Kalistan

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Kalistani Housing Effort takes off
Neighborhoods in Sulari, Dana, Eshar have "doubled in density"
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
November 10, 5579


The new Elga Hill neighborhood in Sulari has revitalized the local economy with shops and stores

According to a new Government report released by Her Imperial Majesty's Interior Ministry this month, the housing initiatives which were designed to revitalize long struggling communities in Suldanor, Odufaray and Vrassa are yielding positive returns.  One such neighborhood, which is fairly typical of the results across Kalistani Proper, is the Elga Hill Neighborhood in Northern Sulari.  "We have seen lots of new families and young couples moving into this neighborhood," said Sulari Housing Authority planner Michelle Zephrim.  "Before this neighborhood, which is adjacent to Port Elga, had one out of every six homes abandoned or condemned.  We ended up buying most of those properties, demolishing them and replacing them with multi-family Walk-ups that are between three and four stories tall, with light commerce on the ground floor.  A single walk up can now house six families in the space that might have housed two, and people are much closer to services, commerce, and public infrastructure."

Zephrim said the key to development has been willingness of the Free City Council to experiment with zoning.  "Mixed commercial and residential neighborhoods were not typical before we began revitalization more than 10 years ago.  I mean, we had them, but the City Government often tended to err on the side of those who were talking about things like property value, and more importantly, protecting theirs.  So they would get the government to establish zones designed to not only keep businesses out of their neighborhoods, but also people they didn't feel like they should have to live next door to.  Revitalization allowed us to go in and address a lot of those old zoning laws, and begin focusing our building on the social needs of our community, rather than the individual profitability of home owners."

Zephrim said that Elga Hill is interesting because of the dramatic change in the character of the neighborhood following revitalization.  "Elga Hill was a very old neighborhood.  It was built when Port Elga was founded a loooong time ago.  And it really was extremely depressed.  Roads were falling apart here, there was crime in the neighborhood, and there were a lot of services that were extremely expensive to maintain, while the people's land was so depressed that it really wasn't even worth the cost necessary to tax it.  Elga Hill was a bit of blight.  When we got the go ahead to more or less start over here, we also had a pretty heavy buy in from the people who lived in Elga Hill, most of whom took cash and packed up to head out.  But they were tired of the crime, they were tired of the you know, the traffic, the air quality, many of them wanted better schools for their kids and all sorts of things.  Within 5 years, we had these multi-family residences built and occupied, and the end of zoning in this area meant that stores could open here.  And people started coming back, first a little trickle, but you can see here now, there are thousands who call this neighborhood home, and things have really gotten a lot better."

Zephrim said that Elga Hill is not the only place where revitalization is making a difference.  "More than 15% of Sulari has been essentially rebuilt...  and a lot of that is not only houses and businesses, but also infrastructure.  We had to tear out a spaghetti junction over in Oakwood heights which was a five way stop, if you can believe that.  But the signals only worked for three of the five ways:  that lead it to being the deadliest intersection in all of Suldanor.  We tore all that out and luckily, too, because underneath it, the sewer main was leaking and it looked like it had been leaking into the ground water supply for decades... who knows, but the road would have collapsed anyhow into a huge sink hole if we hadn't discovered the leak.  Now that's all repaired, and all those empty abandoned homes in the neighborhood have been replaced by multi family, high density homes, that people want to live in.  And that intersection now only is a four way intersection, and has not had a traffic fatality in two years."

Zephrim also said that revitalization is improving neighborhoods to the north in Dana and Eshar.  "We've even seen improvement in Port Swedes, which seems like a place that is terminally economically depressed.  If Swedeport can get their housing situation under control, that would really be something.  but yeah Port Swedes. Eshar and Gendaris, Dana, down to Lucid, over into Nevaras.  There's a lot of building going on as people are seeing the benefits of urban renewal, vertical planning, and mixed neighborhoods."  Zephrim even claimed that new urban planning has reduced average commute time in Sulari from 56 minutes to a mere 37 minutes.  "I'd like to see some work done on the arterial road system too, but that is kinda getting out ahead of myself... we need to tackle the housing situation first."

Zephrim's conclusions are endorsed by wide majorities in Sulari, Dana, and Eshar.  In a recent poll, more than 86% agreed that their neighborhoods are more vibrant now that a lot of resources have been put into renewal, and 20% of respondants said they actually have a new home now, which is far superior to their old house.  "We are also seeing population shifts as a result of renewal, as people pick up and finally have a reason to move to a new town, being no longer tethered to a house they can't sell in a place where they can't get loans.  This is an exciting time to be a Kalistani, and people are moving to places where there is more work, better work, and an easier life.  In short:  they are finally getting to live the sort of life they want, in a place they want."

Revitalization continues on the Mainland, and will continue for the foreseeable future.  When it is finally done, Kalistani neighborhoods will likely look very different than they do today, but they will certainly function better for millions and millions of Kalistanis, making it easier to shop, work, and access public services.

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Empress Announces that she is with child
Royal couple discuss Museums and Travel
Kaliburg Free City, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 14, 5579


Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, and His Highness, the Prince Consort sit down for brief interview

La Moda was granted an interview with Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, and His Highness, Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval, who sat down with interviewers at the Ananto Estate in Eveari.

(La Moda Interviewer) A(llison) J(ohnson):  Before we begin, I am happy to report that Her Imperial Majesty has waived the rules of protocol with regard to directly addressing her during this conversation.  For which I thank her.

(Her Imperial Majesty, Empress) C(arolina I) A(nanto):  Thank you for coming all the way to have tea with us at my mother's home.  The Princess regrets that she did not feel up to seeing visitors today, or she would have welcomed you herself.

