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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #25 on: August 26, 2009, 11:55:46 AM »

Regional News

Employment Information by Region
The following lists the top three industries in each region in order:
Northeast = Service; Trade and Transportation; Government
Mideast =Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Government
Southeast = Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Agriculture
Midwest = Manufacturing; Agriculture; Health
Pacific = Government; Trade and Transportation; Education

The following lists the unemployment rate in each region:
Northeast = 7.5%
Mideast = 18%
Southeast = 13%
Midwest = 14%
Pacific = 7%

The following is the breakdown of unionization figures in Atlasia by region:
Northeast = 16%
Mideast = 19%
Southeast = 11%
Midwest = 17%
Pacific = 21%
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #26 on: August 26, 2009, 04:34:16 PM »

Today's financials are a combination of the past two days due to my absence yesterday...

Financial News[/size]

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     1,002  -4.00 (0.397%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99622 U.S. (-0.00023)
  • Crude Oil = $78.96/barrel +4.92 (6.64%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell slightly as investors hold their breath during the Senate’s lame-duck session. With no major legislation likely to appear in the next week and a half and stimulus funding not set to begin disbursement until early to mid September, there seems to be a relative slow down in general activity.

The Atlasian Dollar continued its falling trend as commodities continued to climb.

Oil rose significantly over the last two days as tensions with Venezuela seemed on track to boil over without major actions by either side.
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Badger
badger
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« Reply #27 on: August 26, 2009, 05:50:40 PM »

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. They will be released in the order of largest to smallest over the course of the next few days:

Mideast: This region has revenue of $600 billion and expenses of $680 billion, resulting in a deficit of $80 billion. The deficit is mostly a result of the current economic crisis, which has hit the region harder than most. While the numbers currently seem reasonable, this office projects that Mideast industries, especially the automotive industry, will continue to falter beyond the end of the current recession. With that in mind, it is highly recommended that the region directly inject all stimulus money into local industries, cut the corporate tax in half and operate in an increased deficit economy for the near future. This office also urges the federal government to direct an additional $50 billion to $100 billion to the Midwest over the next year to alleviate the region’s budgetary woes.

Do these deficit figures take into account federal stimulus money received/expected to receive? If not, what is the amount of federal stimulus money the Mideast can expect to receive to at least partially fill that $80 billion shortfall?
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #28 on: August 27, 2009, 01:34:07 PM »

Regional News

Population by Region
The following are the approximate populations of each region:
Northeast = 77,302,158
Pacific = 77,302,158
Mideast = 55,215,827
Midwest = 55,215,827
Southeast = 41,964,028

TOTAL = 307,000,000 (139)
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #29 on: August 27, 2009, 01:34:55 PM »

Economic and Financial News

July Retail Sales Data Report
Percent Change in Sales for Retail and Food ServicesFrom June 2009From July 2008
Retail & Food-2.7-9.8
Excl. Auto Retail-3.1-6.7
Retail Only-2.7-10.8

Retailers Hit Hardest Since July 2008 (from greatest to least): Gasoline, Automotives (esp. dealers), Furniture, Building materials, Clothing

Retailers With Least Decline Since July 2008 (from least to greatest): Health care, Food & Beverage stores, General merchandise, Food services

Analysis:
It is clear from the above numbers that retail sales have been devastated in the past year, with an unclear outlook for the future.

One evident trend is that individuals are cutting back spending on expensive non-essentials, such as furniture (down 13.2% compared to one year earlier) and cars (down 22.4% compared to one year earlier). Meanwhile, essential services, such as health care (up 5.2% compared to one year earlier), have seen only slight decline or, in some cases, growth in sales.

Economists are hopeful that the stimulus funds will help inject money into the economy by providing jobs and revitalizing basic industries. The GM’s office projects that the stimulus will result in growth by the end of the year, but mostly in necessary retail services. However, without accompanying legislation dealing with the frozen credit markets, sales of costly items usually purchased on credit, such as furniture and cars, will continue to decline.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #30 on: August 27, 2009, 09:48:20 PM »
« Edited: August 28, 2009, 10:04:40 AM by GM Purple State »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     977  -25.00 (2.495%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99698 U.S. (-0.00076)
  • Crude Oil = $78.40/barrel -0.56 (0.71%)

Analysis:
For the first time in the history of the ANSE, The Atlasian stock index fell below 1,000. Initially sparked by investor fears about worsening economic numbers released this past week, the market continued to fall well below 1,000 points as a selling-spree followed the sell-off. The fall was especially devastating as the Senate continues to eek through its lame-duck period, with no substantive economic legislation on the horizon for at least two weeks.

