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timelines:progress_decline_and_hope:2010-2015_progress_decline_and_hope [2012/07/31 16:09] Aero |
timelines:progress_decline_and_hope:2010-2015_progress_decline_and_hope [2012/09/04 05:38] (current) Broader Liberty |
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| **July 29th, 2011**: After a month of advancing north of the Nafusa Mountains, the Libyan rebels have captured the cities of Gharyan and Al Aziziya. The rebels then launch an attack on Az Zawiyah to liberate the city from the Gaddafi regime once more. | **July 29th, 2011**: After a month of advancing north of the Nafusa Mountains, the Libyan rebels have captured the cities of Gharyan and Al Aziziya. The rebels then launch an attack on Az Zawiyah to liberate the city from the Gaddafi regime once more. | ||
| - | **July 30th, 2011**: Casey Anthony convicted for the 2008 murder of her daughter Caylee. | + | **July 30th, 2011**: Casey Anthony convicted for the 2008 murder of her daughter Caylee and sentenced to death. |
| **July 31st, 2011**: The Libyan rebels from Misrata succeed in taking Zliten from Gaddafi forces. following their success, they advance to Al Khums. Simultaneously, the rebels from the east launch an attack on Sirte. | **July 31st, 2011**: The Libyan rebels from Misrata succeed in taking Zliten from Gaddafi forces. following their success, they advance to Al Khums. Simultaneously, the rebels from the east launch an attack on Sirte. | ||
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| **August 13th, 2011**: The renewable energy bill is finally passed in the Japanese House of Councillors after the opposition Komeito agreed to support the bill in exchange of Kan's resignation. However, Kan refuses to resign. | **August 13th, 2011**: The renewable energy bill is finally passed in the Japanese House of Councillors after the opposition Komeito agreed to support the bill in exchange of Kan's resignation. However, Kan refuses to resign. | ||
| - | |||
| - | **August 14th, 2011**: Casey Anthony is sentenced to death for the murder of her daughter. | ||
| **August 16th, 2011**: Sirte, one of three major Gaddafi strongholds, falls to the eastern Libyan rebels. The eastern rebels then advance south in an effort to eliminate any Gaddafi forces remaining and further west to liberate Bani Walid. | **August 16th, 2011**: Sirte, one of three major Gaddafi strongholds, falls to the eastern Libyan rebels. The eastern rebels then advance south in an effort to eliminate any Gaddafi forces remaining and further west to liberate Bani Walid. | ||
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| **February 29th, 2012**: Former South African President Nelson Mandela dies of undisclosed causes at the age of 93. His death is intensely mourned throughout the world, and over 50 heads of state come to attend his funeral in Cape Town. | **February 29th, 2012**: Former South African President Nelson Mandela dies of undisclosed causes at the age of 93. His death is intensely mourned throughout the world, and over 50 heads of state come to attend his funeral in Cape Town. | ||
| - | **March 4th, 2012**: Vladimir Putin wins the Russian presidential election. Analysts expect him to continue with what has been Russian foreign policy since his first presidential term. | + | **March 4th, 2012**: Vladimir is elected President of the Russian Federation with 57% of vote, returning to the position after a 4 year hiatus and succeeding close ally Dmitri Medvedev, who Putin would go on to appoint as Prime Minister as per a deal struck between the two several years before. |
| **March 5th, 2012**: The groundbreaking ceremony for the future Transbay Terminal in San Francisco is attended by President Obama and Governor Jerry Brown. Construction on the California High Speed Rail system is expected to begin within the following months, with a target date of January 2019. | **March 5th, 2012**: The groundbreaking ceremony for the future Transbay Terminal in San Francisco is attended by President Obama and Governor Jerry Brown. Construction on the California High Speed Rail system is expected to begin within the following months, with a target date of January 2019. | ||
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| **May 5th, 2012**: The name Livermorium is approved by IUPAC with the symbol Lv, but the name Flerovium is dismissed as ineligible because Nobelum was associated with this name for some time. The Dubna Institue proposes Becquerelium immediately, which can then be approved at the same session. | **May 5th, 2012**: The name Livermorium is approved by IUPAC with the symbol Lv, but the name Flerovium is dismissed as ineligible because Nobelum was associated with this name for some time. The Dubna Institue proposes Becquerelium immediately, which can then be approved at the same session. | ||
| - | **May 6th, 2012**: Francois Bayrou defeats incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in the French Presidential runoff. Again the divided left in France means none of their candidates make it to the final round. | + | **May 6th, 2012**: Francois Holland defeats incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in the second round run off of the French Presidential election. |
| **May 7th, 2012**: In Germany, the Pirate Party get 6% of the vote in Schleswig-Holstein, which gives this upstart party seats in two state parliaments. | **May 7th, 2012**: In Germany, the Pirate Party get 6% of the vote in Schleswig-Holstein, which gives this upstart party seats in two state parliaments. | ||
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| **June 6th, 2012**: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera announces that he intends to retire at the end of the season. | **June 6th, 2012**: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera announces that he intends to retire at the end of the season. | ||
