Kalistan

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National Government takes up the cause of Addressing Poverty
"This is the cause of our Lifetime," said Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 15, 5458


Chancellor Johnson addresses Institutionalist Party meeting last week on Poverty

"Poverty continues to grow in Kalistan's Cities," declared Chancellor Johnson, last Wednesday at the weekly Institutionalist Informal Caucus, "and we as a Party must commit to combatting it. This is the cause of our lifetime!" During his keynote address at the coffee for Party leaders, Civic leaders and Student activists, Johnson laid out his government's plan for doing just that.

Johnson said that the Government will return to the cause of urban renewal and construction of new affordable homes. "For a long time, this government has relied on private capital to create homes for people. But the developers like to focus on creating high end housing to serve folks with lots of money. They like to focus on what the kids are referring to as gentrification. I regret to inform you, gentrification prices poor folks out of neighborhoods that they have long lived in, just because they can't afford skyrocketting rents and sharply increasing local property taxes." Part of the program involves a ₭500 Billion investment in increasing the housing stock in several cities in both Ananto and Kalistan, and then a strong push at the national level for rent controls. "The Empress herself has requested that we take definitive steps to get rents under control. This is a burden that we will bear, and we want property owners to share in it as well." The Chancellor committed to bringing a National Rent Control bill to the floor in the National Assembly within six months.

The Chancellor also wants to jumpstart the National MagLev rail construction program in Ananto. "We are looking for private contribution, from businesses and individual investors here in Ananto who would benefit in the long run from increased and improved infrastructure construction," said Johnson. "To seed the project, Her Imperial Majesty herself has pledged ₭10 million over the next 5 years and challenges both foreign and domestic investors to match her giving. This sustainable, clean and rapid mass transit will be a tremendous boost to the economic health and well being for the people of Ananto, and we need to start it soon."

Finally, the Chancellor has pledged to revitalize the National Service Program. "We would like to work with both public and private sector businesses to introduce into the NSP some skills prep for the work force. Over the years, while the NSP does serve as a public sector army of sorts for Kalistan's youth, there has been a growing skills mismatch between what the NSP provides and what businesses need. We need people who are engineers, people who are technicians, people who can give Kalistan an edge in international finance, in addition to the plumbers, electricians, surveyors, and general labor skills provided by the NSP. This proposal would layer a secondary skill set through the NSP, to give members an opportunity to exercise and train in other aptitudes in addition to the skills they currently acquire, so that employers aren't having to spend a lot of money on training. That money then can go to hiring more workers, or increasing salaries and benefits for workers who are already on the job."

The Chancellor was asked if the Government would tamper with ZPG strategies to encourage investment, and he was clear. "No. The Kalistani Ruble is rock solid, and we will stick with zero percent growth as long as I am the Chancellor. There is no reason to deliberately take a jackhammer to the foundation of our Nation's economy. Does it mean we miss out on some opportunities? Certainly. But fundamental conservatism around ZPG is not a bad thing. We should strive to reinforce what actually works in our economy, not cave to liberal siren songs about opening up to the world neoliberal economic order, or their gloom and doom scenarios about the imminent collapse of the Ruble-- how many centuries have they been trying to use their flawed models to predict the Ruble's collapse? And yet, because our currency and our banking system is built on the mitigation of risk, rather than the adoption of it, we strangely seem to avoid most financial crises that plague other nations? Miraculous-- not really, but why would this Government tamper with that?"

Overall, the Chancellor was quick to note, "These are only our marquee proposals for combatting Poverty, and this is really just a first stab at the problem. It will take a lot of creativity and a lot of time. But Her Imperial Majesty is clear: She requires us all to get to work on the growing plight of the poor in Ananto and Kalistan, and to spare no means to accomplish this gargantuan task. We hope you will all work with Her Majesty's Government in taking steps toward addressing the complex issues of poverty, and making a serious effort toward improving the lives of Kalistanis across this nation."

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Ladies Invitational Bowling Tournament held in Kaliburg
Empress Nicolette finishes tournament Second Over all
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 7, 5459


Her Imperial Majesty bowls a strike at the Kaliburg Ladies Invitational

The Kaliburg Ladies Invitational Bowling Tournament was held this year in the Capital, and for the first time in its storied history, featured royalty. The Ladies Invitational is a bowling invitational tournament held once every four years, and is staggered with the Men's Invitational held at the same intervals. This year's single elimination tournament featured 32 of the best female bowlers who competed over four days in both doubles and singles play. The first three rounds, from 32 to 16, then 16 to 8 and then 8 to 4 are doubles matches, where Ladies are paired up based on their league standings. They keep the same teams until 4 bowlers are left, and then the team plays two sets as single, the first set dropping the lowest two scores, and the championship match featuring the two best bowlers in the Nation.

