#White Honey in india

[dymatizeindia]

HONEY VANILLA EGG WHITE OATMEAL

Easily whip up your own delicious honey vanilla egg white oatmeal workout snack or meal right at home with just four simple steps. All you need is ISO100 Gourmet Vanilla protein powder to ensure the best taste and provide the protein and energy you need for your workout. Each satisfying meal packs 465 calories, 38g of protein, 67g of carbs, and 6g of fat, giving you the fuel you need to conquer your workout goals.

[m1ssunderstanding]

Understanding Lennon McCartney Rewatch Part 2.2

Prettyyyyy

Maybe John's not actually crazy for thinking Hey Jude is to him? “For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder.” fool is, in my tin hat world, often a code name for Paul in their songs. And that description is certainly him to a t actually. I wonder why I've never considered it before. 

John: are you happy here, honey? Paul: I ain't happy here my honey, can you take me back? How many songs does Paul write from 1968 on about trying to go back? One day I'm going to make a list and it'll be a long one. 

And thus begins the phase of they just can't help it, can they? But they really wish they could. They make each other so so happy, but they really wish they didn't. It would hurt less that way. 

I love the comparison of Linda's pictures of everyone else and then of John. It just shows that it's not a her problem – that's such a lovely one of George, who Hates Yoko – it's how he feels about her.

John, coming up with every possible weapon to provoke Paul, finally has Yoko sing Paul's part in one of their songs. It really is such a slap in the face. But of course breaking the sanctity of their music is what does it best. And still, all he gets out of him is a look before he walks away. Whatever it is that John wants, I think Paul literally can not give it to him. 

Btw the white album is my favorite, probably. There's just such incredible diversity on it. It's so much fun, you never get tired of it, and it's an excellent display of their genius and versatility. 

He looks like an abandoned puppy. 

What do we think? John says Paul drummed on WDWDITR. Paul says Ringo did. Who is telling the truth?

“It was getting to be where he wanted to do it like that but he couldn't make the break . . .” So John thinks Paul doing his songs by himself means he wants to break the group up? I personally read it as him not wanting to annoy everyone with his bossiness, but that's just my take. 

John talking about how it's him and Yoko now, but before, it was . . .

George needs to send them a cease and desist notice or he'll sue them for breech of character the amount of times they drag him into things he's not a part of. Especially if they're not going to even fucking spare him a glance in reality. Please and thank you, Hare Krishna. 

Paul's epigraph on the two virgins cover. “Battles to prove he was a saint”? What kind of passive aggressive shit is that, Paul?

The eternal question: what happened in India? And does John really not know? Or is he just unwilling to tell what happened to rolling stone?

Somebody please engage with that poor little boy, preferably, you know, his father. Ugh, Cynthia must've had so much anxiety watching that footage, or really any time Julian was with John. And that footage is placed in the doc right after a pic of Paul already being Heather's dad just so naturally. 

But hell, if I've ever seen attention-seeking behavior, this is it. Singing about wanting to die while seductively undressing the closest thing Paul would've had to career competition at the time. 

I'm sorry but it will forever be hilarious to me that when John's singing his part of “I've Got a Feeling” with Yoko it's “soft dream” and then with Paul it's “wet dream”. How John and Yoko tricked everyone into believing they were too horny for each other to control themselves is beyond my imagination. 

On the day John plays their sex tape, “Unusually, Yoko is not present.” LMAO girl same. John: I'm going to play our sex tape for the band tomorrow. Yoko: oh was that tomorrow? Damn, I forgot, I have a thing. 

“Well that's an interesting one.” What did John honestly expect, though? Like I know he wanted Paul to be like, “that's it! Enough is enough I'm taking you home and doing you right!” Or whatever. But what did he honestly, realistically expect?

Always saying the same things at the same time, always on the same page, same word. About everything, it seems, except their relationship. 

Paul: but you won't say anything about it. John: I said what I've been thinking. Paul: Are you still thinking that now? What are you thinking now? John: I'm still thinking about it. Infuriating. Whatever it is John's been thinking, he doesn't want to talk about it in front of cameras. Is it quitting the band? I think it's something more complicated than that but I've no idea what. 

“John, John, joooooohn!” X “Martha my Dear” crossover my beloved. The fact that literally Everyone reacts and tries to get her to stop except Paul is so extremely telling. Yoko: joooooohn! Ringo: He's busy! Yoko: joooooohn! John: Stop that! (And he looks and sounds genuinely pissed) Yoko: joooooohn! Paul: (plinking and pounding away, definitely not thinking thoughts about what he would do right now if he was a girl that will come out of his mouth fifteen years later)

Everyone's trying to figure out the problem with George vs JohnandYoko and Paul's saying “and like with Yoko, they’re real. They mean it.” Linda laughs. “I don't dig that.” You don't, Linda? What about them isn't real to her, I wonder. Does she think they don't really love each other? Or what?

Linda: *Makes fart noise* Go away! Paul: continues to defend them. Neil: everybody cough. See and this is why it sucks that get back was so edited. Because it's important that Paul's defending them here not just going on and on where nobody asked. He knows he's hurt John, and he feels bad enough about it to let him have his mommy with him at all times if that's what he needs.

If what??? Someone needs to force them to finish their damn sentences. Because I feel like he cuts himself off here when (I swear!!) he's about to say what it is that's hurting John so badly.

Anyway, here's where (imo) he's kinda wrong. Where he says "if it came to a push between Yoko and the band, it's Yoko." I think I said it in my get back posts, but I'll say it again. Yeah, if it was Yoko or the band, it's Yoko. But if it's Yoko or Paul filling all the gaps Yoko is currently filling? It's Paul. You know? And I think that's what John wants so badly at this time, actually. Is “a push between Yoko and [Paul]” ending with Paul stepping up for him in some way that he wasn't before, you know?

He really does get it though. John wanting to be as close as possible with Yoko so he doesn't lose her and their connection. Don't forget he does put Linda in his band. He gets it because it was the same with him and John. 

I really do think it's a huge myth that they just never talked about feelings or anything serious. Look at them. This is how they talk in a crowded place with their girlfriends sitting right there. They didn't just get through fifteen years of one of the greatest collaborations in history never actually talking. They talked about deep stuff. And frequently. 

[winterlogysblog]

Fairy Scents ft. Kiane Kids Scent Headcanons

It's well established that each fairy has a scent that is associated with a flower or a herb. So far we have confirmed scents for each notable fairy we have been introduced to.

So after some quick research I found some info about these flowers and their scents

King - Gold Osmanthus

Osmanthus Wine tastes same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory XD

Origins: China

In the language of flowers, they carry the meaning of love and romance, symbolising true love and faithfulness

Smells like a mix of juicy peaches, ripe apricots with soft leather or suede.

Elaine - Lavender

Origins: Mediterranean

Represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness.

Biblical meaning of lavender symbolizes purity, devotion, and love

Delicate, sweet smell that is floral, herbal, and evergreen woodsy at the same time

Helbram - White Rose

Origins: Ancient Greece

Symbolize loyalty, purity, and innocence.

Combination of floral and fruity notes, with hints of honey and jasmine

Fun fact: A White Rose is what King used to kill Helbram (the first time) it turned red because of the blood

Gerheade - Mint

Origins: Mediterranean

Symbol of Hospitality and Wisdom

Gloxinia - Ginger

Origins: Maritime Southeast Asia

In many cultures, ginger is considered a symbol of love

Used in religious rituals to symbolize cleansing, protection and blessing.

Warm and spicy, with a hint of sweetness

Lancelot - Lemon

Origins: Unknown (said to be first grown in Northeast India, Northern Myanmar, or China)

Symbol of purity and cleansing

Headcanon Time

Since Nakaba hasn't spoken out about their scents I'll give my thoughts on the matter.

Lancelot introduced fruits into the mix of scents and Gloxinia smells like Ginger which is a root so I went ham with this.

Nasiens - Oleander or Sunflower

Oleander are toxic which is very fitting for our Mad Herbalist

Smells like Vanilla

Oleander symbolizes love, beauty, and resilience

I want one of Kiane's kids to smell like Sunflowers cause you know... Sunflower

Sunflowers also don't have a distinct smell so it's actually fitting for Nasiens since he grew up thinking he's human so there's really no natural fairy-like smell he could have detected from himself

Sunflower represents longevity, lasting happiness, adoration, and loyalty

Sixtus - Peach

Since Sixtus looks extremely like King I think it's only fitting if his scent is close to King's as well

Peaches symbolizes longevity

Belte - Jasmine

Belte gives Helbram energy and he kinda looks like him too so his scent also needs to give Helbram energy

Jasmine stands for purity, simplicity, modesty and strength.

