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#russian black caviar
morethansalad · 11 months
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Summer Squash Caviar (Vegan)
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sleepingdeath-light · 2 years
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listed below is everything that i have published for my 2022 kinktober writing event - listed by date of publishing and updated daily between the 1st and 31st of october.
minors please do not interact with any of the content outlined here! thank you!
MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED
os = one shot ; hc = headcanon set
(readmore used because there are 60-something links to scroll past)
day one ; edging
os . “in the dead of night”
feat. masky (marble hornets) and an amab!reader (they/them) + dub con
hc . howl pendragon (howl’s moving castle)
hc . clotted cream cookie (cookie run kingdom)
day two ; gun play
os . “russian roulette”
feat. din djarin (the mandolorian) and a female!reader
hc . undertaker (black butler)
hc . natasha romanov (marvel)
day three ; overstimulation
os . “cry for me”
hc . steve rogers (marvel)
day four ; breeding kink
os . “the heir”
feat. prince caspian (the chronicles of narnia) and a female!reader
hc . bruno madrigal (encanto)
day five ; impact play
os . “one more time”
feat. mean dom!light yagami (death note) and a gender neutral!reader (they/them)
hc . vincent phantomhive (black butler)
hc . the grabber (the black phone)
day six ; praise
os . “pretty little thing”
hc . daycare attendants (five nights at freddy’s)
hc . jason voorhees (friday the 13th)
hc . sawyer brothers (texas chainsaw massacre)
hc . thomas hewitt (texas chainsaw massacre)
day seven ; hair pulling
os . “weary head”
feat. l lawliet (death note) and a gender neutral reader (they/them)
hc . affogato cookie (cookie run: kingdom)
hc . hawks (my hero academia)
day eight ; body worship
os . “lady in red”
feat. grelle sutcliffe (black butler) and a male reader
hc . undertaker (black butler)
hc . padmé amidala (star wars)
day nine ; daddy/mummy kink
os . “his baby”
feat. erwin smith (attack on titan) and a male reader
hc . jane foster (marvel)
hc . dark!wanda maximoff (marvel)
day ten ; consensual non consent
os . “tourist trap”
feat. otis b. driftwood (the firefly trilogy) and a female reader
hc . bucky barnes (marvel)
hc . asa emory (the collector)
day eleven ; pegging
os . “something new”
feat. tony stark (avengers) and an afab reader (they/them)
hc . korrasami (legend of korra)
hc . valkryie (marvel)
day twelve ; multiple penetration
os . “at world’s end”
hc . slenderman (creepypasta)
hc . hela odindöttir (marvel)
day thirteen ; oral
os . “hell and high water”
hc . eyeless jack (creepypasta)
day fourteen ; knife play
os . “born to rule”
hc . jesse cromeans (laid to rest)
hc . azuma genkaku (deadman wonderland)
day fifteen ; deep throating
os . “king for a day”
hc . baby firefly (the firefly trilogy)
day sixteen ; hand jobs
os . “the consort”
hc . natasha romanov (marvel)
hc . newt scamander (fantastic beasts)
day seventeen ; shower sex
os . “after dark”
hc . levi ackerman (attack on titan)
hc . jennifer check (jennifer’s body)
day eighteen ; threesome
os . “scream for us”
hc . eda clawthorne & raine whispers (the owl house)
hc . gomez & morticia addams (the addams family)
day nineteen ; temperature play
os . “pathetic mortal”
hc . frost queen cookie (cookie run: kingdom)
hc . dabi (my hero academia)
hc . marvel woman (multiple film series)
hc . fire spirit cookie (cookie run: ovenbreak)
day twenty ; gagging
os . “quiet, love”
hc . saeyoung choi / 707 (mystic messenger)
hc . scp 035 (scp foundation)
day twenty one ; sensation play
os . “training”
hc . queenie goldstein (fantastic beasts)
hc . scp 049 (scp foundation)
day twenty two ; collaring
os . “new pet”
hc . sirius black (harry potter)
hc . sinclair brothers (house of wax)
day twenty three ; face sitting
os . “good boy”
hc . wanda maximoff (wandavision)
hc . marauders (harry potter)
day twenty four ; exhibitionism
os . “disciple”
hc . tom riddle (harry potter)
hc . captain caviar cookie (cookie run: kingdom)
day twenty five ; thigh riding
os . “the reward”
hc . charlie morningstar (hazbin hotel)
hc . scp 035 (scp foundation)
hc . remus lupin (harry potter)
hc . original avengers (marvel)
