The label ‘Golden Generation’ has been a problematic one for England, coming to represent wistful feelings of what might have been rather than the ultimate compliment.

The Three Lions side between 2002 and 2006 under Sven-Goran Eriksson came to be known by that tag following a remark by FA chief executive Adam Crozier in 2001.

Rather than encourage an aura of invincibility, it instead burdened what was undeniably a hugely talented team that duly failed to get beyond the quarter-finals at two World Cups and one European Championship.

Eriksson had the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney at his disposal but his England teams never amounted to more than the sum of their parts.

Players who excelled for their clubs, scooping up all the major trophies, never experienced the same success with their country.

For better or worse, the current England team under Gareth Southgate has acquired the same moniker.

It was reiterated by a Scot, Graeme Souness, after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park.

‘This is the golden generation,’ Souness said on Channel 4’s coverage. ‘Forget Frank [Lampard] and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, they’ve got strength and depth.

‘England are a really good team at the moment and I think they’re destined to get their hands on a trophy with this group of players.’

Southgate’s team have already come pretty close. They reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, then lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

The hope now is that this current group peak at next summer’s Euros and end that long and painful wait since 1966 for a trophy.

We compare the two England ‘golden generations’ here.

GOALKEEPER

David James vs Jordan Pickford

James won 53 caps for England after emerging from the shadow of David Seaman, though he always had stiff competition from Paul Robinson.

He played predominantly for mid-ranking Premier League sides but was valued by England for his shot-stopping and long-throw distribution. He was susceptible to mistakes, though less so for his country.

Pickford has been favoured by Southgate for his distribution and has been first-choice for much of his tenure. He made a crucial save from Carlos Bacca as England finally ended their penalty shoot-out hoodoo against Colombia in 2018.

Pickford was unbeatable during Euro 2020 until the semi-final, breaking a scoreless minutes record Gordon Banks held, and did his bit during the final shoot-out by saving two Italian spot-kicks.

Will face stiff competition for his place from Aaron Ramsdale if Everton continue to struggle.

RIGHT-BACK

Gary Neville vs Kyle Walker

Two Treble winners with their clubs. Sir Alex Ferguson believed Neville was the best English right-back of his generation and that is reflected in 85 caps over 12 years.

Never a speedy right-back in the modern mould, Neville nonetheless applied maximum effort and took his club understanding with David Beckham onto the international stage at a time when Manchester United were dominant.

Walker, who emulated Neville’s 1999 Treble with Manchester City last season, is rightly regarded as one of the world’s best in his role.

He proved his class by matching Kylian Mbappe stride-for-stride in last year’s World Cup quarter-final with France and he made the Euro 2020 team of the tournament.

Like Neville, a man for the big occasion.

CENTRE-BACK

Rio Ferdinand vs Harry Maguire

Ferdinand was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished centre-halves in world football and enjoyed widespread success with Man United.

That eluded him for England despite 81 caps, a good few as captain under Fabio Capello. It feels as though Ferdinand deserved more on the international stage to reflect his abilities.

Maguire divides opinion among fans like few others. He has been a pretty much automatic pick under Southgate, who trusts him and values his leadership despite shortcomings in his game.

Exceptional especially at Euro 2020, Maguire has rarely let England down but a shortage of club game time and high-profile errors mean his days could be numbered.

CENTRE-BACK

John Terry vs John Stones

Terry was a commanding leader for both Chelsea and England, his dedication to the Three Lions cause reflected when he left the pitch in tears after the penalty loss to Portugal in 2006.

Capello made Terry captain but they would clash at the 2010 World Cup and there was later controversy over the Anton Ferdinand racial abuse scandal as his international career ultimately lacked the lustre of his time with Chelsea.

Stones is admired for similar no-nonsense qualities and gives England backbone. But having worked under Pep Guardiola at Man City, his game now extends well beyond that.

It’s remarkable to see how he has been converted into a composed, ball-spraying midfielder though the muck and nettles of defending remains very much his England responsibility.

LEFT-BACK

Ashley Cole vs Luke Shaw

There was a considerable period when he was winning the Premier League first with Arsenal and then Chelsea that Cole was rightly regarded as the best left-back on the planet.