The Atlasian Dollar rose slightly as foreign currencies were hurt by their worsening economies.

Oil fell slightly as yesterday’s large increase leveled off awaiting additional news about the Venezuela-Colombia crisis.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #31 on: August 28, 2009, 10:03:33 AM »

Only one story for today. Financials to come later in the afternoon...

Economic and Financial News

Atlasian Consumer Spending Poll Marks Noticeable Decline
A prominent survey group released data today marking a decline in consumer spending among Atlasian households.

The consumer spending measure tracks the average dollar amount Americans report spending or charging on a daily basis, not counting the purchase of a home, motor vehicle, or normal household bills. Respondents were asked to reflect on the day prior to being surveyed and results were provided in both a 3-day and 14-day rolling average.

The 3-day rolling average for August 30, 2009 was $53, with the 14-day rolling average only slightly higher at $57. This is compared with a 3-day and 14-day average both of $57 one month prior, as well as a 3-day average of $110 and a 14-day average of $91 exactly one year earlier.

The decline reflects drastic shifts in consumer confidence in the economy, as many Atlasians are opting to cut back unnecessary spending and save in the current climate of economic uncertainty.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #32 on: August 28, 2009, 03:49:35 PM »
« Edited: August 28, 2009, 03:51:31 PM by GM Purple State »

With the markets closed until Monday, here are your numbers and prospects for next week.

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     964  -13.00 (1.33%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99665 U.S. (-0.00033)
  • Crude Oil = $78.24/barrel +0.16 (0.20%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued its fall from 1,000 as a new report on consumer spending indicated a near 50 percent decline from one year earlier. With little to no federal activity, investors are hoping the Senate can hit the ground running in September to head off what appears to be imminent economic collapse.

The Atlasian Dollar fell slightly as worries have begun simmering about the health of the Atlasian economy and the prospects for a timely recovery. Additional stress may result in more drastic changes in the dollars valuation

Oil rose slightly as investors predict significant rises next week if no action is taken to ease the situation in South America.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #33 on: August 30, 2009, 02:55:11 PM »

Today's news story...

Foreign News

FARC Launches New Offensive
Amidst a tense standoff between Colombia and Venezuela, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, an anti-Colombian rebel group, launched a new series of attacks against Colombian government and military installations.

The recent attacks threaten to undermine the calm that had set in over the past week between the two South American nations. The militarization of the border began when Colombia reacted to reports that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had provided direct aid to the FARC. In fact, some analysts believe that the new FARC offensive may be an attempt by Venezuela to covertly soften targets ahead of what many view as an inevitable confrontation.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has directed that the army reserves be called to active-duty in order to combat the FARC within as additional troops are brought to the border with Venezuela. He has also approached the Global Treaty Organization, the GTO, requesting assistance from international troops to suppress the FARC attacks.

Many agree that Colombia, while militarily superior to Venezuela, would have trouble fighting a two-pronged war from Venezuela and from within. Brazil has already signaled that it would send troops to aid Colombian forces fighting the rebels. The GTO has not yet made an announcement as member nations consider their options.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #34 on: August 31, 2009, 12:39:14 PM »

Economic and Financial News

Consumer Confidence Low, But Stable
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Board Index (CCI) released today their most recent report on consumer confidence levels in Atlasia.

The CCI, started in 1967, surveys 5,000 Atlasian households each month to determine their opinion of key economic categories. These are: Current business conditions, Business conditions for the next six months, Current employment conditions, Employment conditions for the next six months, and Total family income for the next six months. Each participant is asked to rank categories positive, negative or neutral.

In July 2009, the CCI reached its lowest level in over a decade, reading in at 38.5. This is compared to 43 in June 2009 and 118 in July 2008.

Although dropping precipitously over the last year, the CCI is projected to remain low, yet stable over the coming months as Senate movement on economic legislation, such as the stimulus bill, ease market fear. However, it is unclear how long such low confidence can remain stable before sparking a panic and additional economic pain.

