Kalistani Major History

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Neveras Alt-Folk Guitarist Jorgenson drops first LP
12-track outing for VDR includes songs from earlier EP
Vrassa City, Vrassa
July 17, 4903


Donnie Jorgenson plugs in to bridge Alt-Folk with Alternative

Since the arrival of Joanie Yeardly more than a year ago, the Alt-Folk scene in the Western Districts has been in a sort of slow-motion explosion. Besides Yeardley, a handfull of new musicians have begun recording primarily in Vrassa City, and have been receiving national airplay at an ever increasing level.

"I think that maybe the Alt-Folk movement has sort of come of age," said Donnie Jorgenson, the Hutori born Neveras Virtuoso who toured the Republic last year in support of Yeardly, and has now finally released his own debut LP, titled "Jorgenson". "I think people are ready for some more low key, quieter music that they can just listen to, but which still rocks."

The Alt-Folk style borrows as much from Alternative as it does folk. Says Jorgenson: "Well, I grew up on that Kalistani Alternative sound. It's literally in everything, in hip hop, in electronica, in rock, in reggae, and even to some degree in pop... That adjective characterizes the music of this Republic. The ability to kinda experiment with the way songs are structured, it doesn't have to be just verse chorus verse, you know, it can be different. Plus, I can also play so many more interuments in Alternative than I could if I was just doing mainstream music. I think Kalistani audiences sort of demand it, in fact that their music is sonically and structurally interesting, its such a different thing than what other countries are doing." Jorgenson has been called a Virtuoso, mainly due to the precision and the skills he exhibits on the guitar, and the fact that he recorded all the instruments for the record.

But Alt-folk is firmly rooted in folk music styles too. "Joanie (Yeardly) certainly typifies more of the folk aspects, I think than I would," said Jorgenson. "I say that because her music starts out with her on the guitar. It is always an acoustic guitar and it is always a rhythm guitar, like you could hear around a camp fire or something. She really has a lot of passion in her voice, and I think that is key for her. For me, I sort of switch that relationship between the voice of the human and the guitar. My guitar is to my music the way Joanie's voice is to hers, and my singing is like something anyone can do. But in this way they are both music of the people, of the folks, and I think they attract audiences because these two kind of styles play off against one another."

Along with Yeardly and Jorgenson, other alt-folk records are being released by VDR, who has seen their profile raise dramatically in the past year around Yeardly's success. One album which will be out in late August is by a Dulnerstaad based keyboardist named Jennifer Stepanov, whose also draws from the folk traditions, but produces elaborate and lush compositions which she herself plays. "Stepanov's voice is like a staccato violin at times," said Jorgenson. "I met her at VDR when I was finishing my sessions and she was just coming in. I was blown away." Stepanov and Jorgenson will play at an alt-folk showcase in High Bong in September, along with other folk musicians, and it is rumored that Yeardly will reunite with her touring partner for the show. "It'll be a great show, a real cool way to send out the summer."

Donnie Jorgenson's debut Album, titled "Jorgenson" on VDR is released this week, and is expected to do well. His first single, "If I Were You" is already on the air on Radio 1, and you can watch the video here.

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September 4903

Lodamese economy modernizing, Kalistan-Lodamese railway project to be finalized?
Lodamun plans further economic expansion, investments and modernization of local infrastructure

Providence - Lodamun experiences tremendous economic growth over the past period, with automatization in industries, growing tech and flourishing gun manufacturing industry represented by Axon, Lodamun is experiencing new wave of economic development thanks to tourism, performances in education and modern infrastructure. Agriculture sees productivity and mechanization, while housing and joblessness crises seem to fade away thanks to government laws on the matter. For us to understand this prosperity, one must see Lodamese economy as an export based economy to balance the dependency on foreign minerals and energy, focusing on refined goods and services, like shipping. Below there are few news from Lodamun over economic enterprises pursued by Lodamun both internally and externally.


