July 13, 2017
North Republic Industries
Issue #44
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Senate Midterm Election
After deciding what end was up and what was happening the Mid Term Senate Race is nearing the end of it's run. The results so far are that Republican J.D. Drakan and Front D'Action Populaire Timpetotia will be elected to two month terms. A run-off is taking place to decide who shall fill out the remainder of Senator Toir's seat currently filled by Bacilli. Front D'Action Populaire Bacilli and Democrat Nosma Washington moved on to another run-off while Republican Regionia Wargrave fell behind. In the run-off between Bacilli and Nosma, they tied again and had to go onto a third run-off. In the end the region was spared a fourth run-off with Bacilli taking the win. The result of this is that the Senate will have the following composition 2 Senators Otaku Party, 2 Senators Front D'Action Populaire, 2 Senators Republican Party, 1 Senator Death to Sanity Party. In all the Otaku lose a seat, the Republicans stay the same/gain one. The Democrats lose one/stay the same. And the FAP gain 2 seats and break out on senate.
The New speaker was Tyfan Uchiha from the Otaku Party, and appointed Lewis and Daniel as Speaker Pro-Tempore. A sign that the Otaku Party will be taking point in this Senate. However no coalition has been formed and no party has a majority. With possible party flips and mergers on the horizon the Senate composition could radically change soon and see different things happening.
Citizenship and Voting
The Debate has been up in the air and all around about exactly what is a Citizen and who can vote. Or rather it's all been about voter registration. J.D. Drakan has spearheaded the movement to have people register to vote in an attempt to limit whipping inactive voters, aka the Ghost Vote. However the Front D'Action Populaire has pushed back hard in response saying that this wasn't what TAR was meant to be and that it is degrading for people who've been citizens for years to register to vote. Now there are two measures before the Senate one to overturn and one to repeal. With the Front D'Action Populaire gaining 2 seats in the Senate they have gained a lot of power to push their agenda however J.D. Drakan (R) has also gained a seat and is in a prime position to defend his registration. While at first it was hard to say what bill would have moved on, it seems that J.D.'s amended version won over and moved to vote receiving the support from Republicans, Otaku, and the Death to Sanity Party. The Front D'Action Populaire either voted against or abstained on the bill. While the Front might have wanted to achieve more it seems that at least in part this was a way to partially sooth them over.
Olympiagate
The first scandal of the Kounelli Administration took place just recently. The Chancellor and Secretary of State had arranged for Olympia to have a State Visit on the forums. This caused a massive reaction by Regionia Wargrave who called for a boycott of the visit citing that Olympia banned a citizen of The Allied States without trail or reason. This citizen is Regionia. This sparked massive debate on the subject and on Olympia as a region. Olympia was founded by Pepe Drakan, who also serves as President. Pepe founded the region reportedly because of his turn of approval in the region. He then recruited a lot of TAS' left and left leaning members and along the way gained others as well. Many people disliked the State Visit and Olympia as a region due to these things. The fire and debate over the whole issue with Pepe, Olympia, Regionia, etc. caused the State Visit to go South (not to Buxton) and it was ended at the request of the non-TAS Olympia members.
As a result of Pepe being pretty much over TAS and having his own region people have asked that he be removed as an Admin for regional security and to give it to someone more dedicated and active in TAS. Also Governor Regionia of Buxton has tried to pass measures to show the state's disapproval of Olympia but it's seen little success. With things going haywire this was a big gate, scandal, and bungle for the Administration.
Tyfan Media Comes to North Republic Industries
North Republic Industries Chairman Lewis (and Daniel) Uchiha announced that Tyfan Media would be coming under the Umbrella of the Company. Tyfan Media would be working with The Messenger Media Company and by itself to publish great content for the region. The deal is expected to help both companies in the process and help NRI assert dominance in the Media Industry.
This comes as North Republic Industries is rumored to be trying to take back The Herald, the leader of real news, and also cut it's ties with TwentyUno/Evolve after their CEO Pepe Drakan has fallen inactivity.
Sleepy Forums
The Forums have started to die down again with activity taking a hit after Chancellor Kounelli put in for a Leave of Absence, reportedly so she could sleep. This comes later after Arbor Mist and Toir have both vanished into the night. Though Arbor is said to be intertwining his roots with another tree. However Acting Chancellor Britarvia, who just recently switched over party lines to the Democrats who have faced heavy loses, hasn't been seen much at all and many bills that were passed were left unsigned. Some members of the cabinet and the Senate seem to be holding on, but with mixed results. Some people, Regionia, are decrying this inactivity and asking people to get busy. A few people we talked to said that this is all a result of our Discord culture which has been increasingly taking over people's time and activity drawing it away from the forums where more substance is. This has caused a number of people, for this reason and others, to leave the main Discord server.
Could this all just be a slog, a low point? Is more activity on it's way? Only time can tell.
