#National Caviar Day

[rabbitcruiser]

National Caviar Day 

Caviar can be expensive, but for one day indulge in the delicacy. Varieties from some fish are cheaper than others, so shop around and try it out.

There’s a delicacy that is the very definition of elegance in the minds of most people, it’s a mysterious word that brings together a longing for the better things in life, with a strange revulsion once you think too carefully about what it is. There are many things that are referred to by the same name, but only one of them stands as the one true caviar. True Caviar comes from one of a few types of sturgeon, and National Caviar Day celebrates this taste of decadence, and the history behind it.

History of National Caviar Day

Caviar has a strange history, when you consider the place that it holds in society today. The origins, however, remain the same. Caviar is the roe (or eggs) of the female of a number of species of sturgeon, with beluga being the most popular and well known variety of sturgeon. Long ago caviar was served for free in much the same way peanuts often are today, given away free to foster thirst and encourage people to imbibe even more. Proper caviar comes in many colors, though it is most often a deep pearlescent black color, and can account for as much as 25% of a sturgeon’s body weight. For those who don’t know, a sturgeon can weigh in at 300lbs+, meaning a single sturgeon can produce up to 75lbs at a time. Caviar was so popular and the supplies so abundant that North America supplied almost all of the 600 tons a year that went to Europe each year.

Once the ban was put on Sturgeon fishing in the 1906 to protect the dwindling number of them in the ocean, the price of caviar started climbing. By the 1960’s, it was of such a price that it practically defined what it meant to have an elegant, expensive meal. The price has only gone up since then.

How to celebrate National Caviar Day

Celebrating National Caviar Day is delicious and adventurous. While beluga sturgeon may be outside the financial means of many people, that’s not the only kind of caviar there is. National Caviar Day celebrates all of them, even the ‘imposters’ like Salmon, trout, carp, lumpfish, and many more. Get out there and explore the culinary delight that is caviar, and if you’re especially fortunate you can enjoy it from the bowl of a mother-of-pearl spoon. There’s no reason we shouldn’t all be able to eat like King’s and billionaires, if only for one day.

Source

[gpstudios]

Celebrating National Caviar Day: Indulge in the Luxury of Caviar

Happy National Caviar Day! 🎉 Dive into the world of this luxurious delicacy, explore its rich history, and learn how to enjoy it best. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newbie, celebrate with us!

Introduction Happy National Caviar Day! 🎉 Dive into the world of this luxurious delicacy, explore its rich history, and learn how to enjoy it best. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newbie, celebrate with us! The History and Significance of Caviar Caviar, often regarded as a symbol of luxury and sophistication, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally…

[murderousink23]

07/18/2024 is National Caviar Day 🇺🇸, Nelson Mandela Day 🇺🇳

[subby-sab]

Today is 18th of July.

Today is Nelson Mandela Day, World Listening Day, National Caviar Day, National Sour Candy Day.

[32bitterra]

(July 17 - July 24 2023)

I like the funny psychics so I drew some more. More under the cut. hooraaaaaaaay

Hey did you know that July 18 is National Caviar Day?

Hey look I didn't get distracted this time and drew all the stuff I meant to draw last time.

I'm sorry for putting the funny psychics with the space furries it won't happen again (it might.)

This vision came to me in a dream. I made it so.

[worlds-worst-ships]

Do you ship it? (Tory Edition)

Fun fact: the money thats spent out of tax money subsidizing the food and drink of MPs each year would be enough to cut the number of children that go to school hungry every day (9 out of every class of 30) in the UK down to 0, as well as fix infrastructure issues in impoverished areas across the entire nation.

Example: Grenfell could've been prevented with a mere £5000 worth of fire protection measures.

It could also help the women in the UK who have to use socks instead of tampons (no, I'm not joking) by, yknow, providing them for everyone like they do with contraception and not charging an arm and a leg for them as if thats fair.

"sToP bEiNg pOLiTiCaL" I don't care about picking sides, I care about basic human rights being met. Food, safe shelter and sanitary products are a right. All sides are drinking that wine and eating that food, not just one.

[mortal-kombattore-115]

Modern Warfare/ Shadow Company OC: Irina Makarova

General Information:

Name: Irina Makarova (Ирина Макарова)

Code name: Nomad

Alias(es): Natalya Ivanova, Vampira (by Valeria), Vamp (by Graves)

Nationality: Russian

Place of Birth: Moscow, RSFSR, Soviet Union

Birthday: May 22, 1986 (aged 38) 

Gender: Female

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian

Affiliations: Russian Ground Forces (formerly), Gruzdev Bratva (formerly), Shadow Company (currently) 

Eyes: Brown/Blue

Hair: Blonde (was naturally black)

Build: Lean athletic

Height: 5’6

Languages: Russian, English, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

Relationships: Valeria Garza (one night stand)

Marks: Scar on neck

_______________________________________________________

Biography:

Irina was born just before the fall of the Soviet Union in the suburbs of Moscow, alongside her older brother, Vladimir Makarov. As the daughter of a high-ranking politician within the Russian government, Irina watched the Soviet Union crumble, taking her father with it at the age of 4. After her father’s death, Irina grew up with a brother who didn't consider her a sister, but rather a mistake who would often blame her for their father’s death and the failures of the Soviet Union. Irina cut ties with her brother when he enlisted in the Russian military in 1998. Irina would later enlist in 2004.

