Count and Countess of Ticktop on Cruise

(Year 234, Summer) It's still work in progress, but I enjoyed testing my new cruising ship, so why not share some pictures?

Count Helfert (50) and Countess Elisabeth (55) of Ticktop, on a normal day located in Glimmerbrook of my Crafthole region, went on a cruise! It was the countess' gift for her husband's 50th birthday. And perhaps also meant to get his thoughts off the fact that he is no longer seen as of high nobility, now that the Ticktop county's District Order was paused. It means a huge downgrade within Aristocracy, but not much they can do about. Or should I say - do a boat?

«The Admiral» is obviously not completed yet, I've added more windowes along the side, and some of the rooms need way more attention, too. The ship is operated by a company owning several ships, but this one offers the most popular cruises. They decided to join the cruise in Sulani, quite the trip, but let's just say other options did not fit well with the count's schedule.

Do you descend from King Baltazar II? (Part 1 of 5 - Windenburg and Rossie)

(Year 234, Summer) Mazaloom kingdom is nearly 235 years old. There were numerous monarchs during all those years, but historians agree that the most important of them all - to this date - was King Baltazar II. With 46 years on the Throne, he is still the nation's longest reigning monarch. Current King Tarriot has already reigned for 36 years, but is atm only 3rd.

Baltazar II was our monarch Years 2-48, replaced by his son Rupert, and later by grandson Wizar (who reigned for 37 years). During his reign, King Baltazar established the foundation of many community structures that we still benefit from today. After the Great Revolution (Year 118) the monarchy was ditched, but later reestablished with House de Luxe-Hamper in Year 150.

Today there still live many descendants of King Baltazar II. With a few exceptions, they are all found within aristocracy. We'll track them all in this mini series of 3 articles.

New graves index

(Year 234, Summer) Church of Similius cordinates all of Mazaloom's graveyards, and today they made their grave index public to all. Wonder what funerals you missed recently? Or did you forget what graveyard to visit to tend your greatgranduncles grave?

A funeral service for Eleanor Elderberry, Britechester, took place this week.

The public index is still in beta, but except from a few images not showing and some text details that might be moved or adjusted in other ways, the index is fully operational. It is used by the five Undertakes to keep track on new graves and what temporary grave deco that needs attention.

Gossips #17

(Year 234, Summer) Hello again! I'm ready with the 17th issue of my gossips column! Upcoming social season must wait until next issue, because there is so much in the line-up. Are you ready, too? Let's go!

As usual, we'll start with the royals.

Baron Auphor of Verde is dead

(Year 234, Summer) What baron would deserve a long necrolog, if not Lord Verde? His history is quite unique, even for aristocratic standards. And his life was pretty long, passing at 93. Although he struggled after the death of his first wife, often referred to as «the love of my life», he had a pretty high life satisfaction in his later years.

Auphor Juan Humphor (Saxor) Sax-Donnersmalt, Year 141-234.

Auphor Juan Humphor did not only have a complex firstname, he also changed his lastname ten years ago. Aged 83 he started a new life, founding a brand new House of the aristocracy, involving remarrying and moving to Oasis Springs. So, this little article written to honor this private man with such a pristine reputation, will actually cover both the House of Saxor and the House ofSax-Donnersmalt.

Political Parties had their Spring Meetings

(Year 234, Summer) On 1st day of Fall the four political parties will release lists of candidates and political program for the upcoming Year 235 election (1st day of Spring). Spring this year they all had their annual Spring meetings, extra important this year because of the 5 years cycle. We can't wait to learn who their top candidates for the Prime Minister job will be. Everything seems open.

Prime Minister Rob Wilder at Hotel Roadstead, Magnolia Promenade.

We know that RIGHT party and LEFT party normally have a close race, and MIDDLE party might be expected to still be a rather small party. But this upcoming election wuill be different, not the least because the new WORLD party will join the mix. A new party is not likely to get the PM, though, but they can get some impact on the final result - like will they steal votes mainly from RIGHT? We are definitely facing an interesting election!

Queen's Brother and Princess Splitting Up?