day twenty six ; bondage
os . “all wrapped up”
hc . jumin han (mystic messenger)
hc . hoodie (marble hornets)
day twenty seven ; voyeurism
os . “secret admirer”
hc . ticci toby (creepypasta)
hc . misa amane (death note)
day twenty eight ; breath play
os . “three, two, one”
hc . bo sinclair (house of wax)
hc . tiffany valentine (bride of chucky)
day twenty nine ; pet play
os . “pretty piggy”
hc . sebastian michaelis (black butler)
hc . harley quinn (birds of prey)
day thirty ; period play
os . “the urge”
hc . alcina dimitrescu (resident evil village)
hc . trancy demons (black butler)
day thirty one ; degradation
os . “stupid bitch”
hc . philip whittebane / emperor belos (the owl house)
hc . angela blanc & ash landers (black butler)
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mortal-kombattore-115 · 2 months
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Modern Warfare/ Shadow Company OC: Irina Makarova
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General Information:
Name: Irina Makarova (Ирина Макарова)
Code name: Nomad
Alias(es): Natalya Ivanova, Vampira (by Valeria), Vamp (by Graves)
Nationality: Russian
Place of Birth: Moscow, RSFSR, Soviet Union
Birthday: May 22, 1986 (aged 38) 
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Affiliations: Russian Ground Forces (formerly), Gruzdev Bratva (formerly), Shadow Company (currently) 
Eyes: Brown/Blue
Hair: Blonde (was naturally black)
Build: Lean athletic
Height: 5’6
Languages: Russian, English, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese.
Relationships: Valeria Garza (one night stand)
Marks: Scar on neck
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Biography:
Irina was born just before the fall of the Soviet Union in the suburbs of Moscow, alongside her older brother, Vladimir Makarov. As the daughter of a high-ranking politician within the Russian government, Irina watched the Soviet Union crumble, taking her father with it at the age of 4. After her father’s death, Irina grew up with a brother who didn't consider her a sister, but rather a mistake who would often blame her for their father’s death and the failures of the Soviet Union. Irina cut ties with her brother when he enlisted in the Russian military in 1998. Irina would later enlist in 2004.
During her service, Irina was an extraordinary soldier with her fast reflexes and marksmanship skills as she quickly moved up the ranks.
After six years of service, Irina was discharged from the military and soon befriended a former soldier. Impressed with her combat skills, Irina was recruited into the Gruzdev Bratva as an enforcer. Over the years, Irina found a sense of belonging in the bratva, her ruthless methods and loyalty moved her up in the hierarchy.
Sometime in 2021, two members of the crime family broke into Irina’s home one night in an attempt to assassinate her, which resulted in two casualties and an almost slit throat. Discovering Makarov’s involvement in the assassination, she knew from then on that his torment was just beginning. After the failed assassination attempt by Konni, Irina fled the country altered her appearance changed her identity, and traveled to various locations in Europe and Asia.
In early 2022, Irina resided in Las Almas, Mexico, where she would meet Valeria Garza at a small cafe, unaware of the work she does. The two would occasionally meet at the same spot almost every afternoon, which brought them closer together. After the chaos happening in Las Almas between Task Force 141 and Shadow Company, Irina left Mexico and vanished. 
Several months later, Irina met Phillip Graves at a bar during one of her travels. Going over her dossier and being impressed by her military service history, as well as having the same hatred for Konni, Graves recruited her to Shadow Company.
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Headcanons:
To celebrate one month of friendship, Valeria once gifted Irina a fruit bat.
Best friends with Velikan. Irina reminds him of an old friend she used to have during her bratva days. The two would often share stories about their pasts and often train together.
Her favorite comfort food is Blini (Russian pancake) because of how versatile they are. She loves to put some blueberry jam for when craving something sweet or smoked salmon with caviar for something savory.
