Kalistani Major History

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Republican Pictures' "This Evening" is released in Kalistan
Light Romantic Comedy follows heavy issues about love
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
August 22, 5464


Dolgavan actor Eduars Teicāns (Stefan) and Anantan actress Margurite Armstrong (Jennie) star in "This Evening"

Republican Pictures' new romantic comedy "This Evening" was released this week to a warm fan response, but heavy critical acclaim. The romantic comedy stars Dolgavan Eduars Teicāns in the role of Stefan, an student on vacation to Suldanor and Margurite Armstrong, from Dulnerstaad as Jennie. The two meet on a train headed south toward Sulari, and strike up a conversation. Over the course of the movie, they explore various aspects of philosophy, literature, art, and love, while sharing a memorable night together. But for the two lovers, time is ticking: Stefan must catch a flight back to Dolgava, and Jennie is about to enlist in the NSP, having left college.

The film was the first from director Yuri Brenard, who was previously known for his work in music video. "I wanted to tell the story of how love starts," said Brenard. "It can begin in a random chance encounter on a moving train. Had either one sat in a different car, had either one been late one morning, had either one changed their plans at the last minute, or had Jennie not looked up when she did, these two would never have met. But when they did, click, you know? The links were all in the right place at the right time, a time that might never have happened, and will likely never happen again. They have one night, and then in the morning, they will go their separate ways? I wanted to explore what they would do in that situation, and see if we couldn't find, maybe, one might say, the key to the code." When asked if he cracked the code, Brenard smiled, "No, I don't think we did."

The film opened and was considered a profitable film for Republican, both in matinees and in normal evening showing. Overnight response was cooler, as audiences tended to gravitate toward "White Light", the new RF concert film from Republican. "I think the movie is one of the more cerebral films out there right now," said moviegoer Tanya Westerburg. "I mean, it is very romantic; the chemistry between the two actors was certainly there. But its more or less an extended conversation, one long date. And then I mean, when they part at the airport, that was both very sad, and at the same time, like I know what that feels like. It is not a movie you want to get stoned and go watch. So I saw it at 9pm, and then switched at midnight to "White Light." Other viewers agreed about the chemistry and the 'steaminess' of the attraction between the two actors (though the film contains no nudity at all.) "Definitely a couples movie," said Cathy DuGard of Kaliburg. "We'll be rewatching it at home, with some wine."

Critics were far more effusive about the film. "The acting was competent," said critic Tim Jorgenson. "What I think will mark this movie forever is not the acting: I mean, it is realism, with a slight touch of the magical, but that is conveyed in the subject matter, and the way they say things to one another. Director Brenard very clearly understands subtext, and conveys so much emotion with every exchange." Once, the couple has a disagreement, and while Jennie attempts to keep the conversation fun and light, Stefan says something that is very deliberately hurtful. "You can see like a black cloud cross her face in that moment," said Jorgenson. "End of Act I- The initial shine is off the romance. Now how will he repair the damage he's done? The two actors really handled the make-up in Act II brilliantly, and clearly were both very comfortable with each other and with the Director."

Other critics similarly praised both the realism of the film and the subject matter. "I feel like there were so many references in this movie to this idea or that philosophy," said Florence MacKaye, "that i learned more about ethics and aesthetics, and literature than I did in four years of college theater. The film makes you both think and feel, and at the end, you realize you have been watching a moving expressionist painting the whole time." Critics gave the film high marks, earning the film a solid 9.8/10 on Movietone, the Movie Aggregator website. "This is certainly the thinking person's rom-com", said MacKaye. "Heavy on the romance, but just enough comedy in it to remind you that love itself, and falling in love is supposed to be fun. And painful, and hopeful, and stupid, and something to look forward to, even if you have decided to swear off love."

"This Evening" will play in Kalistani theaters through the beginning of September, and then it is expected to go to streaming. Overnights might get another crack at it, as well in mid-September.

