#Coffee trading in Australia

[scottbiffin]

Exploring the Growing Coffee Trading Market in Australia- Trends and Opportunities

Australia has long been known for its vibrant coffee culture. From bustling cafes to artisanal roasters, the country has cultivated a deep passion for coffee. While much of the spotlight has traditionally been on the consumption side, the coffee trading market in Australia is becoming a significant area of growth. As the world experiences shifting dynamics in coffee production and demand, Australia is carving out a niche as both a consumer and player in the global coffee trading market. In this blog post, we will explore the trends shaping the coffee trading market in Australia, examine the opportunities it presents, and highlight the challenges the industry faces.

Australia’s Coffee Culture: A Foundation for Trade

Australia’s affinity for coffee is well-documented. Since the post-World War II migration waves, when Italian and Greek immigrants introduced espresso machines to the country, Australians have developed an unyielding devotion to quality coffee. This cultural foundation laid the groundwork for an emerging coffee trading market, as consumers demand high-quality beans sourced from diverse regions across the globe.

The popularity of specialty coffee has transformed the way Australians consume coffee. They no longer seek just a caffeine hit; instead, they want to know the story behind their cup—the origins of the beans, the farm where they were grown, and the sustainability practices involved. This growing consumer awareness has encouraged coffee traders and roasters to source premium, ethically produced beans, fueling the demand for diverse and specialty coffee.

Trends Shaping the Australian Coffee Trading Market

1. Rise of Specialty Coffee Trading

One of the most significant trends driving the coffee trading market in Australia is the rise of specialty coffee. Specialty coffee refers to beans that score 80 points or more on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale, indicating high quality in terms of flavor, aroma, and production processes. The specialty coffee market has been growing steadily, with many traders now focusing on sourcing beans that meet these premium standards.

Coffee traders in Australia have begun forging relationships with smallholder farms and cooperatives in countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya. Direct trade models are becoming more prevalent, allowing traders to work closely with farmers to ensure higher-quality beans and better pricing for growers. This trend is also tied to increasing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in coffee sourcing.

2. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability is now a major consideration for Australian coffee traders. With growing awareness of climate change and its impact on coffee-growing regions, there is an increased focus on sourcing beans from farms that use sustainable practices. This includes everything from water conservation and organic farming methods to ensuring fair labor conditions for farm workers.

Ethical sourcing practices, such as Fair Trade certifications and direct trade relationships, are also becoming more common. Australian consumers are willing to pay a premium for coffee that is sourced responsibly, and traders are responding by prioritizing partnerships with coffee producers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices.

3. Technological Advancements in Coffee Trading

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the coffee trading market. Digital platforms and marketplaces have emerged, allowing traders to connect with farmers and buyers more easily. These platforms provide greater transparency in the supply chain, enabling traders to access real-time information on pricing, availability, and quality of beans.

Blockchain technology is also making waves in coffee trading. It enables the tracking of coffee beans from farm to cup, ensuring traceability and authenticity. This is particularly important for specialty coffee traders who need to prove the origins and quality of their beans. In addition, blockchain can help ensure fair pricing and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain.

4. Growing Interest in Coffee Futures Trading

While Australia is traditionally more involved in physical coffee trading, there is a growing interest in coffee futures trading as well. Coffee futures are contracts that allow traders to buy or sell coffee at a set price on a future date. This type of trading is common in global commodity markets, particularly in New York and London, but Australian traders are starting to explore this avenue to hedge against market fluctuations.

Coffee futures provide traders with a tool to mitigate risks, especially as the price of coffee can be highly volatile due to factors such as climate change, geopolitical events, and global supply and demand dynamics. As Australia becomes more integrated into the global coffee market, futures trading could offer an opportunity to strengthen its position.

Opportunities in the Australian Coffee Trading Market

The evolving coffee trading market in Australia offers several exciting opportunities for both local and international players. Here are some key areas to watch:

1. Expanding Specialty Coffee Market

Australia’s specialty coffee scene is thriving, and the demand for high-quality beans is only expected to grow. This presents a significant opportunity for coffee traders to focus on sourcing and importing beans from regions known for their specialty coffee production. By building strong relationships with coffee growers and cooperatives, traders can secure exclusive access to some of the best beans in the world.

Additionally, the growing consumer demand for unique and diverse flavors creates opportunities for traders to introduce lesser-known coffee origins to the Australian market. Traders who can differentiate their offerings by providing rare or exotic beans stand to benefit from a market that values exclusivity and quality.

2. Direct Trade Models

Direct trade has gained popularity in Australia as a way to ensure better quality and transparency in the coffee supply chain. By cutting out intermediaries, coffee traders can establish direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives, allowing them to negotiate better pricing for both parties and ensure higher-quality beans. This model benefits both the trader and the grower, creating a win-win scenario.

In a direct trade model, traders can also support farmers in improving their growing practices, investing in infrastructure, and obtaining certifications that meet the increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable coffee. This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens the overall supply chain and enhances the reputation of traders committed to responsible sourcing.

3. Investment in Sustainable and Organic Coffee

With the focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing growing, there are opportunities for coffee traders to specialize in sustainable and organic coffee. Consumers are increasingly looking for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and USDA Organic, which can boost the appeal of beans sourced under these programs.

Traders who invest in building relationships with coffee farms that prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility are likely to find a receptive market in Australia. Promoting organic, shade-grown, or bird-friendly coffee options can differentiate traders from competitors while also aligning with the values of environmentally conscious consumers.

4. Increased Role of Digital Platforms

Digital platforms and coffee trading marketplaces are revolutionizing the way traders do business. By using these platforms, traders can streamline the process of sourcing and selling coffee beans, gaining access to a broader network of buyers and sellers. These platforms also provide greater transparency in pricing and quality, reducing the risks associated with coffee trading.

Coffee traders in Australia who adopt these digital tools can benefit from increased efficiency and reach, opening up new business opportunities both locally and globally. Moreover, leveraging data and analytics from these platforms can help traders make more informed decisions about sourcing, pricing, and inventory management.

5. Exploring the Growing Asian Coffee Market

Australia’s proximity to Asia presents a unique opportunity for coffee traders to tap into the rapidly growing coffee markets in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. These markets have seen a surge in coffee consumption, particularly in urban areas, creating new opportunities for Australian coffee traders to export high-quality beans to these regions.

The increasing interest in specialty coffee in Asia further boosts the potential for Australian traders to establish themselves as key suppliers to this market. Building partnerships with Asian distributors and roasters could open the door to a growing consumer base that is eager to explore premium coffee options.

Challenges in the Australian Coffee Trading Market

While there are numerous opportunities, the Australian coffee trading market is not without its challenges. Traders need to be mindful of these potential obstacles to successfully navigate the industry.

1. Price Volatility

Coffee is a commodity that is subject to price fluctuations due to various factors such as weather conditions, political instability in coffee-growing regions, and global demand shifts. For traders, managing this price volatility can be challenging, especially when operating on tight margins. Futures trading offers one way to mitigate some of this risk, but it requires a deep understanding of the market.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions

The global coffee supply chain is complex, involving multiple players from farmers to exporters, traders, roasters, and retailers. Any disruptions in this chain, whether due to natural disasters, political instability, or logistical issues, can affect the availability and pricing of coffee beans. Traders need to be prepared to handle these disruptions and have contingency plans in place.

3. Climate Change

Climate change poses a significant threat to the coffee industry, as many coffee-growing regions are experiencing shifting weather patterns that affect crop yields and quality. For traders, this means dealing with potential supply shortages and increased competition for high-quality beans. Investing in long-term relationships with farmers and supporting sustainable farming practices can help mitigate the risks posed by climate change.

Conclusion

The coffee trading market in Australia is an exciting space, driven by trends such as the rise of specialty coffee, sustainability, and technological advancements. For traders, the key to success lies in understanding consumer preferences, building strong relationships with coffee producers, and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and innovation.

With the right strategies, traders can capitalize on the growing demand for premium, ethically sourced coffee, both in Australia and beyond. The opportunities are vast, and for those willing to invest in quality, transparency, and sustainability, the future of coffee trading in Australia looks promising.

[fatehbaz]

British ships carrying plants and seeds from around the world arrived in Botany Bay on January 20 1788. This story is overshadowed by convict ships and Royal Navy vessels, but the cargo on board also had a lasting impact. Colonists, convicts and Indigenous Australians were all affected [...]. Some of these plants [...] were food sources [...]. Others were attempts to expand the British Empire. Could the new territory be exploited as a tropical plantation? In the parliamentary debate over destinations for convict transportation [considering potential locations for sending prisoners], Sir Joseph Banks and James Matra, both members of James Cook’s 1770 expedition [to the South Pacific], spruiked the potential of the new colony as an extension of the empire. Matra claimed the colony was “fitted for production” of “sugar-cane, tea, coffee, silk, cotton, indigo and tobacco”. Banks claimed Botany Bay was an “advantageous” site, with fertile soil [...].

Two plants carried by the First Fleet stand out as examples of botanical imperialism: prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and sugarcane.

Banks, as head of the Royal Society of London [and as a close adviser to King George, and also as a plant-collecting botanist who turned the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London into the world's leading botanical garden], selected these species as experiments to compete with European trade rivals. His goal was to break a Spanish monopoly in producing fabric dye and to expand British cultivation of sugar outside the West Indies.

Prickly pear cactus was imported because it is the preferred food of the cochineal insect.

Dried cochineal were crushed to make a vibrant, colourfast scarlet dye for textiles. Discovered in the New World by Spanish colonists, cochineal replaced kermes, another insect that had provided red dye since antiquity. Cochineal dye was ten times stronger than kermes or vegetable dyes.

From cardinals’ capes to British officers’ red coats, cochineal was a product for elite consumers signifying power, wealth and prestige.

New Spain, based in Mexico, had a monopoly on cochineal. Banks wanted to break the stranglehold on the scarlet dye by establishing production in New South Wales.

Plants infested with the precious insects were imported from Brazil in 1788. The project soon failed when the cochineal died, but the cacti survived. Colonists used cacti as natural fences and drought-resistant animal fodder.

Without insects to feed on them the plants spread, uncontrolled, to cover more than 60 million acres of eastern Australia by the 1920s. Poison, crushing and fire failed to stop the cactus. [...] Opuntia cacti remain an environmental hazard. [...] The roots of these early imperial projects are deeply embedded in Australian culture and history, with an enduring legacy.

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All text above by: Garritt C. Van Dyk. "The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia". The Conversation. 25 January 2024. [Some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Italicized text within brackets added by me for clarity and context.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - January 15, 2024

🎊 - As we embark on another journey around the sun, I am thrilled to bring you the first newsletter of the year, packed with inspiring, informative, and sometimes downright amusing stories.

1. Marijuana meets criteria for reclassification as lower-risk drug

Marijuana has a lower potential for abuse than other drugs that are subjected to the same restrictions, with scientific support for its use as a medical treatment, researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration say in documents supporting its reclassification as a Schedule III substance.

2. South Korea passes law banning dog meat trade

The slaughter and sale of dogs for their meat is to become illegal in South Korea after MPs backed a new law. The legislation, set to come into force by 2027, aims to end the centuries-old practice of humans eating dog meat.

3. After 20 years in a tiny cage, these 'broken bears' are finally feeling the grass beneath their paws

These bears, termed "broken bears" due to physical and psychological trauma from years of abuse, are treated at the Tam Dao rescue center with individually tailored diets, physiotherapy, and medical care. The bear bile trade, which involves extracting bile for traditional Asian medicine, has been illegal in Vietnam since 2005, but a black market still exists.

4. France just got its first openly gay prime minister.

Gabriel Attal is France’s youngest-ever prime minister at age 34 and the first who is openly gay.

5. Australian ‘builders without borders’ repairing war-torn homes and schools in Ukraine

Manfred Hin, a 66-year-old builder from Townsville, Australia, spent most of 2023 volunteering in Ukraine to rebuild homes and schools damaged by Russian attacks. Having contributed to over 50 house and a dozen school renovations, he worked with Ukrainian charity Brave to Rebuild, mentoring young volunteers and sourcing three tonnes of donated tools.

Inspired by Hin's story, Tasmanian carpenter Hamish Stirling also joined the efforts, learning Ukrainian, traveling to Europe, and volunteering for three months to help rebuild homes.

6. The age-standardized death rate from cancer has declined by 15% since 1990

The age-standardized death rate from cancer declined by 15%

Cancer kills mostly older people – as the death rate by age shows, of those who are 70 years and older, 1% die from cancer every year. For people who are younger than 50, the cancer death rate is more than 40-times lower (more detail here).

7. Germany Reached 55% Renewable Energy in 2023

In 2023, 55 percent of Germany’s power came from renewables — an increase of 6.6 percent, according to energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur, reported Reuters. Europe’s biggest national economy has a goal of 80 percent green energy by 2030.

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That's it for this week :)

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[justastraymoa]

Unwilling Alpha

Chapter 16

WC 3,254 (not including text message pictures)

Masterlist

Warnings ⚠️ swears, abo dynamics, mentions of slave trade, mentions of rape, mentions of abuse, mentions of death, fear, manipulation. Dom/sub vibes in this one briefly.

Nothing within reflects anyone or anything irl. Pics off pinterest.

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I came prepared for the overstimulating chaos of hair and makeup. I had my earbuds in and playing my favorite K-pop playlist before the stylist even began. Channie and Lixie sat on either side of me, with earbuds of their own in.

“Go really light on her hair and makeup, please.” Cahn asked as my stylists began. I looked at him, shocked. They had been teaching me makeup techniques since my reveal, so I was more used to how I looked in it, but I still went pretty light and avoided changing the shapes of my face too much. “We are more comfortable keeping a natural look on her.”

The stylist scrutinized me for a few seconds. Assessing. “We can do that. We were told casual, so it works well.”

I smiled at Channie in thanks, and he winked back at me. “I gotcha, babe.” He teasingly flirted. It still made me blush and fight not to hide my face.

“Fucking flirt.” I mumbled making Channie chuckle.

The results were better than I had dared to hope. I was actually done before Channie and Lixie and in wardrobe.

This interview and photoshoot were part of a ‘Pride of Australia’ series they had been working on. As such literally everything weas Australian made or company based. All clothing was either created by Australian designers or made in Australian companies. All provided food and drink was from Australia, right down to Australian raised cows for the coffee creamer. The employees, cameramen, photographer, stylists, were all Australian.

In fact, I was the only thing or person not Australian, and I felt it. I felt like a foreigner. Which is off to say since I am a foreigner – it’s just the first time I felt it so predominantly.

Channie, Lixie and an official looking and harried worker joined the wardrobe stylist and myself as I was putting on the shoes they provided. I smiled at them, reaching to brush their hands as they passed.

“Markus and Tad are going to do a short interview with y/n first before bringing Chris and Felix in.” The employee started, looking only at the clipboard in their hands. “We are going to go ahead and get y/n set up with a mic and start the interview while Chris and Felix finish getting ready.”

I met Lixies eye and raised an eyebrow. Why was this woman speaking at us like we weren’t all right the fuck here? She wouldn’t even look at us!

Lixie shrugged. “Just go with it.”

Since Channies pants had pockets and mine didn’t I gave him my phone and wallet to hold before following clipboard woman out of the room. It didn’t escape my notice that I was not separated from all my Omegas, and I very much did not like it.

