Kalistani Major History

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Diplomatic Talks conclude in Kaliburg
Consular Services to be expanded into Embassy in Luthori, Luthorian Embassy expected
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 18, 5483


Negotiators from Kalistan and Luthori reach agreement on Embassy exchange

The long standing glacier between Kalistan and Luthori cracked yesterday as Kalistani negotiators agreed to expand basic consular services in Luthori to a full embassy. Speaking for the Kalistani team, Ms. Dana Probst, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artanian Affairs Bureau, said "We have agreed to begin regular direct communication with the Luthorian Government on matters pertaining to building a bilateral relationship. Currently, the Empire maintains one consulate, in Fort William, and has passed all messages to the Luthorian King via the Dolgavan Embassy, but her Imperial Majesty, The Empress Nicolette has determined that Kalistan will open a full Embassy, and will appoint an ambassador to Luthori. She has determined that Kalistan should take Luthori's willingness to meet as a sign that we should begin to settle long standing differences between our two nations, and direct communication between her direct representative and the Government of Luthori would be in our interest."

The main stumbling block during this period of negotiations was a bloc of Conservative Deputies in the National Assembly who were loudly protesting the decision to even speak with Luthori. Leader of the Conservative Bloc, Florence Black, Deputy from Vrassa City, called several votes of no-confidence for Her Majesty's Government. After failing three times, the Assembly Speaker ruled additional calls to be dillatory. This led to a walkout of 16 Conservative Deputies, mostly from Vrassa, but some from Odufaray who were voting with Deputy Black. The National Assembly shut down as Black took to the streets in her home Constituency to protest the lack of "democracy" in Kalistan. Several attempts to arrange meetings with Black were thwarted by her refusal to show up to appointments. Finally, Black was called in by the Chancellor herself in a closed door meeting. Black emerged and announced her resignation over the affair, and four other deputies, also protesting the talks resigned from the Legislature shortly thereafter. The Chancellor asked the Duke of Vrassa to appoint successors for the resigned Deputies ahead of the next general election. The other protesting deputies were granted amnesty in exchange for dropping the protest.

The roadblock to further talks cleared, Her Imperial Majesty expressed support for the expansion of the consulate, and when details are concluded, will name a permanent Ambassador to Luthori. "This is the first time in anyone's memory that Kalistan and Luthori have reached a point where we can even begin to consider exchange of Ambassadors," said Probst. "We certainly hope for reciprocity from the Luthorian Government, and while the Shadow Foreign Minister could not commit their Government to anything during the talks, we consider this a positive first step."

Expansion of the Consulate will begin this year, and following the establishment of the Embassy, Kalistan said they hope to open an additional consulate in Luthori to expand services and encourage Kalistani Citizens to begin travelling and doing business in Luthori.

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Indie Rocker Michelle Love releases Debut Album on ARC
Overnights... with Michelle is an instant feminist rock classic
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
April 20, 5483


Overnights... with Michelle explores feminine sexuality and puts toxic masculinity on its head

Sulari Indie rocker Michelle Love pulls no punches on her new ARC release Overnights... with Michelle. The debut album has already received criticism from some corners are being heavily misandrist, and Love has been accused of hating men by several liberal critics. But 24 year old Love is not afraid of the backlash, and in fact welcomes it. "No, my music is not anti-man," said Love. "I just don't like these dudes who think they can do one thing, but hold their ladies to different standards. I've known more than my share of those guys, even here in Kalistan, and it's just boring. It's about time we thought about this and how it affects relations between the sexes."

Love's gritty, overloud guitar work, which is also for the most part underproduced, is representative of a growing submovement in the alternative and alt-folk scenes, called LoFi. LoFi focuses on shedding a lot of the studio tricks that accompanies a lot of alternative and hard rock. "It's like rock music for poor folks," said Love about LoFi. "Like Addisjah style hip hop, where they are basic about how they make their tunes, and somehow they bang harder than the pop rap stuff that the masses like." While her music would fit more into indie/alternative (more akin to The Starving Artists) than alt-folk, the fundamentalist sensibility is directly taken from alt-folk.

The LoFi aspects shine throughout the album, with really loud riff-focused amplified guitars that use minimal pedal effects, compact kits that keep time with simple drum patterns, and very intimate sounding microphones that record Love's dry vocals in what sounds like a soundproof closet. The LoFi sound is meant to be easy to record, and inexpensive, to allow even garage musicians to make loud music, and is a growing aesthetic in alternative.

Lyrically, Love doesn't mince words. Her songs are full of social commentary and sexuality. "Yeah, sex is political," said Love. "Look at the Empress. Think she'd be half as powerful if she didn't make men drool? Men have been governing with their ***** for centuries; and now we can see women governing with their ******** just as easily." The songs discuss gender relations in a way that doesn't sound preachy, but at the same time should terrify misogynists who may hear the record. One song's droning refrain repeats "Have Fear in your Heart," is titled "Brian", and discusses an attempted sexual assault which Love says was foiled by a "brave ass waitress" at a restaurant, who joined the narrator (perhaps it was Love, perhaps it was a fictional story, Love was unclear about this) in punishing over six days before "dropping him off" into Sulari Bay (again, how, or whether this actually happened, Love will not say one way or another.) The song is doubly terrifying because it has a sweet melody punctuated by gritty distorted guitars that make the listeners scared of the murderous insanity being described in the lyrics.

Love also has songs that celebrate the kind of goofy romance of crushes and new boyfriends on this record, which makes it quite schizophrenic feeling at times. But Love clearly knows what she is doing: "There is darkness all around us in the world, just beneath the surface," she said. "If I sang about it all the time, people would want to kill themselves. So you have to bring the love back in. I know, people have said they think I hate men. I don't hate men. I absolutely love them. I just want them to be good, and not look at women like something to knock around. Would you do that to your mom? To the Empress? No, then why would you do that to your woman? That needs to be pointed out, and also the good ones need to be celebrated too. To give the guys something to aspire to. See, guys, you can have this. All you have to do is be good." Love then laughs. "But you know, if they aren't we got something else for them, you know."

