Issue #40

February 4, 2016
North Republic Industries
Issue#40


This issue is brought to you in part by these wonderful Sponsors

Hunteiria
Sponsoring until at least Issue #43


40th Issue!!! Biggest Milestone Yet!


An amazing achievement for The Messenger to achieve 40 issues. No other newspaper or media source has reached this number through its primary punishment. The Messenger was first established in 2011 in The United Kingdom (TUK) as The British Messenger where it moved later to the United Kingdom of Great Britain (~UKB). There may have even been The Danish Messenger but Lewis and Daniel can't remember. In 2012 on July 25th Lewis and Daniel launched The Messenger in The Allied Republics and it meet with considerable success so much that North Republic Industries was soon founded and organized to be over The Messenger.

The Messenger then continued and in its early days it was a rival to the Allied Republican a popular newspaper that was published by CCC, and was the first paper to reach 30 issues. The Messenger also was in part a rival with The Patriot a newspaper published by the Republic News Company. Together for a while these three papers where the Big Three in the Media Industry. However the Allied Republican and The Patriot were later discontinued and The Messenger continued on seeing considerable success as the biggest and most successful newspaper and is now a part of the new Big Three in the Media Company made of The Messenger Media Company, MMS Entertainment, and Liberty Radio.

Following the success of The Messenger, it tried to branch out into a new publication The Messenger's Scout that would be a subscribed base newsletter of sorts. This came about since The Messenger has never charged people to view its issues and it promised that it never would. This hasn't always been the most profitable route but it has kept The Messenger popular and accessible. The Messenger's Scout however would be a failed venture only getting three issues, though The Messenger Media Company did try to revive it by hiring CDLand as its Editor in Chief, but this fell through.

The next big venture of The Messenger would be Messenger TV where videos would be made and posted on Youtube. This venture saw massive success and Messenger TV became very popular seeing its first season of 6 episodes and even received a green light by North Republic Industries for a second season despite not seeing too much money come through. It was though popular. With the success of Messenger TV, North Republic Industries reorganized The Messenger (the company not the paper) into The Messenger Media Company to avoid confusion when referring to the company and the paper. Also because the name is pretty cool.

Now over three years and half years later The Messenger has published 40 issues and become an icon of the region. When asked in an exclusive interview Editor in Chief of The Messenger and CEO of North Republic Industries Lewis and Daniel said "It is an honor and a great achievement to see 40 issues come to the region. I hope that The Messenger will continue to be an icon of the region, that the people will continue to show it love and support it. I hope that one day even it take many more years that we can celebrate 100 issues." Lewis and Daniel is for the most part the sole author of The Messenger. Some other authors have contributed articles here and there such as Libertarian Washington but for the moss part The Messenger is all the work of Lewis and Daniel. Additionally The Messenger is the only paper or media source that reviews and recommends anime.

For The Messenger's efforts and source as a cultural and historic resource Pendragon University Library has started to archive old issues of The Messenger in effort to preserve the history and culture in them along other works of literature to provide for a common location of culture for the region.

The Messenger Media Company is thinking about other ways to spread. One such thought is The Daily Messenger which would be one article issues so that more material is out the door on a more regular basis since it won't take as much work as The Messenger issues. However doing this could dry up some material for The Messenger. Another thought is to have another shot at The Messenger's Scout. However it's all unknown.

So here it also is after detailing the history of The Messenger. Thank you. Without your support, your kind words, your love, your money, your views, and comments The Messenger never would have made it this far. The Messenger hasn't always been regular having dry periods and not always publishing as much as we or others would like. However you all have been supportive and have helped to make this happen. The Messenger thrives on those good words, those views, your support, your money. So thank you for 40 Issues and three and a half years of writing for you. I hope that you will continue to support us and the other ventures that we have. It has been a pleasure.

Thank you.


January Sumo Tournament!!!

