text:
Communist Party Conference Prepares Post-war Sell-out
Written: November, 1944
Source: Socialist Appeal, vol. 6 no. 8 (November 1944)
The national conference of the "Communist" Party of Great Britain met on October 18th to 30th. It confirmed clearly that the Stalinists in Britain are preparing to continue the policy of class collaboration and sell-out to the bosses after the war, as they are already doing in Europe and all over the world.
On Vansittartism, the War, Post-war Policy at home and abroad - the same cynical, criminal course is to be maintained. Many sincere militants and large numbers of the Communist Party rank and file have persuaded, or tried to persuade themselves, that the policy of the Stalinists has been nothing but a "manoeuvre" to deceive the capitalists. But these workers must now begin to see where the Stalinist leadership is taking them.
The Conference of course came out with a demagogic programme for higher wages, even nationalisation of basic industries, and better housing. But on how to get that programme put into effect, the Stalinist leadership deliberately and with conscious dishonesty led astray their members and supporters within the working class.
These reforms, they pretended, could be put into force by collaboration with the capitalist class. Already during the war we have seen what such "collaboration" has meant between the Labour and Stalinist leaders and the capitalists in the Government. Promises of "equality of sacrifice" etc., have meant sacrifices for the masses and profits for the capitalists, while the Stalinists have systematically sabotaged the workers' struggles and acted as strike-breakers and blacklegs doing the dirty work for the capitalists. And the result? Palme Dutt, "theoretician" of the CP was compelled to admit, "their own (reactionary and propertied interests) profits had increased by leaps and bounds during the war." And it could not be otherwise. In war and in peace, the ruling class utilises its control of industry and the Government for the purpose of exploiting and gaining profits at the expense of the misery and poverty of the working class. And as long as the capitalist class and its representatives have any control, that is the policy they intend to operate.
The Stalinists have quoted extracts with pride from A.J. Cummings' article on the conference in the News Chronicle of 30th October. It is a sympathetic appraisal from a capitalist Liberal. Let us see how he regards the Conference.
"The Chairman's table was draped with the British and Russian national flags. The Tories might have held a meeting in the same place without removing a single decoration. "In effect it [Pollitt's speech] was a plea for the best possible co-operation of all classes and peoples to win the war against Fascism and to produce peace and order in the post-war world. It called frankly for 'economic co-operation between the capitalist and socialist world'."
"Labour had the responsibility of reaching agreement with Communists, Liberals and other Parties and groups of the Left..." "If he had had time to drop in, Mr. Churchill would have found himself in a patriotic environment; and he would doubtless have received an enthusiastic welcome."
No doubt Churchill would! As an arch-enemy of the working class and of Socialism, he could have expected a warm reception from the renegades on the platform.
Nevertheless in contrast to the American Communist Party, which has come out openly in favour of monopoly capitalism now and for the indefinite future, the British Stalinist leaders had to disguise the shameless sell-out to Big Business as much as they could. Not because their policy is any different, but because of the higher Socialist consciousness of the British working class, who are completely disillusioned with capitalism and seeking a solution to their problems in a change of the system.
The result was that Pollitt, Dutt & co. contradicted themselves over and over in their speeches. The Daily Worker of Oct. 30 reports Pollitt, for example:
"The market at home and abroad is boundless, he said, there need be no export problem for Britain if the policy of international economic co-operation is pursued alongside a domestic policy at home that is based on such a programme as that outlined in "Britain for the People." "The most far sighted capitalists understand..."
In the very next paragraph the lie is given to this picture:
"At the same time it is plain that the capitalists are bound by a thousand ties, not only by their habits of thought but by their immediate private interests to the old system of colonial rule and monopoly exploitation."
This is the law of class rule. The capitalists will fight tooth and nail to defend their right to exploit the masses in Britain and the colonies. Those who wish to co-operate with them must do so on their terms. Already at the end of the last century Lenin pointed out, in regard to Millerandism (the class collaboration and entry of Socialists into the Government in a capitalist ministry) that such collaboration would bring wonderful "plans on paper" which would never be carried out. Plans which were intended to deceive and fool the workers. These are the plans of Pollitt and co. They know very well, as Lenin tirelessly emphasised, that it is not a question of "good" or "bad" capitalists, but the workings of the capitalist system itself. And Pollitt & co. are quite well aware of the desperate position of the British capitalists. In this war, their Yankee "allies" have stripped them bare of most of their investments in South America and various other countries.
After the war, far from there being an idyllic period of co-operation between the capitalist states, there will be an intensified struggle for the markets of the world particularly by Britain and America. Roosevelt has proclaimed America's intention to treble her exports after the war. America can produce goods cheaper than Britain. The markets of the world are limited, while productive capacity has increased during the war; the only way out for British capitalism would be in a savage onslaught on the standard of living of the workers. Not pleasant co-operation, but bitter class struggles nationally and internationally is the stern prospect before the working class.
When Pollitt, Dutt & co. say that the nationalisation of basic industry would solve the problem, that is true, if it is added that the country is not crippled by a huge debt in compensating the big capitalist parasites. Pollitt & co. are discreetly silent on this. But of course these demands are introduced to fool their followers. The Stalinists try and disguise their policy by confusing references to the need for a "Labour and Progressive" Government (while of course continuing to support the reactionary Churchill government).
But the whole deception was completely exposed at the Conference. Something went wrong with the carefully regulated "unanimity" with which CP conferences are run. One delegate from Wales, reflecting the uneasiness with which the best members of the CP regard this policy, demanded that there should be no co-operation with so-called "Progressive" Tories after the war. He moved an amendment, according to the Daily Worker, asking Congress to declare that,
"any formal alliance with progressive Tories would endanger working class unity" and that "where a Communist candidate would endanger the election of either Progressive or Labour candidate and let in a Tory, our party candidate should be withdrawn and every support given to the Labour or Progressive candidate."
The CP Executive rejected this and came out decisively and openly for support for the Tories. John Gollan, in reply to the debate,
"asked the Congress to emphatically reject the Abertillery amendment, the acceptance of which would be running away from the issues involved (!!). The amendment was perilously close to the line of the Labour Party in wanting to fight alone. It was impossible to reject allies in the struggle ahead".
Thus, with smooth phrases the Stalinist traitors try to conceal the real struggle ahead. All his life Lenin fought for the independence of the working class and its party from the capitalists. In Britain, the workers learned from many painful experiences the necessity for their organisations standing independent of the capitalist parties. Now the Stalinists try and undermine this.
Pollitt, in dealing with the war in the East, was compelled to admit that "the war against Japan is not looked upon with the same enthusiasm as the war against Hitler", because big sections of the working class can clearly see in the war against Japan a naked struggle for the colonial loot grabbed by British Imperialism in the past; as a fight for the right to enslave and dominate the colonial peoples of the East. The capitalists find it difficult to dress up the struggle in the Far East as a fight in defence of the interests of the masses. Nevertheless Pollitt and co., obedient to the dictates of Kremlin foreign policy, come out in full support of British imperialism in Asia as well as Europe.
To try and coat the imperialist pill of naked aggression and plunder, they hypocritically appeal to the,
"British Government (which) must undertake certain measures, which would lessen the sacrifice of British and American lives:"
"They must apply the principles of the Atlantic Charter to all colonial possessions; and give a solemn pledge to all the nations of the Far East that, in addition to freeing them from the yoke of Japanese militarism, we would assist in the immediate raising of their standards of life."
"We demand the immediate release of the Indian National leaders and the opening of new negotiations." (Pollitt's speech reported in the Daily Worker, October 30th)
Pollitt & co. know very well, that what determines the policy of a country is which class holds the power. The capitalists, who are responsible for the exploitation of the colonial peoples, control the Government today. It is their policy and their war which is being fought for. To ask them to put the demagogic provisions of the Atlantic Charter into effect, would be like asking Hitler to introduce democracy into Germany. The 5,000,000 Indians dead in the famine, and the new famine which is imminent - a direct result of the policy of British Imperialism - are an answer to this phrase-mongering. Pollitt and the other CP leaders know that such a policy is impossible while capitalism continues in control.
Moreover, if the Atlantic Charter is to be applied in the East, why not in the West? Far from advocating a democratic peace, the Stalinists are demanding a Peace which would make the Versailles Treaty's harsh terms seem reasonable, thus inevitably sowing the dragon's teeth of future wars. The capitalist press hailed with delight the shameful attitude which is official CP policy, that the responsibility for the war rests on the shoulders of the German people. In this way the Stalinists assist them in pulling the wool over the eyes of the workers. We know, as Dutt and the other ex-Communists know, that all the imperialist powers bear as much responsibility as the German imperialists.
Our Party, representing the teachings of Marx and Lenin; puts forward the demand for the Labour Party to reassert its independence from the capitalists. We fight for the Labour Party to fight for a majority at the elections. But even on this basis we do not deceive the workers into believing that this will solve their problems. We put it forward in order to mobilise and educate the workers in the struggle against the capitalists. This can only be a stage in the organisation of the workers for the overthrow of capitalism. But so long as capitalism remains, it will inevitably lead to war, mass unemployment, hunger and fascism.
Communist workers! Isn't it clear that your leaders and their policy are not Communist at all? That they have nothing in common with the ideas of revolutionary socialism as put forward by Marx and Lenin. Today only the Trotskyists, the real revolutionary communists, tell the truth to the workers and fight for workers' Power and Socialism! For a Socialist Britain in a Socialist Europe!


