Nearly Real World Current Events, 2011

This page documents current events in the Nearly Real World. The events on this page are for 2010 only; previous years have separate articles below.

24
Following a series of internet rumors about the government of Surea hiding the actual fact of the nation's crime rate. Newsprobe Surea investigated the matters and reviewed that the rumors are REAL. Stating that most less developed areas are heavily terrorized by Surean Yakuza.

20
With seventeen days to go until polling day, poll averages show a swing of 1.6% towards the opposition Liberal Democratic Party of the United Islands, with the LDP potentially picking up between twelve and twenty seats. They would need another 23 seats to form government.
 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010

18
The Liberal Democratic Party of the United Islands launches its manifesto, including:
 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * Instituting a Financial Transaction Tax or "Robin Hood" tax, to be offset by abolition of four different taxes and tariffs.
 * 15% across-the-board cuts to private school funding, to be redistributed to government schools.
 * Expansion of National Health Service coverage for aged care and mental illness, including the establishment of 14 dedicated mental health hospitals.
 * Establishment of a City College trial program as part of a wider plan for tertiary education reform.
 * Establishment of a coast guard for border protection.
 * Withdrawal of Georgeland troops from Afghanistan by 2013, to be managed in consultation with NATO.

13
The ruling Conservative Party launches its official campaign manifesto. Among the pledges in the manifesto are:
 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * $30 million to promote child literacy in the pre-school period;
 * $100 million in funding for defence force recruitment, with a target of a 25% increase in defence force intake by 2015.
 * An across-the-board income tax reduction of five percent for the 2011-2012 financial year.
 * Elimination of thirteen seperate charges, taxes and excises for small business operators.
 * Reform of immigration law to issue temporary visas to asylum-seekers.

9

 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * The Liberal Democratic Party of the United Islands releases its law and order policy and is criticised immediately by law enforcement officials for a proposal to declassify some drug offences as 'petty' rather than 'serious'. The governing Conservatives claim the LDP will legalise marijuana usage by stealth.
 * The Liberal Democratic Party of the United Islands releases its law and order policy and is criticised immediately by law enforcement officials for a proposal to declassify some drug offences as 'petty' rather than 'serious'. The governing Conservatives claim the LDP will legalise marijuana usage by stealth.

8

 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * Prime Minister Luke Macaulay makes an open mic gaffe] when he refers to GBC political reporter Natalie Sheen as a 'cow' after she completed an interview with him and questioned him repeatedly on climate change issues.
 * Prime Minister Luke Macaulay makes an open mic gaffe] when he refers to GBC political reporter Natalie Sheen as a 'cow' after she completed an interview with him and questioned him repeatedly on climate change issues.

5
announces a $750 million funding package to increase Georgeland's overseas peacekeeping deployment ability.
 * Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * Liberal Democratic leader Lawrence Porter announces his higher education policy, pledging to establish 23 new technical colleges and review university governance procedures.

3

 * The July 2010 Headington-Warke general election is won by the Liberal Party with an increased majority.

29
Georgeland legislative election, 2010;
 * On the first day of the election campaign, Prime Minister Luke Macaulay pledges $400 million in new arts funding and the establishment of a National Institute of the Arts
 * Opposition Leader Lawrence Porter pledges to tighten border security by establishing a coast guard service.

28
President Lois Daniels of Georgeland formally issues the writs for the country's general election to be held on August 6, with Conservative Prime Minister Luke Macaulay's government seeking a second term in office against the opposition Liberal Democrats led by Lawrence Porter.

26
Santa Christina United defeat Zigit FC 3-0 to win their 17th Georgeland Cup victory, but their first since 2006.

21
The Cabinet of Georgeland endorses and recommends Ursula Bannister to the President for appointment to the Supreme Court. She will take office on August 1.

16
Contraversial Islamic leader Abu Hasim Khalid is deported from Georgeland following comments he made to the United Islamic Council calling for the "cleansing" of Jews. Khalid will be returned to his native Bahrain and his permanent residency will be cancelled.

14
To fill a vacant seat on the Supreme Court of Georgeland, the Commission on Judicial Appointments names Ursula Bannister, currently a justice of the Supreme Court of Scoita. Bannister replaces Nancy Howard who was force to withdraw her name from consideration due to allegations of financial irregularities. The Cabinet of Georgeland is expected to endorse the nominee.

