Kalistani Major History

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Further information about FOMAT XVI
In collaboration with CoW and ODEN, FOMAT XVI will be held in The National Stadium of Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Anato
February 27, 4906


The initial announcement for FOMAT XVI

Kalistan's musical greatness was already previously known, but the 5th win truly cemented it, bringing yet another FOMAT to be hosted in Kalistan, this time to be held in Kaliburg National Stadium in Lolla, Kaliburg.

The stadium is expected to have a capacity of around 45 thousand, and the even will have a sound system capable of being heard many blocks further, so in an even where the seats are filled, there is room for more audience.

The sixteenth edition of FOMAT will be sponsored by none other than ODEN, which will provide the best substances to enjoy the show with. The Coalition of Workers has also agreed to participate in the organization of the event.

CoW's Presidential Candidate Mark Small, one of the leading figures in the organization of the event stated that "The Coalition (of Workers) is honored to be part of the organization of the event, and we will do the best of our ability to provide a fun and a safe environment for the event."

The rules for submissions are simple, all submissions are to be made in any official language of the represented nation, or Luthorian. The contestants are also required to be from the represented country's citizens.

All traffic around the Lolla area will be halted for the duration of the event to provide a safe environment for all visitors.

The winner is decided by a judge committee consisting of Mark Small, the winner of last FOMAT Jennifer Stepanov and an independently elected citizen of Kalistan yet to be revealed. The judges will not have full authority over the winner though, most of the points are granted by the audience, and the judge committee will be valued equally to the audience votes.

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LKG smashes Gaming Records in Kalistan
Two Historical Titles break sales records in both mobile and PC markets
Sulari, Suldanor
November 8, 4906


In "Overland Trail" players can experience the pioneer life

The joint Kalistan-Hutori gaming venture, Lexington-Kalistan Group have finally scored big in a market sector dominated by imported titles. Two separate titles from LKG, "Overland Trail" and "Privateers!" have broken sales records in Kalistan for the first time. Largely buttressed by mobile ports of both games, both titles saw their units sold and earnings finally, and dramatically increase, finally allowing both LKG titles to break into the top ten for the first time since the company was founded 19 years ago.

"We are thrilled at the success of both of these titles," said head of marketing at LKG Nadia Wilson-Rios. "With record sales, both titles represent a major step forward in video gaming in the Republic, and will allow the company to invest in better design and creative staff."

Wilson attributed the success of both these titles, which have been on the market for several years, to mobile ports. "Once we made them available for mobile devices, we saw interest generated in both mobile and PC sales," said Wilson. "It was a very risky decision on our part to put the time, effort and resources into the ports. We had no idea how things would go, but as the company has been barely breaking even for about a decade, we decided to find our best titles and try to port them to expand the market, and it was a stunning success." Selecting these two was not a sure thing, in any stretch of the imagination. When the PC titles of both of these games were released, they were both panned by critics for not featuring cutting edge 3d models and famous voice acting. "Yeah, we didn't have the money for all that. Plus, in the visually stunning games, you tend to find both replayability and actual depth for characters is limited. And the critics hated it, going so far as to actually recommending other titles which they thought gamers would enjoy more. Luckily, a lot of those happened to be from Lexington anyway, so we weren't crushed THAT bad."

But these games seemed perfect for mobile ports. "The ease of control, the lightness of the engine on CPUs, and the ability to play it for a few minutes, put it down and get right back into it later really suggests this would do well on mobile," explained Wilson. "We are not a mobile app company: We actually had to bring in some KMD consultants to really explain to us how to port this stuff to a touch screen environment, but with their help, we made a game that is easy to control, doesn't chew up your battery, and that you could easily spend hours on, or just a few minutes. And as a result, then, people also started checking out the PC releases too."

In the biggest seller this year, "Overland Trail," players get to create a wagon team to participate in a fictional land rush during the pioneer era. "We have a lot of fascination for that era in Kalistan. So people are interested in it. Though these events didn't happen anywhere in Kalistan, it is still fun to travel to an imaginary place, which is roughly based on Northern Odufaray to farm." Along the way, players will have to solve problems like fixing broken wagons, trading for gear, hunting wild animals, and dealing with dreaded diseases which plagued Kalistan before the founding of ODEN. "In this game you can die from dysentery, which is basically diarrhea... You can get a broken arm, you can get bit by a snake, you can get lost in the snow and have to engage in cannibalism to survive... All sorts of dangers, and the best thing is, the events in the game are all random, so you never really know what kind of trip you will have." said Wilson. The ultimate goal is to claim a farmstead in "Oregonia", and then players get points based on how well they traveled the trail and the decisions they make.