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insanedementia · 8 months
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Weird thought
This is a weird thought and concept I've thought about with Black Pearl and Captain Caviar. I re-watched Anastasia, you know, the best animated movie in the history of animation that I wish and aspire to achieve. And I had a thought of 'what if Black Pearl was Anastasia'? And hear me out since its a weird thought since its based on the movie and NOT the real depreciation of Russian History. What if White Pearl Cookie and Crimson Coral survived the attack with citizens attacking just like Anastasia and her grandmother? All their sisters have been murdered from the attack and all they had was each other. When the train was packed and the train is moving, Crimson Coral tries to reach out her hand, desperate for her little sisters hand. But White Pearl Cookie gets pushed, smashing her head on the pavement and Crimson's train leaving the little girl behind. And as years passed, I think since she lost her memory, White Pearl would be Black Pearl. Being witty and a bit of a handful during her time at the orphanage just like Anastasia in the movie was. And I thought itd be only natural if Captain Caviar would be Demetree, having to have lived in the palace before the attack and helping Black Pearl when she was a child. And it'd make sense that Captain Caviar wouldn't realize who she was, when he takes her to the other side of EarthBread to see her sister again, until she starts reminiscing the memory of him helping her escape. I DONT KNOW IT WAS A WEIRD IDEA I MIGHT DRAW LMAOAOAO
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news24news · 8 years
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A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada
The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.
The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”
This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.
On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee. Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.
Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.
Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”
But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.
“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”
Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.
It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.
A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.
These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.
By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.
Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.
But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.
Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.
“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”
Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.
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lisbetadair · 2 years
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Mix It Up Monday Response
For @onlycodcanjudgeme's Mix It Up Monday If you were to insert one Call of Duty character into a different game (another CoD universe or not), who would it be?  How do you see that player interacting in a new environment?
Most of the Call of Duty archetypes were already present in Dream Daddy, with the exception of everyone's favourite wet-rat-man hybrid and famed Russian Ultranationalist terrorist poster boy: Vladimir Makarov.
Makarov lives in an absolutely monstrosity of a McMansion at the end of your street, set in its own grounds. His son, Sergei, is a right-wing misogynist on YouTube with a disturbingly large following and goes to school with your daughter, Amanda, who hates him. She is not able to sabotage your first date with Vladimir despite successfully pushing Sergei into his own fountain.
Vladimir 'You can call me Vovo, Любимый' Makarov invites you to dinner at his house, a charming, simple supper of blini, quails eggs, buttered potatoes and a pound of Beluga caviar, flown in from the Black Sea, accompanied by his favourite Tsarskaya Vodka, set in a bleak minimalist dining room that appears to have been designed by an interior decorator with a mortuary fetish.
The date goes well if you compliment his silk scarf, and express an interest in his collection of Stalin memorabilia. To get the good ending with Makarov, you must gun down at least twenty innocent civilians during an attack on a nuclear power plant to obtain enriched uranium for his cause. For this, you get the achievement 'Maybe it's love or toxic radiation?' and you never see Amanda again.
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saintvampe · 2 years
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CHARACTER INTERVIEW!
BASICS:
NAME  : seraphina la’rue
NICKNAME/S  :   sera ( do not call her this pls unless u r like established with her )
ALIASES/TITLES  :  the woman of the woods, the starving woman.   [  in the future: Saint Cordelia Seraphina of the Underground.  ]
AGE  : early - mid 30s, physically.  13.7 billion years old,  chronologically. 
SPECIES  :  primordial being. current vampire.
PERSONAL:
MORALITY  :  lawful / chaotic / good / neutral / evil / true    
RELIGION  :   herself.  (  she doesn’t believe in a higher power,  and thinks that if there was one it’s obviously gotta be her.  )
SINS  :  greed / gluttony / sloth / lust / pride / envy / wrath    
VIRTUES  :   chastity / charity / diligence / humility / kindness / patience / justice    
KNOWN LANGUAGES  :   she is fluent in thirty languages,   but she uses spanish,   english,   french and russian and mandarin n cantonese chinese fairly frequently.  
SECRETS  :   her sentimentality is not known very well, nor are her true emotions and desires of wanting to be closer to humanity. 
PHYSICAL:
BUILD  :   scrawny / bony / slender / fit / athletic / curvy / herculean / pudgy / average    
HEIGHT  :   5′9″
SCARS  /  BIRTHMARKS  :   zero!
