Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Luthori fan club calls upon Kalistani band "The Starving Artists" to come play in Luthori.
A Luthorian fan club of the Kalistani band "The Starving Artists" has asked upon the group to come make a tour in Luthori - it is said that a member of the government is also a fan of the band and could go to their performance in Luthori.
12th, October 5492

[align=center]
Image of the Kalistan band 'the Starving Artists".

Fort William, Principality of Orange, Luthori - Luthori and Kalistan's relationship is said to be very tense - as the two countries made ouvertures towards each other in the aftermath of the Baltusian debacle - yet, miscommunication and misunderstanding between the two countries made the Empress announce an "halting" in the detente between the two countries in 5487, citing the Luthorian Government's "lack of actions to make the two countries closer". Since this date, no contacts have been made by either Kaliburg or Fort William to rekindle any chance of having another detente in relations, although back in 5488, newly-appointed Foreign Secretary Meyer stated that "it was a priority for Luthori to remake contact with Kalistan". Best to say that the Foreign Secretary didn't really made his promise a reality, as he was more concerned with increasing relations with other Seleyan states, such as Aldegar or Gaduridos, rather than to try to expand relations with a likely uninterested Kalistan. Yet - weirdly enough, it seems that the "ice breaking" may not happen between governments, but between people.

It's safe to say that Kalistani music has always been of a great influence back here in Luthori, with the Kalistani studios supporting the 5372 protests and the Anti-Military Service protests. Today, it seems that the Kalistani Band "The Starving Artists" has been called upon by a fan club in Luthori, the official fan club to be precise, to come make a tour of the nation. This tour would be speerheaded by many concert performance in the country and the voyage would likely be fund by the Luthorian fan club. It's also to note that the Secretary of State for Seleya, Archibald Malfor, is also a fan of the band. As of today, no official communication has been coming out of the group, which representated Kalistan in FOMAT XXV.

Although, the fan club is still hopeful about their coming in Luthori.

[Doc]

Kalistan News in Brief: Crown Princess Nicolette Graduates from High School
Kalistani Indie Rock band The Starving Artists to tour Luthori; Suldanor Cleans up from a Huricane
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 10, 5493


Crown Princess Nicolette Graduates from High School in Eveari

Princess Nicolette Completes Secondary Education, Prepares for National Service

Her Highness, The Crown Princess Nicolette, who will eventually succeed her mother on the Kalistani Imperial throne, has reached a major milestone first. Her graduation from Eveari Public High School in Eveari was marked by officials in the Eveari School District. Princess Nicolette graduated with 135 other young adults, completing the National Curricular requisite classes on time, with a 3.52 GPA. While this is not was not a high enough GPA to earn her a "with distinction" designation on her Diploma, her parents, who were in attendance, were nonetheless very proud of the Crown Princess as she walked across the High School stage and received her Diploma. The ceremony was followed by a large graduation party held at the Ananto Estate in Eveari, where Princess Nicki invited more than 40 friends. Also on hand was the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, and several deputies who represented Ananto, all there to congratulate the Crown Princess and wish her good luck as she proceeds to adulthood. The Crown Princess has already declared her intent to enter the National Service Program before pursuing post secondary education, and will be mustered into the Service in early July. "I think I would like to learn something about building aqueducts and water systems," said the Crown Princess. "I think it is very important that people have access to water, and I want to learn how to maintain them and build them. I am fascinated with flowing water. I think it is a good metaphor for life. I heard this one thing: You can never step into the same river twice. I think that idea is fascinating, and it really motivates a lot of my art." Following National Service, the Crown Princess says she wants to learn engineering. "Or music," she said with a smile. "We'll see. I have some time." Congratulations to the Crown Princess for her achievement.

The Starving Artists to visit Luthori

In a Nod to Rock and Roll Diplomacy, Eshar Underground staples The Starving Artists have agreed to play 6 shows in the Luthori Empire. The Starving Artists were Kalistan's entry into the most Recent FOMAT, but finished a dismal second to last place. But it appears that their performance created a small but dedicated fan base in Luthori. "Yeah, we sorta just found out about the scene over in Luthori," said lead singer Andre Arnhart. It was kind of a surprise to all of us. I think our fan mail was going to like, my old apartment, or something, and we just found out that people were still listening to our music there. And so when we heard they wanted us to come visit, we basically hounded our label til they agreed to fund the tour." Indeed, LCR, who has been releasing TSA's music for the last decade has agreed to fund and promote a six night mini tour of Luthori, to include shows in Fort William, Sewallston, and Shippington. Also included is the Sulari-based alternative rock band Coral Reef Guillotine, who will be opening for TSA. "The guys in Guillotine are hilarious," said Arnhart. "[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAFuD-S-e_E?si=diG-rdNXa1jN4jyW]Their song 'Cool Kids' is like unhinged[/url]. I think the Luthorians will really dig them." The Tour is scheduled to begin in September.