| - | **June 10th, 2012**: The redistribution of conscriptions and the addition of MPs from France's overseas collectivités and territories stops the Parti Socialiste from winning a majority of seats in the French National Assembly. Instead a coalition of MoDems (who since Bayrou's election as President have increased their popularity and seats) and the UMP forms a government. The Prime Minister is UMP politician Jean François Copé in what's been called the "friendly cohabitation". | + | **June 10th, 2012**: The Parti Socialiste wins a majority in the French National Assembly following the election of the party's Presidential candidate, Francois Hollande, the month before. |
| **June 12th, 2012**: Former US President Jimmy Carter passes away in his sleep at the age of 87. | **June 12th, 2012**: Former US President Jimmy Carter passes away in his sleep at the age of 87. | ||
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| **November 2nd, 2012**: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera officially announces his retirement from Major League Baseball. He finishes his eighteen year career as the all-time saves leader with 639. He announces plans to become a minister back in his native Panama so that he can become closer to God, who had gifted him so much throughout his career. | **November 2nd, 2012**: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera officially announces his retirement from Major League Baseball. He finishes his eighteen year career as the all-time saves leader with 639. He announces plans to become a minister back in his native Panama so that he can become closer to God, who had gifted him so much throughout his career. | ||
| - | **November 6th, 2012**: The Democratic ticket of President Barack Obama/Vice President Joe Biden is narrowly defeated by the Republican ticket of former MA Governor Mitt Romney/LA Governor Bobby Jindal. Many contribute Obama's loss to lack of an uptick in the economy in late '12 and a stagnant 9.3% unemployment rate. | + | **November 6th, 2012**: The Democratic ticket of President Barack Obama/Vice President Joe Biden is narrowly defeated by the Republican ticket of former MA Governor Mitt Romney/LA Governor Bobby Jindal. Many contribute Obama's loss to lack of an uptick in the economy in late '12 and a stagnant 9.3% unemployment rate. In congressional elections, the GOP increases their majority in the House and narrowly capture the Senate, with Vice President-elect Jindal providing the tie-breaker vote. |
| - | + | ||
| - | + | ||
| - | Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) / Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA) - 273 EV - 49.6% PV | + | |
| - | President Barack Obama (D-IL) / Vice President Joe Biden (D-DE) - 265 EV - 48.9% PV | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | House of Representatives | + | |
| - | Republican: 250 seats (+8) | + | |
| - | Democratic: 185 seats | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | Senate | + | |
| - | Republican: 50 seats + VP (+3) | + | |
| - | Democratic: 50 seats | + | |
| **December 5th, 2012**: In a surprise move, free agent lefty ace Cole Hamels signs with the Toronto Blue Jays as the team looks to make itself a contender in the competitive AL East. | **December 5th, 2012**: In a surprise move, free agent lefty ace Cole Hamels signs with the Toronto Blue Jays as the team looks to make itself a contender in the competitive AL East. | ||
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| **January 26th, 2013**: In Germany, the Pirates get 6.9% in the state election in Lower Saxony. | **January 26th, 2013**: In Germany, the Pirates get 6.9% in the state election in Lower Saxony. | ||
| - | |||
| - | **January 29th, 2013:** Sony and Microsoft announce the Playstation 4 and Xbox 8. Both services make heavy use of the internet both for cloud graphics processing and DRM validation. The cloud graphics processing becomes a revolutionary feature allowing for endless upgrades that far exceed the power of the original 2013 models, unfortunately with average American speeds at 5Mbps most of these features will not be enjoyed by an American audience | ||
| **January 31st, 2013**: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on her 75th birthday after a reign of 32 years and is succeeded by her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander who assumes the regnal name Willem IV. | **January 31st, 2013**: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on her 75th birthday after a reign of 32 years and is succeeded by her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander who assumes the regnal name Willem IV. | ||
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| **May 22nd, 2013**: Harvey Milk Day Strike; c. 750,000 LGBT couples gather at the State Capital in Sacramento, California and an additional c. 775,000 in San Francisco, California; protesting the Romney Administration's stance regarding same-sex marriage and the possible renewal of "don't ask, don't tell". | **May 22nd, 2013**: Harvey Milk Day Strike; c. 750,000 LGBT couples gather at the State Capital in Sacramento, California and an additional c. 775,000 in San Francisco, California; protesting the Romney Administration's stance regarding same-sex marriage and the possible renewal of "don't ask, don't tell". | ||
| + | |||
| + | **June 2nd, 2013:** Sony and Microsoft announce the Playstation 4 and Xbox 8. Both services make heavy use of the internet both for cloud graphics processing and DRM validation. The cloud graphics processing becomes a revolutionary feature allowing for endless upgrades that far exceed the power of the original 2013 models, unfortunately with average American speeds at 5Mbps most of these features will not be enjoyed by an American audience | ||
