Kalistan

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Empress Sacks Cabinet
Kalistan praises Valruzia and looks to send Reps; Wanderlust gears up for new Album
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 7, 5633


ARC's Wanderlust embrace the darkness on their upcoming album

Empress Sacks Cabinet; Names fully new Government
In a fairly spectacular housecleaning step, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto kicked off her administration by removing the old Cabinet and replacing it with a different one.  "Her Imperial Majesty has decided that the old cabinet, which was left over from her Father's reign was no longer to her liking," said Her Highness Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, speaking for the Empress.  "She felt that this was the time for a new start in Kalistan, and has named a government which she feels aligns closer to her vision for the Empire."  No specific incidents were mentioned that precipitated the replacement of the Government, but one thing is noteworthy:  Most of the new Ministers named are identified with Orthodox tendencies in the Institutionalist Party, and are therefore expected to recenter Kalistan's focus at home.  They are also exceptionally young, with the average age at just 31 years old. 

Lady Anya Waltrip, who served as Foreign Minister under Fredrick III Ananto is the only minister who will keep her job.  Lady Michelle Ananto reportedly advised Her Imperial Majesty on the selections.

The New Government which will begin their tenure on January 15 is:

Chancellor of the Empire   Michael Koenig
Foreign Affairs   Lady Anya Waltrip
Internal Affairs   Kerry McDonnell
Finance   Alicia Thompson
Defense   Captain Oscar Buenaventure, KRA
Justice   Hon. Esperanza Cardoso-Watley
Infrastructure and Transport   Wayne Smith
Health and Social Services   Dr. Kylie Montero
Education and Culture   Janet Simmons
Science and Technology   Albert Lincoln
Food and Agriculture   Calvin Brennan
Environment and Tourism   Dr. Joseph Zearing
Trade and Industry   Mel Greene-Collins

Kalistan Praises Valruzia and looks to Start Diplomacy
Lady Anya Waltrip, who will remain Foreign Minister gave a press conference yesterday where she praised the Republic of Valruzia and said the Empress is interested in opening formal diplomatic relations with the Western Seleyan Republic.  "Her Imperial Majesty took especial interest in the interview their new Head of Government gave where he described Valruzian foreign policy as not being Globalist or Nationalist, but focused on interests and opportunities and their domestic policy based on a strong sense of National Service and Cultural Promotion.

"Her Imperial Majesty sees a lot of admire in the expressed ideals of the new Valruzian Chancellor, and would like to reach out to the Valruzian Government in an effort to improve relations with our neighbors," said Lady Waltrip.  If the Valruzian Government is interested in establishing formal relations with the Empire, Lady Waltrip will lead a delegation to the republic to meet with the Chancellor and take the next step.

"Who knows what is possible?" asks the Foreign Minister.  "I'd think anything is on the table, that covers our two nations' overlapping interests.  If we visit on Her Imperial Majesty's behalf, it will be up to me to find where those mutual interests lie.  I think at the least we would like to engage in some cultural exchange and increase our trade via Lodamun.  But security cooperation, removing barriers to trade and travel, all of it is something that Her Imperial Majesty is interested in.  Kalistan certainly stands in a position to assist Valruzia to meet many of its Valruzia 5700 goals, including sharing mining, battery, and heavy manufacturing techniques that are industrially proven and environmentally friendly, becoming a source for nickel and lithium, as well as semiconductors, and the tech necessary to manufacture them, electrical motors, and biodiesel fuels and biopolymer plastics, and helping them develop their own capacities so they are not dependent on foreign states.  There are many bridges between our two nations that we can build."

Lady Waltrip says she stands ready to visit Valruzia to talk further, if there is interest.

Wanderlust Gears up for its next Album
Coming off a break following a year long tour in 5628, the Alt-Pop band Wanderlust reported that they were in the studio recording new material and hope to have a new album out by year's end.  "It's been a long break," said singer Elga Nilsson.  "We've had plenty of time to get rested and get re-energized.  And most of all, we've gotten back into writing, and I've been working with Peer (Markinsson) to write new songs.  We have about 45 songs that are pretty much done, so we have a pick of music that we can do to make a coherent record."

Nilsson said this record would have an electronic tilt to it.  "We were writing mainly in two main genres," said the singer.  "While Peer and Lindy stayed here in Sulari, I actually got myself a house in Vrassa City, which is a lot more rural, a lot more rustic, but they still play alt-Folk up there, and I think you might even say, there is a country scene in Vrassa, and there's a lot of really pretty music coming out of that scene.  It's all very bucolic and pastoral, and down to earth.  But I think that might be its own record.  We wanted to try something really different this time, and I think the band has been aiming at using sequencers and maybe like electronic drum pads and making a more synthetic more industrial sound than we have done in the past.  You can only make lounge music so long before it doesn't sound sincere, and we've also grown up as a band together, so I would say expect something new."

