Kalistani Major History

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Republican Studios to film new Mystery-Comedy in Sulari
Principle Casting completed; Locations chosen for "The Rug at the Center of it All"
Sulari, Suldanor
October 3, 5327


Nathan Green set to star as Fat Johnson in movie about stoner who loses a rug

Republican Studios has begun filming a much anticipated movie adaptation of absurdist novel Fat Johnson, which was published eight years ago, and has since developed a cult following among certain segments of the Kalistani population. "We finally secured the film rights to Fat Johnson from Vernon Franco [the author]'s estate," said Producer Tama Yakota, for Republican Pictures. "It was a challenge, not because the estate didn't want to conclude the deal but there were several suits filed against Republican by several fan clubs across the Republic when news leaked that we were in negotiations. They felt that Franco had intended for the book to remain an underground novel, and sued making some sort of cultural heritage claim against a wider exposure of this story. In the end, most judges dismissed the suits, and one ruled in favor of the author's estate, not supporting a copyright, but arguing that the will of the deceased specifically passed the ownership of the story onto the executor of the estate, Evan Hernandez, who was Franco's partner, and it was up to Hernandez what happened to the story."

The book itself is one of the more obscure novels to be published in the Republic in recent years. After the first run of 1000, it was discovered that Franco had deliberately misspelled many of the words in the book, specifically to make it difficult to read or copy. The publisher then hired a copy editor to go through and edit the book, but the project was abandoned when the author objected and the copy editor declared that time to revise the book to make it intelligible would increase the price of each copy sold significantly. At this point, the printer refused to print more copies and sued the author for a return of the advance that was sent. Franco eventually lost that suit, was forced to repay more than 400,000 KRB (most of which had already been spent on boats and drugs by the time the suit was adjudicated) and the publisher refused to print any additional copies, making the printed book instantly rare. The author further undermined efforts to make the book more accessible by publishing at least three separate different versions online over two years. Followers of the author's work insist that three of the four versions are canon, but do not agree on which three.

The unintelligibility of the book, though challenging, has been a holy grail for film makers, who consider the book to be a challenge worth accepting. "You realize, after about 400 pages into this book that the book is like Fat Johnson's ratty cardigan," said Yakota. "Since so few people have actually read this book, I'll try not to spoil the plot resolution, but it is like one of these situations where you have a thread hanging off your shirt, and you pull on it, only too late realizing that you have unraveled far more than you intended to. One problem leads to five others: Fat Johnson gets mistaken for another guy with his same legal name, mobsters come and bust up his apartment and destroy his yoga rug, he gets involved in a kidnapping plot, his car gets stolen by someone, he thinks either Fascists or a high school kid, there's no telling, and he spends a lot of time bowling, drinking, smoking herb and getting into strange situations. At the end, you're as lost as anyone. And this seems to be the beauty of it all: Nothing really means anything."

Flor Ellis, who is cast as artist Nann Johnson (fore) with Nathan Green and Peter Sullivan in early daily from "The Rug at the Center of it All"

According to Yakota, Republican Pictures greenlit the project because they think this may help kickstart the flagging Kalistani Film Industry. "They're taking a chance. We have some of the best comedic and dramatic actors in this absurd film about a dude who just wants his rug back. We think that people will come to the theaters to see Republican cinema for once, and we think there is a significant market out there for these type of films. It could pave the way for more of these types of movies." Republican Pictures generally produces concert films and hasn't actually competed in the feature film category for years. "We think our film makers have a lot to say, and with the buzz generated around us securing the rights to this story, I think we can really leverage that into support for the Kalistani film Industry as a whole."

Yakota said that principle location shooting has already begun but a few roles need to be cast yet. "We're still looking for a few supporting characters, like a cowboy who is kind of a mentor for Fat Johnson, and a female supporting character who plays the kidnapped victim. But we are going ahead with shooting, just in case some other nut case fan club decides to try to file a lawsuit against us to claim some sort of ownership of this story," said Yakota. "The Director, Bob Roth, has an excellent creative team working with him to make this bizarre book a reality on film and we expect to remain as true to the source material as we can figure out how to be. The Estate insists on it, and I think that's really the only way this story can be told satisfactorily. We think it will turn out very well, and fans will love it when it comes out."

The film is expected to be done with principle photography by December, and post production is expected to be completed by Spring. Yakota expects a release date of July of next year, "... barring any additional lawsuits..." she added.