The office of the GM projects that major legislation targeted at easing credit markets and spurring consumer purchasing is necessary in the next two to four months in order to prevent full-scale economic collapse.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #35 on: August 31, 2009, 12:49:37 PM »

Foreign News

Colombian President Contracts Swine Flu
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has swine flu according to sources involved in the matter. Doctors have notified foreign leaders who met with him in recent days of the development.

At the age of 57 years old, Mr. Uribe began showing symptoms on Friday and appeared pale and laggard at public appearances over the weekend.

Public health director Gilberto Alvarez said in a telephone interview that there was no need to put the president in isolation and that his condition would monitored for three days to a week. Doctors expect a full recovery.

However, Mr. Uribe’s weakened state calls into question his ability to press Colombia’s case for increased international aid as tensions with neighboring Venezuela heat up. The government is requesting a foreign military presence in Colombia to assist in combating the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, while its military focuses on the militarized border with Venezuela.

President Uribe has been forced to cancel a planned appearance at a conference of the GTO member nations scheduled for this Friday. Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos will speak at the conference in his stead.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #36 on: August 31, 2009, 10:14:15 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     942.5  -21.50 (2.23%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99743 U.S. (+0.00078)
  • Crude Oil = $77.14/barrel -1.10 (1.41%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued to fall at an increased pace as consumer confidence numbers showed attitudes towards the economy near utter collapse. In addition, with the potential absence of Southeast Senator North Carolina Yankee, a substantive voice on economic matters in the Senate, investors worry that real reform will not be reached as soon as many had hoped. With the new Senate term beginning on Friday and procedural matters, such as the election of a President Pro Tem likely to fill the first few days of the session, some economists are recommending that the Senate release a preliminary bill in order to calm the markets in the interim.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as the price of commodities, including Oil, fell substantively.

Oil fell a significant amount as investors sought to cash in on recent gains and as SoEA HappyWarrior reached an agreement with Russia's government to collaborate on easing tension in South America. However, Oil futures are looking sky-high as war involving Venezuela continues to loom large in the region.
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Purple State
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« Reply #37 on: September 01, 2009, 01:27:28 PM »

Foreign News

A Case of Russian Double-Speak?
In an announcement made in Russia with much fanfare, SoEA HappyWarrior met with Russian President Demitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and procured an agreement that Russia would “not be participating in the very clear problems arising in Venezuela” in exchange for closer relations with Atlasia.

At news of the statement, the Oil and other commodities markets calmed after a series of rapid increases over the past few weeks as a result of the tension in South America. As reported previously, Venezuela provides approximately ten percent of Atlasian petroleum.

However, Mr. Medvedev issued a statement Tuesday morning that seemed to amend, if not contradict the statements made with SoEA HappyWarrior.

In the statement, the Russian President, a protégé of the more aggressive Mr. Putin, made clear that the agreement with Atlasia would not prevent the shipment of twelve tanks already purchased by Venezuela.

In addition, Mr. Medvedev made clear that, while Russia “seeks a peaceful resolution” to the Venezuela-Colombia dispute, it “cannot commit to a neutral stance should war break out in the region so vital” to Russian interests.

Senior analysts in the DoEA, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed their desire to seek a peaceful resolution to the brewing conflict between Venezuela and Colombia, but acknowledged that all efforts to bring the parties to the table have been rebuffed thus far.

An expert on South American politics who is well versed on the current situation remarked that “Atlasia will need to play a far greater role” to ensure that war is averted. In particular, this expert believed that direct appeals from President Lief could be necessary if additional DoEA efforts fall flat.

All things considered, the confrontation in South America continues to deteriorate and nations are beginning to warn citizens to avoid travel to the region unless it is absolutely necessary.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #38 on: September 01, 2009, 11:14:08 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     930  -12.50 (1.33%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99685 U.S. (-0.00058)
  • Crude Oil = $79.29/barrel +2.15 (2.79%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued to fall as no news was made on the legislative front. Investors are still hoping that some sort of rough outline to unfreeze the credit market will be unveiled in the coming days.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as confidence in Atlasia's ability to avoid financial collapse declined.