Nilsson said she had the opportunity to meet the Royal family and has stayed in touch with her (self-proclaimed) number one fan, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis, who is still doing National Service, over the last couple years.  "Ha ha:  I hope it doesn't disappoint her," said Nilsson.  "We always pay attention to our fans, but she's like a super fan.  She wrote four months ago and said she'd like whatever we did, so I'm going to go with that."

Nilsson said that the band is recording now, and if they can stay on schedule, will be done with post-production by November.  "Look for a December Release," said Nilsson.  She also said she doesn't anticipate a huge tour for this record.  "We're toured out, I would say.  Maybe a few shows here and there.  Maybe a Command Performance, hint hint Margo...  because I know she's reading this...  But once we're done here, I would like to keep working and go right into another record."

@TheRepublic

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Empress Mary Moves to Eveari
Ananto Estate has once again become Imperial Residence
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 14, 5633


Her Imperial Majesty, Mary I Ananto takes possession of Ananto Estate

It was long expected that Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto would eventually move into Ananto Estate in Eveari.  The ancient home of the Anantonese Emperors, the sleepy bayside northern town has long been associated with the Anantan and later Anantonese Monarchy and is once more the home of the Empress.

"This home, and the landscape around Eveari, speaks more loudly to Her Imperial Majesty than the hustle and grind of the Capital," said crown watcher DeShawn Jameson.  "She seems so much happier away from the City and in nature.  This has always been the case, and there is absolutely no reason that she shouldn't be in a place which makes her feel comfortable and happy."

The home, most recently inhabited by Her Imperial Majesty's Grandmother, the late Empress Carolina, has been for the most part closed up during the transition period, though it was recently re-opened for the Coronation.  "Oh, if that place is vacant for any length of time, it takes a month and an army of housekeepers to get it ready again to be lived in," said Jameson.  "The Imperial Museum is housed on the Grounds as well, and that stays open at all times for the few tourists who make their way up here, and the estate is occasionally used for banquets, meetings, and Gray Smoke Order activities, but they started cleaning and redecorating the main residence before the coronation and it is only just finished now."

Photography is not permitted within the Imperial Residence, but those who have visited reported that much of the living spaces have been gilded within the last few years.  "This Empress has really leaned pretty heavily into the opulence," said Jameson.  "Anantos have been collecting gold, silver, and jewels of all kinds for centuries, storing most of it here in Eveari.  Mary is on record as wondering why that is not used for beautification."  To this end, she has asked that much of the living quarters be gilded in a tasteful, yet conspicuous way.  "For a woman who values nature so highly, she is doing all she can to surround herself with symbols of material wealth and opulence" said Jameson.  "She can do it, of course:  Much of the actual wealth of House Ananto itself is stored in physical material like countless 10kg gold and silver ingots, as well as thousands of both cut and polished, as well as uncut raw gems.  A tour of the famed Gem Vault leaves visitors beside themselves in amazement, and Anantos are notoriously prolific purchasers of natural gemstones on the private international market.  If she wrapped the entire house two times in gold foil, I don't think she would put a dent in her family's wealth."

In addition to reoccupying the Ananto Estate, Her Imperial Majesty has also ordered the purchase of an adjacent old growth redwood grove totaling about 1500 acres.  "The forest, called the Bluegrass Grove, is thought to be more than 1700 years old in total.  It has served as a lightly maintained and culled grove for decades, and a default public recreation area.  The majority of the acreage is in the rolling upslope from the Bluegrass Valley into the foot hills of the Green Mountains.  Her Imperial Majesty reportedly wants to build a series of hiking trails on the property, and make it officially a city park to protect it from lumber operations.  She also wants the spot for her own recreational usage as well, and wants it protected from what she sees as destructive logging operations in the area."  The addition of the Bluegrass Grove brings the total estate up to just under 2000 acres.

"Her Imperial Majesty will conduct most of her day to day affairs from Eveari, and will only officially travel to Kaliburg for functions in the National Assembly, and for Formal Audiences," said Jameson.  "Cliff House will be retained by the Empress' Mother, Princess of the Empire Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, and the East Wing will remain available for Her Imperial Majesty to reside in when she is in town."  Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval will be returning home to Dulnerstaad, and it is likely that Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis will move back to Kaliburg when she is finished with her National Service in 5635.

"I think the Empress will be very happy in Eveari," said Jameson.  "She has said it repeatedly:  It is far more to her taste."

