#also more flavors from different cultures too which is cool

[dragpinkman]

i got the coolest mushroom tea + lemonade idk what its going to taste like i have no idea what kind of tea it is im going to be honest i bought it solely for its great packaging it looks so cool

[mirakurutaimu]

Opinion on Ral Zarek now being an Otter in both meanings of the word?

rant time i talked about this on Twitter a bit yesterday but it's so fucking stupid. like it's kinda cute that Bloomburrow has the kingdom hearts lion king world "if you go here you're an animal while you're here" thing, but also the only thing we were really told about Bloomburrow leading up to it was "there will be no humans on the plane". so we're all like oh shit, cool, sounds like it's gonna be its own unique thing without a bunch of Dudes You Know in it since there's no humans in it, right? we can finally escape the cycle of banal, tropey sets that are mostly just "Characters From Magic's History Dress Up In Costumes" (MKM, Cowpokez, NEO, Capenna) but nope. of course not. if you planeswalk/omenpath to bloomburrow, you turn into a furry! now watch them sell secret lair packs of fur-tfed planeswalkers, because of course every set needs to be a vehicle for a bunch of stupid gimmicky Products™️ they can sell to gamers with extremely loose wallets

oh, yeah, and alongside this announcement was that they're cutting off printing of portuguese cards. it's not the Biggest deal since I've heard firsthand in non-English speaking countries that they usually just end up using the English cards anyways (gee I wonder if this has anything to do with the globalization of American culture lol no problems there). but they only decided to cut off the printing of portuguese (and simplified chinese) cards because they're facing a 2% drop in profits this year... because of all the stupid royalty fees they're paying on their dumbass Universes Beyond crossover bullshit lol

i've loved Magic since i started playing in high school, but as of late that love has been waning a good bit. the game is so bogged down by corporate product shilling bullshit. every card needs 900 alternate arts. 900 alternate borders. every set needs a hideous alternate card treatment. every set needs 56 different kinds of booster packs. no more Block-format releases, no more core sets, just products, products, products, products.

i used to be a big fan of Commander/EDH, but ever since it really caught on and Wizards/Hasbro decided "well, this is the most popular gamemode, we now need to design the entire game around it" and it kinda completely ruined commander imo. what was once a gamemode about running weird, niche interactions and building something with a unique flavor or playstyle now boils down to "well, just pick one of the 92849634796782435678 legendary creatures they've been printing for the past few years and run all these extremely pushed commander staples they keep printing" and it just ain't fun anymore. gotta sit down at the table and look at entire Doctor Who decks and Transformers cards and Tomb Raider cards and etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc. Commander tables are just fucking billboards now lmao

it's very clear WOTC/Hasbro has no idea what to do now that they did the Giant Multiverse-Ending Threat of the Phyrexians in All Will Be One. much like the marvel movie franchise which MTG has been so emulating for years now (AND HAS EVEN SIGNED A FUCKING CROSSOVER DEAL WITH AS OF LAST YEAR, SEE YOU IN 2025 THANOS COMMANDER DECK), we're at the period where they're just throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks, twiddling their thumbs with these boring, tropey sets, all the while drowning players in a deluge of alternate arts, secret lairs, crossovers, etc. a common complaint among magic's playerbase is that nowadays they're literally selling too much shit. preview/teasers season for one set will immediately be followed by previews and teasers for another set. there's no time for anything to breathe it's just buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy.

anyways stop giving hasbro money, print proxies and play magic for free :)

[faulty-writes]

hi uh I was wondering if you could maybe write an Indian reader x Bakugou? Indian weddings are a lot different than American ones, and I just think it would be really cute to see him get along with relatives of a different culture maybe, like him in Indian clothes, eating Indian food ( I know he likes spicy food so that’s up his alley) and maybe even learning a certain language too. I speak Tamil, but the majority of India speaks Hindi so that would be cool too :D

[ Sounds good. I hope I did your request justice my dear, Queen Piranhadon. ]

It was an honor to meet Katsuki Bakugou, otherwise known as "Ground Zero", during your family's brief stay in Japan. The intricately woven designs embedded in the fabric of your vibrant and colorful outfit immediately caught his attention. "Tch and just what the hell are you supposed to be?" He demanded, not realizing the cultural difference between the two of you.

When you tell Katsuki about your culture, traditions, and home life, he wears a scowl the whole time. Yet, he does acknowledge that participation in the celebrations you mentioned would be interesting if only to boost his ratings.

