Kalistani Major History

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Empress restores Ancient Titles
Act asserts claims to much of Northeastern Seleya
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 22, 5519


Her Imperial Majesty, with Chancellor Wilkes, IBSI chief Marquez, Prince Consort Bjorn and Grand Duchess Martina sign "Enacting Bill" in Eveari

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II Ananto signed an official proclamation reviving two Ancient titles previously belonging to the Anantonese Empire, but which were officially vacated and destroyed with the abolition of the Empire in 4056. The "Enacting Bill" which was an Imperial Proclamation, was prepared by the Chancellor of the Empire, in consultation with Institutionalist Deputies in the National Assembly and the Peers of the Ancient Order of the Grey Smoke, and was signed by the Empress in Eveari.

The Text of the Act reads,

"Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II Ananto hereby revitalizes and fully realizes the ancient titles "Monarch and Sovereign of Andalay" and "Monarch and Sovereign of Vintalli". Both titles shall be restored to the Imperial Style, which shall hereby present forth as follows: By the Consent of the People, Her Imperial Majesty, of the Ancient House of Ananto, Empress and Absolute Sovereign of The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, Queen of Andalay, Queen of Vintalli, Grand Duchess of Ananto, Duchess of Icehaven, Countess of Davon, Commander in Chief of the Regular Forces of Kalistan, Sovereign and Great Mistress of the Most Honorable Order of the Grey Smoke, Defender of the Constitution and the Realm, Head of the Anantonese State and Formal Head of Government, Embodiment of the Anantonese Nation, Guarantor of the Anantonese Ocean and Ananto Strait, Nicolette II Ananto."

As Andalay and Vintalli lie fully within the respective modern States of Lodamun and Gaduridos, both of which are currently administered by their respective people through Republican Governments, the Empress is hereby prohibited to reacquire this lost territory through war or conflict of any sort, overt or covert. However, should those territories wish, by thier own choice to reincorporate themselves into the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, this Enacting Bill shall serve as the grounds upon which to accept those territories back to their rightful and ancient Mistress.

This Enacting Bill also officially establishes an ancient claim over the State of Althosia, currently being administered by the Republican Government in Baltusia under the same terms, having long viewed Althosia as the stolen southern portion of the Duchy of Suldanor. Her Imperial Majesty is hereby charged to protect these titles as co-equals to all titles she shall possess or have the power to present from this point forward for all time, until such time as she herself vacates and destroys them.

May no individual sovereign rise to attempt to wrest these claims from their rightful possessor: Her Imperial Majesty is content to allow this portion of her patrimony to be administered by those three Governments, according to the cries of the people who live there.

Signed forthwith and most solemly on this date, the 22nd Day of August, in the common year 5519

Her Imperial Majesty, and so forth, Nicolette II Ananto
Empress of Ananto and Kalistan

So witnessed
Lord Stephen Wilkes, Count of Vrassa, Chancellor of the Empire
David Marquez-Villanueva, Director, Imperial Bureau of Security Information
His Highness Prince-Consort Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm Count Luxon, Prince Consort of Ananto and Kalistan
Her Highness Lady Juliette Martina, Grand Duchess Kalistan

This bill shall be sent through the National Legislature ahead of the upcoming Elections, but shall remain provisional until it passes.

It is unclear if the re-establishment of Kalistan's imperial titles will cause changes in relations between Kalistan and her Neighbors, but if anyone can say anything about this Empress, it is that she is committed to restoring the ancient Anantonese Empire, whether in law or in fact. This seems to be the first step in a new path for the Government in Eveari.

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Chancellor Declares Election "Technically Valid"
"Institutionalists will continue to Defend Monarchy" says Lord Wilkes
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 12, 5519


Chancellor of the Empire Lord Stephen Wilkes Count Vrassa says Institutional Party will fight for Institutions

"The recent elections, while eyeroll producing, were nonetheless technically valid, and we will acknowledge the results," said Chancellor of the Empire Lord Stephen Wilkes before the National Assembly. "ReNew has captured enough votes to attempt to move their version of reform should they be so interested, and there is not much that the Institutional Party can do to prevent the statutory changes they want to make. But we can assure you that unless there is some major alteration in the minds of the population, the foundational bedrock of the Empire is gonna stay right where it is."

