NationStates Jolt Archive

Please feel free to contact the official House of Boothby news feed's editor Carlus Markov with your Op-Ed pieces.


02/08/2008
First Round of National Hounding Trials Upset

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Defending champion, Ragnorock, looses in first round

Silva Gettens- In an unprecedented upset the defending arctic hare champion, Ragnorock, was beat out today by little heard of Winter's Hope.

When asked to comment, Ragnorock's trainer, Timothy Zednick replied, "We were very confident going into this round. Of course the competition is always very high, but we just never thought we would hit trouble like this so soon"

Ragnorock's owner, Peter Selvin, could not be reached for comment.

Winter's Hope now moves on to the second day of hunting trials. He is scheduled to compete against heavy weight Seawhip.

Winter's Hope's owner, Nickolia Tiech commented, "We are very excited with todays outcome. We are extremely proud to represent the House of Boothby in the National Hound Trials."

02/11/2008
Ceremonial Guard to Undergo Uniform Overhaul

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Prototype design for new uniform builds off national tradition

Carlus Markov- Today a perspective design for the new Ceremonial Guard uniform was revealed as part of the National Hound Trail festivities. The most prominent new feature is the armor mantel and decorative helmet with prominent red plume. A yellow tassel will also be added to the traditional scabbard and will hand below the tip of the blade.

The uniform will still incorporate the traditional tunic and pantaloons, which will resemble the old uniforms. These traditional pieces were introduced with the founding of the Ceremonial Guard. The red represents the founding bloodline of the House of Boothby, the gold represents both past, present and future wealth, and the blue represents the House of Boothby's love and fealty to the sea.

The new additions to the uniform will not be seen in everyday us and will be reserved for special events, holidays, and symposiums. Royal Estate guards will also use the new additions in various ceremonies and events on the grounds.

02/12/2008
Unrest at Workers' Union Rally

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Protesters rally after Workers' Union speeches

Durham- Union workers took to the streets today in protest of the House of Boothby's apparent non-response to Oily Prata claim of sovereignty over Kola Bay. The impromptu protest mobilized after speeches from both the President, Tomas Hercul, and Vice President, Hector Kilwillie, of the Workers' Union. The speeches demanded governmental action be taken to secure sovereignty and use of Kola Bay and all national coastlines.

The protest was peaceable although city security forces were quickly brought in to monitor the crowd. Traffic and many businesses were shutdown in the downtown Durham.

Hegal Minsk, owner and operator, of the famous capitol city public house "The Pelican" commented, "We don't really mind having to shutdown for the demonstration. We get a lot of business from those workers. I believe they deserve job stability, but how can they have this if there is no guaranty the ships they build will ever be put to sea. The House of Boothby owes it to them to resolve this issue with Oily Prata as soon as possible."

The speeches that catalyzed the protest came after substantial drops in shipping, maritime securities, and fishing stocks.

Currently The House of Boothby has not released an official statement about the Workers' Union demands, but we expect a public address will follow.

02/13/2008
Scandal Rocks National Dog Trials

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Winter's Hope: the subject of an open investigation

Silva Gettens- News of scandal shocked both participants and fans alike on the second day of the National Dog Trials. The news came at 10:23 AM this morning when "All Bets Are On" a prominent dog trials betting agency announced today that they would not be paying out nearly $6,590,000 that bettors won on the first day of the trials. This unprecedented move came after betting officials noticed an irregular pattern in first day wagers.

Winter's Hope, who on the first day of the trails was a 22/1 underdog to Ragnorock received massive betting in his favor. This sent up red flags across the dog trial and betting communities as allegations of match fixing surfaced. The chair of the National Dog Trials had this to say, "Regardless of the outcome of the trials those bookies owe it to their patrons to pay up. Their assertion that the matches were fixed is ludicrous. Our organization is working to ban any betting agencies who refuse from taking bets on any of our events. We will not let their sophistry to taint one of our greatest national traditions."

Johan Cleats, CEO of "All Bets Are On" had this to say, "We have never and will never refuse to pay out legitimate winnings. Our analysts have reviewed the statistics from the first day's betting and concluded that foul play was involved. Rational people just do not place wagers of those amounts at those odds."