"Eh? What's the matter?! What's with those damn looks!?" Your family initially feels intimidated by him, which is understandable given his personality. Even so, they are friendly and compliment him for his strong-willed nature.

Food wasn't necessarily one of his guilty pleasures, and he usually didn't compliment anyone, but the flavor combination of Indian food and spices like cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder had his tongue dancing. Yes, he enjoyed spicy food and began visiting your family frequently for more delicious home-cooked meals.

"What the hell kind of language is this!?" he snapped, quickly growing frustrated as you tried to teach him some basic phrases in Hindi. Despite his frustration, he enjoyed learning new things because he had the heart of an academic student beneath his tough exterior.

Despite your cultural differences, Katsuki was protective of you whenever you faced discrimination or prejudice because of your background and made sure to shut whoever up quickly. Usually, this was done with his fists.

"Don't laugh, dumbass!" He demanded. It never occurred to him that your family would make him a traditional outfit from your culture. You were delighted to see him dressed in a maroon kurta, a vibrant nehru jacket over the kurta, white churidar pants, and golden jutti shoes.

While he wasn't known for his humor, he appreciated that the two of you could joke about your cultural differences, such as how greetings in Indian culture usually mean a hug or a firm handshake, while greetings in Japanese culture usually refrained from touching each other.

"Oh, don't act so damn surprised dumbass..." Although he knew you'd have to return to your own life, he didn't want to leave your side. So instead, he surprised you on the day of your departure and informed you that he was also going to your home country, and there was no room for arguments.

[aylinvail]

Tanna Talk: This Week in the Rogue Trader (Video Game) AO3 fandom (March 24- 30 2024)

"Oh, yes, a dance was never just a dance. It was also a display of the soul. It was love, and war, and didn’t they say that all was fair in love and war ?" - Tapestry of Fate, Ch. 34.

Lots of new plot bunnies this week in the trenches. Anyway, this is user aylinvail reporting to you live over vox caster from the Starseeker Bridge.

Cool new fics

Maybe the fic did something new. Maybe it innovated. Maybe it's an entirely new concept we haven't seen yet. A non-comprehensive list.

Two sides of the same Aquila - An AU where the Warrant of Trade is held by two most incompatible individuals in the Koronus Expanse. A series of pivotal moments of their relationship where they need to learn to share the power, space and an Interrogator in order to make it out alive. BOY THAT IS FRESH @vitanithepure.

Eliminate - A fic about Epitaph and Calcazar telling Heinrix to kill you. Told in 500 brilliant bittersweet words. @pycnolite's masterclass in how to keep it short and sweet.

Omega von Valancius - OMG @pallysuune has finally brought us the first A/B/O RT fic. As an omega, Violet von Valancius wasn't fit to be the Rogue Trader, and everyone around her seemed to know it too. But no one was more vocal about it than her so-called-peer. Can her actions ever earn his respect, or will she forever be lesser in his eyes?

The First Engagement - I know, I know, but listen. Have you seen a Lord Captain Heinrix x Interrogator RT yet? No. Fits here. Anyway, if you wanted to see what Heinrix is like as a jackass who "summers" in Janus, here ya go.

Who updated?

Here are the longfics that updated this week.

Starseeker - Heinrix/RT intrigue rewrite of game events with Kunrad-related canon divergence. And a shoujo romance.

gossamer of starlight - RT/Yrliet. Yrliet watches her elantach's dynasty fall apart in slow motion. Non chronological.

Predator & Prey - RT/Marazhai. Aurelia von Valancius has a secret. Marazhai Aezyrraesh has a craving. They're perfectly matched opposites, so long as as they can overcome their differences.

Theatre of Hearts - RT/Nocturne of Oblivion arranged marriage. And from what I hear, getting really cultural difference-flavor of interesting.

Much ado about the Lord Captain - A Comedy of Terrors - RT/Heinrix. A retelling of Rogue Trader with tons of pining. A forest of pine trees. And smut.

Immortalium - RT/Heinrix. NEW! From @cawyden-gaming. The story follows Venria von Valancius on her journey of coming to terms with her past and present.

Iron Maidens - Multiship. An Iron Widow x Rogue Trader crossover.

Omnissiah Forgive Me - RT/Pasqal. Pasqal Haneumann owes his life to the Lord Captain, Kassard. When he joined the Lord Captain's retinue, Pasqal found he had got more than he had bargained for. For the Lord Captain was enough for Pasqal's faith to be shaken to its core.

My Knight So Daring - An Imperial Knight!Heinrix x noble!RogueTrader arranged marriage AU. And from what I hear, getting really hot.