Yoshimi Weathers the Storm

The tropical storm which hit Baltusia as a full Category 4 Hurricane, and devastated the Santiago coast, also did moderate damage in the coastal city of Yoshimi. Several houses near the coast on the Yoshimi Peninsula received major flooding from the 2 and a half foot storm surge, while major flooding and 10-15 foot waves were reported in Yoshimi itself. "We were lucky to be spared the brunt of the storm," said Gregory Astor, Count of Lucid, who supported the Grand Mayor of Yoshimi in both preparedness and disaster response. "We are making sure that the more than 2 dozen families who lost their homes in the flood are being relocated to long term shelter while we assist them with rebuilding their lives. We are also advising residents in lower areas on the peninsula that even on the leeward side, storm surges, especially of storms that go south, will continue to pose a problem. Yoshimi Peninsula is really a large sandbar which was an ancient levy of the Lucid River as it emptied into the Odufaray Sea. There's not a lot of elevation that residents can use to escape even minor storm surges. Ideally, I'd like to clear the residents out of that part of the County, but doing so involves property and this whole headache. So right now we are working to rescue people who experience flooding as it happens." Kalistan has offered several Million KRB to Baltusia for disaster relief, and has offered to temporarily house displaced Baltusians in Lucid while their homes are rebuilt, should Baltusia wish to take the Empire up on its offer. Said the Count Lucid, "We would welcome the Baltusians here who have suffered from this natural disaster. Lucid City is just an hour away from the hardest hit parts of the Santiago coast, and we have more than enough room for guests here."

[Doc]

Lady Newburg Expresses Empress' Greetings to New Lourennais King
Prepares for visit of Hutori Crown Princess
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 8, 5493


Prime Minister Kelly Newburg-LaRoc discusses Government activity in the coming year

Lady Kelly Newburg, the long serving Prime Minister and head of Her Imperial Majesty's Government, was interviewed at her home in Kaliburg for the periodical journal "Modern Statecraft". During the interview, Lady Newburg discussed several items on the agenda for the coming session of the National Assembly.

On the Domestic front, Lady Newburg announced new plans to revitalize Kalistan's highway network. "It has been centuries since Kalistan dealt with our highway situation," the Premier said. "A single artery runs north to south in Kalistan Proper, with branches going inland at Eshar and Yoshimi. This highway system has served Kalistan but more or less ensures that almost all economic development occurs within 50 miles of the coastline. We would like to expand our limited access, Duchy, and County highway systems to connect towns to one another rather than to only the Duchy Seat, to allow for more efficient transit and transportation of cargo. This is a growing priority that Her Imperial Majesty's Government is beginning to study and will likely be working on it for at least a generation."

Lady Newburg also addressed four high profile corruption defendants, who were recently arrested and are about to be tried. "The Ministry of Justice is preparing the case against four Deputies, two from Suldanor and two from Ananto, who were found to be accepting bribes will attempting to further pro capitalist legislation through the National Assembly," said Lady Newburg. "When the plot was uncovered, due primarily to the admission of one of the conspirators, the four deputies were immediately arrested. We have also arraigned no less than 12 liberal businessmen, who combined control more than ₭1 billion in investments and deposits, and who have been bribing these four deputies for more than 3 years in an effort to sponsor legislation that would roll back worker rights in favor of the profiteering motivations of these businessmen. Our Government has been cooperating closely with investigators in Her Imperial Majesty's Ministry of Justice, and as of right now, this corruption scandal does not touch any of her Majesty's Ministers in the cabinet." The corruption scandal, which is rare in Kalistan, has the political press rivetted, and there have been suggestions that the corruption rises fairly high in Institutionalist Party leadership.

On the Foreign Affairs front, Lady Newburg expressed Her Imperial majesty's congratulations on the coronation of a new Lourennais King. "Her Imperial Majesty never fully recognized the former King of Lourenne as legitimate," said Lady Newburg. "I don't think I am making any news with that announcement. Her Imperial Majesty has called Maximilien the V a 'usurper' on more than one occasion and has always favored restoring Catherine to the throne. After it became clear that Catherine had expired, the Empress continued to keep Maximilien at arm's length. But now that the previous king has abdicated in favor of his son, the Empress seems to be much warmer toward the new King. She expressed during our recent weekly meeting that she approved of the regular order of succession in Lourenne, and wished me to express a welcome to Leopold to visit Kalistan at his leisure."