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Empress issues strong condemnation of Lourennais Assembly Action
Plans for official state visit are placed on Hold in Eveari
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 15, 5465


Her Imperial Mejesty watches vote in Lourenne from her seat in National Assembly

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette I, has issued a strong statement of condemnation toward the Lourennais Royal Assembly, who removed Queen Catherine V from her throne in the recent "Regalis Remotio" vote. "Our Cousin has been utterly disgraced by the actions of her own Government and National Assembly. We are very troubled by Lourenne acting as a Republic and essentially decapitating their monarchy through a close vote, around ridiculous charges of a highly personal nature. Their Royal Assembly has turned our fraternal neighbors into a soap opera, and has established the principle of Legislative supremacy over their Queen, doing the bidding of a handful of resentful and bitter palace servants and a lawless gang of Liberals, who have captured and convinced a bare majority solely to oust the Legitimate Queen of Lourenne. We have required our Government to withhold recognition of the new, elected Head of State, her second son Maximilien, for the time being."

The Empress, who was at the National Assembly to provide an update on the Non Aligned Movement, paused her discussion, and sat, along with other Deputies, as they watched the vote carried out in Lourenne, which was being carried live on KRTVN 12 and broadcast on the floor of the Assembly. When the totals were announced, deputies sat in silence, waiting for the Empress to speak. It was clear that the younger Institutionalists were more opposed to the the action in Lourenne than the older members of the Assembly. This likely has to do with the notion among some institutionalists that the Empress was elevated by the National Assembly, and therefore the Assembly can remove the Empress. But younger Deputies, who have taken their seats in the last decade, tend to be more supportive of the Empress, and Monarchy in general, and joined the Empress in their condemnation. "What is Lourenne? A Republic?" asked Jeannette de la Cruz, Institutionalist Deputy from Sulari. "Thank goodness the National Assembly would never embarrass ourselves in this fashion," said William Morris, Deputy of Vrassa. "If I ever voted for something like this, I couldn't show my face in public."

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dianne Smith, said "The Government has been exploring ways and times to visit Lourenne. The Prime Minister has ordered me to hold off on making any plans for the time being. Her Imperial Majesty is reportedly very angry over the ouster Catherine, and kind of got after Mr. Johnson when he raised the issue while speaking with her recently. We will maintain our current diplomatic activities in Lourenne for the time being, but the Empress has made it clear that she doesn't consider the new King of Lourenne to be legitimate, because of how he came to power. And she also doesn't want to give our own Assembly any ideas. So, I am to hold off with any official actions until I get word from the Premier. I am merely to focus on relations with other States in the region."

It is entirely unclear whether the legislative coup, as the Foreign Ministry has termed it, will negatively affect Kalistani-Lourennais relations. But this is certainly not an auspicious step between the two Anantonese Nations.

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Foreign Ministry welcomes opening from Lourenne
FM Smith will travel to Eroncourt to ascertain Character of Monarchy
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 9, 5467


FM Diane Smith discusses changes to Lourennais Government and invitation from Lourenne on "Max Hedwig Tonight"

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Diane Smith, gave a brief interview on the popular nightly news and entertainment show "Max Hedwig Tonight" on TV1 last night. Below are her comments which appear to signal a softening in the Government's stance toward Lourenne.

M(ax) H(edwig): We welcome Kalistan's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith. (applause from the crowd) Thank you for coming to the show, Comrade Minister.

(Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister) D(iane) S(mith): Thank you Max. I am happy to be here. (gesturing to the folks standing behind her) I've long wondered if the Party People there are actually really drinking.

MH: Oh yes, (laughter) The Party People extras really class the joint up, I'd say... (laughter)

DS: Yeah, they really offer a certain Je ne sais quoi...

MH: Comrade Minister, one thing that is on the mind of the audience is where we stand on Lourenne. Would you be willing to expound on this?

DS: The Party People want to know, really?

MH: Yes, the Party People especially want to know.

DS: Well, then I shall oblige. I don't think I am making much news here. Her Majesty is pleased with the return of the Conservatives in Lourenne. She still does have her reservations of course about the whole notion of replacing the Queen with a pretender, and that will still be a sore point. But the return of the Conservatives is a step in the correct direction, as far as Her Majesty is concerned.

MH: Will the Government recognize the new Crown in Lourenne?

DS: That is for the Empress to decide, of course, but meanwhile, I can say now that the Prime Minister has given me orders to Eroncourt to attempt to meet with my counterpart, Minister Frederic von Chambeau. The meeting has been asked for within a year's time, so we can begin to discuss Anantonese Affairs.

MH: What types of things will you be talking about with your counterpart?