Lodamun to formalize a deal with Kalistan centuries old, railway to connect Lodamun and Kalistan

As first clear sign of tightening relations with Kalistan, Lodamun proposes to solve past issues between the two nations. Lodamun sees in Kalistan a great neighbor from who gets inspiration, as well thanks to socialist comradeship and grand plans of opening up to the world led by the Socialists in Lodamun, it is only a matter of time till Kalistan and Lodamun may get their diplomatic relations back to normal, after centuries of dispute or lowkey hostility, especially after scandals over a railway to be built across Lodamun and Kalistan. While first steps toward improving relations are a hypothetical state visit to Kaliburg, Lodamun is making concrete progress in formalizing and bringing to an end the century old deal with Kalistan. Around the beginning of fifth millennium, Lodamun and Kalistan had in mind a railway network, going through Vrassa and Norstavan, connecting the two nations, bolstering their relations and economies, as well facilitate transport over the local river separating Newport from Addisjah, settlement near of Swedes, Vrassa. Originally talks broke down over who controlled the railways and other minor details that led to disputes and Lodamun abandoning the deal, severely damaging national reputation, credibility and future relations with Kaliburg. This act is seen nowadays by Ethicists as a humiliating event that pesters Lodamese history. For it to be fixed, and for economic gains for both nations, Lodamese lawmakers proposed an infrastructure project over revitalizing the railways, expanding the network, modernizing the trains and especially, finalizing bridge constructions and the linking of Lodamese railway system to the Kalistani near the border. This marks a turn of events and many specialists see it as a possible reconciliation between Providence and Kaliburg. The project is expected to cost billions and last years, before finalizing. For this, Lodamun will also buy steel from Kalistan as per plan to craft the necessary railways in Lodamese owned factories by Metalurgia (company).

Lodamun and Kalistan economic deal, Kaliburg to supply steel to Lodamun

KalNaFerCo, Kalistani company has spiked their production by large amounts, flooding the markets with cheap, quality steel. While Lodamun receives crude material and minerals from Liore, Lodamun is suffering from lack of steel and other allays as the government has banned the mining industry, coupled with limiting industrial activity of Metalurgia. For this to be solved and avoid crisis, Lodamun will have a deal over steel with Kalistan and attract imports of allays and refined metals. Deal with Kalistan will benefit both the military in building new frigates, but also utilizing steel for various domains, such as public transport, where steel will be used best for railways, where it will fit right in. For this, the deal with KNF will consist of exclusive monopoly over selling steel, offering in exchange affordable top-class steel for Lodamun to use. For starter, Providence will only buy smaller quantities, till the bridge and the connection from Kalistan to Lodamese railway system is finalized, to cheapen transport costs and to prepare for increased steel and allay imports, alongside for Axon and St Martin's Ships cooperation to come to fruition in building a naval construction site to manufacture parts for frigate production. The bought steel will be processed and refined by Metalurgia.

Heerven to produce agricultural machinery, housing crisis and joblessness fixed

Housing crisis and joblessness have been largely fixed, due to government proper policies enacted throughout time since the issue appeared and manifested itself. While the problems are not done away with fully, unemployment dropped below 4%, while housing crisis, thanks to new housing programs and regulations to control influx of new property owners, so it curbs down the huge demand and ease out pressure from the housing market. Prices have been maintained relatively affordable. For joblessness, the new projects launched by the state and local governments has paid off, alongside paying artists and writers for their work offers both them security, promote arts and limit unemployment in urban environments.

As for agriculture, the subvention based system and contracting with the state has proven both beneficial to the farmers and to the plans for self sufficiency proposed by the state. Lodamun is expected to have an output in value of 4-5 billion LODs annually from agriculture, a lot that can be also exported, thanks to the improved techniques, agronomic researches and investments from Lourenne, who had shown significant interest investing in our efforts, greatly improving our chances at modernization and finding best ways to offer sustainable cultures and best land usage. For sustainable agriculture, the government helps farmers employ better strategies, by integrating symbiotic species, maintaining biodiversity, avoiding dead zones, reduce food miles, packaging, energy consumption and waste by installing solar panels, software monitoring activity and variables, make use of knowledge around soil microorganisms etc. (See Wikipedia). Organic farming will also be encouraged, both for profitability and have productivity hover around normal values still.

In other news, Heerven, a new private company, featuring similar socialist praxis, however with CEOs that are democratically elected has arisen in agricultural domain by producing and selling quality machinery when comes to agriculture. Currently the new more ecological and green factory centers in southern Andalay have proven to be efficient and offer best tools for mechanized agriculture. The 25.3 million LOD worth company offers the state of Lodamun but as well to the citizens and foreign buyers best machinery, from tractors, to trucks, combine harvesters and even aeroplanes, as well various tools and smaller vehicles often used for agriculture.

