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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 July 2023

Seneschál announces awarding of Medals for Culture and Merit

As we near the end of the 58th Cosa, I am pleased to officially announce the awarding of the following Seneschál's Medals:

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The Seneschál's Medal for Culture – Honorific of SMC

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For their contributions to Talossa's cultural vitality and invigoration as founders of the Talossan Cycling Association Tour (TCAT) and the related podcast, CENTRASEIRĂ, the Medal for Culture is awarded to @Glüc da Dhi S.H. and @Sir Lüc da Schir.

For their contributions to provincial cultural activity, specifically the Cezembrean homestead initiative and the new Óifisch Rexhital del Tourismeu dal Insulā da Cézembre, the Medal for Culture is awarded to @þerxh Sant-Enogat and @xpb.

For his contributions to Talossa's cultural vitality and invigoration as founder of the successful Aßociù da Futbol Talossan, the Medal for Culture is awarded to @Mic'haglh Autófil, MC EiP.

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The Seneschál's Medal for Merit – Honorific of SMM

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For their invaluable contributions to restoring the functionality of the national discussion boards, Wittenberg, during the 2023 Wittpocalypse Crisis, the Medal for Merit is awarded to @Sir Lüc, @Danihel Txechescu, @Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB, and Dame @Miestră Schivă, UrN.

For his untiring commitment to the Kingdom as evidenced by contributions to the success of recent new programs such as the Infoteca public information tool, the Medal for Merit is awarded to @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu.

On behalf of a grateful nation I express thanks for each of you choosing to share your time and talents.

Breneir Tzaracomprada
Seneschal

Whereas, it can be said that one objective in granting rights is to reduce suffering and enhance flourishing, so the use of sentience as the main characteristic may be more appropriate, and

Whereas, it was the trailblazing philosopher Jeremy Bentham who wrote in 1879, "The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?", and

Whereas, sentience is the characteristic of consciousness whereby an organism has a sufficient level of awareness to experience suffering, and

Whereas, sentience has been proven to be a characteristic not exclusive to homo sapiens sapiens, and

Whereas, it is therefore a fact that the restriction of the normative and legal discussion and codification of rights to humankind is an unacceptable case of anthropocentric speciesism.

Therefore, be it enacted that El Lex 5.3.13 which currently reads:

Quote10 December. Human Rights Day. A suggested method to celebrate Human Rights Day is reviewing Article XI of The Organic Law and/or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Is amended to read as:

Quote10 December. Sentient Rights Day. A day to celebrate the dignity and honor the rights of all sentient beings.

Therefore, be it further enacted, that the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa, adds a new section to El Lex F as follows:

QuoteF. 43 The Kingdom of Talossa endorses the transition in both legal and moral considerations from a human rights regime to one that seeks the protection of the rights of all sentient beings.

Uréu q'estadra så
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Seneschal)

My fellow Talossans,

I want to offer my full and unqualified apology.

This morning I had planned to get on the train east-ward to Chicago. But I did not. I could not head towards Chicago because a personal matter has engaged all of my normally robust coping skills.

My husband and I, after 10 years, are currently going through a separation. And while I believe it is the right thing to do, this has not made it any less of an excruciating trial.

I apologize for the very late notice and for failing to keep this promise. I acknowledge this as a failure for which I am responsible and accept any opprobrium to come.

If someone in the area has the time and transportation then we do still have a reservation for the conference on July 1st.

Breneir

Whereas, most offices of the Royal Civil Service are assigned to a responsible minister, and

Whereas, this usually follows a pattern of portfolio relevance to the associated ministry, and

Whereas, based on this pattern ministerial responsibility for the Royal Archivist seems better suited for STUFF rather than Immigration.

Therefore, be it enacted, that El Lexhatx C.2 which currently reads:

QuoteWith the exception of the Secretary of State and the Permanent Secretaries, every Office of the Royal Civil Service shall be assigned to a responsible Minister of the Government as named below, to report and consult concerning the conduct of their office as and when requested, necessary or useful. Officers are not subject to the direction of their responsible Minister except as required by Organic and statutory law. The Scribe of Abbavilla shall be responsible to the Attorney-General, the Royal Archivist to the Minister of Immigration, the Burgermeister of Inland Revenue to the Minister of Finance, and the President of the Royal Society and the Poet Laureate to the Minister of Culture.