DS: We share a lot of interests in common, of course. Kalistan and Lourenne are, and have long been intimately tied in security and economics. Culturally, we have a large Lourennais Diaspora from back in Lourenne's time of troubles, when refugee populations settled in Dulnerstaad, and of course, you know that the Royal House of Lourenne and the Imperial House of Ananto are related by blood. But you know, at the end of the day, we'll discuss whatever they would like to talk about. Her Majesty would like me to begin discussion of re-normalization of relations following the legislative coup.

MH: Is there any movement toward a formal state visit?

DS: Not at the moment. My visit will be the first step in that process. We'll see what comes of that. I look forward to meeting von Chambeau, and talking about a lot of these matters.

MH: No doubt you will charm the Lourennais, as you have our audience. (applause)

DS: Thank you, Max.

MH: Will you come back and give us an update after you return?

DS: If I can hang out with the Party People when I come back, yeah sure... (cheers from the Party People)

MH: We'll make sure ODEN is in the house then, alright?

DS: Brilliant! (applause)

MH: Ladies and Gentlemen, Dame Diane Smith! (applause from the crowd and the Party People) We're gonna go to commercial and then after that, an update on Housing in Addisjah, and the maglev line between Kaliburg and Dulnerstaad is nearing completion and what this will mean for Kaliburg industry...

**The show then cuts to a commercial**

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New Terrestrial Link completed with Baltusia
Lucid Station is expanded and includes connections for NatRail, Bus and Commuter rail
Lucid Valley, Duchy of Suldanor
January 8, 5468


International Terminal for TransSel to Baltusia and Beyond opened at Lucid Valley

The dream of a single Seleyan Train Network took a giant leap forward this week as the connection between Kalistan and Baltusia was completed and the Lucid Station remodel was completed. A line running from the station in the Althosian capital San Luis in Baltusia northwest to Lucid Valley in the Duchy of Suldanor saw its first passenger service immediately following inauguration of the expanded Lucid Station. Representatives from the Baltusian company responsible for building and maintaining the line in Baltusia, InterTrans, were on hand to celebrate, and then were joined by representatives of their Kalistani counterparts, RailSul, in the trip, lasting just over one and a half hours.

The line, a double tracked terrestrial high speed line, will connect Baltusian's National Rail Network to Kalistan's National Rail System, and will complete the link that is currently stretches to Lodamun's frontiers with Likatonia. Once Baltusia's construction is completed in four years, a person will be able to travel over high-speed rail conveniently between Gaduridos and Lodamun with minimal difficulty or hassle, bringing the dream of an integrated Seleyan Rail System one step closer to being realized.

"The link to San Luis is exciting," said RailSul executive director John Heisse. "We have looked for the opportunity to link up with Baltusia, but over several thousand years, there have been more stops than starts. This will not only advance us light years in the goal of a fully integrated continental rail network, but it will also increase trade and tourism between Kalistan and Baltusia, and hopefully warm diplomatic relations between our two countries that have been frozen in place for centuries. An attitude toward integration in both our two governments is very welcomed among the people and in our business community."

To help further the process of full integration, the NRS is working on a program that limits time and delay at border stations for those who are transiting Kalistan, rather than stopping here, as well as offering ticket discounts for Baltusians who would like to travel abroad, either to Kalistan or further on to Lodamun. "There can't be direct lines," said Heisse. "This is unfortunate, but our MagLev system which is now the primary method of passenger ground mass transit in Kalistan, is not compatible with the Baltusian lines. However, we want to make transfers from the Baltusian high-speed system to the Kalistani High Speed system as painless as possible for travellers, and one way we did this was by locating the TransSel lines in adjacent platforms with RailSul lines, and include automated baggage handling for transiting passengers. This will allow transfers within 5 minutes between the two systems." RailSul has also announced that they will be adding an additional 2 trains an hour, one inbound and one outbound, to handle transiting passengers, to give more options and flexibility for international passengers at Lucid Station.

The expanded Lucid Station also now provides links for light commuter rail for Lucid residents to travel into Yoshimi, as well as a new Bus Depot for those who are going either overnight to Neveras or various other areas of the Duchy not connected by rail. "Our new overnight busline features sleepers on the second level," said Heisse. "Customers will be able to obtain tickets for seats on the bus for a nominal fee, and will be able to purchase a sleeper for a slightly higher rate. Customers have demanded that option, and MoCo has come through with a new Overnight line that also as intransit entertainment, and cart service. All these changes will make Lucid Station one of the primary transportation hubs in Suldanor, and a main point of entry and Departure for the Empire."