Unlike Channies and Lixies security, who stayed outside, Duri stayed nearby. I figured it was in response to the threats and recent attack, but I didn’t mind. It was comforting to see a familiar face in the hustle of strangers.

The show was filmed in front of a live audience, which took up one side of the room while the stage was on the other. Cameras, boom mikes, chairs, equipment, and workers were in between the two, blocking most of the view of the audience, which kind of confused me.

The stage was set up to look like a city skyline with a frame around where the two hosts currently stood. The skyline was familiar and famous sights around Australia that I recognized, even if I didn’t know the name of most of them.

Markus and Tad both wore tacky bright patterned outfits. I had a feeling they were the outlandish, obnoxious type of hosts that would surely be high energy and way too loud. It had the potential to be a really fun interview.

I smiled wide and joined them when they introduced me, standing in between them when they gestured.

The live audience cheered and both hosts pulled me in for a hug as they welcomed me with wide, toothy smiles and a lot of invading my personal space.

And I was right. They were very loud and very obnoxious, but their energy was infectious. It was just the right amount of too much without going overboard.

“So, the whole world wants to know.” Tad started swinging an arm around to encompass the whole world. “What is it like being Stray Kids Alpha?”

Easy question. “It’s truly wonderful. They are the best and – “ I stopped as Markus waved me off.

“Nah, nah, nah, nah!” He kept waving and shaking his hands. “We don’t want to hear how great it is! Boring! Tell us the juicy bits!” He ordered.

Thrown off, I struggled to find my train of thought again. Juicy bits? They wanted secrets? “What you see is who they are. Stray Kids have always just been themselves.” I shrugged.

Both men groaned dramatically. “You’re killing me, Alpha! We brought you on specifically to spill the tea!”

“Sorry, the only tea is Seungmin’s teatime.” The hosts and audience laughed at my reference, boosting my ego and confidence a bit.

“Okay, okay. But you all live together, right?”

“Yes. I have my own room that I just decorated before we left for the mini tour.” I knew they were hinting at spicier things. We didn’t need those rumors. “Even here, I have my own hotel room. The kids are very respectful of my personal space.” Mostly true. If I had been uncomfortable with it, they never would have slept in my room. The fact that last night was the first night we slept apart was something no one needed to know but us.

I chuckled awkwardly as Tad groaned again dramatically. I couldn’t give them what I didn’t have. “Tell us about the bonding? It happened rather suddenly, yeah?”

“Very, yeah. We were on a time crunch because of me, so there really was no time for the celebration and fanfare that Stray Kids deserve. I hope to one day make up for it.”

“And im sure you will. I tell you, what we have seen from you so far is truly impressive.”

“That attack at the airport is all anyone can talk about! Scary stuff!” Markus exclaimed.

I nodded in agreement. “I am very lucky I had both security and my Omegas with me.”

“So JYP is taking your safety seriously then?

“Oh yes! I have my own bodyguards and everything. I am definitely safe.”

“That’s good. JYPE had a pretty decent reputation for protecting their idols at least. Not as bad as some companies.”

Channie and Lixie were brought out soon after that and the questions went back to lighter topics. Tad and Markus spent a good amount of time trying to get the skinny on me from the boys – who all too happily complied without giving away anything too personal. Just enough to satisfy the hosts. They really were very good at all this stuff. I needed to practice and get better.

After the interview was over and there was the bustle of everyone wrapping up, Tad approached me. His whole being was significantly less now that the show was over.

“Miss l/n. I just wanted to come see if you were really okay after recent events.” He explained.

This question felt more genuine. Like he was actually worried about me and not ratings. “Um – ya know. On edge, but okay.” I answered honestly.

He nodded understandingly. “I have an Alpha of my own, so I understand some of what you are facing.” He began getting a soft look as he thought of his Alpha. “Just being apart was hard for several months and I’m just one Omega. You have eight! It’s truly amazing and inspiring – what you are doing. How well you are doing it.”

My emotions swelled. It was a different feeling to be praised by someone outside of the situation like this. More convincing somehow.

“Thank you. That means a lot. It’s nice to hear.”

With an understanding smile he handed me a post – it note with two phone numbers. “If you ever need anything at all. Even just a question or to vent – we are here for you. Jeff, my Alpha, has been trying to get more in touch with other Alphas in the spotlight like you two. To have a support system for everyone.”

I accepted the paper in awe. The support from an absolute stranger touched something deep. “Would he – would Jeff be upset if I hugged you?” I was mindful of leaving my scent on a bonded Omega that’s not mine, but I also let the need to hug this stranger. This Omega and his Alpha wanted to help me, another stranger, feel more comfortable and not alone in this insane world we live in.

In answer Tad just pulled me in. “He will understand.” He spoke lowly as I wrapped my arms around his ribs and closed my eyes. He patted my back gently and held on until I was ready to let go. A longer hug than what was considered normal, but he could tell I needed it and was willing to oblige.

~

The ride to the photoshoot was oddly quiet. Neither Omega spoke and I was still in my feels over the conversation with Tad. It was actually a good idea. I was in a position to change things for the better. Help other Alphas. I could begin just by getting in touch with the other Alphas withing JYPE and the other companies. Start a support group of my own. To share experiences and advice and even warnings. So, none of us were so alone.

I was in my thoughts all through the second round of hair, makeup, and wardrobe of the day. Too in my head to even be overstimulated or nervous. I was busy making plans for my support group.

I did, however, have to forcibly pull myself into the moment once we got on the photo set. Simple white background and Australian brand/made clothing, just like the interview. There were three pedestal like stools for us to pose on. I was directed to the one in the middle.

“Don’t overthink it or it will come off as stiff and unnatural. Just let it come naturally.” Channie advised without looking at me.

I got my first sense that something was wrong. Neither Omega would meet my eye and had barely spoken a word to me. “Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, fine.” His words were short, clipped. Most definitely not fine.

I looked over at Lixie in question, but all he did was purse his lips and look away from me, not meeting my gaze or offering an explanation for either of their odd behavior.

I shrugged. Maybe they were tired. Or focused on the photoshoot. I crossed my legs at the knee and settled in my stool, which was slightly shorter than the other two. I felt both Omegas close behind me, but they did not touch me. They were purposely avoiding touching me.

The photoshoot started an di relaxed my face into something I hoped looked good. Someone turned on some house music, which made me chuckle. I thought the music was only done in movies. The photographer started snapping, yelling for one or more of us to move or make a different look – mostly me honestly. But he was being super patient with me, so I didn’t even feel singled out. Truly a good photographer. Able to make his subjects comfortable.

But about ten minutes in he suddenly put his camera down and stood up. “What’s going on? This is starting to look like an awkward family photo session.” He inquired gesturing to the three of us. “Are you fighting?”

Neither Omega answered right away – which was an answer. I shrugged. “Not as far as I’m concerned. They haven’t said anything.”

“Well, whatever it is, let’s nip it in the bud. This is supposed to be an uplifting piece about two national treasures finding their Alpha!” He lifted his camera again.

When after a few more shots, neither boy was giving any more than before and the atmosphere was more awkward than ever, I had had enough. I snapped to my feet with a huff and turned to them. In their shock of my sudden movement, they forgot they were avoiding looking at me. I glared both down, hands on my hips.

“That is enough! I don’t know what has your panties in a twist, but you’re professionals! Act like it!” I snapped at them. I felt my brain get heavy as a sunk into a more controlling Alpha persona. Letting more instincts than usual take over to exert a dominance over my Omegas that I usually avoided.

The effect was instantaneous. Their pupils blew and their posture stiffened while simultaneously becoming more submissive. And I hated it. This wasn’t the Alpha I wanted to be. It was the Alpha that was needed right now. To knock some sense into them. There was time for guilt later.

“Honestly! You’re acting like petty toddlers!” I continued to chastise them as I went to stand behind them for a pose. I reached around their heads to grip their chins and make them look up at me. “If you have a problem, say something. I can’t read your minds and I’m not begging you to tell me.” I looked first at one, then the other, speaking slowly and firmly. Pausing for the photographer.

I changed poses, turning their faces front again and resting a forearm on each shoulder. “You are the seasoned professionals here, you’re supposed to be helping me, not the other way around! You promised, Felix, and you broke that promise! First Chris breaks my trust by keeping things from me, now you are breaking your promises and leaving me hanging!”

The Omegas slowly started to get their shit together as I kept yelling at them. Their movements were halting and unnatural, but they were putting in an effort.

They both started to help me position and pose. “Honestly. Being so ridiculous over I don’t even know what! Leave your shit off set!” I was on a roll now, a low constant displeased rumble deep in my chest. I felt bad for making the photographers’ job harder because of their shit. I knew what it was like to have uncooperative subjects. To struggle to pull something usable out of them when they just would not give me anything to work with.

Sitting in Chans lap I felt him hide his face in my hair, lips close to my ear. “Alpha.” He almost whined. Hearing him call me so formally brought me up short. His hands, squeezing my waist rhythmically, shook slightly. “Please – im sorry. We’re sorry! Just- let up a little – please. It’s hard – hard to –“ He broke off with a soft whine, really struggling to get his words out.

It took me a second to figure out what he was asking for. Felix almost looked scared. Eyes big, reflective, and shiny as they begged me. Focusing, I quieted the rumble in my chest and let go of the controlling instincts – feeling my brain lighten up again. I was still annoyed as hell at them, just without the added Alpha control. They both visibly relaxed, no longer struggling to do as I asked while submitting to their Alpha.

“Finally. Thought I was going to have to carry this shoot all by myself.” I huffed.

That’s when I realized that besides the music, the room was still and quiet. Even the camera flashes had stopped. I looked around, confused and finally back in the moment around us.

The photographer looked at me in awe. “I’ve never had an Alpha do that. That was intense.” He explained taking a second to flip through the pictures. “The photos are fucking amazing, though, holy shit! I think we got the shots.”

I pointedly removed Chans hands form my waist and stood, making my way to the photographer to apologize and thank him. “I’m not sure what I did, but they are upset with me. This is all still very new to us, so I apologize. We are learning to navigate all this.” I explained while shaking his hand.

“I’m going to be honest with you, these are my all-time favorite photos I’ve ever taken, so I don’t mind at all.” The photographer gestured to his camera. “I was expecting more of a struggle with you since this is your first shoot and you’re also a photographer. But you handled it like a seasoned pro.”

I chuckled. “Thank you for today. And for being so patient. Next time I see you hopefully I’ll be much better at this.”

I practically ran back to the ready room to grab my things and change. Felix stopped me on the way out. “Love, can w-“

I held up a hand to stop him. Both he and Chan were still in their photo outfits, looking ready for a long conversation that I wasn’t. “No. You two didn’t wanna talk when it was time to talk, and I don’t have time now.” I looked at the time anxiously.

“Where are you going?” Chan asked confused. He probably knew my schedule better than I did and knew I had nothing else for today.

“Whether it bugs any of you to be apart or not, it bugs me. I’ve been away from six of my Omegas for too long and I only have a short time before schedules separate us again.” I gestured for them to hurry since we rode together. “I will leave your asses!” I threatened.

While I waited for them, I opened the group chat.

I cursed traffic and slow drivers. Checking my phone every few seconds in frustration and ignoring the tense atmosphere in the car. The awkwardness settles over us. I was not going to be the one to bring it up. This was all on them now.

“Angel, I’m sorry. We fucked up.” Felix finally said.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “That has already been established.”

“I didn’t mean to break my promise. I was being stupid. Jealous.”

“Jealous? Of what?”

Felix looked at Chan for help. “WE saw you talking to Tad after the interview.” Chan explained.

“He is bonded to an Alpha who is in the limelight because of him, and they thought since I’m in a similar situation I could use some support.”

“Support how?”

“I have their numbers if I need to talk or vent. Or have a question. Another Alpha who understands our situation and the dangers.” I shrugged. “I didn’t think you would care if I had friends.”

“No, we don’t!” Felix quickly and frantically denied.

“Of course we don’t. It was just…harder than expected. To share you.” Chan tried to explain, searching for the right words.

“That doesn’t explain why you acted that way. Or why you are acting weird now! You still won’t touch me, and you can barely look at me!”

Chan scratched at the back of his neck nervously. “We are still a little…raw, I guess, from earlier. From what you did during the shoot.” He explained. Felix nodded in agreement.

I huffed, feeling the guilt creep in. “Fine. Let me know when you are back to normal. Then we can discuss what really bothered you when I was talking to Tad.” We were getting nowhere like this

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[ficsilike-reblogged]

A Lonely Heaven

Summary: The five times Robert gave you something and the one time he took. Pairing: Soft Dark!Robert Fischer/F!Reader Word Count: 7.2k A/N: Written for Day Three’s prompt from the Haunted Hoedown Challenge Hosted by inklore and psychedelic-ink. Today’s prompt was “inspired by your favorite Lana del Rey song + yandere.” The song I chose was “Say Yes to Heaven.” I hope you enjoy! Warnings: Gaslighting, isolation, drugging, kidnapping, general unhinged behavior, smut (unprotected sex, female receiving oral, fingering), reader calls him Bobby for reasons, minor character death (not described) ABSOLUTELY NO MINORS ALLOWED

Robert just needed a minute. Just a minute to breathe before the next meeting with men and women he’d rather never see again. But he was heir to the empire. He had a reputation to uphold and a company to run.

But still, he just needed a moment.

He slipped into the blessedly empty break room just down the hall and stared at the coffee maker for a moment. He didn’t need coffee. He didn’t need anything that the break room could provide except silence-

“Hey, I’m sorry, can I get to the coffee? If I don’t get my boss a refill, I’m fired.”

Robert turned at the sound of soft if not frazzled voice and saw you. He expected to see you flinch at the sight of him before apologizing—most people did when they spotted him. But not you. There wasn’t an ounce of recognition on your face.

You didn’t know who he was.

Robert stepped out of the way with an apology of his own and you were quick to fill up an abnormally large coffee cup with a faded company logo on the side. You also dumped three things of creamer into it and half a packet—exactly—of sugar. Robert must have been staring because you glanced at him over your shoulder with a small smile. “First day?”

“No. But I don’t think I’ve been in this particular break room before.” It was technically not a lie. He only knew of the room’s existence because he’d been shuffled by it each time he had a meeting in the conference room down the hall. He didn’t have to come in here. People brought him coffee. He didn’t get it himself.

You nodded. “I prefer the one on 12. They have better snacks.” You paused, drumming your fingers against the mug. “You look a little out of it. You okay?”

That was probably the first time this year that someone had asked about him. It was just a simple thing, really. “I’m fine. Thank you.” Your head cocked to the side, like you didn’t believe him but you still held your hand out to him with an offer of your name. Despite the coffee you held, your hand was cold as Robert took it. “I’m Robert.”

Your answering smile twisted behind his ribs. “Anyone ever call you ‘Bobby?’”

A sharp laugh punched out of him and he watched your smile widen. “No. No, never.”

“Well, if I ever see you again, we’ll have to try it out.” Again, you drummed your fingers on the mug. “It was nice to meet you. I hope your day gets better.” Then you were gone and Robert watched your hips sway until you disappeared, unknowingly taking his heart with you.

**1**

You hadn’t been the most sociable person when you took the job at Fischer Morrow. Actually, you could count the friends you’d made on two pathetic fingers and even then you knew they were hardly more than casual acquaintances. Moving to Australia was supposed to be a new start but instead it was the loneliness you had been running from compounded. Sure, you were paid decently. Your apartment was fine. But your boss was a dick and you weren’t even using your degree to fetch coffee and answer a phone.

