Kalistan

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M7's House of Fashion Attends Sulari Gala
Interview with Fragrance Spokesmodel Vanessa Baker
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
June 20, 5648


"House of Fashion's" Cathy Ruiz interviews D'Oro Spokesmodel Vanessa Baker

M7's "House of Fashion's" new season debuted with a spotlight on this year's Sulari Gala, the annual confab of high fashion and high culture producers in Kalistan. Normally an industry event, the Gala attracts socialites from across the Empire who come to check out the products, fashions, and personalities on display. The top supermodels from across the Empire also attend, and this year, M7 spend the entire hour covering the Gala.

Cathy Ruiz, long serving host of the show was on hand to cover the entire three day event, including the Trade show, the fashion shows, and the news and updates in the market. Her featured interview in the hour was with the new Fragrance D'Oro Spokesmodel Vanessa Baker. Her contract with D'Oro is not exclusive though: She also models popular fashion for Wild, and is featured on a new watch campaign for Berkeley Watches.

Ruiz asked Baker what got her into modelling. "Like a lot of the girls [at Cauffman Agency] I got into modelling as a teenager" said Baker, who is now 23. "Sulari is a great place to get your start in fashion and once I got signed at Cauffman, I started getting all these jobs. And I did a lot of work with Wild, who were super respectful and professional before I turned 18, and then I kept the contracts while I was in the NSP. Then this spring, I got signed at D'Oro."

Ruiz noted that most of Baker's peers do runway and magazines, while Baker works primarily on television commercials. "I did some acting in Highschool, and while I am in college now, I am pursuing a theater degree, while also working as a spokesmodel," said Baker. "So Its easy to take direction for commercials. Plus, I feel like, you know, only so many people read magazines, and the fashion world itself is pretty small, so commercials are a great way to keep myself working and in front of viewers." Baker has done more than a dozen television campaigns for different products, mostly for her primary products Wild, Berkeley, and now D'Oro.

"We all got like personas," said Baker. "Kelsey's kind of the wild one, Antonia is really the sexy one, she does a lot of lingerie and jeweler, Gabby is the elegant one, and I found out just last week, I am kind of the Girl Next Door. I think Cauffman kind of has this track, like these archetypes in mind for all of us, and we kind of find a lot of work in those lanes. But I know we can all kind of do anything, as I am showing with my career. I think we all can do anything." When Ruiz asked what her archetype is, Baker said "You're the smart one," she said with a laugh. "Your shows on M7 are on reruns. You get to work as much or as little as you like but you don't have to work if you don't want to."

The program featured Baker's runway turns. She showed off Wild's Fall Collection during the Gala, and then covered her demos of Berkeley's Watch line during the Trade Show.

As M7's "House of Fashion" begins its fourth season, M7 has said that the channel has ordered three more seasons, and Ruiz said she is on board for at least that long. Insiders says that Ruiz, who is one of the executive producers of the show and was one of the show's creators may also be interested in returning to the runway herself after that, but will make that decision in the event that the show renews again. Meanwhile, the 5648 Sulari Gala in the books, the fashion world now moves into its fall season, so there will be plenty more fashion and style news for Ruiz and "House of Fashion" to cover.

@LaModa

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Carrie Hill Releases her Arboreal Masterpiece
"Insight" Explores folk, psychedelia and simplicity
Nevaras City, Duchy of Nevaras
September 29, 5648


Hill Continues her journey to Quiet

Carrie Hill's third album for Plateau, Insight, continues her exploration of folk music begun on her previous record Nevaran Sunset, and away from mainstream country stylings. "I can't really call my music country anymore," said Hill. "I wonder if there is a term for it: Maybe Rustic?" Insight is indeed much heavier on the folk than country. "But I think if you really look at my stuff compared to what might pass for country these days, I never really quite got there. I have always been more about finding and speaking about inner peace."

This album isn't all acoustic folk though. "I think we employed electronic instruments, like drum pads and organs throughout, and used a lot of really wet production, to give the music, and my voice a lot of depth and you might almost say, aural tracers, to keep it soft, but also to keep it modern, and to keep it kinda trippy," said Hill, who says that psilocybin really influenced this record. Hill said one of her main inspirations for the album was a fall visit to Forest House for an informal audience with the Empress, who requested the opportunity to meet her. "The day was so misty, and the forest was still green. The redwoods were covered in moss, and everything was damp. And Her Imperial Majesty and I both took a hand full of mushrooms before leaving, and then just sort of let the day flow by as she showed me around her forest. That's the experience I wanted to try to do with this record. We actually took a walk through the forest up there in the Dragon Hills. It was an indelible moment for me, and it kinda drove the imagery on what eventually turned into this record."

She took that experience back into the song writing process when she sat down to write the music on Insight. "When I was writing, and working out a lot of these songs with [Plateau Recording Producer] Tanya [van Buren] I was eating a lot of mushrooms, and so I would kind of microdose, then we'd chat about a lot of stuff, like astrology, or space, or the forest. And we'd write, and think about how these songs would sound, and how we could bring in these dreamy effects and just really mellow tunes. It's definitely my most 'drug' album: It's a very cerebral, heady record."

Hill plays acoustic rhythm guitar throughout the record, and recorded primarily with Plateau's journeyman session troupe, the Cadence Club. "We used just a zillion different kind of instruments, from strings, percussion of all sorts, vibraphones, banjos, keyboards, all kinds of stuff" said Club drummer Max Greene. "It's definitely a totally different experience to record with Carrie than it is with almost every other Plateau band. She kind of described soundscapes for us, and let us figure it out. And she was so cool to work with. Very nice and despite her reputation, she was very professional and dedicated to the craft."

Lyrically, Carrie Hill leans heavily on a breathy High Alto-Soprano vocal range, and her diction leans heavily on the hard R rhoticism of the Vrassan Plateau. "We had to kind of watch out on some of the hard Rs," said Van Buren, who co produced the record with Hill. "We'd kind of tease her a little bit on the rhoticism: Pop artists tend to soften their consonants, but Hill is just in the habit of belting out every single hard consonant. It tends to make her songs sound heavier when I think she wants them to sound a little more ethereal. She said she wanted to span time with this record, and so I got her to work with a vocal coach a little bit, to kind of keep those hard consonants out of her mouth more often. I think eventually we had to compromise--that's what you'll hear on this record."

"I'm really happy with this record," said Hill. "Like, I think this was the way I was going my whole career. It's kind of an earthy, dreamy, and real pretty and natural kind of album. One might almost say its pastoral, except about the forest: Maybe arboreal? I think this is my arboreal masterpiece. It feels verdant and like it makes me feel like chlorophyll, if that makes any sense. I am definitely in my earth mother phase."

