Kalistan

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Kalistan News in Brief:  Crown Prince obtains Luxon
King and Queen of Egelion visit Kalistan; New Investments in Gaduridos
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 18, 5603


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval

Crown Prince Obtains Luxon
His Highness, Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval was named Count of Luxon this week in a formal appointment.  This represents his first political appointment and signals the beginning of a long transition process which will eventually make the young man Emperor of Kalistan.  The Crown Prince was also given duties in House Ananto, and has travelled to Gaduridos to discuss Kalistani affairs with her Excellency, Lady Dana Ananto-Bjorksdattir, Viceroy of Gaduridos.  It is expected that His Highness will take over Wilson House in the fall, as Her Imperial Majesty and His Highness, Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval prepares to move into the Ananto Estate in Eveari.  Though His Highness is only 23 years of age, he has opted to attend college only part time, to focus on learning various aspects of Imperial Administration.  The Luxon title comes with a home in Luxon, which the Crown Prince is expected to maintain.

House Ananto has also renewed the contract of Dame Helen Miller-Oswald, the Crown Prince's long time communications instructor and has named her the Imperial Interpreter.  Dame Miller has long enjoyed the confidence of the Royal Family, and is considered to be a personal friend of both Her Imperial Majesty and His Highness the Prince Consort.  Dame Miller and her husband, Henry Oswald, live in the Wilson Hill community nearby Wilson House.  Dame Miller and Mr. Oswald attended the recent funeral for Dame Jacquiline DuMont the long serving Foreign Minister of both Empress Pavlina I Ananto and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto.  Dame DuMont was 91.  Dame Miller will continue to serve the Crown Prince as personal Secretary and Official Interpreter.  The Crown Prince is reportedly ambivalent about the decision, mostly because he reportedly thinks it is "ridiculous" to think he needs an official interpreter, but her continued service is the expressed will of Her Imperial Majesty.

King and Queen of Egelion visit Kalistan
In a long awaited return visit, His Majesty, King Amadeo of Egelion and Queen Alice visited Kalistan on their multi-nation trip following their visit to Gaduridos.  His Majesty was invited to a formal audience with Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, where the two discussed Anantonese Affairs.  Though the audience, which lasted for about 70 minutes was closed to all but the Her Imperial Majesty, the King of Egelion and The Chancellor of the Empire, a short news conference afterward was held to debrief the press.  The Chancellor, speaking for the Empress, said that topics covered were the importance of cultural connections of the Egelian speaking world, to which both Kalistan, Gaduridos and Egelion all belong, and Her Imperial Majesty's interest in cultural exchange and closer relations with Egelion.  "The audience was conducted in Egelian, as a gesture to His Majesty, the King," said the Chancellor.  "Her Imperial Majesty feels it is important to build these ties with our northern neighbor, and Gaduri Egelian language, music, art, and culture is quite important to Kalistan, especially in Suldanor, where Egelian is rapidly approaching the majority of Home Language speakers, and Suldanoran Vrassan is the common dialect of so many residents there."  The Chancellor also said that the Empress expressed her opinion that it is important that absolute leaders stick together against the impulses toward liberalization and republicanism that plague other nations of the world.

Other topics covered by the two Anantonese monarchs include increased economic and security cooperation.  "Her Imperial Majesty formally invited His Majesty to consider joining the Anantonese Security Community, which ensures security and intelligence cooperation in the region, with a focus of ensuring that unwanted outsiders do not take up positions which could endanger regional security."  The Chancellor also noted that Miramar was considering investing a fairly significant sum of money in the Egelion Tourist industry, which is taking off currently.  "Egelion offers world class and year round outdoor recreational opportunities, and Her Imperial Majesty feels this would be a fantastic investment for House Ananto."

The Chancellor also pointed out that His Majesty, the King was offered the title Stranger Knight Companion in the Order of the Gray Smoke, making him the first foreign Royal member of the Order.  The title was graciously accepted, and His Highness was officially inducted into the order on Wednesday Evening in Kaliburg.  He is now entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Order, including the right to wear regalia specific to his Class, and attend all Order functions, and will keep these rights and privileges for the rest of his life.  Queen Alice will also be considered for membership, but as the King will need to have been a member for at least a year before his spouse can be inducted, there will need to be a separate ceremony for her.

Over all the meeting was very positive and a good foundation for close ties is laid in between the two Northern Anantonese Nations, said the Chancellor.  Following the business, the King and Queen were invited to travel on the high speed maglev train from Kaliburg to Eveari along with Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort, where they were hosted at the Ananto Estate for the week.  During that time, the Empress remained in residence in Eveari, while she played host to the King and Queen.  During their stay the royals took in the National Aquarium at Dulnerstaad, along with fine Canrillais cuisine in the town, as well as a visit to the Global Music Hall of Fame in Luxon.  The Royals also took in a baseball game in the National Stadium in Kaliburg, where they saw the Kaliburg Imperials defeat the Sulari Republicans 4-2 in 9 innings.  The week closed with the annual ODEN Smokeout which was held this year in Eveari and featured seven bands over Friday Night and into early Saturday Morning.  The Egelion King and Queen departed from Kaliburg the next day to continue their trip, and the Chancellor expressed that they are both welcomed to return.

New Investments in Gaduridos
Miramar has continued to deepen its investments in Gaduridos.  Lady Dana Ananto-Bjorksdattir, speaking for Miramar, made the announcement from her office in Vespiano Marlingantos.  "Miramar ha aumentado sus inversiones en la industria del café tanto en Vintalli como en Manzamal en 45 millones de rublos imperiales adicionales," said Lady Ananto.  "Esto ayudará a los caficultores a despejar más tierras y mejorar las tierras marginales para ponerlas a cultivar. Nuestro objetivo es comenzar a exportar café Gaduri a nivel internacional a gran escala. También estamos alentando a los productores de Gaduri a que se sindicalicen y desarrollen un sindicato de exportación para garantizar el mejor precio para todos los caficultores de Gaduridos eliminando la competencia destructiva que rebaja los precios y garantiza una mala calidad."

