#courses to be a chef india

[kiarajoshi]

Culinary Arts Courses In India

Embark on a delectable journey to become the world's best chef with Culinary Arts Courses from APCA India. They provide a variety of Culinary courses for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

[thehotelschool]

Want to start a career in the food industry? Our culinary school in Delhi is the perfect place for aspiring chefs to start their journey. Join our food production course in Delhi and learn from our expert chefs to make your passion a profession.

For more information call us at 18001215344

[gold-dust-angel]

Good to see this trending even though I have no idea why suddenly today but—

A historic debate on marriage equality and legalising same-sex marriage is underway in the Supreme Court of India. The Union govt. is against it of course but the SC judges and the lawyers representing the petitioners are very progressive. The recordings of the live hearings are up on youtube and worth watching because the arguments in favor are just ✨chef's kiss✨ The verdict is yet to be out but I'm really hopeful. Anxious but hopeful. So far the CJI's statements point to a positive outcome for the queer community but let's wait and watch. It's gonna be epic🌈

[bangtanhoneys]

BTS Wedding Series: Food/Cake Tasting

SEOKJIN

If there was one thing Seokjin was adamant about in the whole wedding planning, it was the food. He had cooked for the boys for the past 10+ years, he had been on enough variety shows with food, he did enough of his own mukbang videos to affirmatively say that he was a foodie. And when it came to the cake, the two of you had worked out a design and the flavours you wanted. 

However, the whole food situation was firmly in his hands. 

There had been emails back and forth to the hotel on Jeju island with menus, a private phone call with the chef and a presentation by Zoom by said chef over the various Korean meals that the kitchen could provide. 

“Would it be possible to have a variation? Such as buffet stations and grazing tables laid out for everyone to pick from, to include different cultures but to include Korea as the main food as well,” Seokjin asked after going through your pinterest board where you had kept some of your ideas.

The chef in question glanced up, surprised as he was used to dealing with couples who went strictly with traditional Korean wedding food and never varied outside of that. His team were muttering in the background and there was various clicking, as they went through their own Google images to figure out what Seokjin was asking of him.

“We’re looking at a varied buffet rather than your strict sit down meal. I love American and Indian dishes, Seokjin loves Korean food and burgers. My parents prefer sushi yet they love Thai food. We have such a variation coming that we want to cover all aspects,” you summarised. And then the chef got it.

“Ah, I see! Right okay, so let’s do foods from around the world then. We'll have different food stations like you say - Japan, Korea, America, Italy, Thailand, India, Spain, etc. And then have a grazing table for fruits, bread, your desserts and then of course your wedding cake,” the chef said as he drew a plan on the board behind him. If he hadn’t been a cook in this life, you would have assumed he was an artist in another.

“The cake we’re going to sort when we’re next on Jeju but for desserts, could we look at brownies, cookies, blondies, cupcakes, etc. We’re well aware of people’s different choices,” Seokjin added as he wrote down his own list of his own requests.

“Mr. Kim, this is going to cost quite a bit. I know you’re an idol but this is going to cost.”

Seokjin gave a wave of his hand in an almost imperial way, causing you to hide a smile behind your hand. Another thing you had to give over to him was the budget. 

“Don’t worry about that - when it comes to my food, I’m ready to spend the money. Do you know BTS?”

Of course the chef did as did the whole team by the way they were nodding.

“Then you know I’m a foodie and I love my food. And this one here loves her desserts so it’s a compromise and I won’t compromise on food,” Seokjin added by pinching your side, wincing at the slap on the arm in return. 

“As long as you're sure. Let us arrange a date for you two to come and try some samples, then you can make a weekend out of it,” the chef suggested.

“A weekend trying food? Yes please!”

YOONGI

There was one thing you had promised Yoongi when it came to the wedding.

Tangerines.

He didn’t know how you were going to do it but he wanted tangerines because that’s what he loved and wanted. He had already picked out a four course meal for the wedding, fully Korean, with lamb skewers thrown in because he saw them on the menu and wanted them. The cake, however, was your deal. He just wanted tangerines.

So while you were looking for inspiration on wedding cakes during the early stages, you saw plenty of tiered wedding cakes with orange slices on the sides, painted oranges on the fondant, half naked cakes with fresh fruit all around. It was all locked away for your meeting with the lady who was going to do your wedding cake for you, something you dragged Yoongi along because coffee and cake went well together.

“So, what are you two looking for?” she asked, opening up her ipad to get started on the design.

“We’re both kind of plain people. The wedding decor is going to be simple with glass and flowers and candles. White roses, white peonies with plenty of greenery. Our invitations had a hint of blue on them. But Yoongi loves tangerines so I want to do tangerine name cards and if we could have tangerines on the cake as well, or in the flavour, then that would be perfect,” you explained. 

Yoongi perked up at the mention of his favourite fruit. He didn’t know about the name card suggestion as he had briefly glanced at your ideas and the idea that you wanted to incorporate something he loved, made him realise that every single decision had him in mind.

“Wait till you see the favours I’ve ordered,” you muttered as you patted his leg, grinning slightly.

“Is that why I’ve been locked out of the spare room?” he muttered back, one eye on the lady designing the cake and one eye on you.

“Of course. It’s hell in there right now.”

“So,” the lady interrupted unapologetically to show you her design. “I’m thinking vanilla buttercream because that works well, then we can add fresh tangerines or kumquats which are slightly smaller or I can make the tangerines and flavour them. For the cake layers, since you like simple, depending on the tiers and how many you need, we could go with vanilla cake with lemon to bring in the citrus, then another tier of vanilla with pink champagne and another vanilla with maybe chocolate.”

“These sound all amazing. Are we able to have any tasters?”

“I’ll be back in just a moment,” the lady said as she laid her ipad on the table with the design still in place.

“How many tiers do we need?” Yoongi asked, seeing the design was for three tiers. 

“Well, we’re looking at 250 for the reception and the Korean ceremony,” you said once you brought up your guest list file on the phone.

Yoongi sighed. As much as he hated being put on display like that, he knew it was to keep both sets of parents happy and to have everyone who meant the world there as well. At least the legal ceremony a few days before was just yourselves, the boys, your parents and no one else. 

“How many tiers can we do for 250 people?” Yoongi then asked the lady who came out with two trays of vanilla cake with different variations of filling. 

“You’ll be looking at 6 tiers then.”

Yoongi sighed again but happily picked up the fork he was given as well as a tray of cake. “Well, we best get tasting then.”

In the end, you picked vanilla with lemon, red velvet with cream cheese, vanilla with pink champagne and then a cookies and cream tier because at this point, why the hell not. 

HOSEOK

The hotel itself had many restaurants to choose from and when it came to the wedding, especially with the amount of guests who were coming and how much you were setting aside just for the food, the hotel had sent you all the menus available. 

You wanted Korean but mixed with a bit of international food as well as the wine and other alcohol to compliment it. Everything had to be big and bright like your wedding theme and to match your cake as well which had been designed to be dripped in bright rainbow colours with gold lustre and fresh bright flowers. 

“So Festa is our contemporary European dining, the Granum is all day dining and is international and the Club Member’s Restaurant is Korean so you’ve got a good mix here,” the wedding organiser said as she showed you to the private dining area where you were going to have your wedding tasting from the samples you had picked from the menus provided.

For starters, you had picked smoked salmon with caesar salad, kimchi soup with bean sprouts and shrimp croquette and dill cream. 

Scoffing all that with your wine and grinning as Hobi made notes, you then went onto your main dishes. These had been Hobi’s picks and you could tell when the dishes had arrived, large servings of meat. Prime steak was one dish, grilled lobster was another and then lamb rack with vegetables.

If that wasn’t enough, a small pizza and bolognese pasta also arrived.

“What?” Hobi asked around a slice of pizza.

“You think we’re feeding the country?” you asked, cutting into the prime steak that was cooked perfectly.

“I had to stop myself at the sides because there were too many,” Hobi admitted as he stole the piece of steak you had cut up.

“Of course,” you muttered as you stole the rest of his pizza.

Dessert had been a combined effort as your wedding cake was only two tiers and would feed just under 200 people. Blueberry cheesecake, chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream and then orange pound cake with ice cream. And not only that, the tables would get a platter of seasonal fruit.

“This is going to be hard,” you pouted as you spooned up some of the chocolate tart. “We might have to come back and try them again.”

Hobi chuckled as he bypassed the chocolate tart and went for the cheesecake. “I completely agree. Let’s bring Seokjin and Taehyung with us next time. They're the fussiest.”

NAMJOON

Picking the food had been an easy thing for the two of you as you both didn’t like fish and had settled on going Korean with a little mix of international foods for the guests who you just had to invite. Luckily enough, the maximum numbers for your outdoor wedding were 150 and you had managed to drop that to 130 for all your friends and family then the famous people who Namjoon knew he had to invite. 

It was a bit odd addressing the invitations to such famous people and it was even more odd when they actually accepted. With the food organised with the hotel, it was time to turn to the cake. 

