#vodka is polands national drink

[eccentrickleptomaniac]

incredibly low effort polandposting

[minecraftdog]

hello! 24 and 28 for the ask game?

hiiiiii dearest anogie!!

24. what other nation is joked about most often in your country?

probably russians? we kind of hate russians (free Ukraine!!!) and they are like worse poles. we assign all the bad qualities that people assign to all the slavs to them. they always drink vodka, swear all the time, and are carless divers/machine operators. I'm sure not all Russians are bad especially considering the amount of propaganda there but yeah. the Rus guy from the legend of origin of Poland, Russia, and Czech Republic, that we make so many jokes of, is always the worst one.

28. does your country have a lot of lakes, mountains, rivers? do you have favourites?

okay so here's Poland, right?

and we have all of them actually!!

the rest is mostly planes and some highlands. you can also see the big rivers Odra and Wisła.

my favorite tho? 🤔

probably our cold beaches at our pathetic Baltic Sea. I have my favourite ones that are not very touristy and have beautiful white sand. I love to wander along the beach from a town to town. and the cold sea that is not really that salty and very polluted is also nice to swim in if you not think about what is in it.

[undeadvinyls]

heeeeeeeeey so i hc a skylander as partially polish ummm would you be able to share some cultural things i could integrate into em since i'm tryin to add some culture bits into the 'landers (like flameslinger being french so i'm slapping some french stuff into him)

ILL BE SO HAPPY TO HELP OMG OMG

my adhd brain is getting giddy so sorry for the chaos BUT LETS GO

• loads of the polish have a tendency of shortening loads of words and turning them into pet-like onez, like turning "chleb" (bread) into "chlebek", "chlebuś" and more (which would be the equivalent of bready). we do it almost subconsiously and for any occassion and tone

• scouting is actually a very celebrated and important part of upbringing!! theres loads of scouting organizations like the ZHP (Związek Harcestwa Polskiego; Organization of Polish Scouting). I would avoid the ZMP (Związek Młodzieży Polskiej, Organization of Polish Youth) as it was created by the corrupt soviet government in the 50s to replace the ZHP, forcefully

• most polish, like me, were raised in a catholic environment, as like, 97% of polish ppl r catholic and v religious, but as of now, it is slowly but surely changing to more atheist people

• the polish celebrate their history A LOT, we r a very proud nation of our history! we r taught abt everything poland went thru, like the battle of grunwald, the polish-lithuanian commonwealth, the 123 years long occupation and the fight for independence, poland during WW2, poland as a soviet satellite state and poland in the 90s. unfortunely a lot of ppl r jingoistic abt it which sucks, so avoid those groups. They abuse symbols of our nation and use white power symbols. but ppl who r healthy abt it and celebrate it while still using critical thinking r fine ofc!

• we eat pierogi and kotlety. A LOT. the food stereotypes r right becauae i love my grandma's kotlety or kluski

• we make loads of "your mother" jokes. yes. even the most absurd ones

• cult classic films that r enjoyed and loved in almost every home r shrek (all movies) and asterix and obelix: mission cleopatra

• we drink loads of alcohol. like really vodka, beer r seen on every mf family party 😭 wine is consumed much less

III THINK THATS ALL!! ill be rbing this if i get more things or inform you thru dms :]]

[rabbitcruiser]

National Vodka Day

Raise your glass and have a toast to one of the world’s most versatile spirits, vodka. Try infusing your own vodka, buying a new flavor, or making a new cocktail.

National Vodka Day is a great time to raise your glasses to one of the world’s favorite alcoholic drinks. While vodka is often associated with Russia, and some of the finest and most expensive vodkas in the world come from there, it is a drink that is produced in many countries and enjoyed all over the world.

History of National Vodka Day

Vodka is the Slavic word for ‘little water’ and is traditionally made by mixing water with distilled grains or potatoes, although today many popular brands add flavorings such as fruits and sugars.

It is believed that this drink first came into existence in the Middle Ages, perhaps sometime during the 8th or 9th centuries. Vodka has slightly different varieties that seems to have originated not only in Russia, but also in Poland as well as in Sweden. It seems that some of the first people to distill this drink from grains or potatoes were religious monks.

Records indicate that the word “vodka” was used in Russia sometime in the late 14th century. It is known that the Genoese ambassadors brought vodka to Moscow to present it to the Grand Duke in 1386. After another few hundred years, after the Russian Revolution in 1917, when vodka began to spread throughout Europe.

It wasn’t until after WWII that the popularity of vodka began to grow all throughout the world, particularly when it landed firmly on the shores of North America. Although it was originally almost tasteless and odorless, over the last decades that has changed. Creative differences in flavors, aromas, combinations and varieties have taken over the production of vodka around the world. But its neutral flavor has continued to contribute to its popularity as it makes an incredible base for a host of different mixed drinks and cocktails.

Purists of this distilled drink are known to only enjoy vodka neat, but it makes the perfect mixer and is the main ingredient in many favorite cocktails, including the martini, the screwdriver and the Bloody Mary.

The Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, Vodka Gimlet, White Russian and so many more drinks have become standard for bartenders at restaurants and in homes all throughout the world. All thanks to Vodka.

Now it’s time to celebrate National Vodka Day!

How to Celebrate National Vodka Day

Get on board with the fun and enjoyment of celebrating National Vodka Day using a few of these ideas or coming up with some of your own:

Try Out a New Variety of Vodka

While preferences for this drink can certainly be subjective, the experts in the field of liquor have put out a list of their favorite, best, top-of-the-line vodkas that would be perfect to enjoy in celebration of National Vodka Day. (Of course, responsible drinking is of the utmost importance.)

Try out one of these on the list as a way to appreciate the day:

Hangar 1. This vodka originating from the California region has interesting tasting notes of orange, cinnamon and white pepper, and its alcohol by volume is 40%. The brand is a small batch vodka that was birthed in an old airplane hanger (thus, the name) by St. George Spirits in 2002. It’s still produced at the old Naval Air Station on San Francisco Bay.

Ketel One, Cucumber and Mint. As flavored vodkas go, this one reigns supreme. From the Netherlands, this vodka has a slightly lower alcohol by volume, at only 60 proof. It offers only flavors that are naturally extracted from cucumber and mint, without any additives, and it’s perfect for light and summery drinks.

Beluga Noble. Bringing flavors from where the story began, this Russian Vodka provides a clean, crisp flavor that is perfect for simply drinking cold and neat. Made using a pure water source and expert filtration, the result is this 80 proof vodka that is “clean like a tear”.

Air Vodka. Purists everywhere will delight in the idea that this vodka is made using only the purest of ingredients: water, carbon dioxide and sunshine. Made in New York, this vodka is produced using solar-powered technology that removes greenhouse gases from the air and eliminates the need for farming, irrigation or depletion of resources. And it’s 40% alcohol by volume is smooth and light.

Give the Gift of Vodka

Share in the delight of the day by bringing a bottle of vodka to a special friend, family member, boss or coworker who absolutely loves it. They’ll be so appreciative of the gesture–and perhaps they’ll even open the bottle right away so that you can share a little toast together. Cheers!

Try Vodka Fusion

This is a fun activity that promotes the art of fusing individual flavors and varieties into vodka. Think of it as a painting where the vodka acts as the “blank canvas”. The process usually only takes 3-5 days, or longer depending on personal taste–and the strength of the flavors that are being infused.

Unique and original flavors abound when it comes to letting the creative juices flow into vodka! Some people have gone far beyond the norm with flavors such as Fruit Loops or Root Beer or Peanut Butter and Jelly. The sky’s the limit!

Consider these ideas for making a vodka fusion of your own:

Fruit Infusion Vodka. One of the most popular ways to infuse vodka is by using fruits. Cranberry, mango, strawberry, watermelon and lime are just the beginning. This is also a great way to use up the last of a pile of figs, or the end of the bushel of peaches. 80 proof vodka works well for this and using 2 cups of chopped fruit to 2-3 cups of vodka is a great measurement.

