Kalistan

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Valruzian President-Chancellor visits Kalistan
Solidifies mutual cooperation and friendship
Dulnerstaad, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 1, 5726


President-Chancellor Kos joins Empress and Chancellor on a tour of Dulnerstaad during recent visit

The President-Chancellor of Valruzia, Ms. Alexandra Kos has formally visited Kalistan for her first, but hopefully not her last time late last month and was warmly greeted by Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto and Chancellor of the Empire Sir Johnathan Mickelson. The state visit began with an informal audience at the Imperial Residence in Eveari and included a small reception where the Head of the Valruzian state was greeted by members of the Kalistani nobility, who were summoned by the Crown to the event, as well as Deputies of the National Assembly and local community leaders. The visit also included a tour of Dulnerstaad, stopping by the world famous Royal Imperial Aquarium and taking a stroll along the Dulnerstaad Boardwalk that overlooks the Northern Limit of the Ananto Strait. There the Empress treated the visiting President to a dissertation on the important marine wildlife which has been restored through the combined efforts of the Imperial Aquarium and the National Oceanographic Society, listing the myriad species which have been able to be reintroduced through careful restoration and conservation of sea resources and habitats.

From there, the tour also extended to a driving tour of Kaliburg, where the Party crossed the landmark Wilson Bridge that spans the mouth of Davon Bay, and then stopped in at Cliff House to introduce the President to the Empress' eventual successor, His Highness, the Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld. Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell, the future Princess Consort, was also introduced to President-Chancellor, and made a great impression on her with knowledge of Valruzian geography and history. The Party was accompanied by His Highness the Prince Consort Elliot Rosenfeld, who stayed with them for the rest of the journey. Following the visit to Cliff House, the group boarded the MagLev and travelled to Luxon, where they met with Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn, and took a tour of House Ananto operations. They stayed with Ananto-McLinn that evening, taking in fine dining and going to a live music venue to hear a local jazz trio over drinks.

The President-Chancellor was reportedly charmed by the efforts that Her Imperial Majesty took to show her a good time and make her visit memorable. The Empress also did manage to accomplish business during the visit: Kalistan and Valruzia have come to a handshake agreement on Kalistani assistance for Morskina in the form of technology assistance as well as direct support as the Western Seleyan ally begins setting up its naval production capabilities. "Well," said Chancellor of the Empire Mickleson, "The two women did speak in Valruzian quite extensively, and I sadly do not know Valruzian. As far as I could tell, their discussion was frank and honest, and they were both at ease with one another, suggesting to me that Kalistan will be able to provide to Valruzia whatever assistance it needs to bring the nation up to its desired level of operations. This is one of the benefits of having an absolute monarch: If Her Imperial Majesty can do something, and wants to do something, it gets done. So her word on the matter is, as in all things, the last word on the matter." The Empress recapped the conversations for the Chancellor later, and the President-Chancellor eventually asked the Empress to switch to Vrassan, which she speaks well, for the benefit of the Chancellor of the Empire.

"The two leaders also spoke about increasing cultural exchange and improving tourist and travel access between both nations," said Mickelson. "Both reaffirmed their commitment to fair trade and agreed to look for ways for mutual commerce to support each nation's respective national priorities. Over all the visit was very warm, very productive, and very encouraging for Her Imperial Majesty, and demonstrates that the relationship between our two nations is as strong and mutually beneficial now, toward the end of the Empress' reign as it was under Dame Pawlik at the beginning of Her Imperial Majesty's reign. The Empress was deeply impressed by the seriousness of the President-Chancellor, her commitment to her homeland and to her People, and expressed her sincerest gratitude to the President for Valruzia's friendship and partnership over the years."

The Chancellor said that deep down, the Empress maintains a very strong personal affinity for Valruzia, given Dame Urzsula Pawlik's mentorship while the then Minor Princess Carolina studied in Valruzia as a teenager. The teenaged monarch considered Pawlik something of an idol and remembered being star struck when she actually got to meet the Valruzian President. "The Empress has never forgotten her time spent in Valruzia as a young student, and has never stopped practicing Valruzian, both in her home and whenever the family visited Valruzia. She considers Valruzia her home away from home, and loves visiting Szary and Nowagard while staying in Valruzia. This state visit was eagerly anticipated by the Empress, and I believe she was not disappointed for the opportunity to meet the new President-Chancellor, Her Excellency Ms. Kos."

Having secured Kalistani friendship and support for another generation at least, Chancellor of the Empire Mickelson said Kos will be welcomed in Kalistan any time. "One thing that was discussed while meeting with House Ananto was a possible membership in the Order of Gray Smoke. It came up in conversation. Ms. Kos was reminded that Dame Pawlik had accepted a membership, which essentially creates a virtual peerage. Ms. Kos seemed surprised that the question was raised and said she honestly had never thought about it, but if it was formally offered at a later time, I got the distinct feeling that she would certainly consider it respectfully and seriously." The Empress also mentioned that she would like to return the courtesy and offered to Kos to make a formal state visit before she retires in 5730. "Perhaps around the next Six Nation's Tournament of Rugby," said the Chancellor.

The State Visit ended too soon, but the nation extends its good will and best wishes to the People of Valruzia.

@TheRepublic

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New Democrat Club forms in Sulari
Aim is to promote democracy in Kalistan, says Founder
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
October 24, 5726


Founder of the New Democrat Club, Dr. Kristen Brandt, aims to promote Democracy

"I don't think its too radical to point out a very simple fact," said Dr. Kristen Brandt, at the most recent meeting of the Sulari New Democrat Club, "that the Empress is nothing if she is not an arch reactionary, and also the fact that she is retiring soon, and now may be our only chance to push the government to more openness, more accountability, and more democratic participation by the people of this nation." These words echoed the founding platform of the New Democrat Club in Sulari, which was founded, at least in part by Dr. Brandt herself. The Organization, began in 5724, now counts several hundred members in cities across the nation.

Brandt believes that change is in the air. "Her Imperial Majesty has always walked right up to the line of reform, and when she should jump across it, she has instead stepped back and back and back time and time again. The People of this nation deserve to have a voice in the laws that govern us, a real one, not some carefully curated, manicured, and dissipated peep that makes it through the process and into the National Assembly." Brandt has argued that support for more democracy has always floated between 20 and 30% of the population. "But when you ask the question, do you support more say in Government policy, you see the support go up to over 50%. I think there is a great pool of latent support for democratic government in Kalistan, but we are so far away from the last time we had any sort of democracy that the people themselves are responding to the label, and not the thing. We need to get the word out about what democracy is in Kalistan so the people themselves can know what to even ask for."

Brandt's strategy is simple. Since civil society organizations are the source of nominees for Institutional Party seats, she and her fellow New Democrats have founded a civil society organization aimed at educating people about Democracy and getting them active around the subject. "It's the same playbook as the old Democratic Forum movement, except we do not wish to simply educate: We primarily are focused at getting democrats elected to office and then once we get there, beginning to craft policy that moves the Empire more toward democratic and popular Government and constitutionalism."