Her IMperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette I was invited to the tournament due to her outstanding ranking in the Eveari Singles Thursday Night League, and was paired with Donita Forrester from Vrassa City. The Pair went three-and-0 in the all three matches in the first round, easily advancing, then 2-1 in the second round and then 3-0 in the third round. In the singles' sets, Donita Forrester was knocked out, finishing 3rd, while the Empress found herself in the finals against Sulari Bowler and Duchy Legend Hillary Jones. During this set, the Empress bowled a perfect 300 game, but Jones tied the set up 272-265 and in the third match, defeated the Empress 285-260. Jones was crowned winner for the night, and the Empress congratulated her on her excellent competition.

Empress Nicolette is the first member of the Ananto House to ever compete in a national bowling tournament. Asked at the end of the tournament how she felt coming in second, Her Imperial Majesty responded, "Well, I am honored to be among such excellent bowlers. Each one of these Ladies played their hearts out, and it is very encouraging for me, as such an outspoken fan of this sport to see such enthusiasm and skill on display. I, of course admire Hillary: She did some amazing things out there on the lanes, and her technique is very impressive to me. She kind of proves to me what my friends always told me when I was just starting: The straight ball will only take you so far. Hillary had a great hook, put it into the pocket every time, and picked up difficult spares, and even though I bowled better than I have ever bowled in my life, she really deserved her win. I'm happy to have gotten to compete."

The tournament completed, the competitors stuck around after for the Celebration Party, featuring live music and dancing from Kaliburg's own King Pins, who featured covers of popular rock songs, and bowling related humor. The Empress stayed for the celebration and took many photos with fellow competitors, well wishers, spectators and fans. "I am glad I get nights like this where I don't have to be the Empress, and just be my regular self," said Her Imperial Majesty.

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Affordable Housing Highlighted by Health and Social Services
New Construction starting across the Empire
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 8, 5459


New affordable multi-family construction in Lolla Kaliburg, featuring murals from Gaduri artist Guadalupe Cruz

The Imperial Government under Institutionalist Chancellor Michael Johnson has begun a new building program in earnest across the cities and towns of the Empire. New Construction on the first Affordable units is being completed in Kaliburg, Sulari, and Addisjah, some of the areas with the greatest need. Overall, the aim is to begin a process of vertical development in areas long left empty during the periods of Urban Renewal.

As part of the National Rent Control Act, by command of Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Nicolette, the Government of Kalistan has put a bill on the floor which will establish rent control set at no more than 10 percent of Disposable Income. In law, the Nation owns all housing (a relic of the Socialist Party era), but in practice, many people rent living space to families on a private basis. This law aims to clamp down on this practice, reasserting the role of the Nation in housing. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Samuel Carruthers, hailed the Fiat Proclamation, and spoke eloquently on the bill when it was put before the Legislature.

"Friends, we welcome this development to ensure that Kalistan is able to live up to its promises. Her Imperial Majesty's vision and leadership on this important issue is the motive force for these changes in our Nation. Long have the people waited for the Government to summon the political courage to take this step on behalf of the poor and homeless in Kalistan. And now, finally, it looks like we will make good on the promise we have made for generations. It cannot happen too soon, for the nearly 1 million of Kalistani Citizens who sleep nightly on the street, in their cars, or on the couch of a friend. Housing security, and with it, food and job security are within our grasp, and we should enthusiastically embrace these advancements in the interests of the people of this Empire!"

Thus far, in the previous year, more than 1500 units have been opened up for Kalistani Occupancy in Ananto, Suldanor, and Vrassa. There is an estimated need of 250,000 units across the Empire. The Rent Control act directs NSP activities toward building new multi-family residences across the Empire to begin meeting this need, and new construction will be with us for some time. Landlords who currently rent to individuals will receive a year of subsidies to help them make up for lost income on their rental properties. Part of the time limit, said Carruthers, is to encourage those with more property than they need to take care of their family, to sell that property off, so that the Ministry can make it available to residents. "The issue is, of course many saw housing as an investment," said the Minister. "So they were going to attempt to extract as much wealth out of their property as they could get away with. But of course, that does not allow our society to meet the needs of the people of Kalistan, so our goal is to alleviate this problem by attacking it both on the supply and the demand side."