God, you were lonely.

You picked at your sandwich as you sat in the park just on the opposite side of the street from Fischer Morrow’s building. There was a couple playing with their son under the shade of the tree. There was a small gaggle of women from the accounting department walking together around the perimeter, having traded their sensible heels for trainers. Then there was a small group of teenagers, probably skipping school, a little further into the park. They all looked happy and you continued to pick at your sandwich until it was just a mangle of bread, tomato, and cheese.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

Your head snapped to the side to see Robert standing at the edge of the bench you occupied, holding a small paper bag. “O-of course! Please do!” You hadn’t seen him in weeks. Of course, it was an absurdly large building with a matching number of employees. It shouldn’t have been surprising that you didn’t see him again. But you had kept his pretty blue eyes and sharp features in the back of your mind anyway. Your lonely heart leapt when he settled beside you.

“Haven’t seen you in awhile,” he started, pulling a sandwich of his own from the bag.

“They keep me busy. And you? Did you find the good snacks on twelve?” You winced as soon as you asked. Your conversation skills were abysmal. It was honestly surprising that he wanted to sit anywhere near you after your awkward conversation weeks prior but you weren’t about to tell him to go away.

He nodded with a smile. “Yeah, thanks for the tip.”

You smiled, too, but it felt a little stilted and you turned your attention back to your mangled sandwich.

“You’re in IT, aren’t you?”

Your fingers stalled their shredding and you glanced at Robert for a moment. “What gave it away? Most people think I’m in Logistics.”

Robert shrugged but his smile remained. “Do you like what you do?”

You snorted and popped a bit of your sandwich into your mouth. “I got this job because I have a masters degree in my field and I’m fetching coffee and answering phones like a secretary. But it’s fine. It pays the bills.” You grimaced as soon as you finished. You never knew how to say the right thing; it was why you preferred staying quiet. You should know better than to sound ungrateful. “But, um, what about you? Do you like what you do?”

“It pays the bills.”

“What department are you in, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Robert’s sandwich froze just in front of his mouth before he cleared his throat. “I work for the Board.” He then quickly stuffed his sandwich into his mouth.

“Oh, you poor soul. That’s got to be so stressful. No wonder you looked so out of it when we met.” Then it was your turn to freeze again. “That was so rude, I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “No, no it’s all right. It isn’t great, you’re right. But I’m thankful for it anyway.” He was quiet again as he took another bite and you felt a tiny bit of tension slip from your shoulders. Maybe he was as lonely as you were. “Who’s your supervisor?”

“It’s Reynolds. Why?”

“No reason. He’s the guy with the,” he waved a hand at his neck, “right?”

“Neckbeard. Yeah. That’s him. Very particular about his coffee.”

Robert hummed but didn’t say anything else for a stretched moment. Perhaps he liked the quiet like you, too. “You think they’re skipping class?” He asked, tipping his head toward the teenagers.

You laughed. A big belly laugh. That wasn’t what you were expecting him to say. “Oh, definitely.” And the conversation was easier from that point on. You spoke about your favorite cafe downtown and he suggested a running path he was fond of along the coast after you mentioned that your “favorite” treadmill at your gym broke. Was it earth shattering conversation? No. But it lessened the ache in your chest.

As you packed up your lunches, noting the time and how your lunch hour was nearing its end, Robert turned to you with a small smile on his face. “You know, last time we talked you said something to me.”

You squinted at him, as if that would help you remember, and it did, washing over you with a fresh mortification. “Oh no.”

“I was hoping you’d actually try it out. See if I like it.”

You were about to broil in your skin. You were sure of it. “It was a joke.” (It wasn’t.)

Robert’s obscenely blue eyes didn’t leave your face and he smiled. “Try it anyway.”

You rolled your lips into your mouth for a moment before saying, “thank you for spending lunch with me, Bobby.”

His smile widened a fraction. “I think I like it.”

“Then I’ll keep saying it, if we see each other again.”

His head tilted to the side just the slightest bit and the new angle had the sharp planes of his cheeks growing dark shadows. “We will.” It sounded like a promise before you parted ways as you neared the lobby.

You had a smile on your face for the rest of the day, even when Reynolds berated you about putting too much sugar in his coffee. You didn’t care. Why? Because maybe you made a friend.

Your smile only faltered when you were called into HR the following morning. Had you done something wrong? Had Reynolds really reported you for getting his coffee wrong? But the smile came roaring back when the stern looking man on the other side of the desk said, “Reynolds is no longer with Fischer Morrow. I’m officially offering you his position. We can discuss salary and benefits, of course. And…”

The rest of the conversation was a dull roar in your ears. Of course you would take the position. You couldn’t wait to tell Bobby.

**2**

“I like the new office.”

You leaned to the side, tearing your gaze away from your computer screen, just enough to see Bobby walk into your office with something tucked beneath his arm. You were quick to stand and welcome him in before glancing at the clock and gasping. “It is nearly midnight! What’re you still doing here?”

His dark brow arched as he moved you both further into your office with a hand on your lower back. “I could ask you the same thing, you know.”

You chuckled nervously, wiping a hand over your mouth. “Um, well, with the reshuffling of the department, some of the tickets fell through the cracks. I’m just making sure no one down here gets in trouble right when I’ve taken this job. Wouldn’t be a good look.” You leaned against the leather couch as he looked around your office. It was nice, truly. You could see your park out of the window and you had enough room to hang a white board so you could work through problems on your own, too. But it had taken a week for you to get moved in after your impromptu promotion and were still getting settled. It was surprising that Bobby knew about your new office at all but you weren’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe he learned about it from the board meetings he had to sit in on.

He held out what was in his hand and you gasped when you realized that it was a bottle of exceedingly expensive champagne. “It is just a little something to say congratulations on the promotion.”

That single bottle could pay for several months of your rent. “Oh, this is too much, I couldn’t-”

But he still pushed it into your grasp with a shake of his head. “I insist. You’ve more than earned it and you’re obviously taking your new duties seriously.”

You turned the heavy bottle over in your hand as you bit your lip. “Well, if you insist.”

“I do,” he said with another smile.

“Then I must insist that you share a glass with me. Deal?”

There was something in Robert’s gaze that had you nearly shivering. It was too heated, too calculating. But as soon as you saw it, it was gone and he was smiling again. “Deal.”

You handed the bottle back to him. “Can you open it for me? I’ll grab glasses from the break room.”

You heard the pop of the bottle as you hurried down the hall. When you found no clean glasses, you settled for two mugs and hoped that you wouldn’t offend him with the choice. And it seemed that your trepidation was unfounded because he laughed as he spotted them and then poured you both a large serving. He held out his mug toward you. “Cheers, to you and your new job.”

“Cheers!” You clinked your mug against his with a laugh before taking a sip. The champagne tasted expensive and bubbled all the way down. You had to “Thank you so much. This was really kind of you, Bobby.”

He waved it away. “I’m sorry I didn’t manage to swing by earlier.”

“No need to apologize,” you said after taking another sip. “I know the big wigs keep you busy. I think you’re the only person who has actually congratulated me, anyway. So, this means a lot. Thank you, truly.”

He looked at you over the edge of his mug as he took a sip, too. “Well, they don’t know what they’re missing.”

You bit your lip–a terrible habit you were only now realizing how often you did it around him. “I kinda like it just being us anyway. I get nervous around too many people.”

“I don’t mind not sharing you.”

You laughed.

**3**

It was a little strange, how long it took you to realize that you only saw Bobby while you were alone at work. It was like he only appeared when everyone else was gone for the day or you were in your little corner of the park for lunch. You didn’t mind it, really. But your friendship seemed tinged with secrecy. You followed his lead and kept the details to a minimum when anyone asked about who you were having lunch with or who your late night meetings were with. “Oh, just my friend Bobby.” You also tried to ignore that you didn’t know many things about him, including his last name. You weren’t about to ask though, afraid that you’d ask something he didn’t want to divulge and he’d leave you alone.

You sent a smile to your assistant from across the room when she locked eyes with you. She waved when you raised your half-filled champagne flute in her direction, silently telling her to enjoy the holiday party. She was new and lovely and so helpful. She was also overjoyed when you actually let her help with the work your department handled. She also teased you goodnaturedly whenever you would go have lunch with Bobby at the park and asked her to hold your calls for the hour. “Can’t hide him from me forever, you know. I’ll figure out who this man is!”

You glanced down at your watch. It was a quarter to eight. You’d been here for a solid two hours and talked to half a dozen people who really only wanted to double check that their tickets would be resolved before Morning. It was fine–it seemed like most everyone still pretended you didn’t exist. Maybe they’d heard about how awkward you were, or they were wagering about how you got Reynolds’ job. Whatever. At least you got to attend the party–the last time you attempted to do so, Reynolds had you running around the city to grab the gifts he “forgot” to pick up after ordering so he could give them to the rest of the IT team before the end of the party (you did not receive one).

Staying until nine would be acceptable, right? You showed your face, thanked the catering team for their hard work, and watched the party slowly get rowdier at the hours trickled by. Then, you could be asleep before 10 and finally try that running route Bobby mentioned tomorrow morning.

Solid plan, right?

“I was hoping I’d find you here.”

You turned, already smiling, to see Robert leaning against one of the pillars of the hotel’s ballroom, nearly hidden in shadow. “I didn’t think you’d be attending. I thought the big wigs would be having their own party.”

“They are,” he said with a nod. “I escaped.”

You frowned at that, anxiety gnawing at your ribs. “I don’t want you to get in trouble, Bobby.”

His hand gently skirted up your arm and you tried to ignore how he left goosebumps in his wake as his long fingers pressed like firebrands into your skin. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”

This was a new habit of his: touching you. You never minded. You had gone so long without more than a friendly pat to the shoulder or a brief handshake that you nearly cried the first time you felt Robert’s fingers trailing along your spine on the bench you still shared at lunch. “Promise?”

“I swear.” His blue eyes flashed with that strange gleam again–after all these weeks you still couldn’t decipher it. “But, I do have ulterior motives.”

“Oh?”

“I got you a present.”

Your grip immediately tightened on your champagne. Shit. “I-I didn’t know we were going to exchange gifts. I-”

“I am not expecting anything in return,” he said, thumb swiping against your arm with a smile. “I just saw it and thought of you.”

“Bobby. You know I’m going to have to take you to lunch or something as a thank you and then still give you a present. I feel awful.”

His grip tightened just a fraction as he shook his head. “Don’t. I actually get more joy out of giving gifts than receiving them.”

“Well, that’s too bad because I’m the same. You’re not getting out of this.”

“We can debate this later.” He pulled the flute from your hand and drained it before grimacing as you laughed. “The stuff I got you was much better. C’mon, I don’t want everyone else to see it.” He then set the empty glass on the nearest table and tangled your fingers together to lead you out of the ballroom and into one of the unlit side rooms. It was filled with folded tables and rows of unused banquet chairs but you could still hear the music coming through the doors. He only let go of your hand when he reached into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a velvet box with a distinctive HW logo on the lid.

“Bobby…” There was no way you could afford something like that. How were you supposed to reciprocate?

“Open it.” He gently pushed it into your hand and nodded with a smile when you glanced at him again.

With shaking fingers, you did and gasped when you saw the necklace carefully draped across the velvet padding. On a delicate platinum chain was a diamond pendant. Well, it was several diamonds set to look like a flower. It was the most beautiful necklace you’ve ever seen and probably the most expensive you’ve ever held. “I don’t…I don’t know if I can accept this.”

Robert stepped closer, expensive shoes knocking into yours. His cologne, leather and musk and money, slowly filled your every breath as his hands once again found your arms. “You being in my life has been my lone bright spot in a long time. This necklace is just a fraction of what I owe you, all right?”

“You don’t owe me anything, Bobby. I should actually be thanking you. You have been my truest friend. I don’t know what I would do without you.” You were telling the truth–he was your closest friend. Your only friend, if you were being completely honest with yourself. “This is-this is still too much.”

You tried to hand it back but he only pulled the necklace from its hooks and swept around to stand at your back. In one fluid motion, he was fastening it around your neck and his fingers trailed down your arms. “It suits you.”

You looked down at the necklace and a shaky sigh pushed through you. “Fine. You win this round.” When you turned to look at him, you were rewarded with another one of his smiles. “Don’t think I won’t try to pay you back.”

A new song started, something slow and soft, and Robert turned his head to hear it better for a moment before looking at you again. “Well, as a start, would you like to dance with me?”

“Here?” You asked, a giggle coloring your tone.

“Yeah. Just us.” He held out a hand, long fingers angled toward you.

This felt like a step toward something new. Something different than the quiet friendship you’d carefully protected. It would be a lie to say that you hadn’t thought of him in that way–he was beautiful. And kind to you. And funny. So, you put your hand in his and laughed as he hauled you close. His other arm wrapped tightly around your back as he held your hand close to his chest and started to lead you in a dance that had your heart racing despite the slow movements.

Without even thinking, your other hand inched its way up his arm to settle at the nape of his neck and your fingers absentmindedly pushed through his hair. “Thank you, Bobby. For everything. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out. I promise.”

**4**

This was embarrassing.

So embarrassing.

How did you not connect the dots? Your Bobby was Robert fucking Fischer. Successor to the Fischer Morrow empire. You had been palling around with a billionaire heir apparent. You had complained about how the board was fucking up to him. You had said that you couldn’t imagine being a Fischer because, “it just seems miserable.” You had literally said you felt bad for Maurice’s son because “that old man seems like an asshole.”

Wonderful.

Fantastic.

You wanted to walk out into the ocean and swim to the nearest uninhabited island to escape your shame. But you couldn’t because you were watching Robert give a speech to the entirety of Fischer Morrow about the future of the company because his father’s health had taken a sharp decline in the last handful of weeks. You had tucked yourself into the back of the assembled crowd, wishing you had just watched it online in your office instead. How could you miss it? His suits were tailored and designer. He was always perfectly put together. You had once vaguely recognized the Hermès logo on his watch and had thought it had been a holiday gift from the board.

He’d probably bought it on a whim–the tens of thousands it cost wasn’t even a drop in the bucket to him.

Robert finished his speech and nodded his head in response to the applause he earned before stepping away from the podium so CFO could take over, giving further explanation to the expansion planned for Fischer Morrow. You didn’t hear any of it. You were too focused on Robert moving at the edges of the crowd.

Right toward you.

Your fingers fiddled mindlessly with the diamond pendant around your throat. You had worn it every day since he had given it to you. You should have known better.

Before you could even think to do anything at all, Robert’s fingers were circling around your wrist and you were being pulled out of the room. He was quiet as he led you into an empty conference room and shut the door with a soft snap as soon as you were inside.

“I’m sorry,” you blurted, tugging your arm out of his grip and folding your arms over your stomach protectively. “I’m sorry I said all those things.”

“What?” His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“All…all the things I said about the company, about your father-”

“They needed to be said. I like that you felt comfortable enough to say that to me.”

You scrubbed a hand over your mouth as you started to pace around the table, a million and one thoughts racing through your brain and all of them landed on one conclusion. “Was this just some game? To see what the little worker bee thought of the hive?”

A short breath pushed out of him as he rounded the conference table and grabbed at your hands again to pull you to a stop. Your poor heart hiccuped when he laced your fingers together. “It was never a game. I sought you out because you treated me like I was my own person instead of someone who only stood in my father’s shadow. You saw me, not my last name.”

