North Republic Industries
Issue#42
This issue is brought to you in part by these wonderful Sponsors
Hunteiria
Sponsoring until at least Issue #43
Arbor Mists
Sponsoring until at least Issue #43
Interview with Arbor Mists
Hello! I am joined with Arbor Mists to talk about his Senate race mainly. So please enjoy.
LnD: 1. So why are you running for re-election?
AM: Great question, I believe that as long as you have a drive to serve the people you should at least try. We have major policy decisions coming up in the next term, from the economy to how we will ensure that the Allied States becomes a major force within Nation States. I believe that all starts here in the Senate, and I hope with the support of other I get a chance to be apart of the decision making process.
LnD: 2. Do you feel that you've succeeded as a Senator and added to the region and the Senate?
AM: I don't know if I would use the word succeeded. Active the word I would lean on more. It has been a positive experience for me being one of the most active Senators this term, granted a majority of my ideas didn't make the finish line. That isn't the point of it all though, it is about putting our ideas out there, and I feel like I still have many more bills to offer. The one bill I do enjoy the most that passed was The Friends with Benefits that allows the government to create a member of the week system, supporting activity is a very important matter to me. Another bill that was close, but ended up becoming law was the Senate Reduction Act, a bill that reduced titles and ensured real elections. As most know I was one of five Senators that didn't get voted into office. There was five positions open, and five members running. We can't have that again. I think that bill is the most impactful measure to pass in a while.
LnD: 3. How do you hope to improve if elected? What's your next major goal?
AM: I hope to keep learning from veteran members, and pass a lot more meaning bills in the Senate. The Senate is a place I would like to call home for the distant future, but that comes with compromise and a reason to leader. My next task is to create a body that will ensure all great ideas become a reality within the region, that is up for debate right now. We need a not only pass bills, but ensure they are followed through.
LnD: 4. You've started to campaign early, is this because you think this upcoming election is going to be very competitive?
AM: Two reasons, first I recently step down as Speaker due to some real life issues I didn't want my fellow members to take that as a sign of losing commitment or drive to be a part of the region. Second is because of a bill that I helped passed, the Senate Reduction Act will make this election very competitive and I want citizens to have as much access to me until election day as possible.
LnD: 5. You've stated that the economy is going to be a very important issue, and indeed it is. I was wondering what's your take on it, what's your plan, your 2 cents.
AM: The economy is a touchy subject, personally I think we can make a function economy but that will take realistic ideas and a team to ensure it's functionality. We have a choice moving forward we can either kill it or make it roar. As Senator I will respect the will of the people, and if we agree to keep the economy I plan to use my time creating plans and programs that ensure that is works for the entire forum and every member.
LnD: 6. We know you resigned as speaker this term, but if re-elected would you seek the office again?
AM: Of course I would love a chance to be Speaker again, but I don't plan on seeking the office for a while. The region can't afford a part time Speaker, I want to ensure that I can provide my full focus to the job before asking for the people for the opportunity again.
LnD: 7. So we've made the Senate smaller already, do you think that the Senate, and specifically you might look again in the coming term to make it even smaller?
AM: I think the reduction we made should be fine for our government to function for the time being, of course if we see a spike in members or a slide in members we can review it again later.
LnD: 8. You've already received quite a number of endorsements from Chancellor Pepe Drakan to Chief Justice JD Drakan, do you think that you have this election in the bag? Are you feeling confident?
AM: It is an honor to get those endorsements, but I don't take that as a sure thing. The thing about politics is that is as fickle as the wind, I feel I have a decent chance, but it would be foolish for me to be confident when it comes to what the voters want or expect in any race.
LnD: 9. I've seen a lot of people over my days, and a lot of Senators. What makes you special, what do you do in the senate that no one else does, how do you contribute in a unique way?
AM: I am not sure if there is anything truly special about me as a Senator. However, I have shown that I am committed and willing to ensure that the Senate is active. If there is something unique I bring to the table, it would be that I try to make sure that my bills are outside of the normal debates found in the chambers. That being said everyone of my fellow Senators are amazing and I am lucky to be able to be a part of the conversation.
LnD: 10. You haven't made a huge platform with a lot of points and positions, so what do you think are the top three issues the region is facing and how will you work to fix them if re-elected to the Senate?