You two had spent the better part of a day looking up wedding cakes with your appointment with the cake maker fast approaching and settled on a design you both liked - handpainted flowers alongside the tiers of the cake, all with meaning and thoughts behind them. Specifically picked for the two of you to incorporate your wedding flowers, birth flowers, etc. 

Namjoon happily tucked into the slice of cake the lady handed over, white chocolate passionfruit while she handed you coffee and walnuts. If there was something you both were adamant on, it was the cake flavours would be unique. 

You needed a four tier cake and while she designed the flowers on her ipad, you two tucked into the next set of flavours. 

“I want to take that cake home,” Namjoon pointed towards the plate that was now empty of his passionfruit slice. 

“I’m loving this raspberry and white chocolate,” you added as you cut a bit off with your fork and handed it over to your future groom.

“This is going to be so hard,” he muttered around the mouthful of cake and turned the plate that held his lemon slice. “But I think I’ve made my choices.”

“Oh? Already?” you asked, licking off some of the raspberry buttercream. 

“I want that passionfruit, as well as your raspberry one and I think we just need plain vanilla for the boring people. And I think we need a chocolate layer, maybe with caramel and I want a lemon layer as well,” Namjoon picked off, still happily munching on the lemon cake. 

You thought for a moment, thinking of all the people who were coming and if any of them were allergic to anything in those flavours and nothing was springing out at you. And when the lady showed you the design of greenery, daisies, white roses, peonies and little forget me nots - everything just fell into place.

“All those flavours and that cake design please.”

JIMIN

You didn’t know where the number of guests had come from but you somehow reached the 150 mark which was just a little squeeze for your venue but they had managed to confirm those numbers for the ceremony then the reception afterwards. You had picked and confirmed a cake well beforehand, settling on a five tier white cake but with fresh ivory and light pink flowers cascading around the cake itself. With flavours of vanilla, strawberry, lemon and raspberry, it had been sorted before you had even figured out your actual food menu. 

Jimin was firm when you two had spoken to your wedding organiser that he wanted a taste of Busan in his menus with Busan eomuk (fish cakes) and Milmyeon so he had something of home in the menu which was completely western. Of course, the hotel were happy to agree so they organised a menu specifically for your food tasting. 

First, it was the appetiser course of two options. The famous Busan fishcakes with a side of salad and some other bits and then shredded hoisin duck tortilla stack with cucumber and spring onion.

“How is that western?” Jimin muttered to you but happily tucked into the food either way. 

For the main course, there was the option of Milmyeon, roasted sirloin with green beans, mushrooms, sauce and optional potatoes or fries. As well as a chicken option or sea bass option as well. 

“This is hard,” you moaned as you cut into the steak and almost cried at how perfectly cooked it was. 

“It’s even harder when they give you these options,” Jimin laughed as he pointed in the direction of the chicken and sea bass that was waiting to be tested.

“I shouldn’t have had breakfast,” you realised when you cut into the chicken and happily popped it into your mouth.

And then for dessert, realising your cake probably wouldn’t cover 150 people, settled on two types of dessert: a cheesecake and desserts in miniature so people got three little ones to enjoy. 

“Shall we have it all?” Jimin questioned, spooning some of the cheesecake and feeding it to you. He then dug into the crumble which he hadn’t heard of before. 

“We’ve got plenty of people who are going to have different options,” you shrugged but were happy to go for all the choices suggested.

“Okay, let’s do it,” he made a note on the little bit of paper the waiters had given him to confirm his choices. 

TAEHYUNG

Though you had realised planning a wedding in another country was going to be hard, you didn’t realise how hard it was actually going to be. The venue dressing, provided by the hotel, was in Los Angeles as well as the cake lady, the photographer and everything else. You had a makeup team flying out with you and another photographer as well as a videographer, provided by HYBE, would be making the journey with you. 

Beverly Hills had been booked up the moment your invitations had gone out and surrounding hotels as well in what had been termed ‘the wedding of the century’ by the rest of BTS. Celebrities, fashion designers, music producers and god knows who else were making the trip to be there for Taehyung’s wedding. 

It was becoming a bit of a circus but he was so excited and devoted to the whole thing, that in the end it didn’t matter who was coming. You just wanted to marry the man. 

And at least your air travel miles were accumulating quickly with the amount of times you had to fly out to Los Angeles. This time it was to meet the cake lady as well as have your menu tasting - something you were eagerly awaiting as you had to mix it with Korean as well as western food. 

Of course, having a cake for 800 people was near impossible and it had been decided early on it would be limited to three real tiers, with the other three to be fake. No one would care anyway, especially with the amount of money you were putting into the food alone. And the wedding cake design had been simple yet extravagant - white fondant with vines of leaves and small flowers indented on each layer, with gold ribbon at the bottom of each tier and then red roses sandwiched in between each tier. 

They were given a menu exclusively designed by Wolfgang Puck, one of the most famous chefs out there, and a glass of champagne each. “We wouldn’t have gotten this in Korea,” Taehyung had muttered to you when you reached the VIP section of the restaurant. 

“They saw the cheque book,” you muttered back with a laugh. 

First was a king crab cocktail and a lamb rack with salad for entrees and then for the main course, you were given a large serving of bibimbap and Korean BBQ beef and a large serving of steak and Japanese kanpachi sashimi. 

“Definitely saw the cheque book,” you said around a mouthful of food and realised the two of you hadn’t spoken in the hour you had arrived at your table and served your food. 

“Well, it is delicious,” Taehyung said as he held up some of the sashimi and all but shoved it in his mouth. 

When you thought you were done, they came out with the dessert menu as well as wine menu. 

“I’m going to die,” you fake cried as you looked at the menu. “Oooh, they’ve got cheese platters. Should we have one for each table?”

Taehyung looked up from his wine menu and arched an eyebrow, “Now who's spending the money?”

“We’ve got a lot of celebrities to impress. So is that a yes?”

JUNGKOOK

With Jungkook being Jungkook, he already had a cake designed the moment you had talked about it. He had spent an agonising night on his ipad, drawing and redrawing, looking up inspiration and even turning to ARMY’s pictures to see if they had any inspiration to fulfil their fantasies. 

With nothing truly popping up, Jungkook had to simply turn to his imagination and wonder if it would work. And with the colour scheme you two had come up with, it was a little hard. 

“So, this is the design I’ve been working on,” Jungkook said to the cake designer who you had set up an appointment with over a week ago. 

The cake designer took the offered ipad and used his fingers to zoom in on the design, then back out. “It shouldn’t be a problem and it’s quite unique, it’s not something I’ve seen before. Let me draw my version with some ideas of cake layers and see what you two think.”

You eyed Jungkook suspiciously and wondered what he had cooked up.

“It represents all of us,” Jungkook explained as he patted your knee, taking the ipad back and shoving it into his ever present black backpack. 

With you travelling all the way to Busan to have this meeting as well as to sort out your food at the hotel, you hoped to have everything boxed up and done so you were putting a bit of faith in Jungkook and his cake. 

“So, I think for the bottom layer, we should do some kind of chocolate,” the cake designer explained as he turned his own ipad around to show the two of you. He had replicated what Jungkook had drawn but into something easier for a cake. 

The bottom layer had a marble effect with white base with a hint of black and purple in the marble effect. The second layer was pure purple with vanilla as its flavouring and then the top tier was pure white with strawberry champagne flavouring and white orchids dotted between the layers. 

“You included ARMY,” you whisper as you take the offered ipad and look at the intricate details in the marble that look like they were done on purpose. 

“Maybe it would be worth getting some kind of cake topper to represent that and you two,” the cake designer explained as he got up to get the suggested cake layers. 

It didn’t take Jungkook long to get his phone out and start looking.

[mrsleonkennedy]

Disclaimer: All info posted here comes from their respective creator itself so yes, its legit and not just part of my imagination 💯

Interview Rules:

The interviewer can only ask 10 questions.

The interviewer cannot force an answer out of anyone.

The participant has the right not to elaborate their answer.

CW: Long post ahead / Interviewer being a Ketamine simp / Gavin's surprise cameo

Interviewer: Hi Guys! I hope you're doing well today. Thank you for participating on this social experi- *coughs* interview. Btw, you can call me CC, I'm your interrogator today sent by your beloved MC, so please cooperate :) Are we ready? Lets start:

Question No 1: Aside for being a yandere, whats your dream job/profession?

❤️ Casanova: I wanted to be a chef for the longest time, but i’m happy with my job as an organ harvester!

🕊️ Krow: I-I actually like m-my job as a f-forensics cleaner but... I-I'd love to b-be a stay at home s-spouse a-and just do a-art.

🔪 Ezra: I actually really enjoy my current job. I've had it for going on... 7 years now? Almost 8. (Interviewer: Can we ask what your job is? No? Okay. *thumbs up* bish i value my life more)

🔥 Harper: Hmm, if I had to pick any kind of job, maybe a pyrotechnic?

💐 Keith: To become a plant biologist.

🎮 Tenebris: Be a musician.

🖥️ Virgil: My dream profession is to be Game Developer, I enjoy video games and I have always wanted to make a game for others to enjoy, and so that’s why I’m taking classes of game development.

