Fame and Children

(Year 234, Summer) Recently there was made a report to explore how famous Mazaloom's residents actually are. A total of 22,2% of the population have a certain fame, but 81,3% of them are newcomers. So, is our community focusing too much on becoming famous? And why do most of us only know a handful names, when they are obviously so many?

Minister Anaya Jang (LEFT) is currently focusing on fame and venues.

The report was ordered by the Ministry of Culture & Entertainment as they are currently looking into how cultural venues are spread geographically. The idea seems to be that the more famous residents, the more larger venues we will need.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. There will also be some minor adjustments involving the election routine.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Political parties - Spring gatherings

(Year 233, Spring) Every year in Spring, our political parties arrange their annual gatherings. Most years they will debate the current political situation and perhaps serve a couple tidbits to the press in order to drag attention to their political program, but this year is different: The parties must work on their political program to have a final version ready in time for Nomination Day, a little less than one year ahead.

Four political parties are preparing for the upcoming Y235 election.

A party's political program can stay unchanged for many periods, but this time there are numerous changes to the entire system, some as a result of the Regional Reform Y233. But there is also a new political party, WORLD party, facing their first election ever. On top of this numerous long time Politicians can not run for another 5 years period due to age. Candidates can not be elderly on Nomination Day. This time both Prime Minister Wilder (RIGHT) and Vice-PM Silverbone (LEFT) are too old!

Great Mazaloom Simposium: Value of Land

(Year 233, Spring) This year's Great Mazaloom Simposium took place at the conference center of Hotel Lykke in Windenburg this weekend. The title was "The Value of Owned Land", and among the presenters were HRM King Tarriot, Duke Merlin von Windenburg (81) and Mrs Fanny Silverbone (73), Minister of Trades & Taxes.

Left to right: HRM King Tarriot, Duke Merlin von Windenburg, Mrs Fanny Silverbone
(Minestry of Trades & Taxes), and Henrik Kraft (Windenburg Mayor).

The Simposium is an annual arena intended for Aristocracy and Politicians. This year's focus stirred a massive interest also beyond the target group. It was a successful two days event, and several Councilors stated that they now see the ongoing land projects with new eyes. The national project has been in the works for a couple years already, including the completed Regional Reform Y233, and the expressed goal is to secure that all land is registered with both ownership and usage, and to decide on an improved national system for rented land. This won't affect most lot owners much, but will be good news to anyone fighting the bugged Landlord system.

Noldus the Clown - Appeared at Graveyard!

(Year 233, Spring) Fans were about to give up when the mystery clown appeared again! This time at the Hoap Well Graveyard in San Sequoia. Many had predicted San Sequoia, as it is the only district of region 6 Aarbyville, and the only region that had not yet been visited. It made it easier for fans that there was only one duustrict, although the majority had chosen to waiit for Noldus the clown at Gilbert Gardens.

One fan said: - I chose Gilbert Gardens because the water park is so central, and I think that the last time Noldus gave us a clue about something very old. Thinking of it all the three hoods of San Sequoia represent something old, and graves at the cathedral perhaps even more!

Why did nobody notice the purse?

(Year 233, Spring) Lately this blog has been flooded by Noldus the Clown observations. Most readers are probably either curious, or they can't wait to move on when this mystery has been solved and is out of the way. There was no new observation last night, but the interest is still building online and today an observant young man shared a new detail!

Two observations ago, Noldus the Clown was seen in Britechester. He was dancing a stupid dance, and the group of fans grew seriously. However, back then, nobody noticed that the clown carried a small, black purse.