Sam Doganuk, an early joiner has said he has since moved out of the Club. "Kristen is a radical. When she was talking about maybe educating people about democracy it seemed like a great idea. But, especially in Sulari, she is talking about way, if we get elected, to sidestep the fiat. And that is a bridge too far for a lot of us. If she doesn't watch it, she's going to get herself into trouble and take a lot of really well meaning people with her." Dr. Brandt, for her part denies that she is a radical. "Is it so crazy to think that the people should have a real say in the composition and the policy making of their government? It's not a radical idea and any conversations we have ever had about the fiat were purely speculative. Like we will think of laws we would pass on our own if the Fiat was not directing National Policy."

Dr. Brandt is, however undaunted. "Our membership has been pretty steady around 350 in recent months. We are getting same new members in Vrassa, Odufaray and Suldanor. But the real gold standard is if we can get the Clubs into Kaliburg. Right now, the Orthodox and Nationalist Clubs dwarf us there, but we're just starting. Our largest club is here in Sulari, which has always been more openminded toward democratic activity. We will need at least 1000 members before we can begin nominating members to fill seats in the Institutional Party and on their Slate, so we have our work cut out for us. It is totally doable."

Brandt says there is no time like the present to organize for Democracy. "Nobody knows what kind of person the Crown Prince is, or what his positions will be, or, importantly for us, what positions his fiancé will take. I grew up near her home and knew of her in school, and she was a real free spirit and a trouble maker--I can't imagine she will tolerate reactionary attitudes in her own home. Surely she will have some influence on His Highness. Perhaps we could convince her to convince him to sit down with us, and let us talk with him about what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how it will benefit the Empire to listen to us. Getting to him while he is still forming his opinions about what kind of reign he wants to have is very important to us." Brandt says she has a few favors to call in to meet with the future princess consort. "I'd ideally like to me with her before she is married and then him before he is crowned, just to plant a little democratic seed and see if we can make it grow."

Opinion on the strategy is mixed within the New Democratic Club, but one thing all members agree upon is the importance of increasing the amount of opportunities for democratic participation in the system. And this is what the New Democratic Club was formed to do.

@TheRepublic

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5727 Dah Calendar features photo of future Consort
Image Captured in August on Luxon Swell
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 5, 5727


Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell shreds on the Luxon Swell late last summer while modelling Dah Wetsuits

"It was really fun and it wasn't something I would ever have pictured myself doing," said Ms. Casey Leigh-Campbell of posing for the 5727 Dah Calendar. The future Princess Consort was interviewed at her townhome in the Wilson Hill neighborhood of Kaliburg earlier this week. Leigh-Campbell was commissioned by the Surf Company to model Dah Wetsuits in their popular annual calendar which usually features fitness models and professionals. "I was approached last August after I got out of the service, and Dah asked me to model on an incidental basis. Of course, it was cleared with House Ananto, who told me that Anantos were no strangers to Dah surfwear, and we were cleared to take the photos. And now my picture is going to be hanging up on the wall of more or less every surfer's living room, mechanic shop and teenaged boy's bed room in the entire empire. For the month of February, at least."

Ms. Leigh-Campbell said she is an excellent surfer. "I did spend most of my teenaged years surfing and smoking herb in Sulari," says the decorated veteran turned "incidental pin up model." "But before this picture I never surfed the Swell. It was a bit late in the season and the waves were only running about 15 feet, but it turns out it was a perfect day for taking action photos, and the cameraman took some really pretty shots. It was very exciting. It was like I had the whole beach to myself that day and the only other people out there were the camera and safety crews."

Ms. Leigh-Campbell was very proud of her work for Dah and the photo that was chosen to appear in the calendar. "It's very pretty and really captures me in mid carve as I am coming out of that tube. Of course its really well retouched, it almost looks like a painting." She is glad they let her dress in a full body wetsuit. "Well, it was pretty cold that day. The ocean was still warm, but the air was like in the upper sixties, because it was so late in the season. So I was snug as a bug. And these clothes are really conservative too, which just made me feel comfortable. But I mean, some of the other pictures in the calendar... I don't really think I could get away with some of those. I'm a little bit bigger girl, and I think if I wore what the girl in August was wearing, it would be a scandal... They might not let me marry Willy if I wore something like that." She kind of laughed, "Well, 'wearing' is a very loose term... When you all see her, you'll know what I mean."

She said that besides her modelling fee, which was more than she would have asked, she also got to keep the wetsuit and the surfboard she rode on. "I don't usually ride the shorter boards," she said. "The one I was on was for competition, and of course, because Dah sponsors athletes, so now I have one too." She said she looks forward to surfing on the Swell once again next year. "Over in Kalistan, we only get like the after effects. There are only really good surfing waves from Dana north, but that water is pretty cold year round. Here in Luxon of course, we get the water from Gaduridos and it just slams into Southern Ananto, and that causes the Swell, so I really want to surf here when the Swell is up around July and August. So I am going to start surfing in maybe May and get used to it as it builds. It's really every surfer's dream, to be completely honest."

Ms. Leigh-Campbell says she probably won't do any more modelling. "I'm not really a model, I mean, that's not what I think of myself. This was a fun thing to kind of cross off my list and now I've done it. Besides: You can't have a Consort selling surfwear. I'm probably going to have to keep my clothes on from now on." She laughed. "Oh, hahaha, that sounded wrong. I mean to say I'm not going to be appearing in any more calendars in the future. We'll leave that for the professionals." Ms. Leigh-Campbell's Suldanoran good looks and winning personality have anchored sales, with calendar sales doubling last year's edition already. "Apparently people like the photo," said Ms. Leigh-Campbell. "That's exciting for me. My fiancé is one of the people who has bought the calendar already: I know because I signed my photo for him on Day 1." She smiled.

"Maybe next year he'll get out there with me," she said. "5727 is the year William Ananto learns to surf."

@LaModa

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Crown Prince is married in Eveari
Princess Consort created Hereditary Marquess of Wilson
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 3, 5727


Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld and new Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell pose after marriage

His Highness, Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld has married Lady Casey Leigh-Campbell in Eveari. The ceremony was a traditional Brethrenist Meeting for the Purpose of Marriage and was held at the Ananto Family's home monthly Meeting House in downtown Eveari. The wedding was open to all regular members and attenders of the Eveari meeting, as well as members of the Royal Family and members of Her Imperial Majesty's Government. The wedding was presided over by Clerk of the meeting, Friend Marcia Bosworth. During the Meeting, after about 20 minutes of silence, family and friends were invited to direct comments and well wishes toward the couple, and the bride and groom had the opportunity to exchange their promises toward one another. The massive traditional Brethrenist Wedding Certificate was then signed by all attending and was presented to the newly married couple.

