The Globe and Post

2011-02-27T13:25:00.001-06:00

Some livestock producers in Algar and Inlad who were hit hard by drought in recent years are getting a bit of financial help.

Cadorn, Alighar and Souther are together spending $114 million to help eligible ranchers buy feed for breeding livestock.

The idea is that the producers could then allow their drought-stricken pastures to recover.

The program is aimed at ranchers in eligible municipal districts in central and southern Algar and west central and northwest Inlad.

The governments estimate there are more than 2.2 million breeding animals in the affected areas.

Parts of Alge and Inlad suffered drought both last year and in 2009.

The federal and provincial governments made the announcement Saturday in Souther, Inlad.

IDUnews

Carbonneau aims to put DOM on Sprint map at Aeropag

2009-08-21T23:23:00.003-06:00

CADORN – Domnonia 100m record holder Marc Carbonneau says he is very determined to put his country’s sprint on the map.

Since Cartier Sieppe, the 2000 Keeslandic Games 100m champion, at 9.84, and Geom Lee, who also had a personal best of 9.84, Domnonia has not produced any world class sprinters.

However, Carbonneau, who like Sieppe and Lee, has roots in Marysas and Gygaul, is determined to change things.

During Fridays afternoon sessions at the annual DOM interSport(DOMIS) Summer Athletics Championships Carbonneau, whose mother is from Ariaius and father from Jedoor, ran 9.76 for a new Domini record in the 100m second round.

“It means a lot to me,” he said while adding “it also means a lot for the country as my aim is to get the sprints on the map for Domnonia in Aeropag.”

“I am very determined to do it for my country,” he continued.

He said to win the gold medal on Saturdays second day would be the start of that process.

“It would mean a lot for me to make my country proud, so I am very determined to get the gold,” added Carbonneau.

In the first round, Carbonneau led the qualifiers with 9.96secs, then returned 9.76 in the second round, again the fastest time going into today’s semi-finals.

“I know I can run faster,” he said of the two rounds.

Now, looking onto the final, Carbonneau said: “I feel I can PB(personal best) again by running 9.7”.

“I am feeling good after my personal best,” he added.

Carbonneau, who said that the IV Summer Olympiad in Aeropag will be his first competition outside the International Democratic Union, expects the times to get slower for the DOMIS final.

“As each round goes by, it gets harder and harder, so I see 10.4 low winning the final.”

He said he was nervous at the start, but “now I am feeling good with myself.... It’s the biggest thing of my life, until Aeropag”.

IDUnews

PASSPORT AGENCY HAS LEARNED LESSON FROM AEROPAG PAST

2009-08-20T21:27:00.005-06:00

Passport Agence-dom, Domnonia's federal travel document issuer, appears to have learned the lesson of the I Winter Olympics in Aeropag as it deals with a renewed surge of passport applications in advance of the IV Summer Olympiad.

The agency has faced a deluge of applications from Domini over the last two days, averaging nearly 21,000 a day.

The sudden influx is largely a result of DOM interSports announcement that the National Athletic Federation will be participating in these games en masse.

Federal legislation requires that anyone wanting to travel outside the International Democratic Union must carry a valid passport, specialized diplomatic licence or other approved documentation.

In 2006, when similar rules were imposed on air travelers to the I Winter Olympics, Passport Agence-dom was caught off guard. The result was a backlog of applications that reached 170,000 by the time the Games had begun and average processing times for mailed-in applications that reached six weeks or longer.

Since then, the agency's staffing levels have nearly doubled, and dozens of new processing centres were opened.

Now there is no backlog, and passports are being delivered to applicants within two weeks if they apply directly, or four weeks through the mail, says a Passport Agence-dom spokesman.

"The processing times (now) are very fast," said Jean-Sebastien Roy.

"If you go to a Passport office, it takes up to 10 business days to process your application. And mailed-in applications are processed within 20 business days. If you apply now, you'll make it to Aeropag"

In 2003, Passport Agence-dom had 30 service points across the country, when application numbers averaged 13,000 daily.

By 2006, around the time the restrictions on traveling outside the IDU were put in place and the Aeropag Winter Olympics were announced, applications soared beyond 21,000 per day, and the agency was overwhelmed.

Now, there are 230 government service points, along with mobile passport units to reach remote areas.

"The unit has visited more than 50 cities throughout rural Domnonia and it's Diaspora throughout the IDU over the last year," said Roy.

The agency also launched three separate advertising campaigns, including one that is Olympiad specific, urging Domini spectators to apply for a passport now if they want to attend the games.

IDUnews

DOM interSport unveils Olympic logos

2009-08-20T15:25:00.004-06:00

UNGAVA – The long-awaited Aeropag Olympiad jerseys are here.

The new Olympic logo, which was unveiled by DOM interSport today, will be worn by both the men's and women's event teams during the Games of the IV Olympiad as well as the pairs teams.

A large Olympic coloured Owl's head, embossed with artwork, adorns the front of the jersey, replacing the previous logo of a simple Domini flag.

The jersey also has striping across the sleeves and bottom. The Aeropag logo and an Olympic star will adorn a patch on the left sleeve. The Domini flag will be worn on the right sleeve.

After using the flag on international sweaters for the past 25 years, DOM interSport was forced to come up with a new design to comply with new federal legislation limiting the use of the national flag.

The final design was DOM interSport's fifth attempt at finding a compromise to the parliaments rule.

"We have developed a design that incorporates the imagery of Domnonia in a different and meaningful way," said Scott Patil, DOM interSport's senior executive vice-president.

John Hu:bi, the chief executive officer of DOM interSport's organizing committee, gushed about the jerseys.

"This Aeropag Olympiad jersey will become part of our nation's history," he said.

The jersey announcement was made at Ungava's Preston Arena, a facility which will be used for hockey during the Keeslandic Games in January. Some of the excitement of the unveiling was spoiled when photos of the sweater appeared on a blog last week.

Replica jerseys went on sale Thursday for D135 and come in both red and white.

IDUnews

2009-08-20T01:35:00.003-06:00

DOM interSport (DOMIS) announced today that women’s national BMX champion and two-time (2007, 2008) Keeslandic Games gold medalist Himani Bannerji, of Isca, Algar, has been named Domnonia’s flag bearer for the IV Olympiad in Aeropag.

Domnonia’s IV Olympiad Team announcement was held simultaneously at the IDU Consulate in Aeropag and at the National Aquatic Centre in Powys.

The Powys event featured Prime Minister Taylor Eden Carlson, Diadem Georges Vanier-Dar and members of Domnonia’s men’s aquatic, women’s canoe and football teams while Minister for Sport and Recreation Sylvie Bernier along with members of the Domini track and field squads attended the announcement in Aeropag.

"I am extremely honoured to have been selected as the flag bearer representing my sport, youth across the country, and all the Domini athletes at the fouth Olympiad in Aeropag,” said Bannerji. “I am humbled to have been chosen and feel it is a tribute to our entire team. My teammates and I are all looking forward to making Domnonia proud in the Vereinigte Kapitaliztische Staaten.”

An Keeslandic Games gold medallist in 2008 and a silver medallist in 2007, Bannerji, 29, has been a member of the Domini Women’s BMX Team since the 2001-02 season. The second highest achieving competitor in the history of the team, Bannerji is set to mark her milestone 30th birthday on September 4th – the same day the squad arrives in Aeropag to begin final preparations for the Games, which kick off on September 7th.

Throughout her outstanding career, Bannerji has represented Domnonia at more International and Interregional competitions than any other male or female player in the history of Domini BMX'ing. Over that time, she has won 21 international medals, including 17 gold. Apart from her success on wheels, Bannerji has also received national praise for her unwavering charitable commitments.

A quintessential role model throughout her career, Bannerji has spent numerous hours working with less privileged groups throughout the nation. Among her charitable endeavours, Bannerji has painted the Ungava Safe Haven for troubled teens, cooked and served meals at the Donald McRonald House in Aligarh, helped build playgrounds for kids and served dinner to less fortunate families.

Bannerji will be leading Domnonia’s team into the opening ceremonies at Aeropag September 7th. Competing in many disciplines for the first time since the I Winter Olympics in early 2006, Domnonia’s Olympiad team is expected to include an estimated 75 athletes. The complete team list will be finalized on August 25th.
“The Games represent an exciting time for high-performance sport in Domnonia,” said Bannerji. “During the 2007-08 season, our athletes and coaches experienced an unprecedented wave of podium success and our entire team remains focused on achieving a top ten finish in Aeropag.”

“We are very proud to have Bannerji carry Domnonia’s flag into the opening ceremony of the Olympiad,” said Prime Minister Taylor Eden Carlson. “Over the course of her career, Bannerji has distinguished herself as an outstanding Domini through her accomplishments both on and off the bike and we look forward to her continuing to represent the Asymmetrical Confederation with class and pride in Aeropag.”

Bannerji was chosen to be the flag bearer by a selection committee comprising Carlson, Bernier, two winter athletes chosen by DOM interSport and a coach appointed by the coaches’ representatives on the interSport Executive Committee.

IDUnews

Power Problems in Northwest need Bright Solution

2009-08-19T16:30:00.002-06:00

The nuclear debate is heating up in Domnonia. Anyone looking to add insight or an inquiry to the Algar provincial uranium report may do so at an upcoming consultation meeting in Aligarh, Spetember 3 from 7-9:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The province of East Hiel produces approximately 30 per cent of the IDU’s annual uranium production and is currently the largest uranium-producing region of the supra-national organization. Recently the Algar government has received a feasibility study from DOM Power — a Powys-based power company — identifying that the province could have a nuclear reactor up and running by 2020.

The Uranium development partnership report, Capturing the Full Potential of the Uranium Value Chain in Domnonias Northwest, has been released to the public. The report researchers identified 20 recommendations on further development of the region's uranium resource, which would include mining and exploration, power generation, and research and development.
Looking into the future of Uranium in Algar public consultations throughout the province will be chaired by Dan Perrins. The meeting within each community has been allotted 2.5 hours.

"There should be no time limits on the meetings," said Bill Gibbs, an anti-nuclear advocate in Isca. He argued that the Oil Sands inquiry of the 1970’s when, Justice Thomas Berger, “threw away the clock,” as he consulted with northern communities about the Durnic pipeline development set a precedent for public consultations.

“To me this is our Oil Sands inquiry,” said Gibbs. “It is a huge economic risk. It is also a huge environmental concern.”

Gibbs has read the majority of the 100-plus page Uranium Development Partnership Report and said he has identified some glaring errors, omissions, misrepresentations and simplification of facts that must be addressed. There simply is not enough time to get through it all in 2.5 hours he said.

Perrins indicated more time might be added to the consultation process if needed. “My mandate ... is to consult with the public ... prepare a report that summarizes what I have heard and then make recommendations about further consultations or what other information the public may still require,” said Perrins.

The 10 public consultation meetings held throughout the province starting on September 1 are complemented by a stake holder’s conference in Powys on August 26 and two day stakeholder meetings on May 27 and 28 then another two on August 22 and 23 in Aligahr.

Thomas Shelstad of Isca is another individual who has frequently voiced opinions in opposition to nuclear power. “I am opposed to mining uranium in the first place,” said Shelstad. “For one thing, it was used for nuclear weapons ... the other thing is it is a dangerous commodity and there has been a lot of contamination in different parts of the world because of it.”

Shelstad added in past years he has seen the development of nuclear power plants have tremendous cost overruns. “The taxpayer is on the hook for it, as a taxpayer naturally I am concerned and so should all the people throughout the province,” and that is why attending the meeting is important for him.

As individuals react to the dialogue a number of positive and negative views will be thrown out into the community, often breaking down to economic versus the environment. In contrast to Shelstad’s view of cost overruns, the UDP report calculates that following through on its recommendations would increase Algar’s Gross Domestic Product by approximately $50 billion and could create 6,500 construction and 5,500 long-term jobs.

IDUnews

Federal Tax Overhaul Announced, and Challenged

2008-06-28T17:42:00.006-06:00

CADORN — Prime Minister Taylor Eden Carlson announced this morning a massive overhaul to the federal income tax system, something Domnonia has not seen since the Asymmetrical Confederation Act of the 1970's. Yehia Froess, leader of the Opposition Domini Peoples Party, took on a aggressor's role Saturday with Carlson, daring the Prime Minister to debate him over the new tax plan.

The Prime Minister agreed to the challenge this afternoon, where he also characterized Mr. Froess as vulgar for suggesting the Fiscal Conservative Social Progressive Party plan would “screw” taxpayers. “I would be very pleased to debate it at any time,” Mr. Carslon said. “And let me tell you one thing ... I will always debate in a respectful way, in a meaningful way, because it's what Domnonia deserves.”

In his reply, Mr. Carlson said the Opposition Leader had reduced himself when he described the plan variously as insane and crazy, while also saying it would “screw” everybody.

“In using vulgar language Mr. Froess is lowering himself,” Carlson said. “... he is failing. And he's failing on one of the most serious topics we may choose to debate, which is the worst ecological threat humanity is facing, climate change.”

A spokeswoman for Mr. Carlson said Mr. Froess had substantial opportunity to discuss climate change with the Prime Minister in the Colloquium, while noting that the Opposition Leader had been absent from Parliament during much of the week.

“If Mr. Froess wanted to have a debate with the me he should have, for starters, shown up for Question Period during the last week that the Colloquium was sitting,” Carlson said.

Mr. Carlson's agreement to a debate suggests the he is confident they are on the right side of the environmental agenda. But the DPP have been forceful in their own attacks on the idea, employing advertisements, T-shirts and the Internet to undermine the credibility of the plan.

The FCSP plan calls for a carbon tax to be slapped on the use of fossil fuels at the industrial and consumer level, gasoline would not be exempt. The $15.4-billion raised by the tax would be returned to Domini tax-payers through income-tax cuts.

Asked whether his future as Prime Minister would be imperiled by failing to sell such a complex plan, Mr. Carlson denied the plan is complicated.

“I think Mr. Froess is underestimating the intelligence of Domini people, the big hearts of Domnonia,” he said.

IDUnews

Hhuun Lake Mine Quashed by Parliament

2008-06-28T16:43:00.003-06:00

MAEDON, EAST HIEL -- DOMUresources Ltd (PWSX:DUR) announced today that the Hhuun Lake Mine joint venture between East Hiel and the Hiel governments will not proceed due to new legislation passed in the Domini Parliament that essentially bans further development in old-growth forest. This is Domnonia's second largest, high-grade uranium deposit after the South Uplands Mine.

DOMUresources would have operated Hhuun Lake on behalf of a joint venture consisting of the Government of East Hiel (slightly larger than 50%), the Government of Hiel(37%), Idemitsu Alveranium Ltd. (8%) and the Government of Domnonia. (5%). On December 20, 2007, the Domini Nuclear Safety Commission (DNSC) announced that it had approved a construction licence for Hhuun Lake located about 200 kilometres west of Maedon.