Peppermint Infusion Vodka. Great for enjoying at holiday parties or giving as gifts, this version simply uses 5 full sized peppermint candy canes in 1.5 cups of vodka. Deliciously festive and sweet, Santa will be happy to enjoy some as he spends time delivering gifts!

Herbed Fusion Vodka. Graze the herb garden to find some unique flavors that will complement vodka. Rosemary, vanilla bean, lavender, ginger, garlic, horseradish and chamomile are just a few ideas for National Vodka Day infusions. These delightful herbal vodka infusions are healthful and delicious.

Candy Corn Vodka Fusion. Take Halloween to the next level by dropping a handful of candy corn (½ cup) into a mason jar of vodka (1 ½ cups) and let it sit for several days, or even a week. Serve with cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and seltzer for a delicious Candy Corn Cocktail.

Join a National Vodka Day Event or Celebration

National Vodka Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a new cocktail or try one of the hundreds of different brands of vodka. Many bars and restaurants hold special promotions and tastings to encourage drinkers to celebrate this well-loved spirit. Check online or a local event bulletin board to find out what’s on in the community!

Source

[volya-horisvit]

Look at that!

rusian dancing kid? No. Ukrainian boy from 1997.

Look at that!

We've been telling you that Carol Of the Bells is Ukrainian, but it just gets a weird look each and every time apparently.

And you can go on and on.

Matryoshka? From Japan.

Balalaika? Turkic musical instrument.

Vodka? It wasn't theirs. It was a purely medical alcohol, from different countries.

In Poland first mentions of drinking it was in 1405. In rusia in 1533.

E-VE-RY-THING.

I mean it.

No food, no drinks, no folk, no fairytales, no national costumes.

"russia has a great culture! where are the Ukrainian artists?"

russia killed them.

[secret-sons-of-poland]

Metaphysics of Steak Tartare

Author: Adam Tomasz Witczak, better known under his nom de guerre et nom de plume Reverend ATW. The essay was first published in the 22nd issue of the online periodical Młodzież Imperium ("Youth of the Empire").

This article was made by the Secret Sons of Poland yurt-collective without the knowledge or consent of the original author. True National Bolshevik steppe fascists do not care about "consent".

"We will blow up Europe, call Scythians our friends and drink for the Bruderschaft with the Tatars," says Friedrich Georg Jünger, brother of Ernst. Before we feast with slant-eyed barbarians among the ruins of Europe, though, we could drink to friendship between ourselves, picking at steak tartare made of raw meat and equally raw egg — this will be enough, as we must remember that "journey of that kind is always possible, even if you are not eighteen anymore".

Steak tartare is a National Bolshevik meal through and through, Eurasian in its deepmost essence. The first act of consuming it is a ritual of passage. The intensity of this experience can solely be compared to a passage in Edward Niziurski's young adult novel The Seventh Initiation when the protagonists eat a horseradish root during a secular ceremony celebrating the incorporation of new members into a juvenile gang. Concurrently, every act of consuming steak tartare is an act of rebellion (both in the revolutionary and Traditionalist meaning of the word) — a strike against the philistine roasted pork knuckle, the bourgeois "schnitzel served with potatoes and steamed cabbage". It presents a "slap in the face of public taste"—due to everything that makes steak tartare offend and attack the bourgeoisie.

Steak tartare—its raw meat, meat not subjected to frying, roasting, smoking, cooking, therefore not treated, served without any polish, any attempts at finesse, effeminacy. Frying, roasting, cooking—how often do those procedures, no matter how useful (as far as they remain anchored in the archaic framework of the Tradition) become reduced to impotent babbling and decadent tediousness, defied by steak tartare through its alacrity, impulsiveness, brutality born of the Steppe.

Tatar—its danger, cold, simplicity born in a nomad's yurt, in the tent of a Eurasian Fascist dining before the frontal assault against the Atlantic civilisation. That assault may begin at any given moment and be conducted with all possible means — for only the spiritual struggle is important, the inner fight in the world of ideas (the Great Jihad). Therefore, a steak tartare consumed in one of Wrocław's bistros or in front of a laptop screen can be as potent as the same meal devoured among the whirling warfare, during the brief intervals between subsequent "storms of steel". For the inner stance is of importance—the correct way of celebration is determined by the condition of the spirit. "For we love what is subconscious; tempted by vodka, the egg and steak tartare."

For not only the meat is raw, but also the egg—a symbol of genesis and birth. The rawness of the egg enlivens the rawness of the meat, and through that matter is infused with the spiritual element, the pneuma. In this way, the eternal return of the Kshatriya archetype is accomplished. The alchemical process of mingling the cold, raw egg yolk with flesh means transgression of the Axial Age, a transcendent transformation into a higher quality, completeness formed by the mixture of the two substances.

Serve steak tartare at your table—and be aware of the response of your guests! Without fail, you will recognise a veritable fascist, who adores that delicacy—from a two-faced "National Capitalist" and "limp-wristed rightist" whose expression will twist up with disgust and uneasiness, even if he eventually manages to swallow a few bites.

The steak tartare of the Blood Religion... The steak tartare among the dissolution of forms, at the heart of the solar circle, radiating hundreds of ideologies, intertwining inside the postmodernist cauldron to lay the foundations of the New Imperivm... The cosmic steak tartare à la Dugin, swallowed through eternity by the Headless Akephalos and so on so on bluh bluh bluh...

[delhidutyfree]

Discovering the Elegance of Budget-Friendly Vodka Selections

Vodka, a transparent distilled alcoholic beverage enjoyed worldwide, originates from countries like Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Renowned for its versatility in mixed drinks due to its colorless and flavorless nature, the term “vodka” stems from the Old Slavic words “little water” and “voda.” For those seeking high-quality vodka in India, we present a curated selection of top brands to consider, each offering its unique appeal and affordability.

ZOUK Vodka: Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship

Crafted from organic Dańkowskie rye, revered as one of the finest grains for vodka production, ZOUK Vodka stands as a testament to Polish craftsmanship. Distilled on a single estate in Poland’s snow-covered landscape, ZOUK Vodka exudes a burst of aroma and a refreshing flavor profile. Available at Delhi Duty-Free, indulge in the pinnacle of vodka excellence.

Magic Moments: Affordable Luxury

Magic Moments, a household name in India, epitomizes affordability without compromising on quality. Produced by Radico Khaitan, one of the nation’s leading spirits manufacturers, Magic Moments offers a plethora of flavors, including chocolate, green apple, and lemon, at a modest price point of Rs 350 for 750 ml.

Smoke Vodka: Modernity Meets Distinction

Targeting the discerning tastes of millennials and Gen Z, Smoke Vodka emerges as a contemporary addition to India’s vodka landscape. Distinctive in both flavor and design, Smoke Vodka undergoes a state-of-the-art charcoal filtration process, resulting in a smooth and uniquely flavored spirit. Priced at Rs 1,450 for 750 ml, indulge in the allure of Smoke Vodka.

White Mischief: Market Dominance and Diversity

Boasting an impressive 46% market share, White Mischief reigns as one of India’s bestselling vodka brands. Owned by the UB Group, White Mischief offers an array of delectable flavors, including strawberry and mint, catering to diverse palates. At Rs 620 for 750 ml, experience the epitome of Indian vodka excellence.

Absolut: Iconic Swedish Elegance

Hailing from Sweden, Absolut vodka enjoys global acclaim for its impeccable quality and diverse flavor range. Produced by Pernod Ricard, Absolut offers flavors like raspberry and passionfruit, providing a delightful sensory experience. Indulge in Absolut’s smoothness and sophistication at Rs 1,100 for 750 ml.

