[CONSULATE] Fylkirvegr

This thread shall serve the purpose of Consulate between The East Pacific and Fylkirvegr.


Overview

We, the Norse region of Fylkirvegr, would like to celebrate our first state of the region declaration since our founding sixteen days ago, by the King, Freedomanica! We as a region have grown from just 9 nations to a whopping 25 nations with Hellenic Army and West Osettia as our new additions over the past fifteen hours! We have grown within our regional government introducing our new democratically elected Prime Minister, Bizenia, and our newly elected Deputy Prime Minister, Lycadia! They have, in my belief, have served the region with Honor, Duty, Valor! They will be remembered!

We would like to thank our regional government for their efforts as they have never let me or the Prime Minister down, and has always wanted the best for the region, I am so blessed to receive such a talented bunch of NationStates nations!

I would like to commend Maleolithia Reborn as the nation commited itself in serving the regional government, who always wanted the best for the region, but I had overworked him, I say this, because I am an honest leader, and I was wrong to stress him out, as it was a desire for some nations just to chill. I thought that it is an honor, but I should have known that some nations just want to chill, I apologize once again. The nation put its heart on its sleeve, and I would just like to commend Maleolithia Reborn, for the efforts.

I would like to also commend The Roman republic a, for his efforts in managing the state of Asgard, one of the nine states of Yggdrasil, he has always ruled as Governor with a wise fair hand and has always twirled towards freedom, as well as being the first nation in Fylkirvegr, and has always believe in us, now we repay his faith! As the longest nation in Fylkirvegr, besides the chosen six, here they are for reference:

  • Angelic Holiness

  • Tropolistia

  • Demonic Evility

  • Marcellion

  • Drathalon

  • Francessiano

Should you require more information about these nation, go to our dispatch below, on the Great Founding of Fylkirvegr! It really is a good story!

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1388607

We would also like to commend The two Sicilis, who is to date, the second oldest nation in Fylkirvegr, after The Roman republic a, the nation was wonderful because the nation commited itself to an active message board in Fylkirvegr and always wanting the best in terms of activity and friendliness in the region! His services are deeply appreciated! As a wise Governor of Muspelheim! I have to say, never went wrong in a fine approximately 10 days in office.

Here are the other government officials of Fylkirvegr:

  • Isle of Viterna, who is our Minister of International Security, protections our region and the Prime Minister from nasty invaders, as well as always wanting, in my belief, justice, order and fairness, his days will always be remembered

  • Bomboza, as our Minister of Home Affairs, he has always, once again in my belief, devoted himself and his time and patience to telegram new nation that come to Fylkirvegr, some knowledge in mind about the various generic things there is to do in Fylkirvegr, I commend him for his service

  • , as our Minister of Social Development, has never put a foot wrong, and has, and is to date, always kept the people within, happy and has promoted a good atmosphere in the regional message board and regional forums

  • YEETUSMCNEETUSheetus, as our Minister of Communications, unfortunately, was not present to write the state of the region declaration, however, he served his time as Minister with respect and honor, if he were here to write this, he would be much better than me

  • Koa koma, as our Governor of Vanaheim, has served with an honorable hand and is committed to his efforts and job and will be remembered and appreciated for years to come

  • All the arabs, as our Governor of Aflheim, he ruled the state of Aflheim, with good intentions and motives, I had always believed in the wise fella

  • Griteron, as our Governor of Midgard, has always been competitive and has once, only once seized the position of Chief Governor Representative of his state Midgard! After luring the Prime Minister, Bizenia, to his state. He has always ruled his state with a just hand and was perhaps the wisest governor of his state, Midgard. He was both competent and friendly thus, he was one of the best Governors ever

  • ACapitalistEnvironment, who, in my opinion, has done well, as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, as he had strengthened our diplomatic presence and our voting power in the World Assembly, which is remarkable

The Governors of the nine states, have been committing their time, to their respective region, and the honored Chief Governor Representative of Asgard, The Roman republic a, has always kept the diplomacy between the Governor and their respective regions settled and organized in a planned government, if you are interested in becoming a Governor, telegram me, Freedomanica, the King, or alternatively, read the informational dispatch below!

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1392934

Real Life Matters

The current pandemic has changed our lives in many different ways, we are reminded about the current statistics including death, cases and other dastardly happenings out there. The novel coronavirus pandemic can be the moment the world pushes back against fear and isolationism, and turns instead towards hope, solidarity and a shared sense of global community.