| **June 5th, 2013**: After several delays, mainly due to weight issues, the Boeing 787-9 enters commercial service with Air New Zealand. | **June 5th, 2013**: After several delays, mainly due to weight issues, the Boeing 787-9 enters commercial service with Air New Zealand. | ||
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| **July 8th, 2013**: Cuban President Raúl Castro announces agricultural reforms that will take effect beginning in 2014. State farms, which account for 75% of Cuban agriculture, will be disbanded and replaced by co-ops, owned "directly by the people in the spirit of Socialism." Farmers will have the option to split off from these co-ops and form co-ops of one, in effect legalizing private farming. Additionally, the state-run marketing association Acopio, which has monopolistic control over seeds, fertilizer and equipment, will be split into many regional firms with competitive practice. Farmers will be allowed to begin to bargain some prices for agricultural produce on the open market. | **July 8th, 2013**: Cuban President Raúl Castro announces agricultural reforms that will take effect beginning in 2014. State farms, which account for 75% of Cuban agriculture, will be disbanded and replaced by co-ops, owned "directly by the people in the spirit of Socialism." Farmers will have the option to split off from these co-ops and form co-ops of one, in effect legalizing private farming. Additionally, the state-run marketing association Acopio, which has monopolistic control over seeds, fertilizer and equipment, will be split into many regional firms with competitive practice. Farmers will be allowed to begin to bargain some prices for agricultural produce on the open market. | ||
| - | |||
| - | **July 10th, 2013**: Governor Jerry Brown (D-CA) undergoes surgery at Stanford Medical Center for an enlarged polyp in Palo Alto, California. | ||
| **July 12th, 2013**: Japanese general election: no party manages to get more than 200 out of 480 seats in the House of Representatives. The DPJ won 165, LDP 164, Your Party 59, New Komeito 29, JCP 15, Lower Taxes Japan 11, SDP 8, PNP 2, other parties, non-partisan or independents 29. | **July 12th, 2013**: Japanese general election: no party manages to get more than 200 out of 480 seats in the House of Representatives. The DPJ won 165, LDP 164, Your Party 59, New Komeito 29, JCP 15, Lower Taxes Japan 11, SDP 8, PNP 2, other parties, non-partisan or independents 29. | ||
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| **November 20th, 2013**: New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip is elected Chief Executive of Hong Kong over Democratic Party chairman Sin Chung-kai by a 888-251 margin in the electoral committee. | **November 20th, 2013**: New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip is elected Chief Executive of Hong Kong over Democratic Party chairman Sin Chung-kai by a 888-251 margin in the electoral committee. | ||
| - | **November 21st, 2013**: Chinese President Xi Jinping announces a "fire sale" of American Treasury bond, justifying the measure as a means to help fund "humanitarian aid" efforts for Korea, causing the value of the U.S. dollar to collapse by 16% within 8 hours. | + | **November 21st, 2013**: Chinese President Xi Jinping announces a "fire sale" of American Treasury bonds, justifying the measure as a means to help fund "humanitarian aid" efforts for Korea, causing the value of the U.S. dollar to collapse by 16% within 8 hours. |
| **November 22nd, 2013**: A memorial service is held in Dallas,Texas, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America. Thousands attend the service, including many politicians, President Mitt Romney and all former living Presidents, memebers of the Kennedy family, and foreign dignitaries from around the world. In many parts of America, a minute of silence is held at 12:30 PM CST, the approximate time of the assassination. | **November 22nd, 2013**: A memorial service is held in Dallas,Texas, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America. Thousands attend the service, including many politicians, President Mitt Romney and all former living Presidents, memebers of the Kennedy family, and foreign dignitaries from around the world. In many parts of America, a minute of silence is held at 12:30 PM CST, the approximate time of the assassination. | ||
| - | |||
| - | **November 28th, 2013**: Saudi leader announce a similar "fire sale" of U.S. treasury bonds, calling for economic aid from the People's Republic of China. | ||
| **December 5th, 2013**: Chinese officials announce the launch of Yinghuo-1, China's first automated probe to Mars, amidst concern of "America losing the technological edge". | **December 5th, 2013**: Chinese officials announce the launch of Yinghuo-1, China's first automated probe to Mars, amidst concern of "America losing the technological edge". | ||
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| **January 1st, 2014**: Final date for the European Fiscal Union's members who have achieved a balanced budget to apply for bailout money if necessary. | **January 1st, 2014**: Final date for the European Fiscal Union's members who have achieved a balanced budget to apply for bailout money if necessary. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Latvia formally adopts the Euro. | ||