Ozeki Kotoshogiku

Another sumo tournament over, and boy was it not only an interesting one - it was a historic one. It marked 10 years since a Japanese born wrestler had won. We had all three Yokozuna, the 4 Ozeki, and an interesting line up. Let's get going.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku - Won the tournament! With an amazing record of (14-1), he became the first Japanese born wrestler to win in 10 years breaking the long dry spell. He won the first 12 days straight, winning against all three Yokozuna in three amazing matches. Such as when on day 11 he went up against the only other undefeated wrestler at the time Yokozuna Hakuho. Only losing on day 13 against longtime friend Toyonoshima. It was Kotoshogiku's best record to date, before he had at most only gotten 12 wins and that was back in 2011 right before he got promoted to Ozeki. 2015 wasn't the best year for Kotoshogiku but 2016 proved to be a new year, new Kotoshogiku. He kept though his signature belly bump, but had a lot more other moves add in which might have helped with his win. Also in January Kotoshogiku got married and had his birthday, along with winning his first championship. What does this mean for March? If Kotoshogiku can win in March then he will almost assuredly get promoted to Yokozuna and be the first Japanese born Yokozuna since 2001 I think. However if he can do that is a hard question, and it will also be a hard to thing to do. If he can though, or even win a second tournament anywhere in 2016 (though he won't be promoted to Yokozuna unless he has about 2 consecutive wins) he will become an icon, if not already. It is safe to say though that the entire eyes of Japan will be on him in March to see how he does. If he can manage to win the first 7 to 10 days straight then people will seriously begin to talk again about him winning and about promotion. However with this historic win along with his birthday and wedding there will be a lot of parties and it will be hard to say if he can put in the practice needed to win in March.

Yokozuna Harumafuji - Many were wondering if Harumafuji who won the November Tournament would be able to win again this tournament and get his first back to back win since 2012 as Ozeki which got him promoted to Yokozuna. However Harumafuji lost on day 2 which for most of the tournament put him in the back seat while attention was focused on Hakuho and Kotoshogiku. However after losing on day 2 he did go on to win the next 9 days straight only to be stopped by Kotoshogiku. Then losing to Yokozuna Kakuryu and then winning against Hakuho to secure Kotoshogiku's win. Harumafuji along with fellow Yokozuna Hakuho and Toyonoshima were runners up to Kotoshogiku. Harumafuji got a (12-3) which is good for a Yokozuna.

Yokozuna Hakuho - He had a mixed bag this tournament, he had some really weird wins again and making people wonder. However he did win the first 10 days straight only to lose against Kotoshogiku on the 11th day and then to lose against Ozeki Kisenosato and Yokozuna Hakuho on the last two days to secure Kotoshogiku's win. Many people have been wondering what is up with Hakuho, some suggesting a lasting injury that he hasn't told anyone about, others suggest that he is just board. Some of his wins and losses weren't great performances. However he still managed a (12-3) record which as some people suggested that we would say Hakuho is slipping with a 12-3 record, no one else. The number though is still good. It will be interesting to see what 2016 will hold for him. He hasn't won the last three tournaments and the last 5 tournaments have each been won by someone different.

Yokozuna Kakuryu - His first lost was on day 3, losing again on day 5. Overall Kakuryu provided for some good wins, but also was never at the front of the back and seemingly took a far back seat to his fellow Yokozuna and Kotoshogiku. Kakuryu was able though to get a (10-5) record which is alright, at least getting double digit wins is good, it could have been better with at least one more win. He was though able to get a win over Harumafuji, though lost to Kotoshogiku, Hakuho, and Kisenosato.

Ozeki Kisenosato - Usually when people think that if any Japanese born wrestler will win they usually think that Kisenosato will do it. he has had a consistent record as Ozeki, more than most, and was runner up around 8 times but never managed to win - some people cite choking as the cause. Kisenosato had a mixed tournament this time, losing on the first day and only getting a (9-6) record while people thought that he might not be able to get his 8 wins, which doesn't happen too often for Kisenosato. He did win against Yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu. Some are saying that by Kotoshogiku winning Kisenosato might get it in him that he can too and that he will win in March or later in 2016. In fact some people even suggested that January would be Kisenosato's tournament.