AJ:  It is quite alright.  How is Her Highness, the Princess of the Empire doing in general?

CA:  It depends upon the day really.  Her doctors try to put a positive spin on things, but of course, her condition is worse now that it has been.  Some days she feels better, and she still recognizes us, however she has trouble with remembering the Prince Consort sometimes.  She still looks for our father:  we feel that is the saddest thing about it.  She has asked us about availing her of the end of life options, but then she will change her mind and tell us that she is not yet ready.  So, it is just hard to watch her decline as she has.  Her life was one of so many accomplishments, it is our hope that she ends in as much dignity and bearing as she lived.

AJ:  Can I ask, Your Highness, how are you liking being the Prince Consort?

(His Highness, the Prince Consort) W(illiam) A(nanto-Sandoval):  It is certainly a lot of what I thought it would be.  Maybe some more, but, Carrie, excuse me, The Empress, has prepared me well for what to expect.  There are a lot of formalities in public.  I understand why the protocol is there.  Luckily I am exempted from a lot of that in the home.  There would never be any children if I had to stay 15 feet away from the Empress at all times.

AJ:  Children, Your Highness?

CA:  We suppose this is probably as good a time to make the announcement to your readers.  We are expecting a child.  It has been confirmed by our physician that the child is doing well.  And if your readers are curious, we are already feeling a but under the weather.

AJ:  Well, that is exciting news!  Has Her Imperial Majesty begun thinking of names?

CA:  It is far too soon for this.  We are not superstitious, but just in case, we would like to not jinx things.  Let us just continue to see how things will go and when the time comes for an announcement, we will contact your paper first.  How is that?

AJ:  It would be an honor.  To change the subject, we understand that Her Imperial Majesty will be opening an art museum in Kaliburg.  Would she be willing to talk to us about this?

CA:  Most certainly.  This is something we have been working on for a while.  Our late father's mother was a great patron of the arts, and Kaliburg is beautified for it.  Our interest is in industrial arts.  We believe that a lot of attention is paid to fine arts, and justifiably so.  However, our husband and ourself come from a background in engineering and science.  And there is a some beauty in a finely tuned race care motor, or a well designed joint that can be held together permanently with wood glue and a single dowel.  These are also forms of art, the art of technique.  And if you have turned enough theodolites, and drained as many oil pans as we have with our Father when he was still alive, you would certainly see the beauty in such things.  We would like the people of our Empire to be able to admire these types of accomplishments as well as the paintings, sculptures and other forms of fine art.

AJ:  This is marvelous idea.  We would certainly love to see it.  Where has Her Imperial Majesty planned to open it?

CA:  We are beginning to plan it now in Gallo, near the Polytechnic.  We would like it to be a museum dedicated to the Industrial arts, but we would also like to have a portion of the museum be dedicated to Kalistani Industry as well.  We believe this museum will celebrate a wildly underappreciated aspect of Kalistani society.  The site we have selected is a 15 acre site where we would like to build a secular temple to science, engineering, and Industry.  To our knowledge, it will be the first of its kind in the world.

AJ:  And Your Highness, will this museum also have a wing dedicated to agriculture?

WA:  I think this was also something we talked about.  Agriculture is part of Kalistani industry, and I am sure the growers of Ananto will love the acknowledgement.  One of the major industries of the Empire is agriculture, and any museum dedicated to industrial arts must include an exhibit dedicated to the hard working farmers and growers of this great nation.

AJ:  I agree wholeheartedly, Your Highness.  This sounds very exciting.  Does Her Imperial Majesty have an idea when the new museum will be opened?

CA:  We believe that it will be a long process.  It is our intention, and we are beginning to talk with architects in Kaliburg to begin envisioning the project.  We believe the Metro will be completed before the Museum is.

AJ:  I use the Metro regularly to get from home to La Moda's Kaliburg offices.  It is a wonderful system.  I can set my watch by the train schedule.  

CA:  We are very proud of the Metro.  The Kundratis have done a fantastic job, not only in helping us develop an efficient system that stops at convenient places, but also does not arrive late.  The timetables we have worked out allow us to arrive within a half a minute one way or another, of the scheduled time.  The show up on time, they leave on time, its a fantastic and nearly completely automated system that benefits our people.  We have utilized the Metro on several occasions.

AJ:  Seeing Her Imperial Majesty board the Metro must provide the people of Kaliburg a lot of confidence in the system.

CA:  That and its fun to use.  Our security doesn't create a tremendous burden while we travel, but it also provides us an opportunity to circulate among the people as we are accustomed to.  And we are able to remain within the law while making appearances.   There will come a day when the Institutionalists will succeed in cloistering us like they have our predecessors, but we look to make the most of our time in the sun before they do.

AJ:  Your Highness, do you and Her Imperial Majesty have any plans to travel abroad?

WA:  We would like to travel to visit the Ananto House in Etxea perhaps early next year.  And I would also like to purchase a vacation home in Gaduridos.  There is a whole flavor there which I miss and would like to recapture.  I know the Empress is very familiar with Gaduridos as well, and her uncle the Grand Duke still own property there.  And we would also like to spend some time visiting Lourenne, as tourists, and to get to know the Royal family there.  I believe the Emperor there has a new wife, and the Empress met him when she was younger.  It would be nice to get to know him and his wife on a social basis, given that we are all pretty much of the same generation and likely have many of the same interests.

AJ:  Well, I thank Her Imperial Majesty and Your Highness for your time.  This interview has been highly informative.

CA:  Thank you for coming to speak with us.  You have been an excellent guest.