“Robert-”

His grip tightened, near desperate. “No. No, I’m Bobby to you, remember?”

“I never would have called you that if I had known who you are.” The words were small, as small as you felt in his presence now. But still, you couldn’t pull away from him.

“Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that. I’m still your Bobby. Nothing’s changed.” His voice was soft. Almost pleading. It cracked at something behind your ribs you had tried to ignore for the sake of the friendship.

“Everything’s changed! You are so far up the corporate ladder above me I shouldn’t even be on your radar.” You finally pulled your hands from his and hated the look in his clear blue eyes. It was unbidden hurt. But your mind jumped to something else. “You had Reynolds fired.”

Robert’s answering silence was answer enough.

“God. I didn’t even earn this position did I? You just felt bad for the stupid, lonely girl in the park-”

Robert was on you in a flash, crowding you against the table without even needing to touch you. “You earned it. I looked into your work history. I saw your credentials. Reynolds knew you were better suited to his job and stepped all over you because of it. I only gave you what you deserved.”

“So, you admit it-”

“I admit that you were better suited. I admit that your department is better for it, too. I admit that I did it because I just wanted to see you smile again.”

Your next breath stalled in your throat and you hated that you felt your chin wobble. What was he saying? “Robert-”

“And it wasn’t pity. It was selfish of me. I wanted to see you smile. I wanted to give you something no one else could. So I did.” Slowly, so slowly, his hands skirted a familiar path up your arms until he was cupping the back of your head and pressing the pads of his thumbs beneath the hinge of your jaw. You could feel each breath he took against the sensitive skin of your lips. “I want to give you everything because you have given me more than I could ever repay. You were lonely. So was I. And we found each other, doesn’t that still matter?”

“I-”

“Let me be your Bobby again. Nothing’s changed, I promise.”

You searched his perfect blue eyes and wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe that he felt what you did. That it was okay to feel this, that it was okay to keep him tucked in the confines of your heart where he had burrowed. “You know this has changed, Bobby.” You watched his shoulders sag in relief at the sound of the nickname. “You know it.”

He agreed, nodding just once. “I can’t hide it anymore. You’re right. But I’m still the man sitting next to you on the bench. I’m still sipping champagne out of mugs with you at midnight. I’m still dancing with you in empty rooms. And I’m hoping all that I am, all the charade and everything behind it, is enough for you. I am asking you to have me because of it all, in spite of it all.”

“What will I be to you?” You asked, your voice little more than a whisper.

Robert paused and you watched his pupils start to blow, black eating blue. “You’d be mine.” And then he was kissing you, plush mouth pressing against yours and stealing your next breath. Your hands scrambled to find purchase in the fine fabric of his suit jacket as he hauled you closer, like he was trying to devour you.

You would happily let him.

When he pressed at the seam of your lips, you readily gave in and let him lick into your mouth, searching and wanting. One of his hands fell to your hip as he swallowed a whine building in your throat and he hauled you onto the edge of the table, knocking your legs apart so he could slot himself between them, like he’d always meant to be there.

Maybe he was. Maybe this was inevitable. It certainly felt like it.

Your shaking hands pushed at his jacket and he hurriedly shrugged it off, never moving his mouth from yours and not caring when it hit the floor. “So fucking perfect,” he murmured against your kiss-bitten lips. “And all mine.”

“And you’re mine,” you whispered in return, tugging at his tie next.

A sharp knock at the door halted your next breath. Robert froze, too, lips still pressed to yours.

“Mister Fischer, you’re needed upstairs,” came a stressed, tinny from the other side.

Then you were giggling against him, feeling like a teenager, and you moved to press your face to his shoulder to try to quiet the noise. But then he was laughing, too, and stealing another kiss. “Let’s get out of here.”

**5**

Robert’s father was dying.

There was no more denying it. You watched Robert waffle between heartbreak and resignation and tried to help him through it all, even though what he was feeling was foreign to you. You’d been alone your entire life, growing up at an overrun group home for kids who couldn’t find a foster family to take them and then shuffling from empty dorm room to empty apartment after aging out. But still, you let him burrow his head into your chest when he needed just the world to be quiet. It had been only a handful of weeks since he’d kissed you, asking you to take him for all that he was, but it felt like you had been with him for years, settling into a domestic routine that felt like something out of a romance novel. Something you had only ever wished you could have. You just wished you could ease the ache he was fighting.

You were in his office, the rest of the building having long been deserted at the end of the work day, pushing your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his arms around your waist. “Tell me what you need,” you murmured.

“I just need you.” His words vibrated as he spoke them into the fabric of your shirt.

“Bobby,” you started, pressing your hands beneath his chin so he looked up at you. “I am always going to be here, okay? But let me lighten your load. Want me to grab dinner so we can try to knock out some of that paperwork Browning saddled you with?” You smoothed your finger over one of his eyebrows and watched his eyes flutter shut for a moment.

“He means well. He wants me to really know what I’m doing before I officially take the reins.”

“I think he’s being lazy and then schmoozing the rest of the board while you’re in here, working your fingers to the bone,” you said with a smile to try to lessen the blow because you knew how much his ‘uncle’ Peter meant to him. You, however, thought he was a snake.

Robert was quiet as he looked up at you and you felt him squeeze you a little tighter before he stood and pressed a firm kiss to your mouth. “I have a better idea.”

“What could possibly be better than shitty takeout and monotonous paperwork?” You teased, earning a pinch to your side.

“How about you, me, and a bottle of that champagne you like and we just lock ourselves away at my house for the weekend?”

Your agreement was on the tip of your tongue. You could feel it. But he’d played this card before. “You’re going to say ‘after I let you finish this paperwork,’ aren’t you?”

His smile was tired as he danced his fingers down your spine. “God, you’re perfect.”

“You’re not getting out of this, Bobby. Let me help you.” The next noise out of you was an undignified squeak as he grabbed at your hips and hoisted you onto the top of his desk. “What’re you doing?”

“Convincing you to let me do my work.”

“It is Browning’s wor-” Your words halted when his warm hands slipped beneath the hem of your skirt and deftly pushed it up to your waist, exposing your silk stockings and lace garter belt. “You’re fighting dirty.”

Robert only smirked and sank back to his knees as he pulled your underwear down in one swift motion. He licked a bold stripe up your folds that had your head immediately tilting back with a gasp. Again and again, he did it until he closed his warm, wet mouth around your clit and sucked until you were keening, sinking your fingers into his hair again. He always knew just how to turn your spine to jelly with a few flicks of his tongue but his real talent was-

“Oh my god!”

Robert sank his teeth into the dough of your thigh as his long fingers slid into your wet heat and easily found that spot inside you that had sparks bursting behind your eyes. If your mind was capable of doing more than pleading pleasepleasepleaseBobbyplease, you may have felt his lips press a smile into your thigh before his mouth descended on you again, working in tandem with his excruciatingly wonderful fingers.

Your thighs clamped around his head but Robert was undeterred and kept licking and sucking and pushing. Wet, sloppy noises filled the air, punctuated by your whimpers and pleas, until you were crying out with your abrupt release and your entire body felt like you’d been dipped in molten heat that fizzled down to your fingers. You collapsed onto the desk in a heap, thighs sagging open as Robert gave a few last kitten licks to your clit until you pushed him away with a whine. When he pulled his fingers out, you could feel your slick puddling below you and you spotted a damp spot on the cuff of his shirt. Damn.

Robert, however, was unfazed and licked his fingers clean as you tried and failed to catch your breath.

“I know just how to get you to cooperate.” His fingers danced over your thighs, still shaking with aftershocks. “Look at you now. All soft and compliant.”

“Not my fault,” you said between labored breaths. “You don’t fight fair.”

Robert smiled, all teeth. “Not with you.”

**+1**

You hadn’t slept on the flight to Los Angeles. Sure, the first class seat was comfortable and food was delicious, but you weren't able to get comfortable. You knew tht Robert had said you didn’t need to come to the funeral but you weren’t about to let him go through this alone and had used the card he had put in your name to book the next flight out to be at his side.

A chauffeur was waiting for you when you landed and whisked you away to the gated Fischer mansion in one of the more exclusive enclaves outside the city. You’d been to Robert’s penthouse a few blocks from Fischer Morrow. He’d offered to let you use his Venice apartment when you offhandedly mentioned needing a vacation but also told you that his family owned an entire island near St. Barts if you wanted something a little more private. But this mansion was truly something else. Perhaps a better term to use would be Manor or Palace. You thanked the chauffeur as he handed you your single bag and told you that ‘Mister Fischer’ was waiting for you inside.

Your heels clicked against the solid piece of marble of the entryway but you hardly noticed when the butler (oh, you hoped you were using the right term) took your bag and told you that Robert was waiting for you in the library. Of course there was a library. You followed his directions and pushed the door open, unsurprised with its silence or its wait.

Robert was leaning against the fireplace mantle, nursing a glass of cognac. The crystal clacked as he set it down when he spotted you. You were quick to meet him halfway, wrapping your arms around him as he pulled you tight against his chest. The pair of you was quiet for a moment as you tried to press every ounce of love you had into him.

“Tell me what you need. I’m here for you.”

Robert’s next breath rumbled through him and he pulled you even tighter. “Just need you.”

“You have me.”

He was quiet again for just a moment. “I’m dissolving the company.”

You went to pull back but he held firm. “What?”

“I’m going to build something better. I don’t want to be a miserable old man like him. I don’t want to devote my life to a company when I have a family who needs me.”

“A family?” You prodded softly.

“I want a family with you. I want it all with you.”

The simple words had tears forming in your eyes and you just held him tighter. “I want that, too.” You pulled back, finally able to do so when his grip loosened, and pressed a hand to his cheek. “We can talk more about it after the funeral, okay? Emotions are running high right now. I don’t want you to think that you have to make any big decisions immediately. I’m not going anywhere.”

Robert’s eyes searched for something in your face but he seemed to find what he wanted as he smiled. “I know.”

You stood at Robert’s side during the wake and funeral and tried to keep him out of the spotlight when the photogs descended on him before the reception. He held your hand in the back of the limousine that took you back to the house after the coffin was buried and didn’t let go until he was pressing you down into his bed.

You sighed as he sank into you, hot and thick. He was always so good to you. Always stuffed you full and left you gasping. Every drag and pull of him was sending new sparks up your spine and you clung to him as he dragged you closer to euphoria. “Take what you need, Bobby,” you whimpered. “Take it.”

And he did. His hips snapped to yours, hard and strong, as his hands pressed you down into the mattress until you were only able to hold onto him, letting out choked whines and whimpers into the flushed skin of his neck.

“You’re mine,” he said, words in time with each thrust.

You could feel him in your throat.

“Yours.”

Robert bared his teeth and the next thrusts knocked the air from your lungs and you wailed as you felt him come, warmth blooming and spilling. His deft fingers found your clit and rubbed vicious circles until you were keening with your own release that he swallowed with a kiss that was all teeth and tongue.

Both of you were quiet as he led you to the bath and filled it with near-scalding water and some sort of floral oils. He held you tight against his chest again and you tried not to be embarrassed when he sent one of the (many) maids to fetch the bottle of champagne he’d apparently set out for this moment. Realizing that it was the same champagne from that night in your office all those months ago did make you smile. Robert turned and poured two glasses and pressed one into your hand. You settled back against his chest and sipped, frowning when it didn’t quite taste the same. Maybe it was a different year. Oh well.

By the time you finished your glass, you were exhausted and blamed the sex and hot water. “Take me to bed, Bobby?”

He wiped you down with a warmed towel and wrapped you up in a plush robe before leading you back to bed that now had new sheets. You were too tired to care about someone being that aware of your bedroom activities. You’d be back in Australia soon enough anyway.

Your eyelids were fighting to stay open by the time your head hit the pillow and Robert settled beside you. His warm hand cupped your cheek and his thumb smoothed a gentle arc beneath your eye. “My lonely girl.”

“Yours,” you mumbled, eyes closing.

“Mine.”

You woke the next morning with a raging headache and a strange cottony feeling behind your tongue. Robert wasn’t beside you and you assumed he was probably already downstairs, eating breakfast and answering emails. You would have to convince him to take the day off.

Work could wait.

You walked to the closet in search of your bag and…couldn’t find it.

Your purse was missing from where you had left it on the bedside chair, too.

Your passport wasn’t in the lockbox.

“Bobby?” You called out as you walked down the hall, trepidation with every step. Something was wrong. “Bobby?”

The house was silent. Unnervingly so. You could almost hear the blood roaring in your ears. You were almost relieved when you spotted the butler near the front door. “Hi, I’m so sorry to bother you so early in the morning, but do you happen to know if one of the maids, um, moved my stuff? I can’t seem to find anything.”

The butler nodded, quick and sharp. “Mister Fischer has made sure everything you will need is delivered by noon. I will have the maids bring it to your room when it arrives.”

That…that didn’t make any sense. “I…have you seen Robert?” You asked, just wanting to see a familiar face. Your Bobby.

“He’s returned to Australia, miss.”

Your stomach dropped to your feet. “What?”

“He said he left a note in the bedroom explaining the situation.”

That was dismissal enough and you turned and walked back to the room, metaphorical tail tucked between your legs. You did find the note and braced for an awkward break up or something of that ilk but what you found instead had your veins turning to ice.

I’ll be back for you. We can begin our lives together as soon as I finish dealing with the board. You’ll want for nothing, I’ve made sure of it. And you can finally settle into the life I’ve always wanted to give you. Learn the house. Pick out a nursery.

This had to be a joke, right?

Right?

But the windows were on an alarm system and a man with a gun would yank you back into the room before you could even get halfway out. The doors were guarded. The landline didn’t work. The computer in the office didn’t connect to the internet.

You were alone.

Alone.

Alone.

Alone.

Alone until Robert came back three weeks later and placed a diamond ring on your finger as he kissed away your tears. You weren’t sure if you were crying out of anger or relief to finally have him back.

“Why’d you do this, Bobby?” You whispered into his chest as he held you close. You didn’t have the energy to fight him.

“Because you’re mine.”

A/N: please let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!

[nightfallsystem-moved]

im gonna be so shocked if anyone votes for these...

reblog for nothing to happen ^_^

[mxtantrights]

the interview

this is a snippet from the famous dc!au that started with The Greatest Hits [read here] you don’t have to read it but a lot of things would make sense if you do! hope you enjoy.

It was nice to have to wait on someone else to arrive for once. You haven’t gotten used to California traffic so you’ve been late to several events.

But the one time you arrive on time, your counter part for the day is late. You don’t mind really. It gives you more time to think about what you want to say.

Sitting down with Iris isn’t something you’re too nervous about. She sat down with you once for 60 seconds. This would be way calmer than that. This is an interview for her bi-national newspaper which reaches California and New York.

Iris is running late because one of the twins left something at home. You’ve met them once at a small gathering. Nora and Bart. They were equal parts her and Barry. Running at the speed of light and asking questions at the same time.

You pull out your phone as soon as the makeup artist backs away from you.

You: got a couple of minutes before the interview

Jason: wanna see your face

You: why????

You: what did you do????

Jason: answer my call hun

it takes a split second.

Suddenly your phone starts buzzing. Incoming FaceTime call from Jay in white letters scroll across your screen. The picture you have set is of him sleeping in his set chair, Jane Austen book in his lap.

The ringing coming from your phone is loud as you press the volume down button. You finger hits accept and the screen fades to black. Then the picture clears.