As a wedding gift, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina II Ananto presented a white gold tennis necklace, set with square cut amethysts, that supports a brilliant flat 20 carat Ruby and ringed with diamonds to Her Highness the Princess Consort. The piece was commissioned by House Ananto for the new Bride to welcome her to the family and was produced by the Royal Jewelers at Reed Jewelry. "Her Imperial Majesty said that this was to symbolize that I was now part of the family," said Lady Leigh-Campbell. "She reminded me that only members of the Royal Family are allowed to own amethysts, and this necklace has 45 amethysts in it, and this huge ruby. She said that the jewels were specifically hand selected from the Vault for their clarity and perfection. It is the most expensive thing I have ever owned and it is so beautiful."

Following the ceremony, after pictures were taken, the wedding party reconvened on Ananto Estate for the wedding reception. The events included the Bouquet and garter tosses, cake cutting and the first dance between the newly wed couple. "I was very glad I wore sensible shoes," said Lady Leigh. "Being in the military taught me that first, you don't need heels, and second, you shouldn't ever wear heels. That lesson came in very hand today when I am on my feet for so long." The dinner began with a tomato bisque, focaccia with house balsamic vinegar, and fresh garden salad, before the entre choice of broiled lemon butter cod or pasta primavera for the vegetarians, roasted garlic potatoes, and steamed asparagus, all prepared by Ananto Estate's chefs and Kitchen Staff. For desert was a refreshing lime sorbet and a slice of marble wedding cake. "The meal was excellence in simplicity," said the Princess Consort. "And the family was so considerate to include vegetarian options for vegetarians, myself included. All very wholesome foods, I felt energized after we finished dinner."

Prince Consort Elliot Rosenfeld, Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld, Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto pose for a new family photo before Ananto Grove near Ananto House

Incidental music was provided by the Eveari City Chamber Quartet, who treated the audience to classically arranged well known pop songs. "It was Casey's request," said His Highness the Crown Prince. "She saw them play in Eveari last fall and had House Ananto contact them and see if they could provide music for the wedding. They said that they were impressed she had heard the performance, which was kind of a novelty show that they did as a fundraiser for a children's charity, and agreed to provide a chamber quartet for the reception." Following the dinner, the bar was opened, and dancing commenced. The first dance was led by the Crown Prince and the Princess Consort. The Empress and the Prince Consort, who were sitting with Count Michael Leigh of Sulari and his wife, Countess Maisie Campbell, Lady Melanie Ananto-McLinn and the Royal Family of Hutori watched and admired Lady Leigh-Campell's dress, which was a one of a kind lace mermaid design with a sweetheart neckline provided by Del Valle. Following the first dance, the rest of the attendees joined the couple on the dance floor for waltzes, tangos, cumbia, and free style dancing to music provided by a larger contingent of the Eveari City Orchestra. There was even a few swing songs included that most people tried.

After dancing, The Empress and Prince Consort, along with other senior members of House Ananto retired back to the Residence while the Crown Prince and Princess Consort opened the gates to welcome the community to the celebration. The tradition, which takes place at all important family and Order ceremonies held in Eveari, as well at each semi-annual Open House, is important to allow the people of Eveari to meet the Royal Family directly and associate with them in an environment where protocol is very loosely enforced and informality is the name of the game. People formed a cue to greet the newly married couple, as another line formed at the Bar. The Orchestra also departed for the night, and were replace by the live band who would play music for the rest of the evening.

"We invited the Yoshimi trio Mica Mica and Club Supreme to play for the public reception," said His Highness, the Crown Prince. "Casey and I saw them a few times in Suldanor when we were on liberty. They play kind of a mix between RF, and KME, and R&B. They are a really interesting fusion band that we really liked and got the opportunity to meet. We also needed a band that could play for a few hours, and Mica Mica are veterans in the club scene in Yoshimi. It was a no brainer, we flew them up, and here they are now, playing at our wedding celebration!" The couple danced and mingled for hours, meeting people, great and small and receiving the greetings, welcomes, and wellwishes of the people of Eveari and other cities on the Island who could make the trip to Imperial City to greet the new couple.

The Groom joins his Bride in the traditional wedding cake cutting at their reception

At about 10pm, the Crown Prince and Princess Consort bid all a good evening and left the celebration. Mica Mica and Club Supreme played until about 11 and then welcomed a DJ to keep the party going. When the DJ took over, the ODEN cash bar was opened, and various recreational drugs went on sale until about 2:30 am. Rides were chartered from Ananto Estate back to either home in town or local lodging was provided as people needed to leave late at night, and several members of the peerage who were visiting from off Island were put up in the Estate's guest lodging facilities.

By about 4am, the party had wound down and most of the guests had left, and those who did not were pressed into cleanup duties that started at 5am when Estate daily staff arrived early to work to prepare for the normal day, much to the surprise and over protest of the pressed party goers. "Yes, I heard the staff pressed about 8 people who still thought the party was going on into cleanup duty," said Her Highness, Princess Melanie Ananto-McLinn. "What do you want me to do about it? The Director of the Banquet Hall said he came in and found these people nursing their drinks and talking still and called me up and I gave him the green light. I think this will become a tradition. Come in have fun and then when they Party's over you got to go home or you will be put to work. Don't play with the Steward's time and he won't mess with yours." Tardy Party departures were released from Cleanup by 8am when the Banquet Hall opened for breakfast.

Congratulations to the Newly Married Crown Prince and Princess Consort. They will begin their honeymoon by visiting the Leigh-Cambpell home in Sulari for about a week, and then will carry on to Valruzia where they are expected to stay for two weeks, and then another two weeks on the Isle of Sutton in Hutori. "We may even make a stop over in Luthori on our way to Hutori," said the Crown Prince. "Who knows. But we don't have anything else to do or anywhere else to be. We might even stay out longer. Who knows."

@TheRepublic

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Kalistani News in Brief: Kalistan to welcome Mordusia;
Newlywed Royal Couple purchases home in Luthori; New Democrats hope to participate in 5630 elections
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 15, 5728


FM Sir Ontiveros discusses moves toward Luthorian Empire in Kaliburg

Kalistan to welcome Mordusia
Kalistan responded enthusiastically to the offer to host a State visit by the Mordusian Governor General. Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Miguel Ontiveros said the Empress received the offer to visit very well and is looking forward to hosting His Highness Governor-General Prince Henry Orange-Villayn in Ananto next year. "Her Imperial Majesty has long sought closer relations to Seleyan Nations, especially Mordusia, and now, as she prepares to hand over the throne, her efforts are finally yielding fruit," said Sir Ontiveros. "This is particularly encouraging because she feels that getting new cooperation set up before she abdicates will give her son an opportunity to start on a good foot and in a positive orientation toward more nations than she has had the opportunity to work with.

The Foreign Minister confirmed that preliminary topics include dramatically increasing trade and potentially opening up to investment back and forth between northern and Southern Seleya. "Kalistan is awash with investment potential and is looking for stable, friendly nations in the world to invest in," said Ontiveros. "This has been the situation since hundreds of billions in investment capital was pulled out of Gaduridos at the end of their relationship with the Empire. Mordusia has long been an opportunity that has just been out of reach for Kalistani investors, but it is definitely on the top of our investors' priority list, along with relationships that are a little further along in development like Utaristan and Baltusia. As states open their eyes to Kalistan and its desire to cooperate, they may find that the relationship is indeed mutually beneficial."