KalMilInCo has also begun building a Home Guard Fleet which will ultimately be stationed at Bentasur under the command of the Kingdom of Gaduridos.  "The Articles of Empire require that during time of war, each constituent nation will supply (at least) one Fleet to an Imperial Navy," said Martin Kellogg, of KalMilInCo.  "Some time ago, we discussed the construction of a naval fleet for Gaduridos both for the enhancement of regional security, and also so they could meet their treaty obligations should the Empire ever call up the fleet.  Now that there are competent ship building facilities located in Gaduridos, as well as those avaialble in Kalistan, we should begin working on that to support Gaduridos in meeting their security obligations to the Empire." 

The Gaduri Home guard fleet will be be considered a rapid response littoral fleet, and will primarily patrol in and around Gaduridos.  Exact specifications of the fleet are still being worked out, but it will at least consist primarily of surface ships with a submarine detachment, with ships based on Kalistani and if possible, Lodamese designs.  "A Gaduri home fleet will certainly augment Imperial Naval power in the Central Anantonese Ocean and will fill in several gaps that currently exist in the seas to the south of Gaduridos," said Kellogg.  "The development of this new fleet, which will be maintained and under the command of Gaduri authority, will take about 10 years to develop and build.  Despite our abundance of ship building facilities and construction materials that exist between Kalistan and Gaduridos, we aren't as brutally efficient as some nations who can put an entire fleet to sea in just a couple years.  We tend to be a bit more realistic with our building schedules, because we hope to provide ships that will actually stay afloat and be deployable."

@TheRepublic

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Miramar begins International Ad Campaign for Gaduri Coffee
Gaduri actor Miguel Hernandez selected to be Brand Spokesman
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
December 14, 5603


Miguel Hernandez, himself a former Coffee Grower, has been hired to represent Gaduri Coffee

Miramar has begun a long planned international television, radio and internet campaign to promote the purchasing of Gaduri Coffee internationally.  Miramar, along with several large Gaduri Investors, have significant money invested in the Gaduri Coffee Industry, and would like to begin selling the product outside of Seleya.

"Gaduri coffee is a very profitable industry in Gaduridos," said Miramar spokesperson Ana Jimenez, in Yoshimi.  "But the goal now is to significantly expand markets across the rest of Seleya and to coffee drinking parts of Terra.  We are developing our advertising campaign to promote Gaduri coffee internationally, as well as a very aggressive price point designed to encourage those who currently rely on other sources to switch to Gaduri Coffee."

Jimenez said that Gaduri coffee is better coffee in many ways than coffees which dominate the market.  "The coffee producing areas of Gaduridos are considered some of the best lands, in terms of soil composition and climate, for producing coffee in the world.  The entire nation sits well within the tropics, but the elevations that Gaduridos has in Vintalli and Manzamal allow for the right temperatures and moisture to reach the plants.  Coffee grows so well in Gaduridos that they can afford to offer several different varieties and grades, while other nations tend to specialize in one particular type."   Gaduridos is already the primary source of coffee in the Anantonese Empire--In Kalistan alone, drinkers consume more than 100 billion cups of coffee each year, and add more than ₭12 Billion in taxable profits alone for Gaduri Growers by itself last year.  "Its time to share our secret with the rest of the world," said Jimenez.

Logo for 100% Genuine Gaduri Coffee, by SNdCG/Miramar

As part of the advertising campaign, Miramar has hired an ad agency to create an immediately recognizable logo featuring a fictional character known as Alberto Gomez.  "The print ads feature Alberto Gomez, a composite character that represents the traditional Maestro Cafetero, sharing a cup of coffee with another cafetero, perhaps while taking a break," says Jimenez.  "The ad encourages people to look for the logo, and associate that with the high quality varieties of Gaduri Coffee.  The tag on the ad is 'Hand Selected by Alberto Gomez', to suggest that this master craftsman personally selects and grades only the best coffees for sale."  The television ads feature the actor who portrays Alberto Gomez, Gaduri coffee grower turned actor Miguel Hernandez, re-enacting the daily activities of the Cafetero, paying close attention to selecting particular coffee berries, and other processes used in Gaduri coffee production such as sorting, roasting, aging the roasted beans, and packaging.

"We want to express with these commercials that Alberto Gomez is not a caricature or a mascot, but that he is a master craftsman who takes his profession very seriously," said Jimenez.  "His is therefore symbolic of all Gaduri coffee growers, and the care and expertise he puts into selecting just the perfect coffee berries, roasting them to perfection to get at the rich full flavored coffee beans, and aging them until they are just right will yield coffee drinkers Terra wide a superior cup of coffee, which is not too bitter like some coffees, or too greasy, or just too weak." 

There is nothing that other countries can do about the quality of their coffee, said Jimenez.  "The fact is, when coffee began arriving from Gaduridos, not only was it better quality, but it was also significantly less expensive than the foreign brands, so one cannot blame Kalistan for making the switch."  The only place foreign brands still keep a foothold is in boutique coffee shops, where people go for a "foreign" experience.  "Gaduri Coffee comprise the preferred daily brands of more than 35 million Kalistani Households now."

The "Buy 100% Genuine Gaduri Coffee" ads will be broadcast over satellite and radio internationally, and advertising space will be purchased in international magazines, newspapers and periodicals.  "Miramar looks to spend more than ₭5 million on this ad campaign to raise awareness of Gaduri Coffee," said Jimenez.  "With luck, we may even get some tea drinkers to switch.  That would be the gold standard!"