| Fifty-five years to the day after he overthrew President Fulgencio Batista, former Cuban President Fidel Castro dies of pancreatic cancer. The communist dictator had been ill since 2006 and had stepped down in 2008, although he still retained great influence. His younger brother, current President Raúl Castro, announces a national week of mourning, and makes his brother's birthday, August 13th, a national holiday. | Fifty-five years to the day after he overthrew President Fulgencio Batista, former Cuban President Fidel Castro dies of pancreatic cancer. The communist dictator had been ill since 2006 and had stepped down in 2008, although he still retained great influence. His younger brother, current President Raúl Castro, announces a national week of mourning, and makes his brother's birthday, August 13th, a national holiday. | ||
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| **February 12th, 2014**: In Hong Kong, the Civic Party, the League of Social Democrats, the Labor Party, Neo Democrats, the Hong Kong Economic Journal and Apple Daily are outlawed by court orders due to conspiracy against the Central Government. A new wave of violent protests occur, but are immediately put down. New laws are introduced to ban public demonstrations. Democratic Party lawmaker Wu Chi-wai is arrested under national security laws for advocating subversive activities against the Central Government, simply because he suggests using a referendum to determine whether or not universal suffrage should be introduced in 2017. | **February 12th, 2014**: In Hong Kong, the Civic Party, the League of Social Democrats, the Labor Party, Neo Democrats, the Hong Kong Economic Journal and Apple Daily are outlawed by court orders due to conspiracy against the Central Government. A new wave of violent protests occur, but are immediately put down. New laws are introduced to ban public demonstrations. Democratic Party lawmaker Wu Chi-wai is arrested under national security laws for advocating subversive activities against the Central Government, simply because he suggests using a referendum to determine whether or not universal suffrage should be introduced in 2017. | ||
| - | **February 13th-26th, 2014**: The Detroit Riots; Hundreds take to the streets demanding federal action to ensure growth in Detroit, Michigan, after GM is forced to lay off hundreds of workers in response to the recent market crash. | + | **February 13th-26th, 2014**: The Detroit Riots; Hundreds take to the streets demanding federal action to ensure growth in Detroit, Michigan, after GM is forced to lay off thousands of workers in response to the recent market crash. |
| **February 14th, 2014**: The Tea Party, still a potent force in the Republican Party, stage rallies in several states protesting the Romney administration, citing "fiscal insanity" in his negotiations with congressional Democrats over the federal budget. | **February 14th, 2014**: The Tea Party, still a potent force in the Republican Party, stage rallies in several states protesting the Romney administration, citing "fiscal insanity" in his negotiations with congressional Democrats over the federal budget. | ||
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| **June 28th, 2014**: On his way back to Japan, Japanese prime minister Koichi Kato's plane is shot down near the Korean Peninsula. He will be replaced by Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Anti-Korea riots break out all across Japan. | **June 28th, 2014**: On his way back to Japan, Japanese prime minister Koichi Kato's plane is shot down near the Korean Peninsula. He will be replaced by Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Anti-Korea riots break out all across Japan. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **July 8th, 2014:** Indonesia holds a presidential election. Anas Urbaningrum of the Demcratic Party is elected to the post of President, and will serve until 2019. Urbaningrum was endorsed by the outgoing President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. At 45, Urbaningrum is the youngest President since Sukarno. | ||
| **July 9th, 2014**: The twentieth FIFA World Cup concludes in Brazil. Ghana wins the final 3-1 over the Netherlands. Ghana is the first African champion, and their victory sets off massive celebrations across Sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 750 million people watch the final. | **July 9th, 2014**: The twentieth FIFA World Cup concludes in Brazil. Ghana wins the final 3-1 over the Netherlands. Ghana is the first African champion, and their victory sets off massive celebrations across Sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 750 million people watch the final. | ||
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| **July 15th, 2014**: Indian PM Rahul Gandhi's government announces it will back a new law, the Allowing for Advancement Act. The Act is the first major policy proposed by the new government. The first main provision of the Act is increasing higher educational opportunity in India. The Act plans to double the number of Indian Institutes of Technology to 30 by 2025, double the number of Indian Institutes of Management to 24 by 2025, open two new campuses of Jawarhalal Nehru University in Ahmedabad and Chennai, and finally, open a new Indian Institute of Instruction in Jaipur to train future teachers. The second main provision of the act is to mandate that all institutions of higher learning in India allow for an affirmative action selection process. Depending on the demographics of their state, universities must let in between 5% and 15% Dalits (Untouchables) to their undergraduate class. This acknowledgement that the caste system was still a potent cultural force in India caused some consternation, but was praised as a bold step by many domestic analysts. Lastly, the Act provided funding to state governments to improve their primary education, and commissioned teams of inspectors to weed out corruption relating to education in state