The FM also said that security talks are on the table around security cooperation in the Schismatic Sea. "The 3rd Fleet based in Bentasur still patrols the Schismatic Sea and the Southern Approaches to Gaduridos. This is a vital theater of operations for our Imperial Navy, and cooperation with Mordusia within theater is key to mutual defense of the Continent. Cooperation makes complete sense, not only for Kalistan, but for every nation between Yoshimi and the Canrillaise states in the far south. This sort of cooperation on continental defense was one of the goals that spurred the formation of the Anantonese Empire in the first place. Cooperation between fully sovereign states avoids the fundamental flaw that accompanied the creation of the Empire--That nations who voluntarily joined the Anantonese Empire nonetheless sought to maintain their sovereignty despite their pledges to put foreign policy into the hands of Kaliburg. That foundational weakness is avoided when each nation retains its sovereignty and see their own benefit in cooperation with others."

The FM said details of the visit are still being discussed, but said that the Crown Prince has expressed a wish to return the visit soon after he is crowned. A formal visit will be a first for a Kalistani Monarch since the reign of Carolina I Ananto, and signals a major improvement in relations between Kalistan and Mordusia, and in Kaliburg, it is seen as a step toward improvement in relations between Kalistan and Luthori as well.

Newlywed Royal Couple purchases home in Luthori
On a brief stop over on the flight between Nowagard, Valruzia and Bekenial Hutori for the second part of their honeymoon, Their Highnesses, the Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld and Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell stopped over for a couple days in the Luthorian Capital of Fort William. They were immediately greeted at the airport by a liaison from the Luthorian Foreign Ministry who introduced them to an in-country security detail, and then after a brief television interview, they were escorted to lodging for the visit. "Usually Anantos sneak into the country unnoticed," said the Crown Prince, "but given that the nation is still on edge from last year's terrorism, the Luthorian Ambassador in Kaliburg told us that it was better to err on the side of caution and security, and announced our visit to Luthorian security teams. So, our arrival in Luthori this time around was both anticipated and well covered."

The Crown Prince and Princess Consort both said that the Luthorians were very courteous to them during their trip. "I think it is a well known fact that I have a personal affinity for Luthori--the people here have always fascinated me and have always been very kind. I think word got out that I enjoy meeting Luthorians and talking with them, and Casey and I had the opportunity to speak with several Luthorians who recognized us from the papers when we were eating at a restaurant in Fort William. The Security sprung into action but we asked to just talk with them. They really liked Casey, and had a lot of questions for her. I think that kind of personal diplomacy is just what we need to improve relations between our two nations which I know my mother would like and I definitely will pursue when I am Emperor."

The Crown Prince and Princess Consort were in country to begin the process of purchasing a townhome for them to use while they are in country in the future. "We met with a Luthorian realtor who gave us a number of options. At the end of the day, we selected one near the home of the Kalistani Ambassador, Sir Nathaniel Quasney, which is really quite charming. Its a three story town home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a good sized kitchen and a nice south facing front. We are really quite happy with the purchase: Casey and I hope to use the home often in the future." The Crown Prince said House Ananto will hire a crew to decorate and furnish the home and will retain a small staff to maintain the home while the Emperor is not in country. "We have also, through the Luthorian Ambassador, extended an invitation to the Orange Villayns to purchase property in Kaliburg if they wish for similar purposes," said the Crown Prince. "Its our hope that this sort of inperson, informal foreign visit becomes the norm between our two nations, as it is with Valruzia and Hutori."

New Democrats Hope to Participate in 5730 elections
Dr. Kristen Brandt, of the Sulari New Democrat Club, says she believes the New Democrat Club will have enough members in Suldanor to nominate candidates for the 5730 elections. "In Suldanor alone, the New Democrats have more than 850 memeber as of April 30 of this year," said Brandt. "If we can get another 150 members and retain our old ones by the Party Convention in 5729, we will be entitled to put a slate forward from Suldanor New Democrats and have our people appear on the ballot for Suldanor voters to consider." Brandt said other duchies are not as close to 1000 members so the Suldanor at large and the Sulari Free City elections are where the Club has the best chance of qualifying.

"The 1000 member base limit is a threshold imposed by the Institutional Party to prevent small niche civil society organizations from forming just to name a slate for the elections," said Brandt. "Its a hurdle most civil society orgs will never get over, and promotes conservatism in their naming of candidates. And then there is also the candidate approval process within the Convention itself, to ensure that candidates will carry out the Institutional Platform before the candidacies are even approved of. The machinery is certainly controlled by the Chancellor and his allies, and the Orthodox majority in the convention will most surely hold even in 5729. But we have also seen numerous examples of where the Convention turns on the in group and tosses them out. And we will have our share of delegates at the Convention from the Kalistani Duchies, and get to be a part of the process."

Brandt was encouraged because historically candidates are not approved on an ideological basis, and nominations are surprisingly transparent. "There's no wheeling and dealing at the conventions: Conventions usually approve various slates from organizations who meet the criteria, whether they be from explicitly political clubs, like ours, or from non political orgs like unions or the Brethrenists. So we are going to put a lot of work into finding candidates who can make it over these hurdles and onto the ballot. At least then we will be able to say that we had a fair shot like everyone else."

Brandt said ballot access is not the only function of the Group. "It is until the Convention is over, but in the meanwhile, we also meet with one another, hang out, hear speeches about democracy and current events, same as the other political clubs, elect officers and etc... Plus, we have the opportunity to run candidates in Free Cities without having to go through the Institutional Party, so organizing in our cities is definitely something we have to focus on between now and early 5730." Brandt says she is optimistic. "I believe that there is a real hunger in Kalistan for an explicitly democratic voice, and the New Democratic Clubs are in a good position to provide people to make that case."

@TheRepublic

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Princess Consort Inducted into Order of Gray Smoke
Order Day in Eveari continues Ancient Tradition
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 1, 5727


Empress joins Order to welcome newest addition to the Ladies Companion

Her Highness, Princess Consort Casey Leigh-Campbell was formally inducted into the Ancient Order of Gray Smoke last month during the annual Order Day celebration at Ananto Estate. The very exclusive event is open to members of the Ananto Royal Family, their spouses, and elites from across the world who are awarded membership by virtue of their positions at the heights of society, as well as their guests and members of the Press. Her Highness was inducted by Her Imperial Majesty at the rank of Stranger Lady Companion of Her Imperial Majesty.

"This was an incredibly exciting event for me," said the Princess Consort. "I have been eagerly awaiting this for nearly two years. And I will say, it did not disappoint." Her Highness reinforced the secrecy around the activities of the Order within Conclave, but said that nearly nothing that she thought before going was true. "There are a lot of rumors out there, but it really is much more than all of that. But of course, the secrets must stay inside the Conclave. I can not say what they are."

As a new Inductee, the Princess Consort was asked to give a speech at the dinner followed the Conclave. She thanked the Empress for bringing her into the Order, and said she looked forward to getting to know all of the members. "These are the most prestigious individuals in Kalistan, they are movers and shakers behind the most important decisions, and control much of the most important aspects of our nation and our world. It is an honor and a privilege to be among such auspicious people."