Into Temptation - RT/Marazhai/Heinrix. Former Ministorum Priest now Rogue Trader Cassius Von Valancius must contend with his heretical desires for Marazhai. Matters become even more complicated as his feelings for Heinrix Van Calox deepen.

Edge of Daybreak Unbroken - RT/Heinrix. Heretic Rogue Trader gets brought back to the start of the game. Time travel shenanigans ensue.

Once we were - RT/Heinrix. A story following the events of the game, in which Imogene von Valancius allied her dynasty with Xavier Calcazar and brought peace and prosperity to the Koronus Expanse. But neither last long, and the line between hero and heretic is always blurred.

Domino Effect - Multi. Betrayal is terrible. It never comes from one's foes. But instead from those closest. It comes from a place of safety. Of love.

Addendums

they go here. for in case there are late night updates. im out of spoons bros.

[owlbelly]

@winkingvoid said: 

femmes can be venomous; i'm glad folks are finally talking about it more. it's gotten so harmful how much it's tainted the public queer/trans narrative it's still somewhat rare to see any non-femmes represented for more than a token I'd like to think times will change for the better <3

i mean. just to be clear my issue is not with people who consider themselves "femmes" (who, in my experience, are shitty in exactly the same numbers as people who consider themselves any other flavor of gender. some people are just shitty)

it's with the weird seesaw thing that continues to happen in queer/trans cultural spaces - having been out for almost 25 years i've seen it rock back & forth multiple times - where different gender groups go through periods of feeling underrepresented or unfairly treated within their communities & there's usually a big push for "centering" and "uplifting voices" then a period where that's like. the only people it's cool to hear from or talk about. followed usually by a backlash & a swing in the other direction! femmes vs. butches/mascs, trans men vs. trans women, etc. it's exhausting. & it's not as though it's not a real thing happening or like people don't have real reasons to be upset about who's "represented" or has social power, it's just that it's a miserable repeating cycle rather than a real examination of power dynamics with any nuance.

also imo it very rarely maps onto whatever's going on in mainstream culture/media with regard to queer & trans people. like it's always been hilarious to me that the standby is "butch lesbians are the cultural stereotype so we need femme lesbians in movies/tv/etc." but if i asked you to point to an actual butch on a big screen, lmfao. or the thing where most trans-focused mainstream media is still only ever about trans women, but in actual queer/trans spaces & orgs it's often heavily skewed towards trans men & transmasc folks now (which is a change that i also saw juuuust begin to happen in the mid-to-late 00s). ofc "representation" & "visibility" are double edged too & don't make people safe.

anyway as an extremely agender person who still can't escape getting shoved to one side by cis & trans people alike, i would love to see this shit even out eventually & i would love even more for people to just let go of the whole "war of the sexes" divisive nonsense, we literally do not have to reproduce that cishet dynamic in a "progressive" way :')

[fionarara]

HIPSTER KENMA PART 2 WHEN PLEASEEEEE IM OBSESSED

nonni all caps ?? for hipster kenma ?? i thought this idea was an incredibly niche thing in my odd brain which would legit get like zero interaction, i straight up wrote it mostly for myself, so this is a v pleasant surprise (Ｔ▽Ｔ) also, this got longer than expected, but since you requested it with such enthusiasm, i wanted to add in a little extra detail as a treat for you ♡

+ hipster ! kenma . pt. 2 .

(+ part 1 ⇢)

+ hipster ! kenma who feeds his hairless sphynx cat gluten-free food, because he wouldn’t feed his cat a certain diet that he isn’t also on himself