During her service, Irina was an extraordinary soldier with her fast reflexes and marksmanship skills as she quickly moved up the ranks.

After six years of service, Irina was discharged from the military and soon befriended a former soldier. Impressed with her combat skills, Irina was recruited into the Gruzdev Bratva as an enforcer. Over the years, Irina found a sense of belonging in the bratva, her ruthless methods and loyalty moved her up in the hierarchy.

Sometime in 2021, two members of the crime family broke into Irina’s home one night in an attempt to assassinate her, which resulted in two casualties and an almost slit throat. Discovering Makarov’s involvement in the assassination, she knew from then on that his torment was just beginning. After the failed assassination attempt by Konni, Irina fled the country altered her appearance changed her identity, and traveled to various locations in Europe and Asia.

In early 2022, Irina resided in Las Almas, Mexico, where she would meet Valeria Garza at a small cafe, unaware of the work she does. The two would occasionally meet at the same spot almost every afternoon, which brought them closer together. After the chaos happening in Las Almas between Task Force 141 and Shadow Company, Irina left Mexico and vanished. 

Several months later, Irina met Phillip Graves at a bar during one of her travels. Going over her dossier and being impressed by her military service history, as well as having the same hatred for Konni, Graves recruited her to Shadow Company.

______________________________________________________

Headcanons:

To celebrate one month of friendship, Valeria once gifted Irina a fruit bat.

Best friends with Velikan. Irina reminds him of an old friend she used to have during her bratva days. The two would often share stories about their pasts and often train together.

Her favorite comfort food is Blini (Russian pancake) because of how versatile they are. She loves to put some blueberry jam for when craving something sweet or smoked salmon with caviar for something savory.

[itsangelicasworld]

*･῾ ⁺ The Teen Titans Playlist 🎧 .*

Music is one of my all-time favorite ways to connect to a reality! Songs can instantly transport you to any feeling, atmosphere, and/or place, and that really comes in handy as a shifter. So I thought, why not share my TT playlist with you all?🤭 Some of these songs are what we blast in the car, some of them are person-specific, but all of them encompass the vibes/'aesthetic' of this reality. If you're new to my TT life, check out this post!

▹. Fight For Your Right - Beastie Boys

▿. Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler

▹. Bang Bang - K'NAAN, Adam Levine

▿. Never Let You Go - Third Eye Blind

▹. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

▿. One Way or Another - Blondie

▹. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

▿. What's Up Danger - Blackway, Black Caviar

▹. Lose Yourself - Eminem

▿. Ready Set Let's Go - Sam Tinnesz

▹. Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm

▿. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

▹. The Day My Powers Arrived - Kirby Krackle

▿. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers

▹. Superboy & Supergirl - Tullycraft

▿. Givin' Up (Not The One) - Don Toliver, 21 Savage, 2 Chainz

▹. Softcore - The Neighbourhood

▿. Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears for Fears

▹. Ribs - Lorde

▿. Creep - Radiohead

[kangamommynow]

I’ve been busy for a few days, spending the long weekend with my boyfriend in DC for our anniversary. A year ago he popped in with a brief message and I found him to be crazy intelligent, funny as hell, interesting, and incredibly handsome to boot. A year later, I am even more smitten and still fascinated.

Friday night we had the most incredible experience at Minibar. I wouldn’t call it just a meal, it is definitely an experience. I took photos of everything, but here’s just a few of the many incredible sensory adventures they offered.

The caviar and wagyu tartare with nasturtium petals, the brûlée toast and egg with maple foam and black truffle, the frozen salad - essence of cucumber with more nasturtium.

The artistry, the attention to every detail made the experience incredibly special. They also gave us a lovely cocktail to celebrate our anniversary and took a Polaroid. It’s the only photo I have of the two of us, since he’s so camera shy, and I won’t post it without his permission, but I treasure it. Seeing him enjoy the meal was all I was hoping for.

Yesterday we went to the King Tut experience at the National Geographic Museum, which was interesting but not quite what I expected. Then we went to the American Art Museum to catch some things we had not seen previously. We had a nice late lunch at Brasserie Beck, then a long rest and dinner at Jaleo. Most of the food was excellent , but there was so much! We could have done with half as many dishes with a touch more attention to each. My favorite was the roasted cauliflower with carmelized onions.

Today was brunch at Riggs and plenty of time to talk and canoodle and just enjoy his company.

It’s been a lovely weekend. I don’t think I’m ever going to get tired of holding his hand and experiencing new things with him, making him laugh whenever possible, hearing his insights. I can’t continue eating like this, though!

I have a day to myself in DC before heading home. I’m going to drink lots of water, choose a museum to visit, and eat lightly.

May you find people you are happy spending time with and who love you as you deserve, dear friends.

[clottedcreamtea]

Chapter Six

SCHOOL IS HARD!!!! it is SO hard and so is getting over a breakup when my ex says he wants to try again so i just have to be patient omg its awful and so sad. here is chapter six. sorry I've been gone.

