America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
- Start date
Autumn 1997- Saturn & Satellites
As the year begins winding down, people are looking back at the events of the year. North Korea's political shift that would see plenty of aid come to it along with developing groundworks for peace and eventual unification. The country has begun letting its citizens out for a bit and see while working extensively on de-Kimification over in the back. In fact, Kim Yung-Ju would read parts of Khrushchev's "Secret Speech" over to Workers' Party as part of his own speech on the necessity of de-Kimification for the purposes of the nation along with acknowledging the failures of the party. With most of the old guard now gone from old age or purged, the new guard was left to take this in a new way, but with the seemingly inevitable goals of reunification, their own fates were in flux right now. South Korea was also recovering from financial troubles as well and cooperation between the two nations was increasing with both of them having new leaders at the time. Said financial troubles stemmed from the so-called Asian Financial Crisis, which many said started when the Bank of Thailand was foced to float their currency, the baht, and began a domino effect of instability and thus requiring foreign financial support. [1] While the IMF came in to help, more notable was China stepping in. They saw this as their chance to extend their influence, especially with South Korea. Many believed this was a result of a financial panic along with credit bubbles. President Specter meanwhile would be addressing the financial troubles over at home with a bit of a tax break and while he would do a bit of financial help over to the people, it would be more modest than his predecessors.
Meanwhile, as the British mourn the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, the political circle trudges on with dignified sorrow. Much like Scotland prior, Wales voted for devolution months prior and now the Welsh National Assembly is being created. As they return to buisness as usual, the Labor/LibDem coalition return to the discussion of changing the British system of voting, going from first-past-the-system to something more. Ultimately, the choice that would be proposed would be that used by the nearby Republic of Ireland, the single-transferable-vote system, would become the candidate over for the vote. The LibDems have been pushing for this for a while now and they saw this as their best chance. The Labour Party was a bit more skeptical on the whole thing though the hardliners pushed everyone to do so together. Some said that they recalled how Clement Atlee would end up losing because of the current system and served as a bit of a motivator for this. While it was taking longer than expected if because of how the mourning of Diana was taking up media time for attention, it would soon be making its way over to be decided by Parliament and soon for the decision to be made over on this. Should this succeed, it would rock the political establishment of the British, especially as it would enable other parties to potentially succeed and thus influence the careers of various politicians.
All the while, scientific advancements and technologies are being put into place. British scientists Moira Bruce and John Collinge, with their colleagues, independently show that the new variant form of the Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is the same disease as Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Meanwhile, NASA focuses on two different projects over in the autumn of this year. First off would be NASA launching the Cassini-Huygens probe. [1] The objective of the probe would be to study Saturn, getting up close to look at its rings and its moon. Weeks later, NASA would also be launching the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. This mission would be the start of the satellite component of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System. Known as CERES, the point of the creation of the system would be to better understand radiation emitted by the Earth as well as solar-reflected. [1] Combined with other projects, the hope would be over in better understanding the nature and developments of climate change. While the changes made by everyone in the last decade or so have contributed significantly in slowing down the process, especially with the completion of certain long term projects, more work would have to be done. Meanwhile, the telecom companies WorldCom and MCI Communications would announce a US$37 billion merger to form MCI WorldCom, in what would be the largest corporate merger. [1] However, the merger would be delayed over on if it could be possible and would raise the concern over regarding potential monopolies or oligopolies in these businesses. It would also prompt further lookings into matters regarding OSPs, ISPs and so on, showing the continued interest in the US perhaps creating a public service.
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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997
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Yup. Armenia certainly riding high and making big plans now
Yeah. While part of it was because of practicality and pragmatism given how Iran nor other major powers would not be okay with that, another is basically them deciding not to go and be retibution-based on it.
1997 Overview
1997 Overview
The first year of the Specter Administration would be filled with plenty of events abroad. Most matters over in the United States itself was relatively calm for the most part. While there was some economic concerns, it wasn't much to be worried about. Additionally, it didn't seem like there was that much the Specter Administration was focused on, at least anything major. In a way, the "buisness as usual" sort of mentality was refreshing and further added to the vibes of feeling good so far. There was not much to look forward to though many noted that this would be the full year of the Jordan Court as Chief Justice Jordan would be retiring next year and Patricia Wald the year aftewards. This would leave Stephen Gerald Breyer, Amalya Lyle Kearse, Richard Riley, Janie L. Shores, Charles Kirbo, Bruce Babbit and Laurence Tribe in along with the upcoming new members over for Surpeme Justice and it is unknown if Specter will promote one of the preexisting Justices to Chief Justice or pick a new one. Regardless, they will still be following in the new rules standards that have been set in place. In the meanwhile, security has been tightened and increased to deal with the munafics, especially as the American people have become more vigilant to support one another and look out for such potential troublemakers or affiliates groups. Specter meanwhile would also having to be wading into deaing with issues regarding megachurches and other issues involving evangelicals that his predecessor was noting and he was now having to look into. While nothing too drastic or severe, it was part of the need to maintain such groups from influencing politics. Over all though, it was still pretty good all back home.