These are fearful times, to be sure. Some 3.55 million people have been infected by COVID-19 and nearly a quarter of a million have perished. Billions of people are on lockdown or in self isolation.

Yet this pandemic and the fear, dread, and anxiety that it has induced has not occurred in isolation. For years, we have existed under the constant and pervasive feeling that things are getting worse, that we are failing each other and that we are failing our planet. This isn’t helped by a daily news cycle that reads like an ever-escalating drumbeat of anxiety. Climate change, war and conflict, isolationism and trade wars; our world, at times, feels dark and lonely, and this despite the many, many positive news stories that exist but that rarely get attention.

Global togetherness

No one doubts that COVID-19 is one of the most dire threats the world has ever faced. And yet, amidst the confusion and anxiety, there are ever stronger signs of hope and solidarity, a sense of, and desire for, togetherness.

It is this spirit of global togetherness that gives us hope. In this time of crisis, we are all neighbours in the world, and success will only be achieved when all people, in all countries, are protected.

Thankfully, this shared sense of responsibility has seen a world come together in ways that we have not seen for some time, and the examples are everywhere.

In the U.K., an army of volunteers has come forth to support their neighbors. As stated in the New York Times, “When the government appealed recently for 250,000 people to help the National Health Service, more than 750,000 signed up. It was forced to temporarily stop taking applicants so it could process the flood.”

In Somalia, where health infrastructure and traditional media have suffered under decades of strife, local storytellers are being equipped with the skills and tools to reach remote communities and educate them on best practices against COVID-19. The initiative is a collaboration between UNDP Somalia’s Accelerator Lab and experts from Australia’s Queensland University and Digital Storytellers.

And, as pointed out by Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Youth Envoy, young people from Syria to Peru to South Sudan are helping to tackle misinformation, raise community awareness and support the elderly.

Such examples are spreading like wildfire as people seek out a light at the end of the tunnel and work to show, to each other, that we all stand together. We see this in the towns and cities around the globe where citizens are painting hearts on windows, where crowds cheer for healthcare workers, and where everyday people perform songs on social media to help lift spirits.

Leaning into hope

Without ignoring the realities we face, it is clear that the world is reaching for a positive message. These words were echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to world leaders, as he emphasized the need for solidarity and global cooperation.

His call has resonated. Long sought-after partnerships with private sector companies are suddenly coming to fruition as everyone steps up to pitch in. UNDP has recently partnered with Variety on a global ad campaign. And UNDP’s new partnership with Heart17, a global initiative using creativity and innovation to accelerate the SDGs and light a spark of hope among the young generation, has brought together major players within fashion and popular culture, such as H&M Group and Spotify, to share their media space for messages around health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certainly there will be many lessons learned once COVID-19 has passed, and UNDP’s Accelerator Labs has assessed some of the post-COVID-19 trends they see emerging. A key takeaway is this: COVID-19 has been a sort of reset across societies, across sectors. From telecommuting for work or school, to supply chain management, to support for health systems, and small and medium enterprises, to mental health support across borders or simply across the street, COVID-19 has forced us to look at how we work as a species on this planet.

Amidst the pain that we continue to endure, we should find comfort in the stories of hope and solidarity, and continue to see the value in the positive, encouraging lessons that are emerging for our post-COVID world.

Embassy Portal

We would then like to further commend Gypsy Lands, for proposing embassies with us, their region is friendly, bustling and organized. The nation of Gypsy Lands, is a wonderful nation, and in my eyes always wants the best for the region, as well as serving us some tea, we really loved it, in return we gave them ale (beer), meat and fish! One of their regional government associates, Hermes Express 123, is a good leader because, he took the time to offer up the region’s humble services to help us, by offering us with assistance in terms of roleplay, and so forth! His offer will be remembered and he has and always will have a good heart!

We lastly, would like to congratulate Click Here and their esteemed leader, CLICK-HERE, as our first regional embassy, the nation of CLICK-HERE, was the first one to have posted something on our regional message board and he was so friendly, and I could see the leader within him! He was extremely friendly and always wants to consolidate relations and we humbly appreciate his time.

https://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/rflags/click_here__857342.jpg

Pride

It’s June, and that means schools getting out, summer plans are being finalized and it’s Pride month. It’s rare that we share anything very specific to being a part of the LGBTQ community, but I think that particularly this month it’s important to talk about and share. Here are 10 reasons why Pride matters both to our family and why it should matter to you. Pride Checklist at the end!!!