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Princess of the Empire Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek had Died
Former Empress surrounded by friends and loved ones as she ended her life in Eveari
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 14, 5580


Her Highness, Princess of the Empire, Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek at home in Eveari last summer

The Former Empress of the Anantonese Empire, Princess of the Empire Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek, has died peacefully in Eveari.  She had just turned 66 years of age.  The Princess was surrounded by family and friends, who all had the opportunity to stay with her as doctors administered a final dose of morphine causing acute cardiac failure in the dying woman.  The method was requested by the former Empress in her living will that she concluded seven years ago, and was explicitly requested by her one week ago following another small stroke related to her advancing Alzheimers Disease.  Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto honored her mother's request after concurring with the Princess' doctors, and have spent the last week with her in palliative care, and the Empress and Prince Consort have not left her side the entire time.  The Empress expired at 8:47 pm last night.

Also present at the death watch was the late Princess' close friend Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell, who was Pavlina's Chancellor during the early part of her reign and remained her close confidant and advisor following her near fatal shooting, and Dame Jacqueline DuMont, who served the Empress as both an acting Chancellor and her long time Foreign Minister.  Several of Pavlina's close friends from the Eveari Monthly Meeting also visited the Princess to say good bye and spend a few moments in the presence of the former Empress one final time.  At about 7 pm, visitation was ended, and Pavlina chose to only permit Her daughter and the two Dames to remain with her as the Doctors set to their work.

Pavlina and Fredrick at their Wedding, 5552

Pavlina Hulanevek was a member of the famed Kundrati political dynasty of the same name.  She worked previously as a lawyer for the Etxea Bank, before being introduced to Emperor Fredrick II Ananto in Likatonia at a meeting for Continental security.  The two hit it off immediately, and Pavlina said the thing she loved about Fredrick was that he was a physically imposing man, who had the heart of a teddy bear and an infectious laugh that she thought hid a deep sorrow over the loss of his own mother.  They were married when Pavlina was 37 years old, following a two year long courtship.  The couple's early years were not without trouble:  there was a fascist inspired uprising that led Fredrick to name Pavlina co-sovereign and Empress, to bring her under the protection of the Lese-Majestie act.  Pavlina's adopted daughter, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, was adopted by Fredrick for the same reason. 

Following the Emperor's assassination, Pavlina was thrust into leadership of the Empire.  Under her watch, Kalistan became a major force in the Region and in Terra, and successfully expanded its Empire to incorporate Gaduridos.  She also oversaw the beginnings of the Kalistani Space Program, and began urban renewal in Kalistan Proper.  She repaired relations with Lourenne, had a foreign policy victory in the Embargo crisis, and launched the Kalistani 4th Fleet.  At home, she saw a trade deficit crisis resolved, and oversaw the development of the Foreign Investment Bank.  She raised the capacity and scope of Kalistani Intelligence to become a major contributor to hemispheric security.  Her reign was anything but inconsequential.

Though Pavlina's personal demeanor was marked by deep mourning for the loss of her husband, she also exercised compassion and charity, doing all she could to repair the damage to the Mainland caused by years of civil disorder during the Rebellion, and to ease the lives and address the concerns of its citizens.  Her reign is already being seen as one of fairness, justice, and stability, while she herself is known to many as compassionate and generous.  Some may note that she was quick to offense, but she was also quick to forgive, and looked for opportunities to do so.  She was a devout, if only convinced Brethrenist for decades, and attended the Monthly Meeting religiously.

May Her Highness, Princess of the Empire, Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek rest in peace and finally be reunited with the great lover of her life in the afterworld, if one such a place exists.  There will be a small funeral and memorial service this week following her internment in the Ananto family mausoleum next to Fredrick Ananto's mortal remains.

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Empress gives birth to Son
Six inmates found dead at King's Rock; ISCA launches first Radio Rebroadcast satellites
Kaliburg Free City, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 31, 5580


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness, Prince Consort William introduce Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval

Royal Family Welcomes Son
Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto gave birth to her son this week in Kaliburg.  The Royal Family welcomed Prince Fredrick-David William Ananto-Sandoval into the world at 3:23 am on the morning of July 22.  The baby was healthy and weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces.  All early tests on the Crown Prince and future monarch suggest that he is doing well.  The couple stayed in Kaliburg General for four days with baby, and had an opportunity to recover from the birth.  The birth of a son solidifies the perpetuation of the new Dynastic branch of the Ananto Family.  The birth was welcomed in Sulari in the home of Grand Duke Mark Ananto- Orleans, who is looking to retire from public service and hand the reigns of House Ananto to a new generation.  All signs indicate that House Ananto's affairs will go to Mark Ananto's son Calvin Ananto-Alvarez, who currently works as the head of accounting in the family's Holding Company, Miramar.  But it is doubtful that Calvin Ananto-Alvarez will take over his father's role as Grand Duke of Kalistan.

The Minor Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval was named Crown Prince soon after birth, to ensure that the succession will be secure, and the Prince Consort has been named Regent in case Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress should come to any trouble.  Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort are now resting at home with the new Infant, and are recovering fine.

