NationStates Jolt Archive

Empire of Futuris

Factbook

ESS OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=522785)
ESS IC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=523239)
Thread/Factbooks (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=524384)


General

Claims: Algeria, Israel, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan

Population
Algeria: 33,000,000
Israel: 6,000,000
Libya: 6,000,000
Niger: 12,500,000
Nigeria: 132,000,000
Sudan: 41,000,000

Total: 230,000,000

Capital: Lagos

History
During the Crusades in the 1100’s and 1200’s, there were times when North Africa was for times completely controlled by the Christian countries, although most of the time the Ottoman Empire managed to hold the area. The times in between being in control of the Ottomans and Christians proved to be prosperous for the African countries there. A sense of freedom, of nationalism was forming. This feeling soon took root in parts of western and eastern Africa as well as northern. Further, when the Ottoman Empire began to fall apart, this feeling of nationalism and freedom took hold and prompted a civil war. Factions and kingdoms from all around fought over one another, along with the withering Ottoman numbers. The civil war raged for decades – neither side could take advantage of each other, and the Ottomans had by this time already dropped out of the conflict. It was up to Africans to decide their fate this time. Eventually, there were only several factions left and they decided to sign a peace treaty and form an alliance against any Ottoman resistance. Soon, they were the ones beating down the Turks, and they gained land in the Holy Lands. This only prompted further actions by both the Ottomans and the Christian kingdoms. Several years the wars were fought over those lands, but eventually, they were lost to the African nations, and they retreated back to their own lands. A strong sense of unity had now taken them – they memories of the civil war were almost forgotten – instead, memories of fighting side by side against other enemies took hold, and the Empire of Futuris was founded. All colonization efforts during the Imperialistic Age by European countries were repelled due to a heavily centralized government and a quick response from both local and federal militias.

During the World Wars, Libya was lost and taken. After the wars, Libya was given back to the Empire of Futuris, and as the ravaged lands were looked upon in horror by the rest of the Empire, there was an anger brewing in them. The Empire decided that this could never happen again – whatever and whoever was thrown at them, they would protect their lands and their people. An even stronger sense of nationalism, now bordering fanaticism swept across the nation, and with that, Libya was rebuilt, and all around the country efforts to boost the economy were made. Railroads between the states were built, jobs were created, and the nation prospered. Then, in 1971, the Empire of Futuris invaded Israel and took it. Nations across the world warned the Empire of the repercussions if they did, but it was done anyway, and nowhere did anyone do something about it. In 1983, a new political party, called Futuris Freedom Party came into power. Some called it a miracle, others a rebirth of the Empire. The FFP spoke out against European countries – claiming that it was them who ravaged Libya and its people. It was Europe that had tried to colonize their lands and turn their people into slaves. A wave of fanaticism swept across the country – a new kind of conscription was enforced, and the nation prospered greatly. Suddenly, the Empire of Futuris turned from a weak African power to more than 200 million people ready to die for their country and their religion. The FFP pursued the nuclear program steadily, as well as advances in military technology. By 2007, the Empire of Futuris was a successful dictatorship – the economy had been boosted, and continued to grow, the military was growing both in number and efficiency, and nationalism as never seen before in history took the nation in a vice-like grip to which the people of the Empire welcomed with open hands. A new era had begun…

Economy

Total GDP: 2,460,657,500,000 USD
GDP per capita: 10,698 USD

Tax Rate: 40%

Budget = 984,263,000,000 USD
Military – 20% = 196,852,600,000
Civic Duties – 70% = 688,984,100,000
Administration – 2% = 19,685,260,000
Reserve/Growth – 8% = 78,741,040,000

Oil Production: 5,888,800 bbl/day
Oil Consumption: 1,081,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves: 97 billion bbl