Ozeki Terunofuji - Poor Terunofuji he has been struggling with injury, though he won the first two days he struggled. He then lost, won lost, and then on the 6th day he pulled out due to his injuries. I think that it was his collar bone, but his knee isn't doing so well either. With him pulling out he will be Katoban next tournament meaning that if he doesn't get at least 8 wins in March he will be demoted, though the next tournament after that if he can get at least 10 wins he will be promoted again if not then he will have to start all over again. People aren't sure if he will even be able to make it back in March and if he does they aren't sure if he can get at least 8 wins. Only time will tell what will happen with Terunofuji, though people still think that he will get promoted to Yokozuna within the next couple years.

Ozeki Goeido - Hoping for a good 2016 he changed his muwashi (belt) color, and for the first two days he seemed like he was going to do well this tournament with new focus for the new year. However he lost on day 3 and day 5, then got a walk over win on day 6 only then to lose the next 9 days straight. He finished with a terrible record of (4-11) and will go katoban. If he can't get at least 8 wins in March he will be demoted but will have one last chance as a Sekiwake to get at least 10 wins to get promoted back with out the usual process. Most people think this is the end of Goeido as Ozeki though they think he won't retire since he is still relatively young, but never to be Ozeki again. Who knows, with a terrible record like that it is hard to say what will happen. If January 2016 wasn't the rebirth of Goeido maybe March 2016 will be, and he better hope to as well.

Sekiwake Tochiozan - He didn't have the best tournament getting a losing record of (7-8) just barely getting it. With this record he will almost surely be moving down in rank most likely down one to Komusubi. This is after just several tournaments ago when he was making a push to be promoted to Ozeki. It might just be a small bubble for him and he might make a rebound back to Sekiwake in March.

Sekiwake Yoshikaze - Unfortunately not having the tournament that everyone wanted him to have he still manged to get a winning record of (8-7) at his highest rank that he has achieved. People love this feisty guy but this tournament provided to be a challenge compared to prior ones. Hopefully though in March and later tournaments he can rebound and get those double digit wins needed to make a campaign to Ozeki and then hopefully make it there. I think that he can do it, he just has to put his mind to it again. This is his highest rank and it can be a hard rank. We will have to see what the rest of 2016 has in store for this man.

Komusubi Tochinoshin - It was amazing to see that even after having a losing record last tournament of (7-8) that he still remained a Komusubi, this is likely a gift to him because he didn't get promoted before even though he had a winning record. However this tournament proved to be another challenge, and he got a not so good (6-9) record and I think his knee is causing some trouble. He will find himself back down in the Maegashira ranks, most likely around 1-3. I hope that he can make his way back to Komusubi and hopefully from there Sekiwake and Ozeki.

Komusubi Ikioi - After some previous tournaments that were really good and seemed to bring a new Ikioi this tournament proved to be too hard for him as he only got a (5-10) record, which is really bad to get double digit loses. After working his way back up to Komusubi he will be finding himself down in the Maegashira ranks probably around 3-5.

Maegashira #1 Shohozan - After having an amazing tournament in November, he moved all the way up to his career height of M 1. Even though he lost on the first day he was able to get a kinboshi (gold star) win over Yokozuna Harumafuji but that was really his only notable win of the entire tournament as he finished (5-10), disappointing as he will fall down to around 5-7 or something.

Maegashira #3 Ichinojo - He hasn't been having really good tournaments, and this is another one of them as he got only a (2-13) record, which is really bad. If Ichinojo doesn't do something and start putting effort into it and working harder he will find himself back down in the Juryo Division. Next tournament Ichinojo will likely be around Maegashira 8-10 or so.

Maegashira #3 Kaisei - Only ever look at Kaisei for FS, even though he is gone I thought I would talk about his fellow Brazillian who didn't do so hot. He only managed a record of (5-10) and will find himself down a considerable distance. FS lost and so did his Brazillian. You know I have no clue if FS even likes Kaisei or sumo for that matter.