(Year 234, Summer) Are the rumors true? Is a divorce upcoming for Baron Sacariaz of Tartosa? Will he divorce from Princess Aleccandra? Any baron's divorce would go public with speculations, but in this case it's not just a regular baron, Sacariaz happens to be the brother of Queen Venezia.

We know nothing regarding what takes place behind closed doors, but there are numerous indicstors feeding such a rumor. Baron Sacariaz and Princess Aleccandra can not reproduce, at least not together. If it is the Baron himself to blame, a divorce would not help, but if it is Princess Aleccandra who is inferile, he might see finding another spouse as the only way to bring his peerage forward. This peerage was held by House de Mandrake for nearly 200 years, requiring a male heir, even. His sister, Queen Venezia, gave birth to no less than four children, so it makes it less likely that Sacariaz is the infertile part.

Baron Sacariaz and Princess Aleccandra used to be the ultimate celebrity couple, he being the Head of a House with the need for a son, and she being the jetzet princess, who, together with her scandal sister Princess Hortenzia, were stripped from their Highness style by the previous monarch, Queen Evez. The couple was often seen out and about, they were often photographed, and they were also a press favorite thanks to their relaxed, tad eccentric style.

Estate von Haunt 75 Years Anniversary

(Year 234, Spring) This year it's 75 years since the old Estate von Haunt opened its doors as a museum, after a thorough renovation following the Year 98 fire. The building, worthy of a royal, did serve as the Lord von Haunt's estate for nearly a century, but is today owned by Mazaloom Historical Museum.

The day is packed with local events, and because this place holds a strong position in most Windenburgers' hearts, the large crowds are expected. Before the official opening a few prominant persons gathered for some photos, a private tour and a few last minute adjustments. They are not worried about the weather, come rain or sun!

National Top 10 Bestselling Books Year 233

(Year 234, Spring) It's that time of year again, and this time we are more excited than ever: What books sold best last year? Publisher and Author Octavia Moon (53) met the press in San Sequoia this week, as the brand new Top 10 was released.

Octavia did not only get last year's release on the list, and she did not only get 3 titles squeezed into the Top 10, but she also reached the top: Her bestselling biography «Olivia», covering jazz legend Olivia Clump's life, did reach the very top as #1.

Judith Ward celebrates 70!

(Year 234, Spring) Global Actress Judith Ward turns 70! Although she would have preferred staying at 69 for a few more years, she went for the big announcement, that a huge party is. In the formal invitation she made it clear that she wanted to check how it is to not limit your friends to the fame level right under your own! Perhaps it was a hint that she has passed the peak of her career, but there were certainly some suggesting that she is still afraid that all the guests would believe she wants their friendship after he party... This was obviously meant as a one night only.

Well, the guest list was long, but they all had some connection to either Judith personally, or to her long film career. The party can begin!

Free download: 5 Framed Fairy Pictures

It's been a while since I added anything to my downloads page. Now I plan creating something for the many secret locations in my game, to cause discussions in my sims' homes about what that place on the old picture could be, and who in our family did bring this framed picture - have we seen it before?

If you don't plan to play any fairy related discovery story in the near future, some of these framed pictures might still be good as plain decoratives in a cottage, or even in a young girl's bedroom? Or in that chaotic room in the attic or basement. All 5 motives come with two frame alternatives - green or brown - to praise the Nature theme :).

Advorton Zoo goes Small Business

(Year 234, Spring) Mazaloom's only Zoo is located at Plaza Mariposa in Ciudad Enamorada. Mónica Lopéz is the manager, and she is assisted by her young adult son and teen daughter. Together they form a solid team tendiong to the animals, but also improving and changing the features of the zoo.

- It is important to us that repeat guests will both recognize the place and discover something new every year. With a mix of ages, preferred animals and not to mention unforseen events, it is quite a puzzle to make everyone happy - including the animals. Last year we got the Crow Advardo, but this year we ran into so many challenges that we desided that upgrading the zoo to Small Business would be enough.

Mónica welcomes us at the entrance. §29 per guest, please!

- In the past we had a couple sales tables, that one of us needed to tend during the opening hours. With the Small Business deal we just make sure to stock the goods before opening hours, and the one who used to tend the sales is now free to do something else. And believe me, at any zoo the chores never ends.