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Precise Survey of the Republic completed
Republican Geodesic Survey determines previous number was too small
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 15, 5328


Surveyors like this team cross the Republic to determine precise size of Kalistan

The precise size of Kalistan was calculated following the successful completion of a two year effort to survey all the land of the nation. The official size is 838,675 square miles. This calculation includes only land above the shore line, and does not include a calculation of the Ananto Strait in National Territory. This number updates previous survey estimates that showed that the numbers were about 25 percent too low.

"To come to this figure, not only did we have teams of surveyors on the ground, using theodolites and distomats, but we also checked our work with GPS survey as well. The survey calculations were found to be within 1/1000th of a percent off the calculations of the survey teams, and were therefore accepted," said Survey Project Director Katherine Black, of the Republican Geological Survey. "By our calculation, the northernmost tip of Mainland Kalistan lies at 39deg 33Min 9sec North latitude by 13deg 49min 6sec West Longitude, while the southernmost tip lies at 16deg 21min 49sec North Latitude by 5deg 2min 3sec West Longitude. From these two points, we calculated the straightline distance of mainland Kalistan to be 1688 statutory miles, and from there we were able to conduct survey on land with the straightline serving as a baseline for the entire study. This is a far cry from the old survey, which was a map survey conducted with a very vague and old Republican map. Because borders were merely guessed at, and resolution of the original map survey was quite low, we were neither able to determine a baseline, nor conduct actual field surveys to determine the correct size of the Republic. We have remedied this issue with the recent survey."

Over the last two years, surveyors in each district established new baseline studies in each district, put in survey control points all along the baseline and from there surveyed 100 mile square sections. Warmer than average winters last year ensured that surveys were completed ahead of schedule but relentless and diligent work in all weather and temperature continued. "We had more than 1000 teams in the field working in three month shifts last year and this to get this survey done on time," said Director Black. "The amount of careful calculation that we accomplished was rewarded by the GPS, which checked our work time and time again and with error at less than 1/1000th of a percent, this is a survey that we can be proud of and trust."

The Republican Geological Survey published a new map with an accurate scale showing true distance between locations within the Republic that will allow planners to better estimate costs for upcoming infrastructure projects.

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"The Rug At the Center of it All" fails at the box office, but...
Some theaters have noted strong midnight sales in second run
Sulari, Suldanor
February 26, 5329


Republican Pictures' "The Rug at the Center of it All" posted dismal returns, but fans are giving it a second look

One of the most hyped new films to come out in recent years, "The Rug at the Center of it All" which was released at the end of October last year was by all measures a box office disaster. The movie, which cost Republican Pictures 21.6 million KRB to make failed to break even (even before marketing was considered) in its first trip through movie theaters in November. Numerous problems were cited for the dismal returns, including delays in release (it was meant for a July release, but was postponed for several months when it was discovered that about 15 unexposed cartridges of film were run through an xray machine at the airport, and the four key scenes needed to be reshot entirely in post production), competition for limited dollars around the holiday season, lack of adequate promotion, and some theater owners refusing to play a movie where the only discernable plot is "The Guy just wants his rug back." Two theaters in Vrassa even unsuccessfully sued Republican Pictures for damages following a loss in the concessions for the film.

When the movie left the movie theaters, few Kalistani even were aware of the film's release, much less went to see it. It is fair to say that most of those who did see the film were fans of the book, and they roundly panned the movie, while critics complained about lack of coherent story, absurdity, and drug and alcohol use making it unsuitable for small children. The film earned a dismal 16% positive on Movietone, the movie review aggregator. One review said "There were only three people besides me in the theater: A preacher, a kid and a drag queen. Typical night for this bomb. I hope it sinks Republican."

It seemed that the film was indeed headed for oblivion, until the film entered the second run theaters and played to midnight audiences. Kalistani theaters regularly play more esoteric and underground films, as well as movies which are not intended for families and concert films during the midnight showing times--They are incredibly inexpensive to acquire, and even with limited audiences, theater owners can generally generate a bit of profit during the late night hours catering to audiences who are looking for something to do and don't mind occasionally seeing something weird, slightly pornographic, or just poorly made. Concessions alone are usually enough to justify latenight programs at most theaters. Once "The Rug at the Center of it All" started playing in some Kaliburg and Sulari theaters overnight in mid January, it began attracting crowds of viewers who were at the theater following a night out at the bar or the club. And the movie began to generate some buzz.