On your phone screen is Jason with a big grin on his face. You're not sure what he's been up to there's nothing in the background to tip you off.

"What did you do?" you ask again.

"I got you something you've been missing." he answers.

He props the phone up. You can see the familiar background now. He's in your house. You two had traded keys about a month ago and it's safe to say you've used his key more than your own key. And he yours.

Seeing him in your house isn't a surprise. What is a surprise is the coffee store sign that is leaning on your wall. The coffee sign to the shop you used to work at.

A few weeks ago you saw on social media it was closing down. It was bittersweet. You thought the place would be there forever. You thought you would work there forever. How things change!

The owner, George or "boomerang", had finally achieved his dream though. He told you it would be the only reason he closed the shop. Him and his family were moving back to Australia.

You brought it up to Jason once, exactly once, that you were sad about it. And now the sign is inside your home.

"No way!" you laugh.

"Yes way! I got there in time too, they were about to dump it." he explains.

The smile on your face reaches your eyes. You cover your mouth with your free hand. There was no way you could cry right now, not after getting finished with makeup for an interview that was about to start in a few minutes.

Jason see's how watery your eyes get. He didn't need to though. With how quickly you got silent and the way you keep looking up are all the things he needs to see to know you're getting emotional.

"Don't cry, baby." he says.

You shake your head, removing your hand from your mouth.

"Sorry, sorry. It's just really sweet. More than sweet, it's everything." you say.

"You deserve it. I can help you put it wherever you want it." he says.

In your peripheral vision you see something move. You look up. It's Iris. She must've walked in while you were on the call with Jason.

She's being touched up by the makeup artist but she's looking right at you. A smile on her face.

You nod your head, "Jay I really mean it. Thank you."

You notice the red flush across his cheek. He'd been blushing around you a lot. Ever since you two decided to finally stop beating around the bush with your feelings. He was easy to tease. All you had to do was touch him at this point and he'd go tomato red. The tips of his ears too. It's cute.

"You're buttering me up sweetheart. I'm gonna let you go though, you're gonna do great." he smiles.

"Thanks. See you later."

"Can't wait. Bye baby."

You hang up first. That was a bit common since before the two of you started this whole thing too. You would hang up first most times. And other times Jason would hang up first and still say goodbye via text.

"Hey, sorry I'm late." Iris says.

She's taking the seat in front of you now. Even though she's late she looks incredible. It's hard to believe that she just breezed in like this but it's also Iris so you wouldn't expect anything less.

"You're good. Everything went well?" you ask.

She snickers, "Yeah Nora left her favorite hair clip at home. Can't go without it."

"She's adorable I won't hold it against her." you joke.

"Thanks. Was that the co-star?" she asks.

"Technically while production is halted he's not my co-star anymore." you joke again.

Iris laughs at that. You do too. She fixes the mic on her shirt a bit.

"Right. So what do you refer to him as?"

Iris wasn't honestly expecting an answer. You were joking, the two of you had easy banter. It was refreshing. So she wasn't expecting you to say what you said. How could she? You were in the biggest will they won't they situation in Hollywood at the moment.

"Boyfriend."

She respects your privacy and keeps to the listed topics during the interview. You talk about your journey so far, your dream film projects, dream co-stars, etc.

When the interview is over Iris congratulates you and Jason on your blossoming relationship. You joke that she'll be the first to know when you two are ready to tie the knot. And she wants to desperately tell you that one of her friends, Cisco Ramon, has a prediction about you and Jason actually marrying a couple of years in the future. But she keeps that to her self.

She wouldn't tempt fate. And she liked the two of you together.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.23

Holidays

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Battle of Kursk Day (Russia)

Black Ribbon Day (Baltic states)

The Blitz Begins (WW2; 1940; UK)

Daffodil Day [also 4th Friday]

European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism (EU)

Find Your Inner Nerd Day

Flag Day (Ukraine)

Goldfinch Day

Grand Mahal de Touba (Senegal)

Hashtag Day

Health Unit Coordinator Day

Hebron Massacre Anniversary (Israel)

Hug Your Sweetheart Day

International Blind Dog Day

International Day For the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (UN)

International Redhead Day

Internaut Day

Liberation from Fascist Occupation Day (Romania)

National Cheap Flight Day

National Doctors’ Day (Iran)

National Holiday (Socialist Republic of Romania)

National Levi Day

National Physicians Day (Iran)

National Plumber's Day

National Poetry Day (New Zealand)

National Sneak Off to the Beach Day

One-Way Street Day

Permanent Press Day

Pilot 823 Day

Purple Poppy Day (UK)

Ride the Wind Day

Sacco-Vanzetti Memorial Day

Schueberfouer Shepherd’s Fair begins (Luxembourg)

Singin’ in the Rain Day

Slavery Remembrance Day

Tansy Day

Tuberose Day (French Republic)

Umhlanga Day (Eswatini, f.k.a. Swaziland)

Valentino Day

Victory Over Germany in the Battle of Kursk Day (Russia)

William Wallace Day (Scotland)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Buttered Corn Day

Cuban Sandwich Day

National Spongecake Day

Peruvian Coffee Day (Peru)

Swedish Meatball Day

World Vada Pad Day (Maharashtra, India)

Independence & Related Days

Aerlig (Declared, 2001) [unrecognized]

Hong Kong (UK Takes from China; 1839-Non-Aggression Pact; 1939)

Kharkiv City Day (Ukraine)

Mexico (Treaty of Aquala Signed; 1821)

Open Rebellion Day (UK declared US Colonies; 1775)

4th Friday in August

Brother’s Day [1st Friday after Full Moon]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Daffodil Day (Australia, Southern Hemisphere) [4th Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Forgive Your Foe Friday [Friday of Be Kind to Humankind Week]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

International Pozole Day [4th Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 23 (3rd Full Week of August)

Health Unit Coordinators Week (thru 8.29)

Festivals Beginning August 23, 2024

Askov Rutabaga Festival and Fair (Askov, Minnesota) [thru 8.25]

Big Feastival (Kingham, United Kingdom) [thru 8.25]

Bosque Chile & Music Fest (Albuquerque, New Mexico) [thru 8.24]

Butler Italian Festival (Butler, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.25]

Chorus Inside International (Rovinj, Croatia) [thru 8.28]

Colorado State Fair (Pueblo, Colorado) [thru 9.2]

DeKalb Corn Fest (DeKalb, Illinois) [thru 8.25]

Espoo Ciné International Film Festival (Espoo, Finland) [thru 9.1]

Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair (Fallon, Nevada) [8.25]

Fête Rouge Food & Wine Fête (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

German-American Festival (Oregon, Ohio) [thru 8.25]

Hill City Wine, Brew and BBQ(Hill City, South Dakota) [thru 8.24]

Humungous Fungus Fest (Crystal Falls, Michigan) [thru 8.24]

Indianapolis GreekFest - Indianapolis, Indiana

Mammoth Rocks & Music & Food Festival (Mammoth Lakes, California) [thru 8.24]

Northwest Art and Air Festival (Albany, Oregon) [thru 8.25]

Nebraska State Fair (Grand Island, Nebraska) [thru 9.2]

Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival (Loveland, Colorado) 9thru 8.24]

Oregon State Fair (Salem, Oregon) [thru 9.2]

Potato Days Festival (Barnesville, Minnesota) [thru 8.24]

Roots Festival (Paola, Kansas) [thru 8.24]

Shrewsbury Folk Festival (Shrewsbury, United Kingdom.) [thru 8.26]

Soybean Festival (Mexico, Missouri) [thru 8.24]

Sylvester Swine Festival (Sylvester, Georgia) [thru 8.24]

Washington State Garlic Fest (Chehalis, Washington) (thru 8.25]

Whiskies of the World (Boston, Massachusetts)

World Food & Music Festival (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 8.25]

Feast Days

Allan Kaprow (Artology)

Appollinaris Sidnonius, Bishop of Clermont (Christian; Saint)

Appreciate What You’ve Got Day (Pastafarian)

Ascelina (Christian; Saint)

Asterius, Claudius, Domnina, Neon, and Theonilla (Christian; Martyrs)

Chǔshǔ begins (China) [Thru 9.7]

Claudius, Asterius and Others (Christian; Martyrs)

Day of Hephaestos (Pagan)

Day of Nemesea (Old Roman Goddess Nemesis, defender of the relics & memory of the dead from insults)

Dick Bruna (Artology)

Dollond (Positivist; Saint)

Dunadd in Argyll (Celtic Book of Days)

Éogan of Ardstraw (Christian; Saint)

Ernie Bushmiller (Artology)

Eugene Lanceray (Artology)

Eugenius of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Nemesis (Goddess of Fate; Ancient Greece)

Gaura Parba (Women’s Festival to Goddess Gauri; Nepal)

Great Feast of the Netjeru (All Gods/Goddesses; Ancient Egypt)

Hammer Fraggle (Muppetism)

Hannah Frank (Artology)

Janmashtami (Lord Krishna Nativity; Hindu)

Justinian the Hermit (Christian; Saint)

Keith Tyson (Artology)

Kirvis (Harvest Festival; Lithuania)

Lupus (a.k.a. Luppus) of Novae (Christian; Saint)

Nemeseia (Ancient Greece)

Nuclear Accident Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Philip Benitius (Christian; Saint)

Quiriacus and companions, of Ostia (Christian; Saint)

Rose of Lima (Christian; Saint)

Second Festival of Vertumnalia (Ripening Fruit; Ancient Rome; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Theonas, Archbishop of Alexandria (Christian; Saint)

Tydfil (Christian; Saint)

Vertumnalia (Old Roman God of the Change of Seasons)

Vulcanalia (Ancient Roman festival to Vulcan)

William Ernest Henley (Writerism)

Willy Russell (Writerism)

Zacchaeus of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

A-Hunting We Won’t Go (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1943)

Alice Adams (Film; 1935)

Angel Has Fallen (Film; 2019)

Animal Crackers (Film; 1930)

Barton Fink (Film; 1991)

Better Off Dead (Film; 1985)

The Big Sleep (Film; 1946)

Birdland (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Canadian Capers, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, recorded Perez Prado (Song; 1954)

Club Life in the Stone Age (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year (WB Animated Film; 2016)

The Death of Superman (WB Animated Film; 2018)

Drinking Buddies (Film; 2013)

Freeway (Film; 1996)

The Girl at the Ironing Board (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

Going! Going! Gosh! (WB MM Cartoon; 1952)

Grace, by Jeff Buckley (Album; 1994)

Henry IV, Part 2, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1600)

Knighty Knight Bugs (WB LT Cartoon; 1958)

Lover, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2019)

Pass the Biscuits Mirandy! (Swing Symphony Cartoon; 1943)

Scotty Finds a Home (Rainbow Parade Cartoon; 1935)

She Loves You, by The Beatles (UK Song; 1963)

She’s the One (Film; 1996)

Sir Army Suit, by Klaatu (Album; 1978)

The Sun Also Rises (Film; 1957)

Superior Duck (WB Cartoon; 1996)

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (WB Animated Film; 2020)

Teen Wolf (Film; 1985)

That ’70s Show (TV Series; 1998)

Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz (WB Animated Film; 2011)

Woody’s Magic Touch (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

The World’s End (Film; 2013)

Today’s Name Days

Isolde, Philipp, Rosa, Zachäus (Austria)

Rozalija, Ruža, Ružica (Croatia)

Sandra (Czech Republic)

Zakæus (Denmark)

Signe, Singe (Estonia)

Signe, Varma (Finland)

Rose (France)

Isolde, Rosa, Zachäus (Germany)

Bence (Hungary)

Fabrizio, Maria, Regina (Italy)

Benjamins, Ralfs, Spriditis, Vitālijs (Latvia)

Girmantas, Pilypas, Tautgailė (Lithuania)

Signe, Signy (Norway)

Apolinary, Benicjusz, Filip, Laurenty, Sulirad, Walerian, Waleriana, Zacheusz (Poland)

Filip (Slovakia)

Rosa (Spain)

Signe, Signhild (Sweden)

Eugene, Eugenia, Geena, Gena, Gene, Genie, Gina, Jina, River, Zacchaeus, Zaccheus (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 236 of 2024; 130 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 34 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 21 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Ren-Shen), Day 20 (Ji-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 19 Av 5784

Islamic: 17 Safar 1446

J Cal: 26 Purple; Fryday [26 of 30]

Julian: 10 August 2024

Moon: 80%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 11 Gutenberg (9th Month) [Dollond]

Runic Half Month: Rad (Motion) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 65 of 94)

Week: 3rd Full Week of August

Zodiac: Virgo (Day 2 of 32)

Calendar Changes

Rad (Motion) [Half-Month 17 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 9.6)

[scottbiffin]

The Growth of Specialty Coffee Trading in Australia- Opportunities and Trends

The Australian coffee scene is globally recognized for its exceptional quality and unique culture. From bustling city cafés to regional roasters, Australia has cemented itself as a hub for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. Over the past decade, a growing trend has been the rise of specialty coffee trading, which has transformed the industry and opened new doors for traders, roasters, and consumers. Scott Biffin, a seasoned coffee trader with deep expertise in the specialty coffee market, has played a pivotal role in this shift, helping shape the future of coffee trading in Australia.

This blog will explore the growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia, identifying the opportunities and trends that traders, like Biffin, have helped pioneer. We will also delve into how the Australian market is uniquely positioned to thrive in this space and what the future holds for specialty coffee trading.

Introduction: What Is Specialty Coffee?

Before diving into the specifics of trading, it's essential to understand what qualifies as specialty coffee. Unlike mass-market or commodity coffee, specialty coffee is defined by its high quality and distinct flavor profiles. Specialty coffee beans are usually scored 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by certified tasters, meaning they are free from defects and exhibit unique characteristics in aroma, body, acidity, and aftertaste.

The emphasis on quality extends beyond just the beans—specialty coffee involves a commitment to traceability, ethical sourcing, and sustainable farming practices. For traders like Scott Biffin, dealing in specialty coffee is more than just a business; it's about fostering relationships with farmers, ensuring fair wages, and promoting environmentally friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

The Rise of Specialty Coffee Trading in Australia

In the last decade, Australia has witnessed a significant rise in the demand for specialty coffee, driven by both consumers' desire for higher quality and a deeper appreciation for the craft of coffee-making. Specialty coffee shops have mushroomed across the country, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which are known for their strong café cultures. This boom has, in turn, fueled the specialty coffee trading market.

Factors Contributing to Growth

Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia:

Consumer Preferences Australian consumers are becoming more discerning about the coffee they drink. There is a growing demand for coffee that tells a story—from where it was grown to how it was harvested and roasted. Specialty coffee aligns perfectly with this shift in consumer behavior, offering a superior product that emphasizes origin, quality, and sustainability.

Café Culture Australia's café culture is deeply ingrained in its urban lifestyle. People are not just looking for a cup of coffee; they want a unique experience, which specialty coffee provides. This growing café culture has spurred demand for high-quality beans, further promoting the growth of specialty coffee trading.

Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing Specialty coffee trading often emphasizes ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability. Australian consumers, like many around the world, are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. Coffee traders who focus on sourcing beans from environmentally friendly farms and promoting fair trade practices have gained a competitive edge.

Technology and Innovation The rise of technology has made it easier for traders and roasters to connect with coffee growers across the world. Platforms and trading hubs have emerged that allow coffee traders to access new markets and form direct relationships with farmers, ensuring higher-quality beans and more transparent trade practices.