Agatha Crumplebottom Honored

(Year 234, Spring) Yesterday there was a small ceremony at region Rossie's recreation center, located at Gibbs Hill in Britechester. The main guest came from Henford-on-Bagley, to receive the Rossie medal of honor; Agatha Crumplebottom. The honor is only given to residents with a positive reputation, and they must have contributed to the community in a way that stands out a bit, positively.

Proud honoree: Agatha Crumplebottom (95).

Agatha Crumplebottom (95) was honored for founding and idealistically running her garden shop at Finchwick for decades. Most of those many years she ran the stall alone, but the recent years she was assisted by her cousin, Agnes.

People Chamber: Ministry of Science & Education

(Year 234, Spring) This is the final part of the brief introductions to the 5 ministries of People Chamber, following the Election Y230 results. The ministries cover Law & Justice, Trades & Taxes, Culture & Entertainment, Health & Welfare, and finally Science & Education. With 5 ministries and each electional period being 5 years, we have introduced one ministry per year on this blog. This is not a random thing, because each of those 5 years one ministry will have a bigger focus, and in Year 234 People Chamber will focus a little extra on community matters within Science and Education. It's a good thing not needing to cover all fields constantly, but whatever needs attention will of course be given focus by People Chamber, no matter of focus of the year.

So, here is the current members of Ministry of Science & Education!

Left to right: Emma R. Golden (Minister), Knox Greenburg,
Bianca Sterner, and Jurton Summerton Mester Foxbury.

The ongoing electional period did already have some focus on education by establishing the Old Penelope Military School (a boarding high school focusing on fitness and disciplin, located in StrangerVille), but that also involved Ministry of Law & Justice, where military naturally sorts. With a well working existing system of boarding schools on high school level, and both University of Britechester and Foxbury Institute running just fine, education might get less attention this year. Instead, science seems to hold numerous subjects for debate and possibly actions. But then something suddenly changed.

Baby Expert: Trust Your Neighbors

(Year 234, Spring) - The worst mistake I see in Parenting is taking your children for granted, says baby expert Heidi L. Wooblershield. She claims that babies are a blessing, but not being blessed with them is not the same as being cursed.

- Some of us won't have our own children, but then we might become the greatest resource to someone else's child instead. Raising a new generation is just as much a community matter and that is where we are all equally important!

Royal Estates Speculations

(Year 234, Spring) In Mazaloom kingdom there are eight royal estates, one for each of the nation's eight regions. According to recent strategies the total number of royal estates was reduced as a direct result of smaller budgets. Maintenance comes with a bill, and the size of the current royal family would probably not justify more than eight estates, anyway. Thanks to the recent regional reform, the Crown owns no estate in today's region 5 San Myshuno, but in former days this area included Del Sol Valley, where we find the royal palace. So, in a way region San Myshuno is well represented.

Top left to bottom right (numbers refer to region): 3 Royal palace Chateau Peak in Del Sol Valley, 1 Hafen Herrenhaus in Nordhaven, 2 Wyvern Hall in Britechester, 3 Villa Vigna in Tartosa, 4 Chateau Marigold in Ravenwood, 6 Sunneva Challet in San Sequoia, 7 Casa de Cha-cha in Ciudad Enamorada, 8 Queen's Stables in Newcrest.

All estates are listed with some details on the Royal Palace Office's webpage (RPO). Occasionally royals spend holidays away from the royal palace, or they might move for a couple weeks according to bigger events where they tend to engagements over numerous days. The additional estates can also be used for social events or accommodate stately guests. Basically each estate is operated by a live-in Tenant who might also work as the estate's butler, but for bigger occasions staff members might be borrowed from the royal palace.

Pepperstones splitting?

(Year 234, Spring) There are rumors that the Pepperstone couple is divorcing, or are they just splitting up strategically? Mr Laurent Pepperstone was our previous Prime Minister for one period, and he has announced that he wants to run again. His wife, Aronica, who used to work in his shadow supporting her husband's candidature, now wants a front row position for their party, too.

Aronica (de Porportoza) Pepperstone moves to Ciudad Enamorada?

