Cricket: India defeat England in second Test

-- wikinews

July 31, 2007

India have beaten England by seven wickets in the second Test cricket match of the Indian tour of England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England.

Despite the loss of three wickets on the final day, the Indian batsmen comfortably reached the 73 run target set by England.

India lead the three-match series 1-0 after the first Test ended in a draw, and England must win the final Test at The Oval to avoid their first home Test series defeat since 2001.

The start of play was delayed on the first day as the outfield was wet following heavy rain. Before play finally got underway after lunch on Friday, India won the toss and captain Rahul Dravid chose to field first.

Zaheer Khan made two breakthroughs early in the England innings to dismiss Andrew Strauss and captain Michael Vaughan. R P Singh then trapped Kevin Pietersen lbw to reduce England to 47-3. Although Paul Collingwood and Alastair Cook shared a partnership of 54, India's bowlers found some swing and reduced England to 169-7 at the close of day one.

On the second day England were soon bowled out for just 198, with Zaheer Khan leading the bowling attack with 4-59. In response, the England bowlers did little to trouble the Indian batsmen, and Dinesh Karthik and Wasim Jaffer soon reached half centuries. The breakthrough came just before Tea when Jaffer was caught off Tremlett's bowling, while Karthik followed just after the interval. India soon surpassed England's first innings total, and Sachin Tendulkar scored a fifty and his 11,000th run in Test cricket. A partnership of 97 was brought to an end when Rahul Dravid was caught by Ian Bell, and bad weather forced the close of play soon afterwards with India on 254-3.

England struggled in the field on day three as India's lead passed 100. Sourav Ganguly scored fifty and shared a partnership of 96 with Sachin Tendulkar. After lunch, Tendulkar was dismissed by a controversial lbw decision, nine runs short of his century. After V. V. S. Laxman was dismissed for 54, India's tail-enders did not add much to their total and they were eventually bowled out for 481, leading England by 283 runs. Monty Panesar took 4-101 and Chris Tremlett took 3-80. Play ended for the day sixteen overs into England's second innings, with England still 240 runs behind on 43-0.

Michael Vaughan scored 124 runs on day four and shared a 112 run stand with Paul Collingwood (63), and Andrew Strauss scored 55. However England's last seven wickets fell for just 68 runs with Zaheer Khan taking 5-75. England were all out for 355, leaving India to chase a target of just 73 in their second innings. Three overs of India's second innings were played before the close of play on day four, with India on 10-0, needing just 63 runs for victory.

Indian bowler Sreesanth was fined half of his match fee for colliding with England batsman Michael Vaughan during the fourth day's play, breaking the ICC Code of Conduct which prohibits "Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players during play". The match was also marred by incidents of sledging.

On the final day India were hardly troubled in reaching their target although Chris Tremlett took three wickets, including that of Sachin Tendulkar for just one run.

2nd Test: 27 July - 31 July, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England
England	vs	India
198 (65.3 overs) Alastair Cook 43 (111 balls) Zaheer Khan 4-59 (21.0 overs)	(scorecard)	481 (158.5 overs) Sachin Tendulkar 91 (197 balls) Monty Panesar 4-101 (33.5 overs)
355 (104.0 overs) Michael Vaughan 124 (193 balls) Zaheer Khan 5-75 (27.0 overs)		73-3 (24.1 overs) Wasim Jaffer 22 (45 balls) Chris Tremlett 3-12 (7.1 overs)
Result: India win by seven wickets

England: A J Strauss, A N Cook, M P Vaughan (capt), K P Pietersen, P D Collingwood, I R Bell, M J Prior (wkt), C T Tremlett, R J Sidebottom, M S Panesar, J M Anderson

India: W Jaffer, K D Karthik, R Dravid (capt), S R Tendulkar, S C Ganguly, V V S Laxman, M S Dhoni (wkt), A Kumble, Z Khan, R P Singh, S Sreesanth

Man of the Match: Z Khan (India)

Umpires: I L Howell (South Africa) and S J A Taufel (Australia)
TV umpire: N J Llong
Match referee: R S Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire: N A Mallender

The Princess Royal – the Princess Anne's son set to marry

-- The BBC and CTV

Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips is to marry his girlfriend, Autumn Kelly, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Peter, 29, is the only son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
When Peter was born he was fifth in line to the British throne, but currently he is 10th in line. He does not have a royal title and does not carry out any official royal engagements.

As a child, Peter followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Prince Charles, and his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, by being educated at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.

He graduated with a degree in sports science from the University of Exeter and went on to work for the Jaguar and Williams F1 racing teams. He left his position as sponsorship accounts manager at Williams F1 in September 2005 when he began work at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The two met in 2003 during the Montreal Grand Prix while Phillips was doing marketing for Williams Formula One team.

Kelly graduated from McGill University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After moving overseas, she landed a job with an American computer distributor.

He is a keen sportsman and played rugby for the Scottish Schools team and still enjoys equestrian sports.

The wedding will be the first royal marriage since that of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005.

Ashbourton celebrates it's 1st anniversary.

-- Open Micronational Forum / ABC News Service

Ashbourton celebrated it's 1st anniversary July 21st. with celebrations still on-going, until Friday when a firework show will be displayed at the Commonwealth of Driftwood (where the Principality was founded).

On July 21, Governor-General Garcia recreated the signing of the letter of Independence which by our standards set the stages for the Tetrarch of Ashbourton to be formed. (the former name of Ashbourton) Monday was the banquet where local officials who actually support the Principality were hosted to dinner by the Prince and his Fiancee; Princess Amber Mager. Since Tuesday, it has been an open, outdoors even with a BBQ and fun filled games for the toodlers of the royal family, and continued on until Wednesday. Thursday will be a day of remembrance, since tomorrow would be the day a family member died 3 years ago. And, on Friday will be the knighting of Mr. Micheal Adamski, for his generous support and being a great neighbor. His land will be rolled into Driftwood to create the new massive Commonwealth of Hernandez-Adamski. (effective August 3rd) With a massive firework show being displayed in front of the Commonwealth of Driftwood.