Hill also noted that Her Imperial Majesty received an advanced copy of the album. "I want to be humble, and say she liked it," said Hill. "But I know she loved it. It's so nice to have her for a friend. I know she's always dug my music, and that's an honor in and of itself. But like I said, I am trying to keep my ego in check about this. So I will just say she liked it."

You can most certainly listen to the full album Insight by Carrie Hill, produced at Plateau Studios in Nevaras City, right here. And you can also check out the new lead single, "Insight" on M7 and right here

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGkMYMxi-hw]

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

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KalSat and KRTVN to partner to upgrade national internet infrastructure
Multiple civilian, industrial and defense benefits expected
Spencer, Duchy of Suldanor
December 1, 5648


A trench with fiber optic communication lines, this summer in Yoshimi

KalSat, Kalistan's satellite communications network has announced that they are teaming up with the Kalistani Radio and Television Network to improve the internet infrastructure in Kalistan and Ananto. The press conference, held at KalSat's national HQ in Spencer, said both companies have decided to invest in improving the speed and reliability of Kalistan's internet, to improve consumer outcomes, to enhance industrial applications and to improve military command and control within the Empire. The announcement was made by KalSat's spokesperson, Francesca Ayala.

"For centuries we have relied pretty heavily on the coaxial cable infrastructure of KRTVN," said Ayala. "They themselves have long said that this puts Kalistan at somewhat of a disadvantage behind the standard in the most advanced nations, but the lack of significant investment from the National Government has required KRTVN to focus on maintenance of existing lines, rather than switching to a fully new infrastructure. The arrival of KalSat's satellite communications, through television and internet represented a significant improvement, at least on the consumer side, but we are now in a position to work together to take the next step and lay buried Fiber optic, to multiply our connection speeds geometrically rather than algebraically."

Ayala laid out a multi-year plan to connect cities across Kalistan, and to lay a trunk line both between the Kalistani Mainland and Ananto, and then another trunk line to junctions in Keris and Dovani. "The National Government has committed to the project by dedicating NSP Companies in each Duchy to the project," said Ayala. "On the mainland, NSP conscripts will begin in Suldanor, Odufaray and Vrassa, and then gradually expand from Eshar into Nevaras and then Vrassa City from the North and Frontera Suldanor to Lhasa from the South. Meanwhile, Ananto NSP will be in charge of their own project, connecting Kaliburg to Eveari, Bozo River, and Luxon. When Kaliburg and Eshar are connected to the main lines, cable will be laid across the Ananto Strait to connect the entire empire."

Ayala also said Cities will generally be connected. "The Free Cities themselves will act as hubs to bring the fiber optic cables out into their hinterlands," said Ayala. "The Cities will obviously have access to the infrastructure first, with Universities, Government Buildings and Public buildings taking priorities within the Cities themselves. And then once the outline of the structure is laid down, KRTVN will open hubs to internet service providers, including KalSat, to begin operations."

The Defense department will reserve specific lines for secure encrypted communications and C&C. "The Regular Force still relies pretty heavily on microwave bands, especially for deployed units that don't have a solid connections to base. But laying a defense fiberoptic network will help clear the microwave bands to allow the Regular force to focus those RF bands specifically for communications both off shore and with active units in the field."

Ayala said that the biggest beneficiary of the fiberoptic, and one of the main drivers of the infrastructure upgrade is business and industry, including the finance industry, who will benefit from applications ranging from up to the split second information about world events that might shape the KalSiE to the development of server farms that run quantum computers. "We would see the rise of AI in a big way here as communication speeds drastically improve and allow computers to talk to one another much faster, and more efficiently."

Ayala said Phase 1, which connects hubs in the Free Cities over the countryside, could take as long as ten years and will carry an estimated pricetag of ₭125 Million Rubles. "Luckily most of the labor costs are being born by NSP, though we will need to contract line specialists to oversee handling of the cable to ensure we can lay the cable properly and then rebury the lines and disturb as little of the landscape as possible." Ayala said 12.5 million a year won't put a great strain on the budget. "When we begin expanding through the cities in Phase 2, the price per mile will likely drop, and could be significantly less expensive, since we aren't excavating through mountains and forests, but city architecture tends to allow for easier access to infrastructure. But it will also take longer because we won't be able to work in straight lines the way we can in the country."

Ayala believes this project will take about as long as building the National MagLev Rail network through Kalistan and Ananto. "Its a generational project, and we expect to employ tens of thousands especially when we get into Phase 2, which will be welcomed by the National Government no doubt as it will further bottleneck the labor market. But the end result will be faster and more reliable communications, and also, by the way, lower maintenance costs in the long run, which will help KRTVN and local providers lower costs for consumers."

Ayala said the first trenches will be excavated in April of next year.

@TheRepublic

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Empress Addresses National Assembly
"State of the Empire" type of speech hints at new elections, changing of the guard
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 4, 5649


Her Imperial Majesty addresses the National Assembly and calls for "creativity"

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto addressed the National Assembly this week with a message of the need for renewal and innovation. She was welcomed by Chancellor of the Empire Sir Michael Koenig, who is eyeing retirement and has begun discussing who could potentially replace him with Party Leaders and closed door meetings with Her Imperial Majesty. During the speech, Her Imperial Majesty suggested that it was likely time for a shakeup in the Government as a whole, but said the nation is on stable footing. Below is the transcript of her brief remarks:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Deputies of the National Assembly, Assembled Peers, Citizens of our Empire.

We stand before you today on the cusp of a major milestone in our own life: Next year we will be turning 40 years old and very soon will have spent more than half of our life as your Empress. By the standard set by most of our predecessors, that milestone is about a decade into their reign. But for us, it will mark more than twice that amount of time.

Over this time, we have seen our Empire at war. We have restored independence to our neighbors in Andalay, and we have ensured that our nation is firmly committed to the principles of ecological conservation. We have resolved lingering difference with our neighbors, welcomed stable governments in Baltusia and Valruzia, and strengthened bonds in nations like Xsampa, Dolgava and Hutori. Our reign has been momentous, as our National culture remains as healthy and vibrant as it ever was, and we have set out to improve the quality of the lives of our people in many ways, including housing, health and education, infrastructure, and technology. When we were crowned, we were called inexperienced by some, and treated as pariahs by others. Yet the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan remains a monument to stability, tranquility and peace, where citizens may go about their lives free from many of the wants that plague so called "wealthy" and "liberal" societies.

Though we seek to encourage change and growth at a healthy and conservative pace, we also know that a nation that stagnates is a nation that dies. To this end, we have also promoted innovations in infrastructure, culture and administration, and have recently signed a proclamation endorsing the efforts of the Unified Clubs for Democracy to study how our cities may be made more responsive to the legitimate and reasonable requests of our cities that was started last year. We've overseen expansion of cultural exchange and travel with Egelion, and have encouraged the growth of cultural diffusion between Kalistan and several other states to encourage our citizens to learn more about other nations, and potentially bring other good ideas they may encounter abroad back home to contribute to our society.