ABILITIES  /  POWERS   :   she is surprisingly very strong and durable,   not enough to be like comical in a everyday - world setting, but noticeable enough where she can easily lift 500+ lbs of weights without any prior training.  her hearing is superhumanly impeccable,   and she can smell certain things from a mile away, and narrow out smells. she is capable of taking down a grown man by herself.
RESTRICTIONS  :  none physical. her own lust and greed, which has manifested in her vampirism, forces her to transform into a monstrous being if she does not satiate her vampiristic urges for very long. her desires for power will also contribute to her final moments.
FAVORITES:
FOOD  :   seraphina loves escargot,  loves caviar,  loves a good beef carpaccio!!! she’s very picky about her food, and she has such a difficult time narrowing down what she truly truly enjoys the most. “What I enjoy, I enjoy!” aka something she said in an anonymous interview.
DRINK  :    water. a good wine or scotch.
PIZZA TOPPING  :   mushrooms and spinach! extra cheese! 
COLOR  :  blacks,  reds,  whites.
MUSIC GENRE  :    jazz music, blues.
BOOK GENRE  :    non-fiction and historical nonfiction. hobby books.
MOVIE GENRE  :   she does not watch movies, but she would watch whatever anyone else is watching if there was noting else to do.
CURSE WORD  :  "shit!” “bastard” “ass”
SCENTS  :   copper, musk, dirt and outside.
FUN STUFF:
SONGS  :   1) talk / hozier 2) stfu / rina sawayama 3) hang on me / saint vincent 4) feed me (git it!) / little shop of horrors broadway cast recording
AESTHETIC  :     an alleyway that comes alive with storefronts in the dead of night. a woman with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. a beast turning into a woman and back again, a painful but necessary metamorphosis. canines sinking into skin. the body splitting into two. hunger lasting forever and ever. eve, made from her own rib. a long and bustle-d skirt against a dusty floor. 
SINGS IN THE SHOWER  : she hums to herself, quietly. her voice is decent enough for her, and they’re always fragmented songs of things she can barely remember and barely find again.
LIKES PUNS  :  no.
tagged by : hehehe @wolpha tagging : IF YOU SEE THIS PLS DO IT THANK U
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engin-program · 5 days
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🔔 Don’t miss this exclusive virtual event with Dr. Marci Shore (Marci Shore), Professor of History at Yale University. Dr. Shore will present to the ENGin community on events detailed in her latest book, The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate History of Revolution, including the circumstances that led to the 2013 uprising on the Maidan in Kyiv and subsequent revolution.
📰 According to Dr. Shore, the events of 2013-14 marked a turning point without which Ukrainian resistance to the ongoing, full-scale Russian invasion cannot be understood.
🗂️ Dr. Shore received her M.A. from the University of Toronto in 1996 and her Ph.D from Stanford University in 2001. Her research focuses on the intellectual history of twentieth and twenty-first century Central and Eastern Europe. She is the translator of Michał Głowiński’s The Black Seasons and the author of Caviar and Ashes: A Warsaw Generation’s Life and Death in Marxism, 1918-1968, The Taste of Ashes: The Afterlife of Totalitarianism in Eastern Europe.
📲 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZUod...
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colemanemma739 · 3 months
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Exploring American Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar A Gourmet Delight
Caviar has long been a symbol of luxury and culinary sophistication. While traditional caviars from the Caspian Sea have dominated the market, American caviars, particularly the Hackleback Sturgeon variety, have gained prominence as sustainable and high-quality alternatives. This exploration of American Hackleback Sturgeon caviar reveals why it's considered a gourmet delight.
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1. What is Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar?
Hackleback Sturgeon, scientifically known as Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, is native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of the United States, primarily the Mississippi River. This fish produces small, firm eggs that are known for their rich, nutty flavor, making it one of the most sought-after caviars in the American culinary scene.
2. The Appeal of Hackleback Caviar
a. Flavor Profile
Hackleback caviar offers a distinct taste that is slightly milder than that of more traditional caviars. Its flavor is characterized by a subtle nuttiness with a hint of earthiness, making it both unique and versatile for various gastronomic applications. The eggs themselves are usually jet-black with a glossy finish, providing a delightful visual appeal when served.
b. Accessibility and Sustainability
One of the primary reasons for the rise in popularity of Hackleback caviar is its sustainability. Unlike the endangered species of sturgeon found in the Caspian Sea, Hackleback sturgeons are abundant in American rivers, making their caviar a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, Hackleback caviar is more affordable than many imported caviars, making it accessible to a broader range of gourmet enthusiasts.