Newburg also expressed optimism at the eventual arrival of Hutori's Crown Princess. "Her Imperial Majesty has been informed that the Crown Princess is expected to accompany her father to Kaliburg within the next year on business, and at that time, the Empress hopes to officially receive the Queen-presumptive to renew Kalistani ties to the Northern Kingdom." Newburg also mentioned the likelihood that the Empress will expand the Peerage in the Order of the Grey Smoke to include a foreign Peer for the first time. "Induction into the Order of the Grey Smoke is a tremendous honor for any Kalistani. Peerage is equivalent to honorary nobility in Kalistan, and while we aren't entitled to the same sort of deference or privilege as the Empress herself is, the position comes with a large amount of Prestige and a small pension." Unlike noble titles in titles of nobility in Kalistan, peerage is hereditary, and so the title can be passed down to future Hutorian Monarchs and doubtless Her Imperial Majesty would include a small plot of land and a cottage with any bestowal of peerage to the Crown Princess.

When asked about the Kaliburg Conference for a TMU, Lady Newburg acknowledged that the Conference was for the most part defunct. "The issue is enforcement of a terran monetary unit," said Newburg. "We may have buy in from a handful of countries; Deltria's feedback has been excellent to allow us to clarify the functions of the TMU." But what is lacking, according to Newburg, is a way to 1) enforce the TMU as opposed to some other currency as the single transferrable currency, and 2) an easy mechanism for updating the values in realtime, to accurately reflect financial and monetary developments in each country. "Without this ease of use, the TMU will never be used by anyone. It is a hurdle that we don't know how to get over, so further discussion of the TMU, at this point, will probably remain theoretical."

And at any rate, Newburg acknowledged that more countries have begun adopting the Franc regime. While having the Franc as the international standard is practically easier than developing a whole new market based on a theoretical currency, said Lady Newburg, and, given the current almost hegemonic role of Lourenne in the world system, makes more sense than using the LOD in that role, "adopting the Franc rather than working on the TMU undermines the efforts to establish an international currency that is divorced from any national economy or monetary policy. Unfortunately, and regrettably, this is the path more and more nations are taking, and creates future jeopardy for pegged countries should the Franc ever experience trouble in the future. For now, though, we have to call those discussions on the TMU on indefinite hiatus." Asked about the Empress' feelings on the failure of the TMU conference, Newburg acknowledged the Empress' disappointment, "But," she added, "It's just the status quo really, with the financial markets in Fortress Kalistan still on autarkic lock, and the rest of the world adopting a new version of the LOD, from Lourenne instead of Lodamun. Its no different than before we began work on the TMU."

As the current generation of governors in Kalistan begins to head for the exits and the new generation lines up to take their place, Lady Newburg admits that she is satisfied with the actions of the current Government. "We know that Kalistan is governed best when we have dispensed with the dilatory and wasteful fratricide of highly political contests for control of the Government, and highly politicized public policy. We look for an orderly and continuous transition in the coming years, and are excited about the new opportunities and ideas that this sort of change and evolution create in Kalistan.

"But we are lucky to have done away with the gridlock and backstabbing of liberal democracy," continued Lady Newburg, "hopefully once and for all in Kalistan. Our predecessors in the Socialist Party were far too tolerant of liberals for their own good. But we can see from the vantage point of decades of experience that the centuries wasted in pursuit of the idea that each ridiculous opinion held by some political hobbyist who called himself a voter was exactly as valid as the next stupid less-than-half opinion were actually a worse time for Kalistan, not a better one. Our job is administration of the State, and with the Empress at the head of that State, life is much simpler for everyone if we don't have to fight just for the privilege of doing what makes the most sense in carrying out Her Imperial Majesty's Policy."

Spoken like a true Institutionalist. The full interview with the Prime Minister is on newsstands across the Empire today and is the first major significant policy statement in a long time from Her Imperial Majesty's Government.

[Doc]

The Starving Artists announce new album
"Luthori Tour a success", says Mel Arnhart
Eshar, Odufaray
October 1, 5494


Mellie and Andre Arnhart, along with Bassist Nathan Black at M7 Interview

The Starving Artists, back from Luthori, have spent the last year and a half in LCR studios in Sulari recording their newest album called Metal on Metal. At a recent interview given to KRTVN M-7, the band announced the new album which ventures into Industrial and sounds much harder than their previous work.