Overall, our State and our Nation is healthy and on firm footing. We are proud to report this to you.

As the Institutionalist Party goes into discussions about who will be your next leader, and our next Chancellor of the Empire when Sir Michael Koenig finally does retire from his role in our service, we encourage the Party to consider a few criteria. Should you find a candidate that meets this criteria, we shall look forward to appointing them to form our next government. We would like a Chancellor who has a distinct vision for our Nation. We want a person who will not only carry out out will, as is expected of each Chancellor, but will also faithfully and honestly represent our people to Us.

The Chancellor is a two way conduit. We rely on the Chancellor to synthesize and condense the voice of the people into a message which we may act upon. A Chancellor must be willing to represent both sides of any argument, especially if they are competing, and must be prepared to fully, and if necessarily candidly represent the calls of our people before us, even if they are contrary to our own will. As we discuss matters we look for opportunities to change our mind, in the presence of new information. But at the end of that discussion, the Chancellor must have the spine to return to you and deliver, sometimes unpleasant news regarding our will. Sir Koenig was such a man. We hope his successor, whoever that should be, will have that sort of character and presence of mind as well.

We also look forward to a person who can form a functioning, skillful, and knowledgeable government who will be able to take our will and translate it into policy that exerts the spirit of our will, rather than merely conforming, however reluctantly, to the letter of our word. We have long considered our ministers to be our governing partners: There is of course a barrier, as our every utterance is law, and that is up to us alone to take care for. But we need the ministers who will strive to understand what we are asking them to accomplish, even if we are not able to fully articulate it perfectly, and then enthusiastically carry out our will as we have intended. Whoever you select as the next Leader of your Party will need to possess the skills necessary to discern a climber from a doer.

We especially need someone who will be able to negotiate the shoals of foreign policy as capably as our Foreign Minister, Lady Anya Waltrip, who has informed us just this morning that she will also be leaving service along with Sir Koenig. She served our Father credibly, and has done all we have asked of her during our own reign, including some things she would rather not have done, and we will gratefully honor her request to retire from our service. Lady Waltrip oversaw the conclusion of the Artanian affair, and has decided to retire soon after reading that the nations who are supposed to be minding Kundrati are instead letting them rearm themselves and mine and enrich uranium, as if nothing negative could ever come of that, instead of collaring, leashing, and muzzling that mad dog of a nation. We will need someone who can help Kalistan thread the needle to keep ourselves entirely out of the affairs of that continent, even as it sets itself back onto the path of bellicosity and woe.

We also need a Minister who will help us with affairs at home. Athosia remains a going concern for our Empire, and while Baltusia proper gets its feet under it with the aim of development and benefit for all citizens that live there, Kalistan has to balance the desire to help our co-nationals in Athosia, while not creating a rival for our Nation on our doorstep. We have no power, let alone inclination, to resolve the Athoisan issue through force of arms, but Baltusia itself has also not been full throated in accepting any of our overtures toward assistance as of yet, and seem more interested in continuing their course of independence from Kalistan. While the status quo is fine, there are still a number of things we can do together that do not involve annexing the Duchy outright, but can serve to help the Government of sovereign Baltusia to improve the lives of Athosians and Baltusians alike. We would hope that whoever our Foreign Minister ends up being, they possess the skills necessary to tread that fine line between assistance and intervention.

Other developments will be coming up which we do not have the power to prognosticate at this moment, despite our externally and cynically reputed excellence at things like predicting the future. Some nations will stand up and represent examples for us to take regarding how to resolve problems in new and beneficial ways, while others will continue to drag their own flags through the mud, because they seek power and influence abroad, and resort to nefarious means to acquire that. Kalistan will remain as we always have been. We will restore our commitment to the Non Aligned Movement. We will enthusiastically participate in Seleyan specific formations to help us deepen our sense of continental identity. And we will continue to reach out to our neighbors and accept and create opportunities for cooperation. We have made missteps in the past, we have had to back track, an we have lost the trust of many of our partners along the way, and we have also spent years diligently restoring that faith that others have placed in us.

Our Empire looks different than it did when we were first crowned, and while it is disappointing that some bonds have dissolved rather than calcifying, we still carry on, and I think we are healthier for it. Andalay may never return. Karzon may never return. Athosia may never return. We are grateful to continue our association with and development of Vintalli and Gaduridos. But our Crown Lands remain our concern whether they are a part of independent nations or not. And we will work to tie them, however we may, closer to us, to bring them closer to our heart.

As for other states, we remain open to treating with them as equals. For the mutual benefit of our people. Ananto quite literally sits at the heart of so many crossroads: we must and will remain open to all those who seek to treat us with the honor, dignity and courtesy we, of rights, command. And for those who choose to spit as they say the word "Kalistan," or seek to bring dishonor and disgrace upon our name and the name of our nation, we shall promise that they will find in us an implacable and tireless foe, one who will offer no quarter in battle, and no courtesy in peace. As we transition to our new government, we seek to recommit to the positions which have made our Empire one of the greatest nations in Terra: Stability, Tranquility and Order are the characteristics of our society, but so are innovativeness, efficiency, and creativity. We can have both: we have amply demonstrated that simple fact over the millennia.

We wish you peace and clarity in your lives, and commend the Party to diligently engage with our Chancellor to get to the business of this term, which is to provide us with a new Government. It is our will that you do so, and as such, is spoken law.

Following the speech, the Empress left the rostrum and departed from the Chamber through the Empress' Exit. All heads were bowed in silent reverence until the door closed behind her, and then Deputies began as one to attempt to gain the floor and the recognition of the Speaker of the Chamber. Meanwhile the Peers existed their gallery and returned to their own Chamber. The first Deputy to be recognized by the Speaker asked the Chancellor to adjourn for the day so members could caucus. The Chancellor instructed the Speaker to call for adjournment and closing of the Assembly for the remainder of the day. A final role call was called, and conducted and then the Deputies departed the chamber.

@TheRepublic

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Royal Family prepares for Order Day Ceremonies in May
Annual Event features a Who's Who of Kalistani and International High Society
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 30, 5649


Princesses Margaret and Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis and Empress Mary I Ananto

As this year's ceremonies for Order Day approach, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto has ordered Ananto Estate reopened to prepare for the annual events. Order Day has actually expanded into a two day event traditionally held on the ground of Ananto Estate: The first day has become known as The Promenade, where members themselves attend an afternoon Social in their Order Regalia and then hold preliminary Conclave functions which includes induction of any new members, as well as retirements, and election of officers for the coming year. Following the preliminary Conclave, dinner is served. Traditionally, chicken or fish is served, though since Her Imperial Majesty, who is a strict vegan, has become grand mistress, tofu is also served, along with along with salad and pasta, and then a desert. The dinner usually includes a keynote speech, usually dealing with some aspect of the Order.

