Kalistan

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Former Etxean President Speaks in Port Davon
Nero solicits privateer aid for new Campaign in Artania
Port Davon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 1, 5635


Former President of Etxea Tiberius Nero solicits aid from Anantonese Private Sector

The former President of the Kundrati Union, Mr. Tiberius Claudius Nero arrived in Kaliburg last week to seek an audience with Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto, in an ongoing effort to raise awareness about the violent bombing campaign that Etxea is experiencing at the moment.  The Government of Kalistan agreed to permit an informal audience with Her Imperial Majesty, where the Former President attempted to make his nation's case for re-engagement.  The Empress politely listened to the statistics and the impassioned argument of the former President, but in the end, she explained that the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan would not directly re-enter the conflict, as she does not believe that doing so is in the interests of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan.

But during the audience, Her Imperial Majesty did introduce the visiting Kundrati patriotic statesman to Don Barton, President of the Kaliburg Longshoreman's Association, and suggested that Mr. Nero would likely benefit from the connection, as the KLA is known to represent a large number of naval veterans who work at both Port Davon and at the Kalistani National Shipyards. 

Following the informal audience, President Nero and President Barton travelled to Port Davon to continue their conversation.  After several hours, Barton agreed to host Nero at the KLA Hall in Port Davon two days later.  Meanwhile, Barton reached out to his contacts in various naval veterans associations, as well as members of the Institutional Militia, and arranged for a large crowd to turn out for President Nero's speech.  When the appointed time came, President Nero was introduced by Barton, who greeted the assembled crowd of 750 Longshoremen and invited guests from more than a dozen veterans associations, as well as several operatives associated with the Institutional Party and concerned private citizens from Kaliburg, Port Swedes, Eshar and Sulari.  The former President delivered an impassioned speech on behalf of the Etxean cause in Vrassan, and it is transcribed below:

Ladies and gentlemen.

Your empire strives against fascism and against the destruction of freedom and liberty. We saw that when you, your fathers and mothers, your grandfathers and grandmothers, when they fought in the seas against the Kundrati Legion and when they fought to liberate Likatonia.

Today I come to you a regretful man. I have many regrets. I am a human being like you. Kundrati has many regrets. We regret that we didn't work side by side in enforcing the embargo. We regret that we didn't work side by side to bring peace throughout the world. We regret many things. The Kalistani-Kundrati relationship before the Legion popped up was a strong bond. Your Empress has Kundrati blood. And we are proud to have produced and helped your Empire here. And we will.

I come to you in a time of need. Our island is being bombed 24/7. This is a new escalation of the actions of the bandits who attempt a genocide against the Kundrati people in their own homeland. Understandably, your Empire has begun a détente with the Legion. But they continue to lie every day. Their actions already prove it. They pretend to give us a peace deal where we will rejoin them and everyone can leave. They want to murder anyone who lives in our island. They want to destroy what we've rebuilt. Not to mention they disdain your Empress, disdain your Empire, and demolished the Ananto House in Etxea.

They already launched missiles to Kaliburg filled with white phosphorus. They did the same to us decades later. Let me ask you this: did you surrender at that point? Did your parents? Did your grandparents? Did they surrender when they saw what the Legion could do far from home? Yet you stand here today, and I stand before you here. We know the obvious answer to those questions.

So let me ask you another question: do you seek Legion blood? Because for the last few decades, time and time again, the Legion has tried to kill us all and tried to intimidate us all into an unhonourable surrender.

They have tried to throw white phosphorus upon you and you did not yield. Now is the time to strike back.

I urge as many of you as possible to come with me. We will strike in the Jildrath Strait between our island and the mainland. No ship who goes through will be safe. They will only be there to support the Legion. Etxeans and Kalistanis, side by side once more, for eternal victory against the fascist Legion.

An eternally grateful island awaits you.

Thank you.

The President's speech received a standing ovation by the entire room, and the President agreed to answer questions following the speech as both veterans and Longshoremen sought out additional information.  The questions period lasted more than an hour, and the President received pledges of direct convertible monetary donations totaling more than ₭1.5 million from assembled audience.

Over the next four days, as former President Nero toured Ananto and Suldanor, including visiting Spencer Space and Test Center, the Veterans and Longshoremen started making phone calls across the nation, and by the time Nero returned to Kaliburg, he was met once more by Barton and was informed that more than 65 private launches have been committed to sailing to Etxea to assist.  "We have commitments from more than 600 veterans and Institutional Militia members to travel to Etxea and assist as an auxiliary privateer navy," said Barton.  "Despite the changes in Imperial Policy toward the Artania, there is still a fairly deep well of sympathy in this country for the plight of the people of Kundrati.  So these sailors are planning to join the fray as privateers, and sail under authorization from the Union Government."