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Private Terminal
Elyra News Network
By YouJustGotOwened, December 20, 2015 in Galactic News Database
YouJustGotOwened
NanoTrasen Board Member
"For Greatness, We Strive"
!!!Announcement For The Republic!!!
Announcement From Tatenda
Prime Minister Tatenda recently came out of a meeting with the other three Ministers of Elyra with the announcement that the Elyran borders will be closed until the hostilities brought to the Frontier Colonies from the Izweski Hegemony.
Minister Tatenda gave this speech just moments ago.
"This message is for all the Elyran citizens. We have received word of hostile action taking place from the Izweski Hegemony against our neighbors in the frontier. Due to these actions brought against our allies, we are officially closing the borders for the Serene Republic of Elyra. We cannot risk allowing any potential threats to enter our system. It is highly recommended that any Elyran citizens outside of the Republic at this time contact the Elyran embassy where you are. They will work with you in getting you back safely. The Unathi are unpredictable and are bloodthirsty for the blood of the humans from the Coalition of Colonies. We are lucky enough to not be in the direct fire of the Unathi Hegemony at this time. We cannot say for certain that it will stay this way. We are mobilizing the Elyran Navy under the leadership of Minister Latifah and Admiral Nazli. Any Unathi vessels that enter Elyran jurisdiction will be fired upon, no further warnings. Stay safe fellow Elyrans, we will keep the Republic safe."
Follow up announcement; We will not be having any reporters stay outside of the Republic due to the recent Unathi actions. Until then, we will be relying on the reports of the Sol Alliance and Republic of Biesel for updates to provide for you. Stay safe, the producers of ENN also strongly recommend that citizens return to Elyra. Thank you, and stay safe.
The Hegemony Warned
Around half an hour ago, Minister Tatenda made another announcement on the state of relations with the Izweski Hegemony. Tatenda has made an official warning to the Izweski Hegemony and Lord Admiral Trazarial Yizarus that their hostile actions against the Human colonies will not be tolerated. Any other acts of hostilities against the Republic's neighboring factions will lead to military intervention from the Elyran Republic. Tatenda has said, "This is an official call for all nearby nations of the frontier to not let Lord Admiral Trazarial Yizarus' actions stand. The Serene Republic of Elyra will stand with you in these times of uncertainty. We will not allow the Unathi Hegemony harm our fellow humans anymore. We are ready, we will fight them. But, we cannot do this without your help. Now, this is a message to Lord Admiral Trazarial Yizarus. Turn you fleet around. We do not want to fight you but we will do what is necessary to survive. Turn back now, and we will not pursue. Free those that you have captured during your conquest of aggression. Free Governor Davidson and I promise, we will find those who did this to your vessel. This is not the way to do this. But if you refuse our offer, you will face ours and the might of the frontier that you so foolishly attacked. The choice is yours Lord Admiral."
Trade Fleet Attacked?
Earlier this year, the largest fleet of trading vessels was launched from the New Ankara system. This fleet was on it's way back to Persepolis when contact was lost with them. The vessels were last spotted outside of the Serene Riyadh system where there was a short burst of an emergency message that was received by Edrine Command. Currently, EDVs have been sent out to secure the area of where the ships were last spotted. Commander Al-Rahiya, Commander of the EDV Division located in Serene Riyadh was quoted saying this, "While we are not sure what exactly happened to the Elyran traders that were outside our system. We have a few suspects, one of those being the Unathi raider group called, 'Shakd Loroask'. They have been reported in the area where the vessels were last seen. We will continue our investigation of what has happened during this unfortunate event." There were also a few other announcements from political figures located on Edrine requesting any information on what happened to the trading vessels be brought to them immediately. If you have any information, this number has been provided
Below is the contact information that can be used to give any tips on what happened.
Unathi Push Into Serene Riyadh
Elyran forces based around the Serene Riyadh system met their share of conflict this morning. At around 9:30 AM, Galactic Standard Time, Unathi forces ambushed smaller vessels within the Serene Riyadh system. Luckily, an emergency message from the Elyran vessels were picked up by Edrine Command and by Commander Al-Rahiya who dispatched a large group of ships that are part of the Elyran Defense Fleet, the party that was first thought to be Unathi raiders that have been experienced by Edrine before are now thought to have been members of the Izweski Hegemony, these are still not confirmed but Serene Riyadh is now under a state of emergency until all outside threats are cleared. The main bulk of the Unathi ships have already been dealt with, with minor casualties on the Elyran side. Governor Limdina released a report containing the exact outcomes of the battle. He has said that there are still possible raiding ships within the system and that civilians are advised to stay away from the outer parts of the system.
Brink of an Elyran-Izweski War?
As I am sure some of you are aware, earlier today, a large fleet of Izweski Vessels were spotted outside of the New Ankara system. There have been attempts to communicate with the fleet command ship that clearly is part of the Izweski Navy, so far though, there has been no response to communication attempts. Prime Minister Tatenda has mobilized the Ankaran Defense Division to defend any ships in the system. He has said that if the fleet moves any closer to Persepolis, the EDD Forces have been authorized to open fire in order to protect the Elyran Government. There have been words going around that calls for aid have been sent out to the neighboring systems in order to help get the Unathi away from the Elyran Capital. So far, no response has been given to the rumored messages for aid.
It is said that the Izweski Navy that is outside of New Ankara are attempting to blockade the system before any further action takes place. The Izweski forces have been denying entry to many ships that have attempted to return to Persepolis including Minister Nabil who was returning from a diplomatic mission with the Biesel Government. Nabil has since moved to Jedeed Isfahan. A warning has also been sent out to the Izweski fleet that any more attempts to block the Elyran vessels will result in conflict, the warning has also not seemed to have made them notice.
Tensions are high and more reports will be coming in on the current events.
Standoff Explodes into Violence
Late yesterday evening, there were multiple incursions on the Federal Bank located on Persepolis led by suspected Unathi terrorists. The terrorists held the workers inside the bank at gunpoint while explosives were set on the vault to steal the massive amounts of credits stored inside. Luckily, one of the tellers set off the silent alarm, alerting the nearby authorities of the situation. Within 7 minutes, law enforcement units arrived on scene surrounding the building. The terrorists were holding up inside the bank threatening to kill hostages that they had taken. During negotiations, SWAT units were brought in to attempt to stealthily enter the building to defuse the situation. The details of what happened after the units entered the building are very sparse but five minutes after they entered, an explosion occurred that caused much of the front of the bank to be heavily damaged. After the explosion, there was a firefight that lasted around twenty minutes until the Unathi terrorists were killed.
To our relief, there were no civilian causalities and there were four minor injuries reported. Investigation will be underway to find out how the situation turned out how it did. At this moment in time, there are no connections between the terrorists and the Izweski Raiders outside of the system. The possibility of them working with the Hegemony has not yet been ruled out but many experts on Unathi culture believe that they do not act in the ways that were seen yesterday.
Multiple Explosions on the EMV Aris
Around 4:00 PM, Galactic Standard Time, Commander Al-Jarraden, the current Commander of the Elyran Defense Division based in the New Ankara system released information on the recent events that occurred in the early morning hours of March 4. The documents that were released contained details of a bombing on the EMV Aris which caused severe hull damage and a mass venting of the ships internal atmospheric systems. Luckily, 3/4 of the crew successfully managed to evacuate the vessel before the situation became too dangerous. The bombing is believed to have been caused by the now deceased engine technician, Yagmur Saban. It is believed that he managed to sneak an multiple explosive devices onto the vessel inside of his tools.
After further investigation of the source of the explosion and research into the records of Mr. Saban, there is no reason to believe that the bombing was brought on due to involvement from the Izweski Hegemony. Authorities are currently investigating further into Yagmur Saban's history and where he may have gotten the motive to do these terrorist acts.
Hegemon Forces Pull Back
The first reports came in around four days ago that the Hegemony Forces that were surrounding the New Ankara system began leaving the system. First, it was only thought that small groups of vessels were leaving the system, perhaps heading somewhere else to terrorize. Now, almost all of the Hegemony Vessels have now vacated the New Ankara system.
At the moment, it is unknown as to what sparked this sudden movement out of the system but reports have been coming in from neighboring systems of insurrections within the Semi-Hegemony territory. With the last of the Unathi leaving the system, Commander Al-Jarraden has ordered a reinforcing of all Elyran borders. There will now be stationed patrols on the lookout for any unknown vessels. In a part of his speech, Al-Jarraden has said, "This time, we were unprepared for a threat within our capital system. Now, we have our navy organized to deal with any issues that may threaten the security of the Republic." Al-Jarraden went further into detail about recruitment for the Elyran Defense Division and about possible monetary benefits for those who join in the time of need.
Further information is to be released about the new recruitment process that has been put in place. For further information please head to the EDD's website on the extranet. (Link provided here)
After the recession of Hegemony forces, resources have been sent to shipyards surrounding Persepolis in efforts to reinforce the Elyran Navy. Minister Kwadwo has also announced the movement of Elyran Ground Soldiers to surrounding systems to prevent possible invasion from both the Izweski and the pirates that have become bolder in their actions since the Izweski began their assault on the Frontier. For further information on the systems under Elyran protection, please head to this link, (Link provided here)
Here there are many links to other articles on the same topic written by the Elyran News Network. There are also links to government websites and other major issues.
Marlon Phoenix
Lore Writers
Lii'dra Hiveship Warps Into Cairo United
Reports are coming in that a massive vessel has appeared on the outer rim of the Cairo United star system within Republic space. According to the Defense Ministry, an Elyran Naval Patrol cruiser, the EMV Artaxerxes, spotted the unknown ship warping into the Relative Eastern sector of the asteroid field that surrounds the system. The vessel made contact around 1:30am Galactic standard Time.
The Artaxerxes attempted to hail the vessel but received no response until it approached the vessel at sublight speeds. Sensors revealed that the unknown vessel is 30 kilometers in radius. The vessel did not move from its position for the approximate 26 minutes it took the EMV Araxerxes to preposition to achieve visual contact. The Captain of the Artaxerxes then sent several bluespace transmissions to the 3rd Task Force stationed in the system, who then alerted the Ministry of Defense of the intrusion.