🎤 Adam: I already have my dream job. Although, I did often think about becoming a vet as a kid. Sometimes I wonder how life would've turned out had I pursued that career instead of singing.

🐕 Henry: I’m not sure! I’ll probably do whatever Buttercup ends up doing!

Interviewer: Atleast some of you love their job *sigh* Me? I just want to be a cat, no work, just meow meow *defeated sigh* Back to the topic at hand:

Question No 2: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? (Vacation or permanently)

❤️ Casanova: Barcelona, that’s where i was born and it’s really pretty there

🕊️ Krow: Ah! I-India! I-I'm Indian but... I-I actually don't know m-much about my heritage. I... w-wanna go s-see the land of m-my culture. W-with Dove too o-of course!

🔪 Ezra: Hmm... Anywhere with my Sugarsnap? If that's not too cheesy I suppose. But outside of that I'd like to visit Blaire's extended family in Vietnam.

🔥 Harper: I’m definitely more a big city kind of guy, so I’m pretty happy living where I am… To visit though? Hmm… Somewhere with some snowy mountains maybe, do some snowboarding, chill by a fire with some hot cocoa? Yeah, that sounds nice..

💐 Keith: It will be Kristenbosh National Botanical Garden.

🎮 Tenebris: My old home probably.

🖥️ Virgil: I’ve always wanted to go Iceland for vacation

🎤 Adam: As long as I'm by your (MC) side, it doesn't matter where I'm at~

🐕 Henry: Anywhere where Buttercup is good with me! But if we could both go somewhere, Disneyland might be fun!

Interviewer: So if MC just dissapear out of nowhere, thats the list of places where we can found them? Hmm ..

Question No 3: Song that you will sing to MC if given a chance.

❤️ Casanova: baby - eslabon armado

🕊️ Krow: Uhhh... uhhh... I-I guess... T-Together Forever would be c-cute...

🔪 Ezra: A few different songs, most notably... We'll never have sex by Leith Ross, Let you break my heart again by Laufey & Philharmonia or Habits by Genevieve Stokes. I just want sugar to know I want them for more than... anything. I love their heart and soul, it's not physical for me. Though I do find them incredibly attractive.

🔥 Harper: Actually sing myself?... Umm.. Maybe either Day 1 or No Song Without You, both by Honne?

💐 Keith: Can't Help Falling in Love

🎮 Tenebris: Trust by 7 Seconds

🖥️ Virgil: Rises the Moon, it’s a comfort song of mine, my mum sings this to me and my younger siblings when we were little, by then whenever my mother is busy, I sing the song to my siblings. And Hopefully, I can sing it to my beloved, as a way to help them if they need comfort.

🎤 Adam: *fidgeting because he's written one song in particular that he'd love for MC to hear but is worried that MC will wind up hating it*

🐕 Henry: The Promise by When in Rome! It’s our song!

Interviewer: *secretly adding all the songs to their playlist*

Question No 4: Name one food that you will never ever eat.

❤️ Casanova: Mac and cheese, i fucking hate mac and cheese.

🕊️ Krow: I-I'm never... eating b-bland... white people c-cooking EVER a-again.

🔪 Ezra: Beans on toast. I just don't particularly like beans. Or sweet potatoes.

🔥 Harper: Ugh… Raisins

💐 Keith: Rabbit meat.

🎮 Tenebris: Anything with bugs.

🖥️ Virgil: Anything fish related, I do not like fish, but if someone ever served me, I would just suck it up and eat.

🎤 Adam: *doing 5 stages of disgusted face known to humankind* Anything from Saffrons freezer. (Interviewer: Time to raid Saffron's freezer hehehe)

🐕 Henry: I can’t bring myself to eat cauliflower. It's so bland!

Interviewer: *proceed to eat Mac & Cheese to spite Nova* I dont trust people who hates Mac & Cheese.

Question No 5: This would be a little bit of personal, so you have a choice not to answer this okay? Whats your most treasured possession?

❤️ Casanova: Mi vida’s house key, of course! it’s a little mangled bc i keep chewing on it though.

🕊️ Krow: Oh... w-well... t-this pendant is... p-precious but... well... I-I actually don't have m-many possessions. S-so... everything I have has m-meaning. (Interviewer: I can be your possession Krow)

🔪 Ezra: Eliana gave me a tie she made back in elementary school. Neither of our dads are in the picture so she gave it to me instead. I still wear it to work sometimes. (Interviewer: *starts crying bc this answer is so precious*)

🔥 Harper: This lighter here, we have a bit of history together~

💐 Keith: A bonsai tree I got from my father and I had for 7 years.

🎮 Tenebris: My guitar.

🖥️ Virgil: My necklace, it’s a gift from my dad.

🎤 Adam: You (MC). But if we're talking about an item...*he tugs on his earring*

🐕 Henry: A picture / polaroid of me + Buttercup as kids! (though, I do have more updated ones too…)

Interviewer: I am suprised no one answered MC's nose hair or whatever. Hmm.. Im not fully convinced but I will trust you on this one.

Question No 6: Nosy ask, whats your phone wallpaper right now?

❤️ Casanova: a photo of mi vida in the middle of taking their meds!

🕊️ Krow: D-Dove let us t-take a selfie! I-it's so cute aaaa--

🔪 Ezra: I managed to snap a photo of Sugar and Ellie cuddled up on the couch after a movie night once. I've never before felt so much love swelling in my chest. It almost hurt.

🔥 Harper: *proudly present his phone* 1st is my lockscreen and 2nd is my Homescreen. I took it myself..

💐 Keith: A pair of white lilies (Why is this the most normal answer on this whole interview?)

🎮 Tenebris: We share the same phone, so a pair of white lillies also.

🖥️ Virgil: Pixel art of my beloved Galaxy and my puppy Scott, aren’t they so cute in pixel form? (Interviewer: Scotty baby *coos at the phone* )

🎤 Adam: My home screen is of YOU (MC). My lock screen is of a stray kitten I found on my way to the studio that Ethans younger brother ended up taking in. (Interviewer: Do you have any other pics of the kitten? *cat lady vibes intensifies*)

🐕 Henry: A picture of Buttercup sleeping! How’d I get it? (Note: Its in a modern Au bc mobile phone with camera is not yet invented on Henry's time)

Interviewer: MC supremacy yass! If only some surgeon named Ketamine Yetrovzski use my photo as his wallpaper *coughs* (Ketamine shouting "NO" can be heard in the background but still here supporting the interviewer, this fuckin tsundere)

Question No 7: If you could appear in any popular movie/anime/book, which one would you choose?

❤️ Casanova: hmm, i would say the hp lovecraft series! hate the guy but i’m a major monster fucker

🕊️ Krow: Umm... I... I-I wanna be in a Jane A-Austen book. As a p-protagonist. N-no matter what... t-they marry happily in t-the end.

🔪 Ezra: Well... I guess... I'm not sure. I've never really thought about it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I can't imagine my life without Eliana and I don't want to be anywhere without my sugarcube.

🔥 Harper: Ah.. thats a hard one.. If I get powers n shit and I’m not just a normal person maybe Jujutsu Kaisen?... Tbh I play more games than I do watch or read anything haha..

💐 Keith: Sherlock Holmes, because solving murder cases looks like fun. So does creating the perfect murder. *a sudden smoke appear near Keith for dramatic effect*

🎮 Tenebris: Inuyasha. I really want a Kagome. (Interviewer putting their Kagome costume)

🖥️ Virgil: Hmmmm that’s a tough one… Haha I couldn’t think of anything right now.

🎤 Adam: Death note, the anime. I think I could do a lot better with that notebook than light Yagami did. (Hermit, the creator, rolls their eyes behind the scenes and Adam glaring daggers to Hermit)

🐕 Henry: The Princess Bride! That movie is practically about me + Buttercup.

Interviewer: Im with Harper on this one. JJK so I cant prevent Nanami and Nobara Shibuya Arc huhuhu.

Question No 8 : What are some habits you have? Any strange ones?

❤️ Casanova: I tend to scratch at my braces when i’m trying to focus, often i’d end up chewing on my fingers.

🕊️ Krow: Uhh.... I... bite my h-hands... a lot. It's... a comfort t-thing. S-sometimes my forearms too. I-I guess I also make the same expression a-as to what I'm d-drawing.

🔪 Ezra: When eating food like burgers or sandwiches I eat around the edge and then eat the center last. Um... I also tend to rub things with my fingertips when I don't know what to do with my hands. I'm almost always touching my nails absent-mindedly.

🔥 Harper: I have a habit of scratching my fingertips, especially when I’m nervous… Its kinda a bad habit, sometimes I scratch em a little raw.

💐 Keith: Buttoning and unbuttoning my shirt sleeve when Im bored or nervous.

🎮 Tenebris: Leaving my things all over the bed

🖥️ Virgil: Hmmmm, whenever I play a video game that has levels right? And I messed up one thing, I restart the level. Don’t know why, I just like to go through the levels smoothly. It’s pretty frustrating if you ask me ahaha

🎤 Adam: I don't have any strange habits. I'm just a normal guy. (Someone shouts LIAR and its not Hermit, i swear. Or maybe?)