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister said the Government has no comment on the decision of these private citizens to fight for Etxea.  "Her Imperial Majesty stressed that Kalistanis are free to come and go as they please, and we do not enforce Kalistani laws abroad," said Foreign Minister Waltrip.  "Should these individuals find themselves in need of diplomatic services while working with a recognized government, Her Imperial Majesty maintains a consulate in Jildrati City which can assist in repatriation."  Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense has said that KalMilInCo will not limit surplus arms, including M2 50 Caliber machine guns, whcih may be mounted upon fast boat launches, and ammunition and materiel sales to Kalistani Citizens, but will not officially subsidize the effort.  The Chancellor of the Empire has stated that Her Imperial Majesty has offered no comment for or against the flotilla.

The tour considered a success, former President Nero returned to Etxea via Likatonia on KaliAir.  The Floatilla is expected to set sail later this month, and is expected to make its way into the Artanian Sea by early October after resupply in Newport Lodamun.

@TheRepublic

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Reps from RailSul travel to Xsampa
Empire responds to request for Tech Assistance
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
December 2, 5635


RailSul Railroad Engineers from RailSul sharpening skills last September in Upper Lucid Valley

RailSul, one of Kalistan's five administrators of the National Rail System in the Empire, has announced that they have dispatched their forward team to Xsampa, to assist the Dovani nation in building their own Magnetic Levitation Rail Lines to provide highspeed rail to the nation.

"RailSul is leading the Kalistani delegation to Xsampa," said local Project leader Diane Conway, of RailSul.  "We were invited to the republic to not only advise the Xsampan government on the building and operation of their own MagLev system, similar to the one we have in Kalistan, but also on production of the track and the engines.  The initial 100 miles of track will be provided by the National Foundry in Sulari, and this will provide us enough to demonstrate how to build, operate and maintain the track.  The idea is to teach on the job and connect two Xampan pilot cities, which will be on the line eventually.  And then as that infrastructure is being put into place, we will also be helping Xsampa spin up the infrastructure to produce their own materials."

The process of laying the MagLev track does require some specific infrastructure.  "The first team, who is in Xsampa right now, is reviewing the Xsampan power system, to ensure that there are adequate fabrication facilities in place before we start working.  That team will make suggestions on infrastructure that needs to be built, or at least started before actual construction begins, so there is not a heavy investment that turns out not to useful because basic precursors are in place."  Conway said RailSul will provide the magnetic induction coils and cooling systems that allow the the maglev train to float in a stable magnetic field at high speeds, but the fiber composite rails and the bodies of the train cars will need to be fabricated in Xsampa to prevent the project from being significantly more expensive.

Conway said preliminary studies of the nation yield optimism.  "Xsampa is a modern nation.  They aren't some primitive basket case which can't even feed its own people.  They do own an aircraft carrier, after all.  We are confident that this project will proceed according to schedule.  But one the facilities to produce these things locally are created, Xsampa will have the ability to help other Dovani Nations with their own projects."

Currently, Kalistan is the only nation in the world who regularly uses MagLev trains for their high speed rail lines.  Kalistan has routinely offered to share the technology, but until now, no other nations have shown any interest.  "We applaud Xsampa for their forward environmental thinking in regard to national infrastructure.  Replacing emissions producing rail is good for the planet, and it is the most modern technology available.  We will do all we can to help."

It is rumored that Miramar has offered several million Imperial Rubles for start up funds, but this hasn't been confirmed, and likely won't be until the project actually gets under way.  The preliminary team is expected to report back in the Spring, regarding the Xsampan project's needs.

@TheRepublic

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Empress and Princess Monica travel to Hutori
Royals intend to spend the New Year Holiday at Ice Haven
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 20, 5635


Princess Monica and Her Imperial Majesty to Hutori for New Year Holiday

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto and Her Highness Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis flew to Bekenial, Kingdom of Hutori this week to spend the New Year holiday at the estate at Ice Haven.  The trip, which was originally planned for earlier in the year, was delayed when it seemed that that a new crisis may be brewing further to the south, making travel iffy.  As things remained quiet in the west, the trip was rescheduled.

Lady Allison Stuart, who continues to serve the Royal Family as Her Highness Princess Monica's spokeswoman said the pair of royals intend for the visit to be purely personal and recreational.  "Her Imperial Majesty and the Princess Monica wish to celebrate the arrival of the new year at Ice Haven.  Perhaps they will visit with King Charles and Queen Catherine, if the Hutori Monarch's schedules permit.  They also want to visit some jewelers-  I believe Her Imperial Majesty is in the market to acquire more amethyst and ruby for the gem vault."

The royals are expected to return to Kalistan in late January, spending about a month in Hutori.  "I can also confirm that Her Highness Princess Michelle intends to fly to Bekenial on December 30 to spend the holiday there, and Her Majesty Reina Nicole who is still in residence at Casa Varestela in Eveari County, has been invited to accompany Lady Michelle to the Northern Capital."  Her Majesty Reina Nicole, who is cousin to Her Imperial Majesty, retains her position in the Kalistani Royal Family lists and her title Royal Lady Companion in the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke, and as a result, retains her royal privileges in Kalistan, and while in Kalistan, continues to be covered by the House Protocol.

