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[WHPR Day 2486]Let's Go Exploring

Dateline: Wednesday, September 9^th, 2014 (Day 2486)
Location: James S. Brady Press Room, The White House

Today’s WHPR:
: 1: American Hero: Wild Owl
: 2: Memoirs of a Has-Been
: 3: A Sit Down with the MOFA of Albania
: 4: Interview with POTUS, Tyler Bubblar
: 5: Colbert's America
: 6: Writing Contest

Editor: Secretary of Media SColbert
Contributors: Deputy Secretaries of Media: MrCarey, and ErrOrka, Blande, and dmjohnston



American Hero: Wild Owl
Blande



Wild Owl is one of the most intelligent players in the game. He is a great friend and ally to have; who always acts in the best interests of the eUSA. - Josh Frost

He has been a longstanding member of the eUSA community. His vigilance and dedication to the eNation can be described beyond leaps and bounds, especially with his expertise in Foreign Affairs. Yes, expertise, because the dude blows my mind with all this stuff he knows that's going on elsewhere in the eWorld. – WookyJack

I can say without any hesitation that Wild Owl is one of the few guys who are extremely dedicated to make eUSA a much better place. I hate him for some reasons (secret) but still his love and service for eUSA makes me feel proud that he is my friend. o7 – Cholan

Those are but a few words prominent eUSA citizens had to offer about Wild Owl. Few in the game have dedicated themselves to the service of their country as Wild Owl has. To add to his accomplishments in the Foreign Affairs front, he is as humble as they come, always willing to share the spoils of his victories and success with others. I had the honor of interviewing him for this piece and this is the conversation that followe😛

Me: Hey

Wild Owl: Hello

Me: Where did you first learn of erepublik?

WO: I started playing eRepublik in February 2012 as Ishamael Naeblis. I took a break for a while, and returned as Wild Owl in January 2013.

Me: What brought you back to the game?

WO: I had a lot of RL time to spare again, so decided to give eRepublik a try once again.

Me: We are lucky you returned.

WO: (blushes). Thanks

Me: How were your first days in the game? What did you go through and were there any helping hands?

WO: I didn't really know about what I was doing when I started in 2012. I remember fighting a lot without weapons, and increasing my XP needlessly. Artela was one of the biggest helpers I had when I was an e-baby, she was PotUS at the time and despite doing all sorts of important stuff,was always kind and helpful to me as a newbie.

Me: It's always nice when our leaders do that. Before we dive deeper into your eRep life, i just realized something about your first name. Would that have anything to do with the Wheel of Time Series?

WO: Haha yeah. I'm a big fan.

Me: Me too! Best fantasy series I ever read.

WO: Few people spot that though, but I'm glad you did. :3

Me: What is your proudest moment as an eUS citizen?

WO: In 2013, we'd resigned ourselves to the fact that we were a second tier nation who had to make do with terrible bonuses and an inferior place in world politics. Regaining full food and weapons bonuses in February 2014 was one of the proudest moments for me, we still are a force to be reckoned with on eRepublik which can hold its own against anyone.

Me: True true, and definitely an achievement to be proud of. Few people can claim to have as much expertise as you do in the Foreign Affairs arena. What can you tell us about that part of your career?

WO: I actually started my Foreign Affairs career as the MoFA of Albania in 2013, when they airstriked into India. Later on, I served as MoFA of eCyprus as well during Kemal Ergenekon's Presidency there. However, I've been a member of the US FA team since November 2013, although I only really started to be a factor during my Presidency in January 2014. I'm probably biased, but I think we've done extremely well in the aforementioned time frame 😛

Me: I don't think you are being biased. In fact some might even say you are underestimating the true extend of the success we have had under your guidance.

WO: It hasn't been only just me. I'm just a wheel in a cog.

Me: True true, the team one leads is important in the accomplishments. That being said, you mentioned your Presidency in January 2014. What was the most important accomplishment during your presidency?

WO: Saving Russia from an Argentine wipe, by establishing the "Wall of Siberia"

Me: That's quite an impressive history you have and we in the eUS and the WHPR are proud to have you with us. There are few who have meant as much to the country as you have. We look forward to working with you in achieving greater things.

WO: Thanks. I am honored.

Me: Before we end this though, we have to ask the traditional question. Cake or Pie?

WO: Cake

Me: Thanks for your time!



Memiors of a Has-Been
dmjohnston

People always joke about the President never sleeping. I always thought they were crazy; I slept just fine as POTUS.

Inquiring minds want to know (trust me, they do), how does a recently departed POTUS spend his time?