"Clotted Cream Cookie,” King Dark Cacao Cookie’s voice boomed through the fortress. “I despise you the most out of any Cookie I’ve ever met, and yet you dare visit my kingdom with no notice? What compels you to commit such an act?”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie cringed at the beginning of the exchange. Clotted Cream Cookie had not dealt with things as delicately as he’d liked to at the beginning of the Council with the Ancient Heroes, and Dark Cacao Cookie did not take well to the young Consul. A grudge had been held ever since.

“I understand I am not welcome, but my friend here, the official representative of the Crème Republic, is in dire need of assistance,” Clotted Cream Cookie got to the point as quickly as he could manage, ushering the shorter Cookie forward.

“Assistance, you say?” Dark Cacao Cookie’s demeanor shifted, likely because he had never met Royal Milk Tea Cookie before, and had no need to be hostile. It wasn’t a welcoming tone in the least, but it was far less aggressive.

“Yes, your highness. My mother, a Cookie of the Milk Tribe, made a wish with a dragon and has since broken her end of the deal.” Royal Milk Tea Cookie saw the king’s eyes widen as he spoke. “In response, the wish dragon has begun to terrorize kingdoms, striking the Republic first. If I fail to find Oat Milk Cookie before it reaches the Vanilla Kingdom, the dragon will crumble me, and may crumble others in its path.”

The many guards surrounding Dark Cacao Cookie’s throne all looked toward their king, hopeful he would have a solution.

“I haven’t heard that name in years,” The king simply said, eyes closed as he reminisced.

“What name, your majesty?”

“Oat Milk Cookie,” Dark Cacao Cookie clarified. “She was a Milk villager that had helped me when I was down on my luck so many years ago. She had a child… Milk Tea Cookie.” The king smiled sadly. Royal Milk Tea Cookie stiffened at the mention of his given name. “It’s been too long since we spoke. I understand she has fled her home, though I did not know it was in response to a wish she did not care to pay the terms.”

“Do you know where she’s run to?” Royal Milk Tea Cookie pressed, but the king shook his head.

“I am sorry, young Cookie, but your mother is nowhere near my nation, and I lack the time to search the land for you. My people need protecting if a dragon is to soon approach.”

Captain Caviar Cookie approached the young representative, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, kid. I’m sure the Hollyberry Kingdom will be housing her.” The assurance was appreciated, but Royal Milk Tea Cookie knew that there was no guarantee Oat Milk Cookie would be anywhere nearby. He nodded, though, and began to think about the next nation to search.

“Thank you, Dark Cacao Cookie,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie bowed his head, turning to leave the fortress. “We will be on our way toward the next nation.”

“No, please, Milk Tea Cookie,” Dark Cacao Cookie spoke, standing from his seat on the throne. “You are a child of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. How long will your journey last?”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie thought back to the beginning of the trip across the sea. “I think we have six days to make it to the Vanilla Kingdom, your majesty.”

“Well, before you continue your quest tomorrow, how about we welcome you home with a wondrous feast?” Dark Cacao Cookie boomed, joyful. Many of the guards seemed put off at this excitable demeanor.

“Oh!” Royal Milk Tea Cookie was flattered, glad that he had a positive reputation with at least one head of a nation. “Home? Well, of course! We would be glad to stay within the walls of the Dark Cacao Kingdom’s borders for the night.”

“Excellent!” Dark Cacao Cookie’s face was no longer tense and wary, but now beaming with hospitality. “Watchers, find rooms for our guests. A feast will commence at sundown!”

Several guards appeared from out of nowhere, each escorting a pair of Cookies further into the castle, toward what appeared to be dorms for the guards.

“Please,” the guard escorting both Royal Milk Tea Cookie and Clotted Cream Cookie began. “Allow me to escort you to the nicest of our rooms, often saved for couples just-wed!”

“Oh, no, we’re not–”

“You need not hide your love for each other, young Cookies!” The watcher assured. “I am the kingdom’s Cupid Cookie! I can smell love from a mile away. Please, settle in while the cooks prepare supper.” The door shut behind her, and the pair of Cookies were left with a large, plush bed, golden lighting within the room, and a large window right behind the bed, showcasing the intense blizzard that had just begun.

“From a mile away, she said,” Clotted Cream Cookie laughed. “Do you believe that?”

“Absolutely not,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie unclasped his cape, revealing long white sleeves and fleece-lined tights beneath his heavy velvet dress. While the outfit looked ordinary, the representative had known to dress for the weather. “Maybe she can smell it from a couple of feet away, tops.”

Clotted Cream Cookie chuckled, settling onto the bed and motioning for Royal Milk Tea Cookie to do the same. Rolling his eyes, the shorter of the two joined his friend on the soft sheets, laying back and closing his eyes.

“Financier Cookie said that you two truly care for each other. Is she right?” Unable to see the change in Clotted Cream Cookie’s face, Royal Milk Tea Cookie simply shook his head, understanding the silence that followed as an answer. “I hope you make each other happy, then.”