The Influence of Pioneers Like Scott Biffin Pioneers like Scott Biffin have played a crucial role in fostering the specialty coffee market. Biffin, with years of experience in the coffee trading industry, has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable coffee trading practices. His dedication to quality, ethical sourcing, and innovation has helped open new opportunities for Australian traders and roasters, setting the foundation for future growth.

Opportunities in Specialty Coffee Trading

With the growth of specialty coffee trading, several opportunities have emerged for traders and businesses in Australia. Whether you are an experienced trader like Scott Biffin or someone new to the coffee market, understanding these opportunities can provide a competitive advantage.

1. Direct Trade Relationships

One of the most significant trends in specialty coffee trading is the direct trade model, where traders build direct relationships with coffee farmers. This approach bypasses traditional middlemen, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their beans while allowing traders to have greater control over quality. Direct trade relationships also foster transparency and trust, helping traders differentiate their products in a crowded market.

For Australian traders, engaging in direct trade offers a chance to secure exclusive, high-quality coffee beans while supporting sustainable farming communities in coffee-growing regions like Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

2. Expanding Export and Import Markets

While Australia's specialty coffee scene is thriving, the demand for high-quality coffee is not limited to domestic consumers. Exporting specialty coffee beans to international markets presents an opportunity for traders to tap into regions with growing demand for premium coffee, such as China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Conversely, importing specialty coffee beans from emerging coffee-producing countries can offer Australian traders a way to diversify their product offerings. Specialty coffee is not limited to traditional regions like Ethiopia or Colombia—new coffee-growing regions in Asia, such as Vietnam and Thailand, are producing beans that can appeal to adventurous coffee drinkers.

3. Specialty Coffee Subscription Services

Subscription-based models have gained traction across various industries, and specialty coffee is no exception. Specialty coffee traders can take advantage of this trend by partnering with roasters or establishing their own subscription services, offering curated selections of premium beans delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps. This model allows traders to build a loyal customer base and create ongoing revenue streams, while also introducing consumers to new and unique coffee origins.

4. Sourcing for Micro-Roasters and Independent Cafés

Australia’s micro-roaster and independent café scene is booming, with businesses striving to offer their customers something distinctive. Specialty coffee traders can cater to these niche markets by providing small-batch, high-quality beans that help roasters differentiate their offerings. By sourcing unique varietals or limited-edition beans, traders can supply micro-roasters with the materials they need to create stand-out products.

5. Coffee Tourism

As the world becomes more interested in the origin and journey of its coffee, coffee tourism has emerged as a niche but growing sector. Traders and coffee professionals, like Scott Biffin, who are knowledgeable about different coffee-growing regions, have the opportunity to organize tours or experiences for consumers. This not only deepens consumer appreciation for coffee but also helps strengthen relationships with producers and traders in coffee-growing countries.

Trends Shaping the Future of Specialty Coffee Trading

While the specialty coffee industry has grown significantly, several emerging trends are likely to shape the future of this sector. For traders looking to stay ahead of the curve, keeping an eye on these developments is crucial.

1. Focus on Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability continues to be a key factor driving consumer behavior. Traders who prioritize sustainably sourced coffee and support ethical practices, such as paying farmers fair wages and reducing environmental impact, will continue to thrive. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in the products they buy, and the specialty coffee market is no exception.

Scott Biffin, an advocate of ethical coffee trading, has long emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, and traders who follow his lead are likely to find long-term success.

2. Technology and Blockchain

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in coffee trading, particularly through the use of blockchain to improve traceability. Blockchain technology allows traders to track the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup, providing consumers with proof of origin, quality, and ethical sourcing. This added layer of transparency can help traders build trust with consumers and strengthen their reputation in the market.

3. Diversification of Coffee Varietals

The specialty coffee market is constantly evolving, with traders exploring new and unique coffee varietals to meet consumer demand for distinctive flavor profiles. As climate change impacts traditional coffee-growing regions, traders are also turning to resilient varietals and lesser-known origins. Traders who can source these varietals stand to gain from offering something truly unique in a competitive market.

4. Cold Brew and Ready-to-Drink Specialty Coffee

Cold brew and ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages are gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers. Specialty coffee traders can capitalize on this trend by sourcing beans specifically for these brewing methods. As more consumers look for convenient, high-quality coffee options, traders who cater to this segment can diversify their product lines and expand their customer base.

Conclusion

The growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia offers numerous opportunities for traders, roasters, and consumers alike. From direct trade relationships to expanding into international markets, the specialty coffee sector presents a wealth of possibilities for those willing to embrace innovation and sustainability.

Pioneers like Scott Biffin have helped shape the future of specialty coffee trading by advocating for ethical sourcing, quality, and transparency. As Australia’s café culture continues to evolve and consumers demand more from their coffee, traders who focus on specialty coffee are well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic and growing industry.

By staying attuned to emerging trends, such as sustainable sourcing, technology integration, and consumer preferences for unique coffee varietals, traders can continue to build successful, long-term businesses in the specialty coffee space.

[sleekervae]

Past Lives [0.1]

Masterlist

A/N: Hi, and happy Sunday! I've been wanting to expand my writer-verse for a while, and I've found it's tough depending on the person I'm writing about. However, I thought this was a cute idea and Austin fit it perfectly. Just bear with me :)

Summary: As the filming for Elvis wrapped, Austin found himself flush in an identity crisis. His body ached, his head hurt, it was tough for him to get excited about anything. However, his interest was peaked when he found he was in the same city as Jade Theodore, a once good friend whom he'd been separated from thanks to time and circumstances...

Warnings: some mentions of InFiDeLiTy

Two years is a long time in hindsight. Add on sleepless nights, countless injuries, little to no contact with your loved ones, and a pandemic? It was any wonder Austin hadn't checked himself into a psyche ward when filming had wrapped. That last day, when the cameras were finally shut down and all the make up came off, he locked himself in his bedroom. He was positive he'd slept for almost three days, but it still didn't feel like enough.

By the end of that last week, Austin stared at himself in the mirror, poking and pulling with unfamiliar curiosity at his own face. His stubble was beginning to grow back, a mismatch to the black dye that would need time to fade from his usually burnt blonde hair. His eyes were opaque and his skin felt raw and plasticky, almost like a doll. He couldn't explain it then, but never had he felt so unnerved to stare into the mirror, and for once in his life, not recognize the person who was staring back at him.

This was the shell of Elvis Presley. Where did Austin go?

It was a week before Austin had gathered enough of his faculties to get his shit together and pack up. And before his eyes, he had traded the long, hot and humid country landscape of Australia for the rain-filtered stone neighbourhoods of London. His manager had afforded him a break before he would be whisked off to shoot his next project. It was a small break; three weeks to recover from two years. It seemed like a joke to most, but a break was a break. Any time he could take for himself was greatly welcome.

Austin's eyes cracked open, for once not at the behest of a blaring alarm. His brain was still wired to expect sun and native birds chirping away, though instead he woke up to rain pattering against the windows and traffic echoing from below his apartment.

He had taken to walking up and down the neighbourhood, exploring the hidden shops in small streets and wandering Trafalgar Square. Nobody paid him any mind, masked up and avoiding touching him and each other. He had to wonder, if this movie was as big as Baz had promised, how would this all change for him? Walking down the street would become a luxury he could no longer afford without becoming mobbed, if not by fans than by paps. And they would all watch this movie, all of them with the highest of high expectations...

On a bleary Wednesday morning, Austin sat by the window in an obscure little cafe. His coffee was becoming lukewarm and his breakfast sandwich only partially devoured as he scrolled through his phone. His mind was empty, colors and eye-catching headlines only holding his focus for mere moments before he'd move on to the next. However, he stopped suddenly at a particular paparazzi post of a singer.

Jade Theodore Sports Pleather Jacket with Sandals in London

He couldn't give a damn about whatever fashion fad the news outlet was focusing on, Austin stared intensely at the blurry photo. Slender, small, her usually long chestnut hair was cut short and a mask hid half of her face. But Austin was struck by an odd twang of nostalgia. He hadn't seen Jade in years, it felt like a whole other life since he had.

Jade Theodore had been conquering Billboard hits since 2014, exploding onto the alternative pop scene after ditching a go-no-where career at Disney. She was a force of musical talent to be reckoned with, speaking the most beautiful truths in her music that could vary from tasteful and classic to raw and raucous. Austin had seen her perform a couple times and he had a few of her songs on his phone. But he hadn't spoken to her in years.

And she was here in London, too...

Austin had spent the last two years in near full isolation from his friends and family. He felt like a stranger in his own skin, unaware of himself and trying to root himself back to who he was and why he did what he did. So it was a familiar comfort to him as he looked her up on instagram. Her page was full of gorgeous selfies and shots of the food she made. He remembered how much she liked to cook and she was good at it, even at a young age. And of course, she had pictures of her dog; a golden mini doodle that she took everywhere with her.

Jade's most recent photo was a window selfie with downtown London in the background. Her large green eyes twinkled in the reflection of the light, some makeup stained just beneath her lashes and pushed the grunge aesthetic she toted. She was younger than him by a couple years, she had to be twenty-six or twenty-seven by now, and yet she still held that teenage mischief in her stare.

His fingers moved before he could realize just what the hell he was doing, and he stared at the message he had ready to send in her DM.

Hey Jade, saw you're in London. How are you?

Austin stared at the message long and hard, his mind spinning with the fret of whether or not he should send it. And furthermore, would Jade bother to read or respond to it? Nevertheless, his thumb twitched once, twice, and then he pressed send.

Not two seconds later, he slammed his phone down on the table screen down. His rationality told him not to worry; she'd see he wasn't just a random user awaiting a response. Maybe she'd be happy to catch up with him? The irrational part however of his brain was screaming at him, wondering why he would message someone who was a point blank stranger to him. And he was to her, too. They hadn't spoken in nearly a decade, there was a slim to fair chance that Jade wouldn't give Austin the time of day. After all, she was probably really busy with her music and --

His phone buzzed, and Austin would admit he was a little too quick to turn the screen over and check. His heart dropped when he saw it was just a message from his agent checking in on him. He set the phone down again and his gaze shifted out the window again. He was being utterly ridiculous, but the constant thumping of his knee would easily give away his flicker of anxiety. He should just delete the message, she probably wouldn't see it anyway --

The phone buzzed again. Austin huffed, figuring for good reason it was just his agent again. However, his eyes blinked swiftly, and he stared in almost disbelief as he read Jade's response.

Hi Austin! Wow, it's been a while! I can't really complain, how are you?

He could still hear her voice in his head as he read the message over again, her honeyed Canadian accent penetrating his ears. His lips began to curl up in a small smile and he began to type back.

I know, it's been too long. Guess I can't really complain, either.

Austin considered himself an introvert, he had never been the type to throw himself at people or at social gatherings. However, he seemingly jumped at the chance when Jade offered to get a coffee together the next day. She had some off time and wanted to catch up a bit.

That Thursday afternoon Austin found himself sitting on a bench, overlooking the lush rolling hills of serene Regent's Park. Jade had texted him that morning telling him where to meet, and Austin kept looking to the same dented lamppost just to be sure he was in the right spot.

His knee continued bouncing, his long fingers tapping incessantly against the cold wooden bench planks. He didn't pay any mind to the footsteps crunching on the gravel trail before him, keeping his eyes glued just to his phone before the familiar honey voice took his attention.

"Austin?" his head snapped up, and his bright blue eyes met Jade's lush green ones. She smiled politely, one ankle locked behind the other as she stood there, and suddenly a rush of old memories flooded through him.

He stood up slowly, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans quickly as he approached her. Her eyes immediately went to his hair, needless to say she hadn't expected him to dawn a drastically different color to the burnt blonde she had come to know earlier.

"Jade, hi," he rasped out. Jade noted how his voice had changed, too; husky and thick. If smooth bourbon had a voice, Austin's voice would be it.

"Hi," she continued to smile, her cheeks tinting red despite the cool breeze whipping through the park.

Austin looked her up and down, he could see the small curls of her tattoos peeking out just below the cuff of her sweater. His smile suddenly curved into a playful smirk.

"Were you always this short?" he raised his hand to her height; the top of her head would just barely graze his chin, "Or was it my imagination?"

Jade scowled, her scorned grin still plastered to her lips as she rolled her eyes, "You know, I was gonna' hug you, but I could punch you instead if you want," she offered.

He began to laugh, taking a stride forward and pulling her in for a hug. She smelled of flowers and citrus, a reminiscing scent of seasonal turnings with the promise of spring break and refreshing decadence.

There was a quaint coffee stand at the end of a trail they stopped at, and Austin surprised himself with the fact that he could still remember Jade's typical order: black with two sugars. They took a seat on a bench shortly after. The sun was shining down so that was an added bonus, and they watched with little interest as other people lay out over their picnic blankets and played rounds of soccer football in the fields.

"So, how long have you been in London for?" he asked.

"Well over a year, now," she replied, "I had an opportunity to take up a residency for some work, and I had a friend who lives here so I've been rooming with her. Figured with all the bullshit going on back in the states, could England really be worse?"

"Wow," he simpered, "How long are you here for?"

"Two more weeks. My agent gave me the word, label wants me back in the pacific time zone," she said, "It's nice here, but it's not Australia,"

Austin smiled, "Yeah, it's absolutely beautiful over there,"

"Did you meet any koalas?" she asked with some giddy.

"Truth be told, I didn't have a chance," he replied, "Everything was shut down for about six months, so I mostly spent my days on the beach during that time. And when filming opened up again, I didn't really have much time for tourism,"

"Really?"

"Yeah,"

"Damn," Jade shook her head, "How hard did they work you over there?"

"Oh, we had eighteen hour days. And I maybe got three or four hours of sleep a night. I can't complain, though," he admitted, "Everyone on set was great, and the experience was just once in a lifetime, you know?"

"I suppose," she shrugged, "Not just anyone could pull off the King of Graceland,"

He huffed, "Yeah. It was a lot. I feel like I've been cramming for an exam the past two years and my body is finally coming out of it,"

"I'm glad you said so, because I didn't want to sound heartless," she said.

"Why would you sound heartless?" he popped a brow.

Jade smiled sheepishly, "Because -- you look like shit,"

"Oh, thank you. I looked in the mirror this morning," he smirked back.

Jade began to laugh, "I'm sorry. Okay -- but aside from physically, are you okay? I heard how intense these biopics can get. I mean, at least with Rocketman, Elton could give his notes if needed,"

He understood where she was coming from, "I got advice from the right people when I needed it. I'm just starting to come out of the fog, though. I need to either put my focus on something else or just not think about Elvis for a little while. At least until the press tours start,"

"I get it," she nodded, her lips pursing, "Is that why you messaged me out of the blue?"

He simpered shyly, "Well, no, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I just heard you were in town and thought it might be nice to catch up,"

"Well, of course! It's only been... what? Nine years we last spoke?" she suggested, watching him carefully.

"Five," he noted, "I watched you perform at Coachella in 2017,"

Jade popped an eyebrow, "Oh? Why didn't you come say hi?"

That one, Austin didn't have a good answer for. His circumstances at the time were different, he was distracted to put it lightly. His social circle looked much different and his priorities were aligned elsewhere. It wasn't a very valid excuse, though.

"I don't know," he replied truthfully, "That's a shitty excuse, but the truth is I don't know why I didn't. I should've. I don't even know why I messaged you in the first place,"

Jade cocked her head, her gaze averting to the fields. The echoes of football games and chatting passerbys intermingled with the distant drawls of traffic in downtown. Regent's Park however was quieter. Jade turned to Austin again.