Winter's Hope's owner, Nickolia Tiech made this statement today, "I just cannot believe that our win is under suspicion. It is an insult to our stables and to the dog trials in general."

Ragnorock's owner, Peter Selvin have an official statement for the first time after his defeat stating, "The idea that we threw the match is insane. For a trials team to throw any match is just insane, especially at this stage. You don't fight your way to the top just to take some cash and disappear into obscurity."

Neither owner or dog shows any signs of disappearing into obscurity as this scandal rages on.

02/13/2008
Embassy Established in Beatus

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Embassy located at 876 Brutus Drive

Durham- The Constitutional Monarchy of the House of Boothby announced today the construction of its first embassy. The embassy is located at 876 Brutus Drive, in Beatus. Ollie Kolev will serve as the House of Boothby's first ambassador to be installed in a foreign nation. Mr. Kolev will be taking his wife, 14 administrative staff, 3 drivers, 2 chefs, as well as a 15 member security force.

The embassy should be fully operational within the month and will offer many services including providing immigration information, passport and visa approvals, as well as legal advice and aid to all citizens to the House of Boothby.

02/14/2008
Shipping Slow as Maritime Tensions Rise

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Shipping slow in capitol Durham

Durham- After a statement joint statement of warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Coastal & Maritime Securities nearly all vessels into and out of the capitol port city of Durham have been stopped. The move comes after disputes continue to go unaddressed by the international community. In the statement the government urged its citizens to be patient as disputes are resolved.

While the presence of civilian vessels in the Barents has dwindled, Coastal and Maritime Securities vessels have been on heightened alert and have ben placed on 'Over Watch' priority for the region.

Shipping industry stock continues to drop and more protests have been scheduled.

02/15/2008
House of Boothby Signs NOP Alliance

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Citizens take to the streets in celebration over recent NOP signing

Durham- Yesterday, the 14th of February 2008, the House of Boothby administration finalized New Oslo Pact deliberations. A general statement was made shortly afterwards to the populous, sparking off celebrations that extending late into the night.

As a new member of the NOP The House of Boothby has requested military advisors be sent from other member nations to facilitate the formation of HOB ground forces.

Deliberations are also underway regarding territorial claims in the Barents. This news was attributed to a sharp rise in maritime industry funds.

2/22/08
House of Boothby Makes Official Response to Nova Pictavian Accusations

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Thomas Christopher Clark Boothby Addresses the House of Nobles

Nova Zembella- Yesterday the first official statement was presented on recent Nova Pictavian statements slandering the NOP. Thomas Christopher Clark Boothby delivered a speech to the House of Nobles in an attempt to quell growing unrest.

Excerpt:

"...As you all know, the New Oslo Pact is an economic and mutual aid agreement consisting of most eastern EA nations. As such it does not violate civil, political, or economic rights but rather strives to reenforce these rights within the region.

Accusations that the NOP is an oppressive regime is slander, and while we have always had good relations with Nova Pictavia and the SI, we would caution them from issuing statements that are obviously false and unsubstantiated.

I urge you as responsible citizens of the House of Boothby to not heed the threats that have been coming out of Nova Pictavia and the SI. As a member of the NOP you are protected and will always be secure within our borders.

That being said I urge you to please refer to the Ministry of Foreign with regards to travel and business outside of the NOP. While are not currently, and certainly not planning on becoming involved with any aggression we have currently issued a statement advising recall of all HOB citizens to the nearest NOP nation...."


The administration of the HOB has not been available for questioning since this statement.

2/22/08
Religious Leader Draws Attention

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Johan Borges Cantonal Bishop of Riechenbach

Genevoria, Canton of Riechenbach- Yesterday at the National Convocation of Churches in Genevoria, the Bishop of Riechenbach delivered a speech which shocked many. In it the religious leader proclaimed the divine right and privilege of the Boothbian people, and called for them to "disseminate throughout the land, given to them by authoritative promise."

Johan Borges has long been know for his literal interpretation of the 'Book of Authority' and in particular passages related to need for imperialism and Boothbians' holy blood.

While Borges is certainly know to hold extreme views he continues to garner support from many within the Church. When asked about his colleague's views Tomas Holstrom, Arch-Bishop of Bellevue told us, "While the Reverend Borges has many strongly held views, he has always served both the Church, Nation, and People with utter devotion. What else can you ask for a servant of the Authority?"