Last Six inmates Convicted of Connection to Emperor's Assassination killed in King's Rock Melee
The Penal Colony at King's Rock, Odufaray witnessed the first significant violence in generations as a prison riot broke out which left six inmates dead.  The fighting occurred between a group of new arrivals and long term inmates who were convicted of being associated with the assassination of Emperor Fredrick II Ananto.  According to witnesses, the two new arrivals who had been found guilty of killing a police officer recently in Luxon and were sentenced to 5 years on Kings Rock, arrived to begin serving their sentence when they were allegedly attacked by the six individuals.  "These guys, they always hung out together, ate together, lived together." said Inmate Trustee Carl Duane Thomas, who has been serving a life sentence on the Island.  "They met these two fellows, who had been complaining about fascists, and decided to ambush them, to teach them a lesson.  The two cop-killers fought back and must have smuggled in some knives, because by the end of it, all six of them had died of multiple stab wounds.  It seemed like they had been stabbed way more than the two cop-killers even could do by themselves.  It was a bloody mess, and how these two took on six guys is beyond me."  Trustee Thomas noted that most of the inmates stayed well clear of the scuffle.  "Yeah, most of the inmates on King's Rock didn't want any part of the fight, and some of us worked to keep any additional folks from getting injured.  Once we found those six dead guys, I called the King's Rock Prison Authority, and they arrived to segregate the two cop killers from the general population."  Thomas said that it is unclear what became of the two killers, but the six men, all of whom were convicted for their connections with the Assassination are now dead, marking a bloody end to that long chapter.

ISCA launches first Radio Rebroadcast Satellite
ISCA has put a radio rebroadcast satellite into orbit.  The satellite currently sits in Low Earth Orbit and has a solar array that powers its signal amplification and rebroadcast functions.  It is the first of 18 satellites that will circle Terra and rebroadcast KRTVN Radio signals cross the northern temperate latitudes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  "Once the satellites are in place, KRTVN radio will be heard over all of Northern Seleya, Central Dovani and Central Artania, as far north as Dolgava and as far south as Gaduridos and Pontesi.  Listeners can tune in at all times to hear broadcasts of Kalistani Music, news, public affairs, and educational programming all day everyday," said KRTVN rep Oscar Brevard.  "It's very exciting that KRTVN is about to go world wide, at least in the northern latitudes.  This will be the foundational piece of what will eventually become a world wide network which will eventually include television rebroadcast."  ISCA will launch eight more satellites during the remainder of this year, from their new Multi-Stage launch pad at Spencer.  In addition, they are planning a mission to attempt to place a GPS satellite over Kalistan in High Earth Orbit.  "We're excited about the possibility of our own native GPS signal.  That will be a great step forward for native Kalistani technology for all sorts of devices, including car map software, cellular phones and military applications."  The GPS satellite is expected to launch in April of 5581.

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Empress and Prince Consort visit Lourenne
Have opportunity to meet Emperor and Princess Consort
Eroncourt, United Kingdom of Lourenne
December 12, 5580


Royal Family boards AeroKal Imperial Jet for Lourenne

Finally being given clearance to fly, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval flew to Lourenne for a brief holiday before the new year.  On the agenda was responding to an invitation to visit Emperor Maximillian the V and Empress Olivia.  The Lourennais royal couple are around the same age as Her Imperial Majesty and His Highness the Prince Consort, and it was viewed as an opportunity to strengthen a bond that first forged when the Canrillais Emperor visited Empress Pavlina in Kaliburg years ago.  

The royal family first arrived in Eroncourt where they were greeted by the High Chancellor and members of the Royal Government.  The High Chancellor then introduced Her Imperial Majesty to Emperor Maximillian in the Lourennais equivalent of a formal audience.  Following the audience, a stuffy affair with competing protocols and such, the royal family and Emperor Maximillian V were joined by the Empress Olivia and all four ate lunch.  Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and Emperor Maximilian conducted their conversation in Canrillaise, while Empress Olivia was kind enough to translate for the Prince Consort, who does not speak Canrillais.  

Following the luncheon, both couples, joined by the Kalistani Crown Prince, five month old Minor Prince Fredrick, took a stroll through the Royal Estates at Lac des Lumières where they discussed Lourennais architecture and the mighty achievements of Lourennais cities.  The Emperor graciously agreed to speak Vrassan for the sake of including His Highness, the Prince Consort, and the four carried on a great conversation throughout the parklands.

The evening was capped off by dinner in Eroncourt, and then drinks at the Imperial Residence after the Crown Prince had gone to bed.  All reports say that the two royal couples had a great time on the social visit, and Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress said she looks forward to the Emperor's next visit in Kaliburg.

The next morning, Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress and His Highness the Prince Consort took their leave of the Lourennais royals, and proceeded further into the country.  They stayed two days in Meridia, which is in the crown land of the Duchy of Outannais, and enjoyed the cultural variation.  They also visited with the Egelian speaking Kalistani diaspora in Meridia, and attended a cultural festival that included music, dancing, and food.  Following their visit to Meridia, they went to the Riviera Lorena, where they rented the top floor of a grand hotel, and spent their days poolside, and their evenings in the casino.

The trip lasted for a week, and was said to be very relaxing for the royal family.  It appears that no business was conducted during the trip, and the vacation was viewed as just that:  an opportunity for the Empress to take a break from her role as sovereign, for just a week.  The visit was viewed as an opportunity to restore ties with the Lourennais crown, and to give Her Imperial Majesty the opportunity to see Lourenne that she has wanted to take for a long time.  All three Anantos returned safely to Kaliburg following their stay at the Riviera Lorna, and immediately regretted having to leave.

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4th Fleet resumes patrols in Mad Dog
"Designed to keep Majatran War out of Anantonese" says Minister of Defense
Newport, Lodamun
May 17, 5581


KRS-81, Ananto Class - C Destroyer heads out on patrols

Following Lodamese missile tests in the Karzon Strait over the last few years, the 4th Fleet have resumed full patrols in the Eastern Mad Dog Ocean.  "Her Imperial Majesty has ordered the 4th Fleet back into the Mad Dog on quasi-permanent cruise," said Her Imperial Majesty's Defense Minister, Captain Jessica Miller.  "The overall tactical mission of the Patrols is to prevent any spill over from the Majatran Conflict into or through the Anantonese.  We aim to contain the Majatran war to Majatra."