"I think I do," she suggested, "And correct me if I'm wrong: but from everything you've told me, coupled with some... unsavoury things that've come out in the past year, I think you're lost. Not just with yourself but in your reality as a whole. You've spent over two years pretending to be somebody else, and it's not exactly a children's game of dress up and make believe. So, when you saw that this familiar stranger," she stopped and pointed to herself, "you haven't spoken to in a while is suddenly within arms reach of you, you jumped for it like a seal doing circus tricks. You have to rebuild yourself, and how fortuitous you happened to stumble upon me,"

Austin sighed, nodding slowly as her words sunk in, "Does that make me a selfish prick?" he asked.

"Not at all," she shook her head, "It does make you a little whiny, I'm not gonna lie," that got a chuckle out of him, "I'm not exactly innocent, either. But still, I'm honoured you picked me,"

"I'm honoured that you even came out to meet me in the first place," he grinned, "Does it make me whiny to admit that it's really good to see you again?"

"Then we're both pretty whiny," she bumped his arm, "It's good to see you again, too,"

Time wasn't a thing as Austin and Jade continued to talk. It was as though years hadn't passed and it felt just like it used to when they were sit on set together. He told her about some of the upcoming projects he had in the works, including a possible call-back for the sequel for Dune. Jade had been a fan of the books as well as the newest movie, and regardless to say she was excited to hear about that prospective venture.

Jade meanwhile had a show coming up, her first in nearly two years at the Brixton Academy. After so much time lallygagging around she admitted she was a little flustered putting a set list and rehearsals together. Though the tickets were close to being sold out, Jade's nerves had a way of getting the better of her as the show loomed closer and closer.

The early morning soon turned into late afternoon and then the evening. Jade was surprised when she checked her watch and saw the time was bordering on five o'clock. Austin noted the time too, and he looked both ways up and down the park as he realized the crowd had thinned down considerably.

"It's getting dark," he said.

"Time always flies, I guess," she replied.

"Yeah," he collected the discarded cups, his mouth moving before his brain could register, "You wanna' get something to eat?" he suddenly asked.

Jade shrugged, "I mean -- if you have no where to be..."

"I have no where to be for another week and half," he told her.

"Alright," she stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder, fluffing up her hair, "There's a little pub down the road that make the best truffle fries. And I'm not even exaggerating," she chuckled, "They're deadly,"

Austin laughed as well, "Can't say no truffle fries now, can I?"

They ventured out of the park together, jacket sleeves occasionally brushing up together and the conversation kept flowing between them. He regaled her with a story from filming, some on-set shenanigans between him and his cast mates that helped lift the pressure. Jade watched him curiously, picking out the mischievous glint in his eye, the way his fingers fiddled with his coat pocket, how his smile was still the same as when he was seventeen. It felt so strange, content that she knew him and he seemed just the same, and yet he looked and was so different.

The gastropub was relatively empty at the time, a dark interiored venue that smelled of hops and fresh leather. Austin and Jade were given a booth in the back, a single candle accompanying the low dimmed sconces across the walls. Two pints of beer sat on the table, in between them a plate of steaming truffle fries.

"So... would you chew me out if I asked?" she asked meekly.

Austin had an unsettling feeling in his gut, but he nodded nonetheless, "Ask me what?" he asked.

Jade huffed, giggling nervously to herself, "About you... and a very long term relationship that didn't go the distance?" she was trying not to squirm in her seat.

Austin tried to put on a smile, but his fingers tapped slowly against the hardwood table, his eyes averting just the same. The side of his face was lit eerily by the candle, he was hauntingly mesmerizing.

"You know what? Forget it," she said quickly, "I shouldn't of -- I mean it's none of the my business --"

"No, it's okay," Austin assured, though his fingers continued to tap on the table, "Truth be told, I fell out of love," he scoffed, "Not as Lifetime as it sounds, I guess,"

Jade wasn't sure what she was expecting when he answered; probably something scandalous like one of them cheated, or there was a major fight. But what wasn't heard very often was the very thing he described, and seemed to still feel guilty over.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I get it, though,"

"You're one of very few people," he admitted, "Even my dad thought I was crazy when I told how I felt,"

Jade picked at another fry, "Ten years with somebody is a long time, Austin. But it's not a lifetime, either. And at the end of the day, you have to make a choice for yourself," she said, "Do you regret it?"

It was a question he had been asked often, and every time that relationship flashed through his head like a movie reel. He reminisced the good, the bad, and all the beautiful moments in between. However, his answer was always the same.

"No," he shook his head.

Jade shrugged, "Then, you can lift that burden off your shoulders," she said, "You know what's best for you, public opinion be damned,"

"I never thought of it that way before," he said, "As a burden, I mean,"

"I've found responsibility and naivety can be confused in situation-ships; whether that's for us or our significant others depends," she explained.

Austin sipped from his beer, "You sound like you've had some experience," he spoke before drinking.

Jade simpered, somewhat bitterly, "Suppose this the part where we discuss my failed relationships?" she asked.

"You asked me first," he smirked.

"Fair," she sighed, sitting back in the booth seat, "My partner and I are currently on a 'break'," she made air quotes with her fingers. Austin simpered with intrigue.

"Okay, Rachel. What happened?" he asked.

Jade shook her head, "Well, the shorter version is he caught covid really badly. So badly to the point where he had to be ventilated. His mother is a super sweet lady, but she's also super religious. She was concerned about his sins or whatever, so she told me -- while he was under ventilation -- that he had cheated on me,"

Austin popped an eyebrow, "Fuck..."

"Yep,"

"Hold on, lemme' get this straight," he said up, "He cheated on you, didn't tell you, told his mom, and now that he's in a coma his mom told you?"

"Oh, he's out of the coma now. He's fine," she replied.

"Holy --" Austin was at a loss for what to say. Not even the most twisted Hallmark movies could come up with such drama, "I can't imagine -- Jade, I can't even imagine what that must've been like,"

"So, you are blessed," she grinned.

"I assume though, that you did tell him?" he asked, "That you knew?"

"When he was well enough, I confronted him. And then he gave me the classic excuse 'she meant nothing!' and all that. Nothing concrete enough to forfeit him another chance, anyway. And don't even get me started on his mom," she squirmed in her seat.

Needless to say, she couldn't have dreamed up a more stressful situation. Jade had been so torn up, so angry with her boyfriend, and then guilty for being angry because he was so sick. But she also wanted him to pull through, partly because she needed the opportunity to confront him. And when she had, it still wasn't enough to satisfy her. Never before had she felt so violated, not just by her boyfriend but also by his family.

Though, she wondered in the back of her mind if she perhaps deserved it?

Austin was baffled, nonetheless, "When did all this happen?" he asked.

Jade's smile was bitter, regretful even, "About a year ago," she replied sadly.

He nodded, "So, when you had the opportunity to move to London amid a mass pandemic..."

"Like a seal in a circus," she admitted, "I'm nervous to go back because he's going to be waiting for me and promising over and over that he's changed and realized he can't live without me and all that bullshit,"

"So, break up with him!" he said.

"I have. Twice. He won't accept it," she stared off into space, teeth chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip, "He's telling all our friends and family that we're just on a break..."

Her hand rested over the table, her index finger tapping impatiently. Austin couldn't help himself, he slid his own hand across the table and folded it over hers. Jade met his eyes again.

"I'm really sorry, Jade," he said, "If there's anything I can do..."

"Don't worry. I'll have him off my back soon enough," she shrugged, then her lips upturned into a gleeful smirk, "And hey, I'm a B-list celebrity! I could have a restraining order on him with a snap of my fingers if need be!"

He began to laugh, "Fame and its perks knows no bounds,"

The night dwelled on, the conversation moving on to more pleasant things. However, neither were privy to the fact that one hand always seemed to be in close contact with the other for the rest of their meal.

The restaurant filled up with people, endured its dinner rush, and then settled down again for closing. Austin and Jade were still in their booth, lost in their own bubble. That bubbles was popped however as a server came by and dropped off their bill. Austin felt a little guilty as he looked around, realizing they were the only table left in the place.

"Guess we became those people," he joked as he pulled out his wallet.

"Means we had the best time," she popped a brow, "What're you doing?"

"I'm paying the bill," he answered simply.

"Not by yourself," she countered, "At least let me get half!"

"Nope," he couldn't help the smug leer on his face as he pulled out some pound notes, "I invited you out, it's only fair,"

Jade opened her mouth to argue, but he had already closed the money into the booklet and gave it to the server. She relented nevertheless, following as he slid out of the booth and they made their exit.

The evening was chilly, but the sky remained clear, its pale visage looming down over central London. The streets were clear for the most part, though a good amount of cars were still driving up and down the roads. Austin and Jade walked side by side in the general vicinity of his apartment.

"This has been really nice. I almost hate to leave," she told him, chuckling bashfully, "But Cam is gonna bop me in the head if I'm late to another soundcheck,"

Austin simpered, "I understand. How long does your soundcheck run?"

"About two hours," she smiled politely, they both stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, "What are you doing next Wednesday?" she asked.

He shrugged, "Nothing, I guess," he replied.

"Why don't you come to the show? I can get you a ticket," she offered.

"Are you sure?" he asked, "I mean, I'm good for the ticket,"

"And you just bought me dinner, so you'll take it. I mean, the vibe's not exactly Mean Woman Blue, but..."

"Jade, I would love to come," he nodded.

She started rocking back and forth on her heels, "Cool, I'll send you the information," and she put her arms out for a hug. Austin obliged her happily. Her head fit snugly under his chin and his sharp cologne tickled pleasantly at her nose, "Thanks again -- for reaching out,"

"Hey, thank you for coming," he grinned, "And I'm sorry it took me ten years,"

Jade shrugged nonchalantly, "Hey, until the next ten years," she started walking backwards, "Bye Austin,"

A renewed excitement flooded over Austin, a shy smile on his lips as he began to turn, "Bye, Jade,"

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

David Rowe, Australia Financial Review

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

August 27, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Aug 28, 2024

Sam Stein of The Bulwark reported yesterday that the Trump campaign is about to start running ads in the area around Mar-a-Lago. Trump insiders say the campaign has paid almost $50,000 to run ads to make Trump and local donors feel good. On August 14, Kevin Cate, former spokesperson for President Barack Obama, predicted that Trump would spend his first television dollars “in Florida (for his ego and against his team’s advice). And that’s how you’ll know we’re in landslide territory.” 

Predictions about future elections and an average of $3.08 will get you a cup of coffee these days, but there are some interesting signs out there today. Pollster Tom Bonier noted what he called “the Harris Effect”: the 13 states that have updated their voters files since July 21—when Biden said he would not accept the Democratic nomination for president—have seen “incredible surges in voter registration relative to the same time period in 2020, driven by women, voters of color, and young voters.”

The registrations of young Black women have almost tripled compared with the same period in 2020. The registrations of young Hispanic women are up by 150%. “Black women overall have almost doubled their registration numbers from 2020,” Bonier wrote. 

These changes benefit Democrats, Bonier noted. “Democratic registration has increased by over 50%, as compared to only 7% for Republicans. These new registrants are modeled as +20 pts Dem, as compared to +6 during the same week in 2020.”

The Cook Political Report today moved the electoral votes of Minnesota, New Hampshire, and North Carolina, and the governor's races in North Carolina and Washington, toward the Democrats. Minnesota, New Hampshire, and the Washington governor have gone from leaning Democratic to likely Democratic wins; the North Carolina governor’s race has gone from Toss Up to Lean Democratic; North Carolina has gone from Lean Republican to Toss Up. 

Meanwhile, Trump began the day by posting an advertisement for the fourth “series of Trump digital trading cards,” or NFTs (which are unique digital tokens) featuring heroic images of Trump. People who buy 15 or more of them—at $99 apiece—get a physical trading card as well. Trump said that the physical card has a piece of the suit he wore at the presidential debate, and Trump promises to sign five of them, randomly. Up to 25 people who buy $25,750 worth of the cards with cryptocurrency will be invited to a gala next month at his Jupiter, Florida, golf club.

In the ad, Trump made it a point to emphasize his enthusiasm for cryptocurrency, an emphasis that dovetails with Trump’s recent promotion of an “official” cryptocurrency project. He linked to a Telegram channel run by his sons Don Jr. and Eric that, at the time, was called “The DeFiant Ones” but has been renamed “World Liberty Financial.” While there is little public information about the project, the channel has almost 50,000 subscribers.  

Hawking merchandise was an odd move for a presidential candidate, and it suggested his focus is elsewhere than on the election. Also today, Trump announced that he plans to make former Democrats Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, both of whom have endorsed him, honorary members of his transition team. Kennedy told right-wing personality Tucker Carlson that he would “help pick the people who will be running the government.” 

This afternoon, Trump announced that the terms for the September 10 presidential debate had been set, but the fact it came from him alone suggested he was trying to get his way by simply declaring he had won. Indeed, the Harris campaign said the issue hadn’t been settled, and ABC News, which is holding the debate, did not comment. 

Late this afternoon, special counsel Jack Smith filed a superseding indictment against Trump in the federal criminal case concerning Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. After the Supreme Court decided on July 1, 2024, in the aptly-named case of Donald J. Trump v. United States, that Trump cannot be charged with crimes committed as part of his official duties, the criminal case Smith had filed against him for his attempt to steal the election had to be reworked to eliminate those actions the court deemed official. 

A new grand jury heard the evidence for this indictment, avoiding concerns that the previous grand jury might be swayed by evidence that they had heard before but was no longer admissible. The new indictment removes those matters but retains the four original charges and clarifies that they concern actions that are not official duties. Legal analyst Joyce White Vance of Civil Discourse notes that while the old indictment referred to Trump as a former president, this one refers to him as “a candidate for president.” 

Trump greeted the announcement with a long, unhinged rant on his social media company, saying that “[t]he people of our country will see what is happening with all of these corrupt lawsuits against me, and will REJECT them by giving me an overwhelming Victory on November 5th for President of the United States….”

“For those counting,” legal analyst Andrew Weismann wrote, “FIVE separate grand juries (scores of citizens) have now found probable cause that Trump committed multiple felonies.” 

And then, this evening, Quil Lawrence and Tom Bowman of NPR explained the story behind the surprising photos of Trump on Monday giving a thumbs-up over a grave in Arlington National Cemetery. The reporters wrote that “[t]wo members of Donald Trump's campaign staff had a verbal and physical altercation Monday with an official” at the cemetery, where “[f]ederal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities.” When a cemetery official tried to prevent Trump campaign staff from entering the section where the grave was located, “campaign staff verbally abused and pushed the official aside.” A Trump campaign spokesperson said the official who tried to prevent the staff from holding a political event in the cemetery was “clearly suffering from a mental health episode.” 

The elephant in the room these days is that most Republicans, along with many pundits, are pretending that Trump is a normal presidential candidate. They are ignoring his mental lapses, calls for authoritarianism, grifting, lack of grasp on any sort of policy, and criminality, even as he has hollowed out the once grand Republican Party and threatens American democracy itself.

It’s hard to look away from the reality that the Republican senators could have stopped this catastrophe at many points in Trump’s term, at the very least by voting to convict Trump at his first impeachment trial. At the time, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, “Out of one hundred senators, you have zero who believe you that there was no quid pro quo. None. There’s not a single one.” Republican senators nonetheless stood behind Trump. “This is not about this president. It’s not about anything he’s been accused of doing,” then–majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told his colleagues. “It has always been about November 3, 2020. It’s about flipping the Senate.”