Is amended to read:

QuoteWith the exception of the Secretary of State and the Permanent Secretaries, every Office of the Royal Civil Service shall be assigned to a responsible Minister of the Government as named below, to report and consult concerning the conduct of their office as and when requested, necessary or useful. Officers are not subject to the direction of their responsible Minister except as required by Organic and statutory law. The Scribe of Abbavilla shall be responsible to the Attorney-General, the Royal Archivist to the STUFF Minister, the Burgermeister of Inland Revenue to the Minister of Finance, and the President of the Royal Society and the Poet Laureate to the Minister of Culture.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Minister of Immigration)

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@Eiric S. Bornatfiglheu @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu @Sir Lüc
Ready for your review

Whereas, it is possible, under the current attendance rules, for an MC or Senator to miss half of each term's Clarks and remain a member in good standing, and

Whereas, it is easy to become an MC or Senator but it should not be easy to remain an MC or Senator if one does not show up, and

Whereas, membership in our national legislature should be a privilege that commands enough respect that those who do not show up face stricter consequences.

Therefore, be it enacted, that Organic Law Article IV, Section 5 which currently reads as:

QuoteEach person holding one or more seats is a representative known as a "Member of the Cosa" (MC). MCs may not be removed from office except by a two-thirds vote by the Cosa and approval by the King. An MC vacates his seats if he fails to vote on two consecutive Clarks, or if he resigns from office or dies. The seats of any MC who is removed or vacates shall be reassigned according to Section 4, above.

Is amended to read as:

QuoteEach person holding one or more seats is a representative known as a "Member of the Cosa" (MC). MCs may not be removed from office except by a two-thirds vote by the Cosa and approval by the King. An MC vacates his seats if he fails to vote on two consecutive Clarks, three Clarks non-consecutively, or if he resigns from office or dies. The seats of any MC who is removed or vacates shall be reassigned according to Section 4, above.

And be it further enacted that Organic Law Article III, Section 5 which currently reads as:

QuoteA Senator vacates their seat if, not being disqualified from voting by law, they do not vote on two consecutive Clarks; or if they resign from office, lose their citizenship or die.

Is amended to read as:

QuoteA Senator vacates their seat if (not being disqualified from voting by law) they fail to vote on two consecutive Clarks within a single Cosa term, or if (not being disqualified from voting by law) they fail to vote on nine Clarks non-consecutively within their full term of office, or if they resign from office, or if they lose their citizenship, or if they die.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Seneschal)
Tric'hard Lenxheir (Sen-Vuode)

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@Eiric S. Bornatfiglheu @Sir Lüc @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu
Ready for your review

Whereas, most offices of the Royal Civil Service are assigned to a responsible minister, and

Whereas, this usually follows a pattern of portfolio relevance to the associated ministry, and

Whereas, based on this pattern ministerial responsibility for the Royal Archivist seems better suited for STUFF rather than Immigration.

Therefore, be it enacted, that El Lexhatx C.2 which currently reads:

QuoteWith the exception of the Secretary of State and the Permanent Secretaries, every Office of the Royal Civil Service shall be assigned to a responsible Minister of the Government as named below, to report and consult concerning the conduct of their office as and when requested, necessary or useful. Officers are not subject to the direction of their responsible Minister except as required by Organic and statutory law. The Scribe of Abbavilla shall be responsible to the Attorney-General, the Royal Archivist to the Minister of Immigration, the Burgermeister of Inland Revenue to the Minister of Finance, and the President of the Royal Society and the Poet Laureate to the Minister of Culture.

Is amended to read:

QuoteWith the exception of the Secretary of State and the Permanent Secretaries, every Office of the Royal Civil Service shall be assigned to a responsible Minister of the Government as named below, to report and consult concerning the conduct of their office as and when requested, necessary or useful. Officers are not subject to the direction of their responsible Minister except as required by Organic and statutory law. The Scribe of Abbavilla shall be responsible to the Attorney-General, the Royal Archivist to the STUFF Minister, the Burgermeister of Inland Revenue to the Minister of Finance, and the President of the Royal Society and the Poet Laureate to the Minister of Culture.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Minister of Immigration)

Just a few weeks from the release of Volume 3 of the Talossan Book of Cuisine.
As we did with Volume 2, here is a preview of this issue's cover.
Huge thanks to frequent contributor and supporter, @Iason Taiwos for use of his crawfish boil photo.

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Currents - Ep. 2 - Featuring Vostok Lake w/Silicon(e)

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Currents is proud to present a song from the queer estrogen-fuelled Zolo Progwave duo, Vostok Lake. One half of which is esteemed Talossan @Miestră Schivă, UrN 

Silicon(e) is a great song from their 2021 album Comics and Stories which can be purchased on Bandcamp.

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Fora Talossa expresses its thanks to Vostok Lake for allowing us to present their work.

Currents - Ep. 2 - Featuring Vostok Lake w/Silicon(e)

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Currents is proud to present a song from the queer estrogen-fuelled Zolo Progwave duo, Vostok Lake. One half of which is esteemed Talossan @Miestră Schivă, UrN 

Silicon(e) is a great song from their 2021 album Comics and Stories which can be purchased on Bandcamp.