You can watch the first television ad for Gaduri Coffee below.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEhK8oAT_nU]
100% Genuine Gaduri Coffee spot "Hand Selected by Alberto Gomez Spot 1, :22secs"
Sindicato Nacional de Cafeteros de Gaduridos

@LaModa

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Major Infrastructure Investment flows into Gaduridos
Miramar aims to increase access to trade and travel
Puerto Vacito, Cuernatecas
January 18, 5605


Airstrip expansion in Las Vistas, Manzamal among infrastructure projects Miramar is scheduled to begin

Gaduri Viceroy, Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez announced today major investments in Gaduri infrastructure in an effort to increase access to trade and travel in the southern Kingdom.  "Hoy anuncio una importante inversión de Miramar en la infraestructura de Gaduridos," said the Viceroy.  "La Casa Ananto desea invertir más de ₭650 millones de rublos imperiales en la modernización del aeropuerto de Las Vistas en Manzamal y las instalaciones portuarias de Puerto Vacito aquí en Cuernatecas. El objetivo es proporcionar un puerto continental capaz de manejar portacontenedores supermax modernos y dar a la parte continental de Gaduridos un aeropuerto internacional. Estas dos projectos permitirán un mejor acceso internacional a las conexiones de infraestructura continental de Gaduridos, tanto por tierra como por mar, y facilitarán un mejor comercio y tránsito para la gente y las empresas de Gaduridos."

The Airport upgrade will lengthen the runway of the current Las Vistas Regional Airport to allow for large intercontinental aircraft.  It will also expand the terminals to make aircraft boarding and deboarding more efficient and increase the number of gates by between ten and twelve new gates for international flights.  The plans also include new commercial depot facilities, a new General Aviation building to permit airport use for private, military and scientific flights, and new parking and traffic facilities and routing to improve access to the airport.

"This project is a long time in the planning," said Project manager David Montes, who is overseeing the expansion for Miramar.  "We have known that House Ananto was poised to put significant resources behind this air port expansion for decades, but they have finally gotten the green light and are beginning the work at the air field."  What is known is that at least four of the ten new gates will be exclusive to AeroKal, ensuring regular daily flights between Kalistan and Las Vistas to complement the 7 daily flights between Kaliburg and Ciudad de Gaduri.  "The Kalistanis hope to turn Las Vistas into a major transit sight for central Seleya and link Kaliburg to Aldegar and perhaps someday Mordusia via Las Vistas."  In addition, Montes notes that the Airport also has commercial shipping facilities, to improve air commerce between Las Vistas and the rest of Seleya.

In Puerto Vacito, the expanded port facilities aim to increase port capacity and access to modern supermax cargo ships.  "Puerto Vacito ya es una importante instalación de exportación para Gaduri Steel," said Port Expansion project Foreman Martin Iglesias, "pero los MoCo fabricados en Playa Oriente tienden a ser enviados por ferrocarril en lugar de por barco, porque los barcos más grandes no pueden llegar a Puerto Vacito. Simplemente no está calificado para los barcos supermax modernos. La expansión mejorará la conexión ferroviaria entre el centro industrial en Playa Oriente y luego permitirá que las diversas fábricas que dependen de las acerías en Playa Oriente y sus alrededores comiencen a enviar sus productos terminados por mar en lugar de cargarlos en el TSR y enviarlos al norte a Kalistan o al sur a Aldegar. Esto debería eliminar un importante cuello de botella en el transporte marítimo y mejorar drásticamente las cadenas de suministro de Gaduri."

Expanding the port at Vacito will involve dredging a deeper and wider shipping channel as well as the construction of new jetties and loading docks.  "Se trata de una ampliación importante del puerto, pero debería realizarse con bastante rapidez," said Iglesias, "porque la geografía es propicia para la obra. Hay una serie de características naturales que podemos aprovechar para ampliar el tamaño y la capacidad del puerto, pero que hasta ahora no se han tocado debido a la falta de capital de inversión para iniciar este tipo de expansión. Ahora Miramar ha intervenido y ha aportado los fondos necesarios, y podemos empezar con nuestro trabajo."

The airport expansion is expected to take five years to complete, while port expansion is expected to be completed in three years.  "Mientras se lleva a cabo la ampliación del puerto, también se mejorará la línea ferroviaria desde Playa Oriente hasta Puerto Vacito" said Iglesias.  "Actualmente hay vías allí, pero el proyecto requiere vías dobles para transportar más carga desde Oriente hasta el puerto. Esto también se realizará rápidamente, porque simplemente estamos ampliando el derecho de paso y colocando vías adicionales a lo largo de las vías existentes."

The airport expansion is expected to cost more than ₭400 Million, while the port and rail upgrades will run about ₭265 million.  Miramar will front the capital, but expects to quickly recuperate from Gaduri Investors and owners and operators of the current facilities.  "We don't expect to lose money on these projects," said Montes.  "But they are necessary to improve the value of the investment that Gaduridos and others have put into their economy.  So Miramar is willing to put the money up front, and recoup on the back end in an open ended IOU of sorts.  Because ultimately, this is about Miramar protecting its own investments as well as ensuring that Gaduridos is as developed as possible."

@TheRepublic

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New Season of "Travis and Bob" is released on M7
Returning Fans include Her Imperial Majesty
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 25, 5605


After 38 years, Travis and Bob return to M7

It's been more than 45 years since the first episode of "Travis and Bob" aired on M7, and 38 years since the show went off the air.  But creator Earl Gabriel who initially created the show as a college art project, has returned and has brought back the duo, to great critical and fan acclaim.

"At the time, Travis and Bob were quite famous," said Gabriel, now 63 and a veteran comedic satirist who has worked more often in film than in animation over the last four decades.  "We never made a movie for the show, and I am really glad we didn't.  It would have sort of been too much:  The jokes are great for a 20 minute episode, but I couldn't keep it up over two hours, so when it seemed like this was the logical next step, we just ended the series, and let them stay as they were: two teenaged idiots who spent their time laughing at the stupidity in the world around them."

But Gabriel always said that fans wrote to him over the years asking him what he thought happened to Travis and Bob.  "It was kind of the driving force behind the revival," said Gabriel.  "I don't feel like they really got a future.  I mean, the sort of casual nihilism was a main theme of the first series, and the shadow of the future for these two was always about an inch long, but the more I looked back, the more I thought, maybe these guys have more to say, and it led me to the second series."

M7 was also eager to work with Gabriel again.  When he pitched the idea of a new limited animated series based on the two titular idiots Travis and Bob, he said he wanted to show them as kids again, the way people remembered, but also as adult characters.  "It was kind of fun to see what Travis and Bob turned into.  They still watch tv but now they get to drink and smoke on screen, while I think that M7 would have had an issue with me depicting two 14 year olds drinking and smoking.  Other than that, it gives me an opportunity to kinda poke fun at conservatives in our society, to suggest that to be a conservative you must have been like Travis and Bob as kids."