The Empress said that she is happy to bring such an enthusiastic devotee into the Order. "The Princess' energy and enthusiasm for our ways is very needed energy that will carry us into the future. When our son becomes Sovereign of this Order upon our retirement, he may count his wife as an asset for the building and expansion of this institution. She is a light unto our heart and we welcome her with open arms." The two women posed for photos before the formal dancing and socializing began at the end of the annual event. His Highness, the Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld, as well as their Highnesses the Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld and Princess Victoria were also in attendance to celebrate the Princess Consort's accession to the Order and welcome her.

Order Day is the annual opportunity for elites to hobnob with royalty and the upper rungs of the National Government in a very exclusive setting. "The people have their ways of influencing the government through their clubs and through the Institutional Party," said Ms. Elaine Fonatana, who is a CEO of an undisclosed green energy parts supplier attempting to generate investment. "And Order Day is an opportunity for us to let the Government know what we need. But more importantly, guests want this invite because it allows us to network with each other. If you are a business person at this event its because you have connections, and other people with connections want to meet and connect with you in turn. Even if we don't get the ear of a Minister or the Chancellor, I personally would rather speak to the CEO of MoCo, because that conversation may directly affect my company's bottom line."

Noticably absent from Order Day is Kaliburg and Sulari formal society, who are often not invited to the event. "It's alright that the Matrons of Kaliburg Society are not here," said Her Highness, the Princess Consort. "We have the opportunity to meet with them in fifty other settings throughout the year. Here we get to meet a different sort, a group of the investors and the innovators and even a lot of fashionistas, artists and musicians are guests of some member or another. This is a real special group and I can't wait to see who I will get to meet as a member."

@LaModa

[Doc]

New Democrat Club sued in Sulari
Suit argues that national organization violates the Single Party Act
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
September 5, 5727


Opening arguments are presented in civil suit known as Johnson v. New Democrat Club of Sulari

The New Democrat Club and the movement's leader, Dr. Kristen Brandt, were named in a civil suit filed by a citizen named Mr. Conrad Johnson, on behalf of 45 residents of the Free City of Sulari, alleging that the New Democrat Club is engaging in activities outlawed by the 5536 law called "To Name The Institutional Party the Single Political Party of Kalistan, and to Outlaw Fascism and Abolition of the Monarchy", but which is more commonly known as the Single Party Act. The applicants are seeking a formal Free City injunction against the Sulari New Democrat Club, claiming that their pro-democracy activities violate the Preamble of the law, which states:

"The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, being long established as an absolute Monarchy under the dominion of House Ananto, does declare that the only legal political entity within Kalistan shall be the Institutional Party of Kalistan (IPoK). All other competitive political entities, parties, or organizations are hereby declared Illegal."

The petitioners argue that the New Democrat Club represents a "competitive political entity or organization," aimed at entering the Institutional Party with the aim of taking it over and moving the Empire toward more democracy. In the formal suit, Mr. Johnson states that the New Democrats represent a populist movement aimed at exploiting a hole in the law to form a virtual new Party, use this new organization to enter into and ultimately hollow out the Institutional Party and then use it as a front to undermine the Kalistani regime.

"I am a lifelong support of the Institutional Party," said Johnson, speaking on behalf of those suing the New Democrat Club of Sulari. "As such I ought to be able to expect that the Party supports Institutionalism in this nation, not that it retains the name while systematically undermining our institutions with democracy. This is a loop hole in the law, and we are asking the court outlaw the New Democrats to prevent this action." Johnson said he has evidence that this is their motive, and his lawyers have already presented the New Democrat Club's charter which seems to confirm Johnson's allegation.

"My clients do believe in utilizing the structure to promote democracy," said Mr. Gene Rogers, chief lawyer for the respondents. "First of all they feel that if there were more Parties allowed in our nation, we wouldn't have to enter the Institutional Party in the first place and compete in their elections. But this is not the case: there is one Party and one Party only, and my clients contend that they have the right, as dues paying Institutionalists, to name delegates to the convention and to appear on the ballot by the Party's own rules, as a legitimate civil society organization with more than 1000 members, under the Institutional Line. If Mr. Johnson prevails, this will be a damaging blow to the concept of Internal democracy found in Executing Article 2 of the Single Party Act, which states that informal factions and caucuses (excepting fascist and anti-monarchical factions) may form, and may struggle for control over the legislative agenda and the composition of the Government. This is what the law in clear Vrassan says, and the New Democrats have the right to participate in that process."

The lawsuit was filed in Sulari Free City Court, which is the court of origin for most civil suits in the Free City. The Free City Court has agreed to hear the case, on ground that it only concerns Sulari citizens for the time being. The Court has warned both sets of attorneys that the moment this case appears to not be narrowly tailored to only affect Sulari residents, but to instead to affect national politics or to call into question the validity of the Single Party Act, it could be taken by the Imperial Supreme Court, which would give it national implication. Both lawyers said it was their aim to limit any ruling's effects to Sulari only, which the petitioners said was fine because Sulari's New Democrat Club is the only branch of the movement which is even close, for the time being to the 1000 member threshold. All the complainants are residents of Sulari, and the Sulari New Democrat Club, which is under the umbrella of the National New Democrats, but maintains its own corporate structure, membership, and dues separate from Suldanor's New Democrats, only actually serves and represents residents of Suldanor.

"What's the worst that can happen?" asked Rogers, rhetorically. "Well, a number of things. The worst outcome for us is that the Bench grants the petitioners their injunction, effectively ending our operations and disbanding the only branch of the Club who can get Democrats on the ballot. I could see other New Democrat Clubs closing after that ruling, because most Clubs only have a few members and cannot afford to defend their clubs in court the way Sulari can. The worst for the petitioners is that the Judges do nothing but leave the status quo in place: Obviously this is the one demanded by the law, which my clients have on our side."

Both sides in the civil litigation are optimistic that their arguments will prevail. The attorneys for Mr. Johnson says that his rights to peaceful assembly and political representation are being violated by the New Democrats, while the New Democrats believe that the plain text of the law is on their side. The Court itself has given no indication on how it will rule in this issue, but both sides believe that the echoes of this ruling, if it is decisive one way or another, will have lasting national consequences, even if the ruling itself is specifically tailored to only affect Sulari. The Courts, while tending to remain fairly conservative, occasionally surprise with their rulings, and this will be one that is studied for years to come.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

In Focus: Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld discusses Monarchy
Anantos viewed "very favorably" by supermajority of Population
Dahriel, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 16, 5727


Princess Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld, at her Barracks in Dahriel

Orthodoxo caught up with Her Highness, Conscript First Class Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld to discuss her experience in national service, her plans for after her enlistment ends, and her opinions on current events. Before joining National Service, the Princess created a bit of a stir speaking before the Nationalist Club in Kaliburg, arguing for embargos against nations that pollute the air and water of their neighbors. The youthful vigor of the Princess is still very much present here, but she has also grown and matured a lot in the four years since she gave that speech. And, she will also acknowledge that the world has changed. The Princess sat down with Orthodoxo's Kimberly Staddler in Dahriel.