🐕 Henry: Hmmm…I have really bad sleeping habits if I’m being honest! I’m lucky if I can get 3 hours of sleep at night. As for strange ones, nope, I’m perfectly normal! (now the interviewer is also shouting LIAR)

Interviewer: That was the biggest lie Ive ever heard in my entire life Henry. *headache incoming* No one is normal here. Im not even normal smh.

Question No 9: This question was submitted by Gavin Hyeon of Camp Willlow Peak. Its time to test your flirting skill, give me one pick up line that you will probably use when flirting with MC. Gavin said he is watching you right now.

❤️ Casanova: if you were a heart i’d eat you out!

🕊️ Krow: N-no wonder i-it's overcast t-today. All t-the colors are in y-your eyes.

🔪 Ezra: Sometimes I wonder what good deed I did to deserve such a perfect soul like you to enter my life.

🔥 Harper: Pickup lines really aren’t my thing… Gavin did write down this one for me once though… Lets see it’s here somewhere…” *digs through his pockets and pulls out a piece of scrap paper* “Here it is… ‘Hey baby… You got any Italian in you?.. No?... Do you want some?’ …… I don’t get it 😐 *Gavin cheering in the background*

💐 Keith: Im really not a fan of pickup lines, but okay, "You're sweet enough to give me diabetes".

🎮 Tenebris: Tie your shoelaces, I don't want you falling for someone else!" (Legend says that until now, Tenebris is still waiting for MC to wear shoelaces and for them to be untied.)

🖥️ Virgil: Hmmm let me go grab my telescope, so I can admire the beautiful star.

🎤 Adam: *combusts into one giant human blush* (Hermit doing a voice over: He can only flirt on the fly. If he has to think his actions through he'll get self conscious and overheat from overthinking it)

🐕 Henry: If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put ‘U’ and ‘I’ together!

Interviewer: *currently helping Gavin to write his will of testament before he becomes Gavin Flavored Toasted Marshmallow, recipe by Harper*

Question No 10: This would be the last question, and I want to thank you again for giving me a chance to interview you. Before we end this, do you have anything you want to say to the people reading this?

❤️ Casanova: if you ever need fresh organs without having to do it yourself contact valentine’s anatomy distribution! we have a wide selection available, and if you’re a fellow yandere homie you get a discount!

🕊️ Krow: Uhh, well? I-I guess... t-thank you for... f-finding me interesting.

🔪 Ezra: Not particularly. I'm not sure why Lilith arranged the interview but I don't mind answering questions. I should probably head back into work soon though... Oh, I will say this. Thank you for coming into my life Sugar, I didn't think I could love someone like I love you.

🔥 Harper: .. Unshrimp your fucking backs, love you~

💐 Keith: Um, hello. I hope my answers weren't too boring.

🎮 Tenebris: No? I don't know 'em.

🖥️ Virgil: Hello everyone, I hope all of you have a wonderful day, afternoon, or night, make sure to take care of yourselves or else I will if you don’t mind hehe~

🎤 Adam: Is...YOU (MC) reading this? Because if you are, I hope to see you again really soon~

🐕 Henry: You guys are kinda weird for wanting an interview! I’m not quite sure what else to say though!

Interviewer: And that would be all. Thank you to our lovely guests for joining us today. And here is the bribe. List of all 2d characters MC currently simping for. Do what you want with that info.

Interviewer: Hi Hi guys! Again, CC here. Thank you again for entertaining this interview. To end this, may we ask for a few advices you can give for those aspiring artist out there or those who want to create their own vn.

NOVA belongs to @cannibalsweetheart : if you’re starting a project don’t feel unmotivated if you don’t get a lot of traction in the first few weeks, building a platform takes time, but soon enough you’ll gain an audience! (Demo link here)

Krow belongs to @thekrows-nest : While I don't have immediate plans for a VN (despite folks begging for it), for artist stuff, keep experimenting and trying out things. Don't be afraid to go to friends for advice. (:

Ezra belongs to @restartheartvn : lshdfksdfhj okay for my answer! My advice? Don't make something for other people. Make what YOU want to see. Make something that YOU are interested in. If you like... make something that you don't love and enjoy making people can tell. It doesn't come off as genuine and you'll burn out that way. Don't think about numbers or anything like that. Make stuff because it makes you happy. I make Restart Heart because I love my little passion project. I love it so much I get my nails done to match my game and spend most of the day thinking about it. I would still be making Restart Heart if no one played. Make something that you would want to make even if no one saw. Even if you were the only person in the world who loves it, make it because it brings you happiness. Sorry if that's cheesy or like super standard but it's genuine. (Demo link here)

Harper belongs to @campwillowpeak : Hmmm, other than the good ol’ practice practice practice?…Try and remember to have fun yeah? Don’t focus on numbers, yeah everyone wants more eyes on their work, thats normal, but if you focus only on how big you are you’re gonna burn out and get discouraged, stuff like that takes time, consistency, and a little bit of luck. In the meantime just have fun and make friends! Besides, people can tell if you’re trying to force it, an audience’ll more often stay if they can tell you’re legitimately having fun! And never just look at where you are now… Look at how far you’ve come from too!~

Keith & Tenebris belongs to @dualityvn : Make sure you set realistic goals for yourself. Taking on too many tasks and planning a project that is bigger than what you can currently manage can be your downfall. Stay positive and always create the things you yourself love! (Demo link here)

Virgil belongs to @wouldyoustayvn : Take your time! There’s no need to rush to make the game quickly! Make sure to take breaks!))

Adam belongs to @unknownhermit : Please get a good chair. It'll help in the long run when you're often crouched over your desk for hours on end. Don't be like me who hovers over my desk like a hermit crab shell.😅 Second thing is to just have fun creating and don't worry about what others think! I used to obsessively worry if my work was good enough and wound up never releasing it because I got self conscious. It wasn't until YOU and HIM that I actually had fun with what I was doing and I think that translated into my work. Create to create for yourself. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks because it's important to create what you love and are passionate about. And I'm sure a lot of us would love to see what sorts of things you'll come up with. 💙 (Demo link here)

Henry belongs to @homecomingvn : Ahh, I’m a really bad person to ask for advice if I’m being honest! I guess all I can really say is that no matter how silly you think your idea is, there will be an audience for it! It can be scary to put yourself out there, but honestly, this community is so incredibly supportive + I’ve met some amazing people here! Also, I’d recommend keeping various docs about your project! It’s nice to have it all in one (or 3 + a google slides in my case) place so you can have a clear idea about your wip + its characters. And lastly, be prepared for people to be horny! ^^ (okay, you dont have to call me out >…< will still send horny ask bc someone needs to 😙)

Just a little self indulgent ramblings. I dont know if anyone already know about this game, but one of my moots recommended this, its DONT LOOK VN and I tell you, its so good. The story premise, the creepy atmosphere and the voice acting are all on point. They have on going Kickstarter and they only have 8 days left to reach the goal. This is my way of helping since im unable to pledge bc the banks here in the country im currently residing are shitty and they keep declining, so please if you have means to support, please do. Lets help them to reach their goals.

Here is the link of the demo also and their socials:

Kickstarter | Demo | Twitter | Tumblr

DO IT FOR CHESTER!!

[mysticmonkiebusiness]

ISSUE 69 BLOCKS MAGAZINE PAGE 35 + 36

[ID 1: Two magazine pages. The first shows several pieces of digitally painted concept art of; MK, a roughed-up couch, a game controller, a polaroid of an early design of Mei, and another polaroid of Monkey King from the film “Havoc in Heaven”.  Below it is an image of a LEGO designer referencing a piece of concept art, one of MK flying on a hoverboard, to design MK’s minifigure, which is being drawn on his tablet. ] 

[ID 2: On the left, between the text, minifigures of MK, Mei, Sandy, Pigsy, and Monkey King descend vertically. On the right is an ink sketch of Monkey King, who wears a crescent fillet and has a large forehead. He sits atop his cloud, below him is an early version of MK, who has a skateboard, spiky black hair, and a shirt with a star on it. Next to this image is a digital painting of Monkey King, who closely resembles his minifigure but has a full cape and golden sleeves. Under this is a picture of Monkey King’s minifigure, who stands on a LEGO cloud and wields his staff.]

Transcript:

The Characters

MK Monkie Kid, the theme's titular character, Is chosen by the Monkey King to be his successor and defend against the Demon Bull. He's a brand new character in the story.

ΜΕΙ Mei is part of the Dragon Family, a descendant of the legendary White Dragon Horse, which the monk Tang Sanzang rode down the Silk Road on his epic pilgrimage to India and Central Asia.

SANDY Once a soldier, Sandy is now a relaxed, tea drinking nature lover. He's based on the character of Sha Wujing. the most kind-hearted, loyal and logical of Tang Sanzang's three disciples.

PIGSY Head Chef of Pigsy's Noodle Shop, the character takes a great deal of pride in his kitchen. He's based on Zhu Bajie, a part-human, part-pig monster who embodies the sins of sloth, gluttony and lust in the original story.