National Rent Control (Bill: http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill.php?billid=702039) will go into effect in Kalistan on May 1, 5460. Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress has lent her full support to this bill, and has commanded the Chancellor to put it on the floor of the National Assembly for ratification.

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Empress Nicolette Seeks to reach out to Neighbors
"As Kalistan reawakens, we need to restore old friendships", says Empress
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 22, 5460


Empress Nicolette looks forward to meeting with Ruling Households of the Area's Monarchies

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette has expressed her interest in meeting with the Heads of State of Neighboring Nations, specifically those with Monarchies. "It is our desire," said the Empress in a short radio interview, "to meet with other governing monarchs and sovereigns in the Anantonese Ocean region of Terra. These are our neighbors and should be our friends. The Anantonese Ocean has recently become a sea of Monarchy and our goal is to work with our fellow monarchies to ensure continued peace, stability, and tranquility in our own Corner of the world, even if other parts of the world tear themselves apart with war and famine."

The Empress specifically referred to her desire to travel to Dolgava, Kiezenia, Lourenne, and Indrala, but would also appreciate opportunities to visit Lodamon, Gaduridos, Seko and Egelion in the near future. "We should certainly make it a point to visit our cousin in the United Kingdom, with whom our realm has maintained the closest ties. But we should also like very much to meet the Kaiser Gustav and his family in Dolgava. It is our understanding that they have extended an informal invitation to us, through the Crown Prince, and we would be delighted to take the opportunity to renew our long standing comity and fraternity with our northern Neighbors." The Empress also said she very much looks forward to greeting the reigning Son of Heaver, Emperor Yao, and seeing the Heavenly Palace, and discussing Oceanic Affairs, trade, and cultural exchange.

"We of course would also like to visit the Republics nearby the Empire," said The Empress. "We have had our own history with republicanism in Kalistan. The Chancellor is convinced that renewing economic ties with Lodamun and cultural ties with Gaduridos will be in our interest. So we should take all opportunities we can obtain." State visits to Republican states have suddenly become more difficult than they were previously, because they will likely be marked by an informality which has been driven out of fashion in the restored Imperial Court. "We would like to note, however, that even is we do not find the opportunity for a state visit with our Republican friends, we nonetheless wish to express a fond good will toward you and would add you would be welcomed and treated most kindly should you ever make your way to Kalistan."

The Empress gave these brief remarks to reporters with KRTVN 1 after she gave a ceremonial address at the opening of a new art installation and charity fundraiser in Capitol Park, Kaliburg, and they were broadcast during the Channel 1 Evening News.

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Empress and Chancellor Give speeches on Non Aligned Movement
"The Non Aligned Movement is more important now than Ever," says Johnson
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 1, 5460


The Empress in Sulari and the Chancellor in Kaliburg, both speak on NAM

In a push to improve Kalistan's profile on the International Stage, both Her Imperial Majesty Empress Nicolette and Chancellor Michael Johnson delivered keynote addresses on the importance of Non-Alignment. The Empress spoke to the Sulari Seleyan Affairs Council in Sulari, and Chancellor Johnson spoke to the annual meeting of the Foreign Policy Council at Kaliburg Polytechnic. This speech series kicks off a new campaign to raise international interest in the Kalistan-sponsored Non Aligned Movement, of which Kalistan, Indrala, Kundrati, Rutania, Malivia, and Gaduridos are member States.

"We are at an important time in the history of international affairs," said Her Imperial Majesty The Empress in Sulari. "Kalistan has long stood for the principle of independence in our foreign politics. It is encouraging to see so many other nations adopting the same stance toward regional and great power alliances. While there is something to be said for large alliance blocs, we have found that they do not trend toward peace and threat mitigation but rather increased levels of international competition. As blocs square off, even a slight defection by one of the member states is seen as an existential threat to the entire system. Consequently, the independence mindset, and the Non Aligned Movement specifically, aims to offer a pressure valve of sorts: to provide those who do not want their foreign policy dictated to them by either a Great Power who is leading a power bloc or a collective security treaty, to have some place to go to stand outside alliance-caused conflict, and be able to exercise nuance in their foreign policy. The Non Aligned Movement provides an important counterpoint to the rather fascistic ideology which says there is no other alternative outside of siding with one great power or some regional bloc, on the one hand, and becoming a pariah on the other. In this regard, the Non Aligned Movement also offers an important tool for peace and diplomacy in international Affairs."