The patrols will extend in a line roughly extending from North Western Lodamon north to the coast of Keris.  "There is no reason that the Anantonese should be a throughway for beligerents," said Minister of Defense Miller, "But these patrols just acts as a deterrant, to ensure that none of those folks over there go rogue."  Miller said that Kalistani ships will not stop foreign flagged military vessels entering into the Anantonese, but does intend to shadow them through Kalistani National Waters, and will not permit refueling to ships from belligerent nations within the Empire.  "This is within our rights to deny military ships the ability to refuel within our waters, and we also call upon our partners in the Anantonese Security Community to extend the same closure to ships from beligerent nations who happen to stray a little too far east to support their war in any meaningful way."  In applying the principles of neutrality, Her Imperial Majesty has instructed ports in Gaduridos to also close their ports to military ships from the warring nations.  

"When the conflict is resolved, we can revisit the matter," said Minister of Defense Miller.  "We hope they resolve the matter sooner than later, because in the opinion of Her Imperial Majesty, this war has gone on for far too long."  The patrols in the Mad Dog will return the 4th Fleet to its forward operating role, following an extended period of time in port as it observed the Lodamese Missile Cordon.

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Remembering the "Great Swedeport Stampede"
Residents offer Retrospective on Two Years without Wrnukean Fleet in Vrassan City
Port Swedes, Duchy of Vrassa
June 1, 5581


Two years ago, Vrassan Ranchers staged "Great Swedeport Stampede" in Downtown Port Swedes to say goodbye to Jelbic Naval units

Two years have passed since the "Great Swedeport Stampede," and citizens of the Northern Vrassan city are reminiscing at the fun, the chaos, and the comradery of the Fleet Send Off.  "For 17 years, members of the Jelbic Imperial Navy, who made Port Swedes its refuel and resupply port, brought much needed excitement and cultural diversity to the run down northern industrial port city that was previously more known for loud music, coffee and heroin," said Nathaniel Osland, head of the Port Swedes Chamber of Tourism.  "The Jelbic Sailors brought a new kind of life and excitement to the town, and the people of Port Swedes loved seeing them here.  Jelbic Beef and Broccoli became a town favorite and several new restaurants that served Jelbic cuisine opened.  We even had cultural exchange days and an annual celebration of Emperor Bunjamin's Birthday where the people of Port Swedes gave the Jelbic guests a parade and dressed up in authentic Jelbic attire.  Several Horse ranches also sprung up in the immediate vicinity, where Jelbic Sailors on liberty could rent fast Majatran horses for races, games and other sorts of fun activities."

The Jelbic Naval members were excellent guests and treated Kalistani curiosity with a sense of humor.  They began attending Kalistani friendship ceremonies dressed in cartoonish versions of Kalistani Clothing, and even commissioned a Jelbic "medal" to award an outstanding Swedeport citizen each year during the cultural festival.  The Kalistani Regular Navy and the Jelbic Navy both engaged in friendly competitions, with Kalistanis participating against Jelbic riders in horse racing, and a Jelbic squad playing exhibition Football Games against the Swedeport Bears annually to kick off the football season.  The relationship that was built over more than a decade and a half was very warm and personal, and an entire generation of Port Swedes Residents grew up with the common sight of Jelbic Warships in the Port and Jelbic Sailors walking in town.

The relationship however, unfortunately came to an end two years ago.  The establishment of the Anantonese Security Community and the increasing tensions in Majatra led to a change in orientation in Kaliburg.  Sadly, Kaliburg offered the Jelbic Empire what was called a soft ultimatum, seeking settlement of cold hostility between the Jelbic Empire and Kalistan's partners in Lourenne and Lodamun.  The Jelbic Empire could not abandon its position so the decision was made to leave Port Swedes on May 31, 5579.  The people of Port Swedes were outraged about the Empress' position, but unfortunately could not do anything to change the Kaliburg's attitude about the matter.  So they instead staged what can only be the biggest stampede in Vrassan History.

"The Stampede took place on May 20th, 5579, just over two years ago," said Osland.  "We got the Horse farmers from around the town to bring all their horses to the edge of town.  We invited the Jelbic sailors and the people of the town to turn out.  And as tribute to the friends we made, we ran the horses past the Jelbic Saliors as a salute."  

During the stampede, more than 600 horses ran through a carefully controlled path through town to minimize damage to businesses and homes.  The stampede was remarkably peaceful, and no horses or sailors were hurt during the event, but the stampede itself was something to behold.  "Six hundred horses, running at full speed through the town," said Osland.  "The thunder was deafening.  The people all along the route cheered the horses as they ran toward the Jelbic Sailors, who were then treated to a review of the Kalistani Navy Garrison, who marched by in full dress uniform to salute the Retiring Jelbic Saliors."

All present say they fondly remember the final celebration that followed the Stampede.  Bars were open 24 hours a day for the 11 days between the Stampede and the final departure of the Jelbic Navy, and the event was considered a great celebration.  Several public concerts were held, including music by several Wrnukean metal bands.  There were Jelbic Beef barbeques held nightly in the Parks, and the public demonstrated their affinity for their Jelbic friends.  When the Navy finally shipped out in the early hours of May 31, 5579, more than 15,000 residents turned out to the port to see the Jelbic Navy off.  Following their departure, the Jelbic Emperor Bunjamin offered Her Imperial Majesty several items of legendary Kalistani Historical significance, including a watch that once belonged to Pavel Andreivich and a sword once attributed to King Rufus the Terrible, who added Neveras to Kalistan Proper, dating from the 11th Century CE, which the Empress graciously accepted to add to the Kalistani National Historical Society's Public collection, being displayed in Kaliburg.

