Kalistan

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Who said Brethrenists couldn't get loud?  Grace Martin Kicks open that door



Grace Martin releases High Contrast on KMI
Music for Silent Worship?  "No" says Brethrenist Martin
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 17, 5562

When you think of Noise Alternative, you don't often think of Brethrenism.  The two seem to be antithetical.  But Eveari's Grace Martin, 23, has decided to try it anyway.  Her debut LP on KMI, called High Contrast, meets the challenge with flying colors.  And the name suggests more than the obvious contradiction between Martin's faith, history, and ahem, recreational preferences and the kind of music she opts to play.

"You don't often get a lead violin in Alternative Rock," said Martin, who uses a highly produced violin to produce a lot of the unique and interesting effects on the record.  "I mean, I still play the guitar, but I was trained as a classicist on the violin from a very young age, and think it adds a lot to the music.  I totally love the violin, and its been a real joy for me to be able to incorporate it into modern music."

When asked for a brief background of her background, Martin said that she grew up a devout Brethrenist in Eveari, the home of the Anantos.  "It was nothing to see an Emperor in Meeting, and in fact, the first time I accompanied my father on violin when I was 6 or 7, the Emperor was part of our monthly sing along after Meeting," said Martin.  "While my parents were, and are still very conservative about almost everything, being from Eveari, we always had music --It was all pretty music, like the exact opposite of the Noise Alternative on the radio from bands like Amethyst Lemon or Ultrafuzz, which I initially found scary.  My father was a music teacher at Eveari Secondary School, and he used to say that Noise Alternative would make my brain melt.  But music was always a part of my household.  And I and my friends started listening to Alternative at I don't know 12, 13?  The age most children develop their own tastes.  When I was a teenager, Noise became kind of a rebellious thing, especially since all the musicians were all drug addicts.  It seemed dangerous for me, a straight kid from Eveari of all places.  It became VERY exciting to me."

Martin says that unlike most artists in the Noise subgenre, she doesn't use drugs at all.  "I often wonder if they use all those drugs and they hear all those sounds in their mind because of the drugs," said Martin.  "But I hear them because I listened to all their music.  None of my band uses drugs.  We may occasionally drop down to the smoke shop and pick up some cigarettes, but to be completely honest, even tobacco hurts my throat, and I don't feel like I am a very good singer after smoking.  So I stick to herbal tea--Lemon and Hibiscus, that's as wild as I get."

While High Contrast has a lot of straight Alternative rock on it, it regularly veers into very heavy distortion, pedal effects and psychedelia.  "I wrote these songs when I was still a kid, I think maybe like 3 or 4 years ago.  And I always played them live backed up by an acoustic band, so I wouldn't get in trouble.  When we were picked up by KMI and met Mel (Melissa Blanco-Baker, Producer of High Contrast) she said 'You know, these songs don't sound like folk songs to me.' and I said "They don't?' and she said 'These are alternative songs, aren't they?' and I seriously thought I was in trouble, like she was gonna tell my dad.  I confessed, and she said 'I am pretty sure they are actually even louder than that too, at least they were when you wrote them.  Am I right?' And I sheepishly admitted that they were.  She signed us on the spot, told us 'for God's Sake plug in your guitars and let us make the record we were suppose to.'"

Under Blanco's guidance, Martin and band crafted a compact, efficient record that mixes punk, lo-fi, and Noise with acid and a touch of pop to make the songs very loud, but very accessible in High Contrast.  "It's very unexpected that a lot of those things will fit so well together," said Martin.  "I am very happy with what we have made, and my father mother even listened to it and were impressed that I not only did what we wanted, but I was also able to keep some of the pretty elements in the music.  It was so proud that my parents dug it.  Maybe they aren't such sticks in the mud!"

To put not too fine a point on the issue, Martin said "My mom even let me shoot our first video (for "Everything's Fine") in our living room and dining room in Eveari!"

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lORX6Va32OQ]
You can watch the video for Grace Martin's first singly "Everything's Fine" from her debut album on KMI High Contrast right here!

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWVWGKg-r1c]
and preview the video "Better Today", the B-Side for "Everything's Fine" also on her Debut Album

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Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Bertram Ames-Ananto discussing positive developments in Gaduridos



Chancellor of the Empire takes opportunity to encourage Gaduridos
"Socialism is not incompatible with Empire," claims Sir Bertram Ames
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 17, 5562

The Chancellor was on hand today at the Seleyan State Economic Symposium, which was a gathering of scholars who were presenting papers on the state of the Dual Economy in Kalistan.  Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Bertram Ames-Ananto delivered the keynote speech to the conference being held at Imperial University, and had encouraging words for the developments in Gaduridos that may signal a softening of Kaliburg's attitude toward Gaduridos.

"First," the Chancellor began, "I want to emphatically say that socialist ideals about equality of all humans are ideas of the idealistic past in Kalistan.  Some are born to reign, some are selected to govern, and some are meant to live their lives free of problems face by the toiling masses of other nations.  I wouldn't go so far as to say it is the natural order or hierarchy of things, but it is as close to the natural order as you will find in Kalistan.  The notion that you can do away with Emperors and Empresses is frankly unimaginable in what Kalistan has become since the Coronation of Empress Nicolette I Ananto 104 years ago.

"Now, with that said," continued Chancellor Ames, "we are not so far removed from a time when socialists actually were hegemonic in Kalistan, and hegemonic for centuries.  Nearly all of Kalistan's economy, society, our standing in the world are the legacy of socialism, especially as expressed in the Dual Economy and Zero Percent Growth strategies.  We have economic prosperity because of the deep, deep foundations laid by the Socialist Party of Kalistan, and while our government remains suspicious of populism and downright hostile to the notion of democracy, nonetheless, we have to acknowledge where that Dual System has ensured that all in Kalistan can live a prosperous life without anyone able to use their economic power to dampen the lives or future of any one else."