Does Gabriel think Travis and Bob are conservatives though?  "Well, they are morons, so of course they are conservatives," said Gabriel who identifies himself as a socialist.  "They don't question anything serious.  They focus on stupid sh-- all the time, and they are obsessive television viewers.  Yeah, every conservative I know is like that.  No intellectual curiosity at all.  But are they like conscientiously conservative?  No I don't think they are smart enough."

One conservative who loves the revival however, is reportedly Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, who watched the show in her youth.  Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval was discussing his studies recently, and noted that he was visiting with his mother in Eveari and found her watching the new "Travis and Bob" series on television.  "She said she has all the old episodes recorded," said His Highness the Crown Prince.  "She put them on DVD and watches them from time to time so she can watch them with the videos in tact.  I couldn't believe how funny she thought this program was."  For the record, the Crown Prince found the new series humorous as well.  "I liked what they said about the videos and the episode where they went to vote was hilarious."

The new series airs weekly on M7, and will air through April.  It is unclear whether Gabriel will do a second season of the show, or just leave it as a one season limited release.  

You can check out Travis and Bob's review of the Sulari-based pop&B singer Donnatella and her song "No Guesses" and the review of Brad Marko's "Smokey"  from the new series right here.  And you can watch whole episodes on M7, or watch old episodes on the M7Stream service.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJE-tkGcRKk]

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOvfo7YJDEQ]

@LaModa

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Crown Prince is Engaged
Kaliburg Socialite Monica DeLaurentis to become Princess Consort
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 9, 5605


His Highness, Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval, 25 and Ms. Monica DeLaurentis, 23 to be married in 5606

The announcement is official:  His Highness, the Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval and Ms. Monica DeLaurentis are engaged to be married.  The date of the wedding is set for July 15, 5606.  The announcement was made during the Coming home party that the very socially active Crown Prince threw for his sister, who has finally completed her tour in the NSP, and is starting college at Kaliburg Polytechnic in the fall, where she will pursue a degree in finance and accounting.  The Prince reportedly proposed to Ms. DeLaurentis at the celebration.

"His decision to propose was apparently a surprise to nobody but Ms. DeLaurentis," said one source close to the Crown Prince and Princess.  "Princess Michelle, who introduced the two more than a year and a half ago, apparently had helped her brother plan the proposal, and when he gave her a ring with an amethyst stone in it, she about fainted from surprise."

The coming home party was held at Kalistan's upscale Shoreline Nightclub, where the Crown Prince often goes in the evenings with Ms. DeLaurentis.  The club, which is in Imperial City, near Embassy Row, features live music from some of Kaliburg's best rock, blues, and R&B acts, and is a favorite for the children of the aristocracy who keep homes in Kaliburg.  The Crown Prince maintains a private box at the club that opens to the main dance floor and stage, where he frequently entertains guests, friends, and many times, just club goers who come to the venue hoping to see famous people.  Her Highness Princess Michelle, who completed her National Service in May, is also purchasing a private box there for her own social activities.

Ms. DeLaurentis is part of the Kaliburg elite.  Her father, Martino DeLaurentis, is a movie producer who produces both independent feature films and has also made several concert and feature films for Republican, and her mother, Talia Esposito, is an Institutionalist Deputy who represents Lolla.  Ms. DeLaurentis served in the NSP with Her Highness Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval for two and a half years, and she was introduced to His Highness, the Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval before she left the NSP.   Ms. DeLaurentis has completed her first year at Kaliburg Polytechnic where she studies literature and music.

"It was very cute," said the unnamed source.  "Fredrick was kind of a playboy, seeing new girls all the time.  Everyone sort of understood that he wasn't interested in being exclusive.  But when he met Monica, that sort of changed for him.  There is something about the two of them together, it felt like love at first sight."  When she mustered out of the NSP more than a year ago, she and he Crown Prince became an item and were seen all over Kaliburg together.

"I think Monica is learning sign language for him," said the source, "and he has been pretty exclusive with her since she left the service.  They do a lot of things around the city together, whether its going to movies or concerts together, or even really mundane things like going shopping.  And Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort have apparently given the pairing their blessings as well, and have had Monica up to Eveari on numerous occasions, even inviting her parents to celebrate the new years with them on Ananto Estate."

The Private Secretary for Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Carolina I Ananto issued the following statement on behalf of the Royal Family.  "We long ago welcomed Monica to our family.  She is an intelligent and insightful young woman.  She will be an excellent partner for our son and we are so happy that he (finally) got around to taking his relationship seriously enough to ask her to formally join our family.  We wish the two young people only joy and happiness as they begin their journey together."  The Empress also asked the Media and the people of Kalistan to respect Ms. DeLaurentis' privacy during these last few months while she still remains a private citizen, because once she marries into the Ananto Family, she will never enjoy complete privacy again.

@LaModa

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Catching up with: Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval
Youngest Ananto tapped to be next head of House Ananto
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 18, 5606


Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval wants to engage in Socially Conscious Investments

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto turns 60 this year, and has already begun moving His Highness Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval into more state responsibilities as she begins preparing for a transition which is expected to take place within the next 10 years.  But as Crown Prince Fredrick takes up a larger imperial profile, Her Highness Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval is also stepping into some new roles.  She has completed her National Service and has begun her studies in Bachelors of Accounting and Finance Program at Kaliburg Polytechnic at the request of Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez, the Viceroy of Gaduridos, who herself is looking for a smaller role in Kalistan.

Princess Michelle is more than happy to do it:  "I've always loved math and have always been interested in how money is made," said Her Highness.  "Under Lady Dana and her father Victor, House Ananto went from being wealthy to one of the larges holding companies on the planet.  They have major investments in Kalistan, Gaduridos and Egelion, and have been really very successful through a series of very conservative investments and careful stewardship.  Lady Dana is really someone I look up to, and I have long thought that it would be amazing to follow in her footsteps."