Zana and Zillian - Blackberry and Raspberry

Since they're twins I want their scents to match

Blackberries are mild, sweet and slightly acidic scent, with earthy and woody nuances.

Some believed that blackberries contain properties of abundance and prosperity

Raspberries are fruity, sweet and slightly acidic

Raspberries are symbol of kindness in Christian art.

Tioreh - Pink Hyacinth

Phao - Lily of the Valley

Symbol of purity, joy, love, sincerity, happiness and luck,

Has a floral and green scent, with fresh and slightly sweet notes

I want one of Kiane's kids scents to come from the earth, something underground. There's an underground Orchid but it smells bad so that won't do so I specifically looked for a flower that has an earthy scent. I also want it to be PINK for Tioreh

Sweet, robust, and earthy

Pink hyacinths symbolize playful joy.

[thatwobblychair]

141 Bear! Edition

Cause what if 141 were bears?

Including bear facts ! Why? Because bears are cute. 💕

Ghost: Spirit Bear "Kermode Bear"

Ursus americanus kermodei

A subspecies of the American Black Bear that lives exclusively on the coastal shores of British Columbia, Canada.

They are not actually albinos, but instead have a recessive gene that causes the white pigmentation to their fur and eyes. For example, two black 'kermode bears' with the recessive gene can produce a white furred bear.

The white fur is thought to be advantageous towards hunting salmon, as it is theorised that the white colour makes it harder for fish to evade them.

Soap: Sun Bear

Helarctos malayanus

An Asiatic bear that stands as the smallest of all bear species, ranging from northeastern India and extending south to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

They measure between 4-5 ft from tail to snout and weigh between 55- 145 lbs. It is an excellent climber that is known to be the most arboreal of all bears.

Their name is derived from the orangey- cream colour 'sun' crest on their chest. Another name for them is Honey Bear or beruang madu, in Malay/Indonesian due to their love of feeding on honey combs.

Gaz: Cinnamon Bear

Ursus americanus cinnamomum

Another subspecies and colour morph of the American Black Bear. It is thought to exist and interbreed with the black coloured American Black Bears.

The name is derived from the brown to red-brown fur colour that resembles cinnamon. It's coat colouration is theorised to be a mimic of grizzly bears who may also cohabit the same areas.

Price: Grizzly Bear "North American Brown Bear"

Ursus arctos horribilis

Despite being known as the 'grizzly bear' or 'grizzly', the bear is categorised as a subspecies or pop. of the Brown Bear, a species that originates in Eurasia. It is thought that this subspecies/pop. migrated to North America between 177,000 BP ~ 111,000 BP.

There are other morphological forms of brown bears in North America also termed as 'grizzly' that were once considered subspecies but is now synonmised with Ursus arctos horribilis, such as the "Kodiak Bear and the "Alaska Peninsular Bear". The 'grizzly bear' historical range starts from Alaska to Mexico, taking in consideration of past subspecies that are now extinct, though it's current population is situated mainly in North America.

It's name came from the descriptor 'grisley' which can be read as 'grizzled' - grey haired, or "grisly" -fearsome, inspiring, though it was formally classified as U. horribilis, for it's terrible character in 1815.

+

*all facts taken from wiki. If there are any mistakes let me know!

[yudrein-aile]

Meta: Qualitea in the Orr Empire

Let’s talk tea customs of the Orr Empire. As an avid lover of tea myself, reading Turning was quite entertaining as I could project all my silly little tea headcanons on the characters (but ask me about those another time). From early on in the novel, we see that the Orr Empire does have a distinct tea culture, so this meta will take a look at what teas they drink, what their tea culture looks like, and how skilled our protagonists are at preparing tea (spoiler: they’re not. Everyone say “thank you, Nathan”, the only one who knows how to make a good cup of tea.)

Tea

Tea is a pretty common drink in the Orr Empire, but first, we have to talk about what tea it even is. Now, if you want to be precise and a snob, tea, as per merriam-websters first definition, is “a widely cultivated shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) native to China, northern India, and southeastern Asia and having glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers” and “the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the tea plant prepared for use in beverages usually by immediate curing by heat or by such curing following a period of fermentation”. Thus, tea, as a drink, is “an aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by soaking them in boiling water”. According to this first definition, tea refers only to the tea plant.

In the Orr Empire, we do know that the tea plant actually exists. In chapter 39, Kishiar makes tea for Yuder specifically using tea leaves and in chapter 51, it is mentioned that Keilusa drinks a “black tea giving off a unique aroma”.

In the Orr Empire, the beverage tea is also made by using “any of various plants“ like tea, which means preparing them “by soaking their parts (such as leaves or roots)“.

So what teas do they drink in the Orr Empire?

Fresh chamomile, which is in season at the start of the novel (Chapter 16)

Black tea (Chapter 51)

Tea made from the leaves of a medicinal herb Rosa Faria la Orr cultivates (Chapter 58)

Tea made from a flower with an “extraordinarily fresh and cool scent” by pouring boiling water over it. The flower grows near Pearl Tower and helps with sleep deprivation, headaches and can be analgesic (Chapter 113, 143).

Tea blends (Chapter 143, 162)

Peppermint tea with honey (Chapter 162)

Tea made of the fluaville flower, which thrives on a barren mountain, devoid of sunlight, rain, and fertile soil (Chapter 167)

Cold tea made of ponegri, which is won by diluting the potent narcotic components of the ponesa plant to edible levels. It reduces pain and has mood-enhancing effects, as well as dulling the surroundings. (Chapter 205)

Bitter herbal teas for medicinal reasons (Chapter 403)

A pale red tea that might be black tea or a rooibos of some kind (Chapter 602)

A Southern tea with mingled sweet fruit and floral scents, rich in aroma and a yellow color. It is probably a green tea blend. (Chapter 919)

If you look at this – dare I say complete – list, you can roughly distinguish between teas drunk for pleasure, which seems to include teas made from the tea plant always, as well as some herbal, predominantly floral teas, and medicinal teas.

The rather high mention of medicinal teas is very much Keilusa la Orr’s fault, who drinks tea predominantly to help with his health condition. It’s also the only time something like honey is added to the tea. Adding milk, for example, isn’t mentioned at all! We also know that there exist teas of varying qualities and that nobles tend to drink higher-quality tea (Chapter 39).

Funnily enough, tea is generally regarded as a warm beverage, you want to drink it hot (Chapter 468). The only exception so far appears to be Katchian’s ponegri tea, which he drinks cold (Chapter 205).

How do you drink tea in the Orr Empire?

Well, first of all, they use teacups and pots! While this might seem like a small detail to you, a proper teacup is shaped to enhance the flavor and fragrance of the tea. Teacups tend to be lighter than coffee mugs and have a broader surface. While they are never particularly described in the novel, besides the note that they are made of porcelain (Chapter 15) the specification that they are for tea is enough to let us conclude that you don’t just drink tea, but that there is a culture associated with it.

Tea Culture in the Orr Empire

Drinking tea, when not for medicinal purposes, is a pleasure drink and appears to be mainly a social convention in the Orr Empire, which also makes it a good gift (Chapter 223). An invitation for tea is an invitation to socialize and get to know another person. Kishiar’s tea sets are made from “beautiful porcelain” (Chapter 15) and there is an art to gracefully preparing tea (Chapter 39, 223, 979). Having tea is not just a nice get-together, even when Duke Diarca enjoys a cup of tea with his close friends (Chapter 385), the preparation method matters. Similarly, even if Kishiar has Nathan fetch cookies, cakes and other sweets because of Yuder’s sweet tooth, it seems to be common to have snacks while having tea. Having popular and famous sweets that complement your tea while you drink it is simply good manners (352).

But the Orr Empire wouldn’t be the Orr Empire if there wasn’t also a class divide about it. Kishiar notes early on that Yuder “won’t have many opportunities to drink tea [he’s] personally prepared” (Chapter 39). Disregarding that this is a fucking lie on Kishiar’s part, the point he, most likely, is trying to refer to here, is that Kishiar, who both as a Duke and thus part of the nobility as well as Yuder’s superior, would not typically make tea for his subordinate.

This holds true for most of the little tea sessions we see in the novel! Nathan prepares Kishiar’s tea (Chapter 16, 58, and most other times Kishiar has tea), the servants of House Apeto prepare the tea for the Cavalry (Chapter 133), Katchian’s servants prepare him his tea (Chapter 205), Yuliver makes Keilusa’s tea (Chapter 303). While all of this is of course also expected of servants, it is also a show of trust as Kishiar points out himself, after all, it would be very easy to poison your employer’s tea (Chapter 16).