The Chancellor said that there is no telling what the ReNew Party will do now that they are in charge. "I imagine that Her Imperial Majesty will invite ReNew to form a Government to advise her and conduct her business," said Lord Wilkes, who anticipates moving to the shadow Chancellory. "We hope ReNew presents the Empress some reasonable options rather than putting radicals in place. Should ReNew opt to not create a new Cabinet, we anticipate staying in place until we are voted out."

The Chancellor had some choice words for the electorate, however. "The People of Kalistan frequently have historically voted in strange and unpredictable ways. They simultaneously have photographic memories when it comes to the sum of all votes ever cast by every Party for all time, and at the same time, are distracted by new and shiny objects. And yet they strangely do not remember how they just voted in the last election. It really defies imagination, and the Empress has noted this regularly. Democracy is not to be trusted. It is not a better than a random draw from a hat when it comes to selecting decent leaders. Our only hope is that when ReNew wracks up a legislative record, the shine of their novelty will wear off, and voters will punish them at the polls the way they seem to do any Party that has participated in more than 2 election cycles. That will simply prove our point about the worthlessness of the collective opinion of the masses."

The elitist rhetoric from the Chancellor may in fact be the reason why the Institutional Party lost this recent election. But the Chancellor was unchastised. "Let me say one more thing about democracy. If we could abolish the franchise entirely, we certainly would. But the Empress can rule with absolute power and yet can't keep people from voting, for some reason. It's mind boggling."

The Chancellor, for his part now awaits his fate. There is not yet any word with regard to the plans of ReNew for the New Government or the agenda over the next six years. "We will welcome them and will be happy to assist them where we can, but the Institutional Party will not help them dismantle the things that make Kalistan what it is. It is our hope that they govern with respect to our National Institutions, and do not change too many things that we will have to reverse when we predictably return to power." The Chancellor's speech was met with a mixed reaction from the Deputies in the National Assembly, the majority of whom are now members of the Majority Party. This is the first time the Chancellor is not the Speaker of the Majority, and it is likely that his words were not well received by the new Deputies. This does not necessarily bode well for the Party in the next six years.

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Empress invites ReNew Kalistan to form a Government
"It is their Right to do so", says Her Imperial Majesty
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January, 5, 5520


Empress Nicolette speaks to reporters following closed door meeting with IPoK leaders in Kaliburg

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II Ananto gave an interview to reporters to discuss the agenda of the Institutionalist Party in the coming term now that they have been relegated to the Opposition.

"We have informed our Chancellor that we have invited the Majority to form a Government and to Govern according to our will," said Empress Nicolette. "It is their right to do so. As Majority they represent the unambiguous choice of our People, and should be given a chance to not only form a government, but to move their agenda in accord with the demands of our People. It is our desire that the Institutionalists support their efforts to the extent possible, and give them a chance to offer changes within the extent of the political reality of Kalistan."

The call for the Institutionalist Party to take up the role of Loyal Opposition was reported to be a shock to many in the Institutionalist Party, who previously stated that they expected the Empress to take the side of the Monarchist Party in the Legislature. "When the Empress informed us that she expected us to acknowledge the results of the Election," said IPoK spokesperson Melissa Henry, of Luxon, "leadership was nonplussed. It is a difficult thing for a Party which has been in Government so long and has always shown deference and support for the Empress to be told by that same Empress that they are to take a backseat as the result of an election."

"We believe," continued the Empress, "that while Democracy remains dangerous to the stability of our state, new ideas work to the contrary, and can improve and strengthen of our Empire. We have informed the Institutionalists that if they truly respect the institutions of this State, they are to cooperate with the ReNew Party to improve Kalistan. That is our explicit desire, and those who take issue with that can find another profession."

Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress gave no indication that she has secured any place for the Institutionalists in whatever cabinet ReNew may come up with.

"We do not doubt that they too will work for the good and improvement of our Nation. Kalistan is not so weak that important matters of government at to be put off by an election. We will work with ReNew and encourage them to always consider what will best benefit the Nation, and the Institutionalists will simply have to try again in the next election."