With the National Convocation of Churches scheduled to run through next week the populous of the HOB watch for how their religious leaders and administration will respond to Johan Borges' strong stance.

2/23/2008
Borges Calls for Church State Union

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Johan Borges

Genevoria, Canton of Riechenbach- Today, the second day of the National Convocation of Churches, Johan Borges called for the union between the church and government. Amongst his reasons Borges sited numerous passages alluding to the ultimate sovereignty of the Authority, "As we, the priest and the church are a portal and a mouth piece of the Authority, it is our right and duty to lead the people of Boothby."

It is not clear and will not be clear until the final day of the convocation how the other members of the church council feel about Borges statements, when attendants will vote on the Churches' annual plans.

2/24/2008
Arctic Oil Rigs Established

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An HOB oil rig sits above arctic ice as survey ship passes

Nova Zembella- The first of HOB's arctic oil rigs started pumping oil today. Simply known as "Station 1" the oil rig sits 350 miles north north west of Nova Zembella. The HOB, working in cooperation with Stoklomolvi, has plans for a half dozen more such facilities.

Director of Energy, Janus Nikoli was quoted as saying, "The oil reserves below the arctic ice are the biggest yet found. The HOB economy will undoubtedly benefit for years to come."

2/27/2008
Car Bomb Discovered Near National Convocation

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Car bomb discovered near National Convocation

Genevoria, Canton of Riechenbach- This morning chaos filled the streets of Genevoria momentarily as a car filled with a homemade explosive was discovered near the site of the National Convocation of Churches. Police and bomb squads were called in and removed the explosive without incident. The bomb is currently being analyzed at a government laboratory.

This news comes just two days before a controversial vote will be taken by representatives of the Association of National Churches.

It is presumed that the bomb was meant as an attempted assault on those delegates. However, the car and explosive were several blocks away from the meeting site. Analysts believe the perpetrators had planned to drive the car closer once the convocation had resumed.

The police have yet to make any official statement about the matter.

Convocational meetings have been postponed by order of the Genevorian police and Neil Boothby, Baron of Riechenbach. While the area is investigated for evidence and further explosives.

2/28/2008
Borgesian Supporters Call for HOB Condemnation of the AU

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Borges waiting in the lobby of the Convocation's meeting hall

Nova Zembella- Today, Borgesian supporters responded to the AU's political assault on the HOB and other NOP members. Johan Borges led members of his party through the streets of Genevoria just one day after a car bomb was discovered near the National Convocation of Churches meeting halls.

In a speech Borges accused the HOB government of subterfuges, claiming they are using the car bomb as an excuse to delay the Churches' voting process. Furthermore, Borges's speech insinuated that the HOB administration was not taking a strong enough stand against the formation of the AU.

Borges called for the unification of all Church parties in the face of a "considerable threat to the divine people and land of the House of Boothby."

3/3/2008
BODY OF CONVOCATIONAL PRESIDENT CARLOS VINGARD FOUND

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The body of Carlos Vingard wheeled out by EMT operators

Montreux, Canton of Riechenbach- Today the body of Carlos Vingard, elected president of the National Convocation of Unified Churches, was found late last night. The president's body was found in Vingard's apartment just 2 days after he postponed the controversial Convocational vote that would ratify Johan Borges's radical claim of the Churches' claim to political control of the House of Boothby.

Official investigators have not yet commented on the nature of Vindgard's death or the circumstances surrounding it. According to family members who could be reached, Vingard was in excellent health and not suffering from any bodily or cerebral maladies.

The death of Carlos Vingard has sparked off investigations into many high ranking Church officials, but many of those under-suspicion have pointed a finger at the government demanding an unbiassed investigation into claims that the HOB administration had secretly contacted Vingard just days before his death.

With Vingard's death, the leadership of this years National Convocation falls to Reverend Carmine Latimer. Rev. Latimer has yet to make an official statement about either his predecessor's death, or the postponement of the Convocational vote.

