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Welcome to the News Page of Ill Bethisad!
Or rather, welcome to this table of contents, because this page shows only the beginning of each article. Articles are displayed in full here, or in some cases on the websites of individual IB members. We have chosen to keep the real News section outside this wiki.
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 In general, news reports from newspapers or articles from magazines are prefaced by the news organisation name, publication name, date of publication and headline or title. Also, the News Service is not afraid to quote television programmes and radio show transcripts.

Contents

All news stories are submitted by participants in Ill Bethisad, all of whom are welcome to submit stories from their respective parts of Ill Bethisad. Submissions may be edited for clarity, language or style. It is presumed that news items are originally written in the principal language of the country of origin (so, Wenedyk for news from the RTC, French for news from Louisianne, etc.). Therefore, certain "errors" in grammar or lexis are left intact if the source is from the English language version of a local paper.
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News from 2008

edit Pacific Press Association— 29.JUL.2008— PORF admits two candidate members, rebuffs another

KAILUA, KINGDOM OF HAWAI'I, KANAWIKI-- The Pacific Ocean Regional Forum made the most high-profile decisions of its annual summit today as it voted on petitions from three countries seeking candidate membership in the regional organization. The Chinese state of Canton and the Empire of Germany were received as members, while an application from the provisional government of the Tokelau Islands was declined.

PORF, a regional forum concerned with commerce, ecology, and human rights in the Pacific Rim nations, expelled Canton in 2003 after its anarcho-capitalist revolutionary covernment used nuclear weapons to retaliate against an invasion by neighboring Hunan. Canton's unqualified welcome back into PORF is considered one more sign that the world is willing to forgive and forget Canton's troubled recent past.

Germany's application caused more debate. The decentralized European empire has repeatedly requested to join since aquiring tiny Rickerman Atoll in 2003, but PORF has until now rejected Germany on the grounds that, in the words of last year's resolution, "the Holy Roman, or German, Empire has not demonstrated a stake in the needs and issues of the greater Pacific region." An eloquent speech at the summit by Rickerman's Commissioner, Walter Steinmeier of the Principality of Lippe, apparently changed the PORF foreign ministers' minds. Steinmeier emphasized ecological challenges to small atolls like Rickerman and the need for international cooperation to combat these challenges.

PORF was not so understanding toward the representative of the Provisional Government of Tokelau, which has governed the islands with the tacit consent of its overlord nation, Fiji, since April, although it had de facto administered the island for some months before that against the will of the Fijian government. Not surprisingly, Fiji's foreign minister objected to Tokelau's application, but so did a number of other nations wary of Tokelau's sepratist ambitions or its controversial plan to privatize its entire territory. PORF's official declaration states, "Tokelau cannot demonstrate a stable, working government required of PORF members, as its future status remains uncertain pending certain legislation and negotiations."

In the day's session, the foreign ministers also addressed whaling and porpoising rights and the issue of rising global temperatures.

[BK]

edit NAL TODAY— 16.JUL.2008— World Notes: International News in Brief

BRISBANE-- The Whummlin World Cup scandal took another turn as the Ouisconsin women's skip Kassandra Jenssen resigned, causing her team to drop out of the tournament and forfeit its scheduled match against English Australia. Jenssen faces ongoing allegations of inappropriate financial deals with gamblers, some connected with Chicago Pegré members. English Australia will face Cuba today in the next round of competition.

TOKELAU ISLANDS-- The much-anticipated election that may turn this Pacific republic into a privatized state has been postponed, according to the islands' provisional government. The Tokelauan people will vote on the controversial proposal early in September. The islands are currently a part of Fijian Polynesia.

[BK]

edit Omnipresse-- 25.JUN.2008-- New Status for New Francy

(Quebec, New Francy) In a suprising move today, the Intendant of New Francy, Leonce Boucher, has announced some further changes for New Francy. First, to end the stalemate in the chamber of Patricians regarding the status of republic, the Intendant has decided to bypass the chamber's study commity and declare that from now on, New Francy would be officialy called in Francian "La République de la Nouvelle-Francie" ("A République da Francie-Neuve" in Laurentian).

The intendant also announced that both the flag and Coat of Arms would be changed to reflect the reality of modern New Francy. Using a sugar maple leaf, long used in the former intendancy as a republican symbol, the new symbols have cut ties with the past, eschewing the fleur-de-lys considered to be a royalist symbol.

Both moves come after months of agonising debates over the status of the former Intendancy. The monarchist Ducal Party said it would appeal the decision in the Superior Law Council as being against the Organic Laws which governed the New Francy.

(note: the new symbols can be seen on the wiki page of New Francy)

[MP]

edit The Capitalist, English Edition, 18 June 2008

Asia/Pacific
Cheques on the Beach: The sale of the Tokelau Islands has won tentative approval from a League of Nations committee-- and may have opened the door for a new concept of privatised nationhood.

THE HAGUE, Batavian Kingdom-- A League of Nations committee meeting is nothing unusual in this, the world's diplomatic capital. But the Commission on Very Small States, an often-overlooked committee for extremely tiny countries, prefers to conduct its business away from the rest of the world. Its five-day meeting in the Palace of the Nations that concluded last week came in response to a new wrinkle on the normally smooth landscape of tiny countries: Englishman Andrew Morris's bold purchase of the Tokelau Islands from the island's people and its coloniser nation, the Fijian Kingdom. Since the deal was announced one month ago, it has raised questions in the hallowed halls of the Hague and in governments the world over: Can a nation be privately owned? And more broadly, how can the needs of small economies be met in today's rapidly specialising global economy?

The Commission on Very Small States debated the issue all last week. At issue was whether Tokelau would be able to support itself without some sort of dependency. Fijian rule had fettered the island, tying it to a backward system of mandated cash crops that inhibited local business initiative and killed any possibility of, for example, tourism. For nearly a year, Tokelau and Fiji had been in a political standoff that had resulted in a virtual blockade of the little atolls, leading to reported months of hardship and shortage and an aid request to the global community that embarassed Fiji. Morris promises that his privatised rule will lead to a modern infrastructure and the growth of an ecologically conscious tourist industry.

Under the unusual arrangement, Morris and his ecotourism company will assume full sovereignty from Fiji in Tokelau's four atolls and their territorial waters. In return, he will invest heavily in both Fiji and Tokelau. Under a draft constitution and treaty set still in the works, Tokelau's people will be guaranteed complete autonomy forever. This means that the Tokelauans will be governed like they always have, by village elders and island faipules chosen by community consensus, all under the benign, hands-off leadership of the scion of Tokelau's long-disenthroned chiefly line... who will, of course, be responsible to the islands' owner, Mr. Morris.

The committee reached a consensus of its own that projects a guarded open-mindedness. Geoffry Richards is a delegate from Hay-on-Wye, a little known English-speaking kingdom of a few thousand people located in the middle of Cambria. He explains, "Morris's own island, Lundy, has been affiliated with our committee for a very long time, so a number of us were prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. But at the same time, there's this sense that a person shouldn't just be able to buy up countries whenever the fancy strikes him. So as a committee we very much want to assess this situation on its own terms rather than make assumptions." Lundy is a de facto independent 850-acre island in Cambrian waters, which Morris has ruled as "Master" since the Seventies.