"We were like uh really inspired by the different sounds in Luthori," said lead singer Andre Arnhart. "Their music scene was very interesting, and we were thrilled at the turn out for our shows there in the country. But this is, has, you know, given us a different direction to try and focus on. We heard some music there which sounded a lot like like a rusty saw blade sawing away on some lumber with a bunch of nails in it. Some experimental stuff, while we were out checking out some of the clubs. It sounded real industrial, and we were thinking that Kalistan didn't really do a lot of industrial and we decided to try it out."

Mel Arnhart, keyboardist and co-songwriter, said "Well, I am not sure whether there is a huge audience for music this loud in Kalistan. But I think the dissonance is really part of the process. We were kind of inspired I think by like what must be AI generated music. Like it is there, all the elements are there, but there is just something different, a little strange, a little foreign. It feels a little different from the things we've done. A lot of it was inspired by just the familiar but slightly different types of music we heard in Luthori. They definitely do not play music this loud there, but I mean it was a strange experience to be speaking to fans, and they just have different words for the same things, like conceptually the things are the same, but the words are different enough and Luthori is just different enough from Vrassan that you sometimes have to wonder if you just heard what you thought you heard."

The new album, which will be released next February, sees the band foray into not only industrial, but also electronica, dance pop, and psychedelic/acid rock. "We wanted to make a record that kinda spanned the entire alternative music genre," said Andre Arnhart. "There's a lot of noise alternative on here, for sure, but some of the songs are kinda of like you might call them dancey music, like we have a sequencer and everything. You'd have no idea but a lot of the voices were sequenced by Mel. They aren't even real- they're kind of this AI generative stuff. Its kind of this messy, creative stuff where we try to push music forward."

The lead video "You've Got Problems I can't Solve" features legendary metal guitarist Mike Knife, and falls solidly into the categories of noise acid rock. "Well, this one was specifically inspired by a great noise alternative band we saw in Luthori," said Mel Arnhart. "We were hanging out with these great kids in Fort William right after we got there and they were like 'You wanna check out this club' or whatever, and we went and heard this band, what were they called... like Bloody Blinder or whatever... something like that... it meant something like 'its easy' or something. Anyway, these guys had the biggest sound we've heard in like ever, it was so crunchy and loud and grindy. When we got back, and we started writing, I could swear we were accidentally ripping them off, so I had to buy one of their records, just to make sure that 'Problems' wasn't like a total rip off. Turns out it wasn't even in the same key or rhythm or anything, but you know that song is a total homage to that band."

The video for the song, which is already released and is playing on M7, is entirely generated by AI and features no actual humans or locations at all. "Yeah, we made a deal with this AI animator," said Nathan Black, who plays bass for the band. "We saw some of his stuff in a gallery in Gendaris, and thought man this is really cutting edge and weird, I thought Andre would really dig it for the record."

The new album will be released ahead of a Kalistani tour in the Summer. "We've had a pretty long career," said Andre Arnhart. "15 years... full of ups and downs, and we are still experimenting and pushing the boundaries. I'd say that's damn good all things considered." When asked if they would ever return to Luthori for another tour, both Arnharts said in unison, "In a heartbeat..."

Check out The Starving Artists' new video for "You've Got Problems I can't Solve, Feat. Mike Knife" from their upcoming 5th album Metal on Metal for LCR, coming in February.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3H2AVm1uD8]

[Doc]

Luthori set to recognize Kalistani control over the Ananto Strait.
Foreign Secretary Meyer has introduced to the Imperial Diet a law on the ratification of the 2nd Ananto Strait Comprehensive Accord, recognizing Kalistan's claim to sovereignty over the Ananto Strait.
5th, January 5496

[align=center]
The Foreign Secretary introducing the bill in the Imperial Diet.

Fort William, Principality of Orange, Luthori - The Prime Minister, Lord President of the Council, His Grace, Robert Harrington has approved the plan from Foreign Secretary, Andrew Meyer, about finally moving past the Baltusian debacle. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having decided to introduce a new bill in the Imperial Diet, called the 2nd 2nd Ananto Strait Comprehensive Accord Ratification Act, 5495, which would effectively make Luthori recongnize Kalistani sovereignty over the Ananto Strait. This development isn't surprising as Luthori's policy in regards to Seleya has been either turned towards trade (Gaduridos, Aldegar) or making amends due to the Luthorian blunder during the Baltusian debacle. This support of the Kalistan policy in regards to the Ananto Strait comes after Dolgava announcing that it would "abide" by the Treaty, in regards to military passage through the Strait. Foreign Secretary Meyer stated in his opening remarks related to the bill that the ratification of this bill by both the Imperial Diet and Imperial Senate "would mark a step into the right direction". This decision comes after the recent policy change from Luthori in regards towards colonail reparations and the Starving Artists' tour being highly successful, leading to an increase within the Luthorian populace of the opinion about Kalistan. Finally, this recognition of Kalistani policy in regards to the Strait is seen as a good will gesture from the Luthorian Foreign Office, as Meyer stated at the beginning of his tenure that Kalistan-Luthori relations were a "priority" for him.

