your virtual door: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35671/subscription-sign-list.

The Mad Surfer is:
Staff Writers: Jabberwocky, THX1138, Sandy Shoals, Sherlock Quixote;
Foreign Correspondent: Inquista (European Union);
Editor in Chief/Circulation/Advertising: Jabberwocky;
Associate Editor: Marxist germany.

Read dispatch

My apologies for the double post.

No apologies needed! This transcends beyond journalism... this is literature.

As if we didn't give you enough to read already:


10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: July 2020
Population: 1657
Delegate Endorsements: 653
Forum: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/
Discord: Linkhttps://discord.gg/mw27pug

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 reportís publication, the Government of 10000 Islands consists of:
~Chief Executive: Markanite
~WA Delegate: Kuriko
~Senior Senator for Blue Canaria North (Emissary Report): Grea Kriopia
~Senator for Lyonnesse East (Houses): Thedairos
~Senator for New Republica South (Debates and Discussions): Controlitia
~Senator for Himes West (RP): Wille-Harlia
~Minister of Labor: HumanSanity
~Minister of Immigration: THX1138
~Minister of Education: The tasmanian islands

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

July Elections

Scheduled elections took place in July for the positions of Senator for Himes West (roleplay) and Senator for Lyonnesse East (houses).

Wille-Harlia of TCP defeated Krystalveil of WIP with 40 votes to 20 to become Senator of Himes West.

Free Las Pinas (MSPP), Thedairos (TCP), and Haivon (WIP) all entered the first race for Lyonnesse East with the conclusion resulting in a runoff between Thedairos and Free Las Pinas as no candidate reached a 50% majority of votes. The ensuing run-off resulted in a tie that then triggered a vote by the Council of Nine to select the new senator, all of this culminating to the election of Thedairos as Senator of Lyonnesse East.

XKI thanks Marxist germany and The United Royal Islands of Euramathania for their previous service. Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the other candidates.

New Government Appointments

~ July saw the transition of the Culture Office over to now Cultural Officer Grea Kriopia after HumanSanity's resignation following the end of the XKI Summer Olympics.
~ HumanSanity didn't go far though, as he was appointed by Chief Executive Markanite to serve as the first President of the XKI Cards Co-op.
~ As the Co-op President, HumanSanity gained Free Las Pinas and HN67 as Cards Co-op administrators to help oversee the new venture.
~ Free Las Pinas was also brought on as Casino Shift Manager with last month's Casino revitalization and as Deputy Senator for Lyonesse East following the election of Thedairos
~ Senator Grea Kriopia brought on Wischland as Deputy for Blue Canaria North to aid in the creation of this report.
~ Delegate Kuriko hired Ignis cinere onto the TIBOE team as an official endorser to help boost and maintain endorsements.
~ The evergrowing FA team saw HumanSanity made emissary to Founderless.
~ Our Minister of Education The tasmanian islands sought a new Deputy after the election of Wille-Harlia and hired Pacifical.
~ Senator Wille-Harlia also hired Central russia and Margaux as Deputies for Himes West.

Around the Islands

~ Wille-Harlia was named LinkRookie of the Quarter for his exceptional work as a TITO member, Recruiter, and Deputy Minister of Education, among other positions, as well as his outstanding contributions to the forum and A Taco Archipelago's RMB. Congratulations Wille-Harlia!
~ Islanders enjoyed a multitude of potato-based dishes alongside residents of Spiritus, at a LinkPotato Potluck celebration of Kuriko and The Salaxans' achievements as WA Secretary-General and Vice Secretary-General. All participants are several potato recipes richer, with a few even being lucky enough to receive Kuriko and The Salaxalans trading cards.
~ The XKI Card Co-op is making good progress under the guidance of Cards Co-op President HumanSanity, with plans for a transfer card-sharing system and a mentorship program. The hard work of Co-op members has already facilitated the card rewards for several of this month's events.
~ July's LinkFeatured Nation was Free Las Pinas, whose exceptionally high activity in XKI, alongside their work as an Ambassador, TITO member, and Recruiter makes them more than deserving of this honor. Keep up the good work!
~ Cultural Officer Grea Kriopia gave Islanders a chance to express what real-world sights reminded them of NationStates in a LinkPhotography Competition. Congratulations to Wischland for her 1st place Miniatur Wunderland photo, Wille-Harlia for his tasty 2nd place S'more photo, and Eastern New England for their charming Honorable Mention coastal photo.
~At the end of the month, Hakketomat announced XKI's first-ever LinkTacoVision! Inspired by Eurovision, over a dozen eager nations have already submitted songs. Voting begins early August, so be on the look-out for the competition's results in next month's report.

XKI Game-Side

A July regional poll by Jabberwocky forced Islanders to pick a superpower, but clearly all of the disastrous time travel movie plots did not deter many.

July held some contentious topics but here are some more lighthearted posts from this month...

Dress in layers
Don't cross the streams!
Making good progress
Someone translate please...
Jk...unless?
Conflict Resolution
Have you tried turning it off and then on again?
With great power comes great responsibility
Three cheers for Kuri

WA Affairs

Congratulations to Delegate Kuriko who successfully passed a commendation this month. Also present this month in XKI's resolution authors was Marxist germany.

July 1, 2020 GA Repeal "Military Identification Tag Act": A call to repeal previous legislation on military identification tags on the basis of flexibility and individual choice.
Author: Morover
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 7 | Against 2 | Abstain 3
Delegate vote: For (weight 702)
Final WA vote: For 13289 (80.2%) | Against 3283 (19.8%)
Result: Passed July 5, becoming GAR#497

July 05, 2020 GA Ban on Forced Blood Sports: A resolution to regulate and prevent forced blood sports amongst animals.
Author: Honeydewstania
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 5 | Against 10
Delegate vote: Against (weight: 708)
Final WA vote: For 9460 (54%) | Against 8062 (46%)
Result: Passed July 9, becoming GAR#498

July 10, 2020 GA Access To Abortion: A resolution to establish rights to and means for accessible abortions.
Author: Imperium Anglorum
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 8 | Against 13
Delegate vote: Against (weight: 716)
Final WA vote: For 12266 (71.3%) | Against 4936 (28.7%)
Result: Passed July 13, becoming GAR#499

July 14, 2020 SC Condemn Ravana: Seeking to condemn the region of ravana for inflammatory behavior during diplomatic efforts.
Author: Can No Rey
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 0 | Against 14
Delegate vote: Against (weight 713)
Final WA vote: For 1628 (9.5%) | Against 15449 (90.5%)
Result: Failed to pass.

July 14, 2020 GA Peaceful First Contact: An attempt for mandating peaceful first contact toward unknown parties newly discovered.
Author: Umeria
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 9 | Against 9
Delegate vote: For (weight: 713)
Final WA vote: For 4481 (25%) | Against 13415 (75%)
Result: Failed to pass.

July 18, 2020 SC Commend Christian Democrats: A movement to commend the target for numerous WA contributions and regional government contributions.
Author: Marxist Germany
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 3 | Against 10
Delegate vote: Against (weight 706)
Final WA vote: For 2512 (15.6%) | Against 13593 (84.4%)
Result: Failed to pass.

July 18, 2020 GA International Criminal Protocal: A proposal to demand criminal justice systems to operate in a just and ethical manner.
Author: Tinfect
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 8 | Against 5
Delegate vote: For (weight 706)
Final WA vote: For 10490 (61.1%) | Against 6680 (38.9%)
Result: Passed July 21, becoming GAR#500

July 22, 2020 SC Condemn Mikeswill: An attempt to condemn the target nation for contempt of the World Assembly and tyrannical behavior.
Author: Morover
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 13 | Against 1 | Abstain 2
Delegate vote: For (weight: 705)
Final WA vote: For 4738 (31.3%) | Against 10383 (68.7%)
Result: Failed to pass.