To that end, the delegates approved a resolution that praised Tokelau's "confident pursuit of self-determination" and acknowledging that "nations of our size have always been places of political innovation." However, the meetings were far from a five-day celebration of Morris's growing private empire. Delegates from the Pacific nations in particular gave Morris a long, steady grilling, and the committee debated adding caveats to their resolutions warning against "paternalism" and "the greed inherent in modern venture capitalism."

"It was the autonomy guarantee where many of us on the commission were the most suspicious," says Jessaulenku Appi, committee delegate from the eight-square-mile Confederate Republic of Nauru. "If the island is his personal property, who will hold Mr. Morris to his promise? I worry that the Tokelauan people have sold away their rights and liberties along with their god-given land." It is safe to assume that one of Tokelau's greatest challenges will be winning the trust and approval of its Pacific neighbors, nearly all of which hold to very traditional views on land ownership.

It is abundantly clear that Tokelau's economy will benefit from Lundian leadership, which promises to shower the islands with resources. But what about the long term? One of the Tokelauans' most serious complaints about Fiji was that local entrepreneurs had no room to explore amid the tight government regulation of the economy. In a state where everything belongs to a proprietor, the same danger may exist. Even if Morris takes a liberal attitude toward local business, the danger lurks that the people of his islands will prefer indolent reliance on the Morris fortune to working to build a robust locally driven economy.

Tokelau joins the growing club of private ventures into statehood, heretofore seen in the light dusting of private fiefs and compounds in the wilds of Australia and North America. What sets Tokelau apart is its insularity: it is the center of two thousand people's world and the birthplace of all their ancestors since time immemorial. The Tokelauan experiment will allow us to see whether privatisation is a viable solution for struggling nation-states.

The Commission's diminutive Secretariat will relocate itself to the High Chiefdom of Banaba, a location more convenient to observing the outcome of the experiment, with regular missions of observation going to check in on Morris's growing enterprise. The rest of the world will be watching as well. C

[BK]


edit Newshour, BBC World Service— 27.MAY.2008 (EXCERPT)— Tibetan junta finally admits aid workers

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

PEARSON: From the BBC World Service, this is Max Pearson.

Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans still waiting for aid two weeks after the Wenchuan earthquake will receive help soon. That's according to an announcement the Neutral Aid Society made today. Tibet's ruling junta and its leader, the Ganden Tripa, have given leave to the NAS and seveal other international aid organizations to work freely in affected areas.

An estimated sixty thousand people have died from the quake on both sides of the Tibetan-Nanhan border, with thousands still missing and hundreds of thousands still waiting for essential shelter, food, and medical care. Tibet's government has barred the efforts of aid workers by insisting on total control over the relief operations.

The military government's seeming indifference toward the quake victims has re-ignited anti-Tibet sentiments around the world. In his adopted home base in Samraj, the exiled Dalai Lama has led rallies almost daily, and made increasingly hash statements against the Ganden Tripa. BBC India correspondent Abhi Desai reports.

DESAI: Rarely has the Dalai Lama made so many consecutive public appearances, but rarely has such a tragedy affected the entire

[END TRANSCRIPT] [BK]


edit The Star of Georgetown— 07.MAY.2008— Vasage in Louisianne? Bring on the mud!

There is now in the daily parlance the Louisianan, a new word called in his native French "vasage", which we might aptly translate as muddage, or the slinging about of mud. There is therefore hope for lagging Louisianna yet! Few estates are so key to the successful democratic government as the truly Free and Liberated Press. And few things interest a truly free and liberated press, during elections, as the naughty doings and misdeeds of those who are standing for office. Any perusal of the Louisianan media of late will naturally bring to mind the old saw: 'They're happy as pigs in muck.' Thus, we offer our western cousins a hearty hip hip huzzah! [PB]



edit IBAP— 17 Floréal CCXVI (7 May 2008)— Landrieau denies lesbian love-affair

Allegations were made by the Républicains Libres today against Marie Landrieu, suggesting that she had been involved in a lesbian love-affair for the past 30 years with actress Atlanta Wells. Pundits have immediately seized on this, citing the frigidity of the marriage between Landrieu and her husband, Frank Snellings, their adoption of two children, and the frequent taking of separate vacations.

The Loi Naturelle responded within the hour decrying this "flagrant and underhanded 'vasage' of their candidate." It was suggested by the Loi Naturelle spokesman, Michel d'Argile, that this was merely supposition by the Républicains Libres in an attempt to shift public focus from the infidelity of M. Baldi.

Landrieu and Wells were introduced during the filming of Antoinette, as part of the film took place in New Orleans, where her father was mayor. Landrieu and Wells, stated d'Argile, became fast friends and have maintained contact since then, but there has never been any sort of interaction beyond platonic friendship.

Ms. Wells' publicist refused comment. [DH]



edit IBAP— 17 Floréal CCXVI (7 May 2008)— Louisianne: Let the Mudslinging begin!

Directed Mailings have virtually inundated the MPs of Saint-Onge, and even many of their constituents. The political parties of the Républicains Libres and the Loi Naturelle have both been sending mailings extolling the virtues of their candidates and smearing the failings of the candidates of the opposition.

While this sort of behavior is commonplace, the television and radio ads used in this campaign are a first for Louisiannans. Up until the Presidency of Jean-François Young strict controls of radio and television have prevented this "giclant de la vase," or as it has become known, "vasage" of public contenders for public office.

"Vasage", a term which roughly relates to mudslinging in English is the practice of casting doubt on a contender for office, but is more strictly controlled, and these allegations can only be made through direct mailings, television and radio by the political parties.

With the opening of the airwaves to this campaigning has created a stir among the citizens of the nation. "We don't want to hear this," said Pierre Flandin, citizen of LeCompte, to the west of Baton Rouge. "With the free press, we hear pretty much everything that the leaders do. It's not as if we expect them to be saints." When asked who he would vote for, were he in Parliament, he said, "I think they're both terrible. I don't like what the Loi Naturelle party stands for, but at the same time, I don't like the record of Monsieur Baldi. He's not called 'Le Pingre' for laughter's sake."

Other citizens were of the same feeling. When Emmelot Brock, Sous-Prefect of Loire-Neuf was approached regarding this issue, she stated flatly, "Direct mailings should be enough. It sickens me to see us resort to such poor political behavior as is found on either side of our borders."

Most politicians feel that the Loi Naturelle has largely caused this situation, with their forceful attacks against Baldi and his record. Had Landrieu's record been pushed to the fore, with her accomplishments only, the paper storm would likely not be so large.

Throw into the mix allegations of dalliances on the part of M. Baldi with a daughter of known Pegre crime boss "The Gambeaux," Sophie Gambeaux. These have been firmly denounced by Baldi, and his wife Aloïs Chavanoz has remained firmly supportive of her husband. [DH]


edit Polynesian United News Agency — 18.APR.2008 — Tokelauan government: no comment on rumored buyout

FAKA'OFO— The Provisional Council, or Tulafono, of Tokelau continued to meet behind closed doors as the work week drew to a close. None of the council members would confirm reports that their body was considering an offer by a wealthy Westerner to buy the islands as private property.

"The delegates and elders of the islands have many crucial decisions to consider," Chief Elder Ake Liang of Nukunonu told reporters before boarding a ferry to his home atoll. "But rest assured that a major change in Tokelau's status would be brought before the people."[BK]


edit BBC World News Service — 13.APR.2008 — Private Investor for Tokelau?