In "Privateers!" which sold almost as many units this year but made a bit more in profit due to heavier PC sales, players take on the role of ship captains who attack other ships at sea. "Well," said Wilson, "The game is sort of a fun take on the historical privateer tradition we have in Kalistan. Boarding ships, fighting duels, capturing ships and adding them to your fleet, drinking and wooing governors' daughters, and attacking port cities for plunder or for capture are all things players can do. While the actual privateers were bloodthirsty murderers in real life, in the game, they are represented romantically, as heroes of sorts, and the life on the sea is presented as an adventure more than a matter of national security." The game allows people to name their ship captain and Ship, to customize their own pirate flag, to recruit crew members and sail around the northern Anantonese Ocean, visiting all bordering ports, in search of adventure, buried treasure, and National Supremacy on the High Seas.

We really had a lot of fun making these games back when we did, and we are glad finally they are getting their due attention in the Kalistani Market," said Wilson. "Some of the titles we envision for the future include a grand strategy and kingdom management game that takes place over hundreds of years and requires players to build an empire to last the test of time, and a historically based city builder that will allow players to manage their cities from just a few houses and basic services through the metropolis level. We are very excited for the future."

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Kalistan Continues to await Rail Link
Multiple years in planning, and yet no progress over border
Addisjah, Vrassa
January 12, 4607


Bridge Over the Jah River remains uncompleted to date

The Republic continues to await the arrival of the Lodamun half of the Jah Bridge which will link the rail systems of the two countries. "We had this arrangement for a while where Lodamun would build their side of the bridge and connect our two rail lines," said Foreign Minister Lila Ann Frazier. "But to date, we are still waiting for the link to come through."

The arrangement, made almost three years ago with our northern neighbors, is still waiting to materialize, as the bridge across the River Jah remains uncompleted. "We are trying to send steel over the rail link, but until that link actually arrives, we still have to move all materials by ship. This increases shipping costs and puts additional demands on the shipping industry and port facilities, and without a concerted effort to finish that bridge, the two republics should consider renegotiating its arrangements."

The Bridge is also an important symbol of the relationship between Kalistan and Lodamun over the years. "We have had that rail head at Addisjah for centuries, and we have always been willing to make the link. But for one reason or another, Lodamun has not met us there. We have restored the railhead in the Republic in anticipation for the link with Lodamun, and here we are. We're waiting to link across the Jah River, but looking out across the river, and there is not any sign of clearing a right of way. Well..."

The railhead in Kalistan extends out to the center of the northern River which serves as a border between the our Republic and Lodamun, and to date, no direct connection has been built across it. "The valley isn't even really that deep," said the Foreign Minister. "The river here is kinda sluggish, but there is solid bedrock under this part of the river. It would be easy to make the link, but they just have to do it." As soon as Lodamun connects up to Kalistan, the steel and other commerce and traffic can begin flowing.

"We really look forward to the connection," said Frazier.

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FOMAT XV Winner Jennifer Stepanov found dead in Kaliburg
Dulnerstaad Singer was only 29 years old
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 30, 4907


Stepanov recorded only six singles in her short but brilliant career

Jennifer Stepanov, 29, from Dulnerstaad, was found dead of apparent intentional drug overdose in her Kaliburg apartment yesterday. The famous singer and songwriter had recorded just six singles in her career, but had, according to friends, lost interest in making music professionally.

Joanie Yeardly, who worked with Stepanov prior to FOMAT, said "We talked last week, actually, and she was feeling pretty down. She said she wasn't sleeping much, and I think she was seeing a doctor about some things that were going on in her mind. I guess she finally decided she had had enough. It is a real loss to our little community, but I don't think I will ever get over her loss: it feels like there is a little part of me missing now."

Monica Pella, lead singer of the ska band Red Tone, who had befriended Stepanov before FOMAT, was reportedly beside herself. "It's been years since Kalistan had seen a musician of her kind of talent and passion. And while we became friends, it always seemed that there was somethings we really couldn't talk about, that she wouldn't talk about with me. She came up a couple weeks ago and we started thinking about maybe making some music together, and we sort of agreed that we would get together this fall and lay down some tracks, just for fun, you know... Now we won't, and I have lost my friend."

In recent interviews, Stepanov had recently expressed apathy about making more music. "The record label keeps pushing me," she said in January, "They want a record. And I have already said, it don't really feel it." She also noted the constant pressures to do interviews, to play live shows, and to make money. "And I just want to make art... why do people always have to sell my art? Why can't it just be."