To underscore the Empress' position on the matter, she stated,

"Petulance is unbecoming any of our Deputies, and petty politics are quite beneath us all."

She then moved on to other questions.

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ReNew party has chosen its candidate for Chancellor
The vote reflects deep divisions within the party
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 6, 5520

Trevor Parkinson, Count Neveras was elected a parties' leader
The day after the Empress formally granted permission to form a government, the elected members of the ReNew Kalistan Party gathered in the Kaliburg for a closed-door meeting to set the agenda and choose a leader. There were no surprises as ReNew Kalistan Party founder Trevor Parkinson was chosen as the candidate for Chancellor in the new government, and therefore leader of the ruling party. In an anonymous vote, he received 37 out of 45 votes from elected members of the National Assembly, which gives him the right to choose candidates for ministerial posts. A source granted anonymity to freely discuss the intra-party vote told KReview that the most radical republican MPs disagreed with Parkinson's decision to work with the monarchist party, heatedly criticizing him for not including republican reforms in the party program. Political analysts have long spoken of deep divisions in the party, which united broad ideological groups and did not even have a clear manifesto before the election in October.
'We didn't expect this result, it feels like a miracle,' a strategist at the ReNew HQ told us as we waited for Parkinson to speak. 'Some people are concerned about, you know, the monarchy, but the fact that he received a blessing from the Empress is relieving. And by the way, we have never called for revolutionary changes.'
As Mr Parkinson took to the stage with a beaming smile, his supporters clapped and shouted their approval. 'Dear friends,' he began, looking for someone in the crowd, 'it is a great honour for me to be the leader of the majority party, a party that has received the support of the citizens of our country, I promise to work day and night as Chancellor for the good of our country and to make our country truly free and great. As you know, yesterday the Empress made us appoint a Cabinet of Ministers, and I will present the full list and our party manifesto the day after tomorrow at the first sitting of the National Assembly. I would like to thank all those who put their trust in me and elected me to lead our party for the next five years. Our main objective has been achieved - we have ensured a peaceful transition of power and reaffirmed our democratic institutions which, it must be acknowledged, have deteriorated considerably in recent years. We have a lot of work to do in the coming days, but I believe we have now laid the foundations for a new chapter in the history of our country. Thank you, people! Thank you, Kalistan!'

Despite the appearance of confidence among his supporters, Mr. Parkinson will have to navigate between the interests of his fellow party members, not all of whom are optimistic about the direction their leader has taken. A lawyer from Maridon, he has spent his life defending a variety of clients with different beliefs, following the long-standing rule of defense for the highest bidder. The lack of an ideological core infuriates those who joined the ReNew party just to get campaign funds and get rid of competitors in their districts. Nationalists are irritated by Parkinson's commitment to the free market and his unclear stance on foreign investment and private party militias. Socialists denounce him for the same things, but using different rhetoric. Liberals dream of sex-change operations and the full, total legalization of cannabis, while the rare religious leaders who have backed the party hope for permission of public missionary work and strengthening the role of the church. Torn by disagreement, the party never seems to have been able to agree on the specific points of a program it never had in the first place. This is indicated by Parkinson's speech, which is almost identical to the one he gave three months ago after winning the election, and the sullen faces of the deputies after the leadership vote. They all publicly supported Parkinson, but some of them still voted against his candidacy, which puts him under tons of pressure. One way or another, the deadline for speculations is at noon on the day after tomorrow, when the new Chancellor will present the cabinet and set the agenda for the next five years.

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National Assembly opens new session
MPs sworn in, new Chancellor elected, Lord Wilkes becomes leader of the Opposition
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 8, 5520

Chancellor of the Empire Trevor Parkinson presents his cabinet and agenda
The National Assembly of Kalistan opened a new session today. In a solemn ceremony in Kaliburg, all 79 Members of Parliament were swiftly sworn in, each swearing or affirming to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Imperial Majesty Empress Nicolette II, her heirs and successors. When all formal procedures were over, the floor was given to the Chancellor of the Empire Trevor Parkinson.