PRIDE BRINGS COMFORT AND SAFETY

The first reason why pride matters is because everybody should feel comfortable and safe being themselves wherever they are. For us, that means going to our kids’ school functions as a family. I had a lot of anxiety when I took the kids to a school event knowing that Chris would arrive late and our secret would be out.
Why would I care about this? Because nobody likes to be stared at, and no matter how long I’ve been out or how long we’ve been married, I feel like there are always eyes. It could very well be that nobody cares, but I was conditioned my whole life to be disgusted by gay people and breaking that frame of mind is difficult. Pride matters because being present and active in your own life is the only way to become comfortable with who you are and living your best life.

PRIDE RAISES AWARENESS

Example: as Pride parades and celebrations grow and more and more LGBTQ allies participate, it shows those who aren’t a vocal supporter of minorities, like our community, that we are a part of their world and are here to stay, making positive progress for all.
During Pride season, people are more openly shown the good in the world and that a.) they can be a part of that good or b.) they need to think about their own views and behaviors.
There is a difficult side to the awareness in Pride season. We’ll actually let you read all about it in this article about harassment. We were severely attacked through a series of threats and online bullying that included everything from name-calling and inappropriate jokes to having direct threats to have the kids taken away. Pride season seems to empower the trolls to be their worst selves. The added visibility and awareness goes both ways.

NORMALIZING LGBTQ FAMILIES

Even though there is an amazing online community of LGBTQ parents, people in real life don’t often think of two-dad or two-mom families as being common or having the same life events as hetero families. Another reason why Pride matters is because it provides an opportunity for LGBTQ families to be visible in large numbers.

Small towns may not have many LGBTQ families, but regional events for Pride bring families from all around. If you don’t think there are many same-sex couples raising kids in your area, go to a community Pride event and see.

PRIDE IS AN AVENUE TO BREAK STEREOTYPES

It’s funny, but the reason we don’t like to participate in a lot of Pride events is the same reason why Pride matters: celebrating people of every style, love or culture. The last time we went to the Seattle Pride Parade with kids there were all kinds of things happening that weren’t what we wanted to explain to our young children. Pride celebrations include more expressions of life than just marching and sharing that you can face the world without fear.

We don’t identify with the leather daddy culture or the pup/master stuff. We’re not into drag performance. We don’t feel the need to attach overt sexuality to our clothing choices or stroll through the city wearing Speed-os. There’s so much going on at Pride celebrations and even though most of it is totally not us or how we live our lives, it’s important for us to be present and celebrate the freedom everybody else has to be who they are.

Too many people view Pride parades and celebrations as public debauchery and flagrant secularism. There is indeed a lot of fun and craziness at the different festivals and parties that may happen in different cities, but there are also street fairs showcasing LGBTQ artisans, family events to bring gay parents together, parades for EVERYONE to enjoy together. Celebrating the incredible diversity is what it’s all about.

RECOGNIZING LGBTQ HISTORY AND PROGRESS

Having a whole month dedicated to Pride with ongoing events and celebrations is incredible, especially considering how not so recent history would never have thought the LGBTQ community would be able to live openly, freely and happily. Pride matters because countless people have lost their jobs, families and lives to be able to live in peace with themselves.

Also, despite the current administration trying to roll back the clock or LGBTQ rights and protections, progress is being made daily, and that’s to be celebrated. With each progressive law, new representation in television and film, with each elected leader from our community taking their post, history is being made.

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. At that time, only fifty years ago, people weren’t OUT and violence and harassment was a normal occurrence with minimal legal protections of any sort. Today, we can live out and proud, having completely different lives than those who paved the way for us. We can hold hands, dress how we want, have families, and for the most part do so without fear. A lot of brave women and men fought for that and what we have today is thanks to them.

A huge reason for celebrating and why Pride matters is so that their struggles are not forgotten and to help progress continue.

INSTILLING CONFIDENCE IN LGBTQ YOUTH

Today, being out and living life with pride, I hope that kids who are growing up like I did can see our family and gain a little hope and confidence that they can find peace and happiness some day. I hope that by sharing our journey of starting a family and traveling others, both younger and older, can challenge their comfort levels and live a more full life.