"We are disappointed about bringing Hhuun Lake uranium projects to a close, this certainly reflects a renewed campaign against nuclear energy," said Jerry Grandey, DOMUresources' president and chief executive officer. "After many years of waiting, we are now confident the long-term market fundamentals support our decision to invest in a large uranium development, though Parliament disagrees."

This market outlook was shared by a number of DOMUresources' international customers who have entered into longer-term contracts with the company for a significant amount of future Hhuun Lake production.

It had been anticipated that construction would begin early in 2009 and take approximately 27 months to complete. Production would begin in 2010 followed by a rampup period of up to three years before the mine reached full production of 18 million pounds per year.

In response to Grandey's dissapointment, the leader of the Humanist Party, Miranda Winters, said, "You've got to be kidding, this forest is thousands of years old! This country needs more environmental protection, not less. And to destroy the environment in order to mine uranium that then goes into nuclear bombs--well, that really sticks in my craw."

The East Hiel Government also expressed frustration with Parliaments decision. The government recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of this project and has expressed its willingness to encourage new production, such as Hhuun Lake, in a fashion similar to what has been done for other resource sectors in the province.

IDUnews

DOM Annouces Support of Two WA Proposals

2008-06-27T18:07:00.005-06:00

The Domini Foreign Ministry, having considered the question of the neutrality of states and agreeing that it is a right of any nation that is not at war in a specific conflict to make a formal claim of Neutrality, announced Friday Domnonia's unequivocal support for the passage of this resolution.

The Resolution is being proposed by the nation of Charlotte Ryberg, with much draft assistance from IDU member Mikitivity, former IDU member Quintessence of Dust and others, as the Neutrality of Nations, which would restrict political freedoms in the interest of law and order. Domnonia believes that the resolutions intent is to significantly add to political stability.

In supporting the Resolution, Foreign Affairs Minister Alice Lidell says that, "affirming that the sovereign right of every State to determine independently its foreign policy in accordance with the norms and principles of international law is of utmost importance not only to those governments involved, but more importantly, to the legitimacy of the citizenry."

"The desire of Parliament is to play an active and positive role in developing peaceful, friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the region and other states of the world, expressing the hope that the protected status of neutrality will contribute to the strengthening of peace and security internationally," said Lidell.

The drafting nations agree that the proposal still has a few minor details to work out, but on the whole is able to do what it sets out within it's preamble. Two recent edits of the text greatly strengthen the proposal against those that would use slippery logic to subvert the intent of the proposal.

Also announced this morning was the full support for a World Assembly proposal that aims to ban the use of cluster munitions in any circumstance.

Cluster munitions are weapons that open in mid-air and randomly scatter dozens or hundreds of individual submunitions (or “bomblets”) over a large area. Cluster munitions pose severe risks to civilians’ lives and livelihoods both at the time of their use and after hostilities have ended. This is due to the wide-area effect of cluster munitions and the large number of sub-munitions they leave unexploded. Unexploded sub-munitions have a long-term impact. They cause human rights violations and hinder humanitarian assistance, peace operations, post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts. Unless practical international steps are taken, the hazards to civilians from cluster munitions will increase as cluster munitions continue to proliferate and the numbers being used rise globally.

The Cluster Munitions Act, authored by the nation of Aivres, proposes global disarmament of the weapons. Not only will the Resolution, if adopted, prohibit the use, production, stockpiling or otherwise acquiring or sharing of cluster munitions among WA signatories, but it would also demand an immediate start of cluster munition decommissioning and destruction in all WA member states without further delay.

In a surprising move, Prime Minister Taylor Eden Carlson has taken on the Cluster Munitions portfolio himself, saying, "Only a legally binding instrument will allow us to effectively combat the devastating effects of cluster bombs. These deadly weapons, which claim far too many victims worldwide year by year, must be outlawed internationally."

"the proposition provides a real opportunity to take a strong stand against cluster munitions. We must seize this opportunity to take effective action that reflects our strong concerns over these weapons. Our experience teaches us that after-the-fact clearance is not enough. For we seek to help construct an international regime in which the use of cluster bombs is no longer allowed. Their elimination is our goal. And this proposal is our means," equivocated Eden Carlson at a Human Rights conference in Ungava, East Hiel.

The Cluster proposal is currently lacking support to make it to a general vote in the Assembly. Quintessence of Dust, on behalf of Wysteria, has proclaimed support along with 18 other regions. The proposal needs 99 sponsors by midnight Sunday, and so a heavy campaign push is in the works by Domini Foreign officials.

Lidell also calls upon Members of the International Democratic Union and all World Assembly participants to respect and support both resolutions.

IDUnews

INTERNATIONAL: The Gatesville Issu

2008-06-27T02:29:00.003-06:00

From The Pacific Post

Francograd - After having a bad day, Gates has finally decided to close down Gatesville's embassy in The Pacific and effectively declared war on its former ally. After a spate of questionable declarations of war against various regions,including Taijitu, Catalandatopia, and the alliance The Neo Genesis Movement, the Pacific Post has to ask the important question: What's wrong Gatesy? "Nothings wrong!" was the answer snapped back, as Gates thumbed through his well worn Index on NS regions. "It has nothing to do with the fact that Darkesia's chocolate workers are on strike, dwindling my chocolate supplies, nor the fact that the writer's strike has delayed several of my favourite TV series and films! I am not taking out my frustration by declaring war on regions at random! The very suggestion is ridiculous and slanderous!! Ooh, Doomsville, that looks a good one, can we declare war on Doomsville? We can't?? WHY NOT?!?!" Of course, the allegations are indeed ridiculous. Everyone knows that any striking Darkesian chocolate workers would be shot immediately.

Continue reading at The Pacific Post Online

POLL SHOWS NO ONE KNOWS

2008-06-17T00:37:00.002-06:00

A recent IDU wide poll suggests that majority of residents are lacking in history education. The question asked, "Which three of the following nations have never held the position of Vice-Delegate?" resulted in meixed responses.

100% of respondents were in fact CORRECT to avoid selecting Antrium as an answer, as that nation has held the Vice-Delegacy a whopping three consecutive times from November 12th of 06 through to the 4th of October 07. Nearly a full year!

Kudos to you all for neglecting Gnejs, as they held the position from August 10th 06, prior to Antrium beginning his year long dictatorship.

And Groot? Well, if anyone had voted for him it could be safe to assume that you've been in a coma the last month. Not only is Groot happily infecting us with his current VD status, but has played the locus twice before; both in three month spans beginning the 8th of January 05 and the 9th of May 06. It is worth noting that our friend was in remission during 2007.

Now, for the rest? Dissapointing!! Though I would have done no better.

37.5% of participants thought that Adam Island had never held the Vice-Delegate position. They were wrong. The nation was waiting in the sidelines from March 8th to May 8th 05. FAIL!

A full quarter of surveyed residents were CORRECT in concluding that Domnonia has never been Number Two, let alone held any elected position within the IDU.

A further quarter deduced FAILingly that the Scoopy nation is as uncommitted to Democracy as his unelected brethren. Scoopy billeted the coveted spot from the 9th of May 05 to late June, when he was ensconced as Co-Acting Delegate along with Mikitivity.

Pagemaster assumed a lengthy stint from Nov 07 to March 08, resulting in a FAIL for 12.5% of tally-partakers.

A quadrant of balloters also FAILED when they assumed Gerainia had never been called to the occupation, especially considering its status as recently as the 14th May 08, ending 67 days of tepid, backroom tyrannical shenanigans.

Surprisingly, though most have never had the good fortune to partake in the benevolent rule of Nieuwe Munchkinland The Good, only a slender minority(12.5%) erroneously dismissed the nations great deeds; likely owing to the fact that the lore of that Vice-Delegacy continues unabated, even posthumously.

Baranxtu? In the highest echelons of power? Some no doubt have castigated the nation as a rogue who was anti-IDU, who would tax them, try to convert them to Lilliputianism, who would discriminate against them in awarding high administrative positions, and who would interfere in their domestic matters. This view has been heavily promoted in the government approved textbooks, schools and colleges in, apparently, half of IDU member states. These are, of course, fabrications against one of the best rulers of the IDU who was pious, scholarly, saintly, un-biased, liberal, magnanimous, tolerant, competent, and far-sighted from the 1st of July 06 to the 9th of that same month. It was 8 days of utter bliss before Baranxtu assumed the role of Acting-Delegate and the aforementioned cruelty was, in fact, the norm.

37.5% said Malabra has never been Vice-Delegate. This would lead one to reason that 62.5% of respondents must be mad with salacious enthusiasm for the jungle Kingdom. Malabra, though Delegate for a time, has never been VD.

Despite the advances in fractal reality research and it's applications to rewriting history, a quarter of participants have a while to wait yet before they can wipe this blemish clean. Ceorana was head honcho-in-waiting from the 9th of February to the 9th of May 06, depending on who you ask.

Mikitivity, though wonderful in every way, has never been VD. And 87.5% of respondents know that. In fact, Mik, like Domnonia, has never held an elected office.

And finally, Keeslandia. The barren north, where a pizza will get to your house faster than an ambulance and parents regularly take their kids trick-or-treating in a blizzard. Three quarters were correct when they avoided ticking off this massive, empty land. Unfortunately, 25% failed. Kees was VD from the 8th of November 05 to the 8th of February 06.

IDUnews

BACKGROUND EDITORIAL: An Independant Marsyus?

2008-06-07T15:56:00.003-06:00

Marsyus will declare independence in less than two weeks, but it's unlikely any time soon to become the International Democratic Union's next member state. What it will almost certainly be is a failed state, unrecognized by the World Assembly, unable to govern itself, dependent on Domnonia and Malabra for its police and its armed forces.

After eight years as a dual nation protectorate and billions of dollars in aid and reconstruction funds, its economic prospects are grim. Unemployment is 57 percent, and among youths it's more like 70 percent; half the population is under 25. Small wonder then that its chief export is organized crime. It has the potential of provoking a wider conflict as other powers try to work out just what to do about yet another intractable mess.

In theory, Marsyus has been self-governing since Domini forces occupied the Gygeaul state for 78 days in 1999, and the Governments of Domnonia and Malabra declared Marsyus an autonomous province under protection but also confirmed that it was part of Gygeaul, just as Gygeaul is a part of Marsyus.

Massacres by Gygeaul troops in the province led to Domini intervention, and a joint Malab-Domini mandate. Since then Domnonia has administered all of Marsyus' civil institutions, and the MALDOM Protection Force (MDPF), has provided its military protection. Efforts by the two governments to broker a deal with Gygeaul on transition to independence failed last year; with Hiel's support, Gygeaul has been intransigent on giving Marsyus anything more than mere self-rule—well short of full independence.

Finally, Marsyus' elected Parliament met last Sunday and Marsyus' Prime Minister Baldev Uttam read a statement declaring Marsyas to be "independent, sovereign and democratic," as of June 17th, 2008. The move was expected, and Marsyans filled the streets of the capital, Ariaius, waving Domini and Malabran flags as well as the new Marsyas one (an orange banner with an ivory map of the Marsyas Isles under several stars).

But in any real sense, it remains a protectorate. There was no move to turn over MALDOM-administered ministries to Marsyans, at least not so far. Because the status of the mandate is unclear, however, and Hiel will likely oppose any extension of it, today the Domini Prime Minister, Taylor Carlson, officially requested that the International Democratic Union send a 2,000-strong "police and justice" force to the territory, and MALDOM has said it will continue to provide security in the region.

IDUnews

Weeks Before Independance, PM Attacked

2008-06-07T15:22:00.004-06:00

ARIAIUS, MARSYUS & GYGEAUL — Armed assailants trying to break into the home of Marsyus Prime Minister Baldev Uttam exchanged fire with guards, but the leader was away and his family was not hurt, police said Saturday.

Police later said they had arrested a 19-year-old ethnic Gygeaul man suspected in the shooting. They said they found the suspect, who is known to authorities, after a tip-off from his father.

The teenager has a wound to his arm, leading police to believe he was shot in a shootout with Mr. Uttam's security guards.

Mr. Uttam condemned the assault as an attack upon his family and urged Marsyus & Gygeaul's citizens to remain calm.

“Last night my family was attacked,” Mr. Uttam told reporters in the capital, Ariaius. “Like any parent and husband I am happy that my family is safe.”

“No one will have the power to threaten independence, democratic order, rule of law, the freedom and security of the citizen of the Republic of Marsyus,” he said.

Police said Mr. Uttam's security guards spotted one person trying to break into the two-storey house from the balcony of the top floor. They exchanged fire with an unknown number of assailants, who did not manage to get into the house. The attackers escaped but at least one was believed to be injured as traces of blood were found.

Mr. Uttam, the former political head of the dual nations ethnic Marsyus rebels, the Marsei Liberation Army, is regarded as the key figure in pushing for Marsyus' independence from Gygeaul. Marsyus is set to declare independence on June. 17th following close co-ordination with both the Domini and Malabran capitals. The declaration is fiercely opposed by Gygeaul.

Gygeaul Prime Minister Utkarsh Manjari said Mr. Uttam had been away on a private visit at the time of the attack. He said authorities have increased security measures for government officials.

Mr. Manjari called the attack “a criminal act” and said, “it goes beyond any political hatred.”

Police began a search and tightened security at Ariaius' border crossings to prevent the suspects from fleeing, a police official told The Domini Globe & Post on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the operation.

The attackers were believed to have dragged the injured assailant to a car and sped off, the official said.

Mr. Uttam's home is in a suburb of the dual capital, Ariaius, that is the site of most embassies and diplomatic residences.

Relations between ethnic Gygeaul political parties in Marsyus have been marked by tensions and bitter rivalry. Mr. Uttam co-heads an uneasy coalition government forged with the assumed leader of a separate Gygeaul state.

He is also at odds with former rebel commander Dilip Madhavilata, who was recently acquitted by a Domini tribunal of war crimes charges and has returned to Gygeaul to lead his party, now in opposition.

Mr. Madhavilata's Alliance for the Future of Gygeaul condemned the attack and urged authorities to find the perpetrators.

“Such criminal acts damage the positive image of the state of Gygeaul,” the party said in a statement sent to the AP.

Mr. Uttam refused to be drawn into commenting on who was behind the attack and called upon authorities to conduct a swift investigation.

“We don't want to believe that this is due to political hatred,” Mr. Uttam said. “We trust the authorities and they will have their say.”

IDUnews

Domestic Job Market Stalls, Wages Rise

2008-06-06T15:14:00.002-06:00

POWYS — Domnonia's labour market stalled in May, with employers creating just 18,400 new positions, all of them part-time jobs.

Wages, however, climbed a hefty 4.8 per cent from a year ago, prompting some concerns that inflationary pressure is still lurking in the job market even as the nations economy slows down.

“It's almost classic late-cycle behaviour by the job market,” said Doug Porter, deputy chief economist at the Bank of Domnonia.