Governor-General Issues Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

-- Virtual Pensacola

Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

Date: July 23, 2007 01:14PM

The Government and People of the Dominion of British West Florida wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Afghan people at the passing of King Zahir Shah, "baba-i-millat-afghan". Although his political role was limited, until his death Zahir Shah remained a symbol of peace, reform and stability in the war-ravaged provinces of his beloved Afghanistan. He will be missed by his friends, family, tribe, people, and all those in the middle east and beyond who value self-determination, the rule of law, and peaceful relations with others.

During World War II, the king safeguarded his country's neutrality and, throughout his reign, Afghanistan enjoyed a period of stability. In July 1973, the king was ousted in a coup, at the behest of his cousin Mohammad Daoud, an opponent of Zahir Shah's new western alliances. The exiled king maintained that he would be "ready to return to Afghanistan if it serves to help my people".

After the US was attacked in September 2001 and their outrage was focused on Afghanistan, King Zahir Shah gave a rare interview defending his subjects. On 17 April 2002, the King stepped back onto Afghan soil. He was given an overwhelming welcome by the country's people, many of whom were reassured by his very presence. He was given the title of "baba-i-millat-afghan" - father of the Afghan nation, by his people who fondly remembered his reign, and trusted in his wisdom.

Good-Night Father Afghan,

May God have mercy on the Soul of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, and on all those who mourn his departure.




The former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, has died at the age of 92 following a long illness. The king died at his Kabul residence in the presidential palace compound. He had returned to Kabul in 2002 after 29 years in exile, mostly spent in Italy.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia,
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida

Queen Benelea I hosts Personal and Political 'Tryst'

-- Kingdom of Fergus News Service

Queen Benelea I of the Kingdom of Fergus entertained transgendered sister Latisha Louis and an unidentified companion in the Queen's Tryst Protectorate yesterday.

A variety of transgendered issues were discussed and her majesty expressed satisfaction over the visit given the paucity of transgendered individuals in the vicinity of the Kingdom.

Queen Benelea I is one of the Personae of Ben Ferguson, a candidate for macronational political office in Kansas.

The candidate Ferguson's political views (which were in part the subject matter of the discussions in the Protectorate) are explained on the Libertarian Candidate's page.

Their Majestries believe that when people across the political spectrum engage each other in respectful conversation and debate they often discover how much we do indeed have in common.

HRH Prince of Wales goes on a Commonwealth journey at CYEC’s annual forum

19 July 2007

The Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council held their annual forum on the the 27th June 2007 at the Abbey Community Centre in Westminster

This year’s forum had a rather special format and VIP guest.

A youth planning team, consisting of eight young people from five different youth exchange groups, met twice in advance to plan the event. The planning team were responsible for deciding on a theme, the invitation design and format for the event, which was attended by HRH Prince of Wales. They decided on an interactive and creative event involving 10 different exchange groups from all over the UK, showcasing their exchanges and representing all the Commonwealth regions.

Guests were issued with a boarding pass inviting them on a journey with CYEC airlines. On arrival at the venue, guests then received a passport to be stamped by the groups they visited on their global journey. Each of the groups had display space to exhibit photographs, stories and souvenirs from their exchanges, enabling guests to gain an insight into some of the unique and diverse international experiences CYEC has supported.

The groups involved all had different exchange themes and activities to showcase, including building a training centre in Malawi, exploring youth culture with Tanzanians, creating urban art in the Bahamas, and raising awareness of renewable energy in India. One of the groups – Gloucestershire Youth Service - is involved in the first ever youth exchange between Tuvalu and any other country. This is significant as with the effects of climate change, Tuvalu may disappear under the sea!

CYEC are thrilled with how successful the event was for all those involved in showcasing but also for raising awareness about Commonwealth youth exchange. Judging by the photographs, HRH Prince of Wales also enjoyed himself and it was a great honour for CYEC to have him attend.

Contact us at:

CYEC
7 Lion Yard
Tremadoc Road
London
SW4 7NQ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 498 6151
Email: mail@cyec.org.uk

Grand Duchy of Elsanor appoints new Baron of St. Clair

-- Elsanoran News Service

The Honorable Gabriel Morton, Baron of St. Clair, has obtained his current title as a part of our "Title Relief" program.

Lord Morton has submitted his application to be considered for the position as Elsanor's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I have reviewed his credentials, and upon due reflection of the plight facing my current Minister of Foreign Affairs (Lord Aubrey serves concurrently as MFA and Minister of Defense/Commander of the Eastern Flotilla), have decided to allow the Honorable Baron of St. Clair to assume the position as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Any correspondence should be redirected to emailunited@yahoo.com or to myself at baronyofball@yahoo.com effective immediately.

Impeachment Bill withdrawn in the House of Lords

-- Virtual Pensacola,

The Lord Eric Ball, Earl of Rum has withdrawn his bill of impeachment for the Governor-General. The Baron of George and the Solicitor-General has expressed reservations about the bill, which prompted the bill's withdrawal.

The Lord Rum was quoted as saying " Your Grace, So long as you continue to act in the Dominion's best interests,you will retain my support. The bill was intended more at having you rejoin us." at one point during the bills discussion.

The Lord Rum has agreed to cosponsor a constitutional amendment to clarify the succession when the Governor-General is not available.