Government

The Empire of Futuris is currently under the Futuris Freedom Party, an independent fascist party that is led by Muhammad al-Akhir. Akhir saw in the 1960’s and 70’s the weak state of the Empire – he saw the corruption, he saw the waste, and he saw a failure of a country. So, he organized the FFP, and in 1983, took power of the Empire. Since then, the EF has progressed from a divided African power into a united, strong, and independently fascist African might. Corruption is near zero – the military is growing and strong, the economy prospering. Akhir spoke out against European countries – claiming them all corrupt, telling the EF of the atrocities that had been committed in Libya by Europe during the World Wars. He created in the Empire a sense of nationalist fanaticism unrivaled in history – over 200 million people ready to die for their country and their leader. He is the sole dictator and leader of the EF, although he possesses a large force of leaders in the country that he would split up among the Empire, having them do different tasks, controlling different parts of the Empire, and all collaborating it perfectly so that corruption was at minimum, and productivity at maximum. Israel, although having also joined into the fanaticism, is still a “step away” from being completely united with the Empire. As the economy and military both prosper though, Israel will see in time that it is necessary to die for the Empire sometimes.

Military

The EF Military is split up into four parts.

Army = 5,750,000 Total
Navy = 1,725,000 Total
Air Force = 1,725,000 Total
Territorial Defense Force = 2,300,000 Total

Army – 575,000 Active – 5,175,000 Reserve

Main Infantry – 1,150,000
Inventory: AKM Assault Rifle, 4 Fragmentation Grenades, 1 Flashbang, Desert Eagle Pistol, Combat Knife, small medical kit, (optional) Grenade Launcher

Marines - 2,012,500
Inventory: Type 81 Assault Rifle, 4 Fragmentation Grenades, 1 Flashbang, Desert Eagle Pistol, Combat Knife, small medical kit, (optional) Grenade Launcher

Guerilla – 2,012,500
Inventory: Magal Assault Rifle, 3 Fragmentation Grenades, 1 Sonic Grenade, 1 Flashbang, Desert Eagle Pistol, small medical kit, (optional) Grenade Launcher

Special Forces – 287,500
Inventory: IMI Tavor TAR-21 Assault Rifle, 2 Fragmentation Grenades, 2 Sonic Grenades, 2 Flashbang, Night Vision Goggles, Silenced Desert Eagle Pistol, Combat Knife, small medical kit

Heavy/Other Infantry – 287,500
Inventory: PKT Machine Gun/RPG-29 anti-tank grenade launcher/AT-13 anti-tank missile system, AK-47, 5 Fragmentation Grenades, 1 Flashbang, Desert Eagle Pistol, Combat Knife, small medical kit, (optional) Grenade Launcher

Additional Weapons
RPK Machine Gun
RPG-7
RPG-18
SA-16 Igla
SA-7 Strela Rocket
Type 69 RPG
M89SR Sniper Rifle

Armor
T-90 x 180
T-72 x 450
Merkava Mk 2 x 300
Merkava Mk 3 x 700
Merkava Mk 4 x 500
Magach 6 x 400
Magach 7 x 600
M-60 x 1,000
Sabra x 500
Sabra Mk II x 400
Sho’t x 700

Armored Personnel Carriers (APC and similar vehicles)
Kasman
Zelda
Zelda 2
BTR-50
BTR-60
BTR-80
BMP-2
BTR-152
WZ551 x 25
Namera

Artillery
2S1
2S3 Akatsiya
Doher
LAR-160
GRADLAR
Slammer
Rascal
M109

Light Combat Vehicles
HMMWV x 300
Ram-2000
Wolf
Golan

Navy – 172,500 Active – 1,552,500 Reserve

Carriers
None

Battleships
Iowa class Battleship x 2

Cruisers
None

Destroyers
Spruance class destroyers x 10

Frigates
Meko 360 Class Frigate
Gepard class x 10

Submarines
Dolphin class
Gal class

Missile Boats
Saar class

Patrol Craft
Dabur
Dvora
Shaldag MK II
Super Dvora Mk II
Super Dvora Mk III
Zivanit

Air Force - 172,500 Active - 1,552,500 Reserve

Heavy Bombers
None

Fighters
F-16 x 100
F-15 x 40
Lavi x 10
Kfir x 100
MiG-23 x 77
MiG-25 x 48
MiG-29 x 36
Su-24 x 39
Su-30 x 28

Helicopters
Yas’Ur 2000 x 150
Mil Mi-35 x 36
Mi-28 x 30
Mi-24 x 75
AH-64D Longbow Apache x 400