Sydney, Australasia — The dire straits of the Provisional Government of Tokelau has apparently drawn the attention of at least one wealthy private investor. Details have not been released, but we have learned that as of yesterday morning, "a European investor" is interested in an outright purchase of the whole territory and developing it.

Much will undoubtedly depend on Fiji's response to the investor's bait. If the offer is too low, Fiji will undoubtedly scoff; and only the Tokelavians will suffer. If the bid is accepted, Tokelau could be poised to see some invigorating investment capital come their way.

What also seems certain, is that if the bid were accepted, Fiji could also see some increase in foreign investment. [PB]

edit New Intendant's Referendum - omnipresse

(Ville-Marie, NF) With only a few days left before monday's referendum to approve the choise of a new Intendant, the "No" camp (who oppose an elected Intendant) have staged a demonstration in downtown Ville-Marie to rival the monarchist event during the last referendum.

With speaker from various monarchist groups (although noticeably not the Action Monarchiste Party), the large outdoor meeting has attracted roughly a thousand demonstrators (according to organisors) under the slogan "Don't Touch My Intendant !".

A similar meeting, although attended by a larger crowd, was held by the Yes camp a few days ago in Quebec with the slogan "A New Intendant For a New Century"


edit Polynesian United News Agency — 11.APR.2008 — Tokelauan offer: Tributary to two monarchs

SUVA — Tokelau's Envoy Extraordinary to Fiji, Pio Tuia, proposed today to the Fijian Parliament that Fiji grant his islands complete self-governing status under the O'ahuan Crown in return for regular tributary payments. The Parliament will consider the motion after recessing for the weekend. National Loyalist MP Momo na Tui Nasesevia told reporters, "Our government cannot be bought off so easily. Few MPs will approve the sale of our territory to some billionaire from Kanawiki." [BK]


Polynesian United News Agency— 11.04.2008— Tolelau begins electricity rationing

FAKA'OFO -- Tokelau's Provisional Ministry of the Economy issued a directive today turning off electricity on all four Tokelauan atolls for eighteen hours each day. The Tulafono has struggled in recent months to pay for basic services since the Kingdom of Fiji eliminated all aid to its errant dependency. [BK] edit Polynesian United News Agency — 05.APR.2008 — Tokelauan leaders court O'ahuan king

WAIKIKI, O'AHU — Representatives of Tokelau's struggling provisional government arrived at the royal residence Friday for an "informal visit" with King Kereineke that was nonetheless laden with political symbolism.

Luc Havaiki, Tokelau's hereditary chief; Kulouei Ua Briain, the islands' elected head of government under Fijian rule; and other local dignitaries greeted the king with a variety of Tokalauan handicrafts, chief among them a large collection of hand woven tapa mats and exquisite jewelry of native coral and shell-- traditional symbols of royal tribute. Kereineke welcomed the Tokelauans into his home for a private reception and meeting expected to last for the entire weekend.

Some weeks ago, Kereineke had publicly suggested to reporters that Tokelau, whose month-old provisional government is nearly bankrupt, might solve its political difficulties by naming him as its monarch. Most commentators interpret this visit as a sign of definite Tokelauan interest in the king's proposal. However, the Kanawikian government has repeatedly disavowed Kereineke's overtures, both to the press and through diplomatic channels to Fiji. Fiji's government has refused to acknowledge Tokelau's provisional assembly, and Kanawiki has shown itself eager to avoid angering the kingdom, which is an important trading partner.

Kereineke and the Tokelauans are expected to attend mass Sunday in Honolulu in the Cathedral of St. Kalanikupule. [BK]

edit Polynesian United News Agency — 26.MAR.2008 — Report:Tokelau nearly bankrupt

FAKA'OFO — Tokelau's Provisional Government is extremely short on funds a month after assuming control of the islands' adminiatration, according to a statement made before the assembly by Finance Secretary Tesa Tui of Atafu. The financial straits have been caused by Fiji's complete stoppage of funds since the government began to meet, explained Tui. Since then, Tokelau has been paying for its own services, including post and ferry service to Samoa, Fiji, and Kiripati.

Tui advised the assembly to seek foreign investment in Tokelau's as-yet nonexistent tourist sector. The right to seek out such investment was one of the key points that drove Tokelau to seek greater autonomy last year. With the Fijian parliament refusing to consider any legislation from the provisional government, the battle of wills between the island groups does not seem to be approaching any kind of quick resolution.

[BK]

edit Intendant Steps Down - omnipresse

(Quebec, NF) This afternoon, following a short press conference, His Regent Honour The Intendant Onesime Talon announced that he would step down effective immediatly.

In the press release, the now former Intendant stated that he had lost the support of the inhabitants of the Intendancy and had thus come to the conclusion that stepping down would avoid further troubles.

The former Intendant's decision came amidst week long demonstrations demanding the abolition of the Intendancy in favour of a republic.

At the time of going to press, none of the political party had released any official comments regarding this event.

edit New Francy in a standstill - Omnipresse

Today marks the third day of a general strike called by trade unions affiliated with the Coalition in power. Unhappy with the continuing filibustering tactics of the opposition, all 3 trade unions federations of the Intendancy have voted for a work stoppage. The strike has left the Intendancy completely paralized has both blue collar and white collar workers walked out en masse on wednesday. There has also been daily demonstrations in Ville-Marie, Trois-Rivieres and Quebec with thousand of people braving the cold weather and the snow to show their republican spirit with placard and banners calling for the Intendant to step down.

A few small groups of monarchists have attempted to organized counter demonstration but most have been called off due to small number of participants.

edit Omnipresse — 07.MAR.2008 — Praise for Republicans

Ville-Marie — The Estates Generals of New Francy, who are currently chaired by a majority of republicans, has released a communique praising the tiny atoll of Tokelau for choosing to become a republic.

The comunique was signed by the leader of all 3 houses of the Estates General but not, significantly, by the Intendant who, through his spokesman, has delivered a "no comments" to journalists.

By resorting to filiburstering technique, the opposition in the house of roturiers as so far managed to prevent its majority from sending the so called Republican Bill to the Chamber of Patrician for its approval. 

[MP]


edit Australasian Press Association — 07.MAR.2008 — Republic of Tokelau: Australasia remains silent

With two provinces having issued contrary statements, the Australasian Court of Coordonators has found itself unable to issue a joint statement in regard to the developements in the self-declared republic of Tokelau.

The Court of Coordonators, which is prevented by law from acting on its own, has said it was still monitoring the situation and would release a statement has soon as a consensus is formed between the provinces' governments.

One province, Aotearoa, as so far recognised tokelau's provisional government by sending to the atoll newly proclaimed Minister Resident to Tokelau, Mr Aewa Temomo. Aotearoa has also sent troops and policemen to ensure Fiji respect the new republic.

Another province, New South Cambria, has officialy rejected Tokelau's bid for independence stating that the nation could only obtain its sovereignty with the agreement of Fiji.

The other 2 provinces, Kingsland and English Australia have stated publicly that they whished to remain neutral in the conflict. 