The Chancellor laid out the fundamentals of the Dual Economy, and at length, mentioned Gaduridos' progress.  "We see, for example, the government of Gaduridos following along similar, measured, and tightly controlled strategies, and I would even say that outside Kalistan, Gaduridos' reforms are ones we are carefully watching and privately, well, not so privately anymore, I suppose, cheering for and hoping for success.  Their level headed approach to class improvement without class warfare feels very familiar, and I should also say, very comfortable to the Kalistani who grew up with UBI, National Service, and free public health care, education, housing, and utilities available to all, without regard to their individual wealth."

The scholars at the conference seemed to be a little shocked that it appeared that the Chancellor was championing socialist reform in the southern Republic.  "One may think so," said Sir Bertram, "but I put to you here, that socialism and the Empire are not incompatible at all.  In fact, Kalistan has one of the most comprehensive public sectors, outside of Baltusia, in the Anantonese Region.  We may be hostile to democracy, but we are also very, shall we say, cool on capitalism, and most certainly on the unfettered kind.  We allow our capitalists to make money so long as their activity serves the people and interest of this nation, and as soon as the capitalist puts his own interest first, we maintain the tools necessary to force that capitalist's ill gotten gains to vanish like a fog before the noon sun.  When you consider this, how much more socialist do you want?"

While Gaduridos is clearly not following the Kalistani model, but seem to be developing their own model, Chancellor Ames still expressed support.  "They are clearly not following a Metzist model either, but more of a National Development, Export Led Growth one.  It is a model we prefer to the model offered by say Baltusia, who seems ideologically committed to the advancement of proletariat, even to the detriment of the owning and investing classes--Obviously if Kalistan had to pick one, we would pick Gaduridos' model as it is closer to our own, though Baltusia makes their model work for them, and good for them.  Political disagreements aside, Kalistan can respect that effort by Gaduridos to put Gaduri interests first, to grow their own economy on their own terms, and to seek help when they need it.  The Empress may disagree with who their friends are, but she still holds that a strong Gaduridos is a strong Seleya, so Kalistan will applaud them from a distance, and look forward to a time when we have something that they want."

The Chancellor finished his remarks, and during the question and answer period, he reiterated several times that the Socialist Party of Kalistan remains an "illegal political formation", as does every other ostensibly democratic, republican or liberal Party.  "I know I just said nice things about the Gaduri progress," said Chancellor Ames, "but that's for them.  In Kalistan, your option is the Institutionalist Party.  And ultimately, the Empress, and there is no alternative, politically speaking, I mean.  Don't misunderstand what I said here--It will behoove you all to put the notion that Kalistan could degenerate to a republic, even if it wanted to, completely out of your mind.  The Republic is dead and buried in Kalistan."

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Newly promoted Brigadier General Martin Jackson discusses strategic mission of new 4th Fleet



Gen. Martin Jackson, HIM Minister of Defense, says 4th Fleet nearly Complete
"Kalistan shall begin looking for Basing in Mad Dog Ocean
Port Swedes, Duchy of Vrassa
April 18, 5562

As the final elements come online for the 4th Fleet, Kalistan looks to launch its first ever forward fleet into the Mad Dog Ocean.  The move is part of a longstanding effort to increase Kalistan's early warning capabilities and an effort to increase Kalistani strategic options in the defense of the Seleyan Continent.

"But we have a problem with the 4th Fleet," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense, BGen Martin Jackson.  "The theater of operations is quite a ways away from logistics ports in Kalistan, so supplies will need to be regularly moved into the Mad Dog to keep these ships supplied.  Logistics is not exactly the sexiest topic, and supply of such a large, almost organism like a Fleet, is not something basically anyone talks about in international news papers while they are showing off their high tech weapons, but in fact, it really is a challenge that military planners face all the time."

General Jackson said that the procurement cycle for the 4th fleet includes a significant stock of supply and logistics ships that will be based in Port Swedes with the 2nd Fleet, and will ferry supplies, fuel, ammo, spare parts and sailors back and forth, "but the 4th Fleet itself will have to serve as a floating expeditionary base until we can find a site that be willing to lease us some space to use as a launching point for fleet drills in that ocean."  The General said the Government of Kalistan was reviewing some options, but have not yet approached anyone.  "We'd kind of like to feel people out a bit, and see who would be enthusiastic to help, who would be hostile toward the proposition and who really doesn't care.  Ideally, we would prefer those who really don't care, see the opportunity to serve as a forward base as a money proposition, and will house us as long as we continue to obey the law."

General Jackson said that the Government of Kalistan was prepared to send up test balloons in Lodamun, Likatonia, Hobrazia and Malivia.  "We know for a fact that much of Artania would throw a temper tantrum if Kalistan was able to acquire basing in Malivia or Hobrazia, judging by how they reacted when Lodamun tried the same thing," said General Jackson.  "But Malivia especially agreeing to work with Lodamun shows that perhaps they might be a little more open to the idea than others."  When asked about the possibility of basing in Kundrati, the Defense Minister said "Yeah, its a no.  At one point, there might have been a possibility, but that door has been slammed shut on us by now.  Nothing we did, just international breezes blow one way one day and the other the next.  And Her Imperial Majesty being from Kundrati gives us absolutely no currency in that country."