July 22, 2020 GA Wartime Journalism Protection Act: A proposal to protect journalists and journalistic activities in active warzones.
Author: Foril
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 12 | Against 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 705)
Final WA vote: For 10942 (64.8%) | Against 5955 (35.2%)
Result: Passed July 25, becoming GAR#501

July 26, 2020 SC Commend Vippertooth33: Seeking to commend the target nation for military activities against facists.
Author: Honeydewstania
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 5 | Against 6 | Abstain 5
Delegate vote: Against (weight 687)
Final WA vote: For 12886 (80.6%) | Against 3100 (19.4%)
Result: Passed July 29, becoming SCR#315

July 26, 2020 GA International Transportation Preclearance Act: An attempt to streamline international transportation through preclearance regulations.
Author: South St Maarten
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 4 | Against 8
Delegate vote: Against (weight: 687)
Final WA vote: For 4605 (28.6%) | Against 11502 (71.4%)
Result: Failed to pass.

July 30, 2020 SC Commend Frieden-und Freudenland: Citing the target's extensive work in Issues and regional government.
Author: Kuriko (!!!)
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 16 | Against 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 676)
Final WA vote: For 12825 (84.4%) | Against 2368 (15.6%)
Result: Passed Aug 2, becoming SCR#316

July 30, 2020 GA Repeal "Freedom To Seek Medical Care II": A call to repeal previous legislation on the grounds of poor writing and national sovereignty.
Author: Honeydewstania
10000 Islands discussion on this resolution: LinkLink
Regional vote: For 11 | Against 3 | Abstain 1
Delegate vote: For (weight 676)
Final WA vote: For 14055 (85.7%) | Against 2353 (14.3%)
Result: Passed Aug 2, becoming GAR#502

Meet A Nation Interview

This month's edition features an interview with one of the newest elected Senators in XKI, Wille-Harlia, on their time in XKI and future plans for roleplay in the region. Aside from their senate seat, WH also serves as an Emissary, Cultural Office Assistant, Deputy Cartographer, and TITO Member.

GK: Let's start with some of your time here. Being a more recent addition to the Islands, could you talk a bit about what attracted you to XKI?

WH: First, the recruitment telegram I received seemed the most sincere of all of them, and offered the most things. Once I got to XKI, the warm welcome I received was amazing, and no question was stupid. The same thing on the forum and the Discord. Then, when I got into some jobs where I could show my thanks, I knew I would stay for good.

GK: Since you mentioned you liked the variety of things XKI offered, have you developed any favorite activities/hobbies in your time here?

WH: There are some hobbies I have here in XKI. One is RPing in ATA with all the other regular ATAers. One hobby I used to have was refreshing to the Job Opportunities page every day for new jobs I’d be interested in. But I don’t really do that anymore now as I have enough jobs. I will also occasionally Debate in the politics section of the Discord, and I also play in the XKI Minecraft server.

GK: Speaking of hard work, you recently faced your first ever election in XKI, how do you feel now looking back at it?

WH: I was recently elected the Himes West Senator, in charge of RP. Looking back on that campaign, I think I did everything right, but I didn’t even use half of my paid advertisements. I think that once I took an early 15 vote lead, I had it won, but there was still good competition from Krystalveil, as we had very similar platforms.

GK: Could you outline some of your goals for the future of RP in XKI?

WH: I have two goals for XKI RP. The first is to improve the quality of RP in the XKI RP region of A Taco Archipelago. The second is to revive the forum and Discord RP.

GK: Big goals! Are there any future projects you can tease our readers about in regards to RP?

WH: On the Discord, I can tease an Insanity RP event, on the forum, a medieval and a WW3 event, and in ATA, a whole plethora of events that will make up an RP event with a common enemy for all.

GK: Very interesting, what are you most excited for in the future of RP?

WH: I am most excited to see the results of my attempts!

GK: For sure. Lastly, what do you think the biggest challenge will be in regards to your work in RP?

WH: This a challenge that will take thinking to overcome: How to get the game side RPers on the forum and Discord.

Until next month, your XKI Update Staff is signing off - Grea Kriopia and Wischland
Read dispatch

Post by Artsotska suppressed by a moderator.

Fremet wrote:http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/527/kingdom-of-spain-v-george-montreal

Spain In The South sues Reitzmag for actions of King George I violating the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act 2020.

Screw that

oh hello

Here is an important bulletin from our Delegate, Kuriko, whom you know.

Greetings my fellow NS members. As some of you may have heard, today 10000 Islands was targeted by a person impersonating a member of our Discord moderation team. This impersonator was able to gain access to our entire discord server by impersonating an offline moderator, to the detriment of our region.

This impersonator, once having access to our server, engaged in a destructive action that left our entire server destroyed. All information within our server since it was created in late 2016/early 2017 has been destroyed and is beyond retrieval. Over a dozen members of our server were also banned by them, and we are working on contacting them in order to re-invite them. We ask that the community please have patience while we work go fix what has been destroyed, and if you know anything please contact us.

Thank you,
Kuriko
Chief of Staff of XKI

Read dispatch

Jabberwocky wrote:Here is an important bulletin from our Delegate, Kuriko, whom you know.
Greetings my fellow NS members. As some of you may have heard, today 10000 Islands was targeted by a person impersonating a member of our Discord moderation team. This impersonator was able to gain access to our entire discord server by impersonating an offline moderator, to the detriment of our region.

This impersonator, once having access to our server, engaged in a destructive action that left our entire server destroyed. All information within our server since it was created in late 2016/early 2017 has been destroyed and is beyond retrieval. Over a dozen members of our server were also banned by them, and we are working on contacting them in order to re-invite them. We ask that the community please have patience while we work go fix what has been destroyed, and if you know anything please contact us.

Thank you,
Kuriko
Chief of Staff of XKI

Read dispatch

Thanks for informing us. Devastating news. :(

How do I make Recreational drug use go down and make my economy better?

Kingdom of mennrimiak

Vostavana wrote:How do I make Recreational drug use go down and make my economy better?

You need to answer the issues

Ramekista and Lancashire and westmorland

Lancashire and westmorland

Kingdom of mennrimiak wrote:You need to answer the issues

No way. You’re kidding.

You wanted it; you got it: THE MAD SURFER!

THE MAD SURFER
The Official Newspaper of the 10000 Islands
September 2020

August 2020 | July 2020 | June 2020 | May 2020

“The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold.”
-Henry Ward Beecher

Weather: perfect
Water temp: inimitable
Waves: gnarly


POLITICS
The Council of Nine
Last Updated: September 2020

Chief Executive: Markanite
Delegate: Kuriko
Minister of Labor: Human Sanity
Minister of Immigration: THX1138
Minister of Education: Grea Kriopia
Senator for New Republica South: Controlitia
Senator for Himes West: Wille-Harlia
Senator for Blue Canaria North: Grea Kriopia
Senator for Lyonnesse East: Thedairos

-Deputy Minister of Immigration: Haivon
-Deputy Minister of Education: Alf
-Deputy Senators for Himes West: Central russia, Margaux
-Deputy Senator of Blue Canaria North: Wischland
-Deputy Senator of Lyonesse East: Free Las Pinas

In the 10,000 Islands, we are either in the midst of an election, or preparing for the next cycle...and that cycle has arrived! The race for a seat in New Republica South got off to a resounding start as candidates immediately declared their intent. Controlitia got things off to a start for the Mayor Shelter Political Party. His opening shot was echoed by Kohnhead, who declared for The Welcoming Islands Party. Then, a surprise, as Solarampa threw his hat into the ring as an Independent. Control got off to a quick lead.