Back abroad, President Spectre and Vice President Powell found themselves busy men in having to deal wih all these new issues on the global stage. The Middle East would shift into a new norm with Iran's triumph over Turkey, resulting in Turkey losing territory over to Kurdistan and Armenia along with acknowleding the Armenian Genocide. However, this new peace was likely only to be a respite. Tensions over in Saudi Arabia have been worsening over time and no doubt the end of the Iranian-Turkish War would have some effect on what is to come. Already, the new shift has been leading to some decisions, such as Syria agreeing to talks of transferring the land occupied by Kurds over to Kurdistan in exchange for some form of compensation or the like. Meanwhile, Europe has continued on with Eastern Europe catching up more and more to the West along with the plans being developed there regarding the future of national security and cooperation. At the same time, Yugoslavia's problems within Kosovo are getting worse and many wonder how long before the government's impulsive behavior leads to another war and already the EU and other nations are politicking to deal with this. In more positive news, both North and South Koreas have undergone political changes that have significantly increased the likelihood of peaceful unification, even though said political changes were the result of different reasons.
Regarding pop culture, it has been quite an interesting year. The Star Wars films would get a special theatrical rerelease, capturing audience imaginations once more and seemingly capturing back the desire for more Star Wars. Over with the new box office hits, the first film to earn a billion dollars would be reached with James Cameron's Titanic. Other massive hits would include the sequel to Jurassic Park over with Jurassic Park: Lost World along with a new science fiction actiom comedy with Men In Black and a cult classic over wit The Fifth Element. James Bond would remain popular over with Tomorrow Never Dies, showing Bond dealing with finding his place in a post Cold War world yet being vital in protecting the peace from those who would profit from the return of violence. Comedy would still be seen with Jim Carrey over in Liar, Liar. Animation meanwhile would keep seeing a resurgence of a sorts. Turner would enter into the gauntlet with the release of the cult classic Cats Don't Dance, an entertaining musical that also served as an allegory for racial discrimination over in Hollywood. Perhaps what would make this notable is that it would end up faring better over than Disney's own cult classic based on cats, Puss In Boots. While orignally planning a film adaptation of Heracles, pre-production would be troubled when some of the consultants of Greek culture noted it would likely not do well, including when one lost their temper briefly (much to their embarassment and notable apologies). As such, the ideas and recordings of dialogue (such as James Woods' Hades) would be shelved and a new film had to be made. Puss In Boots was the result with Robert De Niro voicing the titular feline. Telling of the youngest son of a miller, he gives his whole noteworthy possession, a pair of boots, to a cat he rescues and in turn, the wisecracking feline devotes to helping his new friend rise to the top. A surprising satirical film that was the product of mild frustration, it served as an outlet over personal image and expections, but still maintaining Disney charm, such as nobility and kindness of Puss' "master" along with the chemistry shared between him and the surprisingly tomboyish high class lady set over in Italy. While Disney was initially a bit mixed with the film, it would become a cult classic enjoyed by all ages thanks to the dialogue and writting and raw sense of emotion over balancing wit and cunning with being moral along with subverting expectations and difficulties of judging appearances, especially with witty oneliners and harsh if caring and thought-provoking points from De Niro's Puss. Meanwhile, the fate of the shelved Hercules film remained unknown though Disney was sad to be looking for potential buyers who could reuse it with Warner Bros surprisingly interested.
Over on television, animation would make larger leaps and bounds. Cartoon Network would begin airing some major new shows over with Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, and I Am Weasel that would be quite successful along with prior shows. Moreover, Cartoon Network would help introduce anime over to children with their Toonami bloc and becoming the first major channel in doing so though it'd be a bit of a slow process. This has also gotten into a bit of conflict in Disney over one specific show though sources look like that a compromise would be reached thanks to Disney's Jim Henson stepping in. Some of the shows here would be Dragonball and YuYu Hakusho that would be starting up along with development deals and plans for it. Speaking of Disney, the Disney Channel would go from a subscription to a basic cable channel and expand over on their audience. Nick would continue on with their own shows like Angry Beavers and adult animation would see Daria start becoming prominent along with King of the Hill, showing the life and times of Hank Hill, proud Texan and propane salesman, along with his family and dealing with a changing world. Other shows also began catching on and being more prominent such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smart Guy and plenty of others. Over with video games, more and more big hits were coming. The big name of the year would be Final Fantasy VII, coming out for the Playstation and later the Nintendo Ultra 64. The 3D transition of the popular Final Fantasy series would captivate and awe people, helping to really push Squaresoft over to the next level. Other stand out titles included Gran Turismo, GoldenEye 007, Starfox 64 and Diddy Kong racing among many other stand out titles and games.