New hospitals, national drug company found

Lodamun has recently funneled more money into healthcare, with primary aim at improving social services to match the economic boom experienced thanks to well placed policies. For this, the government will instill a National Drug Agency, that will be enrolled with producing medicine for strict national use at fair prices and with top-class quality, taking inspiration from successful foreign drug companies as well matching with the local material and expert resources. NDA will provide for Lodamun thus all sort of medication, like pills, from treating a simple cold, to critical rare medication. Lodamese government will also organize with local authorities to establish new hospitals like "Hospital Haybell" from Providence, to expand network, provide better services and ease out pressure from older similar clinics. Subsidies amounting to billions of LODs will be put to disposition to help local private hospitals propped by communities, but as well offer better equipment, such as better modern beds, apparatus for monitoring vital signs, MRN scanners, X ray and laboratory equipment. Lastly, government scholarship programs are springing up as people are incentivized to pursue a successful career in medicine, from surgery to lab work, to nursery. Various programs are also established to encourage foreign student exchange when comes to medicine, so local students have chance to go to the top universities abroad.

Photopia launches model Olympus, renown cameras

Photopia is another brand from Lodamun, a cooperative that has gained popularity thanks to their great camera models, for all kind of usage, from cameras seen in mass media, to portable cameras utilized by everyone when visiting our Grand Azure, to cameras for phone. Despite belief in Lodamun having worst cameras, the new company offers them a contrary proof, that Lodamun has best video cameras to be bought on the market, for their compact, small and iconic design, to their various lenses and color variations, as well quality, renown for 10 guarantees and most accurate pictures, as well water proof and anti-shock resistant features.

[inspired by this]
One of the products offered by the great company is the Olympus 4 model, the newest one, renown for good design and improved performance. As mirrorless, with MFT sensors and over 22 megapixels Micro Four Thirds sensor, Olympus 4 is best camera for anything, from best pictures of you with your friends, to professional use by mass media outlets or for your wedding! Video resolution is around 4K, with an electronic viewfinder, as well having 5.5-centimeter vari-angle touchscreen, with its 1 million dots. This camera while simple, can offer multiple services, such as shooting over 50MP images via pixel shift, 6.5 stops of in body stabilization, 30fps burst shooting etc.

Lodamese Books Inc record sales of books, opens business in Utembo, Xrap and Paperio dig into sustainable paper
LBI, national state-owned corporation, has hit record sales and growth after the new program with foreign companies over paper being utilized, as well Paperio and Xrap developing means to activate more ecologically, more environment-friendly by searching more sustainable ways of growing trees and utilizing them for paper. Utembo has been a new nation in which LBI has developed strongly, with record sales that in turn, parts of them were used for social programs for local communities, such us donating for local libraries and schools various books for aiding in the educational process, as well offer price reductions and establishing free libraries if it would not burden the company too much. Thanks to it's local and international success though, LBI affords humanitarian actions in Utembo, as well maintaining balanced but steady growth. Workers are also treated fairly well.

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Zardic News Network
Secretary Fotido announces "World Tour 4904" including Saridan, Dolgavia, Kalistan and Hobrazia.
May, 4904

Beleco, FD - Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Viviana Fotido, would have a very busy summer. The Secretary would start her summer off with a week long visit to Saridan to meet with State President Ruben Van Ryneveld and Foreign Minister Anneline Blok regarding the relationship between Saridan and Zardugal. Fotido noted in her press conference that the visit to Saridan would focus on the establishment of bilateral ties focused on emerging markets, mutual defense and security cooperation as well as general foreign affairs. Basilo Akindinido was recently appointed as the Ambassador to Saridan and has held several meetings with government officials in Saridan looking to expand ties with Saridan; he has been closely working with Under Secretary for Emerging Markets and Economic Cooperation, Maksimina Svetolikido. The focus has been on seeking competitive economic sectors in each country which present room for growth and expansion, naturally the Zardic private sector has been eager and markets across Zardugal jumped on the announcement that the Secretary would be visiting Saridan at the end of the May, early June 4904.