The couple was married since long, and their marriage was always seen as a solid one where their only challenge was that they never managed to have children. Perhaps that is the reason they both like to focus more on politics, which can easily take a lot of time and efforts.

Mazaloom/Snorthia Conflict Solved?

(Year 234, Spring) The culture conflict between Mazaloom kingdom and Empire of Snorthia has been ongoing for a couple years. It all started by Miss Patricia Maiden revealing that the Snorthian historical painting and cultural national treassure, in fact was a portrait of Miss Maiden's mother, the long gone actress Limia (Oceanus) Maiden. In other words the motif was not as old as Snorthia claimed. The Emperor accused Mazaloom to have offended Snorthia deeply, and from there it all escaled. One example is that the Snorthian borders were closed to foreigners, and Mazaloomian atheletes were not allowed to enter the Snorthian Winter Games. We also saw that Patricia Maiden was taken hostage by Snorthia.

This week an international meeting took place in Mt. Komorebi, Snorthia.

Prime Minister Wilder and Grand Marshal Calves in front of the Council building in Mt. Comorebi.

Both Prime Minister Rob Wilder (73) and Grand Marshal Robert Calves (64) attended as the Mazaloom kingdom's representatives. While the conflict was not completely solved, the meeting helped descaling the negative impacts, and most important to many residents - the border is again open.

Nestor Wallort is dead

(Year 234, Spring) Yesterday the Nestor of Church of Similius' monastery at Windenburg Isle died, aged 96. Wallort Rose grew up in Ciudad Enamorada, but lived most of his life at the Monastery. Aged 39 he became a Monk, and 19 years later he got the Nestor position, which is the highest position within the monastery.

The monastery normally is home to 4-6 monks, they are focusing on Wellness, Thanatology and Singing, while being prepared for a position as a future Priest. One Monk will have the title Aspiring Nestor, preparing to replace the Nestor, eventually.

Call for New Botanical Garden

(Year 234, Spring) Ministry of Science & Education has announced that Mazaloom would benefit from a stronger botanical focus. We currently have two private venues focusing on plants, but neither of them are committed to the Ministry. At Gilbert Gardens in San Sequoia (region Aarbyville) there is a lovely and grand herbarium, but only the outdoors are open to the public. The location is a popular stop for a family picnic, but there is hardly any educational aspects.

In the secluded Glimmerbrook (now region Crafthole) we find Brook Herbarium, another fine indoor greenery. This one is accessible to anyone, but they mainly focus on local tradition and less on national garden history.

Minister Emma R. Golden (64, RIGHT) is now calling for initiatives to build a new national botanical garden.

Plumbob Pictures Celebrations

(Year 234, Spring) Every year in Spring, Plumbob Pictures celebrates their latest productions with a huge gathering at their lounge in Del Sol Valley. Many celebrities will attend, ongoing productions will be confirmed, and new productions that are not yet casted will be announced, and finally - the ticket sales for the previous year will finally go official including the important Top 10! And - not to forget - the many stars that will pose before the event begins!

Judith Ward was only one of the many well known guests this weekend. She normally gets her fair share of attention, and this time she even had the lead in last year's biggest production, «Lemonade». Did her fame help that film reaching Top 1?

Agnes Crumplebottom's Testament

(Year 234, Spring) Mrs Agnes Crumplebottom aged 100 has finally written a testament! Turning 100 might be a bit late to share your properties among those beloved relations, but the old woman is with great health. Last year she celebrated her big anniversary with a full day program, and she was not seen moaning once - at least not for being sleepy or tired. However, the following couple days nobody observed her outside of her cousin Agatha's house. 

Agnes happens to be among the wealthiest residens of the entire kingdom. According to previous tax records, she is today good for more than 1,4 million simoleons! On her birthday she did announce that she intended to transfer half of her shares to her son with no delay - a son who was questioned by many because he has a female voice and he was never seen offended by nearby flirting. That transaction went official last year, as Angus Crumplebottom received 7% of Landgraab Industries, Inc. worthy more than 1 million simoleons! Agnes still owns 8%, plus she also own shares in Tredony Trades, Inc and cousin Agathe's gardening shop. So the testament will still be of great interest to many!