Anti-Air Systems
SA-6
SA-8
SA-9
SA-10
2K22M Tunguska-M1
Nimrod
LAHAT

Missiles
Harpoon ASM/SSM x 200
AGM-86B Cruise Missile x 600

Territorial Defense Force - 230,000 Active - 2,070,000 Reserve

The Territorial Defense Force is a mix between the military and police. During peacetime, these soldiers usually perform civic duties instead of fighting. In an offensive war, they are put on high alert, but are not used or sent anywhere. In a defensive war, they are used extensively, as each soldier is given a certain area that he/she must be 100% familiar with, especially inside cities. They are paid less than the Army, Navy, or Air Force on average, but are nevertheless a powerful defensive force that can hold off almost any attack inside EF lands. Weapons used are mostly spares that the rest of the forces in Army, Navy, and Air Force have either given to them, or simply older versions of different weapons. In a defensive war, however, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the TDF have been trained to undergo huge weapon movements into defensive bunkers and positions, so as to ensure that although the EF has weapons shortages to equip all their forces with good weapons, the enemy is nevertheless met with a modernized array of military technology so as to put up an efficient fight.

Nuclear Program

The Empire of Futuris harbors an extensive nuclear program, and possesses approximately 400 nuclear weapons. Currently, the Jericho 2 and Jericho 3 ballistic missile systems are to be used to deliver the nuclear payload.

International Relations

Reserved

OCC is it too early to ask for an embassy in your country? if not....



IC:

Marxikhan would be honored to be allowed into your hallowed halls...after all we too are a product of vile Europe

OCC is it too early to ask for an embassy in your country? if not....



IC:

Marxikhan would be honored to be allowed into your hallowed halls...after all we too are a product of vile Europe

Official Statement by the WEF

Now that wasn't a very nice thing to say, was it?

OOC: When I first saw your post Futuris I thought you had 5,000,000 active troops - I was quite shocked. How did you collect this data? I'm not questioning you, but from sources I got my data from you don't have anyway near that amount of reserves I don't think.

Official Statement by the WEF

Now that wasn't a very nice thing to say, was it?

OOC: When I first saw your post Futuris I thought you had 5,000,000 active troops - I was quite shocked. How did you collect this data? I'm not questioning you, but from sources I got my data from you don't have anyway near that amount of reserves I don't think.

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Western European Federation,

Although we...have a certain "distaste" for European powers, I'm sure we can come to a current agreement on settling for an embassy. True - the leaders that let Hitler create Nazi Germany into what it was are not the same ones as today - but there is still a scar felt on the lands of Libya that will take time to heal. Our "distaste" for European powers is nothing hostile, of course - and unless you start the conflict, we in the current world situation show no openness of willingness to declare war on you.

The Empire of Futuris

edit: ooc - Remember that I have the combined population of 230 million people from my countries. If you have 5% of that in the military (in reality, a bit less, as my navy is crap and I have a 9:1 Reserve:Active ratio) and you split that number up into Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. the way I did, 5 million is what you should get.

The UR would like to establish relations with our African neighbors. An embassy trade perhaps?

OCC is it too early to ask for an embassy in your country? if not....



IC:

Marxikhan would be honored to be allowed into your hallowed halls...after all we too are a product of vile Europe

Muhammad al-Akhir

To Marxikhan,

We would gladly exchange embassies. Our capital, Lagos, is currently constructing the International Embassy of Lagos, and as soon as it is finished we can furnish your ambassadors with the splendors of Lagos.

The Empire of Futuris

The UR would like to establish relations with our African neighbors. An embassy trade perhaps?

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the UR,

Although recent events off the coast of Marxikhan involving your navy are a bit...unsettling, at most, an embassy exchange is welcomed. Our capital Lagos will soon finish constructing the International Embassy of Lagos, to where you can send your diplomats. Two great countries like ours can, if we work together, accomplish much.

As for the bombings in Cuba and corresponding courses of action, at this point in time, we cannot support or condemn the actions of any nation in public. The EF must stay neutral in the Latin American conflict in order to survive. We hope you understand our reasons.

The Empire of Futuris

Official Reply:

This is understandable for you to commit to nuetrality. We won't pressure you to help us out or anything.