Oil rose significantly as war in Venezuela appeared inevitable, riding on the news of Russia's "non-committal" on neutrality in South America, along with Senator Franzl's proposal to bolster Colombian efforts to repel the FARC (or other invading forces) with Atlasian military forces.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #39 on: September 02, 2009, 03:30:29 PM »

Foreign News

Iran Takes Steps Towards Energy Self-Efficiency
In efforts to deter Iran from becoming a nuclear power, many have focused on the nation’s dependence of foreign oil refinery. Despite being one of the world’s largest producers of oil, Iran has thus far lagged behind in refining technology, importing as much as 40 percent of its usable oil.

However, in a major blow to critics of the Islamic Republic, Iranian leaders have made major advances in establishing the increased domestic capacity to refine its oil. Working with French, British, German, Swiss, Korean, Romanian, Italian, Danish, Japanese, Chinese, and even Atlasian firms (working through shell companies set up overseas), Iran has developed the capability to construct additional refineries, already having received the necessary licensing, consulting, financing, design and engineering services.

Simultaneously, Iran is ambitiously pushing alternative fuel sources to reduce its gasoline consumption. Three years ago, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad initiated a program to convert Iran's vehicles to run on natural gas rather than gasoline. Iran has the world's third-largest natural gas reserves (around 16 percent of the world's total). A gallon of gasoline costs 53 cents while the natural gas equivalent only costs 15 cents. Since the initiation of the program, gas has replaced 10 percent of Iran's total gasoline consumption for transport fuel.

Iran has also signed a pipeline deal with Pakistan that will provide Iranian natural gas access to the Asian market. India's petroleum minister announced that New Delhi would not bow to any external pressure against extending the pipeline into India; this means that millions of Indians might soon be relying on Iran for their. And last month, Iran concluded a deal to connect with Turkmenistan as European countries moved forward toward building the Nabucco pipeline, which could bring Iranian gas into the heart of Europe.
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Purple State
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« Reply #40 on: September 02, 2009, 10:16:27 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     919  -11.0 (1.18%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99579 U.S. (-0.00106)
  • Crude Oil = $79.65/barrel +0.36 (0.54%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued to fall, although the pace has slowed in recent days, as investors hope that the new legislative proposals being rolled out by the Senate will culminate in the release of major economic initiatives in the coming days.

The Atlasian Dollar slid as confidence in Atlasia's ability to avoid financial collapse continued to deteriorate.

Oil rose slightly, with bigger gains tempered by the news that an Oil boycott of Iran would be less likely due to its ineffectiveness in deterring the Islamic Republic.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #41 on: September 03, 2009, 10:11:46 AM »

A gift for Governor Vepres...

Regional News

Midwest Education Report Released
Basic EducationMidwestNational
Public High School Graduation Rate81.5%68.6%
College Graduation Rate (within 6yr)51.3%56.1%
Median Earnings by EducationMidwestNational
Less than High School$13,118$15,000
High School Degree$19,718$21,000
Some College$19,927$22,700
Bachelor’s Degree$30,509$36,000
Masters Degree$38,991$45,000
Race and EducationMidwestNational
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (White)83%62.6%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Black)3.37%14.1%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Asian)1.3%3.8%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Hispanic)6.76%16.2%
Percent of High School Graduates (White)88.29%70.2%
Percent of High School Graduates (Black)2.97%12.9%
Percent of High School Graduates (Asian)1.75%4.9%
Percent of High School Graduates (Hispanic)3.55%11.1%
Percent of College Freshmen (White)81.48%66.2%
Percent of College Freshmen (Black)3.6%12.2%
Percent of College Freshmen (Asian)1.83%5.3%
Percent of College Freshmen (Hispanic)3.38%8.8%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (White)86%72.4%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Black)2.23%8.4%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Asian)2.08%6.1%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Hispanic)2.4%5.8%
Related DataMidwestNational
Obesity Rate19.6%20.5%
Childhood Obesity Rate12.4%14.06%
Teen Pregnancy Rate per 1K Girls (15-19)63.484

Analysis:
The Office of the GM ranks the Midwest region as moderate in terms of its success in the education sector. This determination is based on a number of factors to be discussed at length in the following report.