The Ministry of Defense has since held a press conference revealing that based on intelligence gained by Elyran authorities and information gained from the Sol Alliance has lead them to believe that the massive ship is actually the Lii'dra hiveship.
The Lii'dra are one of the three known hives of the Vaurca species. However the Lii'dra have become a major antagonistic force to the major powers of the known galaxy with repeated raids and assaults on frontier systems or marauding in deep space.
Daniyah Latifah, the Minister of the Navy, declared the Elyran Navy was now on high alert, and the National Guard of Medina are currently being mobilized on the planet itself as a precaution.
"Unlike the other two hiveships that we know about, [the Lii'dra ship] is equipped more like a warship than a colonial vessel. [it] has a sleek exterior, although it is clear that in the past two years since it was first spotted by the Sol Alliance in Lalande many retrofits have been made. The vessel has no distinct markings and currently it has not responded to any attempts to communicate. We've only been able to detect faint gamma ray bursts coming from the vessel, so they appear to be scanning the asteroid field. We are in constant communication with the Prime Minister as we discuss a resolution to this situation."
BREAKING: Lii'dra Hiveship Destroys Task Force: Prime Minister Declares Crisis
The stand-off between Elyran naval forces and the Lii'dra Hiveship in the relative east of the Cairo United star system has taken a stunning turn of events. The original patrol that discovered the Hiveship, the EMV Artaxerxes, was joined by the main element of the 3rd Task Force by 8:33am Galactic Standard Time. They continued to attempt hailing the vessel, demanding that it leave Elyran territory. At 1:14pm the stand-off turned deadly as the Lii'dra Hiveship suddenly fired weapons on the task force with its railgun cannons. The EMV Artaxerxes was destroyed with the loss of all hands along with three over corvettes. The flagship of the Task Force, the Cruiser EMV Al-Mukhtar, was also critically damaged. The Task Force has since retreated to the nearby planet Bursa. Visual contact with the Hiveship has since been lost but long range sensors indicate at least a hundred, smaller signatures emerging from the Hiveship and scattering throughout the asteroid field.
The government in New Ankara is currently holding an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Defense to formulate a response to the crisis. Military forces across the Republic have been put on high alert and there are reports of mobilizations and heightened troop deployments in both the Cairo United and New Ankara systems. It's unclear what the Lii'dras objectives are, and whether Bursa or other planets are under threat.
We will provide more information on these developments as they happen.
4th Task Force Annihilated: Massacre At New Cairo
Further developments have come out of the New Cairo system that has lead to immense alarm across Elyran space. The Ministry of Defense has announced that the 4th Task Force was completely destroyed following an engagement with the Lii'dra Hiveship. The Hiveship is reported to have begun a sublight approach to Bursa, the Elyran colony in the system. Commander Sethunya Hadiya of the 4th's Flagship EMV Al-Mukhtar ordered the fleet to bluespace to intercept the Hiveship, believing it to be a threat to the planet's 200 million inhabitants.
The Lii'dra ship engaged the attacking force immediately at 12:01pm GST, and after a brief skirmish the 4th Task Force has suffered a catastrophic defeat with the loss of all ships, with the Lii'dra hiveship suffering only cosmetic damage. The last bluespace transmissions from the 4th Fleet indicate that the Lii'dra targeted the escape pods of doomed ships, and it's unknown how many of the nearly 9,480 servicemen and women managed to escape the fight. The fate of Admiral Hadiya is not yet known.
With the disastrous defeat of the 4th Task Force the Prime Minister has announced a full mobilization of the Elyran military. He released a brief video statement where he addressed the Republic, appealing for calm, decisive retaliation as well as urging citizens to volunteer at their nearest recruitment center.
"We are facing a truly alien threat. Their horrific actions in New Cairo has revealed their intents. They show no distinction between non-combatants and combatants. They have killed thousands of our brave sailors and marines. As of yet not a single escape pod from the 4th Fleet has arrived at any of their programed rendezvous points. Rescue efforts will commence as soon as possible but the hopes of finding survivors are incredibly grim. With this nearly unfathomably evil action we will find our will turn to steel and our determination for vengeance absolute. Inshallah we will find the means to carry victory out of this tragedy."
The Prime Minister then went on to condemn the surprise attack and announce that a state of war exists between Elyra and the Lii'dra hive.
"As of noon today a state of war now exists between Elyra and the Lii'dra hive. I am ordering the full mobilization of our military and reserves. I am in a constant state of communication with the Ministry of Defense as we formulate a strategy to repel these invaders. Their efforts are focused to the New Cairo star system. WIth this information, and the knowledge that the Lii'dra have shown their refusal to provide any form of mercy to non-combatants, we are urging all residents to evacuate the planet of Bursa immediately. Emergency services will work to assist in the evacuation and I encourage you to work with them in a calm, safe manner."
Given its speed and current course the Lii'dra Hiveship is expected to reach Bursa at 9:23pm GST.
"Battle Over Bursa": Thousands Saved, Lii'dra Land
The Lii'draa Hiveship has managed to land on Bursa after being delayed by the heroic actions of the EMV Alrraed-Alttifl. The corvette was one of three vessels in use by the Bursa National Guard and were primarily used for low and high orbit search and rescue operations. The ship's Captain Zaki Okoro was originally assisting in the evacuation of Bursa but moved to intercept the Lii'dra Hiveship to protect the refugee convoy leaving the surface to escape a feared Lii'dra invasion. The three corvettes are not typically equipped with heavy weapons and as a result stood no chance against the Lii'dra vessel. Captain Okoro allegedly signaled to the other two National Guard vessels while its own escape pods were launched with the majority of the crew before engaging its engines to full and activating its bluespace drive.
Captain Okoro's ship engaged its bluespace drive and jumped while at full speed, jumping incredibly close to the Lii;dra Hiveship. Captain Okoro and a skeleton crew of volunteer martyrs then rammed the ship against the hull of the Hiveship. The Alrraed-Alttifl was disintegrated on impact but the collision is believed to have caused considerable damage to the hull of the Hiveship.
While the Hiveship remained functional and managed to continue its advance, the heroic sacrifice by Captain Okoro and his crew bought several hours, the time in which thousands more of evacuating civilians were able to escape the planet.
Despite the delay the Lii'dra managed to enter Bursa's orbit and then land on the surface uncontested. The two remaining corvettes have withdrawn to escort the remainder of the civilian fleet out of the sector to the neighboring Jedeed Isfahan system.
The Hiveship landed in the northern hemisphere in the New Asyut province. Several years ago the region was a considerable site of interest for the megacorporation NanoTrasen due to its mineral wealth, but the site was abandoned due to high maintenance costs and steep tax rates.
Bursa Defense Forces have mobilized and there are reports of fighting taking place in the region. Contact with Bursa remains incredibly sporadic as telecommunications remains under considerable stress.
The BDF is believed to consist of three army divisions, with each division consisting of 30,000 personnel that make up the 90,000 strong 1st Bursa Corps.
Based on scattered reports it is believed that after landing more drones were launched from the Hiveship. It's now believed that these drones are mining drones similar to the ones still operating in the asteroid field of Cairo United.
General Shakir Abiodun, who currently leads the BDF forces on Bursa, then said that Vaurca forces then emerged from the vessel in "considerable" numbers. BDF forces commenced an offensive at 11:83am GST but so far our sources say two entire armored regiments were annihilated after coming into contact with Vaurca warriors, and an unknown amount of forces were routed.
Lii'dra forces have entrenched into a defensive position surrounding the Hiveship but launch fast and viscious counter-attacks on approaching BDF forces, who have been unable to penetrate Lii'dra defenses. Surface-based air support has also been reported to have suffered catastrophic failures, with the Hiveship engaging a sophisticated form of anti-air capabilities.
Sources on the ground say BDF forces are facing "demons", with augmented Vaurca warriors being quadrupeds, or even hextopeds. Their weaponry is a sophisticated form of laser weaponry that is incredibly dangerous to even armored units. Along with this the Lii'dra have engaged in viscious close quarters combat, with witnesses reporting soldiers even being torn apart by hostile Lii'dra warriors.
The Ministry of Defense has not given an official comment on the catastrophic failure of the Elyran military to defend Bursa, and the Prime Minister has not made any comment on whether or not Elyra will make an official request to any Frontier governments for assistance, or if he will even made the bold choice of requesting assistance from the Sol Alliance Navy.
Profiles: Living On The Front Lines Of Bursa
Since the Lii'dra first landed in New Asyut of Bursa on the 23rd, the Vaurca have managed to expand at an alarming rate into the countryside surrounding their Hiveship. Just under a decade ago the New Asyut province was a booming industrial center and one of the primary economic centers of the planet, with dozens of boomtowns assembled around the vast mining networks dug by NanoTrasen to tap into the region's vast mineral wealth. Noted for bauxite and other Rare Earth Metals, the region suffered a steep decline after a row of anti-NanoTrasen regulations came into place by the local Bursan government. In modern times most of the former boomtowns have become mostly depopulated, with the quality of life in the region extremely low.
However, ENN war correspondent Raja Masego discovered something surprising. Masego has been attached to the 4th Platoon of the 2nd Division of the Bursan Defense Force. As she followed the 4th Platoon as it raced north from the Al Hamadah province, she discovered that in several of the small towns on the roads many residents were attempting to live normal lives as war raged on to the north. Many residents said they refused to evacuate out of stubbornness or an unwillingness to abandon their home. As the BDF moved north and the marks of war began to become noticable on the landscape, the numbers of civilians dwindled, but even in Aswan, which went from being 5 miles from the front lines to a mere two miles by yesterday morning, to even briefly suffering incursions by rampaging Vaurca warriors just before the 4th Platoon began entrenching the city, there were residents staying in the town. Masego conducted several interviews of the residents, asking why they would refuse to evacuate.
Her most notable interviews come from one resident of Aswan; a shopkeeper by the name of Tamid Uthman, 57.
Tamid owns a small grocery store on the main street of the town, just next to the townhall. It seems like it was once a pleasant place to grab groceries, but it's currently showing the signs of war weariness. One of the front glass windows is shattered and boarded up, while inside the shelves are all barren save for a few random pieces of scrap, with small, happy starbursts advertising sales that seem to have no more meaning.
RM: "Why did you choose to stay in this town?"
TU: "I was born in this town. As was my father and his father before him. My children left to college in the city but there's nothing for me, I'm too old."
RM: "Has your business managed to survive at all?"
TU: "[laughs] No, I haven't had a single shipment in three days and all my shelves are empty. I'm probably going to be bankrupt by the end of this but I don't think the city will send any repo men until this conflict settles."
RM: "You seem to be in high spirits."
TU: "It seems that way."
RM: "Did you witness any of the fighting taking place? Or in the fighting that took place here yesterday?"