Just this week, the movie finally began generating profit, based almost completely on late night shows. Republican Pictures has announced that 17 new theaters have ordered a copy of the movie to show, and they are considering rerelease in the Spring. "Right now, in just a few weeks, several critics have issued moderate to positive reviews for the program," said head of Audience engagement, Tom Yellen. "We have seen this movie go from a movie that nearly 5 whole people saw in the theater to one which is beginning to generate interest in latenight showing, when people can perhaps watch the film in a more appropriate state of mind, which is likely intoxicated in someway."

The experience of watching it with a crowd is part of the draw for a lot of people. "I've seen it like six times," said Valerie Burke, a college student in Yoshimi. "We've even started going bowling and then going to the late show with a few beers and a bowl or two of weed in us. We're part of the crowd that yells for the managers to keep the lights lit up a little, so we can see what other people are doing while watching the movie." Indeed, the crowds are fairly rowdy, but well behaved in all lateshows, but theaters have only started opting to keep lights on low, rather than making the theater completely dark, on demand from the crowd, because of people going to see this movie. "There's always a show, besides the show, if you get my drift."

It's unclear whether Republican Pictures will re-release "The Rug at the Center of it All" or just let it continue to deepen its cult status in the overnight market, but what is sure: now that word of mouth is generating interest in the film, it has finally found its audience and is getting its legs. Producers at Republican are breathing a sigh of relief.

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Kalistan surprisingly takes home top honors at Valois
Lourennais jury selection confirms what Millions of Kalistanis know: "The Critics were wrong"
Valois Lourenne
July 20, 5329


Principles from "The Rug At the Center of it All" pause for photos on the Red Carpet in Valois

Slacker cult film "The Rug at the Center of it All" has won "Best Film" and "Best Screenplay" at the prestigious Valois Film Festival in Lourenne. Director Bob Roth and principle actors Nathan Green, Flor Ellis and Jack Damon were on hand in Lourenne to participate in the film festival and lead a short panel discussion on the challenges of taking a fairly difficult novel and adapting it for film. Then at the Festival's capstone event, the Awards Ceremony, Roth was on hand to collect the award for Best Screenplay and Ellis, by vote of her comrades, accepted the award for Best Motion picture on behalf of producer Tama Yakota, who could not be in attendance. "We graciously and humbly accept this award," said Ellis in her short acceptance speech, "...on behalf of our studio and producer Tama Yakota, who took a pounding going into this movie and everything. On their behalf, we thank you and very much appreciate this recognition of the hard work of so many people. And to the Critics back in Kalistan: You were WRONG!"

"We were utterly flabbergasted at the nomination," said actor Nathan Green who played the main character of the story Fat Johnson. "I mean. Just wow, man. Can you dig it? We uh, you know... uh... we always thought this movie was something you know... I mean... you just don't make a movie like this... I mean to say, uh, we CAN make a movie like this, not to say anything about the Kalistani film industry or uh. uh... I mean... You know?"

Fellow actor Jack Damon, who played Fat Johnson's friend Hershel Weber, and whose conversion to and recently acquired zeal for the Yeudi faith and cultural history is a major plot point in the film, said "To be completely honest, we have some real fans back in Kalistan. But it is a surprise to me that they have heard of this movie over here. The way they tore us apart in the press, we kind of got that thing where people wanted to go see the movie because it received such bad press all the time, that people must have thought this was one of those things that was good because it was so bad. But I always believed in it, and so did Flor and Sam and Nate and Tama and Bob. They stuck with the project even when it looked like it would never come out. Really, this was Tama's doing: We went so far over budget, but she always came through with funding for one more scene, one more scene... And the fans... God bless them for discovering how funny this movie really was. Who'da thought: A movie about nothing can win awards too."

Films were only part of the event, of course. In Lourenne fashion is at least as important, and Lourennais designers certainly came through for designer slacker wear for Nathan Green and Jack Damon, who dressed down for the night in linen suits, t-shirts and floral prints, both outfits designed by Lourenne's Adiore house. Flor Ellis, for her part shunned the slacker chic and dressed in a very smart evening dress complete with golden bow accent, designed by Henri Saint Martin. The Kalistanis joined other international film stars on the Red Carpet, snapping pictures with the director of "The Rug At the Center of it All", Bob Roth, for Lourennais magazines and tabloid television programs.

Over all the gala was a fantastic and well attended event, with Roth stating that Kalistan will most certainly be interested in attending again the next time it is held!