Following her trip to Saridan, the Secretary will be visiting Dolgavia in mid June, late June for a week to discuss developing economic ties with the growing eastern economic power. Dolgavia investors have been increasing investment in Zardugal following their ratification of the Zardic Strategic Economic Initiative. As Zardugal seeks to expand its foreign economic ties, the Zardic government has done what it can to boost investor confidence through the Department of Trade and Industry; this is being done by the formation of the Zardic Import-Export Bank (Augustan: Zardic Importa-Eksporta Banko) which will provide subsidies for Zardic businesses and promote their ability to compete in a global market. This wholly-owned government corporation will be lead by an appointed President and Chairperson, the first being Eŭgenia Kurtikio. This will greatly enhance the ability of Zardic businesses to work abroad without exposing too much financial risk. The trips to Saridan and Dolgavia will be joined by a trip to Kalistan where the Secretary will focus on the development of economic ties and a discussion on the recent "Steel War" between Yingdala and Kalistan. Zardugal, rich in natural resources, has taken steps to export large amounts of steel at low-cost, undercutting regional markets in the wake of what appears to be a simmering trade war between the countries in the East.

In September, 4904 the Secretary will make a trip to Hobrazia to provide support for the re-building effort, likely to offer government-based loans and grants to boost both Zardic government-sponsored investment and Zardic private investment in the nation. Sources within the Department of Trade and Industry believe that the Zardic government will purchase shares in the newly formed Hobrazian Development Corporation and focus on natural resources in the east of the country along the Arszan Mountains, a component of the Black Mountain Chain that goes from southern Dorvik, to the west in Rutania and breaks up as you go past Luthori into Hobrazia. Sources have stated that the Secretary may visit Yingdala on the way back to Zardugal but no official announcements have come from the department.

News ticker: Zardic World Report: Venetio confirms launch of F-15E "Strike Eagle" into production variant; Limestoi Post: Zardic Air Force confirms modernization and repair of F-16 aircraft; Bataco Business News: Zardic markets rise as "World Tour 4904" announced by Department of Foreign Affairs

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Premier of the Republic Welcomes Economic progress with Zardugal and Lodamun
Launches talks with Yingdala over Steel
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 1, 4904


Premier of the Republic George Jackson touts vindication of Government Policies following busy summer

Over the course of this summer, the Republic began working on a number of important economic and security deals which signals the vindication of the Premier's policies. "We have demonstrated that economic nationalism, that economic policy which promotes the interests of our Republic, without regard to existing regimes and institutions, which are designed to protect status quo powers rather than middling nations like Kalistan, can nonetheless prove successful," said Premier of the Republic George Jackson.

The successful season began with the willingness of Yingdala to begin to discuss outstanding steel issues with the Republic. "The Celestial Empire in Indrala has agreed to tentative talks," said the Premier, "which we think likely to lead to a formal accord on steel production and pricing in the world's market. It is up to other steel producers if they want to join our accord or not, but I think the goal will be a gradual ramping down of production in both the Republic and in Indrala to allow the price to recover, and then to use our combined market share to ensure that both member states benefit from our production of steel. Cooperation rather than competition should be the name of this game, and together, we can demonstrate the limits of market orthodoxy in the world. This is the goal, but we are not quite there yet."

The news with Yingdala was very quickly followed up by a decision by Lodamun to work with Kalistan to finally resolve a 600 year problem, that being the lack of a rail link between Addisjah in Northern Vrassa, and Newport in Lodamun. "We began a railroad crossing of the Jah River six centuries ago, but ended the project at the border due to Lodamese reluctance to respect the national sovereignty of the Republic," said the Premier. "Those days are over, it would appear, as the Lodamese Government appears ready to finally provide the Republic with a rail head south of Newport, to link both road and rail between our two Republics. This will signal a new era of prosperity and trade between our two Republics, and will finally allow people to visit across the River without taking an airplane." The project to complete the transit links will occur over the next couple years and the Republic will begin building a bridge once the Lodamese Rail link is established on their side of the border.