@LaModa

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KalMD sets One-Day Production Record in Sulari
Demand for Consumer electronics up 14% over last 10 years
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
March 1, 5633


Kalistani MicroDivisions factory in Sulari is looking to expand

KalMD has recently announced that they have set a one-day record for production of silicon microprocessor wafers, the substrate for microchips.  The record was set earlier this week, and surpasses earlier KalMD production.  During a single 24 hour period, the Sulari plant completed 5,135 silicon wafer starts, which is expected to produce an estimated 1.2 million microchips at the end of a 12-week long production schedule from this record setting day alone.  The plant is expected to drop down to a more normal production schedule of between 2000 and 3000 daily wafer starts over the next few weeks, with the aim of producing over 50 million microprocessors within the next six months out of the Sulari plant alone, for both domestic and international sales.

"Though the 5,135 silicon wafer starts in one day was an extraordinary accomplishment, KalMD has had the facilities and the capacities to make this amount of microprocessors for a long time," said plant manager Devin White, of Sulari.  "The only bottleneck has been demand.  Internationally, there is plenty of demand, but most of our normal trading partners would rather buy from the other side of the world than procure technology locally.  I can't tell you why:  I don't know myself.  So, we haven't really gone out of our way to overproduce.  However, there has been a fairly significant domestic increase in demand, both in Kalistan and in Gaduridos, for consumer electronics, and rather than KMD buying processors from others, we figured we would just ramp up capacity ourselves and supply our own tech."

The microprocessors are expected to go in anything from next generation cellular phones that can access KalSat to laptop computers, smart devices, industrial equipment and medical equipment.  "Making these chips available to Kalistani manufacturers should ease pressures on world supplies, forcing prices down for consumers, and making things more widely accessible for millions," said White.  "As Kalistan's National Companies move toward modernization, and the private sector follows suit, it is expected that there will be continued demand for microprocessors, and we expect to set a new plateau for production at around 2700 silicon wafer starts daily average a day, each capable of producing between 132 and 138 useable microchips after the 12-week production cycle."

White touted KalMd's environmental practices and clean room policies.  "KalMD is the industry leader in ensuring that we our Sulari and Dana plants are environmentally conscious.  Like all industries in Kalistan, we utilize only renewable energy for our plants and our etching technology.  We also employ environmentally friendly etching chemicals, closed loop water systems, and are working toward fully solvent-less processes.  We also ensure the highest standards in cleanroom technology to minimize defect in the silicon wafers.  The whole process allows us to increase our efficiency and reduce environmental damage to almost nothing.  We are quite proud of our practices, and our products."

The wafer start record corresponded to an increase in battery production at KalTech, KalMD's subsidiary battery company, based in Dana.  "We are expecting a boom in new consumer technology over this coming year.  And KalMD will be ready for it."  White said KMD expects to create a surplus of microchips and lithium ion battery capacity which will be available for export.  

"Sure we would love to export these items," said White.  "When our chip run is completed in a few months, we will have enough to supply Imperial needs, even the increased demand we are beginning to see, a couple times over.  We will then assess whether we should scale back a bit after that until we go through the inventory or maintain these production levels to meet unanticipated demands.  It is hard to say, though what others will do.  They could buy inexpensively from KMD, or they can spend more money buying from others.  Either way, Kalistan is ramping up its cellphone, PC, and smart device production and will be modernizing much of our industrial and medical equipment with this batch, and everytime you pick up a KMD phone for the next three years, it will likely have a microprocessor that we are starting up within the next three months."

@TheRepublic

[Aethan]

Valruzia responds to Kalistani diplomatic overtures, condemns chemical attacks in Etxea/Kundrati

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Empress addresses National Assembly
Etxea and Valruzia subjects of the Speech as some Deputies balk
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 4, 5633


Empress Mary I Ananto speaks forcefully at the National Assembly

"Here we go again, you know?" started Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto's speech before the National Assembly.  She was at the Capital to call for aid to Etxea to help deal with recent chemical attacks by the Legion against the legitimate Government of Kundrati, based in Etxea, and to inform the National Assembly of the upcoming trip by the Foreign Minister to Valruzia.  But many legislators openly expressed their disagreement with the policies the Empress put forth, especially in regard to Kundrati.  Their opposition was based in a general opposition for re-involvement in Artanian Affairs.  Their opposition did not deter Her Imperial Majesty, who ultimately put rowdy Deputies in their place with a public admonition and lecture about principles.