Love's first single, "Missile Man" is blasting its way up the Radio 1 poll, and the video is in heavy rotation on M-7. Love says that she wants to continue to make music, and has a four album deal with ARC. "Next record? Who knows. I mean, I just put this one out. But I've always wanted to try an acoustic guitar. I've literally never really written music for one, so that might be a challenge." Meanwhile, Love is on a Nation wide tour, and hopes to travel abroad at some point.

You can check out her debut single "Missile Man" either on M-7 or right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o4d90PJVpA]

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SPOTLIGHT: Dulnerstaad, Crown Jewel of Ananto
Northern City also home to diverse international community
Dulnerstaad, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 1, 5483


Dulnerstaad sits on Beautiful Dulnerstaad Bay in Northwestern Ananto

Long called the "Crown Jewel of Ananto", the city of Dulnerstaad is one of the hidden treasures of the Grand Duchy of Ananto. It holds the distinction as Ananto's second city, being located on the North Western corner of Ananto, where it commands both the northern reaches of the Ananto Strait and also the wider northern Anantonese Ocean. This strategic city was one of the first cities targeted when Ananto was invaded in 3988 during the Ananto War with Indrala, but it has since rebounded spectacularly, and now serves as a vacation spot for residents of Kaliburg, who flock to its cool and sunny harbors and shorelines during the summer months.

Dulnerstaad has two main seasons a year. The Summer is considered Dulnerstaad's dry season, as dryer air from the Island's interior creates an offshore flow. Clouds clear up, the air is usually clear and dry and warm during day time hours, nights are cool and foggy, as the cooler wetter sea air rushes inland and condenses. This ebb and flow during the months of April through October create a climate which can be described as endless summer. The winter however is the wet season where Dulnerstaad is drenched by more than 25 inches annually on average. Rain fall is recorded nearly every 24 hour period during the rainy season, and sometimes winterstorms blow in from the Northern Anantonese Ocean which can drop half a foot of rain over a three day period. Dulnerstaad has excellent drainage to handle deluges like this, and is offset from the Dulnerstaad River by more than a mile to avoid overland flooding form these torrential storms. It never gets cold enough to snow in the winter in Dulnerstaad, with the most extreme temperatures only reaching the upper 40s on the coldest nights, but likewise, temperatures are similarly moderate in the Summer, with daily highs in August only reaching the lower 70s during August. The comfortable climate is an excellent trade off for the long periods of rain and fog that the city experiences.

Dulnerstaad has long been home to artists, musicians (including the late Jennifer Stepanov), politicians (including His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick I Ananto and Marguerite Beloit, who served as Premier and who was killed in the Kaliburg Earthquake in 4892) and educators (including those employed by the serene Ananto District University and Graduate School). The coastal city now serves primarily as a cultural center, where Kalistani culture mixes freely with people who originate all around the world, and a major Lourennais diaspora is located there, made up of the descendants of those who fled from political turmoil in the United Kingdom in the 4760s, and who stayed in Kalistan to make a new life. The Lourennais influence is still broadly felt in and around Dulnerstaad, as many shop signs are not in Vrassan and Egelion, as they are elsewhere, but Vrassan and Canrillais, and nearly a quarter of the population count at least one person from the original stock from Lourenne as an ancestor!

Dulnerstaad's importance as a military center has shifted east to Bozo River, but the city still houses the Dulnerstaad Naval Center which serves the Regular Navy as a training and expeditionary base, but which is more often used now by militia units who are training in the Strait. It nonetheless retains its influence over the Ananto Strait, and serves as a refuel and maintenance stop for Kalistan's 1st and 2nd Regular fleets. To officially kick off tourist season, Dulnerstaad hosts an annual "Fleet Week" in May, where sailors are given a 96 hour liberty pass in port, and regular enjoy some of the finest drinking, dining and dancing that Ananto has to offer. The Fleet Week competitions between ship crews tend to be a major draw for Ananto Tourism as well as local hospitality business, who usually make enough money in one week to cover the half the year when few travel to Dulnerstaad.

Dulnerstaad is not only a haven for tourists and recreation seekers, but it is also a thriving hub of light industry, commercial services and scientific research. There is a very active lumber and reforestation industry based just north of Dulnerstaad that supplies wood, paper products, and other tree-derived materials to Ananto primarily. This industry is also responsible for replanting about 40,000 acres of forest a year in the Davon Mountains, and is well known for its ecologically sustainable practices. Dulnerstaad also is home to the KalEnCon Geothermal Generator #3, which generates about 1/6th of Ananto's power annually. Annually, geologists from Ananto District University conduct experiments near the geothermal site to learn more about the island's vulcanism and plate tectonics, and many key insights about the formation of the Island and the geological history of Kalistan have been made there. Besides these industries, major commercial fishing and canning operations are centered in Dulnerstaad, and are coupled with several fish hatcheries and oceanic restocking operations to ensure sustainable supplies of seafood and migratory fish into the foreseeable future.

Many Tourists visit Dulnerstaad for the Wildlife

Nightlife in Dulnerstaad is very unique, and represents the many influences from the cultures who have called Dulnerstaad home over the centuries. A main influence in Dulnerstaad is the Canrilaise culture, which focuses on finer things in life. Most of the fine dining establishments serve Lourennais cuisine including artisan breads, locally crafted cheeses, wines, soups, quiche, and seafoods of all types, prepared by Lourennais Chefs to the current specifications from finest culinary institutes on the Dovani Mainland. Other restaurants cater to those with a sweet tooth: Dessert seekers can find the most intricately and delicately crafted sweet pastries, souffles, and custards in Dulnersaad, along with an assortment of geladas, sorbets, and sweet and savory crepes. If Lourennais food is not to your taste, Dulnerstaad also features excellent establishments that showcase cuisine from Indrala, Dolgava, Egelia, and Seko, to name a few. Additionally, the Kalistani Culinary Academy is located in Dulnerstaad, where Anantonese chefs often attempt to outcompete one another creating elaborate salads, entrees and desserts for visitors. Dulnerstaad is a food lover's dream.