Maegashira #5 Osunaarashi - He pulled out before the tournament and was absent for the entire tournament. I have no clue where we will see him in March if we even will. His injury might be very serious and we might not see him again in March.

Maegashira #6 Okinoumi - He had a really great tournament with a great record of (10-5) and also went the first 8 days with only 1 lost which is pretty good. For his efforts he will likely get around Maegashira 1 or so. Let's hope that Jason's guy from Shimane ken can keep up the good record in March.

Maegashira #7 Toyonoshima - He had a really great tournament and got the Outstanding performance prize. He is the only person this tournament to beat the winner Kotoshogiku. Along with this (12-3) record he is one of three runner up for the tournament. He did really well this tournament and will likely see himself up around Maegashira 2 or so.

Maegashira #8 Myogiryu - Really falling low after last tournament when he was Sekiwake. Now Myogiryu is even struggling in the mid maegashira ranks and only managed a (8-7) record. He will find himself higher in rank than this tournament but one wonders if he will be able to make it back into the higher ranks.

Maegashira #9 Sadanoumi - Oh! Sadanoumi how many times are you going to get a losing record?! This is the 4th tournament in a row that you've done this. Now you did only get a (7-8) which isn't the worst but it could be better. You are going to have to do better! You need to do some work to stay my favorite wrestler, already I am being won over by others. Put some spirit into it. We will likely find him around Maegashira 10 or so.

Maegashira #11 Endo - On the 7th day of the tournament he pulled out after getting 5 loses and only 1 win. Ending the tournament with a record of (1-6-8) this really isn't good and he is suffering from injury but will he be able to overcome these injuries and make it back into the top? Not too long ago he was getting really popular but now has fallen. He will likely be around Maegashira 14 or so, if Edo can't do well in March we might see him drop down into the Juryo division.

New Government


A new government has taken up office. Kastros Drakan a member of the Otaku Party, currently the largest party by membership in the region. Kastros first ran for the New England Senate Seat against Lewis and Daniel of the Otaku Party both of whom were running for Chancellor. Pepe Drakan briefly said he would run for re-election but then backed out. Lewis and Daniel then threw his support behind Kastros for private reasons like time, and other things. Then right before the election Lewis and Daniel took the full step and dropped out handing the election to his fellow Party member. After which Kastros went to the Senate and no one went to oppose him. So in all the road was wide and open for Kastros who rode in and succeeded Pepe. This has been the second chancellor from the Holy Britannian Empire (New England). Now the Holy Britannian Empire will hold the Chancellery for what looks like three terms in a row under two people. This could show the prominence and power of the state.

Also to note is that Kastros is the first Otaku Party member to be elected Chancellor, this has given some rise to more power in the party, that some hope will continue. After being elected Chancellor Kastros appointed his cabinet to include Imperium as Vice Chancellor, Lewis and Daniel as Secretary of the Interior, Timpetotia as Secretary of State, Regionia as Secretary of the Treasury, Pepe Drakan as Secretary of Immigration, and Britarvia as Secretary of Culture. Many hailed this cabinet, while others said nothing likely because no one ever says anything. However from the looks of it it seems to be a solid cabinet.

Afterwards he nominated the Supreme Court with CDLand as Chief Justice, Obito Drakan as an Associate Justice, and RNS as an Associate Justice. After some time the nominations were approved by the Supreme Court.

Many are looking for a great term and many expect to find it. All signs point to a great term, and the Otaku Party may very well be working towards that working to make sure that Kastros and by extension the Party looks good.


SMRP to End?


Rumors have been going around that SMRP (State Military Role Play) should be ended. This rumor has spread for multiple reasons, such as businesses rejecting SMRP for its practices, to people just not wanting to wage any wars unless they are certain wars under their terms. Others think that SMRP heats the region up too much and causes too much pain and breaks the region apart causing month long scars.

At the same time government leaders and the SMRP Board will likely want to keep SMRP around because it has become a hundred thousand dollar industry run by the government and part of that money is redistributed and people love that "free" money. So many might want to keep around for those reasons.