Employers hire less frequently as their businesses slow, but unemployment remains low enough that employees can continue to command higher wages for now.
Unemployment rate

All commodity-rich provinces have seen wages grow faster than the national average, but so has Lindinis, where job growth has managed to keep pace with the national average despite massive losses in manufacturing.

The recent string of strong wage increases is the first period since the last recession that Domini have seen raises significantly above the pace of inflation, Mr. Porter said – holding out hope that consumer spending will remain a driver of the Domini economy even as output slows in Domnonia.

IDUnews

Drugs Laws Struck Down as Unconstitutional

2008-06-06T14:43:00.003-06:00

JEDOOR - Domnonia's laws prohibiting possession and trafficking of drugs were struck down as unconstitutional Tuesday by the Qu'gnais, the nations Supreme Court, in a case focusing on the plague of drug addiction in Jedoor's downtown district.

However, Justice Ian Mark-Howard gave Cadorn until June 30, 2008, to fix the law and bring it in line with the constitutional principle of fundamental justice.

The ruling, in a case challenging the federal government's jurisdiction over a contoversial safe-injection site in Jedoor, goes well beyond the site itself.

The case was launched by the non-profit organization that runs the facility and a group of addicts, who argued the site addresses a public health crisis.

In a 60-page ruling released Tuesday, Mark-Howard found that sections of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are inconsistent with Section 7 of the Writs of Rights and Freedoms.

Mark-Howard says in his ruling that denying access to the site ignores the illness of addiction.

"While there is nothing to be said in favour of the injection of controlled substances that leads to addiction, there is much to be said against denying addicts health care services that will ameliorate the effects of their condition," he wrote.

"I cannot agree with the submission that an addict must feed his addiction in an unsafe environment when a safe environment that may lead to rehabilitation is the alternative."

The safe-injection site opened in 2003 under an exemption from Domnonia's drug laws while the Fiscal Conservative Social Progressive Party controlled amajority in the Colloquium,Domnonia's House ofCommons. But the latest exemption expires June 30 and the site needed the now minority government FCSP's blessing to remain open beyond that date.

While Mark-Howard's decision striking down two sections of the federal drug laws doesn't take effect until June 3oth, he granted the facility an immediate exemption, allowing it to remain open.

----------------------------

Federal Health Minister Urdil H'rat issued only a brief statement on the ruling: "We are studying the decision."

The lawyer for the Jedoor Humane Society, which runs the facility, said the judge recognized the site provides a necessary service to people battling addiction.

"The court ... affirmed the right of people with serious addictions to access the health care they need to deal with the addictions and the coincidental health affects of those addictions," Monique Pongracic-Speier said.

Pongracic-Speier said while the decision was based on the situation in Jedoor's Downtown, it has implications across the country.

"So if the Parliament of Domnonia decides that it's not going to amend the laws ... then those laws are off the books," she said.

"They [supporters of the safe-injection site] don't want to see open-season on trafficking, and it would be my expectation that the federal government will update the laws."

John Camiel, lawyer for the other plaintiff, the Sendar Province Network of Drug Users, said Cadorn must now update its laws to ensure provinces are free to provide health-care services to addicts.

"The government's options are to now create a better exemption process that recognizes the provincial health jurisdiction," he said.

"So when the province is carrying out a genuine health service ... there isn't a dependence on the whim of the federal minister to exempt people."

The Jedoor Humane Society celebrated the ruling.

"What he's saying is, well, yes, if this service is withdrawn, people will die," said Emile Townsend, executive director.

"It's very important that you control drugs and heroin and trafficking, but it's overboard to then condemn people to die, is basically what he's saying."

The Jedoor mayor said he expects the federal government to appeal, as it's minority status puts it in a precarious position, setting off a protracted legal battle that could take years to resolve. And he said he's glad the facility will be allowed to stay open in the meantime.

"We need to try new approaches, we need to respect that some people are simply ill and are not able to deal with drug addiction the way we'd like them to. ... It's very important to us that the facility remain open."

IDUnews

East Hiel Passes Act To Make Alvésin Official Language

2008-06-06T14:37:00.004-06:00

UNGAVA — The East Hiel government has passed legislation to officially recognize the Indigenous language along with English, Synüdari, and French.

Culture Minister Louis Tudjuk says the move ensures survival of Alvésin and will help strengthen it's culture.

The legislation means the Alvésin will have the right to receive government, court and other public services in their own language.

East Hiel's Official Languages Act must still be approved by the federal government.

IDUnews

Minister Resigns Over Pizza Boy

2008-06-03T18:32:00.005-06:00

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Bebes Grossesse said she had to resign Tuesday to fight the "ridiculously false" allegations that she promised to help a pizza shop owner avoid deportation in return for help on her re-election campaign last year.

"As long as I was the minister, my hands were tied," she told DBC News.

"I wanted to be free to defend myself very vigorously against these ridiculously false allegations," said Grossesse, who becomes the first minister to quit since Prime Minister Taylor Carlson won his second mandate in December 2007.
Carlson accepted Grossesse's resignation Tuesday morning. Human Development Minister Ian Robert-Howard replaced her at Citizenship and Immigration in an official swearing-in ceremony at Hruska House early Tuesday afternoon.

IDU Affairs Minister Lucienne Puissant will take over Robert-Howard's old job as well as her current one. She was out of town Tuesday and will be sworn in when she returns.

"It is with great regret that I accepted Bebes' resignation," Carlson said outside Hruska House.
"She wants to have a completely free hand to defend herself against these allegations," he said. "I continue to support Bebes."

She decided to step down a day after an affidavit from Siñiari Amaratu, who owns a pizza shop in Isca, Algar, was filed in Federal Court in Aligarh.

In the sworn affidavit, Amaratu says Grossesse pressed him for free pizza and garlic bread and asked him to supply "15 or 16" volunteers for her campaign office.

"I told her my whole situation and she assured me that if I helped out in her election campaign she would get me immigration in Domnonia," Amaratu alleges in the affidavit.

He says Bebes broke their deal and ordered his arrest and deportation to his native Baranxtu when she began to come under fire last fall for helping an exotic dancer from Malabra who also worked on her re-election campaign.

Amaratu, a father of three who has been in Domnonia since 1998, is scheduled to be deported next Thursday.

Bebes told DBC News that Amaratu is making these allegations because of his impending deportation.

"The man is clearly going to be deported. He's in detention. He's desperate and will do anything and say anything that will keep him in the country," she said.

She said Amaratu's claims are "absolutely irresponsible" and "totally false" and that she was unaware of his case.

Grossesse denied they ever spoke, adding that she was at home for the last three weeks of the campaign because of an ear infection.

"I've never had a conversation with this individual whatsoever," she said.

She dismissed his claims about the free pizza, saying that her campaign office is located in an Alvesin area with many restaurants.

"It's so stupid. We had loads of food," she said.

The 60-year-old Fiscal Conservative Social Progressive politician represents the riding of Iruk-East in Isca.

The ethics commissioner is investigating theallegations against Bebes Grossesse.

IDUnews

Domnonia Goes Organic

2008-06-03T18:13:00.002-06:00

Organic food is a booming business in Domnonia, with sales reportedly rising by 20 per cent a year for most of this decade. The market has grown so quickly that major supermarket chains are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.

Stroll a produce aisle in any major supermarket and you will find fresh organic produce prominently displayed next to conventionally farmed produce.

A report released by the Minister of Agriculture, estimated that Domini spent at least $1 billion on certified organic produce in 2007. That doesn't include food that was sold as organic but had not been certified by any of the more than three dozen associations that certify food as organic in Domnonia.

Of those $1 billion in sales, $412 million was sold through major supermarkets. That's up 28 per cent from 2006.

Natural food stores accounted for almost a third of organic food sales while smaller grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drug stores and other specialty stores sold about $175 million in organic food in 2007.

Farmers' markets accounted for about five per cent of certified organic food sales.

Consumers looking for organically grown food now need only to check for the DOrganic label, an owl rising above two hilltops.

Previously, Domini organics were accredited by an assortment of authorities. But the old "certified organic" label meant producers followed voluntary guidelines. Only East Hiel and Sendar had mandatory regulations in place covering organic produce.

In December 2007, the federal government announced a unified regulation plan, after Malabra threatened to ban Domini produce. The Organic Products Regulations come into full force today.

The certified organic label that comes with adhering to those regulation ensures producers have grown the products within certain guidelines. A food product can only be stamped with the logo if 95 per cent of its ingredients are organic. The product must also have been grown using natural fertilizers, and animals must be raised in as natural an environment as possible, the federal watchdog says.

The rules say that for a product to be called organic, it must "come from a farm system employing management practices that seek to nurture ecosystems in order to achieve sustainable productivity; and that provide weed, pest and disease control through a diverse mix of mutually dependent life forms, recycling of plant and animal residues, crop selection and rotation, water management, tillage and cultivation."

IDUnews

Large Turnout for Delegate Elections

2006-11-11T13:42:00.000-06:00

Freeland - As of publishing this article, the November 2006 IDU UN Delegate Elections are CLOSED. The Election Commission is now verifying the votes and will release the results soon. At present all votes have been verified for except from one nation.

The representative from Mikitivity said that "there was a substaintial increase in turnout this time around, which can be attributed directly to the region as a whole!"

On election night, the ballots are counted one at a time. When all the ballots are counted by one commission member,, the results are submitted electronically to to the thother two commission members to verify each vote. These are broadcast to the public after the polss have closed. Over the next few days the process of verifying the results occurs. During this election cycle, it appears the results will be known later today.

IDUnews

Silures Judge Rules Euthanasia a loving act

2006-11-08T15:53:00.000-06:00

Kadar, Silures - Andre Terwilliger was sentenced to three years' of probation and no jail time for assisting in euthanasia on his wife. In July 2006 Terwilliger asphyxiated his wife, who suffered from Friedreich's Ataxia (a degenerative disorder), with a plastic bag. He called 911 prior to her death, but the euthanasia was carried out before ambulances arrived.

According to the DBC, Silures court Judge Sarah Côté said at the sentencing hearing that it was clear that Terwilliger did what he did out of love and not aggression, and given the circumstances, he should not serve any prison time. The activist judge also advocated for a revisiting of Domnonia's assisted suicide laws in her statements.

Bishop Tobias Mombota, Executive Director of the God Wants Us To Suffer Coalition condemned the ruling. "This decision devalues the lives of every Domini living offof their loved-ones disability cheques," Mombota told the Globe and Post. "If attempting to murder someone with a disability is seen as an act of compassion then all free-loading Domnoni are at risk."

IDUnews

EH-DOM PARTNERSHIP FUNDS NEW RING ROAD

2006-10-28T21:33:00.000-06:00

Ungava, East Hiel - Prime Minister Taylor Carlson and Premier Carol Wight today announced funding of $500 million towards the construction of segments of a new inner/outer city ring road around the Ungava Metro Area.

"The Governments of Domnonia and East Hiel agree that the Arcium/Jgnak freeway and Ungava ring road are top infrastructure priorities," said Prime Minister Carlson. "With this investment, we will keep people and goods moving quickly and efficiently to, and through, these cities. We will also help clear the air by reducing traffic congestion in the city centres."

"The ring roads that allready exist in the area are integral components of the Trans-Domi Highway and the Trans-IDU Highway Route through Domnonia," said Premier Wight. "East Hiel's population continues to grow rapidly and that growth has been concentrated in the Ungava-Arcium regions. Construction of the roads will reduce congestion, make the movement of goods more efficient and will make travel through the cities safer."

In Jgnak, funding announced today will contribute to the construction of an important section of the freeway that will parralel the DO1 to the east. The project is part of the 'East Hiel Go Plan' elaborated to deal with the region's expected growth.

In Ungava, Rendor and Adera, the investment announced today will provide for the construction of the second regional ring road. The ring road project is an integral part of the Ungava Metro Area Transportation Master Plan that addresses future transportation needs.

The Government of Domnonia will contribute $150 million towards the construction of the segments of both roads, while the Province of East Hiel will invest $350 million. East Hiel's investment is part of the $5.5 billion Capital Plan announced in Budget 2006, of which $1.5 billion is being provided for provincial highways. The investments announced today bring the Government of Domnonia's contribution to East Hiel's infrastructure since 2004 to over $700 million. The Government of East Hiel has invested over $7.6 billion in the province's transportation infrastructure over the same period.

The Government of Domnonia's $150-million contribution, will come from the $2-billion Domini Strategic Infrastructure Fund. Through the Fund, the Government of Domnonia works with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to meet strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. These investments are directed to large-scale projects of major national and regional significance, in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Domini people.

In the Speech from the Throne of September 30, 2006, the Government committed to an additional 10-year involvement in public infrastructure. Its Budget 2006 re-affirmed this long-term commitment and provided an additional $3 billion in infrastructure support, thus bringing the Government's contribution to infrastructure to $12 billion since 2003.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the 2006 federal Budget and is built into the existing fiscal framework.

IDUnews

DOM Announces Bid For IDU Delegacy

2006-10-25T23:55:00.000-06:00

Freeland - Domini Foreign Affairs Minister Michelle Axworthy expressed her great pleasure to announce that Domnonia has entered its candidacy to serve a three-month term as the International Democratic Union Delegate at the United Nations (NSUN) starting November 8, 2006.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Domnonia's international stature," said Ms. Axworthy. "By electing Domnonia to the Delegate Seat, the IDU will have acknowledged Domnonia's solid international peace and security credentials. Domnonia's leadership on such issues as the Failed IDU States, and IDU Constitutional framework, our work on the Cartography of the IDU, and our extensive history of participation in regional discussions puts Domnonia in an excellent position to play an effective and constructive role as Delegate and help prepare the IDU to meet the challenges of the coming months and years."

The NSUN is the NSworld's paramount body for safeguarding and promoting international peace, economy, rights and security. One of Domnonia's main objectives during its term would be to include environmental concerns in regional discussions. Such concerns include spearheading the formation of a Green Union of eco-friendly democratic regions. Domnonia will also work to make the region more effective, transparent and responsive to the legitimate views of member states by appointing a new Internal Minister.

"I also want to congratulate Antrium and Grosseschnauzer on their bids," added the Minister. "Both are strong competitors for Domnonia. We look forward to working with all of our colleagues, including Ceorana, Mikitivity and our neighbour Gjnes, who will be instrumental to whomever wins the delegacy when deciding the many complex issues that will face us over the next three months."

Ms. Axworthy also expressed her great appreciation for the excellent work of Domnonian diplomats in Cadorn, at our Permanent Mission to the IDU in Freeland, and around the globe, who will promote Domnonia's candidacy over the next few weeks. She also paid special tribute to the contribution of her possible IDU Cabinet colleagues, members of the Domini Parliament and special envoys.

The IDU Cabinet consists of two constitutional members -- the Delegate, and Vice-Delegate -- two semi-formal offices appointed by the Delegate upon vacancy -- and four self-appointed members, whose seats are allocated based on interest. The Domini Delegacy bid includes a proposal to increase the number of semi-formal offices to three, with the addition of an Internal Minister.