TU: "I see and hear the jets. I hear the thunder in the distance. It's like a thunderstorm that never ends."
RM: "And what about the fighting that happened here yesterday? That must have been frightening."
TU: "Yes. It was. Soldiers came driving into the town first just before daybreak. I was asleep in my room above the store when they arrived. One of their armored cars crashed just outside the shop, which woke me up. I got up to look outside my window and saw about a hundred men and dozens of military cars rushing down the street. I was dazed, and was expecting for them to be going northeast towards the beasts. But they were running in the opposite direction; I guess I didn't really consider the fact I'd be watching a retreat. Then I saw the beasts coming from down the street... [Tamid trails off here and stares into the distance.]"
RM: "... Mr. Uthman?"
TU: "[Looking startled] Oh, I'm sorry. I don't think I can continue this, I'm sorry."
RM: "That's fine, you did fine."
Raja Masego has also heavily been documenting the deteriorating state of the Bursan Defense Force as it attempts to hold back the advancing Vaurca. In one harrowing event she and her cameraman Mahmud Imtiyaz narrowly avoid being hit by a BDF transport truck while documenting a desperate advance by the 2nd Division as it tried to retake territory that had been lost hours earlier.
RM: "The situation on the ground remains incredibly fluid. As you can see we are walking past the charred husks of cars and tanks that were lost in the fighting hours ago. Some of them even have... Jesus, look at that! There's a dead one by the car- you can see how it tore off the roof of the car before it was gunned down. These Vaurca are terrifying to behold."
RM: "The Lii'dra seem to be using incredibly advanced-"[inaudible] "-which have so far proven incredibly dangerous to even armored vehicles. Some soldiers report that a single shot from these 'lances' can put a hole through the armor of a battletank."
RM: "I've been asking for a reason for this latest counter-offensive -" [inaudible] "-nable to provide any information at this time. This offensive is incredibly unusual given-" [audible inaudible] "-the retreat for several days, the BDF has dissolved whenever the Lii'dra seem to notice a defensive line being erected, so I don't know why there's this sudden push and no one is giving me any information so far."
[Aircraft flying overhead turn several seconds inaudible]
RM: "-vidence of mining operations taking place. It looks like the Lii'dra are opening up the old mine shafts. The BDF has destroyed several of what they say are Lii'dra mining drones - they're a bizarre design with-" [inaudible] "-but no weapons are installed on them as far as we can tell. But one thing is - look out!"
[The camera is dropped, and off-screen there is shouting and the blasting of a horn. Several seconds into the feed the camera is picked up and a haggard looking Raja Masego is seen.]
Whether interviewing the civilians caught between the Vaurca who show no quarter and the unsavory life as a refugee, the brave work of Masego is proving to provide a harrowing account of the lives and sacrifices being made on Bursa. With casualties now believed to have reached 15,000 on Bursa alone, there is incredible pressure on the federal government to respond to this crisis. The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Defense have not provided any statements since the Lii'dra landed on Bursa but anonymous sources have given unverified statements that the government is currently in the midst of negotiations with various galactic powers as it tries to seek outside assistance.
Federation Intervenes: Lii'dra Advance Halts
The Prime Minister has given a statement at 3:40PM GST in which he announced a bizarre halt of the Lii'dra's invasion of Bursa as well of reports of the Lii'dra hive retreating to their Hiveship. This announcement
"At 3:09PM GST the Bursan Air Control reported several brief unidentified flying objects entering Bursan's atmosphere from orbit. The Bursan Defense Force dispatched interceptors but were unable to keep these UFO's on their sensors and were unable to intercept. We believed, at the time, that the Lii'dra were using previously unknown stealth technology. Following this incident our satellites detected activity far behind the front lines in the New Asyut Province just 12 miles from the Lii'dra Hiveship. We detected several high intensity ion bursts and a spike in thermal readings consistent with high intensity energy weapon usage.
Immediately after receiving reports on this incident I was contacted by Jargon Representative Tlaki'Qeblios, who told me that the Jargon Federation had decided to conduct an operation by their 'Tup Commandos'. This operation was described as a success. The previous signatures were specialized transport shuttles that carried three separate strike teams of Commandos. They conducted an operation against one of the Lii'dra 'Lesser Queens'. The Commandos, after facing extreme resistance, were able to kill the Lii'dra Lesser Queen and extract the body. The Commandos suffered 12 casualties out of their original 28. I do not have the words to properly praise the bravery of these Commandos and the immense gratitude I and all the people of Bursan have for the Federation. I will come before you again in the future when we complete our victory, and I may tell each and every person on Bursa that we have secured their safety."
With the death of a Lesser Queen it's believed that the Lii'dra neural network, their 'hivemind', suffered severe disruptions. The loss of a Lesser Queen is immensely damaging to a Vaurca Hive. BDF forces are reporting that in every front the Vaurca have suddenly halted their advance and have begun a full scale pull-back. The BDF has been conducting a cautious advance, as the Lii'dra retreat remains highly organized and the Lii'dra continue to deliver extreme stress on BDF forces.
The fighting in the New Asyut Province in Bursa has seen 19,392 servicemen killed with 3,293 missing in action. 4,928 civilians have been killed since the Lii'dra landed, with most of these civilians intentionally targeted by Lii'dra forces in violation of galactic conventions.
The sudden Jargon intervention in Bursa comes on the heels of rumors of the Prime Minister holding secret talks with major galactic powers for assistance in the crisis.
Elyra Signs Comprehensive NanoTrasen Defense Contract
Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda yesterday submitted a proposal to the legislators that outlined a comprehensive partnership with the megacorporation NanoTrasen. The bill was pushed through during an emergency session called by the Prime Minister. Only 102 MP's were present in the chamber at the time of the declaration, the majority of which were Tatenda's fellow Elyran Brotherhood party members. In his capacity as Prime Minister of the Senate, Tatenda stepped in as chair and instructed the The Sergeant at Arms, the Parliament's law enforcement officer, to compel absentee MP's who were still within the capital city to attend until a quorum of 280 MP's was reached. The quorum was reached within half an hour. Voting then convened and the motion passed 200 - 87.
The bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that repeals many anti-NT laws in the past and goes as far as to sign a defense contract with the megacorporation NanoTrasen. The legislation grants the Prime Minister authority to utilize funds from the defense budget to "facilitate the purchase and oversight of private security forces to act in service to the state." Attached to the bills were several riders garunteeing NanoTrasen limited mining rights in the New Cairo asteroid field, which is rich in plasma and other resources.
Many MP's have balked at the surprise vote but so far the public has been in favor of the bill. The Prime Minister has defended his actions as necessary for the safety of Elyra.
"NanoTrasen's emergency response team remains one of the most capable and cost effective paramilitary forces out there," he said in his statement, "it is necessary that our sovereignty and our people are defended. Independence and safety have no price tag too high."
NanoTrasen has welcomed the move, and press releases from the congolomerate have detailed that two NanoTrasen drone carriers have deployed in the New Cairo system's Relative North and are currently engaging the Li'draa mining swarm. In addition several ERT squads have been deployed to Bursa to help the Bursan Defense Force clean up the last remaining pockets of Lii'dra resistance.
The fighting in the New Asyut Province in Bursa has seen 19,422 servicemen killed with 3,298 missing in action. 4,938 civilians have been killed since the Lii'dra landed, with most of these civilians intentionally targeted by Lii'dra forces in violation of galactic conventions. In totality the Lii'dra incursion into New Cairo has seen 29,938 deaths. The turning point came after the Jargon Federation intervened with its Tup Commando special forces, which saw a Lii'draa Lesser Queen captured. The Lii'draa Hiveship has since left Bursa and remains in the asteroid field in the Relative East of the sector, where it is believed it is continuing to harvest resources mined by its drones.
The sudden Jargon intervention in Bursa came on the heels of rumors of the Prime Minister holding secret talks with major galactic powers for assistance in the crisis.
Biesel President and Prime Minister in Closed Door Meeting on 'Phoron Market'
The President of Biesel, Joseph Dorn, today at 9:30am GST met with government officials in orbit of Perispolis, including the Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda. The talks between the two went on for several hours, going over the originally scheduled time of a single hour to nearly 2 and a half hours.
While transcripts of the discussion have not been released, members of the Elyran State Department have provided vague statements on the talks being on matters of trade and the two nation's "mutual investment in the phoron market."
Currently NanoTrasen's business in Biesel and Elyra account for 68% of all refined phoron in the galactic market, while Tau Ceti and the combined Elyran systems hold 70% of known phoron deposits in the galaxy.
Given the timing of the meeting coinciding with a breakdown in negotiations between Biesel and the Alliance, many believe that the two powers are discussing possible ways to retaliate against the Sol Alliances' ongoing embargo against Biesel. Speculation reached a head after NanoTrasen dispatched a Representative, Michael Young, to attend the meeting and possibly influence the two heads of state.
Prime Minister Tatenda, in a press conference following the meeting, downplayed fears that Elyra was preparing to close off its trade with the Alliance.
"Phoron is the pillar of our economy, and the foundation on which we build our proud Republic," he told reporters, "it is not a threat to wave around lightly."
Despite the assurances the Elyran stock market dipped strongly, with the PERISDAQ closing at -4%.
AREP Announces Elyra To Throttle Phoron Exports
Only 6 days into the Standard New Year and barely two weeks into the existence of the Association for the Responsible Exportation of Phoron, Elyra, NanoTrasen, and Biesel have announced an agreement that would see NanoTrasen throttle back Phoron refinement and exports within Elyran space.
The Republic of Elyra agreed to cut its output by 5 million metric tons a day. The Republic's leader have said they would quickly implement the cuts, which would bring their net export of Phoron to match the levels of Biesel. Currently NanoTrasen's business in Biesel and Elyra account for 68% of all refined phoron in the galactic market, while Tau Ceti and the combined Elyran systems hold 70% of known phoron deposits in the galaxy.
The cuts have been justified by AREP officials as needed to combat the growing deflating price of Phoron in the galaxy, which has caused notable losses in NanoTrasen's revenue for the last 3 quarters. In 2459 NanoTrasen profit rose only by 2.4%, a historic low for the megacorporation. Phoron prices are also tied to the economic development of Elyra and Biesel. The slouch in prices was correlated with a growing rate of unemployment across Elyra, as many mining sites and refineries owned by NanoTrasen were forced to make personnel cuts or underwrite their operations.
Critics of the deal, including members of the Elyran Parliament, remain skeptical of the Republic's ability to implement the cut in prices and some openly doubt whether or not Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda would abide by the pledge due to the system's reliance on the galactic Phoron market for its economic growth. Edirne and Perispolis are two planets in Elyran space that are especially sensitive to the Phoron prices due to their local industries and job sectors.