House Ananto has long separated itself from its business arm at Miramar, and now exists as a trust for which Miramar operates.  "I think the model is very innovative and creative," said Princess Michelle.  "Miramar is still a privately held corporation and the majority stake in the corporation is held by House Ananto, so the company retains its fiduciary responsibility primarily to the fiscal wellbeing of House Ananto, but the fact that the Royal Family is behind it also encourages institutional investors to seek to hold securities in Miramar, because it is seen as an incredibly safe investment that all large investors will want to have in their portfolio, along with other rock solid investments like deposits in the Imperial Bank and Imperial Rubles.  The trust allows Miramar virtually unlimited ability to raise capital for large projects.  Miramar has paid a dividend every single quarter since it was founded."

Princess Michelle said when she takes House Ananto over, she will begin looking for socially conscious projects to invest in.  "We will continue to invest in development of the nations around us," said Princess Michelle.  "But I'm also going to start looking for projects that provide a public good:  Miramar makes billions of Imperials a year, so its time we put some of that back into restoring natural wildlife habitats in the Empire, including helping restore the Ananto Strait, which is a project I have long been interested in."  She said that Prince Fredrick and she have long talked about an ambitious environmentalist agenda.

"I suppose I am a bit of a hippy," said Princess Michelle.  "I'm interested in peace and helping the environment and reducing pollution, both in Kalistan and across the entire Anantonese Ocean.  And I want to plant trees all across the open spaces in Neveras so we can increase carbon capture and sequestration--Nevaras is perfect for that, because most of the Duchy is wilderness already.  And as head of House Ananto and Miramar, this is something we can do without putting a huge burden on the taxpayers of the Empire."

Princess Michelle may be a treehugger, but she is also a rocker.  "Oh yeah, I'd also like to see GanJam come back," said the Princess.  "I've only read stories about these massive rock festivals, and while the smokeouts are pretty well attended, none of them are multi-day events, and I think this is something that Miramar can invest in as well, cultural and musical events.  Kalistan is a land of a thousand venues, big and small, and I think a GanJam would be just what we need to reinvigorate the fairly boring music scene we have in Kalistan at the moment."

La Moda met the Princess at her home in Dulnerstaad, where she greeted us wearing a "Travis and Bob" T-shirt.  So, of course we had to ask.  "Yes, of course I am a fan.  My mom and I watched their episodes on the weekends when I visited last fall.  She grew up loving that show and I think she is just thrilled that I can share them with her.  There's a lot of great old music on that show:  for her, those shows are like a trip back to a time before the weight of the entire world was on her shoulders.  But while these two guys are funny, my favorite part is watching the joy she gets from hearing the same funny comments she's heard a hundred times before.  She never stopped liking them and Fred and I got to watch them when we were younger, before Fred lost his hearing.  It's great that they came back on TV for another season.  I hope they do another season again.  They're so funny."

Princess Michelle closed with saying, "I think when my mother was a girl, the world was much more positive.  But all around there is war, and evil all around us, in places like Kundrati where the government actively murders its own people.  I think Travis and Bob are good because while they are kind of a parody of the world right now.  Every once in a while, they will sneak in a joke about fascism, but its always in reference to like some kind of crud or scum.  Its very subversive.  Like the one episode where they were doing the Rorschach test and Bob said it looked like a 'guy spanking his monkey' while Travis said it looked 'that stupid dumba-- with the scar.'  Little jokes like that where they are just mocking these fascists kind of bring light back into a very dark Terra."

Princess Michelle said the family is getting ready for Crown Prince Fredrick's wedding in July, and then she will be travelling to Gaduridos for two months to shadow Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez and begin transitioning to become the next head of House Ananto.

@LaModa

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Crown Prince and Ms. DeLaurentis purchase home in Luxon
Wilson House will remain Primary Imperial Workspace
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 31, 5606


First portrait of Crown Prince Fredrick and Ms. Monica DeLaurentis

His Highness, Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval has purchased a 2,000 square foot home on Luxon Bay on the southern tip of Ananto, which he intends to make his primary residence during the upcoming transition. "The Crown Prince is the first royal to purchase property in Luxon since the middle ages," said Colin Harmon, a crown watcher and columnist. "This is an interesting move, and signals the Crown Prince's desire for some space from the capital." The home, which is located just outside of the city limits on the bay, features a small marina to dock small craft and immediate access to various amenities like golfing. "The property also has a beachfront for swimming," said Harmon.

The purchase was advised by the Crown Prince's mother, who now lives full time in Eveari though she still conducts the business of State from Wilson House, and maintains the Imperial Seat in downtown Kaliburg where she holds Formal Audience. "Her Imperial Majesty has always been very sensitive to sheltering her children from the 24/7 rigor of just being The Empress," said Harmon. "But she also has already begun preparing the Crown Prince to take assume more royal duties: the Transition has already begun and the Government is now envisioning a post-Carolina era." As a result, Harmon said, the Crown Prince, who is also Count of Luxon, is required by law to maintain a home in Luxon County, and will begin administering his demesne.

"After he is married to Ms. DeLaurentis in July, the two will split time between Luxon and Wilson House," said Harmon, "but the Luxon home will be the couple's primary residence until Fredrick is crowned as the next Emperor when Her Imperial Majesty abdicates, likely within the next 15 years. Her Imperial Majesty is 60, His Highness the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval is 62, and they are both looking forward to retirement from public life. As such, the transition, which informally began about 9 years ago, will now enter a new phase where Fredrick slowly begins taking over various aspects of the apparatus of the Anantonese State and will culminate in his coronation."

Wilson House, the long time imperial residence, will undergo significant remodeling to upgrade the mansion's infrastructure. Most of it will be therefore closed off. Only the offices and a small apartment for the Crown Prince will remain accessible while renovations are underway. The remodeling will begin in June and is expected to take more than two full years to complete.

In related news, Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval is expected to be entitled Countess of Dulnerstaad in February as Her Imperial Majesty begins settling titles ahead of the transition. She is also expected to fill vacancies in Vrassa and Nevaras in the coming weeks.

