Culture Still Growing

Issue 24

Talk of the Square

The Kingdom Library continues to grow in size and amount of works contained. Tasneem Chowdhury and Carson Smith of Lavalon have both submitted essay collections to the Library. After years of a phantom existance due to technological limitations, the Natopabet, has been redesigned for computer and widespread usage and a pamphlet including a history of its development and a full translation from the Latin alphabet to the Natopian alphabet, including a supplement including a translation of Natopian numerals from the Arabic. Following in the wake of the Poetry Corner, the Sherry Lochhaas Fine Arts Center has opened as a subdivision of the Kingdom Library system. Current works include a sculpture-in-the-round of Baroness Sherry's sister, by the Baroness; and studies in graphic design by the King and Count Joel in the form of logos and banners of their band, Social Outcasts.

The King will soon be broadcasting a radio show once he can secure a podcasting host. The Natopian News Network has been set up as a subsidiary company of the King's personal business, Dingo Enterprises. NNN will broadcast the show "Eye on Natopia" hosted by the King and it intended to focus on a single issue per program or to shed light on more intimate aspects of Natopia. Further programs are in development including simple music shows with DJs and a radio talk show for macronational issues.

Also in business news, widgets have begun production again. The odd, chief-Natopian-export and novelty, have not been sold in Natopia for months. Widgets have no purpose, but they are hot sellers because some Natopians believe them to be a show of power and wealth.

Vista del Chisme

A Royal Decree (RD 43) was issued by the King on September 11 that codified the official Natopian Weekend to include Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and to the surprise of some, Thursday as well.

In foreign affairs, Natopia has opened relations and signed a treaty with the new nation of the Free State of Mabon. Chief Relations Officer Olorix of Antica also inquired about a treaty between Natopia and the Republic of Antica which is expected to be ratified by both sides very soon. Natopia was granted its largest MCS map expansion ever by successfully claiming the Island of Negril off the coast of Tasneemia. Negril will remain under direct Imperial control as a land reserve for any future Demesnes of Natopia.

King Nathan established the Ministry of Silly Walks on September 13. The Ministry will, at certain times, allocate government grants to those who can describe exceptional silly walks, or demonstrate a desperate need for funding to develop theirs further. According to the ever-amusing word scuttlebut, this Ministry is simply intended to hand money out to citizens so that they have start-up money to, in the very least, buy widgets.

The Grand Consul's Chair

The following Bills have been added to the Royal Code:
Royal Code Distribution: Mandates electronic and physical distribution and display of the Royal Code in actual territory claimed by Natopia.
Adoption Rights: Ensures same-sex and non-married couples are given the same treatment as "traditional" families when applying for adoption. Codifies ethical procedures in the adoption agency industry.

The following Bills are still in debate:
Holiday Bill: Establishes national holidays and dates of importance.
Amendment to Section 16: Raising quorum from 4 to 5 nobles. Bills will now enter debate when proposed rather than requiring a second.
Ambassadorial Compensation Bill: To pay ambassadors when they file a diplomatic report and to reward ambassadors who can maintain posts to muliple nations.