Not to be outdone, the race for Blue Canaria North generated its own noise as Wischland raised a banner for The Islands Party. It is unfortunate that Wischland finds herself running unopposed, as incumbent Grea Kriopia has elected not to seek another term. As longtime readers know, TMS finds such a void abhorrent, counter to political nature.

The big news, however, is that Kuriko has completed her second term as World Assembly Delegate for XKI, to general acclaim and approbation. But all good things come to an end, and the election for her replacement is nigh upon us. Quick to fill the political void were a pair of formidable opponents. In THIS corner, we find current Minister of Labor HumanSanity (MSPP). In THAT corner stands a candidate who, despite being widely known as XKI’s favorite vampire, remains as a political powerhouse in his own right: Hakketomat (TIP). It is worth noting that Hakke conducted a very aggressive campaign, hurling vicious accusation at his foe. HS took the verbal assault calmly, maintianing that he has never committed vehicular manslaughter. Despite that, HS jumped out to a substantial lead.

Candidate statements are posted at the Election Board, as well as a lively Q&A session for prospective Delegates. Be sure to exercise your rights and VOTE!! The polls are open.


BIG WINNER AT XKI CASINO!

XKI Casino is making its citizens a bit wealthier than they were previously, and Margaux is a case in point. He hit a winning line while playing the popular XKI Lottery, and walked home 150,000 tacos richer! Let us be clear: he was one number away from winning 20,000,000 tacos! He was forced to walk because we divested him of the burden of his keys after a lengthy celebration with his equally inebriated mates. He was simply the lead story, as a number of other patrons left with a heavy purse, including both our illustrious Editor AND our publisher…and our advice columnist…and our typesetter too. As well as our feature writer. Really, everybody wants to win the big jackpot, and it could be YOU! But only if you play.


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It's time to rediscover the LinkXKI Casino and a whole new level of entertainment! Come and experience all that's new at the LinkXKI Casino. It's a whole new game!
You're gonna need a bigger wallet...

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


BUSINESS NEWS

Tides are a force of nature, they said. They cannot be controlled, they said. We are eternally subject to their whims, they said. This was true until some XKI genius invented Tide Control. Rest assured, this is the product of Science. Now, it is not only possible, it's profitable. Witness this month's Mortimer Report.

September brings cooling down to the Northern Hemisphere and warming up to the Southern Hemisphere. These moderations of temperature have brought many amateur astronomers out to view the skies overhead, just in time to see one of nature's grand spectacles - a syzygy! The sun, the moon, and several of the larger planets lined up over 10000 Islands, providing a spectacular sight only visible from the Islands and nowhere else on Earth, and sending viewers into paroxysms of joy. But there is another effect that syzygies produce - a gravitational effect that has consequences for the seas of 10000 Islands. These gravitational effects produce extreme tides as the combined gravities of the celestial bodies move the waters far more than normal. For that reason, nations with Tide Control will gain a 5,000 taco bonus (in addition to their normal payouts) due to the lack of coastal flooding on their waterfront properties.

Mortimer Printout - September 2020
Economic Outlook
Sector: 2 - Special Items
Item: Tide Control
Bonus: 5,000 Ŧ
Mitigation: N/A
Adjustment: N/A
Stock Market:
From 01-August-2020 to 30-August-2020
Average Change: +2,483 Ŧ
Percent Change: 5%—Stocks are growing
Average Dividend (Base/Dividend): (305/320)

As always, the stock report in its entirety can be found here: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39961/signs-portents-september-sky?page=1&scrollTo=1792504.


XKI Space Program

Last month, Jabberwocky narrowly edged out Markanite in XKI's first space race. Jabber quickly established a colony and lofted a TMS banner over what will soon be our lunar annex. Other colonies have been established as well, and the race is on to scoop up real estate with a great view of Planet Earth and the Solar System! Talk about a room with a view! Islanders are lining up to get in on the action. If you're interested in an exciting race to the moon, see this thread: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38861/space-races


BEHIND THE NATION

You know him as the current Cards Coop Administrator, and RPer extraordinaire, Free Las Pinas. However hard he tried to manoeuver out of it, we finally cornered him at his desk amid piles of cards strewn about in apparently artless fashion, and forced him to confront our queries. Here is how he responded.

TMS: What country are you from?
FLP: I'm from the Philippines, which is an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia.
TMS: What’s the grossest food you ever had to eat to be polite?
FLP: There's a commonly sold street food in the Philippines called "Balut". Basically, it's a fertilized developing egg embryo, boiled and eaten from the shell. I believe it is cooked between 2 or 3 weeks. Anyway, my aunts and uncles were urging me to try it, not wanting to offend them, I did. It tasted fine for the most part, but I didn't end up finishing it since my mom felt bad when I looked like I was going to vomit..
TMS: Who is your favorite musician?
FLP: Well, I listen to a ton of genres, so this is a pretty hard question. I think I'm going to go with IV of Spades, which is a band very popular in my country.
TMS: What afterschool activity did you quit as a kid, and why?
FLP: The only afterschool activity I quit was a writing guild/club, which required me to write a poem/essay/short story every week, and we only met on Mondays. At first I thought I can live with having to go home late on Mondays to write, but I was slowly I was losing inspiration. I ended up leaving, because I began to feel sick and dizzy every time I had to go home on a Monday, and I couldn't even finish homeworks anymore.
TMS: If you could turn the ocean into a liquid other than water, which one would you pick?
FLP: Well, I wouldn't want to hurt the marine life. However, any other liquid will damage it anyway, so I'd better make it cool. I'd choose liquid nitrogen.
TMS: What is your favorite conspiracy theory? And do you believe in it?
FLP: As a scaredy cat, I try not to get in too deep with conspiracies that may scare me. Though there is this one theory that Elvis Presley assassinated JFK, which did interest me for a while, but I definitely don't believe it.
TMS: Do you have a favorite author? If you could make them write for any TV show which TV show would it be.
FLP: Oh, that's too hard for me to answer. I can't seem to think of a favorite author, and that doesn't really help me answer the second question.
TMS: If you could ban 1 food from the face of the planet what would you ban?
FLP: As a picky eater, I've been asked this question quite a lot. The food I would definitely ban is any kind of luncheon meat (and don't get me started n Vienna Sausages).
TMS: What is your favorite hobby?
FLP: I love reading books, but from time to time, I'm forced to try and play some games since it's a norm for boys.
TMS: Who is your favorite comic book character?
FLP: I absolutely adore Spiderman. But now that I think of it, I don't read much comics other than what I just mentioned.
TMS: What vice could you never give up?
FLP: I'm willing to give up bad habits if pointed out, but the one I couldn't would be holding grudges. Sometimes, I can let go of things, but there are really just things that I'm not really willing to let go of.
TMS: If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
FLP: Well, I'd like to be a honey badger. I think honey badgers or commanding and respectable, which is something I aspire to be.
TMS: What will be the title of your autobiography?
FLP: "Always Look On the Bright Side", I think it has a pretty sweet meaning, which I think would represent me well IRL.

Upon completing this interview, we thanked FLP and freed him from his restraints.


WA SCENE

There is the subject of Delegate toppling to undermine WA Approvals – something I've touched on before as being a somewhat heinous practice that needs to be addressed in the WA – but it'll have to wait until next month's edition. In part because there's a lot to unpack and I want to give it thoughtful treatment, but also because there may be more to share on the subject by then.

In the meantime, we'll see if the WA can devolve any further into the murk of summary justice and gang warfare (my guess is yes)

Let's get down to it boppers…

SCR#317 "Commend Trotterdam": A good bit of authorship helped this resolution through the tumultuous waters of the SC rulebook. Extensive research and a gracious sharing of results by the target, and their dedication to the community, completed this winning combination. 91% support.

GAR#503 "Protecting Legal Rights of Workers": The first of four in August, and three in succession, by author Cretox State. This legislation is part of the incremental movement to improve workers' rights in member nations, and specifically to set a fair framework around the arbitration process, creating a more balanced position from which to negotiate, for labour. 77% voted in favour.