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Fora Talossa expresses its thanks to Vostok Lake for allowing us to present their work.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Immigration Minister I have reached out to the Culture/STUFF Minister, @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat, and am pleased to announce a small immigration ad campaign in cooperation with the Culture and STUFF Ministry. The campaign will consist of graphic advertising on Facebook and Instagram, at a cost of $40.

Text to be used:

QuoteBecoming a Talossan is so easy it's almost funny. The immigration process begins by filling out an application form, which is sent off to the Immigration Minister. The form asks of you a few simple questions (like who and where you are, and why you want to become a Talossan) and verifies that you are a real person. (Think of it kind of like the three questions required to cross the Bridge of Death in Monty Python and the Holy Grail — "What is your name?" "What is your quest?" "What is your favourite colour?")Join the Talossanity here: http://talossa.com/immigration-application

Graphic to be used:


In compliance with applicable laws, this will serve as the expenditure's public notice and for notice to our trusty burgermeister, @xpb.

Breneir Tzaracomprada
Immigration Minister

WHEREAS it has been more than a fortnight since Naseer Ahmed @_naseer first posted on Wittenberg, following his introduction to the citizens of the Kingdom by officers of the Immigration Ministry, and

WHEREAS he has, in that time, demonstrated an active, genuine, and continuing interest in Talossan life, culture, and language, and

WHEREAS he desires citizenship in the Kingdom of Talossa, and

WHEREAS by all indications it appears that he would be a loyal and dedicated citizen, and a credit to this nation if he obtains the grant of citizenship he requests, and

WHEREAS he will certainly spice up and enrich our Talossan culture,

THEREFORE I, Breneir Tzaracomprada, a citizen in good standing of the Province of Florencia and of the Kingdom of Talossa, do by the present petition the Secretary of State to issue a grant of citizenship to Naseer Ahmed, as specified by law.

Whereas, it is possible, under the current attendance rules, for an MC or Senator to miss half of each term's Clarks and remain a member in good standing, and

Whereas, it is easy to become an MC or Senator but it should not be easy to remain an MC or Senator if one does not show up, and

Whereas, membership in our national legislature should be a privilege that commands enough respect that those who do not show up face stricter consequences.

Therefore, be it enacted, that Organic Law Article IV, Section 5 which currently reads as:

QuoteEach person holding one or more seats is a representative known as a "Member of the Cosa" (MC). MCs may not be removed from office except by a two-thirds vote by the Cosa and approval by the King. An MC vacates his seats if he fails to vote on two consecutive Clarks, or if he resigns from office or dies. The seats of any MC who is removed or vacates shall be reassigned according to Section 4, above.

Is amended to read as:

QuoteEach person holding one or more seats is a representative known as a "Member of the Cosa" (MC). MCs may not be removed from office except by a two-thirds vote by the Cosa and approval by the King. An MC vacates his seats if he fails to vote on two consecutive Clarks, three Clarks non-consecutively, or if he resigns from office or dies. The seats of any MC who is removed or vacates shall be reassigned according to Section 4, above.

And be it further enacted that Organic Law Article III, Section 5 which currently reads as:

QuoteA Senator vacates their seat if, not being disqualified from voting by law, they do not vote on two consecutive Clarks; or if they resign from office, lose their citizenship or die.

Is amended to read as:

QuoteA Senator vacates their seat if, not being disqualified from voting by law, they do not vote on two consecutive Clarks within a single Cosa term, nine Clarks non-consecutively within their three-Cosa term of office or if they resign from office, lose their citizenship or die.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Seneschal)
Tric'hard Lenxheir (Sen-Vuode)

Quote from: Sir Lüc on May 12, 2023, 11:03:29 AMOn RZ12, SoS Succession Reform Act, I vote an emphatic Contra, and thank the Senate for its existence.
This bill plainly had other, unstated aims when it was originally presented during the last term. I thought it was a bad and misguided bill that would do nothing to solve the issue it was targeting. Sneakily re-Clarking this without any further debate is not going to make me change my mind on that.

I wasn't sure I could respond directly in the Cosa chambers so post it here.

In both instances this bill had only the stated motive which was to make the appointment of the Deputy SOS automatic and move the pressure on the primary appointment to the deputy. The succession issue would be eliminated as the successor would be known well ahead of time assuming we appointed a stable deputy.

I have discussed this directly with the Secretary of State. My intention of suggesting myself was because I am clearly active and capable of completing the duties. If there was an ulterior motive it was to personally demonstrate the absence of any ill will toward him as one would not suggest a close working relationship with someone for whom you have negative feelings.