Since the Kalistani Empress' interview with "The Republic", which has been widely seen, in Luthori as being a tacit support of the Foreign Secretary's actions, which aims to reduce the misunderstanding between both states, in order to develop common themes where a discussion towards developing better relations between Fort William and Kaliburg and this change in Luthorian policy may also be helpful in that goal.

Luthori's recent development should send a positive message for the state of Luthori-Kalistan relations, now the reaction from Kalistan will be looked upon.

[Doc]

FM Addresses new Diplomacy with Lourenne and Luthori
Long-standing Diplomacy Chief announces retirement
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 31, 5495


Dame Diane Smith welcomes developments abroad

In a not-unexpected development, long serving Diplomat and head of Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Service, Dame Diane Smith, has announced her intention to retire. Dame Smith started her career more than 50 years ago when she was in her 20s. Over her tenure in office, Dame Smith has negotiated Kalistan's position in a major international war, has participated in numerous international conferences and has seen a dramatic improvement in Kalistan's global reputation. Now in her early 80s, Dame Smith looks forward to living out the remainder of her time on Terra travelling and seeing many of the places in the world that she was not able to visit in an official capacity. Her retirement is set for December of this year.

Before she retires, however, Dame Smith has organized a successful state visit for the visiting King of the United Kingdom of Lourenne, King Leopold V, who toured the Empire earlier this month. Following a major reception in the capital, Her Imperial Majesty, the King joined the the Empress Nicolette and The Prince Consort Victor in a review of the regular forces of the Third Army. Following the military review, the two sovereigns travelled to the National Assembly, where the Empress introduced King Leopold as the "Legitimate Heir of the Legacy of Queen Catherine, and Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Lourenne, King Leopold the Fifth" before inviting him to speak in the Upper House Chambers, before all assembled Deputies and Peers. The reason that the event occurred in the Upper House Chambers is that Kalistani Custom forbids foreign nationals from speaking in the Lower House on any matter. Though just down the hall from the Lower House Chambers, the venue is considered to be far more stately, and is usually reserved for functions such as this.

Following the first day's activities, the King was treated to a banquet at the Ananto Estate in Eveari. In attendance were the members of Her Majesty's Government, including Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc, who spoke at length with His Majesty the King, and discussed communication between the governments of Kalistan and Lourenne. Lady Newburg also briefed the King on the Canrillaise diaspora in Ananto. The King noted that the welcoming of the Lourennais community in Ananto was a cornerstone in the good continued relations between Kalistan and Lourenne. That evening the King was treated to a performance by noted Ananton singer Margurite LaRoux, who performed a major classical-era aria for the King, in Canrillaise. She was accompanied by pop musician Tanya Wegner, who played piano for the event.

The next day, King Leopold travelled to Yoshimi with Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Science Bill Douglas, who gave the King a tour of the research facilities at University of Kalistan. The King took in a presentation of the joint work being done on both sides of the Meridian Strait to develop bio diesels and biopolymers, After the Presentation, the King took a trip on RailSul to Sulari for the evening, where another dinner was scheduled with the Grand Duke of Kalistan, Duke Brad Morris-Montanya. Dame Smith joined the dinner in Sulari, and the two discussed cross Strait relations late into the evening.

At noon the following Day, the Empress herself was on hand to see the Royal Entourage off back to Lourenne. The three-day visit was the longest a sitting Lourenne Monarch has spent in Kalistan in centuries, and is seen as a high mark in Kalistan-Lourenne relations, and caps off a string of successes in Kalistani foreign relations, including the imminent Luthorian recognition of the 2nd Ananto Strait Comprehensive Accord. "This is a major step forward for Kalistan-Luthori relations," said Dame Smith earlier this month. "It is a unilateral move on the part of the Luthorians to join that treaty. But it is a major step forward and demonstrates a commitment to working with Her Imperial Majesty in building a new relationship of peace and understanding. If the Luthorians do adopt the treaty that will open up a door that I believe Her Imperial Majesty is ready to walk through." That said, the matter is not a done deal, and whoever represented the Imperial Court in Luthori, it will not be Dame Smith.

"I absolutely look forward to retiring," said Dame Smith. "I'll hand the position over in January to my deputy, John Collins, who will manage the Ministry until Lady Newburg names my replacement. I suppose at that point, the permanent Minister will be dispatched. I am meanwhile very proud to have finished my own tenure in Her Imperial Majesty's Ministry, and look forward to travelling the world as a private citizen!"