Official Statement from the GGA:

We would like to exchange embassies at this time with your fine nation.

Official Reply:

This is understandable for you to commit to nuetrality. We won't pressure you to help us out or anything.

Of course, and thank you. Then it is settled? Where should we send our diplomats?

Official Statement from the GGA:

We would like to exchange embassies at this time with your fine nation.

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Greater German Alliance,

As we have made clear before, we harbor a "distaste" for European powers. However, we understand that an embassy is critical in providing peace and prosperity. Although we share no particular affection for your country, we do not want to openly declare war on you or show any violent hostilites towards your nation. I'm sure this...embassy thing...will sort itself out, and heal the scars we feel and felt in Libya.

The Empire of Futuris

Official Diplomatic Request For An Embassy

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere would be honored to be accepted into an embassy of your nation, and I welcome you to one of ours, in your choice of city.

Emperor Akihito

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Western European Federation,

Although we...have a certain "distaste" for European powers, I'm sure we can come to a current agreement on settling for an embassy. True - the leaders that let Hitler create Nazi Germany into what it was are not the same ones as today - but there is still a scar felt on the lands of Libya that will take time to heal. Our "distaste" for European powers is nothing hostile, of course - and unless you start the conflict, we in the current world situation show no openness of willingness to declare war on you.

The Empire of Futuris

edit: ooc - Remember that I have the combined population of 230 million people from my countries. If you have 5% of that in the military (in reality, a bit less, as my navy is crap and I have a 9:1 Reserve:Active ratio) and you split that number up into Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. the way I did, 5 million is what you should get.

Official Statement by the WEF

Well, we will be more than pleased to have an embassy in the city of Lagos. We understand you have bad memories of the past, though we hope we can work together to put those feelings of "distaste" against Europe behind us. Though we are slightly concerned about your recent mobilization of forces and wish to know more.

Corbournne;12554210']Official Diplomatic Request For An Embassy

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere would be honored to be accepted into an embassy of your nation, and I welcome you to one of ours, in your choice of city.

Emperor Akihito

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,

We would also be honored to have an embassy, preferably in your capital (if that is okay). Once the International Embassy of Lagos (IEL) is finished, you can be sure that your diplomats can be housed there with extreme efficiency (if that is where you want them).

We hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between our great countries.

The Empire of Futuris

Official Statement by the WEF

Well, we will be more than pleased to have an embassy in the city of Lagos. We understand you have bad memories of the past, though we hope we can work together to put those feelings of "distaste" against Europe behind us. Though we are slightly concerned about your recent mobilization of forces and wish to know more.

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Western European Federation,

Of course, it has always been in our mind to put things behind us, and leave them in our past. Our people, however, will need only a little more time to forget that past and center on the future. We are trying our best to accomplish that.

As for recent mobilizations, I have talked to the world about what I am doing (ooc: in fusing the spark, ive got a couple posts on) openly, and at this time, am not sure what you mean by "wish to know more".

The Empire of Futuris

Imperial Communique
Empire of Futuris

After much consideration, the Central American Empire would like to establish an embassy in your nation. During these troubling times, it is within our best intrest in gain allies.

You are also welcomed to open an embassy in our nation if you so please. You may direct all questions regarding that matter here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=523486).

Imperial Communique
Empire of Futuris

After much consideration, the Central American Empire would like to establish an embassy in your nation. During these troubling times, it is within our best intrest in gain allies.

You are also welcomed to open an embassy in our nation if you so please. You may direct all questions regarding that matter here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=523486).

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Central American Empire,

We would gladly establish embassies within your nation, preferably in a little more "rural-looking" area, but with all the communications, so that our diplomats are not "accidentally" injured or killed by NAR forces, as well as others. The IEL (International Embassy of Lagos) is almost completed, where we can welcome your diplomats to a very good stay.

At this time, we are about to engage in two conflicts - one in Tunisia, and one in the Middle East. Admittedly, they could both turn out peacefully, but in the event that one or both turn into an invasion on our part, we must deliver the necessary blow to win and therefore win a victory in Islam.