The musician has been more or less a recluse since winning FOMAT in Vascania. "I never felt right about that," she said. "It really did change things for me. It all of a sudden brought all this attention on me, and I had liked just playing music with my friends. It sort of ruined the relationships I had, because now all these people who I thought were friends started asking me for money and trying to take pictures with me and everyone wanted something from me, and I just wanted to be a kid, you know, to kinda do things my way. I realized who my real friends were, and I felt like a lot of people really wanted to get a piece of me, and... you know, it just sucks because I feel like they just took this thing away from me..."

Stepanov death was ruled a suicide by Kaliburg's coroner, who, along with investigating police officers, found evidence of excessive drug and alcohol consumption, along with a note which reportedly apologized to those who loved her and included a goodbye. "We have ruled the cause of death," said the Cororner Joseph Ravolli, "to be acute cardiac arrest caused by a lethal dose of clinical depressants and alcohol consumption. Comrade Stepanov was discovered to have passed away about 14 hours before she was discovered by police officers performing a wellness check following a tip from a concerned neighbor."

Police announced that the neighbor called the police when the neighbor heard loud music repeating from Stepanov's downtown Kaliburg apartment. "The neighbor, who's name will not be released, is not a suspect, and foul play has been ruled out. All the evidence points to a self-inflicted and intentional drug overdose, where Comrade Stepanov consumed large quantities of barbiturates and narcotics and drank herself into a state of unconsciousness. She expired shortly afterward, laying in her bed."

A memorial for Jennifer Stepanov will be organized by her close friends. There will be a small, private memorial service for her family and friends, and then a larger celebration of the artists' life and work toward the end of the month. In accord with Stepanov's final wishes, she will be buried at sea in the Ananto Strait.

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October 4907

Lodamun-Kalistan railway finished after 600 years, cryptocurrency proves stable
Agriculture sees strong boom, Endralonese investments pour in; green energy the future?

Providence - Recent actions by the state, both in solving internal crises such as the labour shortage and housing crisis, as well enable mass investments in foreign nations have proven successful for Lodamese economy, which as of now experiences a 5.16% GDP growth rate and it seems to stabilize around it as despite the overstretch of the national budget, inflation has been kept under control and with wise management by authorities, the economic growth and thus revenue was suffice to stabilize the budget and even offer the government and companies operating abroad more profits and more disposable income that will be invested as officials have said "in the military as well in public services, while we look toward opening new nuclear powerplants in the next decade if times are good". The wise market socialist tactics, in which Loadmun has as well a private sector to the amazement of some, as well fair wages and incentives for the talented, offers Lodamun much success internationally, as the nation becomes more present on international stage and has stronger ties with neighbors and nations across oceans, such as Artania, who represents as of right now, 65% of total investments done by Lodamese, be them the government or the companies activating there, showing a massive preference to invest in Artania, and especially with rise of ACON, a possible partnership that would offer Lodamun great economic deals and bolster the already fast growing economy more power.


Lodamun-Kalistan bridge of friendship over Jah river finalized after 600 years of waiting

One of the top priority projects after the huge spending over foreign economies in Artania, was the nicknamed "bridge of friendship" infrastructural project with Kalistan, a project forgotten by Lodamese for more than half a millennia, encompassing an important link between the two national railways, as well offering better economic opportunities and closer ties. The bridge for the most part was left unfinished, alongside missing railways from the bridge to Ellington, however recent actions of Lodamun sought to repair relations and finalize the project at last. While the project was met with lot of problems, from local mismanagement, setbacks, lack of funding for a year or two thanks to the budget being spent abroad in investing, as well local politicking over how to construct the railway, the project was announced as finalized this month, with 20th November to be the inauguration date, when the railway and the bridge will become finally usable and enable cheaper imports from Kalistan, especially steel and raw materials, such as wood (hopes from the government who relies on foreign timber). The first part of the project encompassed the railway being built up to the river, which was bit more difficult, with mistakes as well technical issues and of the terrain, however with the link built up to the river, Lodamese authorities have given greenlight to local building companies to cooperate over the bridge construction, with the pillars built on the Lodamese side of the river Jah, which went rather smooth, however again mistakes happened with linking up with the other part, as well lack of funds and equipment for a period of time thanks to overspending abroad, which led to reconstruction of two of the pillars, who have proven a successful operation this time around, linking up perfectly with the other half. At last, followed by last checks and close inspection, it was concluded that the bridge is safe and after a period of time it will be opened to usage. Providence also expressed intention for a possible road linking up with Ellington, despite the car ban, as government permits cars with economic roles such as trucks, gas tanks, utilitarian cars and public transport, increasing possible trade and tourism between the two nations. An inauguration party will be held on the 20th November this year, with "bridge of friendship" being first step to reconciliation with Kalistan.