Celebrating Pride and the events that surround it in different cities a great way to support the next generation of LGBTQ youth. Pride matters for providing opportunities for kids to have a safe place to express themselves and be embraced by a community. As I said before, many gay kids grow up not being accepted. If there’s one thing that will make you feel on top of the world and ready to take another brave step it’s being cheered on by supportive people.
Between the general vibe of Pride happenings and giving positive attention to youth who don’t often get that sort of visibility, for youth why Pride matters is to give strength for future battles they will have to face.

RAINBOWS AND INCLUSIVITY

Education. I heard a comment the other day from a man saying that Christians need to take the rainbow back from the gays. Okay, you do that. His statement was that the rainbow is a reminder that God won’t flood the earth again and that the gays need to be washed away with a great flood. That’s not cool in any sense. Yeah, the LGBTQ community has taken that rainbow as a symbol and turned it into something amazing: inclusivity.

A lot of people don’t know that the rainbow flag actually has a bigger meaning than colorful happiness. And did you know that there are several versions of the LGBTQ rainbow flag? It’s true! Here is what each of the original six colors of the rainbow flag means:

On behalf of Fylkirvegr, we would like to say happy pride month to all the people and LGBTQ!

Objectives

In the future, by December, 2020, we hope that we will be able to start elections for the regional government such as for the office of Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, Chief Justice, Speaker, WA, GA and SC Secretariat and much more! We hope that the elections will just give nations within, a clear and variable understanding of our complex government system!

By 2021, we hope that we would reach 100 nations respectively, and we know we can do this, because I have faith in my region, we have just have so much to do, and I, the King, will always serve my region! We have already opened the gateway to our regional roleplay, regional anthem, our regional Google Site and so much more!

Closing Remarks

Well, that is all from us, thank you for your time and patience in reading Fylkirvegr’s State of The Region Declaration! Should you have any queries and/or questions to arise, please feel free to contact the King, Freedomanica or the Prime Minister, Bizenia and happy pride month to everyone, especially Gay!


August Elections Preparation

We would like to aware people of our first regional elections! We have so many elections on offer and we would like to know if you want to join the race? The nations residing within Fylkirvegr have the following positions that they can campaign for:

  • Chief Justice

  • Speaker

  • Regional WA Secretariat

  • Regional GA Secretariat

  • Regional SC Secretariat

  • Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

  • Minister of International Security

  • Minister Home Affairs

  • Minister of Defense and Military Veterans

  • Minister of Communications

  • Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

  • Minister of Social Development

The Election Commission of Fylkirvegr will supervise the August Elections with a watchful eye and will not tolerate any malicious or suspicious behavior  on the ‘background’ scenes of the elections. Any bribing must be reported to the Election Commission of Fylkirvegr immediately and must underline what happened in a formal manner.

We cannot wait to see the polls and so forth. All our nations wanting to participate must make a campaign dispatch in order to fully be in the elections! Positions within the government to be elected on vary within power, time and so forth.

https://img.techpowerup.org/200719/eb6bdabb-b4fd-4db0-a283-4c3aa79186e2.jpg

Overview

Hello, once again and we would like to congratulate ourselves and introduce you to another region full of ups, downs twists and turns and we are here! Our second State of The Region Declaration Issue! I am so happy to pack it out to all of you whether foreign envoys, or foreign ambassadors, this is the State of The Region Declaration!

We would like to celebrate the grand opening of the University of Fylkirvegr! We realized that not many nations know about Norse Mythology, its traditions and the language and a whole lot! So we as a region decided how would we allow Fylkirvegrian citizens to get accustomed to Nose Mythology, you know what I said? A university! This is a great way to educate citizens while they learn more of who we are as a region!

https://img.techpowerup.org/200726/4abb7d95-7c24-4a2d-8358-58e6aec1662c.jpg

We are also waiting in anticipation for the Fylkirvegrian August Elections! Many nations are twirling to get those status and many such as Eleiterion, are putting their hearts out to be their desired roles! Isle of Viterna and Eleiterion are fighting and talking their hearts out to win the Ministerial office for the Department of International Security! Boy, this will be one race!