People Chamber: Seats per Region Confirmed

(Year 234, Spring) Yesterday the details that everyone has been waiting for were confirmed by High Court. In one year the Year 235 election takes place, and the 21 electable seats of People Chamber were shared between our 8 regions, based on latest population numbers.

The changes after the Year 230 election are significant thanks to the regional reform where several districts switched regions.

High Judge Mrs Anita Ferny held a quick press conference at People Chamber.

Nobility Calendar of Year 234

 Royal Palace Office (RPO) has released the calendar for the Year 234. The royals attend various events nation wide as well as abroad. In addition there will be a few events hosted by them, and during a normal year there will be some stately guests, too.

Also the 8 high nobility houses in Mazaloom are included in this calendar. They equal to the knights of the High Order of the Baltazar - one from each region. They are less active in representation, but serves as a network that can step in when needed.

Traditionally each House will rarely accept more than two invitations per season, the royals a bit more, including patronages. High nobility Houses rarely take on community engagements outside their home region, unless being urged to by the RPO. It's Year 234!

Nordhaven is blooming!

(Year 234, Spring) This blog was contacted by Adriana Hyde, a local of Nordhaven, region Windenburg. In the past they were administrated by Windenburg, but now that Norhaven got district status, they will elect their very first Mayor. This happens a little less than a year ahead, meaning the political parties had a deadline for Nordhaven candidates on this Nomination Day. Just like all the other districts.

List of candidates are normally not made public untill Fall, but Adriana Hyde (59) obviously could not wait that long. It's early days. Her candidature is not official yet, neither is it confirmed by her party.

- I had to let everyone know that I will be the favored candidate of the RIGHT party, she announced. - I am fully aware that they need to confirm these things, but I really don't see how they should not support me all the way. I should be their number one pick!

Interview: Prime Minister Rob Wilder

(Year 234, Spring) Mr Rob Wilder has served as our Prime Minister since Year 230, and for the first time he allowed the press to meet his family at Uptown in San Myshuno.

Married twelve years ago: Mrs Holly Alto and Mr Rob Wilder.

No photos taken in the huge 3 stories apartment, but the session took place at the terrace.

While the Nomination Day candidates from his RIGHT party won't go public until Fall this year, we know for sure that Mr Rob Wilder (73) won't run again for the the upcoming election. Is he fine with that?

Royal Teens got Hobbies

(Year 234, Spring) Did you ever wonder what are the main hobbies of the four royal teenagers? Let's check with three of them, all students at the same boarding school in Windenburg.

In the yard in front of Summerfield High, an old herrenhaus in Windenburg's countryside, the three students agreed to meet with us. HRH Crown princess Emireza (23), HRH Prince Bazillimus (21) and HRH Prince Cecil (19) are all students at the same high school, a topic that stirred up some critical reactions few years ago.

Mazaloom News - Year 233

Year 233 is history, and Mazaloom NEWS is here with the highlights! With the new format you get news from the entire kingdom, and even covering a few news from other nations like Empire of Snorthia and Sea kingdom. Sports is covered, too! Six minutes video with news, job openings and family notes, presented by Simmerville Studio's news anchor, Paulo Caliente.

Penny Pizzazz caused Scandal

(Year 234, Spring) We planned to wish everyone a brand New Year 234, but instead we got this serious report from Chestnut Ridge, that can not wait. Popular model and all around artist Penny Pizzazz (56) caursed drama at the Rusty Horse Shoe at New Appaloosa in Chesnut Ridge by seriously harming a fan.

It started with Penny arriving this popular water hole. She was in Chestnut Ridge for a business meeting next morning. Photographers where there, thanks Similius, because they also captured the drama to follow!

Gossips #16

(Year 233, Winter) Hello again! I'm back with the 16th issue of my gossips column! A new year is knocking and I thought it might be wise to let go of some of my gossip preassure... Are you like me? Stay tuned, here we go!

Today I'll share gossips from all over the kingdom, and as usual there is a bit from each of the eight regions. But first we'll update on the royals!