The Minister of Diplomatic Affairs, Andile Nabil, issued a statement assuring that the nation was enacting the cutbacks "immediately".
Phoron prices rose after market analysts reported the Elyran production figure, with GALAXDAQ Phoron Crude rising 3.2%.
VileFault
Military Vessel Crashes into Parliament; 34 Confirmed Dead
At 18:27 GST the parliamentary palace in Erbihok, Persepolis, was attacked. The SREV Aintisari, a corvette registered with the Federal Navy, appeared to enter bluespace just a few hundred meters above the palace. It remerged in the lower levels of the building, detonating and destroying the northern wing.
The corvette deviated from its assigned flight path at approximately 18:21, authorities confirmed. It was hailed, and responded by blaming a technical glitch in the onboard navigational systems. The ship's AI was offline at the time, and could not relay camera footage. The signature of its bluespace drive was visible for thirty seconds before the jump, but no response could be formulated in time.
It is likely that the Aintisari exited bluespace underneath the High Parliament. Its internal reactor would have exploded on impact, setting off a chain reaction that could have included the palace's backup phoron-based power generator. A bystander streamed footage of the events to the extranet as they unfolded.
A short video is embedded in the article, clearly taken from hovering pAI. It opens with a wide shot of the azure Erbihok skyline, but quickly zooms in on a small and indistinct craft. It is suspended above a tall, domed complex which astute viewers may recognize as the palace of the Elyran High Parliament. All is still for several seconds, then the vessel slowly points its nose downwards and retracts its rotor blades.
________Somewhere below, a man shouts in heavily accented Sol Common. "What is that thing doing?"
________The pAI replies in cool feminines tones, "Readying its bluespace drive."
________"Wha—"
Before he can speak, however, a bright blue flash expands from the falling ship, momentarily blinding the machine's camera. A low boom rolls across the city, and when the feed refocuses the craft is gone. For a long moment, it isn't clear what has happened. An instant later, there is another flash—whiter, this time—and a second blast that threatens to send the drone tumbling down. All you hear is the rushing of wind and the frantic whirring of the pAI's motors. When it refocuses this time, you are met with a much darker sight. An vast swath of the Parliament is imploding outwards, and a billowing cloud of thick black smoke follows close behind the debris. Now faint shouts of panic can be heard from the man below now. As the drone turns down, towards its master, the video ends.
First responders have arrived, but casualties are likely to increase. Fortunately, the parliamentary morning session had ended just 15 minutes before, and many lawmakers had already left the building. Nonetheless, casualties include several members of the High Parliament along with numerous janitorial and maintenance staff members. Diplomacy Minister Nabil was among those who were in the palace at the time of impact, although his status is currently unknown. The confirmed death toll reached 34 at 18:40.
Minister of the Army Tau Kwadwo was departing parliament when the vessel impacted, and is personally overseeing military units securing the area with assistance of local emergency services. No information has been released confirming whether this was an accident or a deliberate terrorist attack. Travelers should be advised that both Yarmouk Ave. and the Refaii Space Elevator have been closed temporarily.
canon35
Terrorist Vessel Linked Back To Sol Supporters
Days after the deadly terror attack on the parliamentary palace, which claimed the lives of 34 Elyran citizens, the investigation has finally turned up evidence. All of it pointing to the neighboring Sol dependency of Dahis. The thorough investigation led by the Navy found that the corvette used in the attack, the SREV Aintisari, was in command of Captain Gurab Eckram.
Further investigation by authorities investigating the attack indicated that Captain Eckram himself was not responsible for the attack, but rather a shell-frame model had mimicked him. When Elyran authorities approached the shell it opened fire on military police with internal weapons from beneath it's synthetic skin. The mimic fatally wounded two military policemen before fleeing the scene. Pursuing Special Response Units were eventually able to disable the shell using ranged electromagnetic weaponry. After a thorough investigation of the mimic's positron, authorities were able to confirm that the machine had been taking the place of Captain Gurab Eckram for at least a month before the incident. Further data extraction revealed the location of Captain Eckram's remains.
Further investigation and prying had revealed it to be in use of and owned by The Dahis Republic military with the intent of infiltrating the Elyran Navy. The incident raises numerous concerns among the government, many believing that this is a cause for action against The Dahis Dependency. Dahis Republic Officals are yet to speak on this. The Prime Minister is expected to deliver a press conference soon.
President Dorn Addresses Tau Ceti From Perispolis After Daring Rescue By Synthetic Liberation Front
In a surprising development, the president of the Republic of Biesel has given a joint-address alongside Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda, in which the President condemned the Alliance occupation and renounced any statements he had made under duress.
President Dorn had been captured by Alliance marines in the opening stages of the Alliance's invasion of Tau Ceti, and was held in an undisclosed location in the 33rd fleet. While a prisoner he gave the order for the Tau Ceti military to stand down, which contributed to Tau Ceti's rapid capitulation. President Dorn is now claiming that his freedom is owed to the Synthetic Liberation Front and members of the Elyran Special Forces, in what he calls a joint-operation.
"I do not want to provide all of the details because it would put the brave freedom fighters in danger," Dorn said, "but several agents of the Synthetic Liberation Front sacrificed their lives to bring me and members of my cabinet to Elyra, where we have reformed the one true government of Tau Ceti."
He provided brief accounts of being under house arrest in private quarters on a corvette, under constant guard of Alliance Military Police, until Biesel sympathizers replaced him with a shell and smuggled him out of the ship. He then allegedly spent 19 hours in a cabinet behind a false wall in a civilian ship piloted by two shells registered under false papers. The synthetics then smuggled the president out of Tau Ceti and into Elyra, where he was handed off to Elyran authorities. At the same time several members of his cabinet left the system through various means.
"I am greatly moved by the bravery shown by these free synthetics," Dorn said, "one has sacrificed itself while others risked their own survival, all for the sake of our Republic. They desired nothing more than to live with peace of mind in a safe, prosperous society.
I have never before seen our citizens so proud and patriotic for their country," he continued, "every day I see examples of resistance by men, women, and machine who have been stirred to action to defend our young Republic against tyranny. We must continue this resistance. We must go hand in hand with our synthetic population, and understand that our strength and future are shared. Together we must overcome the obstacles before us. We must continue to practice peaceful resistance against the illegal occupation force and any collaborators. In the face of overwhelming force, we will remain committed to not our ideals, but our reality: Tau Ceti was, is, and will always be a beacon of freedom and equality for the galaxy and all of its people."
Prime Minister Tatenda applauded the audacity of the operation by SLF, and spoke highly of Tau Ceti's behavior during its occupation.
"All of Elyra is united in our support of Tau Ceti against the imperialism of Admiral Frost and the Sol government. When I see the protests flooding the streets of Biesel's cities my heart swells with pride. Elyrans know the suffering and humiliation of defeat at the hands of foreign aggression, but we also know that the true strength of a nation and its people is not only in the martial skills of field commanders, but the resolve and will of its people to persevere in the face of staggering odds. Our alliance and friendship with Tau Ceti remains as strong as plasteel."
These revelations have proven deeply embarrassing for both Admiral Frost and SolGov itself. Admiral Frost provided an extremely short press briefing aboard his flagship, where he confirmed that several shells were destroyed and a dozen members of the plot had been arrested.
"President Dorn has ran away then turns around to praise bravery." Frost said, "his emotions are as false as his political career, and I'll prove that over the coming days."
Questions swirl over what the Admiral means by this statement, and what possible evidence he may have on Dorn's political career.
Remembering The Fallen:Bursa Memorial
Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda along with ministers and members of Parliament in a ceremony have officially opened the Bursa Memorial, a memorial dedicated to those that died in the line of duty during the Lii'dra intrusion into New Cairo, sovereign territory of the Serene Republic of Elyra. This conflict saw the deaths of 29,938 people from different branches of the Elyran Armed Forces and amongst those fatalities are civilians from the nearby areas of where the hive ship landed.
The Ceremony started with the Elyran anthem called "Our Elyra" followed by a parade conducted by both the Elyran Army and Airforce followed by a speech given by the Prime Minister Tatenda.
"Live my country, for the unity of our Elyra lives
To glory and greatness we march
For Elyra, we have sworn to live and work
For Elyra, we sweat and toil
For our Elyra, we await the call
From our Elder to our Children, we await the call
With haste we march, for Greatness
Oh my Elyra, we sacrifice for you.
With our blood and soul, we stand for you.
Oh my Elyra, Oh my Elyra, we are yours forever.
For greatness, we strive!
Long live our Elyra."
"Peace be upon you all my fellow Elyrans, I stand before you today not as a man of position, not as your Prime Minster, I stand before you as an Elyran, a person that was grief stricken when the numbers of those that fell to Lii'dra reached my ears. We all know how it all started, they arrived to our space, they fired on our Navy, they landed not far from here and they continued their campaign of wanton slaughter and aggression. They slaughtered civilians, they shot down all escape vehicles, they tainted the very ground we stand on. Never has such a travesty, such a crisis has been faced by our Republic.
In such times, lesser people would have fallen, they would've ran, but we are not lesser people, we are Elyrans. Our brave soldiers, our stalwart, we all stood our ground and faced this threat. It is we, the people of Elyra that stood firmly and fought back against the tide of evil, and it was by our hand and our friends from the Federation of Jargon who have not turned their backs against us, that we pushed them back until they retreated in defeat.
It is through the brave feats of our people, of the likes of Private Ali Al-Meer, a machine gunner in the 1st Division, that when their lines were hit and were being pushed back, he stood his ground, he stood proudly, he strove to greatness, he kept firing his weapon giving time for his brothers and sisters in arm to pull back and to hold the line, he saved many soldiers that day and he paid for it with his life. Let us also not forget the brave sailors and marines our the Elyran Navy, of Captain Okoro and his men, of how they willingly sacrificed their lives and in the process permitted the evacuation of thousands. I could go on and on, I could tell you 29,938 different stories, of our martyrs who willingly gave their lives to preserve our Republic.
Long live the Serene Republic of Elyra! For greatness, we strive! For the fallen, may they never be forgotten!
Let us now give a moment of silence to our martyrs and recite to the fallen Sorat Al-Fateha."
After the speech was done, the Prime Minister was seen touring the memorial, reports indicate he stayed on site for hours after the ceremony.