@TheRepublic

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Dana's The Rudies chosen to Represent Kalistan in FOMAT
Dana Ska Collective joined by Carly Maxwell will sing "Falling into Me"
Dana, Duchy of Ananto
March 1, 5686


Multi-instrumentalist Mitchell Clarke, who makes music as The Rudies, is joined by singer Carly Maxwell on "Falling into Me"

Dana musician and multi-instrumentalist Mitchell Clarke, who produces music under the name of The Rudies, has been selected to represent the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan at the upcoming FOMAT contest.  He will be joined by Dana Dubrawk Allstars, who tours with Clarke, and singer Carly Maxwell in Luthori where they will perform "Falling Into Me", a song about a sapphic crush.  The single, which Clarke independently produced in his own studio and on which he plays every instrument, was distributed in the Empire by LCR in Sulari.

"Of course its an honor to go and represent our Empire at FOMAT," said Clarke.  "It will be great to perform this song live for an international audience.  And its great to go and represent ska internationally too.  I think the last time Ska was at FOMAT, Kalistan won with it.  Well, we follow Red Tone's example, and we're bringing skankin back to Artania."

Of the featured singer, Dana skin/rudeboy scene fixture Carly Maxwell, who usually sings for Dana HXC band nailbiter, Clarke had only positive things to say: "Oh Carly is so fun.  She's always jumping around on the stage and going out to dance in the pits during shows.  She lives in the scene, and like listening to nailbiter, you wouldn't think she sings at anything other than top volume all the time, but she is really a very good singer, as we all know.  She was the only one I would have asked to sing this song.  She's like this militant lesbian, and a total rudegirl, and yet she's so polite and sunny all the time.  And she brought that personality to this track."

Clarke said that the song is meant to be a fun, new love song.  "I played the demo for Carly and it was some kind of generic love song.  She took one listen and was immediately like 'See, I think you can do so much more with this song...' and she proceeded to erase some stuff, change some stuff, and make it all from like a lesbian's point of view.  But she felt comfortable doing that:  she knew I wanted her to sing the song, and be authentic."  

Clarke said it will also be amazing to appear with the Dana Dubrawk Allstars in Luthori.  "We tour together, of course.  My main instrument is bass, and so I will play on some of their songs, and they make it so I can play live.  And they are totally down to going to FOMAT to kick out the jams."  Clarke said this will be his first time outside of Kalistan.  "Yeah, we all stay pretty close to Dana and Yoshimi, and only go to Kaliburg to play every once in a while.  I'm not even sure how we won the contest.  I didn't even know we had been entered.  This record was recorded like last summer.  So it was kind of a surprise to all of us.  We were in Plains when the club manager announced we had won, right in the middle of our set."

Radio 1 actually included the single in with the FOMAT poll, because one of its DJ's, who is from Dana, spun the record each night for a week on Radio 1 and it had generated a lot of buzz on Radio Kaliburg.  The song beat out 7 other songs in the listener's round robin, double elimination poll.  "We found out later that we beat like 4 pop and B tunes, two alternative songs, and one electronic song.  That's wild," said Clarke.  "But then I had the opportunity to listen to the other contestants, and its kind of a good thing we are going:  there's not a lot of variety in genre among the contestants, so we'll at least stand out."

Clarke understood that the song can be seen as subtly subversive.  "The contest was initially supposed to be in Etxea, but the religious nutjobs on the mainland decided to threaten to kill everyone in Extea if we played there.  I think this is a kind of a subtle jab at those hypocrites who think that their evil god is worth following.  I understand that they may be upset by a black dude and a white leftist lesbian who don't give a F what those fascists think, playing ska together on stage.  I hope the image haunts them.  We want to have fun, but I think Carly is gonna make a anti-fascist statement during the show.  And if you can stop her from speaking her mind, you're a bigger dude than I am."

The independently produced 12" single comes with three other tracks:  The single itself and a tradska song called "Rudeboy in Lower Dana" and then on the B Side, the skapunk Instrumental "Black and White" and a dub mix of "Falling into Me".  All songs on the record were produced by Clarke himself, and LCR agreed to distribute the disk for a percentage of sales.  "It works out," said Clarke.  "I have my own studio, and LCR of course loves us up here in Dana, so I had no problem getting a distribution deal when they heard my masters."