Nomination Day: Adjustments to Election Routine

(Year 233, Winter) As the Year 235 election gets closer, it's time to take a look at some changes that will affect both the political system and the electional routine. Most changes are minor, and all were approved by all three Chambers already. The four political parties were involved with most of the proccess, and got all details in time to plan for their upcoming nominations and political program.

Mrs Anita Ferny from Oasis Springs is our current High Judge, leading the Court Chamber.

Nomination Day is next week already, on 1st day of Spring, and this is exactly 1 year before the next election. Right here and now High Judge Anita Ferny (72), leader of the Court Chamber, will shed som light on the most important adjustments.

Photo leak: Flock People Baby was born!

(Year 233, Winter) Earlier this year we learned that Landgraab Science Lab attempted to secure the mythical Flock People by making a science baby based on DNA from the old Flock man. The project was successful, much thank to Edith Mox (47), a local Flock People enthusiast who volunteered to carry the baby and give birth. The birth took place already, and today the first photos were leaked!

The baby obviously has the green skin of the Flock People, and hair is red. It's a bit early to tell the facial structures, but we can definitely conclude that the ears will be bigger than  normal!

Winner announced: Mazaloom Achievement Award Year 233

(Year 233, Winter) They say that it takes three times to make a new tradition, and this week a tradition was sealed! The annual Mazaloom Achievement Reward for maxing a skill was handed out for the third time. The committee, lead my HRH Crown Princess Emireza, searched high and low for this year's awarded resident. She was found in Brindleton Bay and her great achievement is maxing the Cooking skill.

HRH Crown Princess Emireza (22) and Emma Sherwood (87).

Emma Sherwood (87) served House de Cavalier for decades, cooking their everyay meals. But she also prepared food for large parties, and she was a trusted support for the duke's three children - today all grown up. When Emma retired, she was offered to move in at Hindquarter Manor, an estate owneed privately by the duke. She would stay there for as long as she wanted, and without serving the household - unless she felt like giving a hand occasionally.

Preparing for the Mazaloom Census

(Year 233, Winter) The nation is facing a very interesting period! The political landscape is changing, not only thanks to a fourth party joining the 5 years election. The political sysem has been slightly adjusted and also the past regional reform will bring minor changes to the number of seats at People Chamber, representing each region. And on top of all this, we had a strong population growth in several regions!

Minister Rebekah Starks leads the Ministry of Health & Welfare. She represents the MIDDLE party and district of Gloomville.

Rebekah Starks (46), Minister of Health & Welfare, took a moment to remind us all to update your information if you moved or switched career, or recently gave birth at home!

Salon Orchid: New Owner

(Year 233, Winter) At Starlight Boulevard in Del Sol Valley, everyone with a foot in showbiz knows where to go when they want to freshen up, or perhaps winding down. The salon offers both outfits, makeup and massages. And now there is a new owner!

This little style business was founded by Anaya Jang (67), better known as Minister of Culture & Entertainment. She needed something creative to focus on aside of her strong and lasting political engagement. Anaya had a seat at People Chamber for multiple periods, based on her tireless involvement with Arts Quarter in San Myshuno, where her little family resides. Anaya was the Hood Contact representing the LEFT party for "as long as she can remember". Now that her daughter, Billie, is a young adult, Anaya found it time to let go of the salon.

Greetings from the Stone Family (at home)

A step out of the box today. My Stone family were thrilled to find the picture seen below. Sarah Stone (right), partner Alexander Meshram, and teen son John Stone (left). Posing at a square in Nordhaven was more than they could dream of.

- We reside at Spice Market in San Myshunio, Sarah explains. - We are quite poor, and would never afford 3 tickets up north to Nordhaven. Airplane would be out of the question, so we would need to go by buss via Magnolia Promenade, Brightchester, Henford, Newcrest, and Windenburg to reach Nordhaven. That would sum up to quite a bit, so we are not likely to travel this far, making it nice seeing this "postcard" from a travel that we can only dream of.

Royal Court - Investitures

(Year 233, Winter) First day of Winter is Investiture Day, also known as the annual Royal Court. On this day HRM King Tarriot, or a member of the royal family in his place, will knight new members of the high orders of the kingdom, or confirm a new Peerage holder. In addition other members of the large peerage will be officially announced. It is a day with long treaditions, including a gala dinner in the evening.