This past Saturday, I did a triathlon. There are three things in this world that I really don’t enjoy and am admittedly bad at doing. The first is swimming. During my time at West Point, I took a class affectionately referred to as “Rock Swimming” based on my performance (or lack thereof) in a swimming skill test. The second is cycling up hills. I hate hills, no matter the mode of transportation, but while I do enjoy cycling, the hills of the Pacific Northwest are the bane of its pleasure. The third is running. Since I left the Army 2 years ago, I don’t remember the last time I really “ran” other than away from fireworks I was setting off on the 4th of July. Given those three facts, you might find it odd that I agreed to this event.


3 years ago, I did this same triathlon. I should be honest and reveal that it’s what’s known as a “Super Sprint” distance, which does not mean you do it extra fast, but rather, that the distance is much shorter than other triathlons. It consisted of a quarter mile swim (hell), 10 mile bike (not bad aside from the massive hill that I had to tackle not once but twice), and a 3 km (1.6 mile) run (usually not bad, but it was after doing the rest). 3 years ago though, I was still in the Army, working out every morning, and while I was far from the pinnacle of physical skill, I was at least used to running regularly and had a few less pounds than I carry now.


I didn’t specifically train for the event 3 years ago, and while my intentions were to train for this one, work, school, family, church, and most importantly eRep got in the way. When I got there, my bike tires were completely flat, if that’s any indication of the amount of training I did. I was rocking some very classy triathlon shorts throughout the event and basically just changed the top and shoes to match the event: swimming shirt and barefoot, cycling jersey and shoes, running tee and running shoes. My goggles were well fitted with my silver swim cap. My bike and cleats was in good shape after getting some air into the tires. My running shoes were...covered in dust from sitting in the garage for so long.

I finished the event, not as fast as 3 years ago, but I think I only lost about 8 minutes overall, and most of that likely came from the swim.

I subsequently invented my own version of the triathlon that afternoon: Subway Footlong sandwich, Costco Hot Dog, and Taco del Mar Mondo Burrito. I haven’t attempted it yet, but it sure sounds like an adventure.


This has been the Memoirs of a Has-Been. I’m dmjohnston asking, “Who told you you could eat my cookies?!”



A Sit Down with the MOFA of Albania
ErrOrka

First term plans?

Hi, it’s quite simple : we are and remain anti Asteria bloc (Leto, Asgard …). My goal is to be in contact with our main friends in Root but also those who are in other alliances like Sirius, Aurora and Pacifica.

Talk about the cabinet, how did they get chosen, did you/the CP work with them previously?

TroyannForc decided to pick people in who he trust. I was chosen because I helped him on last term and was involved in the past on Foreign Affairs. I’m sure that he picked Endritt Zekka as MoEd following his excellent work in education. Same with DiegoIceAge as MoD where some countries (oops, don’t remember which ones) were happy to see him at this spot. Last Month, our current CP worked with me but also with Endritt who is Root MC.

Please tell me about your past experience.

In Albania : I was Minister of Education during 1 term and half. Last month, I acted more as advisor. So, first term as Albanian MoFA. But before join Albania, I played during 4.5 years in UK where I was 2x CP, 9x MoFA and 3x MoD.
I was also highly involved in TWO as SoFA (Secretary of Foreign affairs) where I made the job during 6 terms.

Care to talk about RL?

Sorry, but I don’t like to talk about my real life. I will just say that I’m real life Belgian but I never played in eBelgium. Not specially about Real life but I never missed a single working day since I joined Erepublik.

Tells us about Albania’s domestics.

Our T5 parties till now are good everything works well and relations between them are good . It’s very difficult to PTO one of our parties. Those who are coming to organise a PTO have almost no chance.

What is more important, Private MUs or Government run ones?

I will say : Both. But it depends how it is used. Private ones are good because they are privately run and you can find some hard hitters in several regiments. You have there people who are focused only on battlefield (and have lower interest on other modules).
About National ones : I like the concept behind Polish civilian army who is “Not invited by a MU ? Join us”. They are always the MU who is doing the most weekly damage. I tend to think that ambiance is more “relaxed”. I mean : Unlike privately run MU, you have there people who aren’t specially interested only by war but also by other modules.
Even if a good part of Polish Civil Army is doing “only” their 25 daily kills, their commander has some power when he picks MU DO. I would like to see the same kind of concept in other countries.

Any plans for the future?

Yeah, they are in that folder : http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/secret-document-folder-6072783.jpg 😃

Can you tell us about your relations to your alliance, and the eUSA?

Currently, I’m not on Root HQ. About relations with other Root members : they are good. About eUSA : even if we aren’t on the same alliance : we consider them as great Brothers.