The trip into Baltusia, completed without incident, was considered successful and full service to San Luis and beyond is now inaugurated.

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Focus Shifts South
Kalistani links with Central Seleya take attention from Overseas trade
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 8, 5471


Gregory Carruthers discusses shift in trade emphasis to something more "hemispheric"

The rail link connections between central Seleya and Lodamun through Mainland Kalistan is already yielding increased travel and tourism along the East Coast of Seleya, as citizens now have more convenient and inexpensive links that can take them deep into Seleya. But these links also increase the potential for increased overland commerce in Northern Seleya. "We have noticed a sharp uptick in trade flows with both Gaduridos and Baltusia since linking into both train networks," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Trade Gregory Carruthers. "This is a fantastic opportunity for both Northern Seleyan economies and Kalistan particularly. Kalistani residents are enamored with foreign goods, and there is a relatively untapped commercial market in Kalistan for Gaduri, Baltusian, and even shall I say, Indralan consumer goods, electronics, foods, clothing and all sorts of things. While Kalistan is able to supply most markets adequately, people love foreign items, because they allow for the diversity in taste and style. Combined with longstanding trade Anantonese trade flows, Kalistan is importing more foreign goods than ever before, and people are both interested and willing to spend Rubles to do it. And of course, this also is a boon for Kalistani manufacturers as we can reciprocate with Kalistani export commodities and luxuries."

This increased north-south trade comes at a time when overseas trade is declining for Kalistan. "We have noticed the Beiteynese have decided to consider withdrawing from trade agreements with the Empire," said Carruthers. The Trade Minister specifically refers to the Neset Repositioning Act that is working its way through the Beiteynu Legislature at the moment. "We've noticed the decline for years, following Deltaria's decision to join the Non-Aligned Movement, in good relations between Kalistan and Beiteynu, and this is fine. Kalistan is not a global power, and decreases in trade and relations are more than offset by existing and expanding relations with local nations." Carruthers noted that if Beiteynu succeeds in abrogating the "Beiteynuese - Kalistani Partnership Agreement" which Beiteynu worked so hard to get Kalistan to sign onto in the first place, the Kalistani Government will also withdraw from the treaty. "(Foreign) Minister Smith is holding off on placing a withdrawal bill on the table as of now to see what Beiteynu wants to do, but if they vote to leave the treaty, we may as well too."

For Kalistan's part, Carruthers noted that the nation practices Fair Trade. "Anything others do to us, we do to them. Except for the few protectionist measures in our Law, we practice open trade with the world, and do not need special arrangements normally. However, if trade barriers are imposed against Kalistan, Kalistan always reserves to respond in kind, whether the country describes itself as a major power or is Keymon: It makes no difference in Kalistan's Law." Carruthers was quick to point out that the vast majority of trade with Kalistan comes from Anantonese Nations like Lourenne, Lodamun and Dolgava. "We are far more used to local brands," said Carruthers.

As Kalistan continues to strengthen the commercial and transit links between the Empire its neighboring countries, it is doubtful that a reorientation in Beiteynu will have much impact on Kalistan's net trade flows. "Our overarching goal is to build a connected and interdependent Seleyan Economy first. We are looking at creating more hemispheric links and ties. Foreign trade is nice, and gives us variety, you may say, but when our neighbors are stronger, we are more insulated to the ups and downs of foreign players. So we are focusing closer to home these days, and looking South, rather than west, for new partners."

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Her Imperial Majesty Orders Ananto Strait Closed to all "Non-Anantonese" Military Vessels
Kalistan's move shows heightened awareness of Aldurian Situation
Yoshimi Station, Duchy of Suldanor
August 25, 5471


Elements of the Kalistani 2nd Fleet, stationed in Port Swede Station, deploy along Northern Limit

As tensions over Alduria continue to flare, Kalistan made modest overtures toward the United Kingdom of Lourenne by closing the Ananto Strait to all "Non Anantonese" military traffic. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette, addressed the Nation last night on TV-1 to announce the move. Below are her brief remarks:

"My fellow Kalistanis. It is with solemn weight that We have come before you tonight to address deepening tensions between our friends and neighbors in Lourenne and the Nation of Beiteynu. As we do not doubt, you all are fully versed in these current events, which only briefly touch us in Kalistan. As a measure of security preparedness, we have ordered our Minister for Defense, the Honorable Captain Natalie Greene, to close the Ananto Strait to all military traffic not originating from an Anantonese Nation. The Northern and Southern Limits will be patrolled by elements of the 2nd and 3rd Regular Fleets, while surface elements of 1st Regular Fleet will be held in reserve at Bozo River. In addition, we have ordered Captain Greene to place Army North on alert, and have asked the Institutionalists to begin calling up their militia.