Good afternoon. I have just returned from Imperial Palace, where I accepted an invitation from Her Imperial Majesty Empress Nicolette II to form the next government of our great nation. It is a great honor for me and a few minutes ago I swore to be Her Imperial Majesty's loyal subject. I want to thank the outgoing Chancellor, Lord Wilkes. We recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership. But now our country has voted for change. For national renewal. The forgotten men and women of this country are forgotten no more. The need for change will be met. Not with words, but with action. With that, I want to paint the picture, the Kalistan that we see. I see a country where people are given authority over their lives. A country, where people and people only determine their way of life. I see a country where the government gives people liberty, not opression. I see a country where the young people are not deceived by sweet yet deadly lies of criminals, drug dealers and radicals. I see a country which puts the interests of its citizens' first. I see a country which grows on the principles of friendship between peoples, provision of equal opportunities for all, tolerance and justice. The highes focus of the next government will be ensuring that the citizens of our country have the liberties they need. Take a look at the last election cycle. We could not advertise ourselves. We could not agitate ourselves -- and for the record, institutionalists couldn't do it too. But even with the lack of basic democratic instituions, we have made our way to the government. It shows that people want change.
Now, what that change will be? First of all, let me be very clear with this one. Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion. This should be the founding principles of our nation. We will make sure that no young people are sent to work without their consent, as it happens now with deeply flawed and inefficient system of National Service. The government will no longer tell people what to do, including the issue of education. We must allow pluralism in the teaching methods that parents choose and stay within the bounds of the law. Our government will also make sure that the right to private property is inviolable, unshakeable and undiscussable, and the State has no right to nationalize and seize land without good reason. At the same time, we will continue to encourage and subsidize modern, large-scale industrial enterprises to make Kalistan an industrial leader in Seleya. And we will keep our finger on the pulse to ensure that foreign investors do not become monopolists in our most important sectors. <...> Thank you. Thank you.

New Cabinet of Ministers presented
The Chancellor of the Empire presented the new cabinet of ministers, agreed upon with Her Imperial Majesty. Most of them had no government experience, even in local governments, but many of them have management skills or experience in the field of their new portfolio. The most noticeable ones are the HEM Foreign Minister Elizabeth Brown (an interpreter from the embassy of Calistan in Baltusia), the HEM Minister of Defense Kevin Kennedy (a retired Marine officer), the HEM Minister of Food and Agriculture Juan Murphy (the leader of the agricultural workers' union) and HEM Minister of Finance Teresa Armstrong (a banker from Vrassa). All of them, as Mr. Parkinson promised, will take an active part in the life of the legislature, presenting their positions on important issues and commenting on the bills presented, but the main focus of attention is now on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is expected to comment soon on rising global tensions and the situation with Her Imperial Majesty's titles.

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister Elizabeth Brown

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Militia Deepens Training
"The World is getting dangerous" says Captain
Razar TC, Duchy of Vrassa
May 31, 5520


Militia Demo Squad exhibits Destructive force of Improvised Explosives

Captain Raymond Norton of the Institutionalist Militia has one mission: "To get these men and women ready to defend this Nation if needs be," explains the Captain. He leads a company of infantry who specialize in the use and creation of explosive ordinance from various other materials.

"This world is getting dangerous," said Captain Nortion. "There are all manner of wars happening around Kalistan, and while foreign nations have wisely steered clear of Kalistani territory, we can't be sure that the recent beligerents won't soon set their sights on us. Especially since the Empress has decided that it is in her interest to start claiming titles and so forth. Things like that are sure to draw the attention of people, and it seems that the only thing people know anymore is war. So, we are doing our part to make any war that comes here as costly as possible."