We also see that offering tea to your guests is polite, that is if you don’t make them wait for ages as the Apeto do with the Cavalry (Chapter 233). Kiolle also assumes that he’s grown closer to Katchian because they regularly drink tea together (Chapter 586).

So, much like in our world, drinking tea in the Orr Empire is not just necessarily having a cup of tea, but has a rich history.

How do I make a perfect cup of tea aka Kishiyu Cringefail Tea

Kishiar looks graceful preparing tea, but he does not, as far as I can tell, actually make a good cup of tea. Well, so how does one make a good cup of tea?

“Please, take a seat.” After roughly sprinkling the tea leaves that Kanna had once forced onto the two tea cups, a small movement of his finger formed two droplets of water in the air. The droplets divided into two streams, filling each cup. With another flick of his hand, the tea heated to a suitable temperature, steaming in the cups. Looking down at the steamy tea cup, Yuder lightly pushed one toward Kishiar. “Wait until the aroma comes out before you drink.” “You are remarkably efficient in brewing tea. Nathan would be disappointed if he saw this.” “If you have the skill, why not use it?” (Chapter 223)

Well, not like this obviously. Hilariously enough, Kishiar makes tea just the same – scooping leaves into the pot and boiling it after. So according to Nathan’s expert opinion, this is not how you’re supposed to prepare them.

The only prominent life tea culture I could find, by the way, where you boil the tea leaves with the water is the Egyptian Saiidi tea, but that one is sweetened with sugar, and neither Kishiar nor Yuder do that, so I stand by my argument that they both just prepare terrible tea.

Tea Culture (Wikipedia)

Tea Preparation Guide (Teapedia)

[wishing-on-a-staranise]

tara's fic masterlist

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18+ blog mdni

PROMISE: a stranger things rewrite (gn!reader)

summary: you escaped the lab in 1980 at the age of fourteen and after getting sort of adopted and then fully adopted by hopper along with eleven. and now it's the year of our lord, 1985, the lab still haunts you but you live a somewhat peaceful life with your newly acquired boyfriend. things get a little strange.

LIVING FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL (desi!fem!reader)

Part 1 Part 2 Summary:  a two-parter where your cousin was getting married to a guy in Hawkins, Indiana. While the idea of searching for Bollywood movies in a mostly white town seemed like a fruitless endeavour, you were bored— so, you set foot in family video where you meet Steve Harrington. The cute boy and you quickly become friends. Steve realises that he was falling for you but he also realises that you were only going to be in Hawkins for a few weeks.

WASTING TIME (gn!reader)

summary: its 1986, and given everything that's happening in your town, Steve ends up pushing you away.

YOU, ME, LONELY (afab!reader)

summary: you love steve and steve loves you, but maybe you both wants different things from life

KISS IT AWAY, HONEY (gn!reader)

summary: you have a perfect and loving boyfriend, and everything should be great but something is just not right.

WE'RE WANDERERS, THE LOT OF US. (desi!fem!reader)

Summary: Steve's best friends convince him to travel to a country they know almost next to nothing about for a vacation. so, with clothes in a suitcase, emotional baggage in the carry on and most of the money in their wallet from Steve's dad's earnings and Eddie's recent gig, they fly to India. it is there that Steve keeps bumping into a girl who looks like she has a personal raincloud following her at all times.

[apoemaday]

The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart

by Jack Gilbert

How astonishing it is that language can almost mean, and frightening that it does not quite. Love, we say, God, we say, Rome and Michiko, we write, and the words get it all wrong. We say bread and it means according to which nation. French has no word for home, and we have no word for strict pleasure. A people in northern India is dying out because their ancient tongue has no words for endearment. I dream of lost vocabularies that might express some of what we no longer can. Maybe the Etruscan texts would finally explain why the couples on their tombs are smiling. And maybe not. When the thousands of mysterious Sumerian tablets were translated, they seemed to be business records. But what if they are poems or psalms? My joy is the same as twelve Ethiopian goats standing silent in the morning light. O Lord, thou art slabs of salt and ingots of copper, as grand as ripe barley lithe under the wind’s labor. Her breasts are six white oxen loaded with bolts of long-fibered Egyptian cotton. My love is a hundred pitchers of honey. Shiploads of thuya are what my body wants to say to your body. Giraffes are this desire in the dark. Perhaps the spiral Minoan script is not language but a map. What we feel most has no name but amber, archers, cinnamon, horses, and birds.

[princesssarisa]

The last three Love Like Salt tales in Cinderella Tales from Around the World consist of one from Pakistan and two from India.

*These tales stand out in two chief ways from their European counterparts. First, by not following the standard Cinderella or Donkeyskin storyline after the princess is banished, but going in completely different directions until the standard father/daughter reunion ending. Secondly, by handling the meaning of "love like salt" in a different way. Where the European versions emphasize that food without salt is tasteless, these South Asian versions instead skewer the poetic cliché of equating love with sweetness and point out that savory food is just as necessary as sweet food, if not more so.

**The king asks his many children (more than just three, and in one case including sons as well as daughters), how much they love him, and all but the youngest daughter reply "Like sugar," "Like honey," "Like sweetmeats," etc. But the youngest daughter says "Like salt," so her father has her abandoned in the jungle.

**In the end, she invites her father (or her entire family) either to her wedding feast or just to visit her home. She serves no food but sweets, which her father soon tires of, and when she finally serves him salted food instead, he realizes the value of salt.

*As for what happens in the middle of the story...

**The Pakistani tale of The King and His Daughters is the simplest: a prince just finds the princess hiding in a hollow tree, falls in love with her, and marries her.

**In one of the two Indian tales, both titled The Princess Who Loved Her Father Like Salt, the princess comes to a palace where a prince lies dead, with many needles sticking out of his body. One by one she pulls out all the needles, somehow knowing that this will bring him back to life, but one day she pauses to take a bath, and her slave girl pulls out the last two needles instead, reviving the prince. She tells him that she's the princess and marries him, reducing the real princess to a slave. But eventually he learns the truth and replaces the false bride with the true one. And refreshingly for this type of story, the slave girl isn't killed or severely punished, but forgiven by the princess, though she is forced to serve her again.

**In the other Princess Who Loved Her Father Like Salt, the princess is newly wed and pregnant when her father banishes her, and she ends up giving birth and raising her son in a golden palace in the jungle. The boy becomes the protagonist, who goes on a journey that involves rescuing three fairies from a Deo (giant) and winning half the kingdom by granting a wish of the king's. He then takes the king (his grandfather) to see his mother, reuniting the family.

Now for some footnotes from me:

*I'm surprised that this book doesn't include any Love Like Salt variants from the Americas, because I know they exist. There's a picture book from the '80s called Moss Gown, which I remember reading in elementary school, which is based on an oral version from North Carolina. That version is problematic, because it takes place in the South before the Civil War, on plantations full of slaves, and because the white heroine's helper is a a black "witch woman," a literal case of a "magical Negro." But I do like what she gives to the heroine: a dress that by day is a raggedy thing made of moss, but which turns into a beautiful ballgown at night. I wish a European variant or two had shared that detail.

*I'm also surprised and disappointed that this book doesn't include the Ashkenazi Jewish variant How Much Do You Love Me? (a.k.a. The Way Meat Loves Salt), where the father is a rabbi, the heroine's love interest is a rabbi's son, and her magical helper is the prophet Elijah in disguise, who gives her a magic stick that grants her wishes. That version has also been adapted into a picture book, which I've sometimes seen in the gift shop at my local synagogue's annual Jewish Food Festival. @ariel-seagull-wings has also shared it here.

The next set of Cinderella tales in this book are the subtype of One-Eye, Two-Eyes, Three-Eyes.