There wasn’t much doubt about his England spot for many years as he amassed 107 appearances and he certainly goes down as one of England’s best in the position ever.

Shaw may be sidelined at the moment with injury but he has pretty much made the left-back berth his own under Southgate having idolised Cole growing up.

He was especially good during the last Euros when his early goal against Italy in the final unfortunately proved to be a little, well, too early.

MIDFIELD

Steven Gerrard vs Declan Rice

Eriksson and Southgate play different systems so a direct midfield comparison isn’t really possible – but rough match-ups can be made.

If time travel is invented and Gerrard and Rice can play next to each other, England would surely boss every tournament they entered.

The former Liverpool man, another to captain England, won 114 caps despite Eriksson never really figuring out how to shoehorn him and Frank Lampard into the midfield.

Not only was Gerrard adept at breaking up opposition attacks, his energy invariably carried England on the attack too and he was capable of spectacular goals.

Hopefully Rice is only just getting started, which seems strange when he already has 45 England caps by the age of 24.

He’ll only become more and more important with his midfield work and will surely captain his country at some point.

MIDFIELD

Frank Lampard vs Jude Bellingham

Mr Box-to-Box Lampard was crucially important for England for over a decade as he racked up 106 caps and 29 goals. A succession of England coaches admired his drive, passing and shooting.

The debate raged during the Eriksson years over whether Lampard and Gerrard were compatible in England’s midfield but how could you possibly leave either out?

We’re saying the same about 20-year-old Bellingham now. He is going to have to carry the burden of English expectations for years to come, yet seems absolutely fearless.

His excellent start to life as a Real Madrid player continued in the win over Scotland and Bellingham really does have the world at his feet. The potential there is quite frightening.

MIDFIELD

Paul Scholes vs Phil Foden

The man even Zinedine Zidane described as in ‘a class of his own’, we can only wonder if England would have done better in 2006 had Scholes not retired form international football in 2004.

Although a tenacious tackler, outstanding passer and fine finisher, Scholes never felt the love on international duty that he did playing for Man United.

In terms of those offensive attributes, Foden represents the closest comparison in the present side. Like Scholes, the Man City man can spot passes beyond the vision of most.

Not an assured starter under Southgate by any means but the clamour is growing for him to be worked into the team somehow, ideally as a No 10.

RIGHT-SIDE

David Beckham vs Bukayo Saka

Two very different styles, of course, but comparable for the positions they occupy on the pitch.

Beckham really was the gold dust in that noughties England side, with his elegant crossing and deadly accurate free-kicks. Becks amassed 115 caps and captained the team 58 times.

Little wonder Saka sheepishly asked his idol for a selfie at the 2022 World Cup, though in reality Beckham will be worshipping Saka in the years ahead.

The Arsenal man, 22, offers so much to England’s attack with his genuine ability to beat defenders and carve out dangerous chances. Like with Bellingham, the potential seems endless.

Saka has also shown incredible mental resilience for someone so young to elevate his game after the sickening racist abuse he suffered after missing a penalty in the Euro final.

CENTRE FORWARD

Michael Owen vs Harry Kane

Bursting onto the England scene aged just 18, Owen proved a reliable goalscorer over the ensuing decade, with 40 in 89 games.

It’s a shame injuries prevented Owen from scoring a few more but he’ll be fondly remembered for his stunning solo goal against Argentina in 1998 and his hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Germany in 2001.

Kane has proved to be even more prolific. In fact he is the definition of prolific – and clinical. Already England’s all-time leading goalscorer, the £100m Bayern Munich man is only 30 and has plenty of time to establish an unassailable record.

The problem is, England are too reliant on Kane, who is head and shoulders above every other option as their No 1 centre forward. Light candles and say prayers now to ensure he stays fit for the Euros.

LEFT-SIDE

Wayne Rooney vs Marcus Rashford

Another generational talent who burst onto the scene at a young age, Rooney enjoyed an all-action England career consisting of many highs and lows.

His 53 goals in 120 outings looked set to be a long-standing record until Kane surpassed it in what seemed like next to no time.