“No, Royal Milk Tea Cookie, you don’t understand. Yes, I care for her, but I don’t care for her the same way I care for you,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie was pulled upward into a sitting position, hands clasped with Clotted Cream Cookie’s and their faces inches apart. “We were so close as children, and after our parents’ argument, I never forgot you or wished you weren’t in my life.

“Financier Cookie loves me, that I know,” Clotted Cream Cookie said sadly, “and I would be a terrible Cookie to throw her feelings away by simply declaring I did not love her. She is one of my closest friends, and I do care for her, but,” The Consul pressed a hand against the younger Cookie’s cheek, directing his face to look him right in the eyes. “I care about you, Royal Milk Tea Cookie. With all my dough.”

The shorter of the pair shook his head and pulled his hands away from the blond Consul. “No, Clotted Cream Cookie.”

“No?”

“No! You can’t wait an entire decade and then decide you prefer me over someone who hasn’t left your side since we were children. It isn’t fair.”

“Not fair?” Clotted Cream Cookie scoffed at the remark. “What’s not fair is that I was blackmailed into getting engaged to a girl I despised following me around everywhere!”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s face fell slightly. “Blackmailed? What are you talking about?”

The blond Cookie rolled his eyes, standing up in frustration. “Your parents, the ones we’re currently searching Earthbread for? Elder Mille-feuille Cookie knew that you were the child of legend. The lower city had heard about it the moment you were delivered to the Republic. It spread like wildfire, a lower Cookie becoming so fortuitous.”

“You knew about the legend? You knew I wasn’t Oyster Cookie’s son?” Royal Milk Tea Cookie felt his jam boil, standing up as well, though he was still nearly a head lower than Clotted Cream Cookie. “You knew and you just let everything play out?”

“I was a child when my father told me, Royal Milk Tea Cookie,” Clotted Cream Cookie sighed. “I didn’t want you or Oyster Cookie to have any harm come to you. My father said if I didn’t accept the proposal that he’d tell everyone. What else was I supposed to do other than just agree to the proposal?” Clotted Cream Cookie had tears forming in his eyes, tone growing emotional as he went on, voice breaking toward the end. “What else was I supposed to do?” He repeated. “I was a child.”

A pause took over the room. Reality sunk into Royal Milk Tea Cookie, and he understood the conflict. Clotted Cream Cookie’s engagement wasn’t out of love, but out of protection for his friend. Elder Custard Cookie had manipulated his son to no end, and now everyone was facing the emotional consequences.

“I’m sorry,” Was all the shorter Cookie could manage. “I didn’t know…”

“It’s alright.” Clotted Cream Cookie wiped his eyes and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “No one knew. Once Elder Mille-feuille Cookie was banished, I had thought the engagement would come to an end. Mille-feuille Cookie had no power, so my father wouldn’t achieve a higher ranking position after the marriage.”

“But it wasn’t about power anymore, was it? You said Financier Cookie really cares about you, didn’t you?” Royal Milk Tea Cookie pieced together. “Elder Custard Cookie wasn’t telling you to do it anymore. You just would have felt guilty if you asked to end the relationship.”

Clotted Cream Cookie nodded. “Yes. And it is true…Financier Cookie truly cares about me. She always has, I suppose. I just was always after you.”

Before he could form another response, Royal Milk Tea Cookie was interrupted by one of the servants in the castle announcing the feast was ready. 

“I supposed we should make our way to the dining hall, shouldn’t we?” Clotted Cream Cookie smiled, though Royal Milk Tea Cookie could tell it was full of bittersweet sadness. The engagement was one-sided, but there was no calling it off. Financier Cookie was kind and meant no harm. She truly cared about the Consul, and without a reciprocated want to end the engagement, houses Custard and Financier would soon be one, regardless of whether or not an increase in political power was on the table.

The pair exited the room, making their way down the long hallway until they came upon King Dark Cacao Cookie, who was waiting calmly for his guests.

“Milk Tea Cookie,” The king’s voice was deep and hoarse, but kind. “I would like to invite you to sit by me, toward the head of the table. I have quite a few things to discuss with you if that’s alright?”

Looking toward his companion, Royal Milk Tea Cookie received a nod from Clotted Cream Cookie. The pair separated, allowing Royal Milk Tea Cookie to sit beside King Dark Cacao Cookie, and Clotted Cream Cookie sat alongside his fiancee at the opposite end of the table. 

[ambiguouspuzuma]

The Librarian

It was a meagre inheritance, as these things go. A small sum of money and an annual stipend, from a trust she couldn't access, and therefore didn't truly trust. Clara was grateful for the gift - and thankful to the distant relative for including her in his will, having received little from her own parents - but it wasn't the sudden windfall she'd read about in books. Nothing to write home about, and certainly no ancestral home to write it to.

Still, it was the price of freedom. She no longer had to work, if she didn't want to, and in truth she never had. Clara had never found a job that suited her - she had always been a housewife temporarily deprived of house and husband, a woman longing to be kept, a lady waiting on her leisure. Well, she had that now. It wasn't a life of luxury, if one counted such a concept in things, beluga caviar and brut champagne, diamonds and pearls and all of that, but at least she had the luxury of time.