@ariel-seagull-wings, @adarkrainbow, @themousefromfantasyland

[rainbowmagicfairyfight]

Rainbow Magic Fairy Fight

Round 1

Round 1: Abigail the Breeze Fairy, Addison the April Fool's Day Fairy, Adele the Singing Coach Fairy, Aisha the Astronaut Fairy, Aisha the Princess and the Pea Fairy, Alexa the Fashion Reporter Fairy, Alexandra the Royal Baby Fairy, Alice the Tennis Fairy, Alison the Art Fairy, Ally the Dolphin Fairy (August 16)

Round 2: Alyssa the Snow Queen Fairy, Amber the Orange Fairy, Amelia the Singing Fairy, Amelie the Seal Fairy, Amy the Amethyst Fairy, Angelica the Angel Fairy, Anna the Arctic Fox Fairy, Annabelle the Drawing Fairy, Annie the Detective Fairy, Anya the Cuddly Creatures Fairy (August 17)

Round 3: Aria the Synchro Fairy, Ariana the Firefighter Fairy, Ashley the Dragon Fairy, Autumn the Falling Leaves Fairy, Ava the Sunset Fairy, Bea the Buddha Day Fairy, Becky the Best Friend Fairy, Bella the Bunny Fairy, Belle the Birthday Fairy, Bethany the Ballet Fairy (August 18)

Round 4: Billie the Baby Goat Fairy, Blossom the Flower Girl Fairy, Bobbi the Bouncy Castle Fairy, Bonnie the Bike-Riding Fairy, Brianna the Bee Fairy, Brooke the Photographer Fairy, Caitlin the Ice Bear Fairy, Callie the Climbing Fairy, Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy, Cara the Camp Fairy (August 19)

Round 5: Cara the Coding Fairy, Carly the Schoolfriend Fairy, Carmen the Cheerleading Fairy, Carrie the Snow Cap Fairy, Catherine the Fashion Princess Fairy, Charles the Coronation Fairy, Charlie the Sunflower Fairy, Charlotte the Baby Princess Fairy, Chelsea the Chimpanzee Fairy, Chelsea the Congratulations Fairy (August 20)

Round 6: Cherry the Cake Fairy, Cheryl the Christmas Tree Fairy, Chloe the Topaz Fairy, Chrissie the Wish Fairy, Clare the Caring Fairy, Claudia the Accessories Fairy, Coco the Cupcake Fairy, Coral the Reef Fairy, Courtney the Clownfish Fairy, Crystal the Snow Fairy (August 21)

Round 7: Daisy the Festival Fairy, Danielle the Daisy Fairy, Danni the Drum Fairy, Darcey the Dance Diva Fairy, Debbie the Duckling Fairy, Deena the Diwali Fairy, Demi the Dressing-Up Fairy, Destiny the Pop Star Fairy, Edie the Garden Fairy, Eleanor the Snow White Fairy (August 22)

Round 8: Elisa the Adventure Fairy, Elisha the Eid Fairy, Elizabeth the Jubilee Fairy, Ella the Rose Fairy, Elle the Thumbelina Fairy, Ellen the Explorer Fairy, Ellie the Guitar Fairy, Elodie the Lamb Fairy, Elsa the Mistletoe Fairy, Elsie the Engineer Fairy (August 23)

Round 9: Emily the Emerald Fairy, Emma the Easter Fairy, Erin the Firebird Fairy, Esme the Ice Cream Fairy, Esther the Kindness Fairy, Etta the Elephant Fairy, Eva the Enchanted Ball Fairy, Evelyn the Mermicorn Fairy, Evie the Mist Fairy, Faith the Cinderella Fairy (August 24)

Round 10: Fatima the Face-Painting Fairy, Felicia the Fidget Toy Fairy, Fern the Green Fairy, Fiona the Flute Fairy, Fizz the Fireworks Fairy, Flora the Fancy Dress Fairy, Florence the Friendship Fairy, Frances the Royal Family Fairy, Francesca the Football Fairy, Frankie the Make-up Fairy (August 25)

Round 11: Frenchie the Bulldog Fairy, Freya the Friday Fairy, Gabby the Bubble Gum Fairy, Gemma the Gymnastics Fairy, Georgia the Guinea Pig Fairy, Giselle the Christmas Ballet Fairy, Goldie the Sunshine Fairy, Grace the Glitter Fairy, Greta the Earth Fairy, Gwen the Beauty and the Beast Fairy (August 26)

Round 12: Hana the Hanukkah Fairy, Hannah the Happy Ever After Fairy, Harper the Confidence Fairy, Harriet the Hamster Fairy, Hayley the Rain Fairy, Heather the Violet Fairy, Heidi the Vet Fairy, Helen the Sailing Fairy, Helena the Horseriding Fairy, Holly the Christmas Fairy (August 27)

Round 13: Honey the Sweet Fairy, Hope the Welcome Fairy, Imogen the Ice Dance Fairy, India the Moonstone Fairy, Isabella the Air Fairy, Isla the Ice Star Fairy, Ivy the Worry Fairy, Izzy the Indigo fairy, Jacinda the Peace Fairy, Jade the Disco Fairy (August 28)

Round 14: Jae the Boy Band Fairy, Jasmine the Present Fairy, Jayda the Snowboarding Fairy, Jessica the Jazz Fairy, Jessie the Lyrics Fairy, Josie the Jewellery-Making Fairy, Jude the Librarian Fairy, Julia the Sleeping Beauty Fairy, Juliet the Valentine Fairy, Kat the Jungle Fairy (August 29)

Round 15: Kate the Royal Wedding Fairy, Kathryn the PE Fairy, Katie the Kitten Fairy, Kayla the Pottery Fairy, Keiko the Diving Fairy, Keira the Film Star Fairy, Kimberley the Koala Fairy, Kimi the Bubble Tea Fairy, Kitty the Tiger Fairy, Konnie the Christmas Cracker Fairy (August 30)

Round 16: Kylie the Carnival Fairy, Lacey the Little Mermaid Fairy, Lara the Black Cat Fairy, Lauren the Puppy Fairy, Layla the Candyfloss Fairy, Layne the Surfing Fairy, Leah the Theatre Fairy, Leahann the Birthday Present Fairy, Leona the Unicorn Fairy, Lexi the Firefly Fairy (August 31)

Round 17: Li the Labrador Fairy, Libby the Story-Writing Fairy, Lila and Myla the Twins Fairies, Lily the Rainforest Fairy, Lindsay the Luck Fairy, Lisa the Jelly Bean Fairy, Lizzie the Sweet Treats Fairy, Lois the Balloon Fairy, Lola the Fashion Show Fairy, Lottie the Lollipop Fairy (September 1)

Round 18: Louise the Lily Fairy, Lucy the Diamond Fairy, Lulu the Lifeguard Fairy, Luna the Loom Band Fairy, Lydia the Reading Fairy, Maddie the Playtime Fairy, Madeleine the Cookie Fairy, Madison the Magic Show Fairy, Maisie the Moonbeam Fairy, Mara the Meerkat Fairy (September 2)

Round 19: Mariana the Goldilocks Fairy, Marissa the Science Fairy, Martha the Doctor Fairy, Mary the Sharing Fairy, Maryam the Nurse Fairy, Maya the Harp Fairy, Megan the Monday Fairy, Meghan the Wedding Sparkle Fairy, Melissa the Sports Fairy, Melodie the Music Fairy (September 3)

Round 20: Mia the Bridesmaid Fairy, Michelle the Winter Wonderland Fairy, Miley the Stylist Fairy, Milly the River Fairy, Mimi the Laughter Fairy, Molly the Goldfish Fairy, Monica the Marshmallow Fairy, Morgan the Midnight Fairy, Naomi the Netball Fairy, Natalie the Christmas Stocking Fairy (September 4)

Round 21: Niamh the Invitation Fairy, Nicki the Holiday Camp Fairy, Nina the Birthday Cake Fairy, Nur the Vlogger Fairy, Olivia the Orchid Fairy, Orla the Inventor Fairy, Padma the Pirate Fairy, Paige the Pantomime Fairy, Paloma the Dodgems Fairy, Pandora the Poodle Fairy (September 5)

Round 22: Paula the Pumpkin Fairy, Pearl the Cloud Fairy, Penelope the Foal Fairy, Penny the Pony Fairy, Perrie the Paramedic Fairy, Phoebe the Fashion Fairy, Pia the Penguin Fairy, Pippa the Poppy Fairy, Polly the Party Fun Fairy, Poppy the Piano Fairy (September 6)

Round 23: Priya the Polar Bear Fairy, Rae the Rollercoaster Fairy, Rebecca the Rock 'n' Roll Fairy, Rihanna the Seahorse Fairy, Riley the Skateboarding Fairy, Rita the Frog Princess Fairy, Rita the Rollerskating Fairy, Robyn the Christmas Party Fairy, Rochelle the Star Spotter Fairy, Rosalie the Rapunzel Fairy (September 7)

Round 24: Rosie the Honey Bear Fairy, Roxie the Baking Fairy, Ruby the Red Fairy, Ruth the Red Riding Hood Fairy, Sabrina the Sweet Dreams Fairy, Sadie the Saxophone Fairy, Samantha the Swimming Fairy, Samira the Superhero Fairy, Sara the Party Games Fairy, Sarah the Sunday Fairy (September 8)