Yup, South Park doesn't get made though Matt Stone or Trey Parker are still gonna be a bit prominent in their way soon enough.
New Country Profile: Republic of Kurdistan
Motto: "Kurdistan her û her" (Kurdistan Forever)
Anthem: Ey Reqîb (O, Enemy)
Capital: Amed (formerly named Diyarbakir), Hewler (formerly named Erbil)
Largest City: Amed
Official Language: Kurdish (Kurmanji & Sorani dialects)
Regional Languages: Assyrian
Ethnic Groups: Kurdish, Assyrian, Azeri, misc
Religion: Secular
Demonym: Kurdish
Government: Federal parliamentary republic
Legislature: Kongreya Kurd [Upper House- Senate, Lower House- National Assembly]
Currency: Kurdish dollar
National Facts:
- Kurdistan's first capital was Hewler, though with the unification with Northern Kurdistan, a two capital system was chosen to include the efforts of Amed. While Amed would become the legislative and judicial capital, Hewler would remain as the executive and administrative capital of the nation. It's encouraged for Kurds to travel to both capitals and recognize the importance of each.
- The head of state of Khalistan is the president while the head of government is the prime minister.
- Kurdistan's elections uses single transferable voting regarding the parliament and for single leaders, instant runoff voting. Many attribute this to the growing popularity of it and US influence.
- Both the Kurmanji and Sorani dialects are used and including seen in public and private buildings. Many wonder if the Kurmanji dialect may end up surpassing the Sorani dialect if due to the size and the numberical advantage.
- The Assyrians have a special autonomous state with some special privilages within the nation, put within the Constitution, to help ease the troubles between them due to the difficulties that the Assyrians have suffered.
- When Armenia joined the Kurdish Revolution (what the Iranian-Turkish War is often called there), the Kurdish president along with the leaders of various Kurdish groups and parties presented a formal apology to the Armenians for the Kurds' part and the genocide against them. In turn, Armenia apologized for their own faults and called for a coming together of brotherhood and solidarity. This would lead to the holiday known as Reconciliation Day, celeberated in both Kurdistan and Armenia.
- The Iranian Kurds do have an easier way to citizenship there though many are quite happy as Iranian citizens. Kurdistan in turn is on close bonds over with Iran for their shared culture and their traditions.
- Besides their neighbors with Iran, Iraq, Armenia and Kartvelia, the Kurdish enjoy a growing close relationship with the United States, especially with the assistance in investment and development. A joke is also how the Revolution was mainly possible by the Americans suspending Turkey out of NATO.
- One side effect of Kurdish nationalism has been a celeberation and promotion of pre-Islamic Kurdish culture. This included the exploration of Yazidism and Yarsanism, two prominent religions closely associated with Kurdish identity and have been seeing a growing number of converts. Both faiths along with Zoroastrianism were given special mention in a Constiutional amendment, noting the historial ties of the religion.
- A prominent minority of Kurds live in Armenia and those living in the lands close to the borders often have dual citizenship, something found on both sides.
- Freedom of religion along with gender equality are enshrined over in the Kurdish constitution and is a prominent result of Western influence in Kurdistan.
- The city of Êlih has a prominent influence due to its former name, Batman. The people of the city enjoy the humor of it though coincidentally has also become a prominent place of Western "nerd" culture over within the country.
- Kurdistan has been emphasizing on education, especially for the girls and women of the population as a way to further modernize their nation.
- Has been working with Iran, Iraq, and Armenia on a regional high speed rail network for transporting people and goods.
- Armenia's Armenian Apostolic Church has a special influence over in the nation compared to other Christians as a result of the growing closeness.
- The Kurdish Workers' Party remains a prominent force over in the new country and while having helped lead into having a mixed economy, still wishes to advanced further into traditional socialist ideals.
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Glad you're liking it so far! Anything else you're wondering about or pondering?
Hmmm... will definitely try and put that in as soem point though it will be become more and more difficult as time goes by honestly, hence why I will be depending on the suggestions of others.
Well, we got a bit of time and I appreciate everyone contributing and suggesting
Yup, while Matt Stone and Trey Parker would likely still pick up their special, I imagine they're gonna have a bit more of a difficult selling that sort of humor in this timline given this is a different 1990s. They will make an impact though with a different show and not alone.
Will we still see Ben 10, Danny Phantom etc? I'm curious to see how The Republic Of Kurdistan's formation and already existing Middle East relations will affect The US. Specifically, is 9/11 still going to happen?
Over in The UK, will Blair or someone similar sign The Good Friday Agreement?
Over in The UK, will Blair or someone similar sign The Good Friday Agreement?