This year four persons got the main attention. Houses of Kaching, Cavalier, Croismare and Crumplebottom, all entered the Throne Room podium to receive their royal blessing.

Skill Lectures and National Mentors

(Year 234, Spring) Ministry of Science & Education is currently debating a better national routine for education aimed towards young adults and older. Both elementary and secondary students already have options including privat schools - including boarding schools, in addition to the free national school system. We also have university and institutes which are popular for career specializing, but normally takes 4 years to complete. Now the time has come for grown-ups who want building a single skill in a less formal setting. Ministry of Science & Education will focus on venues for learning specific skills, covering personal interests and beyond.

While the target group will be grown-ups, many teenagers will also find this interesting, especially those in need of building certain skills to be accepted for a chosen private high school. Many teenagers have hobbies, too.

New Royal Portraits

(Year 233, Fall) Royal Palace Office (RPO) has released four brand new portraits of central members of the royal family. It's been a while since the previopus updates, but with a new royal photographer on board, the future updates might get more frequent. Read more about the new photographer below. First we'll take a look at some of the new portraits.

They all come in multiple versions, all certified by the RPO. The most interesting to most Mazaloom residents is of course the portraits of HRM King Tarriot and HRH Queen Venezia.

Nordhaven admitted District status

(Year 233, Fall) Today Council House announced that the Nordhaven community has been granted status as a district of Mazaloom kingdom. Having district status means they will elect their Mayor come the Year 235 election.

Nordhaven, located just north of Windenburg, is a quite old community. Founded in Year 84, while the area was still property of the Crown, it was a popular off-trail destination for hunting royals. King Wizar established a new harbor up here, and also had a decent estate, Hafen Herrenhaus, built to oversee the blooming business activity with SimNation farther north.

Free download: N.A.P. posters

I wanted to make more out of the in game votings (ECO Lifestyle EP required), so I added a bunch of custom mini posters for sims to drag attention to their point of view. There is one poster for each Neighborhood Action Plan (NAP), and they are perfect on a sim's office wall - being a Politician or just an individual supporter, or to the typical "no posters allowed here" walls that you find around town . at the bus stop, speaker's corner, or recycling station wall, or where ever posters get displayed. Perhaps you alreay have a set up in a corner of the public park with a debate station (Discover University EP required) where locals can speak up?

Text is in Simlish, and the lay-out varies just enough. The icons are from the game. These posters are easy to position, but if you allow them to overlap, they will be flickering.

Mazaloom Super Bowler

(Year 233, Fall) The annual bowling cup took place in Gloomville this weekend, and the bowling club has proven that this event has come to stay. This year no true celebrities qualified for the 8 available start numbers, so the problem from last year when fans and photographers occationally disturbed the contenders was avoided.

Left to right: Polly Prescott (Copperdale), Ramona Talcom (Brindleton), Bill Loffertop (Copperdale), Garvin Clump (Newcrest), Bianca Sterner (Copperdale), Bertel Dougham (Brindleton), Roger Lockerbud (Copperdale) and Konrad Wooblershield (Windenburg).

Club leader Bill Loffertop (66) said that advertising had been sparse in order to make the tournament more effective. For the first time all sets except qualifications tok place during the same weekend. It would not have been possible with a bigger audience. The challenge is that some of the audience walk in to talk with contenders during the set. We have no international venue where the audience is seated separately from the bowling lanes.

High Note Talent Agency for Musicians

(Year 233, Fall) Today the last, but not the least important - new webpage from Mazaloom kingdom's many talent agencies went public. If you work with music you should check out High Note Talent Agency!

From Olivia Clump's Farewell Concert at Museum of Classical Music in San Sequoia.

This agency signs with Musicians and Singers. They help building a career, through marketing and a wide network of consert venues - small and huge.

Royal Teens observed in Chestnut Ridge

(Year 233, Fall) Guests at the local «Canter Dinery & Nectary» probably had to look twice to believe what they saw: The Crown Princess of Mazaloom walking in to place an order! No stylish outfit? Not even her hair properly done? No security? Or wait, was her bodyguards in disquis as regular restaurant guests? No wonder everyone stopped eating!