IDUnews

Government Leaks Budget Surplus

2006-10-25T10:37:00.000-06:00

Cadorn — Cadorn is running a $46.7-billion budget surplus five months into the fiscal year, $23-billion ahead of where it stood one year ago.

This poses a political dilemma for the government, but also appears to give Finance Minister Jim Commeu more spending room to address provincial cries about a fiscal imbalance between Cadorn and the provinces and to deliver tax cuts.

However, it's also potentially embarrassing for the Social Progressive Fiscal Conservative Party, which vowed to end the former Domini Peoples Party government's practice of lowballing surplus estimates.

That's because the government forecast a surplus of only $43.6-billion for the entire fiscal year.

Yet the federal Finance Department's monthly monitor says that as of the end of September -- only five months into this fiscal year -- the budget surplus had hit $46.7-billion. That's significantly better than the $21.8-billion surplus recorded in the same April-to-August period last year.

Last year, Cadorn racked up a $43.2-billion surplus, and while this year might appear on track for another such windfall, the Finance Department yesterday cautioned against breaking out champagne.

"The results to date are not representative of results expected for the fiscal year as a whole," Finance said, because they don't yet reflect the full impact of Budget measures.

Still, the fiscal outlook is somewhat rosier. Despite its trademark caution, Finance already acknowledged two months ago that this year's surplus is "currently expected to somewhat exceed" projections.

So far, in the first five months, Cadorn's revenue is already up $13-billion, or 50 per cent, from the same period last year.

The main reason, the Finance Department said, is that it has collected significantly more tax revenue so far than it did during the same April-to-August period last year. And this is due to economic good fortune.

Personal income tax revenue is up nearly 11 per cent from a year ago, a development that Finance said reflects "solid growth in employment and wages and salaries."

Plus, corporate income tax revenue is also up about 11 per cent from last year, a situation that is partly due to "ongoing gains in corporate profitability this year," the department said.

Mr. Commeu's fall update, expected by early-to-mid November, also plans to lay out a pro-growth economic agenda that goes beyond the five-priority SPFC election platform to address broader economic concerns such as clogged highways and border crossings, skill shortages and Domnonia's high tax burden.

IDUnews

Nudists and Breastfeeding and Lobby Groups, OHMY

2006-10-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

Cadorn - Nudity and breastfeeding are being pushed to the top of Cadorn's agenda as lobby groups from both sides of the argument try to win over MPs before a free vote on the issue, expected later this week.

The Nudist Church of Domnonia took an early stand Tuesday morning, calling on politicians to vote against reopening the debate on nudity and public breastfeeding.

The hairy Reverend David Giuliano said the current Civil Natural Living Act struck a good balance between protecting the rights of naked and exposed people while not interfering with public rights.

“To reopen the debate and deny the right to letting it all hang out would be a violation of the religious freedom of faith communities, such as ours, who wish to recognize nudity as part of their religious practice,” Rev. Giuliano said.

But dozens of religious and socially-conservative groups have formed the Defend Our Eyes Alliance and will hold an all-day caucus on Wednesday, asking politicians to closely study the bill before holding the free vote.

At a press conference on Tuesday, a fully-clothed Alliance spokesman Brian Rushfeldt said the Civic Natural Living Act was being used to “hammer in self-confidence teaching in public education” and urged Parliament to reopen the debate, lest "children grow up to be comfortable with themselves, possibly ruining the plastic surgery industry."

Another clothed spokesman, Carles McVety, cited Old Hiel law as a more preferable resolution, allowing for ‘an exposed ankle or wrist'.

IDUnews

Powys Art Gallery Dispute w/Hiel Monarchy

2006-10-24T14:11:00.000-06:00

Powys — King Delain XI of Hiel says although there's no written loan agreement covering millions of dollars worth of art housed at a Powysian provincial gallery, he considers the works to be on “demand loan.”

Delain XI told an arbitration hearing today the Hiel Cultural Ministry he represents has the right to demand the return of any and all works it considers to be on loan to the Keeslandic Heritage Art Gallery in Powys.

Delain says that although there's no written agreement to that effect, there have been oral understandings.

He says the Cultural Ministry had hoped to sell two of the most valuable art works kept at the Powys gallery to help finance the renovation of a family estate in Hiel.

But the gallery has refused to release the art works, insisting that all of the 133 paintings and sculptures in dispute were gifts from Delain VIII, the current Hielian figureheads great grandfather.

The current Delain is dismissing the fact that his great grandfather publicly described the art works as “gifts” to the Powys gallery, calling his ancestor a “great propagandist.”

IDUnews

Hiel Nuclear Deal Boosts Uranium Shares

2006-10-24T14:02:00.000-06:00

Sendar — Uranium mining stocks were among the most heavily traded on the Cadorn markets Tuesday, with Sendar-based Domini Uresources Ltd. leading the way.

Uresources stock hit an all-time high of $45.18 in intraday trading, eclipsing the previous high of $40.99 set Monday, with more than 25 million shares exchanged by midday Tuesday — making it the highest-volume issue on the Cadorn Stock Exchange.

Trading in Uresources began to soar Monday afternoon after the Kingdom of Hiel and the Province of East Hiel announced a partnership to develop new nuclear energy technologies to supply power to both of its citizens.

Uresources stock is predicted to fall in the future though, amid concerns that the IDU's largest uranium producer will have difficulties meeting its supply commitments.

IDUnews

DomCon Rules Challenged by Ethic Groups

2006-10-24T13:45:00.000-06:00

Souther - A group representing Domini ethnic actors and artists is calling on the Domini Radio and Television Commission(DRTC) to change its Domini content(DomCon) regulations for television, in order to promote less represented ethnicities.

Under current regulations, television stations must air 35 per cent Domnonian content between 6 a.m. and midnight. There is no distinction between airing shows with international fame like 'Two in One Room' or 'Stamp Collector Ultra' and running a show by independent producers like Jedoor's Ebla Contriere.

The Souther-based 'Ethnic Pool', which says it represents more than 40,000 actors in Domnonia, wants developing and ethnic actors to get more DomCon "weight" than established ones, so that up-and-comers are not squashed by the big stars.

"The reason why DomCon is failing is because it worked," Gregg Terrence, the group's president, told the Globe & Post. "It succeeded so much that Domnonian television can get away with just playing our international hits over and over again to reach their DomCon quotas."

Terrence is proposing that the answer is not to enforce ethnic quotas, but to award government prizes for the positive portrayal of minorities. "That'll work better, and be cheaper, too."

Currently, "The casting directors have no ammo to take to their bosses and say 'That's why I'm hiring this great ethnic actor; that's why I'm hiring him,'" he said.

So far, both the DRTC and the Domini Association of Broadcasters have shown a positive response to the idea

IDUnews

RANDOM GOLD FOR DOM

2006-04-06T13:24:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Domini skier Myelle Ferot, 21, bounced down a 223-metre course to win gold in the Olympic freestyle moguls event Wednesday in Aeropag, Commerce Heights.

A joyous Ferot leaped over a barrier to hug her coach before the medals were awarded.

"It just felt like a dream," she said afterward. "I didn't know that it could come true."

The native of Zaru, Sendar, is Domnonia's first medalist in these games and the first athlete to win gold.

Ferot was completely ignored by national and international media heading into the finals.

Skiing from the coveted last spot, Ferot faced stiff competition from Cordia Koshar of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and Olani Dalis of Chicanada.

In the end, all three finished in the top positions:

Ferot won gold with a score of 24.07
Koshar took silver with 23.54 points
Dalis won the bronze medal with 23.36

Ferot's win is a good start, comming extremely late in the games, for the Domini Olympic team that is aiming to take home atleast 4 medals from Aeropag. Going into the competition she wasn't considered to be one of the team's hopes for a medal.

The moguls final was held at night, under the lights. With loud music bouncing off the walls of the "fake winter" complex, the event had the air of a rock concert. And there was plenty of support for Ferot as Domini flags waved in the 4,000-seat grandstand.

One blotch occurred when the announcer introduced her as a Pacitalian, triggering a chorus of boos. The announcer quickly corrected himself.

Back home

Ferot sent a message to her friends and family through the media: "What can I say, you guys are awesome! I felt your support all day today."

That support was evident in spades at a Zaru restaurant, where her friends gathered, and at a northeast Sendar home, where her family watched her compete.

In both places, people exploded with joy, little Domini flags in their hands, when they saw she had won gold. Champagne corks popped too.

"I'm so proud of Myelle, she worked so hard. We knew that she would get the gold and bring it back home," said Laura Witt, a cousin.

"She did it, she made her dreams come true," said Shelly Hoffas, mother of one of Ferot's close friends.

IDUnews

DO TO MEET SP IN QUARTERFINALS

2006-04-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

CORRECTION - Domnonia defeated Andossa in men's curling Sunday, sending them to quarter-finals.

The Domini men need a victory against powerhouse Spaam, which would put them in the semi-finals. The Globe and Post incorrectly matched Domnonia up against JT in the quarter-finals.

DOMI MEN THRILL

2006-04-02T23:13:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Team Domi's men curlers will meet favourites Jonquiere-Tadoussac in the next round of preliminaries after securing a dramatic win over Andossa Se Mitrin Vega.

Skip Georgio Mendel survived his sudden-death tie-breaker to beat Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
7-4.

Earlier, the men had lost to group leader and curling powerhouse Pacitalia, dashing any hopes of qualifying.

They came back onto the ice later for another showdown, this time with Andossa, who were tied in wins/losses with Domnonia.

Mendel had last stone advantage in the first end, and chose to blank it - a mirror of the Pacitalian game - but the tactic backfired when Andossa stole a single in the second.

Mendel's last stone into the house could not make enough impact on a collection of stones lying around the four-foot ring.

The Domi boys finally got onto the scoreboard with a double in the third.

And in the fourth end, the Domini were unlucky when Mendels attempted double take-out across the width of the house just failed, giving Andossa a two and a 4-2 lead.

But in the ninth, Marlen Clester had a complete miss with his last shot, leaving Mendel an open draw into the house for five, when Andossa immediately conceded.

Afterwards, a delighted Mendel, who was within one good round-robin win of a semi-final place, said: "If there's a hard way to do it, I think we just did."

"We had a really good game and we knew if we dug in we could get there."

Speaking about the game's turning point in the ninTh end, Mendel added: "He took too much ice and missed but we'll take that, thanks very much."

Asked how he felt about making the semi-finals he said: "I don't think it's sunk in yet.

"It's going to be hard, but we want to go on and we want to play well against Jonquiere-Tadoussac, because in they are leading the tournament."

Jonquiere-Tadoussac faced the New Montreal States in Group C, with the JT conceding it's first loss in a 9-7 match against an unqualifying team.

IDUnews

MALABRIANS SHOCKED, SURPRISES ABOUND

2006-04-01T01:22:00.000-06:00

Aeropag -In a moment of frustration yesterday, thousands of Malabrians took to the streets to express their anger. After winning their first 3 games, a perfect record at that time, the Malabrian Men's Curling team preceeded to lose their next two games, eliminating them from the medal rounds. This comes after a moment of confidence that they'd surely advance on the next round, including hope from both the Malabran Royal Family and their Prime Minister.

"We tried our best and in the end we faltered," Malabrian skip Kidnaq Midanw said. It may very well be true. Malabra's national team was placed in one of the toughest groups, Group A. They ended with a winning record of 3-2 to put them in fourth place, two places away from qualification. In fact, Malabra had been in first place at certain points in the qualification rounds. All of this was to no avail.

In other curling news, the Malabrian Women redeemed themselves with a win over the olympic host, Commerce Heights. The end result was 8-7 in Malabra's favor. The women look at this as a sign of ecouragement, but are not likely to progress further in the tournament either because they had lost 3 games previously.

The best news of the day came from an event that many Malabrians would be shocked to do well in. This event was snowboarding halfpipe for the women. In Heat 1, Kinda Mdna was said to not qualify for the next round. She noticed an error in the scoring, however, and filed a repeal. The Olympic Comittee has now noticed the error and she has qualified. She is tied for sixth. In Heat 2, Undaq Nanda placed in a two way tie for 3rd for the run, which also qualified her a spot for the next round. This is the best individual qualification an individual Malabrian has had so far. Hundreds of Malabrians that were lined up to watch the event stared in shock as she amazingly did well in a sport that was not expected to be one of Malabra's strong points. After the initial awe, the Malabrians in attendance stood and cheered and waved the Malabrian flag. This is currently Malabra's best hope for an olympic medal.

"It just felt great; the atmosphere and all. I'm proud to represent my country and I know not many people were expecting this," Nanda said.

In skating news, Nickii Daq has qualified in the semifinals for Final B in the Women's 1000 Meters for short track. She finished ahead of fellow IDU member, Michèle Roger (JTD) and will race her, along with other Final B athletes, in the next race.

From the Malabrian Times, http://malabriantimes.blogspot.com/

IDUnews

KELSE WINS FIRST IDU GOLD

2006-03-31T09:37:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Kelsean Reynaldo Funès earned the IDU's first gold medal of the Aeropag Winter Games on Friday, winning the mens' luge competition. Funès four-run combined time of 3:27.110 was half a second better than bronze medal winner Roland Ouellet of Jonquiere-Tadoussac. Lou Grade of Wentland took the silver in 3:27.408.

Funès hoisted a Kelsean flag near the finish line after his victory, basking in the cheers and cowbell clangs of thousands of supporters.

"I never said I am the greatest," said Funès, "I am what I am."

Funès produced a typically consistent performance. After posting a great time in the first two runs, he protected his lead with the second- and first-fastest times in the final two runs.

Ouellet, was tabbed as a medal favourite going into the Aeropag Games and came away pleased with his showing. Nabbing the bronze, and setting an Olympic track record in his second run with a time of 51.423.

"I'm very happy because bronze is a a wonderful medal," Ouellet said. "It's my first Olympic medal. I didn't think I had a chance to get the gold because Funès is very strong and he's trained at some of the same IDU facilities as me."

Kalmo Bàrto of Antrium, came up short in his quest for an Olympic medal. The 39-year-old finished ninth.

Widely considered the best male luge athlete ever, Barto, a three-time IDU champion and one-time silver medallist, was never in top form this season after undergoing foot surgery in the summer.

"That's it," he said after his final race on Friday.

IDUnews

DOM ADVANCES IN WOMANS CURLING

2006-03-31T09:07:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Domnonia rocked Tynelia in the 50th Womens' Curling qualification game this morning, with four points in the first end, four more in the fifth and went on to win 8-5, earning a 3 point lead over the entire tournament and 4th win going into quarter-finals. The match ended in the eighth end, which is like an inning in baseball, when the Tynelians scored only one point despite having the big last-rock advantage known as the hammer. Skip Nancy Sullivan shook hands to concede the match two ends early.