"Shortly after we were born, our parents, Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis the late Emperor Fredrick Ananto fled their home on Wilson's Hill in Kaliburg here to the home where our earliest memories were formed.  The reason they fled was that the death camp known as Legionary Kundrati deployed chemical weaponry against our capital city.  There is not a Deputy nor a Peer in this chamber who does not daily walk past the monuments to that attack, the scars that still lay in the landscape, the green spaces in our City which were left empty because even today they are not deemed safe enough to rebuild long term habitation over.  

"We have seen this play before, and while we begged the world to step in and do something about the menace that territory in the iron grip of the fascist Legion still poses, the rest of the world has turned a blind eye to the pernicious threat of fascism in mainland Artania for the entire time we have been alive.  Only a few notable nations answered that call, among them Luthori, Mordusia and Lodamun:  most still sit on their hands, claiming they don't know how to answer it, while still trading with them and sending them food in direct contravention to sanctions that a half a dozen nations have placed on them.  And now, these terrorists have done it again, this time to the homeland of our Great Grandmother and our Grandmother.  When will the world take this threat seriously?"

Some of her comments raised critique and discourtesy, because there is a belief among some that the more outrageous are based on hearsay and are not bases for solid national policy--The Empress was interrupted several times during her speech, something that would never have happened with her predecessors.  But the Empress was forceful in her retort and held her own on the floor of the National Assembly against several attempts to shout her down.

"These people, if you can call them that, are vile menaces with no regard for human life, except for its nutritional value...  Yes...  Yes...  It's true....  No, don't ask us to stop speaking on this!  It is well known...  It is well known.  Excuse us Madame Speaker, excuse us.  No...  No, friends, it is well known and confirmed by testimony that they engage routinely in cannibalism and medical experiments.  No...  No...  it is confirmed.  You can stop that howling now.  We know it is true, and it needed to be stated into the record that this is the understanding of this Empire...  We have it on excellent authority that this is state policy.  it is not a scurrilous and outrageous charge if it's true!  

"And if you Deputies are outraged, then do something about it.  Get Etxea the necessary aid to help them recover from these attacks and to stand up to Legionary Aggression.  They act with impunity because well-meaning nations of this world, or so called, sit by and allow them to do as they please instead of disciplining them to make them learn their lessons about proper conduct in this world.  Even to the point of extinction for the Legion and its braindead zombie minions.  And...  Look, just stop.  If you have an issue with how we are putting this, you are invited to refer your complaints to our chancellor.  Yes...  yes... Look.  We care not:  We mean every word of this.  Do your job.  Help the legitimate government of Kundrati defend itself from those monsters.  Or don't say you stand against fascism.  

"And when we say this, we don't merely mean the members of this Assembly--You will do as you are expected to do, and we will have our way, whether you like it or not, or you will resign and we will find someone who will.  That is not the issue.  Yes, yes...  we know...  elections elections democracy, whatever.  We are not here to debate that matter with those whose sole function is to see our will manifested in the policy of this nation.  We aren't only referring to you.  We also mean the nations of the world who provide cover and assistance for that dreaded regime of terror and death.  We call upon all Hosian nations of the world to practice what you preach, because otherwise you are represented by your complaisance in the face of evil masquerading as Hosianism.  If you claim to support God, but you allow the Legion to continue their evil unchecked, you are hypocrites.  

"Kalistan has done her share and then some--We've sacrificed to forestall the day of ultimate reckoning, to allow the world to finally gear up to face the menace, and for all that loss and suffering we've endured, what has the world done?  As far as we can tell, several nations of the world have chosen to normalize that evil and start trading with them.  But now, it's finally time for you to step up now and carry the ball over the goal line.  If you weren't shocked, and were maybe even a little happy that Kalistan was attacked by chemical weapons twenty years ago, maybe their use of them in Etxea should tell you that they will use them against whoever they deem to be not sufficiently compliant with their evil plans for world dominion.  That means everyone is fair game.  It's ridiculous that a 22-year old, basically kid, has to call you out.  But like most burdens, it falls upon Kalistan to be the ones to do it.  Do your job.  Stand for your principles, or shut up about principles."

More than half the members of the National Assembly stood and applauded the Empress' exhortation, while several Deputies were notably upset with how the Empress framed the situation.  But by the end of the day, the National Assembly passed legislation dedicating medical supplies, chemical mitigation supplies, burn kits, antibiotics, food and temporary shelters, and additional financial aid to be used by the Etxean Government as it sees fit to help recover from this attack to Etxea as a fraternal gesture.  Additionally, the Government approved more than 100 million Imperial Rubles of credits to the Etxean Government to be made available should the Etxean Government seek to use those on military purchases.  This represents the first marginal military aid to the Island since the end of the war in 5614, and signals a renewed, albeit limited re-entry of the Empire into the seemingly never-ending conflict.