Finally, there is interest in the Kalistani market and in economic cooperation between Kalistan and Zardugal. "A new Government in Zardugal has expressed an interest in working with Kalistan on cooperative economic matters, and has visited us this summer to kick off discussions that will lay the foundation for trade and cooperation," said the Premier. "We will be sending Trade Minister Michelle Martinez back to Zardugal this October to begin working on an economic treaty guaranteeing fair trade between us two as well as establishing a basis for trade between our two countries. We do know that Zardugal is interested in the steel crisis between Kalistan and Indrala, and it would be entirely possible that Zardugal could be an important partner in any agreements on production and pricing that Kalistan and Indrala may arrive at, but we are also curious about the foreign made goods that Zardugal has to offer that we could bring in to the Republic and sell to the people of this nation. These talks are ongoing and the next round will be in Zardugal when Comrade Martinez travels there to continue discussions."

In all this season of high level talks between the Republic and other nations of the world serves to boost the Republic's profile on the world Stage. "As other nations go into eclipse, the Steel Crisis has brought attention to this corner of the world, and has shown at the very least that a nation which stands entirely outside of imperialist and militaristic alliances, can nonetheless play an important role in the conduct of international Affairs," said Premier Jackson. "It often feels that Kalistan is punching well above its weight class, and in a sense, courting contacts in Hutori, avoiding sanctions in Dolgava, resolving ancient disputes with Lodamun, and re-opening the possibility of links with major players like Indrala and Zardugal ensure Kalistan a seat at the table, and elevates our status as a major independent nation in Terra. This is a development we welcome and hope to continue to carefully foster."

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Yeardly: "I will not be travelling to FOMAT"
Stepanov is selected by Listeners to Represent Kalistan in FOMAT
Dulnerstaad, Ananto
August 15, 4904


Kalistani listeners select Jennifer Stepanov following Joanie Yeardly's withdraw from Contest

Dulnerstaad Keyboardist and singer-songwriter Jennifer Stepanov has been selected by listeners of Radio 1's FOMAT poll to represent the Republic. The remarkably soft spoken pianist was at a loss for words when she was informed. "I have no idea how I will represent the musical heritage of this Republic," said Stapanov. "Personally, I voted to send Red Tone back there. It's more their kind of contest." Her single, "How Can I?" easily cruised past other entries to take top honors in the Radio 1 FOMAT Poll.

The vote for Stepanov solidified after presumed favorite Joanie Yeardly, who has led the Alt-Folk movement in Kalistan immediately declined to participate in the contest. "I can say this about FOMAT," said Yeardly. "It's pop music, and I am not going to do pop music. It's fine for everyone else, but I am trying to keep my feet here in the Republic and it really doesn't make much difference to me what international audiences think of my music." As she continued, she also informed audiences that Donnie Jorgenson wasn't interested in participating or being nominated either. "I will not be travelling to FOMAT. Jorgenson and I will be on tour in Vrassa somewhere when FOMAT happens, you can count on it." Yeardly then enthusiastically endorsed Stapanov. "If you REALLY want the best, you gotta send Jennie (Stepanov). I honestly have never met a funner, funnier, more talented musician in my life, and I know Jorgenson. People should send her, because she will make this Republic proud."

To this end, Radio 1 began testing Stepanov's VDR single "How Can I?". The song got an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences, who praised Stepanov's vocals, and her use of nonstandard instrumentation. "Its something like anti-pop," said Stepanov of the song last April when it was released to very limited fanfare. "We have tried to completely deconstruct the normal verse chorus verse chorus bridge chorus format of the pop song, as well as building the strength and the force of the music throughout. Jorgenson himself was very helpful in the arrangement of the strings, and I gave him co-writing credits on this song. It was a lot of fun to make and takes stuff that artists like Joanie and Jorgenson have been doing and kinda carries it forward a little bit."

During the FOMAT nomination Poll, Stepanov's single "How Can I?" came in an easy first in votes. "Her song is very pretty and also interesting," said one fan, while another praised its production "It certainly will not sound anything like the other entries. And her voice is so pleading and so longing, it speaks right to my soul..." Stepanov's voice has been described as a staccato violin by some, and as "soft and smooth." She beat out 15 hip hop, hard rock, ska and reggae acts, but no other artists who perform Alt-Folk competed against Stepanov. "I think the fix was in," said DJ Chuck Ignacio. "I think the Folksters decided who they wanted to win, and all jumped completely out of the competition, so she would be the only one even remotely associated with Alt-Folk competing. She was, I suppose, the last artists to say 'Not it'. And so, she is it, and she made her victory look easy."