The club scene in Dulnerstaad is a lot different than in most other parts of Ananto. Dance clubs and discos often feature the best new international music available. Dulnerstaad tends to enjoy electronic music more than Kaliburg, but there is also several major hard rock venues in Dulnerstaad to cater to that taste. Dulnerstaad has its share of RF venues as well, though the style isn't as popular in the north as it is in Kaliburg. The northern city also offers a number of bars and wine rooms where clients can sample alcohols and liquors from around the world.

While Dulnerstaad is a popular tourist destination, many people actually come to see wildlife. Dulnerstaad's position between the Anantonese Ocean and the Ananto Strait makes the spot a popular destination for many species of fish, as well as a very well populated spot on the migratory paths of aquatic mammals. Sea Lions especially like to visit Dulnerstaad's rocky shores, where they sun, rest up, hunt, and find partners. Each year, hundreds of sea lion cubs are born at the nearby National Maritime Preserve, and during this time, rangers are on duty full time to ensure that curious visitors and sea lions, who can become very territorial, do not interact.

A main industry in Dulnerstaad caters to those who visit the town to see the aquatic wildlife: Charter Boat rental does well over ₭1.3 million a year catering to visitors who want to go deep sea fishing, or snorkel on the reef to see beautiful fish, or see migrating whales, dolphins, sea lions and seals. from the Maritime Preserve. The Marine Preserve also features the beautiful and educational National Aquarium, which stocks wildlife native to the area and works closely with Marine Rehabilitation to help heal injured animals.

If you are planning to come to Dulnerstaad, please take the time to research local accommodations. During the summer months, hiking and backpacking in the nearby foothills of the Davon Mountains is very popular, and there are several camping areas with stunning natural views overlooking Dulnerstaad Bay and the Anantonese Ocean on the trails. In town, accommodations range from small bed and breakfasts and locally owned motels all the way up to most luxurious accommodations in The Hotel Grandview Dulnersaad to meet the travellers' interests and preferences. But you will want to pick the sort of experience you have in town and in the area, to get the most of your time here.

The Grand Duchy of Ananto welcomes you to Dulnerstaad!

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KALNAPECO Issues Warning for Oil Investors in Kalistan
"Supply set to run out in 25 Years", said KNP Chief Engineer
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
April 18, 5484


Twilight for the Kalistani Oil Industry, as Operations will draw to close

Engineers working for KALNAPECO have reported that there is at most 25 years of oil left in proven reserves in the Ananto Strait, signaling an end to domestic production of petroleum in the Empire. "The supply of oil in the Anato Strait, which has brought Kalistan prosperity for many long centuries, is finally at an end. We still have some proven reserves of easily obtainable crude oil on the mainland," said Dr. Jenna Martin of KALNAPECO, "but the shift to clean energy decades ago for domestic energy did not slow down exploitation of oil in the Strait, and that reserve, which has served our Nation for so long is nearing the end of its life. The supply will last at most 25 years more, and then it will run out." Martin noted that the reasons that the Strait reserve is running out of oil is because drilling didn't end, it was just exported to Lourenne and Lodamun and then sold to the world.

"There is still reserves further to the south in the Anantonese Ocean," said Martin, "But those are outside the Straits, and therefore, KNP will not be able to explore for oil or expand operations there. Unfortunately for our partners, this means the end of a very profitable trade arrangement, but it was always going to happen, and the only question has ever been when." The 'when' is now, said Martin, who quickly added, "Our onshore stocks have been carefully managed and have been mostly capped because they are only used to continue to supply petroleum for industrial materials and plastics. Those reserves can continue to serve Kalistan indefinitely, which will ensure KALNAPECO's continued operation, but they do not offer enough production annually to meet fuel demands of the Empire, and so, for any vehicles which continue to burn fossil fuel, we will need to begin importing gas and diesel oil from abroad."

As Kalistan leaves the oil market, it is unknown what effect that this will have on other nations who have relied for a very long time on oil from the Strait. "We think Lourenne will be alright: They have diversified their energy supplies and seem to export most of the oil they obtain from the rigs that they manage. Lodamun will likely be fine as well, because they have multiple sources of oil for their energy needs. But we are thinking more along the lines of those who our partners sell oil to. There is a possibility that the loss of one of the major suppliers in this part of the world will have effects on the regional economy, which we can't foresee at this time."

The clock is now officially ticking on KALNAPECO's longstanding Ananto Straits operations. "We are offering this warning to give our Partners time to figure out what they will do. This is not some sort of 'peak oil' sensationalist speculation on the part of KNP. 25 years and then its done. We hope Lourenne, Lodamun and those who rely on Kalistani oil will have enough time to prepare, because operations will end, and when they do it will be like someone flicks a switch. At that point, we will need to ensure that the wells are secured, the platforms are dismantled, and the Strait can return to its natural state. But have no doubt, this is the last generation that Kalistan will be able to exploit oil reserves in the Ananto Strait."

On the news, KNP securities took a sharp dive in the Kalsie, before bottoming out and then slowly rising to finish about 1.23 KRB a share off for the day.

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Kalistani Scientists begin work on developing Biodegradable Polymers
New Program sponsored by KPN will convert sustainable plant oils to plastics
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
September 9, 5484


Dr. Brittney Giovani, Researcher at Yoshimi's University of Kalistan experiments with plant based polymers

Following KALNAPECO's (KPO) stunning announcement earlier this year that exploitable oil in the Ananto Strait will run out within 25 years, the National Government in Kalistan has committed to spending more than ₭25 Million to begin researching plant based polymers, with the aim of creating a renewable, sustainable formula of converting plant-based oils into polymers and plastics, to help reduce depletion of land-based oil reservoirs in Suldanor. The aim is to create renewable, biodegradable sources of plastics for everything from packaging to auto production, and allowing the Empire to further move away from fossil fuels.