3/3/2008
New International Trade Agreements Expected

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Station HOB-11B stands above the Arctic's ice pack

Nova Zembella- Unofficial reports surfaced today that the House of Boothby's Department of Foreign Affairs, and the International Trade Bureau are in the preliminary stages of negotiation over the export of HOB oil to the southern nation of Orbath.

While neither department could be reached for comment, unofficial sources have pointed to the HOB's desire to finalize an agreement in light of the recent opening of Stoklomolvi oil fields.

This would be the third major trade move made by the HOB in the last two months. With Yanitarian invest in the domestic renewable and nuclear energy being the largest. Additionally the HOB and Yanitaria have agreed to agricultural trade relations, where Yanitaria would dedicate several large plots of farm lands to the growing of HOB poppies.

3/4/2008
Carlos Vingard's Funeral, A Mixture of Emotions

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Vingard's open casket viewing

Montreux, Canton of Riechenbach- Carlos Vingard, the late President of the National Convocation of Unified Churches, was put to rest today. Among the many sentiments expressed by head clergy was the great void left in the Church after Vingard's death. Some however, turned their sadness into vim as they subtly and not so subtly attacked the HOB government, accusing the administration of trying to cover up Vingard's cause of death, which many believe was a murder, and not an unknown malady that the coroner's report sited.

3/4/2008
HOB Begins Massive Oil Reserve Campaign

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HOB oil reserves

Nova Zembella- Today the HOB announced plans for a massive oil reserve project. The plan outlines a 20 year agenda to stockpile some 700,000,000,000 barrels of crude oil. This comes a day after the HOB purchased 50,000 square kilometers of land in the Stoklomolvi oil fields.

The plan calls for continued investment in international oil fields, as well as increased rigging in the Arctic circle.

The Minister of Energy, Adolv Rocharich said, "While we in the HOB are privileged to have options other then oil, not every nation is so lucky. As resources continue to disappear we must invest wisely, for our own nation, but also for those nations that will inevitably rely on us to provide them with the resources they need to function and prosper."

3/27/2008
HOB Deploys to Aissur

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Rioters and police square off in Aissuria


Nova Zembella- Today, HOB aircraft from regional NOP bases were mobilized to respond to the raging riots in Aissur. So far HOB involvement has been limited to arial surveillance, regional monitoring, border control, and arial patrols.

As violence escalates Stoklomolvi has prepared to deploy some two million police to help quell the protesters, who suddenly became so violent.

The HOB has not yet deployed ground troops and has said that they do not foresee such action as necessary.

1/22/09
CMS Increases Antarctic Fleet

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Nova Zembella- Today saw additional increases in deployment of CMS resources to the HOB's Antarctic fleet. Today's deployment consisted of the first wave of increases scheduled in what the CMS has dubbed their "Southern Exploratory Expansion."

The deployment consisted of CMS Cyprus, CMS Hickory (Oliver Hazard Perry Class), and CMS Raptor, (Arleigh Burke Class), from the South Atlantic fleet, along with a compliment of some 600 CMS personnel and 150 RGF troopers and engineers.

The detachment is scheduled to rendezvous with Antarctic fleet members off the Shetland Islands.

1/24/09
Chazakain Seeks WMD, Stirs Boothian Protests
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Nova Zembella- Reports from HOB and other international intelligence agencies indicating that Chazakain is seeking to buy nuclear technology set off a series of protests within the HOB. Some 200 members of several anti-weapons proliferation movements marched outside the NCC's main headquarters this morning in Montruex. Similar, but smaller gatherings have been witnessed throughout the rest of the Canton of Bellevue.

Protesters in Montruex were removed from the streets "without incident" about 30 minutes after their demonstration began.

"We have no problem with organized gatherings of this kind," commented Montreux's Police Constable Picard, "people need to realize though that laws and regulation still need to be followed. We can't have these things happening spontaneously, applications for permits and such must be obtained..."

When questioned at a brief press conference held this afternoon, Johan Borges, summed up the HOB's current public stance on the issue, "Chazakain is a growing nation, and like all growing things development is a thing that can be nurtured. The international community would do well to aid and help in such development of a nation, lest we find it has grown into something that is no good."

Borges has also vowed that he will endeavor to bring regional leaders together with the hopes of establishing guidelines and regulations over weapons proliferation.