However the number of wars that happen in SMRP is almost non existent. There was only one war at the start of SMRP, then a war games which doesn't really count since it had no impact on the states, a mini war of a day, and some threats of war. However from people many don't want another war, but some do but most just want the states to slap each other around with nothing changing. Most SMRP activity is about amassing weapons in an arms race.

So will SMRP end? Maybe - it is a real thought to have. However when we have this thought will more money be distributed back to the people who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on weapons? Will people be willing to stop moving this much money even if it is going to the government and then back to the people with little getting to manufactures? What will happen? I'm not sure, it's all just a rumor right now.


Market to Expand? New Life? Lots of Rumors.


Several rumors have been going around about the Market and its parts.

Firstly North Republic Industries is rumored that it may restart its stock. In doing this it would refund active existing stock holders with money or new stock. This is to put North Republic Industries back on the market, reform its Board of Directors, and help to give new capital to the business. With many of its old stock holders being in active it might be the best time to strike to do this to limit the amount that it will reimburse old holders.

Next North Republic Industries is rumored to be involved with a huge business deal with Columbia Conglomerate about Allied Federal Bank. Rumor has it that this Bank will be huge and profits will be huge. North Republic Industries and its CEO are rumor that they will be holding thousand upon thousands of dollars in the bank to generate interest, capital, and money. One person said who we won't name "It could be the biggest business deal and money maker that North Republic Industries has ever seen." Who knows how it will turn out.

Next rumor, that with the return of Libertarian Washington "in retirement" is guise to bring Liberty Radio out of hiatus and with Liberty Radio out hiatus means the return of Who Cares? The best post show, so good that some even forget about the regular show.

Another rumor is that North Republic Industries and other businesses are willing to invest thousands of dollars in new businesses or returning ones. One random person that we talked to said that "[they] would pay money to see [or rather hear] the return of Cosmo Radio." Another person said "sup." and yet another person said that "[they] want to hear a radio show with Hunt." Another person said that people should help to support old and new businesses.


Culture/Opinion/Good Anime Section - Winter-time Edition!
Hello, Hello, Hello we are once again back for another addition to my favorite section. Remember that the names of the new ones are links to MyAnimeList were you can find more information, Synopsis, reviews, average score, Voice Actors, and more! Also I would be happy to talk about any series or movie that you might want to discuss. Once again I shall list the names of those I have done. Also Lewis and Daniel is always happy to talk about anime with you. Or if you need to know some anime sites just ask! This time you will also be getting a Summer time edition! I usually just copy and paste this part of the article. Tell me what else you want to see here! Please know that as we go back and look at some or if I have on my blog, I will be putting a (R) after it to show that I have already written reviews on, it is not apart of the title like (TV) or (2005) might be
Spice and Wolf (R)
Nodame Cantabile
Code Geass
School Rumble (R)
Honey and Clover
Clannad (R)
Great Teacher Onizuka (R)
Eden of the East
Kimi ni Todoke (R)
Mushishi
Ah My Goddess (R)
Full Metal Panic
Trigun
Kino's Journey
ef - a tale of memories
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (R)
Toradora
K-On!
One Piece
Guin Saga
Sekirei
Rec (R)
Glass Mask (2005)
Durarara!!
Cowboy Bebop
Angel Beats!
Usagi Drop (R)
Itazura na Kiss
Kobato.
Ouran High School Host Club
Princess Jellyfish
Genshiken
Hanasaku Iroha
Skip Beat!
Kids on the Slope
Eureka Seven
Death Note
Black Lagoon
One Outs
Princess Tutu
Fullmetal Alchemist
Love Hina
Hyouka
Cross Game
Waiting in the Summer
Psycho-Pass
--
Sword Art Online
Mirai Nikki (TV)
Crest of the Stars
Attack on Titan
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
Beck
Tari Tari
Kemono no Souja Erin
Gin no Saji
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha
Tokyo Godfathers
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Nodame Cantabile
Space Battleship Yamato 2199
Log Horizon
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
The Wind Rises
Gingitsune
Nana
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Azumanga Daioh
Now and Then, Here and There
Berserk
Record of Lodoss War
Akira
The Vision of Escaflowne
Macross
The Seven Deadly Sins
Touch
Slayers
Fate/Zero
Redline
Garden of Words
Bartender
Kimagure Orange Road
Yotsuba&! (Manga)
Chocotto Sister
Gangsta.
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled 1



One Punch Man

Perhaps the most popular anime in the fall season of 2015.