AM: My platform is not heavy in policy because as a single Senator I don't feel like it is my job to try to force my positions on the region, only to be a voice to the conversation. Thinking over the issues facing the region. Like I stated earlier the Economy should be number one we need to figure out our path related to that sector of the region. We have businesses and organizations that have been inactive for month that is a real problem. I think the second biggest problem is increasing the number of active members we have on the forum. I am working on creating a bill that would mandate that every new forum registration is welcomed with a unique welcome message from a member of the region. As well as creating a functional buddy system for our new members. These simple steps can made a world of difference. Lastly, I think we need to start considering a forum reduction policy our current layout is pretty expansive and some forums overlap in what they are created for. I know you only wanted three, but the fourth issue is States. We need to figure out to make them matter again, because currently they are almost a waste of space.
LnD: 11. As an Independent Senator right now, how do you feel about the Republican Majority. Do you think it will last, do you find it easy to work in this majority?
AM: I don't see much of a difference when the majorities change. I which we could make our parties matter as well without causing gridlock. That will be another topic I will try to make progress on in my upcoming term if I am given another chance to represent the region in the Senate.
LnD: 12. Lastly, do you have anything you want the people to know, any message that you think they need to hear?
AM: Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me and asking great questions about the region, if I could just say one more thing. To the people of this great region if you have questions, concerns, comments or suggestions I am only a message away either here or on discord. Compromise is not a dirty word to me, let's figure out our problems and get to work! Thank you.
That was a great interview from Arbor Mists and I'm glad that he was able to give it. And Thanks for reading.
Interview with Pepe Drakan
I'm here with another interview, this time with Pepe Drakan about his Chancellery and his re-election campaign, and the future. Please enjoy.
LnD: 1. To start off Mr. Chancellor, how do you think the region has done so far under your administration?
PD: Well Lewis, I do believe the region has made progress so far under my administration. We have set the seeds for a merger, re-intitiated foreign relations with our allies through state visits planed throughout the upcoming weeks with regions such as New Warsaw Pact, UK, and Europeia, increased recruitment efforts towards reaching 500 nations, and began work on cultural projects such as GovSim, the University, Allied Online, and other role-play events. There is without a question, a lot yet to be accomplished; however we have made tremendous progress towards reaching such goals under the my administration, for which I am very proud of.
LnD: 2. You know the General Election registration will be starting soon, will we see you run for re-election?
PD: Yes, the General Elections are a little over a week away from starting. I do have the intentions to run for re-election. When I ran in September, I ran with the intention of accomplishing true progress for the region, progress that can't necessarily be accomplished in just one month. Progress such as increasing our NS Nation count, securing our foreign relations, re-vamping our roleplays, culture, and economy; all such progress will take more than just one month to accomplish, for which I do have the intentions to run for a full 2 month term.
LnD: 3. What would you say your biggest achievement has been so far? Your biggest downfall?
PD: It is really tough to say, as I consider any progress towards going our region as tremendously important. I will have to say, negotiating the foundation for the merger between The Allied States and The Great American Union has to be one of my proudest achievements. As for my biggest downfall, I will have to go with the initial inactivity during my administration. While I was working on a real-life community service event, along with a college trip and my surgery; I still don't consider it an excuse for that activity issue. Due to this, I made sure to pick up the activity of my administration since the moment I woke up from surgery. I sent out 5,000 stamps, negotiated a couple of state visits, and overall progressed my agenda of growing the region every step of the way while I've been recovering from my gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedure.
LnD: 4. How will you improve upon your administration in the next term if your re-elected?
PD: If re-elected, I plan on improving my administration by increasing the outreach towards listening to the opinions of everyone in the region. As Chancellor, I represent the region, including those who didn't vote for me initially. I want to hear their opinions through town halls, and open cabinet meetings. I also want to increase work towards increasing emphasis on our roleplays and culture in general. Activity rises when we are having fun, which I something I want to ensure we are having.
LnD: 5. You had a competitive run for election in September, do you think that in the General it will be competitive again or do you think that it will be less so?