GAR#504 "Integrity in Law Enforcement": 73% supported this resolution, which called for personnel records of law enforcement officers to be confidential until required as part of an investigation over a serious offence, at which point records must be publicly disclosed. I voted against this one, believing that a lot of small infractions, complaints, and disciplinary actions against an officer may be an indicator before the fact, and having that information in the public domain from the start could prevent tragedy. Cops are in a unique position of authority and must be held to the highest level of public account from day one on the job. If troubling behavioural trends are emerging, the public has a right to know.

SCR#318 "Commend Nuremgard": Cretox State hit the trifecta with this successful resolution, and Nuremgard got a little under 70% support in their commendation. I don't recall how I voted, but I do recall mulling it over for a couple days, then making a snap decision to make the little red 1 go away. On one hand, the res only really focused on issue authorship, so it lacked that diversity of contribution that I look for. On the other hand, there were a lot of issues to the target's credit, and that might have swayed me. Perhaps some day, under hypnosis, I'll recall what was my decision.

GAR#505 " Repeal: 'Wartime Journalism Protection Act'”: I flagged this one last month as having ample repeatability, and it took no time at all for it to get pried open. Some of these GA resolutions are great in theory, but the litmus test is always going to be how they would hold up in comparative real-world scenario. I know that kind-of bends the rules of what we do in NS, but what is art if it doesn't imitate life. 72% supported the repeal.

SCR#319 "Commend Wallenburg": Proficient WA author, very involved in that capacity, but I found the rest of this commendation was a lot of iC padding. That's not to diminish the contributions to the WA – they are considerable – but again, I'm always looking for that diversity of contribution as the benchmark. I voted against, but knew it would pass anyhow, and 71% of voters gave this one the nod.

GAR#506 "Public Access to Court Records": Whether it's there by design, or not, I always see an immediate dark side to IA's resolutions, frequently before I even know who the author is. On the face of it, this one seems benevolent and in the interest of the impoverished, which is a common IA theme, but there's almost always a harsh counter-element that gets overlooked. This resolution is a case in that point. I'm a firm believer in people's right to be forgotten. When someone commits a crime, the punishment for that crime is their sentence, be it probation, or prison, or community service. When the sentence is completed, so is the debt to society paid, and it should end there. Some jurisdictions see the sentence as the starting point of a punishment that should last a person's whole life, which is not only stupid, but is a significant contributor to recidivism. I believe in rehabilitation and I believe that people should have an unfettered opportunity to start anew. Criminal records (and under this legislation, easily accessible court records) have the capacity to haunt someone for the rest of their days, prevent them achieving gainful employment, and often for criminal acts that aren't all that serious. The medium is often enough of a message to do lifelong harm, and that tips the scales of justice to the absurd in many cases. What is ignored in IA's glorification of the public's right to access court files, is the right of a person who has now paid their debt to society to have a mistake remain in the past. I was not among the 86% who supported this.

SCR#320 " Condemn Noahs Second Country": A couple SCs written. A lot about cards. Decent support at 65%

GAR#507 "Repeal: 'Promotion of Recycling'": Identifying several significant flaws in the target and paving the way for replacing legislation to come. 84% in favour of repeal.

GAR#508 "Restrictions on Forced Eugenics": Short and sweet and serving as an asterisk to existing legislation preventing genocide. This legislation prevents nefarious governments of their agents from getting in at the ground floor. 80% support.

SCR#321 " Commend Valanora": Highlighting the target's significant contributions to the world of NS Hockey and Football, both as organizer and competitor. Passed easily with a wide majority.

GAR#509 "GMO International Trade Accord": Cretox State's fourth win of the month laid out the regulatory groundwork for international trade around genetically modified organisms. Touching on matters of information sharing, standards for environmental risk assessment, and guidelines around the protection of biodiversity in states where GMO products may be imported. This very comprehensive resolution passed with 72% support, with most opposition coming from the NatSov camp.

SC "Repeal 'Commend Evil Wolf'" (did not pass): The first resolution of the month that did not pass, but not because of anything really relating to the resolution itself. MG did a good job researching this one, the argument for repeal was sound, and I thought it was one of his better efforts. There was some raider chicanery as this resolution went through the approval process, and a handful of people sought to make the decision for everyone else. Then that happened a second time, all of which did more harm to the WA as a credible organization than anything else.

GA "Land Reclamation Regulation" (did not pass): The only real dogfight of the month, and this one tiptoed along the tightrope right until it fell on the unhappy side of the net. The measures weren't unreasonable but putting yet another WA organization all up in everyone's land use decisions was deemed too invasive by the very thinnest majority.

Catch you on the flip.


ASK SANDY
Featuring
Sandy Shoals

Dear Sandy, I've been with my boyfriend for 5 years, he's now 32. He's a great guy but for one thing: a disturbing tendency to spend the night at his mother's house. She only lives 15 miles away, so we tend to see her frequently as it is. One evening while I was visiting my sister, he left our two young children alone in the house while he went to his mother's. Why? It was her birthday! To me, that's not a good enough reason to leave the kids alone overnight, even though he returned before they got up. He's very sensitive about the subject and doesn't want to discuss it. I'm on the verge of carrying the argument straight to her and tell her to quit interfering. Any advice? Hot Under the Collar

Dear Hot, this raises a couple of questions. I understand there is a clinical term for this condition: Mama’s Boy, sometimes known as Peter Pan Syndrome. He's 32? You have multiple kids without tying the knot? (I'm traditional that way) If he's endangering your children, it's just too bloody bad that he doesn't want to talk about it. I recommend marriage counseling...with a baseball bat! Mom is clearly manipulating junior, and it's time for you to gain the upper hand. Your inclination to go to the source is well founded, but gird your loins  for battle, it's gonna get bloody. If he's not willing to side with his wife, it may also be time to consider other options.

Are you troubled too? Are you one of the many who seek advice for personal or professional problems? Ask Sandy Shoals!


TACOVISION...AND TACOVISION II

Last month, Hakketomat graciously hosted a song competition called Tacovision. Rather than describe it for our readers, we will let Hakke tell you the details:

"Hello everyone!
For some time, I have wanted to host an event on this forum. It is an event inspired by the RejectVision in The Rejected Realms. I bring to you Taco Island's first TacoVision!

The name itself is inspired by the real life event called Eurovision which is a contest in which participating nations send their own artists to compete in a song contest. In that contest, the songs have to be newly written and so, this contest departs from that format.

In this contest, I ask each willing participant to submit a song that they like (or think will win) that is already out and about. Thus the song does not have to be new or anything. Though I will allow for politically motivated songs (unlike in Eurovision), standard rules of conduct apply. So nothing offensive will be permitted."

As this event drew to a close, the top three winners were announced:

1st HN67 107
2nd Wille-Harlia - 87
3rd Wischland - 81

The competition was such an enormous success that Hakke decided to do it all over again. The deadline to enter is September 13, so be sure to apply on time here:
Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39931/tacovision-ii?page=1&scrollTo=1791919.

You will have till Sunday, September 13th, 11.59PM GMT to submit a song. Only one song per nation and no changing after song has first been submitted. I will make a list of entrants and their submissions and will not make any changes to that list except for adding to it.



TIC NEWSROOM STIPENDS RENAMED
In recent months you've read in these pages about the new TIC Newsroom Stipends, designed to encourage the proliferation of journalism in these Islands and abroad. You doubtless recall that our very own TMS was the recipient of the first of these awards. However, in honor of a recent donation by our esteemed Editor, Jabberwocky, to the tune of 1,000,000 Tacos, this Award has been named for our favorite beach bum. Sure, we here in the newsroom like to make fun of Jabber's slacker, surfer boy image, but the generosity that underlies this significant donation has convinced us that perhaps he's okay…maybe. When pressed into a brief interview by his own staff, whom he more frequently sees wielding torches and pitchforks, Mr. J simply said, “It's for the greater good.” ‘Nuff said!