+ hipster ! kenma who thinks much of the fashion industry’s antics are ridiculous for being so overpriced (and that some of their practices can be harmful to the environment), but will drop $375 bucks at a carefully curated, high-end, second-hand designer fashion shop in the arts district on a fresh pair of black jeans, ones that already come pre-ripped and are conveniently labeled as having a 'distressed' look. so edgy. clearly, who needs logical pricing when you can pay a premium to look like you've been through a barbed wire fence? + hipster ! kenma dislikes coffee, because not only is it so acidic on the PH scale, the entire culture surrounding the popular brew (–and yes, he really did call coffee, “the popular brew” when explaining this to you) is so aggressive in prevalent society, as it seemingly promotes an inherent overly capitalist mindset that is so patriarchal. instead, he opts for ~matcha with lion’s mane extract~ for better concentration and whenever he needs a pick-me-up. besides, he prefers things being more chill and calm anyway, and coffee makes him feel too jittery and whacked out + hipster ! kenma doesn’t actually have the best grasp on crypto or stock trading, but from believing and claiming he did, got yaku involved in also investing in that one reddit gamestop stock with him. unfortunately, due to a bad call of not pulling the shares out in time, they lost a considerable amount of money. L. but as short-tempered as yaku used to be, he’s mellowed-out in his older years and only blames himself in the end for even listening to hipster kenma in the first place. anyway it’s cool–when yaku came to visit town from russia, he got taken out by hipster kenma for an evening of partying, all drinks and party drugs on him, as a sort of apology for the risky financial loss—the night ended with the both of them on the floor crying together from reminiscing about past memories and ‘the good ole days’, sheesh + hipster ! kenma who sometimes seems like he hates you, but gets a bit of a kick out of you bringing it up, because whenever you do, he gets to playfully remind you he’s just in resting mode or deep in thought by making the same joke every time, “that’s just my cunty cat face” + hipster ! kenma who is prone to getting some pretty gnarly anxiety at times, so he takes these 15mg edible marijuana gummies to chill himself out. his favorite flavor of THC gummy bear from the packet you gifted him, and which he now regularly takes, is salted caramel and dark chocolate + hipster ! kenma will drag you to see an arthouse docufilm about the music history of video games with modular synthesizers, etc. at this little blackbox theater, complaining that those big blockbuster movie chains are ripping you off by charging way too much for mainstream crap, but then he proceeds to overpay for an overpriced, organic, effervescent, raw kombucha drink once you arrive at the little indie theater (he definitely thinks buying soda at the movie theater is beneath him, “the way i see it, if you want a soda at least make it, like, an actual appropriate setting, go to a carnival and have it with a corn dog.”)

+ hipster ! kenma loves street food. will take you to the local art walk/night market festivals once a month, fascinated by tasting all the different street food vendors and scoping out the community art scene, he’ll even end up treating you with a tasty treat every time from one of the booths. although he doesn’t particularly love overly sweet things, he will especially eat any sweetly-glazed savory snack that comes on a stick. one thing about him that you’ve come to appreciate though is that he doesn’t just gobble down his food, no, hipster kenma actually enjoys taking the time to savor what he consumes while giving insightful commentary on the food’s flavoring, etc. + hipster ! kenma who DIYs…many things, because he figures, let’s be honest, other people can’t be relied upon to make things correctly, not by his standards. especially when it comes to his computer, which of course he built himself: it has a fully transparent case so you can see right through to the whole display of all dazzling gear and deco inside of it, and in his words it had to be, “a state of the art custom loop with full liquid cooling”. you admit the inner flashing lights are pretty and the computer is definitely so decked out, that it's for sure one of the coolest things you’ve ever seen.

+ hipster ! kenma kinda has this weird thing that if he didn’t think of a cool idea for his twitch stream first after seeing it from another popular streamer, then he acts like it’s kinda inherently stupid, mentions how blasé it is to you and his friends, even if deep down he does find the idea interesting or appealing and probably, most definitely, would’ve adopted it himself 