Conclusion:

the world of vodka offers a myriad of choices to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of Belvedere or the modern allure of Smoke Vodka, there’s a brand for every discerning palate. Explore our selection at Delhi Duty-Free and elevate your spirits with the finest vodka India has to offer. Cheers to affordable opulence and unforgettable moments!

visit us — https://dutyfreedelhi.blogspot.com/2024/02/affordable-opulence-exploring-vodka.html

[brookston]

Holidays 12.3

Holidays

Advocate's Day (India)

Be a Blessing Day

Alka Seltzer Day

Doctor’s Day (Cuba)

E-Discovery Day

Elf Day (UK)

Flag Day (Saba)

Heart Transplant Day

Inflatable Pig Day

International Baboon Day

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN)

International Day of the Basque Language

Jazz Day

King Tupou I Day (Tonga)

Let's Hug Day

Make a Gift Day

National Roof-Over-Your-Head Day

Reinvigorate Your Brain by Reading Something Day

Saba Day (Saba)

San Francisco Javier (Navarra, Spain)

Takata no Inoko (Peace & Good Harvest Festival; Japan)

Telescope Day

Tinsel Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Holiday Ale Festival begins (Portland, Oregon) [Begins in late Nov/early Dec] (Postponed for 2022)

International Trappist Beer Day

National Apple Pie Day [also 5.13]

National Green Bean Casserole Day

National Ice Cream Box Day

National Peppermint Latte Day

1st Saturday in December

Bike Shop Day [1st Saturday]

Chester Greenwood Day (Inventor of Earmuffs; Farmington, Maine) [1st Saturday]

Coats and Toys for Kids Day [1st Saturday]

Earmuff Day [1st Saturday]

Global Fat Bike Day [1st Saturday]

International Spirit of the Game [1st Saturday]

National Pinochle Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

National Rhubarb Vodka Day [1st Saturday]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

SKYWARN Recognition Day [1st Saturday]

World Pear Day [1st Saturday]

Independence Days

Illinois Statehood Day (#21; 1818)

Feast Days

Abbo of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Abraham of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic)

Adrian (a.k.a. Ethernan; Christian; Saint)

Birinus (Christian; Saint)

Bogatir Svatogor Day (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)

Bona Dea Festival (Roman Goddess of Good)

Cassian of Tangier (Christian; Saint)

Copernicus (Positivist; Saint)

Emma (of Lesum or of Bremen; Christian; Saint)

Festival for Serket/Selket (Scorpion Goddess; Ancient Egypt)

Francis Xavier (Christian; Saint)

Godzilla Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

International Say No to Selfies Day (Pastafarian)

Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer zu Gleifheim (Christian; Blessed)

Lucius (Christian; Saint)

Motorettes (Muppetism)

Pompaia (Procession to Zeus; Ancient Greece)

Sola (Christian; Saint)

Vibrator Day (Pastafarian)

Zephaniah (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 337 [68 of 72]

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

Premieres

The BBC Television Shakespeare (UK TV Series; 1978)

Black Swan (Film; 2010)

Brown Sugar, recorded by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1969)

Camelot (Broadway Musical; 1960)

Concerto in F, by George Gershwin (Piano Concerto; 1925)

Confess, by Patti Page (Song; 1947) [1st Recording with Overdubbed Vocals]

Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground, recorded by Blind Willie Johnson (Song; 1927)

Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Charity Song; 1984)

Elvis (TV Special; 1968)

Justify My Love, by Madonna (Music Video; 1990)

Machine Head, recorded by Deep Purple (Album; 1971)

My Generation, by The Who (Album; 1965)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Christmas TV Special; 1964)

Rubber Soul, by The Beatles (Album; 1965)

A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams (Play; 1947)

Symphony #1 in A, by Edward Elgar (Symphony; 1908)

You’re Sixteen, by Ringo Starr (Song; 1973)

Today’s Name Days

Emma, Franz Xaver, Jason (Austria)

Franjo, Lucije, Sofonija (Croatia)

Svatoslav (Czech Republic)

Svend (Denmark)

Leiger, Leino (Estonia)

Meri, Vellamo (Finland)

François-Xavier, Xavier (France)

Franz Xaver, Jason (Germany)

Glykerios (Greece)

Ferenc, Olívia (Hungary)

Francesco, Saverio (Italy)

Daile, Evija, Jogita, Raita (Latvia)

Atalija, Audinga, Gailintas, Ksaveras (Lithuania)

Svein, Sveinung (Norway)

Franciszek, Kasjan, Ksawery, Lucjusz, Unimir (Poland)

Oldrich (Slovakia)

Francisco, Javier (Spain)

Lydia (Sweden)

Javier, Malcolm, Malcom, Malik, Xavier, Xaviera (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 337 of 2022; 28 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 48 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Ruis (Elder) [Day 8 of 28]

Chinese: Month 11 (Dōngyuè), Day 10 (Geng-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 9 Kislev 5783

Islamic: 9 Jumada I 1444

J Cal: 7 Zima; Sixday [7 of 30]

Julian: 20 November 2022

Moon: 81%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 1 Bichat (12th Month) [Copernicus]

Runic Half Month: Is (Stasis) [Day 9 of 15

Season: Autumn (Day 72 of 90)

Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 11 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Bichat (Modern Science) [Month 13 of 13; Positivist]

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 12.3

Holidays

Advocate's Day (India)

Be a Blessing Day

Alka Seltzer Day

Doctor’s Day (Cuba)

E-Discovery Day

Elf Day (UK)

Flag Day (Saba)

Heart Transplant Day

Inflatable Pig Day

International Baboon Day

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN)

International Day of the Basque Language

Jazz Day

King Tupou I Day (Tonga)

Let's Hug Day

Make a Gift Day

National Roof-Over-Your-Head Day

Reinvigorate Your Brain by Reading Something Day

Saba Day (Saba)

San Francisco Javier (Navarra, Spain)

Takata no Inoko (Peace & Good Harvest Festival; Japan)

Telescope Day

Tinsel Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Holiday Ale Festival begins (Portland, Oregon) [Begins in late Nov/early Dec] (Postponed for 2022)

International Trappist Beer Day

National Apple Pie Day [also 5.13]

National Green Bean Casserole Day

National Ice Cream Box Day

National Peppermint Latte Day

1st Saturday in December

Bike Shop Day [1st Saturday]

Chester Greenwood Day (Inventor of Earmuffs; Farmington, Maine) [1st Saturday]

Coats and Toys for Kids Day [1st Saturday]

Earmuff Day [1st Saturday]

Global Fat Bike Day [1st Saturday]

International Spirit of the Game [1st Saturday]

National Pinochle Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

National Rhubarb Vodka Day [1st Saturday]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

SKYWARN Recognition Day [1st Saturday]

World Pear Day [1st Saturday]

Independence Days

Illinois Statehood Day (#21; 1818)

Feast Days

Abbo of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Abraham of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic)

Adrian (a.k.a. Ethernan; Christian; Saint)

Birinus (Christian; Saint)

Bogatir Svatogor Day (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)

Bona Dea Festival (Roman Goddess of Good)

Cassian of Tangier (Christian; Saint)

Copernicus (Positivist; Saint)

Emma (of Lesum or of Bremen; Christian; Saint)

Festival for Serket/Selket (Scorpion Goddess; Ancient Egypt)

Francis Xavier (Christian; Saint)

Godzilla Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

International Say No to Selfies Day (Pastafarian)

Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer zu Gleifheim (Christian; Blessed)

Lucius (Christian; Saint)

Motorettes (Muppetism)

Pompaia (Procession to Zeus; Ancient Greece)

Sola (Christian; Saint)

Vibrator Day (Pastafarian)

Zephaniah (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 337 [68 of 72]

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

Premieres

The BBC Television Shakespeare (UK TV Series; 1978)

Black Swan (Film; 2010)

Brown Sugar, recorded by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1969)

Camelot (Broadway Musical; 1960)