House Cup and Shield Competition

At this late date, the results of the Competition seems a bit anticlimactic, given that it ran in February. However, better late than never. The winners of the Competition were as follows:

Participants (House) - Points
Escanaba (Wordy) - 24145
Jabberwocky (Louisistan) - 3716
Dorab (Louisistan) - 1149
HN67 (Echolilia) - 429
Sargon Reman (Sargon Reman) - 78
Louisistan (Louisistan) - 34
THX1138 (then Sargon Reman) - 30

Consequently, the Cup and Shield Trophies are awarded to House Wordy. For the final tally, read this: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38384/house-cup-shield-winter-2020?page=1&scrollTo=1792858.



FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
Outgoing Senator of BCN, Grea Kriopia, has been appointed our new Minister of Education. Thanks to The tasmanian islands for his dedicated service. TMS is confident GK will excel filling in such big shoes.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Mad Surfer is looking for highly qualified, motivated, dedicated writers. But maybe you would like to try your hand at it, too. And now WE CAN PAY YOU! Yes, we actually now have a payroll department! Pay commensurate with talent and ability to ingratiate oneself with Editor. Stringent job examination includes placing a mirror in front of your mouth to see if it fogs up. Please notify Jabberwocky to apply.

As always, XKI needs Emissaries to help conduct our foreign affairs. Please apply here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37610/emissaries-needed.

These job opening and more can be found publicly posted here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/board/71/10000-islands-job-opportunities.



You, too, can be one of the lucky few. Have TMS delivered right to your virtual door: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35671/subscription-sign-list.

The Mad Surfer is:

Staff Writers: THX1138, Sandy Shoals, Jabberwocky.
Associate Editor: Grea Kriopia
Editor in Chief/Circulation/Advertising: Jabberwocky

Read dispatch

Jabberwocky wrote:You wanted it; you got it: THE MAD SURFER!
THE MAD SURFER
The Official Newspaper of the 10000 Islands
September 2020

August 2020 | July 2020 | June 2020 | May 2020

“The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold.”
-Henry Ward Beecher

Weather: perfect
Water temp: inimitable
Waves: gnarly


POLITICS
The Council of Nine
Last Updated: September 2020

Chief Executive: Markanite
Delegate: Kuriko
Minister of Labor: Human Sanity
Minister of Immigration: THX1138
Minister of Education: Grea Kriopia
Senator for New Republica South: Controlitia
Senator for Himes West: Wille-Harlia
Senator for Blue Canaria North: Grea Kriopia
Senator for Lyonnesse East: Thedairos

-Deputy Minister of Immigration: Haivon
-Deputy Minister of Education: Alf
-Deputy Senators for Himes West: Central russia, Margaux
-Deputy Senator of Blue Canaria North: Wischland
-Deputy Senator of Lyonesse East: Free Las Pinas

In the 10,000 Islands, we are either in the midst of an election, or preparing for the next cycle...and that cycle has arrived! The race for a seat in New Republica South got off to a resounding start as candidates immediately declared their intent. Controlitia got things off to a start for the Mayor Shelter Political Party. His opening shot was echoed by Kohnhead, who declared for The Welcoming Islands Party. Then, a surprise, as Solarampa threw his hat into the ring as an Independent. Control got off to a quick lead.

Not to be outdone, the race for Blue Canaria North generated its own noise as Wischland raised a banner for The Islands Party. It is unfortunate that Wischland finds herself running unopposed, as incumbent Grea Kriopia has elected not to seek another term. As longtime readers know, TMS finds such a void abhorrent, counter to political nature.

The big news, however, is that Kuriko has completed her second term as World Assembly Delegate for XKI, to general acclaim and approbation. But all good things come to an end, and the election for her replacement is nigh upon us. Quick to fill the political void were a pair of formidable opponents. In THIS corner, we find current Minister of Labor HumanSanity (MSPP). In THAT corner stands a candidate who, despite being widely known as XKI’s favorite vampire, remains as a political powerhouse in his own right: Hakketomat (TIP). It is worth noting that Hakke conducted a very aggressive campaign, hurling vicious accusation at his foe. HS took the verbal assault calmly, maintianing that he has never committed vehicular manslaughter. Despite that, HS jumped out to a substantial lead.

Candidate statements are posted at the Election Board, as well as a lively Q&A session for prospective Delegates. Be sure to exercise your rights and VOTE!! The polls are open.


BIG WINNER AT XKI CASINO!

XKI Casino is making its citizens a bit wealthier than they were previously, and Margaux is a case in point. He hit a winning line while playing the popular XKI Lottery, and walked home 150,000 tacos richer! Let us be clear: he was one number away from winning 20,000,000 tacos! He was forced to walk because we divested him of the burden of his keys after a lengthy celebration with his equally inebriated mates. He was simply the lead story, as a number of other patrons left with a heavy purse, including both our illustrious Editor AND our publisher…and our advice columnist…and our typesetter too. As well as our feature writer. Really, everybody wants to win the big jackpot, and it could be YOU! But only if you play.


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It's time to rediscover the LinkXKI Casino and a whole new level of entertainment! Come and experience all that's new at the LinkXKI Casino. It's a whole new game!
You're gonna need a bigger wallet...

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


BUSINESS NEWS

Tides are a force of nature, they said. They cannot be controlled, they said. We are eternally subject to their whims, they said. This was true until some XKI genius invented Tide Control. Rest assured, this is the product of Science. Now, it is not only possible, it's profitable. Witness this month's Mortimer Report.

September brings cooling down to the Northern Hemisphere and warming up to the Southern Hemisphere. These moderations of temperature have brought many amateur astronomers out to view the skies overhead, just in time to see one of nature's grand spectacles - a syzygy! The sun, the moon, and several of the larger planets lined up over 10000 Islands, providing a spectacular sight only visible from the Islands and nowhere else on Earth, and sending viewers into paroxysms of joy. But there is another effect that syzygies produce - a gravitational effect that has consequences for the seas of 10000 Islands. These gravitational effects produce extreme tides as the combined gravities of the celestial bodies move the waters far more than normal. For that reason, nations with Tide Control will gain a 5,000 taco bonus (in addition to their normal payouts) due to the lack of coastal flooding on their waterfront properties.

Mortimer Printout - September 2020
Economic Outlook
Sector: 2 - Special Items
Item: Tide Control
Bonus: 5,000 Ŧ
Mitigation: N/A
Adjustment: N/A
Stock Market:
From 01-August-2020 to 30-August-2020
Average Change: +2,483 Ŧ
Percent Change: 5%—Stocks are growing
Average Dividend (Base/Dividend): (305/320)

As always, the stock report in its entirety can be found here: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39961/signs-portents-september-sky?page=1&scrollTo=1792504.


XKI Space Program

Last month, Jabberwocky narrowly edged out Markanite in XKI's first space race. Jabber quickly established a colony and lofted a TMS banner over what will soon be our lunar annex. Other colonies have been established as well, and the race is on to scoop up real estate with a great view of Planet Earth and the Solar System! Talk about a room with a view! Islanders are lining up to get in on the action. If you're interested in an exciting race to the moon, see this thread: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38861/space-races


BEHIND THE NATION

You know him as the current Cards Coop Administrator, and RPer extraordinaire, Free Las Pinas. However hard he tried to manoeuver out of it, we finally cornered him at his desk amid piles of cards strewn about in apparently artless fashion, and forced him to confront our queries. Here is how he responded.