governments. | **July 15th, 2014**: Indian PM Rahul Gandhi's government announces it will back a new law, the Allowing for Advancement Act. The Act is the first major policy proposed by the new government. The first main provision of the Act is increasing higher educational opportunity in India. The Act plans to double the number of Indian Institutes of Technology to 30 by 2025, double the number of Indian Institutes of Management to 24 by 2025, open two new campuses of Jawarhalal Nehru University in Ahmedabad and Chennai, and finally, open a new Indian Institute of Instruction in Jaipur to train future teachers. The second main provision of the act is to mandate that all institutions of higher learning in India allow for an affirmative action selection process. Depending on the demographics of their state, universities must let in between 5% and 15% Dalits (Untouchables) to their undergraduate class. This acknowledgement that the caste system was still a potent cultural force in India caused some consternation, but was praised as a bold step by many domestic analysts. Lastly, the Act provided funding to state governments to improve their primary education, and commissioned teams of inspectors to weed out corruption relating to education in state governments. | ||
| - | **July 19th, 2014**: The Minnesota Riots; Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison leads a "Do Something" style rally in St. Paul, demanding that the government interfere in the collapsing economic situation. The Romney Administration, to date, has been unable to pass legislation, and seems unwilling to. President Romney makes remarks after the rallies claiming that "we must wait for the free market to sort this problem out". | + | **July 19th, 2014**: "Do Something" Rallies; Mass protests are staged in several major U.S. cities decrying the federal government's lack of intervention in the ensuing economic crisis. The highlight of the protests was in Minneapolis, where Congressman Keith Ellison called President Romney a "corporate hack bent on ensuring the rich stay rich, while the middle class and poor spiral into poverty". Romney makes remarks after the rallies claiming that "we must wait for the free market to sort this problem out". |
| **July 23rd, 2014**: Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, after a meeting with opposition Democratic Party leader, announces bipartisan plans for constitutional amendment, to turn the Self Defense Forces officially into a military. | **July 23rd, 2014**: Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, after a meeting with opposition Democratic Party leader, announces bipartisan plans for constitutional amendment, to turn the Self Defense Forces officially into a military. | ||
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| **October 28th, 2014:** In baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games to win the World Series. Blue Jay Jose Bautista wins the World Series MVP for hitting 4 home runs and driving in 7 in the brief set. | **October 28th, 2014:** In baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games to win the World Series. Blue Jay Jose Bautista wins the World Series MVP for hitting 4 home runs and driving in 7 in the brief set. | ||
| - | **November 4th, 2014**: U.S. Midterm Elections; Democrats make massive gains in the midterms in response to recent discontent with President Romney's governing. The Democrats retake the House of Representatives and the Senate, gaining 41 seats and 2 seats (Harold Ford in TN, Jeff Abramson in KY), respectively. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) wins his bid for re-election against Former Rep. Rick Lazio (R-NY). Cuomo's victory fuels speculation that he may run for President come 2016. | + | **November 4th, 2014**: U.S. Midterm Elections; Democrats make massive gains in the midterms in response to discontent with President Romney's handling of the economic crisis and foreign policy blunders. The Democrats retake the House of Representatives and Senate; in a bold stroke, Congressman Keith Ellison is put forward as a candidate for Speaker of the House, progressives being emboldened by their midterm mandate. |
| - | + | ||
| - | House of Representatives | + | |
| - | Democratic: 236 seats (+51) | + | |
| - | Republican: 199 seats | + | |
| - | Senate | + | In California, Governor Jerry Brown is re-elected to a second term over failed 2010 Senate candidate and computer magnate Carly Fiorina (R). In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo wins a landslide re-election over former Congressman Rick Lazio (R). |
| - | Democratic: 52 seats (+2) | + | |
| - | Republican: 48 seats | + | |
| **November 19th, 2014**: During an Iranian democratic protest demonstration in the capital city of Tehran, Iranian defenders open fire on the mostly peaceful protesters, who begin to flee. The resulting catastrophe is now referred to as the "November genocide". Despite being named for the month, confrontations between Iranian forces and demonstrators would continue into 2015. | **November 19th, 2014**: During an Iranian democratic protest demonstration in the capital city of Tehran, Iranian defenders open fire on the mostly peaceful protesters, who begin to flee. The resulting catastrophe is now referred to as the "November genocide". Despite being named for the month, confrontations between Iranian forces and demonstrators would continue into 2015. | ||