First, basic education numbers regarding graduation rates show a mixed bag, with public high school rates far superior to national levels, while college rates are slightly, but significantly, lower than national numbers.

In addition, it is apparent that median wages, while progressively higher based on level of education, are lower in the Midwest than the national levels.

Perhaps most interesting are the numbers on race, however. While it appears that blacks and Asians are represented at proper levels as compared to their makeup of the Midwest population, members of the Hispanic culture are drastically underrepresented at all measured levels of the education process.

Based on interviews with school superintendents throughout the region, it has become apparent that Hispanic children, especially in elementary schools, feel isolated and oftentimes lash out by joining violent gangs or falling into bad habits, most notably illicit substances. This office recommends the implementation of sustained programs to promote cultural acceptance and pluralism in Midwestern schools as early in the education process as possible. This would also help reduce teen violence rates which, while not apparently high, should be a primary goal of the education system.

It may also be noted that the Midwest has lower levels of general obesity, childhood obesity and teenage pregnancy than the national average.

Of key interest to the Midwest, specifically, is the effect of the End to Standardization Act of 2008. While the first clause, banning schools from withholding diplomas based solely on his or her performance on a standardized test, has had almost no practical effect on graduation rates, the second clause, banning public universities from using standardized testing, has impacted the region’s education system in numerous ways.

The most obvious effect of the legislation is a higher rate of out-of-state enrollment in Midwestern institutions of higher education. This has had both good results, bringing in geographical diversity, and not so good, contributing to the reduction in the number of Midwest students admitted to public universities in the region. However, this has also brought increased revenue to these institutions, as Midwest students are heavily subsidized in public universities, resulting in the ability to improve staff, facilities and administration at the public universities.

On a side note, the law has not significantly reduced the amount of Midwest students that take standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, as most do not apply solely to public colleges in the region.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #42 on: September 03, 2009, 11:06:50 AM »

Adopted from a Reuters article...

Foreign News

Reuters: Fiji is suspended from Commonwealth

LONDON (Reuters) - The Commonwealth said on Tuesday it had suspended Fiji after the Pacific Island nation failed to meet a deadline for opening talks on a return to democracy.

”This is an announcement I make with deep regret -- it is a step the Commonwealth is now obliged to take, and one that it takes in sorrow,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said in a statement announcing Fiji’s full suspension from the grouping of 53 nations, mostly former British colonies.

Fiji had already been suspended from Commonwealth meetings.

The tougher sanction means that Fiji is not eligible for technical assistance from the Commonwealth and may not take part in Commonwealth sporting events.

In April, Fiji’s president reappointed coup leader Frank Bainimarama as interim prime minister, less than two days after a court ruled his 2006 coup illegal.

President Ratu Josefa Iloilo had previously annulled the 1997 constitution and sacked the entire judiciary.

Bainimarama, who had promised an election this year, has now ruled it out until 2014.

Commonwealth ministers said on July 31 that Fiji would be fully suspended on September 1 unless Fiji’s rulers committed to re-activating a forum set up for political parties to discuss a return to democracy.

They said the dialogue should lead to a credible election no later than October 2010.

Sharma said that, although Bainimarama had sent him a letter re-affirming his commitment to the principles of the Commonwealth, his response did not meet the Commonwealth’s conditions.

Sharma said he hoped Fiji would take the necessary steps to restore its full participation in the Commonwealth.

The Pacific Islands Forum suspended Fiji from the 16-nation grouping in May.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #43 on: September 03, 2009, 09:46:34 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     923.5  +4.50 (0.49%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99543 U.S. (-0.00036)
  • Crude Oil = $80.94/barrel +1.29 (1.62%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose slightly, breaking the precipitous fall over the past few days. The increase was fueled by Senate debate, which has begun in earnest as lawmakers prepare to kick off the new session. While economic legislation has yet to be introduced, the movement by the Senate has reassured investors that things will kick back into a higher gear.

The Atlasian Dollar continued to fall as international confidence in the dollar fell.

Oil continued to rise, above $80 for the first time since this market opened in Atlasia, as matters in South America remain unresolved.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #44 on: September 04, 2009, 09:51:19 AM »

Good morning, here is your news folks...