Round 25: Sasha the Slime Fairy, Saskia the Salsa Fairy, Savannah the Zebra Fairy, Scarlett the Garnet Fairy, Selena the Sleepover Fairy, Selma the Snow Leopard Fairy, Seren the Sausage Dog Fairy, Shannon the Ocean Fairy, Shelley the Sherbet Fairy, Sianne the Butterfly Fairy (September 9)

Round 26: Sienna the Saturday Fairy, Sky the Blue Fairy, Skyler the Fireworks Fairy, Sophia the Snow Swan Fairy, Sophie the Sapphire Fairy, Soraya the Skiing Fairy, Stella the Star Fairy, Storm the Lightning Fairy, Summer the Holiday Fairy, Sunny the Yellow Fairy (September 10)

Round 27: Susie the Sister Fairy, Tallulah the Tuesday Fairy, Tamara the Tooth Fairy, Taylor the Talent Show Fairy, Teri the Trampolining Fairy, Thea the Thursday Fairy, Tia the Tulip Fairy, Tiana the Toy Fairy, Tilly the Teacher Fairy, Trixie the Halloween Fairy (September 11)

Round 28: Tyra the Dress Designer Fairy, Una the Concert Fairy, Vanessa the Dance Steps Fairy, Victoria the Violin Fairy, Violet the Painting Fairy, Whitney the Whale Fairy, Willow the Wednesday Fairy, Yasmeen the Canoeing Fairy, Yasmin the Night Owl Fairy, Zadie the Sewing Fairy (September 12)

Round 29: Zainab the Squishy Toy Fairy, Zara the Starlight Fairy, Zoe the Skating Fairy (September 13)

[ghelgheli]

The Stuff I Read in January 2024

bold indicates favourites

Novels

Death's End, Cixin Liu

The Maze Runner/The Scorch Trials/The Death Cure, James Dashner

Echopraxia, Peter Watts

Other Long-Form

Against the Gendered Nightmare, baedan [anarchist library]

Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism, Lenin

What Is To Be Done, Lenin

Yuri/GL

Ring My Bell, Yeongol

Dallae, Choonae

Now Loading! Mikanuji

Even If It Was Just Once, I Regret It / Ichido Dake Demo, Koukai Shitemasu, Miyako Miyahara

Maka-Maka, Torajirou Kishi

Blooming Sequence, Lee Eul

Love Bullet, inee

Honey Latte Girl, Ayu Inui

I'm Sorry I Know / Wakatte Iru No Ni Gomenna, Ayu Inui

Night and Moon / Yoru to Umi, Goumoto

Handsome Girl and Sheltered Girl / Ikemen Onna to Hakoiri Musume, Mochi au Lait & majoccoid

The Forbidden Peach / Suimitsutou Ha Shoujo Ni Kajirareru, Iroha Amasaki

Goodbye, My Rose Garden, Dr Pepako

Blood Lust, yoshimired [link]

Palestine

The Grim Reality of Israel's Corpse Politics, Jaclynn Ashly [jacobin]

Mohammed El-Kurd and Ahmad Alnaouq on the complicity of mainstream media in Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza [link]

Inside Israel's torture camp for Gaza detainees, Yuval Abraham [archive]

The Work of the Witness, Sarah Aziza [link]

Who profits from keeping Gaza on the brink of humanitarian catastrophe? Shir Hever [archive]

Misreading Palestine, Max Ajl [link]

A Pediatrician's Two Weeks Inside a Hospital in Gaza, Isaac Chotiner [link]

A Palestinian Meditation in a Time of Annihilation, Fady Joudah [link]

Gender/Sexuality

Assigned Faggot: Gender Roles, Sex, and the Division of Labour, Sophia Burns [link]

Gendered Bodies: The Case of the 'Third Gender' in India, Anuja Agrawal [doi]

Paola Revenioti: The Greek transgender activist on blowing up sexual taboos in the name of art, Hannack Lack [link]

Wages Against Housework, Silvia Federici [pdf]

My Words to Victor Frankenstein above the Village of Chamounix: Performing Transgender Rage, Susan Stryker [pdf]

Race

This is Crap, Hannah Black [link]

Social Constructions, Historical Grounds, Shay-Akil McLean [link]

White Psychodrama, Liam K. Bright [doi]

‘I don’t think you’re going to have any aborigines in your world’: Minecrafting terra nullius, Ligia López López, Lars de Wildt, Nikki Moodie [doi]

Singular Purpose: Calculating the Degree of Ethno-Religious Over-representation in the US No-Fly List, Matteo Garofalo [doi]

Iran

Samad Behrangi's Experiences and Thoughts on Rural Teaching and Learning, M. H. Fereshteh [jstor]

The "Westoxication" of Iran: Depictions and Reactions of Behrangi, al-e Ahmad, and Shariati, Brad Hanson [jstor]

Geographies of Capital and Capital of Geographies: Reckoning the Embodied City of Tehran through Cosmetic Surgeries, Marzieh Kaivanara

Economics

China in Africa: A Critical Assessment, Ahjamu Umi [link]

Small Scale Farmers and Peasants Still Feed the World, Report by ETC Group [link]

16 Million and Counting: The Collateral Damage of Capital [link]

The Keynesian Counterrevolution, Mike Beggs [jacobin]

Jobs For All, Mike Beggs [jacobin]

Other

How This Climate Activist Justifies Political Violence, David Marchese interviewing Andreas Malm [NYT]

Against Domestication, Jacques Camatte [marxists dot org]

The Annihilation of Caste, B. R. Ambedkar, [archive]

[shinygoku]

The Beatles [The White Album] (1968)

So, after the terrific high of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and the rather more wobbly TV Special with some songs made for it that was Magical Mystery Tour (and the subsequent US spin that I covered, in opposition to the Band's original intent), The Beatles were in an odd place. India, Brian Epstein's death, John's controversial new girlfriend, tensions tightening enough that Ringo left for a couple of weeks and, of course, one of the longest damn albums ever. As it's a whopping FOUR sides, I'm gonna be doing a lightning round of sorts, let's crack on. (I don't normally hafta write this, but please scroll past the big white void lol)

Yes indeed, in deliberate contrast to the maximalist Sgt Pepper, this one is beyond minimal. The original pressings also had a unique serial number stamped in, but this has gotta be the most austere covers ever. The way the name is off centre adds a little visual interest, and one can argue this too is fine art (though it's a bit sterile for my tastes) and is suited for the task of holding all the varied songs which lack a unifying theme. Naturally, this stark white-ness gives the album it's much more common name, as just naming it after the band is pretty dull and confusing lol

SIDE ONE

Back In The U.S.S.R.: A parody of both Back In The USA and California Girls, but also a dope rock song in it's own right. Paul brings high energy, quickly but clearly sung lyrics and a slightly controversial sentiment where people aren't sure if it's pro- or anti- communism but chose one side to get pissed off at. As this one was recorded before Ringo re-joined the band, it seems the other 3 all had a certain amount of percussion presence instead. It's a good start to the album but not an all-time favourite.

Dear Prudence: Written in India in an attempt to reach out to fellow Meditation-er, Prudence Farrow, who would hole herself up in her bungalow and not answer for hours on end. It's pretty sounding but I find the name Prudence hard to take seriously... sorry, lady!

Glass Onion: A sequel to I Am The Walrus and packed with references to other Beatle songs, I dig this. It doesn't hafta have secret extra layers to be interesting lol

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: I am a certified Obladi Oblada ENJOYER and I think anyone who hates it is weak and boring, though I give the band themselves a bit of leeway here as they had to do many, many takes. But the final version is such fun~ And again I find it interesting how said Perfectionist Paul put in that bit about Desmond seemingly doing drag towards the end XD

Wild Honey Pie: Really bad. If it's a sequel to Honey Pie why does it come on before it??

The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill: The story of a lameass hunter who needs his Mum with him on hunts lol. I like how we can quite clearly hear Ringo and Yoko's voices in the choruses, adds a unique flavour.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps: FINALLY!! I can say something really enthused about a George Song for the first time since pre-Revolver! Yeah this one kicks ass, the slightly randoms strings of words still come together to make a poignant, emotive song. Though I'm not wild on the moaning at the end, and I much prefer the Acoustic version, which sounds more intimate and doesn't have Icky Clapton on it. The shamisen cover is nice too but that might be my Weeb side showing, the title does make a bit less sense that way too lol. - Anyway yeah, even this early on in the album this is easily one of the strongest numbers and is a nice showing of what George can do with his turn in the Writing Songs department.

Happiness Is A Warm Gun: A title that aged poorly whether literal or the metaphor for heroin, the song itself is another word salad that John's so fond of. The melody changes a lot so it's more interesting for the ears that way, but I'm not enchanted. Kind of like the album as a whole in that it's a mixture with not-so-hidden darkness, I s'pose.