Queen attends WWI battle memorial

-- From the BBC

The Queen was there to pay tribute to the tens of thousands who died

Allied soldiers killed in one of the bloodiest battles of World War I have been remembered by the Queen during an official visit to Belgium.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a commemoration service marking the 90th anniversary of the battle of Passchendaele.

The service at Tyne Cot cemetery, near Ypres, was also attended by Belgium's Queen Paola and around 4,000 locals.

Almost 11,000 servicemen are buried in the Commonwealth war cemetery.

Fly-past

The cemetery at Tyne Cot at Ypres, which is the French name for the southern Belgian town of Ieper, is the largest Commonwealth military burial site in the world.

It is a couple of miles from the village of Passchendaele, which gave its name to one of the last battles of WWI.

Tens of thousands of troops were killed or injured in the fighting amid water-filled shell holes.

Peace in Flanders field

Readings from some of the great-great grandchildren of servicemen who fought in the conflict, prayers and hymns featured in the service.

One of the most poignant moments came when a vintage bi-plane appeared overhead and dropped poppies - a symbol of the Great War - over the dignitaries.

Last Post

Peter Cleminson, the Royal British Legion's national chairman, attended the service along with Defence Secretary Des Browne and senior representatives from countries who fought alongside Britain.

He said: "On behalf of The Royal British Legion I would particularly like to thank the people of Ieper, Zonnebeke-Passchendaele and countless other towns in the region who have never forgotten - not for a single day - the hundreds of thousands of men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Crowds gathered near the Menin Gate ahead of the ceremony

"Today we have stood shoulder to shoulder with counterparts from many countries in silence and what I hope was a united spirit of 'never again'."

Rupert Forrester, 18, from Leeds, whose descendants fought near Tyne Cot, said the anniversary had led him to discover a lot about his family ties to Passchendaele.

"My great great grandfather Harry and Ronald, his son, both died on the same day.

"We found the story of how they died and it has meant a lot more to us now."

The men were listed as missing but are both commemorated on Tyne Cot's wall of memorial.

The Queen, dressed in a purple coat and hat, also opened a new visitors' centre at the cemetery.

There are 12,000 graves and 35,000 names of missing people engraved on memorial walls at Tyne Cot.

Before the Tyne Cot ceremony, the Queen laid a wreath at the Menin Gate war memorial, near Ypres, while buglers played the Last Post.

Menin Gate has 55,000 names of missing soldiers engraved on its walls.

Corbett-On-The-Merrill: Selected as HQ Imperial Geophysical Org.

Corbett-On-The-Merrill: HQ Imperial Geophysical Org. Imperiumn News Service NEWS RELEASE: The Imperial Government of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates has selected "Corbett-On-The-Merrill", as it's Official Site for the "Intermicronational Geophysical Year"; a project which invites all interested micronationalists to become amateur scientists, and conduct surveys, expeditions and / or experiments of their natural environment, and which was recently proposed to the greater micronational community of nations by President Baugh of the Republic of Molossia. "Corbett-On-The-Merrill" is comprised of several adjacent rental properties, which cover several large lots of land, and is owned and operated by a divisional-subsidiary of the DeWaCo Land Management Organization; as well as, once served as the former Official Winter Residences for several members of the Imperial Family, for several past years. "Corbett-On-The-Merrill" currently serves as one of the Lord Imperator's Executive Offices for Operations; but has space available for the recording of all surveys, experiments, and results of all expeditions which will be conducted and funded by the Imperial Government for the micro-project: "Intermicronational Geophysical Year". Three seperate Houses, two which are rented or leased, and four seperate Out Buildings, comprise "Corbett-On-The-Merrill"; whereby the largest of the four Out Buildings [ Garages and/or Sheds ] will be allocated to, and utilized for, the Headquarters of the newly established: IMPERIAL GEOPHYSICAL ORGANIZATION / I.G.O. [ Official Organizational Motto: "I Go To Discover" ]

Lords move to impeach the Governor-General

-- Virtual Pensacola

The Lord Ball, Earl of Rum, has introduced a bill, modified and seconded by Lord Register, Marquess of Mobile to impeach the Governor-General and put the office up for relief by appointment of the Parliament.

The Bill, currently before the House of Lords is as follows:

Whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida assumed the role as the Dominion of British West Florida's "Governor General" without the direct consent of Her Britannic Majesty;

And whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida has retired to the United States, specifically, the State of Georgia;

And whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida has ceased to visibly attend to his duties in West Florida;

And whereas the current state of executive titles in West Florida is being caused undue distress from the vacuum created by the Duke of Florida's absence;

And whereas the Most Honorable, the Marquess of Mobile, Lord Register has dutifully served these past several weeks as "Acting Governor General" of the Dominion of British West Florida in a gentlemanly manner pursuant to the constitution;

Be it hereby resolved, that:

Should His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII not return to his office as Governor General of British West Florida by July 31st, of the year 2007 AD, or;

Should His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII not provide a detailed letter stating the exact nature of his absence in a manner to the liking of the Dominion of British West Florida's House of Lords by July 25th, of the year 2007 AD, then:

His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII shall be removed from office as "Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida".

Furthermore, the office, being vacated by His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII, shall be put up for relief in the form of appointment by the Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida, and;

Furthermore, the candidate for appointment by the Parliament of British West Florida must be a Peer having taken his seat in the Dominion of British West Florida's House of Lords no less than 90 days prior to the Parliamentary Election, and;

Furthermore, the Parliamentary appointment is to occur no later than the 15th of August, in the year 2007, by way of Election in the Dominion of British West Florida's Parliament:

To that end, each "Member in Good Standing", hereafter known as the "Elector", shall make his preferred candidate for the position known to the members of Parliament by way of Public Ballot to be cast in Virtual Pensacola.