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Seizure Releases Sophomore Album
Fans enjoy noise and happy for new music, but critics blast highly personal lyrics
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 10, 5330


Noise Alternative seems to faded further into Alternative on Seizure's Second outing "Neveras"

Leaning harder on alternative than even in their own previous album, Kaliburg's Seizure released their second album this week. Though it did good in first week sales, it did not break any records for opening weekend unit shifting. In addition, most critics panned the lyrics as indulgent, self-focused and bourgeoisie.

Seizure has, since their debut in three and a half years ago, developed a legion of devoted fans, many of whom describe themselves as "socially awkward" and "introverted", or basically the polar opposite of the audience for RF. Many consider themselves music "curators" who engage in online discussions about the contents of their vast library. Seizure's music and the culture that has grown up around the band has lent to this, with Seizure's band members themselves engaging in discussions in various forums about what music people should be listening to, and the changing styles of music over Kalistan's history.

This fanbase has generally supported the band by making their debut release a multiplatinum album. They also snapped up the various eps and live recordings of Seizure's legendary shows. "Unfortunately for Seizure, their propensity to destroy their instruments during shows and blow out their amplifiers costs money," said Modern rock critic Arthur Fitzgerald, writing for the small Sulari weekly, Renegade. "Their need to fund their shoegazing habits has kept them on the road which has caused delays in writing and recording of new material. Plus, its clear that they drank a lot of their own koolaid with this new album. 'Neveras' really seems aimless, indulgent, and a product of bourgeoisie culture. No band has demonstrated such a propensity for yuppiedom as Seizure, who never abandoned their nerdy looks, but instead started wearing polo shits instead of videogame tshirts. They are a solidly middleclass, suburban band now, and this worldview is reflected in some of their lyrics."

Other critics have hit the band for discussing themes like the fetishization and exotification of foreign women (singer and songwriter Roger Capelli has notably had several very public relationships with Indralan and Seko models.) unattainability and infatuation in romance, mommy issues, and frustration. "This album is like the anthem of the involuntarily celebate," said music writer Margaret Forester, writing for The Republic, "the frustrated young men who do not know that in order to actually find a love interest, you have to take your significant other off the pedestal and be fine with the fact that they are just humans. You also need to stop spending so much time in your mom's basement, take a shower and go out to where other humans are. Like a club, or the theater, or a bar, or any social situation. But for god's sake: Don't look for love at the Seizure Concert: Everyone there is just like you, while you and they all think they are the only people in the whole world that feel like you all do, and they are all as afraid of you as you are of them."

Seizure was asked to respond to the criticism of the record. "Most of it is completely unfair," said Capelli. "I mean, its like these people would rather discuss our fans than listen to our music. But goddamn: maybe we are middle class. Is that a crime? We made the loudest rock record we could-- Sh-t man. Did you hear the opening on the third song "Don't Play Around"? We turned our guitars into a frickin chain saw- Did you hear those harmonics? But we're not gutter punks: unlike a lot of these Noise Bands, we actually know how to play our instruments. If the critics don't like that, then they suck. And who asked them for their opinions anyway?"

Fans generally sided with the band in the controversy. "Seizure makes all kinds of music," said 13 year old Tabitha Nelson, of Vrassa City. "Yeah, some of their music is kind of lonely, and a lot of it is like grittier than their first record, but we have been waiting for new music from this band for three frickin years. The fidelity on this record is pure. Have you all even listened to it? It totally speaks to both me and my older brother Ron. We saw Seizure last year and it was the best show I ever went to." Marcy Ulyssees, 19 of Sulari was asked what she thought of the new album. "I mean, its a little different, and they seem kind of list frustrated, but its more like they write songs for their base. And yes, this record is indeed loud. Which is what's really important, right? The songs are pretty good, and while it took a little getting used to, I think I'd give it like a 9. Nothing will be better than 'The Return of...' so a 9 is pretty good."

Regardless of what the critics think, "Vrassa" is on the same trajectory for success that has kept Seizure going these last few years. Vrassa is conservatively expected to sell more than 500,000 units in the coming months, and more than a million is not completely outside the realm of possibility. "It won't be as big as our first album," said Capelli. "We're fine with that. We can live off royalties from 'It ain't so" [from "The Return of..."] alone. This was always going to be a more inward focused record anyway and if a few parents don't buy it for their kids, we will be alright. Whatever anyone says, we made a good record and we ain't apologizing for it. Our fans would hate us if we did anyway."