When the Framers wrote the Constitution, they did not foresee senators abandoning the principles of the country in order to support a president they thought would enhance their own careers. Assuming that lawmakers would jealously guard their own power, the Framers gave to the members of the House of Representatives the power to impeach a president. To the members of the Senate they gave the sole power to try impeachments. They assumed that lawmakers, who had just fought a war to break free of a monarch, would understand that their own interests would always require stopping the rise of an authoritarian leader. 

But the Framers did not foresee the rise of political partisanship. 

In the modern era, extreme partisanship has led to voter suppression to keep Republicans in power, the weaponization of the filibuster to stop Democratic legislation, and gerrymandering to enable Republicans to take far more legislative seats than they have earned. The demands of this extreme partisanship also mean that members of one of the nation’s major political parties have lined up behind a man whom, were he running this sort of a campaign even ten years ago, they would have dismissed with derision. 

Finally, devastatingly, the partisanship that made senators keep Trump in office enabled him to name to the Supreme Court three justices. Those three justices were key to making up the majority that overturned the nation’s fundamental principle that all people must be equal before the law. In July 2024 they ruled that unlike anyone else, a president is above it.  

In May 2016, South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham famously observed: “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed.......and we will deserve it.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[scotianostra]

On January 27th 1784 the newspaper the Glasgow Herald was published for the first time.

As the birth of America brought the decline of the city’s lucrative tobacco trade and an end to its first phase of imperial expansion, the first issue of a newspaper called The Glasgow Advertiser was published.

When John Mennons - writer, editor, printer and publisher of The Glasgow Advertiser - sold the few hundred copies of his first issue around the coffee houses of Glasgow in 1783, he was already dealing with international businessmen, the tobacco lords and the other members of the Merchants’ House who traded with the Americas and Caribbean, who owned plantations and mansions across the Atlantic and whose fortunes would provide the basis for Glasgow’s early and hugely successful participation in the Industrial Revolution. The American colonies were lost, but the city continued to trade across the Atlantic, and soon added businesses in Africa, Australia and the Far East.

That first issue of The Herald showed the international interests of the Glasgow business community. On the front page alone there was intelligence from London, Dresden, Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, New York, Gibraltar and Madrid, and reports of ships belonging to the East India Company sailing for Africa and the South Sea (the South China Sea). In addition, a disapproving account of the princes and princesses of Europe changing their religion “as if it were part of their dress” when marrying for family or national advantage was enlivened by the news that the Sultan of the Ottomans (Turkey) and the Sophia of Persia (Iran) had sent ambassadors to south Germany to ask for the hands in marriage of two princesses of the House of Wurttemberg.

The Glasgow Herald is the longest running national newspaper in the world and is the eighth oldest daily paper in the world. The paper was originally named the Glasgow Advertiser, and after a short spell as The Herald and Advertiser and Commercial Chronicle, became The Glasgow Herald in 1804.

The paper’s first editor John Mennons worked from offices at Duncan’s Land on Gibson’s Wynd, with the company moving to ‘The Lighthouse’ in Mitchell Street in 1895,the building is creditted cto architect John Keppie, but he apprenticed the young Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

On the 19th of July, 1980, the paper moved to offices in Albion Street. It is currently printed at Carmyle just south east of Glasgow.

[starseedfxofficial]

Ninja Tactics for Market Profile and RBA Insights The Ninja Trader’s Guide to Market Profile & the RBA: Uncover Hidden Opportunities In the Forex world, where trends change faster than your favorite coffee shop's menu, staying ahead is the name of the game. If you’re ready to ditch the mainstream and tap into strategies that actually work, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive deep into the market profile, the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia), and how you can leverage this dynamic duo to make trades that feel like a masterstroke. Why the Market Profile is Your New Best Friend If Forex indicators were friends, the market profile would be that quiet genius who’s always one step ahead. Developed by J. Peter Steidlmayer in the 1980s, the market profile reveals where and when trades happen by analyzing price action and volume. Think of it as a map that shows you where the crowd gathers—and more importantly, where they’re leaving opportunities untouched. How It Works: - The Value Area (VA): This is the price range where 70% of the trading volume occurs. Picture it as the most crowded coffee shop in town. Knowing this area helps you predict price behavior. - Point of Control (POC): The POC is the price level with the highest volume—the epicenter of market activity. - High and Low Volume Nodes: These are price levels where activity spikes or dips. Use these to spot support and resistance zones. Hidden Secret: Most traders overcomplicate the market profile. Here’s the deal: use it to identify areas of imbalance. When price moves away from the value area, expect it to come back—like gravity pulling you toward the last slice of pizza. The RBA Reserve Bank of Australia: What’s the Big Deal? The RBA’s policy decisions are a Forex trader’s goldmine. It’s like tuning into your favorite drama series where every announcement can trigger a plot twist in AUD pairs. But here’s what the pros know: it’s not just about the rates. What to Watch: - Monetary Policy Statement: The RBA’s stance on inflation, employment, and growth is your cheat sheet for predicting AUD’s direction. - Interest Rate Decisions: AUDUSD loves to dance when rates change—or even when there’s a hint of change. - Governor’s Speeches: Subtle hints from the RBA Governor can send markets into a frenzy. Read between the lines. Pro Tip: Track how the AUD reacts to commodity prices, particularly iron ore. Australia’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, and shifts here often prelude AUD movements—like breadcrumbs to a jackpot. 5 Ninja Tactics to Dominate AUD Trades Using Market Profile and RBA Insights 1. Combine Market Profile with RBA News for Precise Entries Let’s say the RBA announces a rate hike. Instead of blindly trading the spike, check the market profile. Wait for price to test the value area or POC before jumping in. It’s like waiting for your turn on the karaoke stage—let others sing off-key first. 2. Exploit the Tokyo-London Overlap This overlap is when AUD pairs thrive. Use the market profile to identify breakout zones. The synergy of market volume and RBA’s policy effects makes this time frame a hidden gem. 3. Fade the Market Extremes If price moves too far from the value area after an RBA announcement, it’s likely to revert. Think of it like stretching a rubber band—it’s bound to snap back. 4. Use High-Volume Nodes as Risk Zones Place stops near high-volume nodes (HVNs) for tighter risk control. These zones act like magnets, drawing price action. 5. Spot Seasonal Patterns AUD pairs often exhibit seasonal trends. Pair this knowledge with market profile analysis for trades that feel like playing chess while others are playing checkers. Case Study: How One Trader Nailed AUDUSD Using Market Profile Meet Sophie, a mid-level trader frustrated by false breakouts. During an RBA rate hike, she used the market profile to identify the POC and waited for price to revisit this zone. Her patience paid off: a 70-pip move with minimal drawdown. Her secret? Knowing when to act and when to wait. Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) 1. Ignoring Volume Trends Most traders only look at price. Don’t be “that guy.” Volume confirms the strength of price action. 2. Chasing News Spikes It’s tempting to dive into the chaos after RBA announcements. Instead, let the market settle and use the market profile to find imbalances. 3. Overcomplicating Analysis You don’t need 20 indicators. Stick to the market profile and key RBA insights for clarity and precision. Your Next Steps Here’s how to apply these strategies starting today: - Master the market profile by practicing on demo accounts. - Stay updated on RBA policies through trusted sources. - Join communities like StarseedFX for insider tips and live trading insights. With these tools, you’re not just trading—you’re outsmarting the competition. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[dasmuggler]

When the tariffs start being imposed on imported goods, these are some of the food items we can expect to see have an increase in cost Here’s an expanded list of imported foods, including specific canned items commonly brought into the U.S. to meet consumer demand. Are some of these among your favorites?

Fresh Produce

• Bananas, Mangoes, and Pineapples (from Central and South America)

• Avocados (from Mexico)

• Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons (from Mexico and Spain)

• Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) (from Mexico, Chile)

• Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Cucumbers (from Mexico and Canada)

• Asparagus (from Peru and Mexico)

Seafood (Fresh, Frozen, and Canned)

• Fresh/Frozen Shrimp (from Thailand, India, Ecuador)

• Salmon (from Norway, Chile)

• Tilapia (from China)

• Tuna (canned) (from Thailand, the Philippines)

• Sardines (from Portugal, Morocco)

• Mackerel (canned) (from Japan, Norway)

Grains and Legumes

• Rice (from Thailand, India, Vietnam)

• Quinoa (from Peru and Bolivia)

• Chickpeas and Lentils (from Canada, India)

Nuts and Seeds

• Cashews (from Vietnam and India)

• Brazil Nuts (from Bolivia, Brazil)

• Almonds (from Spain, Australia)

• Chia Seeds (from Mexico and Argentina)

Dairy Products

• Cheese varieties like Parmesan, Gouda, Feta (from Italy, Netherlands, Greece)

• Butter (from Ireland, New Zealand)

• Yogurt (Greek-style from Greece, other varieties from Europe)

Canned Foods and Packaged Items

• Tomato paste and puree (from Italy)

• Canned olives and olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)

• Canned coconut milk (from Thailand)

• Canned beans (from Mexico, Central America)

• Canned corn (from Canada, Brazil)

• Canned anchovies and sardines (from Morocco, Portugal)

• Canned fruit (e.g., pineapple, mango, peaches) (from Thailand, Philippines, Mexico)

• Canned tuna and salmon (from Thailand, the Philippines, Chile)

Spices and Herbs

• Vanilla (from Madagascar)

• Black Pepper (from Vietnam, India)

• Cinnamon (from Sri Lanka)

• Turmeric (from India)

• Paprika (from Spain, Hungary)

Beverages

• Coffee beans (from Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam) (Sorry, coffee lovers!)

• Tea leaves (from India, Sri Lanka, China)

• Cocoa beans (from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana)

Oils and Fats

• Olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)

• Coconut oil (from the Philippines, Indonesia)

• Palm oil (from Malaysia, Indonesia)

Alcoholic Beverages

• Wine (from France, Italy, Chile, Spain)

• Beer (particularly certain Mexican brands)

• Whiskey and Scotch (from Scotland, Ireland)

Sweeteners

• Cane sugar (from Brazil, Mexico)

• Maple syrup (from Canada)

Condiments and Sauces

• Soy sauce (from Japan, China)

• Fish sauce (from Thailand, Vietnam)

• Sriracha and other chili sauces (from Thailand)

• Italian pasta sauces (canned/jarred) (from Italy)

This list covers many imported foods but is not exhaustive. Some items may vary seasonally, and the variety of imported goods continues to grow as global food trade evolves and consumer demand shifts.

[yourreddancer]

Tariffs will make these prices nearly double to buy here. Stock up now if you use any of this. Imported goods which include a lot more than food are imported. Full list in comments.

Tariffs will make these prices nearly double to buy here. Stock up now if you use any of this. Imported goods which include a lot more than food are imported. Full list in comments.

Here’s an expanded list of imported foods, including specific canned items commonly brought into the U.S. to meet consumer demand:

Fresh Produce

• Bananas, Mangoes, and Pineapples (from Central and South America)

• Avocados (from Mexico)

• Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons (from Mexico and Spain)

• Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) (from Mexico, Chile)

• Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Cucumbers (from Mexico and Canada)

• Asparagus (from Peru and Mexico)

Seafood (Fresh, Frozen, and Canned)

• Fresh/Frozen Shrimp (from Thailand, India, Ecuador)

• Salmon (from Norway, Chile)

• Tilapia (from China)

• Tuna (canned) (from Thailand, the Philippines)

• Sardines (from Portugal, Morocco)

• Mackerel (canned) (from Japan, Norway)

Grains and Legumes

• Rice (from Thailand, India, Vietnam)

• Quinoa (from Peru and Bolivia)

• Chickpeas and Lentils (from Canada, India)

Nuts and Seeds

• Cashews (from Vietnam and India)

• Brazil Nuts (from Bolivia, Brazil)

• Almonds (from Spain, Australia)

• Chia Seeds (from Mexico and Argentina)

Dairy Products

• Cheese varieties like Parmesan, Gouda, Feta (from Italy, Netherlands, Greece)

• Butter (from Ireland, New Zealand)

• Yogurt (Greek-style from Greece, other varieties from Europe)

Canned Foods and Packaged Items

• Tomato paste and puree (from Italy)

• Canned olives and olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)

• Canned coconut milk (from Thailand)

• Canned beans (from Mexico, Central America)

• Canned corn (from Canada, Brazil)

• Canned anchovies and sardines (from Morocco, Portugal)

• Canned fruit (e.g., pineapple, mango, peaches) (from Thailand, Philippines, Mexico)

• Canned tuna and salmon (from Thailand, the Philippines, Chile)

Spices and Herbs

• Vanilla (from Madagascar)

• Black Pepper (from Vietnam, India)

• Cinnamon (from Sri Lanka)

• Turmeric (from India)

• Paprika (from Spain, Hungary)

Beverages

• Coffee beans (from Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam)

• Tea leaves (from India, Sri Lanka, China)

• Cocoa beans (from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana)

Oils and Fats

• Olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)

• Coconut oil (from the Philippines, Indonesia)

• Palm oil (from Malaysia, Indonesia)

Alcoholic Beverages

• Wine (from France, Italy, Chile, Spain)

• Beer (particularly certain Mexican brands)

• Whiskey and Scotch (from Scotland, Ireland)

Sweeteners

• Cane sugar (from Brazil, Mexico)

• Maple syrup (from Canada)

Condiments and Sauces

• Soy sauce (from Japan, China)

• Fish sauce (from Thailand, Vietnam)

• Sriracha and other chili sauces (from Thailand)

• Italian pasta sauces (canned/jarred) (from Italy)

This list covers many imported foods but is not exhaustive. Some items may vary seasonally, and the variety of imported goods continues to grow as global food trade evolves and consumer demand shifts.

[tamilhobbit]

The fuck do you mean we don't have tea parties?

Isn't afternoon tea still a thing in the UK? And I don't know about the US, but afternoon tea or high tea at fancy cafés, tearooms and hotels is popular in both countries I've lived in, Singapore and Australia.

I'm Indian, and we have different rules and expectations from white tea parties (eg we don't put milk and sugar out for people; we make everyone's tea/coffee/Milo the way they like it individually in the kitchen and then come out and hand everyone their own drink made the way they like it), but I was still essentially trained from a young age in Indian hosting when people popped by for tea. I knew to get the good plates and arrange snacks and never just stick the snack tin in their faces, etc.

Also, the booming trade T2 alone does in fancy teas and teawares such as teapots and milk jugs would imply people have a need for them.

My D&D group is full of tea maniacs, so every session starts with a full tea service. Teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, and our fancy teacups and saucers arranged in between our character sheets and dice trays and the combat map.

Tea parties are certainly no longer socially mandated or as strict when it comes to etiquette (although I maintain anyone putting jam on cream on scones is a heathen), but they definitely still exist.

The fact that “dolls having a tea party” has stuck around in the public consciousness is fascinating to me.

Like, back in the Old Days that would be a way that women would actually socialize.  So if a girl had a doll tea party, she was imitating her mom / other contemporary women.

But these days contemporary women don’t have tea parties. So now, the idea of “dolls having a tea party” is an echo of an extinct behavior, only repeated and referenced because it used to be so prevalent.

So a Barbie in a big hat themed for a tea party is a bit like if they made Transformers that turned into stagecoaches and horse-drawn buggies.