She placed her order and walked outside. And the guests were unsure whether the quick event actually took place at all.

Latest News from the Snorthia Conflict

(Year 233, Fall) There has been very few news regarding the ongoing Snorthia-Mazaloom culture conflict. Early Spring the Royal Palace Chief Attendant, Miss Patricia Maiden (52), accepted an invitation from Emperor Orchor of Snorthia. She has been accused for starting the conflict by recognizing her late mother as the mothel of a paintet portrait, «Moon Liza», that was claimed by the Emperor to be a very old national treasure. Now they claimed Miss Maiden to travel to Snorthia to help solving the problem. She was warned, but insisted on going. And now it seems like nobody heard from her ever since.

No, it is not Miss Maiden in that hopscotch.

As result of the conflict, Mazaloonians is no longer granted access to the empire, to which we share a long border. Our Winter sports athletes can still not visit Mt Komorebi to practice - Miss Maiden was a rare exception.

Maps galore

(Year 233, Fall) There is a new page in the Community section, namely a page providing a set of maps covering a wide range of topics.

The plan was to reveal the maps one by one, but there are currently so much going on that you get all those maps in one go, and well - maybe there will be more details in future articles here on the blog. Or maybe not.

The map page is linked from the start page of the community section.

Stately Estate for the Prime Minister?

(Year 233, Fall) Up to this day, the Prime Minister of Mazaloom was never offered a stately owned estate suited for the duties coming with the position. Former prime ministers did stay with their family, just like they did before winning the election. The subject has now been debated by People Chamber, and changes are coming!

Prime Minister Rob Wilder (72) is the one who introduced this case. Staying with your family makes the job harder because the security must be considered constantly, and your spouse and children might be dragged into whatever consequencies following your political battles and statements.

Showbiz: The Talent Agencies (part 2 of 2)

(Year 233, Summer) Here comes the second part of the biggest talent agencies. Mazaloom's recent focus on showbiz lead to new webpages to secure transparency and a minimum of public information.

This time we're releasng the pages for the top notch agencies - those signing with the more famous actors and actresses. Goldie Ruthfield Acting Network (G.R.A.N.) is currently the goal for many actors. Those even more ambitious might sign with Well Suited Talent Agency.

Agnes Crumplebottom's 100th birthday Celebrations

(Year 233, Summer) This year Mrs Agnes Crumplebottom celebrates her 100th birthday! Come jpin the celebrations! Agnes resides at her cousin Agatha's place, a rather small apple cottage rented from the Rossie dukedom. Not quite what you might expect from one of Mazaloom's wealthiest residents, owning 15% of Landgraab Industries, Inc. easily places her in the top 10 list. Some years ago she said that at her age a large mansion is no longer of interest due to all the walking.

Pictured above are (left to right) Agatha Crumplebottom, Mr Angus Crumplebottom (Agnes' only child), Agnes Crumplebottom, Bertha (Honeydew) Crumplebottom (Angus' wife), and Miss Agnella Crumplebottom (5, Agnes' only grandchild).

The grey grand lady has been joking about that she hopes to live to join her party, but she never laught of her own joke. She obviously made it, and today the entire household was set for celebrations, not without a couple surprises. First a local get together at the Armed Gnome pub, to be followed by a special birthday stage performance at Fun Factory in Magnolia Promenade, before a late dinner at Hotel Roadstead.

Showbiz: The Talent Agencies (part 1 of 2)

(Year 233, Summer) We are currently focusing on showbiz, and time has come to release two more new webpages! You can now learn more about two of the many talent agencies; A.I. Staffing Talent Agency and Everyday Extras Talent Agency. These are often referred to as the newcomers' agencies, and two top notch agencies will be released shortly.

Signing up as an Extra, you might find yourself in an TV-show audience before you can count to ten.

So, lets get to know those agencies a little better!

Gossips #15

(Year 233, Summer) Tune in for the 15th issue of my gossips column! It's a massive read, so please bring that tea mug! Welcome!

This time I have some long awaited and super hot gossips involving Judith Ward! But we will stop by in every corner of the kingdom, because there is so much going on everywhere! Juhuuu! What more can you ask for?