The stipend supported her to do whatever she want, if what she wanted cost less than the average wage, which was sadly not the case. Clara had always felt a deep-seated desire to travel the world, to experience endless adventures in far-flung lands, but without a job she could barely save to afford one holiday. The stipend was swallowed by her living costs, the mundane tax of rent and bills and groceries. The life of her dreams would have to remain confined to her imagination.

So, in the absence of real world escapes, she became an avid reader instead.

Clara had never actually been to her local library before, but she'd passed by it a hundred times. It had never seemed like much, from the outside: a tired sheet glass front, on the corner between a retail bank and a hairdresser, with a row of benches just ahead. But the inside was different. Clara stepped through the revolving door one day in town, mostly just to get out of the rain, and found that in that single moment she was hooked.

The library was a whole new world within four walls. With sodden hair and tearful eyes, she walked into a labyrinth of shelves, rows of books separated only by vast stone pillars, a daunting anthology of every kind of text imaginable. It was a paper cathedral; a corridor of tiny hardback doors; a mosaic tiled with laminated stories. By the time Clara had opened her first book, she was already in love.

She lost herself inside that forest of paper and varnished wood, leafing through the pages of one book, rustling through the chapters of another, devouring them whole whilst the stacks drank her in. She read cover-to-cover, wall-to-wall, and dawn-to-dusk - or at least during the opening hours of eight to seven. She resolved to turn the whole place inside-out, one piece of paper at a time.

It started with the corner titled adult fiction, whatever that meant, but it didn't take her long to exhaust the library's supply: a few months, perhaps, but they flew by for a woman who had little else to do. One by one, she turned novel into familiar, filling her head with tales, honing her amateur taste with works of prose. Clara didn't discriminate: contemporary or classic, literary or genre, good or bad, she read them all.

She wept once she was done - the last book had been a real tear-jerking romance, on top of the finality of it all - but there were more worlds left to conquer. Clara delved into Young Adult, Middle Grade, all the way back into books that had more pictures than words, and more cardboard than paper. She cut clean through the non-fiction section, which had no demarcations for age, but probably should have. Some of that history had been gruesome - and that was without mentioning the scientific diagrams, which had taught her things Clara was sure nobody had to know.

But she didn't stop there. The library kept an archive of the local papers, and selected national broadsheets, and Clara read her way back through their more recent history, reported through the lenses of a present now past. She learnt to see the beauty in reference books, the poetry of trade directories; to read the stories in the shifting boundaries of a dusty atlas.

Then there were the marginalia. When Clara read cover-to-cover, that covered everything: the publication dates, the copyright, the profile on the inside of the dust jacket. She acknowledged the scribbled names of those who'd checked it out before; checked out the author's own acknowledgements. There were flaws, too. Sometimes she found foxing and dog ears, even the occasional grammatical correction in blue biro. She breathed it all in as one.

After a while, it wasn't even about the books. Clara learnt to read the patterns in the shelves, the books removed and not-quite-put-back: after adopting them herself, she helped them on their journey home. She had the order memorised, a sequence that she knew to five Dewey Decimal places. The world was her omnibus, and she knew how to read it like an open book.

Clara became more regular than regular. She was an ever-present, clocking in with the library staff and going home with them at night, or at least at the same time. She would greet them as they settled at the front desk, her hosts for the day, and found that they actually spent less time there than her. They all knew her as an inhabitant of the upper floors; and later, as the years passed and a new generation arrived with barcodes and scanners, as a fixture.

They asked her questions, sometimes, as she sat and read the messages on their new computers. "We're all getting name badges. What surname should we use on yours?" Well, that only seemed fair. The children who met the challenge of reading a mere ten books that summer had been rewarded with a whole sheaf of colourful stickers, and Clara had surpassed them all. Why shouldn't she get something to show for it?

Later, when she found her way into the staff break room and read their tea leaves, or the back of their coffee sachets, they said that they were digitising their personal records. Well, that made sense too: the books had been catalogued digitally for some years, and it was only natural for their readers to follow suit. Clara never did understand why they'd needed her bank details, but then she never noticed the salary that started to arrive every month.

Customers would ask her questions too, no doubt recognising her from the badge as a connoisseur of these shelves. "Can you recommend me a book?" they'd say, with some impossibly abstract description of the kind of thing they liked, or an example of a precedent they'd like to read again for the first time. But she always could.

"I loved it," one customer told her, returning the latest book for her to re-shelve. "Thank you, yet again - this was exactly what I needed. I don't know how you do it, but it's like your suggestions are always perfectly tailored to my tastes."

"I try my best," Clara said, her eyes tracing the faded furrow in their brow, the newfound lightness in the way they held themselves, the smile that danced across their lips, and deciding what to recommend them next. "I suppose that I'm just good at reading people."

[rabbitcruiser]

National Caviar Day 

Caviar can be expensive, but for one day indulge in the delicacy. Varieties from some fish are cheaper than others, so shop around and try it out.

National Caviar Day, celebrated on July 18th, is a day dedicated to enjoying and appreciating the luxurious delicacy of caviar.

It marks a time to indulge in the rich, flavorful pearls that come from sturgeon fish. Depending on the species, these pearls boast a variety of colors and tastes.