[MP]

edit Australasian Press Association — 03.MAR.2008 — First session of Tokelauan Provisional Government produces harsh words, flag

FAKAOFO, TOKELAU — The mood on Tokelau's chief atoll remained tense Tuesday as the island's provisional council met for the first time, despite strongly worded protests from the island group's ruling nation, Fiji.

The provisional council, chosen as a temporary compromise by the islands' deadlocked Tulafono, or constitutional convention, passed its first acts for consideration by the Fijian legislature, which still has final say in the islands until Tokelau becomes fully independent. The acts dealt with essential issues such as offshore ferry service and postal delivery.

It remains to be seen how the Fijian legislature will deal with this legislation. A spokesman for Fiji's Colonial Ministry repeated the government's previous statements denouncing the Tokelauan council as "illegal" and "careless". The spokesman would not comment on the possible use of force to bring the islands into compliance. Aotearoan troops stationed on Fakaofo have refused to intervene, stating that their mandate is only to keep the peace.

The council also unfurled a new flag reflecting their wishes for Tokelau's new status as an autonomous region temporarily dependent on Fiji. A variation on Tokelau's flag as a colony of Aotearoa and Kemr in the mid-XXth century, the flag depicts a palm tree and four green stars on a yellow field, representing Tokelau's four atolls. A small flag of Fiji sits in the upper left canton.

The outside world has been slow to respond to the growing tensions in this tiny corner of the Pacific. Oceania's two smallest countries, Henua and Nauru, have issued statements supporting self-determination for the Tokelauans. More significant will be the reactions of the region's great powers, including Japan and the Australasian states. 

[BK]

edit BBC World News, Pacific Desk — 28.FEB.2008 — Tokelavians form provisional government

Faka'ofo, Tokelau— The tiny aspiring island nation of Tokelau announced earlier today that it has formed a provisional government as it prepares to break away from the Fijian Kingdom. The announcement follows months of talking in the Pacific island group among various Tokelavian factions. The Fijian government says that it will not recognize the new government or honorany of its acts, saying that any move toward greater autonomy for the islands would have to be approved by the Fijian Crown and Parliament. The Fijian High Ambassador in London has called for a meeting of Commonwealth diplomats to repudiate what he described as "a threat to the sovereign territory of a Commonwealth nation." 
[BK]

edit NAL TODAY — 03.FEB.2008 — Punxsetauni Peder Sees Shadow, Predicts More Winter

PUNXSETAUNI, PENNSYLVAANIA — The famous woodmarmot known as Punxsetauni Peder emerged from his burrow early Saturday morning and saw his shadow, which, according to local legend, means that North America will have to suffer through another six weeks of winter.
Thousands of tourists from across the SLC, as well as a few curiosity-seekers from abroad, booed and groaned as Peder's handler, Riding Council member Frank Schraeder, announced the woodmarmot's bad news. He advised the assembled throng to "have a blessed Candlemas, and keep warm-- we have plenty of local cafes right here in Punxsetauni where you can cuddle up with a warm drink and think about warmervtimes ahead... far, far ahead."
The small Pennsylvaanish community has held offical woodmarmot ceremonies on the second of February since at least 1887. Settlers brought the custom from their homeland in the Rhineland-Palatinate, where it was traditionally believed that if a hibernating creature sees its shadow on the holiday, winter will continue for another six weeks, that is, close to the Equinox in March.
What had been a quaint, purely local ceremony has become a League- wide phenomenon since Gwillam Murray's 1993 movie "The Woodmarmot". Said Schraeder during an interview over a steaming mug of thick Pensylvaanish coffee, "It's been incredible to see the way that our tradition has become such a part of American culture over the last ten years or so. Has it made people appreciate Pensylvaanish culture more? Yes, I think so." [BK]

edit Australasian Press Association — 16.JAN.2008 — Tokelauans agree to compromise following Fijian warnings

FAKAOFO, TOKELAU — After over a month without progress, delegates to Tokelau's constitutional Fono, or convention, have gathered again in a spirit of compromise. The tiny Pacific islands, currently a dependency of Fiji, had previously been unable to find common ground on the issue of loyalty to Fiji's King Thakombao V. Fiji loyalists, many of them members of the sizeable ethnic Chinese community on the atoll of Nukunonu, walked out of the convention in December, bringing the constitutional process to a halt.
Tokelauans received a strong motivation to reconvene Friday when a spokesman for Thakombao gave a statement strongly implying that if the islanders cannot create a plan for a viable government by the end of the wet season, then Fiji might go back on its promise to let Tokelau secede from Fijian Polynesia.
On the first day of the re-formed meeting, delegates seemed eager to find points that both sides could agree on, putting off dealing with the major controversies for now. Among other things, the convention has decided upon a new national motto: Fakatahi o tagata, "One people". Whether the delegates will be able to reach agreement on more crucial issues remains to be seen. [BK]

edit National News Corporation — 14.JAN.2008 — "Philly Gore's Death Drug Overdose"

NEW AMSTERDAM — The Crown Coroner's Office in Breuckelen announced premliminary findings in the death of actress-model Philadelphia "Philly" Gore. According to Dr. Quincey Madison, Gore had ingested a fatal combination of morphine and cocaine, generically known as a "Fastball." This is a potentially lethal combination under the best of conditions, with the cocaine's stimulant wearing off sooner than the morphine which slows down the heart. "Severe respiratory depression" was the result, according to Madison.
Gore, the only daughter of General Moderator Al Gore, Jr., had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in recent years and, upon questioning, the coroner admitted that alcohol was also present in her system. He also confirmed that convulsions almost certainly accompanied the overdose, which would appear to have been accidental. Madison emphasized this last, noting that the investigation was on-going.
The NAPD announced, in a parallel press release, that they are seeking several friends of Miss Gore as potential witnesses, including Andre Vaschon, grandson of reputed Pegre Duc Pierre Daille. Rumors that the two had dated have been reported in tabloids for over two years, reports both Gore and Vaschon denied (although admitting they moved in the same circles and had in fact met). Among other matters to be investigated, noted the NAPD release, is the source of the Fastball which killed Miss Gore. Cocaine is an illegal substance within Castreleon New as well as most of the NAL, while morphine generally requires a prescription.
Madison refused to answer questions about any sign of sexual activity, nor rumors that Miss Gore was pregnant at the time of her death. The NAPD press release likewise remained silent on these questions.
General Moderator Gore has reduced his appointments since the death of his daughter, with many activities instead being taken over by prominent members of the Cabinet including Foreign Secretary Ion Edwards and Minister of Justice Howard Provo. [DZ]

edit OMNIPRESSE — 13.JAN.2008 — New Francy, a republic?