Lastly, the candidate possessing the majority of the votes cast by Parliament in Virtual Pensacola shall be declared "Governor-General for British West Florida", and shall serve a term of six years.

This Process to occur every sixth year on the Monday immediately following the 15th of August by way of precedence as laid down by this document, until such a time occurs that Her Britannic Majesty so invokes Her Royal Prerogative by appointing a new Official Head of Government for the Dominion of British West Florida known as "Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida".

-- Commonwealth Newsletter

Ahmed Mahloof is the Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional Youth Caucus Representative for Maldives

CYP Interview – The Dynamic Youth Representative for Maldives

11 July 2007

Ahmed Mahloof is the Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional Youth Caucus Representative for Maldives

He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Asia Region. This week he will be starting a 15-week radio awareness programme, so naturally CYP caught up with him before his busy schedule began.

1. When were you elected as the RYC for Maldives?

I was elected to the post at the Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting, which was held in Bahamas in 2006.

2. What does your role entail?

As RYC for Maldives, I act as the country focal point for the Commonwealth’s programmes and projects targeted to the youth audience. In this capacity, I am entrusted with laying a strong foundation in the country for youth activities under the Commonwealth banner.

At the moment, my most ambitious project involves building awareness among the Maldivian youth on the dangers of narcotic drugs. I have planned to arrange road shows, TV and radio programmes, and also arrange seminars and lectures for secondary school children across the country.

3. What are the benefits of being a RYC?

Satisfaction and pride! I do not do this for remuneration or recognition. My determination is to make a difference, however small it may be. As such, being a RYC gives me the perfect opportunity and platform to empower the Maldivian youth and to make a positive contribution to their lives.

My work as a RYC is also a learning experience for me, as it gives me the opportunity to travel, meet people from across the world, and benefit from Commonwealth training initiatives both regionally and internationally. RYC is a platform which commands the respect of national decision and policymakers. Hence, it opens many doors for me to fulfil my dreams and aspirations of contributing to the Maldivian youth.

4. What are the challenges?

I am very new to this job, so I expect far greater challenges to come my way in the time ahead. To date, I have attended the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Caucus and the Regional Youth Caucus. I have been very fortunate up to now. Some of the experiences I heard about from colleagues from other countries have so far not come my way. On the contrary, I have received tremendous support and assistance from my government, as well as from the private sector and civil society in the Maldives. The President of Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom offered his personal congratulations to me, on being elected as the Deputy Chair of the Asia Region. It will remain as one of my proudest moments.

The biggest challenge I foresee for the future is that of funding shortage. There are many wonderful initiatives that can be undertaken in a place like the Maldives, where the youth population is relatively large. However, the geographical disparity of the Maldives’ islands means that travelling to meet the youth is a costly affair. Transport and logistics are very difficult at times. This is also one of the main issues the Maldives face for a sustainable development. However, I am confident that I can fulfil my mandate as RYC to the fullest, and overcome these minor difficulties.

5. Tell us more about how you utilise your position to influence the youth in Maldives and Asia as a whole?

I firmly believe that youth related work cannot be done from behind an office desk. I see it as field work. Hence, I spend most of my time with the youth, sharing in their programmes and working as ‘one of them’. I try to involve as many youths as possible in every programme I undertake. Mass participation is the key to success, when it comes to youth activities. Also, I engage the government and the private sector in such initiatives. Giving them ownership and stake is very important.

I keep a close tab on issues of importance for the Maldives and for the region as a whole. So far, I have been in touch with the Asia region RYC’s by email and telephone, monitoring their work. In the Maldives though, I voice the opinions and concerns of youths at every possible juncture, whether it be economic, social or political. Giving the youth a voice is my biggest challenge here.

6. I hear you have been selected to observe the national elections in Sierra Leone. Are you looking forward it?

Definitely! It will be a great honour. To my knowledge, it will be the first time that a Maldivian will undertake the role of a Commonwealth Election Observer.

I was pleasantly surprised on receiving the invitation from the Secretary-General himself. I must thank him and his staff for the kind invitation. I really was surprised, as I got the invitation from the Secretary-General. I really thank him for inviting me.

With this invitation, I realised that the Commonwealth attaches high priority to the work of RYCs.

There are a few more people that I wish to thank. They are Mr. Raj K. Mishra, the Regional Director at the Asia Centre, Mr. Hassan Shifau, Ms Saraswathy, Mr. Kamal, Mr. Mark Stevens, Advisor and Head of the Political Affairs Division, as well as Ms Diane Mensah-Bonsu, CYP Website Coordinator at the Youth Affairs Division. They have been very supportive.

7. Tell us a bit about this radio programme you are involved in.

Narcotic drug abuse is a major social problem in the Maldives, and the youth are the main age cohort being affected by this menace. The Maldives, as I mentioned, is a country with a large youth population in percentage terms. Drug related problems pose one of the biggest challenges to this government. Hence, I decided to focus on this issue and see whether I could make a difference, in my capacity as the RYC.

I prepared an action plan to raise awareness among the youth on drugs, its adverse health and other effects, as well as avenues to support and help for victims. I have started a weekly radio programme from the 5th July 2007, to raise awareness on various aspects of drugs. This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the state broadcaster Voice of Maldives and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It will be a 15 programme series; aired twice a week. One will be live and the other will be a repeat. People can phone in and ask questions to a panel of experts, which will include recovered drug addicts, doctors, counselors and popular public figures. I have also arranged a prize for the youth who calls up with the best and most interesting question for the panel. Every week, we will be giving away a one gigabyte pen drive. I hope this programme will be a success.

President Baugh of Molossia proposes Intermicronational Geophysical Year

-- Open Micronational Forum.