Concerto in F, by George Gershwin (Piano Concerto; 1925)

Confess, by Patti Page (Song; 1947) [1st Recording with Overdubbed Vocals]

Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground, recorded by Blind Willie Johnson (Song; 1927)

Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Charity Song; 1984)

Elvis (TV Special; 1968)

Justify My Love, by Madonna (Music Video; 1990)

Machine Head, recorded by Deep Purple (Album; 1971)

My Generation, by The Who (Album; 1965)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Christmas TV Special; 1964)

Rubber Soul, by The Beatles (Album; 1965)

A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams (Play; 1947)

Symphony #1 in A, by Edward Elgar (Symphony; 1908)

You’re Sixteen, by Ringo Starr (Song; 1973)

Today’s Name Days

Emma, Franz Xaver, Jason (Austria)

Franjo, Lucije, Sofonija (Croatia)

Svatoslav (Czech Republic)

Svend (Denmark)

Leiger, Leino (Estonia)

Meri, Vellamo (Finland)

François-Xavier, Xavier (France)

Franz Xaver, Jason (Germany)

Glykerios (Greece)

Ferenc, Olívia (Hungary)

Francesco, Saverio (Italy)

Daile, Evija, Jogita, Raita (Latvia)

Atalija, Audinga, Gailintas, Ksaveras (Lithuania)

Svein, Sveinung (Norway)

Franciszek, Kasjan, Ksawery, Lucjusz, Unimir (Poland)

Oldrich (Slovakia)

Francisco, Javier (Spain)

Lydia (Sweden)

Javier, Malcolm, Malcom, Malik, Xavier, Xaviera (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 337 of 2022; 28 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 48 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Ruis (Elder) [Day 8 of 28]

Chinese: Month 11 (Dōngyuè), Day 10 (Geng-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 9 Kislev 5783

Islamic: 9 Jumada I 1444

J Cal: 7 Zima; Sixday [7 of 30]

Julian: 20 November 2022

Moon: 81%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 1 Bichat (12th Month) [Copernicus]

Runic Half Month: Is (Stasis) [Day 9 of 15

Season: Autumn (Day 72 of 90)

Zodiac: Sagittarius (Day 11 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Bichat (Modern Science) [Month 13 of 13; Positivist]

[libertarian-druid-ny-separatist]

Poland is Eastern Europe, and they've given 44 separate aid packages to Ukraine.

Okay, it's still not the responsibility of the American taxpayer to fund your war. As such, I prefer a diplomatic route. Nowhere in any of this have I said that if that's not possible we should immediately cut all aid. Think you may have made some assumptions. Just because I don't like that were funding another forever war doesn't mean I don't think y'all need help.

Sorry I tried being sympathetic, guess that didn't come off right. If it came off hostile, I guess that's on me for being awake 24 straight hours.

It sure seems that way, given that that's all I've suggested.

Okay, so that would still mean your nation would still have time to up its arms industry. Potentially with American, Turkish and European licensing.

Yeah, he's also old as dirt, it's not like putin has much longer for this world. He's already had a coup attempt, give it a couple years and there'll be another.

Honestly a lot of this seems to have been some misinterpretation. The closest I've gotten to saying that putin shouldn't face any consequences is saying that Trump could offer him a place in the US. Beyond that it's just been me saying that I hope for a peaceful resolution where Ukraine gets their land back. So I'm not sure where the "you're wishing death on me" is coming from. Yeah, I don't like that we're funding yet another foreign war, I sorta dug the 4 years we had something akin to peace. Couldn't give less of a fuck about Russian oil since we could have been releasing from the Alaskan oil reserve for the last 4 years. The Eastern European food and ingredients I get come from Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, or Ukraine. The only thing the Russian sanctions sorta fuck with me on is vodka, but only because Tito's is slightly more expensive, and I mean like 5 cents more, for a dude who barely drinks.

So let's take a step back here and put what's been said in context.

I like nobody being at war, I don't like funding foreign wars, I like peaceful resolutions, I couldn't give less of a shit about sanctions. Yeah, I think we shouldn't be funding this war, but mostly because I believe the Donbas should have an actual vote on whether to stay in Ukraine or not, same for Crimea. One overseen by the US, Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea where votes are all cast in the same building which troops can't leave except to sleep and leaving the country. Purely to be fair to the people who actually do want to be a part of Russia. Dismissing that, a lease for a warm water port and natural gas drilling would be far from annexation. Russia would then be paying for the port and wells.

Sorry if I'm rambling, again, 24 straight hours of being awake, so I'm not exactly as coherent as usual. Point is, all I'd like is for us to get paid for war materials sent or for them to be returned and for us to not be involved in foreign wars. I say the same about Israel and even, somewhat begrudgingly, Taiwan. We've been putting our own nation second or further back for more than 50 years. We're on the verge of collapse because of how much we spend. So yes, I hope for peace over the continuation of yet another war.

I am not happy that Trump won. Not that I would prefer Kamala very much, but as a filthy Russian living in Europe, my main priority right now is Ukraine and I do believe Trump's victory lowers Ukraine's chances.

I do believe both would ultimately be unable to unfuck the American economy in one term. And I do believe Trump will worsen LGBT rights. Though I'm open to be surprised.

Ultimately, America will survive another Trump term. Even American democracy will. It's a shame, but it's not the end of the world.

My main prediction is that Trump will dial down the populist rhetoric now that he's in the office again. But we shall see.

[eccentrickleptomaniac]

im gonna ask you to share your poland headcanons :]

WAHAHAHA ANNOOOOOOON THANK YOUUUU IVE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT HER FOREVER

ohwhere do i start... i suppose i'll talk about her personality first?

ok so let me set the record straight. she is a bitch. she's incredibly stubborn and once her mind is on something it's incredibly difficult to get her to change it, even if she knows its wrong. she enables the worst in people and rewards them for it. you know that one scene in angels in america where roy and belize are arguing about azt and roy starts hurling slurs at belieze and once belize does the same roy gives him the azt? yeah poland would do that. she will start fighting with anyone to bring them to their breaking point. it's a skill she learned while still in the same house with the bastard known as the ussr.

speaking of, she hates russia more than anyone. genuinely. it's actually kind of scary how far it goes. she pretty much allout refuses to speak with his friends and if she seems him, hoo boy you better be ready to hold her down. the hatred, i suppose its justified considering the.. how do i put this Hostile and imperial history between the two. i genuinely believe the last time the two ever had a positive interaction was during smolensk and even that was only because at first russia was the only one around to comfort her.

ok lets talk about her with closer friends.. while yes she fucking loves to push people's buttons when alone with someone she likes shes actually a very understanding and loyal person. she will actually listen to you rant about something you're passionate about for hours. if you are in trouble she will be the first to help you. however, if you look at her funny please know you've made an enemy for life. she holds long and petty grudges unapologetically.

speaking of pettyness, lets talk about the ussr and her relationship with him. i think about them a lot just because they hate eachother so much. completely genuinely i believe she only stayed in the warsaw pact for two reasons: to somehow destroy the ussr oh and also taking care of eg since shes still a teenager. im like, 99% sure the two got into arguments daily. they genuinely hate eachother more than anyone, and whatever the fuck perestroika didn't help. at best she was tolerant of him, at worst she was actively trying to kill him. she hates him for everything he stands for as well as his treatment of eg. despite her thing for long and petty grudges, she could tell that that girl could do no wrong from the start. the two have a very mother-daughter like relationship

she has both of her wings and they work just fine! although for a long time they didnt lol. i believe during ww2 they got fucked up during the destruction of warsaw (since that was pretty much the moment that armie krawoja lost its footing and poland became a guaranteed soviet puppet state after the war) and it took until her eventual leaving of the warsaw pact for them to be fully functional again. it's a fun little metaphor for freedom, i guess.