Today, the Militia is learning about the tactic of creating casualties. "We are practicing the doctrine of non-lethality in this particular training evolution," said Captain Norton, as he instructs about 36 men and women who make up this particular company of Militia. They are carrying out their training evolution here at Razar Training Center in Vrassa, where they are also doing squad on squad tactics, conditioning hikes through the foothills on the Vrassan Plateau, and survival training. "Non-Lethal combat doesn't mean the enemy doesn't die. It just takes a lot longer for them to do so, preferably when they are back behind the lines, near their buddies, who can hear them scream for a good 18 hours before they finally succumb to sepsis. But we prefer that because 1) Killing a person takes one person out of combat, while wounding a person will take three: the casualty and his two friends who have to haul him back to the lines and then take care of him, and 2) watching your friend die in front of you makes you less interested in fighting and more interested in shooting the c--ksucker who is ordering you to fight."

Captain Norton covers aiming to wound. "Its a difficult shot to make, and I know you men and women are trained center mass, center mass, but if you aim a little bit lower, and hit the abdomen, that will keep them alive long enough to create a casualty rather than a kill." Captain Norton also covers how to make improvised explosives "... to take limbs off, but not cause a lot of instant death," says the captain. The use of shrapnel, ball bearings, and petroleum jelly mixed with soap shavings is said to be "particularly damaging."

"We want these men and women to know that everything can be used as a weapon in time of need or speed. We're training the militia to get out of the whole habit of thinking that the only thing we'll use in war is a firearm. They have to think outside the box and be creative, because the enemy, if they ever decide that they would like to threaten our country, won't have any mercy on us here in Kalistan."

While there is no particular threat on the horizon, the Captain shares the general overall strategic doctrine of peace through strength. "We know our Empress is committed to maintaining peace, and we appreciate that in her," said Captain Norton. "But we watch as country after country falls into war after war, and we have to think: Maybe we're next. You just never know. Hopefully we won't ever have to use this stuff, but, if we do, Kalistan is ready to become a meat grinder."

While Captain Norton and his demolitions squad blew up some homemade ordinances for the Paper, Norton is already preparing to go to the next stage in the training evolution. "This summer our Company is doing mountain and forest warfare training down at Lhasa. There we are covering claymores and shape charges. And we're learning not only how to disable a man, but also his vehicles with the use of a steel can, a handful of shotgun slugs, a bunch of composition B and a thermite grenade. Part of that involves disassembling dud artillery shells. Its a whole class but we're really looking forward to it." Captain Norton's command is one of 25 currently training with the Regular Army at Razar and will be joining 10 other militia companies in Lhasa this summer.

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Kalistan wins IGA Invitational
St. Vincent becomes youngest 9th Dan in Kalistani History
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 4, 5520


Louise St Vincent (9d) (W) defeats Yuki Watanabe (8d Seko) in IGA Finals

Louise St Vincent has become the youngest 9d professional go player in Kalistani Go History. She recently led the Kalistani team to both individual and team victories at the recent IGA (いご/围棋) Invitational held at Kaliburg Polytechnic, which was sponsored by The Kalistani Republic. Also represented at the Invitational tournament were Indrala, who finished second in team scores and third individually, Sekowo, who finished third in the team scores by second individually, Dankuk and Cildania, who finished fourth and fifth in both team and individual scores respectively. St. Vincent defeated Seko's Yuki Watanabe (8d) and was awarded the coveted 9d professional rank.

St. Vincent, who is just 23 years old, began learning go from her father, former Ananto champion Henry St. Vincent (5d) when she was just three years old. "I would watch him play in clubs, and I became fascinated by how the stones moved across the board," said St. Vincent. "When I was old enough, my father taught me gomoku, and then by the time I was 4, with a 5 stone handicap, I was actually able to win against him on a 9x9 board. It was a thrill!" St. Vincent was hooked and joined the Dulnerstaad Go Club as soon as she was able, winning preteen and teen championships in Ananto and following in her father's footsteps. "In the NSP, I had to use all my leave to go to Go Championships."

To enter the 5520 Invitational, players needed to have achieved the rank of 5th Dan Professional prior to entry, and be affiliated with a national club. More than 20 players in Kalistan competed for three spots on the Kalistani team, which, besides St. Vincent also consisted of Jamal Wade (7d) and Tonya Fujimori (6d). The competition featured Round Robin double elimination competition, with Kalistan, who hosted, receiving a first round bye. Team scores were determined by win margins after each match plus whatever komi each player was granted. Individual scores determined how much prize money each player took, with cash awards going to the top six overall players, and a single cash prize of ₭250,000 provided by the Competition's sponsor The Kalistani Republic going to the winner. Kalistani players finished 1st (St. Vincent), 4th (Wade) and 6th (Fujimori). Of the three Kalistanis, onl St. Vincent was promoted during the contest.