Stepanov now prepares to travel to Vascania for FOMAT XV in a little more than a year and a half. "Meanwhile," said Stepanov, "I don't even have an album out. I get so freaked out about recording a whole record, because I believe that an album should make sense... It's not just a collection of songs. It is supposed to say something, and to this date, the four singles I've given to VDR and the collection of my own music is not in a singular and focused direction... They're just songs, and if I just put a bunch of music together, that would be the same as me giving you a box full of like a hair brush and a piece of candy out of its wrapper and a wishbone and a key to a lock that nobody remembers or uses anymore... that kind of thing. It makes no sense, it is all just junk."

She is proud of the fact that her song has been named to represent the Republic though. "I suppose someone has to do it, and so it might as well be me. I will go there, I will do my best, and I hope we can make some people feel something with this music," said Stepanov. "The song is quite personal. I am not going to say who it is about: That is for me. But I wrote this song a couple years back, and I still don't even think that person knows who they are. But that is fine. I am fine with that. And I will treat this song as something that any person in the world can relate to, not for like a mass media thing, but for a personal reason. Everyone knows what I am talking about. Maybe they will not suffer alone."

You can hear the single "How Can I?" by Jennifer Stepanov here.

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Mark Small Campaigns for Presidency under the Coalition of Workers

The Coalition of Workers [CoW], the newly founded party has been gaining traction across the rural areas of Kalistan, and is expected to win many of the rural votes. CoW has been gaining support mainly for their support for the working class and rural populations.

Mark Small, the founder of the CoW, and an entrepreneur, has launched a huge campaign for his presidency, following his successful campaigning, he's been invited on many of the most popular talk shows to talk about his rise to fame, the foundation of the Coalition of Workers and his personal plans for Kalistan if he is elected. He's told the interviewers that his plans involve bettering the lives of workers as well as people living in rural areas of the nation. His goal is to make everyone truly equal in practice, not just in theory


Mark Small in the popular talk show Morning Kali

Mr. Small gave a few words to the Worker's Times when we reached out to him about his campaign

Everyone deserves equality, the Coalition of Workers is here to bring that, and I don't mean this like the current government doesn't care about its people, of course it does. I just mean that there are things that could be done better, and I think and hope that the party, and I can help with that after the election of 4907

CoW's Campaign poster for Mark Small's presidency

Jan 10th 4095

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President of the Republic Harold Phipps-Bennots to retire in 4907
Socialist Party looking to Endorse Coalition of Workers Candidate
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 4, 4905


President of the Republic Phipps has served the Republic since 4893

The President of the Republic, Harold Phipps-Bennots has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 4907 general Elections. "I am ready to retire," said President Phipps, who is 83 this fall. "As a caretaker President, I have worked closely with the Premier and his cabinet, and feel it is now time for me to stand aside and hand the reigns off to a younger Comrade."

The Socialist Party of Kalistan, who has ruled the Republic as a single Party state for more than a generation, thanked the President for his dedication to his office and to the Republic. But it also signaled its willingness to open the Government up to the newly organized Coalition of Workers, who have expressed their desire to run for President.

"We are looking into restoring the Powersharing Agreement which governed Kalistan for Centuries," said Socialist Spokesperson Anita Grefsheim. "This arrangement, called 'The Separation of Powers Doctrine' said that the President and the Premier should not be from the same Party, that the Head of Government should go to the Largest non-Presidential Party in the Governing Coalition, and that the Cabinet should proportionately approximate the Composition of the National Assembly. Combined with a restored Presidential Prerogative, that would mean that the President would most likely be from the Coalition of Workers, and the Cabinet would be led by the Socialists."

While it is clear that there are points of agreement between the Socialists and the Coalition of Workers, as demonstrated by a recent spate of bills proposed by the zero seat CoW, and passed with Socialist Support, it is likely that the Socialists will agree to share power with the Coalition of Workers, and will help them become a viable second Party to the degree that this is possible in the Republic. "One Party Rule essentially relegates the National Assembly to a fiat institution," said President Phipps. "Weekly, I meet with the Premier, we discuss our joint agenda and then he passes it in a series of measures which rarely draw much notice. Policy runs smothly in a one-Party state, but our ideas also become stale. Democracy is the curative to this, within institutional limits, of course."