The Story is about Saitama who couldn't find a job and always wanted to be a hero, and one day after saving a child he decides to become one for fun and so trains for three years and becomes the strongest man ever able to take out anything with just one punch, but he is under recognized and some other funny stuff.

The Story is alright to good. It is a parody an comedy with action. It can be really funny at times too because of the set up that we have, at other times though I found myself not laughing. When I watched it with my anime club I was always laughing then when I finished the last four episodes or so on my own I hardly laughed. So I don't know. However I can say that it can get really funny.

The characters they are good too for the most part, Saitama is funny as is Genos. The other characters are for the most part all minor and don't really bare any. I would also say that Saitama and Genos do have character development which I wasn't expecting but was nice to see. Though Saitama has the most development though it is really only one part and at one moment.

The art is really good.

The music as well was good. The opening and maybe the ending though are really the only notable pieces, but the opening is really rememberable so that is good.

The voice acting was good as well for the sub.

Overall this was a good anime that I enjoyed. It provided some nice laughs at the beginning and brought about a nice anime.



Hikaru no Go

An early 2000s anime.

The Story is about a boy named Hikaru who when in his grandpa's shed finds an old go board (go is a board game with black and white pieces that revolves around territory) and that board has in it a spirit named Sai who has lived on in the go board because he wants to live more than one lifetime playing go so that he can play the divine hand (the best game possible). The two become bonded and start their journey together.

The Story is really good, it show over a couple years the journey of Hikaru and Sai and the progress that they make together. Since this is a longer series of 75 episodes and covers like 2 or 3 years in the series it really is able to show the progress of the characters and their development. Even though I had no prior knowledge of Go, nor really know too much more about it, I was still able to get interested in it and invested in it because you are still able to feel the tension form the matches. The only big problem might be in the ending as it is nice but at the same time missing something and that makes me a bit sad, or really sad. It is a mixed bag ending and I kind of wish they didn't go that route.

The characters are good Hikaru, Sai, and a few others are well fleshed out and developed. Some characters though fall into the back ground and after some time lose importance and you forget about them and they don't play a huge role. However I think that by showing the course of several years they are able to show more natural and real progress of their skill and their persons.

The art is older as it is an early 2000s anime, so it doesn't look all too much like the 1990s but it does at the same time. The art does improve I think as the series goes on. Though I must say I didn't mind it at all as it wasn't really bad art just an older art.

The music was good I generally liked the openings and the endings, and even some notable and rememberable ones. Though some is forgetfull and I ended up skipping some of the openings to get to the main thing and they weren't all too great.

The voice acting for the dub was good. I liked it and thought that the voices went well with them.

Overall it was a good but long anime with an ending that I wasn't all too fond of. It did provide me with a lot of enjoyment at times and I really liked that, and it was good to get this unique subject matter about this old game called go. Overall I think that it was a good anime but like I said long and with an ending that I didn't really like all too much because of what was missing.


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This ends Issue #40 of The Messenger!!! We have come a long way because of your support! We thank you for reading and hope that you will read the issues to come. And Thanks to all of you who have said that The Messenger is a great paper, and we hope that you will continue this support forever and always. We are right now the #1 News out there!
If you have any comments please feel free to post. If you would like an advertisement in The Messenger the please contact NRI and we can work something out.

Also thank you all we now have had over 3,500 page views on our blog! Really thanks a lot, it means a lot. I'm just stunned by this, really. It is amazing that we have that many! Thanks for all your continued help and support!