Interview with POTUS, Tyler Bubblar
MrCarey

MrCarey: So you're PotUS now. How does that feel?
Tyler_B: I'm reminded of the feeling I had as a first time Party President. I stressed a lot about messing things up. 🙂

MrCarey: What are some things you are going to focus on to help alleviate that stress of messing things up?
Tyler_B: It's not as severe a worry this time. Experience has helped me gain a lot more confidence in things working out. Mainly I'll just focus on doing the job.

MrCarey: In a previous interview I did with you, you mentioned starting a new department. Now that you are elected, do you have a timeline in mind for this?
Tyler_B: The Census Bureau has 5 people assigned to it. Greeling is heading it up he will be working with Oblige, Scott Coyle, Dave Gulya , and Alexander Aten
MrCarey: So it's already underway?
Tyler_B: yes
MrCarey: That's great!
Tyler_B: We should see some fun things coming from them soon. They have great ideas.

MrCarey: How about the two new media programs?
Tyler_B: Okay - the Press Corp for USAF is going to be built from scratch so it's a work in progress. SColbert has gotten his department staffed up now and I will be talking to him soon about some ideas I have for contests.
MrCarey: Sounds like the eAmerican people have a lot of interaction coming to them this month!
Tyler_B: That's what we're aiming for. We want the nation to be engaged and taking part in everything the meta and the in game has to offer.
MrCarey: That's great - it sounds like it will really help out retention.

MrCarey: Before I let you go, is there anything you'd like to add or mention?
Tyler_B: One thing I knew coming in is that nothing ever goes exactly according to plan. Due to RL circumstances, CivilAnarchy (my CoS), had to step down. I've replaced him with Derphoof and assigned Delyruin the dCoS role. Delyruin will be cracking the whip on the domestic departments to keep the wheels of government turning for the people.
MrCarey: Well it's good to see that you got pitched a curve ball and took care of it in a timely manner. I thank you for your time, Mr. President.
Tyler_B: No problem at all.



Colbert's America
SColbert

Hello Nation,

A lot has changed since I spoke to you last. Apparently my column was just so great the big wigs upstairs decided to go ahead and make me Secretary of Media. I can hardly blame them though, I was basically carrying the paper on mt back. Don't think the immense power, and prestige that comes with my promotion has changed me. No I am still the simple American patriot/sexy guy you have all come to love. I still stand for all that is good about America and will defend Her to the last penny in my wallet.

Which brings me to the most recent attack on our way of life. The nations of Thailand and the Philippines have decided to launch airstrikes on our proud nation on the anniversary of the tragic, and cowardly terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. If these countries do not sound familiar you are not alone. Thailand is most well known as a major tie producer. The brutal regime there forbids the the donning of any attire that is not formal. The Philippines you might remember as that place where the United States sent huge amounts of aid to after a devastating typhoon hit the islands.

You know me America, I'm a fun loving guy and a free spirit. I am willing to try to find the best in any person (sorry Canadians you don't count as people), but what these attacks represent is a blatant spit in the face of the nearly 3,000 victims of the terrorist attacks. There is no humor in this. There is no excuse for such an insult. To claim these attacks represent something else is claim ignorance of events that have reshaped the RL Middle East over the past decade.

America let's not allow this personal attack on our country, and the insult of the deaths of 3,000 people to go unnoticed. Let's use this as a learning opportunity to reexamine our own actions when speaking with people of other nations. No one is clean when it comes to the personal insult traded around in this game, but let's remind ourselves that this is just a game. We Americans are just as guilty as anyone else of engaging in behavior similar to this. That does not excuse the actions of those committing this insult against our nation, but it does serve as an example of how we should moderate our own behavior.



Writing Contest
SColbert

I am pleased to announce a new contest open to all players. This will be a media contest run by the Media Department. We will be giving out prizes of Gold and CC for all those who enter.

1st prize: 15 Gold
2nd prize: 10 gold
3rd prize: 5 gold
$100: all contestants

What do you have to do enter? All we ask is that you write an article about the topic given, and PM myself a copy of the article. Please begin the article's title with "[CONTEST]" so I can better recognize it.

This week's topic is "What would I do if I were POTUS?" Please submit all entries by day 2495.

Thanks, and good luck to everyone!



For Greeling:
Secretary of Media:SColbert

Deputy Secretaries of Media:ErrOrka[/url andMrCarey


[POTUS] Incoming Trials
http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/-potus-incoming-trials-2443294/1/20

[WHPR Day 2486] Let's Go Exploring
http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/-whpr-day-2486-let-s-go-exploring-2443868/1/20

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