Domnonia’s Sandra O'Dea, Karla Sokyrka, S'Erol Hgnut, Eden Karlson and Brittany Stevenson representing the country where the rock-sliding sport is considered the national pastime are on the way to taking home hardware in their first trip together to Commerce Heights.

“This is a beautiful nation, so pleasent” said Karlson, the team’s lead. “There are so many good beaches and nightclubs. What a wonderful, yet odd, place to curl? How great would it be to bring home a medal?”

With each side throwing eight rocks per end, that is the most points a side can score in an end and four is considered a big score.

Domnonia took a big lead in the first end when Sullivan’s first throw picked, probably hitting a piece of debris on the ice and curled away harmlessly. O'Dea used the hammer to knock Tynelia out of the house, leaving four Domini rocks there.

“We thought we had a good chance to steal a point,” Tynelia third Tiny Schaffer said. “We had a good spirit and tried to be patient.”

But Domnonia added another four-point end in the fifth when Sullivan put the hammer through the target area. When Tynelia scored two points in the seventh end to make it 8-5, the match was essentially over, but Tynellia did not concede immediately.

The runaway win made Domnonia’s scramble to replace Karla Sokyrkas' broken broom just before the start the most dramatic part of the match.

IDUnews

IDU'S WEEKEND IN AEROPAG

2006-03-27T15:31:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - This weekend in beautiful Aeropag included a plehora of Domini athletes competing. In all single run qualifying events, Domini athletes failed. Of course, fellow IDU competitors qualified in almost every event this wekend, which will give Domini's something to cheer about.

Fridays events saw Kira Mérode(KEL), Eva Dortsch(MKT), Jénéà Klobel and Līàn Grétoràjo(ANT) compete in Womens’ Combined Alpine Skiing Slalom Run, all finishing in the top 7 spots.

IDU figure skaters in the Mens' Short ruled ice on Saturday. Jonquire-Toudessecs' Patrice Laroche performed spectacularly, pulling of a score of 73.50 sending him into the next rounds in 4th place. Beautiful performances by Justan Manda(MLB), Rovel Skantejàl(ANT) and Dăwănă Ăsīāsĭr(JTD) all garnered qualifying spots for the IDU. Two surprising dissapointments lie in Mikitivity and Domnonian programs, neither of wich qualified but both of which were expected to.

Sunday saw first action in Figure Skating Pairs, with Jonquirre-Toudessecs Aléxandre Fallot and Dianne Viget executing a score of 64.86, putting them in third place. Pairs from Antrium and Malabra will also continue past the qualification round. Domnonia's Arei Sadhar and Georgia Cumberland lost their footing and skated right into the boards, with Cumberland moving quick enough to flip over and fall into the penalty box, figure skates in the air. They did not qualify.

In Womens biathlon Saturday, Tara McCoomb ran a shot in the 7.5km Sprint for a time of 24:08.6 . In Mens 20km, competitors from Antrium and Kelse performed well, with three finishing in the top 10.

Malabras male rink took out Boudra-Boudra in an excellent 7-5, continuing its undefeated status so far in Aeropag. Ceorana playe d a 6-5 win againts Anastasiania. Domini men took on Krytenia, and as expected it was close, with Georgio Mendel eeking out a 6-5. Jonquiere-Tadoussac killed host nation Commerce Heights rink with a 9-5 win.

Kelse' duo Alphand and Foch pulled into a comfortable third in Bobsleds first run with a time of 56.29, followed closely by teammates Barthez and Nasrati in 4th with a time of 56.32. In their second run Barthez and Nasrati pulled off a 4th. Hopes are high and well placed in these two pairs for medal contention.

IDUnews

IDU EC CALLS FOR NEW MEMBERS

2006-03-27T15:03:00.000-06:00

Gouda City - Earlier today, the Goudan head of the IDU Election Commission announced the dissolution of the current party, and requested that candidates for the next commission step forward.

According to the Election Charter, which was amended unanimously on January 25th, current members of the commission must re-apply if they wish do so and new candidates can offer themselves. All candidacy announcments must be made within the week and one week of voting will ensue afterwards if more than three member nations apply.

When the new commission convenes, they will start organizing the May delegacy elections immediately.

Recent revisions to the Election Charter have discluded members of the commission from running for IDU delegacy.

Groot Gouda has signalled its intent to run for re-election, while Jonquiere-Tadoussac, Baranxtu and Fonzoland have expressed interest.

IDUnews

FED RELEASES 06-07 PROV TRANSFER BUDGET

2006-03-25T14:40:00.000-06:00

Cadorn - The federal government today tabled the 2006-07 East Hiel Provincial Transfer budget, which is used as a guideline for the province to follow in order to recieve equalization cash transfers from the government. Equalization is a way to ensure that the same standard of public services exist in all provinces regardless of prosperity.

Minister of Finance Ry'dhar Michel's first transfer budget this year includes $8.2 billion for projects such as helping to fund an extension of Ungava's subway system, and money for bus lines, rail and transit measures to further integrate systems in the Greater Ungava Area.

The new budget includes funds to help build an extension of the Ungava subway.

There will also be money for health care, a recommended two-per-cent increase in welfare payments and a cut in the capital investment tax rate of five per cent next January, two years ahead of schedule. Over all, the province will recieve $31.3 billion in cash transfer payments. $5 billion of that is left as discretionary, meaning the province can apply it in whatever way they like.

However, there was no help for students, who had demonstrated in front of the legislature during the four days leading up to the budget.

The plan to extend the subway line portion of the SkyTrans from downtown Ungava to the Ungava International Airport will be provided one-third of the needed funding in the transfer budget. The Federal Government wants the provincial and local governments to provide the rest.

Domini Peoples Party Leader Carl Reger criticized the budget as "100-per-cent political" and decried what he called the missed opportunity to eliminate the deficit. Many people feel that federal transfers should be made with no strings attatched, rather than with a budget.

Howard Hampton, who leads the provincial Social Progressive Fiscal Conservative Party, was also critical, saying that his federal counterparts had missed the chance to help students and could have spent money to shrink college class sizes, an important issue in the continuing strike by post-secondary students.

IDUnews

PILL-POPPING FOULING OUR WATER

2006-03-25T14:22:00.000-06:00

Arcium - Drugs and personal care products that are excreted from or washed off the body naturally end up in the sewage that flows into sewer systems and septic tanks, but where do they go from there? Scientists are beginning to monitor the extent of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in the aquatic environment and their consequences. What they're finding is that, through leaching from septic tanks and escaping intact through sewage treatment processes, some of these substances are ending up back in the drinking water.

Birth control pills, cancer drugs and a host of other pharmaceuticals that people flush down the drain every day are showing up in our drinking water, says Gord Miller, East Hiel's environmental commissioner.

"We need to do a better job of keeping drugs out of lakes, rivers and drinking water," Miller told the Globe & Post on Friday.

Although the drugs are not considered a threat to human health, there is evidence that they can harm wildlife.

"There is no health hazard in drinking water now that has been detected in Domnonia, but we have detected substances in drinking water," he said, adding that the problem is likely to get worse rather than better as the population grows.

"Our society loves to pop pills," Miller said. "If you were designing the perfect pollutant it would probably look like a pill."

Miller was sworn in as environmental commissioner six years ago to oversee the implementation of East Hiel's Environmental Bill of Rights. He is an independent officer of Queen's Park, where he reports on government compliance with environmental rules.

In his last annual report, Miller said contraceptives, painkillers, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and blood-pressure drugs are showing up in lakes and rivers, while anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol drugs and antidepressants are ending up in drinking water.

Experiments off of Algar's northern coast have shown that exposure to these waste drugs has led to the feminization of male fish, delayed reproduction in female fish and damage to kidneys and livers of both sexes, the report said.

Independent studies by the Environmental Protection Agency in Domnonia and by environmental bodies throughout the IDU have turned up similar evidence.

Miller said pharmaceuticals are getting into drinking water in several ways. Unused drugs are thrown into domestic garbage, which end up in landfill sites and eventually into the groundwater.

Drugs are taken orally and flushed down toilets as human excrement. And unused drugs are washed down the sink or flushed down the toilet directly into domestic sewers.

Many drugs pass right through the sewage and water treatment plants, back into the drinking water.

"Sewage treatment plants aren't designed to remove them," Miller said.

The long-term outcome of humans ingesting subtherapeutic doses of numerous drugs as well as any dose at all of substances not meant to be ingested remains a major unaddressed issue.

"In areas of water scarcity, we'll see more and more reuse of treated sewage to meet drinking water needs," predicts Emor Yutrir, proffessor of Hydrology at the University of Preston, thereby increasing the likelihood that PPCPs will end up in drinking water. Extensive monitoring of the occurrence of PPCPs and their concentration trends over time is required to ensure safe water supplies in the future.

Toxicologists will need to determine if the kinds and amounts of PPCPs that occur affect people and other living creatures. This subject will require collaboration between regional governments and the NSUN, says Yutrir, since the former usually does not address environmental concerns and the latter generally does not deal with national issues issues.

IDUnews

WOMEN LOSE FOR THREEWAY - MEN TIED IN SECOND

2006-03-25T12:09:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Team Domi is now sharing the lead in it's group after a dissapointing and unexpected loss to Liverpool England at the I Olympic Winter Games in Aeropag, Commerce Heights.

Team Domi's men, however, have just celebrated an 6-5 win over Krytenia in this mornings matchup.

Georgio Mendel of Ungava, defeated Krytenia after losing 7-5 to the Kazoo People earlier in the week.

Mendel is now tied with Andossa Se Mitrin Vega's Marlen Clester for second in the group, with both trailing Simone Brando of Pacitalia who remains undefeated.

Marlen Clester surged into contention by beating Chicanada 6-5.

"We had a loss pretty early and we knew the next few games would be important from our second day here," Clester said.

World champion skip Simone Brando of Pacitalia tops the standings at 3-0.

Mendel, born in Preston but raised in Saint Katrina, Mikitivity, plans to carry the momentum of a win over Krytenia into his much-anticipated showdown with Brando, who has won three in a row.

Mendel was razor-sharp from the outset, drawing at a 90 per cent clip compared to just 38 per cent for Krytenia in building a 5-1 lead through seven ends.

Mendel opened with a brilliant tap against three Domini stones to score one in the first, then stole another on a crafty in-turn draw in the second.

Leading 2-1 in the sixth, he capitalized on a missed double by Krytenia to draw for two before stealing another in the seventh.

Krytenias straight takeout on last rock in the eighth cut the deficit to 5-4, but McCormick clinched the win on a hit and stick for one in the 10th.

"We were always behind the eight-ball, it seemed," said Krytenias skip, who refused to give his name. "Tomorrow is a new day."

The round-robin wraps up soon with the top rinks advancing to the semifinals, pending tiebreakers.

IDUnews

MATHISON RETIRES AFTER DISSAPOINTMENT AT GAMES

2006-03-24T09:31:00.000-06:00

Aeropag - Miranda Mathison dropped to the ground, resting her sore backside in the snow. She sat for a minute, exhausted and disappointed, her back to the finish line.

That's the way the flamboyant and fabulous 45 year old Mathison ended a remarkable career spanning 19 years.

She arrived in Commerce Heights trying to do what no one else has ever done -- win the first ever NS Olympic Medal in Snowboard Slalom. Her effort lasted all of 41 seconds.

The woman who beseeched fans back home in Domnonia to stay up through the night, so they could see her races live on TV, gave them very little to watch. Slowed by back and groin injuries from a spill while practicing in the giant slalom two days earlier, Mathison performed sluggishly to 17th place on the blue course of the slalom and then fell to 19th on the second run.

She had been favored to win a medal in the slalom. Instead, she watched the first round of heats from a hotel room while her collegues from neighbouring Antrium, Grīst Landev and Mīrondel Zwàrkwà both move on towards semi-finals..

The 45-year-old Mathison just cannot keep up any more with youngsters like pink-haired Kristina Bezhushtin.

"I think (Mathison) is the greatest boarder we have had since Gloria Yurin. She was always the best. Now she's a little bit older," said Kyre Ibbitson, Mathison's male counterpart at the Games. "If I had as much success as she in my lifetime, I would be very proud."

Mathisons first and only Olympics consisted of two races. She fell 18 seconds into the giant slalom, landing hard on her backside, and exited slalom after a disappointing combined time of 1:23.55.

Her previous competitions had been filled with medals. She was the 1988 IDU champion in the slalom and giant slalom, and became the first woman to win the same event twice when she took gold in the 1992 giant slalom.

Mathison also won IDU silver medals in slalom at the 1992 and 1994 IDU games.

Current slalom leader Kristina Bezhushtin of Magnus Valerius, who finished first in qualifying rounds, said it was sad Mathison has decided to go out this way.

"But she has enough gold medals," Bezhushtin added. "It is time for the other girls to earn some."

Mathison avoided reporters after the slalom and went for treatment on her back and groin. Domini team officials said Miranda will not travel to the World Cup slalom and giant slalom races next month, but instead will head home to Isca, Domnonia.

Since sledding into prominence in 1987 with a bronze medal in the giant slalom at the world championships, the brash Mathison has been a superstar on and off the slopes.

She has been photographed with the Pope, politicians and with an array of girlfriends. She has regaled the world with tales of late-night partying, gay nightclubs and biker babes. Legions of fans have followed her around the globe.

Mathison had strongly hinted this would be her last season on the competitive circuit. "She has been the best for 19 years. All of us other girls tried to beat her," said Paula Myhill, who is moving onto semi-finals this weekend.

"I will miss her, for sure. She is really a nice person. There are a lot of bad stories about her, but I know her as a lady."

IDUnews

TWO ATHLETES TO COMPETE THIS WEEKEND

2006-03-23T11:40:00.000-06:00

Aeropeg - This weekend in Aeropag will see two Domini athletes compete in individual events.

Theodore Marc-Howard of Aelle, East Hiel will be giving his all to qualify in Cross-Country Mens’ Individual Sprint competition. He'll be up against world-class athletes such as Zertunias Pavol Korbann, Antriums Néno Restisànt, and Tyler McCauley of Kazoo, who is widely expected to win the competion.

Miranda Mathison of Isca, Algar will be performing on the womens Parallel Giant Slalom. Most are confident that she will make it past qualification rounds and into semi-finals. Her largest source of competition comes from Domnonia's neighbour, Antrium. The ANT team is fielding two athletes, Grīst Landev and Mīrondel Zwàrkwà, who are both ranked as world-class in this event.

IDUnews

WOMENS RINK ON TRACK

2006-03-23T10:52:00.001-06:00

Aeropag - Domnonia's Eden Karlson will be playing for Olympic gold if her supporters have anything to do with it, after a 9-7 win in nine ends over New Montreal States'Danielle Lablanche on Wednesday at the Aeropag I Winter Games.

"We played better before but not this week," Karlson told DBC Sports reporters. "With the ice conditions the way they are that's about as good as you can do out there. I'm very proud of the girls, they played very well.