3. Culinary Uses
Hackleback caviar is incredibly versatile in the culinary world. It can be enjoyed simply on a blini with a dab of crème fraîche, or used to elevate the elegance of appetizers and entrées. Its subtle flavor makes it an excellent topping for everything from traditional Russian pancakes to innovative dishes like caviar-topped scallops or even caviar-infused pastas.
4. Tasting and Serving Suggestions
To fully appreciate Hackleback caviar, it should be served properly. Here are some tips for serving and tasting:
Temperature: Serve caviar chilled to maintain its delicate texture and flavor.
Utensils: Use non-metallic spoons, such as those made from mother of pearl or plastic, to avoid any metallic taste that might alter the flavor of the caviar.
Pairings: Pair Hackleback caviar with a dry champagne or a mild vodka to enhance its flavors without overpowering them.
5. Purchasing and Sustainability
When purchasing Hackleback caviar, it's important to consider the source. Look for caviar that is sustainably harvested and comes from reputable farms that ensure the health and sustainability of sturgeon populations. This not only helps protect biodiversity but also ensures a high-quality product.
Conclusion
American Hackleback Sturgeon caviar represents the perfect blend of luxury, sustainability, and accessibility. Whether you are a longtime caviar lover or a curious newcomer, Hackleback caviar offers a delightful introduction to the world of high-end gastronomy. Its unique flavor profile and versatile culinary uses make it a standout choice for anyone looking to indulge in the refined tastes of caviar without compromising on environmental ethics. Dive into the experience of Hackleback caviar and discover a new layer of gourmet delight in your culinary explorations.
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caviarben · 5 months
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The Allure of Caviar: A Taste of Luxury
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Caviar, often synonymous with luxury and gourmet dining, holds a special place in the culinary world. Derived from the Persian word "caviar," meaning "bearing eggs," caviar is not merely a delicacy but a symbol of opulence and sophistication. This article delves into the world of caviar, exploring its types, origins, and the nuanced art of enjoying this exquisite treat.
What is Caviar?
At its core, caviar consists of salt-cured fish eggs. These eggs are harvested from several species of sturgeon, which swim in the Caspian and Black Seas. The most prized caviar comes from the beluga, ostracize, and several sturgeons. Each type offers a unique flavor profile and texture, making caviar an intriguing subject for connoisseurs and novices alike.
The History of Caviar
Caviar has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originally, it was a staple for the indigenous people of the Caspian Sea before becoming a luxury item in the courts of Russia and Europe. By the 19th century, the demand for caviar in high society had soared, making it a symbol of status and wealth.
Types of Caviar
Beluga Caviar: The rarest and most expensive of all, beluga caviar is renowned for its large, soft eggs that range in color from light gray to black. The flavor is elegantly mild and buttery.
Ostracize Caviar: Sourced from the Russian sturgeon, ostracize caviar varies from golden to dark brown. It is known for its nutty, rich taste and firm texture.
Severus Caviar: Although smaller in egg size, several caviar packs a bold, intense flavor. It is more abundant and, therefore, less expensive than the other two types.
How to Enjoy Caviar
To truly appreciate caviar, it's important to consider the setting and the pairings. It should be served chilled on a bed of ice, with minimal accompaniments to preserve its delicate flavors. Traditional pairings include blini (small pancakes), creme franchise, chopped onions, or boiled eggs. The utensils used should be made of non-reactive materials like mother of pearl or gold, as metal can alter the taste of caviar.
Caviar Etiquette
When eating caviar, use small amounts to savor its flavor fully. It is considered gauche to mix caviar with other strong flavors as it can overpower the subtle nuances of the eggs. A small spoonful on a blini with a dab of creme franchise is the perfect way to enjoy this delicacy.
The Conservation of Sturgeons
The harvesting of caviar has severe implications for sturgeon populations, many of which are now critically endangered. Sustainable practices and farming have become crucial to preserving these species for future generations. Aqua-farms that produce caviar in controlled environments are gaining popularity, providing an ethical alternative to wild caviar.