"I don't know what I'll do with this money," said St. Vincent. "It does make playing Go a lot easier, and allows me to focus my time and energy on defending my title." The victory has already led to several endorsement offers from companies like KMD and AreoKal. "Haha, well, being in an airplane commercial might be fun," said St. Vincent. "And KalMD is testing machine learning, and wants me to help them test the strength of their go playing AIs. I have a lot of options."

St. Vincent says she plans on spending most of her time at the Dulnerstaad Go Club, playing games against her father. "Just when you think you know everything, someone shows up, and does some move that you didn't even see coming, and it throws you," said St. Vincent. "I can't get too big a head about this. There is always someone better, even for 9 dans."

The Empress has invited St. Vincent to Eveari next month to name her Dame in honor of her victory and exemplary representation of Kalistan and her team leadership in international competition.

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Surfers Discover massive waves in Luxon County
Summer swells attract international attention
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 18, 5520


Gaduri surfer Daniel Gomez rides a 30 foot wave face at Tapper Reef south of Luxon

When people think of surfing in Kalistan, the Suldanor shore south of Sulari is usually what comes to mine. Sun, skin and surf are so associated with that area that locals refer to it as Surf Coast. But more attention is beginning to be paid attention to the Ananto coast outside of Luxon, and as international visitors and surf enthusiasts begin flocking to the region, developers begin to see a golden opportunity for tourism and recreation.

"We've noticed a pretty significant increase in sports tourism recently," said Edward Reece, of the Greater Luxon Economic Development Bureau, a tourism promotion association that serves Luxon County and is counts as one of its members the Prince Consort. "People have discovered that the close proximity to both the Kublai Hills which offers hiking, camping, fishing and climbing opportunities, and the swells that come ashore just a few miles away near Tapper Reef can give people all kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities which are not available anywhere else in Kalistan."

The swells that Reece is referring to are from the northern section of the South Anantonese Current, a deep sea river of warm water that pushes north from Gaduridos. Rolling into the relatively shallow Strait and crashing into the southward pushing North Anantonese Current in the Strait creates some fairly choppy seas in the strait, but those same swells create long, repetetive and regular waves that wash the southern Ananto Island shores. In the summer time, the waves created by hurricanes to the south and west can generate waves up to 30 feet high that crash onto reefs like Tapper Reef. "Few people have historically surfed these waves," said Reece, "because the travel infrastructure wasn't in place. But there has been a relatively large influx of tourists and visitors from other parts of the Empire over the last few decades following the completion of the MagLev rail here in Ananto and now the word is out."

In recent years, Luxon has hosted the All Kalistani Surf Exposition four times, and the reputation for huge waves and unspoiled shorelines is now popular in Kalsitan. "We're giving Sulari a run for their money," said Reece. "We've got excellent waves year round here, but in the summer time especially, they are massive. The highest waves you'll see in Sulari are 10 to 12 feet waves unless there is a cyclone in the ocean. Here, we get killer waves sometimes 35 feet tall. They don't get bigger anywhere in Seleya."

Reece also noted that there is a corresponding increase in hotel construction on Ananto's south point, as well as other businesses to cater to increased tourism. "We're in talks with Gold Coast in Sulari to begin constructing a casino and resort here. Luxon Bay is great for all manner of outdoor activities, including sailing, deep sea fishing, snorkelling, and cliff diving." And surfing? "Absolutely! And surfing!"

Surf's Up in Luxon!

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KalMilInCo Reps fly to Lodamun
Initial Discussions over Radar Network on Table
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 20, 5520


KMC reps departing from Kaliburg International to discuss long range radar technology

Representatives from Kalistan's Nationalized Military Industrial Complex (KalMilInCo) flew to Lodamun this afternoon to discuss the joint development and operation of long range areal and surface radar technology. Before boarding in Kaliburg International, the spokesman for the group, Ignacio Rogers, answered some questions about the mission

T(he) R(epublic): Can you speak about your mission to Lodamun today?