Meanwhile, the Empress also announced that Lady Anya Waltrip and Trade Minister Mel Greene-Collins would be dispatched to Valruzia.

"We were part of the transition monitoring team as Valruzia left their dictatorship in the dust.  We are pleased to announced that we can certify that they have completely, and hopefully permanently, transitioned to a government that serves their people and represents the will of the Valruzian populace.  We would like to continue to encourage them on their path to self determination and a strong independence from foreign domination, which has no place whatsoever in Seleya, by giving them assistance in building their national industries.  We have asked Lady Waltrip to discuss the permanent establishment of an Anantonese Diplomatic Mission in their capital, and to offer them all the export, technical, and material resources our Empire has at its disposal.  Kalistan will trade with Valruzia without aim to profit from the relationship.  It is enough for us, and furthers our goals to strengthen Valruzia against foreign, particularly Artanian and Majatran domination, by doing what we can to promote their independent national development, so that they have a firm foundation for their independent economic and social development."

The Empress once again praised the vision of the Chancellor of Valruzia and said she was hopeful that a strong and independent Valruzia would contribute to a strong and independent Seleya.  She was also encouraged by the Chancellor's resistance against Communism in the nation, and stressed her belief that communism and radical ideology in general tends to make nations susceptible to internationalism and globalist ideas that take the focus off of building at home.  "Neither liberalism, nor radicalism," finished Her Imperial Majesty, "what has benefitted our Empire most, and what we would hope for for all nations is a steady hand, order and regularity.  We believe that Valruzia is on the correct track in this direction and will seek to do all we can to support them in furthering their journey along that path."  The Kalistani Delegation is expected to fly to Valruzia to open talks in May.

@TheRepublic

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MoCo ramps up production
Recent IC supply increases and PV developments driving domestic demand
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
August 1, 5633


MoCo has increased production over 10% for the first time in decades

If there is one thing that can be said for Kalistani Industry, its that it is steady.  Fiscal and monetary policies, as well as relatively light trade volume internationally allows the economy to keep economic growth within a half a point on either side of dead zero, controlling for Population growth.  This regularity also encourages companies who sell consumers their products to focus on durability and dependability, while capitalist economies rely on built in obsolescence to encourage consumers to repeatedly purchase the same thing over and over again to fuel the myth of infinite economic growth.

MoCo has struggled with this twin pressure for centuries.  There is no real incentive to increase production because there are few outside of Kalistan who buy MoCo automobiles, and those that are sold domestically are so durable that it is expected to see twenty and twenty-five year old vehicles on the road with more than 300,000 miles driven.  The fact that the vehicles are electric, and therefore don't suffer from the degredation in performance that one finds in gasoline engines (due to few moving parts) prolongs lifespans even further.  Combined with relatively inexpensive fuelcell and electric battery replacement, and the only real driver in production seems to be taste and consumer preference.

That all seems to be changing, however, as MoCo is noticing a sharp uptick in new buying in the Kalistani Market.  "As far as we can tell," said MoCo CEO Lawrence Petty, "a lot of the new buying has been driven by relative increase in standard of living of the average Kalistani Citizen.  Wages have crepted up slowly over the decades, as costs have dropped across the board, and unlike the inflationary tendencies of capitalist nations, Kalistani corporations aren't allowed to raise prices just to soak up extra money in the system.  We have a specific profit margin we file with the National Government, and that's enforced.  So, while we do better the more people buy, more people can now afford to buy more.  That seems to be the only thing that can account for it."

In fact, Petty says that new MoCo sales are up a full 10% over the past year, and more than 20% over a decade ago, as more Kalistanis are beginning to see owning a new car as something that is within their price range.  "The price of a new MoCo, fully loaded, is about 10% of an average annual wage for the Kalistani Worker now," said Petty.  "That is down from a decade ago, where a new MoCo cost that same worker about 22% of their average wages.  You're gonna see a lot more people buying a lot more cars in that situation, while older ones are turned in for recycling far more often than we have ever seen before."

While a number of systematic push factors have generally improved the incomes of workers, several policies have also helped MoCo slash costs.  "You name it:  KalMD flooding the market with very inexpensive microprocessors is one part of it, but we saw this before they even started that.  There is new, cheaper, and longer lasting battery and fuel cell tech that is prolonging the lifespans of the power sources that companies like KalTech are scaling now.  The recycling program allows us to reuse a lot of equipment in new cars that have seen life before but are still perfectly functioning, like car stereos and transmissions and so forth, and that serves to knock off a huge chunk of the price on trade in.  Plus we see companies like Sulari Solar pairing with researchers in Yoshimi to develop new photovoltaics that are both environmentally friendly and generate some electric recharging capability to extend battery life and charge while a car is moving, making the electrical systems even more efficient. All of these, along with less expensive sourcing of materials, stable labor costs, and increasing production capabilities have led to a fairly quick decline in prices to produce an automobile, and allow us to focus on making the car more dependable and longer lasting, which is ironic, as people are rushing in now to buy new ones."