This special day encourages people to learn more about caviar, its health benefits, and the art of serving it. Caviar is highly nutritious and packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals​​​​.

The celebration of National Caviar Day offers a chance to explore the diverse world of caviar. From the renowned Beluga and Sevruga to the rare Diamond Ossetra, each type of caviar offers a distinct flavor profile and experience.

High-quality caviar should be firm, not mushy, and served with non-metallic utensils to preserve its flavor. The day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices, highlighting efforts to replenish sturgeon populations​​​​.

So, whether you’re hosting a caviar-tasting party, making your caviar, or simply enjoying a spoonful of this exquisite delicacy at a fancy restaurant, National Caviar Day is all about celebrating the elegance and history of caviar in all its forms.

It’s a day for culinary adventurers and fine dining connoisseurs to explore the luxurious world of caviar, reminding us of the centuries-old tradition that caviar represents​​.

History of National Caviar Day

National Caviar Day, celebrated every July 18th, is quite a fancy affair! This day is all about indulging in the luxurious treat of caviar, known for its rich flavor and creamy texture.

The tradition of enjoying caviar dates back to ancient Persia, making it a delicacy with a history. People around the globe mark this day by diving into the world of caviar. By doing so, they explore its various types, from the prestigious Beluga to the nutty Osetra and even the intensely flavorful Sevruga​​.

But how did National Caviar Day come to be, you ask? Let’s say it’s a day that has grown in popularity, much like the price of caviar itself. After the ban on Sturgeon fishing in 1906 to protect these precious fish, the price of caviar skyrocketed.

By the 1960s, caviar had become synonymous with elegance and luxury. Nowadays, the day celebrates all kinds of caviar, not just the ones from sturgeons but also ‘imposters’ like salmon and trout roe, inviting everyone to feast like kings and billionaires, if only for a day​​.

From the royal courts of the United Kingdom, which declared all sturgeon to be royal property in 1324, to become North America’s major caviar producer in the 1800s, caviar has had quite the journey.

The day also highlights the need for sustainable fishing practices following Russia’s 2008 decision to suspend wild sturgeon fishing to let the population replenish​​.

How to Celebrate National Caviar Day

Engaging in National Caviar Day activities can range from dining out at upscale restaurants to hosting a caviar tasting at home.

It’s a perfect occasion to experiment with different caviar types and pairings. National Caviar Day provides a fun, educational opportunity to explore the exquisite taste of caviar and its cultural significance​​​​.

Taste-Off Extravaganza

Start National Caviar Day with a bang by hosting a taste-off. Gather your pals and an assortment of caviars. Everyone gets to sample and vote on their favorites. It’s a fun way to discover new flavors together. Don’t forget to provide palate cleansers between tastings!

Caviar Creations at Home

Why not set up your caviar bar? With all the essentials like blinis, crème fraîche, and finely chopped onions, you can let guests craft their perfect bite.

Alternatively, dive into an online cooking class if you’re feeling adventurous. There are plenty out there that focus on incorporating caviar into home-cooked meals. It’s a great way to learn something new and impress at your next dinner party.

A Day of Caviar Delights

Consider making a day of it by exploring local restaurants renowned for their caviar dishes. If you’re more into a quiet night-in, why not get artistic?

You could create caviar-themed art or use it as a medium for food art. Sharing the caviar love is always a great idea, too. Surprise a friend with a small tin to brighten their day.

Source

[murderousink23]

07/18/2023 is National Caviar Day 🇺🇲, Nelson Mandela Day 🇺🇳, Botswana President's Day 🇧🇼, Public Holiday 🇮��, Uruguay Constitution Day 🇺🇾

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.

Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday.

On Mars, sunsets are blue.

Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities.

The letters ‘ough’ can be pronounced ten different ways.

The national bird of Peru is the Andean Cock Of The Rock.

93% of students do their research online rather than in a library.

The County of Los Angeles has a bigger population than 40 US States.

Studies have found that being a ‘bad boy’ is no longer perceived as ‘cool.’

Spiny lava lizards are less choosy about who they have sex with when it’s hot.

If you don't dream, you most likely have some sort of personality disorder.

If caught in a burning building, get low. The breathable air will be near the floor.

Women speak an average of about 7,000 words a day. Men average just over 2,000.

Lava lamps were invented by an accountant whose hobby was making underwater nudist films.

Shy people usually end up being some of the coolest people you know … once you start talking to them!

We tend to prefer the original version of a song because we heard it first, not necessarily because it's better.

In the Polish town of Suoszowa, all 6000 residents live on the same street that stretches some 9km (5.5 miles).

The Bloody Mary has been scientifically proven to be the best alcoholic drink to enjoy on an aeroplane.

If 99% of the human population thought you were ugly, about 80,000,000 people would still find you attractive.

Lypophrenia: A vague feeling of sadness seemingly without cause. This often occurs when a person misses someone.

The U.S. Army uses 1.5 billion rounds of ammunition a year. ‘Call Of Duty’ players use 1.5 billion rounds every 17 hours.

The Talmud suggests testing blockages in a penis by heating the afflicted’s anus with some warm barley bread. (Eh?)