Rooney was rightly regarded as one of the world’s best, unstoppable in full flight and capable of a wide variety of goals, including the spectacular.

Rashford also emerged as a precocious talent at 17 and remains important for Southgate even if competition for places is fierce.

Another who bounced back from opprobrium at Euro 2020 to discover some of his best form yet for club and country. A true match-winner when in full flow.

OTHER PLAYERS

England’s last ‘Golden Generation’ had a world class first XI but perhaps a lack of depth undermined them.

Sol Campbell, who won 73 England caps, could easily have been included in the comparisons above and was also among the very best.

Midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Joe Cole enjoyed their high points in an England shirt as well but back-up options were lacking in quite a few areas.

The 6ft 7in striker Peter Crouch claims an enviable scoring ratio of 22 goals in 42 England games.

Nowadays, there is arguably a slightly better depth to Southgate’s pool of talent.

In defence, the likes of Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Eric Dier are all more than accomplished.

Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson and Mason Mount have all been in Southgate’s favour in midfield.

Meanwhile in attack, England can turn to the likes of Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and James Maddison, allowing the manager the luxury of rotation.

While the lack of a prolific understudy to Kane is worrying, Southgate can hardly complain about his options with younger talents like Marc Guehi coming in too.

MANAGER

Sven-Goran Eriksson vs Gareth Southgate

Eriksson was the first overseas manager of the England national team. Maybe that counted against him in the court of public opinion, or perhaps it was the tabloid front pages about his love life or his cool Swedish persona that came across as him being disinterested.

But Eriksson just wasn’t able to get the best out of an outrageously talented group of players, probably the best England had produced since 1966.

Quarter-finals were reached in 2002, 2004 and 2006 but England should have gone further.

Eriksson was hampered by often bitter club rivalries, which made it difficult to foster unity within the England camp.

In that regard, things couldn’t be more different under Southgate. He has transformed the culture with club differences left at the door. Players actively enjoy coming on England duty rather than regarding it as a chore they’d do anything to avoid.

While Southgate has been loyal to certain players – for better or worse – his team has continued to evolve with young talent given every opportunity.

England are now expected to reach the latter stages of tournaments but those big games only carry extra pressure and Southgate has been accused of freezing over in-game decision-making.

But his ‘Golden Generation’ have already exceeded the previous one in terms of tournament accomplishments and while some fans question whether Southgate will ever lead England to glory, he has certainly elevated standards.

VERDICT

Firstly, Souness is correct to call this a new ‘Golden Generation’ for England. The talent at Southgate’s disposal is phenomenal.

The off-field culture within the England camp is also so much better than it was for the previous golden boys, which should in theory make them better equipped to reach the business end of tournaments.

That has been borne out in recent ones but the big question is whether this team have already peaked with Euro 2024 on the horizon and England among the favourites.

There is a nice blend of youth and experience, though even some of the younger ones have already been scarred by tournament failure and emerged stronger.

Southgate likely has just one more shot now to deliver that long-awaited trophy – question marks do still remain about him and England’s defensive strength in the biggest games.

But England’s new ‘Golden Generation’ look better placed in so many ways to succeed where the previous one failed.

Mike Pence launched a direct attack on rivals Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis in a speech where he challenged the Republican Party to return to its conservative roots. 

The former vice president, in what was billed as a major speech by his campaign, slammed the direction the GOP was moving in and called for new leadership that would bring the party to what it was under Ronald Reagan. 

‘The truth is the Republican Party did not begin on a golden escalator in 2015,’ he said, referring to Trump’s campaign announcement, when he rode down as escalator at Trump Tower.

Much of what Pence addressed is reflective of the internal battle happening inside the Republican Party – a fight between the right-wing MAGA supporters and the more moderate side. The battle is playing out both on the campaign trail and in the halls of Congress as the GOP struggles with its future.

He made his argument at  Saint Anselm College’s New Hampshire Institute of Politics, an must-stop on the presidential campaign trail. New Hampshire, which holds the first in the nation primary, prides itself on its political independence, touting its state motto of ‘Live Free or Die.’