@TheRepublic

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Crown Prince is married in Eveari
Her Highness Princess Monica joins Order of Gray Smoke and named Countess
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 2, 5606


Crown Prince Fredrick celebrates his marriage at the Ananto Estate

His Highness Crown Prince Fredrick is now married to Ms. Monica DeLaurentis of Kaliburg.  She is now titled Her Highness Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis.  She also has been formally inducted into the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke as a Stranger Lady Companion due to her marriage into the Royal Family and has been created Countess of Luxon as a Courtesy.

The marriage was a typical Brethrenist ceremony that took place on the grounds of the Ananto Estate. His Highness is a birthright Brethrenist, but Ms. DeLaurentis herself did not grow up in a meeting. Instead, her family is a member of the Selucian Rite of the Aurorian Patriarchal Church. Her parents agreed to a Brethrenist wedding for their daughter if the family's priest was allowed to be present and perform a brief solemnization at the ceremony, given the fact that marriage is considered a sacred act by the Aurorians.

Following the silent worship and solemnization, the pair were invited to exchange the rings and give their promises to one another. This marriage ceremony was the first imperial marriage ceremony where the couple's declarations to one another were delivered in sign language, and Ms. DeLaurentis reportedly kept her declarations simple, as she is still learning sign language, and had to practice what to say explicitly. All those who speak sign language in the crowd later remarked that she signed very well. Following the declaration of the fact of their marriage, all were invited to sign the traditional Brethrenist Marriage Certificate.

After the event, the newlywed couple mingled and greeted the more than 200 guests who came for the wedding from both sides of the new family. Photos were taken, and Mr. DeLaurentis and Mrs. Esposito, the Bride's parents were happy to have the opportunity to meet Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval. While photos of the family and several notable guests, including the Chancellor of the Empire, and Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez and Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir were being taken, the Bride and Groom were inside the Main House changing into more casual attire.

Crown Prince Fredrick slices his new bride the first piece of the Wedding Cake

Following their return the various wedding reception activities began. While there was an open bar, and the Prince gave a rousing toast, the newlyweds remained mostly sober. Everyone else, however, proceeded to imbibe. Princess Michelle was a constant companion of the new Princess Monica, and she even toasted her new Sister and welcomed her to the family. A dinner of chicken, rice and broccoli was served, with a side Caesar Salad and soft dinner rolls. "The Anantos are well known for their understated and simple food choices even at the most glamorous of events," said Donald Francis, a noted Crown Watcher who attended the reception as a member of the media. "Most royals would have ten or twelve courses, but it wouldn't be out of the question for the Anantos to serve fish and rice at even the most prestigious of events. They take their Brethrenism very seriously."

After dinner, the marred couple cut their lavish wedding cake, and Prince Fredrick offered Princess Monica the first slice. After they both took a bite, the servers finished cutting the cake and began serving the guests their own pieces. The cake was a chocolate vanilla marble cake with white chocolate fondant as frosting with ornate orange and purple flowers as decorations. The cake was served with hot mocha and all agreed that the Gaduri espresso and bittersweet cocoa was a fantastic complement to the delicious cake.

While cake was being eaten, the married couple opened their wedding gifts. Most brought them money, but on agreement, both the Bride and Groom decided to donate all money they received to the Dulnerstaad National Aquarium in the name of Princess Michelle to support educational and marine life rehabilitation. Princess Michelle was overwhelmed by the gesture, and cried tears of joy as she hugged her brother and new sister in law. Other gifts included classic literature, a new and very ornate quilt for the couple's bed in Luxon, and various kitchen gadgets and home accessories as house warming gifts.

The Prince Consort, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, and Princess Michelle at the Wedding Reception

By this time, it was time for dancing to begin. At first, a small chamber quartet was called in to play romantic pieces for the couple to dance together. They had the dance floor to themselves for a song, but then the quartet switched to waltzes and minuets. The Prince endured one dance, but due to his inability to hear the music, the Princess was allowed to lead, and helped him keep time by patting him on the shoulder in time with the music. Following the dance, she thanked him for his gracious humoring of her, and joined him in observing the other guests dancing. After about thirty five minutes, the chamber quartet stepped out and were replaced by dance pop duo Maggie and Ed, who performed a forty five minute set.



At about 8:30 pm, the Empress and Prince Consort retired to the family wing, while the Prince and Princess stayed in the celebration hall for another hour and a half, greeting guests, and meeting friends from Eveari who were invited to join the celebration when Maggie and Ed started their set. "Maggie and Ed are favorites of Princess Monica," said Francis. "She has long been a fan of their music and was thrilled to get the chance to meet them before their set was over. The Princess even got His Highness, the Crown Prince back on the dance floor for a couple songs, and the pair danced in front of the speakers on the side of the stage, so His Highness could feel the vibrations of the woofers to stay in rhythm. By all appearance, both had a lot of fun during the set." At 10, Crown Prince Fredrick and Princess Monica said their good nights and departed, while Princess Michelle stayed at the reception to continue to play hostess and Mistress of Ceremonies.

At 10:30, the ODEN bar opened, and the DJ gave way to roots Reggae Band Kali Lion, who played three set late into the night. Kali Lion brought the good vibes, performing several songs in Egelian, and introducing special guest Donna T, who sang on several tracks during the middle set. The reception ended around 2:30am as the last guests wandered away or had retired to their apartment in the Estate for the night.

The Crown Prince, being now married, will take Princess Monica to Egelion for their honeymoon and will be out of the country for a month. Princess Monica will now be known as Her Highness, Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, SLC, Countess Luxon, and her last name will be inherited by any children the pair may have.

@The Republic

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Crown Prince comments on Likatonia's return to Fascism
"Let the Fascists feed Likatonia" said next Emperor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 19, 5608


Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval is baffled by Likatonian ambivalence

Years of quasi normal relations with Likatonia turned out to be merely an interlude between two periods of negative relations as Likatonia said "No Thank you" to Northern Seleya and re-embraced fascism following the defeat of rebel forces last November.  His Highness, the Crown Prince Fredrick Ananto-Sandoval, who is in the process of increasing his profile in the Imperial State, was on hand to comment on behalf of Her Imperial Majestry, Empress Carolina I Ananto, who is currently in Eveari and is preparing for a trip to Egelion.