Tao Comes to TAS
Tyfan Uchiha has brought Taoism to TAS. The religion has seen a spark of interest from others in the region, especially for their quote posting. A mini scandal broke out when Tyfan originally posted the temple in the Church of Northerntal, but the mistake was soon corrected and nothing ever really became of it, and it really wasn't an issue. Obito Uchiha has taken an interest in this new religion. Perhaps some competition will help to bring more activity to the Church of Northerntal and other religious organizations. Either way The Temple of Tao seems to be a nice addition to the region.
Uchiha Clan Rises
The newest family is in town and are calling themselves the Uchiha Clan, after the Uchiha Clan from the popular anime Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. The founding members include Tyfan Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, Mytzonia Uchiha, and Lewis (and Daniel) Uchiha. A family this big and powerful haven't sprung up since the Drakans. Other notable families in the region have included the Wargraves and the Washingtons. The Uchiha Clan seems bent on being a powerhouse for RP and activity, among other things. Could the rise of this new family be a come back for Families in the region? Perhaps this is spelling the end to the Drakan or at least their monopoly. Or it could just be another blimp on the radar. Either way it seems that the Uchiha Clan is here to stay, at least for now!
Culture/Opinion/Good Anime Section - Summer-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! I used to just post anime I liked without reviewing it, so you will see a break in the list. Those after the break have been reviewed and those before haven't unless I put a (R) next to it. the (R) is not apart of the title like (TV) or (2005) might be. Also titles with (*) next to it are technically not anime.
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
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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
Avatar: the Last Airbender (*)
Nodame Cantabile
Nodame Cantabile. I first came across this title I believe when I was searching for anime and I found it on Crackle actually. I think I was at my sisters house, wanting something to watch as everyone else had either gone to bed or what not. I decided to put on this little show, and boy was I in for something. I fell in love and now I'm making myself want to watch it again.
Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to conduct among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist—not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Shinichi from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan. During his fourth year at Japan's top music university, Shinichi happens to meet Megumi Noda or, as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Shinichi hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe of the kind of music she creates. Nevertheless, Shinichi is dismayed to discover that Nodame is his neighbor, and worse, she ends up falling head over heels in love with him.
The story is amazing. There are very few anime out there that are set in college. Other ones that come to mind are Honey and Clover, Genshiken, Golden Time, and I can't think of anymore off the top of my head. Most anime if it has a school setting are in High school or middle school, which is fine and natural, but it's nice to get something set in college, especially as you grow older and want a more mature anime. The story genres are slice of life, romance, comedy, Josei, music, and drama. The story it's self if very nice, while very comedic at times it also can deal with the serious topics of facing one's fears, romance, school life, and living. It's mature yet whimsical. I really enjoyed what it had to tell and show.
The characters are some of the best. Nodame and Chiaki are amazing. Not only by themselves but together. They show a great dynamic and are amazing to watch. They're two of my favorite characters. However there are several other great characters in the show, and some very minor ones done really well. They did a great job at building them up and then also developing them over the course of the show.
The art style is overall pretty good. It's for the most part leaning realistic, but does at times when it needs to be funny is more whimsical and "cartoon" ish if you will. Most of the show has what I would call a powdered look, similar to Honey and Clover and other shows, but it's fairly easy to get adjusted to. A big problem is the show uses CGI for the orchestral scenes, which is kind of out of place and disjointed, doesn't always look the best, but I guess it gets the job done as it really does look like they are playing, and I am told that they have correct finger placement and such.
The music, this is another place where the anime shines. In a story like this, it was made for anime a bit more than manga since you can actually hear the pieces and understand how the characters are describing them. Feel the notes, and be them. I've always liked classical music, but this show got me into it much more and helped me to develop a greater love for it. It helped me to find some of my favorite pieces, and my favorite composer, Sir Edward Elgar. I'm no composer or player, or classical snob, but I do like listening to it. The Opening and endings are amazing, some of the best. Especially the opening to the first season. I love it, the music in this show is amazing.
The Voice acting. What can I say. There are three seasons to this anime, and only the first one is dubbed. When I first got into it I didn't know about the other two seasons and them not being dubbed and I watched the first season dub. I have heard some say that they're not a big fan of the dub, but I for one love it. I really liked the voices that they got for all the characters, and I loved the voices for Nodame and Chiaki. However moving from dubbed to subbed to watch the final two seasons really hurt me and my immersion. I'm so divided on to tell people to watch a dub which I love or just watch subbed so that there's no transition. I'm also divided on what I should do if I go to rewatch it one day. All that said the sub is pretty solid, and there are a few things which the dubbed didn't pick up which the sub has so there's that. I like the sub, I just which that it had been dubbed all the way through, you know?
The ending. Hmmm. Overall I liked it. There could have been more, but overall I liked it.
Overall the anime is one of my favorites. I really love it. It's a great show and I hope that you too will give it a shot. It's a fantastic show, that I love. Now I am sure that is because I love these kinds of shows - slice of life, rom coms, etc. To people who don't like those genres, they might not be such fans. I for one, love it.
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This ends Issue #44 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 4,000 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!