Endralon Open Banking Sectors (OBS) invests swaths of capital in state enterprises running agricultural activities, farmers welcome state funds

Lodamese agriculture has raised foreign interest, first from Lourenne and green companies, second from the Zardugalians who have invested too in agriculture, and now Endralon, with the important network of banks, the OBS, who have invested large amounts of capital in agriculture, a sector of Lodamun that maintains itself strong and having a spike in growth, with billions of LODs as revenue from exports and domestic consumption, which sees no stop, with possible hundreds of billions of LODs to come out of it by year 4920. While the agricultural sector grows, some fears are around it's polluting nature. Despite efforts from government to fix this, with urban farms, underground farms, boost in subsidies for ecological farming and organic goods, as well help from Lourenne, agricultural sector grows faster than the government can handle the growth to ensure sustainability and pragmatic approaches to environmental impact. Lodamese agriculture is renown for cereal exports such as wheat, chickens and potatoes, as top products from Lodamun, however rice, tomatoes, cucumber, apples and pigs come in second. Globally, Lodamun represents an important exporter, since the Kregon plateau and Lodamese plains offer great conditions for output, good black soil, as well good weather conditions. Agronomy also improved techniques and modernization of agriculture sees great development. For now, the state operates important companies in agriculture, which receive most foreign investment, with government subsidizing the local private initiatives, be them farmers or whole cooperatives, who also add both to domestic consumption and exports.

Lodamese Coin, the new state issued cryptocurrency proves stable enough, economists expect more usage
Government of Lodamun has worked long to digitalize the currency, but alongside that, it sought to create a strong cryptocurrency for trading, which has proven somewhat successful, with Lodamese Coin being a state issued currency that since it's inception has started to be used a lot, especially abroad in currency exchanges or deals with private companies that utilized themselves the coins. This may signal a return of stock exchanges, which is still a controversial issue in Lodamun, as the authorities are firm to hold onto the ban on stock exchanges.

Meanwhile the LOD has seen a decline globally, despite best attempts from Lodamese economists to work toward a solution over it. Despite best attempts, it's seen as rather average currency that has lost lot of value due to instability, turmoil and better currencies to be pegged. Lodamun has ensured that the LOD remains as a strong currency, which in turn, despite maintaining a low inflation rate, it is hurting when it comes to trade, as the LOD is somewhat too strong to be easily exchanged, thus why the Lodamese Coin may become some sort of second currency, if possible.

Investments come across nations, GDP growth around 5%, while inequality maintains low and manageable

[Lodamese National Bank, inspired by Trinidad's FNB]
The recent spike in foreign investments has proven largely beneficial for Lodamun, as foreign nations as Zardugal, Endralon, Lourenne and Deltaria prove to be the nations with most shares and capital poured into Lodamun, with more to come, such as Kalistan, possibly Aloria, Trigunia and Davostan, as the leaders seek for more investors to come into Lodamun, alongside Lodamese steady efforts to help other nations grow. The GDP growth has seen since this change of policies to explore into the global markets, a large spike, leading to unprecedented growth, as well fears over it's sustainability, given the markets crash once in a while. It is yet to be seen what will happen when that will hit Lodamun, but for now Lodamun seems to enjoy growth, as well accusations from nations like Malivia, where workers have demanded better treatment. Speculations are made that Malivians have mismanaged the impressive amounts of Lodamese LODs wired in, as the government decided to send inspectors themselves and provide additional budget for the projects in Malivia, while also ensuring maximum transparency and oversight for the project, to ensure no more mismanagements of funds happen, as Lodamun is renown for healthy business practices and proper treatment of workers, be them Lodamese or outsiders. Back home, inequality seems to stabilize despite the recent economic boom, which is appreciated by Lodamese, but also looked upon with suspicions by some thinkers who fear a bourgeoisie class may exist thanks to some individuals wanting more of the growth, as well hardliners in the party fearing that Lodamun has became the very thing it swore to destroy.

Lodamun to invest more in green energy, closes last oil wells and mines

Another decisive victory, aside banning of car companies from activating in Lodamun, is banning of all extraction based activities, simply put, the end of mining and oil proliferation as well in Lodamun as we know it. By a law in the Presidium, the government seeks to put a complete end to anything related to extraction of ores or resources from the Terran crust. Thanks to local strong lobby groups, protesters and inside pressures, the ESC has decided to end any proliferation of minerals in Lodamun, including the Endralonese Boros Oil company's activities, which was given a warning that in the coming months it will have to dismantle it's rigs and cease operations or else face seizure of property and legal punishments. Lodamese authorities will help Boros Oil retreat from Lodamun, covering transport expenses and ensuring no loss is made during the operations of leaving, which are expected around 1 or 2 months. Other small mines found in the mountains will be closed soon, one by one ,as Lodamun makes another step to green energy. Other attempts at green energy was the rejection of ESC of a possible legalization of private cars, as 51% of party members voted against such proposal. Meanwhile, Treemania and Lourenne government working hard together for limiting pollution here and developing better alternatives for the environment. Many Lodamese industries are trying to tap into the new pipe system that captures CO2 emissions, as well government subsidizing air filters in major cities, to help even more to a clean air.