The Stampede ended a very positive cultural exchange in Port Swedes.  It is likely to not see anything similar in the near future.  But for nearly two decades now, the people of Port Swedes, in the Duchy of Vrassa, have benefitted from close association and fraternization with Majatran sailors, and the cultural artifacts left as the people of Port Swedes strove to welcome and accommodate their visitors will now join the crazy quilt of Vrassan and Mainland Kalistani Culture.

"We missed our Jelbic friends the moment they left," said Osland.  "We've held two mini stampedes since their departure, and each have been accompanied by a Jelbic Cultural Festival where the people of Port Swedes can get together and talk about absent friends.  It's likely that the Stampede will become a permanent feature of Port Swedes' cultural calendar."

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Minister Marian Divya Jones ushers in new "Imperial Economics"
"A new way forward" aims to tie foreign economies to Kalistan
Kaliburg Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 18, 5582


Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Minister Marian Jones brings a new approach to "Imperial Economics"

The Finance Minister of the Anantonese Empire is not a person who usually makes the front page of The Kalistani Republic daily.  "It is widely believed that if the Finance Minister is in the press, that is a bad thing," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Finance, Marian Divya Jones.  "But I think the correct funding of Government programs is certainly something that needs to be paid attention to, because it is literally how we pay for everything else.  It is, you might say, the beating heart of the modern bureaucratic state."

Never one to shy away from a little self-aggrandizement, Minister Marian Jones nonetheless remains down to earth.  "There is only so much I can do as finance minister.  I happen to possess a lot of tools that my colleagues in liberal nations do not possess.  For example, I can fund by definition, non-profitable sectors, like public heath, with eternally profitable sectors, like our National Steel Industry or the royalties Kalistan earns from ODEN, and balance our books.  I can take steps to protect our entire economy against global commodity shocks, and ensure that our currency holds its value, whereas people in liberal nations, whether they admit it or not, are almost entirely at the mercy of the chaos caused by allowing egoist individuals make individually rational, but collectively irrational decisions and calling that a market.  That said, I am not a miracle worker, and a lot of the things I do are reacting to foreign events, using the levers I have available to me to shore up here, to recycle there and keep the ship of state on an even fiscal footing."

To do so, Jones has, to date, maintained many of the policies of her predecessors.  "Massive government surpluses, for example, not only mop up extra money in the economy, keeping inflation at almost nothing, but also provide Her Imperial Majesty's government with a more than adequate rainy day fund, which can be drawn upon, spent down and etc, as needed, and is then annually topped off, without putting budget pressure on any one or several sectors.  It works.  It has worked for thousands of years.  What we don't use, above and beyond the permanent rainy day fund, is simply zeroed out at the end of the year.  We have no foreign debt, the Trade Minister astutely and obsessively manages the trade balance, and we don't live outside of our means.  The people and Kalistani businesses benefit from a regular and expected tax rate and know that when there is a need, the Government can step in and fund the entire operation of the Government for two years without a single cent of revenue if needed.  It works, it ensures low wealth inequality in the Empire, and ensures all have what they need to live happy lives."

But Jones also would like to innovate with some of her tools.  "We would like to renew our push to make the Kalistani Ruble a stronger international competitor against currencies like the LFR.  Not saying we want other nations to peg their currency to the Imperial Ruble; only that we would prefer they trade with Imperial Rubles and purchase Rubles as a solid, slow growth investment with ZPG policies underlying the currency.  If you would like to protect your national wealth from wild swings of market based currencies, the Imperial Ruble should be the choice for you.  If you see currency purchases as an opportunity to earn lots of money through speculation, while suffering the equally likely chance that you will be left holding the bag if that currency tanks, the Ruble is not for you.  But every nation and most private investors should have a stock of Rubles in their portfolio because it is a good way to stash money in a vault for the long term, essentially.  Its value will grow slowly and steadily, and when you come back to it in thirty years, the value of it will have doubled.  Its a better bet than you will often get when you play the market.  Not always of course, but most of the time, especially over the long term."

To promote this "new way forward" as Jones describes, she wishes to encourage nations to use the Kalistani Foreign Investment Bank.  "Deposit in LFR, or some market based currency, withdraw in Rubles.  It's fast, it's cheap and it's secure.  It's the best way to acquire Rubles internationally, and best of all, it will protect your investments against practically any economic swing one way or another."  The Bank earns its money in fees which it collects on deposits and withdraws of foreign currency denominations.  "A 1 percent deposit and withdraw cambio fee is applied each time.  The Bank needs that to protect its own investments against market downturns," said Jones.  "Because when the Bank buys LFR, for example, at a specific rate, and tomorrow the LFR tanks, the Bank will be the ones holding the bag.  So the markup, especially on the front end is hedging against the market."

This promotion of the Imperial Ruble into new areas is part of a broader strategy where the Empire seeks to subtly insinuate itself into foreign economies.  "We trade the safety of the Ruble for the ability of Kalistan to work with foreign economies," said Minister Jones.  "Naturally, we don't expect other nations, like Kundrati, for example, who may wish to purchase Rubles, to politically unify with the Anantonese Empire.  But if they hold Rubles, they are more than likely going to want to spend them.  And where will they spend them?  Certainly not Luthori.  Instead, they will spend them in Kalistan.  Selling Rubles abroad opens our markets to new customers.  And every purchase Kundrati makes from Kalistan is a purchase they are not making from Luthori.  It therefore works to tie Kundrati closer to Kalistan, making us more attractive, relatively speaking than someone like Luthori who doesn't accept our currency."