11
Justice Nancy Howard's name is withdrawn from consideration for the bench of the Georgeland Supreme Court following revelations in the media about her financial dealings and management of her deceased husband's estate. The Commission on Judicial Appointments will nominate a new candidate.

2
The Commission on Judicial Appointments nominates Nancy Howard, currently a justice of the West Mainland Supreme Court, to Cabinet as the replacement for the deceased Justice Thomas Seeyal on the Georgeland Supreme Court. Cabinet has the choice to reject the nominee or recommend the appointment to the President.

27
Georgeland legislative election, 2010;
 * Treasurer James Bradford announces a tax reform package, promising to;
 * Increase the income-tax-free threshold from $4000 to $5000
 * Reduce the 10% and 15% income tax brackets to 8% and 12% respectively.
 * Eliminate tax deductions for trade union membership.
 * Increase available tax deductions for education and healthcare costs.
 * The government announces that the next two-week sitting of Parliament, from Monday May 31 to Thursday June 10, will be the last before the election, scheduled for August 6. Formal writs for dissolution of the House of Commons and election of all 265 MPs and 40 of the 80 Senators are expected to be issued by late June.

18
The founder of the Georgeland Alliance, Michael Elderton, announces he will not contest the upcoming election and will hand over the leadership to someone else in September. Elderton's retirement is likely to increase President Lois Daniels' influence within the party.

15

 * As fighting between Red Shirt protesters and the Thai government increases, the Ivalician Embassy in Bangkok temporarily closes. Support functions have been relocated to the Embassy of Ivalice in Kcãpon.
 * Surea Airlines, and several other Surean airlines cancelled all flights to Bangkok the capital become further more unstable.

13

 * Associate Justice of the Georgeland Supreme Court Thomas Seeyal dies of a massive heart attack, his second in three years. His death at the age of 53 creates a vacant bench seat to be filled by the government under the terms of the Judicial Appointments Act.

12

 * Agun Neissen, Leader of the Opposition in Leubantia, criticizes Edward Sune Buns Wiladsen and his Conservative Party for the recently passed Immigration Laws that made entry to the country more strict and added "unneccesary" procedures. The Conservatives responded with a somewhat vague "We believe that Leubantians should maintain their cultural roots more carefully". Many political analysts say this may lose Wiladsen the election or possibly let the Federalists in the government.

10

 * In a 5-2 ruling, the Georgeland Supreme Court rules that a Bradmarch man did not commit an act of public indecency by wearing a swastika on a T-shirt which also bore the slogan "White Pride". The man, Greg Mannox, had been convicted of public indecency under state and local laws. The Supreme Court ruling overturns his conviction. Moreover, the case has implications for free speech in Georgeland. Jewish and ethnic groups have strongly objected to the ruling.

4

 * Herman Fidla's condition is downgraded to fair and doctors say he should ready to return to work within a week.
 * The Lxung Cabinet announces plans to build a film complex in Phjĩnao, to be known as Phjollywood informally.

2

 * The Catholic Archbishop of Emilypolis, Joseph Cardinal Riley, Georgeland's most powerful Catholic leader, is implicated in the sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the Church, with two former curates and a former schoolteacher accusing him of intervening to protect priests from punishment over the sexual abuse of children. Riley proclaims his innocence and denies all charges.
 * Herman Fidla, the current Deputy Prime Minister of Leubantia, is hospitalized and in a serious condition because of a car crash that happened when driving to his hometown of Darigu to visit his family living there. His right arm and nose are broken and he has bruises. He is claims to be very shocked and achy.

23

 * Ular's military regime announces democratic elections under the city-state's new constitution will be held on June 3.

20

 * The President of Georgeland, Lois Daniels, who had been stranded in Europe following the funeral of her Polish counterpart, boards her transport aircraft for a return to Georgeland to resume her duties.

18

 * The Kcãpon High-speed Cable Car is completed, connecting four islands to the mainland as public transport. It is the first city in the world to do so.

17

 * All Heigardian airspace was closed due to eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, at 18:00 UTC+1. The 15 international airports in the country will remain closed until Monday, 19 08:00 UTC+1
 * Leubantian airspace is announced to be closed because of the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. It was also stated that the freeze is set to expire at Monday, 19 10:00 UTC+1.
 * Surea Airlines reported that the company lost USD1.2million (120million yun) in 3 days for providing food, transport and discount up to 50% in all hotels nearby the airport for stranded passengers. However, they said that starting the 4th day since the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, such service will no longer be given as the news will be well known to everyone by that time.