[Doc]

Crown Princess Nears Final Stretch of National Service
Future Sovereign emerges as Leader on major Construction projects
Springfield, Duchy of Odufaray
June 18, 5496

[align=center]
Crown Princess Nicolette, Conscript First Class, oversees a Bridge Project in Odufaray

Her Highness The Crown Princess Nicolette, having completed 75% of her service in the NSP and being promoted to Conscript First Class, has developed a real talent for engineering. The future Empress of Kalistan has worked in the civil engineering Occupational Specialty for two and a half years and feels that learning civil engineering might be what she wants to do when she enrolls in college in a year.

"I just think that civil engineering, including survey, is not only super important, but super interesting," said the Crown Princess. "I find it really exciting to experiment with triangles, whether it be using them on a lateral surface to find map coordinates or turning them vertically to apply loads to them. It's pretty much applied geometry, trigonometry, and physics, and being in the NSP has really opened a whole new world for me. And call me a nerd, but load coefficients was truly fascinating." The Crown Princess says she also enjoys cartography, and gained the love of this from using the data she obtains through surveying to create new ways of understanding how geography and humans interact in the world.

"Currently, I am overseeing a new bridge over the Kluptoon River in the southern Part of the Duchy of Odufaray." said Crown Princess Nicolette. "This bridge my gang is building today will someday serve as a main thoroughfare from Kluptoon to Dana. How many semi trucks and passenger cars will travel over this bridge in its life? It is our job to build it to last for ever, and so consequently the NSP has the most skilled bridge crew in Kalistan on this project. I am proud of the young men and women I work with on this crew, and know that this bridge will serve its role as a vital artery in Odufaray's transit and commerce for decades, if not centuries to come."

The Crown Princess has always loved engineering. "It was what I wanted to do when I entered the Service," said Princess Nicolette. "Like everyone, they asked me what my top three choices for jobs were, and I almost said Engineering Engineering and Engineering, but I picked Cooking and aircraft mechanics, things that I kind of was not... too... good at you know, so they would have to give me Civil Engineering. And of course, you know the Monitors probably see that all the time. To their credit, they tend to try to let people go with their first choice unless there is like a real overflow in a particular occupation, and they will give you every chance to fail, or get a negative evaluation, and then they will find something that you may not like as much but are clearly better at. Lucky for me, all my evals have been very positive, and I get to keep my job." The Crown Princess' megawatt smile telegraphed her positive attitude about her occupation.

The Crown Princess expressed some reservations about leaving the Service in a year. "It's gonna be really hard to go from, you know, all this freedom and everyone being casual around me and everything, to you know, going back to school and taking classes. I'll have more than three years of really practical experience under my belt, and I mean, I just know that when I get done with my Service and go, you know, start prepping for my life as the future Empress or whatever, I think I'll really miss the NSP. Hopefully there is nothing stopping me, when I do become Empress, from coming out and seeing how all these things are made, and continuing to learn how all these huge infrastructure projects are made. It's definitely something that Kalistan needs: Our infrastructure in this country could really use some upgrades!"

Asked if her brother, His Highness Prince Victor will be following her footsteps and joining the NSP right out of Highschool, the Crown Princess said "No, he thinks he would like to look into medicine. And he wants to go right into College. He'll do his NSP time right after he is done with doing Pre-Med, and I imagine they will set him up with a medical company who provides free primary care in rural areas to train him. Then again, they might determine that he has no aptitude for that and might put him with some other occupation. Who knows... It all depends. But he's just starting college now, so he's got some time."

Her Imperial Majesty the Empress visited Crown Princess Nicolette on the job site last week, as she reviewed the plans for the new bridge. "Oh yes," said Nicolette. "Mother is quite proud of our work on this project. It is coming along both ahead of schedule and under budget, because the Minister of Transportation gave us access to some additional resources which were previously dedicated to the Regular Force. So we got a bunch of stuff, including steel beams for basically nothing, allowing us to revise the project cost down quite a bit." Her Highness the Crown Princess said that The Empress was quite pleased with this, and expressed her pride in seeing her daughter work. "My mom even said it was almost too bad that Kalistan couldn't spare me to be an engineer." Princess Nicolette said with a smile.

The Bridge will be completed by November 15th of this year and Crown Princess Nicolette will be discharged on June 1, next year. She is expected to go to Kaliburg Polytechnic to continue studying engineering and mathematics.