Male bed bugs don't bother with vaginas when mating. They simply stab the female in the abdomen with their penis and ejaculate in her body.

A video game developer snuck a proposal into a game, but his girlfriend refused to play it for years, delaying their eventual marriage.

Town planners in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia seem to have run out of ideas. There are streets named This Street, That Street and The Other Street.

About one third of Australian polling stations have barbecues outside them. It is so common to buy a sausage when you go to vote that they are called Democracy Sausages.

Corn kernels are coated with cellulose that's tough enough to withstand the rigors of the human digestive system, which is why they come out almost the same way they went in!

Child marriage is currently legal in 43 U.S. states. The only states with a minimum age of 18 - with no exceptions - are Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

In 2004, a £140,000 diamond was placed in the front of a Jaguar F1 car for the Monaco Grand Prix as a promotional stunt for Ocean’s Twelve. The driver crashed on the first lap and the diamond has never been recovered.

The ‘fountain of tits’ in Treviso, Italy, is a 16th-century marble fountain of a topless woman squeezing her breasts. The statue sprinkles water from each nipple. During celebrations, the fountain spouts red and white wine, which is free to drink.

On August 8th, 2004, over the Kinzie Street Bridge in Chicago, Illinois, a tour bus belonging to The Dave Matthews Band dumped an estimated 800 pounds of human waste from the bus’s septic tank on to a passenger sightseeing boat on the Chicago River below.

Target found themselves in an awkward situation and had to issue an apology due to a labelling error that offended some 'plus-sized' customers. While selling a dress in various sizes, the small size was listed as 'Gray,' while the larger size was labelled as 'Manatee Gray'.

In 1771, Swedish king Adolf Frederick ate large servings of lobster, caviar, sausages and sauerkraut, washed down with copious amounts of champagne. For dessert, he had 14 (FOURTEEN) servings of semla – a Swedish sweet roll topped with whipped cream – with hot milk. Not long after dinner, he began complaining of stomach aches, which steadily worsened until he died a few hours later.

Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence contained a passage that condemned slavery as one of the many evils brought upon the colonies by the British crown. The passage was removed from the final version for fear of alienating the southern colonies, which were heavily dependent on enslaved labourers. Ironically, although Thomas Jefferson called slavery an “abominable crime”, he was a lifelong slaveholder.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.

[starfiresyugiohocs]

OC Profile: Iris

Full Name: Iris Ophelia McGinnis. Nicknames: Irey, Petals (by her grandfather), Cupcake (a nickname that happened for a good while from Alister) Aliases: N/a Nationality: American, Japanese citizenship, ⅓ Irish Birthplace: Domino City, Japan. Gender: Female (she/her, comfortable with they/them as well). Sexuality: Demisexual demi/biromantic. Age: 19-21 years old. Birthday: September 7th. Star Sign: Virgo. Occupation: Nursing student -> Pediatric nurse; counter clerk at Kame Game; book seller at Marcie’s Marvelous Books; Pro Duelist. Voiceclaim: Janet Varney.

Hair Color: Blonde. Hairstyle: Shoulder length, very thick and more shaggy than wavy (though it does curl at the ends), has long sideswept bangs over one eye. Eye Color: Violet. Skintone: Pale. Notable Features: Scar underneath her right eye. Typically wears dark, heavy makeup. Pierced ears, two piercings on the top of each ear, a tongue piercing and a naval piercing. Also got her nips pierced on a drunken dare by Maddox. After Season 4, she starts getting various tattoos as well, mainly on her arms, legs and one on her collarbone. Outfit Style: Thrifted goth, usually getting a lot of her clothes second hand or on sale. Lots of blacks, not a lot of room for other colors unless they're accents. Loves a good fishnet stockings and ripped jeans combo. After season 4 and she gets into Dueling in tournaments more and more, her younger brother finally got to go on a shopping spree and get her some new clothes, coming in touch with her roots as Kaiba's big sister but even more goth. Accessories: Silver rings on her fingers she'll find antiquing, choker necklaces (definitely a lot more of the spikey ones early on).

Personality: Very snarky and sarcastic. Suffers heavily from resting bitch face; also tends to not be able to hide it when she does not like somebody. Beyond that, however, she typically struggles with expressing emotions and vulnerability; to the point that not even her siblings have ever seen her even shed a tear. She tends to also bury a lot of her more negative emotions and feelings to "deal with it one day when she's dead". Is absolutely fantastic with kids and animals. Isn't afraid to be blunt when she needs to be and can be overly straightforward. When you've earned her respect and care, she will be the most loyal person in the world. Very much has a caretaker nature and wants to help heal everyone she can and look out for everyone. Tired Big Sister energy as well as depressed broke zillennial energy. Hobbies: Reading, annotating books,  gardening, thrift shopping, collecting Addams Family merch where she can afford it, researching anything and everything, cooking, playing different card and board games with her family. Habits/Mannerisms: Brushes her bangs back during serious talks, easily slips into neutral masks when upset, crossed arms when she doesn't have much to do with them, lip biting, hand holding for small shows of affection, eats cupcakes the way Anne Hathaway does by taking the bottoms off and smushing it on top of the frosting. Likes: Halloween, thick books, fanfiction, motorcycles, cats, history, mythology, small businesses, rainy days, anything mint chocolate, seeing karma work its magic. Dislikes: Rich people, corporate assholes, heights/flying, overly noisy places, animatronics, hard candies, sports, writing essays. Favorite Food: Chicken fried rice, mint chocolate fudge. Least Favorite Food: Caviar.