During a press conference called today, the New Republican Party, the Laurentian Republican Party and the Progressive Party have announced that they would field candidates jointly as members of the Radical Solidarity Coalition (RSC).
As part of their political platform, revealed during the same conference, the RSC has pledged that, if elected, they would hold a referendum on turning New Francy into a republic within a month of taking office.
The monarchist Ducal Party was quick to respond to the planned referendum by saying that none of the Organic Laws that govern the Intendancy would allow such a refenderum making it illegitimate from a legal point of view. Asked if they would boycott such a referendum, the Ducal Party Spokesman refused to answer what he deemed a purely hypothetical question. [MP]

edit 8.JAN.2008 — Election to be called in NF

After months of ruling as a minority government, the Ducal Party of New Francy has decided to officialy request that the Intendant call up a new election.
The Ducal Party had had difficulties with the Chamber of Patricians which would receive contradictory "doleances" (bills) from the Estates-Generals sent by a combination of the Action Royaliste and the Laurentian Republican Party. The Ducal Party has blamed the lack of cooperation from these 2 parties for, quote, "making it impossible to take care of the needs of the people", end quote.
The election is to be held on the 29th of january 2008. [MP]

edit NEW AMSTERDAM POST — 7.JAN.2008 — GM's Daughter Found Dead

New Amsterdam — NAPD officials confirmed that Philadelphia "Philly" Gore – model, sometimes actress, and daughter of General Moderator Al Gore – was discovered lifeless in her Breuckelen apartment early Monday morning. Her body was found by a maid.
Gore has been a feature in the tabloid press for years, moreso since her well-publicized arrests in 2007 for driving under the influence. Rumors of drug use and dating members of the notorious Pegre (believed to control most organized crime within the Big Orange) have followed her since 2004, when she was photographed leaving the fasionable night club airship "Cloud Nine and a Half" beside Andre Vaschon, grandson of reputed mobster Pierre Daille. Gore's publicist always insisted their proximity to one another at that time was a coincidence.
Asked if Gore's death was a homicide, the NAPD spokesman said it was being investigated to the fullest extent but that much depended upon the coroner's findings.
Octagon House Press Secretary Josh Siewart told reporters that the General Moderator and his family – including Philly's twin brother Nicholas – were being kept abreast of developments. All non-essential appointments have been cancelled.

News from 2007

edit National News Corporation — 15.DEC.2007 — ROYAL ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED

ROME — Prominent members of two royal families formally announced their engagement today. Ambassador Nicolae Vlas-Florea, heir to the principality of Oltenia, is now engaged to wed Antonia Guelph, younger sister of Mantua's Queen Bianca and Italy's current Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Read More...

edit Australasian Press Association — 13.DEC.2007 — Loyalist Walkout Threatens Tokelavian Self Government

FAKAOFO — A number of local leaders loyal to the Fijian monarchy have walked out of Tokelau's constitutional convention, drawing harsh criticism from Fiji and threatening to paralyze Tokelau's creation of a constitution before it enters its second month.  Read More...

edit Australasian Press Association — 11.DEC.2007

CAMELS IN SEDNÎR
SEDNIR — With the dreadful Horse Flu entering its 4th month of ravagement, the Sednir Racing Commission has found a novel way to attract punters. Camels will be imported from the Great Corridor Territory to take part in track races.  Read More...
NEW COURT OF COORDINATORS
A new Court of Coordinators was named today by the Court of Representatives. The previous Court had been seated for the last eleven years and it was felt that the time for Court membership renewal had come in the face of succesive interest rate increases.  Read More...

edit Australasian Press Association — 19.NOV.2007 — Tokelauans Open Constitutional Convention

FAKAOFO, TOKELAU — One month after beginning its referendum to secede from Fijian Polynesia, the island chain of Tokelau opened the Fono, or meeting, that has been chosen to draft a constitution for Tokelau, as well as a treaty of free association that will represent Tokelau's desired future relationship with its former coloniser, Fiji.  Read More...

edit Australasian Press Association — 14.NOV.2007 — Fistfight in Assembly of Fijian Polynesia after Tokelau Announces Independence

Fisticuffs broke out in the Assembly of Fijian Polynesia today between Delegate Aufai Tuia, representing the Tokelauan islands of Nukunonu and Atafu, and Delegate Mamea Va'ai, from Upolu in Samoa. Tuia had just stepped down from the dais, where he had formally announced Tokelau's decision to withdraw from the Fijian dependency, which consists of a number of island groups in the central Pacific.  Read More...

New Court of Coordonators 24/11/07 (APA)

A new court of coordonators was named today by the court of representatives. The old coordonators had been in place for the last 11 years and it was felt the membership of the court needed to be renewed in the face of succesive interest rate increases.

[MP]

edit

WUCZ FLORYDZIE — 6.NOV.2007

BAMBARYŁA TIRED OF ACCUSATIONS
MIAMI — Governor-general Jużeń Bambaryła is tired of all the false accusations directed at his person in the foreign press. "It is preposterous", he told our reporter in an interview this morning. "I've been doing this job for almost sixteen months now, and all I've been hearing is criticism, criticism, criticism. I am sick of it!"   Read More...
HIGH-RANKING BUSHIST OFFICIAL ARRESTED
LITU PALMÓR OSZCZEDZIĘTAŁÓR (West Palm Beach) — A major success was accomplished yesterday evening with the arrestation of Silverio Gonzalez-Morales, a former professor of history at the University de las Caribbeas. "This is a very important accomplishment indeed", colonel Andrzej Sasiny of the CzBAF said on a press conference this morning.   Read More...

edit CHICAGO SIGNALER — Tuesday, November 6, 2007 — Gray Sworn In, Cuomo Takes Center Chair — Inductees call for unity, compassion, and an end to 'illusions which divide us — By EVELYN MOORE, Chicago Signaler

Echoing one another's calls for unity in a challenging time, Rhode Island's the Rt. Hon. Taylor Gray was sworn in yesterday as the 14th Scottish Viceroy of the SLC, while Kemrese Viceroy the Most Hon. Matthew Mario Cuomo of Castreleon New ascended to the First Viceregal position.  Read More...

edit WRW 1 — ECHO DZEI — 2.NOV.2007

[RADIO TRANSCRIPT]
"It is 22:05, outside it is 10°R, and this is the Echo of the Day. Good evening, dear listeners. International controversy is growing over the Republic's policies in Southeast Florida, especially when it comes to the situation in the camps, built over three years ago for the victims of several subsequent furacanoes. Our government is under heavy attack from the international press after the BBC World Service published some alarming news regarding the life conditions in those camps. Earlier today, Jewan Sobociny had an interview about the matter with Paweł Bościciału, minister of colonies."
JS: "Mr. Minister, the Caribbean Desk of the BBC has released some quite alarming news about the situation in Southeast Florida, and the world press seems to be picking it up. Is our government going to issue an official response yet?"
PB: "For now, I don't believe these rumours deserve our government's attention. We honestly have better things to do."   Read More...

edit BBC World News, Caribbean Desk — 31.OCT.2007 — Some News is Good News

St. Augustine, East Florida — Early in 2007, the BBC sent several clandestine reporters into both the RTC and Irish ZOCs in war ravaged southern Florida in order to assess the current situation in those territories. News in general from the remaining occupied territories is scant at best, even from the more open Irish Zone, where the press is controlled but not suppressed the way it is in the RTC Zone. Thousands of pages of material (some written by Floridian underground journalists, most written by the BBC team) have been archived, the following of which is but a tiny sample. Of the six reporters sent into southern Florida, four have returned home; one was killed during an uprising in the Kissimee province; the other is suspected to have been imprisoned by RTC occupying forces on charges of espionage.  Read More...

edit 26.OCT.2007 — Tokelau Islands vote for independence

FAKAOFO, TOKELAU (IBAP) — The people of Tokelau have voted to sever their colonial ties with the Fijian Kingdom in a weeklong referendum jointly supervised by the Austronesian League and the Commonwealth of Nations. Once the necessary legislation is put into effect, the four tiny atolls will become a republic in free association with Fiji.  Read More...