SIDE TWO

Martha My Dear: An upbeat ditty about Paul's beloved dog. Got some of that old fashioned vibe with strings and brass sections. If ya didn't know about the big shaggy Old English Shepherd muse, I guess the lyrics sound pretty bizarre given Pauls' penchant for writing about Girls, or his displeasure with Jane Asher or Girls who may actually be John.

I'm So Tired: Unlike I'm Only Sleeping, this isn't a soothing ode to being in bed, it's more about being tormented. The lyrics get more testy and sharp with the progression and then some mumbling at the end I can't make out. Maybe a bit too good at portraying stress, I'm not into it.

Blackbird: A song in tribute to the struggles of black girls denied basic civil rights, this feels empathetic and reassuring. Even without the subtext it's a very pretty, low-key song, assisted by real vocals from an actual Blackbird, but I do recommend keeping the message in mind for this one.

Piggies: George at it again, this time with satire! Pretty clearly against Capitalism and the class system, based. We even hear a vocal from George's Mum! Even knowing it's part of the lampooning, the harpsichord and string music sounds pretty, and it helps with the juxtaposition baked in.

Rocky Raccoon: A narrative song about an odd Western scene, in which the title character (furriness status unclear) tries to get revenge on his perceived rival but fails. Easy enough to listen to but probably more notable for naming Rocket Raccoon in Marvel Comics [they had to change the name slightly lol].

Don't Pass Me By: Not just a rare Ringo song, the first one he wrote himself! This again goes for a country and western style and the narrative is similar to the Beatles For Sale type of plots. I dig the fiddle though it feels like there's a filter of sorts over Ringo's beautiful voice? That's odd. Anyway I do prefer it to What Goes On but Act Naturally clears this easy ^w^;

Why Don't We Do It In The Road?: Bad. The piano is neat but wasted. Only a smidge better than Wild Honey Pie.

I Will: A very nice song that's been seized by many, many weddings lol - very much short but sweet and I appreciate that youtube comments also apply this to a lullaby for children.

Julia: I know this is a very personal song of John's, being about his mother, and it's certainly more beautiful and heartfelt than most of this album. My main gripe is kinda petty and it's that the words get strung out a bit long. Everything else is very nice and peaceful.

SIDE THREE

Birthday: A cool rocking tune with lyrics that, while not phenomenal, blow Happy Birthday To You out of the water and into the trash where it belongs. It even gets uptempo for the bridge and changes the melody~ I hadn't heard this one until doing this write up though lol

Yer Blues: I'm not into the heavier stuff, especially knowing John's many, many issues and that this song was one of the ones where he leaned into it a bit to avoid detection. Hard Blues may have good musicianship (like this does, ooh that drumming and guitar work!) and be a decent outlet for one's woes, but I can't enjoy it.

Mother Nature's Son: This is back into a calm, gentle vibe with acoustic guitar and basic percussion. Paul keeps it simple and it's stronger for it, leaning into evocative imagery and humming.

Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey: This title is too long and that pisses me off. Booooo!! 🍅🍅🍅 It's also a very harsh sound straight after the previous song, so I'll dock extra points for that. Otherwise it's an ok rock song I guess but I ain't digging it.

Sexy Sadie: This has an interesting sound and a lot of narrative focus. I think I like the piano best. It's decent. Maybe another great song vastly overshadowed by their own catolague? lol

Helter Skelter: I really like how proto-Metal music was about a kind of spiral slide found at funfairs. Sure, helter-skelter is also a phrase for things being in disarray, but Paul's lyrics clearly talk about the act of going down one'a these things made for children lmao. There's supposedly a secret extra long version, but the take used on the album still features a long coda and Ringo moment. I hope his fingers soon recovered xx

Long, Long, Long: Another George instalment! It starts off very quiet and intimate, and then crashing drums come and go, without it jarring. Then after the song a strange rattling begins and gets jamming to go along with it, apparently it was a wine bottle vibrating on a speaker? Huh! Song overall is nice but this odd ending feels a bit like a miniaturised version of the album, again!

SIDE FOUR

Revolution 1: A cool rock intro that then becomes a pretty vague kinda-political but unfortunately fence-sitting load of waffling. I get they ain't really in the best position to start calling for Landlords to be tarred and feathered, but living in 2024 and the current hellscape leaves me with less patience for this. Also I've no idea if this is the same as the Revolution without a number, I presume it's slower but I don't wanna go listen to the other one when I already ain't digging this. Piggies clears this easy.

Honey Pie: Why wasn't this before Wild Honey Pie?? This one resembles an actual song! Albeit in a kind of chopped up, ad libbing curiosity which swings. A lot more enjoyable than many other things on this compilation, though!

Savoy Truffle: Another George song (that's good!) and another Clapton having one (oh, that's bad). Not gonna lie though, it does make me want to eat some chocolates.

Cry Baby Cry: Another narrative that doesn't make much sense, but I find myself enjoying the lovely instrumental work. Another song that was brand new to my ears, though allegedly it cameos for a few seconds in Yellow Submarine, so I'll try hearing that next time I watch it :3 - Oh, and there's a coda. My main crit being John using an odd small voice for the whole thing.

Revolution 9: Number Nine. Number Nine. Number Nine. Yeah no, if this is an introduction to Musique Concrete then I don't want any. I can never listen to this whole thing, this write-up being no exception.

Good Night: A nice, peaceful song to cap this Experience off, with Ringo's lovely vocal work on a lullaby John wrote for his son. Critics may find it saccharine but I for one welcome it with open arms. Even with the surprize whispering after the main event, it manages to stay on tone and indeed feel like a parent tucking their child in.

CONCLUSION

I considered doubling the Best / Blurst amount but ehhhh, I'll stay consistent. It might be interesting to see what songs end up in like/dislike piles, but I've already spent ages on this, so maybe after the main Album reviews as a bonus issue. Maybe ¬w¬;;

Best 3: Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Helter Skelter

Blurst 3: Wild Honey Pie, Why Don't We Do It In The Road, Revolution 9

Ough. This bitch is Eclectic. There's something for everyone, but that also means there isn't much for some listeners, like myself. I feel this has been my most negative so far but there's some gems, it's just while I generally enjoyed the lesser songs of their earlier work (variable according to how poorly the main jist ages like all the Possessive Songs in AHDN lol), the songs I don't like here feel worse as they're further removed from the music I love, and the Bugs were older and more experienced by this stage and their dumb joke songs feel more irritating. But that's me. I know a lotta people dig the sheer range of choice here, and that's cool. At least in theory.

🪲🪲🪲🪲

Remember how much I wrote and quoted in Sgt Pepper? That was fun. Fortunately I know more amazing songs are coming up, wiiiith (sounds of clicking on another tab) Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road and Let It Be. Ok, as YS only has 4 new songs, I'll group that into the movie review that I'll do later on [and am warmly anticipating!], and Abbey Road was issued first but I am not ending the Albums on Let It Be! I want them to conclude on a HIGH note!!! So yeah, join me in November to Let It C, D, E

[ranveer--singh]

The nights are tasteless without you: part 8 ~ Ari Levinson Fic

A/N - This is my first proper multiple chapter story which came to me while watching a Bollywood movie. It is set in Mumbai India where Ari is a professor at a university meets a person of colour - Marathi girl at the train station. There will be other Chris Evans characters as professors and Henry Cavill   characters as professors  

Warning: Please read this before reading the story. 18+, smut, sex… etc

Ari had finally finished his last class of the day, he dismissed the class, packing away his stuff when Andy entered the room.

"You ready buddy, Y/N is excited to have you over," Andy said, patting Ari's back. 

"Give me a few minutes," Ari said, putting his laptop and papers away. "Ok I'm ready, so excited to meet Y/N Andy." he said smiling at Andy who was so excited to show off his wife. They left, Ari driving behind Andy, following, Andy quickly shooting his wife a text at the traffic lights that they have left. 

It took them 35 minutes to drive to Andy's apartment, which took longer than usual because of the traffic. Andy parked his car, stepping out and grabbing his bag, Ari parked behind him grabbing a gift for Y/N. 

He followed Andy into the apartment complex, going into the lift and going to the 12th floor. They arrived at the apartment, Andy opening it and stepping inside. He smiled, installing the aromas of spices she was cooking. 

"Honeybun, we are home," Andy said, walking towards the lounge. They waited a few seconds, then Y/N walked in wearing maroon jeans, white friends t-shirt covered by an apron and wearing fluffy brown and black slippers. 