"There are a number of plant-based sources of oils that can be converted to plastics," said Dr. Brittney Giovanni, who has been appointed to lead the main research team from the University of Kalistan in Yoshimi. The University has received a grant of ₭1 million from KPO to work as seed money to set up laboratories on campus and begin hiring staff to perform experiments. As part of the grant, that founded the Yoshimi Plastics Laboratory, the University of Kalistan has purchased several parcels of land in Suldanor north of the Lucid Morass to plant test crops.

"Our aim," said Dr. Giovani, "is to determine the oil content per acre of land of various crops, to see which crops yielded the highest volume of oils, whether those oils are amenable to conversion to polymers and plastics, and whether we would get better quality plastics by combining different varieties of plant oils." The laboratory will also research biodiesel production, for the purpose of supplementing and eventually replacing the diesel derived from petroleum and fossil fuels. "We will start by experimenting with biodiesel mixtures, and eventually seek to develop full replacement diesels."

The KPO grant will be matched by public money from the Ministries of Science, Energy, and Industry for a period of 25 years aimed at finding biodegradable alternatives to petroleum based products. "Some crops we will be experimenting with are the soybean," said Dr. Giovanni, "which we don't plant a lot of in Kalistan, the seeds from the Jatropha plant, which is a succulent that grows in drier parts of Suldanor, and the seeds of the Morninga plants, which are native to Indrala, but may grow in Kalistan. All of these plants have seeds and nuts that yield a huge quantity of oil per volume, and could successfully serve as sources of oil for plastics and biodiesel additives. We are also beginning to explore the use of seaweed, which is virtually inexhaustible in the Strait, and can already be converted, using existing science to plastics. All these crops offer the additional benefits of sequestering carbon dioxide, and helping to control climate destruction."

Deputies were excited about the potential for turning plant based oils into plastics. Grant Turner, Deputy for Yoshimi, stated "This will not only provide valuable scientific research for Kalistan, but could also be a game changer for countries who want to divest in fossil fuels and move to sustainable, renewable energy and industrial chemical sources which do not pollute as much as petroleum exploitation, and can lead the world away from oil. The KPO announcement is a blessing in disguise in that it gives us the political impetus to make the shift once and for all." Other deputies focused on the potential to create jobs in Kalistan. "The opportunities that this emerging industry, created out of necessity, will offer are breathtaking," said Melanie Waltrip, Deputy from Sulari. "We look forward to creating jobs as well as helping free our country of the outdated reliance on fossil fuels. According to KPO, we could see as many as 500 jobs created in my own home district alone around this new industry. I would be for it even without the potential to put food on the plates of 500 families in Sulari."

The jumpstarting of this research initiative, while being spearheaded by KPO, is also supported by the National Assembly, the Government, and KalEnCon, who has themselves committed ₭10 million over the next 10 years to help spur the research. The Government of Suldanor has officially welcomed the research program, as well as the adjacent agricultural operations in the southern part of the Duchy.

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Kalistan puts final touches on New Luthorian Embassy
Located in Fort William, its opening will signal next step toward normalization
Fort William, Luthori
October 18, 5486


Kalistani Embassy on Embassy Row in Luthorian Capital

Built in a style of architecture reminiscent of most National Buildings in Kalistan, the new Kalistani Embassy building in Luthori is nearing completion, signaling the continued moves toward normalization between Kalistan and Luthori. While there is still no news about Luthorian attempts to establish an embassy in Kalistan, the future home and workplace of the full embassy staff in Luthori has been under construction for the last several years. Designers were given a budget of ₭14 million to design and build the structure which will eventually serve not only as the official offices of the Direct representatives of Her Imperial Majesty to the Luthorian Government, but will also contain various interest sections, including economic, diplomatic, and defense sections. Currently, the Fort William Consular services have been moving out of their previous offices and into the Ground floor of the new Embassy while the top floors are still being built.

"What's next?" asked the Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister for Artanian Affairs, His Excellency Zachery Westmoreland. "Her Imperial Majesty and the monarch in Luthori will have to agree to exchange Ambassadors. We are not sure what Luthori's plans are: So far we have met with their Shadow Foreign Minister, who has no power in the National Government, but who was sent to convey Luthori's interests in warming relations with Kalistan. But Her Imperial Majesty has said that she will not dispatch an ambassador to Luthori without an agreement in place for Luthori to name an ambassador to Kalistan. All things being equal, Kalistan is not the inferior to any nation on the Globe, and the Empress has made it clear that she will stand on her rights and insist upon full reciprocity from Luthori on all matters, or there will be no exchange. It is her Imperial Majesty's sincere hope that this oversight among the Luthorian Government and by the Luthorian King is merely that, just an oversight, and the King will issue a formal delegation to Kalistan to work out the details of the Embassy exchange soon."

Once these details are resolved, Westmoreland said, Kalistan will dispatch an Ambassador to Luthori to serve as Her Imperial Majesty's representative to that government. The designated Ambassador, who it appears will be Lord Mayor Henry Winston, who currently serves as mayor of the Free City of Eshar, will then move to Luthori with his family, and will take up residence in the Ambassador's Suite inside the Embassy. The Embassy will be staffed with full compliments in each of the sections, including a special projects section, whose job it will be to analyze news from the Luthorian capital and report back on happenings in the foreign Capital. Once the Ambassador's Luthorian Counterpart is in place, treaties and state visits can be worked out directly with each monarch's direct representatives, rather than having to do it through back channels.