MONKEY KING After vanishing centuries earlier on a magical cloud, Monkey King is back to train the Monkie Kid. He's based on Sun Wukong, who like Sha Wujing and Zhu Bajie was forced to accompany Tang Sanzang on his quest by the goddess of mercy.

Developing Monkie Kid

It wasn't just name recognition that the Monkey King story enjoyed: it was also ripe for a LEGO adaptation. 'I knew something about the Monkey King and Journey to the West because key beats from that story have been reinterpreted in Hollywood so many times,' Simon says. 'When we were discussing retelling it, we were just listing out the big, iconic aspects.'

The biggest of all is of course the Monkey King himself. 'The Monkey King is such an amazing superhero because he can transform himself into so many different things. He can fly on a magic cloud, he's slightly cheeky, he slightly breaks the rules and he's not perfect. He's got that likable character; he's not the typical square-jawed hero that's just going to save the day.

'The team in China started saying, 'There's the Bull Demon and he has a wife that has this huge fan that creates tornadoes, and a son who can control fire, then all the other demons like the Spider Queen...' You just think wow, these demons are awesome and we can bring them to life in brand new ways.'

That early meeting set so much direction for the theme - not just for the villains, but also for the title. As with all great moments of invention, though, no one person can claim the credit. 'I wish I could remember who it was, but somebody said, 'It's the next generation of the Monkey King and he's just a boy,' and somebody said, 'The Monkie Kid.' That was the spark moment.'

Testing proved that children could identify with the Monkie Kid, or MK as he is also known, seeing the possibility that they could be the Chosen One.

Returning to Billund in September 2018, it was time to present the concept. 'We had a 'portfolio gate' as we call it at LEGO, which is where the senior team meets and we have to pitch what we have been working on, and get their approval to move forward. Everyone was like, 'Wow!' and the China team supported it 1000% - they gave us the green light to move forward and we went into the full development phase of sculpting new characters and building models.'

"HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE WE AREN'T JUST SPRINKLING A LITTLE BIT OF CULTURAL DUST ON TOP?"

[fromtraveldiaries]

Notes from the land of the rising sun

If you think the Paris subway is a marvel, wait until you step into Tokyo's intricate underground labyrinth. The Japanese subway system is an experience that best reflects the essence of Japanese culture and efficiency.

The first thing you notice when you step into a Tokyo subway station are the orderly queues - on the escalators, at ticket counters, at entry and exit gates, and while boarding trains. The Japanese have transformed queuing into a well-organized and methodical art form, much unlike the Indians for who queueing is a rather abstract and a largely inscrutable exercise. This queue discipline extends beyond transportation to restaurants, take-away counters, and billing counters, where you find patrons patiently waiting their turn for service.

Another striking feature of Tokyo's subways is the pervasive silence. Compared to the prattle on the Paris metro or the pandemonium on the Indian metros, the Japanese subway is a quiet sanctuary. The Japanese are a quiet people who keep to themselves during public transit, their animated conversations are reserved for meal times. Food, often accompanied by drinks, is a more communal experience that's filled with lively discussions and noisy chatter. On buses, trains, and the subway, one finds commuters reading novels, manga, news, diaries, or watching anime or otherwise engaged on their phones. This quietude carries onto the roads, streets, and other public places. There's no honking and people talk in whispers in most places, except of course in eateries. Most Japanese folks like to go out with their friends and colleagues or have social gatherings in eateries. They love to take their time during such meals, which are almost always accompanied by drinks. The conversations are loud, full of banter and laughter.

At every station, you also have a helpdesk that actually works. We used these at many stations and were very impressed by the service we got. While returning from Kanazawa to Tokyo, our Shinkansen (bullet train) developed a snag. We were informed on board about this by the railway staff. They dropped us off at Nagano, where more railway staff were waiting to assist us. They put us on a train to Matsumoto, where more staff were waiting to help. We were put on a train to Shiojiri, where another set of helpful staff put us on a slow Azusa train to Shinjuku. During the whole time, everyone was apologetic and insisted that we collect our refund for the Shinkansen from the Shinjuku station. We had booked our tickets through Klook, so weren't really sure if we were eligible for a refund and how and when (if at all), we would get any refund. To our surprise, the lady at the helpdesk counter gave us an almost complete refund in cash, no questions asked. She said that they had been informed of the Shinkansen glitch and were expecting passengers such as us to alight at Shinjuku. She also profusely apologized for the inconvenience. At how many Indian stations can you expect this service?

In contrast to India's metro stations, where photography is 'strictly prohibited', one is free to click away in Japanese subways. We didn't find a single place where photography wasn't allowed or one had to pay extra charges just to click.

Respect for individuals is on display everywhere and in everyone. Courteous gestures greet one at every turn and we were quite surprised to find people bowing to us even for trivial interactions. We also learnt to bow in return with gratitude. Starting from clearly designated 'foreign friendly taxis' to courteous strangers going out of their way to assist you, you feel truly welcomed in Japan. You also feel as if you are a celebrity when you step into an eatery, for as you step in, the staff, including the chefs and the kitchen staff, boisterously greet you with a loud shout. Google what this means and you'll see what I mean.

At restaurants, you are invariably served ice cold water with ice cubes in long tumblers. This is the way of life even in cold winters. You can, however, also order warm/hot sake that really fires you up on wintry nights. While Tokyo offers a plethora of culinary delights, vegetarians might feel the need to seek out specific eateries. The cuisine draws heavily on raw food, mostly seafood, with minimal oil and spices. This is where the super helpful convenience stores like 7-11 and Family Mart offer a variety of options, including liquor. Japanese convenience stores have more variety of liquor than one finds in the regular wine shops back home.

That the Japanese are punctual is well known, but their service levels are at a different level altogether. At Kanazawa, we requested for a taxi at the hotel reception which was on the first floor. The receptionist made a call to a local cab company and informed that a taxi would arrive in three minutes. True to their word, by the time we descended the stairs and reached the ground floor, the taxi was already waiting for us. In both Kyoto and Tokyo, we noticed many shops displaying merchandise outside their doors and well out of their sight. In several grocers' vegetables were left unattended with price boards. People leave their umbrellas outside when entering shops. We also observed most households leaving their stuff outside at night.

Despite the absence of dustbins, Tokyo remains remarkably clean. Littering is a rare sight, thanks to the civic sense instilled in its residents. Further, there's no expectation of a tip for any service that you hire. Taxis and restaurants return you the exact change and you are expected to pocket your change before leaving. In fact, tipping might be considered offensive in many places. Should you run out of coins, there are machines installed in most public places that take your notes and provide you with coins. To help you tender exact change, these machines are also installed in all buses. By the way, the Japanese bus drivers are smartly dressed, polite, and greet you when you pay and get off. Compare that with the Indian buses and our drivers.

An ubiquitous presence throughout Japan are the vending machines. The offer everything, from beverages to snacks, and refreshments to souvenirs. Game arcades are also quite popular, lined up in most tourist locations. We spent a fortune on the vending machines, collecting souvenirs that are quite cheap but of exquisite quality. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa are filled with rows and rows of these vending machines stretching on for blocks altogether.

Tokyo is unbelievably busy at all times of the day and night. The trains are always filled and the stations are always crowded. Folks are either going to work or returning from work at all hours. Whether the well-groomed crowd of Ginza, the diverse crowd of Shibuya, the aloof funky of Shinjuku or the dignified crowd of Monzennakacho, the residents of each district have their own way to go about their lives. School kids, even when returning late, show impeccable discipline, immersed in their phones, reading manga, playing games, or watching anime. There were many places in the US and in France where we felt unsafe during our travels. The less said about India, the better. In comparison, we never felt unsafe throughout our visit in Japan, not even for a moment.

This trip to Japan has been a revealation to say the least. From the land of the rising sun, arigato gozaimas.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Rice Pudding Day

All we can think of is a bowl of some good old rice pudding this National Rice Pudding Day taking place on August 9. For many of us, starting from our childhood to our adulthood, rice pudding has been a staple in our diets. Made with a base of rice cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar, syrup, or honey, rice pudding can be found in many cultures and cuisines all over the world. Of course, each region has its own unique take on the dish. Some add nuts and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to it, while others throw in a dash of wine to give it that wow factor. For a more fragrant look and feel, many people in the Middle East also add pistachio slivers and rose petals before serving it. You can have it hot or cold, and as a breakfast dish or a dessert after dinner. So, how are you having your rice pudding on August 9?

History of National Rice Pudding Day

National Rice Pudding Day celebrates the ancient rice pudding dish in all its glory and greatness. While we may know the sweet version of the dish today, did you know that it actually started out as a savory treat? It is difficult to pinpoint the exact location and time of the creation of rice pudding, but many scholars believe it may have originated in either ancient China or in ancient India. Both these countries have a long history of including rice as well as sugar in their religious and cultural activities, so it only makes sense that the combination of the two may have been included in their cuisines as well. ‘Kheer,’ which is Hindi for rice pudding, was first recorded in ancient India in 6000 B.C., and it was included as a staple in a prescribed Ayurvedic diet regime. It is also interesting to note that the early versions of the Indian rice pudding did not actually include rice or sugar. In place of rice, Indians made use of the cereal grain known as sorghum.