Major cities have also invested heavily in green energy such as solar panels, as well seen to expand green areas in the urban centers and not only, with larger local parks and more trees planted as a communitarian effort. Statistics show rather interesting numbers as reforestation brings more of the natural lands back over time, as well offer a better view for visitors. Cities like Andalwood are seen as a mini-paradise, with green spaces everywhere, for people to walk out to and to combat the negative effects of climate change and of pollution caused by human activities in the area. Lastly, electrical powered cars as well alternative fuels are sought for the remaining public transport and utilitarian vehicles.

Andalwood:

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Veritable Trove of songs found in Stepanov's Estate
More than 1000 uncompleted and unpublished songs dating back to 4900 discovered
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 7, 4908


Music fans are discovering what her friends already knew: Stepanov was a brilliant songwriter

The tragic story of the untimely death of Dulnerstaad singer and keyboardist Jennifer Stepanov took an unexpected, but not entirely unpredictable turn last week as her estate was being settled. The singer, who's death last year cut short a very promising career of one of the world's most celebrated singers left no will, and so it has been up to family and friends to settle her estate before the Republic puts the matter into probate. Among the things she left behind was a pound of solid gold bullion, a photo collection that she began as a child and which features black and white stills of residents of Kaliburg and Dulnerstaad, and to everyone's surprise, seven portfolios full of music.

"Comrade Stepanov was more than a talented and well loved singer," said Francis Yerba, who has been hired to represent the Republic in any probate proceedings that may arise from the inability to settle an adequate and fair distribution of Stepanov's worldly possessions. "She was also an incredibly talented and prolific composer. In these seven portfolios, which the Republic argues should be placed in the Global Music Hall of Fame for future musicians and fans of Stepanov's to study, Comrade Stepanov has set to music more than 1000 musical compositions, ranging in genre from pop and ballads to sonatas and concertos for the piano. Scholars have even identified a few reggae tunes, but all of them, to the song end abruptly with the word 'NO' written across the bottom of the page. We believe this indicates songs that she never intended to record or publish."

The Republic plans to give all potential heirs the opportunity to evenly divide Stepanov's property among themselves amicably. Stepanov's portfolios, if they are ever published, would be worth likely tens of millions of rubles, just in terms of their artistic value alone, and focus in the division has shifted therefore to these collections of music. The two main claimants to these portfolios are her father, who argues that he supported her musical ability and her step sister, who argues that she has a better claim to the music because she was Stepanov's first audience and "endured" many of these songs as Stepanov was composing them. Jean Stepanov, the sister in question said "Yeah, you know, people claimed that she was very talented, and I can agree, she became talented. But my childhood was wasted as she forced me to sit there and listen to her pound keys on the piano until she got the melody the way she wanted. It drove me bonkers, I tell you. Gave me PTSD. So I deserve something for my pain and suffering."

Most of Stepanov's other goods have been divided among relatives, who all indicated, at the time that they were happy with their share of the inheritance, and signed quit claims before the portfolios were discovered. Of the fourteen recognized heirs to Stepanov's belongings, 11 of them have already quit claim after getting a share of her estimated 250,000 KRB fortune, most of which was earned after her win at FOMAT. One cousin only wanted her cat, and was happy to receive it. The third potential claimant, her younger brother Lawrence Stepanov has argued that the remaining music should be made public domain, so that nobody can benefit from it. "I will not rest until anyone can look at her music. That is what she would have wanted. But Jean and my father really only care about money, and they will destroy what's left of my family to get it."

The Republic has given the remaining claimants six weeks to resolve the division amicably to all parties, before referring the matter to the Kaliburg District Probate Court, who could issue a ruling on the music as soon as June of this year should the case get tossed to the courts. Besides the portfolios, there remains the matter of Stepanov's personal automobile, a 4894 MOCO S-52 sedan with fewer than 25,000 original miles on it, as well as residuals from her six singles which are owed to her from her contract with VDR in perpetuity, a large collection of vintage silverware which she was reportedly "fascinated by," said friends, who believed she was trying to learn how to twist up fork prongs with her mind, and a sizable foreign Movie collection.