TMS: What country are you from?
FLP: I'm from the Philippines, which is an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia.
TMS: What’s the grossest food you ever had to eat to be polite?
FLP: There's a commonly sold street food in the Philippines called "Balut". Basically, it's a fertilized developing egg embryo, boiled and eaten from the shell. I believe it is cooked between 2 or 3 weeks. Anyway, my aunts and uncles were urging me to try it, not wanting to offend them, I did. It tasted fine for the most part, but I didn't end up finishing it since my mom felt bad when I looked like I was going to vomit..
TMS: Who is your favorite musician?
FLP: Well, I listen to a ton of genres, so this is a pretty hard question. I think I'm going to go with IV of Spades, which is a band very popular in my country.
TMS: What afterschool activity did you quit as a kid, and why?
FLP: The only afterschool activity I quit was a writing guild/club, which required me to write a poem/essay/short story every week, and we only met on Mondays. At first I thought I can live with having to go home late on Mondays to write, but I was slowly I was losing inspiration. I ended up leaving, because I began to feel sick and dizzy every time I had to go home on a Monday, and I couldn't even finish homeworks anymore.
TMS: If you could turn the ocean into a liquid other than water, which one would you pick?
FLP: Well, I wouldn't want to hurt the marine life. However, any other liquid will damage it anyway, so I'd better make it cool. I'd choose liquid nitrogen.
TMS: What is your favorite conspiracy theory? And do you believe in it?
FLP: As a scaredy cat, I try not to get in too deep with conspiracies that may scare me. Though there is this one theory that Elvis Presley assassinated JFK, which did interest me for a while, but I definitely don't believe it.
TMS: Do you have a favorite author? If you could make them write for any TV show which TV show would it be.
FLP: Oh, that's too hard for me to answer. I can't seem to think of a favorite author, and that doesn't really help me answer the second question.
TMS: If you could ban 1 food from the face of the planet what would you ban?
FLP: As a picky eater, I've been asked this question quite a lot. The food I would definitely ban is any kind of luncheon meat (and don't get me started n Vienna Sausages).
TMS: What is your favorite hobby?
FLP: I love reading books, but from time to time, I'm forced to try and play some games since it's a norm for boys.
TMS: Who is your favorite comic book character?
FLP: I absolutely adore Spiderman. But now that I think of it, I don't read much comics other than what I just mentioned.
TMS: What vice could you never give up?
FLP: I'm willing to give up bad habits if pointed out, but the one I couldn't would be holding grudges. Sometimes, I can let go of things, but there are really just things that I'm not really willing to let go of.
TMS: If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?
FLP: Well, I'd like to be a honey badger. I think honey badgers or commanding and respectable, which is something I aspire to be.
TMS: What will be the title of your autobiography?
FLP: "Always Look On the Bright Side", I think it has a pretty sweet meaning, which I think would represent me well IRL.

Upon completing this interview, we thanked FLP and freed him from his restraints.


WA SCENE

There is the subject of Delegate toppling to undermine WA Approvals – something I've touched on before as being a somewhat heinous practice that needs to be addressed in the WA – but it'll have to wait until next month's edition. In part because there's a lot to unpack and I want to give it thoughtful treatment, but also because there may be more to share on the subject by then.

In the meantime, we'll see if the WA can devolve any further into the murk of summary justice and gang warfare (my guess is yes)

Let's get down to it boppers…

SCR#317 "Commend Trotterdam": A good bit of authorship helped this resolution through the tumultuous waters of the SC rulebook. Extensive research and a gracious sharing of results by the target, and their dedication to the community, completed this winning combination. 91% support.

GAR#503 "Protecting Legal Rights of Workers": The first of four in August, and three in succession, by author Cretox State. This legislation is part of the incremental movement to improve workers' rights in member nations, and specifically to set a fair framework around the arbitration process, creating a more balanced position from which to negotiate, for labour. 77% voted in favour.

GAR#504 "Integrity in Law Enforcement": 73% supported this resolution, which called for personnel records of law enforcement officers to be confidential until required as part of an investigation over a serious offence, at which point records must be publicly disclosed. I voted against this one, believing that a lot of small infractions, complaints, and disciplinary actions against an officer may be an indicator before the fact, and having that information in the public domain from the start could prevent tragedy. Cops are in a unique position of authority and must be held to the highest level of public account from day one on the job. If troubling behavioural trends are emerging, the public has a right to know.

SCR#318 "Commend Nuremgard": Cretox State hit the trifecta with this successful resolution, and Nuremgard got a little under 70% support in their commendation. I don't recall how I voted, but I do recall mulling it over for a couple days, then making a snap decision to make the little red 1 go away. On one hand, the res only really focused on issue authorship, so it lacked that diversity of contribution that I look for. On the other hand, there were a lot of issues to the target's credit, and that might have swayed me. Perhaps some day, under hypnosis, I'll recall what was my decision.

GAR#505 " Repeal: 'Wartime Journalism Protection Act'”: I flagged this one last month as having ample repeatability, and it took no time at all for it to get pried open. Some of these GA resolutions are great in theory, but the litmus test is always going to be how they would hold up in comparative real-world scenario. I know that kind-of bends the rules of what we do in NS, but what is art if it doesn't imitate life. 72% supported the repeal.

SCR#319 "Commend Wallenburg": Proficient WA author, very involved in that capacity, but I found the rest of this commendation was a lot of iC padding. That's not to diminish the contributions to the WA – they are considerable – but again, I'm always looking for that diversity of contribution as the benchmark. I voted against, but knew it would pass anyhow, and 71% of voters gave this one the nod.

GAR#506 "Public Access to Court Records": Whether it's there by design, or not, I always see an immediate dark side to IA's resolutions, frequently before I even know who the author is. On the face of it, this one seems benevolent and in the interest of the impoverished, which is a common IA theme, but there's almost always a harsh counter-element that gets overlooked. This resolution is a case in that point. I'm a firm believer in people's right to be forgotten. When someone commits a crime, the punishment for that crime is their sentence, be it probation, or prison, or community service. When the sentence is completed, so is the debt to society paid, and it should end there. Some jurisdictions see the sentence as the starting point of a punishment that should last a person's whole life, which is not only stupid, but is a significant contributor to recidivism. I believe in rehabilitation and I believe that people should have an unfettered opportunity to start anew. Criminal records (and under this legislation, easily accessible court records) have the capacity to haunt someone for the rest of their days, prevent them achieving gainful employment, and often for criminal acts that aren't all that serious. The medium is often enough of a message to do lifelong harm, and that tips the scales of justice to the absurd in many cases. What is ignored in IA's glorification of the public's right to access court files, is the right of a person who has now paid their debt to society to have a mistake remain in the past. I was not among the 86% who supported this.

SCR#320 " Condemn Noahs Second Country": A couple SCs written. A lot about cards. Decent support at 65%

GAR#507 "Repeal: 'Promotion of Recycling'": Identifying several significant flaws in the target and paving the way for replacing legislation to come. 84% in favour of repeal.

GAR#508 "Restrictions on Forced Eugenics": Short and sweet and serving as an asterisk to existing legislation preventing genocide. This legislation prevents nefarious governments of their agents from getting in at the ground floor. 80% support.

SCR#321 " Commend Valanora": Highlighting the target's significant contributions to the world of NS Hockey and Football, both as organizer and competitor. Passed easily with a wide majority.

GAR#509 "GMO International Trade Accord": Cretox State's fourth win of the month laid out the regulatory groundwork for international trade around genetically modified organisms. Touching on matters of information sharing, standards for environmental risk assessment, and guidelines around the protection of biodiversity in states where GMO products may be imported. This very comprehensive resolution passed with 72% support, with most opposition coming from the NatSov camp.