Listen to "Last Girl on Earth", the first single from Seizure's "Neveras" here or check out the video premiering this week on M7. You can stream the whole album here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjy3XbxMW1A]

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The Loudest band in Kalistan right now is not Kalistani
New Englian band Banjax makes name for themselves in Suldanor rock venues
Sulari, Suldanor
July 7, 5330


Ted Howell, bassist for Noise Alternative band Banjax, blasts out distortion in Sulari gig last week

The Noise Alternative subgenre is no longer just for Kalistanis any longer. The Republic has recently become the adopted home of New Englian band Banjax , who have taken up the genre and quite possibly are outdoing their contemporaries. Led by Martin Coyle on lead guitar, Banjax has been blasting a name for themselves in Suldanor music venues for the last year, becoming local favorites among listeners of Noise Alternative. "I think we've been adopted by these lot," said Drummer Francis McLaughlin. "We almost can't walk down the street in daylight any longer."

As the bigger Kalistani acts begin moving away from the Noise part of Alternative, and more toward melodic or emotional Alternative, Banjax are seriously more interested in giving the Noise part a shot in the arm. "We grew up listening to these Kalistani records," said Ted Howell, the bassist for the band. "We might be the only three lads in our hometown to listen to the Kalistani records, but it inspired us, you know. Inspired me to pick up a guitar and learn it. My ma, she said I had to go to college, but she still bought me my bass when we started this band. And when we told our folks we were moving to Kalistan to try our luck at music, me da gave us the money they were saving for my schooling. Who would have thought now we would be in KRM!"

Howell told the story of how he and his bandmates arrived in Sulari, having spent most of their money on plane tickets, and soon afterwards were completely broke. "Struggling artist, isn't it," said Howell, with a smile. "We were living in a flat over a butcher shop down here, and eating chicken soup and whatever the butcher had left over for like six months, gigging on the street, you know, what they call that Busquing. And then we started getting paid to play in clubs, and we could finally make our rent. Kind of hard to shag in a situation like that, you know?" McLaughlin chimed in here: "Didn stop us though, did it? Lots of beautiful women here in Sulari, and regrettably there is only one me. But in all seriousness, Ladies..."

Due to the continuing increase in fanbase that Banjax has experienced, in the last month, they have begun seeing A&R reps appearing at their shows. "We've been approached, I think by ARC and LCR, And Vrassa District," said Coyle. "Each are offering us different things. One wants to support a tour, one wants us to make a demo on our own money, etc. They hit us, maybe once or twice a week. But so far, the only one who has ever put any money on the table was ARC: they are probably looking at a development deal, where we cut a single, it gets distribution, we make a video and see what happens. We took that, and that I'm guessing is why we're talking with you today."

Indeed, Banjax has completed production on a new single, meant to be released digitally at first before moving to physical media. The single, titled "She Slips into the Night" has begun receiving airplay on local KRTVN affiliates, and college radio stations in the Sulari/Dana/Yoshimi areas, and is quickly becoming a favorite at shows. Fortunately for fans, it is seen as one of their more accessible songs, Noise wise--It leans alternative like recent outings from Seizure and other Noise bands that have released music, but rest assured, the band does get a lot louder, and intends to record that way. "I heard this band when I was a little lad," said Coyle. "It was that band G-d D-mn-d M-th-F-ck-rs... I grew up thinking 'If I can sound as loud as them, I will be happy.' And then I think we set our sights higher. We want every song that has any noise in it whatsoever to absolutely blister, and then we cool it off with some sweet poppy kinda tunes, more for the alternative teenyboppers, and then back to the acidic guitar tones. It's suppose to make you want to jump up and down. It's like love like this. Sometimes, when you love a person so much like it just gets like too intense you know, and its hard to be in that. But then, you see the bird and it calms your soul. That's what our music is supposed to be like. Elation, satisfaction, happiness and kinda cutesy stuff, but not too cutesy, because then we plug the amps in and blow you away."

The hard work, the grittiness of the band's music and the devotion to distortion that is evident in most of Banjax's music has made them the loudest current Band in Kalistan. "It's quite an honor to be thought of this way," said Coyle. "But I think with a bit of skrill we can get even louder. So. Come to our shows and give us your money. I guarantee we will spend it."

You can check out Banjax' brand new video "She Slips into the Night" released by ARC, right here and stream their music on any of your favorite platforms. With luck, we will see an LP from them soon!