Until basing issues are resolved, patrols of the Mad Dog Ocean, which will help the Regular Forces of Kalistan better perceive coming threats and challenges in the Anantonese, will be limited.  "Over the next few years, the role of the 4th Fleet, as a Fleet Unit, will involve testing the waters, more or less," said General Jackson.  "We are ever mindful of the issues of supply, but we also want to give nations in the region the opportunity to get to know us, slowly and cautiously, to find opportunities to train together, to share experience, maybe to fraternize, and for them to get used to us being there.  Moving a whole fleet into a new theater, especially one which is surrounded by major players, many of whom are not friendly to Kalistan, will take some finesse, to show people that we are there for our own reasons, and don't want to harass them.  It will take some time and some trust building."  

As the role evolves, the 4th Fleet is intended to remain deployed on a permanent basis, returning to port perhaps once or twice a year.  "Our subs can stay out indefinitely," said General Jackson, "and submarine operations will constitute the majority of the tactical operations in the ocean over the coming years.  But eventually, they will be in support of a surface fleet which will gradually move west from the Karzon Strait where they will remain in constant supply and communication, into the Mad Dog Ocean, and then our Navy will fully become a two ocean Navy."  Most of the fleet is already conducting limited operations on the Northern Limit, and will be formally inaugurated in October, when the first Indica-C Class Subs receive orders into the Mad Dog.

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Elements of Army South Artillery Prepare to Deploy to Wrnuke while Kalistan prepares to host Wrnukean Navy



Secret details of Cooperation Deal made public
Wiel will join Kalistani Regular Navy in Port Swedes
Port Swedes, Duchy of Vrassa
30 June, 5562

As Kalistan's military mission expands into the Mad Dog Ocean, new details of additional military cooperation have been released from Kalistan's Ministry of Defense.  It is acknowledged that elements of the Wrnukean 1st Fleet, including a newly commissioned Kezkai V-class aircraft carrier has been approved for basing at Port Swedes Naval Base and Naval Logistics Center in Port Swedes Vrassa.  From there, Wrnuke will both train with and conduct patrols in the Northern and Central Anantonese alongside the Kalistani 2nd Regular Fleet.  And meanwhile, Kalistan will establish a forward training base at Bék Hillesko Military Compound, Hizdrkrtak, Wrnuke, Jelbic Empire.  

"This will be the first time Kalistan will have a forward military presence of any kind in Majatra, since the Coltrane Expeditions of the 5090s," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense, BGen Martin Jackson said.  "Working with the armed forces of Wrnuke both here and in Majatra will provide our forces a unique and exceptional training opportunity that we wouldn't get anywhere else."  Elements of both Army Group North and South, infantry, tanks and artillery have been scheduled for deployment in early July to the Wrnukean Desert on the western Majatran Isthmus.  At Bék Hillesko, the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan will set up and operate an expeditionary camp on a permanent basis, and will be able to conduct not only expeditionary warfare training, but also provide an opportunity to train with new nations and actors, "on a more, off the record training regimen," said Jackson.

These moves are part of an expanding military mission for the once cloistered Empire.  Since becoming Empress and experiencing large scale civil disorder, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Pavlina I Ananto has looked for opportunities to move beyond the tradition Home Defense doctrine to a more defense in depth strategic program.  This includes creation of a 4th Fleet, seeking additional radar technology and assets, and making new partners in places around the world.  "Kalistan is faced with new challenges in a multipolar world," said General Jackson.  "It will require new assets, a more varied training schedule, and different partners than we have traditionally relied upon."

While the basing of a Wrnukean aircraft carrier at Port Swedes may raise some eyebrows, General Jackson was keen to point out, "Kalistan has had a long history of working with the Jelbic Empire, especially on naval matters.  Wrnuke was stationed at Bozo River in the early days of the Combined Arms Training Center, and most of the ships in the Kalistani Regular surface Navy are still variations on blueprints originally created in and purchased from Wrnuke. The Jelbic Empire has their own mission in this part of the world--their interests and ours do not conflict, and having the Wrnukean First Fleet in the Northern Anantonese Ocean enhances our security.  The Empress was happy to welcome Wrnuke back to Kalistan, and when she returns to Kalistan from Ikradon, she will request a review of the Wrnukean Navy and seek to meet the fleet Admiral."

Kalistan and Wrnuke have exchanged SOFA agreements that establish the way that laws of the host country are applied to the guest military and adjacent civilian support personnel.  "Kalistan's SOFA with Wrnuke essentially guarantees that if there is some nefarious act committed by a visiting service member in Vrassa, Kalistan will be entitled to hold the accused and try them under Kalistani Law.  They will have access to legal defense of their own country, and will have access to translators of their choice.  In the event of a conviction, Kalistan will surrender the convicted to the Wrnukeans who will be expected to carry out either the sentence ordained by Kalistani Magistrates, or a sentence of equal or greater severity carried out under Wrnuke's legal and military codes, with the option going to Wrnuke.  We have similar terms in our Agreement.  We will both conduct cultural sensitivity training in our respective countries, and we have agreed to offer several opportunities per year for fraternization between the two forces."

Basing privileges are currently listed as being on an indefinite basis.  "We shall have the opportunity in the future to review our agreements," said General Jackson.  "But I imagine those agreements will be found to be mutually beneficial."  General Jackson noted that Kalistan's closest partner at the moment, Lodamun, has been informed of the immanent arrival of Wrnukean ships in the Anantonese Ocean, and has not expressed major concerns over the matter.  "We are hoping that Lodamun takes an opportunity to train alongside the 1st Wrnukean fleet and the 2nd Regular Fleet going forward."

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Dame DuMont juggles multiple tasks in Foreign Ministry



FM's Profile rises as Seleyan Situation begins to solidify
"Empress and Crown Princess expected to return by January," says Dame DuMont
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 7, 5562

Dame Jacqueline DuMont, the long serving Minister of Foreign Affairs in Her Imperial Majesty's Government, has seen her portfolio grow significantly in recent years.  While serving in the role of Acting Chancellor following the assassination of Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and near fatal shooting of Dame Ontiveros, her task was relatively light:  She had to keep the ship of State afloat and pointed in the correct direction.  But now that she has returned to the Foreign Ministry, she heads up the Empress' ambitious agenda to carve out a new place for Kalistan in the granite of the Terran Global Structure.