"You know, if it wasn't for Sandra, I think the game would have been done long ago. She made some incredible shots."

Karlson will likely take on Tynelia in the final Group A qualifying game.

"They're a very good team, Nancy Sullivan is playing incredibly well," Karlson said. "She's making the big shots, making the soft shots and you know if we can cut down her angles, I think we'll be OK, but we're gonna have to be solid."

In mens curling The Kazoo People beat Domnonia 7-5 in their preliminary group on Tuesday.

"They played a very good game against us in round robin but we we are still one and one, with two more matches to go." Georgio Mendel said, when asked about the first encounter.

Mendel, was Domnonias flag bearer at the opening ceremonies last week..

"It means a lot," Mendel said. "Already now we have had over ten million people watching our curling matches(in Domnonia), which is pretty good, so in a final, it will be great."

Mendel will be playing Andossa, Pacitalia or Krytenia this week.

IDUnews

Carlson Axes Housing Minister, Creates Privatization Czar

2006-03-23T10:30:00.000-06:00

Cadorn - Prime Minister Taylor Carlson has undertaken a radical cabinet shuffle. One of his most radical changes has been the elimination of the secretary responsible for housing. Powys South MP Steve Mapoy, previously in charge of housing, was dropped from cabinet along with his job. Responsibility for the housing portfolio will fall to Environment Minister Martin Q'ues, a move the Globe and Post editorial crew called an "odd fit".

Housing activists say that the change indicates a de-emphasis on affordable housing. Murray Dobbin, author of 'CEO for Domnonia', called it a cynical move, since "Carlson eliminated all federal funding for social housing" while Finance Minister in the 1990's. The Prime Minister has said that he intends to "build a society based on equality, not privilege."

Meanwhile, Carlson has created a new position: "Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance with special emphasis on Public Private Partnerships (P3s)." Covered by almost no major media outlets, the new position will be filled by John Hedley, an MP from Ungava East-Ardelle. Little information is available about the position, but in a news release the new "P3 Czar" named "affordable housing" and "electric power" as being among several areas that could benefit from P3 deals.

P3s involve offloading government services onto private-sector firms. P3 advocates say that the deals are necessary when governments don't have enough money to fund important projects. Opponents claim that P3s are significantly more expensive in the long term, move government funds to the private sector, and provide a short-term excuse to cut social programs.

* * *

EH Great-Grandmother Chooses Jail Over Promise not to Protest

Betty Kraw will spend the newxt week in jail, declining an offer of parole in exchange for a promise not to protest anymore. The 75-year-old great grandmother was arrested while protesting the logging of numerous forests in East Hiel.

Kraw has previously spent a total of two years in jail for various other protests, and will likely not be released until mid-February. She is launching a Charter of Rights challenge to the fact that she was charged with criminal contempt of court, as opposed to civil contempt, which carries lighter sentences.

Increasingly, those arrested en masse at demonstrations in Domnonia are finding they cannot get out of jail without signing away their right to protest. Some activists have been denied the right to associate with certain people in order to get out of jail; others have travel restrictions.

IDUnews

ALGAR CONSIDERS BAN ON GM CROP

2006-03-23T10:23:00.000-06:00

Isca - The provincial government of Algar has attracted international attention with its plan to hold hearings on a possible ban on the growth of genetically modified (GM) crops. IDU and Domnonian experts and citizens groups opposed to GM foods are directing their energies to setting a precedent in the province.

Industry groups like the Domini Federation of Agriculture are urging a more cautious approach. "We need to make sure that any decisions that affect farmers are based on truth and science," a spokesperson was quoted as saying. "Right now, GMOs are legal crops in Domnonia, approved by the Domini Food Inspection Agency."

Critics of GM crops also claim the side of truth and science, arguing that new organisms were approved because of corporate political pressure, not because they were proven safe -- a process they say would take years. Other critics say that GM crops are a sophisticated and possibly dangerous means of asserting corporate power insofar as they are used to control the food production process and extract profit with no benefit to the Domini People.

Polls have shown that as many as 70 per cent of Domnonians want GM foods labeled, but citizens' groups say that the government has been intransigent.

"Cadorn has ignored Domnonians’ repeated calls for a public debate on GE foods. The federal government has done nothing to address concerns about the potential harmfulness of these products to our health, environment, and economy,” says Nadège Adam of the Council of Domini Peoples.

Several municipalities in Domnonia have passed resolutions banning the cultivation of GM crops. Except in some Nationstates, where distribution without clear labeling is largely banned, banning the sale of GM crops is another matter. An estimated 60 per cent of processed food in the IDU contains some GM material.

Industry groups have not responded directly to criticism from citizens' groups, instead focusing on economic arguments. "If the Algar government decides it wants to seriously consider a GMO ban, it had better make darn good and sure those markets really do exist for the non-GMO products -- enough to sustain producers who are currently making a living on GMO products," the Domini Federation of Agriculture spokesperson was quoted as saying.

IDUnews

EAST HIEL STUDENTS STRIKE

2006-03-23T10:15:00.000-06:00

Ungava - Over 230,000 students are now on strike in East Hiel, in opposition to $103 million in cuts to bursary programs by Carol Wight's Socialist Party government. Other demands made by the students include an end to tuition hikes for international students and an end to "the privatization of universities."

According to the DBC(Domini Public Broadcasting Corporation), Social Education Minister Jean-Paul Metsac offered to reinstate $40 million of the cut bursary programs, but the students have argued that giving up the bursaries this year is compromise enough.

Students have staged strategic blockades of highways and port facilities and have occupied various buildings in Ungava. Dozens of students have been arrested in confrontations with police. Thousands marched on the Legislative Buildings in Ungava, repeating their demands. Hundreds of students recently occupied the offices of the province's largest business lobby group, the Conseil du patronat du Hiel.

Some student organizations are organizing a march in solidarity with those affected by the Socialist Party government's cuts of $150 million to social assistance and the welfare reform of Bill 57.

While there are varying levels of enthusiasm and radicalism among students, all those currently on strike voted on whether to join. It reportedly is the largest student strike in East Hiel since 1974.

With Wight's government low in the polls already, the striking students are convinced they can win. "If the government has the means to lower taxes by $750M, we have a hard time understanding that it does not have the means to reinvest $62M in grants," said Domini Federation of College Students President Pier-André Pictoir.

IDUnews

2006-03-12T14:52:00.000-06:00

Ungava - The host city for the first NSOlympic games was chosen yesterday. There were 2 abstentions, and 58 no-votes. One votes (from Oliverry and Raging Penguins) was invalid.

The final tallies were as follows:

Aeropag (COM): 14

Bloco'ye City (RPN): 5
Ungava (DOM): 4
Marshalliston (OLI): 2

This means that Aeropag, Commerce Heights will be the host of the first NSOlympic Winter Games.

IDUnews

BUYING A BETTER BABY IN DO?

2006-03-11T14:56:00.000-06:00

Preston - A furore has developed over the ethics of creating "designer babies" ahead of new Domnonian guidance on use of genetic screening techniques.

Dozens of couples in the Confederation have opted for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to avoid giving birth to children with serious genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and haemophilia.

But revelations that the technique has allowed a North Pacific couple to create a baby to act as a donor to save his sister from a life-threatening disease has led many commentators to ask where the line will be drawn.

Baby Adam George is free of the genetic disease Fanconi anaemia carried by his parents and is a perfect tissue match for his sister Molly.

The techniques used to produce baby Adam have been used in Domnonia more than 200 times, but they are strictly regulated.

The George family hope genetic screening will work for them

Further guidance on use of PGD is to be issued next year, following a public consultation exercise led by the regulatory body, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Head of ethics and policy at the Domini Medical Association, Dr Charlene Nathan said it was vital to ensure that embryos are only selected for "the right reasons"

"We could not possibly approve the procedure if the child concerned was going to be put through any pain and distress.

"Stem cell harvesting is harmless but if there was a need to carry out a bone marrow transplant that is not without risk and is an extremely uncomfortable procedure - where do you draw the line?"

Dr Paul Fey, consultant in stem cell transplants at Circle Drive Hospital in Cadorn said: "It raises questions about where the cut off line should be in genetic screening. It is a start towards being able to choose the right coloured eyes and the right intelligence."

The view was echoed by Jeffrey Kahn, director of the University of Ungava's centre for bioethics, who said "It's quickly becoming like buying a new car, where you decide which package of accessories you want.

"I suspect it's only because we don't yet have the tests that we're not having parents asking for embryos without a predisposition to haemophilia or for kids who will grow to more than six foot tall."

IDUnews

2006-03-11T14:44:00.002-06:00

Algaria - A peaceful final resting place is something we consider as a right in today's civilised society.

But, the lack of land for accommodating the dead is becoming a problem - villages, town and cities are simply running out of burial space.

Six hundred thousand people die every year, 70 per cent of whom are cremated but the remaining 30 per cent are buried.

Neglect and vandalism has led to tumbling tombstones

Some cemeteries are already full, with others forced to dig up pathways and flower beds to create more space.

The problem is compounded by outmoded burial laws which make it an offence to tamper with a grave.

The Burial Act of 1861 made it illegal to disturb bodies without a special licence from the Heritage Ministry.

The law dates back to the days of when grave robbers pillaged tombs for bodies.

Today the exhumation of both buried and cremated remains requires a Heritage Ministry licence unless the site is to be cleared for development.

TheDomini Heritage Burial Authority (DBA) has identified the reasons for the poor state of some cemeteries including:

* cuts in town hall budgets,
* reduced on-site security,
* less regular maintenance due to cost-cutting.

Final resting place? Under new plans bones could be moved

This neglect has allowed vandalism and increasing theft with the result that many memorials and headstones are becoming a safety hazard.

Many cemeteries have or are soon to reach the end of their lives. It is the DBA's view that a system of re-use must be introduced soon.
Such a move is seen to be essential if more land is not to be developed for cemetery use, sometimes many miles from the communities it is designed to serve.

Old bones?

Another idea is to develop ossuaries - buildings or sites designed to serve as the final resting place of human skeletons.

Ossuaries date back to medieval times when limited cemetery space in some European countries led to the reuse of burial plots and the recovery of human remains to be stored as bones.

In Britain the practice is unusual although Holy Trinity Church in Rothwell near Northampton has an ossuary in its crypt.

A resurrection of this solution to an age-old problem could give new meaning to the term 'shelf life'.

Grave situation

Research shows that 70 per cent of the public would be in favour of reuse, provided that long enough has lapsed since the original burial, perhaps 100 years.

Supporters argue that the reuse of graves could lead to more accessible and safer burial sites within local communities, providing the issue is handled sensitively.

But not everybody is enthusiastic about the modernisation of what is an age-old process.

The main objections to reusing graves are religious beliefs, environmental concerns and loss of cultural heritage.

Some religious groups do not like the idea of bodies being shunted around and disturbed.

However the Government accepts that there's no question of making the reuse of graves compulsory.

The Government has also ruled out reuse of graves of historical importance, or where memorials of cultural or heritage value might be damaged.

IDUnews

A GRAVE PROBLEM

2006-03-11T14:44:00.000-06:00

Six hundred thousand people die every year, 70 per cent of whom are cremated but the remaining 30 per cent are buried.

Neglect and vandalism has led to tumbling tombstones

The Burial Act of 1861 made it illegal to disturb bodies without a special licence from the Heritage Ministry.

The law dates back to the days of when grave robbers pillaged tombs for bodies.

* cuts in town hall budgets,
* reduced on-site security,
* less regular maintenance due to cost-cutting.

Final resting place? Under new plans bones could be moved

nationstates

DO WINTER OLYMPIC HOST BID ENTERED

2006-02-18T15:03:00.000-06:00

Ungava – Earlier in February, Ungava's residents were subjected to a referendum accepting the responsibilities of a host city should it win its bid. Seventy-four percent of residents accepted the challenge. Ungava is vying for the honour of host city with many others including the nearby city of Sivaris, the capital of Antrium.

Several new venues are planned to be built in Ungava, the University of East Hiel, Alaris, Adera, and in the City of Arciuml . The games, which would be the first in the IDU, are expected to be officially opened by either Prime Minister Taylor Carlson, or by the IDU UN Delegate should Ungava's bid succeed.

“The 01 NSGames will provide enormous benefits for our entire province, and I want to thank all Eastern Hielese who contributed to forwarding our bid,” EH Premier Justin Rudolph said. “The Games will bring out the best in East Hiel. They will focus us all on something that will benefit our children and our province.”

“We have an outstanding bid and tremendous support right across Domnonia, and indeed the IDU. The challenge ahead of us is to make sure the 01 NSGames reflect the Olympic values in every respect, to offer the athletes the best possible experience and to open our city to the world for an unforgettable Winter Games,” said Ungava Mayor Delores Cambro. “On behalf of the citizens of Ungava, I want to thank all of those volunteers and staff who worked so hard to make our bid the success it was."

Nominations to the Board of Directors of the Ungava Olympic Bid Committee for the 01 NSOlympic and Paralympic Winter Games are nearing completion.

The Board includes people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive planning developed during the first stages of the bid process. The Board will be, if the bid is successful, responsible for overseeing all aspects of organizing and hosting the 01 Winter Games.

The Board is made up of members nominated by: the Domnonian Olympic Committee; the Government of Domnonia; the Province of East Hiel; the City of Ungava; the City of Arcium; the Domnonian Paralympic Committee; and if the bid succeeds, will include a delegation from the IDU.

IDUnews

Delegate Elect Announces Cabinet

2006-02-09T17:23:00.000-06:00

SIVARIS - There were two surprises as Delgate Elect Antrium's cabinet was unveiled today: Domnonia was named to assume the Minister of Immigration Seat, and Ceorana, relatively new and government rookie IDU member, is to be the new Vice-Delegate.

Less surprising, Delegate Elect Antrium will ask Mikitivity to resume work in the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Antrium said that Mikitivity is an "extremely active member of the region," that "has done an excellent job. I see no reason to replace him."

Today, the first appointed Proposal Service Director was announced. Groot Gouda has been offered this position, and is widely expected to accept the post. Delegate Elect justified his choice by explaining, "[Gouda] always gives an honest opinion on EVERY proposal, and always offers suggestions to improve the proposal. [Gouda] has written two UN resolutions himself as well."

"This was a difficult choice, as there are many nations in this region which could do an excellent job. I looked through our forums a bit[to decide]," he told reporters after the cabinet appointments were announced.

On Antriums agenda so far are a retooling of the regional forum and a recharged recruitment campaign.

IDUnews

AM AWARDED IDU DELEGATE SEAT

2006-02-09T02:21:00.000-06:00

After a 14 day campaign, the Antrium nation has earned the right to take the IDU Delegate Seat. With no contest to his nomination, a win was considered default. Like predecessors, Antrium ran on the concept of continuity. The new UN Delegate Seat has pledged to continue support of well-written proposals, to be mindful of regional security and supports the addition of a clause promoting secularism into the IDU Charter.