Day 2 of the festivities includes a morning breakfast, following retirement to quarters to re-don the Order regalia. Given that the festivities have stretched into two days, most member usually bring a second set of regalia for Day 2. The Conclave on Day 2 includes the presentation of the Order Secrets, which is believed to be a traditional and very formalized play of sorts, presided over by the Grand Mistress of the Order. During this Presentation, members perform very specific and highly scripted roles depending on their rank in the Order. It is rumored that there are even scripted pauses in the speech to allow speakers to catch their breath while reciting their lines and performing their functions.

Any details about the Presentation comes directly from the Officially sanctioned "Public Facing Manual of Gray Smoke" which merely notes order of business, but does not describe any actual part of the conclave, or the Doorman, an invited guest who serves the function of standing before the door and keeping all outside who are outside, and inside all who are inside, but is not a member of the Order. The Doorman is given general information to tell individuals who may ask direct questions but otherwise knows no more about what happens inside the conclave than any other non-member. Nobody outside of the Order has witnessed this Presentation, as outsiders and guests are not invited to the Conclave. And there is no member alive who will discuss the Orders' Secrets. Following the Order of Business, the Conclave is broken up and a light luncheon is held before the festivities are called to an end at about 2pm.

"It's not exactly forbidden to talk about the things that the Order of the Gray Smoke gets up to," said Greta Hendricks, of La Moda, who has covered Order Day for the last four years. "Of course everyone has their theories, but the press is invited to cover the event, so its like a non-secret secret. We know all of the people attending: The Order publishes its lists on the Government's Home Page. What we don't know, what we can't know, obviously, because these people are maniacal about their secrecy, is what happens during the Conclave, especially the Presentation of the Order Secrets. What we do know from standing Outside the door, is that there is a lot of chanting as a group, and what occasionally sounds like thunder or perhaps a cannon. When you go in to the Conclave Hall after the conclave breaks up, you can see all sorts of strange set pieces, and just different, weird stuff. They leave a lot to your imagination."

Hendricks said that over the years, several rumors about the activities of the conclave have been spread, including that the Conclave is some strange fertility rite that the Empress oversees while disrobed, or that they attempt to summon an ancient Kalistani God. Others have suggested that there are efforts at divination that take place during the Conclave. But obviously, there is no evidence one way or another to corroborate any of these tales, and anyone who could corroborate or dismiss rumors is instructed to say nothing that makes any sense.

She says that others have suggested that the Conclave is actually a meeting of the ultra elite for the purposes of coordination on international affairs. "It's way more likely that the Conclave exists to coordinate macro, system level activity which is otherwise invisible to us mortals. You have foreign Heads of State who visit Kalistan, and go into a secret meeting with our Empress? What do you think they are going to talk about out of sight and earshot of the press or the people? For myself, I am content to let them keep their secrets--but not everyone is me, and some people can spin some very complicated stories with no evidence."

What is clear is that, for all non-members, Order Day has become the main spring Social Event. An invitation to Order Day is one of the most coveted tickets in a socialite's annual calendar. It usually follows Spring Debuts in Kaliburg and Sulari, and a debut followed by a public appearance at Order Day seals a youngster's future as an influential up and comer in Kalistani Society. Members outside the Royal Family often receive more than a dozen tickets to pass out to favorites, while royalty can invite as many people as they like. But nobody is admitted without an invitation and a formal sponsor. It's not uncommon for the Promenade to feature more than 300 people all adhering to a very strict dress and protocol code.

This year, it is expected that Her Imperial Majesty will invite her friend, singer Carrie Hill to Order Day, while Princess Margaret is expected to invite Dame Elga Nillson, former lead singer for Wanderlust. Other expected guests are Supermodels Gabby Montgomery, Cathy Ruiz and Vanessa Baker, Black Bears QB Todd Duarte, and winner of last year's Luxon Swell Surf Competition Janine Lindar. Celebrities at the Order Day Celebration is not unusual, but they are always in the minority, as much of the event is crowded with Kaliburg, Sulari and Senvias Society members, both male and female.

Order Day issues of fashion and society magazines tend to be widely read in the Kalistani population. "There is a lot of good will for the Order Day Celebrations," said Hendricks. "I think that might be different if the people thought that the tax payer was paying for these events. But the Order of the Gray Smoke is fully funded by House Ananto, which itself only receives the Head of State's Salary in the budget, but not the entire cost of the Office, and otherwise, is fully paid for by private funds from the House Endowment. The Empress can afford to hold lavish parties at her own house, clearly. And many people will read coverage of the events so they can live vicariously through the celebrities and socialites who attend."

This year's Order promises to be yet another success and will truly be the hottest ticket this Spring. With Eveari's Ananto Estate now opened in preparation, it is likely that the Empress and Emperor Consort, along with the two Minor Princelings will relocate to Eveari for the month of April ahead of the Festivities. The the Royal Family will return to Kaliburg for the remainder of May and all of June before moving to Wood House this July, where they will stay until the beginning of November. Last year, Her Imperial Majesty remained in Kaliburg, due to the complications with her birth and wanting to be close to her doctors in the Capital.

@LaModa

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Kalistani News in Brief: Kalistan Orders 230 HF-18 Horizons from Hutori
Princess Michelle to Retire in June; Carrie Hill's non-Album Single hits #1 on M1 Poll
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 18, 5649


The HF-18, seen here at its assembly plant in Constantine, Hutori will join Kalistan's Air Defense

Kalistan Orders 230 HF-18 Horizons from Hutori
The Kalistani Regular Navy is set to receive 230 HF-18 Fighter/Interceptors from Hutori over the next ten years, Her Imperial Majesty's outgoing Defense Minister B.Gen Oscar Bonaventura said this week. The cost of procurement will be around ₭8.75 Bn (10.3 Billion Hutorian Dollars) and will be paid out over 10 years as the Hutorian Manufacturers produce and deliver the planes. Once received by Kalistan, the aircraft will form three naval air wings, one stationed at Yoshimi, one at Port Swedes and one at Dulnerstaad at each of the three Naval Air Stations. Two squadrons will also be based at Bozo River CAGCC in Ananto.

"The Naval Air component was always where Kalistan was in need of most help," said General Bonaventura. "The HF-18 Horizon, which will be designated in Kalistan as the K-18 will take up much of the role of the older F/A-10 over the Strait and the Northern Anantonese Ocean, so the F/A-10s can focus on their primary role of air combat within Kalistan Proper. The K-18 will become our main interceptor and will have the ability to be fitted for surface based attack as needed. We went with Hutori because they are first of all, a main partner in our procurement efforts, and second, quite frankly, because they were more willing to sell equipment to Kalistan while others were not."