"The one thing that Dame DuMont brings to this position is that she doesn't believe in failure," said political scientist Don Hart of Nevaras Duchy University.  "She has met with a number of roadblocks, but she is a person who may see a path forward hopelessly clogged and immediately begins looking for a way around it.  It may take us off in another direction, but ultimately, the road heads forward, and Kalistan remarkably weaves around the rubble of a collapsed unipolar geopolitical structure."

Some notable efforts of Dame DuMont's administration have been an attempt to improve relations with Artania via Kundrati, whose notoriously mercurial stance in world affairs have subsequently led to Kalistan calling for a Confederation in Northern Seleya that is on the verge of creating a political and economic union in Northern Seleya.  She attempted to conclude a deal for radars and basing in both Likatonia, which both failed, due to unwillingness of those two countries to even consider housing Kalistani assets out of concern for the reaction of Luthori, but that has led to a developing offer to base the 4th Fleet in Lodamun to provide a Mad Dog facing supply line, and a new exchange of forces agreement with the Jelbic Empire.  Dame DuMont has represented Kalistani interests full throatedly, and has likely made more enemies than friends, and yet, she has been able through innovation, clear sight toward Kalistani interests and a willingness to compromise where possible, develop closer relationships with new friends.  The result is:  in a very short period of time (just over 10 years) Kalistan's orientation has been moved beyond hegemony in the Northern Anantonese Ocean to a more forward position, a deepening relationship, for better or worse with other Seleyan nations, attention and response in Artania and an actual permanent presence in Majatra.

"Despite our renewed antipathy for Luthori, our cooling on relations with Kundrati and Narikaton, and the fact that Valruzia of all places hates us for some reason, we have also increased our reputation in Lodamun, Wrnuke and Beiteynu, have sought to heal strains with Baltusia and Gaduridos, and continue to provide stability in the region to allow Lourenne to reform," said Hart.  "Dame DuMont has shown herself very adept at tradeoffs, and is willing to shed unproductive or one sided relationships for something that feels more like a net gain for Kalistan, and in doing so, she serves her Empress and the People of Kalistan very adeptly."

Dame DuMont herself is a woman of few words.  "I let my actions speak for me," she said recently.  "I am proud that after all this, I maintain the close confidence of Her Imperial Majesty, who grants me significant latitude in carrying out her fiat.  I think that Her Imperial Majesty's background, not being born and raised in Kalistan, gives her a unique perspective on world affairs, and it may be just what was needed to shake off the rust of this ancient Empire.  In her own way, she is a revolutionary, and I merely carry out her commands."

False modesty aside, Dame DuMont is the most experienced diplomat in Seleya at the moment.  "I've been in this office for more than a quarter of a century already," said the Stateswoman.  "I've seen a lot of people come and go, I've seen whole countries disappear from the radar.  So it is a fine thing that a person with my extensive experience can serve such a worthy monarch as Her Imperial Majesty.  The world is going through a rocky period right now, and I am happy that I can contribute to both stability and forward propulsion of the Anantonese State."

Dame DuMont continues to chair the Confederation Conference, is apparently waiting for the fallout from the basing decision, is in talks to build a more formal relationship with Lodamun, and is expecting Kalistani scientists back from Lourenne, to prepare them to travel on to Beiteynu to learn about engine design and other aspects of rocketry and space design.  She also said that she expects Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto, and the Minor Princess Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek to return from Artania by January.

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Rocket Design Team stands downhill from nearly completed Test Launch facility



Kalistani Rocket Scientists return to Spencer
Test Launch facility nearly completed, as scientists prepare to head to Beiteynu
Spencer, Duchy of Suldanor
October 28, 5562

Scientists who had been studying theory, telemetry and design of rocketry in the United Kingdom of Lourenne returned to Kalistan this week.  They reported directly to the ISCA command in Spencer, where they were debriefed about their visit, and were asked to do a press conference to describe what they had learned.

Project leader Dena Alonzo of Kaliburg Polytechnic served as the spokesperson for the group.

"I have a brief statement before we get to questions, and then, if there is anything I haven't cleared up you may all ask away.  

First, my team and I would like to offer our sincere thanks to our Colleagues at the University of Thiers, especially Dr. Michele Auburn-Le Clerc, Dr. Monique Avilla, Dr. Yvette Garnier, and Dr. Jean-Marc Girard, who graciously allowed us to attend lectures, and tailored several of their courses to allow us to gain valuable rudimentary and foundational knowledge.  Their courses and facilities are top notch facilities, and the people of Thiers-Sur-Noel were most welcoming and accommodating to our team.  I look forward to future cooperation between our two programs.

The SOTERIA program is the pre-eminent missile and defense program in Terra.  There were obviously things that were off limits to our scientists, but outside of that, we were able to gain significant scientific information that will aid in the construction of our own rocket engines and fuselages.  We learned basics of thrust ratios, payloads, and the calculus behind the whole thing.  We also learned a lot about materials durability for both the rockets themselves, as well as the payloads that will serve as our satellites.  We were able to stick to the peaceful, commercial side of the SOTERIA program, as we made it clear that Kalistan's Space Program is not to be applied for military purposes and so consequently we also learned about telecommunication applications of the satellites as well.