Prime Minister Taylor Carlson congratulated the Antrium people and will support this delegation, even though the PM abtained from placing Domnonias vote in this election.

Rumours are circulating that the Domnonian Foreign Affairs Ministry may be pondering to submit a bid for the IDU Vice Delegate Seat.

IDUnews

IDU FOREIGN AFFAIRS SEAT ANNOUNCES OPENING OF EMBASSY IN TNP

2006-02-07T23:04:00.000-06:00

Mirvertia - IDU Foreign Affairs Seat, Mikitivity, today announced that the IDU Embassy in The North Pacific is now set to open. The announcement follows the appointment of Nomyekyom as TNP's ambassador to the IDU.

"The Embassy in The North Pacific is a timely contribution to the IDU's and Domnonia's expanding network of international relations, and will provide valuable consular support to the growing number of IDU citizens wishing for a more extroverted foreign policy," said Prime Minister Taylor Carlson. "A firm diplomatic presence is important in enabling us to work closely with our North Pacific partners, as well as the resident international community with ties to the multinational regional block, to ensure that the healthy and amiable discord that has so far been fostered by having the most fortunate presence of our own UN Delagate within the circles of North Pacific officials. As the IDU moves toward the term of our next delegate, this new development is exceedingly important, as an avenue for him or her to continue the success and intimate ties that Grosseschnauzer has so dutifuly paved."

The Prime Minister also stressed that every effort is being made to ensure that embassy personnel will include an envoy of Domini civil servants and dignitaries.

A full diplomatic staffing is expected to be in place as soon as can be expected.

IDUnews

IDU URGED TO EASE PLIGHT OF CHILD SOLDIERS

2005-09-11T18:18:00.002-06:00

UNGAVA - Domnonia, and the IDU must play a leading role in the international fight against child soldiers by helping war-torn regions address basic needs, such as food, jobs and healthcare, former Riconiaan Vice-President Alexandre Lum told a conferance in Ungava, East Hiel yesterday.

Mr. Lum discussed the issue of Riconiaan child soldiers during a conferance on children affected by war, held by the A.L. Stanfield University Political Studies Department.

Children as young as 7 told him in early 2005 that they started to kill as retaliation or because they wanted a better life. They fought in units with names such as Peanut Butter and carried AK-47 assault rifles they conceded were a little heavy for their small frames.

"In my home land, the main problem is that these children have no food, no job, no opportunities, no future and no schooling," siad Mr. Lum, now living in Domnonia as a refugee and political activist.

"Therefore, they are available for any cause, to be manipulated by greedy people for their own uses."

Mr. Lum said that the IDU must take a "hard-core diplomatic" role that includes lobbying its allies to follow past UN resolutions that somewhat address this issue, and to possibly draft a new resolution that takes direct aim at the plight of these children.

IDUnews

New Subsidized Child-care to begin SEPT. 31

2005-09-11T18:11:00.000-06:00

UNGAVA - Although the Province of Inlad has not officialy signed a child-care deal with the federal government, the province's Minister of Social Welfare and Family Development yesterday announced $82-million in new federal money for child-care subsidies for parents as well as operating and capital grants for daycares.

It is the first instalment of federal funds from a national family development program, and will begin to flow on the 31st of this month. "Early childhood experiences last a lifetime," said the Inlad Minister, Stanley Mark. "We want these experiences to be nurturing, sustaining and as caring as possible."

The province has about 33,000 child-care spaces, and less than 15% of Inlad students under 13 are in daycare. Costs run between $850 and $1000 a month per child. According to estimates, waiting lists can be as long as two years, and many children become too old before space opens up.

Other provinces will recieve funds from the federal government to go towards child-care and early child development which are commensurate with their population.

nationstates

Foreign Movie Nominees Announced

2005-09-11T18:01:00.000-06:00

Siragge - The Baranxtu Movie Academy today announced the nominees for Best Foreign Movie for this year's Golden Tiger Award.

The nominee list reads as follows:

"Dawn of Ketchup"
Adam Island
Comedy/Surrealism
"To Dreams of Toys"
Mikitivity
Drama/Family
"Anxiety of Inexpression and the Otherness Machine"
Domnonia
Drama/Documentary
"Over the Moon"
Groot Gouda
Drama/Feminism&Social Issues
"Salvation"
Grosseschnauzer
Drama/History
"Stolen Dreams"
Lloegr-Cymru
Sports Drama

The list was generally accepted by most critics of the Golden Tiger Awards.

However, the Mothers' Association of Baranxtu said it was not happy with the Domnonian entry, and the Easy Going Guild stated they were not "too happy" with the comedy from Adam Island, as the comedy "is not funny unless you like that form of snide directed at today's society."

From The Baranxtu National Review

BANK OF DOMNONIA UPDATES BILLS

2005-08-15T00:25:00.000-06:00

CADORN- As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the security of Domnonian bank notes, the Bank of Domnonia has issued new 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dollar notes with upgraded security features beginning August 15th, 2005.

The upgraded noteswill have the same security features found on the $100

Domini Journey series note issued in 2004. The improved features include a metallic holographic caligraphical symbol on the right center of every note, a watermark portrait, a windowed colour-shifting thread woven into the paper, a see-through number, and enhanced fluorescence under ultraviolet lighting. These features are reliable and quick and easy to use, and are designed to help Domnonians protect themselves from accepting counterfeit notes. The themes on the front and back of the notes will be the same as those issued in 2004, but with new illustrations.

The Bank continues to work with the retail and financial sectors as well as law enforcement agencies to inform cash-handlers about the anti-counterfeiting features found on Domini notes. "To minimize opportunities for counterfeiters, it is important for cash-handlers and consumers alike to take the few seconds that are needed to check the new easy-to-use security features," said Aaron Feroat, Governor of the Bank of Domnonia.

The Bank of Domnonia will work with the financial industry to remove previous versions of the notes from circulation and expects that most of the older notes will be withdrawn in approximately one year. All Domnonian bank notes remain legal tender.

The Bank of Domnonia is also collaborating with its partners to ensure the smooth introduction of the upgraded notes into daily cash exchanges. The Bank is providing manufacturers of bank note handling equipment—such as automated banking machines (ABMs), change-makers, and automated ticket dispensers—with the necessary information to make the required adjustments to their equipment. "In order to ensure that bills are not rejected by bank note handling equipment, it is important for the owners and manufacturers of this equipment to be ready for the upgraded note on August 15th," said Roy Poppe, President of the Domini Automatic Merchandising Association. "This simply makes good business sense."

nationstates

BT OFFICIAL PUTS FOOT IN MOUTH

2005-08-14T17:37:00.000-06:00

Baranxiž- Foreign Affairs Minister Secui Atili of Baranxtu let his personal opinions become a little less personal, resulting in his dismissal from the BT Government, and condemnation from his colleagues. It has been reported that controversial statements were made by Mr. Atila regarding the American Federalist and Riconiaan refugee crisis'.

During a press conference late Friday, Mr. Atili had said he "reject[ed] the government's plans to accept any number of refugees, mostly boat people, from these nations", furtherly stating that it "[was] entirely the Federalists' and Riconiaans' fault that their government failed, and (...) [Baranxtu] should not be bothered with it." He went on to call the refugees "human failures", which earned him actual booing by journalists and fellow politicans presents alike.

Shortly after the conference had been aired, His Royal Majesty King Ateni issued a statement, in which he deemed the minister's statements as "unacceptable" and a "disgrace to the values the Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu represents", and that "therefore, Secui Haideritu Atili must immediately be ousted and replaced by someone more reasonable."

With reports from The Baranxtu National Review

GROUP SLAMS GOV FOR POLYGAMIST FUNDING

2005-08-14T14:58:00.000-06:00

LUGVALE, ALGAR -- A women's centre is outraged that the provincial Domini Peoples Party government provided $632,000 in funding last year to a school at a polygamous commune in Lugvale, Algar.

Debra Critchley, spokeswoman for the Lugvale and District Women's Centre Society, said Wednesday that the facility uncovered the funding while reading the government's public accounts for 2001-2002. "It's shocking, mind-blowingly shocking," Critchley said of taxpayers footing the bill for a school at the fundamentalist polygamous commune in Lugvale, Algar, near Pontes on the TransDomi Highway.

Critchley said she's also concerned about the welfare of teenage girls who are being married off to older men and then bearing several children each.

Three women who sought refuge at the women's centre in recent years after escaping from the commune have said very few children are even being educated there, Critchley said.

"The bottom line is, this is illegal. The entire Lugvale school is illegal and they're funding the school," she said of the government.

Critchley recently received a response from Premier Michael Jaques after she wrote to him about the matter June 23.

"I can assure you that the provincial government is aware of the concerns that exist regarding this issue," Jaques wrote in the June 26 letter.

Jaques said he would notify Attorney General Geoff Plant, whose office would respond.

Critchley said she hasn't yet heard anything from Plant.

The attorney general did not return calls to his office Wednesday.

"We want them to pull the funding out of Lugvale and we want them to pursue prosecuting the leadership," Critchley said.

Kate Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Algar Education Ministry, said the government is legally obligated to fund Lugvale, the same as with other independent schools that pass an assessment.

"If it qualifies and they're eligible under the Algar legislation, it's no different from any other independent school in that regard," Thompson said.

"There's the contrast between what our legal obligation is under the Independent Schools Act and what people's concerns are over the moral questions and the legal questions involved in polygamy, which is quite separate from what the ministry is mandated for."

Critchley called that a "cop-out."

"I don't think it's going to be OK with taxpayers that they're funding polygamy."

Opinions differ on the matter.

"This is nothing more than sexual deviants using religion as a pretext for perversion!" says Reverend Freddy Jong-Il of Pontes, Algar. "Marriage is one man, one woman, and death do we part. What's so hard to get? Anything else is a perversion, and must be banned."

Ben Longfellow, a resident of Lugvale says that, "It's about time we had our religious rights recognized. Who is the government to tell me I can't love more than one woman? The government doesn't know how much of me there is to go around!"

In urban centers like Cadorn, apathetic sarcasm seem sto be the norm. "Multiple wives? Excellent!" says passer-by Pete Johnson. "In fact, now is probably the time for the government to butt out of marriage altogether. Let people marry their cats, if they want."

Up until a few years ago, the provincial government was paying about $400,000 annually for the Lugvale school.

The Lugvale commune was formed in 1947 by three men who were excommunicated by the Pontes Mormon church for refusing to give up the belief that men should marry several women. Mainstream Mormons renounced polygamy about 110 years ago.

Lugvale, which has about 1,000 members, has had a recent change of leadership and now a new patriarch, Ryan O'hara.

Three years ago, former leader Joseph Blackbear, then 44, was estimated to have 30 young wives and 80 children.

Earlier this year, Blackbear, the bishop of the polygamist religious group and superintendent of schools, lost control of the community's schools and over $1 million in assets to rivals aligned with other IDU-based sects of the same belief.

In April, an Algar Supreme Court judge approved an order that would allow the polygamist followers to control Lugvales elementary and secondary school.

Algar announced in 2004 that it would not prosecute two polygamists from Lugvale and stayed an opinon declaring the Criminal Code section outlawing polygamy either constitutional or unconstitutional.

In January, 2005, Immigration Domnonia confirmed it was aware of teenage American Federalist girls being brought into the commune from Iturii and North Hiel. But no action was taken because of the conflict of legal opinion between the federal government and Algaria.

Federal and provincial governments are likely to dismiss this issue from their agenda.

nationstates

BAN TRAWLING SAY GREEN PARTY

2005-08-13T13:56:00.000-06:00

POWYS — Environmental activists say they have evidence of the destructive effects of bottom trawling on the high seas.

Members of the environmental politicial group, The Green Party of Domnonia, showed video images they took of foreign vessels trawling on the Delaini Banks.

The pictures show giant nets hauling in catches of redfish and shrimp mixed with starfish and sea anemones.

The group is urging the Domini Fisheries Organization to impose a moratorium on the controversial fishing practice, where massive nets are dragged along the ocean floor to scoop up their catches.

Green Party leaders hope the footage from a two-week trip will convince Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan to restrict the fishing method, which has allready been banned in some IDU waters.

Mr. Regan has resisted a ban in international waters, saying trawling is not destructive if used properly. He has suggested that a better solution would be to identify sensitive areas and manage them properly.

Bottom-trawling is banned in specific areas within Domnonian jurisdiction, including the Bayju Gully, a vast submarine canyon off the coast of Algar that is home to rare coral and the endangered Kessland bottlenose whale.

But it is permitted in most areas, and Domini vessels are among the international fleet dragging waters regulated by the DFO, just outside Domnonia's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

The Green Party estimates that 60 per cent of the world's bottom trawling takes place in these waters, most of it on the sensitive ecosystem of the Domini Banks.

It is not clear, however, what this latest high-profile trip by the Green Party will accomplish.

The group had touted it as an opportunity to show Domnonians the devastation trawling causes valuable fish stocks and marine species. But the video did not produce persuasive images like previous trips that showed huge chunks of coral being pulled out of nets.

Despite that, the group says the trip will highlight the problem and hopefully spur officials to impose a ban to protect stocks they say are on a steady decline.

“There is a real urgency here and there is an irreversibility,” said Mark Butler of the Ecology Action Centre. “Look at the waters here, there's no groundfishery left.”

The Green Party boarded, at the invitation of ships' captains, five vessels out of 20 it encountered from Spain, Iceland, Portugal, Estonia and Greenland. It said some of the boats would not haul up their nets while they were being filmed.

Others had their nets in the water for 18 hours, well above the average of six hours per trawl.

The coalition wants the DFO to eliminate certain regulatory provisions that allow member countries to opt out of such things as quotas.

That allows members of the organization to opt out of quotas if they do not like the catch limit that has been set.

Domnonia has vowed to eliminate the provision, but so far the negotiations with fellow IDU countries have produced few concrete results.

nationstates

SOBER THOUGHT HEADS IDU

2005-08-13T02:06:00.000-06:00

ADAM ISLAND- The Gemeinde of Sober Thought was finally elected UN delegate of the International Democratic Union today, after a prolonged election season due to low voter turnout. The representative from The Glorious People's Republic of Groot Gouda of the Election Commission announced the results, with Sober Thought receiving 12 of 17 votes and Grosseschnauzer 5.

Sober Thought was congratulated by diplomats across the IDU. Quentoni wrote "A special congratulations to Sober Thought and Grosseschnauzer for their willingness and their participation in the sacred institution of democracy. This will be a great team that I have full confidence will continue the tradition of excellence of leadership here in the IDU." Keeslandia of the EC commented "More appropriately I extend my heartfelt sympathies to both Sober Thought & Grosseschnauzer."