Ultimately, purchasing a new car at a relatively low price is a good thing, says Petty.  "It's a great thing for our stock holders!  But for the consumer it makes a lot of sense too.  We are always working to improve these cars, to make them work better, longer, and break down less often.  We are working to fine tune our transmissions, and we are working to fine energy supply systems.  We are working to make them faster, more comfortable, smoother, and sexier.  And we have this advantage because we only have independent and foreign competitors to compete against.  And speaking of that, MoCo sold more new cars in Kalistan last year than all foreign manufacturers combined.  If you buy new, you get the benefits of our constantly improving tech package:  you get a more reliable, more efficient vehicle that may look sharper, and drive better, than even last year's model, and is probably a little easier on the bank account even than what you paid already for one."

Petty predicted continued growth in production and profits for MoCo.  "We would export the cars we produce internationally, but nobody seems to know about or care about MoCo in other countries.  We have a pretty good market in Gaduridos, and an excellent, stable market in Kalistan.  For our size, that is just fine.  Pound for pound, we can outcompete any car on the road.  But we don't have to.  Would I like to see more international sales?  Sure.  But even if one country bought as many new MoCos as Kalistanis did last year alone, we would quickly run out of stock.  So we're focused at home now for the time being.  If something new develops, it is what it is and we'll cross the bridge if we ever get there."

MoCo Stocks are up another 1.5% on the week in the KalSiE, capping off a 5 year long multiple record setting run.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

FM and Trade Minister fly to Valruzia
Authorized to conclude treaties that are favorable to good relations
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 7, 5633


Lady Anya Waltrip at Kaliburg International Airport

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Lady Anya Waltrip and Trade and Industry Minister Mel Green-Collins have flown to Valruzia to meet with Valruzian President Karolina Pietrzyk and strengthen relations between the two Northern Seleyan Nations.  "We're on a mission to first and foremost firm up diplomatic relations between our two countries," said Lady Waltrip to reporters at Kaliburg International before departing on the Mission.  "There are a lot of things that we will discuss during the next few days, and most important to Her Imperial Majesty is kicking off the Consular expansion and preparing to name a new Permanent Ambassador to Valruzia."

Trade Minister Greene said, "These are exciting times in Northern Seleya now.  We see both Valruzia and Tukarali throwing off their respective dictatorships.  Likatonia has also moderated their political ideology, and are now free of fascism.  The road is clear for a dramatic increase in trade, travel and cooperation between Northern Seleyan Nations!"  He said he looked forward to negotiating the Nickle processing accords, and other agreements related to tech transfer, sales of raw materials and opening markets for some Kalistani Products.  "We aren't going to go crazy," said Minister Greene.  "These are first steps and the last thing we want to do is come in and disrupt progress."

Lady Waltrip said she needed to clear the air about one matter in particular.  "The Valruzians were a little taken aback by some comments made by Her Imperial Majesty before the National Assembly.  I want to carry the reassuring message to the Valruzian Government on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty:  She is completely supportive of self determination for the Valruzian people.  We are prepared to do all we can to cooperate with the Current Administration.  She told me personally that her comments on communism were made after a particularly contentious session of the National Assembly, which was covered in our papers, and nothing she said was meant to disparage either President Karolina Pietrzyk or her KPW Party.  While she does personally disapprove of communism as an ideology in general, especially given that communism is outlawed in Kalistan, it is the more revolutionary variety that she was referring to.  Her intention was to express admiration for the words and thoughts of Chancellor Szymon Nowik and she deeply regrets any friction that her words have caused."  Lady Waltrip finished off her comments saying that the Empress said she is "eating crow" and advised the foreign minister to be especially accommodating to show that she was sincere in her apology.

Both Waltrip and Green were on message with regard to Kalistan's desire to go out of their way to support the democratic consolidation currently taking place in Valruzia.  "Kalistan is not known as a champion of democracy or populist movements," said Lady Waltrip.  "Quite the contrary, in fact.  But we are a much greater opponent of totalitarian states and brutal dictatorships.  If we can do anything to ensure that a non-totalitarian, popular, constitutional regime takes deep roots in our neighboring countries, we feel safer ourselves at home."  Waltrip said that the Kalistani government also reached out to the Tukarese Government with similar offers, but was told that Kalistan's assistance was not needed.  With a shrug, Lady Waltrip said "Well, you can't win them all.  As long as they also throw off their dictatorship, I suppose it doesn't matter if it happens with Kalistani or Valruzian support."