Chancellor Johnson added to these comments in Kaliburg: "The Non Aligned Movement allows nations around the world to realize that there are many of us who are actually committed to cooperation for peace. And the Non Aligned Movement is more important now than ever before! We believe that security is best accomplished through peace and dialogue, and the Non Aligned Movement guarantees both with our principles of Soveriegnty that supersedes any treaties that compel action in response to aggression in some other country, Non Agression between Member States, Non-Interference in domestic affairs, Mutual Benefit, and support for National Liberation movements across Terra. Membership in NAM puts us squarely on the side of those who seek independence from domination by another country in all aspects. Through it we are guarantees a forum, characterized by equality, for discussion of international differences, and more importantly, for opportunities to cooperate with one another in furthering mutual goals. The Non Aligned Movement is a major force for peace on the International Stage."

Both the Empress and the Chancellor ended their speeches with a call for non-aligned nations across Terra to join the Non Aligned Movement. "The larger we are as a movement, the louder will be the voice for Peace in Terra," said Empress Nicolette. "The more we can talk and work collectively for the common good of all humanity, the less we will need regional or great power blocs to dictate our own foreign policy choices to us." The Chancellor ended his speech with a call for a new Non Aligned Summit. "We would ideally like to get all Memberstates to agree to a new Summit to discuss how to grow our movement across Terra, to include Dovani States, who themselves aren't part of major Regional Blocs in Majatra or Artania, as well as including more countries here in Seleya, as well as Keris and Macon, who themselves aren't tied to a major bloc. The Empress has instructed this Government to begin the process of reaching out to Member Nations to organize a new Summit to this end."

The two speeches were attended by foreign policy experts and government officials attached to the Foreign Ministry, as well as invited Guests from Kalistan's KALMILINCO and various business interests across the Empire, who generally applauded the moves for Peace across Terra in the meetings, though several questions were raised to NAM's inactivity, and resulting ineffectiveness at dealing with ongoing international crises. "That is a fair critique and is certainly something we wish to remedy," said Chancellor Johnson. "Hence the beginning of our efforts to jumpstart the NAM this year."

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Minister for Infrastructure and Transport kicks off capital campaign for Ananto Rail
Public-Private Partnership aims to raise ₭127 Billion from the Private Sector
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 7, 5461


Minister Allen delivers speech before Blue Chip Investors at Kalsie Last Thursday

The Minister for Infrastructure, Xena Allen, delivered a key note speech to kick off the year long Capital Campaign aimed at raising more than ₭125 Billion from the Private Sector to help finance the planned and long awaited Ananto Rail Maglev Infrastructure project. "We are ready to go in the National Government," said Allen. We have matching funds already laid out for this project and now we need the Private Sector to step up and do their job to contribute to the National Rail System." The Minister's speech was delivered in the Kalsie, before about 150 representatives of blue chip companies, who gave her a cordial but tepid response.

"There is a reason that the investment community hasn't backed the Ananto Rail system in more than 100 years," said one investor, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Its because there's just not a lot of return on investment. We have more than 100 years of data on this subject looking at Kalistan, and the project while profitable, and provides private actors who are still in the pool a trickle of regular returns, that money can be used else where that can more aggressively generate profit for shareholders. Unless the Private Sector gets a majority of the votes on the governing boards of the various Duchy rail companies, we will never be able to make that investment more attractive than invseting in something like the Kalsie, where we can see 5,6,7 percent on the safest investments. 1 percent annual return just isn't that attractive to me."

Other investors, while saying that high speed maglev trains would be a great thing for tourism and commerce in Ananto, also said the problem is the public majority stake in the system. "We seem to be blessed with directors on the public side who are more concerned with giving freeloaders a ride," said Marcus Turner, who does purchasing for SLW ltd. "The State seems to believe that good political sense also makes good ecconomic sense when every Kalistani knows that those two interests tend to be diametrically opposed. I understand that they need to serve their constituents, but then they shouldn't wonder why a company who is in business specifically to make money doesn't just join in those money pits. That would be bad for business, especially at the margins we already have to operate at."