A small crowd of about 50 people listened to his remarks and posed for selfies afterward.  

For Pence, the speech could be a pivotal moment.  It comes after he made aggressive attacks in the first Republican primary debate. The second debate will take place in three weeks, on September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Other candidates have tried similar moves – making grand speeches that are also targeted at addressing one of the major questions voters have about them. Mitt Romney, a Mormon, made one on faith during his presidential campaign. And Barack Obama made one on race during his presidential bid.

For Pence, that major question is Trump. As his former vice president, he worked in the administration that pushed some of those policies he is now questioning. 

Trump has a strangle hold on the Republican Party. His MAGA supporters have made or broken candidates in several primary elections, leaving him in a position of power. The former president’s own arraingments and legal issues have seen him raise millions from his supporters. 

In his remarks, Pence cast himself as the inheritor of Reagan’s legacy and slammed his rivals for rejecting the Constitution, using the government to further their own agenda, and turning to populism.

‘When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to govern as a conservative. Together we did,’ Pence said. ‘But it’s important for Republicans to know that he and his imitators in this Republican primary make no such promise today.’

He also criticized Trump’s position on Medicaid and Medicare. 

‘Donald Trump’s position on entitlement reform is identical to Joe Biden’s,’ Pence said. 

Pence is struggling to gain traction in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination. He has been barnstorming New Hampshire – the first primary state – but sits at 2% in the RealClearPolitics polling average of the state. Trump leads by double digits and Ramaswamy is at 6%.

And the latest poll in New Hampshire had Trump holding a 38-point lead over the field with 48% while Pence was in seventh place with only 4%. 

DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley shared second place with 10% apiece. Ramaswamy came in at 8%. 

Pence, in his speech, tried to tie DeSantis to Trump, calling the Florida governor an ‘imitator’ of the former president. 

‘These imitators in this primary have demonstrated a willingness to brandish government power to impose their will on opponents,’ he said, pointing to DeSantis’ war on Walt Disney.

‘The governor of Florida still justifies using the power of the state to punish a corporation for taking a political stance that he disagreed with,’ Pence said. 

The DeSantis/Disney clash began when the company spoke out against the governor’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law – a state law prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity. As part of that war, DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida legislature terminated the self-governing privileges that Disney World had held since 1967.

And Pence criticized Ramaswamy for advocating in his book for a 59% inheritance tax. The former vice president said the tax policy was something liberals would support.

‘In his book Nation of Victims last year, he said that Americans should not become wealthy quote, just by having rich parents,’ Pence noted.

Pence called on Republicans to return to the policies of ‘limited government and individual liberty.’

He argued that was the way to defeat President Joe Biden next November. 

‘If we’re to defeat Joe Biden and turn America around, the Republican Party must be the party of limited government, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility and traditional moral values,’ Pence said in his closing. ‘And I’ll be carrying that message across the Granite State and all across America in the days ahead.’

Marine scientists have weighed in on the identity of the bizarre golden object removed from the bottom of the ocean off the Alaskan coast. 

The shiny object is delicate to the touch, like skin tissue, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

It could be egg casing or the remains of a marine sponge, but DNA tests in the lab could reveal an entirely new animal completely unknown to science. 

NOAA experts compared it to something ‘from a horror movie’ in reference to a scene in ‘Alien‘ where John Hurt’s character discovers the ‘facehugger’ on another planet. 

Dr Tammy Horton at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton couldn’t say what the mystery object is but agreed it’s ‘potentially a new species’. 

‘It is not unusual to find unknowns in the deep sea – we have a lot to explore,’ she told MailOnline. 

‘They have a sample and will be able to study it more closely and will probably do some genetic analyses to determine at least what sort of animal it came from.’

Notably, the object was found with a gaping hole at the front, suggesting something was birthed from it. 

‘It could indeed be an egg case of some kind (explaining the “exit” hole),’ Dr Horton said. 

Dr Lucy Woodall, associate professor in marine conservation at the University of Exeter, agreed it looks like a sponge – an immobile aquatic invertebrate much like coral. 