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcS5NnvMaOZYys-y2sMaWEdDYuZ2yvRLrJWG1Q&usqp=CAU

We here at Fylkirvegr are so happy to unravel the many things that have been happening with our Government and we would like to showcase their talents to you as well as reveal the Commended Nation of The Month!

Our government has been doing spectacular stunts and tricks these days with the newest addition, Eleiterion, who has come to the region as an impersonation of deceased Hellenic Army and boy… what an impact he has made! He has applied for citizenship, joined a State and is extremely promising! I can’t wait to see what he has unravelled to us in terms of government applications, he really was ambitious to take a Ministerial role within the regional government and is currently in the process!

We recently have appointed our new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Whithamia, he has been doing marvelous wonders to the region, even offering himself to be a Governor, and yes, he is also Governor of his State, Niflheim, congratulations to him! He has always wanted the best for the region and has always been someone to be eager in terms of regional government activity!

We would like to commend Bargio, as newly appointed Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and also eager like Whithamia, has also become Governor of the State the nation wanted to be in, Midgard. He has served the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and always wants the best for his Department! He has been planning the UFFA (Union of Fylkirvegrian Football Associations) Champions League very well and we are currently working on that a State should have a league, then the top four, three (via play-offs) or two advance to the UFFA Champions League (UCL). He is extremely creative and should be praised for his initiatives and hardwork!

We would also like to commend Lycadia for being the great leader he is to being appointed as Prime Minister and WA Delegate of Fylkirvegr! Putting his heart, time and effort into everything he did, and replaced Bizenia, our initial Prime Minister and WA Delegate that has ceased to exist unfortunately and had already put in such a world-wide mark to the region, was able fulfill the nation’s place as Prime Minister and boy ‘o boy did I make the right decision!

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Bizenia’s flag; may it soar high in the sky for all Fylkirvegrians to see it and salute in honor of the brave Viking’s death to Helheim the nation went.

We would also like to praise the following as well:

  • Maleolithia Reborn -For making the RMB a positive interactive interface and environment for any newcomer to become fully reinstated within the region just in one day

  • The two Sicilis -For also making the RMB wonderful especially in a comedian-like way and is extremely entertaining! He always believed in an active region, oh and did he get what he wanted!

  • The Roman republic a -For being the first nation to ever join [region]Fylkirvegr[/region] and at the time, always eager to participate in the very limited activities there was on offer and his belief in the great Old Norse region of Fylkirvegr

Commended Nation of The Month
Whithamia

We would like to praise and congratulate, Whithamia, as our commended nation of the month! I would like to commend him for his efforts in serving the Norse revolution by putting his time and patience in becoming the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, I even asked him if he wanted to become a Governor, the nation said yes! I then asked him if he wanted to become an Immigration Commissioner, he said yes! These are those types of rare nations who have a lot to offer on the table and puts its hear on its sleeve in everything it does.

Especially doing all he can by issuing an ambassador for Enadia and its leader, God-King Rorschach and for having a very professional service and leadership. I would also like to say thanks to God-King Rorschach for his support and input is also very much appreciated. Please telegram Whithamia, and congratulate the nation, and also to endorse him if applicable to further salute his service!

Real Life Matters

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. A minimum of 30 minutes a day can allow you to enjoy these benefits.
Benefits of regular physical activity

If you are regularly physically active, you may:

  • reduce your risk of a heart attack

  • manage your weight better

  • have a lower blood cholesterol level

  • lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers

  • have lower blood pressure

  • have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower risk of developing osteoporosis

  • lower your risk of falls

  • recover better from periods of hospitalisation or bed rest
    feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better

A healthier state of mind

A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression. There are many views as to how exercise helps people with depression:

  • Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract you from daily worries

  • Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact

  • Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns

  • Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones

Aim for at least 30 minutes a day

To maintain health and reduce your risk of health problems, health professionals and researchers recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.

Physical activity guidelines

Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines state that:

  • Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount

  • Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.

  • Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week

  • Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week

Ways to increase physical activity

Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school.

Embassy Portal

We have currently established embassies with Enadia and we are on the complete verge of utter consolidation. The region has supported us as a Norse region and we have consolidated true relations with them, not only attaining an ambassador, who it turns out to be the WA Delegate, God-King Rorschach and in turn, have exchanged with Whithamia as ambassador that will send the region monthly updates. We are truly happy with this and we believe this will be beneficial for both parties.