Other investors were more optimistic about the opportunity to invest, including Daphne Rodriguez, who is CFO for Yoshimi Entertainment, a major casino owner in Yoshimi, Suldanor. "The lack of modern tourism infrastructure in Ananto is what has dissuaded our company from expanding operations to the Island. We had a deal in the works to build a new casino resort in Luxon, and it fell through because the numbers didn't add up: we didn't have a major air or rail terminal there, and it is far too expensive to build around Kaliburg, so the building of a MagLev rail system on Ananto will be the thing we need to go through with our expansion. We will benefit from a lot of the follow on effects that the MagLev will bring, and that will put our calculations, even with this investment, into the black. We will be stupid not to help get this project off the ground." Several other investors felt the same and believe that they can make a big impact in this campaign.

"We all know people who aren't here who can contribute," said Mica Westerburg, of Ananto Finance. "An investment consortium might be a solution to uncertainty, and address the need for such a large sum of capital as well. We will be in talks with companies and sources of investment capital that we work with this year to found an investment group that can bundle lots of small donations and ensure people make their money back on the private side."

Government watchers give the public private partnership a 50-50 chance of succeeding but the move at least shows that the Government is interested in taking the initial steps to finally get maglev development in Ananto off the ground, which is something that has promised by the Institutionalists for decades now. We will track this story over the coming year.

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Foreign Minister Diane Smith flies to Deltaria
Imperial Government aims to lay groundwork for NAM in Majatran Nation
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 20, 5461


FM Diane Smith flies to Deltaria to represent Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Nicolette in initial talks concerning NAM

A recent opening in the rock solid Majatran bloc has caused sudden action on the part of Her Imperial Majesty's Government today, as news came that Deltaria has begun the process of withdrawing from the Majatran Security Cooperation Organization (MSCO). "This presents an excellent opportunity for the Non Aligned Movement," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Diane Smith. "I an really excited to have the opportunity to go represent Her Imperial Majesty and the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan abroad for the first official trip of this Government. I aim to lobby on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. As collective security arrangements don't necessarily work for everyone, and Deltaria has expressed dissatisfaction with the current arrangement, this is an opportunity for us to speak with their government and form the basis for a cooperative and friendly relationship between our two nations."

The Non Aligned Movement has been a top priority of Her Imperial Majesty's government since before she took the throne. "Her Majesty would like me to express that Deltaria, in a neutral position, would be most welcomed in the Non Aligned Movement. The benefit to Kalistan and the NAM is that the Movement will expand into that corner of the world for perhaps the first time, and the benefit to Deltaria is the serious commitment this Movement takes to independence in Foreign Policy, support for sovereignty and support for self-determination in foreign affairs. If Deltaria is truely committed to peace, as Her Majesty believes they are, the Non Aligned Movement is the perfect place for them. It will also allow Deltaria to begin posing as a counterpoint to the regional hegemony in that area and will offer other states an alternative."

Minister Smith left for Deltaria this morning. She is reportedly "thrilled".

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Vrassa District Records to re-Release "Reimagining Stepanov"
The 553 Year old Album is considered to be a "masterpiece" by generations
Vrassa City, Duchy of Vrassa
April 7, 5462


Jennifer Stepanov, one of Kalistan's greatest, at her home in 4901

The legendary alt-folk artist Jennifer Stepanov, who took home the victory at the 4905's FOMAT XV held in Vascania, is being reintroduced to Kalistani music lovers with a special re-issue of "Reimagining Stepanov", a tribute album of her music done by her contemporaries following her untimely death in 4907. The record, produced by Alt-Folk legend and mentor Joanie Yeardley, is a fitting tribute to a master craftsperson in Stepanov, and is an excellent time capsule for the culture of that time. While Kalistan's music industry is still considered the premier music industry in Terra, it has never surpassed the volume, nor the diversity in styles prevalent in the Republic of Kalistan in the late 4800s and very early 4900s. VDR therefore felt that the time was right for the re-issue. "We wanted to make this music available once more to audiences in Kalistan," said VDR spokesperson Annie McGough. "Jennifer Stepanov was one of the shining stars in the Kalistani Musical Galaxy and her legacy deserves to be remembered and celebrated."