Article Written by Aboshehab
Synthetic Fears: All time high!
After the alarming incident regarding the tragedy at the Parliament building and the discovery of the shell frame synthetic unit responsible for it, reports have begun circulating of certain protests and criminal activities aimed towards manufacturing, distribution firms, owners and synthetics as a whole, under the slogan of "My Human Elyra". These acts don't just stop there as a new trend has started to rise, that of reporting suspected shell frames to authorities, under the pretense of them being planted there by Dahis for their supposed plot of undermining our Serene Republic of Elyra.
Only two days ago the mayor of a rural town in Persopolis, Ali Al-Deen, who was suspected of the embezzlement of the towns budget was taken from his home under gunpoint and became subject to cruel and torturous act as he was believed to be one of these Dahis shell plants. Law Enforcement Agencies were able to track down the mayor and arrest the culprits, but the mayor was pronounced dead at the scene. The Head of the Elyrian Bureau of Investigation released the following statement.
"What happened to Mayor Al-Deen was regrettable and a result of a hasty mob action. Upon further investigation, the culprits believed that Al-Deen was synthetic posing as the original person, which we've attributed to his less than favorable reputation and ongoing investigation.
I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone present and watching against this form of mob behavior as it breeds nothing but dissent and disunity among us, and that they should report anyone they suspect to the authorities instead of resorting to vigilantism, as the word of law separates us from savages, and the people of Elyra are far from it.
For Greatness we strive, for our Serene Republic."
There have also been as of now unconfirmed rumors that the Parliament is moving forward to better equip Law Enforcement Agencies and the Armed Forces with better equipment suited to deal with any synthetic threats.
For Greatness, we strive! Long live our Serene Republic! Long live Elyra!
Zundy
Artificial Lifeform
Missing Service Men Found Within New Cairo
Three missing servicemen were found today as part of a region-wide search for nearly 50 missing men, women and children of the greater New Cairo area. These three servicemen, whose names are currently withheld, were originally volunteers for a search team assisting local law enforcement. Upon their disappearance the 13th Battalion Army Corp were mobilized to the search area, leading to the horrific discovery. Our reporter Mobina Soroush spoke with Master Ranger Dilshad Friar for clarification.
"It was a massive tunnel into the side of the mountain just beyond Lake Serenity. We found the three of them unconscious just laying in this soupy black stuff. All around them were animal bones and more of the mushy gunk. The smell was the worst though. I don't know why I didn't vomit I know some of those younger army guys did. I guess I was too nervous you know? I felt like we were being watched, maybe from the tunnel, I dunno. It was just-everything was too quiet. You know? No birds, no flies on the remains, nothing. You learn as a Forest Ranger that prey is quiet when predators are around and I just wanted to get out of there. "
The servicemen were moved to New Cairo Central Hopsital under stable condition. It is currently unknown if any of the other missing people were found in the area. After the initial discovery, the Elyran army has setup a blockade around the tunnel as part of an ongoing operation in the area. The ENN was unable to verify the existence of this tunnel prior to today. We've been unable to locate it on any of the geological surveys for the last 10 years
Horror In New Cairo, City In Lock Down
Low quality images from inside the quarantine zone reveal infected citizens assaulting a New Cairo reservist.
Horrifying images reveal the extent of a chaos within the locked down district of Al Bahr as a renewed attack by the Vaurca begins near Lake Serenity.
Reserve units have been scrambled to New Cairo following the quarantine of Al Bahr district as military units engage emergent Vaurca forces along the Lake Serenity mountain range. Though the Elyra News Network has been unable to reach any reporters still situated within Al Bahr, reports indicate that the missing servicemen brought to New Cairo Central Hospital had been saturated with a new breed of K'ois and used as a chilling bio-weapon on the city. Twenty four hours after being relocated to the hospital the service men are reported to have suddenly become murderously violent, attacking and reports say infecting medical staff and other patients with what we know now to be a K'ois based agent.
Within eighteen hours of the initial outbreak, Vaurca forces emerged from the Lake Serenity mountain range tunnels and forced the 13th Battalion army units into full retreat until they were reinforced by 7th and 16th Battalions. They are currently holding their ground.
Images of New Cairo Central Hospital show a series of tar like, black fungal growths snaking across the buildings and spilling out into the surrounding streets and military officials have confirmed that an evacuation procedure has begun for those currently uninfected in the area alongside the city wide evacuation of New Cairo itself.
Medical experts have confirmed within the last few minutes that the tar like substance is indeed a K'ois derivative which acts as an intracellular parasite within humans, influencing the hosts nervous system. Infected in Al Bahr, though at first seemingly carrying out violence at random, have been observed undertaking complex tasks in unison with little to no visible methods of communication, a trait observed in Vaurca military units. More on this story as it develops.
New Cairo In Lock Down
A scientist prepares to receive another victim within this ad hoc biological containment lab, set 15 miles outside of New Cairo
In the last 68 hours, the Elyran reserves have completely mobilized, retrofitting a shipping warehouse to serve as a biological containment facility only 15 miles off the initial quarantine area. Of the facts known, there are little, but what ENN has been able to verify depict a chilling and horrific environment within New Cairo. Colonel Ahsan Al-Afif provided this public address earlier today
"Of all my years in service to the Elyran Medical Corp. I've never seen a scourge as this. This unnatural perversion of science is a testament to the barbarism and complete disregard for human life that our enemy possess, for rest assured my fellow Elyran's the Lii'dra are our enemy, and the enemy of all civilized species in our great galaxy. As with all enemies of the Elyran people, they will be overcome. For merely in the span of 28 hours the Elyran reserve has created a barrier around New Cairo. We have established a perimeter and are assisting in the evacuation and quarantine of infected populace. The nature of this pandemic is still being studied, but what we know so far is that it is indeed a type of Kois fungus not seen before. It appears to react in the presence of light, as such the later stage infected appear to move mostly in daytime hours. Raids and extractions are planned and ongoing.
To those still trapped within the quarantine that may be listening, I address you directly. We have not forgotten you. You have the full support of the Elyran military and its people. In light of this, be wary of traveling during daytime hours. Try to barricade yourself in a moist, wet area as to lessen the likelihood of airborne spore travel. Rest assured, we are coming."
Afterwards we spoke to a bio-technician on the scene,professing their frustration at ongoing testing and providing key details into the actual symptoms and signs of the Lii'dra bio-weapon. They have withheld their name for security reasons.
"The infection comes from contact, the uh...spores attach to organic tissues over any other kinds. From what we could discover it is nearly identical to kois. Yet this variant appears to have bio-atramentous properties, absorbing a wide range of light wavelengths, even within the visual spectrum. This allows easy identification of spores from a distance, as the spores themselves seem to possess a variable natural frequency, making effected areas extremely dark. Why it does this, its hard to say, but its hard to say anything really from a genetics standpoint about kois. Its clear that its been genetically altered before from the few control samples we have, and so its hard to reach a comparable sample to what exactly the Lii'dra did to the already deadly plant."
Eye-witness accounts of the infected describe infected with oozing fungal growths around their face and shoulders, and emitting inky clouds of darkness where they walk. Conflicting reports say that some of the infected seemed to be moving with purpose, but this has yet to be verified.
Thanks to Bygone for the contribution
Conflict In Stalemate As NanoTrasen Wins Contract Bid
With New Cairo still under full biological quarantine and the Lii'dra advance halted to a stalemate, NanoTrasen wins the corporate bid to provide emergency materials and assistance to the Republic.
The "Republic Emergency Resource Contract" went on an emergency bid earlier this week, with NanoTrasen winning by a wide margin. The contract marks NanoTrasen as the prime contractor in supplying emergency aid, materials and human resource to the Republic. The losing bids included Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals and Necropolis Industries as well as rumors of an offer of assistance from the Empire of Dominia.
At a press conference Prime Minister Rasheed Tatenda assured citizens that "this was absolutely necessary given the circumstances" and that "Phoron reserves were not a factor in these negations." When pressed regarding the rumors of Dominian assistance the Prime Minister told press "absolutely not."
Sajjad Toma, leader of the opposition Serene Party called the move "short sighted" accusing the Freedom Party of "under the table deals" relating to the Republics Phoron reserves.
Andrew Reynolds, Chief Relations Director of NanoTrasen told the press that "we're happy to be able to provide the great people of the Serene Republic any assistance we can. With our award winning medical and science staff alongside our great security experts the Lii'dra don't stand a chance."
Interment skirmishes are still occurring along the Lake Serenity mountain range, with the full mobilisation of the Republic military forces. The resident Frontier Militia have also been assisting ground forces, being named a "true asset" by Tau Kwadwo, Minister of the Army.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The AWEX EMI added 28c to close on 1550c at auction sales in Australia this week. The 38,217 bale offering was met with strong buyer competition which was supported in the 96.4% clearance for the week. The Merino MPG's all posted solid rises ranging between 15c and 62c with the hottest market in the 19-20 MPG's. The 28c increase was added in equal instalments over the two day sale which augers well for next week's 39,716 bale offering.
Skirtings added 20-50c rises with the lower VM lots commanding the buyers' utmost attention, cardings continued their bullish run adding 21c in Sydney and Fremantle with Melbourne adding just 7c. Crossbreds are the only sector to tell a negative story with losses of 10-24c experienced as the offering grows. The attention now turns to quantity of wool on offer after the YOY quantities are 10% ahead of last year.
After week 14, Australia has sold 438,663 bales – 8.3% more than the same time last year. Whilst we would like to think production was up, the rise would possibly be due to the extended periods without rain over the past three months. In the same period, the value of wool sold has increased by $151.5m up 24% and the average $/bale sold has moved up $227/bale up 15%.
On the forward markets, Michael Avery from Southern Aurora Wool reports a strong week for both the auction and forward markets. Fine wools prices at auction remain below their May highs but record forwards levels were set in 18.5 and 19.0 microns. 18.5 microns traded at 1950 for November and 1940 in February. 19.0 traded at February at 1800 and April 1790. Strong forward levels were achieved also in 21.0 microns trading at 1560 in November through to 1520 in February and May/June at 1500.
Volumes were only light with growers taking the few opportunities on offer. Forward prices into the autumn next year represent a hedging return per bale of $2,200 for 19.0 microns and $1,900 for 21.0 micron.