You can listen to song which will represent Kalistan at FOMAT right here:  The Rudies, from Dana, with "Falling Into Me, feat. Carly Maxwell."  And make sure to vote for Kalistan during the FOMAT contest which will be rebroadcast in Kalistan on M7 live from Fort William, Luthori.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ondIFcTfS4]

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

[Aethan]

Roadmap for Nowik's second legislature: Ministers sent across Seleya and Majatra

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Kalistani Ag Minister Greets Valruzian Counterpart
Technical Visit highlights Activities of the Growers' Syndicate and National Food Bank
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
May 3, 5636


Ag Ministers from Kalistan and Valruzia tour permaculture operations in Odufaray and Suldanor, like this one near Plains Suldanor as part of visit

Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Food and Agriculture Calvin Brennan met with Valruzian Minister of Food Sovereignty Agata Krzycka in Eshar this week to discuss technical assistance to the Western Seleyan republic on the question of food sovereignty.  The purpose of the visit was to discuss Kalistan's food system that has been fine tuned over more than 2000 years and ensures lower prices for consumers, good prices for farmers, and a streamlined distribution system that ensures that Kalistani consumers and food producers have access to steady supplies.  Kalistan's food production system is fairly unique in that it doesn't rely on food commodity pricing, is largely independent of foreign market manipulation and allows Kalistan to remain self-sufficient.

"In so many market countries, food distribution relies on international sourcing, which can be affected by gluts and shortages, both natural and manmade, which make it difficult to ensure that people can get the basic necessity of food without putting a significant portion of their individual resources toward the effort," said Ag Minister Calvin Brennan in Eshar this week.  "The result is food insecurity, inflationary spirals in food prices, poorer quality and more processing to protect against spoilage.  This system also generates upstream disruptions, making actual production more expensive and reducing security for farmers."

Kalistan has long ago resolved most of these issues with agrarian reform, turning farmers into land owners, and encouraging the growth of Growers Syndicates that are regionally based, and provide for a measure of democracy in the economy.  "Her Imperial Majesty's Government negotiates for prices among collective groups of farm owners, who then become employers that pay their workers as any employer would," said Ag Minister Brennan.  "They set a price that they would like to sell their crops at, the National Government, represented by the National Food Bank, has a right of first refusal on all crops, and anything that is designated for export is determined after the need for food is met.  Given a relatively steady population, with replacement being just met in most Kalistani families, we can more easily determine what is needed, and this provides regularity not only in supply, but also in pricing. 

"Farming innovations are encouraged to increase productivity, but careful attention is paid to providing needs in Kalistan first by our growers, and so there is a counterpressure to spoil the land.  We also encourage soil conservation, pesticide free planting, and limit the use of nitrate run off by encouraging native species production as well as vertical hydroponic and aeroponic farming with a closed nutrient system and efficient water usage.  Having large scale vertical farming also allows us to practice permaculture to supplement the more traditional outside crops that are dependent upon the seasons."

Production is managed by the Growers' Syndicates in each Duchy, who themselves oversee county and local collectives, and then when the Syndicates and the National Food Bank reach commodity price agreements (a process which is helped by futures pricing in the KalSiE) the National Service System kicks in to ensure a steady flow of agricultural production to local processors.  Large scale warehouses store food supplies in climate control that ensures that when those crops make it to market, they are still healthy and nutritious, while other crops are distributed to regional food processing plants that will prepare less perishable items like canned soups, pasta, various cereals and breads, and other items that grace the table of most Kalistani Homes.  "We also work with fishermen who daily catch fish and seafood to bring to market, and then either sell directly to consumers or process and freeze to appear on plates locally," said the Minister.  "Most Kalistanis use chicken, fish and tofu as their primary protein sources, and we try to encourage obtaining these items from the closest sources possible so they are as fresh and wholesome as they can be."

Kalistanis also receive some imports from other nations, predominantly Lodamun and Gaduridos, but also other nations in the AESA nations.  "Much of this food provides Kalistanis variety in their diet.  We already produce enough agricultural variety in Kalistan to allow them to have different meals on their plates.  We do get a lot of our spices from especially areas like Gaduridos, but Kalistanis like to have the options to have foreign foods as well to change things up.  Kalistanis especially love Indralan and Gaduri foods, with significant populations enjoying Istalian foods, Lourennais cuisine, and some Artanian cuisines in addition to the staples they consume daily."

Nearly all staples are available for Kalistani acquisition at the National Food Bank Stores.  "We try to keep prices as low as possible," said the Ag Minister.  "Food insecurity is not a thing in Kalistan, and most often we are able to offer surplus foods, especially perishable foods at little to no price to the consumer.  The food is purchased from the General Fund at whole sale, and scale prices, and a lot of that becomes a surplus.  For much of the year, most of the food at the Food Banks will be free, or only a tiny fraction of what other countries will pay for the same items, because we do not allow the market to dictate our food prices. 

"But much of the processed foods and imported foods we bring in go to local commercial operations where the prices are significantly higher as these are seen as Premium food items.  So people will have lots of vegetables and starches, grains and cereals and fish, chicken and tofu that they can make into whatever dishes they like, for basically nothing, but if they want to eat Indralan cuisine or like escargot from Lourenne, they will have to go to the private sector which is driven by profit and market forces for that."  Minister Brennan added, "They will typically need to enter the private market anyway:  The only seasoning we provide at the Food Bank is iodized salt and sugar.  But we also grow a wide variety of chili peppers and cayenne, so if you can cook with these and tolerate them, you can make meals for almost nothing.  Also, almost all beef, pork and dairy comes from imports, as cattle and hogs are not widely ranched in Kalistan, despite several concerted efforts to encourage cattle ranching."