15

 * 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull
 * North Atlantic International Airlines has indefinitely cancelled all flights from the Drake Islands to Europe in the wake of the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Flights from Europe to Virgil Evans International Airport in Glendale have also been cancelled.
 * IvalAir has canceled all flights to all European nations except for Spain, Italy, and Russia, until at least noon EST on April 16.
 * President Lois Daniels of Georgeland, in Poland for the funeral of Lech Kaczynski, is stranded in Europe by grounded aircraft. President Daniels invokes the Presidential Absence Act and temporarily hands power to the Acting President, Emma Hewitt, until she can return to the country.

10
'I also know that this tragedy will be particularly painful for New Cambria's Polish community as they grieve this devastating loss far from their homeland. I had the distinct honour of meeting President Kaczynski when he visited New Cambria in June 2008 and we celebrated together the growing bonds of friendship which unite our countries. 'The deep sadness felt in Poland today is shared by many in New Cambria who hold the Polish people in high esteem and with great affection. At this time of trauma and bereavement, I extend to the family of President Kaczynski, the Polish Government and people my sincere condolences on their loss.'"Flags in New Cambria will be lowered to half-staff for the remainder of the day.
 * 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash
 * New Cambria President Daniel Burns' office released the following statement:"'I am shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden deaths of President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and dozens of other passengers, including senior members of the Polish Government. This tragedy will cause immense sadness to the people of Poland, to whom I convey my heartfelt sympathy and that of the people of New Cambria.

6
Georgeland legislative election, 2010
 * The Liberal Democratic Treasury spokesman, Adam St. John, announces the LDP will institute a financial transaction tax, also known as a "Robin Hood tax", if elected to government in August. The incumbent Treasurer, James Bradford, derides the LDP proposal as a "tax on success".

4
The Governor of Scoita, Don Mendez, backs down from his threat to veto a bill to prohibit felons from voting.

3
NCT executive director Charles W. Frazier officially releases the dates and venues for the 2010 New Cambria National Song Contest. Semi-Final rounds will be held in The Settlement, Arvant, Averytown, St. Saviour and Talbot befor the Grand Final in Southport on 11 December.

1
The Legislature of the Georgeland state of Scoita passes a law to prohibit convicted felons from voting for ten years after their release from prison. The state's Governor, Don Mendez, threatens a veto for the second time since coming to office.

31

 * The Assembly of Deputies of New Cambria passes the Local Government (Consolidation) Act 2010, which reduces the number of members in New Cambria's 74 municipal and county councils by nearly 30%, from 706 to 508. The changes will go into effect at the next local government election, scheduled for 2012.

29
The Leader of the Georgeland Opposition, Lawrence Porter, calls for the government to stop the sale of 35% of Air Georgeland to Singapore Airlines through the Financial Transactions (Corporate) Act 1989 and states that if elected Prime Minister later this year he will intervene to prevent the selloff.
 * Air Georgeland foreign investor sale
 * Frances Mallory Nixon, the Georgeland Poet Laureate, dies in Huzzah at the age of 102. She had been Poet Laureate since 1985, holding the position longer than any other person.

28

 * The New Cambrian government announces a rise in the cost of the annual television license fee, from NW₤163 to NW₤173, effective 1 April.

27
About 87% of the whole nation of Surea participated in the Earth Hour 2010.

25
Air Georgeland CEO Mark Hunter announces that 35% of the company's stock will be sold to Singapore Airlines, with the deal expected to be completed in mid-2011.
 * Air Georgeland foreign investor sale

22

 * The eastcoast of Surea is badly affected by the sand, dust and pollutions that hits the People's Republic of China.

19
The Conservative government of Chief Minister Daniel Mahoney is re-elected with a majority, winning 7 seats in the 13-seat legislature, with the opposition Liberal Democrats winning just three, losing one seat to the Georgeland Alliance (who increase their number to two) and one to the Georgeland National Front.
 * Delmago Island legislative election, 2010

8

 * Phase V-A of the RTS Koiwai opens, creating the Purple Line from Summerfield to Harbor Bridge, and extending the Green Line to Cenmilcom.

7

 * Lxung badminton player Põng Pẽnitho becomes the champion of the semiannual badminton torunament Kompẽtmo Lxatamacon in Isjenang.

4

 * Former St. Edward Foreign Affairs Minister Anthony Collins dies at his Port Morgan home after several months' illness; he was 75. Collins served as Foreign Affairs Minister from 1992 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 2001.