The knowledge and understanding we gained was extensive and it is a veritable treasure trove of information that we need before we build our first rockets.  Our Lourenne team will now with with software engineers to translate their information into computer algorithms that will help us automate much of the construction, launch and orbit procedures.  We don't have it here, but I can say that following our nearly 2 year stay in Lourenne, we took copious notes:  More than 750 pounds of paper in the form of spiral notebooks, accompanied us home from Lourenne.  So the Lourenne team will work with the Engineers for a good while translating those notes and schematics into computer software that we can then create test models for before we begin building our first rockets here.

Meanwhile, I will be travelling with a new team to Beiteynu in a month to begin studying propulsion systems, fuel systems and guidance control systems with the Beiteynese.  We have received an invitation from Yishelem to study with their engineers who will give requisite information to allow us to actually turn the math and theory we learned in Lourenne into a working prototype.  I anticipate we will be in Beiteynu for another two years studying there.  While the first team was made up primarily of physicists and mathematicians, this second team will be made up of engineers and mission specialists.  We will also be bringing a member of AeroKal with us, Mr. Brent Grey when will represent his company in Beiteynu.  AeroKal has noted a desire to learn from the Beiteynese designers with the aim of increasing fuel efficiency in commercial aircraft, and has asked to tag along with our design team for the duration.  The design team will fly initially to Yishelem.

To give some idea of timetables, we are still several years away from building a working rocket prototype that we can actually attempt to launch from the new Spencer Space and Test Center.  It is quite encouraging to see the new test facility here in Spencer nearing completion.  I believe they said that the main launch facility will be constructed next at Spencer, and then they will build the fabrication plant.  Final completion of the full facility is scheduled for 8 years and builders say they are on schedule.  This concludes my brief, and at this point I will take questions."

Reporters asked several questions relating to the nascent Space Program in Kalistan, and Dr. Alonzo mentioned that she and ISCA looks forward to taking opportunities to cooperate with Lodamun, who is beginning work on a similar path.  "Once we boil all this down into computer protocols and processes, we will happily proliferate our knowledge to Lodamun as well, to assist them on their path." Space is, according to Alonzo, just one of many areas that Kalistan hopes to deepen cooperation with Lodamun on.

"We also look forward to continuing our association with the Lourennais with perhaps the creation of a program of lecturer exchange between our two countries. I can speak for my own college, Kaliburg Polytechnic, University higher ups have already formally expressed interest in attracting Lourennais professors from among the recently graduated and ABD student population. I met several very promising young scholars in Thiers who I think would really benefit from even a temporary posting in Kaliburg. And similarly, I can think of at least a dozen of my former students who would fit right into the culture in Lourenne's academic establishment. Maybe our two governments can work on that?"

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Travis and Bob sightsee in Kaliburg in new Episode



Travis and Bob take on "Autonomous Music"
Brad Church's "Lightning Strikes" appears on popular Music Show
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 3, 5562

The popular music video commentary show "Travis and Bob" kicked off its fourth season this week with the first Baltusian "Autonomous" song in its lineup.  In the episode, the pair took a tour of the Nation's Capital, which Bob routinely mispronounced as "Kalibooger," provoking incessant giggling between the two, while noting the prevenance of phallic imagery in the City.  "Heh heh, Boing...." said Travis as the duo passed by the Ananto War Memorial Obelisk on the Mall downtown, followed by sophomoric giggling.

But most people do not watch the program for the filthy, juvenile jokes from the duo.  Instead they watch for the incisive and often subversive commentary on Kalistan's Music industry.  The videos remain the most popular part of the show, and M7 says they get thousands of letters a week asking them to just create episodes of videos.  Travis and Bob creator Earl Gabriel said that the show is meant to show various aspects of teen culture, not just the "watching tv" part and said he intends to continue writing episodes that have stories in them. 

"In the Season 4 premier, though I wanted to try to expand outside Kalistan a little bit," said Gabriel.  "So we went over the boarder to find some genuine Baltusian music.  I actually spent a lot of time last Spring listening to Baltusian radio in Yoshimi, and there was this one guy, Brad Church, who just really got on my nerves.  Like his music was so.... bland and generic...  I just had to have him on the show."  Gabriel said he tried to get clearance from Church's management for the song, but when he didn't hear from them, he sent another letter informing him that he intended to use the song in his show, and if they didn't write back, he would assume consent.  Gabriel said he got no reply again so M7 cleared the song and the video for Kalistani TV, and it appeared in the Season 4 premier episode, which was, by the way, the highest rated episode in the program's run to date.  "All I can say was that Travis and Bob shredded this so-called 'Autonomous' music.  And what a night to do it!"

Also featured on the show was Kill Your Speaker's single "Counting Daisies."  Both songs saw a dramatic increase in streams on Kalistani services following the premier of the episode, which is fairly typical of music featured on Travis and Bob.

You can check out both videos here, and watch all new episodes of "Travis and Bob" nightly on M7 through January.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv1xSOkQDKI]
Brad Church's "Lightning Strikes" adequately represents Baltusian Music on Travis and Bob

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VbwYo1PhIQ]
Travis and Bob comment on Kill Your Speaker's Noise Alternative Single "Counting Daisies"

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Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek, talks to the Press



Minor Princess Carolina gives Exclusive Interview to La Moda
Crown Princess talks about her Mother, music and Preparation for National Service
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 30, 5563

Upon the return of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto from Kundrati, where the Minor Princess, Her Highness Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek, Crown Princess of Ananto and Kalistan, recently celebrated her 17th Birthday, La Moda requested an interview with the Empress to find out about her and the Minor Princess' visit to Artania.  The response we got was surprising.  Instead of an interview with the Empress, we were offered an exclusive interview with the Minor Princess Carolina, who normally is kept well away from the press.  But this can be seen as something of a debut for the young royal, who enthusiastically looks forward to taking up a more active role in Kalistani society as she transitions into her majority.

Below is our interview.