Elsewhere in the world, rice pudding was being made with rice. The grain had reached Europe through exports delivered by water or the Silk Road in the 1300s. Because it was being exported from Asia and was not being grown in Europe, rice automatically became extremely expensive. Thus, rice pudding could only be enjoyed by the elite and royalty of European countries. Before the 1500s, rice pudding was savory in nature. It was made with rice being boiled in a broth with saffron and almond milk. Chefs started including sugar into the dish to make it sweet, and soon a sweetened rice pudding started gaining popularity. It was in the eighteenth century that rice pudding became more commonplace and less expensive, all thanks to globalization. The lowered rice prices meant the grain was in easier reach of the masses, and in today’s world, it is considered to be a cheap, but filling meal.

National Rice Pudding Day timeline

6000 B.C. Indian Rice Pudding for Healthy Living

Ancient India includes rice pudding in the Ayurvedic diet in order to ensure healthy living.

14th Century Forme of Cury in England

Rice pudding, known as Forme of Cury or rice pottage, is made with rice, almond milk, and saffron in English Royal kitchens.

17th Century Sweetened Rice Pudding Recipes

Some of the modern-age rice pudding recipes come from the Tudor time period, and are called ‘whitepot.’

18th – 19th Century Rice Becomes Cheaper

Rice grains become cheaper, allowing access to the public who can now enjoy rice pudding treats, unlike their predecessors.

How To Celebrate National Rice Pudding Day

Make rice pudding

Have a rice pudding contest

Try a new rice pudding recipe

Take a trip down memory lane and make your favorite rice pudding recipe. Because of its versatility, you can choose to have it hot or cold, and for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Rice pudding is one of the highest-rated comfort foods out there because of its gooey, yet grainy texture that leaves one filled with love and warmth.

Participating in a rice pudding competition is one of the best ways to celebrate the day. There are two ways you can go about doing this. You can either hold a rice pudding cooking competition or you can have an eating competition. Whether you choose one, two, or have both, it’s going to be a fun-filled day.

Going back to what is tried and tested can be comforting, but seeking out the new can reward you with invaluable experiences. Give new rice pudding recipes a try. It could be a sweet or a savory recipe, the choice is yours.

5 Facts About Rice That Will Blow Your Mind

Sticky rice for strong cement

White rice is brown rice

Rice is grown everywhere but Antarctica

The shelf-life is decades long

Good for health

The Great Wall of China is held together with sticky rice that has been mixed with calcium carbonate.

All white rice comes from brown rice, and this is because the white rice has the brown coating of bran removed.

Rice is grown everywhere except Antarctica because of the continent’s extremely cold temperatures.

Rice, when stored in a cool and dry environment, will be good to consume for the next 10 to 30 years.

Because rice contains several minerals and antioxidants, it is great for your health, particularly for your skin.

Why We Love National Rice Pudding Day

It’s a celebration of rice pudding

It’s a celebration of ancient times

It’s a celebration of a staple food item

Rice pudding has come a long way in terms of development. It has been enjoyed by millions for centuries. With easy-to-make recipes and simple yet enjoyable taste, rice pudding is loved by many all over the globe.

A look into ancient history will reveal a lot of information on how people led their lives in order to ensure healthy and peaceful living. One historical overview of rice pudding allows us just that benefit of looking into how human civilizations utilized a single rice pudding dish in their daily lives.

Rice is a staple food item for many countries in the world. In fact, 50% of the world’s population consumes rice on a daily basis. Apart from helping our skin stay smooth and supple, rice also aids in healthy hair, is good for our overall health, and keeps our tummies filled and happy.

Source

[shut-up-rabert]

I want to shout this BAD.

Indian. Serials. Or Soap-Dramas. Are. Not. That. Bad.

I mean- I saw people arguing how being a Nagin makes no sense and I was like- so being turned into a shapeshifter vampire with bloody fangs makes sense? Hypocrisy smh.

I can name quite a few Indian shows (the Tv ones, Web series are already appreciated) that actually are amazing! They just fall short when creators choose quantity over quality.

Of course, classics like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Office Office, Byomkesh Bakshi, Malgudi days, Mahabharata and Ramayana get the praise they truly deserve! But here some relatively modern shows that get looked over due to same old Saas-Bahu genre.

Yeh unn dino ki baat hai (90s romantic drama), Har yug mein aayega ek arjun (my favourite criminal thriller), Adaalat (law-crime thriller), Beyhadh (the first season is one the best psychic-romance thrills ever), Ek Hasina thi (romantic thriller + also contains Vatshal Sheth from Tarzan the wonder car and is- chef's kiss).

Also can I say Naagin 1, no matter how much everyone bashes it today, was actually a dhasu show?

Honestly, I can add quite a few to the mix myself. Saraswatichandra? Best Romance I’ve seen till date. Ishqbaaz? Laughing out loud since episode 2. Qubool hai? The one time I like Karan Singh Grover. Laut Aao Trisha. Saubhagyavati Bhava. Bepanah. Starplus Mahabharat. Madhubala. On and on and on. Heck, even Anupama wouldn’t be so bad if it stuck to the plot and not for duniya bhar ka drama. But that’s exactly where the problem arises. All these serials start very VERY promising. They deliver well at the beginning aswell. The starting is what gets you hooked, you hope for something entertaining and they seem rather fit for that role. Sure, the overdramatism is there, but this is India, we can digest that much dhum tananananananana tere na tere na tin.

Things start going south when shows start pulling TRP. All the money hungry producers think that “hmmmm, this looks nice, I can milk it. What can possibly go wrong?” Hint: possibly everything can go wrong.

Lets look at Ishqbaaz for example. Three brother, three different perceptions of love, three distinct love stories. A shining new concept with four rather attractive leads to have the young adult population flocking, isn’t it?

It starts really great aswell. The first few episodes stick to the point very well, excessive delay like 3-4 days for like one person to turn around and shit aren’t there. It’s funny, it’s cute, it shows character arcs brilliantly. You’d expect the main leads to all fall in love, learn something and the show to end , right?

Wrong. It starts going off hinges really fast as soon as Starplus realises that the money making cow should stay. The main lead is suddenly super toxic. Shit like ghar ke bahu bete suddenly staging Agatha Christie level conspiracies and having the same intellect as Batman on shrooms becomes the norm. Drama like chhat se girkar yadaasht chale jaana, sautan ka plan samjhna, aur end m pta chlna ki bhencho sab kiya dhara heroine ki saas ka tha. Yep.

I stopped watching here but the thing is there was a look alike adla badli arc after this, so you can see how bad it went.

Next I watched, Saraswatichandra. I kid you not, it had the BEST setting one could ask for. A emotionally stinted guy coming all the way from Dubai to reject this girl, staying in her house. When everyone thinks they are getting married but they resent each other and secretly start falling in love, no? What more can one ask for? They admit their love and do actually get married while none in the families is wiser.

BUT, they had to add faltu ka natak, so add faltugiri they did. Bina baat ka action, stereotypical portrayal, heroine ki kahi aur shaadi, waha se uska talak, heroine ki sister falling in love with hero, whole family conspiring, kidnapping, yada yada yada, y’all get the jist.

The thing is, this wouldn’t be as bad if the characters still acted wisely in the bizzare situations. Or if the situations made sense. Who THE FUCK breaks their engagement a day before the wedding because they got disowned by their dad? Why did he immediately forget that he’s still entitled to his mother’s stuff? Akal kaha hai teri madarchod?

Producers butcher good storylines for paisa. People with no motivation are trying to kill bahu because they are bad. Police is not doing its job, not because its corrupt but because saas bahu ko khud detective khelna hai. Family drama mein randomly kahi se bhi chudail aa jaati hai even if the show not fantasy based. Vamp mast 16 khoon kar deti hai but still is legally allowed in the house. (Konsa law hai ye bc?) Why is everyone so out of character suddenly? WHY IS EVERYONE STUPID?

So, here’s the issue with indian serials: they don’t stick to the story, nor do they develope the story according to the characters, instead they alter the characters, premise and genre of the soap according to whatever story they think will fetch more views. This makes the whole thing bizzare.

Of course, some norms are always relaxed in dramas and a lot more in fantasy/supernatural dramas, but there’s a limit to how much there should be based on characters/ premise of what you offered in the first place.

Bhabhiji and Happu work as well as they do despite overlooking all the points I mentioned because they refresh their storyline every week and aren’t a continous saga, plus they never took themselves seriously as and always promised to be whacky. This is not true for Ganga, Saath nibhana saathiya, Sasural Simar ka, Kumkum bhagya etc., Prachi suffering by the hands of her stepsister cum co-wife even though she can easily turn the tables by making a police report for bigamy becomes frustrating to witness at one point.

Didi ye kya bakwaas likha hai, seedhey bolo na: Indian serials are indeed good and full of potential, but the producers and writers refuse to see that potential and make us flock to other dramas by diminishing our energies.