the cross she wears on her neck isn't actually because she's super religious. it was originally a small postwar act of spite against the soviet union, but eventually it kinda just became part of her outfit. she still isn't super religious, most countries arent due to their inherent personification of a whole ass landmass. unless it's like, the vatican or something JAJA

she is a hardcore alcoholic. it's, uh, not good, but it has quite literally been going on since pre-interwar. although she has gotten better with not downing like, 3 bottles of vodka in 1 sitting. she mostly just drinks beer at this point, unless she's like, really stressed for whatever reason. hey, old habits die hard. if i were being constantly harassed and assaulted by my neighbors i too would probably have some sort of addiction to a substance at this point. a random poland fun fact, the national drink is vodka.

her signature item (an item of which a country has associated themselves with and can now summon at will) is a hussar sabre as gifted to her by her father (the polish-lithuanian commonwealth). she cherishes it greatly and can use the sword quite well in combat. 10/10 would bring it to a gunfight.

due to her time spent in annexation for like, 100 years, she's pretty good at playing piano. on her spare time she'll play it rather leniently. admittedly, she doesn't have many hobbies. she sort of reads most of the day when not out with people.

wait how have i got this far without talking about her friends. she's good friends with the folk in the lublin triangle (lithuania (whos also her sister lol) and ukraine) and the visegrad group (czechia, slovakia, hungary) as well as all formerly in the eastern bloc. she would die for them and genuinely wishes nothing but the best for them. theyre also one of the few people who can actually tolerate her for long periods of time.

while it doesn't tend to show, she is very wary of france and britain specifically due to ww2. france especially, actually, considering the whole duchy of warsaw situation. for a long time she genuinely believed france was going to help her get her freedom. as you can see, that did not turn out, and nowadays the relationship between the two tends to be strained, only amplified by the russo-ukrainian war. she tends to interject on anything france is saying in an eu meeting with a sarcastic remark, especially if it's about war. she doesn't forget and she doesn't forgive.

uhhh i hope this suffices? i felt like this basically the entire time i was writing this

edit nope nvm im adding more i forgot to talk about interwar poland

ok so. interwar and postwar poland are basically two seperate people at this point. like, not literally, poland didnt fucking die in the war lol but personality and appearancewise they're completely different. as opposed to current poland's rather brash, loud, and belligerent personality, interwar poland was very quiet. he's much closer to that "fanon" poland. while, yeah he still was pretty fierce. it was much harder to get him to that point than it is now. he was pretty pacifistic all things considered.. he also at the time worked at a library doing archival things.. nowadays her job primarily consists of doing paperwork, which she doesn't mind all that much all things considered.

edit 08/08/23: her """"government assigned"""" username is probableLiability.

[ne-hny-patyk]

so, uh, I should be doing homework, but what do I do instead? Write songs. Which I can't do

So, after I've seen @i-sold-my-soul-to-kaamelott 's "Poe Party musical" idea, I decided that I want to write Fyodor's songs. I imagine his first song is before Eddie dies, and the song reprise is sang before Fyodor himself dies. So, uh, let's do this

Note: I wrote all the words from other languages how they are pronounced

Na Zdorov'ye

Well, you know, we're, the Russians

Are, actually, a friendly nation

So let me tell you a fraction

Of our everyday cominicatioooon

If you bring someone their plate

Filled with fish or a piece of cake

They thank you brightly, lovely, lively

And what do you say? "Na zdorov'ye"

Edgar: it doesn't rhyme

Oscar: but it's fun

Ernest: unlike your poems, Edgar

If you're on a party, like we do

And you brought vodka, for all of ye'

And you raise your cups for all of you

And what do you say?

Ernest and Fyodor: "Za zdorov'ye"

Fyodor: oh, you know!

Ernest: of course I do

And when it's spring, the flowers bloom

And everyone sneezes, as you do

And what do they say for yoouuu?

"Bud' zdorov"!

Edgar: you've changed the rhyming

Ernest: shut up!

And you shall remember my words

When you visit our homes

Lenore: I don't think so

HG: maybe in the nearest or furthest future

And if you did something wrong on your way

And the police shows up in the mid of the day

What do they say? "Zdraviya zhelayu"!

Anne: how do you even spell that?

[Fyodor takes a sip]

Dance with me! Sing with me!

Everyone: what?

George: I can't dance, I am a man!

Ernest: I'm certainly not drunk enough for this [drinks]

"Na zdorov'ye", " Za zdorov'ye"

"Za zdravje" in Poland

Before and today and

For foreveeeeer

We'll say such nice words for you

Edgar: please, stop

Mary: I agree

[Everyone agrees, except Ernest, who mumbles incomprehensibly in tune with Fyodor]

Na Zdorov'ye (Reprise)

I tried to be nice with you

'Cause it's such a nice party, yay (mockingly)

But it wasn't really enough for you

Well, "na zdorov'ye"

Why am I always a suspect,

Have I done something wrong?

Or do they think I'm a market

Full of drunk songs?

I am a writer,

That's the person I am

Living is harder

For me than for any man

I see past the surface,

I see a world filled with lies,

I see a liar with a mace,

I see how the truth just dies.

And then I just wish Death hits me with an axe...

[and then Fyodor is murdered]

[rabbitcruiser]

National Vodka Day

Raise your glass and have a toast to one of the world’s most versatile spirits, vodka. Try infusing your own vodka, buying a new flavor, or making a new cocktail.

National Vodka Day is a great time to raise your glasses to one of the world’s favorite alcoholic drinks. While vodka is often associated with Russia, and some of the finest and most expensive vodkas in the world come from there, it is a drink that is produced in many countries and enjoyed all over the world.

History of National Vodka Day

Vodka is the Slavic word for ‘little water’ and is traditionally made by mixing water with distilled grains or potatoes, although today many popular brands add flavorings such as fruits and sugars.

It is believed that this drink first came into existence in the Middle Ages, perhaps sometime during the 8th or 9th centuries. Vodka has slightly different varieties that seems to have originated not only in Russia, but also in Poland as well as in Sweden. It seems that some of the first people to distill this drink from grains or potatoes were religious monks.

Records indicate that the word “vodka” was used in Russia sometime in the late 14th century. It is known that the Genoese ambassadors brought vodka to Moscow to present it to the Grand Duke in 1386. After another few hundred years, after the Russian Revolution in 1917, when vodka began to spread throughout Europe.

It wasn’t until after WWII that the popularity of vodka began to grow all throughout the world, particularly when it landed firmly on the shores of North America. Although it was originally almost tasteless and odorless, over the last decades that has changed. Creative differences in flavors, aromas, combinations and varieties have taken over the production of vodka around the world. But its neutral flavor has continued to contribute to its popularity as it makes an incredible base for a host of different mixed drinks and cocktails.

Purists of this distilled drink are known to only enjoy vodka neat, but it makes the perfect mixer and is the main ingredient in many favorite cocktails, including the martini, the screwdriver and the Bloody Mary.

The Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, Vodka Gimlet, White Russian and so many more drinks have become standard for bartenders at restaurants and in homes all throughout the world. All thanks to Vodka.

Now it’s time to celebrate National Vodka Day!

How to Celebrate National Vodka Day

Get on board with the fun and enjoyment of celebrating National Vodka Day using a few of these ideas or coming up with some of your own:

Try Out a New Variety of Vodka

While preferences for this drink can certainly be subjective, the experts in the field of liquor have put out a list of their favorite, best, top-of-the-line vodkas that would be perfect to enjoy in celebration of National Vodka Day. (Of course, responsible drinking is of the utmost importance.)

Try out one of these on the list as a way to appreciate the day:

Hangar 1. This vodka originating from the California region has interesting tasting notes of orange, cinnamon and white pepper, and its alcohol by volume is 40%. The brand is a small batch vodka that was birthed in an old airplane hanger (thus, the name) by St. George Spirits in 2002. It’s still produced at the old Naval Air Station on San Francisco Bay.