M(aria) S(alvatore, of La Moda):  Hello Your Highness.  It is a Pleasure to meet you.

(Her Highness,) M(inor) P(rincess) C(arolina Ananto-Hulanevek, Crown Princess of Ananto and Kalistan);  Thank you, it is very exciting to speak with you today.  You know, Ms. Salvatore, I am quite pleased that they sent you to interview me:  I read your columns on fashion and its relevance to Kalistani Society and find the articles very interesting.

MS:  My Lady, you honor me greatly.

MPC: The privilege is mine.  And please, speak with me as you would anyone you interview.  I know the law regarding what everyone has to call me and all that, but I am, after all, just a girl, and will have to put up with people not talking directly to me when I am the Empress someday.  So please, if I may request it of you, just speak to me like you would anyone you normally interview and it will put me at ease too.

MS:  I will, My Lady.  I won't break the law or anything, but I'll try to keep the conversation light.

MPC:  Thank you.  I am so nervous.  I don't get to talk to the press often, or ever really, this is my first interview, so if I slip up or something I hope you will make me look good.

MS:  We will edit your words charitably, My Lady.

MPC:  Alright, let's do this.

MS:  How was Kundrati?

MPC:  Oh, it was ok.  It felt a bit colder there than I remember from when I was a kid.  I stayed with relatives in my mother (Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto) and father (The Late Emperor Fredrick I Ananto)'s house, and I was supposed to go visit Ikradon, but that didn't happen.  I was kind of disappointed, as I told my mom.  But I think she figured that the whole conference was a waste of time for us to even be there, and so she decided that we would return to Kalistan, where at least people liked us.

MS:  Your first few years in Kalistan were hard, but you've never really had the opportunity to talk about this. 

MPC:  No, it was harder I think for my mom and dad.  I was a little kid and didn't really understand all of what was going on in Kalistan at the time.  I do now, of course, but like from the perspective of someone reading about it in a history book, rather than as someone who lived through it.  My mom said it was dangerous "on the mainland" which in my mind was very far away, and for a little while, I had to go to school with a bodyguard, but I think my teachers kind of understood what was happening with my family, and they certainly helped me, especially when some of the kids would say something, the teachers were always there to squash it, so I was never really bullied.  I think some of the teachers were more afraid of being seen as letting someone say something wrong to me, because of who my parents were, but I was lucky because I never got into any fights.

MS:  And when your dad lost his life on that terrible night, how did you get through that?

MPC:  I remember being woken up and picked up by my mom who was really freaking out.  There were a lot of people, a lot of soldiers in our house on Wilson Hill, and they were all trying to make sure my mom and I got to safety.  But I didn't know what was going on, I was just tired, because it was like 1 or 2 in the morning.  And I was asking where my father was and nobody was telling me anything.  We got on a helicopter and then on a plane and by the time the sun came up, we were in Gaduridos.  My mother was so sad and so angry during that time.  She almost couldn't do anything else.  She kept talking about wanting to go back to Kalistan and saying nobody was listening to her, but I remember one time, my uncle, he's not really my uncle, but I call him that, because he was my dad's cousin, but my uncle Mark was talking to her and trying to calm her down and she was waving a knife around and yelling in Lurrian about wanting to hurt herself, and Uncle Mark didn't speak Lurrian, and kept asking her to calm down and talk to him in Vrassan, and that was probably the most scared I was during that whole time.  My mom was so sad, and she was very scared, and I felt alone a lot during that time. 

When she came back up to Eshar to work, and I moved into my Uncle's house for a few months, it was finally calmer, and I was a little worried to return, but seeing my mother again, I was happy.  We went to Eveari for a little while to sit with my father and be quiet, and I think that time healed my mom a little.  They really did love each other, I know that, but since he has died, she probably will never be really happy again.  Not like before.  I just miss him.  He was very kind and very intelligent and very gentle, he never raised his voice, and he loved to laugh.  I really miss him.

MS:  That must be very hard to think about.

MPC:  It is a very dark part of my childhood, but yeah.  I'll never forget it, but I think my mom will never forgive, not fully.  She is a great woman for showing the people who were responsible for that so much mercy.  It took a lot of strength.  In that moment, when she told me that she was going to try to help the people who did this to our family, and I was begging her to stay and we were both crying and everything, I saw the kind of person I want to grow up to be: a really strong woman who does what she does because she believes it to be the right thing to do.  My mother is one of the smartest women in the world, and she has a huge heart that has known unimaginable sadness.  But she's a much different person than before all this.  And so I want to always be near her, to support her and to make sure that nobody ever disrespects her or hurts her ever again.  To let her know that she is loved whenever she doubts that.  That's kind of weird:  you'd expect a mom to do that for her kid, not the other way around.  But I know what she has done for me, and I know what she is doing for a lot of people, and I think that I am fine doing this for her.  People killing my father made me grow up pretty fast.

MS:  I hope you don't mind me asking about these very personal matters with you.  I don't mean to bring up ghosts from the past.

MPC:  It's alright.  I was a kid:  Kids go through hard things too.  And I may have lost my dad, but my mother lost so much more than me that night.  My mother still cries a lot.  And we've talked about all this too, many times.  I think we've talked about it enough in my house but most people don't know the whole story, so she said it was ok if I shared it with you too, and I told you you could ask about it before the interview so its ok.  I hope someday my mom will see the sun again--but today will not be that day.  Tomorrow probably won't be either.

MS:  I would like to change topics, if I may.  How are you doing now?  You are seventeen, and you are about to be a senior in High School.  Do you have plans for the future?

MPC:  Well, of course, me and my girls are going to sign up for National Service together.  I'm really looking forward to that:  I'll get to travel around to different parts of the Empire to do great things for my country.  There's a lot of pride in service, my friends who have older brothers and sisters always talk about how great they are and all the cool things they are doing and seeing.  Its a real rite of passage, you know?