[kiarajoshi]

For those interested in pursuing this as a career, our 9 month advance display is ideal. A wide and in-depth lesson plan covers skills such as chocolate-making, chocolate displays, sugar art, plated desserts, and modern French pastries. The course helps students to create works of art and precision that will grant them placements in hotels, restaurants, and bakeries, or start patisseries of their own.

[puella-peanut]

Daniel sprains his ankle badly after a new karate move goes wrong, and is advised to keep off his foot for two months. Which, of course, is devastating for our spunky boy, but John?

Well, John doesn’t say a word (big surprise), but just picks him up bridal style every time he sees Daniel even attempt to move. Something which takes Daniel less than two days to be over. 

“I can walk—okay, John, maybe I can’t walk, but I can definitely limp around so you don’t have to—“

“No.”

“I have a crutch. Actually, waitaminute, I have two crutches, so I can, like. You know. Hobble around, and stop collecting dust, like—“

“Doctor’s orders.”

“Doctor’s orders don’t say anything about John Kreese carrying me around like I’m dying or something, not even in the small print which,  yeah, okay, I didn’t read, but I know for a fact that even if I did, I wouldn’t see your name there. And by the way, I’m not dying, my muscles just decided to revolt, so you can just—“

“You’re scrawny. Easy to carry.”

“…That’s so not the point, and besides, this is embarrassing!”

“Why.”

“Why? Whyyyy?? Why, because I’m a full grown adult—and totally not scrawny just fun sized—and I can take care of myself, and I don’t need you fussing over me like a mother hen—“

“You’re the one fussing, kid.”

Daniel sputters, but he can’t come up with anything to say to his bullheaded boyfriend, so he just fumes in John’s (admittedly very nice) arms after punching him a couple times right on the chest (which does absolutely nothing, except hurt his own hands since John’s practically made of concrete).

Meanwhile, John won’t ever admit, but seeing Daniel with his little foot all bandaged up, and wearing John’s old sports t-shirts (all dangerously oversized on him), and with his pouty, bratty expression perpetually on—John can’t get enough. He’s going to savor this as long as he can. Gonna milk these next two months for all their worth. Heh. 

(Meanwhile Terry probably inquires a thousand times if Daniel would like him to fly in a world-renowned specialist from Boston, Manhattan, West Germany, Czechoslovakia, India, Japan…oh, and would he like Terry’s personal chef to whip him up something good, or he can get Daniel’s mother to fly in from Jersey on his personal plane if he’d like some authentic home-cooked meals, and would you like some flowers, Danny-boy, to brighten this place up? Red roses perhaps, you look so ravishing in red after all sweeth—)

John just slams the door in his face. And disconnects the phone for good measure. And tells him to not contact Daniel for the next two months, or better yet, ever again. Sorry, Terry. 

Meanwhile, Daniel just groans and wonders where he went wrong in life. 

[beautifulindianculture]

Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Beautiful Indian Culture

In the vibrant mosaic of world cultures, few can rival the sheer diversity and beauty encapsulated by the Beautiful Indian culture. Spanning thousands of years and encompassing a multitude of traditions, languages, cuisines, and art forms, India stands as a testament to the richness of human heritage. Let's embark on a journey through the kaleidoscope of Beautiful Indian culture, exploring its myriad hues and timeless splendor.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of Kerala, Beautiful Indian culture manifests in myriad forms, each region boasting its own unique customs and traditions. Whether it's the exuberant dance forms of Bollywood or the serene chants of ancient Vedic hymns, there's a profound sense of beauty and harmony that permeates every aspect of Indian life. This cultural kaleidoscope serves as a testament to the country's enduring spirit and its ability to celebrate diversity in all its glory.

One cannot delve into the essence of Beautiful Indian culture without acknowledging its deep-rooted spirituality. With a history steeped in ancient wisdom and philosophical insights, India has given birth to some of the world's most profound spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The sacred rivers, majestic temples, and bustling bazaars all bear witness to the spiritual fervor that courses through the veins of Indian society, uniting people in a shared quest for enlightenment and inner peace.

A hallmark of Beautiful Indian culture is its reverence for tradition and heritage, which finds expression in a myriad of rituals and festivities. Whether it's the colourful revelry of Holi, the solemnity of Diwali, or the joyous festivities of Eid, Indians take great pride in preserving their cultural legacy and passing it down through generations. These celebrations serve not only as occasions for merriment but also as reminders of the values and beliefs that bind communities together in a tapestry of shared history and collective identity.

At the heart of Beautiful Indian culture lies a deep appreciation for the arts, which find expression in a dazzling array of forms, from intricate classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to the melodious strains of Hindustani and Carnatic music. Artisans and craftsmen across the country continue to keep age-old traditions alive, weaving intricate patterns into textiles, carving exquisite sculptures from stone, and painting vibrant scenes that capture the essence of Indian life. In a world where modernity often threatens to overshadow tradition, these artistic expressions serve as a poignant reminder of India's rich cultural heritage.

Beautiful Indian culture is also synonymous with culinary excellence, boasting a diverse array of flavours and spices that tantalise the taste buds and nourish the soul. From the fiery curries of the north to the aromatic biryanis of the south, Indian cuisine is a celebration of flavour and aroma, with each dish telling a story of tradition, innovation, and culinary mastery. Whether it's street food vendors dishing out spicy snacks or Michelin-starred chefs reinventing age-old recipes, the gastronomic landscape of India is as diverse and vibrant as the culture that inspires it.

In the midst of rapid urbanisation and globalisation, Beautiful Indian culture faces the challenge of preserving its traditional heritage while embracing the opportunities of the modern world. Yet, amidst this dynamic interplay of old and new, there remains an enduring sense of pride and resilience that continues to fuel India's cultural renaissance. From the bustling metropolises of Mumbai and Delhi to the tranquil villages of Rajasthan and Kerala, the spirit of Beautiful Indian culture shines bright, illuminating the path forward with its timeless beauty and boundless creativity.

In conclusion, Beautiful Indian culture stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation that celebrates diversity, embraces tradition, and cherishes the beauty of life in all its myriad forms. From the majestic monuments of its ancient past to the vibrant rhythms of its modern-day festivals, India's cultural tapestry is a testament to the enduring legacy of a civilisation that has thrived for millennia. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, may we always remember to pause and appreciate the timeless splendour of Beautiful Indian culture, a treasure trove of heritage and inspiration for generations to come.

[nsfwhiphop]

A Dialogue Between Crown Prince Angelo and His Readers:

Title: ""The Crown Prince's Strategy: Navigating Royal Duties, Global Alliances, and the Art of Discretion"

Readers: "Can we ask you a question?"

Crown Prince Angelo: "Of course, what's on your mind?"

Readers: "Why do you seem so laid-back? Shouldn't you be out there fulfilling your royal duties as Crown Prince?"

Crown Prince Angelo: "I understand why it might seem that way, but here's the thing: I don’t need to be physically out there because I’ve got capable people representing me. My royal advisor, Dominique de Villepin, who is the 'décideur en chef,' and my future brother-in-law, Jean-Baptiste Casta, handle all public engagements for me. That gives me the freedom to focus on strategy and reflection—whether that’s watching Netflix or reading books. It’s not about doing nothing; it’s about delegating to the right people."

Readers: "Why are you so confident that you’ll become Crown Prince? How do you know for sure?"

Crown Prince Angelo: "Because Norway itself has made that clear. They’ve refused to choose any other monarch but me, and they’ve decided not to spend any of their $1.6 trillion sovereign wealth fund unless I’m on the throne. They’re backing me in Somalia as well. So, yes, I know I’m the chosen one. Think of me as the 'designated driver'—someone responsible for leading the Somali Kingdom safely. My job as a monarch is to ensure everything runs smoothly, much like how King Charles waves at crowds. It may look simple, but it carries weight."

Readers: "That explains why you stay away from the media. You don’t want the slander or fame that comes with it. Is that why you keep such a low profile?"

Crown Prince Angelo: "Exactly. The media is controlled by evil regime forces that don’t want us to succeed—they want to see us fail. So why give them ammunition? By staying out of the spotlight, I remove myself from their reach. If I’m not on TV, if I don’t show up on Google, what can they attack? Air? Think of me like Wi-Fi—you can’t see it, but it’s there. They can’t slander what they can’t see. That’s how I keep myself, and by extension, my team, protected. If the monarch stays unharmed, everyone benefits. But if the monarch is attacked, the whole team suffers."

Readers: "So, if something happens to you, it affects everyone? Is that what you’re saying?"

Crown Prince Angelo: "Exactly. If I’m harmed, it impacts my entire team. But if I stay out of harm’s way, we all win. That’s why I distance myself from society. I’m the driver steering the kingdom, and my safety ensures the victory of our cause in Somalia. Ever seen the movie Baby Driver with Ansel Elgort? It’s a perfect analogy. I’m like Baby in that movie—always in control of the wheel. Ansel Elgort, by the way, is a Norwegian-American actor. Rewatch the movie, and you’ll see a reflection of my role in this grand strategy."

Readers: "I’ve already seen Baby Driver, but I’ll definitely rewatch it with this new perspective. Thanks for the insight!"