Ketel One, Cucumber and Mint. As flavored vodkas go, this one reigns supreme. From the Netherlands, this vodka has a slightly lower alcohol by volume, at only 60 proof. It offers only flavors that are naturally extracted from cucumber and mint, without any additives, and it’s perfect for light and summery drinks.

Beluga Noble. Bringing flavors from where the story began, this Russian Vodka provides a clean, crisp flavor that is perfect for simply drinking cold and neat. Made using a pure water source and expert filtration, the result is this 80 proof vodka that is “clean like a tear”.

Air Vodka. Purists everywhere will delight in the idea that this vodka is made using only the purest of ingredients: water, carbon dioxide and sunshine. Made in New York, this vodka is produced using solar-powered technology that removes greenhouse gases from the air and eliminates the need for farming, irrigation or depletion of resources. And it’s 40% alcohol by volume is smooth and light.

Give the Gift of Vodka

Share in the delight of the day by bringing a bottle of vodka to a special friend, family member, boss or coworker who absolutely loves it. They’ll be so appreciative of the gesture–and perhaps they’ll even open the bottle right away so that you can share a little toast together. Cheers!

Try Vodka Fusion

This is a fun activity that promotes the art of fusing individual flavors and varieties into vodka. Think of it as a painting where the vodka acts as the “blank canvas”. The process usually only takes 3-5 days, or longer depending on personal taste–and the strength of the flavors that are being infused.

Unique and original flavors abound when it comes to letting the creative juices flow into vodka! Some people have gone far beyond the norm with flavors such as Fruit Loops or Root Beer or Peanut Butter and Jelly. The sky’s the limit!

Consider these ideas for making a vodka fusion of your own:

Fruit Infusion Vodka. One of the most popular ways to infuse vodka is by using fruits. Cranberry, mango, strawberry, watermelon and lime are just the beginning. This is also a great way to use up the last of a pile of figs, or the end of the bushel of peaches. 80 proof vodka works well for this and using 2 cups of chopped fruit to 2-3 cups of vodka is a great measurement.

Peppermint Infusion Vodka. Great for enjoying at holiday parties or giving as gifts, this version simply uses 5 full sized peppermint candy canes in 1.5 cups of vodka. Deliciously festive and sweet, Santa will be happy to enjoy some as he spends time delivering gifts!

Herbed Fusion Vodka. Graze the herb garden to find some unique flavors that will complement vodka. Rosemary, vanilla bean, lavender, ginger, garlic, horseradish and chamomile are just a few ideas for National Vodka Day infusions. These delightful herbal vodka infusions are healthful and delicious.

Candy Corn Vodka Fusion. Take Halloween to the next level by dropping a handful of candy corn (½ cup) into a mason jar of vodka (1 ½ cups) and let it sit for several days, or even a week. Serve with cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and seltzer for a delicious Candy Corn Cocktail.

Join a National Vodka Day Event or Celebration

National Vodka Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a new cocktail or try one of the hundreds of different brands of vodka. Many bars and restaurants hold special promotions and tastings to encourage drinkers to celebrate this well-loved spirit. Check online or a local event bulletin board to find out what’s on in the community!

Source

[erzherzog-von-edelstein]

Facade and Fascination

Characters: Prussia, Russia

Ships: RusPru

Summary: Prussia offers Russia a chance at vengeance for being shut out of the Versailles treaty.

----------------------------------

Russia watched with some trepidation as the gleaming black Mercedes, adorned with little red flags pulled into the driveway. He had been anticipating this meeting since it had been arranged over the phone, but now that he was faced with actually going through with it he felt a sinking sense of dread. What if his words failed him and he made a fool out of himself? He still felt like an outsider on the European stage and having a part in European politics still felt awkward to him. Now was worse than before because he was still in the process of pulling together his identity after the revolution and the civil war.

The door of the car opened and Prussia emerged. The fading light of the evening played across the white skin and gave the features an otherworldly softness that made Russia's breath catch in his throat. He had desperately hoped that he would be meeting with Germany, not Prussia. Being so close to a man he felt such a strong attraction to would not help with his awkward nature. Temptation was hard to resist, especially when it was presented like this.

He watched as the albino gave orders to one of the soldiers that were accompanying him. His quick sharp words were clear even though he couldn't hear them. The albino's movements were very deliberate. Russia found his mind slipping into thoughts of how he could soften those gestures, how he could get those words to turn to sweet nothings. He desperately wanted it, but he knew that Prussia felt very little for him.

Russia slowly let the red curtain he had been holding back to look out the window slip between his fingers. He willed his thundering heart to be silent, but it seemed to be futile. He took a deep breath and consciously put on his icy façade. It would help him keep himself in order; it seemed to be effective with every other country. They always turned away out of fear. Perhaps more importantly, it would hide how he was really feeling. He had his orders, he was to finalize an agreement and that was all. He turned and walked to the door, signaling for it to be opened as he did so.

The house he was occupying now was the same he had lived in during the tsarist years, but it had been stripped of all signs of the monarchy. Thus, the front doors were still the grand sweeping doors that required two men to open. As the door was pulled open, the courtyard and driveway were revealed. Prussia walked through the door without even breaking step. Once inside, he looked directly at Russia and said, "Guten Tag, Ivan. I assume you know why I am here."

His voice was hard, clearly emotionless. Russia hardly heard the words; he was busy looking over the uniform that Prussia was wearing. He had seen an SS uniform before, but nobody filled it out the way Prussia did. The folds of the fabric bent in just the right places to show the curves under the clothing. Russia could see the strong shoulders. He saw the subtle bulge of pectoral muscle, the soft slope of a well-muscled abdomen. The sleek black belt cinched the fabric in around the waist. Russia wondered errantly if both of his hands could fit around that lithe waist with the clothing out of the way. He could pull the albino against himself and feel that heart pounding for something other than war.

He smiled and said, "It's a pleasure to see you, Gilbert. I've been rather alone since the revolution." He ignored Prussia's attempt to jump straight to business, which would end this encounter. As much as he had been dreading it, a sudden confidence was overtaking him. He had survived a communist revolution and shaped himself into a stronger country. He shouldn't be bound by the old doubts, especially when it came to Prussia.

The albino responded, "I'm here to finalize our treaty, not as company." His voice was cold and the words were clinical. But, it was not discouraging. Russia replied smoothly, "Such haste. It's rather suspicious." Prussia's eyes widened slightly.

He took a small step closer to the other country. His composure returned with a confident smile, "Oh, I wouldn't want to be arousing your suspicions; I want you on our side." He chose the intonation carefully. It made a slight shiver pass over Russia's skin, making goose bumps visible on what little of his skin was exposed. He responded, "So, shall we put pleasantries before business?"

The albino nodded sharply and said, "Very well." Russia smirked; the agreement was exactly what he wanted. He turned and started to walk down the hall. As he did, he said, "Follow me, I don't want to discuss terms in the foyer." He walked through a series of rooms before coming to the room he had ordered prepared for this discussion. It was a large room with windows to let in the last of the sunrays.

Russia stopped at the door and let the other walk past him. The walk was the carefully measured gate of a solider, but every so often the right foot would roll almost imperceptibly inward. The slight wear on the inside arch of the black boot showed that this was habitual. Russia liked it, the little imperfection that showed the human underneath the discipline. Prussia turned sharply on his heel and looked around. He said, "I remember this room."

Russia immediately recognized why and it wasn't a pleasant memory for him. He said grudgingly, "This is where we signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk." The albino responded with a short shake of his head, "That wasn't what I was thinking of. I was actually thinking of when we used to have Holy Alliance meetings here." He pointed to an empty spot on the wall and said, "I remember the Romanov crest used to hang there."

Russia smiled to himself. It was an encouraging sign that Prussia remembered such minute details. However, he couldn't help but feel that the comment about the now extinct royal family was a commentary on the current regime. It was, however, easier to give the albino the benefit of the doubt. He decided to change the subject, "You should sit, and we have matters to discuss."