The re-release honors the 553rd anniversary of the initial release of the classic album, which is considered by many to be the height of Kalistani cultural influence in Terra. The creatively explosive era featured the rise of several genres of music which still can be heard across Kalistan these days including Ska Punk from Dana, Grit and Alt Folk in Vrassa and KME in Sulari. Within a span of 16 years, Kalistani singers and bands won 3 FOMATs, starting with KME artist La Sol at FOMAT X in 4888, and including Dana ska artists Red Tone Ten Years Later at FOMAT XIII and Stepanov in 4904. Kalistan would not win another FOMAT until FOMAT XXIII in 5399.

Stepanov herself didn't handle her new and sudden fame well: Within three years following her FOMAT win in Vascania, she was dead of an overdose of alcohol and barbiturates. For all of Stepanov's notoriety, she never herself recorded a single full length LP, though she did release a number of singles. Her reluctance to record her music was increasingly frustrating to her label, VDR, who signed her and then fought with her over her reputation of being unreliable in the studio. But Stepanov has, for half a millennium, been considered one of Kalistan's greatest songwriters, having penned more than thirteen hundred songs in a dozen genres, many of which are considered masterpieces and exemplars of the genre. 16 of those songs were recorded by close friends and fans of Stepanov in 4909 and released as "Reimagining Stepanov," with the proceeds of the album going to recoup costs of production and then the album being made free to all.

The album features tracks from such early 50th century musicians as Red Tone, whose lead singer Monica Pella, herself a FOMAT winner, was a very close friend to Stepanov, as well as fellow Alt-Folk luminaries Joanie Yeardley, Jorgenson, and country musician Tom Duckat. It also features some of the earliest examples of proto noise Alternative in the songs provided by Alt rockers Salgo, Danica Dystemper and Severe Biter. A Psychobilly tune is provided by Lion Pack, who took Stepanov's place as host of the FOMAT XIV in Kalistan, KME is represented by Gaduri band Hola Unicorn!, Hard Rock is represented by The Jinglies from Sulari, and Alternative is present in abundance with songs by Davis Dulces, Hutori rockers Clash, Sunshine Alternative musicians 10 Foot Front, and The Murjras. Dub even makes an appearance on "Killer Meteor" by the Vrassa Dub All Stars. And Stepanov appeared on the record postumously, with the posthumously released single "Bombshell." All songs were composed by Stepanov, but the artists themselves were allowed to arrange them how they liked, to highlight Stepanov's versatility in song writing.

The reissued album features both the original single disc LP with all 16 original songs remastered, as well as a second disc containing 8 singles that Stepanov released individually on VDR, many of which were very popular in Kalistan at the time, and 4 additional tracks that VDR did not release but, but which Stepanov released independently and circulated on bootleg and dubbed tapes (nearly all of which has been since lost in the general public). The 2 disc double play LP will be available at record stores free of charge, with VDR paying all costs. "Stepanov was opposed to selling her art," said McGough. "To dust it off, remaster it, and sell it now that she is a ghost would be some of the worst violence that could be done to her memory. So we made the decision to put it out again for free, exactly as she would have wanted if she were alive today."


Original Front Album Cover is retained for 5462 reissue

Reimagining Stepanov, the 5462 Re-Issue from VDR can be streamed in full here

Track List for 5462 Re-release:

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

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

Disc Two
Side C
"How Can I?" (VDR, 4903)
"Don't Leave Me" (VDR, 4903)
"Song for the Radio" (VDR, 4903)
"Faith" (VDR, 4903)
"Statue on a Mountaintop"" (VDR, 4904)
"If I kiss you..." (VDR, 4905)

Side D
"My Sweetest Downfall' (VDR, 4905)
"Watching Each Other" (VDR, 4906)
"God Can be Funny" (Independent Recording, 4906)
"Todo La Armada" (Independent Recording 4907)
"What a Strange Strange World We live in" (Independent Recording, 4907)
"Chips and Rocc Cola" (Independent Recording, 4907)

Original Story Published in Kalistani Rawk Monthly, Jan 8, 4909

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Empress Greets News of Deltaria's joining NAM
Calls for large scale advance in Philosophy of Non Alignment
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 8, 5463


Her Imperial Majesty greets reporters and gives brief comments on Deltaria's entrance into NAM

Greeting the news Tuesday from Deltaria, one of Majatra's most important nation who has recently begun charting an independent course in foreign policy, Her Imperial Majesty gave a brief, off the cuff statement to reporters from The Republic. The Empress was in Eveari for the month at the Imperial Palace, now that renovations have been completed and the Imperial Museum has been relocated to another building off the grounds.