SC "Repeal 'Commend Evil Wolf'" (did not pass): The first resolution of the month that did not pass, but not because of anything really relating to the resolution itself. MG did a good job researching this one, the argument for repeal was sound, and I thought it was one of his better efforts. There was some raider chicanery as this resolution went through the approval process, and a handful of people sought to make the decision for everyone else. Then that happened a second time, all of which did more harm to the WA as a credible organization than anything else.

GA "Land Reclamation Regulation" (did not pass): The only real dogfight of the month, and this one tiptoed along the tightrope right until it fell on the unhappy side of the net. The measures weren't unreasonable but putting yet another WA organization all up in everyone's land use decisions was deemed too invasive by the very thinnest majority.

Catch you on the flip.


ASK SANDY
Featuring
Sandy Shoals

Dear Sandy, I've been with my boyfriend for 5 years, he's now 32. He's a great guy but for one thing: a disturbing tendency to spend the night at his mother's house. She only lives 15 miles away, so we tend to see her frequently as it is. One evening while I was visiting my sister, he left our two young children alone in the house while he went to his mother's. Why? It was her birthday! To me, that's not a good enough reason to leave the kids alone overnight, even though he returned before they got up. He's very sensitive about the subject and doesn't want to discuss it. I'm on the verge of carrying the argument straight to her and tell her to quit interfering. Any advice? Hot Under the Collar

Dear Hot, this raises a couple of questions. I understand there is a clinical term for this condition: Mama’s Boy, sometimes known as Peter Pan Syndrome. He's 32? You have multiple kids without tying the knot? (I'm traditional that way) If he's endangering your children, it's just too bloody bad that he doesn't want to talk about it. I recommend marriage counseling...with a baseball bat! Mom is clearly manipulating junior, and it's time for you to gain the upper hand. Your inclination to go to the source is well founded, but gird your loins  for battle, it's gonna get bloody. If he's not willing to side with his wife, it may also be time to consider other options.

Are you troubled too? Are you one of the many who seek advice for personal or professional problems? Ask Sandy Shoals!


TACOVISION...AND TACOVISION II

Last month, Hakketomat graciously hosted a song competition called Tacovision. Rather than describe it for our readers, we will let Hakke tell you the details:

"Hello everyone!
For some time, I have wanted to host an event on this forum. It is an event inspired by the RejectVision in The Rejected Realms. I bring to you Taco Island's first TacoVision!

The name itself is inspired by the real life event called Eurovision which is a contest in which participating nations send their own artists to compete in a song contest. In that contest, the songs have to be newly written and so, this contest departs from that format.

In this contest, I ask each willing participant to submit a song that they like (or think will win) that is already out and about. Thus the song does not have to be new or anything. Though I will allow for politically motivated songs (unlike in Eurovision), standard rules of conduct apply. So nothing offensive will be permitted."

As this event drew to a close, the top three winners were announced:

1st HN67 107
2nd Wille-Harlia - 87
3rd Wischland - 81

The competition was such an enormous success that Hakke decided to do it all over again. The deadline to enter is September 13, so be sure to apply on time here:
Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39931/tacovision-ii?page=1&scrollTo=1791919.

You will have till Sunday, September 13th, 11.59PM GMT to submit a song. Only one song per nation and no changing after song has first been submitted. I will make a list of entrants and their submissions and will not make any changes to that list except for adding to it.



TIC NEWSROOM STIPENDS RENAMED
In recent months you've read in these pages about the new TIC Newsroom Stipends, designed to encourage the proliferation of journalism in these Islands and abroad. You doubtless recall that our very own TMS was the recipient of the first of these awards. However, in honor of a recent donation by our esteemed Editor, Jabberwocky, to the tune of 1,000,000 Tacos, this Award has been named for our favorite beach bum. Sure, we here in the newsroom like to make fun of Jabber's slacker, surfer boy image, but the generosity that underlies this significant donation has convinced us that perhaps he's okay…maybe. When pressed into a brief interview by his own staff, whom he more frequently sees wielding torches and pitchforks, Mr. J simply said, “It's for the greater good.” ‘Nuff said!



House Cup and Shield Competition

At this late date, the results of the Competition seems a bit anticlimactic, given that it ran in February. However, better late than never. The winners of the Competition were as follows:

Participants (House) - Points
Escanaba (Wordy) - 24145
Jabberwocky (Louisistan) - 3716
Dorab (Louisistan) - 1149
HN67 (Echolilia) - 429
Sargon Reman (Sargon Reman) - 78
Louisistan (Louisistan) - 34
THX1138 (then Sargon Reman) - 30

Consequently, the Cup and Shield Trophies are awarded to House Wordy. For the final tally, read this: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38384/house-cup-shield-winter-2020?page=1&scrollTo=1792858.



FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
Outgoing Senator of BCN, Grea Kriopia, has been appointed our new Minister of Education. Thanks to The tasmanian islands for his dedicated service. TMS is confident GK will excel filling in such big shoes.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Mad Surfer is looking for highly qualified, motivated, dedicated writers. But maybe you would like to try your hand at it, too. And now WE CAN PAY YOU! Yes, we actually now have a payroll department! Pay commensurate with talent and ability to ingratiate oneself with Editor. Stringent job examination includes placing a mirror in front of your mouth to see if it fogs up. Please notify Jabberwocky to apply.

As always, XKI needs Emissaries to help conduct our foreign affairs. Please apply here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37610/emissaries-needed.

These job opening and more can be found publicly posted here: Linkhttps://10000islands.proboards.com/board/71/10000-islands-job-opportunities.



You, too, can be one of the lucky few. Have TMS delivered right to your virtual door: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/35671/subscription-sign-list.

The Mad Surfer is:

Staff Writers: THX1138, Sandy Shoals, Jabberwocky.
Associate Editor: Grea Kriopia
Editor in Chief/Circulation/Advertising: Jabberwocky

Read dispatch

love the Filipino Part, in fact, I am also from the Philippines

For those with diplomatic inclinations, a little light reading:


10000 Islands Emissary Update

Date: August 2020
Population: 1503
Delegate Endorsements: 604
Forum: Linkhttp://10000islands.proboards.com/
Discord: Linkhttps://discord.gg/mw27pug

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), THX1138, Controlitia.
~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): Grea Kriopia
~Senator for Lyonnesse East (Houses): Thedairos
~Senator for New Republica South (Debates and Discussions): Controlitia
~Senator for Himes West (RP): Wille-Harlia
~Minister of Labor: HumanSanity
~Minister of Immigration: THX1138
~Minister of Education: The tasmanian islands

Delegate Kuriko posted an official statement after recent incidents with our Discord. You can read it here.

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

New Government Appointments

~ Senator Thedairos appointed Free Las Pinas to serve as their Deputy Senator for Lyonnesse East to help out with maintaining XKI Houses and hosting competitions.
~ As N-Day approaches in September, Haivon was hired to help coordinate N-Day efforts with The Potato Alliance on behalf of XKI.
~ In line with new legislation creating a Discord moderation team separate from XKI government, 10 new appointments were made to the new mod team. You can find the full list of members in the Ministry of Labor payroll.

Around the Islands

~ August's LinkFeatured Nation was Margaux, a prolific roleplayer who has also served in TITO, as a recruiter, and as Deputy Senator for Himes West. Keep up the good work!
~ XKI's first-ever LinkTacoVison, hosted by Hakketomat, was a resounding success, with over 20 participating nations, a Discord listening party, and a live vote count. HN67 proved his excellent music taste with his winning song entry LinkMoney Run Low by The Score. Congrats!
~ Minister of Immigration, THX1138, gave recruiters a chance to win tons of Tacos during the LinkTreasure Beach Summer Recruiter Event. Although the event was briefly interrupted for Accelerator maintenance, recruiters were eager to continue the race to draw in new nations, and the competition has been extended into September.
~ A multitude of fantastic flag designs were submitted for the LinkA Taco Archipelago Flag Contest, sponsored by Taco-Island-Charities. After much consideration, Islanders chose the entry by Free Las Pinas, making it A Taco Archipelago's official flag! Congratulations FLP and thank you to all who participated.
~ Additionally, Taco-Island-Charities is hosting a Short Story Contest on our forums with a taco prize! Find more info Linkhere.
~ The Cultural Office was hard at work this month, introducing two brand new events! First, they asked everyone to put on their thinking caps with a Weekly Riddle competition hosted gameside. They also gave Islander's a chance to share a laugh and snack on popcorn during XKI's first official Linkmovie night, watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Big thanks to the Cultural Office Staff for their amazing work!