PD: I think every election is competitive. While I was blessed to have an essential landslide victory, the campaign season prior to polls open was one of the most competitive I've ever been in. I am sure, October will be no different, no matter the number of candidates that run or the results of the polls.
LnD: 6. What is going to be your biggest goal in the term term if your re-elected?
PD: My goal if re-elected has to be both reaching 500 nations, something my administration and I have worked tirelessly to. Just in the past weekend, I've recruited nearly 30 new nations, so my dedication to this goal is still strong, if not stronger than ever. However, I will admit, my biggest goal if re-elected is ensuring that when people login to the forums, they have something to look forward to. As Chancellor, that is my job and I won't stop working tirelessly until we do so.
LnD: 7. You said how getting to 500 nations is one of your main goals, but as we know from experience it is hard to keep them as they frequently Cease to exist and don't come on the forums. How will you work to make sure that this 500 nations will contribute more than just a number?
PD: I do agree, it's a very tough job to get nations from NationStates to our forum to contribute however it's a job that as an administration I do every day. Through increasing communications and continual updates in regards to forum events, using discord as a midpoint between the two zones to increase user confidence and comfortness with the region, and an active Regional Message Board; we can definitely increase our turnover rate. Also, through the oversight of the Foriegn Affairs Department, the brand new buddy system shall also aid in this effort.
LnD: 8. What do you think the biggest three issues are in the region at the moment and how do you intend to fix them if re-elected or during the rest of your term?
PD: I believe that the three biggest issues in the region currently is the turnover rate from NS to TAS, interest levels in regards to forum activity, and unity under a common banner. The issue with turnover rate I just spoke about. Through emphasis on cultural events, role plays (such as GovSim and SMRP), the university, and other interest-generator institutions, my administration will use such institutions to increase the interest levels of our citizens towards forum activity. As for unity, I'm not necessarily speaking unity in relations to institution division, such as the type of division we had post-merger. The unity I'm speaking about is the coming together, under one goal or interest to reach said goal. This is a much harder issue to solve, but it can be done through communications. I've always seen value in reaching out to others, and I will do so as Chancellor to bring that unity towards common goals such as recruitment for example.
LnD: 9. The economy is still a hot topic, and its future is still up in the air. we know you want the people to decide the fate of the economy through referendum, but if they decide to keep it what will you do to improve the economy?
PD: The overall consensus is that we need activity, in particular things to buy in the economy. I believe an emphasis on incentives and SMRP revitalization will fill in that gap for activity and need. You said it best, I want the people to decide the fate of the economy. As one of the most successful businessmen in the region, I know that a consumer driven economy is what's best for an active economy; which I why I have been adamant of holding this referendum.
LnD: 10. A big part of enacting reforms and such things is through legislation. And a relationship exists from the Executive and the Senate. What would you like to see in this relationship, how will you handle the Senate?
PD: One thing prior to my Chancellor term which I purposely did, was serve in the Senate both as a Senator and Speaker in the months directly prior to my election. I have had a tremendous experience as Speaker, crafting my legislative experience and relationship with the Senate. In the relationship between the Executive and the Senate, I would like to see all of us; come to the table and work together for the progression of the region. I will also handle the Senate as a partner towards making such progression, which is why I've been so willingly to reach out to Senators and compromise when neccsiated.
LnD: 11. States are an important part of our region, and the merge with the Great American Union has the creation of a new state. What will you do to help ensure active and prospering states?
PD: History has always proven, that light-hearted competition between the states is what drives prosperity and activity in said states. In old TAS, the original state system was a competition over political ideologies. Last year in the post-merger TAS system, said competition was over being the high standard of the region. I see it no different today, for which I will encourage competition through SMRP, recruitment, and encouragement. However, I will do my job, as the elected leader of the region, to ensure that competition doesn't turn into chaos and disdain.
LnD: 12. And Finally is there anything else you would like to point out to the people, anything else that you would like to do?
PD: There is always something I want to be doing, through the mandate of the electorate. I recently just re-instated the university, made a speech in regards to regional unity, negotiated a merger, and planned three state visits; two in which will be regions visiting our region. I want to continue the great progress we have made thus far. My campaign was so focused on recruitment, in fact I am about to recruit my 200th nation to The Allied States since I started using a new telegram 54 days ago. I want to accomplish the tremendous and comprehensive goals that I've set through my platform. Most importantly, I want to work towards bringing our region closer together, under one banner as The Allied States.