Unlike many ephemeral Parties which have graced the Republic throughout our nation's history, the Coalition of Workers appears to have adopted a favorable attitude toward Kalistani institutions and have not set out to immediately destroy them. "The respect for the Institutions of Socialist Kalistan has spoken very highly for the Coalition of Workers, in our opinion," said Grefsheim. "Anything can be done while honoring the historic and the ancient institutions of our Republic, while dismantling them wholecloth from the word go is what alienates the Socialists from those who take that approach. As long as those institutions remain in place, or if they need to be revised, the primary institutional Party in Kalistan has buy in, there is nothing else that will necessarily exclude our cooperation."

Grefsheim was clear that the Separation of Powers was an ancient tradition, as was the Presidential Prerogative. "But these have not been utilized in hundreds of years," said Grefsheim, "due to ignorance, or impossibility. The Socialists believe it is possible to restore these traditions as well, and hope the Coalition of Workers will work to provide a candidate who is willing to cooperate and share power. We believe Comrade Small can be this person at this moment, and we are prepared to endorse him in the coming elections."

Grefsheim also said that the SP reserves the right to pull back the endorsement, and will do if the Candidate, who is new to the Kalistani Political Arena, veers too far away from a commitment to Kalistan's Institutions or Kalistan's Workers. "Protecting the positive slant of power toward the workers in this country is important to the Socialists, and we believe it is also important to the Coalition of Workers. We can certainly support them in their efforts to improve the lives of the workers of the Republic, but of course, the moment they turn their backs on the workers is the moment that we part ways. We hope Comrade Small has this in mind as he campaigns with the Party's support, for the Presidency."

Time will tell about the restoration of the Separation of Powers Doctrine, but currently the President himself looks forward to retirement, and the Socialist Party looks forward to a newly dawning period of multi-party Democracy in the Republic.

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Mark Small on the Separation of Power Doctrine

Coalition of Workers' presidential candidate Mark Small has expressed their interest in the Separation of Power Doctrine, and wishes to cooperate with the Socialist Party.

Candidate Mark Small also gave a response to the concerns of the current President of the Republic Harold Phillips-Bennots,

I completely understand the concerns of President Phillips-Bennots, as many new parties has had a tendency to undermine the Kalistani institutions which have for long been the stable base of Kalistani politics and culture. I, and the Coalition (of workers) will work to preserve these as best as possible in cooperation with the Socialists. If I however see it necessary to revise something, I will be working together with the socialists to have a favorable outcome for all of us. But I express that we have no plans to ruin the base of Kalistani politics. I will be looking forward to cooperation with the Socialist Party, and I thank them for their support of my presidency, it truly means a lot to me and it creates a base for our cooperation and friendship.

The CoW as a whole has expressed their willingness to work along the Separation of Power Doctrine and cooperation with the Socialist party.

As support for Candidate Small grows, and with the support of the Socialist party, it seems pretty clear that Mark Small will gain the presidency upon elections. But anything is possible, so it is still too early to say anything.

Aug 11th 4905

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Rising rockabilly band Lion Pack sells half a million with their second album
The album sold out within a week of its release
Kaliburg, Anato
Nobember 25, 4905


The band's composition from left to right: Robin Hilton, Matt Forest and Joe King

The recently risen to fame rockabilly band from Kaliburg, Lion Pack has had surprised critics and radio hosts by rising from seemingly nowhere to one of the best selling artists of the year. Even their lead singer, Matt Forest said "It is surprising to see this genre of music on the top charts"

The Lion Pack has been active for a few years, but they only recently rose to popularity with the release of their second album Moonlight, which quickly grew popular as they got some airtime on radio channel 6

After airing on radio, the band got requests from record stores all around Kalistan to sell their newest album, which sold out within all record stores in Kaliburg within 2 days, and all around Kalistan within a week.

When asked for further copies to be produced, their manager replied "We do not have the time or resources to make more copies just yet, but we are planning on a release of a new album soon". So it seems that fans will not be getting any further copies of the album, but expect further releases in the future.