Crown Prince Angelo: "And remember, my Princess Consort, Christina Santini, is driving alongside me. She’s working with powerful allies like Elon Musk and Salma Hayek, warriors in this global Chess Game. We’re playing this game strategically across various nations—France, Italy, India, Norway, the U.S., Mexico, Morocco, Iceland, Turkey. It’s a united effort."

Readers: "This was really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to explain!"

Crown Prince Angelo: "Glad you enjoyed it. Stay safe, have fun, and remember—peace to all my readers."

The End.

P.S.:

Synopsis of the dialogue:

In this engaging conversation, Crown Prince Angelo addresses questions from his readers about his seemingly relaxed approach to royal duties. He explains that while he may appear laid-back, he has delegated public responsibilities to trusted representatives, such as his advisor Dominique de Villepin and future brother-in-law Jean-Baptiste Casta. Angelo also shares his confidence in becoming Crown Prince, revealing that Norway supports his claim and refuses to spend its sovereign wealth fund unless he is in power.

Angelo explains his decision to stay out of the media, comparing himself to "invisible Wi-Fi" that cannot be attacked, and likens his role to a designated driver ensuring Somalia’s success. He underscores the importance of his safety for the overall victory of his team in the ongoing global "Chess Game," where he is joined by key allies like Princess Consort Christina Santini, Elon Musk, and Salma Hayek.

The dialogue highlights Angelo's strategic thinking, his careful delegation, and his view of leadership as a united global effort.

Watch this video: BABY DRIVER - 6-Minute Opening Clip

[squarepeg-roundhole]

Tha Dhin Tha

This story inspired by the fact that I offhandedly commented on something Neil Gaiman said and he noticed and replied! I have very specific experiences that inform the opinions I have, and below is one of them.

You can't know me for long without finding out that I am a musician. I am very proficient in both Western Classical and Carnatic music. I have sung with a world famous professional orchestra (as part of their choral program) and given multi-hour solo concerts in India. It is perhaps not a surprise that music education was a priority for me when I had kids.

My kids have been learning both Western (European, really) choral music and Carnatic music since they were small. They know a lot of things about both systems. They may not be as serious about it as I am, but they enjoy it. They have brought their knowledge of Carnatic music to their choral groups and talked about it enough that their teachers are aware of their interest. However, the two systems are pretty different, and while many of the fundamentals of pitch and rhythm are the same, there isn't really a good way to cross over from one to the other.

So imagine my surprise one day, when they came home from choir telling me that they were going to be doing Indian music the next semester! I was not consulted, though the director absolutely knew that I am at a semi-professional level. I was very curious as to what it was going to be. In retrospect, I probably should have been more apprehensive. The next update was my kids telling me that they heard a recording of this thing and it did NOT sound like any Indian music they had ever heard before. The director was excited and proud to introduce them to konnakol, the art of vocal percussion. My children were both unimpressed and a little uncomfortable.

The piece was Tha Dhin Tha, written by Lisa Young, an Australian musician who spent some time in India learning about konnakol. It was a typical choral piece, with harmonies typical of western music, but it incorporated a number of elements of konnakol. It was actually reasonably well done and was pretty fun to listen to, but I agreed with my kids - it did not sound like Indian music at all.

The next part of the story was when the director asked me to come to class and talk about Carnatic music. I am of course always happy to talk about my culture. I prepared an informative presentation that explained how harmonies are not a part of Indian music but ornamentation is, that there are four basic rhythm cycles of 3, 5, 7, and 8 that are commonly used, etc. At the end, the director asked for my help in getting the kids to pronounce the words, and I offered a little bit of assistance. I was hoping that with my lecture, the kids and the director would see that the music they are performing was inspired by, but not actually, Carnatic music. She didn't take the hint. At home, my kids said this is making them question every bit of world music that they have ever done. Was any of it even a little authentic? Because this sure wasn't.

When I was talking to my friends about this and how weird and uncomfortable I felt about the whole thing, one of them gave me an analogy that illustrated what was so weird about it. It was as though someone was hosting a Mexican dinner, and made some spaghetti and put a bunch of cumin on and called it Mexican food. And further, that they then asked an actual Mexican chef to come in and talk about Mexican cuisine while the dinner guests were enjoying the food. The food may well be inspired by Mexican flavors, and it may even be good, but it isn't Mexican food and the chef would rightfully feel weird about the situation.

In the end I pretty directly told her that this was not Indian music, and when she finally did introduce the students singing it, she used the terminology I preferred - that it was inspired by konnakol and Carnatic music, not that it actually WAS Carnatic music. And the kids did a good job and all's well that ends well.

Stories like this illustrate how complicated cross-cultural art can be, both from the perspective of labels, and from the perspective of the people who participate. My kids were incredibly uncomfortable being told that they were doing Indian music when they were not (especially because they were put on the spot, being the only kids in the choir who knew anything about Indian music). In this case, I would argue that it was not cultural appropriation, but cultural misrepresentation. Lisa Young, the Australian musician, was not composing Indian music. These choirs are not performing Indian music. And it is fine to take artistic inspiration from India, but actual Carnatic music is an entire system of classical music. Don't pretend that this is somehow Indian, because it simply isn't.

[tomatette]

Title for the fic game: midnight in India

Okay, okay, so ... this is specifially for you haha

Hux used to be a famed, awared-winning chef with his own restaurant 'Le Premier Ordre'. But his life came crashing down around him when The Resistance, a group of investigative journalists, uncovered some rather unsavory things about his late father, who had founded "Le Premier Ordre". The subsequent scandal causes quite a stir and, in the end, forces Hux to shut down his restaurant.

Since he hasn't exactly made a lot of friends during his career (due to his charming personality, most people in the business hate his guts), it turned out to be infuriatingly difficult to find a new and adequate position. In the end he has to settle for "Sneaky Snoke", a very hip and trendy bar with a small and selective menu.

Hux hates it. He hates his job. He hates his life. He hates everything and everyone. Particularly Ben Solo, the new bartender his boss has hired. That guy is insufferable, and what's even worth, everyone else seems to like him.

After a particularly taxing shift, Hux just wants to drink himself into a stupor in peace. But of course Solo isn't having any of that. He insists that, if Hux really has to get plastered, he musn't do it drinking cheap cooking wine and whatever else he has available in the kitchen.

Hux has no idea why he relents. He has even less of an idea why, after a couple shots and cocktails, he keeps pouring his soul out to this man who is practially a stranger. But he does. And, loathe as he is to admit it, Solo isn't even half bad. Same as his cocktails.

Particularly the one Solo claims to have invented specifically for him (the pretentious arse).

It's called "Midnight in India".

[royaltandoorusa]

Indulge in Exquisite Indian Cuisine at "Royal Tandoor" - Gaithersburg's Premier Indian Restaurant

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to India right in the heart of Gaithersburg at "Royal Tandoor." Renowned for its authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and captivating ambiance, Royal Tandoor invites you to savor the very best of Indian cuisine. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian flavors or a curious food enthusiast, this esteemed restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.

A Gastronomic Delight:

At Royal Tandoor, the vibrant and diverse flavors of India come alive on your plate. From the aromatic spices of the North to the fiery curries of the South, the menu showcases a culinary tapestry that celebrates India's rich heritage. Each dish is meticulously prepared using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients, ensuring an explosion of taste with every bite.

Delectable Culinary Offerings:

Royal Tandoor offers a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to every palate and preference. Begin your culinary adventure with flavorful appetizers such as samosas, pakoras, and tikkas, showcasing the perfect balance of spices and textures. Dive into the main course and discover an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including aromatic biryanis, creamy curries, and succulent tandoori specialties, all expertly crafted by skilled chefs.

To complement your meal, Royal Tandoor offers a curated selection of Indian bread, including fluffy naans, buttery parathas, and crispy papads. Indulge in the colorful medley of chutneys and pickles that accompany your dishes, adding a burst of tangy and tangy flavors. And don't forget to end your culinary journey on a sweet note with delectable Indian desserts like gulab jamun, kulfi, or the delicate flavors of kheer.

Immersive Ambiance and Exceptional Service:

Step into Royal Tandoor and be transported to a world of elegance and charm. The restaurant's inviting ambiance blends traditional Indian aesthetics with modern sophistication, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for diners. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or enjoying an intimate dinner, the attentive and courteous staff at Royal Tandoor ensure that your dining experience is seamless and memorable.

Catering to All Occasions:

In addition to its exquisite dining experience, Royal Tandoor also offers catering services to make your special events unforgettable. Whether it's a wedding reception, corporate event, or private party, their team of experts will tailor the menu and service to suit your specific requirements. From concept development and menu planning to flawless execution, Royal Tandoor's catering services deliver a delightful culinary experience for you and your guests.

Conclusion:

For those seeking an authentic taste of India in Gaithersburg, Royal Tandoor stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. With its exceptional cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service, this esteemed Indian restaurant promises a memorable dining experience for all. Whether you're indulging in their flavorful dishes, experiencing their catering services, or simply immersing yourself in the vibrant ambiance, Royal Tandoor is sure to leave an indelible impression on your palate and heart. Visit Royal Tandoor today and embark on an unforgettable culinary voyage to India.

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