Adding the HF-18 to the Arsenal will be a great leap ahead for Kalistani defense of its home territory. "Over the term of my successor, there is going to be a large scale re-evaluation of Kalistan's military doctrine now that we have moved out of a generation of war and conflict abroad. Some of the assets we have can be scaled back, while some others may need to be improved or redesignated. But having a Naval Interceptor on station while we look at these other issues will help tremendously to ensure that Kalistan continues to defend our territory and our Strait from all foreign aggressors." Receipt of the first few planes which will serve as trainers, will take place in a matter of months.

Princess Michelle set to Retire in June
Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, Currently serving head of House Ananto, daughter of Empress Carolina I Ananto, sister of Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and aunt of Her Imperial Majesty, Mary I Ananto, has declared her intent to retire from her duties to House Ananto and Miramar as a June 30 of this year. Lady Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, who is 68 years old, wishes to devote her remaining productive years to her job as Director of the Dulnerstaad Aquarium. "I've been in this job for a very long time," she said, as she announced her retirement. "I've done all I've been asked to do: During my tenure, we've seen our assets nearly double, and we did so by remaining conservative with where we were putting the House's money. Miramar is a profitable holding company now, drawing dividends on investments across Seleya and Dovani, and both the House Fund and Miramar on solid, stable fiscal footing that will permit slow and sure growth for the foreseeable future. It has been a joy to serve Her Imperial Majesty in this way, and I am so grateful for the trust she gave me following my brother's tragic loss."

Lady Michelle noted that Miramar passed its final public Audit under her tenure last April, and said she expects the summaries of both House and Miramar funds to be released to the General Public by June 1. "The House maintains assets, both liquid and less fungible, totaling more than more than ₭900 billion. A lot of this wealth is tied up in real estate, fixed investments and bank deposits, while more than ₭60 Billion rubles of the House's money is locked up in the Empress' personal Gem and Crown Jewels Collections. Though I personally may question whether that is a good investment for the House, it is her inheritance, and is was something she chose to aggrandize for her own children. So... there you have it. At least it isn't going anywhere: It's not like the value of shiny rocks will ever decrease." Michelle noted that Miramar investments are worth another ₭380Bn.

Lady Michelle said she will formally hand the control of House finances back to Her Imperial Majesty when she retires, but also said the the Empress has already selected her successor to manage the House's financials: "She has asked my youngest daughter, Helen to take over House operations once I am retired." Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds, who is 33 years old this year and remains unmarried, completed her Masters of Business Administration degree at Kaliburg Polytechnic in 5644, and has worked as an analyst for the Imperial Bank for about 5 years. "Helen is very analytic and frugal, and has been preparing to take over once I retired," said Lady Michelle. "This job requires long hours and a mind for numbers, and Helen definitely has that. I recommended her for the position to Her Imperial Majesty, and of course, Mary accepted the recommendation." Lady Helen Ananto-Reynolds who lives in Kaliburg, said she is happy to take the position, and will move operations out of Dulnerstaad where they have been during Lady Michelle's tenure, to Kaliburg, where she can more closely work with the Empress.

Carrie Hill's non-Album Single hits #1 on M1 Poll
Carrie Hill and Addisjah reggae musician Robert Ranks have scored a Number 1 on the M1 Singles Chart with their new non album single "Don't Worry." The song is a cover of an old reggae standard. The song marks the fourth time at Number 1 for Hill and the first Number 1 for Ranks. The two decided to cover the standard for a movie soundtrack, but the movie never made it out of development before it was cancelled. So Hill invited Ranks to Plateau Studio in Nevaras City to record the song anyway, and release it.

"The song moves away from its hard reggae style into more of the alt-folk Carrie likes to do," said Rank in a recent interview. "But the song is a great tune anyway. There's a reason why it is a classic, why so many people have loved it for all these years. And so her reinterpretation of the music kind of gives it a new life, making it both heavier and almost a little reassuring in a way, than the original was. I really am lucky to have gotten to work with her on this track."

Hill talked about how the two singers were introduced. "I am learning a lot about different kinds of music, and the roots of where all the music I listen to today and make comes from. Through a long circuitous path, Bobby and I arrive at the same point in history and we find that each of our music styles has a common ancestor. So in that way, I suppose musically at least we're cousins, and we certainly can speak the same language and like the same stuff. And anyway, it was Bobby who brought this song to me: It was kind of a surprise to him when I suggested we put it out through Plateau, rather than either abandoning the project, or putting it out as an indie track. I think that exposure was really what I brought to this project. I think without him, this project would not have happened."

You can check out a live performance of the new Number 1, Carrie Hill and Robert Ranks, here on KRTVN News' Morning program "Kaliburg Up Early," where they perform it for a live audience. The song, published by Plateau Records, is available everywhere.

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

@TheRepublic

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Alvarez-Miller elected Institutional Party Leader
Set to be named as next Chancellor of the Empire
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 1, 5649


Institutionalist Leader Jennifer Alvarez-Miller in this photo from 6 years ago, and now member of the Brethrenist Caucus, gets enough votes to claim Party Leadership

Following the planned retirement of Sir Michael Koenig from the Chancellorship and Lady Anya Waltrip from the position of Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Institutional Party has had to determine new leadership. This is the first time in nearly a generation that there has been a party leadership turn over. The Party, for its part has settled on dark horse Candidate Jennifer Alvarez-Miller from Yoshimi Sulari. Jennifer is the youngest daughter of Sir Jesus Martin Ananto-Bjorksdattir, and as a result is a 5th Cousin of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto and the niece of Egelian Queen Nicole Montelivet. Though she grew up in Gaduridos, Alvarez-Miller relocated to Suldanor at the age of 18 to join the NSP and learn agronomy. She is a devout Brethrenist, and a freshman Deputy with the Brethrenist Caucus and she represents the Yoshimi Constituency.

Alvarez is technically not a member of the Royal Family, but will, as per tradition be made a member of the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke upon being appointed Chancellor of the Empire. As she is a relative newcomer to Kalistani politics, her political positions on various matters are for the most part unknown.

"I was a compromise choice," said Alvarez recently to The Republic. "Its my understanding that the Orthodox Caucus and the Internationalist Caucus couldn't decide amongst themselves who should be leader, and so, they turned to the Brethrenist faction, my caucus, which is the smallest grouping the the Assembly. The Orthodox caucus said they thought I would govern honestly, while the Internationalist Caucus was apparently impressed by a statement I had made while running in support of the Democratic Clubs. I wasn't present for most of the discussion, it was quite late in the evening, and I go to sleep early."