Foreign News

Chavez Looks To Strengthen Ties With Neighbor
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, today, started off a tour of friendly neighbors, holding a speech in nearby Argentina while appearing with President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

The speech centered on the bonds and mutual interests that Venezuela and Argentina share. While not overtly relating to the tense standoff between Venezuela and Colombia, Mr. Chavez did allude to “Western colonies that seek to colonize us in turn,” as well as his usual attacks on Atlasian interference in regional matters.

While it is not clear whether Mr. Chavez made any particular requests of the Argentine government during his visit, it is widely speculated that he is hoping to obtain assurances of neutrality from the major powers on the continent in the event of hostilities with Colombia. Other nations Mr. Chavez plans to visit include Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador.

In a comment to Argentina’s state media after his speech, Mr. Chavez noted that Atlasia’s “attempts to impede [Venezuelan] relations with Russia” had failed and mocked Colombian President Alvaro Uribe’s recent contraction of swine flu, saying “swine should learn to stay in their own mud pit.”
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Purple State
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« Reply #45 on: September 04, 2009, 05:58:35 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     935  +11.50 (1.25%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99499 U.S. (-0.00044)
  • Crude Oil = $83.96/barrel +3.02 (3.73%)

Analysis:
The ANSE began gaining back some of the losses from the past week as the new Senate term officially kicked off with a slew of pro-economy legislation. While the much-anticipated credit recovery bill has not yet been introduced, other stop-gap measures have reassured investors, at least for now.

The Atlasian Dollar continued to fall as Oil leads a rise in prices of commodities.

Oil rose sharply on the news that Hugo Chavez could be preparing for war with Colombia while Atlasian SoEA HappyWarrior made clear that war with Colombia means war with Atlasia.
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Purple State
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« Reply #46 on: September 06, 2009, 08:55:59 AM »
« Edited: September 06, 2009, 11:27:05 AM by GM Purple State »

Regional News

Mideast Education Report Released
Note: Does not include Nyman
Basic EducationMideastNational
Public High School Graduation Rate73.19%68.6%
College Graduation Rate (within 6yr)55.63%56.1%
Median Earnings by EducationMideastNational
Less than High School$15,200$15,000
High School Degree$21,510$21,000
Some College$22,340$22,700
Bachelor’s Degree$35,650$36,000
Masters Degree$44,886$45,000
Race and EducationMideastNational
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (White)76.48%62.6%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Black)19.34%14.1%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Asian)2.06%3.8%
Percent of 18 Year-Olds (Hispanic)5.15%16.2%
Percent of High School Graduates (White)82.39%70.2%
Percent of High School Graduates (Black)12.19%12.9%
Percent of High School Graduates (Asian)2.43%4.9%
Percent of High School Graduates (Hispanic)2.53%11.1%
Percent of College Freshmen (White)78.06%66.2%
Percent of College Freshmen (Black)11.71%12.2%
Percent of College Freshmen (Asian)2.92%5.3%
Percent of College Freshmen (Hispanic)2.72%8.8%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (White)81.41%72.4%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Black)8.11%8.4%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Asian)3.48%6.1%
Percent of Bachelor’s Degrees (Hispanic)2.16%5.8%
Related DataMideastNational
Obesity Rate22.5%20.5%
Childhood Obesity Rate14.4%14.06%
Teen Pregnancy Rate per 1K Girls (15-19)74.484

Analysis:
The Office of the GM ranks the Mideast region as good in terms of its success in the education sector. This determination is based on a number of factors to be discussed at length in the following report.

First, basic education numbers regarding graduation rates show fairly positive results, with public high school rates considerably higher than national levels and college just barely below national numbers.

In addition, median wages are both progressively higher based on level of education, as well as fairly close to the national average. In fact, it is the “less than high school” and “high school graduate” levels that are higher than the national numbers, while higher education is just below the national rates.

On racial discrepancies, whites and Asians are considerably overrepresented at all levels, while Hispanics and especially blacks are noticeably underrepresented as compared to their makeup of the Mideast population. Perhaps most interesting of all this is the differences in “college freshman” enrollment numbers against “bachelor’s degrees” graduation rates; whites and Asians increase, while blacks and Hispanics decrease.