The albino nodded and walked over to the pair of couches that Russia had gestured to. When he sat, Prussia took off his hat and laid it down on the table. His white hair was combed into immaculate order and held firmly in place. As he sat on the opposite side of the table, Russia wondered what it would be like to run his fingers through that hair. He had always imagined it to be soft like no other human hair, maybe because it reminded him of the soft fur of an arctic rabbit. He had often envisioned what it would be like to brush back that hair when it was disheveled and stuck to pale skin with a layer of sweat.

There was a bottle of vodka sitting on the table with a pair of glasses flanking it. Russia picked up the bottle and poured an equal amount of liquid into each glass. He then pushed one across the table towards the other. The albino looked down at it and said, "If I remember correctly, if I don't drink you won't trust me."

The Russian responded, "Exactly, I won't trust a man who won't drink with me." The albino picked up the glass and smirked, "If we are to be allies, it would be best if we trusted each other." He then put the glass to his lips and took a substantial drink. Russia then did the same.

Next, he took a package of cigarettes and offered one to the albino. He knew that it was in fashion to smoke, so it was polite to offer one to his guest. But, Prussia shook his head, "I don't smoke. It's a self-destructive habit." Russia laughed slightly, attempting to make conversation, "And you don't indulge in any of those?"

The other didn't look ruffled, but he did change the subject. Prussia laid a piece of paper on the table and said, "This is the non-aggression pact, exactly as you agreed to it with my brother. All that's left is for you and I to sign it in good faith." He offered the pen to Russia, who didn't take it. He had his misgivings about this deal that he had been waiting to ask in person.

His gaze did pass over the hand holding the pen. The skin was clearly marred by callouses from years of holding a sword. It was a sign that being a military country left a permanent mark. He could tell that if those hands touched his skin, they would feel pleasantly rough. Russia spoke, "I have some questions to ask you before I will sign." Prussia looked taken aback, his eyebrows arched imperceptibly more. The expression itself was exciting, the human within again slipped through the conditioning. The little imperfections were what Russia longed to see, they spoke to a complexity that was so well hidden beneath façade.

The albino spoke, "I thought the terms had already been agreed on." Russia laughed slightly, "That's not what I want to ask. I understand the terms. We launch a joint attack on Poland, and then we remain allies against whatever comes from that."

The albino sharply cut in, "If you understand that, then there is nothing for us to discuss." The abrupt interruption was completely normal for Prussia; it was his nature when he was stressed. Russia put up his hand to silence the other and said, "Patience, Gilbert, I understand what the pact says, but what I don't understand is why you sought me out for an alliance."

The other sighed out of relief and quickly responded, "My brother and I need your strength. You've grown into quite the industrial nation." His red eyes fixed themselves on Russia. Those eyes were expressive; the melting ruby was full of emotion. Russia could see admiration within the red depths. It took him a second to realize that it was admiration for him; it just seemed foreign that Prussia would have any reason to admire him.

It was enough to make him feel like he was melting on the inside, but the answer wasn't actually the one he wanted. He clarified, "Strength is one thing, and ideology is another. I understand that your ideology views me as everything that's wrong."

This was the important point and the one that had bothered Russia since Germany had contacted them. He had watched the fiery anti-communist rhetoric of the Nazi party rise and felt even threatened by it. For a country so entrenched in the idea of hating communist to reach out to Russia, a country that represented the pinnacle of communism, seemed very strange.

Prussia laughed, "Ivan, you shouldn't worry about that. Despite what Hitler may rave about, I know who is really on my side." His red eyes seemed to see right through Russia, who felt a strange flutter in his stomach. He had imagined what it would be like to see affection in those crimson orbs, but he had never actually seen it. In this moment, it was there. It was warm and the warmth was spreading to Russia.

The albino continued to talk, "You are one of the very few people who I can still trust. You didn't conspire against me in Versailles. You've never betrayed me, which is more than I can say for any of my former friends." The feeling of warmth rapidly spread through Russia at the words. It was an entirely new feeling for him.

He responded, "Thank you for that, Gilbert." He reached out and signed the agreement. The action was enough for a broad smile to appear on the albino's face. Russia had seen a smile like that fair few times on Prussia's face. He took the pen from Russia and signed the agreement. There was a refined elegance in the stroke of Prussia's signature, an old habit left from the days of the Enlightenment. It was those little quirks that made the albino so fascinating.

Russia ran his tongue over his dry lips and spoke, attempting to continue the conversation, "I get the feeling that nothing is going to be the same after this." He didn't want the conversation to end, because he wanted to continue to observe Prussia. Now that duty was out of the way, it was likely that the albino would leave. The German's smile didn't disappear, instead he said, "You have no idea how true that is. We are going to redraw the map of Europe."

A manic fire lit in the back of the red eyes. It burned with a frightening intensity. Prussia continued talking, "I will get my revenge on everyone who wronged me at Versailles. You are an integral part of that revenge, Ivan." The cold that seeped into the voice was completely new. There was something about it that sent a strange feeling through Russia. He knew that he projected that kind of coldness, but he hadn't expected to see it from anyone else. For a moment he felt like there was a connection between them that had never existed before.

Russia almost believed that if he closed the space between them, he would find no resistance. He could put his lips against Prussia's and taste the tongue that spoke such sweet clever words. He wanted to believe that he would be able to run his hand down the inner thigh of the other and find no objection. But, he didn't make the movement, instead simply saying, "You've changed, Gilbert. You've never sounded so cruel before."

Prussia's red eyes narrowed but he didn't react as though he was insulted. He smirked and said, "Is that such a bad thing? The rest of Europe has been cruel to my brother, why should I not retaliate in kind?" Even with the cold words, Russia could hear a brother's love in the voice. It was the kind of pure love he had never seen from his own selfish siblings.

He voiced it, "You really love Ludwig, don't you?" The albino nodded, "I would do anything for him, anything to keep him safe and happy." Russia leaned forward slightly. The words awoke certain boldness in him. He wanted that sort of love directed at him and if he could reach out and touch Prussia, he could have that. However, he was held back by his doubt. Russia doubted that the other's affection for him extended beyond anything but admiration.

Prussia leaned slightly forward as well and said, "You've changed as well. When we sent Lenin back to you, I knew it would change you but I had no idea how much. You've become so much stronger, so much more powerful." The praise was delivered in what was almost a purr, making another shiver pass over Russia's skin. It made the last of his restraint disappear completely. He leaned the rest of the way forward and put his hand on the albino's soft white cheek. The skin felt better than he had imagined, it was not inordinately soft, but it felt perfect. Russia couldn't stop a small smile from appearing on his face.

But, the moment was short. Prussia stood up quickly, pulling himself away from the hand. He swept both the agreement and his hat off the table with a single movement. He said evasively, "I need to get this back to Berlin." He didn't even glance at Russia as he put his hat firmly back on his head.

Russia felt all the confidence he had gathered drain away. He again felt like the awkward boy he had been, the outsider not welcome in Europe or Asia. The only option was to put back up his cold front and act like he was unfazed. He said, "Leaving so soon?"

The albino glared at him and said, "I have to get the agreement back to Ludwig by tomorrow." Russia sighed, accepting that his chance was gone. He replied with the best neutral response he could come up with, "I will see you in Warsaw and soon I expect." Prussia responded, "Yes, very soon."