I propose an Intermicronational Geophysical Year. Those of you that have been around a while might recall that I tried this before, but it never really took off. This time around I hope that it will get a better reception, for two reasons: First, it is exactly 50 years since the original International Geophysical Year, which ran from 1 July 1957 through 31 December 1958 and Second, and probably more important, our environment has never been under the scrutiny that it is now, due to Global Warming.

The project is really a simple one. As always, I try to get micronationalists out into the real world and this idea is no different. So I suggest that all interested micronationalists become amateur scientists, and conduct surveys, expeditions and / or experiments of their natural environment. This does not have to be a major effort, nor does it require an investment of capital or a degree in geology. No, it really just requires a little effort, some imagination, a notebook, and perhaps a digital camera. Simply go out into the world and document what you see. If you like, make an expedition of it, exploring a pond, beach, forest or someplace like that. You could conduct a simple experiment by measuring the local rainfall and comparing it to statistical measurements in the past. Whatever interests you, but the more creative the better. Think about the explorers and scientists that roamed the globe in the past couple of centuries, and put yourself in that mindset. Of course, all of this will be representational of your micronation, and should be presented as such, as an expedition on behalf of your country.

Then, report it. I have already built a simple webpage here, and I will happily post your notes, results and hopefully photos there. Or you can post them elsewhere, and send me the link to put on the webpage.

The main rule, of course, is that whatever your surveys, expeditions and / or experiments, it must be of the real world, not of a fictional or imaginary place.

Inperium now blames USA DOD for 'Global Climate Change'

-- Imperium News Service (Carried by the Provisional Post without modification or verification)

The Imperial Government of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates, has recently gone on the record, and publicly and privately blasted the United State's Department Of Defense [ DOD ], for that department's "Weather Modification" testing programs; which have been
conducted, but denied, over the last several years. [ similar to "Area 51" ]

Weather is Mother Nature's answer to any of man's weapons; and as such, if weather could be harnessed / mastered to any level / degree of control, it could very well end up becoming the "Ultimate Weapon of Choice", and forever replace many of the other WMD's in the stockpiles of the nations of war, all around the entire world. [ ]

Of course, all information would be more classified than the "Manhattan Project"; or any of the many other military weapon's projects that have produced "Massive Death-And-Destruction" [ Mass D.A.D. ] Weapons. [ Dept Of Defense Death And Destruction / D.O.D. D.A.D. ]

"Weather Modification" is designed as a "Weapon Of Weather" [ W.O.W. ]; whereby experiments conducted, deploy and employ the use of satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles / UAV's, which attempt to alter / modify the current natural weather patterns of a geographical location, or create a completely alternate weather pattern, which would be of benefit during an offensive attack against any enemy, as well as cause financial ruin
and economic collapse of an enemy state.

Lazers have been reported to have been able to mobilize specific clouds at special periods, and at various levels of altitude; and the "seeding" of clouds, with specially designed chemicals which respond to electrical impulses produced by a lazer, are also known to improve the movement and planned-direction of clouds.

"Cloud Movement" is one of the initial programs; with "Storm Development" as the primary goal of the program(s).

It is believed by many in the international science community, including the majority of science-minded individuals within the Imperium, that some of the recent "tests" have produced some of the severe weather patterns; as well as, some of the "tests" have "backfired", by going out of man's control, and creating death and destruction which were a direct result of man's failed-attempt to manipulate Mother Nature's Agenda.

It is believed by many in the international scientific community, including the majority of science-minded individuals within the Imperium, that the US DOD's "Weather Modification" programs of the recent past, and those tests which are known to still being conducted, have had a direct-connect to "Climate Changes"; which is an issue that is on the front pages of all newspapers in all Capitals of the world, including the micronations
of the world.

The Imperial Government of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates, calls on all
likeminded micronational Leaders throught the greater micronational community
of nations, to protest all "Weather Modification" programs that the
US DOD's has previously conducted, and all the programs which are still
being conducted at the present time, and all future scheduled programs
and testing.

Former Royal Australian Defence Force chief General Baker dies

-- news.com.au

July 09, 2007 07:51pm

THE former chief of the Australian Defence Force, General John Baker, died late today, the ADF said.

General Baker was defence head from 1995 to 1998. He was 71 years old.

He joined the army in 1954 and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, into the Royal Australian Engineers.

An ADF spokesman said he served with diligence and honour and was mentioned in dispatches during service in Vietnam.

"General Baker's service to Australia was characterised by his superb leadership and outstanding capacity for understanding the details of any situation," the spokesman said.

"His career, spanning over 44 years, saw him undertake a wide variety of positions from strategy development and combat development through to director of the Joint Intelligence Organisation."

Governor-General issues statement on the Moitree Express rail service

-- Virtual Pensacola, Governor-General's Press Releases

The People and Government of the Dominion of British West Florida join with the Peoples and Governments of India and Bangladesh in celebrating the restoration of direct passenger train service between the two countries this past Sunday.

The test run was the first full journey for the Moitree (Friendship) Express, and signals a return to fast, affordable, and reliable transportation across the border for the people of both nations. The link was suspended following the war between India and Pakistan more than four decades ago. The service, broken by war, has now, finally been restored in peace.

We hope that this symbolic restoration of connections - represented by the rails of iron - will be matched by a return to the harmony of respect for each other and the rule of law once shared by these two former members of the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations.

Nigerian gunmen release British toddler

-- From Wikinews

July 9, 2007

Nigerian gunmen have released three-year-old Margaret Hill, after holding her captive for four days. The toddler has since been reunited with her parents. She is reportedly in good health but covered with mosquito bites and also hungry, having not eaten recently.

The kidnappers had threatened to kill the toddler unless a ransom was paid or Mr. Hill came to take her place. The family claims no ransom was paid for her freedom. She was kidnapped from her car on July 5, on her way to school. Her driver was stabbed trying to protect Margaret.