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35hDrzcHnIA]

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RailSul sticks to coast, Completes next stretch of Track
Construction challenged by coastal hill ranges, Bridge over Yoshimi River
Reynoldia, Suldanor
August 22, 5330


Bridge over Yoshimi adds 45 million KRB to RailSul's costs, delays line completion for 6 months

RailSul has announced that it has completed the line from Sulari to Reynoldia, Suldanor, via the minor Port and processing center of Sweet Port enroute. The three cities are now connected by 370 Miles of additional track designed for use RailSul's High speed Maglev trains and can take 120 passengers an hour between Sulari and Reynoldia, completing the journey in just over an hour and 15 minutes.

"It is in longer distances that we will begin seeing the real benefits of high speed elevated magnetic trains," said this leg's project manager Robert Givens. "The price for the round trip ticket is still a bit steep: about 435 KRB for a two way pass between Reynoldia and Sulari, but like the Dana-Sulari line, we expect to see that price dropping significantly over the next couple years, as more people use the train and private investment especially is recouperated. As for now, the trains are running, and three leave the station each way in an hour, so things appear to be on schedule."

This leg has been three years in the building. "Sulari benefits from a lot of flat land," said Givens, "But there were a couple challenges we faced which required engineering expertise as well as explosives. We had to cut our way through some tricky spots in the Suldanor Hills, which present a natural barrier and watershed in the center of Suldanor. That took us several months of crawling. Another major challenge we had was that there were almost no suitable places to build a bridge across the Yoshimi at Reynoldia. The soil there is so soft and bog like that the bedrock lies a long way below the surface. In addition, Reynoldia is built on a bank that is significantly higher than the plain on the north side of the river, and so we had to deal with dramatic increase in elevation upon crossing the river. A solution we came up with was to sink 35 pylons into the bedrock on the Yoshimi River's North bank, and gradually elevate the track to the height of Reynoldia over several miles beyond that. We built primarily through farmland and flood plain, so we didn't run into a lot of property issues. It was a solution that allowed us to construct the shortest bridge possible across the Yoshimi and not pay a ton of money for it."

Departing Sulari Station as a new maglev train arrives, this train is enroute to Sweet Port

Givens said the price tag for this leg of construction came in at about 21.2 Billion KRB of public money and another 14.1 Bn in Private investment. "We're still at just over 98 million KRB per mile of track," said Givens. "I'd like to see that number fall as we get better at this. We are not going to compromise on quality, of course, but I think that as we build more and more track, we will discover things that are unnecessarily costing us money, and cut those things out of the budgets. We can build the train cars out of less expensive materials, I think, and look for cheaper sources of materials to build the tracks with as we move into other Districts. When we get into Odufaray, we will utilizing pre-fabricated bridges, and we will take the expertise we gained here going through hills to improve efficiency and proficiency when we get to Vrassa which is almost all hills. But for now, we are not resting on our laurels: Yoshimi, the southern Terminus of Rail Sul is a mere 87 Miles away. We expect to complete that distance in a year and then we will have continuous local and express service between Yoshimi and Dana. And Reynoldia will serve as a hub of its own for the cities up the Yoshimi River. These are exciting times."

Givens also noted that RailSul is working on a new fuselage for train, a sleeker, more aerodynamic design that could theoretically improve speeds, and provide for a more comfortable ride. "Our current design is probably better suited for slower speeds," said Givens. "At high speeds, it tends to be quite loud, and decreases user satisfaction. It also is high enough profile that high winds can affect the smoothness of its transit. While not a safety issue, given the repellence of the magnets, it does cause the cars to rock more than they should, and we are required to keep people in their seats for safety. A new design that we are looking at will reduce a lot of that drag, and make our trains even more energy efficient than they already are."

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Republican Pictures casts new Rom-Com set in Port Swedes during early 4900s
Soundtrack expected to feature Grit and Alt-Folk
Port Swedes, Vrassa
February 8, 5331


Republican Pictures film titled "Couples" pairs Dulnerstaad actress Yvette Dubois-Gauthier with Sulari Actor and musician James Salvador in debut roles

Republican Pictures has greenlighted its next major picture, the rom-com called "Couples". The film, set during the early 4900s stars Lourennais-Kalistani actress Yvette Dubois-Gauthier as starry eyed Michelle Girard, and follows her exploits as she explores new independence in Port Swedes Vrassa during the height of the Vrassan music movement. There she falls into a merry group of drug users and ne'er do wells led by Thomas Davies, played by James Salvador, and quickly adopts the habits of the local troublemakers. There is a romantic subplot between James and his on again-off again girlfriend Jenna, played by Helena Morris, that is complicated by Michelle's appearance and desire to join a grit band, and when jealousy heats up, it is up to Michelle to help Thomas get the love of his life back so he can play a club gig and possibly get signed.