We have reached out to the Lion Pack in hopes for an interview, but they declined due to their apparently busy schedule, possibly having to do with the release of a new album, as their manager has mentioned.

You can listen to the fan-favorite song I'm Dead from the album Moonlight Here

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Kalistan Claims FOMAT Gold, Again
Stepanov Claims 5th Win for Republic and Cements Kalistan's Place in Music History
Kalinda, Rajuttistan, Vascania
November 15, 4905


Dulnerstaad's Stepanov performing her song "How Can I?" at the FOMAT

The Kalistani music industry has cemented its legacy forever in Terran History. It has not accomplished this feat through military Conquest or economic domination of others, but through the universal language of music. Kalistan returns from FOMAT XV with its fifth win, out of nine entries, and winning one third of all contests. And the entry that brought the fifth victory was Jennifer Stepanov's song "How Can I?" The Kaliburg keyboardist's love song apparently tied for first with crowd votes, and it was a judges' decision which put the song over the top.

Following the show, Stepanov, who was already under the influence of product smuggled in to the show by ODEN-K gave a brief interview, surrounded by thousands of Kalistanis who accompanied Stepanov to the show and who were celebrating her victory on the floor of the concert with her.

T(he) R(epublic): Jennifer Stepanov, it appears that you have just won FOMAT XV.

J(ennifer) S(tepanov): What? What did you say?

TR: You've won FOMAT.

JS: Oh that's great... Yeah, they were, my favorite...

TR: No, YOU have won.

JS: Me?!

TR: Yes... YOU...

JS: Oh, I don't know, I mean, my song is good and all, but I think this crowd is maybe a little more interested in the Drinking song... Speaking of which... (downs a beer, crushes the can on her forehead) HAHAHAHA

TR: No, you have won, the whole concert. they just announced it...

JS: Mark... sweetheart, would you get the pianogirl another beer?

TR: What do you think of the fact that you've won...

JS: I mean... it would be awesome... I... I am really sorry, but these guys here are hilarious What did you just say?

TR: You have won... The whole show. You are the winner. YOU are.

JS: Me?

TR: Yes...

JS: What? I can't even believe that!

TR: Look up there! It your name...

JS: Ha ha! She's pretty... hey... wait... Oh, Thanks Mark. You're sweet. Wow, this is good beer...

TR: So, how do you feel having won?

JS: You know what you need, my boy? You need to lighten up a bit. Here... have some of this... Just what the doctor ordered... there you go...

TR: no, no. Ahem... I'm driving tonight...

JS: Come on love... When a pretty woman offers you a glass piece she just put her own lips on just a second ago... come on... you know you want some...

TR: No, no thank you... I have work to do...

JS: Well, suit yourself, I guess. More for me...

TR: So how do you feel having just won FOMAT

JS: Oh, who cares. Should have been Joanie, for real... I am just here having a good time. I don't even remember why we're here. But it RULES! Did you see that hot belly dancer before? We're all gonna go out after this, you want to come with?

TR: No, thank you.. I'm just trying to...

JS: Oh goddamn! This imported ODEN sh-- is really hittin over here... must be the altitude...

TR: So... uh... FOMAT?

JS: You think this is Hutori grown? That would totally explain it...

And then Comrade Stepanov disappeared into the night, arm in arm in with her fellow revellers. It is not at all clear to this reporter whether she knew before returning to Kalistan that she had actually won the competition. But at any rate, upon returning to the Republic, she was greeted by tens of thousands at Kaliburg International. If she was at all surprised by her new found fame, she did not betray it, but simply flashed a huge smile, waved at those who had gathered to see her and got into a cab. Luckily, she ended up giving an interview to Radio Kaliburg, which included many of the questions that The Republic had intended to ask her, and all was revealed. In the Interview, Stepanov declined to say whether she intended to release any albums in the near future.

Congratulations to Jennifer Stepanov, Kalistan's Fifth International Champion of the Festival of Music Arts in Terra. FOMAT XVI returns to Kalistan, and will be held, for the first time in Kaliburg, at the Kaliburg National Stadium in Lolla, Kaliburg. The Coalition of Workers has opted to host the event on June 10, 4909, and more arrangements and announcements will be forthcoming.

If you would like to watch The Republic's exclusive video of Stepanov's soundcheck before the FOMAT contest, please watch below.