More than 200 hostages have been taken by armed groups in the last 18 months in Nigeria, but none has ever been killed.

Margaret was the third child to be kidnapped in the last six weeks.

Nigeria remains on the 'Unsafe and To Be Avoided List' maintained by the Dominion of British West Florida

The Norwegian King's Guard visits the Dominion of Canada

The Norwegian King's Guard band and drill platoon are presently on a visit to Canada, and on the 10th and 11th of July they will perform at the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

/ np	08.07.2007 06:04

Before leaving the Canadian capital they will also put on a performance at Ashbury College, followed by a reception at the Norwegian ambassador's residence.

The Norwegian King's Guard was established in 1856, and is today organised as a four-company infantry battalion, with two rifle companies, one escort company and a headquarter company.

The regiment's duties remain unchanged, i.e., guard and ceremonial functions in peace-time and the security of the Royal Family in crisis or war. The rifle companies and the escort company normally take turns doing guard duty for a week and carry out regular training in between. Training includes the specialised techniques relating to the mission of safeguarding the Royal Family in time of war as well as the usual infantry work, live firing exercises, etc.

This entails a hectic training schedule for the guardsmen during their 12 months of national service. On arriving at the battalion from basic training, they spend their first five weeks in ceaseless drill practice, hand-to-hand fighting, physical training, close range firing and case solving excercises before they are allowed to perform their first duties outside the royal palace or around the Royal Family's country residence. The changing of the guard ceremony in front of The Palace takes place at 1330-1400 hours every day and is a popular event with tourists and the people of Oslo alike. The dark blue dress uniforms have remained virtually unchanged throughout the regiment's 141 years of existence. One noteworthy detail of the uniform is their plumed bowler hats.

A new military band and drill platoon are recruited each year, with the best available musicians arriving from Norway's huge number of school bands. The band and drill platoon display particularly high standards of drill and turn-out and regularly perform abroad. Among other places, they have performed several times at the prestigeous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, outside Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides in Paris as well as the Grand Place in Brussel. They also featured prominently at the opening of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer.

West Indies cricket team in England 2007 - 3rd ODI

From Wikinews

July 7, 2007

West Indies have beaten England by 93 runs in the third and final One-Day International of the West Indies tour of England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England. West Indies win the three match series 2-1.

England's bowlers fared poorly, despite removing Devon Smith early on, with the West Indies batsmen scoring 116 runs off the last ten overs. Runako Morton (82 not out), Chris Gayle (82) and Dwayne Bravo (42 off 24 balls) helped the West Indies to an imposing total of 289-5. The only wickets for England were taken by Liam Plunkett (3-59) and James Anderson (2-51).

In response, England's batting performance was no better than their fielding. Although Owais Shah scored 51, England lost too many batsmen cheaply including Kevin Pietersen for 0. They were reduced to 196 all out, far short of the 290 runs needed. Fidel Edwards took 3-30 and Daren Powell took 4-40 for the West Indies.

Previously on the tour, England won a four match Test series 3-0 and drew a two match Twenty20 series 1-1.

Toss: West Indies won, and chose to bat first.

West Indies innings
Player	Status	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike rate
CH Gayle	c & b Plunkett	82	126	8	0	65.07
DS Smith	c Bell b Anderson	13	9	3	0	144.44
S Chanderpaul	c Pietersen b Plunkett	33	47	3	1	70.21
MN Samuels	c Prior b Plunkett	9	7	2	0	128.57
RS Morton	not out	82	89	6	1	92.13
DJ Bravo	b Anderson	42	24	6	0	175.00
DR Smith	not out	4	1	1	0	400.00
Extras	(b 5, lb 6, w 9, nb 4)	24
Total	(5 wickets; 50 overs)	289		29	2

Did not bat: D Ramdin, DBL Powell, R Rampaul, FH Edwards

Fall of wickets: 1-16 (DS Smith, 2.3 ov), 2-93 (Chanderpaul, 20.1 ov), 3-108 (Samuels, 22.4 ov), 4-193 (Gayle, 41.6 ov), 5-285 (Bravo, 49.5 ov)

England bowling
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ
JM Anderson	10	0	51	2	5.10
LE Plunkett	10	0	59	3	5.90
SCJ Broad	9	0	71	0	7.88
MS Panesar	6	0	28	0	4.66
AD Mascarenhas	8	0	28	0	3.50
PD Collingwood	7	0	41	0	5.85

England innings (Target: 290 runs from 50 overs)
Player	Status	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike rate
AN Cook	c DR Smith b Powell	18	27	4	0	66.66
MJ Prior	c Ramdin b Powell	1	5	0	0	20.00
IR Bell	c DR Smith b Edwards	27	45	4	0	60.00
KP Pietersen	c DS Smith b Powell	0	2	0	0	0.00
OA Shah	c Ramdin b DR Smith	51	66	4	1	77.27
PD Collingwood	b Bravo	44	50	3	0	88.00
AD Mascarenhas	c Gayle b Edwards	5	12	0	0	41.66
LE Plunkett	c Samuels b Edwards	2	7	0	0	28.57
SCJ Broad	c Gayle b Powell	5	15	0	0	33.33
MS Panesar	lbw b Rampaul	13	24	2	0	54.16
JM Anderson	not out	11	17	0	0	64.70
Extras	(b 4, lb 3, w 8, nb 4)	19
Total	(all out; 44.2 overs)	196		17	1

Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Prior, 2.2 ov), 2-29 (Cook, 8.3 ov), 3-33 (Pietersen, 8.5 ov), 4-72 (Bell, 17.6 ov), 5-144 (Shah, 30.4 ov), 6-162 (Collingwood, 33.5 ov), 7-162 (Mascarenhas, 34.1 ov), 8-168 (Plunkett, 36.3 ov), 9-171 (Broad, 37.5 ov), 10-196 (Panesar, 44.2 ov)