Dubois-Gauthier said she is excited about the film: "Oh yeah, I think this story is probably fairly common in a place like Kalistan. People come here from all over the world, and in Kalistan, what music you're listening, who you see in concerts whose band shirt you are wearing when you go out, its really still very important. Nobody ever listens to just 'music' here. Everyone has their identity kind of tied up with what scene they may be a part of. So I think my character's experience in this movie is will strike moviegoers where they live: they will be able to see a lot of themselves in the characters in this program."

Salvador also mentioned the romance subplot. "It's kind of a weird movie where the principles aren't the ones who get together. I think Thomas would have fallen for Michelle in a big way, but that is not his fate. He's hung up on this completely other girl. Which I think allows him and Michelle to kind of actually be friends, bonding over a shared love of music and like following bands and stuff. I think its a neat twist."

The movie's soundtrack is already getting some heat in the press. It features all unreleased tracks from various artists who were incredibly popular in the Republic during the time the film is set. "I mean: heyday of Grit, right?" said Salvador. "There's songs by Allison, The Wolf Hound, Surfboard, the late... GREAT... Jennifer Stepanov, the Wolfpack, Chasm, Joanie Yeardley... You name it, if they were an awesome artist recording around that time, they're going to have a song in this movie." The film got a crucial assist from Vrassa District Records, who's signed artists dominated the music scene during that time. "We felt you couldn't really tell this story without the music," said Music director Carry Anne Hight.

The movie does feature ample drug use in multiple scenes, and some parents groups have expressed caution about the film due to this fact. "Port Swedes had a lot of premature death due to heroin and drug abuse at that time," said Vrassa City mom Nadine Johnson, who leads up a local drug awareness group dedicated to the deglorification of drugs in Kalistan. "We just want to make sure that Parents know that if their kids are going to see this movie, this is the kind of dangerous and self-destructive behavior they will see on the big screen."

Salvador, for his part shrugged it off. "I mean, all the characters use drugs--that's part of the story, and also part of the history of this scene. We can't just sanitize it. But we do also include cautionary tales. One of the Crew, Dave, who is Thomas' friend, overdoses when he is introducing Michelle to heroin for the first time. After that, she gets too freaked out about it, and sticks to safer chemicals. It was a pretty difficult scene to watch."

"Yeah, that scene," said Dubois-Gauthier, "I had to research it for a week to know what this drug is supposed to do to people when they have an overdose. Obviously, we're not going to be sitting on set smacking up, especially if we have to take like 50 takes of the same thing. But I will tell you something: The needle was real. It was filled with saline, but it was real. And we had to do the take like 3 times. So I wanted to make sure I got it down and I know Brad [Donahue, who played Dave who overdosed] wanted to get it right too, and we don't want anyone who has ever used Heroin to watch the movie and be like 'Oh that's not how you tie off!' or 'Oh you missed the vein. What are you doing?!' We had to learn a lot about it to look convincing."

Despite depressing subjects like Drug overdose, "the film really is quite lighthearted and we had a lot of fun on it so far," said Salvador. "We expect to have it finished in a few weeks, and then send it to post to get it ready for release in what, 6 months, or so, maybe end of June?"

"Yes," added Dubois-Gauthier, "end of June is when they are expected to be completed with it. I can't wait to watch the whole thing once it is done."

[Doc]

Republican Press Group Launches New Culture Magazine
La Moda to be sister magazine for Kalistani Rawk Monthly
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 1, 5331


Melissa OBrien is new Editor in Chief of La Moda Magazine

The Republican Press Group, the independent Private sector press company that publishes The Kalistani Republic in Kaliburg and Kalistani Rawk Monthly in Sulari has launched a new fashion and culture monthly magazine called La Moda to be published in Kaliburg, and named style journalist Melissa OBrein as Editor in Chief.