Sober Thought is a democratic nation governed by various levels of federal and local governments, headed by their parliament, the House of the Federation and the Federal Leader, which make their home in the city of Yes. Their constitution includes theCharter of Civil and Human Rights and Responsibilities that enumerates various rights enjoyed by their people, including traditional libertarian rights, but also others such as "the right to receive government or publicly available services." It has three official languages, (English, simple French and, according to Adam Island's automatic translating computers, something called "Badly German") and is home to just under a billion citizens.

On Monday the elections were prolonged because only 15 nations had voted and 17 votes were needed to reach quorum. The results were not released, and it was revealed that two nations had submitted their votes late of the deadline, one of them being Adam Island. Apparently after the deadline was extended and those two votes were counted, no other nation stepped forward to cast a ballot. Because of the large margain of victory, neither of these votes changed the results of the election.

Groot Gouda of the EC included the sentence "Amendments shall soon be proposed by the EC to put this decision into IDU law." in the official election announcement. Quentoni wrote "Props go out to Groot Gouda and the rest of the EC for their hard work and diligence in making this election happen. It does look like we need to look closely at what is considered a quorum when there are inactive nations." No specific proposals have been advanced in the IDU international forum. The election rules have been amended after every election thus far.

THE ADAM NETWORK

NSUN JOINS AF CRISIS

2005-08-13T01:07:00.000-06:00

MIERVATIA- The ROTE KREUZ of Mikitivity, using its position within the NS International Red Cross has requested that any humanitarian aid organizations that have resources to consider donating those resources to the growing crisis in the former nation of American Federalist, located in the International Democratic Union.

A request made through the NS International Red Cross is almost always granted by the greater NS Community. The NS IRCO has been essential to the stabilization of other regions in time of need. In late 2004, an earthquake mesuring 9.9 by Ottoman Khaif left hundreds of thousands dead and millions of people homeless. Through Mikitivity and other national level Red Cross Associations, emergency crews and aid were shipped to the region. Soon after, the NS IRCO called for greater international humantiarian aid, which was met readily. Armed militas have been targeting former citizens of American Federalist, thus leading to instability in neighboring Domnonia and Keeslandia. The IDU nations have responded by sending in military as well as humanitarian aid to both Domnonia and Keeslandia as well as the former American Federalist. Plans are underway, under the mediation of Yuunli, Baranxtu, and Domnonia, for a new government to be established.
nationstates

BAHN CANCELS TICKETS, SAVES LIVES

2005-08-13T00:56:00.000-06:00

MIERVATIA- Yesterday, Mikitivity Bahn(international railway service) officals sent out apologizes to its many customers for the short-notice cancellation of there trips. In a pledge of solidarity with the IDU and it's home government, Mikitivity, the corporation has appropriated all of its rails from Grosseschnauzer to The Eastern Keeslands in order to provide transportation for the huge number of relief materials being donated in light of the crisis in the old American Federalist. Bahn officials had no comment other than that they would expect, "any other group of human beings to do the same," and that they hope this gesture will be a catalyst in the push for corporate officials that can help, to do so.

nationstates

END OF AF CRISIS IN SIGHT

2005-08-13T00:32:00.000-06:00

CADORN- The international outpouring of emotion, support and solidarity regarding the events occuring in the failed American Federalist has bourne fruit today as local political groups in the Mid-South American Federalist begins talks of establishing a sovereign state.

A government of sorts has been organized by the hardy and intelligent people of the Mid-South in an attempt to begin resuming necessary services in the region; water and electric utilities, emergency services, and communications systems. They are now requesting cartographical and logistical experiance to aid in the drawing their boundaries, and work is underway to draft a Declaration of Independance for the new state of Antrium.

Earlier today, Domini Prime Minister Taylor Carlson spoke of these new developments, "Times like these truly test the fabric that holds together not only international cooperatives, but humanity aswell. I think we have a good chance of passing this particular test ... Soon enough, the people of Antrium will be able to thank the IDU themselves."

Medical experts from Groot Gouda arrived in Isca, Algar recently. According to military civilians in the area, local and federal medical facilities were unprepared for such a massive influx of refugees, and the Goudans have been essential in bringing order to the situation.

The Peace Corps of Domnonia, were happy to welcome military police from Mikitivity and Yuunl Ituri province of AF and along the DO-AF border yesterday. AF locals seem to be much more willing to cooperate with Peace Officials now that the international community is more involved.

The nation of Datagenesis began accepting refugees from the Domnonian camps today, helping to ease space problems.

Baranxtu's navy was involved in rescuing a large number of "boat people" escaping the AF and Riconiaan states by sea. Due to the number of refugees, some of them trying to flee with the help of barely buoyant devices and desperately in need of help, the rescuing teams have experienced some difficulties with a lack of a suitable number of translators.

Accoding to the Baranxtu Embassy in Cadorn. the first refugees have already arrived at Baranxtu's largest port, Leiris, in the province of Dorista. They have been taken to the refugee camp "Anamaxista" in the same province, where officials report they will recover soon.

Branxtu Navy personnel involved in the rescues suggest an overwhelming majority of refugees are grateful for Baranxtu's help, but nevertheless wish to return to their home lands as soon as possible.

Baranxtu has requested a handful of diplomats from Domnonia, Keesland and the interim-government of Antrium to convene in Leiris to work out the logistics of refugee travel and care.

The Baranxtu government pledges not to deny those refugees who want to stay remain in Baranxtu permanently to do so.

nationstates

Domini PM Issues Warning To IDU

2005-08-11T17:45:00.000-06:00

Transcript of televised speech originally broadcast on the Domini News Network:

PM Taylor Carlson: "When a large state falls, everyone hears about it—and some unlucky neighbors may even be brought down with it. Countries in the danger zone of failure include Pebulia- 694 million people, Plesentland -674 million, Elvallen - 374 million, and Freah Sweet Water - 372 million. Twol of which are voting nations within the IDU. The Democratic Republic of American Federalists - 460 million people - has in many ways already failed more than once, and it is estimated that the resulting conflicts and disease have probably taken at least 3 million lives. The recent experiences of the American Federalist and the former Riconiaa suggest that state failure on this scale can spin off smaller conflicts that create regional unrest and humanitarian crises. American Federalist’s collapse was, in part, precipitated by apathy within the IDU. Termed “The IDU's first war,” the American Federalist conflict has raised the specter of entire failed regions. If, we can sit idly by as IDU Member States dissolve into the abyss, then will we too sit idly by as our great union begins to show wear? The North Pacific’s disintegration, which, when compared to other states, was massive, sent refugees pouring into other, more friendly regions and destabilized several neighboring regions. Only after two years and hundreds of thousands of deaths did the native forces restore order. We must not let the apathy that lead to the failure of American Federalist and the failure of Riconiaa become the apathy that becomes the failure of the IDU.

Outside intervention to address state failure becomes a tougher proposition when a large state is in its death throes. On the positive side, because the stakes are so high, a politically and diplomatically engaged international community is more likely. However, the logistical and troop requirements necessary for any effective humanitarian intervention or peacekeeping mission—whether welcomed or not—could be overwhelming. Attempting to establish order in American Federalist, which has a population of 460 million, has stretched the limits of the Domini military. To this end, I request that other nations join in the restoration of the American Federalist and The Unknown Lands of The IDU zones. For democracy, and for humanity."

nationstates

2 JUDGES HEAD ELECTORAL-BOUNDARY PANEL

2005-08-11T17:18:00.000-06:00

SOUTHER- Two Inlad judges – Justice Margaret Larlee and Justice Brigitte Robichaud – will head a seven-member panel charged with redrawing the province's electoral map. Justice Minister Daniel James said Thursday that the province will still have 55 ridings but that the Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission will make them more equal in population.

There are currently huge disparities between the province's largest and smallest ridings.

The seven-member panel was chosen by an all-party committee of the provincial legislature. It is expected to make its final report by March 2006.

nationstates

DO BEGINS ACTION IN AF

2005-08-11T16:08:00.000-06:00

PRETORIA, FORMER AF- Domini Defense Minister Ian Roberts announced at a press conferance this afternoon that Friday will see a new military operation underway in the old American Federalist. Reports from the failed state say about 8000 Domini Peace Corps have been deployed in the south-eastern Ituri region to disarm local militias held responsible for the death of an estimated 9000 refugees flocking towards the border. The militias, from a faction called the Nationalist and Integrationist Front, have been attacking local Federalists, prompting and estimated 270,000 to flee their homes over recent weeks.

Events in past days have underscored the difficulty of bringing lasting peace to the American Federalist lands, where conflict in eastern seaboard regions has continued despite a 2005 accord aimed at preventing war in case of government failure.

"American Federalist is a failed state - its internal structures are very weak," says Ian Roberts, Minister of Defense.

Roberts was speaking at an emergency press conference held by AFPAS(American Federalist Peace And Stability) in co-operation with the Domini Institute of Keesland States (DIKS), in the AF capital of Pretoria, Thursday. The AF civil war, which pitted the government against various rebel groups supported by eastern provinces and the opposition government, is said to have caused the death of about three million people - either through fighting, or as a result of the disease and food shortages which conflict-torn areas are prone to.

The war began in January 2005 after a split developed between government groups. The two eastern provinces, Ituri and North Hiel, had been instrumental in bringing the Federalist Party to power a year earlier - toppling the long-time ruling Theosophical Society of AF Party, in the process. Rebels backed by Ituri and North Hiel took up arms against the Goevrnment after they proved less pliable than their former supporters had hoped. Most notably, the AF President failed to contain militants from the IDU Unknown Lands responsible for Ituri's 2004 genocide who had fled to the American Federalist state - and who were launching attacks on Ituri province.

Thanks to the intervention of Domnonia, Hiel and Keeslandia, the Federalist Party was able to avoid being ousted as their predecessor had been - although their President was was later assassinated. But, the presence of foreign troops on AF soil came at enormous financial cost to the country: some states involved in the conflict have been implicated in illegal resource exploitation in the AF, which has extensive mineral, diamond and timber reserves.

Towards the end of July, Domnonian President Taylor Carlson again threatened to deploy troops in the AF to deal with militants accused of destablizing the nation and killing refugees. "Unfortunately, militant factions still remain in American Federalist. The old government is still using the pretext of self defence to keep his troops in the near the AF-DO border, blocking refugees from access to medical care, food and water. Something must be done about militias meddling in refugee's rights to life," DIKS researcher Yazini Funeka told conference participants Thursday afternoon.

However, DIKS chair Yves Kamangu, an AF native, cautioned against blaming The remnants of the former AF Government for the ills affecting the AF. "We people failed to address our internal problems like disarming the militias and the Sudikedami. That's why we are facing the consequences now. We look for scapegoats and accuse others of being the sources of our problems," he noted. The old Domini word "sudikedami", variously interpreted as "those who attack together" or "those who stand together", was the name given to perpetrators of the Ituri genocide.

Talks to end fighting in the AF were hosted by Domnonia, and resulted in the creation of a interim government that will operate a land claims registry, which includes former rebel leaders, representatives of the civilian opposition and members of the Federalist Party government. However, some delegates at Thursday's conference argued that ordinary AF citizens had been largely excluded from the peace process - and that they needed to join forces at a local level to ensure that their concerns were heeded by national authorities.

"We need to reconstruct the old American Federalist. Our people should re-organise themselvesinto seperate, and autonomous nations based on historical land usage. Once they have organised themselves, they should exercise self-rule," said Kamangu. He carefully noted that this vision of decentralisation amounts to a call for secession - an inflammatory subject in a country where the attempted breakaway of south-western Katanga province, in 2003, was crushed.

"We are advocating secession. American Federalist, one of the largest countries in the IDU, is made up of so many ethnic groups, so you can't expect it to be ruled from Ituri by people who do not understand the local problems being experienced in Katanga," said Kamangu. Thursday's conference also touched on the IDU elections that are scheduled to close in a few days.

Brian Mark-Howard, a political science lecturer at the University of Preston, questioned whether an extended voting period was long enough to ensure quorum would be reached - which may play an important role in determining the legitimacy of the IDU Electons Charter. The voting period began on August 1st, and failed to reach quorum by it's original end date, the 7th, and has been extended until the 12th.

"Voting periods are for confidence building. The longer the voting period, the better for confidence building," said Mark-Howard, noting that the importance of an effective voting system had been shown during the Domini House of Federation Elections of 2005. "People went to vote and the vote declared that the SPFC won the elections - and the Domini people accepted the vote. Otherwise, without institutions like the vote, any institution can fail, even the IDU."

Mark-Howard also noted that the IDU's various delegate contenders would need to be prepared to extend voting periods officially, to prevent the resumption of a similar event if ever again that the outcome of a vote was not to reach quorum.

nationstates

IDU STATES FAIL, REFUGEES FLEE

2005-08-11T12:57:00.000-06:00

CADORN- United Nations relief agencies are reporting a massive movement of refugees within the International Democratic Union, as the number leaving the recently dissolved states of American Federalist and Riconiaa has come to be an avalanche.

The Domini World Food Program says that in the case of American Federalist, hundreds of thousands of people have been seen heading towards Domnonia, Keeslandia and Malabra. While, in Riconiaa, virtually all refugees have made their way across the Straight of The Devil to either attempt to gain access to Poking the Devil, or make it to the Domnonian borders.

The DWFP reports that a convoy of refugee vehicles more than 20 km long is heading south from the Old American Federalist capital, on The AM-DOMI Highway #4, towards Algaria.

The internal movement comes amid fears that the remaining AF authorities are forcibly preventing people from leaving the failed state.

Over the weekend, American Federalists of Keeslander descent were reportedly pouring out of AF at the rate of over 1,000 an hour.

A UNHC spokesman in Miervatia said refugees were having to pay heavy bribes to AF soldiers and border guards to get across.

Our correspondent in Malabra, Jeremy Bowen, described the sudden stop in refugees crossing the border as "eerie and rather spooky".

Refugees on the Tomar, Domnonia border near Blace say packed trains and buses were being turned back.

Domini Prime Minister Taylor Carslon has alluded to the possible use of force within the failed state in order to open up bordes for safe travel by refugees.

The aid agencies say they have ordered an extra six million emergency food rations to cope with the expected refugee influx.

The Domini World Food Program says around 175,000 of the internally-displaced people inside American Federalist are travelling towards Domnonia, and 100,000 people are heading for Malaba and Keeslandia.

A spokeswoman in Malabra said it was unclear where the rest were going, but they were probably trying to flee AF tanks.

"They are heading towards the mountains, I think, to escape the tanks. I'm sure that some of those people will eventually wind up here in Malabra, or possibly remain in the Solace Mountians," said Angela Walker.

Children suffer from malnutrition

Relief officials in northern Hiel said the latest arrivals were in the worst condition they had seen, with children suffering from malnutrition.

Some refugees have told relief workers they had to bury children along the road who were simply too weak to make the journey. Others bear injuries they blame on remaining AF security forces.

The refugee agencies are also reporting a diarrhoea epidemic.

A spokeswoman for the UN children's agency says fewer than half of the American Federlaists have been vaccinated, due to a widespread mistrust of the AF-run health authorities.

nationstates