(Orthodoxo's) K(imberly) S(taddler): Good afternoon, Your Highness. Thank you for taking time out of your liberty to speak with me today.

(Her Highness, Conscript First Class and Princess) J(ennifer) A(nanto-Rosenfeld): It's no problem. Your paper gave me plenty of advance notice, and so I was able to accomplish anything I would have done today earlier in the week, except today is Barracks Day, so we are starting that after dinner.

KS: Yes, I remember that well. Nothing like cleaning the same thing every single week, and the Section Commissioner still coming through and still finding dirt...

JA: Well, I would too, if I were them. It's not that the place is not clean: its that good is never good enough. The goal is to reinforce personal discipline and attention to detail. Yet some people still blow it. Anyway, that's later.

KS: Aye. Well, we aren't here obviously to speak about cleanliness of our personal space. I think our readers would first like to know, how are you doing personally? How has your national service been?

JA: It's really all I could have hoped for. I was so excited to join and do my part for our Nation. It was really something I could not wait to do, and here I am, a citizen in the most elemental form. It really makes a person very proud to be a Kalistani. This is the highest form of citizenship, if you really think about it. The sweat and the dedication of millions of young people, for generations and generations have built and maintained this Empire. It really gives a person a genuine sense of ownership, and more importantly, an absolutely rational justification to fight to keep what is ours, what every last citizen gave up four years of their life to build and maintain. National Service is not only very important in terms of our own habits and personal outlook, but I would argue, and I don't think many would disagree with me, our moral and ethical character as a nation as well.

KS: Without a doubt, I felt much the same way when I was in. What do you do in the Ananto Corps, Highness?

JA: I happen to work as a typist in the administration section. I mostly work on transcription of meetings for the public record, and legal documents and everything else that goes through the Corps' administration section. On the one hand, I really wished I could go out there and do something physical or something like building a bridge or surveying the Island, but on the other hand, those poor guys are out there during the rainy season bivouacking in a tent, while I'm back here in Dahriel typing in the warm and dry office that I work in. Plus I get to overhear all types of discussions.

KS: Is Your Highness able to keep up with current events? What is the most important news story that you are paying attention to right now?

JA: I am rivetted to the case of the New Democrats in Sulari actually. I pay attention to that every single day.

KS: Have you picked a side yet?

JA: Well, I am supposed to say I am on the Law's side. And the honest answer would that I don't know enough about the details of the case to really accurately select a side that I think should prevail. But if we're being honest, I would say I have picked a side.

KS: And that side would be...?

JA: Well, I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, but I am on Johnson's side. And before you say anything, it has nothing to do with the idea that I happen to find the very concept of democracy to be quite irresponsible, very dangerous and socially destructive. I do, but that is not where I draw my opinion from. I was actually able to research the law, and since the matter happens to involve a seeming contradiction found within the law itself, I mean, the right of informal caucuses to form within the Party structure, versus the right of people to associate with the sort of people that they want to and more importantly not associate with people they do not want to associate with, therefore I find the petitioners’ argument more compelling. That right to association holds most strenuously in political matters. I should not have to put up with some foreign ideology attempting to take over the political party that I believe represents my beliefs best, hijacking it and bending it to the service of its opposite.

KS: This is one perspective, Your Highness, to be certain.

JA: It is of course the perspective the law will take. I am fairly certain Mr. Johnson et al. will prevail.

KS: But what of those who do not feel that the Institutional Party really represents them? The New Democrats feel that the Institutional Party has left those who want a larger say in our legislature behind, and they would like to improve the standing with regard to self government in this nation. Please keep in mind, Your Highness. I am not saying I am a democrat, or that I support them in their cause, but this is the argument they make.

JA: Well, Ms. Staddler, Kalistan is not a democracy, as the New Democrats know very well. The word of the Empress is absolute and unquestionable. She is the source of all law. We are not some nation that accepts limits, in any way, upon the fiat of our Monarch within our Sovereign Empire. This principle is at the core of everything we are and do as a society. I would invite the New Democrats to consider how their perspective finds room to breathe under the weight of this principle which, I think we would both agree, crushes everything in its path. First and foremost, and above all, the Empress is the person who decides what this nation does, and is, and will be. I would argue, and I think Mr. Johnson has not argued this in his case, that democracy decreases the absoluteness of the Empress' fiat, and a strike against the fiat with the aim of limited it, or usurping part of it to the People, which the Empress herself does not desire to part with, is akin to revolution. And the law is very clear on this: revolution in any of its political forms, is quite illegal within Kalistan, which is why I believe Mr. Johnson will prevail in this suit.

KS: Point taken, Your Highness.

JA: Besides, I also read in the papers that our Institution of the monarchy is very popular. Something like three out of four people have a very favorable opinion of the Institution.

KS: Does Your Highness believe that this has more to do with the Monarchy as an institution or a personal loyalty that people feel to your mother?

JA: I think a little of both, to be honest. My mother inspires people to think things that they never considered. She is a philosopher in the truest sense of the word, she governs with the singular concern for justice for her people. I think people respect this: Everyone in Kalistan feels that they have a fair shot and are equals with one another, and I believe that they are equals, under her reign.

KS: Does your Highness think that people actually are equals in Kalistan?

JA: Perhaps not in terms of material categories. Obviously there are some that are quite wealthy, and some who struggle regularly and desperately. This exists in all societies. But if you exempt the handful of people who are in the royal family, and the upper reaches of the peerage, you will find that Kalistan is one of the most equal societies in Terra. Because the rights and liberties of the most privileged commoner should be the standard against which our society measures the rights and liberties of all commoners. And my Mother's government really does strive to promote that and to bring all up to the standard of life that the most privileged commoners have. I myself will never experience this, except right now, when I am exactly the same, almost undifferentiated from the other Conscripts in my shop. Here I am not, you know Her Royal Highness Jennifer Ananto-Rosenfeld or whatever... Whatever they are going to call me when I get out. Here I am just Conscript First Class Ananto. Just like every other CFC.

KS: The NSP is indeed the great equalizer of Kalistan.

JA: As I was saying though, I think people also are loyal to the Institution of the Monarchy. It lets people know that tomorrow, some populist monster isn't going to sweep through, ruin all of the gains of the people, and wipe out their liberties. There are some people who live under a horrific regime that has recently abolished their monarchy and wiped the last meaningful vestiges of traditional authority and order away. My heart breaks for those poor oppressed people, whose rights and liberties can be just taken from them following an election. Our nation has not condemned the matter--if it were me making the decisions, I would oppose every effort to weaken or abolish a monarchy, because we can see that people thrive under the security of knowing that, no matter what, a steady hand will be on the tiller, aiming our ship of state for the true port, rather than pointing it at the false port which is guarded by shoals and ravenous sea monsters waiting to destroy the ship and feast upon the people respectively.

KS: Is it safe to say then that Your Highness does not like democracy?