Deck: Cyber Angel. Signature Card: Cyber Angel Izana. Ranking: Wasn't much for Dueling early on, but after she starts getting into the tournaments, she starts to rank pretty well. As of the moment, she's sitting somewhere between the top 25-50 range I think, but is pushing to get further and further.

Parents: Meredith McGinnis-Butler, Steven Nesbitt (estranged, deceased), Roland Butler (step-father, views as her real Dad). Sibling(s): Henry Nesbitt (half-brother, deceased), River McGinnis (younger sibling), Flora Butler (younger half sister); Seto Kaiba (younger foster brother), Mokuba Kaiba (younger foster brother). Children: Orion Gayle (born right before Season 4). Extended Family: See family tree here. Pet(s): None at the moment, looking at getting a cat. Love Interest(s): Alister Gayle. Extensive Relationships: See post here (coming soon).

History:

Grew up being raised by her single mother. Steven was a very infrequent part of her life early on, and was not a good or loving presence and kept a firm distance.

He disappeared almost completely out of her life after the death of her half-brother, Henry, and after his reaction to her mother finding out that she both had MS and was pregnant again with River.

Showed back up when Iris was in middle school to bribe her mother into letting her and River attend a dinner with his boss, and she met the Kaiba brothers. He tried to arrange a marriage contract between her and Seto, and it became a heated battle.

Tried to put up with it to help keep an eye on Seto and Mokuba, though fought against it the best she could. The boys became like brothers to her and River.

Her Mom and Roland worked to protect the kids and eventually fell in love with each other.

Has quite a bit of trauma from Steven, as well as Gozaburo, during the time leading up to Seto taking over KaibaCorp, all that she took in an attempt to protect her siblings.'

Started taking college credits her last year of high school and even graduated high school a semester early. Went to college on a full scholarship to get her nursing degree.

Meets Alister a year before the story starts when he begins working for KaibaCorp in the IT department (all undercover to try and take them down from the inside) and they end u pbecoming friends and later something more.

[mariacallous]

On Thursday evening outside the Russian Embassy in Washington, a small crowd gathered to protest the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many were wrapped in Ukrainian flags as they chanted, “Shame on Russia! Shame on you!” at the closed gates.

Passing cars on Wisconsin Avenue honked in support of the demonstrators, but another line of cars waited silently to be let in. They were carrying diplomats arriving at the invitation of Moscow’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, for a reception to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day, a Russian military holiday.

As officials in Ukraine and the West prepared to mark the anniversary of the largest land war in Europe since World War II, stepping inside the cool marbled halls of the Russian Embassy to commemorate another anniversary altogether was to step into an alternate dimension.

Atop the dual staircase that led up to the embassy’s grand ballroom was an exhibition of photos and testimonies. “Evidence of Ukrainian Nazi Crimes in Donbas” was ostensibly from Ukrainian civilians who claimed to have witnessed atrocities carried out by Ukrainian troops. 

Inside the ballroom, bedecked with six chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling satin peach drapes, more than a hundred people sipped wine and vodka. Waiters navigated the room with silver plates of puff pastries adorned with caviar. 

So much for Russia’s international isolation. This being a military holiday, many of the guests were military attaches from other embassies, mostly from South and East Asia and Africa. Earlier in the day, 39 countries had either abstained or voted against a United Nations resolution that called on Russian forces to leave Ukraine. (One hundred and forty-one countries voted to support the resolution.)

At one point, the traditional Russian music piped in was paused as Antonov lamented the “disregard for basic principles of international relations that form the basis of the U.N. Charter”—and vowed that Russia would seek to solve rising world problems peacefully. He concluded his remarks with a toast to the armed forces of Russia. U.S. officials estimate that almost 200,000 Russian troops have been killed or maimed in Ukraine; many have been sent into battle poorly trained and equipped. Antonov’s remarks were followed by a wordless rendition of the Russian national anthem. 

As I picked over a plate of pickles and Georgian stuffed eggplant rolls, the embassy’s No. 2 diplomat, Deputy Chief of Mission Andrey Ledenev, sauntered over. He was dressed in a sharp blue suit and delivered a steady stream of strict Kremlin talking points in near-flawless British-accented English. 

Ledenev complained that reports in the media this month that thousands of Ukrainian children have been held in “reeducation camps” across Russia had been terribly misreported. The U.S. State Department has described the transfers as a potential war crime. 

What would it take for Russia to participate in negotiations with a view to ending the war? I asked. This he seemed to think was a distant prospect and laid the blame at Ukraine’s door, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree last October ruling out the possibility of negotiations with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. 

Would it help matters at all if Russia removed its troops from Ukraine? It’s about something much bigger than that, Ledenev responded. “It’s about European security as a whole.” If you weren’t listening to what the hosts were saying, the event seemed much like another diplomatic reception in a city full of them.