There were rumors that the Crown was incidentally involved in the discussions, though the extent of their influence was not discussed by anyone involved. "You know if the Empress has any say, her word carries a lot of weight," said Kaliburg analyst Yolanda Franklin. "But if I was a betting person, Alvarez would not have been the one I would have thought the Empress wanted. Her Imperial Majesty tends to give a wide berth to those who express preference for religion very openly. For example, her aunt, Lady Michelle is a well known adherent of the Brethrenist Faith and she was safely ensconced for years at House Ananto, well away from the levers of political power in Kalistan. The Empress tends to be at best apathetic toward religion, and has in the past even expressed a deeply held suspicion of the influence of Brethrenism in Kalistan. So Alvarez, who wears her faith on her sleeve would not have been my first pick, if I were trying to guess who the Empress wanted."

Alvarez, for her part said she intends to work closely with Her Imperial Majesty to reduce the size of Kalistan's military. She recently voted against the new jet fighter procurement package with Hutori, along with the rest of her 7 person Brethrenist Caucus, and has called on the Defense Ministry to audit and reduce the size of the Kalistani Navy. Neither effort resulted in a reduction of the Kalistani Regular Force, but both put her on record as opposing the Empress' traditional position regarding the military.

And within the last year, Alvarez has taken a stance against any effort to bring Athosia closer to Kalistan, which puts her diametrically opposed to the Empress. "What I said was," she later clarified, "We need to stop trying to influence politics within the Baltusian State of San Luis. That kind of disruption there, even if it is low level, prevents that State from reaching its maximum potential, and prevents that state from developing. I didn't say anything about the Empress' titles, imagined or otherwise, and I think it is important to keep the record straight. I want our brothers and sisters in San Luis to experience the same quality and standard of life that we enjoy north of the Lucid River, and fully support all efforts to do that."

Despite major policy differences with Her Imperial Majesty, Alvarez says that when she becomes Chancellor, she will do her best to advise Her Imperial Majesty and shepherd the Empress' bills through the National Assembly. "I realize that in this role, I don't really have a lot of independence. I think the real power of the Chancellery is in the ability to come to an agreement somewhere between what the Empress wants and what the National Assembly says the people want- something that both sides can live with. Her Imperial Majesty is known for being a difficult negotiator, and ultimately gets her way when there is a disagreement. But there is a lot of time before she makes a decision where we can talk and listen to one another, and ensure that what the people want and what the Empress wants is overlapped enough that we get good policy out of that. My predecessor did that to a lot of degree, though he may have spoken less for the Assembly in meetings and more to the Assembly during session. I hope to make a difference and make good policy, and will work with as many sides as I can while crafting that."

Asked if she intends to switch meetings to Kaliburg Monthly Meeting, she said "I already have lots of Friends in the Kaliburg Monthly Meeting, because I am here in town so often. But I have asked my home meeting in Yoshimi to send a letter to the Kaliburg Meeting to move my membership. So we've already done Clearness on this, and now I am just waiting for Kaliburg to hold business meeting here in a couple weeks to consider it." She mentioned that she would like to invite Her Imperial Majesty to the Kaliburg Meeting once The Empress returns from Wood House in late October. Meanwhile, her formal installment as Chancellor is expected by September 1, and then she will be initiated as Stranger Lady Companion in the AOotGS in mid September, and will obtain the title Dame Companion. She will also likely be granted a lifetime peerage in Suldanor, and will go by the title Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller henceforth.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

"Cauffman 5" to star in Music Video for Garrett Phillip's new single
Luthorian-Kalistani Phillips to represent Kalistan in FOMAT
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 1, 5649


Dubbed the "Cauffman 5" Ruiz, Montgomery, Baker, Ryan and Skowronek star in new Music Video

Garrett Phillips, the Luthorian musician who relocated to Kaliburg three years ago to continue his music career, has been selected to represent Kalistan at the upcoming FOMAT in Istalia. His new single "I Won't Let You Down" was selected over twenty five entries in the recent Radio 1 poll. Critics have called it a straight up rock and roll song, with some gospel and funk influences, and it seemed to please a lot of the various voting constituencies who gave it a majority of the vote in the fourth round.

Phillips, who was born and raised in Luthori, said he moved to Kalistan a few years ago because he could no longer tolerate the new ultra conservative policies of his government. "I don't really want to say what I think of the attitudes of my Government for people like me," said Phillips, who is gay. "I know I am welcomed here in Kalistan to live my life how I want to live it, and besides: there is a huge infrastructure that supports artists and musicians like me here in the Empire, and if my goal is to make my living as a singer and a musician, moving to Kalistan just makes a lot of sense."

Following the victory in the Song poll, KMI, who signed Phillips earlier this year on a development deal, decided to offer Phillips the opportunity to make a video for "I Won't Let You Down". Phillips agreed, but said he didn't want to be in the video himself. He said the song is a statement about finally feeling free to be one's self, shaking off the image of the past and living one's fullest life. But being in a video would tie up his image to the things that were represented on the screen and that is what people would think of him. So KMI suggested he work with film maker Catherine Wallace to make a new vision for the song come to life.

"After talking with Garrett," said Wallace, "We hit on an idea about letting people who live their entire lives in front of the camera sing his words in the song. He loved that idea. He thought it was fairly subversive: a subtle jab at the media and its power to create image. I called my friends at Cauffman Agency and they lined the Big 5 Supermodels up for the video. We shot the video in an old mansion in southern Kaliburg, and let the ladies kind of pick out their own clothes and do their own makeup, and really let them more or less direct themselves."

Through out the video, all five models lip sync Phillip's vocals, and are joined by several male models, of significantly lower profile, but also represented by Cauffman Agency. The focus is obviously on the super models. "We were even able to feature Kelsey Ryan, who took leave from the NSP so she could be on set for a day. She dyed her hair platinum blonde for the video.

The video deconstructs music videos as an art form and destroys a number of symbols that Phillips felt represented the sort of music scene he had left behind. "I always looked at Kalistan kind of as this place where I was going to have a hard time fitting in. I grew up believing that they hated people from Luthori. But on a whim I visited here about 5 years ago, found a vibrant and accepting scene here in Kaliburg, and most of all, the people were so laid back and nice and welcoming, that when I finally decided to leave Artania for good, there was really only one place I was going to end up at--Kaliburg, where I can not only live how I want to live, but also where there's so many opportunities for me to make music, and be welcomed."

Garrett Phillips and his back up band, the Eleven Nine, will travel to play the single "I Won't Let you Down" at FOMAT in Istalia next year. Cathy Ruiz, one of the stars of the video, will be on hand in Istalia to cover the contest for M7's "House of Fashion", and will have a special interview with Phillips after his performance. She will then cover the Contest results for all the fans watching back home. The M7 coverage will be broadcast worldwide on KalSat.