[Doc]

Kalistan Selects Pop Singer Megapipe to represent Empire in FOMAT
Contest represents one of the closest results, highest National Participation in History
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 7, 5496


Gaduri-Kalistani singer Megapipe selected to Represent Kalistan at FOMAT XXVI

Music fans in Kalistan are buzzing about the results of the final round of the FOMAT poll run by Radio 1. The results, which are the vote of more than 65 million listeners, shocked many, while leading many millions more to collectively celebrate. In the end, more than 38 million people called in over a week at the end of March to demand that Kalistan send pop&B Singer Megapipe to FOMAT as the Empire's Representative. She beat out her closest competitor by slightly less than a million votes, the margin being simultaneously one of the smallest margins, and one of the largest nominal figures in Kalistan's long history with the international musical contest.

Megapipe, who will perform at FOMAT will sing her smash hit "Lovefix" which describes love that the singer knows is both toxic and highly addicting. "My character is reduced to someone who is basically begging for this love from this guy, and its this total emotional roller coaster," said Megapipe about the song late last year. "Yeah, I think most of us know that feeling. No matter what you do, you can't really ever get away from it because its like a double edged sword, a blessing and a curse." Megapipe will perform the song live in Gaduridos, backed up by the previous FOMAT entries, The Starving Artists, who are Megapipe's labelmates on LCR. "They're really going outside of their comfort area," said Megapipe of the normally hard rocking noise band. "This is pretty standard bass driven pop and soul, and they were totally game to stretch out and play something so radically different than they normally play. Andre (Arnhart, from The Starving Artists) is a really funny guy, a lot of the strings in the song are his ideas..."

Megapipe, the Yoshimi singer whose father is originally from Gaduridos, narrowly beat out a Kaliburg hard rock band called Mike and the Criminals. Megapipe's fanbase, if the poll is to be believed, covers everyone from teenyboppers who are really into pop music all the way to middle aged construction workers and folk music fans. "Man, I voted for Megapipe, because she lives up to her name, and I think its time for Kalistan to finally send someone who can win," said Dana resident Robert Yasgar. "I don't even listen to like R&B or anything. But god damn, that woman can really sing."

"I wanted Mike and the Criminals to win," said Kaliburg metalhead Ginger Michaelson. "But that commercial KMI put out to try to get us all to vote for them... It was just tacky. I think that was the thing that guaranteed that Megapipe would take it." The commercial Michaelson referenced aired on M7 in the run up to the finals, and shows several ostensible fans of Mike and Criminals going into record stores and stealing Megapipe albums and then taking them into an alley and smashing the records, while Mike and the Criminals' music is playing. "I mean, who breaks records like that? Didn't that band's manager say anything before running that horrific commercial?" When fans protested the commercial, KMI pulled the spot, but the damage was already done.

"We saw Megapipe, who is already sort of a second tier superstar across the music spectrum, though she is huge among the R&B crowd, like really hit the stratosphere ahead of the finals last week," said Radio 1's programming director Yasmine Wallace. "We were playing Megapipe's back catalog and our phones were lighting the f--k up! That commercial really screwed Mike and the Criminals and KMI in this contest. Now, she's gonna be the one people remember, and Mike and Criminals are gonna be known for doing stupid sh-t like breaking records..."

Megapipe says she is really honored and ready to represent the Empire at the international contest in Gaduri City. "When I heard that I was even in the contest, I was surprised. But yeah, I'm ready to put it all out there and really kill this. But meanwhile, I got a new record coming out early next year. And The Starving Artists are playing on like two songs on that record. It's all really exciting. I get to produce it, and want to do some of everything on it, like reggae, dancehall, you know, some techno, some like hard RF... everything. I can't wait. These next few years is gonna be so exciting!"

Here's is [video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91daEbU_8s?si=jUwf5ImdPBucEEZr]Megapipe's singing "Lovefix", late last year on M7's National Music Awards, recorded at the Global Music Hall of Fame in Luxon, Ananto[/url].

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91daEbU_8s]

[Doc]

Prince Consort Hospitalized, in Critical Condition
Suffers massive stroke during sail race in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 8, 5496


HHPC Victor's racing yacht falls behind as Emergency Personnel are radioed for help in Kaliburg

His Highness the Prince Consort Victor Martin, aged 68, has suffered a massive stroke this afternoon during the 18th annual Davon Bay Circuit Championship. The Prince Consort was at the helm of one of his racing yachts, The Empress Eliabeth, when his crew signaled race officials for help and immediately began reefing the vessel's sails to signal trouble. Upon arrival, first responders found the Prince Consort to be unconscious and unresponsive to questioning. They immediately took His Highness to Davon Central, where an MRI revealed a large hemorrhage in the Prince Consort's brain, indicating a stroke followed by an aneurism.