edit 10.Oct.2007 — Glorianna XII Steps Down, Tully I Crowned

In the largest ceremony the small nation has seen since the Grand Duchess Glorianna XII married Tully Bascomb, her son, Tully Jr. was proclaimed and crowned Tully I of Grand Fenwick. The Ceremony, lasting 2 hours, was visited by the Grand Fenwickian PM Victoria Pepall, Napoleon VII, and ambassadors from Helvetia, Jervaine, FK, France, Aragon and several German states.  Read More...

edit 07.Oct.2007 — Grand Fenwick, Europe (IBAP) — Grand Duchess Abdicates

In the early morning hours of October 7th, Grand Duchess Glorianna XII, sovereign of Grand Fenwick informed members of the House of Electors (Grand Fenwick's Parliament) that she is abdicating, citing recent health problems. The news shocked the small nation, which has never had a monarch abdicate before.  Read More...

edit NEW AMSTERDAM POST — 27.SEP.2007 — Glamour, Controversy Surround New Tejan King

Santa Fe, Tejas — Juan Carlos Fürsten zu Solms-Braunfels officially assumed the restored throne of Tejas today, in an understated ceremony attended by dozens of the rich, the famous and the powerful as well as thousands and thousands of Tejans. Such prominent guests as King Pedr V of Kemr, King Nga'ara III of Easter Island, and Malcolm Urquart, the consort of Queen Diana I of England and Scotland would insure maximum security procedures, even without the sporadic protests by different groups as close to Santa Fe's Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi as they could manage. Lithuanians, Republicans, Felipese and followers of Native religious practices all turned out to protest the coronation. Some were agitating for independence, others to protest the overt part the Roman Catholic Church was taking in the ceremony while several groups were protesting the restoration of the Monarchy itself. Behind the scenes, it is common knowledge that many high-ranking military officers and government officials strongly disapprove of the legalization of the Ecotopic Party, a move strongly supported by the King. By noon dozens of arrests had been made, but most were expected to be released by this time tomorrow.  Read More...

edit BBC World News, Caribbean Desk — 19.SEP.2007

Bahia de la Palma, Florida — A reported sighting of a sub was made last night a short distance from the coast, making contact with a fishing vessel. Local fishing vessel skippers deny all knowledge of the alleged encounter, in stead blaming the sighting on RTC manoeuvers in the water. "We can't even fish in peace for all the navy activity around here," said Marcos Zuniga.  Read More...

edit THE NEW AMSTERDAM POST — 07.SEP.2007 — New Banner for Tejas

San Antonio — As a prelude to his coronation, young King Juan Carlos of Tejas unveiled a new royal banner for his dynasty, the house of Fürsten zu Solms-Braunfels. The twenty-four-year-old monarch, currently viewed as one of the most eligible bachelors in the world, said in a statement that the new banner is intended to echo both his family's ancient history and its ties to Tejas.  Read More...

edit 21.Aug.2007 — Grand Fenwick, Europe (IBAP) — Mourning in the World's Smallest State

At 2:34 pm, Grand Duchess Glorianna XII, Grand Duchess of the small nation of Grand Fenwick was rushed to the sole hospital in Grand Fenwick. The official report says that while on a leisurely horse-ride through Fenwick Forest and somehow fell from her horse. Nearby citizens immidately picked her up and took her to the Grand Duchy's hospital.  Read More...

edit BBC World News, Caribbean Desk — 07.JULY.2007

Kissimee, RTC ZOC, Florida — Several months of intense fighting between RTC forces and Floridian guerrillas led to a major victory for the rag-tag Floridian fighters. On the sixth of June, they managed to oust occupation forces from the local constabulary and raised the old F-C flag over the ruined post office. One week ago, RTC reinforcements engaged the guerrillas and destroyed the rebel garrison.  Read More...

edit NEW AMSTERDAM TIMES — 6.JULY.2007 — Philly Gore Behind Bars!

New Amsterdam — Model and sometimes actress Philadelphia Gore, daughter of the General Moderator, was arrested near midnight last night for driving under the influence of alcohol. While this would normally be a fairly routine matter, Miss Gore was already under probation for a similar offense last September. As part of the plea bargain with the Crown Prosecutors Office, her driving license was suspended for eighteen months beginning in November, 2006.  Read More...

edit NAL TODAY — 20.JUN.2007 — CONDOLENCES FLOOD TEJAN POST

San Antonio — The Tejan postal service (Correo Real de Tejas) has been inundated by post related to the death of Queen Maria Gabrielle. Letters and cards from as far away as Australasia and Antarctica, many addressed to the crown prince, have expressed sympathy with the Tejan people and have praised the queen for her steadfast efforts at restoring Tejan infrastructure to normal function and easing the transition of Tejanoes to democratic forms of governance. Of course, condolences have been arriving from world governments and international organisations since Saturday.  Read More...

edit NAL TODAY — 16.JUN.2007 — TEJAN NATION IN MOURNING AT PASSING OF BELOVED QUEED

San Antonio — The Tejan government confirmed today that Maria Gabrielle, Queen of that nation since the Restoration in 2003, died Thursday night of complications due to pneumonia. She was ninety-nine years old. Her great-grandson Juan Carlos Louis Felippe Fürsten zu Solms-Braunfels (1983- ) is expected to assume the throne, as per her will which was confirmed by the Tejan Congress last July, bypassing her grandsons Don Hans Georg (1957- ) and Don Infante Jorge Emanuel (1961- ) in favor of the vastly popular Juan Carlos.  Read More...

edit 25.MAY.2007

KINGSTON, JAMAICA -- The row last March over alleged civil rights violations in Cuba stemming all the way back to Cubas Florida-Caribbea days, reported by the IBAP on 26 March, has been resolved by the League of Nations Human Rights Council in favour of the Republic of Cuba.   Read More...


edit 12.MAY.2007

Yes, it's that time of the year, when we vote for the Irish, the Saesons vote for us, Germany and Scandinavia vote for each other and nobody votes for Bulgaria. Nevertheless, it's the time that Britain realises that   Read More...


edit 27.MAR.2007

Milano, Italy (Florence Observer) — At noon today, Queen Luisa II [of Italy]'s government announced to the press that it intended to hold a summit in Milano to discuss the idea of joining the Euro-consortium's space program. Italian envoys have been in contact with the Euro-consortium, which seems willing to at least consider the move. Luisa II has been pushing Italy towards joining such a program since the Holy Roman Empire's successful satellite launch in 2002, but this has been a major breakthrough for her government.
Delegates from each of Italy's member states will meet in Milano over the coming few weeks to discuss the idea, and the Queen's government has optomistically stated that they expect a decision to be made by the first week of April.
The Senate this afternoon approved the move by a good margin. This further show of support will probably speed up the summit's decision.
As the national summit occurs in Milano, the Italian government is sending officials to meet with the Euro-consortium to discuss this bid as a probability, not just a possibility. Minister of Science and Technology Emanuele dei Angeli stated that Italy should be optomistic, and that while the Euro-consortium had seemed divided, he believed that this offer would ultimately be accepted.  Read More...