Winter 1998- Winter Wars and Storms
Winter 1998- Winter Wars and Storms
Map showing the accumulation of freezing rain during the ice storm in eastern Ontario, southwest Quebec, and New York state.
Map showing the accumulation of freezing rain during the ice storm in eastern Ontario, southwest Quebec, and New York state.
The beginning of 1998 would bring about out the wrath of El Niño over onto the United States and Canada. It would influence the weather patterns to produce a connected seies of five ice storms striking New England, southern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, resulting in widespread power failures, severe damage to forests, and numerous deaths. [1] The massive damage to the electrical infrastructure all over the area, leading to widespread long-term power outages. Millions were left in the dark for periods varying from days to several weeks, and in some instances, months. Beyond over a few dozen fatalities, there was also a shutdown of activities in large cities like Montreal and Ottawa. With all of this would come an unprecedented effort in reconstruction of the power grid. The ice storm led to the largest deployment of Canadian military personnel since the Korean War, with over 16,000 Canadian Forces personnel deployed, 12,000 in Quebec and 4,000 in Ontario at the height of the crisis. [2] Beyond this massive usage of manpower, logistics and new technology would be used. Infratructure troubles were something the NDP has working on and with this, it provided the best opportunity to reinforce the necessity for modern infrastructure along with redundant systems and the like. The Americans, while dealing with their problems over in New England, would go and provide plenty of aid and reinforcement over to their northern neighbors and prompting discussions on cooperations with tracking these sort of phenomenon and how to handle them, alongside talks of power production and storage. Weeks later the United States would send further forces down south. Another result of the El Niño would be a massive surge of windows in Forida. Tornadoes in central Florida destroy or damage 2,600 structures and kill 42, all in the spand of a couple days, resulting in further damage and need for repairs. [4] President Specter rose to the occasion in dealing with this and also worked more with Vice President Powell on looking more into climate change effects on this, especially as the higher echelons of the military noted it would become a threat to national security though there was comfort knowing that the actions of Specter's predecessors have slowed the process considerably.
Over across the seas, it seemed that as one was was ending, at least one more would be beginning. Tensions over in Kosovo had reached their breaking point. The tensions regarding the Albanians of Kosovo have lead to increasingly more violent conflicts with law enforcement. Over in mid-Febuary, the Kosovo Liberation Army would ambush a unit of the Serbian police near Likoshan. The violence in turn would lead to large-scale police operations in the villages of Likoshan and Qirez the next day along with the killing of KLA members and Kosovo Albanian civilians in both villages. This along with the attack on Prekaz soon after would mark the beginning of the Kosovo War. [3] With NATO having kept its eyes over on the region there for the past while, it was a matter of when rather than if and thus spent some months figuring what to do in regards. President Specter and Chief Director Arbatov had discussed matters on what would be done. However, one interesting situation would be that Albania would end up in a political position to support liberating their political brethren and additionally, a surprise would come in Macedonia as well. Macedonia avoided the Yugoslavic Wars, but concerns over the Kosovo border and the upcoming war had them begun talks with Albania also during the time. Macedonia would support Albania over regarding Kosovo and thus, the Kosovo War would see additional players come in. Bosnia considered also joining, but they were still recovering from the war and there was not much political desire to get involved. As the conflict would begin, many wondered who else may get involved, especially with the possibilites of incentivies for joining the war. And meanwhile, there was still the fact that the end of the Iranian-Turkish War would see desertations and drastic military cutbacks in Turkey, with forces looking for fortune elsewhere.
Lastly, in between the planned discussions of voting on the changing electoral system for the British along with other discussions regarding economic concerns in the EU, there was one fascinating newsreport that served as a warning on scientific scrutiny. Former medical professional Andrew Wakefield attempted to publush a new study over in The Lancet, namely on suggesting an alleged link between MMR vaccine and autism. [4] However, concerns regarding the test along with questioning some of the results would see the study go unpublished, leading to increased conflicts. Additionally, an investigation would lead to the discovery of fruad done in doing the experiment and matters escalated that Wakefield would physically assault one of the investigators and lead to his arrest and the study disposed of. The case became an interesting sensation on the need of double-checking work and many wondered what would've happened if the work was published. While some have noted it would have likely only damaged the reputation of The Lancet, a few believed that it could've led to a drop in vaccination rates and cause some potential regional epidemics if people trusted the material from the source. The story regarding data manipulaton in medical testing (the actual subject matter of the study was not named on the air or in media outlets) would be buried with the upcoming British vote on electoral political changes and those in the community were relieved that such a study would not be published, with some thanking those who double-checked it with their peers across the world along with their own private concerns and ethics on the means. It also sparked discussions on the importance of news outlets improving communicating scientific revelations and topics as sensationalism could lead to false assumptions.
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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_in_the_United_States
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_1998_North_American_ice_storm
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_War
[4]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998
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