JA: Republicanism too, no I detest it. The very notion of giving the ignorant and untrained common person the full and substantive franchise is horrific to me. As it should be to every Kalistani national. It would be like letting a toddler do brain surgery.

KS: Your mother is about to retire and pass the throne to your brother. Would your Highness care to share your feelings about that transition?

JA: I feel like he will do just fine. He is my mother's son after all. He probably doesn't have a thought in his mind that my mother did not put there. But he is also a very pretty serious person, and can learn things very quickly. I do know he wants to throw open Kalistan's doors to the world again: he was very impressed with his travels abroad and he just bought a house in Luthori for he and his wife. I would imaging your paper, the Orthodoxo will support him very enthusiastically. He seems to be in line with the traditional view of the Institutional Party, and so Kalistan will likely be more interested in dealing with foreigners that it has been during my mother's reign.

KS: What do you think of the Princess Consort?

JA: Oh, haha. She's great. I don't know her very well yet, but she strikes me as someone who can keep my brother in line pretty easy. I can easily imagine what nights at their house are going to be like. She don't play around.

KS: Why would your brother need to be 'kept in line,' so to speak?

JA: Well, the Military taught him some self discipline, but that kid is a stoner and spent all his free time during his teenage years skating, rock climbing, doing dangerous stuff like base jumping in the Green Mountains. He was kind of, what would you call it, like a thrill seeker. I definitely do not get that sense from Casey. She's actually a lot more sensible and proper, like Lady Melanie...

KS: Your aunt...

JA: Yes, my aunt. I am very happy to say that. Lady Ananto-McLinn was my idol growing up, and then there was the thing, so I am so glad my mother was able to bring her back in. I really do still admire Lady Melanie. I always saw her as my mentor when I was growing up, and I think she took me under her wing, and showed me what she did. All public, I need to add: I was not a part of her, private life. On any level. Sometimes you have to pick and choose what parts of a flawed person you admire and which ones you sort of have to ignore.

KS: Her Imperial Majesty seems to feel the same way.

JA: She could have done it sooner for Lady Melanie. I think kicking her out of office and dismissing her from the Capital was pretty harsh, and I may have decided differently than my mother on this matter. But my mother is a woman of justice, and in those terms, she is pretty dispassionate. And Lady Melanie did admit to breaking the letter of the law. And my mother did rehabilitate her later and put her in at House Ananto, which I think all agree is a much better fit for Melanie. And she and my mother are now very good friends, at last, so I get to have my friend back too! Good for me.

KS: You only have a few more months of service left. What will you do after this?

JA: I want to go to school for finance and administration. I also want to learn what Melanie knows at House Ananto and work with her there. She really was a great influence on my life so far, and my view of the world, and I think she is preparing to retire within a decade, and then I could possibly take her place at House Ananto and run the royal family. It was an idea that she proposed to my mother last summer, and I thought it was just a great idea. I would get to continue serving the Nation, and yet be my own thing, rather than just 'the Emperor's little sister.' And I have found that working in administration here in the National Service is something that I am quite good at--I am very detail oriented and love completing tasks that make it possible for big things to happen. I have since become convinced that this is what I really want to do with the rest of my life.

KS: Will you move House Ananto back to Kaliburg?

JA: Naturally. Melanie only has it in Luxon because the Lady Mayor in Kaliburg has not lifted her ban yet. We'll work on that too.

KS: Well, Your Highness, I think I just heard evening colors.

JA: Almost makes you want to stand at attention a little, right?

KS: Old habits... some die away pretty quickly once you get out.

JA: Unfortunately that means I need to get changed for Barracks Day. So this will be the end of the interview.

KS: I thank Your Highness for talking with me today.

JA: Anytime, really. I am glad you called up and made the arrangements.

@Orthodoxo

[Doc]

Kalistani Astronomers welcome Nadiya to the Solar System
"Nadiya's recent discoveries add to human knowledge," said Scientists
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
November 1, 5727


Kalistani 1st grade Science text book diagram of solar system, showing Kalistan's long standing names for the Planets

Kalistani astronomers working closely with both the University of Suldanor and ISCA said the news of planetary discovery from Nadiya is welcomed. "When we first read of the new discoveries in Nadiya of additional planets, we were immediately very excited," said noted astronomer Bradley Howard of the University of Suldanor, who runs the Griffin Observatory in the hills above Sulari. "We had our grad assistants take the data and compare it to our own, and they very quickly discovered that the Nadiyan discoveries were actually just the planets that everyone has known about for many many centuries. These planets, while common place and not often a source of news, given their long history of study and understanding more than 3000 years ago, have nonetheless been the source of philosophical and scientific wonder, poetic verse and science fiction movies and television plots. Some would even say that their observation by primitive man led us to begin wondering about the universe and our place in it."

Rather than dismiss the Nadiyan discoveries, Howard said it was encouraging. "I think it spurs a discussion about naming conventions and also reinvigorates a discussion about possible planetary exploration. That discussion has been moribund for centuries as people, thinking space to be mundane, and counting the costs of long range exploration to be too high, more or less abandoned the idea of space exploration as being a possibility. We do not have the technology right now to send manned space missions to, say the gas giant Nublada (which the Nadiyans are now referring to as Parnum) let alone beyond, but there is nothing preventing us from imagining travel to Ares, and certainly returning to Luna after last visiting there long long ago. The enthusiasm that Nadiya is showing for space is almost a rediscovery of sorts, both of our nearest neighbors, as well as deeper space objects and leads us to want to hold off on trying to calculate the size of the universe by returning closer scrutiny to celestial bodies closer to Terra."

Howard said he would ideally like to see a more universalized naming convention. "Kalistan has our names for those planets," he said. "We refer to the planet the Nadiyans call 'Paparuda' as Evenstar, because it resembles a bright star which is out most evenings or mornings, depending on its location in its own cycle around the Sun. We call Nadiya's Parnum, which they named after a foreign and ancient god of lightning 'Nublada' because both our terrestrial and space telescopes, it is covered in clouds. These are just names, of course. We all pretty much agree that we live on a planet called Terra, our natural satellite is called Luna, or the Moon (one is Selucian, one is Dundorfian, its the same thing), our sun is called Sol, and the red planet is Ares. After that, each nation has sort of adopted their own thing. And now Nadiya has joined the rest of us in doing this too. But perhaps we should sit down to determine if we can come to a consensus on naming these objects so that when I am talking to a colleague with the NSA, we both know what we are both talking about."

Howard said most planetary names come from either Egelian or Selucian in Kalistan. "We received our astrological knowledge from the Selucians perhaps 4000 years ago. The Kemokians and ancient Kalii people had their own names for things, and their influence is in the first two planets whose ancient names were translated into Vrassan: Quicksilver, which is fast and unpredictable, and Evenstar which is ever present, reliable, bright and beautiful, For Terra, Luna and Ares, we adopted the Selucian names and then for the first two gas giants, we took the Seluco-Egellian names from the period where Egelian was developing in the region: Nublada is Cloudy and Anillo literally means Ring. When the outer planets were discovered following the development of optics in the 17th, 18th 19th and 20th centuries, we maintained the Egelian naming traditions: Frio is Cold, Lejos is Far, Helada is Icy and Portera is the Gatekeeper. There has been some debate of the last two being real planets, but in Kalistan, they are accepted."