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Q: Why the reflection rule trivializes higher paths in Martin-Löf Extensional Type theory? Martin-Löf Extensional Type theory differs from its intensional counterpart in that it contains the so-called reflection rule that says that if $p : x = y$, then actually $x \equiv y$ (i.e. $x$ and $y$ are definitionally or judgementally equivalent). Its known that this causes strong normalization to fail and type-checking to be undecidable.
More to the point, it is known that it also trivializes higher paths in a type in the sense that for any $p, q: x = y$, $p \equiv q$. I wonder why is this so?
I heard this is because it implies that for any $p : x = x$, $p \equiv refl_x$. But I can't see why this is true. As far I can see, given any such $p$ the reflection rule only implies that $x \equiv x$, which is true anyway, since each term is definitionally equal to itself - with or without the rule. So how come we conclude that $p \equiv refl_x$? What am I missing?
Thanks!

A: The point is that the reflection rule makes $p = \mathsf{refl}_x$ a well-formed expression. This turns out to be incredibly dangerous: now we can prove it by induction on equality.
More precisely:

*

*In a context where $x$ and $y$ are variables of the same type $T$ and $p$ is a variable of type $x = y$, we have $x \equiv y$, so $p$ is also a variable of type $x = x$, and therefore $p = \mathsf{refl}_x$ is well formed.

*Thus $\prod_{x : T} \prod_{y : T} \prod_{p : x = y} p = \mathsf{refl}_x$ is also well formed.

*By induction on equality, we have:
$$\left( \prod_{x : T} \mathsf{refl}_x = \mathsf{refl}_x \right) \to \left( \prod_{x : T} \prod_{y : T} \prod_{p : x = y} p = \mathsf{refl}_x \right)$$

Of course, we have $\mathsf{refl}_{\mathsf{refl}_x} : \mathsf{refl}_x = \mathsf{refl}_x$, so the claim follows.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Book Sales & Distribution
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Lisa's Story
Tom Batiuk
The Kent State University Press
Paperback / softback $18.95
Hardback $27.95
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Lisa's Story go towards cancer research and education. Visit Lisa's Legacy Fund to learn more or to make a direct donation.
A story from the comic strips that will make you laugh and cry
Tom Batiuk spent several years as a middle school art teacher before creating the comic strip Funky Winkerbean in 1972. Originally a "gag-a-day" comic strip that portrayed life in high school, Funky has evolved into a mature series of real-life stories examining such social issues as teen dating abuse, teen pregnancy, teen suicide, violence in schools, the war in the Middle East, alcoholism, divorce, and cancer.
In 1999, Lisa Moore, one of Funky's friends and a main character, discovered she had breast cancer. Batiuk, unsure about dealing with such a serious subject on the funny pages, decided to go ahead with the story line. He approached the topic with the idea that mixing humor with serious and real themes heightens the reader's interest. Lisa and husband Les faced the same physical, psychological, and social issues as anyone else dealing with the disease.
After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Lisa was cancer free. She finished her law degree, opened a practice, and had a baby daughter, Summer. Then, in the spring of 2006, the cancer returned and metastasized. Lisa's Story: The Other Shoe is a collection of both the 1999 comic strips on Lisa's initial battle with cancer and the current series examining her struggle with the disease and its outcome. Additionally, it contains resource material on breast cancer, including early detection, information sources, support systems, and health care.
Tom Batiuk is a graduate of Kent State University. His Funky Winkerbean and Crankshaft comic strips are carried in over 700 newspapers throughout the U.S. In 2006, he was honored by the American Cancer Society and presented its Cancer Care Hall of Fame Award for his sympathetic work in highlighting the experiences of those with cancer.
Other Titles from The Kent State University Press
Not All Politics Is Local
eBook : EPDF
Intended Place
The Auctioneer Bangs His Gavel
Penitentiaries, Punishment, and Military Prisons
Romantic Poems, Poets, and Narrators
eBook : EPUB
Local/Int'l: 567.215.0030
info@btpubservices.com
30 Amberwood Parkway
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern


Acupuncture originated in China first written record was over three thousand years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi or chi, the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, qi circulates in the body along twelve primary pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. When the flow of the qi is blocked either by traumas, toxins, or thoughts, then discomfort or diseases will occur.
A trained acupuncturist will perform diagnosis, exam by observing patient's tongue, taking pulses and palpation to determine the proper treatment points. He or she will use a highly polished, stainless steel, surgical grade, disposal needles.
Ear is consider a micro-system of the body, therefore, acupuncturist utilize ear points to help patients for thousand years as well. The past fifty years, there are more research regarding ear acupuncture which it has proven help various health issue. One of the most research is helping PTSD (Post Trauma Stress Disorder).
The best way to understand is to acquire information from your practitioner. Dr. Angel Hong would be pleased to answer your questions. You can also go to our links www.acupuncturetoday.com for more information.