West Indies bowling
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ
DBL Powell	10	2	40	4	4.00
R Rampaul	7.2	0	25	1	3.40
DR Smith	10	0	60	1	6.00
FH Edwards	10	1	30	3	3.00
CH Gayle	2	0	11	0	5.50
DJ Bravo	5	0	23	1	4.60

England: A N Cook, M J Prior (wkt), I R Bell, K P Pietersen, P D Collingwood (capt), O A Shah, A D Mascarenhas , L E Plunkett, S C J Broad, MS Panesar, J M Anderson

West Indies: C H Gayle (capt), D S Smith, S Chanderpaul, M N Samuels, D J Bravo, D Ramdin (wkt), D R Smith, R S Morton, F H Edwards, R Rampaul, D B L Powell

Player of the match: D B L Powell (West Indies)
Player of the series: S Chanderpaul (West Indies)

Umpires: M R Benson and B G Jerling (South Africa)
TV Umpire: P J Hartley
Match referee: M J Procter (South Africa)
Reserve Umpire: I J Gould

Related Stories

• "West Indies cricket team in England 2007 - 2nd ODI". Wikinews, July 7, 2007
• "West Indies cricket team in England 2007 - 1st ODI". Wikinews, July 1, 2007
• "West Indies cricket team in England 2007 - 2nd Twenty20". Wikinews, June 29, 2007
• "West Indies cricket team in England 2007-1st Twenty20". Wikinews, June 28, 2007

Bucksfan University lowers Tution

-- 5WC

The faculty of Bucksfan University has drastically lowered the tuition fee for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in Fifth World Studies to a mere US$100. We can do that, and not suffer too much financially, because you now order the books for the course through the Bucksfan University Store, and this, besides allowing direct access to the textbooks, also allows us to make a little additional income as well. With the ongoing promotion effort in place, this translated into a 60% decrease in the original tuition fee. We sincerely hope this will attract sufficient students to enable the future development of a BS degree program in Fifth World Studies as well, as well as other degree programs.

The AAS degree, comparable in scope to the UK's Foundation degree, is now also accessible to bright students 14 years old or older, that is, it is available to junior adults as far as Fifth World law is concerned, and if currently in high school or college, the student can also take up to 4 years to complete the requirements for the degree without any penalty.

Bucksfan University is now accredited by the Fifth World Council Accreditation Agency (5WCAA), an accreditation agency which already accredits real brick-and-mortar seminary colleges and health academies, but also independent of the US, and any other terrestrial foreign government. Bucksfan University is also listed in the Micronational Professional Registry (MPR) as a bona fide university.


This gives the potential student no assurance of degree acceptance in the Official World, but rather assurance, by the 5WC and Bucksfan University of genuine intellectual growth.

Imperium forms new Organization within the MOSS

-- Imperium News Servcie
The Imperial Government has established the new Security And Safety Organization / SASO which will be charged with the authorization of overseeing the security and the safety of all Imperium Citizens and Subjects, and Visitors [ tourist / customers ], and the personal properties of the above groups.

The SASO will be under the direct authority of the Ministry Of State Security / M.O.S.S.;
which is charged with the overall preservation of the peace of the People, by para-military means, either from offensive or a defensive operational orders.

The SASO will primarily operate from the role of a non-military stance, alerting People of a pending problem; such as: storms, fires, border penetrations, and any other issue that may result in death and/or damage to People and/or property.

The SASO will be held accountable for the new Civil Alert System / C.A.S.; which is comprised of various bullhorns [ air-horns ], field operated cellular communications, and several Storm Shelters within the Imperium; all of which are used in a....... "Collective and an Intergrated system of alerting and protecting People and property".

Governor-General places Nigeria on the 'Unsafe' List

-- Virtual Pensacola

Following the recent abduction of a 3 year old British Citizen in Nigeria Delta Region, the Government of the Dominion of British West Florida has placed Nigeria on the 'Unsafe and to be avoided' list.

All Subjects traveling on a Dominion of British West Florida passport should re-evaluate the necessity of their stay, and leave Nigeria if their visit is not of a Charitable or Humanitarian nature of such importance as to not admit of delay.

The Governor-General has determined that the government of Nigeria is currently unable to effectively ensure the rule of law within the national territory of Nigeria and has therefor placed Nigeria on the “Unsafe and To Be Avoided” list.

The Dominion of British West Florida is constrained to work with the national governments to protect Subjects traveling abroad and is unable to offer any assurance that such aid would be forth coming in Nigeria or other States on the list.

Subjects having an Urgent Need to travel to Nigeria are advised to contact the British and United States Embassies upon arrival, conduct their business following the advice of the High Commissioner and Ambassador as quickly as possible, and return immediately upon completion of the mission.

Nigeria joins Afghanistan, Burma, Communist China, Eritrea, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Turkmenistan on the 'Unsafe and To Be Avoided' list maintained by the Office of the Governor-General.

Imperium joins call for release of Hostages in Nigerian Delta Region

-- Imperium News Service
The Imperial Government of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates joins Her Friend and Ally, the Dominion of British West Florida, in the condemnation of this barbaric act; and echoes the demand for the kidnapped victims to be relaesed immediately.

"Solidarity of Speech between freedom loving Nations and People, micro and macro alike, is the only voice that is loud enough and strong enough to bring about justice; especially in a time and place when silence tends to smother wisdom, by speaking louder than any spoken words of reason."
[ Words expressed by the Lord Imperator upon reading of the event ]

Governor-General issues statement condemning Nigerian Delta area hostage taking.