Following the symposium on Kalistan's food independence structure, the two Ag Ministers proceeded to tour several farms in Odufaray and Suldanor.  Some of the establishments visited were a hybrid 215 acre operation near Springfield Odufaray, that is in the process of planting outside while continuing hydroponic vertical operations a large indoor facility, a seaweed farm in Gendaris that harvests fast growing kelp to produce Nori, which is a good source of iron, a 430 acre farm near Dachin Suldanor that produces natural oils for biodiesel and biopolymer operations, a large scale rice farm of about 600 acres on the northern edge of the Lucid Morass, and a 280 acre sugar and citrus plantation along the Lucid River. 

"These operations are just a few of the more than 65,000 syndicated small scale faming operations that account for more than 23 million acres under cultivation in these two districts alone," said the Ag Minister in Lucid Valley at the end of the trip.  "The Central Valley in Nevaras has another 10,000 food producing farms, and there are more than 4,000 additional food producing farms in Vrassa and Ananto, though most of the agricultural activity in Ananto, and a lot of agricultural activity in Vrassa and Nevaras is production of drugs for domestic and export.  Those are also under the Growers' Syndicates, but we didn't cover those in our tour."

The Syndicate model provides for "...communalism, not communism," said Minister Brennan.  "It allows Farmers to work together to ensure that they receive fair pay for the hard work they do that benefits the entire nation, and it allows the Empire to receive a reliable supply of necessary food without needing to import most of it.  This gives the people of our nation a self sufficiency that many in the world cannot boast about."  The Ag Minister was sure to point out the similarity of the climates in Kalistan and Valruzia.  "We are both blessed with longer growing seasons in our south.  In most places in Suldanor, for example, we can reliably count on two and three harvests a year.  But Valruzia sits at about the same latitude as Kalistan does, and actually in many places has a more favorable climate for intensive agriculture.  These techniques could be employed there with ease.  It just takes a sovereignty mindset that I am convinced the Valruzians possess."

Following the week of tours, Minister Krzycka returned to Valruzia with the commitment of a technical assistance package that includes advisory assistance from both the Imperial Growers' Association, the National Food Bank, and the National Service Program to share more indepth operational details about Kalistan's agricultural system, as well as a commitment to help oversee its implementation if the Valruzian Government wishes to build a similar program for their own food sovereignty.

@TheRepublic

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National Assembly moves into new Chambers
Old Assembly Chambers to be centerpiece of new Legislative Museum
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 25, 5636


National Capitol in Kaliburg has undergone significant remodeling in the past three years

A new Chamber of Deputies was unveiled this week at the National Capitol and Deputies have begun holding session.  The new chamber, located in the old North Wing, is significantly smaller than the old, and contains four galleries above the floor for visitors.  "It was decided that we should move from the old chamber to the new one due to the fact that the old chamber was built to seat 750 Deputies," said Capitol Grounds Director Ally Montero.  "When we dropped to 79 seats, much of the old space was converted to workspace for pages, legislative assistants and the Press.  But the room was remained cavernous with only a fraction of the total space being occupied."

The new Chambers can seat 89, at full service desks, though only 79 of the seats will be occupied.  It is arranged at a wide angle facing the rostrum, which contains a seat to be occupied by the Speaker of the Assembly, a speaking podium just below the Speaker's dias, and several seats for administrative staff and caucus leadership.  The gallery contains seating for 210 visitors.  There is a public lobby and a private lobby for the Deputies, and assess to the Legislative Offices on the second floor of the capitol.  the public lobby opens to the center rotunda, and the three story chamber is lit by a massive skylight, as well as electric lamps that provide the chamber with soft warm lighting.

The New Chamber of Deputies in the East Wing of the National Capitol

"The National Government has decided to convert the old Chambers in the South Wing into a National legislative Educational Museum that contains exhibits about how laws are made, what the role of the Government is in the Legislature, and the history of the National Capital," said Montero.  "The centerpiece of the Legislative Museum will be a tour of the old Floor of the National Assembly, that will allow Kalistani citizens to stand in the place where so much of our nation's history was legislated into existence."  

Notably, Monero said that the Legislative Museum will also contain an exhibit on the history of the Socialist Party of Kalistan.  "It was the Socialist Government that oversaw the building of this Capitol after the old one was destroyed in the Ananto War with Indrala.  They have been major players in virtually every major moment that has happened in this building up until their final folding into the Institutional Party.  And as such, their legacy continues."

The Chamber of Deputies has already begun holding sessions in the new Chambers.  The Chamber of Peers, which is located to the west of the center rotunda, has not been remodeled.  "We're expecting the National Legislative Educational Museum to open in a year and a half, and the remodeling of the West Side of the old Chamber of Deputies to be be completed within two years which will open up new spaces for each Ministry on the first, second and third floors.  It will make our National Capitol a centerpiece for all matters of the Government and allow us to further centralize our National Legislature in one building, a dream long dreamed by generations of governors and Deputies."