Security will be maintained by elements of the Nordic Corps, who will be redirected to Embassy Duty. The new Company will be designated "The Empress' Select Battalion" will serve as Embassy Guards at embassies across the Globe. Streetside, Luthori will provide security for the Embassy. "Her Imperial Majesty will likely call for extraterritoriality in Luthori. Assuming Luthori intends to send an Ambassador, limited extraterritoriality will also be granted to the Luthorian Embassy," said Westmoreland. "But Kalistani Law does not offer diplomatic immunity, nor will the Empress seek it from the Luthorian Government. Our staff will of course observe all Luthorian Laws."

The Embassy is expected to finish construction in February of next year, and the Ambassador will be dispatched as soon as Luthori agrees to name an Ambassador to the Empire, and suitable accommodations are found for the Ambassador and their staff." Westmoreland was optimistic that Luthori would take the next step toward normalization soon.

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Empress Halts Luthorian Embassy Plans
"Normalization on Hold", said Kalistani Ruler
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 8, 5487


Empress delivers stern speech about lack of reciprocity from Luthori

Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette I addressed the National Assembly on a number of topics, the most important being a halt in Kalistani-Luthorian Relations.

"We have determined that we have been hasty in looking for opportunities to normalize relations with Luthori, and now we have ordered the normalization plan with Luthori to be placed on indefinite hold," said Empress Nicolette. "It was our desire to see if there was a way to begin to work on long standing issues we have had with the Crown in Luthori, but it now appears that there is not sufficient action in the Luthorian Government to do their part to bring our two nations together. Consequently, we have ordered our Foreign Minister to withdraw all standing diplomatic offers made toward Luthori and shall continue operations based on the Status Quo ex ante, retaining our consular offices in Downtown Fort William. But we will not be sending an official ambassador to Luthori, nor shall we begin work on any new formal diplomatic or economic arrangements with that nation. Now shall we be receiving any last ditch ambassadorial nominations to our Nation."

The announcement was not a shock to those who are aware of the Empress' thinking on the matter. Reports suggest that Kalistani's Empress is annoyed with the unwillingness of Luthori to even begin formal meetings about diplomatic exchange. "Those close to the Empress said she is piqued regarding Luthori's complaints over the Kalistani Press not kowtowing to the privileges of a foreign monarch," said one person close to the Empress, speaking on condition of anonymity. "In Kalistan, we all know that our Empress bows to no foreign sovereign, and yet, even the Empress has realized that when Kalistan puts all the effort into creating a new basis for a relationship, while Luthori does little to nothing, that suggests that the Empress of Kalistan wants the good relationship far more than the Government of Luthori. And a one-sided relationship such as this suggests that the Luthorians believe that the power dynamic in this situation seems to be inverted."

The Foreign Minister reported that Her Imperial Majesty's orders have been carried out. Work on the nearly completed Embassy in Fort William has ceased, and Kalistani builders have returned home. "Foreign Minister Smith has always had questions about the supposed deals that Kalistan has discussed with Luthori," said the anonymous source. "What is in it for Kalistan? That was the question the ousted Conservative Deputies asked years ago, and nobody seemed to have an answer. Did Luthori think that having Kalistan's recognition would give them some sort of prestige? Who knows? It seems that the Empress believed she could just will good relations with Luthori into existence, when that now appears to have always been impossible." Consular operations at the Kalistani post in Ft. William remain in operation, and the anonymous source says back channels with the Luthorian Government remain in place should the Luthorian Government want to resume talks. "Unfortunately, for the Luthorians," said the source, "any future negotiations will start at a negative to the Luthorians. Trust lost, and opportunities squandered, are not easily recovered."

While it is apparent that the good will of the Empress toward the Artanian country is now gone, Her Imperial Majesty reportedly continues to look forward to opportunities closer to home to take. There is word that a budding formal cooperation between the KNP funded research program into biodegradable plastics at the University of Kalistan, in Yoshimi and researchers at Lourenne's University of Dulaune is already happening, and researchers are thrilled to get to work with some of the leading bioscientists in Dovani on this green project that both nations can benefit from, as they both have long benefitted from oil extraction in the Strait. It is unlikely that the Empress will actively seek to resolve Kalistan's longstanding issues with Luthori in the near future.

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University of Kalistan inaugurates partnership with University of Delaune
Lourenne laboratories bring valuable bioengineering expertise to Biopolymer Program
Delaune, United Kingdom of Lourenne
April 8, 5487


Kalistani Bioengineering Graduate Student Lindsay Johnson tests plants for natural plant oils in Yoshimi

The KNP backed BioPolymers project, launched two and a half years ago, welcomes a new Partner in the effort to discover plant-based and renewable sources for oils which can be converted both to biodiesels and plastics. So far, Kalistani scientists working at the University of Kalistan in Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor, has noted promising sources in the seeds of several flowering bushes which are either native to Suldanor, or do very well when introduced. Now, the University is joined by Lourennais researchers from the University of Delaune, in Delaune, Carrolleux, Lourenne, who will be conducting complimentary and parallel research on plant based polymers. A friendly competition to identify the most efficient sources for oils which can produce biopolymers has been kicked off, and Kalistani students look forward to working in both countries with their Lourennais colleagues.

"Its so exciting that a world leader in green and renewable technologies like Lourenne is on board with this project," said project leader Dr. Brittney Giovanni. "We know that Lourenne has a long history of creating sustainable, environmentally friendly energy resources. They have excellent research infrastructure, and being able to work with their scientific establishment will lead to major breakthroughs. Additionally, Lourenne's soil composition and diverse climates will allow us to expand our search for efficient sources of natural oils that can serve as building blocks for polymer research."

University graduate students have already identified canola oil as a very efficient source of biodiesels. "We are also experimenting with soybean oil," said Giovanni. "Our first crop of soybeans was promising, but we are engaging our genetic engineering department to develop soybeans that produce even higher yields. We are also looking at olive oils, but we do not grow olives in Kalistan: this could be something we could work on in Lourenne, if their soil and climate supports the growth of olives for oil." Other promising sources of plant based oils for biodiesels are palm, sunflower and corn oils. "Widescale cultivation of many plants that we might consider otherwise is not environmentally sustainable. Palm, for example, requires a huge geographical footprint and a lot of water, and that sort of undermines the purpose of creating green polymers."