"We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Deltarians to the Non Aligned Movement," said the Empress. "Deltaria and Kalistan have maintained cordial relations for a long time after the Creighton affair was resolved, and we appreciated the opportunity to visit and meet their Prime Minister. Minister Smith reported that the members of their government greeted us warmly, provided ample entertainment and were very serious about discussing the ways that The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan and The Grand Empire of Deltaria might work together commercially, culturally and in the security realm. We believe there are many avenues for cooperation, and their adoption of the Non Aligned Movement opens a number of those avenues. We look forward to giving our military the opportunity to train with Deltaria as it stands back up again, and our consumers and investors look forward to commercial opportunities with that part of the world, which has thus far been completely locked against Kalistan."

The Empress was asked whether Her Majesty's Government and the Emperor of Deltaria may eventually meet, and she was non committal. "We have looked for opportunities to visit other nations, and therefore imagine that this is another avenue to explore. Nothing formal has been committed to date with the Emperor of Deltaria, but we believe our visit to the Grand Empire will lead to many additional opportunities. As she finished, her body man, Mr. Lewis Tamarack signaled to her. The Empress excused herself and headed further into the Palace, as Tamarack explained that Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress Nicolette would be in meetings with the Prime Minister for the rest of the morning, and directed further questions to the Office of the Prime Minister at the National Assembly.

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First miles of Ananto Rail line being Laid
Project to initially focus on link to Dahriel to Luxon
Dahriel, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 20, 5463


Dahriel Station is will soon connect to Luxon by Maglev Rail

With the initial capital raised from public and private sources, and a new publicly owned, privately managed and operated company called AnantoRail formed, engineers and construction workers are beginning to lay tracks for what will someday become the last major link in the National Rail Line. The first tracks are being laid between Dahriel and Luxon in the Grand Duchy of Ananto, and residents of the Island are finally looking forward to joining the rest of the nation with modern transportation infrastructure. The rail line has been in the planning phases for nearly a century and a quarter, and it seems that each time a start is made on the process, it hits some roadblock.

"But we finally have all the pieces in place to actually begin construction on what will likely be the most expensive undertaking Kalistan has ever put together," said Doris Martin, General Project Overseer for Ananto Rail. "The funding is in place, through public and private financing to construct just about 200 miles of track in the first go. That will permit the construction of the maglev track from Dahriel to Luxon, which is just about 173 miles apart. As we build this link, we will continue raising funds for the next part of the construction, from Luxon to Kaliburg, which is more than twice that distance."

The National Assembly voice voted a bill that would allow imminent domain to be claimed along the right of way for the track. "We are attempting to cut costs by maintaining current infrastructure in place," said Martin, "but we will obviously be building a number of bridges for waterways and animal migration paths, so as to reduce damage to the ecosystem and to wildlife habitats. The land between Dahriel and Luxon is one of the least populated parts of the Empire, so it is our hope to run along the existing highway, using the wildlife points that system has set up to protect wildlife in the area. Where possible, especially in areas adjacent to forests, we will build the track as an elevated rail, so that animals may pass freely underneath, and neither wildlife nor train will pose a threat to each other. As in all things, this adds to the cost and will lengthen construction costs."

The stretch of track is expected to take three years to complete, if winters pass as normal, and should be opened for passenger transit in 5466. Meanwhile, construction on a new central station in Kaliburg will begin next year. The Current Kaliburg Station near the Mall is expected to be fully renovated and retrofitted for Maglev trains, that are expected to replace terrestrial trains. A new Maglev line will be build upon the existing infrastructure in Kaliburg, and upon leaving the city, the Maglev will connect over the Davon Mountains to Eveari, while another line will head to Dulnerstaad, and a third line will begin making its way toward Luxon.

"This project will be very expensive," said Martin, "But the capital campaign was considered a success, and initial start up funds are raised. Now that this project has finally left the planning board and is being turned into real miles of track, we are expecting more investors to come on board. Foreign investment would be nice, but we aren't holding our breath for that, especially since countries who are interested in investing in projects overseas tend to like to own those things, and that is quite impossible here."

Martin said, if all goes as planned, funds will be raised and all track will be completed in Ananto within 15 years. "There are lots of moving parts to manage here, but at least we now have them all beginning to fit together. It is the engineering project of a lifetime. We propose to complete it in less than two decades."