@TheRepublic

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Empress Advocates Gun Training
"All Kalistanis should know how to employ pistols and rifles" said Monarch
Nevaras City, Duchy of Nevaras
June 1, 5636


Her Imperial Majesty preached firearm safety and proficiency in Nevaras

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto was in Nevaras this week to discuss firearm safety and training.  The event was coordinated by the Institutional Militia and KalMilInCo, who is promoting firearm education this summer.  Her Imperial Majesty, who is a firearms enthusiast, even offered to teach one of the introductory courses to a group of Nevaran teenagers.

"All Kalistanis should know how to employ pistols and rifles.  This firearm can be the difference between you remaining free and at liberty to even own it, and you living under the heavy iron boot of fascism," said Her Imperial Majesty.  "Our nation has a proud tradition of citizens standing up against fascism and every threat to our liberty, and our firearms have played a major role in that self defense."  Her Imperial Majesty instructed the students on the five rules of firearm safety, proper handling of a firearm, and different carries of both pistols and rifles.  She then demonstrated correct use of both pistols and rifles.

"Our favorite rifle is the M1 .30-06 shoulder fired, air cooled semi automatic rifle," said Her Imperial Majesty.  "Relatively light weight, very study, very reliable.  Comes with a sling that you can use to steady your aim when you wrap it around like this."  After firing 8 well aimed shots at painted targets 50 yards away, and nailing head shots each time, she cleared the rifle and picked up a carbon steel .38 caliber pistol.  "And this is our Model 5602 .38 caliber semi automatic pistol.  The magazine holds 20 rounds, is large enough to drop a grown man at 50 yards, but is not going to take our arm off when we fire it."  She aimed her pistol, fired ten shots into stationary targets 50 yards away, cleared her pistol, and laid it on the table.  "These weapons and others like it, if you practice and then use them properly, will save your life and the lives of your loved ones.  And they will help defend your nation."

The final lesson Her Imperial Majesty taught was how to snap in.  Each student had a soldered rifle to practice aiming and dry firing.  The Empress taught them how to use their weapons' iron sights to aim down range.  The Empress taught proper breathing techniques, slow and steady trigger pull and sight alignment, sight picture techniques.  "These techniques must become muscle memory.  This means you should practice them as often as you can.  Each rifle will be different, but once you get the fundamentals down, you will be able to easily adjust to your own firearms, and when you are ready to fire live ammunition, it will feel natural."

The following day, The Empress turned the students over to Militia Firearms trainers, who oversaw live fire drills.  When all ammunition was expended and all brass casings were accounted for, Her Imperial Majesty came out and congratulated the students on their correct application of the class' techniques.  "Now that you've actually fired your weapons, take these techniques and keep practicing.  Your Empire depends on you, and millions like you to know your weapon, practice safety, and practice proficiency.  You don't have to join the Militia or the Regular Forces, but if the day comes when you are called up by your Empire, we hope you will be ready.  It starts here:  Firearm safety and proficiency is your civic duty."

The classes in Nevaras were part of a nationwide campaign to encourage firearms training and introduce new users to safety and proficiency.  The Crown has fully embraced the effort, and Her Imperial Majesty has called for a new nationwide curriculum around safety and proficiency to be developed by the Militia for civilian use across the Empire.

@TheRepublic

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Princess Margaret to Complete National Service
Plans to study Political Science and Languages in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 20, 5636


Her Highness Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis

As Her Highness, Princess Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis nears the end of her term in National Service, she sat down with La Moda to talk about the future.  The young Princess says she is very optimistic for her next few years at Kaliburg Imperial University where she intends to study Political Theory and Artanian Languages.  She was interviewed by La Moda's Amy Killian.

(La Moda's) A(my) K(illian):  Your Highness, it is a pleasure to meet you today.

(Her Highness, the Princess) M(argaret) A(nanto-DeLaurentis):  Thank you.  Its nice of you to come all the way out to the Corps to interview me.

AK:  Well, it was the assignment of a lifetime for me.  I would have gone to Nevaras to interview you if you wanted.

MA:  Well, thankfully that isn't really necessary.

AK:  So, are you excited about leaving National Service?

MA:  Yeah.  I'm kind of ready to get on with life.  Spending almost four years building ships was enough time for me to realize that my vocation lies in a different direction.  I've met a lot of wonderful people in here, and you know, some maybe not so wonderful people, but I suppose that is everywhere you go.  But I definitely am ready to get back to civilian life and start school again.

AK:  So you intend to go to school after all?

MA:  Of course.

AK:  Do you have a school in mind?

MA:  I have enrolled at Kaliburg Imperial, naturally.  My life, my family, my friends, (my football team, haha) we're all in Kaliburg:  I'm a Kaliburg girl, so I want to stay close to home.  I'm not in a big hurry to get out of here.  So I am going to study theory and languages at Kaliburg Imperial, and then who knows.