Waltrip and Greene are expected to be in Valruzia for about a week.  They will also discuss the potential of a Valruzian State visit to the Empire, which Lady Waltrip said Her Imperial Majesty would like very much.

@TheRepublic

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Her Imperial Majesty Orders Forestry Expansion in Ananto
Aims to start more than 10 million saplings within the next five years
Bluegrass Valley, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 4, 5633


Her Imperial Majesty Announces new Forestry Initiative

Meeting reporters in the Bluegrass Grove on Ananto Estate in Eveari, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto announced a new Forestry Initiative for the Green Mountains and the Davon Mountains in Ananto.  "We wish to extend the range of the famous Kalistani Redwood across our northern slopes and return a once treasured national symbol to its historic ranges."  To further this effort, Her Imperial Majesty has asked the National Service Program in Ananto to prepare no less than 10 million starts within the next three years.

"10 million new redwoods will cover about 75 square miles of territory," said Her Imperial Majesty.  "We have selected two slopes in the Green Mountains and in the Davon Mountains near Dulnerstaad which are deemed suitable.  These slopes are sufficiently remote and receive the correct type of moisture with the right kind of soil conditions for these trees to thrive and proliferate. We will not see it, but someday, those who sail along our northern coast will see deep redwood forests once again from our efforts here."

Her Imperial Majesty gave a brief history of logging in Ananto, and explained how most of the old redwoods were taken down during the early 21st century.  "Our land was clearcut, and there were no sustained efforts to return trees to Ananto in any large numbers.  All of the trees we see in our urban arboretums are all transplanted from other sources.  Its time for Ananto to get her forests back, and this is a start."

Her Imperial Majesty says she intends to commit one weekend a month to planting and tending the seedlings with the Ananto Corps until all 10 million starts are transplanted.  "We are fortunate to possess the entire Bluegrass Grove," said Her Imperial Majesty.  "Its natural beauty has been protected for centuries and now it's seedlings will spread across our Island."  Other seedlings will be obtained in the Nevaran Groves where Her Imperial Majesty worked during her time in the National Service Program.

"Generations in the future who visit the Davon and Green Mountain groves will never realize the work that we are about to accomplish," said Her Imperial Majesty.  "We are asking not only Conscripts from the NSP to pitch in for this important work, but also our leading citizens in Eveari, Dulnerstaad, and Kaliburg.  Come and volunteer with us and pitch to help us restore the natural beauty of our Island."

@LaModa

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Wanderlust goes Electronic with "experiment 8"
"We actually recorded sober," says Nilsson
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
November 12, 5533


Alt-Pop Wanderlust takes a dark turn on new album for ARC

"We actually recorded this record sober," said singer Elga Nilsson of the band Wanderlust.  Long known for sugar sweet lounge pop that employs unique instrumentation and poppy fun melodies, paired with dolorous lyrics, the band has decided to follow up their alt-rock foray First Band in Spencer with a much more electronic heavy entry called experiment 8.

"Fame kind of set in, and we started using a lot of drugs," said Nilsson. "Mostly mushrooms and acid, and that kind of opened our minds to newer sounds and different ways to actually make music that allows us to try new things." Nilsson brings her buttery smooth vocals to the record, of course, but she and composer Peer Markinsson went for a sharper edge, both in terms of chord progressions and production tone.

"We went with a lot of minor key music this time around," said Markinsson. "The thing is, I think we were all in a very good place, and we were in more of an exploratory mode when writing this music. And one of the cooler things is that the whole band wrote this record: everyone brought new ideas into the sessions. Lindy (Bassist Thomas Lindberg) has been listening to more industrial music down here in Sulari. And Elga has been doing more with the musicians up in Vrassa. It was really kind of a new experience, and I think it is the start of a more experimental phase for our music."

There is not really any sophistipop on this record at all. The drums are very sharp and electronic, the guitars are quite fuzzy, the keyboards are more like synths than organs, and the bass is definitely thicker and is more reminiscent of RF type music than the pop of earlier albums. Nilsson's voice even is a little grittier. And they brought in a new production team, with Markinsson and Lindy serving as co-producers alongside electronica producer Todd Ax. "Ax let us do a lot of stuff, but his ear was very valuable," said Markinsson. "He would say 'try this' or 'let's add this effect.' and it always seemed to work out, because it was usually what we were also thinking too. We definitely learned a lot."