As for being sneaky, I approached the Secretary of State concerning reintroducing this bill for comment (I am more than happy to produce that evidence, if requested). And posted in the Hopper that "I still thought this is a good idea." And then strenuously followed the rules concerning resubmitting onto the clark.

WHEREAS it has been more than a fortnight since þerxh Sant-Enogat @þerxh Sant-Enogat first posted on Wittenberg, following his introduction to the citizens of the Kingdom by officers of the Immigration Ministry, and

WHEREAS he has, in that time, demonstrated an active, genuine, and continuing interest in Talossan life, culture, and language, and

WHEREAS he desires citizenship in the Kingdom of Talossa, and

WHEREAS by all indications it appears that he would be a loyal and dedicated citizen, and a credit to this nation if he obtains the grant of citizenship he requests, and

WHEREAS he will certainly spice up and enrich our Talossan culture,

THEREFORE I, Breneir Tzaracomprada, a citizen in good standing of the Province of Florencia and of the Kingdom of Talossa, do by the present petition the Secretary of State to issue a grant of citizenship to þerxh Sant-Enogat, as specified by law.

Conversation was held on 16 April 2023

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I am pleased to present the video from a get-to-know-you conversation with @Audrada Roibeardet
I hope you will enjoy the chat as much as I did.
And hopefully others will be inspired to participate.

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Conversation was held on 16 April 2023

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I am pleased to present the video from a get-to-know-you conversation with @Audrada Roibeardet
I hope you will enjoy the chat as much as I did.
And hopefully others will be inspired to participate.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Kingdom of Talossa is deeply disappointed and condemns the behaviour of citizen C.C. Xheraltescu in the strongest possible terms.

The actions of this citizen do not reflect the values and principles of the Kingdom of Talossa, and we would like to reiterate our commitment to upholding high standards of ethics and integrity. We understand this news may have caused some damage to the reputation of our Kingdom, and we want to reassure our citizens and the international community we take these matters seriously.

We would like to extend our sympathy to the victim, and to anyone who has been affected by this situation. We also urge all members of the Talossan community to act with respect, empathy, and responsibility at all times, and to speak out against any form of abuse, harassment, or misconduct.

Sincerely,

Seneschal Breneir Tzaracomprada
Minister Bråneu Excelsio (Foreign Affairs/Defense)
Minister Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat (Culture/STUFF)
Minister Danihel Txechescu (Technology)

National Skills and Social Connections Survey Act

Whereas, the TNC pledged during the recent campaign to create a citizen skills inventory which will be used as a part of the Service Corps Initiative in compiling a voluntary knowledge base of those possessing useful professional skills in potential government service for use by incoming administrations in search of technocratic talent, and

Whereas, as a part of this effort it is planned to introduce optional questions to the upcoming National Census, and

Whereas, the relevant section of El Lexhatx C.1.2.2.2 is as follows: "Other questions on the Talossan Census shall be identical to the questions on the last census. These questions may be changed by the Chancery, either of its own volition or on request from the Seneschal, but any changes shall be approved by the Ziu, without needing to go through committee. These questions will be marked as optional, and at no time shall a citizen be forced or required to respond to an optional question.", and

Whereas, the Chancery has recently articulated an interpretation of existing privacy laws which allow for government use of the National Census for this effort.

Therefore, the Office of the Seneschal submits this request to the Chancery to include the following additional questions on the next census and submits same to the Ziu for approval:

QuoteNational Skills and Social Connections Survey. The Government of Talossa presents the survey below as a part of its effort to build a voluntary inventory of citizen skills.  This will give the current and future governments a way to conduct an orderly and knowledgeable search for people with the needed skills and a preexisting desire to serve. The survey also includes optional areas to make miscellaneous interests and/or hobbies known in an effort to foster social connections between citizens.

I possess the following skill(s) available for occassional and voluntary use in service to the Kingdom (Please check all that apply):
 
Website Maintenance
IT/Database Administration
Writing/Public Communications
Social Media Management
Accounting/Finance
Translation
Other

I am interested in connecting with other Talossans around the following shared interest(s) (Please check all that apply):

Online Gaming
Writing/Literature
Conlangs (Constructed Languages)
Archery
Heraldry
Politics
Religion/Spirituality
Music
Timebanking
Other

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (Seneschal)

In the second episode of Fora Talossa's discussion show, The Dialogue, with Ian Plätschisch and Baron Alexandreu Davinescu they discuss the details of potential reform scenarios for the Kingdom's Cosa.

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In the second episode of Fora Talossa's discussion show, The Dialogue, with Ian Plätschisch and Baron Alexandreu Davinescu they discuss the details of potential reform scenarios for the Kingdom's Cosa.

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