AK:  I've heard you've been officially named Crown Princess.

MA:  Well, its kind of a formality.  In case something happens to my sister, God forbid, they need to have someone ready to take over.  Or in case she wants to quit for some reason...  

AK:  Do you think she wants to quit?

MA:  She used to be very unhappy that she had to do this.  But I think in the last couple years, she's made her peace with the fact that she is the Empress, and she can rule how she likes.  She isn't stuck in the City.  She says she spends as much time in the woods and hiking in the mountains now as she ever did before she was crowned, and while that is kind of a pain for her ministers who have to frequently track her down for decisions, I think it is a small price to pay for her to be happy in her work.  Plus she has her place in the Dragon Hills which is, from all I've heard like a cabin of solitude if she needs to get away.  I think she has enough outlets that she feels comfortable escaping to-- this makes it so she can deal with people when she has to.

AK:  Do you think your sister is a misanthrope?

MA:  No, not at all.  She loves people, but she's always said she just feels awkward talking to people and she's very self conscious.  She feels far more comfortable around trees and animals, and being out in nature.  She feeds off the energy of a living growing forest I think.  Some people like the energy of a wild nightlife.  She likes the energy of the serenity of a forest.

AK:  But the Empress is also into guns...

MA:  Yes, there is a bit of that too.  (laughs)  She doesn't hunt though.  She likes destroying manmade artifacts with her guns, symbols of the modern age.  I think she's probably more against modernity than anything.  She would never hurt an animal, but I don't doubt she would shoot a hunter in a second.

AK:  Let's talk more about you.

MA:  Sure.

AK:  What would you see yourself doing in five years?

MA:  Oh, goodness.  Hmmm...  I have spent the last four years getting here so I haven't put too much thought into five years from now.  I think in five years, I would like to start working.  I kinda got interested in foreign service while I was in the NSP.  I started reading about the lives of diplomats, and found the potential of travel and globetrotting kind of exciting.  But then I thought if I would have to live in a place like Luthori for years at a time, I think that would be terrible.  So I decided that wasn't for me.  But I am really interested in philosophy and do want to travel...  So if I can find some work that will allow me to do that, that would be something I would like to do for sure.

AK:  But you don't have to work at all if you don't want to.

MA:  Yes and no.  I could sit around doing nothing, but I do have my royal responsibilities.  Being Countess of Luxon requires a bit of time on my part for administrative matters, and really, I don't intend to be bored.  My Mother, who doesn't technically ever have to lift a finger for anything ever again in her entire life, still has her work in the Arts, because she wants to do the work to keep herself busy and allow her to pursue her passions.  She wants to keep herself busy and fit.  I want to do the same thing, because it is super easy in this family to become a real bum.

AK:  Your mother seems to be dating it would appear.

MA:  Oh, I think it is perhaps more serious than that.  Cal (Baron Calvin Morrison), as she calls him has asked her to marry him.

AK:  This is news!

MA:  I'm surprised the gossips in this city haven't covered that already!

AK:  Not a word has been said about it actually.  

MA:  Oh, well, I think they want to keep it relatively low key, but Mary and I were all for it.  Mom deserves to be happy.  She's been a widow too long and we like seeing her in love again.  She has the support of the whole family.  But yeah, its public knowledge.  They got engaged in April.

AK:  Will she stay in Kaliburg or will she move to Xanadu?

MA:  My mother is planning to move to Xanadu to live at the Calvin's Manor.  She will keep her foundation here in Kaliburg, but I think she would also like to get back into the art and music scene there in Luxon.

AK:  Will you take over Cliff House then?

MA:  Of course.  I also am asking about possibly rebuilding on the site of Wilson House.  The Old House has been completely torn down and the property is basically all weeds now.  I think Mary would be fine with the forest reclaiming the property, but its pretty and has a nice view of the City, so I might look into working with my Aunt to do something with that side of the Hill.

AK:  One last question.  Have you been keeping up with Wanderlust at all?

MA:  Dame Elga and I are penpals actually.

AK:  Yeah I know.  They have been kind of off the grid for a while.

MA:  Yes, they have been recording.

AK:  Oh?  I am sure their fans will love to hear that.

MA:  But I think they aren't entirely happy with the direction that their label wants them to go.  I think they want to keep trying different things, but their label (ARC Records) wants them to do more of what they have already done.  So they are recording independently.  Who knows.  They may have something together.  They've been spending a lot of time up in Vrassa and in Nevaras and Elga says they may want to try their hand at country...  So I don't know.  But I do love them and got to meet that whole band a few times in person.  It was great.  When I get out I am going to see them in concert in Nevaras.  It will be a blast.

AK:  Well, Your Highness, it has been a pleasure to speak to you, and thank you for all the breaking news!