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SESA Administrator
Published by SESA Administrator at December 14, 2022
Special thanks to our outgoing Committee Member Emma-Rose Tildesley
As we farewell 2023 we also farewell some of our SESA Executive Committee members. Emma has been the SESA Communications and Engagement Lead for the past two and a half years, a difficult role in a time of lockdowns and video conferencing overload, with some key achievements with the help of volunteers Chris Browne, Mikaela Stewart, Sui Yi, Simon Sinnott, Ryan Messina, and many more, these achievements include:
Two successful SESA Mentoring Programs
Development of SESA Digital Strategy
Refresh of SESA Microsoft Accounts
Management of key digital channels including a significant uplift in SESA LinkedIn followers
Promotion of SESA events
Emma started volunteering for SESA in 2016 when our Victorian member Paul Street invited her to join some like minded systems engineers in the Victrorian transport industry.… Read more
Published by SESA Administrator at July 12, 2022
Welcome to the new SESA Technical Director – Thomas Manley!
We are pleased to announce our new SESA Technical Director – Thomas Manley.
Thomas has held the role of the SESA Telecommunications domain lead for the past two years.
Thomas has over 20 years experience working in in the Telecommunications industry as a Systems Engineer / Architect with strong experience in capability development, systems engineering, enterprise architectire, technical delivery, business and leadership.
He has a BE in Systems Engineering, a BSc in Chemistry and an MBA from ANU.
Thomas has been an active part of many SESA and INCOSE initiatives and working groups including:
Supporting the delivery of SESA virtual Systems Events following the cancellation of SETE 2020 due to the Covid pandemic
SESA Initiative towards developing a resilience framework of Australia as a System
SESA Response to Australian Governments Consultation Paper on Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance (October 2020)
SESA Response on Exposure Draft Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 (November 2020)
SESA telecommunications working group
SETE 2022 planning towards delivery in September as our first physical conference following the cancellation of SETE 2020
Welcome Thomas!… Read more
Published by SESA Administrator at September 16, 2021
Expressions of Interest to join the Victorian Transportation Working Group
The Victorian Transportation Working Group (TWG) is calling for Expressions of Interest to join the group. The Transportation Working Group is an group of Systems Engineering Professional with a special interest in application for the Transportation Sector.
More information about the TWG can be found here: https://www.sesa.org.au/sesa-working-groups/transport-working-group/.
We are inviting all Victorian SESA members to express their interest to join the TWG and/or nominate themselves to become the new Chair of the Victorian TWG.
We would appreciate if you could write a short response covering the following:
Your motivation to join or lead the VIC TWG
Your ability to free up time for the TWG
Your vision/ alignment with the TWG Goals: https://www.sesa.org.au/sesa-working-groups/transport-working-group/
New Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering from Australia's National University
Great news for SESA members – ANU has released a new Graduate Certificate of Systems Engineering.
This Graduate Certificate can be completed as a standalone postgraduate qualification or used as a pathway to a Master of Engineering at ANU.
Applications close Sunday 31 January. Apply now to start studying in 2021.
There are many ways to study systems engineering in Australia. Below is a list of existing Australian providers of systems engineering courses and training:
Single unit – University of South Australia – Principles of Systems Engineering
Single unit – Bond University – Systems Thinking & Management Modelling for Projects
Single unit – James Cook University – Introduction to Systems Engineering and Project Management
Major – Curtin – Industrial and Systems Engineering
Major – University of Adelaide – Defence Systems
Postgraduate:
University of New South Wales- Master of Systems Engineering
University of South Australia – Master of Defence Systems Integration
University of South Australia – Graduate Certificate in Defence Systems Integration
Single unit – University of Melbourne – High Integrity Systems Engineering
Short:
Acmena – Systems engineering training available across multiple areas available for private delivery by prior arrangement
University of New South Wales – Systems engineering training available across multiple areas available in person or online via Coursera with ability to attain credits for the UNSW Masters of Systems Engineering
Eggler Technology – Systems engineering training available across multiple areas available in person or online on demand
Project Performance International – Systems engineering training available across multiple areas available in person and live online
Nova Systems – Systems engineering training available across multiple areas available in person
Engineering Education Australia – Introduction to Systems Engineering for Public Transport
Please note that this list includes the Australia providers of systems engineering courses and training available at this time as known to the author.… Read more
Published by SESA Administrator at November 29, 2020
SESA submission to Australian Government on "Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance"
SESA was pleased to provide feedback on the Australian Government's consultation paper on "Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance". The consultation paper outlined a security and resilience framework for Australia in terms of three key elements:
Positive Security Obligations;
Enhanced Cyber Security Obligations; and
Government assistance for entities subject to cyber-attacks.
The consultation paper sought feedback from owners and operators of critical infrastructure, state and territory governments, academia and the Australian public, through a series of (36) questions, to contribute to the design and delivery of the proposed resilience framework.… Read more
SESA involvement in Systems Engineering Standards
SESA participates through the Standards Australia Technical committee IT-015 Software and Systems Engineering, which is the National body representing Australia on the international technical committee ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7 by the same name. SESA also partners with the INCOSE Standards Initiative as a Category A liaison to ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7 that provides editors and working group conveners for a number of the keystone standards that underpin the SE discipline. (See SC7 Standards Collection below).
Key among these standards is ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 Systems Engineering Life Cycle Processes, edited by Garry Roedler, the INCOSE Immediate Past President.… Read more
Abstracts open for IPEC
Submissions are now open for the inaugural "Integrated Project Engineering Congress" (IPEC) being held from 26-28 May 2021.
All details are available on the IPEC website: https://ipecongress.com.au/program/call-abstracts
Published by SESA Administrator at July 8, 2020
SESA Needs You – Register your interest to be involved
To all SESA Members,
SESA's newly elected Executive Committee are looking for members to volunteer for the following initiatives during 2020:
Value Proposition Development – Assisting the Chief Value Officer to Engage with members and Develop the SESA Value Proposition
Finance and Governance – Assisting the Treasurer in managing Governance and financial control matters
Social Media and Website Improvement – Assisting the Communications and Engagement Lead to develop a social media strategy and improve the SESA website
Event Planning – assisting the technical director and the Domain Leads plan and deliver exceptional events online and eventually face/to-face.
Published by SESA Administrator at June 15, 2020
SESA Call For Nominations 2020/2021 Committee
Thank you to those that attended the SESA General Meeting. As discussed we are issuing a Call for Nominations. The selection criteria and position descriptions for each role are as below:
SESA are calling for nominations for the below 5 positions. The positions will be elected by the SESA Membership for a two-year term commencing 1 July 2020.
Comms and Engagement Lead
Defence/Aero Domain Lead
Transport and Cities Domain Lead
Telecommunications and Cyber Security Domain Lead
As noted in the attached, if you would like to nominate for one of these positions please send the below information to info@sesa.org.au … Read more
Systems Engineering Society of Australia
Engineering House, 11 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
© 2020 Systems Engineering Society of Australia. Website by factory99


The Haiku Foundation announces the creation of the Touchstone Awards Series, beginning with the Touchstone Distinguished Book Awards for 2010. The Touchstone Awards Series is a family of awards designed to recognize and reward excellence in the field of haiku.
The Touchstone Distinguished Book Awards will be bestowed annually on published collections of poems, or works of scholarship that present a noteworthy contribution to English-language haiku in the estimation of a distinguished panel of poets, editors and scholars. Any English-language book or other production that is of or about haiku (and related forms) is eligible for the Award. The 2010 Award is open to books published between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010. Each author of an award-winning book will receive an engraved stone with their name and title of their book on it, emblematic of his or her contribution to the foundations of English-language haiku.
The panel for our inaugural awards consists of Charles P. Trumbull, editor of Modern Haiku; Ruth Yarrow, haiku poet, judge, teacher for 35 years; Lorin Ford, haiku editor for Notes From the Gean; Professor Philip Rowland, editor of Noon: Journal of the Short Poem; and Barbara Louise Ungar, winner of the Gival Press Poetry Prize in 2006.
Any individual or publisher whose book has been published within the given time frame may submit their work for consideration. There is no reading fee. If there is some question about your book's eligibility, please contact the Foundation at the address below for clarification.
Enquiries may be directed to this address, or to web.admin@thehaikufoundation.org.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Many people spend winter huddled indoors. For winter sports enthusiasts, however, the arrival of snow and chilly temperatures means the start of a season of outdoor fun. Those who see winter as a time to embrace their love of sport may appreciate learning more about some of the sports that are most popular during the colder months of the year.
SnowSports Industries America indicates that, in the 2014-2015 season, more than nine million American Alpine skiers took to the slopes, and the sport continues to attract new devotees each year.
Historians state that skiing evolved as a method to cross the landscape in the winter when marshlands froze over. Cave drawings suggest that man used skis during the last Ice Age in the Palaeolithic period. Yet the birth of modern downhill skiing is often traced to the 1850s when Norwegian legend Sondre Norheim popularized skis with curved sides and made skiing a sport instead of just a mode of transport. Skiing ultimately became quite popular in Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Today there are various types of downhill skiing, including mountain skiing, extreme cat skiing and heli skiing.
Winter sports draw millions of participants each year, giving people a reason to leave the house even when temperatures dip below freezing.


text:
Oshae Brissett Paschal Chukwu Tyus Battle Franklin Howard Elijah Hughes Marek Dolezaj Robert Braswell Bourama Sidibe Buddy Boeheim Howard Washington Jalen Carey Sports Men's basketball Men's sports Basketball Men's college basketball College basketball College sports Coaching
Jim Boeheim starts 44th season at Syracuse with young roster
FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2019, file photo, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim directs his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Duke in Syracuse, N.Y. Boeheim has five freshmen on the roster as he prepares for his 44th. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi, File)
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim speaks Friday, Oct, 11, 2019, at the team's annual media day in Syracuse, N.Y. The team is ahead of schedule after a summer trip to Italy. They are to open the season Nov. 6, 2019, at home against reigning national champion Virginia. (AP Photo/John Kekis)
FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2019, file photo, Syracuse's Buddy Boeheim waits to enter during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y. The Orange received three votes in the AP Top 25 preseason poll and the players say they like being the underdog. Syracuse opens its season at home against defending national champion Virginia on Nov. 6. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi, File)
FILE - In this March 21, 2019, file photo, Syracuse forward Elijah Hughes (33) shoots as Baylor guard King McClure (3) defends during the first half in a first-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Salt Lake City. The Orange received three votes in the AP Top 25 preseason poll and the players say they like being the underdog. Syracuse opens its season at home against defending national champion Virginia on Nov. 6. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)


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Fruitland Township is a civil township of Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,235 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which  is land and  (7.97%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,235 people, 1,859 households, and 1,492 families residing in the township.  The population density was .  There were 2,247 housing units at an average density of .  The racial makeup of the township was 96.96% White, 0.63% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 1,859 households, out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.6% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males.  For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $53,977, and the median income for a family was $60,021. Males had a median income of $40,647 versus $28,615 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,216.  About 2.0% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

References

External links
Fruitland Township

Townships in Muskegon County, Michigan
Townships in Michigan

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