Giovanni says scientists are looking into chemicals necessary to link monomers from vegetable oils and plant oils into polymers, making them flexible, and take on the properties of plastics for consumer products, industrial applications, and manufacturing. "The trick is to find an environmentally friendly catalyst material that will cause these monomers to link and plastify. We look forward to working with Lourenne on this. We know how to do it with crude oil, but we still have a lot of research and experimentation to do on the plant based sources."

While breakthroughs are still several years away, the work should go quicker with Lourenne's addition to the project. "We are a lot closer on the biodiesels," said Giovanni. "We're basically waiting for the high yield soybeans to be crafted, cultivated and then planted on a large scale. The plastics will be more of a challenge." Giovanni also noted that large scale biodiesel infrastructure is being built separately in and around Lucid Valley, which is nearest to the experimental fields, and is above the Morass. "KNP is planning on cutting the ribbon on the first biodiesel factory in as early as July of next year, and it should be ready to begin processing soybean and other plant oils to create a high octane biodiesel additive to regular diesel at first," said Giovanni. She also noted that KNP and MoCo are working on starting to test new diesel engines that can run on pure biodiesel, without any petroleum as a base.

"The new MoCo engines are probably a decade away," said Giovanni. "KALMILINCO will also begin working on biodiesel replacements for their diesel electric fuel cell powersources." Both of those projects are much longer term than the KNP research program. Meanwhile, now that Lourenne is onboard, the bioplastics program is viewed as an almost certain eventual success.

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The Kalistani Dual System in Medical Care is Evaluated
Ancient, mostly-socialized system reviewed and found "healthy"
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 17, 5487


Primary Health Clinics like the Lolla Center Clinic in Downtown Kaliburg are widespread in Kalistan

A comprehensive review of Kalistan's Health System, completed earlier this week, gave Kalistan's medical system a B+, noting strengths and areas for improvement. The long standing "Dual System" which provides medically necessary primary, preventative, specialist and dental care for all Kalistanis through a tax supported National Health System (NHS) while allowing private medical practice that is highly regulated for all elective care, is viewed as a model for public and private cooperation in the health sector. The survey of all of Kalistan's Hospitals, inpatient nursing units, elder care, and clinics was requested by the National Ministry of Health and Social Services, and was conducted by the independent medical services advocacy group KaliCare, based in Vrassa City.

In the survey, both patients and doctors, from all five Duchies were surveyed in a comprehensive battery of questions. In addition, surprise tours of medical facilities were conducted at randomly selected clinics and hospitals across the nation, which included a cross section of both urban and rural care facilities, and staff were interviewed from both public and private institutions. The results of the study shows that Kalistan's dual system offers a number of significant advantages over a fully privatized system in terms of access for patients and healthcare outcomes, despite significant challenges it creates in areas of doctor retention, specialist training and availability and advanced medical technology.

"Most of the strengths of the dual system lie in access for patients and positive health outcomes," the survey reported. "Kalistanis access the medical system far less often than in countries with a fully privatized, for profit medical system, due to a strong emphasis on preventative and therapeutic medicine, rather than restorative medicine. Kalistanis utilize the health system to stay healthy, and rarely require treatment for advanced illness. This frees specialist resources up for serious injuries and chronic illness, care that would not be available to large numbers of patients in fully privatized systems without significant cost to the patient and/or insurance system. Consequently, though Kalistanis can see the doctor whenever they need to for no cost, they rarely actually need to see a doctor. People stay healthier longer, and paradoxically access the medical system less often, though they have unlimited free access to it. The cost savings are returned to the system."

While patient health outcomes and access are strong suits of the Kalistani system, there is downward pressure on doctors' salaries, and specialization is quite limited in Kalistan. "Since private clinics cannot possibly compete with the public system, due to cost savings in the public sector, private elective health care is often reserved to individuals who can afford often pricey private health insurance plans. The premiums of this private insurance are almost always significantly higher in Kalistan than in countries with a fully privatized system, due to a much smaller risk pool in Kalistan. As a result, though Kalistanis have unlimited access to medically necessary specialist care, they often go abroad for elective specialist care--it is thought to be less expensive to pay for specialists for elective care abroad out of pocket, than to pay to maintain private insurance here in Kalistan."

This disparity ensures that most Kalistanis often do not seek elective health care. This is a mark against Kalistan's system and is one of the primary points against Kalistan's health score in the survey. "Kalistanis often cannot afford elective cosmetic surgery, for example," the report said. "This really depresses this industry, and as a follow on, causes there to be fewer doctors who specialize in reconstructive surgery, hence fewer doctors with comparatively lower levels of skill in reconstructive surgery which is considered medically necessary, such as burn care or prosthetics. There just isn't a lot of money in the field and doctors know that financial security is often tied to primary or preventative care rather than restorative care, so few opt to specialize." This can lead to long waiting periods for specialized care, even medically necessary specialized care, unless one has the resources to access the private system in Kalistan or abroad.

"Kalistanis are justifiably proud of their health care, as most patients, doctors and staff surveyed reported," said the report. "The access and ease of navigation of the system were two main highlights. Patients accessing the NHS reported waiting less than 1 hour to see a doctor in cities, and less than 4 hours in rural areas, compared to up to 1 day in the private Kalistani sector and several days in fully privatized foreign systems, and often tended to establish long term patient/provider relationships with their primary care providers. Additionally, medical professionals gave the Kalistani system high marks because of the flexibility of licensing allows nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and residents to act as primary care providers across the Empire, provided the oversight of a certified medical doctor on staff at the facility who can review care provided. This allows medical professionals to begin practicing primarily therapeutic and preventative medicine (like nutrition, sports and occupational medicine) without bearing the cost of having to complete a full medical doctorate. Elder care and end of life care, including hospice and doctor-assisted elective euthanasia services also received very high marks by patients, doctors, and staff."