-- Virtual Pensacola, Governor-General's Press Releases

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida condemns the kidnappings earlier today of oil platform workers in the Nigerian Delta area. While the Dominion acknowledges that some groups in the area may have legitimate issues with the Nigerian Government, this use of violence is repugnant to all civilized peoples, condemned in international law, and counter to scripture. The ends do not ever justify the means, and violence against persons, especially civilians should be avoided at all times.

If this attack is motivated by mere avarice and greed, it is all the more disturbing. The people of this Dominion have not forgotten that the taking of prisoners in Africa by Africans in battles and wars was the first step in what became the African Slave trade. The colour of a man's skin does not reduce his dignity – it did not then, and it does not now. Trading in human freedom for personal and community profit is as ugly now as it was then. To sell a man and call it 'ransom' is frighteningly close to a return to the horrors of a past we should all seek to avoid.

We call upon the captors of Bruce Klenner and Gottard Brene from New Zealand, Jason Lane from Australia, Lebanese George Saliba and Andreas Gambra from Venezuela to release them immediately.

West Indies cricket team in England 2007 - 2nd ODI

From Wikinews

July 4, 2007

West Indies have beaten England by 61 runs in the second One-Day International of the West Indies tour of England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England.

West Indies recorded a challenging total of 278-5. Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 116 not out off 122 balls to post his seventh century in One-Day Internationals. Marlon Samuels scored 77, while Chris Gayle and Devon Smith shared an opening partnership of 50.

The England batsmen struggled in comparison, with opener Alastair Cook departing for just 19 and a controversial LBW decision for Ian Bell reducing them to 30-2. Top scoring for England were Matt Prior with 52 and Owais Shah with 45. Ravi Rampaul was the pick of the West Indian bowlers with 4-41.

Conditions at Edgbaston were damp, with rain interrupting the match on three occasions.

The three match series is now tied at 1-1. The third and final ODI, and series decider, will be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on 7th July.

Previously on the tour, England won a four match Test series 3-0 and drew a two match Twenty20 series 1-1.

Toss: England won, and chose to field first.

West Indies innings
Player	Status	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike rate
CH Gayle	c Anderson b Sidebottom	36	40	2	3	90.00
DS Smith	c Prior b Anderson	17	21	2	0	80.95
S Chanderpaul	not out	116	122	9	3	95.08
MN Samuels	c Sidebottom b Broad	77	104	7	1	74.03
DR Smith	lbw b Broad	7	5	0	1	140.00
RS Morton	c Bell b Sidebottom	3	5	0	0	60.00
D Ramdin	not out	2	3	0	0	66.66
Extras	(lb 5, w 15)	20
Total	(5 wickets; 50 overs)	278		20	8

Did not bat: DJ Bravo, DBL Powell, R Rampaul, FH Edwards

Fall of wickets: 1-50 (DS Smith, 8.2 ov), 2-67 (Gayle, 12.2 ov), 3-242 (Samuels, 45.6 ov), 4-257 (DR Smith, 47.3 ov), 5-274 (Morton, 49.1 ov)

England bowling
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ
JM Anderson	10	3	78	1	7.80
R J Sidebottom	9	1	55	2	6.22
SCJ Broad	10	0	49	2	4.90
AD Mascarenhas	10	1	31	0	3.10
PD Collingwood	5	0	30	0	6.00
MH Yardy	6	0	29	0	4.83

England innings (Target: 279 runs from 50 overs)
Player	Status	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike rate
AN Cook	c Edwards b Powell	19	24	3	0	79.16
MJ Prior	c DS Smith b Powell	52	73	3	1	71.23
IR Bell	lbw b Rampaul	1	3	0	0	33.33
KP Pietersen	b Rampaul	9	11	1	0	81.81
OA Shah	c Ramdin b Rampaul	45	64	2	1	70.31
PD Collingwood	lbw b Edwards	1	5	0	0	20.00
MH Yardy	c DR Smith b Bravo	19	42	1	0	45.23
AD Mascarenhas	c Powell b Rampaul	3	11	0	0	27.27
SCJ Broad	not out	22	19	2	0	115.79
R J Sidebottom	run out (DR Smith)	15	7	2	0	214.28
JM Anderson	c Ramdin b Edwards	3	18	0	0	16.67
Extras	(lb 10, w 13, nb 4)	27
Total	(all out; 46 overs)	217		14	2

Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Cook, 5.1 ov), 2-30 (Bell, 6.5 ov), 3-64 (Pietersen, 12.6 ov), 4-113 (Prior, 24.2 ov), 5-117 (Collingwood, 25.4 ov), 6-171 (Yardy, 36.3 ov), 7-172 (Shah, 37.1 ov), 8-179 (Mascarenhas, 39.5 ov), 9-195 (Sidebottom, 41.2 ov), 10-217 (Anderson, 45.5 ov)

West Indies bowling
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ
R Rampaul	10	0	41	4	4.10
DBL Powell	10	0	45	2	4.50
FH Edwards	10	0	43	2	4.30
DR Smith	9	0	54	0	6.00
DJ Bravo	7	0	24	2	3.42

England: A N Cook, M J Prior (wkt), I R Bell, K P Pietersen, P D Collingwood (capt), O A Shah, A D Mascarenhas , MH Yardy, S C J Broad, R J Sidebottom, J M Anderson

West Indies: C H Gayle (capt), D S Smith, S Chanderpaul, M N Samuels, D J Bravo, D Ramdin (wkt), D R Smith, R S Morton, F H Edwards, R Rampaul, D B L Powell

Player of the match: S Chanderpaul (West Indies)

Umpires: B G Jerling (South Africa) and N J Llong
TV Umpire: NA Mallender
Match referee: M J Procter (South Africa)
Reserve Umpire: B Dudleston