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| **January 3rd, 2015**: A Naxalite attack and bombing on an army base in Jharkand state kill 57 troops. On the same day, a bombing causes a trail derailment, leading to 212 civillian deaths (the train was packed with laborers). In response, the anti-Naxalite paramilitary group Salwa Judum goes on a rampage, killing 14 suspected Maoists gruesomely. Rahul Gandhi's government is criticized for its slow reaction to the crisis, and despite their announcement that they are working quickly to end the Naxalite threat, Gandhi's approval ratings drop below 50% for the first time. | **January 3rd, 2015**: A Naxalite attack and bombing on an army base in Jharkand state kill 57 troops. On the same day, a bombing causes a trail derailment, leading to 212 civillian deaths (the train was packed with laborers). In response, the anti-Naxalite paramilitary group Salwa Judum goes on a rampage, killing 14 suspected Maoists gruesomely. Rahul Gandhi's government is criticized for its slow reaction to the crisis, and despite their announcement that they are working quickly to end the Naxalite threat, Gandhi's approval ratings drop below 50% for the first time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden gives birth to her second child, a girl, whom her parents name Renata Madeleine Desiree Marie. | ||
| **January 15th, 2015:** Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski is appointed as Commissioner of Baseball after Bud Selig retires from his position at the end of his contract after the MLB 2014 season. | **January 15th, 2015:** Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski is appointed as Commissioner of Baseball after Bud Selig retires from his position at the end of his contract after the MLB 2014 season. | ||
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| **February 1st, 2015**: Realdon Robotics is established as one of the first companies with the realistic goal of creating a fully functioning robot capable of use by humans. It is founded by William G. Realdon. | **February 1st, 2015**: Realdon Robotics is established as one of the first companies with the realistic goal of creating a fully functioning robot capable of use by humans. It is founded by William G. Realdon. | ||
| - | **February 3rd, 2015**: Formation of the Society Opposing Unholy Life (S.O.U.L.), a radical Evangelical Christian political group in response to recent advancements in gay rights, science, and rising discontent with the Romney administration on domestic, especially social, issues. | + | **February 3rd, 2015**: Formation of the Society Opposing Unholy Life (S.O.U.L.), a far-right Christian political group in response to recent advancements in gay rights, science, and rising discontent with the Romney administration on domestic, especially social, issues. |
| **February 4th, 2015**: Former Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer declares his intentions to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. | **February 4th, 2015**: Former Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer declares his intentions to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. | ||
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| **April 6th, 2015**: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) announces his intention to run for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States, to challenge incumbent President Mitt Romney. In his first campaign speech, given in New York City outside the Freedom Tower, Cuomo says he is running to,"stop the President from leading this country down the wrong track," and uses the Romney Administration's stance on Gay Rights as an example. | **April 6th, 2015**: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) announces his intention to run for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States, to challenge incumbent President Mitt Romney. In his first campaign speech, given in New York City outside the Freedom Tower, Cuomo says he is running to,"stop the President from leading this country down the wrong track," and uses the Romney Administration's stance on Gay Rights as an example. | ||
| - | **April 11th, 2015**: Tea Party Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) makes rumblings about a potential presidential run in the Republican primary, reflecting discontent among the right toward President Romney's mainly centrist governing. | + | **April 11th, 2015**: Governor Sam Brownback (R-KS) makes rumblings about a possible primary challenge to President Romney while being interviewed on CNN's The Situation Room, reflecting discontent among the right toward Romney's handling of the economy and apathy on social issues. |
| **April 17th, 2015:** After years of lobbying by the LDS Church, Kazakhstan allows LDS missionaries to operate within it's borders. This is hailed as a victory for religious freedom in an Islamic-majority country, and the Church soon announces the formation of the first LDS ward in Kazakhstan, composed mostly of the 75 ethnically Russian Mormons already in the country. | **April 17th, 2015:** After years of lobbying by the LDS Church, Kazakhstan allows LDS missionaries to operate within it's borders. This is hailed as a victory for religious freedom in an Islamic-majority country, and the Church soon announces the formation of the first LDS ward in Kazakhstan, composed mostly of the 75 ethnically Russian Mormons already in the country. | ||
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| **June 11th, 2015**: In Japan, 42 lower house MPs and 22 Councillors from the Hatoyama and Ozawa factions of the opposition Democratic Party form their own Liberal New Japan Alliance. | **June 11th, 2015**: In Japan, 42 lower house MPs and 22 Councillors from the Hatoyama and Ozawa factions of the opposition Democratic Party form their own Liberal New Japan Alliance. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **June 12th, 2015**: President Mitt Romney announces his intention to seek re-election, despite poor approval ratings and the threat of a potentially divisive primary challenge from the right. | ||