Based on interviews with school superintendents throughout the region, it has been frequently noted that black and Hispanic students are often time “ghettoized” by their peers and excluded from in- and out-of-school activities, despite efforts by staff to break racial barriers. This has led to the general demoralization of students of color and increased feelings of alienation and isolation. It is recommended that steps be taken to promote greater acceptance of other cultures and a pluralistic society in Mideast schools. It is also advised that greater efforts be made to promote high school graduation by students of color.

It may also be noted that the Mideast has higher levels of general obesity and childhood obesity, but lower levels of teenage pregnancy than the national average.

Of particular note to the Mideast, the Mideast Education Funds Allotment Act is predicted to have a long-term and wide-ranging positive impact on the Mideast’s education system.

While the full impact of the legislation has not yet been felt, this Office projects that this legislation will drastically increase the number of underprivileged students that will be able to afford and attend institutions of higher education. The program is sure to significantly increase the number of black and Hispanic students that will graduate high school and attend a four-year college in the Mideast. However, these gains will not be felt for approximately another two years, after which time gains will be significant.

Of note, the trigger mechanism to increase cigarette taxes in the Mideast in the event that federal funding is inadequate has not yet gone into affect as the federal legislation has thus far provided proper funding. It is expected that this increase will only be needed in ten or more years.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #47 on: September 07, 2009, 03:07:49 PM »
« Edited: November 14, 2009, 05:50:58 PM by GM Purple State »

Here is housing data. Market numbers later tonight...

Economic and Financial News

Housing Data During the Recession
Housing StartsUnits (in thousands)
June 200968.2
July 200947.5
August 200937.7

New One-Family Houses SoldUnits (in thousands)
June 200932
July 200927
August 200926

New One-Family Houses for SaleUnits (in thousands)
June 2009384
July 2009369
August 2009352

Price of New One-Family HouseMedian ($A)Average ($A)
June 2009213,200274,000
July 2009221,600290,100
August 2009229,600263,100

2009 Q2 Price of New One-Family House by RegionMedian ($A)Average ($A)
Pacific296,800358,400
Northeast300,700395,100
Mideast202,500243,800
Midwest196,700239,100
Southeast188,700234,500
National222,500276,600
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #48 on: September 07, 2009, 11:18:16 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     930  -5.00 (0.53%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99397 U.S. (-0.000102)
  • Crude Oil = $82.82/barrel -1.14 (1.36%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell slightly as investors worried that economic measures would not appear in a timely fashion. However, overnight futures are sky-high as the late release of NC Yank's Credit Recovery Bill, after the markets had closed, reassured economists. Many are hoping that the PPT will use his discretionary slot to bring the bill to the floor quickly.

The Atlasian Dollar continued to fall as general senses about the economy tumbled.

Oil declined slightly investors attempted to unload profitable speculations.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #49 on: September 08, 2009, 12:58:42 PM »

Hat-tip to Jas on facts used for this article...

Foreign News

EU Leaders Appear Divided On GTO Expansion
Early yesterday, SoEA HappyWarrior met with the leaders of the European Union in Brussels to discuss the possible integration of the European bloc of nations into the Global Treaty Organization, of which Atlasia is a member.

In a finely tuned statement from Mr. HappyWarrior, attempting to avoid appearances of unilateralism, the Atlasian SoEA acknowledged that each nation would need to approve of the measure individually, as well as be approved by the current members of the GTO.

In addition, a newly introduced version of the GTO Expansion Bill by Northeast Senator Hashemite makes clear that Atlasia seeks only to encourage expansion, acknowledging that each new member nation must be accepted by the GTO, as well as decide on their own whether they wish to join.

This is likely for the best, as some nations had previously voiced misgivings about joining the GTO, while others, including Austria, Finland, Ireland and Sweden, all members of the EU, have official status as neutral states.

While the GTO is not an expressly militaristic organization, there are portions of its charter that would likely pose trouble to prospects of passage in those nations.

After Mr. HappyWarrior finished his statement, other EU leaders made brief remarks as well. While it appeared as though the major EU powers, including Great Britain, France and Germany, were steadfastly on board with Atlasia’s push, smaller nations, including the four aforementioned neutral states, shared misgivings.

SoEA HappyWarrior next plans to visit Norway to discuss GTO expansion, followed by similar discussions in a sweep of Oceania, South East Asia and the Americas.
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