Once both conflicts are finished with, and your troubles are far from over, we will discourage if not even declare war on some or all of your enemies. Although even we cannot entirely take the bait for you, for we are not strong enough either to face two world powers and more at the same time, using teamwork, collaborative terrorism/spec. ops. operations inside enemy territory, etc. we can prolong this war, and in doing that, bring it to our favor, since both the UR and European powers involved in the conflict would pull out of it more quickly than the NAR, as they are far away and must transport soldiers and equipment across the ocean. In doing that, we could potentially diminish the attacking alliance of the other nations to purely the NAR. At that point, it could even be winnable with the right amount of diplomacy, strategy, and luck.

At this point though, we must settle conflicts closer to home so that our lands themselves are not threatened (if they were, any efforts of ours in Latin America would immediately cease and come back to defend our country - no offence).

I hope that this is the beginning of a long and peaceful relationship between our two great countries.

The Empire of Futuris

Muhammad al-Akhir

To the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,

We would also be honored to have an embassy, preferably in your capital (if that is okay). Once the International Embassy of Lagos (IEL) is finished, you can be sure that your diplomats can be housed there with extreme efficiency (if that is where you want them).

We hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between our great countries.

The Empire of Futuris

To: The Empire of Futuris

Tokyo it is, then. As for us, Lagos will be more than acceptable.

We hope the same and wish, that in the future, we will become allies.

Emperor Akihito

SIC

Addressed to the Empire of Futuris

Your justified acquisition of Tunisia has been largely criticized by some nations of the world-hypocritically so, by such nations. However, both the Union of the Russias and the North American Republic have voiced support.

In a region of the world that is close to some powers which have denounced the action-particularly, the WEF and GGA-the NAR sees that the Empire of Futuris will need some help to establish itself in the premier seat of power in the Mediterranean region and in North Africa. It is an entirely possible feat, and with the pompous European attitudes to African views, America-a nation born from the spite of Western Europe-sees Africa as a much more promising locale.

With this in mind, the Empire of Futuris is hereby invited to join the Entente-the elite circle of the world's strongest, most decisive nations-and to with this gain access to the military, economical, and strategic assets of the Entente. With the world's premier military by far, the Entente holds a dominant position in global political circles. While the Third Alliance focuses more on social justice, the Entente sees social harmony as the object of strength. We alone-not the TA-have the power to make the Empire of Futuris into the North African power that it has the potential to become, and all nations of the Entente will be glad to open up the immense military wares avaliable to the Empire for the mutual increase of power amongst the Entente.

The Entente looks to rise above the general chaff that is much of the world-and the Empire of Futuris shows that it is one nation that has such potential. We offer the Empire the torch to join the ring of the world's greatest-it is simply up to you to take hold of that torch and climb that hill-to join the Entente as the fifth member in the elite global fraternity.


Best Regards,
Bill Frist
Chancellor, NAR

SIC

Addressed to the Empire of Futuris

Your justified acquisition of Tunisia has been largely criticized by some nations of the world-hypocritically so, by such nations. However, both the Union of the Russias and the North American Republic have voiced support.

In a region of the world that is close to some powers which have denounced the action-particularly, the WEF and GGA-the NAR sees that the Empire of Futuris will need some help to establish itself in the premier seat of power in the Mediterranean region and in North Africa. It is an entirely possible feat, and with the pompous European attitudes to African views, America-a nation born from the spite of Western Europe-sees Africa as a much more promising locale.

With this in mind, the Empire of Futuris is hereby invited to join the Entente-the elite circle of the world's strongest, most decisive nations-and to with this gain access to the military, economical, and strategic assets of the Entente. With the world's premier military by far, the Entente holds a dominant position in global political circles. While the Third Alliance focuses more on social justice, the Entente sees social harmony as the object of strength. We alone-not the TA-have the power to make the Empire of Futuris into the North African power that it has the potential to become, and all nations of the Entente will be glad to open up the immense military wares avaliable to the Empire for the mutual increase of power amongst the Entente.

The Entente looks to rise above the general chaff that is much of the world-and the Empire of Futuris shows that it is one nation that has such potential. We offer the Empire the torch to join the ring of the world's greatest-it is simply up to you to take hold of that torch and climb that hill-to join the Entente as the fifth member in the elite global fraternity.