The Future of Caviar
As tastes and economies evolve, so does the world of caviar. Innovations in aquaculture and changing consumer preferences towards sustainable options are shaping the future of this luxurious item. With these changes, caviar remains a timeless symbol of culinary artistry and elegance.
In conclusion, caviar is more than just a luxury food item; it is an experience enriched with history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether served at an upscale event or enjoyed in the quiet of one's home, caviar continues to captivate and delight with its rich textures and complex flavors.
0 notes
luisauthornews · 8 years
Text
A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada
The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.
Tumblr media
November 02, 2016
The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”
This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.
On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee.
Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.
Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.
Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”
But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.
“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”
Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.
It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.
A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.
These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.
By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.
Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.
But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.
Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.
“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”
Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.
0 notes
scishowtangentspoems · 10 months
Text
Architecture
The science of golfing well, but not too well,
Par-citecture.
The science of designing oceans, but in spanish,
Mar-citecture.
The art of designing sticky, black hydrocarbon leavings,
Tar-citecture.
The science of designing a Russian king,
Tsar-citecture.
The science of saying goodbye, but in french,
Au Revoir-citecture.
The science of designing six-stringed musical instruments,
Guitar-citecture.
The art and science of designing giant balls of hydrogen and helium undergoing nuclear reations,
Star-citecture.
The science of designing fish eggs,
Caviar-citecture.
The art and science of designing the Asian nation between Tailand and Bangladesh,
Mianmar-citecture.
The science of designing overly waxed, structured moustaches,
Handlebar-citecture.
- Hank Green
0 notes
zainwriteronline · 8 years
Text
A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada
The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.
Tumblr media
The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”
This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.
On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee.
Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.
Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.
Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”
But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.
“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”
Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.
It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.
A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.
These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.
By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.
Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.
But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.
Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.
“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”
Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.
0 notes
tommygunnews · 10 years
Text
A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada
Tumblr media
The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”
This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.
On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee.
Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.
Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.
Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”
But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.
“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”
Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.
It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.
A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.
These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.
By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.
Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.
Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.
Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.
1 note · View note
bbc-news-press · 8 years
Text
A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada
The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”
This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.
On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee. Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.
Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.
Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”
But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.
“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”
Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.
It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.
A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.
These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.
By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.
Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.
But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.
Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.
“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”
Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.
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Info About My Book ! 🎀
Characters:
Shuijing Kozlov
Nickname: Jiji.
Birthday: June 17th.
Hair color: Originally black, now blonde.
Hair Type/length: Extremely long hair, usually kept in braid.
Eye color: Black.
Skin tone: Extremely pale.
Race: White and Asian.
Ethnicity: Russian and Chinese.
Predominant features: Large nose.
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 220 lbs
Mothers name: Zhi Kozlov
Fathers name: Roman Kozlov
Siblings: Single child.
Children: None.
Favorite color: Red.
Favorite food: Spicy foods - no specifics.
Least favorite food: Flavorless foods - no specifics.
Languages spoken (no specific order): Cantonese, Russian, Turkish, and English.
Profession: General of her army, queen.
Zhi Kozlov
Nickname: None.
Birthday: May 28th.
Hair color: Black.
Hair type/length: Very long hair, not kept up.
Eye color: Black.
Skin tone: Tan.
Race: Asian.
Ethnicity: Chinese.
Predominant features: Eyelashes, ears.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160 lbs
Mothers name: Unknown.
Fathers name: Unknown.
Siblings: Unknown.
Children: Shuijing Kozlov
Favorite color: Blue.
Favorite food: Spicy chicken soup.
Least favorite food: Mushrooms.
Languages spoken: Cantonese.
Profession: Queen, bookkeeper.
Roman Kozlov
Nickname: Monny.
Birthday: June 27th.
Hair color: Blonde.
Hair type/length: Back length, usually kept half up half down. Messy.
Eye color: Black.
Skin tone: Extremely pale.
Race: White
Ethnicity: Russian
Predominant features: Large nose.
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 230 lbs
Mothers name: Unknown.
Fathers name: Unknown.
Siblings: Unknown.
Children: Shuijing Kozlov
Favorite color: Green.
Favorite food: Shchi.
Least favorite food: Caviar.
Languages spoken (no specific order): Cantonese, Russian.
Profession: King
ofc there’s more to come but these are some characters for now !
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