MS:  It is, My Lady.  It's very hard work though, no matter what you do in the NSP.

MPC:  I welcome that.  You get strong in the Service.  That's kind of what I also need to work on.  I've been sheltered from a lot of things that kids I go to school with have done or gone through.  Obviously living my life, we never have to worry about money or anything.  And my mother gets kind of upset with me when I tell the house staff to leave me alone and let me do things myself.  She always says (imitating her mother's accent) "Carrie! Someday you will become Empress--You must not work self!  If you don't let Mr. Temmon serve you plate, his family starve because no job.  Let Ms. Dawson help you get dress, is her job.  I don't want fire her..." and things like this.  I haven't been allowed to do a lot for myself, and I think when I join the NSP, I'll finally get to do those things, to see if I even can.  I believe in myself and want to know I can do good things by myself, and I think the NSP will help me build that confidence and those skills for myself.  So when I do have to come back and take a larger role in the State as the Crown Princess, I will know I can do anything I please.

MS:  My Lady, Is there a job you would like to do when in the Service?

MPC:  My father was a mechanic for the NSP.  He tried to teach me the basics of internal combustion engines and diesel engines, which were his favorite, as well as electrical motors, but I think I was too young to really understand any of that.  But I think I would like to do something along those lines.  I hope they can teach me how to build airplanes, actually.  That would be very cool.  But I think I will be happy with whatever I am assigned to: They have their ways of matching people on aptitude and interest with jobs.  I've already taken some tests and watched some movies, and it said I might be headed for a life in communications, I don't know.

MS:  What is the typical day in your life like?

MPC:  Oh, hahaha, well, it's probably not as interesting as you would think.  When I can, I try to be just a normal kid, just fitting in you know, as much as I can.  I might get in a little trouble telling you that I try to get around some of the laws that are designed to keep me separate from my friends.  I don't make them call me Your Highness or anything like that.  Except when adults are around.  My mother is very set on this, because she says that she merely married an Emperor, but I was born to be the Absolute Sovereign of this Nation, like it is my destiny, and so even my friends will bow before me someday.  We'll see about that!  But I really try to be as normal as I can, while I can.  We listen to music, talk about boys that kind of stuff.  I am lucky to have a driver who can take my friends and I places around Kaliburg or Eveari when I am home there.  We go see movies and concerts and go hang out at the mall.  I am really lucky, to be honest with you that I can do so much without any worries.

MS:  What music does My Lady listen to?

MPC:  Well, I happen to like Noise Alternative.  It is what is popular now after all.  And I watch a lot of "Travis and Bob,"  those guys are great.  So I listen to a lot of music on Travis and Bob.  It makes me want to go out and find new music, like stuff I never heard before.

MS:  You watch "Travis and Bob"?  Does Her Imperial Majesty watch with you?

MPC:  Oh no.  She does not approve of Travis and Bob!  She says they are stupid and calls them "product of drug addict mind."  But you know, they're hilarious, and I love watching that show, so I think she and I have sort of come to an agreement that I will not watch Travis and Bob while she's in the living room, and if she wants to be in there when the new episodes are on M7, I can go watch them in my room.  It's something she and I won't ever agree about, but I think she'll come around.  Soon probably.  When she gets a sense of humor...  Did you see that one where they came to Kaliburg?  That episode was hella funny!

MS:  Regrettably, My Lady, I did not see it.  But, last question:  When you finish national service, what do you anticipate you will do next?

MPC:  Well, they have already told me that I will be taking on some role in the House Ananto.  My mother would like me to learn finance, and said I could work with my Uncle in Sulari, to get some experience there.  I will probably also pick up one of my father's titles, either in Dulnerstaad or Luxon.  I will formally be inducted into the Peerage before I go off to National Service, and that's a little scary, and I'll lose the 'Minor Princess' title and just become regular Princess.  I don't know.  I would like to go to school too:  Last year I began to get interested in philosophy, and am going to be taking philosophy courses this year in school, so maybe that would be something I would like to do too.  I would like to stay near my mother, obviously, so maybe Polytechnic or Imperial, but I could also think about Eveari too, for a more small school approach.  The whole world, literally is open to me.  I have so many advantages that most girls my age do not.  I want to try to not waste them.  And then someday my mother will want to retire.  But that's still a long way in the future.  I'm not even thinking that yet.

MS:  Well, My Lady, I thank you for giving La Moda this interview and talking about a lot of these things.  Our readers will be thrilled to learn more about you, and to hear that you are doing well.

MPC:  Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you.  It has been my best interview yet!

MS:  Considering that its been your first Interview, My Lady, I hope that is praise.

MPC:  It absolutely is.  Thank you for visiting me.  It has been a pleasure.

MS:  I am honored.

[Doc]

Kalistan completes the dismantling of the OTH Radar Site on Etxea



Kalistan to pull OTH Radar out of Kundrati
"Wave of Anti-Seleyanism" given as reason
Island of Etxea, Kundrati
May 9. 5563

IBSI confirmed the completion of the removal of Kalistan's seven year old OTH radar facilities in Kundrati this week, representing a significant shift in Kalistani foreign policy away from the last fingernail hold it had in the region.  The removal of the site was scheduled for more than a year in advance, however, it was on hold while Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto was visiting Ikradon for the Artanian Conference.  Following the decommissioning, which was not made public, on April 29th, the power to the site was switched off and then a rapid gutting of the site, including demolition of much of the listening post's infrastructure, was conducted over a 2 day period.