"It sounds like she finally got tired of smiling all the time," said critic Ron Davis. "Elga's voice is certainly one of a kind. She normally sounds like what a ray of sunshine would sound like if it was a sound. On this album, it feels a bit more like a death beam, like a sun burn rather than something kind. Its definitely a darker tone for the whole band."

But there are also tender moments on the album as well that hearken back to earlier Wanderlust pop. One particular song, the "We'll Make it Out of Here" is sparsely arranged on the surface, but after listening deeper to the song, one can feel the emotion and the gentleness pouring out of the speakers. It's not pop in this sense. It transcends pop and verges on progressive music.

"This band has really grown up here in Kalistan," said Davis. "Experiment 8 is a very mature album, for a fanbase who has grown with the band. Can we say they have transformed into an alternative act after all? That would be fair, but it also ignores the fact that they have been an alternative band the entire time. Sophistipop isn't exactly top 40 stuff. There is a lot of stuff going on on this album that is as strange and as out of the ordinary as anything else that they have done, and their willingness to try new stuff shows not only their true virtuosity, but also their professionalism, that kind of puts complaints about their recreational activates to rest. If they make music like this on drugs, like who cares?"

The first single, "Another Round" is probably their hardest rocking song from the record. This is a mix of electronic and analog instrumentation, and there is nothing sweet about it. Markinsson uses the break at the end to shread on his guitar. "Its about as far from 'I Will Never Know' as we can get," said Markinsson.

"We were aiming at grit," said Nilsson. "There was a lot of really loud music in that whole scene, and we pretty much missed it all, so this was kind of our ode to those bands. Stuff I've been listening to in Vrassa City, that kind of stuff. Getting the guys to go up there and check it out, I think they were really impressed. This music is our ode to the Port Swedes Sound. I don't know if we will do more of that, though. Who knows."

Check out experiment 8, the full album, by Wanderlust, released by ARC Records, and then check out the video for the first single "Another Round" right here or on M7.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46EwecvbGp8]

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

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Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis Patronizes Kaliburg Orchestra
Musical Arts to be promoted in Capital
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 3, 5634


Lady Monica wants to fully fund a Command Orchestra in Capital

If you read the papers only, you would think that all Kalistan produces is loud alternative rock, hip hop and reggae music.  But you would be wrong.  In fact, Ananto and Kalistan also have a thriving classical and modern music scene which has nothing to do with popular music, and all to do with artistry and excellence.  And Her Highness the Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis is providing a very large and generous gift to help promote it in the wider consciousness.

"I studies the musical arts in college," said Lady Monica, in an interview before a performance of the Istalian opera Anna Lorena at the Kaliburg National Theater.  "My husband and I used to attend symphony performances, ballets, and operas regularly during his reign and it has always been my pleasure to do what I can to support the musical arts here in Kaliburg, as well as across Kalistan."

In an effort to formalize that support, Lady Monica has established the National Orchestra Foundation, with an initial capitalization of ₭12 million Imperial Rubles.  "The foundation will not only establish a long term commitment to the National Orchestra, but will allow them an opportunity to stretch out and try things that might not necessarily be in their wheelhouse," said Lady Monica.  "I can imagine a touring orchestra, student orchestras, additional programming to teach and advance musical education, perhaps patronization of composers so they don't have to have a job while they write, residencies for specific musicians, singers and dancers, and perhaps collaborations between the Orchestra a more popular music acts to encourage some cross over.  The possibilities are endless."

The initial capitalization will be drawn from the Princess' House Ananto pension, which is estimated to be guaranteed at more than ₭50 million a year (though it is widely reported that she returns nearly all of that money to the House General Fund annually) and is expected to be aggrandized at regular intervals.  "We also want to do fundraising around the the Orchestra," said the Princess. "There are many wealthy individuals in this city who I believe we can encourage to donate to this program.  Sustainability won't be an issue:  With enough money, we can keep arts at the forefront of our City in perpetuity.  I'm also thinking about potentially replicating the foundation in Sulari and perhaps Eshar, both of whom have thriving publicly funded arts communities, but would certainly benefit from having their financial concerns erased by generous philanthropic donations from the deep pockets across this empire."

The Princess said she will not administer the foundation.  "We have people who know about money to do that," she joked.  "House Ananto of course will manage the National Orchestra Foundation's finances.  I am lucky that I know the boss.  I'm just happy that we have the opportunity to patronize the musical arts here in Kaliburg, and I really look forward to the rest of the season."

Lady Monica said she attends performances weekly, and has even been seen out and about town, being escorted regularly by the Baron Calvin Morrison, 53, of Xanadu in Luxon County.  When asked if the two were an item for the gossip papers, Lady Monica smiled and said "Mr. Morrison and I are friends, and fellow music aficionados.  That's all at the moment."

@LaModa