"Jaan," she said, wrapping her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. Andy wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tightly. Y/N looked up at him and smiled as Andy leaned down and gave her a sweet kiss. He parted his lips, turning to face Ari and introduce him,

"Honey, this is Ari. Ari this is my beautiful wife Y/N," y/n moved out of his arms, walking over to give him a hug. She is a hugger and likes to greet people with a hug.

"Nice to meet you Ari, trust my jaan is making you welcome in India," she said, seeing Ari smile and nod his head.

"Mrs. Barber, this is for you," Ari said, landing the box of chocolates to her. 

"Thank you Ari, you can call me Y/N. There was no need for the gift, but thank you once again," Y/N said, looking at Ari with a smile. "Food will be ready in five minutes, please wash your hands," y/n moved back to the kitchen while Andy showed Ari where the bathroom was. 

 They sat down to eat, Y/N plating both men the food, before sitting down to eat herself. One hand was linked with Andy's while they talked. 

"So Ari, how are you finding Mumbai," she asked in-between mouthfuls.

"It is taking me a while to adapt but I am loving the weather," Ari said taking some poppadoms and chutney and putting it in his mouth.

"Honey he has tried vada pau and now loves them," Andy said, making Ari blush thinking of the time he ate done with Maddy at the food stand. They talked, when Andy changed the subject asking about Maddy. "So tell us about Maddy, did you ask her out," Andy said, grabbing himself some more khadi. 

"I did ask her out, she said yes and we are planning a date at my place this Saturday. I am going to make tacos, nachos, some Margarita drinks and we will watch a movie together," Ari said, feeling nervous about the date. 

"That's great man," Andy said watching Y/N take her plate to the sink and start making some chai. Both the men helped clean up the table, putting the food away and washing the dishes. Y/N came back 15 minutes later with some chai and biscuits, and they all moved to the sitting room to talk more and enjoy the chai. 

"What is Maddy like," Y/N asked looking at Ari who smiled,

"She is lovely, very friendly to talk to and I just love her energy," Ari said blushing just thinking of her. "Sometimes we text each other silly memes and other times we send each other songs we like," Ari said, biting his bottom lip. They talked for a while, Y/N excusing herself and going upstairs to answer a call while Andy and Ari played a video game together. Ari left at 10pm, with Y/N sending him food in takeaway containers so he can eat them tomorrow. 

Saturday morning, Ari was panicking, he chose to make more food than he can make. He texted Andy and in half an hour both Andy and Y/N arrived to help him out with the cooking. 

Y/N and Ari worked in the kitchen, while Andy made the margarita drink, as well as cleaning the lounge and heading out to get some flowers and candles. Few hours later, the  taco mixture was made, all the ingredients for the nachos prepared and the lounge decorated with flowers, candles and fairy lights. Andy and Y/N left, hugging Ari and wishing him luck. 

Ari goes to have a quick shower and puts on the denim shirt and jeans. He sprays some cologne - Midnight Musk & Amber Cologne looking at the clock to see that the date will start in 1 hour. 

Ari was nervous and wished the time could speed up so the date could start. One hour later, the doorbell rang; Ari stood up, took a deep breath, opening the door to see Maddy standing outside in black denim jeans and a sparkly green top. 

"Hi, Ari," she said, handing him some sweets and a bottle of wine. Ari smiled, taking the gifts and putting them on the table before hugging Maddy and kissing her cheeks.

"Hi, Maddy, come inside," he said, taking her to the lounge and pouring her some wine. 

"Ari, you smell heavenly," she said, sitting next to him on the sofa. 

"Thank you, Maddy, you smell delightful as ever," he says, enjoying her scent. They talked for a little while; he couldn't help staring at her lips. The way he watched her smile, laugh and talk got his body feeling all types of things. 

He was itching to kiss her, he wanted to pause the moment, grab her head in his hands and passionately kiss her lips making her melt into his arms. 

"I have made tacos, nachos and Margarita drinks for dinner; I confess I had help making this. Andy's wife helped me; I hope you like it," Ari said, looking at Maddy's emerald dangling earrings.  Biting his lip, he needed to remind himself to behave and see how the first date went. 

They ate dinner at the table, Ari pouring her some more wine and talking about movies most of the time. He couldn't stop looking at her hair; it was long and black, French braided to the side. It got his dick twitching thinking of him tugging on it while pounding her. 

Dinner was finished, they both cleared up and went to the lounge to switch on the movie and get comfortable. Ari took a blanket and handed it to Maddy, who slipped her shoes off and sat under the covers. Ari went to the kitchen to grab some more wine, opened a bag of popcorn and put it in a bowl with some chocolate and brought it out. 

"What movie shall we watch," he said, putting down the bowl of popcorn, pouring some wine in Maddy's glass as he sat next to her, covering the blanket around his legs. 

"Let's watch a marvel movie, maybe the first cap movie," she said, taking a sip of her wine and eating some popcorn. 

"First Captain America movie sounds good," Ari said, opening up Hotstar and playing the movie. They both watched in silence, Maddy sneaking glances at Ari who looked hot in denim. 

Half way through the movie, Ari paused the movie, turning to look at Maddy. 

"Hi," he said, looking at her face glow with the light. 

"Hey," she said, feeling her face heat up from the way Ari looked at her. 

"Can I kiss you?" Ari asked and Maddy nodded her head. Heat rose from Maddy's stomach to her chest. Ari's lips were getting closer and her heart decided to skip a beat, the smell of him was hypnotic beyond belief.

Her whole body tingled, his arms wrapped around her. Ari pulled her in, claiming her mouth, hungry and intense, until her knees gave in. By the time Maddy became aware of her fingers, they had already slipped under his denim shirt, his skin smooth and radiating heat. 

It was as if time had stopped, both of them sitting on the sofa glued to one another. As if no one existed but just them together kissing. Ari pulled away, looking at her with a huge smile on his face. He wrapped his arms around her once more, they cuddled as Ari continued the movie. 

It was 11pm when the movie was over, Maddy started to yawn, stretching her arms out. Ari knew it was time for her to go home, he felt a little sad but tonight wasn't the night to ask her to stay over. 

"It's quite late," Ari asked, "Do you want to stay over?" seeing her yawn once again. 

She squirmed and looked away, biting her lip. Ari understood what that meant. He was endearing to see that she was a little shy around him, even now that they had kissed. "I-I mean, I'll give you my bed and I'll take the couch…no pressure." 

"No!" She said a bit too quickly, eyes as wide as saucers I'll. "I-I can't put you out of your own room," she said, getting up and picking up her purse. "I mean, basically what I wanted to say is," Ari blew out a breath at this awkward conversation, "I mean, there will be no funny business," he gulped and cleared his throat, feeling his own cheeks heat up under his beard. 

"No no, but I don't mean to cause you any discomfort," she said. 

"But it's late, let me drop you home at least," he pleaded. 

"Fine," she sighed. 

Ari fetched his car keys and rode the lift down along with Maddy. He drove her to her place and parked his car on the road, idling the engine. Maddy didn't make a move to leave the car immediately. She tucked a strand of hair that had escaped her plait behind her ear and gave Ari a shy smile. "I had a great time tonight, Ari, thanks for everything," she whispered quietly. 

"You're welcome. The pleasure is all mine," he returned her smile, with his palms resting on the steering wheel.

She bit her lip and waited for a moment. Ari guessed that she was looking for a goodbye gesture and was hesitating. He waited, trying not to make her uncomfortable, yet curious at what she would do. 

She patted his hand awkwardly, murmured "goodnight" and tried to open the car door. Her body was yanked back into the seat as she had forgotten to take off her seat belt. Ari bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "S-sorry," she teetered, feeling extremely shy. "Hey, no need to apologize. Here let me help you," he said as he leaned over the console to help her untangle the belt.

He closed his eyes for a moment when he got close to her neck and got a whiff of her perfume. He also saw goosebumps breaking out on her skin at his proximity, her breath getting rougher. "There, all done," he whispered slowly. 

"Th-Thanks," she whispered back. She hesitated for one more moment before quickly leaning forward and planting a swift kiss on his cheek. It landed on his beard instead, but it left Ari stunned nevertheless. Before he could reel from it, she had squirmed out of her seat and left the car. 

Ari moved on a reflex and followed her. She walked a few steps and then turned around and collided into Ar's chest. "Hey! What happened?" He was still not sure what was going on. 

"D-dogs! There are dogs in the street! Help!" 

"Ohhh are you scared of stray dogs?"

"Mm-hmm," she said, hugging him tight. 

"Aww don't worry; I'll walk you to your building's gate. Does that sound good?"

"Yes, please," she squeaked and trembled, making Ari go heart eyes for how cute she was. 