edit 26.MAR.2007

New Amsterdam, Castreleon New — Cuba and the Scandinavian Realm have become embroiled in a diplomatic row as the Scandinavians call into questions Cuba's human rights record. Ambassador Karl Bildt has questioned Cuba's human rights suggesting that as a "daughter-state" of Florida-Caribbea that some form of redress is owed them for the nuclear attack on Charlotte-Amalie in the Cruzans.  Read More...

edit 22.MAR.2007

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (IBAP) — A hundred residents of a Russian village have flatly refused to comply with the newly declared passport laws of Russia. Unlike other groups, this is not done in defiance of the current regime, but rather the belief that the documents' bar codes are filled with satanic symbols, the state news network reported.
"We believe these new passports are sinful," Valentina Yepifanova, an elderly resident of the village Bogolyubovo, said as she clutched an old, tattered passport she said she wanted to keep. "Our patron saint, Sankt-Porfiri warned us of the evils that would come...this is one of them, and I will not allow the devil into my home. They have these bar codes and people say they contain three sixes. We are against that."
Some residents of Bogolyubovo, which means "God-loving" in Russian, have also stopped collecting their pensions at the local post office because the payment slips also have bar codes that might contain the mark of the devil. Bogolyubovo became a focus of interest during the reign of former premier Porfiri Bogolyubov, and has since been a site for pilgrimages, as it is rumored that his bones are buried within the city limits.  Read More...

News from 2006

edit America del Sur, 2006 12 21 —Tensions increase in the southern part of continent

After accusing the government of Nea Illenicia for harbouring leftist terrorists as well as several key leadres of Free Riu movements and issuing an ultimatum to permit Argentian investigation of the issue (with which the government of Nea Illenicia did not comply), Riu de l'Argent went to arms for the first time after the Esperanza Rios took power. This morning several airships of Riu de l'Argent crossed into the airspace of Nea Illencia and bombed several targets, including the border city of Nea Constantinople (where the house of a notable Argentian leftist poet Diego Navarro who has fled his homeland in 2003 was targetted; D. Navarro himself, however, was not harmed, but his wife was injured). The Nea Illenician sources reports about twenty casualties, most of which are civilian. Riu de l'Argent however claims a destruction of an important terrorist camp. No mobilization was enacted yet in any of the countries, but the presence of troops is increasing at both sides of the border. The actions of Riu de l'Argent were immidietly condemned by Araucania and Patagonia and Venezola.
The conflict between the two nations is longstanding and it deepened after Esperanza Rios was proclaimed dictator of Riu de l'Argent. The leftist insurgents launched a guerilla warfare against Rios's government which was especially rampant close to the borders of Nea Illenicia. Nea Illenicia refused to comply with Argentian requests of permitting their military investigators claiming that this would breach their sovereignity (as well as with the requests to give up certain people accused for treason in Riu de l'Argent), which ended up in Riu de l'Argent ceasing diplomatic relations between the two states in the early 2006.

edit IBAP — 27.11.2006 — Conch Republicans Thinks of Battlegames

Because of the current Battlegames going on in North America, some Floridian areas are starting up amatuer Battlegame leagues. This is most apparent in the Conch Republic.
The area has had only a small Battlegame following until after the Florida War. Since, the area has seen a steady, but definite, rise in Battlegame popularity. As of now there are two "major" teams in the CR; the "Libertad", and the "Conchesa", both based in the capital, Cayo Ôso.
After talking to a few members and the team leaders, it was learned that the teams are based on two of the three major parties, the (in English) Freedom and Liberal parties. The Freedom party men are in team "Libertad," and the Liberals in "Conchesa". That day, we saw a close match of three-to-two, in favor of "Libertad."
IBAP then learned that the many in Cayo Ôso hope to see a team from Florida in the near future taking part in the continental Battlegames.[SP]

edit World Battlegame Monitor, 2nd part of November, 2006 — "They were not defeated" (the first article in the magazine)

After a spectacular performance in the finals on November 19th NAL became the 11th battlegame champions of North America. This is the fifth time the NAL team gains this title, but the previous such time was 15 years ago. After a great performance in the matches of group I NAL easily defeated Alta California in semifinals (8:2) and advanced to the final match against Mejico (which had not-so-unexpectedly defeated Louisianne in semifinals - the final result there was 5:4 after two overtimes). The American fans started to celebrate in advance after the Louisiannians fell out of competition. Indeed, Mejican team was unable to pose a major threat to the NAL hegemony and the final match ended with 6:3 victory for NAL.
After the final match celebrations started in Chicago and in other American cities. "If we will continue play like this, I am sure will become world champions once more" - claimed a fan from New Amsterdam. The leader of the NAL team Benjamin Buttler did not hide his joy either - "We deserved this victory for sure. The great times of American battlegame are back".
The players and fans of Alta California were also happy, even though they have lost the match for the third place to Louisianne at 3:4. As the Californian coach Emanuel Guerrero said after this match, "Although of course it is the more the better, we have fulfilled our goal to win the right to participate in the World Championship. Furthermore we lost to the powerful Louisiannians only by one point. I have my faith in this team and I believe we could even get into the playoffs in the World Championship".
Different thoughs were in the mind of Louisiannian coach Napoleon de Navarre most likely. 3rd place is not something the people of Lousianne expected, especially as the team was North American champions the previous cycle. There are already rumours N. de Navarre will announce his resignation in December, after the battles of his team will be evaluated by the Lousiannian Battlegame Association.
"We have won the second place, but I am not happy with our performance" - claimed Vicente Madrazo, a notable attacking player of Mejico - "We should have been more active on the offense. Now we have achieved no decisive victories and even a draw with Saint-Domingo. Many fans probably cheer about the victory over Louisianne but let's face it - the Lousiannian team was not even the shadow of their team in the previous championship. We will definitely need to change the style of our battling in order to achieve something in the World Championship". The survey by a popular Mejican newspaper shown however that 59% of Mejicans are "very happy" or "happy" with the performance of their Battlegame team.
In the next pages of the magazine - further information about each match of the playoffs, exclusive interviews with the coaches and key players of all the four playoff teams.

edit World Battlegame Monitor, 1st part of November, 2006 - "Great American battles" (the first article in the magazine)

The start of this November saw the start and the end of the first round of the most important battlegame event in North America (save for cycles when the World Championship is held on the continent).
Those 11 days saw both joy and tears and this issue of WBM will be devoted to this. There is an article for each of the teams and interviews with their coaches or key players.
While NAL, led by Benjamin Buttler, confirmed its power by taking +5 points, New Francy's coach already applied for resignation after his team finished with the lowest possible score of -6. New Francy is not one of the battlegame powerhouses but however people at Quebec probably expected a better performance (no one probably would have expected a crushing 0:11 defeat to NAL). The team which performance made most of its fans worry is probably Louisianne. After loosing to NAL and barely able to secure a decisive victory against New Francy, until the very last round of match against Tejas Lousiannais were not sure werether their team would qualify to the playoffs and to the World Championships. Should the Tejan team won that round, they would have won the game and would have surpassed Louisianne. Tejas, on the other hand, certainly showed its ability to fight.
In the group IJ the situation was much more intense. Mejico was not surprising but stable and even after the draw with Saint-Domingo it managed to take the first place in the group. Saint-Domingo's hopes were quickly shattered after their first battle - first a landslide defeat to Central American Community and then a decissive loss to Alta California sealed the teams predicted fate as the worst performed team in the group. Riots took place in Hispaniola after their final game. Alta California managed to enter the playoffs instead of the Central American Community which perhaps was predicted, but many fans in Central America believed that their team could enter World Championships.
The results of all games played so far (excluding first quarterfinals that were played after this magazine was prepared for press) and the final standings in groups:
The shade diagram of group I final standings
The shade diagram of group I final standings
The shade diagram of group IJ final standings
The shade diagram of group IJ final standings
Group I
Group IJ
The playoffs:

edit Courrier de Hispanola, 2006 11 05 - Our heroes (translation)