"We would like to stress: Kalistan is not a party in these tensions, and we are in no imminent danger of attack from any nation. We are requiring these increased postures based on not only a desire to be prepared in the event of conflict that may come nearer to the Limits, but also out of concern for peace and security of our regional security Partners in Lourenne. We wish peace to Nations who are escalating this conflict into a shooting war, and while Kalistan will remain neutral, we shall adopt a posture of armed neutrality, and will continue to work with Anantonese Nations on regional security concerns to prevent the conflict from spreading. We ask you, the People in Kalistan, especially those who do not have loved ones in the Regular Service at this moment, to do what you can to work for peace and succor those families whose loved ones are being deployed in the defense of our Strait, our Homeland, and our Ocean. We thank you all, and wish you a peaceful night."

The Empress, a devout Brethrenist, joined the Kaliburg Monthly Meeting following her address, to pray with the Friends for peace and understanding. The Assembly, for its part, on orders from the Empress, will begin considering reauthorization of Privateering, should tensions get closer to Kalistan.

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Kalistan Declares Neutrality as International Tensions Heat Up
Opens Port Swede and Yoshimi to Lourenne, but will not forward deploy
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
September 1, 5471


Dame Diane Smith, speaking on Kalistani Neutrality, on News 1 last night

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith, officially announced Kalistani Neutrality in the increasing tensions between Lourenne and Beiteynu, last night. Tensions are mounting globally, but Kalistan will officially "neither help nor hinder" either Combatant, except within Kalistani National Territory. "As a result, we fully expect other nations to respect Kalistani Sovereignty and observe all national territory and waters in and around The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan," said Dame Smith. "The Straits remain closed to all military traffic originating outside of the nations bordering the Anantonese Ocean, and we ask belligerents to observe our Limits. We will defend them if necessary."

The move to officially declare neutrality comes as other nations in the region begin choosing sides in the deepening crisis. "Baltusia has, strangely enough, sided with Beiteynu, while Dolgava has sided with the United Kingdom," observed Smith. "To their credit, both Gaduridos and Indrala have also chosen to remain neutral and The Son of Heaven has offered to mediate, but we have not heard word from either capital whether such an offer would be accepted. We, for our part will also do what we can to ensure peace in Northern Seleya at least, and do not wish to alienate any of our neighbors by opting to join one side or another."

Smith also did note that Lourenne shall be permitted to refuel and resupply in Anantonese Kalistani Naval Ports. "While not declaring for their side in any conflict, we continue to retain a security partnership in both the Ananto Strait and in the Anantonese Ocean with Lourenne, and it is in our interests that Lourenne and Kalistan should work together in that mission, whatever is happening on the other side of the planet." Smith noted that Lourenne should not consider Kalistani bases as "allied," but as neutral free ports. "The Empress Stressed that this privilege is Lourenne's only, in light of our longstanding mutual interests in the Anantonese Ocean." The refueling and resupplying privileges extend to all Lourennais naval military vessels, and the Strait remains open to all Lourennais Military Vessels, as well as all international commercial traffic.

A bill for consideration of Re-authorization of Privateers has been reportedly drafted, but it will not be placed on the floor, unless Kalistani interests in the Straits are threatened by one belligerent party, their allies, or the other. "We want peace and we want to trade," said Dame Smith. "The Empress is willing to join with the Son of Heaven to work for a negotiated peace. But she also stresses, Kalistan is closed to war. Do not bring that here because we will fight to defend what is ours, from all comers, if need be. We hope these two nations can work out their differences without further bloodshed."

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Foreign Ministry issues travel warning for Southern Seleya, Majatra as tensions heat up
Embassy staff is recalled from Beiteynu and Alduria to avoid conflict
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 8, 5472


Vacationing Kalistani citizens attempting to return from Bayonville, Alduria to Kaliburg are delayed due to flight cancellation

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith, has issued travel warnings for all Kalistani citizens who are attempting to travel to Southern Seleya and to Majatra in light of the growing hot war between Lourenne and Beiteynu. In addition, Embassy staff and their families have been recalled from Beiteynu's capital of Yishelem, due to non-specific terror threats and general hostility. The Empire will maintain limited consular services in Yishelem for the time being, to allow for Kalistanis who are in Beiteynu to depart. If additional danger to Kalistani lives are noted, the Foreign Minister will call for a suspension of consular services.