The report also highlights Kalistani's access to advanced pharmaceuticals. "ODEN-K oversees the pharmaceutical industry in Kalistan," says the report. "Through their longstanding relationship with the Medical System, Kalistanis have access to the newest drugs that many advanced countries do not yet have access to. Full national support for drug research ensures that Kalistan is among the world's leaders in new and innovative drugs to treat the symptoms of even idiopathic diseases and ailments." Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on natural drug substitutes and homeopathic remedies in the Kalistani pharmaceutical menu. "Kalistanis are well known for utilizing non-pharmaceutical methods of treatment, and chiropractic, reflexology, acupuncture, as well as numerous tinctures, salves, and teas are available for those who do not want to use what is considered 'standard treatment' in many fully privatized systems."

While drug access is highly rated, Kalistan suffers from a lack of advanced medical devices. "The world has advanced well beyond x rays, ultrasounds and cat scans for treatment," said the report. "But given Kalistan's lack of promotion of specialization and high regulation of the private sector medical providers, there is not a lot of impetus to create advanced medical treatment devices. Consequently, though Kalistanis do not often get really sick, and thus require super advanced technology, when they do, the causes are often missed until it is too late. Increased investment in medical technology nationwide can help to decrease preventable death in Kalistan. Kalistan lags at least a generation behind even moderately advanced countries in the area of medical technology."

Overall, the Kalistani Medical System, both public and private components were rated very high. The Public sector NHS was given a normalized weighted score of 89 out of 100, while the Private sector medical providers lagged only slightly behind at 87 out of 100, with cost being the main difference. Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Health and Social Services delivered the results of this report to the National Assembly, and proposed a program to improve medical technology be created to try to bridge the gap between Kalistan's medical technology and places like Lourenne, Gaduridos and Lodamun.

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The Republic Sits Down with The Empress
Her Imperial Majesty talks Diplomacy, Economy and Retirement
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 7, 5492


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette I Talks with The Kalistani Republic

It's been a quiet decade in the Empire for Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette. While watching for breakthroughs in Bioplastics and monitoring the increasing north south trade flows over the new Trans-Seleyan Railway from Lodamun, through Kalistan, all the way to the borders of Mordusia, the Government of Kalistan has finally gotten around to ratifying a new Friendship Agreement with Artanian nation Dundorf which points at greater cultural, diplomatic, and commercial ties with the growing northern power. Empress Nicolette, now in her early 60s, has been Empress for nearly 35 years, and as her first born, Crown Princess Nicolette nears her age of majority, the current reigning monarch shows no sign of slowing down.

In this rare interview with the Kalistani Press, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Nicolette talks with Kalistani Republic reported Marcia Down in Kaliburg.

(Kalistani Republic Reporter) M(arcia) D(own): Good afternoon, Your Highness, and thank you for taking a few moments to talk with us.

(HIM) E(mpress) N(icolette): It is a pleasure to finally get to speak with you Ms. Down.

MD: For the sake of our readers, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette has granted me a special dispensation to ignore formal protocol when speaking with the Empress and refer to her as "Your Majesty". In doing so, I will be addressing Her Imperial Majesty directly, a rare honor and privilege for me, in order to make this interview more of a conversation with Her Imperial Majesty than a report.

EN: This is true. We are but a simple Brethrenist, and yet, the Enabling Act binds us as well as you. We welcome informality when possible, as it decreases the wall that separates us from our people, but alas, it is so rarely possible, and the institution of our office and title requires it. Please then, continue.

MD: Your Majesty: The first question is that some have noticed that the Government has been rather quiet these last few years, despite all the things going on in the world. Following the collapse of talks with the Government of Luthori, there were reports of discussions with Dundorf around strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties, Beiteynu has reached out to the Empire for potential military cooperation, and Kalistan was rated as a Rising power in Lourenne. Yet our government has not officially responded in the press. Is the Government working on these matters currently?

EN: You do have a point, Ms. Down. I assure you, things are moving forward, especially with Dundorf. Our Foreign Minister has moved the Dundorf-Kalistan Trade, Culture and Friendship Treaty to the floor of the National Assembly. There was a bit of a hickup around elections in Dundorf before it could be advanced there, and We were looking for a sign to go ahead. That treaty was negotiated in Kalistan by Dundorf and Kalistani officials, and We supported it entirely. The other matters are not too old for us to pick back up still, and move forward.

MD: Your Majesty, as your government is showing forward movement with Dundorf, is there any potential for renewing talks with Luthori?

EN: We have always been slightly more favorable toward Luthori than neutral. If you will recall, Ms. Down, several of our Deputies resigned over our original moves toward improving relations with Luthori. The disagreement between those Deputies and our own Government hurt the integrity of this Regime, but thankfully they took the patriotic route and resigned rather than continuing to stand against our efforts. You can imagine the frustration, likely on both sides of that discussion when Luthori didn't meet us half way. However, we are also encouraged by what we are reading in their press regarding our Nation, and want to continue to explore any opportunities that might present themselves, should Luthori have a genuine change of heart concerning Kalistan. Our grievance with them is thousands of years old. We believe that Kalistan and Luthori should try to find a way to come to some terms that we can both live with, that will allow us to cooperate on areas of mutual interest, and to become, perhaps, less bitter adversaries? We can start there, if they are interested. We would obviously welcome any steps they should make toward opening that discussion.

MD: Moving on, would Your Majesty please comment on any progress regarding the Biodiesel and Biopolymer programs in Yoshimi?