After a heavy battle yesterday the Saint-Domingo battlegame team proved to the many sceptics who dwells outside our homeland that it was not a coincidence that it managed to qualify for the 11th North American Battlegame championship instead of a well known Montrei team, which was the 7th North American champions.
Our team secured a hard earned draw (3:3) against the strongly favoured Mexico, this way loosing no points and taking a strong position before battling weaker teams of Central American Community and Alta California. Our team has proved that, despite of the war our nation have been in recently, our sports are not ruined and that it is clearly not true that "All the good battlegame players of Saint-Domingo perished in the war", as the infamous Mejican newspaper "El Mejicano" claimed yesterday.
As Jean Arroyo, who played the leading part in achieving two of the three successful goals of our team and prevented the Mejicans from achiving a succesful goal in the last round by moving the flag out of the command room, has said, "This is indeed a great day for our great country".
The next match will be Tejas vs. New Francy tomorrow (Group I) but the most interesting match for us will be that between Alta California and Central American Community - our future opponents - after two days. The next battle of our team will take place in November 10th against the Central American Community.

edit Midwestern News, 2006 11 04 - They have been avenged

In the opening match of the 11th North American Battlegame Championship in the Cherokee Stadium of Chicago yesterday the NAL team managed to take a landslide victory 6:4 against the Louisianne team which have deprived NAL team of the North American champions title 5 years ago in the 10th Championship.
The battle was as tough as most NAL-Lousiannian battles are, despite of the beliefs held by some experts that the current NAL team is one of the strongest in history, while Lousianne is not battling as it used to.
Lousianne was the team that scored first after a succesful goal in the 2nd round, but the joy of Louisiannian fans was short-lived as NAL was quick to equalise and take the lead. In the 8th round Lousianne equalised again (2:2), but this was the last time the result was equal, as NAL quickly reached two succesful goals in the 11th and 13th rounds (4:2). Louisianne attempted to change the situation and answered by a succesful goal in 14th round (4:3), but team NAL was not prepared to give up and established the two points difference once again (5:3) in the 17th round. In the 18th round the team of Louisianne reached a succesful goal (5:4) and therefore made a decisive loss very unlikely; it succesfully defended in the 19th round but the last Lousianne's hopes for draw were bashed as the 20th round ended in liquidation for the team Louisianne.
This result means that NAL gets a hard earned point and now has +1 points, while Lousianne point count is decreased to -1. Matches against Tejas and New Francy remains for the borth teams in Group I and in these matches even two landslide victories would not appease NAL or Lousianne fans - they definitely hope for at least one decisive victory. One of the leaders of NAL team, Benjamin Buttler, claimed that even two decisive victories are possible. However, he as well did say that the way NAL played today is far from what he expected, but he believes this is related to all the hype about the NAL-Louisianne battles.
Today the Mejican team will attempt to hold the surprise qualifiers Saint-Domingo team at bay in the first battle in Group IJ.

edit NAL Today, 2006 11 03

The 11th North American Battlegame Championship is about to start today in Chicago, NAL. Throughout this week high numbers of fans have been flocking to Chicago by air, roads and rail from all over American continent to see this event, which will last for more than two weeks.
The first match that will hit the ground of the Cherokee Battlegame Stadium will be what will be a continuation of the final match of the North American chanpionship five years ago - NAL versus Louisianne. Lousiannians trumphed in the previous championship, but now the NAL team, led by Benjamin Buttler, who was titled "The best Battlegame player of the year" for two years in a row, will surely attempt to regain the lost honour.
While NAL and Louisianne will most likely be the main competitors for the title, other teams has what to fight for as well - the four best teams will win the right to take part in the 11th World Battlegame Championship in 2008.
"We came here to fight, not to surrender" - these words of Jose Ignacio Bel Arte, the coach of Central American Community team, probably describe well enough what the players, coaches and fans of all the eight participating teams feel now. "It is great just to be here, to feel this Battlegame atmosphere here in Chicago" - claimed one interviewed fan from Paįlankys, Tejas - "And I know that most people does not believe in us and they say that the Tejan team will be able to do nothing to secure one of the first two places in this very strong group so that we could advance to the playoffs and the world championship. But I say let's wait and watch, I believe our guys are able to beat NAL or Louisianne if the God will help us and of course New Francy and that might be enough".
One match a day will be played in the campionship, according to this schedule:

edit August 24, 2006 (6 Fructidor CCXIV) — First-Family's Festive Flight

Paris-sur-Mizouri, LOUISIANNE — Boarding l’Aigle, Jean-François Young and his family flew from the Paris-sur-Mizouri Aerodrome en route to the Wedding festivities of Antoine II Bourbon-Le Moyne and Princess Aquico of Micasa. This is the first time since the Revolution that a First-President has shown support to any member of the Royal Family.


edit August 23, 2006 (6 Fructidor CCXIV) — Arrests Foiled, Arrests Made! (La Suite / Followup)

Rontalon, Alpes-Argentés, LOUISIANNE — After intensive questioning the group that was responsible for the bombing in Rontalon and attempted bombing in Grignors have proven them to be aspiring terrorists and nothing more. Searches of their homes have yielded no plans, no weapons aside what was to be used in the bombings of Grignors and Rontalon, and it is apparent at this time that there were no plans afoot to attack any but local officials.


edit 5 Fructidor CCXIV (August 23, 2006) — Popularity Contest? (LA)

Paris-sur-Mizouri, LOUISIANNE — Next year's election for First-President looks to be a popularity contest in a poll released yesterday by the BonHomme Sondage group, the Louisiannan division of the Gallup Group.
President Jean-François Young is currently viewed as the most loved First-President of Louisianne, and according to poll results enjoys an approval rating of 95% +/- 2%.


edit 21 Aug 2006 (3 Fructidor, CCXIV) — Ambassador Bunny Reports on the RTC

Paris-sur-Mizouri Post, Paris-sur-Mizouri, Louisianne — Ambassador to the RTC Bunny has presented his brief to the First-President and the council on current affairs, on the apparent disregard of Aldendorf for the Ambassador and Louisianne, and for the very vocal minority represented by the Iniciaciwa Czywila.

edit WITA WARSINIE, 19 VIII 2006 — Little hope for cooperation after September elections, by our political correspondent, Piotr Szemica

With the elections for the Sejm only fifteen days ahead, Veneda is witnessing a campaign of unprecedented vileness. Indeed, much is at stake for both government and opposition. If the political right will succeed in repeating the success it had in the elections for the Sejm of the Republic in September last year, that will work out favourably for the Aldendorf government.   Read More...

edit IBAP -- 15.August.2006 -- Ireland outraged

Dubhlinn, Ireland -- Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn, Premier of Ireland, is angered by Chancellor Aldendorf's (