The sale of Rubles through the For-In Bank will also protect Kalistan against tariff regimes imposed on Kalistani goods by nationalistic governments.  "If they have to pay in Rubles, they pay in rubles.  We still make the full value of our money, and then the tariffs are slapped on to foreign goods when those goods arrive in the sanctioning country.  The tariffs do not hurt Kalistani manufacturers.  They hurt the consumers of the countries who are imposing the tariffs.  But by the time the tariff is actually imposed, we have already sold the thing:  We already have the money, denominated in Kalistani Imperial Rubles, and we've already paid our workers, factories and distributors.  and if those countries buy less from us because of tariffs, well, we just sell to someone else, or shift those industrial resources into a new sector.  Because the Empire is not a liberal state, we find ourselves able to sidestep any economic pain imposed on us by protective tariffs with ease."

The new approach to promotion of the Kalistani Currency abroad has been the primary task assigned to Minister Jones by Her Imperial Majesty.  "The Empress has commanded me to take all steps to improve the image of the Imperial Ruble in other nations.  This was part of the reason for the redesign of the currency:  not only will a currency with solid anti-counterfeit measures included protect the integrity of the money supply, but it will increase confidence that the currency will hold its value."  The Minister is also interested in new requirements for use of the currency in Gaduridos, which currently uses LFR as their currency but must also legally accept the Ruble.  "We are looking at requirements that the Kingdom of Gaduri pay its imperial fees, as laid out in the Articles of Empire, in Kalistani Imperial Rubles.  The only difference this will mean for Gaduridos is that they will have to acquire Rubles, either from the people who use them locally, or purchase them directly from Kalistan to pay the tax.  This will increase the pressure in Gaduri society to increase acquisition of Imperial Rubles as opposed to LFR (especially if the Government of Gaduridos imposes taxes payable in Rubles) and will deepen the financial bonds between our two nations."  Changes along these lines remain under review and Ms. Jones will seek input from the Gaduri Government.

"Whatever happens," said Minister Jones, "the Anantonese Empire is entering into a period of Imperial Economics.  These economics will be built to promote the Empire over all else, and to bring those we are close with closer to us.  It is a form of soft competition, I suppose, on the International scale, and doesn't seek to complement what other nations are doing or integrate us into an international, global economy.  It is instead pragmatic and self-interested, and it is our hope that we can offer those who are not interested in what others are selling, to take a look instead at the advantages that association with the Empire can offer.  Kalistan will be fine.  Gaduridos will be fine.  With or without other nations.  But others can gain advantages working with Her Imperial Majesty that they simply will not get working with market based economies.  Stability is chief among them.  They won't get fabulously wealthy like they would with market based approaches.  But also, they will never be poor either.  That's a trade off, for sure, but the Empire comes out ahead in the final analysis over the long term."

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Ambassador Thomas dispatched to Luthori
Agenda is to meet with Luthorian Monarch, Reopen Anantonese Embassy
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 30, 5582


Her Imperial Majesty's Temporary Delegate to Luthori, His Excellency Alistair Thomas departs for Luthori

Responding to a formal request from the Luthorian government, Her Imperial Majesty has dispatched the person who is likely to become the permanent Representative of Her Imperial Majesty in Fort William, His Excellency Alistair Thomas.  Thomas is a long serving career diplomat and was selected in the role because it is believed he has the professional bearing, experience and the skill necessary to adequately represent the Anantoneese Empire to Luthori.  If confirmed in his position, the Ambassador will be the Senior Anantonese Representative stationed on the Artanian Continent.

"Mr. Thomas is a seasoned diplomat with a long standing track record of interactions, both abroad and when working with Her Imperial Majesty," said Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Victor Smith-Marks.  "He will do a fantastic job striking the correct tone with the Luthorian Monarchy that is both respectful but also firm.  He is honest, uncorruptable, and impeccably dressed.  He will do an exceptional job representing the Empress to her Luthorian Counterparts."

On the Ambassador's to-do list while he is in Luthori will be to meet with the Luthorian Empress and convey Her Imperial Majesty's Greetings and desires for a closer working relationship between our two nations, and to get to know important figures in Luthori's Foreign Policy apparatus.  He is also directed to take possession of the shuttered Kalistani Embassy, which has sat vacant for 27 years following the recall of the last Ambassador, Sir William Howard following the beginning of the Commonwealth Crisis.  "There will naturally be a lot of cleaning to do," said the Foreign Minister, "But Ambassador Thomas is intent on restoring consular services by June of 5583, and then reopening all parts of the Embassy within a year's time.  If he is well received by the Luthorians, we will name him Permanent Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Luthorian Throne, and he shall resume his duties as Kalistan's Representative.

Ambassador Thomas is single, and has a reputation as a bit of a playboy.  He is not the most politically correct choice for the role, and has found himself in hot water on a number of occasions, including being ejected from Dolgava due to being arrested for inappropriate public conduct with a Dolgavan National.  He does have a past with alcohol but is notoriously t-total sober now, and was selected for the job by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress herself.  "Ambassador Thomas is an unrepentant and sometimes impolitic nationalist, and so his ideas align with Her Imperial Majesty's.  But he is also one of the most successful diplomats Kalsitan has produced in a generation, and was part of the team who negotiated a successful resolution of the Embargo Crisis.  Her Imperial Majesty may, on occasion question his judgement, but she has complete faith in his ability to correctly represent the Empire in official business."