(KMC spokesman) I(gnacio) R(ogers): Yes I am at liberty to speak about the mission.

TR: Why is KalMilInCo going to Lodamun?

IR: He have the opportunity to buy some surplus Aircraft from the Lodamese Air Force.

TR: Didn't Kalistan just acquire aircraft from Kundrati and Kazulia?

IR: We were talking with them, a few years ago... same thing as it usually is, we make an offer to spend money, and it goes nowhere. I, personally think someone else got to them after we made the offer, but who knows. Its like people don't want our money... But at any rate, this meeting with Lodamun is something else entirely.

TR: But you are heading to Lodamun to acquire aircraft?

IR: We intend to come home with 8 AWECS aircraft secured, as well as the blueprints and schematics for those aircraft so we can begin producing them in Gendaris. We are partnering with KalMD on the avionics and radar technology based on the Lodamese schematics. Once these are ours, we will make necessary modification to allow them to fit in with our own SOPs.

TR: If you are just going to modify them, why do you need to acquire the tech from Lodamun?

IR: Well, we haven't yet built AWECS yet. But we had this opportunity to acquire them, and with the plans we will then be able to work out how this stuff works for ourselves, so that major powers who are primarily interested in denying Kalistan the ability to defend itself can not deny us this technology.

TR: Why is Lodamun willing to part with these planes, if they are such sensitive and protected equipment?

IR: In regard to these planes in specific, Lodamun has updated their Airborne early warning and control systems. This is older technology: we might not be as updated with the most modern AWECS in our region, but we don't currently have any of these systems, so something is better than nothing. But we are also going to talk with them about a system they are currently developing to provide surface based radar stations. While they are looking to build several deep sea surface radar platforms that are similar in construction to oil drilling platforms, we already possess a lot of that infrastructure along and inside the Southern Limit: Our old KPO rigs can in theory give a joint Kalistani-Lodamese early warning radar network a major extension to the south into the central Anantonese Ocean.

TR: Does this mean that Kalistan and Lodamun are drawing closer in the security arena?

IR: Kalistan and Lodamun have a long history of working together on security matters. If Lodamun is under threat, it is likely that Kalistan is also under threat. This is more true for Lodamun than for any other country in Seleya or in the region as a whole. We've worked together on naval development and more recently on air force training. It makes sense that we take steps to link our intelligence gathering and sharing systems as well.

TR: So Kalistan gets AWECS and sea-based radar stations. What does Lodamun get?

IR: We're outright buying the planes and the blue prints, so that's that. But Kalistan's willingness to host surface based radar and integrate those into a wider regional network is immeasurably valuable to Lodamun as they move into a more of a regional security role. Lodamun looks at both the Anantonese Ocean and the Mad Dog Ocean. Early warning about from the south and from the east will be a major improvement in Lodamun's security. especially with wildcards like Aldegar in that direction.

TR: Do you predict increased information sharing and cooperation between Kalistan and Lodamun in the future?

IR: It's not really for me to say, really: I am in procurement. But it seems that is this a natural next step between Kalistan and Lodamun. If I was a betting man I'd say it is a real possibility.

TR: And what about other nations in the region? Will they be part of this?

IR: I can't speak about other nations: Other nations in this region seem preoccupied... Excuse me, the flight is boarding.

At this point, Mr. Rogers thanked me for the questions and boarded his flight with the others from KALMILINCO.

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"Foreign Policy with Professor Chang"
Radio Kaliburg announces New Podcast Platform
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 9, 5521


Dr. Pierre Chang, hosts his featured Radio Kaliburg Podcast on Foreign Policy

Radio Kaliburg, one of the few independent radio stations in Kalistan, has launched an online platform. The station, traditionally a propaganda outlet for the now defunct Socialist Party of Kalistan, has been reignited by a group of former producers and DJs from KRTVN, who believe that maintaining independent radio is key to freedom of speech in Kalistan. The radio station is formally funded by the Institutional Party of Kalistan, for the purpose of observance of the law.