MA:  Haha, well, I didn't think I was saying anything that wasn't already well known.  I guess in National Service I am not up on the latest info.

AK:  It's totally fine, Your Highness.  People around your family are notoriously tightlipped, so this was refreshing.  Thank you so much for talking with me.

MA:  You're welcome very much.  I suppose we'll meet again after August 1.

[Doc]

Wanderlust Jumps Labels for New LP
Releases somnambulistic folk and Country tinted "Insomnia" on Plateau
Nevaras City, Duchy of Nevaras
October 10, 5636


Wanderlust returns to softness on fifth album "Insomnia"

The genre-, and apparently label-hopping Davostag-Kalistani rock quintet Wanderlust has released their latest LP, called Insomnia through Nevaras' Plateau records.  The decision to do so reflects their stated desire to do something "different", and in this case, it sees them attempt a country inflected rock sound that feels topical.  "We wanted a late night feel to our record," said singer Dame Elga Nilsson, OAE.  "So we got Plateau to agree to let us use the studios overnight while we recorded this record."

Sir Peer Markinsson, OAE, primary song writer of the group noted that though this music is inflected by country influences, its not a country album.  "I would probably say it is more heavily influenced by being burned out after all these years.  We spent a lot of time writing and recording demos since experiment (the bands previous LP), and a lot of that took place up in Vrassa. Its a little more rustic. We went pretty far in one direction and then we came back again as far in the other direction."

The production is a lot sparser on Insomnia, and a lot grittier. "We had a lot of really kind of dry mixes on this record," said Markinsson, who produced much of the album. "We were going for a bluesy rock song. We've done jazz, we've done electronica, but the blues tuning is also quite in line with where Kalistani music has been and also kind of returns up back to First Band. So its new and familiar at the same time."

The band has certainly changed over the years. Long gone are the slippery smooth production of the band's earlier albums- they have all but ditched their sophistipop designation more than one record ago, and have adopted the rock moniker. Also out the window is Nilsson's buttery vocals which endeared early fans to the band. "Well, I'm older," said Nilsson. "I am no longer a little girl. I took up smoking for experiment because I kind of wanted to shred, to push past that kind of lounge retro sound. I think I needed to prove that we weren't just that one thing, that we can do ANY thing we want." She also noted that before she recorded each night, she would drink a shot of Hutorian Whiskey, neat, to kind of shred her voice even more. "And you can notice, I mean, I noticed, that there is a tremble in my voice, a little vibrato that you can hear. I think it sounds a lot better, a lot more how I sound when I sing in the shower now. It sounds more real."

Insomnia is certainly a late night album, most explicitly on the title track which utilizes a soft droning organ, softly played accoustic guitars, and brushes on a muted snare, as Nilsson's voice is so lithe, it almost sounds drowsy. The band have moved beyond putting catchy pop melodies behind melancholy lyrics. Instead, the melodies now are quieter, more subdued and more melancholy themselves. But the topics also cover adult themes, including breakups, domestic violence, and resignation. "I mean, not everything is sadness and sorrow on this record," said Nilsson. "It's more like a long overdue comedown than anything else. You can still experience joy and happiness, you can still hold onto something or someone you love during that, but you know, if you've just been through hell, and you need some time to heal, that's kind of what we were going for here. The band has been there for a few years, and I think this record reflects it. The light at the end of the tunnel of course was that we are in a place now, as people and as a band, where we can make this record kind of at the end of that process."

As for switching labels, the band said the switch was not permanent. "We wanted to do this record at Plateau, because we needed to get out of Sulari for a while, and because Plateau saw our vision for this record," said Markinsson. "ARC was kind of pushing us to do more electronic based music, but we wanted to do more of a roots rock record, and the producers ARC was giving us couldn't quite get the sound that I hear in my head down on tape. Nothing against ARC, but this record was meant to be made at Plateau." Markinsson produced every song on the album, but he was paired with Plateau engineer Gina Howard, who helped him get the right sound out of Plateau's studios. "It sounds so different than the album we would have been able to produce at ARC," said Markinsson. "Like the studio just has these low lights and you can tell lots of late night jams have happened there, though the place is only a few years old."

The album signifies a reunion of sorts for the band, who has been on semi-official hiatus since 5534. "We all started individual side projects," said Nilsson. "I have been singing for an indie band, Basecamp, in Vrassa. We don't have any albums out. Peer has his side projects out and put an EP out last year; he is also writing a lot for other people too and has really gotten into production. Lars (rhythm guitarist/keyboardist) and Magnus (drummer) have been playing clubs in Sulari, and Lindy (Bass) has a solo project that he's been recording in Sulari. The break was nice, and it gave us some time to kind of recharge, try new stuff, and bring it all back to the album."

You can listen to the entire album Insomnia, produced at Plateau Studios in Nevaras, right here and check out the video for the album's first single, "Insomnia", recorded live and lo-fi at M7 Studios in Kaliburg.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bN_Hm3nuk]

@KalistaniRawkMonthly