Ari hugged her back, patted her shoulder and then broke free to hold her hand. He walked with her as promised, and when they reached her gate, she looked down at their joined hands and whispered a quiet "thank you."

"Sundar," Ari lifted her chin and smiled at her, "I know you were trying to kiss me goodnight earlier. In the car." 

"Yes," she squirmed and blushed again. 

"Well, you're gonna have to kiss me properly then," he said as he dropped his lips down to kiss her. 

[tubetrading]

Breaking Down the Labels:  Understanding Hot Sauce Ingredients

In the realm of culinary delight, hot sauce has secured its place as a versatile and flavorful condiment.  As the demand for unique and bold flavors grows, it's crucial to understand the key components that make up this fiery concoction.  In this blog post, we will break down the labels and delve into the intricacies of hot sauce ingredients, shedding light on what goes into crafting this beloved condiment.  Whether you're a hot sauce enthusiast or a curious consumer, join us on a journey to unravel the mysteries behind your favorite spicy companion.

The Spice Evolution

Hot sauce, a culinary staple in many cultures, has evolved from being a mere condiment to a key ingredient that adds depth and character to a wide range of dishes.  The surge in popularity of hot sauce has given rise to a diverse array of options on the market.  From mild and tangy to explosively spicy, hot sauces cater to a spectrum of taste preferences.

Hot Sauce Ingredients:  A Comprehensive Guide

1.         Peppers – The Heart of the Heat

At the core of any hot sauce is the pepper – the primary source of heat and flavor.  Various pepper varieties contribute to the unique profiles of different hot sauces.  Common peppers used include jalapeños, habaneros, serranos, and Thai chilies.  Each pepper brings its own distinct heat level, flavor nuances, and sometimes even fruity or smoky undertones.

2.         Vinegar – The Tangy Twist

Vinegar plays a dual role in hot sauce, serving as a preservative and contributing a tangy kick.  Distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and rice vinegar are popular choices among hot sauce manufacturers.  The type of vinegar used can influence the overall flavor profile, with some hot sauces boasting a more pronounced tanginess.

3.         Salt – Balancing Act

Salt is a crucial ingredient that not only enhances the overall flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.  It helps balance the heat of the peppers and the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious blend.  Sea salt, kosher salt, or specialty salts can be used to add depth to the hot sauce's taste.

4.         Sweeteners – Taming the Fire

To counteract the heat and acidity, many hot sauces incorporate sweeteners.  Sugar, honey, or fruit juices are commonly used to add a touch of sweetness.  This not only provides a more rounded flavor but also helps in mellowing out the intense heat, making the hot sauce approachable to a broader audience.

5.         Garlic and Onion – A Flavorful Foundation

Garlic and onion are often included in hot sauce recipes to impart a savory and aromatic base.  The subtle flavors of these ingredients complement the heat of the peppers, contributing to a well-rounded and complex taste profile.  Roasted or raw, garlic and onion can add depth and richness to the hot sauce.

Hot Sauce Manufacturers in India:  Crafting Culinary Excellence

In the vibrant landscape of hot sauce manufacturing, India has emerged as a hub for diverse and innovative flavors.  Hot sauce manufacturers in India are known for infusing traditional spices and regional influences into their creations, offering a wide range of options for spice enthusiasts.

Private Labelling in Vadodara

For those looking to venture into the hot sauce market with their unique twist, private labeling companies in Vadodara provide a valuable service.  These companies specialize in creating customized hot sauce formulations and packaging, allowing businesses to establish their brand identity in the competitive market.

Hot Sauce Supplier in Kuwait:  Global Spice Fusion

Kuwait, with its rich culinary traditions, has also embraced the global fascination with hot sauces.  A hot sauce supplier in Kuwait bridges the gap between the diverse world of hot sauce manufacturing and the Kuwaiti consumer market.  These suppliers ensure a steady flow of premium hot sauces, catering to the diverse taste preferences of the Kuwaiti population.

Conclusion

As we unravel the labels of hot sauce bottles, it becomes evident that this fiery condiment is a harmonious blend of heat, tanginess, sweetness, and savory undertones.  Understanding the intricacies of hot sauce ingredients allows consumers to make informed choices based on their flavor preferences.

For those looking to explore the world of hot sauce beyond the typical offerings, the burgeoning hot sauce manufacturers in India, private labeling companies in Vadodara, and hot sauce suppliers in Kuwait open up exciting possibilities.  Whether you prefer a milder tang or an explosive heat, hot sauce has something for everyone, making it a truly universal culinary delight.

[hestiacrow]

Raven's Bracelets!

Time for a more in-depth look at my partner's, Raven, bracelets!

Once again, here is her link:

She currently has 3 different kinds of bead types: Regular, Manmade (both of which are exactly what they sound like), and VIP or VIB as we like to call them. The latter is of higher quality than the other two, but there are fewer options. It is likely that a bead type may appear as both a Regular and a VIP bead, the only difference being their quality.

Please see the full bead list below:

Regular Beads:

Afghan Jade

African Bloodstone

Alashan Chalcedony (dyed)

Amazonite Chalcedony (dyed

Amazonite

Amethyst

Apatite Chalcedony (dyed)

Apple Agate (dyed)

Auralite

Bamboo Agate

Black Flower Agate

Black Lace Agate

Black Obsidian

Black Onyx

Black Rutile

Black Tourmaline

Blossom Chalecedony (dyed)

Blue Adventurine

Blue Lace Agate

Bronzite Jasper

Carnelian

Clear Quartz (8mm)

Coral Fossil Jasper

Crazy Lace Agate

Dalmatian Jasper

Dragon Bloodstone

Dragon Vein Agate

Evil Eye Agate (laser engraved)

Firefly Agate (dyed)

Fluorite

Gold Sheen Obsidian

Golden Lace Jade

Golden Mica/Plum Blossom Jasper

Grape Chalcedony (dyed)

Green Adventurine

Green Chalcedony (dyed)

Green Jade

Hematite

Honey Calcite

Howlite

India Agate

K2 Jasper (enhanced)

Kambaba Jasper

Labradorite

Larvikite

Lava Beads

Lemon Jade

Light Blue Chalcedony (dyed)

Lucky Jade

Mahogany (Red) Obsidian

Matte Black Onyx

Mookaite

Morgan Chalcedony (dyed)

Moss Agate

Navy Chalcedony (dyed)

Ocean Jasper

Onyx Mantra (laser engraved and painted)

Orange Chalcedony (dyed)

Orca Agate

Peach Chalcedony (dyed)

Picasso Jasper

Pink Adventurine

Pink Chalcedony (light/dark dyed)

Pink Lace Jasper

Pink Opal (dyed)

Pink Tourmaline

Pink Zebra Jasper

Polychrome Jasper

Purple Chalcedony (light/dark, dyed)

Purple Mica

Que Sera

Rainbow Obsidian

Red Adventurine

Red Chalcedony (dyed)

Red Jasper

Red Lace Agate

Red Tiger Eye

Rhodonite (enhanced)

Ruby Zoisite

Sardonyx

Silver Sheen Obsidian

Smoky Agate

Sodalite (light/dark)

Strawberry Quartz

Tea Jasper

Teal Chalcedony (dyed)

Unakite

Violet Quartz

Watermelon Chalcedony (dyed)

White Agate

White Chalcedony

Wood Jasper

Yellow Chalcedony

Yellow Tiger Eye

Yooperlite

Manmade Beads:

Manmade Imperial Jasper

Manmade Opalite

VIB:

Amethyst

Angelite

Apatite

Backbone (Black Moonstone)

Black Rutile

Black Tourmaline

Blue Tiger Eye

Citrine

Clear Quartz (8mm)

Fire Quartz

Flower Agate

Fluorite

Galaxy Tiger Eye (dyed)

Garnet

Jadite

Lapis

Morganite

Peach Moonstone

Pink Opal

Prehnite

Rainbow Moonstone

Selenite (Satin Spar)

Shungite

Smoky Quartz

I do have pictures of each of these bead types, so if you would like to see them, please let me know and I will make another post showing what each one looks like! Here's a selection to get you started:

If you like the look of any of these, consider giving Raven's Ko-Fi a look and maybe even commissioning her! Don't worry, you're not restricted to one type of crystal, you can have several types on your bracelet. She has even gone as far as considering character-inspired bracelets as commissions too, and when I say we have lists of characters, we had to make a list of the lists so we could keep track of them!

As a final note, I'm not one to beg for exposure but at this point it would be wonderful, even if you don't think you'll order anything from Raven, please hit the reblog button. You will have my eternal gratitude if you do, the more people who see this and consider her craft, the better.

Thank you so much everyone!