"Radio Kaliburg operates our regular AM/FM/SW transmitters here in Kaliburg, with translators in Addisjah, High Bong, and Lucid to cover much of northern Seleya," said Operations Chief Gary Delaney. "But we have decided that it is in our interest to not only build a podcast series for our programming that can be distributed across the world's internet, to get the message out beyond our borders, but also to build a platform for other independent producers to begin making shows of their own."

The Radio Kaliburg Platform, officially known as "Indi" will host shows made by independent Kalistani broadcasters. The platform will feature creation tools that which aim to lower the the learning curve for creators who are just learning to podcast, and for a sliding annual subscription fee, based on audience size to permit small and new podcasts the opportunity to compete favorably with better funded or commercial programming, podcasters can produce and format their own content separately from the creation tools.

"We want independent producers on this platform, not highly polished, heavily produced shows that have big money behind them," said Delaney. "But there is a place for those with heavy commercial money behind them: For profit shows can share their revenues with the platform to help encourage the community." Indi will employ an Ombudsman who will help ensure that quality and format guidelines are up to a station standard. "While envision that most of the podcasts will be produced by individuals, we want to make sure that they sound good," said Delaney. "Things like quality microphones are imperative and sound proofing. None of this business that sounds like someone recorded the show over a telephone into an answering machine. Sound quality is important: We don't subscribe to the notion that 'more lo-fi equals more authentic.' There is some investment podcasters should make before submitting shows."

Delaney doesn't think that the emphasis on quality will depress interest. "I imagine most people will opt for the free option, which utilize our own creation tools. That will limit poor quality, DIY sounding shows right out the gate, because it will force creators to consider how they sound, and how they create their programs. And the Ombudsman's department will be in charge of selecting which shows to feature on the front page, so it should encourage even the free users to try to get better."

And besides, pointed out Delaney, "If your goal is to get your ideas out, or to showcase your production skills, or whatever reason you have to create a podcast, why would you want to create an embarrassing product. Indi is a place for the 12 year-olds who want to try to create a their first show for their friends and family, or want to talk about their favorite video games, and that's fine, if that is the limit of their ambition. But if you are serious about basically running your own radio station, nobody wants to listen to some 20-something narcissist with his drunk friends rambling on about nonsense into a earplug microphone. Just because they think something is funny doesn't mean strangers want to listen to that. So Indi wants to try to encourage quality over quantity, and the better producers will naturally rise to the top, with a little help from quality control."

Delaney said that the Platform will permit shows with any number of topics: "We are looking for good music programming that can compete directly with KRTVN programming," said Delaney, "but we are also looking for current events commentary, nature and informational programming, sports analysis, historical discussion, political talk, and cultural programming. Basically everything you might hear on a normal radio station, but produced by the audience." But Delaney was clear: "Most of the so called podcasts out now, where a bunch of idiots are sitting around going on and on about nonsense or tabloid stuff, or are being deliberate edgy or controversial, those kinds of programs will probably not be featured, and you will have to go searching for them."

An early adopter of the platform is a Professor from Eveari College, the private liberal arts college in Ananto's second City. The host, Dr. Pierre Chang, offers his commentary on Kalistan's Foreign Policy, taking a topic a week and inviting guests from around the Empire to offer commentary and conversation. "Foreign Policy with Professor Chang" was one of the first featured programs and was created with the Platform's Free creation tools.

"From the start, Dr. Chang has been a true professional: He is committed to both sounding good and sounding intelligent, and his connections in the professional community are surprising informational and authoritative," said Delaney. "His show 'What's wrong with South Selaya?' about the rise of the seemingly random and deliberately chaotic policy in many places in Terra was our first 'Featured Episode' because it was an example of the kind of quality we want to promote on Indi." Delaney said there were 45 separate podcasts included in beta testing, and now that Radio Kaliburg Online is public, Delaney expects to see usage dramatically increase in Kalistan.

"You can sign up for a podcast account at http://indi.ks, and listen to Radio Kaliburg online, including all featured podcasts, on any of the streaming services or at https://rka891v.ks in Vrassan and https://rka891e.ks in Egelian."