"RPG has noticed an increase in coverage of fashion stories in Lourenne," said OBrien, "and market research reveals there is an appetite in Kalistan for fashion and culture stories as well. Most of our culture coverage has gone through the Kalistani Republic and KRM, but with the launch of La Moda, we can rededicate The Republic to stories about news, politics and policy, keep our music coverage clear and crisp, and bring culture and fashion coverage to Kalsitan in a new Magazine. I look forward to creating exciting journalism around Kalistani culture, food, theater, film and of course fashion, both domestic and international, as it affects and interests the people of our Republic."

The fashion industry in Kalistan remains dominated by Lourennais designers, while the domestic Kalistani fashion designers went out of business centuries ago. "Kalistani fashion, such as it is, is an extension of Lourennais fashion," said OBrien. "Our clothing manufacturers do not create high fashion. Instead, the Kalistani industry is focused on functional garments that emphasize comfort and durability over anything that would be considered 'fashionability.' Kalistani socialites who want to 'dress up' so to speak will buy from Lourenais designers, either directly or through outlets here in the Republic. Increasing interest in fashion, however, may someday prompt domestic designers to stay home and open up their own design houses rather than travelling to fashion centers like Eroncourt to work with more established designers. The door is actually wide open in Kalistan for a cultural boom, and what we need is someone who is dedicated and skilled enough to make this happen, to provide a reasonable alternative which also carries with it prestige that people seek from the Lourennais designers."

La Moda is expected to publish monthly, and will have a staff of 25 professional writers covering numerous beats. The magazine will also feature reader-created content, and will have a website that will serve as a companion and a community portal for the print magazine.

Welcome to La Moda.

[Doc]

First Factions of Suyu Llaqta Redlegs arrive in Odufaray
Recently negotiated training/armament arrangement aims to train Artillerymen from Dovani
Fort Harrison Training Center, Springfield Odufaray
July 4, 5333


Units of the Llaqtese military join Kalistani Regulars at Artillery School

The governments of Kalistan and Suyu Llaqta have just concluded a training and armament deal that will see elements of the Llaqtese military arriving in Kalistan on a regular rotation for the next 2 years. Each rotation is expected to last three months, until all units of the Suyu Llaqta have trained with the M198 Medium towed Howitzer.

"The reason that members of the Llaqtese military are learning how to fire these weapons is because of their recent purchase of the gun from Kalistan," said Regular Force spokeswoman Lt. Rachel Peterson. "Suyu Llaqta will, over the next two years, take order of 40 of these guns, the Centerpiece and Pride of the Kalistani Regular Force, to be produced here in Kalistan by KALMILINCO. The total cost for the purchase is K28,500,000 , which represents a 5% discount off the normal price of this weapon. The cost includes shipment of the guns to Suyu Llaqta, in Dovani, as well as training of the Llaqtese Military."

Lt. Peterson also describe the training cycle: "The deployments will be for 3 months at a time, with 5 weeks spent in the classroom, learning TFT's, GFT's, Met Charts, and Computer and Chart operations. The basics of trig will also be included as they apply to artillery survey and accurate fires. Following classroom time, we will then host the Llaqtese units in the field, where they will learn battery operations, Fire Control Center operations, communications protocol, forward observation and liaison with air, infantry and tanks on station, met observation, and artillery survey. We will also practice with Llaqtese EOD to demonstrate how Kalistan deals with unexploded ordinance. This is the same training Regular Artillerymen in Kalistan receive, and the Llaqtese units will be joined by Regular enlistees who are attending Artillery School. All training will be overseen by the Training Staff at the Artillery School, and by the time a Llaqtese unit leaves Kalistan, they will be among the best trained Artillerymen and women in the world."

The deal also includes ongoing support for the weapons themselves, as well as a sideline deal for munitions, which will involve the transfer of Kalistani munition specs to Suyu Llaqta, so they may begin producing their own munitions in Dovani. "Kalistan is not known as a big arms dealer. But we do have the expertise to build our own weapons much of the time, and we can feel at ease in transferring blueprints and specs not only for munitions but for the guns themselves to other friendly nations. Hence, after this initial purchase, while Suyu Llaqta may want to buy more guns from The Republic, they won't be forced to. We are not like some nations who jealously guard technology. We proliferate what we can, so that the non-Aligned nations of the world can have a chance against better armed imperialist nations. It is no think for Suyu Llaqta to be able to manufacture artillery at home rather than having to come all the way to Kalistan to do so, and with the proper training in place, they can also set up their own schools to train future generations."

The Lieutennant added: "It will be a matter of pride to see our artillery firing in foreign nations."