"Nobody is sure what Likatonia is doing, from day to day," said Crown Prince Fredrick, speaking through a sign language interpreter.  "Ananto was under the impression that their intention was to rebuild good relations with Northern Seleya.  Instead, they have inexplicably lurched back to the fascists, for absolutely no discernable reason.  It often times has felt to the Foreign Ministry that someone is just throwing darts at a decision making board to determine what Likatonia's policies will be from day to day."  The Crown Prince was speaking on broader Seleyan issues and has echoed the general confusion in Kaliburg over Clovisport's policies.  

"There seems to be no direction at all to any of it, with the one abiding exception:  That government seems intent on remaining a pariah state, because for some reason they seem attracted, like a moth to a flame, to fascism, and as a result, of course, Kalistan will have nothing to do with them."  Asked if Likatonia has ever even sought relations with Kalistan, the Crown Prince answered, "No, not since President Mendelev visited Kalistan 12 years ago.  They opted not to follow up, and instead, decided to overthrow that President, who wanted peace and good relations with other nations in Seleya.  Why?  I can only guess its because they are enamored with fascism, and want to enslave their own citizens like Kundrati does--There can be no other reason than that they want to be as malevolent as Kundrati is.  Whatever."

The Crown Prince said Her Imperial Majesty will ask Lodamun to keep the Likatonian Border closed at the frontier.  "Let Kundrati carry them if they prefer the fascists to good relations with their neighbors.  We wanted peace with Likatonia, but we cannot tolerate fascism, as we have made abundantly clear, so Likatonia has explicitly chosen its side.  What difference does it make to us?  At this point, Likatonian goods don't enter the Empire and haven't for a very long time.  Additional sanctions are impossible, and the ones currently in place don't hurt the Anantonese Empire any more because they are now priced in and have been for years.  So, if the government of Likatonia--though not the people of Likatonia, because the government does not represent the people--loves the fascists so much, let fascism feed their people."

The Crown Prince's ambivalence reflects the general disappointment in Kaliburg over Likatonia's continual embrace of the murderous government in Kundrati.  But at this point, its been more than two generations since Kalistan had anything like normal relations with the Seleyan pariah.  "It was well before my time since the last time we could say we were on any terms other than cold terms with Likatonia.  President Mendelev's visit was a brief glimmer of hope, and it was immediately dashed by people who inexplicably love fascism.  Her Imperial Majesty is sad for the Likatonian people and welcomes all who wish to flee from the fascist fanclub that passes for the Government of Likatonia.  They will be welcomed as people who love freedom and hate fascism, and will be free to remain within the Empire as long as they like.  Because the one thing that unites decent people is the desire to be free of the dark boot of the fascist, and the Empress has made it clear that Kalistan will do everything it can to aid in that cause."

The Crown Prince finally stated that Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Ministry has issued yet another travel advisory for the Artanian Sea, and has advised all Kalistani Citizens to leave Likatonia by the safest route possible. "We don't think there are many there, but we shall keep consular staff in place for an additional two weeks to assist those handful who are there should they attempt to depart, and then we are pulling the consuls too," said the Crown Prince. "This government is one comprised entirely of malevolent sycophants who wish nothing but harm to the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, and we intend to take that threat seriously." All Likatonian Nationals discovered in Kalistan will be asked if they intend to remain in Kalistan, and if so will be processed as permanent residents.

[Doc]

Republican Pictures Releases "Bounce:  The History of Kalistani RF"
Retrospective covers Highs and Lows of the Scene
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
May 8, 5608


Republican Pictures "Bounce" chronicles the History of RF in Kalistan, including Devon and Waterfall (pictured here)

The new documentary called Bounce: The History of Kalistani RF has been released at theaters and has drawn millions of music fans from across Kalistan to the theaters.  RF, or retro-futurism was a movement in music which had its roots in Kalistan more than 1500 years ago.  It is now more of a niche genre in Kalistan than a mainstream one, and only a handful of RF clubs still exist in the much more conservative social environment that is the Empire than once existed.  But the music has a special place in the history of Kalistani music, as film goers and music lovers both have announced by ticket sales.

"Bounce covers the history of retro-futurism in Kalistan, just like the name says," said film critic Michael Andrews, for Kalistani Rawk Monthly.  "It's fairly straight forward, and there is near unanimity that it is historically accurate from the music history set."  The first part of the film deals with the cultural roots of RF, which are mostly in electronic and dance music.  "There is this weird fusion during the cultural explosions in Kalistan during the dawn of the 4000s, where people were experimenting with sound, new technology and new recording techniques," said Andrews.  "All of these, plus a healthy dose of drugs, leads straight into RF."

The film documents proto-RF bands like Louisie Sue and Dave, who were primarily Alternative Electronica, and bands doing synth-rock, like Jim Short and the Miserable 5 who added a science fiction element.  Other early influences like the band "Men Are Always Ready Somewhere" reinforced the connection with technology and a techno future that never was in the early RF and trip hop bands like Angst Experience brought in hip hop elements into this growing movement.  It all led to the first true RF song by Kelli Minelli "Can't Get You off of My Mind" which tied the electronic dance music, the synth-rock energy and the themes of Science fiction and overt sexuality into a single package by 4397.

"Following the massive success of Kelli Minelli's hit, the scene exploded," said Andrews.  "Lots of electronic bands switched over and club after club opened.  They were basically dance clubs with a, shall we say, very VERY permissive attitude."  The RF scene very early embraced the weird, and was incredibly sex positive.  "Everyone was literally having sex with everyone in that scene," said Andrews.  "It was very...  well, I don't think the term 'dirty' really describes it.  Maybe more like greasy, very weird, and thank god for socialized public health, because...  well...  Let's just say they weren't using a lot of protection back then.  But it's also important to remember that the fashion and the music were the connecting factors in the scene back then.  It was what people from that time thought people from the past thought the present would be like, so it was bizarre and random and chaotic, and everything."  Eventually the scene dissolved back into its constituent parts, due to exhaustion more than anything else, a fact which the film emphasizes numerous times.