Also joining Ambassador Thomas in Fort William will be his new Director of Station from the IBSI, Dante Walters, who has worked with the Bureau for more than 20 years, and will direct the Embassy's Public Information section.  Other staff to be named are Brad Morrison, who will serve in the role of Head of the Economics Section at the Embassy, Gina Montalban, who will helm the Politics Section, Wendy Martin, who will direct Public Relations, and Hon Zachary Miller, who will head Consular Affairs.  Cathy Rehnquist will head staffing and will serve as Ambassador Thomas' Chief of Staff.

Once the Embassy is back up and running, Thomas said he will reopen the Anantonese Consulate in Northminster, Northriding as well, which will serve primarily Kalistani tourists who venture further into the Country, and foreigners who come from other countries to meet with Kalistani Consular Staff.  Her Imperial Majesty said she expects to meet with Thomas' Luthorian Counterparts in formal audience soon after the Embassy is reopened.

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Empress causes stir among many during Speech at Assembly
Shatters what some called "the unbreakable taboo" when she mentioned Crown Lands
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 14th, 5583


Her Imperial Majesty mentions "Athosia" in speech to National Assembly

In what is becoming a fairly regular political event, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, spoke before the National Assembly in Kaliburg and delivered formal policy instructions for her Government and the National Assembly.  But in this particular speech, she touched what has long been considered a third rail in Kalistani Politics and sent shockwaves through the National Political establishment.  She mentioned the Duchy of Athosia, which is internationally considered to be a part of Baltusia, where it is called "Santiago".  Her Imperial Majesty owns the title Duchess of Athosia, but to date no effort has been made to push the title claim internationally, in an effort to maintain peace in Seleya.  This attitude may be slowly changing.  The comments which caused a stir are printed below:

"Finally, we would like address the matter of our territory of Athosia.  For too long, that territory has been illegally appended to the nation of Baltusia, which itself took it while serving as a puppet kingdom.  It was taken from us, without our consent, and was given by foreign powers hostile to Anantonese Interests to Baltusia over our objections.  Athosia is, by rights, an integral part of Suldanor, and the time when this Empire sits by and allows our National Territory to remain under the administration of a foreign state whose government is still hostile to the Anantonese Empire is rapidly drawing to a close.  It is our hope that Athosia is returned home to Kalistan and Suldanor within our lifetime."

The Empress' comments sharply divided both the Institutional Party, as well as the public, with one side, considered the more Orthodox wing of the Party, preferring the Status Quo on Athosia and the Crownlands in general, while the Nationalist wing loudly cheering Her Imperial Majesty's comments before the National Assembly.  The Orthodox Speaker, Sir Michael Herring, loudly condemned the speech for what he said is unnecessary saber rattling and a violation of a heretofore "unbreakable taboo."  "Her Imperial Majesty's comments about Athosia will draw unnecessary condemnation of the Empire from abroad.  There are rules, there are norms, and our Sovereign's speech today before the National Assembly suggests that Kalistan may be open to just violating those norms and taking back territory which hasn't been part of our nation for millennia.  She is inciting a reaction from the international community at the very least, and if she goes through with trying to re-occupy Athosia, that could cause significant complications for the Empire."

On the other side, the Nationalist Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Bradley Downs, came to the Empress' defense in unequivocal terms.  "It is about time someone said it," said Sir Bradley, later that afternoon.  "Nobody in the National Assembly, not one of the 89 Deputies had the courage of their convictions to tell the truth about Athosia, and it took Her Imperial Majesty to come in here and tell the truth about the nature of Baltusia's illegal occupation of Southern Suldanor.  This government awaits only the green light from Her Imperial Majesty, and we stand ready to reunify Suldanor by whatever means we have available.  As Her Imperial Majesty said, the day where we sit back and do nothing is rapidly coming to an end."

At the moment, there remains no official plans to begin the work that might be needed to reacquire Athosia.  "We don't anticipate that anything will be done about this," said Herring.  "All signs suggest that reannexation of Athosia would require a war on Kalistan's part.  But winning that war and winning Athosia are two different things.  Suppose the Kalistani Regular Forces crossed the border into Athosia?  It would be simple to defeat whatever garrisons are in Athoisa:  All signs suggest that the Syndicalist Forces have run completely out of gas years ago, and a caretaker government is currently in charge in Baltusia.  So we would easily win the war.  But winning the peace would be impossible, as there does not appear to be any nation in the world willing to acknowledge that Athosia rightfully belongs to Kalistan, much less so if it was taken by force.  And it might drive a wedge between Kalistan and Gaduridos, who joined the Empire peacefully."

"Utter nonsense," said Sir Bradley Downs.  "What difference does it make if other nations in the world acknowledge that we have taken back what is ours?  It's ours.  The fact that the world doesn't see it like that demonstrates the degree to which the world is incorrect on this topic.  If the world truly valued peace, they would assist us in reclaiming the land illegally stolen from us."

Either way, this rift in the Institutional Party is both not new, nor is it likely to heal anytime soon.  The Empress has firmly aligned herself with the Nationalist wing of the Party, but the Orthodox Members still hold a large majority of the seats in the Assembly.  And so, without Imperial Fiat, which the Foreign Minister assured, is not soon coming, the National Assembly will not take any additional steps to push the issue further.  As sign of discontent, only about 25 or 30 deputies applauded Her Imperial Majesty's speech from the floor, despite the fact that much of the rest of the speech was straight down the line Institutional Party Platform, and a motion to censure the Chancellor for siding with the Annexation viewpoint from the Floor was only narrowly defeated, where as before, it would have been considered impossible to pass such a resolution.