| **June 15th, 2015**: Yvette Cooper resigns as Shadow Home Secretary and challenges Ed Miliband for the Leadership of the Labour Party, Ed Balls walks out as Shadow Chancellor in support of his wife causing a major upheaval in the Labour Party. | **June 15th, 2015**: Yvette Cooper resigns as Shadow Home Secretary and challenges Ed Miliband for the Leadership of the Labour Party, Ed Balls walks out as Shadow Chancellor in support of his wife causing a major upheaval in the Labour Party. | ||
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| **July 2nd, 2015**: Britain's Ambassador in the US, David Miliband announces he has no interest in the matters in the Labour Party. | **July 2nd, 2015**: Britain's Ambassador in the US, David Miliband announces he has no interest in the matters in the Labour Party. | ||
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| + | 'Batman Beyond' is released in cinemas as the first entry in the film franchise since the hugely successful 'The Dark Knight Rises.' Inspired by the 1999-2001 animated series of the same name and resurrecting plans for such a film from 2001 that were abandoned in favour of Christopher Nolan's reboot, the concept was made use of to avoid unfavourable comparison between it and the still recent Nolan films and explore new ground. The film is set in 2044 and starts Kevin Conroy as an elderly Bruce Wayne, Stana Katic as Lady Cain, Nathan Filion as Derek Blight and newcomer Richard Herod as Terry McGinnis, the new Batman. The new film is met with critical and box office success and is praised for sitting well with the Nolan films by combining their neo-noir feel and gritty realism with subtle hard sci-fi undertones and for it's success in areas the preceding entries were sometimes felt lacking in. The soundtrack is also praised, being jointly composed by Hans Zimmer and Jesper Kyd. | ||
| **July 3rd, 2015**: After months of unrest in response to the disputed presidential election, full-blown riots in the eastern parts of the Ukraine. Prime Minister Tymoshenko, leader of the pro-West incumbent government, asks for European Union intervention in the escalating conflict. However Vladimir Putin, seeking to maintain influence in the Ukraine in light of the conflict, ask the EU for a joint conference to sort out electoral irregularities. The EU, led by President Nicolas Sarkozy, declines the request and instead launches their own investigation into the allegations of electoral fraud. | **July 3rd, 2015**: After months of unrest in response to the disputed presidential election, full-blown riots in the eastern parts of the Ukraine. Prime Minister Tymoshenko, leader of the pro-West incumbent government, asks for European Union intervention in the escalating conflict. However Vladimir Putin, seeking to maintain influence in the Ukraine in light of the conflict, ask the EU for a joint conference to sort out electoral irregularities. The EU, led by President Nicolas Sarkozy, declines the request and instead launches their own investigation into the allegations of electoral fraud. | ||
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| + | **July 4th, 2015**: The Mayor of New York announces that New York intends to reclaim the title of world's tallest building with the construction of the New York Tower. Designed to climb to 3,342 feet/1018m, the building will be located 9 blocks south of the Empire State Building. | ||
| **July 5th, 2015**: Midterm Elections are held in Mexico. The PRI increases its presence in Congress by a slight margin, for the most part holding it's majority. Many within the PAN and PRD cry foul, claiming the PRI is up to it's old tricks of vote stacking and election theft, though international observers are quick to note President Paredes' decisive action against the Cartels and sympathy for President Peña Nieto's death as reasons for the PRI's excellent performance at the polls. | **July 5th, 2015**: Midterm Elections are held in Mexico. The PRI increases its presence in Congress by a slight margin, for the most part holding it's majority. Many within the PAN and PRD cry foul, claiming the PRI is up to it's old tricks of vote stacking and election theft, though international observers are quick to note President Paredes' decisive action against the Cartels and sympathy for President Peña Nieto's death as reasons for the PRI's excellent performance at the polls. | ||
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| **July 14th, 2015**: New Horizons begin it's flyby of Pluto. | **July 14th, 2015**: New Horizons begin it's flyby of Pluto. | ||
| - | **July 29th, 2015**: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announces her intention to run for the office of United States President against President Romney. | + | **July 29th, 2015**: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announces her intention to run for the office of United States President against President Romney. While labelled an underdog candidate against more well-known names such as her own state's Governor Cuomo, Gillibrand immediately gains a following of progressives and grassroots activists, who are enamored with her fiery populist rhetoric regarding the state of the country's economy. |
| **August 2nd, 2015**: After recommendation by the European Commission, Ukraine becomes and official EU candidate. Moscow heavily criticizes it calling it an act of revenge for the creation of the Union State. | **August 2nd, 2015**: After recommendation by the European Commission, Ukraine becomes and official EU candidate. Moscow heavily criticizes it calling it an act of revenge for the creation of the Union State. | ||