Another great interview. I'm glad that Pepe was able to give it and give a good one. Thanks for reading
Remembering Obi
After some thought Obito Drakan left the region on September 22, 2016, and we have no clue if he will ever return. His leaving has hit many of us hard, and has left a hole in this region. To many of us, Obito was friend, a good friend. And like any good friend it hard to watch them go. Even if hope remains, you want to not need it. You want them to be there forever.
Obi has done a lot for this region, and has made big impacts upon it. He was Chancellor, Chancellor Pro-tempore, Vice Chancellor, Senator, Speaker, Governor, Prime Executor, President, Vice President, Delegate, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Treasury, Defense, State, and a Supreme Court Justice. Obi is one of the few people who, like me, have held almost every office. It speaks volumes that Obito was around for over three years, going on four.
I think that there is not a single person in this region who Obi has not impacted, for better or for worse, he has left a mark on us all. Looking around and being in the region I feel a hole. I can feel the gap that he left. It is a silence, I did not want to know, but I have. Obito leaves us, and many others have. Libertarian Washington another good soul, Mytzonia who only just recently left as well, and so many others. When they leave a bit us leaves with them, a hole is made. A hole that is never truly gone, but tolerated.
As Jet said in Cowboy Bebop "Everything has a beginning and an end. Life is just a cycle of starts and stops. There are ends we don’t desire, but they’re inevitable, we have to face them. It’s what being human is all about." And indeed this is an end that we didn't desire, but ah it is also a new beginning. "There's no such things as an absolute and final ending, for it is always followed by a new beginning." (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) Indeed while it is sad, so much so, that Obi left. We must continue on. Though we must remember what he was-fun, entertaining, at times heated, smart, diligent, hardworking, and so much more. It all came together to make a human, whom was our dear friend. We must keep him in our memory.
The Regional University chose its motto to be Amicitiae Nostrae Memoriam Spero Sempiternam Fore. It is a quote by the famed Cicero meaning - I hope that the memory of our friendship will be everlasting. Indeed that is what I hope for, that is what I want. As Obi leaves us, let us remember that our friendship with him has not ended, but endures both in memory and in forever. For true friendship is forever.
And maybe one day, Obi will return to us. And that day will be one of fun and excitement.
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
Hikaru no Go
Boy and the Beast
Only Yesterday
Re:Life
My Anime club watched the first episode of this back in August, but we never continued to my disappointment, but maybe that is for the best since opinions are easily jaded in such an environment.
The Story is about Arata Kaizaki a 27 year old, kind of a NEET, helpless person. He quit his job after three months and has yet to be able to find another one. He works part time in a convenience store and can't find a new job. But that is about to change when he is approached by Yoake Ryou of the ReLife Research Institute. He wants Kaizaki to become a test subject. He would looked like he's 17 again and go to high school school for a year. In exchange he would have all his living expenses covered. Thus does Kaizaki begin his high school life again.
The story is pretty good. It is new, in many ways and original and I really like that. It is a great twist on the classic high school slice of life anime. I also think that the story brings new value to me, since I've graduated high school. I'm not 27 and not in the same situation as Kaizaki but at the same time it is bit relate able as he goes back to high school to relive, to have a re:life. And besides that it was a good one.
The characters are also pretty good. I really like them. They really help to flesh out this story and make it more. Some good characters. There is also a bit of character development for a lot of the characters so that helps.
The art was fairly good, no complaints.
Music was good.
The voice acting for the sub, very good. No complaints the voices matched up quite well.
The ending, left me wanting so much more. So much. It was an alright ending, besides a few points. But it just left me wanting so much more that it is hard to think of it as an ending per se and more of a end to begin a second season. Not so much a cliff hanger as it just left you wanting more because it doesn't feel finished per se. I am really hoping for a second season though, till then I might have to read what is left of the on going manga.
Overall I really liked this anime, very good, and I watched it in like three days, if that. Very good, very good. I'm so hoping for a second season soon, because I'm dying to know what happens next. I really enjoyed this show, very good. I recommend it.
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This ends Issue #42 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!
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