We have also consolidated relations with the The Communist Bloc and our petition has been accepted! We can’t wait to start relations with them as they have allowed us to start embassies with them which is excellent considering how pain-free it was. Negotiations have now come to a close and we have gotten their favour and negotiations are successful!

We are also delighted with our current relations with Europeia, they have been very friendly to is and we have had no problems with them since the start, their FA Councillor, Kuramia, was extremely friendly and gave the region quite good advice!

We are currently negotiating with Force about opening a consulate, we did try to negotiate embassies, but unfortunately we were not successful, however, I am confident that we will come to an agreement. I will update you on the following weeks to come!

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday at the age of 41. On November 29, 2015, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers; on December 1, Vogue published this piece by Nancy Farghalli, reflecting on his career.

Kobe Bryant entered the NBA straight from high school in 1996, the year I was trying to declare a major in college. Back then, I was told the future was ahead of me. I could do anything I wanted. Picking a major was just like folding a page in a book. You were not settling on the rest of your life.

I grew up in Southern California, a child of the Lakers, a child of “Showtime.” The team defined Los Angeles. They were Los Angeles. They even played in a structure modeled after the Colosseum in Rome. They showed that building a lot on TV. The columns outside, the rich and famous inside; it was all exporting the Lakers’ brand of basketball: run and gun. Exhilarating entertainment in the entertainment capital of the world. Fast breaks. No-look passes. Fast scoring. The Lakers won five championships during that era. And the players of my youth were known by single names: Magic, Worthy, and Kareem.
The Lakers were not winning championships when I entered college; most of the Showtime players had retired. But then 1996 happened. The Lakers signed Shaquille O’Neal and they traded for Kobe Bryant, the 13th pick in the NBA draft that year.

I think about that now, almost 20 years later. Most of us have had many starts and restarts, many ends and new beginnings. Many W-2 forms. Many 401(k) rollovers. Many different health insurance providers…but not Kobe. He’s a rarity in sports. A single team for 20 years. Derek Jeter did that. But in today’s climate—of TV contracts, free agency, salary caps—players often come and go. The team shirt you bought at the beginning of the season becomes vintage because the player has moved on.

Of course, it helped that Kobe has played for one of the best franchises in all of sports. Specifically, he has played more than 47,000 minutes for the Lakers. And he really played every minute. You’d watch him hustle, bark at his teammates, demand that they perform at his level. Sometimes you felt like you were watching a game within a game. There was the opposing team playing at the Lakers’ level. And then there were the Lakers players trying to play at Kobe’s level. Even in off games—like Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics—he played without fear of losing. The Lakers were down by 13 points in the third quarter. And Kobe was shooting poorly the whole night. Six of 24 from the field—a rut. You could sense the headline coming: Lakers Lose Championship on Kobe’s Dismal Shooting. But then he did what he always does—he figured it out. He played knowing he could beat anyone at any team. That’s confidence and will. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter in a game to decide the title. Ten points when it matters most. Who does that?

He wrote a poem to announce his retirement. My dad and I laughed. My dad retired a couple of years ago after being a college professor for more than three decades. He also wrote a poem that he read during his retirement party. One of my dad’s lines reminded me of Kobe: “If you reach the peak having no longer the fire / Say goodbye to your job and keep your dignity higher.” Truth is, Kobe may be retiring, but he has been paid handsomely and can do anything he wants. His life in a lot of ways feels like the blank slate you have as a college student: Your future is ahead of you; don’t worry about your major.

Objectives

The current objectives we would like to achieve are 100 nations by 2021 respectively. Some regions may think this is ‘Unrealistic’, but we as a region say that we never give up! We always try our best and we will succeed in doing so! We know what we stand for, our morales and values and we stick to our objectives! Do you?

Closing Comments

Thank you fellow Viking for reading our State of The Region Declaration! We are so humbled and happy you hopefully enjoyed it! Should you have any concerns, please contact Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Lycadia, King and Founder, Freedomanica or the Regional Nation, Fylkirvegr via telegram, please!


Thanks for the updates!

I am so happy to see Fylk growing so fast! I’m frankly impressed!

— Begin quote from ____

Thanks for the updates!

I am so happy to see Fylk growing so fast! I’m frankly impressed!

— End quote

It is a pleasure! We always love to update everyone so that everyone knows what’s happening here in Fylkirvegr!

As of April 8th, this consulate has been closed.