Howard even said that the name of the second planet, was even applied to the formal Style of the Empress of Ananto and Kalistan. "Her Imperial Majesty is named Evenstar as an honorific after the constancy and beauty of her planetary namesake. This is a blessing first applied to Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto, and was added as a title by the National Assembly to represent the continuation of Mary's Glittering Empire. The honorific was included in the formal style for Empress Jennifer I Ananto, and will be retained by every female monarch henceforth as a legacy of the Glittering Empire." Male descendants of Mary have their own celestial honorific, which is Arcturous, which is the fourth brightest star in the night sky, is a well known survey star, and can be found by following the arc of the great Bear.

"If Nadiya is interested in entering a naming convention, we would certainly welcome the opportunity to come to some mutual agreement," said Howard. "It would be beneficial for the scientific community to have common names, even if we do end up keeping local names within our own nations."

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani News in Brief: Royal Couple makes appearance at Winter Celebration;
Johnson v. Sulari New Democrat Club reaches jury deliberation; SPV sold record number of solar panels in 5727
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 30, 5727


Crown Prince and Princess Consort celebrate the arrival of Winter at National Theater

Royal Couple makes appearance at Winter Celebration
His Highness, Crown Prince William Ananto-Rosenfeld attended the formal Winter Celebration last week. He was the highest ranking member of the royal family to attend this year, with Her Imperial Majesty opting to remain at home in Eveari and the two Princesses still in national Service. Along with him was Her Highness, the Princess Consort, Casey Leigh-Campbell, who wore a stunning forest green dress and an ivory bolero jacket. The Royal Couple were widely sought after by luminaries of Kaliburg Formal Society who were all in attendance, and the Winter Celebration was hosted this year by the Ladies in the Kaliburg Garden Club.

"Casey really enjoys these sorts of events," said His Highness. "She debuted in Sulari, but she seems to think that Kaliburg Society is a step above, and so she wants to come to these Society events as often as possible. It gives her an excuse to dress up, to do her hair and to circulate amongst the Ladies in attendance. She's quite proud of her station and loves the attention. And it makes her happy so I give her what she likes." Lady Leigh-Campbell was indeed the center of much of the attention at the gala, and spent much of the evening circulating among the little parties spread throughout the event, as well as dancing, gambling, and snacking on hors d'oeuvres.

The entire event was capped off by the National Theater Troupe production of "The Royal Nonesuch," a wild and raunchy burlesque that greatly entertained the audience in attendance, which the Royal Couple observed from the private royal box. "Well, this year's performance was quite a naughty play," said the Crown Prince. "Definitely not for the kids. But each year, the National Troupe abandons their pretenses at high theater and puts on one burlesque, which features dance numbers, one acts, and recitals. The vast majority of the performance is played for laughs, and the actors and actresses never fail in that department. But there is also definitely a lot of skin throughout, and the jokes are certainly for adults only. The Burlesque is treated as a fundraiser for the National Theater, and our family makes a sizeable contribution each year after the performance." This was the Princess Consort's first Winter Celebration and it is reported that she can't wait for next year's festival.

Johnson v. Sulari New Democrat Club reaches jury deliberation
The ongoing case Johnson v. Sulari New Democrat Club has finally ended oral arguments and has been remanded to a jury to deliberate over. The Jury is expected to deliberate for another week following the New Years' recess and will then return with a verdict. The jury was requested by the Respondents when it was revealed that the judge in the case might be preferential to the Respondents in the case. "Just to make sure we cannot be accused of an unfair trial," said Nate Clark, one of the counsels for the New Democrat Club in the case, "we would like to request the empaneling of a jury." Both the Petitioners and the Judge agreed to the change, and the case was delayed for several weeks, while lawyers for both sides went through voir dire.

Though mandatory in all criminal proceedings, juries are allowable, but are not regularly empaneled in civil suits or in administrative courts. When a jury pool is formed, the normal rules of voir dire hold, that each side gets to attempt to name a jury that will be as favorable as possible to their own clients' interests while also being acceptable to the other side. Since Kalistani courts do not favor adversarial proceedings, jury selection is rarely contentious: Mostly what is being looked for is obvious bias so that biased person may be tossed off the jury. Once a jury is seated, they hear all evidence and then consider each argument in the light of the plain Vrassan wording of the Law. They then decide whether the petitioner's case is made, or if there is some extenuating reason that the Respondent should not be held liable. And then the jury and judge work together to assign just damages if any are warranted.

The Jury in this case does not appear to favor one side or the other. Both sides have therefore agreed to abide by the jury's verdict in the case. Much of the nation has been tuned into this case as it has proceeded, given its civil rights and liberties implications. If a verdict comes down for the Plaintiffs, this will strike a blow against the limited advances democracy has made in the nation through the efforts of the New Democrat Club. But if the respondents win, it could blow the entire One Party Rule open to reinterpretation, at which point the National Legislature may need to revisit the law to clarify. A win for the petitioners is a win for the status quo, while a win for the respondents is, at best a temporary opening for some democracy, at least until the National Legislature can revisit the law. And they will or will not based on what Her Imperial Majesty commands them to do.

SPV sold record number of solar panels in 5727
SPV recorded record sales internationally this year as demand for solar panels has climbed steadily. "We are seeing a 6 percent increase in international sales," said Sulari Photovoltaics CEO Gregory Ellison. "This definitely required us to increase production to meet demand this year, which was a good thing for our shareholders and our workers. A couple more years like this and we might have to expand operations." SPV is the main photovoltaic supplier in Kalistan, and with growing demand in the world, has taken the role of largest international supplier as well.

"We aren't seeing any competition internationally," said Ellison. "Most countries simply do not produce photovoltaics. They purchase them from us. And our international sales have taken a big jump this year, as we are seeing more and more communities begin building solar farms to help them offset reduction in oil purchases." Ellison said a big driver is the fact that oil is simply so polluting. "More EV sales are being reported abroad as well, and the increased solar energy generation is being used to build increased capacity. But we just get the feeling that people are tired with having their air and water polluted by big oil. Our neighbors aren't helping by pumping oil by the boatload, but some nations are starting to wake up to the environmental damage that oil causes, and are starting to leave it behind."

Ellison said increased sales are great. "But we have to do more to provide oil manufacturers alternatives," he said. "I think many countries who rely on oil do so out of economic necessity: they believe it is necessary to help them develop their economy. While we greatly benefit from selling solar panels to the world, we should also look into reinvesting that money to help those nations who are slavishly dependent upon oil extraction refining and exporting to find something else that can meet their energy needs, while protecting jobs and national wealth. Until we do that, infinite oil that is being sold as if it is scarce just represents an inexplicably twisted commodity market, and continues to require responsible nations like Kalistan to step up and step into the void to provide alternatives." SPV was up more than 4% in the KalSiE on the news.

@The Republic