"The situation just in that general area is very unstable and very tense," said Smith. "Badara is joining the war on Beiteynu's side, and despite our proclamation of neutrality, we've had to suspend some business in Badara as well, because we can't be putting our people in harm's way. It's a powder keg, and Her Majesty believes it is just better to get Kalistanis out of that part of the world all together until these nations resolve their conflicts."

When asked about Her Imperial Majesty's diplomatic posture toward the Beiteynu Government, Smith was emphatic: "Her Majesty still officially recognizes the Beiteynese government and from our perspective, relations are still normal. We have not heard of any changes in posture toward the Empire by Beiteynu, and it is in our interest to retain cordial, open and frank relations with the government in Yishelem. This recall of our embassy staff is a temporary situation: it is not a protest involving the war. Our Ambassador has expressed this posture to Beiteynu, and we have made it clear that we wish to remain neutral, but we also must look to the safety of our people as well. I have every expectation that the Ambassador and the Embassy staff will return following the conclusion of this war."

As for Lourenne, the Foreign Minister did not announce any travel restrictions or recall of staff. "The security situation in Lourenne is normal," said Dame Smith. "We have no threats, nor would we expect any, toward Kalistani citizens, businesspeople, or diplomatic staff. We retain the warmest relations with the Government of the United Kingdom. Our concern is for the safety of people travelling toward and in war zones."

The travel advisory, which is expected to continue indefinitely, affects trips to Saridan, Mordusia, Alduria, Rildanor and Kanjor, all of Majatra, and the southern half of Artania, which are adjacent to contested naval zones. Indrala is not included in the travel advisory, and Dovani, Keris and all nations in northern Seleya are also not considered "dangerous" for Kalistani Travel. The recall of Embassy Staff only extends to Beiteynu and Alduria.

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Lysergamide Releases debut Record
"We wanted to focus on what's important," says singer
Vrassa City, Duchy of Vrassa
February 12, 5472


Lysergamide's Debut "Time for Change" on VDR

Happy hippy alt-folk rockers Lysergamide, released their debut album this week. The album titled "Time for Change" is dedicated to those who want peace in the world. "We hear all these rumors of war," says lead singer and primary songwriter for the band Max Harrison, 23, of Port Swedes. "And we want to focus on what's really important in this world. It's not being the big man with the big weapons and killing. It's about loving one another and getting along, and you know, like hangin out and playing some great tunes and loving your lady or man with all your heart. That's all that really matters. It really is time for a change."

Their lead single, the eponymous "Time for Change" showcases the band's acoustic chops as well as Harrison's wide vocal range. The song, about accepting changes in one's life, was written as Harrison left the NSP. "I was kind of aimless and my life didn't really have a lot of meaning. And I saw the world sort of madness. And I think I got some acid from the dispensary, and decided to eat it, and just curled up in a little ball and felt real sorry for myself. But I had this profound realization, during that night, and I wrote this song about it. And when the band got together, it was the first song I pitched."

Most of the band hails from Vrassa City where they played in various folk rock and alt-folk bands that still dominate the city's music scene. "We met Max when he sort of wandered up to our door," says bassist Don McMillan. "We were just sitting on the porch all jamming, and maybe two of us were between bands, and here comes this scrawny, half starved kid, who probably hadn't lived indoors for a while, and he asked if we could jam, and we sort of clicked." Drummer Thomas Alvarez, the last member to join said "When we got together, these guys were, well, there was kind of a clique in the band, and it was hard to join. They had more of a folk and blues background, while I played a lot of jazz. But after just kinda sorta just playing along with what they were doing, I had to learn to forget a lot of what I knew and try something new, and I think one day, we realized we had been jelling for a good while and I think that was the day we really became a band."