Meanwhile, you can check out Kalistan's entry to the upcoming FOMAT contest, "I Won't Let you Down" by Garrett Phillips, starring Cathy Ruiz, Gabrielle Montgomery, Vanessa Baker, Kelsey Ryan and Antonia Skowronek, right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYAc7gB-0A]

@LaModa

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Chancellor Alvarez-Miller meets her first roadblock
Novice Lawmaker's Budget Proposal meets Nationalist Opposition
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 3, 5650


Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller, Chancellor of the Empire, engages in spirited verbal sparring in National Assembly

The first major test for the leadership of the new Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller has resulted in a predictable defeat for the Chancellor as she is faced with a singular fact of Kalistani Politics: the only person who may rule by fiat in Kalistan is Her Imperial Majesty, and everyone else requires a majority. The Chancellor's draft budget proposal today was scuttled wholesale, and without the Empress' backing, it was going nowhere in the National Assembly.

Alvarez, who was a freshman legislator before she was selected as a compromise candidate for the Premiership, has voted on one National budget before being asked to make one herself. But her budget, which called for significant cuts to the Kalistani Military budget, as well as a decrease in funds for the Foreign Ministry and the Head of State, was announced to be dead on arrival, and when the Chancellor forced consideration despite widespread opposition in the Assembly, a motion to table the bill was ruled in order, and was supported by 60 of 79 of the deputies, nearly all consisting of members of the Orthodox caucus, which still has a majority in the National Assembly.

"The Chancellor theoretically ran these numbers by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress before bringing them to the National Assembly," said Capitol reporter Brian Greene. "If Lady Alvarez thought she would have enough support in the National Assembly to even adequately discuss the budget, she learned quite quickly that she was mistaken. Clearly, the Empress did not support this proposal, and certainly did not back her new Chancellor up in this fight." Ultimately, it is believed that there was such low support for this proposal that its easy defeat will not mar the prospects for a successful government under the New Chancellor. "It's not even a speed bump for this Chancellor," said Greene. "How can it be? It was dismissed as if it didn't actually exist."

Some believe that the Chancellor advanced the budget package to satisfy her constituency. "But I don't think this is the case," said Greene. "The Chancellor herself is a hardened pacifist, and she might have seen this as an opportunity to begin a discussion about military spending. She may not have expected to pass this bill, but it is likely that the question about military spending will now move up the list of priorities for this Government. This should be instead seen then as the Chancellor's opening offer, rather than her final one."

As the vote to table the bill was passed, the Chancellor herself engaged in a spirited discussion with Orthodox Institutionalists, where she said that military spending was not supportable given the peaceful climate in Terra right now, and most specifically, Northern Seleya. "Kalistan is, today more integrated in different aspects of Northern Seleyan affairs than we have been my entire life. We are at peace with literally every nation that matters in this world. Maintaining war footing is not only unconscionable, but it also takes away from other priorities that this Assembly should be focusing on." Some unnamed Orthodoxo, believed to be George Thomas from Vrassa City yelled what sounded like "Like what?" The Chancellor responded "Respectfully Sir, like schools, like medicine, like innovation. Like democracy." This last noun drew some derisive laughter from various parts of the gallery. At this point the Orthodox Speaker Dennis Smith, from Luxon was recognized.

"While we respect that the Chancellor is a passionate young public servant," said Smith, "I would remind her that discussion of things like democracy is best left for outside this chamber. I apologize if that sounds patronizing or condescending. Such is not my intention. Instead, may I, respectfully, ask the Lady Chancellor to move on to the next item and refrain from dilatory harassment of the majority on a matter which has been tabled? It is our intention to support the Chancellor, but somethings will require some compromise and further discussion on both sides, especially when this current budget proposal reflects the ideological priorities of the Chancellor's caucus rather than something that the entire body can agree to support or at least not stand in the way of."

The Chancellor rose to her feet, took a deep breath before speaking, and said "Very well, I thank the Deputy for his friendly remarks. Clerk, please call the next agenda item and we will return to this issue at another time."

The Clerk said that the next agenda item was final confirmation of Chancellor Alvarez' picks for Her Imperial Majesty's Government. "I would like say that these picks have, like my budget, gone before Her Imperial Majesty, who was herself far more enthusiastic about these than the numbers I presented her."

Lady Alvarez listed the following people as nominees for their respective ministerial positions

Foreign Affairs   Mr. Jeffrey Hewlett
Internal Affairs   Katherine Sorenson
Finance   Dr Michael King
Defense   Ensign George Martinez, KRN
Justice   Hon. Gale Wilson
Infrastructure and Transport   Bradley Newburg
Health and Social Services   Nicole Reynolds
Education and Culture   Janet Simmons (retained)
Science and Technology   Dr. Norris Frist
Food and Agriculture   Belle Goldman
Environment and Tourism   Jack Robertson
Trade and Industry   Melanie Boone (KGS)

Deputy Smith rose to ask each candidate rise to speak to their nomination, and then the debate itself was cut off by legislators who stated they intended to support the Government Appointments en bank. Chancellor of the Empire Lady Alvarez asked for a consent voice vote, and the Chamber voted by loud acclamation for the slate.

Moving on, several other small items, including the naming of a park in Sulari, the selection of March 20 as National Pancake day in honor of the significant charitable donations made by the charitable social organization Common Order of the Plume following their 50th annual National Pancake Breakfast, and several administrative matters, before the session was gaveled out for the day. Following the contentious session, the Chancellor and Deputy Smith could be seen speaking animatedly as they left the Chamber together into the Deputies' Lobby.

Her first major defeat in the books, Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Alvarez is getting her trial by fire by this fairly evenly split Assembly. This defeat doesn't necessarily signal the death of reform. But the Chancellor now has a better idea of what her agenda faces as she attempts to carry it out. Especially if she hasn't secured the Empress' support for her plans. This will, however dim prospects for liberalization of the process, if the Chancellor of the Empire takes this as a lesson about brick walls toward any effort coming from inside the National Assembly.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Empress Praises Baltusia in Wide ranging Interview
Visit to Radio Kaliburg Studios is first for Monarchy
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 7, 5650


Her Imperial Majesty talks with host Ysabel Ramirez of Radio Kaliburg

In an interview at Radio Kaliburg 89.1 FM, which covered several topics, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto praised Baltusia, previewed the Northern Seleyan Games in Valruzia, had great words for the Contestants at FOMAT and said she looks forward to attending the upcoming royal marriage in Egelion. The wide ranging interview is a first for Her Imperial Majesty, or any member of the Royal Family, in that it is the first time any of them appeared at the famously independent radio broadcasting station.

For the interview, Her Imperial Majesty waved protocol for addressing her directly, and served the host, Ysabel Ramirez, tea which is required under the law for a meeting with the Empress to classify as "informal" (that is, not requiring the attendance of the Chancellor of the Empire.) The Imperial Tea, which is reserved for informal audiences is a strong black tea traditionally brewed with opium (a tradition starting with Empress Nicolette I Ananto) but it can also be brewed without opium--In this case it was brewed without opium out of courtesy for the host, and Her Imperial Majesty added opium to her own glass only.