The second Act of the film covered the rise, and eventual fall of the first wave of RF, with performances of Kelli Minelli, Das Crack, 12 Second Toaster, and probably the biggest band in the first wave of RF, Devon and Waterfall.  Devon actually was the person that KMI chose to feature on the cover of the companion album for the film.

The final act discusses the rise of the Second, and perhaps more mainstream, wave of RF which attached itself to Pop, and was actually more pop than alternative.  The wave begins with Christina Shakespeare, who was herself the grand-daughter of pop star and FOMAT winner Madysin Shakespeare.  Shakespeare brought overt and brazen sexuality back into pop and kicked open the doors for the return of sexually charged electronic dance music.  Both she and Tonya X led the way to bring RF into the Mainstream.

"For about 10 years, the template laid down by Shakespeare and Tonya X dominated the airwaves in Kalistan," said Andrews.  "And then you had a number of crossovers, like La Sol and Jenny Huerta and even Chaparra from Gaduridos who were mixing that second wave RF with KME and Gaduri Music and producing whole new sounds.  The emphasis in the Second Wave was on the sexuality, rather than the robots and space aliens.  I suppose people looking at it from the 4800s had a different view on what people in the past thought the future would be like than people in the 4300s."

The film also explores various incidents that defined the Second Wave RF scene, such as the Orgy/Brawl at GanJam 4886 during the overnight RF set and the Kaliburg Earthquake of 4891, which caused the destruction of M7's operations studios, but interestingly enough, not the transmission facilities or the Shout Cast computer system that scheduled programming.  "This freak accident led to M7 broadcasting Tonya X's 'Bouncin'' More than 9000 times over three weeks, before techs could make it through the wreckage to take the station off the air," said Andrews.  "It was a really wild accident and the funniest part of the movie, where they showed archival clips of Kaliburg residents just furious that every time they turned on M7, Tonya X was on TV..."

The earthquake, and the freak accident that led to Tonya X obtaining a record for repeated plays of her video on M7 which will never be broken, ironically is what led to the Second Wave's demise.  Following that time, analog music makes a come back and RF once more becomes a niche genre as people move away from pop.  "You see the rise of Noise Alternative not too long after this time," said Andrews, "and also of Dana Ska Punk, which is a whole thing in itself.  Like most pop, the market oversaturates the population, and you get changes in taste which wouldn't be otherwise accounted for, if not taking in the oversaturation thesis."  Second wave RF still made the charts, and some argue that the de-emphasis of sex and the focus on the musical aspects of RF led to a third wave, but that's still a subject under debate, because the third wave never really gained the level of acceptance the way the first and second waves did.

"One interesting fact, however," said Andrews, "was that a member of this so-called Third Wave, actually married into the Ananto Family and became Empress Elizabeth Ananto.  I suppose this is the ultimate confirmation of RF's legitimacy in Society."  An RF Concert movie featuring several local Kaliburg RF bands called "white Light" had moderate success in Kalistan during the 5400s, but that was essentially the last real effort to restore RF to a mainstream prominence, and it has mostly been a feature of dance clubs ever since.

"In a lot of ways, RF never really went away," said Andrews.  "You still hear echos of the various booms in most Pop&B songs, which are fairly heavily dependent on electronic dance music.  Both Megapipe and La Reina drew heavily from RF styles and themes at the beginning of the last century, and brought that sound out to the world.  But For the most part, RF is now just pop music.  The success of singers like Christina Shakespeare was both tremendous, and also quite destructive to the scene as such, because it made the music accessible to everyone.  Once the sexuality was de-emphasized, all of a sudden, it became just normally what you would hear on the pop station.  And meanwhile, the ballads and the crooners fell completely off the dial.  So.  The influences are still with us and RF is synonymous with R&B style pop these days."

The Film "Bounce: The History of Kalistani RF" is already number 1 this week across Kalistan and Ananto and features performances from most of the major artists.  "It's a little long," said Andrews.  "Three hours of heavy bass, drug excess and just in your face sexuality from archival footage really got exhausting.  but I suppose, that was kind of the point:  That was the experience of those who were in the scene at the time, so...  in that sense, it was like sensory overload to kind of make the point that RF was just that, sensory overload."  The film also has a companion record produced by KMI of RF's biggest hits and deep cuts, which comes complimentary with each ticket sold at the theater.

"They've given away more than 3 million albums over the last couple weeks," said Andrews.  "Which means that in every record collection everywhere will likely be a copy of the Companion Record.  But KMI reports that most people accept the album with the ticket, so, there must be demand for the music."  

Below is the Track Listing for "Bounce" on KMI, and you can listen to it yourself without even seeing the movie.  But check out this Cultural Historical Documentary anyway, and get the experience.


"Bounce:  The History of Kalistani RF" -- Companion Album Produced by KMI
(Watch all clips here on M7)
(Stream whole Album on your fav streaming service here)

Side A Proto- and 1st Wave-RF

1. Angst Experience - "Foreigners" (4092)
   
2. Louisie Sue and Dave- "Fell in Love" (4102)
   
3. Men Are Always Ready Somewhere- "MAARS Needs Women" (4350)
   
4. Kelli Minelli- "Can't Get You Off of My Mind" (4397)
   
5. Bwah Krew- "Gunshot Means Rewind" (4405)
   
6. Das Crack- "The Producer" (4408)
   
7. Devon and Waterfall- "The Low End" (4414)
   

Side B 2nd Wave-RF

1. Madysin Shakespeare- Philanderer (4787)
   
2. Christina Shakespeare- "Sugar Baby" (4878)
   
3. Jenny Huerta featuring Tonya X- "Bajo" (4882)
   
4. Dave and the Drugs- "Planetary Good Vibe Zone" (4886)
   
5. Tonya X- "Bouncin'" (4887)
   
6. Amphetamine- "Mimic" (5148)
   
7. Jean Pierre du Rue and Molly Shepherd- "Not Interested" (5148)
   

Remastered by Alexander Talmadge for KMI, 5608
Album Art- "Devon Collins, Kaliburg, 4413"