The quintet impressed A&R reps at VDR with their musical distinctiveness and versatility. But they almost didn't get their record recorded. "It seems a lot of folks in Vrassa get discovered playing in bars," said Harrison. "That was totally us, you know? Like playing backyard parties for friends, playing the County Fair, whatever. Playing the bar... yeah, we were given this dude's card at Gallon's, that distinguished waterin hole down over there in what's it called, uh, Red Pass or something. We were playing for beer that night, and some guy was like 'Hey you guys wanna make a record?' and we were like 'yeah whatever you know...' and we keep playing and like two weeks later that same dude called us up and was like you know, uh, 'Hey, uh... You know... Where are you guys at? You was supposed to be here like an hour ago?' and I was like all you know, like... 'where's here?' and he said Vrassa. And it was the record guy. Ain't that wild?"

The record was recorded in two weeks. The band worked with VDR producer Michelle Ward, and together they produced a 14 track alt-folk album of the band's favorite tunes. They switch between acoustic instruments, primarily guitars, harmonicas, and mandolins, and will also plug in, and play the occasional acid rock. "Most of our songs are drenched in acid," said lead guitarist Johnny Mercer. "We tend to use a lot of that. Its one of the many things that we as a band have in common. We all acid eaters, and I think the music reflects a certain outlook that is influenced by this, to say the least. However we can reproduce thoughts and the sounds and sights even that we see, we try to do that." The mix of LSD influenced alt-folk has been very well received among music buyers and the music on the album has already landed the band a performance on M7 as well as a number of Late Night programs.

"This music is a real antidote to the tension and strife that others are creating in this world," said fan Natalie Kingston, of Vrassa City. "Sometimes we just need to mellow out, put on some good tunes and just breathe, you know. Like Max says: When times are hard, you know you have to change."

"Time For Change", on VDR Records, is now out at all record stores and streaming outlets. You can watch the recent M7 Live performance of the title track, Time For Change right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8NLA-D1xkY]

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Empress Creates Needs Stabilization Fund for Foreign Nationals
Stabilization fund seeks to welcome working families seeking refuge from war
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 8, 5473


Her Imperial Majesty addresses citizens whose governments "can't find peace"

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette I, announced that her Government would be making a fund available to ameliorate the damage that the War between Lourenne and Beiteynu is doing to the international Economy. Specifically this fund, called the "Needs Stabilization Fund" aims at guaranteeing that working people in belligerent countries aren't punished because their respective governments can't seem to choose peace.

"War is not good for working people in this world," said the Empress. "Workers and the poor always bear the burden for the war, while the wealthy and powerful who want war never seem to ever experience negative effects. As fewer and fewer countries seem to be able to remain at peace, and more and more countries are being hit with massive economic collapse, we would like working people to know that 1) war is never something that the working and the poor want, 2) that it is always something that the working class and poor bear a disproportionately high cost of, and 3) the Kalistan is here to help if you suddenly find yourself without a job or a house because your war addicted government decides that they would rather collapse your whole economy than simply remain at peace."

Kalistan's Needs Stabilization Fund Authorizes all consuls and embassies in belligerent nations, or in nations whose economy has collapsed because of the war, to begin registering foreign nationals who wish to leave their country and fly to Kalistan. "We have asked our Government to work with Aero Kal to make flights available to foreign nationals who wish to flee to the relative peace and stability of the Empire," said the Empress. Once here, foreign nationals will be given a residence, and will be offered the opportunity to work, at full wages and with full protection of all workers in Kalistan, earn a living and attend university. "We shall also offer them an opportunity to take instruction in Vrassan or Egelian, and civics instruction with the aim of making citizenship available should they choose to stay," said the Empress. "Kalistan is a country that welcomes diversity and welcomes all people of all nations to our peaceful Nation. They will be treated as if they were born here."

Critics of the program expressed concern over the cost of the policy, and the ongoing urban renewal programs that are still running in a handful of Kalistani Cities, but it fell to Her Majesty's Chancellor Michael Johnson to assuage those concerns. "The program seeks to welcome people who want to work, but can no longer find work or keep their homes where they are at because the politicians have decided that their country needs to be at war. Our policy prioritizes skilled labor, scientific accomplishment and work experience in general, because we think that people who wish to live in peace ought to be given the opportunity to do so."

It is unclear whether the Stabilization fund will attract many people, but according to Chancellor Johnson, "Look, the Empress has commanded it, and so it is law. But she believes that even if we bring in one scientist, that is a win for Kalistan. Surely there are people out there who, through no fault of their own, are being hurt by their Government's war policies. If Kalistan can help those people, Her Majesty wants to try."

The Policy will be enacted immediately, and Consular staff will begin processing applications within a month.