[good-times-with-theo]

Power AU (Nations’ Powers)

Hey guys! So, recently I’ve been watching MHA (My Hero Academia) And I got inspired to make an AU based off of it! I only have the powers of a few nations figured out, but I hope you guys like it! -------------- Britain - Power: Fire and Spells Usage: Fire is the main attack element, whilst spells are the power source. Cons: Possibility of broken bones/other wounds, comas as well. Gender: Trans (FtM) Sexuality: Bisexual Age: Unknown Likes: Chamomile Tea America - Power: Explosion Usage: Can create small and large explosions with his hands. Cons: Burn scars/wounds from overuse. Gender: Male Sexuality: Heterosexual Age: 243 Likes: Coca-Cola France - Power: Water Usage: Can create strong rainstorms from the moisture in the air. Cons: Stamina is drained easily. Gender: Non-Binary Sexuality: Pansexual Age: Unknown Likes: Macrons Portugal - Power: Ice Usage: Can freeze moisture in the air (possibly can be mixed with a rainstorm to create hailstorms). Cons: Frostbite and high risk of hypothermia. Gender: Female Sexuality: Lesbian Age: 900 Likes: Red wine Spain - Power: Electricity Usage: Can create electric currents from his own hands.  Cons: Can cause black outs if overpowering. Gender: Male Sexuality: Homosexual Age: 508 Likes: Tinto de Verano (“Summer Red Wine”) Canada - Power: Animal Whisper  Usage: Can call animals during battles by mimicking mating calls.  Cons: Sore throat and loss of voice after too many uses. Gender: Agender Sexuality: Asexual Age: 152 Likes: Canada Dry Ginger Ale Australia - Power: Shapeshift  Usage: Can change himself and others into animals.  Cons: Animal instincts linger more than human instincts. Gender: Trans (FtM) Sexuality: Pansexual Age: 118 Likes: Milo Poland - Power: Draw Create Usage: Can draw anything and make it come to life. Cons: Cramped wrist and tiredness. Gender: Female Sexuality: Bisexual Age: 118 Likes: Orangeade Germany - Power: Multi-Arms Usage: Has four arms that he can use to do multiple tasks and fight multiple people in battle. Cons: Risk of losing an arm, loss of massive stamina. Gender: Male Sexuality: Homosexual Age: 91 Likes: Carolinen Third Reich - Power: Poison Breath, Warp Gate Usage: Can create venom from the air and teleport people through portals. Cons: Unknown. Gender: Male Sexuality: Heterosexual Age: 25 Likes: German beer Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - Power: Cloning, Brainwash Usage: Can create his own clones and brainwashed others into doing his bidding. Cons: Mental exhaustion, strain on arms. Gender: Male Sexuality: Bisexual Age: 69 Likes: Vodka Imperial Japan - Power: Switchblade Usage: Can turn his arm into the blade of a sword. Cons: Possibility of broken arm(s). Gender: Male Sexuality: Heterosexual Age: 152 Likes: Herbal Tea Kingdom of Italy - Power: Healing Usage: Can heal others in battle, along with animals and other subjects. Cons: Strain on hands; causes certain bruises. Gender: Male Sexuality: Aromantic Age: 98 Likes: Tiger’s Blood (Strawberry & Coconut drink)

[ask-aph-baltics]

Poland and Russia maybe talking with eachother without anu fight?

The bar near the Convention Center was a great place for nations to go and Poland thought that maybe, tonight, he’d sit and try to drink in public. His nerves tore at him but he wanted to try and make some kind of effort to be around people. Poland didn’t trust a lot of nations, or people, or really anyone. Sometimes, he doubted trusting himself. 

“Okay, you can do this.” Poland talked himself up, a fierce look on his face. “It’s just, like, go in, order a drink, sit, look human, be human, act human, you. are. a. human.” He stopped walking and reached into his long coat and pulled out a small keychain plush of a pink cat, “We got this, we totally got this, right?”

The plush toy said nothing back but that was okay. Poland accepted that he was the quiet type too and simply nodded at the keychain.

“I agree.” He put it back into his coat and shuffled closer to the bar.

The exterior of the business was filled with cars and motorcycles and various other types of ‘scary people’ types of things; like a minivan. Poland shuddered at the size of it, knowing those held the potential to carry a lot of people.

“Hello, I am a human.” He mumbled to himself before realizing what he was saying and pausing. “Wait, I totally am a human.” He slapped himself lightly on his head before rushing over to the door, “In fact, I’m totally normal!” He was made in God’s image, after all.

Poland hastily made his way to an empty barstool, doing his best to tune out the crowd of people inside. He was there for one purpose and one purpose only. Drink alcohol.

After sitting and contemplating what to do about how to go about ordering, Poland finally placed his order for a Screwdriver and unzipped his jacket, getting as comfortable as he could inside the establishment.

Once he received his drink he began to suck on it slowly while scrolling down on his cell phone a bit here and there checking Instagram for the latest fashion trends and sexy outfits that people had been posting about. A few likes later and having downed the first Screwdriver, Poland ordered a second drink and continued going.

“Feliks?” A familiar voice called out from behind, “Is that you?”

It wasn’t that Poland was purposely ignoring the voice but he was just really bad at remembering he was Feliks. So instead of a reply, he just continued to poke at his phone and sip his drink. 

“Feliiiiiiks.” The voice said again, this time it sounded nearly on top of him, and ran shivers down his spine. 

“Are you talking to m-” Poland turned around to see Russia standing there with a polite and familiar smile across his face.

Russia swayed side to side and motioned towards the empty stool next to Poland, “May I?”

There was a long, long moment of silence. Poland didn’t like Russia… and Russia didn’t particularly like Poland, either. They’d been rivals for as long as Poland could remember.

After a few more seconds of staring, Poland shrugged, “Yeah, sure.” It wasn’t like he was scared of Russia or anything.

Russia smiled and moved to the seat, his bulky body sitting down with a strange amount of grace. Grace that one would not expect could come from a man who looked as if he could rip a tree in half with his bare hands. 

He ordered a drink for himself and, surprisingly, a drink for Poland as well.

Poland raised an eyebrow at the free drink, “Thanks.” He said with a still voice, “Um, I guess.” He started to get suspicious. Russia was known for some friendly acts but sometimes they came with a catch. “So, like, did you want something?”

Russia shook his head, “No, not really.” He wavered, taking his freshly arrived drink and cracking it open. Typical of him, he’d get a whole bottle of Vodka. “I just happened to come in here and see you…” 

“Like…” Poland glanced around the bar. There was plenty of empty seats although it was still crowded. “Kay…” He picked up the drink Russia bought him and examined it quickly before taking a sniff of it. It seemed fine. “Weird to see you here…” He added.

Russia took a swig of vodka and let out a deep sigh, “Sometimes I like to come here…” He mumbled, “To be around others…”

Poland turned away and stared vacantly ahead of himself. That was the whole reason he had come there, too. “Yeah.” He agreed, sipping his drink, “Even though I’m just sitting here alone, I feel like I’m actually apart of… their world.” He was serious with his words, a rarity for the Pole.

“Do you ever wonder what it must be like?” asked Russia, seemingly lost in thought. “To be one of them?”

Poland’s stomach tightened and he looked down at the countertop. His chest felt as if it was getting heavier and heavier as emotion tried to fight its way out of him. He pushed it back, “Only every minute of every day.” He brushed his hair behind his ear, then continued to drink. 

Russia made a sound of agreement and took another swig. “Me too…” He adjusted his scarf, “That’s why I’ve decided to come here tonight. So I could feel like one of them.” He hummed a bit, “We’re not of their world though…”

“That doesn’t mean we can’t pretend.” Poland gave Russia a solid look in the eyes, he was firm, signalling too he wasn’t up for any games, yet making an honest proposal. “Let’s try to be like them tonight.”

Russia cocked his head in confusion, but he listened, although the look Poland gave seemed to make him a bit nervous. “Tonight, you’re not Russia. I’m not Poland…” Poland held up his glass, “We’re just a couple of Slavic guys chilling in a bar, whatcha say?” He sounded more upbeat at the end of his statement.

Russia let out a small smile, “I like that.” He tapped Poland’s glass, “To being human!” 

“To being human!” Poland added, finishing the toast.