‘The hole is probably just damage that has been suffered over time, but then again it could provide a whole new insight as to how life in the deep sea survives and thrives,’ she told MailOnline.

‘However the deep sea is full of wonders that we are only just discovering. 

‘I look forward to learning more about it from the taxonomists who will be working on the collected specimen.’

Kerry Howell, a professor of deep-sea ecology at the University of Plymouth, said that the object is ‘weird’ and is unlike anything she’s encountered. 

‘In my 20 years exploring the deep sea I have not seen anything like that,’ she told MailOnline. 

‘It’s always exciting to see new things and I will wait eagerly for the analysis on the sample to understand what it actually is. 

‘There are many many undiscovered species in the deep sea so this could be related to a new species quite easily.’ 

Professor Howell also said the hole could be where the creature inhales and exhales if it is a sponge, or where the animal hatched from if it is egg casing.

Dr Pierre Josso, a postdoctoral research scientist at British Geological Survey, said the object is ‘intriguing, but not truly surprising’.

‘We discover new biological structures or species during most dives as the seabed has been seldomly explored,’ he told MailOnline. 

‘New species – or relic of development stages of known and unknown species – have been catalogued at an increasing rate over the last decade as the deep ocean is being explored with more scrutiny than ever before.

‘As for its origin, function, and the reason for a hole in its structure, it is too early to tell.’ 

Whilst the ‘golden’ appearance is eye catching, this is mostly due to shine from the headlights from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that removed it from its rock, Dr Josso added. 

A later photo of the object in the lab after it had been brought to shore shows it has a light brown-yellowy colour, which is ‘close to many other organic hues’, he said. 

Murray Roberts, a professor of marine biology at the University of Edinburgh, agreed with NOAA scientists that it could be an egg case.

‘Several species, including vulnerable deep-sea fish like sharks and rays, lay their egg cases on seamounts or in cold-water coral habitats,’ he told MailOnline.

‘Hence the hole – something hatched out and swam off.’ 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson at the Natural History Museum in London said: ‘Our experts have said that there are plenty of new species of deep-sea benthic sponge out in the deep sea.’ 

The ‘golden egg’ was found on day eight of NOAA’s Seascape Alaska 5 expedition, which runs from August 23 to September 16. 

Any fans who want to witness any similarly remarkable discoveries can follow the progress of the mission on a dedicated webpage on the NOAA website. 

Shake It Off, Alejandro! Barcelona star Balde’s lead in the Golden Boy 2023 awards PLUMMETS after angering Taylor Swift fans by claiming he didn’t like her music… as Jude Bellingham soars past him in the vote

• The Golden Boy Web award is hosted by Italian outfit Tuttosport for public voters
• Both Balde and Bellingham have mounted strong cases as rising star players 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All Kicking Off 

By Tamara Prenn For Mailonline

Updated: 08:29 EDT, 6 September 2023

Segun Lawson was born and raised in Nigeria, sent to boarding school in the UK and graduated in geology at Imperial College London. Along the way, he found himself wondering why there were no large-scale mining projects in Nigeria.

The country was once the world’s leading tin producer, boasting several London-listed gold companies too. But that was before the Second World War and in recent decades metals mining has dwindled to virtually nothing as oil and gas became the dominant local industries.

With his geological background, reinforced by a stint in the City and a masters in business administration, Lawson became convinced that mining in Nigeria was an opportunity not to be missed.

He spent some time investigating potential ideas, ended up with a project in Senegal close to several big gold-producing mines and, in 2011, came across a Canadian entrepreneur with a Toronto-listed shell firm.

Lawson acquired the firm and, at the age of 32, became chief executive of Thor Explorations, a business with a Senegalese mine site and not much else.

Thor has come a long way since then. Today, it is listed in London, with a highly profitable gold mine in Nigeria and several more exciting projects in the pipeline. The share price is 17.5p and should rise as the company expands and production increases.

Early years were tough. In 2014, Lawson almost gave up entirely after financial markets closed their doors to junior mining firms and Thor’s Senegalese site was forced into hibernation.

It was then that he discovered Segilola, an early stage gold mine just 75 miles from the Nigerian capital, Lagos.