Doctors began immediate emergency surgery, but as of the latest reports, there was a lot of internal bleeding during transit, and the pressure on the Prince Consort's brain has likely caused severe damage. Her Imperial Highness, the Empress was rushed to the hospital and the Crown Princess and Prince were also flown into the city from Kalistan Proper to be with the Prince Consort. A spokesperson for the royal family asked for privacy during the Prince Consort's treatment, but also revealed that the prognosis for the Prince Consort was not good. "Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress has authorized me to say that doctors consider it very unlikely that the Prince Consort will regain consciousness, but she intends to hold her husband in the Light, and asks for the Nation's thoughts and good energy on his behalf."

The situation remains critical, and the Hospital has honored the Empress' request and has not made any official statements on the Prince Consort's condition.

The race was finished with the KalMD team's boat winning. The Prince Consort's boat was in 7th when they withdrew from the race.

[Doc]

His Highness the Prince Consort has Died
"He fought for four months" says royal spokesperson
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 4, 5498


His Highness, Prince Consort Victor I Martin-Ananto, last year in Kaliburg

His Highness, the Prince Consort Victor I Martn-Ananto has died at the age of 68. He died of complications relating to a massive stroke he suffered while sailing in Davon Bay in an annual sail boat race last September. "Following the stroke," said a spokesperson for Her Imperial Majesty, "His Highness was placed on artificial respiration and a feeding tube. There were times when it looked like he may have turned a corner, and his vital signs were improving, but then there would be a set back and doctors would need to intervene. The Prince Consort never recovered from his coma, but fought for four long months, as the Empress remained at his side during the entire time, and most official state functions fell to Her Highness, the Crown Princess, who was on leave from the National Service Program and worked with the Prime Minister." The Prince Consort took a dramatic turn for the worse two days ago and the Empress decided at that point that no additional medical intervention should be performed for the Prince Consort, who was allowed to expire at 2:18 am Kaliburg time.

Martin was known as a thrill seeker, and was fond of boat racing and piloting stunt planes. Before marrying Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette and producing two children together, Victor Martin was the Director of ODEN-K and a television and movie stunt man. Martin found little official work to do in the towering shadow of the Empress, and has passed his time not only raising their two children together and travelling the world with them while the Empress was engaged in Kalistani State affairs, but also pursuing his various hobbies, including attending music concerts, representing the Empress at national functions, and racing various kinds of water craft.

"I've never been a man who craves the spotlight," said the notoriously taciturn and camera-shy Martin, who also declined to assume the title or role of Emperor and co-ruler. "To some degree it is unfortunate that my wife was such a public person--we really are polar opposites in this regard and sometimes her public duties have taken her away from home. But the heart wants what the heart wants and she was comfortable letting me stay where I preferred to be while she went out front and served the role she was born to serve. And I loved her that much more for it."

Martin had a health scare four years ago when doctors had the Prince Consort hospitalized due to a detected arrythmia. Following discharge, the Prince Consort did slow down a bit, both figuratively and literally, as he abandoned speed boats for catamarans, and stopped flying stunt planes for fun. "I've had to take up reading," said the Prince Consort in 5496. "It has been something of a challenge for me: I have never read fiction for fun, but Nicole is such an avid reader that I would read her books when she was done with them and then we would sit and discuss what we thought of them. She was very patient with me: She is far my intellectual superior. But I think she's training me well for the years when I can no longer sail and all I will do is sit around the house and read everything she finishes."

The Prince Consort was well thought of in business circles, and was known as a fair and honest man. Private interests would always prefer to work with the Prince Consort because of his reputation as a firm but kind individual. "The Prince Consort could be reasoned with," said Michael North of Sulari Sun Systems. "He was a far better person to deal with than the zealots in the Government or, and I mean this in the most respectful way, the Empress, who is often far more informed than anyone else in the room and is quite often made more distant by protocol. The Prince Consort was approachable and down to earth, and didn't require much adherence to the protocols. I think the Empress would send him when negotiations required a personal touch that her office did not permit, so I think they were a very good team in this regard."

The Prince Consort is survived by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, and their two children, the Crown Princess Nicolette and Prince Victor Ananto-Martin. The Prince Consort is also survived by his brother, Carlos Martin and sister Donita (Wegner) and their families. The Prime Minister has declared tomorrow a day of mourning for the Prince Consort, and asked that the nation honor the Empress' request for privacy for the family. The Prince Consort will be interned in the Ananto Family's Mausoleum in Eveari following funeral services in three days.

May His Highness, Prince Consort Victor Miguel Martin-Ananto rest in peace.