25

 * At midnight, the KARRS Airport Javelin express service to Koiwai Decker Reginrauve International Airport is inaugurated.

24

 * The second year of government of Edward Sune Buns Wiladsen begins. Wiladsen holds a dinner at St. Fila's Palace and tells the public plans for his next year in office.
 * Sebastian Dorido is sworn in as the 3rd Chief Minister of East Mainland.

19
Having failed to retain a workable majority, or even enough seats to form a workable minority government, the coalition government of Lucien Hagerty concedes defeat. The opposition Liberal Democrats under Sebastian Dorido, having won 51 seats, seven short of a majority, announce they have reached an agreement with the Green Party of Georgeland and several key independents to form a minority government, in exchange for guarantees regarding the state's ailing power generation and distribution infrastructure. Dorido will be appointed the state's third Chief Minister early next week.
 * East Mainland legislative election, 2010
 * St. Edward Commissioner Derek Wehler announces that he will retire at the end of his term this year. The 66-year-old Wehler has served five terms as an At-Large Commissioner. For his seat in the upcoming November elections, Wehler has thrown his support behind Councilman Alphonse Allen III, whose father and grandfather also served on the Board of Commissioners.
 * Leubantian State Railways abandons its plans to fragment itself in the wake of growing public opposition to the proposal.

14

 * Leubantia celebrates Valentine's Day with parties nationwide and an unexpected show of fireworks in the city of Isatfa. Shortly after the show ended, authorities in Isatfa found the fireworks had been secretly planned since the day before, but the government eventually lets the case go without any arrests.
 * The whole nation of Surea is in high spirit as the Seiritsu and Valentine's day falls on the same day, today. Many couples celebrate seiritsu with their family members and friends during the day time and celebrate the romantic event at the evening.

13

 * The railway stations and airports in Surea are packed with people who travel back home to celebrate the Surean New Year that starts tomorrow.

12
Polling results for the first election in the Georgeland state to be held under a system of proportional representation are inconclusive, with the governing Conservative and Georgeland Alliance coalition standing to lose seats to the opposition Liberal Democrats but full results may not be known for some time. Incumbent Governor of East Mainland Hugh St. Clair is narrowly re-elected against a strong challenge from former Olympic swimmer and social activist Hailey Forrest.
 * East Mainland legislative election, 2010
 * East Mainland gubernatorial election, 2010

10

 * Leubantian State Railways and the Ministry of Transport and Land announce that the company may be fragmenting within a few months. The proposal is met both positively and negatively.

5

 * Nirmanuak is voted as "number one tourist attraction in Leubantia" by Leubantian citizens in a survey sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Leubantia.

1
The deadline for the Computer Tax in Leubantia arrives. Many phishing sites pop up to "help" those who haven't paid the tax.

29
Luke DeBurca, former Prime Minister of New Cambria (serving from 1970-1976 and 1979-1982) dies at his home in Arvant at the age of 80.

25

 * Drake Islands President Linda Gladstone appoints former President Vincent Bergamo as the nation's ambassador to the United Nations. He succeeds Paul Payne, who was appointed Foreign Affairs Minister.

22

 * New Cambria Television airs the final episode of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. Gavin McGrath, host of NCT's chat show Person to Person, discusses the Tonight show host and timeslot conflict extensively on air, and jokingly offers Conan O'Brien a job as his co-host.

20

 * The 24-hour telethon in the Drake Islands for victims of the Haitian earthquake raises over DI$12 million. In addition, four of the nation's wealthiest people - property developer and former President Russell Bentley, meat & produce distributor Donald Crawford, and insurance executives Duncan Appleby Jr. and Mills Tate - each donate DI$10 million to the effort.

19

 * The Rescue Foundation, led by former Georgeland Prime Minister Campbell Rhodes, donates thirty million dollars to the victims of the Haitian earthquake.

18

 * Former Drake Islands President Vincent Bergamo has been added as a 3rd presenter for the 20 January telethon to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake.

15

 * The Leubantian band The Mearkats create a special charity single, called Remember the Haitians, to raise money for the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.
 * The Drake Islands' four major television networks - NBN, DIMC, IBC, and ABMC - announce that they will hold a simultaneous broadcast of a 24-hour telethon on 20 January to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake. The event will be hosted by talk show host Garry O'Riordan and singer and Idol Of the Islands judge Susan Kilgore.
 * Alexander Dupra cancelled his concert in Germany to make a world tour in Francophone countries to raise funds in benefit of the victims of the Haitian earthquake. The tour, called Frères pour Haïti (Brothers for Haiti) is expected to be joined by several recognized Heigardian artists.