Results from Segilola were promising. There was plenty of gold on site and it was high-grade too. But a legal wrangle had erupted between previous owners, and sale negotiations were protracted. When Lawson finally acquired the scheme in 2016, he assumed Thor’s fortunes were about to change, swiftly moving from an exploration firm to a commercial enterprise.

He reckoned without the Nigeria factor. Investors fretted about bribery, corruption, security and political interference.

Segilola was also the first commercial mine project in the country for decades and no one wanted to take the plunge and support it. Lawson persevered, however, and ultimately succeeded, backed initially by family and friends, then African financiers and a Hong Kong-based mine specialist, and finally some big UK investors.

Construction started in early 2020, Thor was listed on the London Stock Exchange’s junior AIM market in June 2021 and gold production began just a few weeks later.

Last year, the group delivered 98,000 ounces of gold, sales totalled $165 million (£130 million) and net profit exceeded $25 million.

The first few months of 2023 were tricky, as Thor encountered an area of large boulders and lower-grade ore. But the second half of the year is likely to be much smoother, annual production should hit 95,000 ounces and turnover of more than $176 million is expected, with robust profits alongside.

Production should ramp up next year, with brokers predicting a near 20 per cent increase in turnover to $210 million. Costs are likely to come down in 2024 too so profit is expected to rise materially.

At the same time, Lawson is working hard to expand the Segilola mine and explore neighbouring areas, where early signs suggest more gold can be unearthed.

The group recently acquired a large lithium site in south-west Nigeria too, well connected to Lagos. Small-scale miners have been operating in the area for years, but Lawson intends to develop a substantial, high-grade commercial mine, taking advantage of persistent demand for the metal, which is a crucial component of rechargeable batteries.

Now that Thor is profitable, the business is making progress with its Senegalese mine too, a site that could produce more than 100,000 ounces of gold a year over time.

Lawson last month spent about £1 million of his own money acquiring 6.6 million shares in Thor, taking his holding to 4.45 per cent of the company.

His family own another 15 per cent, a sure sign of confidence in Thor’s future. Their combined holding also inclines Lawson to think carefully about dividends, so payouts should be on the cards as soon as practicable.

Thor takes its wider responsibilities seriously too, minimising harmful emissions and bolstering local employment, from school leavers turned laboratory assistants to female lorry drivers, whose safety record far outweighs that of their male counterparts.

Midas verdict: Nigeria fills many investors with doubt, but Lawson has developed a safe and profitable gold mine just hours from Lagos, staffed by locals and backed by government. Prospects are bright, as Thor works on its main gold mine and expands into new areas. And at a time of economic uncertainty and sticky inflation, gold prices, currently more than $1,900 an ounce, should remain firm. At 17.5p, Thor is a find for the adventurous investor.

Traded on: AIM Ticker: THX Contact: thorexpl.com or 001 778 658 6391

Washington Wizards ‘finalize trade to send Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors… with Jordan Poole and draft assets going the other way’

By Ben Nagle For Dailymail.Com

Published: 15:20 EDT, 22 June 2023 | Updated: 15:23 EDT, 22 June 2023

A radio DJ from San Diego has created his own micronation called ‘Slowjamastan’ and has appointed himself ‘Sultan’ of the 11-acre territory in the Golden State. 

Randy ‘R Dub’ Williams has visited every UN designated country – more than 190 across the world – and has resorted to creating his own nation under his rules. 

‘I’ve seen some incredible places that many people do not get the chance to travel to … What’s next for me, it’s to make a country of my own,’ Williams told FOX 5.  

Like any country, the micronation has rules for residents. Outlawed actions include wearing crocs, eating string cheese by biting it instead of pulling it apart, and playing ‘mumble rap’ music. 

The micronation has not been officially recognized by the United States although Williams’ Slowjamastan passport has been stamped by 16 countries.  He also claims 5,000 people have signed-up to become citizens. 

Micronations like Slowjamastan are independent but are not formally recognized by sovereign states. There are an estimated 70 around the world. 

It was a micronation in Nevada called ‘Republic of Molossia’ that gave Williams the idea to come up with Slowjamastan. 