"Nobody wants the dvds," said Lawrence Stepanov. "I would take them, but they would make me quit trying to get those songs declared public domain, so... I would be just as well off waiting for the judge."

While Kalistani Law merely regulates inheritance of personal property, to ensure a satisfactory division of property among all legitimate claimants, the value of the actual value of the music at the moment has not been appraised given that they were just located in the bottom of a trunk containing large amounts of other papers, drawings and musings, most of which are entirely unintelligible and were likely crated during one of Stepanov's many hallucinogenic drug episodes. Nobody, including the Republic wishes to attempt to appraise the value of these until a final division is decided upon. "It would be a real headache to do it before," said Yerba, "Then they will just fight over exactly how much of it this one will get and that one... We would prefer the portfolios remain together, as a single unit, however it goes."

More to come in this interesting turn of events.

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Kalistani bike rental company opens up its doors in Kaliburg
The company also has plans on opening in more big cities if the business does well
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 5, 4908


There are multiple storefronts which have space for dozens of bikes


A up-and coming startup company Yellow has announced that they will be opening their stores next week on monday. They offer their services affordably to all citizens of Kaliburg. They have around 800 bicycles for rentals for the citizens, as well as 100 e-bikes and they are debating whether or not to include electric scooters in their lineup.

Yellow's CEO Anne Simeon has also announced plans for other major cities in Kalistan, as well as providing services abroad if public interest deems it benefitial.

Simeon Also gave a quick interview on the business

T(he) R(epublic): So, Miss Simeon, let's cut the chase. What does your company offer for the people of Kaliburg, and why should people use it?

A(nne) S(imeon): Well, Yellow Inc. provides a cheaper and a more environment friendly travel around the city, no carbon emissions and totally affordable and easy service! All you have to do is go to one of our many store fronts, or download the Yellow App on your smartphone and they'll give you an access code for the lock.

TR: You say they're affordable? What does it cost to rent a bike for say 2 hours.

AS: The service itself costs little to nothing, only 3 KRB for every 15 minutes per bike, and the e-bikes are 10 KRB for every 15 minutes.

TR: On your website it says that you have plans to expand to other cities, and possibly even internationally. How do you plan to do so with such low prices?

AS: Well, the service is able to maintain itself with the current prices, but we would be able to expand markets and gain enough profits if we partner with other companies and find investors.

TR: So, what you are saying that Yellow Inc. is already struggling financially?

AS: No, no not at all. We are supporting ourselves, and getting small profits, and that is good enough, because we are doing this for the service and the environment and not for profits. All profits would go towards expansion to other cities either way.

TR: One final question: What about theft protection? How do you ensure that your bikes aren't stolen?

AS: Well, we can see who has rented the disappeared model, and we will charge them for their whole time, or if the person reports it as stolen, we will only charge them of their used time until the report, and then negotiate with them for payment of the disappeared bike.

TR: Thank you for your time Miss Simeon, we look forward to seeing what Yellow inc. has in store for us

AS: It was a pleasure

Yellow Inc. definitely seems to be the future of environmental transportation within cities, and we look forward to seeing more from them

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FOMAT judges revised
There has been revisions to the upcoming FOMAT judge lineup due to the recent unfortunate events
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 30, 4908


Matt Forest, who will be replacing Stepanov as a FOMAT judge

The sad fate of Stepanov has shook all of Kalistan, and she was definitely one of the most popular Kalistani singers of this generation. Sadly, due to the recent events Stepanov will be unable to attend the anticipated FOMAT XVI, and will instead be replaced by another one of the most popular artists from the last few years, Matt Forest, the lead singer and guitarist of the Lion Pack.

"I'd me more than happy to fill in the place of Stepanov. She was one of the leading artists of our generation and I'd love to represent her as she has been of great inspiration for me too." said the singer from Kaliburg when he was interviewed to fill the position.

The organizers have also elected the third judge, who has decided to stay anonymous until the event.

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Court issues ruling in Stepanov Estate Suit
Finds for Lawrence Stepanov en toto, Other Stepanov relatives vow revenge
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 30, 4908


Jean Stepanov, step-sister of late singer calls Court ruling a "full travesty", cited for Contempt of Court

In a dramatic resolution of the controversial division of the estate of the late singer and songwriter Jennifer Stepanov, the judge in the case, Honorable Dawan Jackson found that "The claims of the Mr Alvin Stepanov and Ms. Jean Stepanov, father and sister of the diseased, are entirely without merit, and are designed to draw profit from the work of another which they did little, if anything to contribute to, and therefore their cases are dismissed without prejudice." Following the Verdict in the two Stepanov's lawsuits, Jean Stepanov pulled out a handgun, declared the court a "sham" and the proceedings a "full travesty" and swore revenge on Stepanov's brother, Lawrence Stepanov. The revolver was removed from Ms. Stepanov's possession and she was cited with a K30,000 fine for contempt of court. Alvin Stepanov requested an appeal, but the request was denied, given that this trial was a probate trial and not a criminal trial.