Best Regards,
Bill Frist
Chancellor, NAR

Muhammad al-Akhir

We have, of course, observed the actions of alliances in the past. All in all, there seem to be two major ones - the Third Alliance, and the Entente. Although no official reports or documentation of this remains in our reach, it is rumored that the WEF tried to buy off Tunisia before they joined us. In the end, Tunisia saw through their flawed lies, and joined us. If this is indeed true....then it is a setback factor for the TA.

Also, the Kingdom of Estereich is being threatened. We have reason to believe that soon, the Greater German Alliance will attack their lands, and along with the WEF, push into Turkey and Syria - which borders with Israel. Israel, as you may know, is home to the more technologically advanced military weapons that we have - it is also where we store our nuclear weapons. Although at first secretly, we must try our very best to halt this unheeded and unneeded imperialistic conquest into the rest of Europe and the Middle East. The help of the Entente would no doubt be enough to stave off on this front, while the EF can also contribute to your battles. Unrest grows in Europe, while South America has already exploded. We were deluded earlier about the conflict situation there - now we see the true intentions of Marxikhan in their bid to declare war on the UR - see it as an opportunity to join the Third Alliance - a blending of power that would strengthen our enemies. Of course, the UR and the NAR attacking the CAE and Marxikhan is more than enough to conquer them. However, their nations must be vanquished in order to stabilize and then further up our balance of power. The Empire of Futuris can help with this - if you need help, that is. We have a rather large military, and we can help with your struggles.

The unsettling WEF buy of Iceland could also be a problem. Iceland can be potentially used as a mid-way base between Europe and NAR territory. With the WEF in control of this, they could potentially stage an attack on your territories. This brings us to the next point - the Mediterranean and North Africa. Currently, we are not the greatest force in the Mediterranean Sea. We are, however, the biggest political, economic, and military force in North Africa. Nevertheless, all the countries that belong to North-Western Africa, if belonged to us, would beyond doubt boost our Mediterranean power to provide a worthwile challenge to the WEF and GGA. Also, our navy is in poor shape - namely, we don't really have a navy. If you have any old ships that you are thinking of discarding - if it were possible, we could buy them to improve our navy. That way, if necessary, we could launch a surprise invasion of the WEF in Spain - whatever the situation, with an improved navy, this would be a definite threat for the WEF to consider - and perhaps, lay off on other military ventures elsewhere.

The UR is getting involved in the fight for Estereich as we speak. If it were possible, we could also join in and collaborate with UR forces to help the homeland forces stave off the GGA invasion? That way, the UR's interference in GGA's plans would be more effective.

And finally, the rest of Africa is showing...discontent at our actions towards Tunisia. The Central African Empire has given us an ultimatum to give Tunisia its independence, and it lasts two more hours. We do not know what they will do exactly if we do not renounce Tunisia as a nation belonging to the Empire of Futuris - but if it comes to war, we are sure that EF forces will triumph over CAE forces - that is, if the rest of the Third Alliance doesn't get involved. In a 1 v 1 conflict, we are sure to win. If the South African Dominion also joins sides with the CAE, then it turns into a conflict that could really go either way. But so far, this has not happened. Seeing as how the SAD is very hypocritical of its actions so far.


So it has come for me to announce, that the Empire of Futuris hereby accepts your proposal to join the Entente.

The Empire of Futuris

SIC

Hello kind allies,

We respect your decision to join the NAR and UR, and yet we wish to know if the Last Flight is still in order, or has power couruppted you my friend?

OCC hey, could you respon to the above statment please? Thanks ahead

OOC: It's probably still SIC Knowledge that he joined with the UR and NAR. Even my nation, which supported them, is still SIC knowledge only about us joining with the NAR, UR, and KoA.

OCC hey, could you respon to the above statment please? Thanks ahead

OOC: It's probably still SIC Knowledge that he joined with the UR and NAR. Even my nation, which supported them, is still SIC knowledge only about us joining with the NAR, UR, and KoA.

ooc: it'll come out that I joined the Entente sooner or later - once it does, I'll respond. Until then, I'm still technically your friend....just not a very good friend it seems :p