Since buying the land in 2021, the Sultan has put real elbow grease into cultivating the nation and putting it on the map. 

The country has a national anthem called ‘Slowjamastan (I think It’s Gonna Be an Awesome Place),’ a ‘parliament,’ and a national animal – the ringtail raccoon.

Slowjamastan also has its own currency – the ‘duble,’ which is a play on Russia’s currency, the Ruble. 

When asked what the structure of the government is, the ‘Sultan’ said it’s a  dictatorship that’s occasionally a democracy. 

‘We are a republic on some days, but on (other) days we have a dictatorship,’ the radio DJ told FOX 5. 

‘I am the great leader that makes the rules, although sometimes … we let the community chime in on issues that are important to the Slowjamastani,’ he said.

Aside from the ban on crocs and outlawing of ‘mumble rap,’ residents are not allowed to drive in the left lane unless actually passing another car.

No citizens live in Slowjamastan but there are thousands of citizens around the world and tons who are still waiting in line.  

Williams said the name of his new country is a reference to his time as a slow-jams DJ on Magic 92.5 in Southern California. 

‘The sultan is the sultan of slow jams,’ Williams said.  

‘He loves the Boys II Men, and the Usher, and the Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross and Anita Baker,’ the man said, speaking in third person. 

‘That’s just kind of the tie-in we wanted – the land of slow jams where people could come and just vibe out and relax,’ the ‘Sultan’ continued.

Williams said the micronation has no infrastructure but plans are in place to build solar power facilities, an armadillo farm, and a Mongolian BBQ restaurant. 

He said he hopes that the U.S. will recognize Slowjamastan with additional developments to the barren state and residents, of which they already have many. 

‘We have citizens from all over six continents,’ Williams told the San Diego outlet. 

‘We are very proud citizens … These people are proud to be a part of something new and fresh,’ the ‘Sultan’ continued.

Those who want to travel to ‘The United Territories of The Sovereign Nation of The People’s Republic of Slowjamastan’ will need to procure a visa. 

Without permission, visitors are unable to come into the area and are encouraged to take a selfie with the border sign on Highway 78 in Imperial County. 

Micronations are legal but are considered independent developments that exist as a state within a state, similar to Native American reservations. 

The concept of the small, self-governed countries is certainly not new. 

The Empire of Atlantium, a micronation founded in 1981 in a suburb of Sydney, was reported on by BBC in 2022 for the way that it came into the public eye. 

Founder George Cruickshank, a teenager at the time, declared the ‘nation’ independent from Australia and has maintained that status since. 

‘The idea of a sovereign nation state having complete authority over its citizens within defined borders is only a fairly recent development, and it led to all of the horrors of the 20th Century,’ said Cruickshank.

Why pirates never walk the plank: Truth is more gruesome than fiction in the golden age of piracy

• Rebecca Simon debunks the myths of 17th and 18th century piracy, revealing that the truth is even more shocking
• READ MORE: Pirates of the Caribbean and Men in Black Star Sergion Calderón passes away after a career spanning six decades 

By Mark Mason For The Daily Mail

Published: 18:53 EDT, 1 June 2023 | Updated: 19:24 EDT, 1 June 2023

New golden vagina that stands 4ft tall is worshipped at Thai temple by women praying for luck, fertility and help finding their dream man

• The replica can be found at a Buddhist shrine in Nakhon Ratchasima province 
• It was reportedly built by devout Buddhist nun Mother Brahmin

By James Callery

Published: 05:33 EDT, 23 May 2023 | Updated: 17:03 EDT, 23 May 2023

Bombs away! Warriors blow out Lakers, 127-100, to even series at 1-1 as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combine for 50 points on 11 3-pointers… while LA is outscored by 27 with LeBron James on the court

• Thompson led the game with  scored with 30 points thanks to strong shooting 
• Golden State outscored the Lakers 84-47 over the second and third quarters 
•  DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news

By Tyrell Feaster For Dailymail.Com and Ap

Published: 23:44 EDT, 4 May 2023 | Updated: 00:56 EDT, 5 May 2023