The Republic's claim to the music was also denied in pre-trial motion, and the State's solicitor stipulated that they believed that the music should go to Lawrence Stepanov as Trustee. The Republic's request was honored by the court and Mr. Stepanov was granted the legacy of the late singer.

"As for the other things, I would also like them as well," said Lawrence Stepanov following the hearing and dispensation, "But the court saw it fit that my step sister and estranged father should split the remainder of her property among them, as they see fit."

Granting Lawrence Stepanov control over his late Sister's work guarantees that the songs will be placed in the public domain. "I would love for some of her friends to record her music," said Stepanov, "But how someone could claim some sort of ownership over this work, when it rightfully belongs to the people of this Republic which my sister was so incredibly proud of, well, that is inconceivable." Immediately following Lawrence Stepanov's victory in court, VDR reps contacted him and suggested that they follow up on Lawrence Stepanov's comments and put together a record of some of the best work in the portfolio, including some of the classical arrangements which Stepanov wrote up.

"They said they would pay the cost of the recording and the publishing, and would sell the record at cost online for anyone who wants to enjoy the music of my late and wonderful sister," said Stepanov. "I was adamant that nobody profit from the record, and that Comrade Yeardly oversees the project as Executive Producer. I think of all the people my sister got to know, Yeardly was probably the friendliest and supportive of my sister, and I think if anyone knows what Jennie would have done, had she ever wanted to make a record, it would be Joanie- She was like a big sister to Jenn."

Yeardly, who is just finishing a Spring folk rock tour in Vrassa, has reportedly expressed interest in the project.

For her part, Jean Stepanov remains free and plans to appeal the Contempt of Court citation. Alvin Stepanov has largely accepted the verdict, publicly at least.

[Doc]

VDR releases "Re-Imagining Stepanov", Produced by Joanie Yeardly
Album offers compilation of Stepanov's unpublished work, re-envisioned
Vrassa City, Vrassa
January 8, 4909


Stepanov wrote the songs, but the Artists on "Re-Imagining Stepanov" were free to interpret them

Following the successful conclusion of the lawsuit disposing of the remainder of deceased singer Jennifer Stepanov's property, the Court in Kaliburg ruled that seven portfolios, containing more than 1000 unpublished songs from Stepanov should go to her brother, Lawrence who agreed to hold them in trust.  The surviving Stepanov expressed his intent at the time to make the songs available to any artist who wanted to record them, and Joanie Yeardly, Stepanov's close friend in the alt-folk scene agreed to work with Lawrence Stepanov to create an album, which, when released on VDR later this month, will also be Jennifer Stepanov's first album.

"She was such a perfectionist with her music," said Yeardly. "It was always a little bit of a joke with her...  'Oh Jennie, you missed a note in that last bar,' or 'Jenn, I'm not quite feeling that last little coda there...'  Sh-- like that would cause her to throw her hands up in exasperation until we told her we were just messing with her.  And even then, the songs she played on stage, half the time were completely different, rewritten entirely between sound check and the actual performance.  That was Jennie...  she had to have everything just perfect."

The perfection perhaps prevented Stepanov from ever recording a full length LP.  "She could never decide how to order her songs," said Yeardly.  "We would suggest something, she would listen to them, and then decide against it.  It got so frustrating to her, that her manager and the label and everyone else always wanted her to decide on this or that, and she just couldn't take all that pressure, and eventually, it would lead to her breaking down a bit and shutting everyone out.  In some of those times, she was using a lot of drugs and drinking a lot, and I think it was just her way of coping.  People stopped hassling her when we started worrying about her health.  And winning FOMAT was the last straw..."

Yeardly smiled, remembering her good friend and fellow songwriter.  "She was a special one.  I get up there and sing and play guitar, and all that...  I do it pretty well, and people like me fine.  But, she...  she was the kind of person you would be lucky to only have run into once in your f--kin life, man...  She was the real f--king deal, you know?  She had this natural way with music.  It tortured her, and the only real way, I think of dealing with it was to play music.  Its how she dealt with the music in her head."

Yeardly put that same care and admiration into the new record of Stepanov's music, called "Re-Imagining Stepanov", which is being released by VDR under the specific conditions of being sold at cost.  "Physical media costs money, still," said Yeardly. "I know its wild.  But electronic media costs nothing, so people can download it a million times before it costs VDR a cent.  You want a disc, pay a little bit for it.  But nobody should be denied the opportunity to hear the complexity and texture of Jennie's music..."