Her Imperial Majesty began by praising Baltusia for fully establishing their monarchy.

"We are happy to see the developments in Baltusia and the enthronement of our cousin, King George Alvarez. By our reconning he is our 5th cousin: we share Empress Nicolette I Ananto as our common ancestor. But his family has served our Empire for centuries, and now it is important that they turn their attention to making Baltusia an economic powerhouse in our continent, a peer with our Empire, and an active partner in regional security and development. Baltusia has had their issues in the past, including the brutal and unforgivable attempt on the live of their First Minister, which we found shocking and appalling, and are so grateful for Mr. Merridan's recovery. But it is our hope that under the enlightened leadership of His Royal Majesty, King George, Baltusia can put that dreadful event in their past and move forward with a government that is widely supported by the People and wisely governed by the King and his government."

When asked if she intended to visit King George, she answered,

"We indeed intend to visit Baltusia. We are looking at early fall: our calendar is booked solid until then, but this will give George an opportunity to settle into his role, to make sure his government is fully organized, and to take a good look at his nation to find areas where our two nations may cooperate most effectively. It is in our interests, and we will communicate to the King, that the rail line from San Luis Port to Valruzia be completed, as this will greatly aid in our own trade as well, and I have it from a reliable source, namely our own Chancellor, that the branch of the family here in Kalistan stands ready to aid their relative to the greatest extent possible. The Alvarez Family, who are our cousins through Adoption, are one of the most important families in Suldanor and Athosia/San Luis State, and stand in a place where they can bring significant money into the service of development of that State as well as Baltusia as a whole, and it is in House Ananto's interest to also be of assistance where we may. When we visit, we want to make this fact crystal clear."

Switching topics, Ramirez asked how Her Imperial Majesty felt about the FOMAT outcome.

"We are satisfied with the result of FOMAT in Istalia. Fourth Place is the highest place Kalistan has received in my lifetime. Music tastes aren't what they used to be, but we had the opportunity to be introduced to Mr. Phillips before the concert, and can confirm that he is indeed a serious musician who is interested in music as art. His entry legitimately won in Kalistan, but the entries from the winning nations really showcased their nations' culture, and we had to inform our sister as we watched the contest together on television that we would have likely supported the top three as well: their songs were what we think FOMAT should be about, as a cultural music festival, and we believed the judges got this one right for a change. So while we congratulate Mr. Phillips and are certain he will have a long successful career in Kalistani music, we are happy that the folks who should have won actually did. It was refreshing. Congratulations to Kalopia, and we are certain Kalistan will participate again when it is held there."

Ramirez also discussed another upcoming competition, the North Seleyan Games in Valruzia. She wanted to know how the Empress thought Kalistan would do.

"We intend to fly to Valruzia to cheer on Kalistani athletes. It is our opinion that our sister and mother will make the trip with us, as well as the Princelings and the Emperor Consort. This contest will of course be somewhat different than a contest like FOMAT which is judged by taste of the panel. At grand sporting events like Valruzia, excellence is on display. Kalistan excels in some sports, but even in the ones we do not expect to do too well in, someone will rise above the pack and display their physical prowess, their endurance, their mastery of the sport, or some other laudable feature which displays this sort of excellence.

"It is our opinion that sport is the one pursuit outside of art and philosophy, where mediocrity and lowest common denominator democratic sensibilities are pushed aside in favor of virtuous excellence. It is uplifting therefore to see excellence on display, and its not really a concern where that excellence comes from, or where they were born at. When you can watch a human being cover 100 meters in less than 9 seconds, you are watching the closest thing to an actual God on this planet that you will ever see--That is the best argument you could make for the existence of an actual deity of some kind that doesn't rely on superstition. These feats of physical excellence are not to be missed, and we dare say, should serve as examples for those in other fields of human activity. We should all strive to be as excellent as we may. So we will absolutely be on hand to watch the games. We look forward to it."

When asked if the Empress intends to meet with members of the Valruzian Government during her visit, she responded,

"We haven't set anything official in place. There is no doubt that we will have the opportunity to meet with our close friends the Valruzians during the event. But our goal is primarily to observe the games, so any meetings between us and Valruzian officials is likely to be incidental and friendly rather than official or business oriented."

Continuing the talk of state visits, Ramirez asked the Empress then to talk about the upcoming visit to Egelion to celebrate the wedding of the Crown Prince Artemio and the Lady Anastasia Rothringren.

"As you likely known, the Egelian Crown Prince is our cousin, also by way of the Alvarez branch of our Family Tree, who have been rather successful in placing royalty on various thrones in the region. So this will be an excellent opportunity for us to visit our cousins once more. Nicole Reina, daughter of Lady Dana, has long been our personal friend besides being our cousin, and we celebrated the birth of her son, and welcomed them both following the terroristic assassination plot that wounded the Crown Prince when he was a small child. So this will be a reunion in addition to being a celebration of his marriage."

Asked what she thought of Lady Anastasia, Her Imperial Majesty's answer was polite, but not that enthusiastic.

"We do not know the girl well, sadly, but this is something that we look forward to remedying soon. It is our intention to present her with a diamond broach from our own collection as a wedding present that we have asked Reed [the royal Jeweler in Kaliburg] to customize for us, so that it reflects both her nation's and Egelion's national symbols in the same piece to honor the personal union that will eventually form. We are certain that she is an intelligent young lady, and are pleased for her that she has found her happiness in the company of our cousin. And we take this as an opportunity to welcome her to our extended family."

Asked if Her Imperial Majesty believed that the marriage would improve Kalistani relations with Trigunia/Nadiya, The Empress stated that she doubted it.

"We don't think it will alter much in the short term. What we see as Trigunia, which has undergone some regime changing events recently, is still a largely unknown and fairly incomprehensible entity to us. Their confederation system makes their process fairly opaque to us, given the absolute transparency of our own. So if relations are established, they will need be indirectly through Egelion, who we maintain excellent relations with. As Egelion and Trigunia/Nadiya will be in a personal union, this may be the easiest work around to ensure that we have a line to their government if we need it for anything, and vice versa. We can still be happy for the Princess, and possibly even work with her as she sees fit, and we are, while not also needing to attempt to figure out what is going on in her Government."

Ramirez thanked the Empress for her comments and asked what she thought about the Radio Kaliburg Studios.

"As this is the first time we have been here, or really in any radio studio, we can say that we find it fascinating, the whole process. We frequently listen to your station's music programming, and, occasionally, tune into your political commentary, and while we would sometimes prefer that you tone down some of the more... liberal... appeals to our population, we also understand that you have your job to do as we have ours, and appreciate that the people feel that they have a safe and legitimate outlet for these types of discussions within our Empire. And we hope to avail ourselves of the opportunity to speak with you and your listeners again, as you please."

@TheRepublic