"Closing the site down quickly is a response to what Her Imperial Majesty sees as a rising wave of anti-Seleyanism in Kundrati and Artania in general," said IBSI spokesperson Kathy Wentworth.  "Kundrati is known as a mercurial state, and their orientation can change on a dime.  The Empress, who herself is Kundrati, noted this shift in the words and specifically the word choices of the Kundrati representative at the Artanian Conference, and gave the green light for demolition upon her return to the Empire."

Shifts in Kundrati's orientation weren't the only reason that the site was closed.  "We had intended that the OTH Site would be used in conjunction with other surveillance assets in Kundrati:  For a while, there was an open possibilities that AWACS and other intelligence gathering assets would be placed in Artania to keep tabs on menaces like Luthori," said Wentworth.  "Initially, there was some interest among some in the Kundrati government, but that interest cooled off very quickly when it became apparent that Kalistani assets would be directed against Luthori and not Dorvik, with whom Kalistan has no quarrel, and it quickly became very apparent that there would be no deal for AWACS basing, or naval basing or any additional surveillance assets of any kind in Kundrati.  The OTH radar quickly became superfluous, and of very little use to Kalistan."

In addition to the closure of the OTH radar site, the offer to permit Kundrati basing at Bozo River has been fully rescinded.  "From what we can tell, there has been no movement from Kundrati to take up the offer to base ships in Ananto, or anywhere in the Anantonese Ocean," said Wentworth.  "We had been holding those berths open for the Kundrati Navy for years, but the ships never came.  And due to changes in orientation between Kalistan and apparently all Artanian nations since the initial agreements were made, Kalistan no longer will make those spots available for the Kundratis or any other Artanian State.  We are happy to continue to host Wrnuke at Port Swedes and will reoccupy those berths at Bozo River with Kalistani ships.  The Artanians can base their ships in Artania."

The Empress herself was not on hand to comment about the change of policy, but many suspect that Her Imperial Majesty felt highly insulted by Artanian attitudes toward Seleyan nations and Kalistan specifically at the Artanian Conference, and ended up leaving early rather than staying to observe the entire proceeding as she had originally intended.  This pique is a severe blow to Kalistani relations with Artania, and the damage may be irreparable.  But as of press time, all Kalistan assets are now out of Artania, and the 4th Fleet maintains its patrols in the Eastern Mad Dog Ocean north of Lodamun and Likatonia.  Currently Kalistan is opting to maintain its OTH Radar in Likatonia to scan the passage between the Mad Dog and the South Ocean in the seas adjacent to Keymon, and in the Artanian Sea.

[Doc]

Miramar, the business arm of House Ananto, invests in new Casino and Gaming Concern near Sulari



House Ananto forms a new Holding Company
Imperial Family actually goes into busines
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
June 23, 5563

House Ananto, the formal institution of the Royal Family, currently directed by His Highness, Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans, has formally incorporated a new holding company designed to allow the Grand Duke to pursue business interests separate from the formal House Ananto.  Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans has contributed more than ₭100 million that will serve as an initial capitalization of the company called Miramar Holdings (KelSiE: MAR).  Ananto will appoint a board of directors to ensure that corporate governance stays separate from House Affairs, and Ananto will hold the majority share of stock.

"We seek to raise an additional ₭75 million in the first round of investment raising," said Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans at Miramar HQ in downtown Sulari.  "The function of Miramar is to give House Ananto a vehicle to invest in enterprises across the Empire while shielding the House's finances in perpetuity.  According to the articles of incorporation, Miramar is to provide a dividend to House Ananto equal to or less than the House's portion of annual profit in a year.  In this way, it will provide a regular annuity to the House itself, which can then be turned around to serve as additional capitalization for new operations."

The first operation of Miramar is the new Miramar Casino and Resort owned by the independent Investment Consortium Sulari Gaming.  Sulari Gaming has already begun building.  "Building a new casino in Sulari will create a new tourist draw to Kalistan's second city," said Grand Duke Ananto.  "There will be round the clock table games, slot machines, Keno, and horse racing year round.  We will also be constructing horse track facilities in Dana, Gendaris, Eshar, Vrassa City, Luxon and Dulnerstaad, to allow for off track betting in Sulari.  Miramar will usher in a whole new era of gaming and entertainment in Kalistan.  It will pay a nice amount of taxes to the State and a nice annuity to House Ananto, to ensure the Royal Family's financial well being perpetually."

The corporation will be governed by a Board of Directors that shall be regulated and taxed as a private entity.  Its main function will be to invest in various new enterprises rather than own them outright.  "This will provide an additional layer of protection of the Royal Family's financials," said the Grand Duke.  "We are providing start up and sustaining capital for other entities, and can therefore keep our money itself fluid, because rather than being tied to the health, we can easily move money in and out on the Securities Exchange.  The idea is to earn profit for Miramar.  When those companies we invest in do well, we do well.  When they do poorly, we can get out  and assist either with liquidation or restructuring and protect the Family's money."

As a pure profit making holding company, the company will provide a block of stock for public trade and investment.  Assuredly, most of that stock will be purchased before it goes public by institutional investors such as The Bank of Suldanor and the Bank of Kalistan.  Other institutional investors will also want to get in on the Holding Company as well.  "Rules of incorporation dictate that the Majority block must always be held by House Ananto, but as we reinvest our profits into Miramar, ultimately, we will end up diluting the share of others, which means we will periodically have to open up new blocks of stock.  House Ananto will strive to maintain between a 60 and 70% share in the holding company.  Ideally we would like to build a total market capitalization of over ₭1 billion, 60% of which is Ananto money.  That should earn a solid dividend of ₭35 to ₭40 million a year for House Ananto which will be more than enough to maintain the Anantos in perpetuity."

Grand Duke Ananto will not sit on Miramar's board, but will ensure that the majority of the board represents House Ananto's interests first and foremost through its majority share.