The record, a 16 track tableau of Republican styles and talent, was entirely compiled from music found in the portfolios now in her brother's possession.  "We let musicians go through the portfolios and discover, for themselves which songs they wanted to do," said Yeardly.  "We let bands which are known well here in the Republic AND unknown bands have a little crack at the music.  And I think we have a beautiful, and might I add, very rocking tribute to this magnificent ghost."  Once the musicians selected their songs, after pouring over the pages and pages of sheet music, sometimes for weeks on end, Yeardly got them all studio time in Vrassa City and Kaliburg, to put together the album.

Yeardly and her and Stepanov's Alt Folk associate Jorgenson provided songs to the record, as did Stepanov's friend Monica Pella, who recorded with her band Red Tone.  The Gaduri band Hola Unicorn! traveled to Kalistan just to perform one of Stepanov's compositions as a disco KME track, and the Hutori band Clash, who have since followed their Comrades The Gang and have relocated to Kalistan, are also on the record. The Lion Pack, who's lead singer Matt Forest will replace Stepanov at FOMAT XVI performs one of Stepanov's songs in a rockabilly style, and Vrassa Dub Allstars set one of her instrumental songs up as a Dub Version and recorded new lyrics for the song.  Sulari's Salgo came out of retirement to record a song which converts a furious Stepanov piano solo into a guitar shreading masterpiece, and all female pop group The Jinglies put a rock spin on one of Stepanov's tunes.  The Record also features an unreleased song by Stepanov herself, who had only 8 released singles in her career and music from newcomers The Murjras from Nevaras, Davis Dulces from Odufaray, Danica Dystemper, and the sunshine pop band from Yoshimi 10 Foot Front .  Folk Legend Tom Duckat adds a country spin on one of Stepaonv's tunes, and the Davostan-Transplanted alternative metal band Severe Biter, who is based in Dulnerstaad, which is Stepanov's hometown, spins a soft tune up into a guitar feedback barnburner.

"I will say, having heard early releases from the record," said Lawrence Stepanov, "I am rather surprised by Joanie's choices to include on the record.  I certainly have never heard my sister's music sound like this, and it certainly doesn't fit the alt-folk genre that Joanie has led for almost a decade now.  But the thing is:  this was about the tribute to Jenn's songwriting, and I am very proud and personally touched that so many artists wanted to contribute to the project to get my big sister's music out there, even if it wasn't her doing it."

"Re-imagining Stepanov" lives up to its name:  If you are familiar with her music, especially following her success at FOMAT, then you will be in for a huge surprise when listening to this record.  But understanding that all of these songs were written by Jennifer Stepanov, and knowing that this record provides a little peak into the mind of this short lived but excessively prolific and talented song writer should allow the listener to appreciate the full range and complex understanding of music that made her short career so brilliant and pointed to such potential that can only now be realized by others playing her legacy and doing it the tribute that they do.

"Re-Imagining Stepanov" is available online from the VDR website, where fans can acquire both physical media  (for pre-order, delivery on January 21) and a digital download which is available now.

Below is a Set List which can be listened to one at a time, or played as a play list on your favorite music serving platform.

"Re-Imagining Stepanov" released by Vrassa District Records  Produced by Joanie Yeardly

Whole Playlist can be obtained here

Side A
1.  Jennifer Stepanov-  "Bombshell"
2.  Davis Dulces- "You Don't Know"
3.  Clash- "The Hammer"
4.  Joanie Yeardly and the Kaliburg Philharmonic Orchestra-  "The Sacred Chord"
5.  Lion Pack- "Creature of the Night"
6.  Severe Biter- "So Much to Say"
7.  Red Tone-  "Let You Go"
8.  Vrassa Dub All Stars, with Angela Burnette, Ras Diamond and Vernie Dellarosa-  "Killer Meteor"

Side B
1.  Hola Unicorn!- "La Ingrávida"
2.  10 Foot Front- "I Know"
3.  Jorgenson- "No Love's For Sure"
4.  The Jinglies-  "Winter in High Bong"
5.  Danica Dystemper-  "Simplicity"
6.  Salgo- "25"
7.  Tom Duckat- "My Sweetest Friend"
8.  The Murjras- "Help Me Get Down"

Dedication:  From VDR, Joanie Yeardly, Lawrence Stepanov and all the musicians, and recording engineering staff, this Record is dedicated to the memory of Jennifer Stepanov and the musical traditions of the Republic of Kalistan, Jennifer's beloved home.