EN: Obviously, Ms. Down, there are a good number of scientists in both Yoshimi and in Delaune who can give you far more information than we are capable of saying. We are not trained in bioengineering. However, our Science Minister, who keeps us apprised on the program, informs our Premier that they have found acceptable sources of oil producing seeds that produce enough oil to replace up to 85 percent of our petroleum needs in Kalistan. The issue, if we understand it properly, is not that the scientists couldn't identify a proper plant species, but they needed one which could produce oils for diesel fuel and plastics at the scale that Kalistan uses it. This is very good news for the program, and it is also true that the first large scale planting of that crop, which is a hybrid of the good old fashioned soybean and canola seed, which yields 1.5 gallons of oil per bushel, and can be widely cultivated in both Odufaray and Ananto, is already underway. The polymer program is currently continuing its experimentation, but xylan and cellulose from both corn and algae both seem to show great promise. Kalistanis do not eat a tremendous amount of corn or corn products, but the researchers think it will grow well in Vrassa, and large scale algae production in Suldanor already seems to be yielding plastics. Its all a very complicated process, but we are quite satisfied on the work Kalistani and Lourennais scientists are doing.

MD: May I ask You Majesty about how your family is doing? We understand there was a bit of a health scare with the Prince Consort recently. Would Your Majesty be willing to speak on that?

EN: Absolutely. About a week ago, The Prince Consort was taken to Eveari General, where the doctor reported that he had what was called a Cardiac Arrhythmia. Apparently, Victor's heart was misfiring perhaps once every three hours. It was just enough to be noticeable and concerning to Victor, and he sought medical treatment for it. The doctors said it was the result both of age, and of Victor still trying to act like a young man, though he is now well into his 60s. The Doctor advised the Prince Consort to slow down his activity to a more moderate level, no more daredevil antics that he is so fond of doing, and act more his age. Meanwhile, they will continue to monitor the issue. It was scary for everyone. But Victor seems to be very fit otherwise, and we would like him to stick around a few more decades if it is possible.

MD: And The Princelings? How are they doing? We have heard so little about them since they were born, and our readers are very curious about how they are growing up and learning.

EN: We are so glad you asked. As you know, The Crown Princess Nicki, as we call her at home, has just turned 17, and while she is technically an adult now, we are insisting that she remain in school before joining the NSP next year. She is learning quite a lot about her future role as Empress, but she is also a teenager, and as such, also has a rebellious streak. She is into punk rock, even some of the more, shall we say, subversive stuff, but also understands that there is a time for that while she is young, but has also come to accept that sooner rather than later, it will be time for her to accept more duties befitting her title as Crown Princess. And her brother, our son Victor looks up to Nicki so much. He is a very serious kid: He studies and looks forward to being part of the Quiz Bowl Teams in High school this year. He also enjoys go, very much, and while he has no interest whatsoever in bowling, sadly, he can easily defeat both of his parents in Go. He shows a lot of potential in science and math, and is also beginning to explore Kalistani Law, especially constitutional law. He asks us questions all the time about the structure of the government, and We believe perhaps he is a little envious of his older sister and is trying to keep up with her. The future is very bright for both of them and we look forward to seeing what they shall accomplish.

MD: Did your Majesty say that The Crown Princess was planning to go into National Service?

EN: Of course! All of her friends and peers are going into National Service. It is expected.

MD: I understand it is expected for the commoners. And I assumed Your Majesty also did National Service before entering Government, because that was before your coronation.

EN: Ms. Down. We all join the NSP. It is not an option. Not contributing to one's nation, as you know full well would be a complete disgrace for every young adult. Even those who are fortunate to be born to families with famous last names. We did National Service, The Prince Consort did National Service, the Anantos have all done National Service. It is a matter of personal pride and integrity to complete your civic duty honorably. You know this, we have no doubt.

MD: Of course Your Majesty. I did not mean to offend.

EN: No offense taken. It is our hope that you will in fact print this exchange specifically, in case any of your viewers have been persuaded by liberal elements in this society, who claim that National Service is something negative akin to forced labor. While those elements do exist in this society, it is lucky for all of us that they are not in any way influential on the direction of this society. Could you imagine what Kalistan would look like if the Liberals had their way and were able to abolish things that made us great as a nation, and proud of a mutual history and experience?

MD: No Your Majesty. I dare not dream of something like that.

EN: It makes one shudder to even utter it.

MD: Indeed, and agreed, Your Majesty. Does Your Majesty have plans to retire from office, once Her Highness the Crown Princess is able to serve?

EN: As We are only 61 years of age, and are in good health, we feel it is a bit premature to discuss retirement. We shall ensure that Nicki begins assuming Imperial Duties during her enlistment with the NSP, and gradually will move more responsibility to her, but that is still a few years off. Meanwhile, there is still plenty of work to do in our Tenure.

MD: Of course. Moving to a new topic, Your Majesty, what is the prospects for Inter-Seleyan cooperation?

EN: Our Foreign Minister is currently looking at a proposal from Gaduridos concerning a Seleyan Economic Community. There are significant issues with the proposed language which would, at the present time prevent us from endorsing it or joining it. Things such as free movement of labor and capital would pose some pretty hefty barriers to Kalistan. But, the proposal is still brand new. We certainly are open to alternatives, and look forward to working with Gaduridos and other Seleyan Nations in finding something that we can all work with. This last few decades have been an era of unprecedented cooperation in Seleyan, and we hope to contribute to that cooperation, for the prosperity of us all.

MD: One last question, Your Majesty. Is there another GanJam on the horizon?

EN: Haha. We would encourage you to speak with ODEN about that. While we would certainly welcome a new Festival, it would seem that ODEN might have other priorities. We cannot speak for the Cartel on any level, as they are their own thing. But we feel it would be pretty cool if they did.

MD: I agree Your Majesty. I want to thank you for speaking with me today. It has been a singular pleasure.

EN: The pleasure has been ours. We shall look for more opportunities to speak with The Republic in the future, yes?

MD: I am certain that the Paper would take every chance it got, and the People of Kalistan will also welcome it.

EN: Indeed. Good day, Ms. Down.

MD: Your Majesty.