14

 * The Government of Leubantia donates €500,000 to relief forces in Haiti for money to buy supplies and fund law enforcement. Civilian organizations continue donations.
 * The Prime Minister of Surea sets off to visit quake victims at Haiti.
 * St. Edward sends a detachment of soldiers to maintain order and coordinate relief efforts in Haiti in the wake of the recent earthquake. The overall relief effort is being coordinated back in St. Edward by Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Hawkes, Defence Minister Derek Hoelscher, and Councilman Alphonse Allen III.

12

 * Several dozens of Heigardian physicians are sent to Haiti after the terrible earthquake that shocked the country.
 * Supplies are sent in 2 military airplanes.
 * Johann Meukervan traveled to Belgium, in order to aid the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the mission of sending €3 million to Haiti.
 * Ivalice sends reconstruction and medical supplies worth 40i million to Haiti.

10

 * Popular New Cambrian singer and actor Kyle Mason comes out as gay in an interview published in the latest issue of Kaleidoscope magazine.

9

 * Silence across Leubantia in mourning of the people who died in the Barsfistur rail disaster on this day in 1995.
 * The Governor of the Georgeland state of East Mainland issues writs for a general election to be held on Saturday, February 12.
 * A massive 6.4 magnitude in the Richter scale earthquake hits Chiwon City early this morning, killing 2 and injured 4 other. The area where the Tenraku Ecocity Pyramid is suppost to be built at were badly effected. Tenraku Group had since postpone the construction of the megastructure.

7

 * Leubantian State Railways gets approval to create a link to Jeurg T. Fiśer International Airport. The plan soon goes underway as the company begins construction. Class 460 highspeed trains will serve the station with services from Trilfuva Central railway station.

4

 * The Ivalician High Court rules that Stand4MarriageIvalices's Definition of Marriage Act is unconstitutional on a federal level, however they note that on a state level, it is constitutional on a state by state basis.
 * Drake Islands President Linda Gladstone appoints her new Cabinet. She names United Nations Ambassador Paul Payne as Foreign Affairs Minister; Randolph Chanel is appointed Finance Minister; Victoria Taylor is named Justice Minister, thus becoming the first Afro-Drakian female Cabinet member; and Richard Belasco is appointed Defence Minister.
 * Former Drake Islands President Russell Bentley returns to his previous position as CEO of North Atlantic Properties, Ltd. He names former interim CEO Mark Van Doren as Executive Vice-President and Deputy CEO of the company, and gives him an undisclosed pay increase.
 * Leubantia vacates its embassy in Yemen. Oskar Miltajn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Leubantia stating that the decision was made in fear of terrorist attacks on the embassy possibly resulting in the deaths of ambassadors and diplomats.

2
Leubantian State Railways approaches the government of the City of Trilfuva for approval to make a rail link to Jeurg T. Fiśer International Airport.

1

 * SBC launches SBC International and SBC4Kids sub-networks in Ivalice
 * Stand4MarriageIvalice, an anti-gay marriage group successfully submits the 408,000 signatures necessary to put their Definition of Marriage Act on the national midterm elections as a voter initiative to be approved as a Constitutional amendment. The High Court of Ivalice is expected to overrule the initiative as unconstitutional upon returning for holiday break.
 * Road realignment in Koiwai is completed. All streets and avenues are now one-way.
 * Leubantia's official currency switches from the Fila to the Euro. The Fila is set to become illegal tender on 1 April 2011.
 * Linda Gladstone is sworn in as the 4th President of the Drake Islands. In her inaugural address, she pledges to maintain her nation's policy of military neutrality, limited government, and support of the free market economy.
 * The Municipal Reform in Heigard becomes effective. The project begins with extensive renaming, map sketching and a further re-printing of educational books.
 * Lxungion's seventh Supreme Council and Lower Council take office, with Oi Xawxiãr as speaker of the Supreme Council.
 * Georgeland's Emissions Trading scheme begins operation.

Past years

 * 2009: Nearly Real World Current Events, 2009
 * 2008: Nearly Real World Current Events, 2008
 * 2007: Nearly Real World Current Events, 2007
 * 2006: Nearly Real World Current Events, 2006
 * 2005: Nearly Real World Current Events, 2005