Islander Achievements

We're trying out a new section for this report, dedicated to the individual achievements and efforts of XKI members. Don't forget to drop by and congratulate them on their success!

~ Blogotopia was ranked as the #6 Top Issue Player early in August. Little wonder, given that they're Number 1 in Welfare, Public Education, and Youth Rebelliousness, and are in the top 0.1% for an astounding 38 stats.
~ Not to be outdone Tzo was ranked as the #4 Top Issue Player in the same dispatch, being first in Intelligence, Culture, and Inclusiveness. They are also in the top 10 ranking for a grand total of 16 stats! Congrats to both of XKI's premier issue players! We hope to see you both continue to rise in the rankings.
~ Paffnia has been busily typing away with his latest issue draft Parking? Lots! Filled with humor and Paff's signature charm, the draft is shaping up nicely for submission. Here in XKI, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a quick publication!
~ Wischland was too humble to mention her own issue drafts when writing this section but she has at least two in the works, Spare a Couple Endorsements, Leader? and Of Wealth and Health, as well as one already submitted! Most definitely a promising career of issue writing in her future and fingers crossed on publishing!
~ Despite being just a few months old in NS, Free Las Pinas has already become an important figure in the realm of trading cards. With a deck valuation at an incredible 2553.78, FLP is already ranked in 100th place for International Artwork. As if that wasn't awesome enough, he's also been a boon to the region with his card mentorship and contributions to the LinkXKI Card Co-op. Thank you FLP, and keep up all the good work!

XKI Game-Side

A poll by THX1138 held this August made stomachs rumble, asking Islanders about their favorite type of pie as we approach the fall season.

The RMB just kept giving this August with these wonderful gems...

Dress in layers
Poker face
Wrong kind of celebration!
Don't jump the gun
Riddle has 6 letters
To CTE, or not to CTE
Hope you're at cat person
A little wisdom
Collective groaning
Gif me a break

WA Affairs

Going forward, you can catch the WA Affairs found in the vote tracker created by the 10ki wa secretariat. This section will not be included in future editions.
page=dispatch/id=1281402

Meet A Nation Interview

This month we had the pleasure to sit down with a relatively new nation in XKI, Free Las Pinas, and chat about their work in the new XKI Cards Coop that launched recently within the region. Aside from within the Coop, FLP works assisting the XKI Casino, as Ambassador to Texas, and as Deputy Senator for Lyonnesse East.

GK: Thanks for doing this FLP, why do you talk about how you ended up in XKI?

FLP: Like everybody else, I began with founding my nation, which was pretty boring. I did everything most of us probably did. Once I was done with the issues and reading the new policies, I noticed I had a few telegrams. I read through a few and laughed, but what I really liked in particular was this one I got that mentioned me being “a hot commodity”. After reading the telegram in full, I decided to see what 10000 Islands was all about, and thought huh, white-sand beaches and blue-green waves? This region is perfect for me [my nation being an archipelago and all]! So I hit the join button and never looked back.

GK: Of course! Obviously you quickly got involved here, especially in cards, what/who got you into trading cards?

FLP: A few days after my founding, I created new puppets, because I got really bored of waiting hours to answer issues. I soon also applied for the Cultural Office Assistant position, and one thing led to another, I was handling about 50 nations, with half of them devoted to the Cultural Office. With that many nations, I quickly got involved more with cards and I began farming every single day.

GK: So, then what exactly do you do in your new role as a Cards Coop Administrator?

FLP: As of now, I handle the Co-op Mentorship program, wherein I assign members to a mentor and I also teach Co-op members who are new to card farming. I also help in processing recruits, and I’m soon going to handle our Shared Transfer Card System.

GK: Can you explain what the Cards Coop is for those who don't know?

FLP: The Co-op is XKI’s own cards-based organization that stockpiles legendary cards and cards of significant Islanders. We’re mostly based around cooperation, wherein we help each other build collections by allowing members to request any card on our Co-op farms.

GK: Overall, do you feel like the Cards Coop has boosted regional card activity?

FLP: Definitely! These few weeks, we’ve seen individual deck values nearly double or triple for some nations. I became the first Islander to reach 2000 DV on a single nation, then HS beat that record and broke 2500 DV, and now we have Constantinolia who broke 3000, 3500, and now, 4000 DV. Additionally, Megistos has decided to begin on their own NS Sports card collection, which is off to a good start with their massive hoarding of Vilita and Turori cards, wherein they have double the amount that even Vilita has!

GK: That's fantastic! I know the Coop has adopted a more community style of organization and contribution. How do you think the cooperative community model of the Coop impacts the way it functions?

FLP: This cooperative model allows us (the card farmers) to work more flexibly, and again, easily build up collections and contribute to the region. To expand on what I said earlier, Megistos wants to create an NSS card collection. However, it can be exhausting to farm on a hundred puppets every single day, which is where the Co-op comes in. We have a rule of not selling, gifting, or junking cards until 72 hours have passed. This is so our members have an adequate amount of time to look through the cards of other Co-op members and request any cards they'd need for their collection.

GK: Very interesting. Are there any goals for the XKI Cards Coop for the upcoming future?

FLP: One of our goals would be to create an efficient cooperative cards program for any resident of XKI. What I mean by this is that we'd want to give our members access to a huge supply of cards to build up their collections. It's important not only because it creates a community in itself, but also because of the potential incentive for new players looking to create a huge card collection or help out around the region. We've started off with the Mentorship program, wherein HS and I suggest scripts and give tips on how to farm more efficiently, how to transfer more bank, etc. How I see it, there's no big rush on this. While I know it'd be fun to host events and have some fun with our legendary cards stockpile, I'd prefer we take it slow. After all, if we party now, we'll have nothing left for later!

GK: Those sound like great goals, and definitely good long term planning for the future. To wrap things up on a lighter note, what's been your favorite lucky pull so far?

FLP: By far, it has to be when I pulled a Testlandia. It was one of the first legendary cards I pulled, and when I saw that huge spike in my deck value, I couldn't help but keep going!

Until next month, your XKI Update Staff is signing off - Grea Kriopia and Wischland
Read dispatch

The European Court of Justice has issued rulings on its existing case load for the Summer 2020 term.

On the case Spain In The South v. Reitzmag,
http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/527/kingdom-of-spain-v-kingdom-of-reitzmag/43

On the case ANDRIES VAN HOEBEEK v. THE KEIL WORKERS’ COUNCIL (both parties from Eastern Haane),
http://nseuropeanunion.com/topic/465/andries-van-hoebeek-v-the-keil-workers-council/20

How do I join a faction?

Freedom and Memes wrote:How do I join a faction?

Great question! You can only join a faction once N-Day begins. This year, everyone in the European Union will be joining a faction known as the Potato Alliance, along with our allies from Spiritus, the 10000 Islands and the Rejected Realms (among others).

Please take a look at the telegram which I have sent you all, which contains some preliminary information. The best source for further information is the The Potato Alliance page. You do NOT need to join the region. The region is simply there for information and as a host of the faction. You can join the Potato Alliance faction, while part of the EU, once N-Day begins.

How long does it last?

«12. . .46474849505152. . .8889»

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