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| **August 4th, 2015**: In Japan, the Liberal New Japan Alliance and the Lower Taxes Party merge to form the Social Credit Party, and joins the ruling coalition. Ichiro Ozawa is appointed Finance Minister. | **August 4th, 2015**: In Japan, the Liberal New Japan Alliance and the Lower Taxes Party merge to form the Social Credit Party, and joins the ruling coalition. Ichiro Ozawa is appointed Finance Minister. | ||
| - | **August 5th, 2015**: President Romney's approval rating hits 36%, a new low, after a special report by MSNBC reveals some of the after-effects of the War on Terror in states such as Iraq and Afghanistan. | + | **August 5th, 2015**: President Romney's approval rating hits 36%, the lowest point in his administration thus far, after the Department of Labor released a report indicating the unemployment rate hit 12.7 percent for July 2015. |
| **August 10th, 2015**: In Japan, outraged by the SCP-LDP coalition, 16 Your Party MPs and 7 LDP MPs cross the floor and join the opposition Democratic Party. | **August 10th, 2015**: In Japan, outraged by the SCP-LDP coalition, 16 Your Party MPs and 7 LDP MPs cross the floor and join the opposition Democratic Party. | ||
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| **August 23rd, 2015**: Chinese men start calling for "American mail-order brides" due to the shortage of available women in China. | **August 23rd, 2015**: Chinese men start calling for "American mail-order brides" due to the shortage of available women in China. | ||
| - | **September 11th, 2015**: India's Parliament, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rahul Gandhi, passes the Equality in Donation Act. This act prevents fertility clinics from informing customers of the caste of the donor. Oftentimes, customers will refuse to accept sperm except from donors of specific castes. Some fertility clinics even go so far as to refuse donations from members of certain castes, or segregate the sperm storage facilities. The Equality in Donation Act seeks to end those practices. | + | **August 24th, 2015**: Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas announces that he will challenge Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination, citing his “failed policies” and the need for a “true conservative” in the White House. Almost immediately, S.O.U.L. gains national prominence with its high-profile endorsement of Governor Brownback's presidential bid, calling him “the right candidate to restore moral values in America.” Over the past year, S.O.U.L. accumulated influence and omnipresence from the Evangelical movement, and was responsible for many protests across the nation. |
| - | **September 12th, 2015**: After years of going back and forth on its territorial status, Puerto Rico finally votes on an island-wide referendum to join the Union as a full state. Its ascension adds 5 new members to the House of Representatives, as well as 2 new Senators. | + | **September 11th, 2015**: India's Parliament, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rahul Gandhi, passes the Equality in Donation Act. This act prevents fertility clinics from informing customers of the caste of the donor. Oftentimes, customers will refuse to accept sperm except from donors of specific castes. Some fertility clinics even go so far as to refuse donations from members of certain castes, or segregate the sperm storage facilities. The Equality in Donation Act seeks to end those practices. |
| In some parts of India, outrage ensues over the Equality in Donation Act. Furious crowds gather outside of many lawmakers' offices and fertility clinics, demanding their "right" to know the caste of a donor. While most doctors and middle-class Indians support the Gandhi government's law, many lower-class and high-caste upper-class Indians oppose it, believing that it is important for them not to sully the purity of their caste. | In some parts of India, outrage ensues over the Equality in Donation Act. Furious crowds gather outside of many lawmakers' offices and fertility clinics, demanding their "right" to know the caste of a donor. While most doctors and middle-class Indians support the Gandhi government's law, many lower-class and high-caste upper-class Indians oppose it, believing that it is important for them not to sully the purity of their caste. | ||
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| **September 30th, 2015**: Intense gunfights erupt in the west Mexican city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa between the Mexican Army and the Sinaloa Cartel. The region had already seen spurts of violence for several weeks as President Paredes increased the troop presence in the region. As a simultaneous gunfight erupted in the state capital Culiacán, President Paredes signs an Executive Order demanding Federal Troops to "kill on sight." | **September 30th, 2015**: Intense gunfights erupt in the west Mexican city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa between the Mexican Army and the Sinaloa Cartel. The region had already seen spurts of violence for several weeks as President Paredes increased the troop presence in the region. As a simultaneous gunfight erupted in the state capital Culiacán, President Paredes signs an Executive Order demanding Federal Troops to "kill on sight." | ||
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| - | **October 5th, 2015**: US President Mitt Romney begins gearing up for re-election, albeit among poor approval ratings. | ||
| **October 8th, 2015**: Facebook acquires SchülerVZ and StudiVZ, who saw their membership numbers rapidly decreasing and filed for insolvency. | **October 8th, 2015**: Facebook acquires SchülerVZ and StudiVZ, who saw their membership numbers rapidly decreasing and filed for insolvency. | ||