+ hipster ! kenma who can oftentimes hold the belief that adopting a cynical and pessimistic outlook on life makes one more intelligent and analytical, even more sophisticated or enhances his overall cleverness of mind, sad + hipster ! kenma is hot. okay. in such an understated way, which all the more makes him hotter, though he’s not fully aware of his own appeal, or perhaps only mildly—actually attracts a fair amount of bitches when he goes out to the dive bars or local music shows, ones who aren’t intimidated by his sort of mysterious appearance or superior demeanor which is bound to come off a little pretentious, but in truth, he’s actually a bit insecure and shy about being approached so often and therefore tends to stay pretty silent when that happens, unsure of how to fully deal/cope with someone who is being so direct about their interest in him. ultimately prefers the slow get-to-know-you burn when it comes to any romance: a friends first, lovers later kind of thing + hipster ! kenma is incredibly observant, especially in social situations and mostly prefers to just take everything in, only speaking when he has something truly poignant to say … or when an opportunity strikes to completely, calmly, eviscerate someone’s inane or ignorant opinion, delivering a point so smooth, he’ll crush their shitty take all in a such a demure, cool, collected and resolute manner to the point where the dumbass person in question doesn’t even know they’ve been schooled and insulted by him until the roar of jeers and laughter from the surrounding crowd are heckling the unbeknownst fool, sick burn hipster kenma + hipster ! kenma only dares to wear brighter colors when at the beach and the item of clothing is a hoodie (proclaims it’s a light and breathable one though sooo he’s not sure what everyone is making such a fuss over when you, hinata, kuroo and the rest of your beach crew kick up some sand towards him while chiming in unison to urge him to, “take it off! we’re by the ocean, bruh!”) – the brightest colors of those hoodies ever worn at the beach are either a pale mustard, burnt amber, or white with possible cool textile designs. not only that, but he’ll stick to the shade beneath the large beach parasol playing on his nintendo switch, because listen, he isn’t about to get skin cancer on account of the toxic chemicals they put in sunscreen these days just so he can catch some rays (which of course, the sun could also give one cancer) + hipster ! kenma has these annoyingly long pretty dark lashes which are framed so nicely by his non-prescription clear frame glasses, and every so often you will playfully grumble to him about how unfair that is, since he’s a boy and doesn’t even care that he’s got them, then proceed to joke by asking him to give you some of those lashes since he doesn’t in fact need all of them for looks. he’ll respond by lightly chuckling and referencing that one Clockwork Orange film scene where the main character’s eyes are forced to remain horrifically clamped open, slyly suggesting, “if you can manage to get me in a position like that, then and only then, can you have them” but don’t bother, he continues, because you’ll never get past him~~ + hipster ! kenma who, no matter what he seems like on the surface, you know in the end that he’s undeniably ride or die for his friends, 10/10 will always always have their back, willingly giving them a hand without making a big deal of it + hipster ! kenma shelled out quite a hefty price on his ‘Beats by Dre’ headphones, even though as a self-proclaimed audiophile he knows they’re nowhere near being the best on the market, only bought them for the clout, and walks around town wearing them or for his twitch streams + hipster ! kenma secretly cries to bon iver, sufjan stevens, james blake, ryuichi sakamoto, erykah badu, nick cave and portishead when he’s alone + hipster ! kenma watches a looot of documentaries 

+ hipster ! kenma owns this cat shirt ↴ doesn’t wear it out in public though, only to bed, and has had it so long it’s already starting to fray at the sleeves and shoulder's seams:

+link2masterlist.

[kattythingz]

🙌🏻 woah, ❤️🧡💚🖤💔 be upon ye

WOAH!!! Your wish is my command!!! (Repeats were answered in previous asks.)

🧡 - what is a popular (serious) theory you disagree with?

Oooooh, that's a good one! Let's see... Well, I've seen a few that tried explaining the Dragon's Pulse as some geological phenomenon. I've seen one that referred to magma flow too, which is super cool!!! BUUUUT...

I think trying to explain the Pulse takes away from the mystique of alkahestry. Like, is there a scientific explanation for it? Probably, if alchemy is a science and it has a reasonable explanation too. But alkahestry is also deeply rooted in sth also deeply rooted into Xing's culture itself. And I think it works more off of spirituality than anything else. So all these attempts to explain it exactly like alchemy—that is, like a scientific phenomenon—kind of takes away from the differences between alchemy and alkahestry.

That magma flow theory still sounds super cool tho.

💚- what does everyone else get wrong about your favorite character?

Oh my god, people misconstrue SO many things about Ed. I've got a goddamn list. The current flavor for today is that, apparently people think he'd be extremely introverted??? Or at least socially inept?? Listen, I absolutely agree that Ed's an introvert, but canon has proven TIME AND AGAIN that he's actually pretty damn good at socializing when he needs to? And in fact takes joy in it?? LOOK AT LIORE FFS. These people annoy the shit out of him with their religiousness but he still takes the time to socialize and be kind to Rose?? Esp in 03 you can tell they get along, and Ed's enjoying himself! Look again at Youswell! EVEN TUCKER MAN. THERE'S SO MUCH PROOF OF ED THRIVING JUST FINE IN SOCIAL SETTINGS. CoS is an extreme case because Ed's gone through literal hell so many times, oh my god, of course he'd be depressed and unwilling to form connections again in fear of losing people!

He also literally grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone? Like, he's even buddies with the train station guy in the manga! And all the kids and stuff know him and Al when they return from Izumi's training. THE BOYS ARE INTROVERTED, YES, BUT NOT ANTI-SOCIAL NOR SOCIALLY INEPT. Lest we forget Ed's masterful manipulation of Yoki in Youswell???

That got very passionate so I'll just. Stop while I can.

🖤 - which character is not as morally good as everyone else seems to think?

MUSTANG AND LING. I'm sorry, but one of these men is a literal war criminal who's clearly willing to risk anything just to become Fuhrer (for a good cause, yes, but "anything" is still anything), and the other is—basically the same case? He wants to be emperor by any means, and, again, he went far enough to become literal greed? People seriously underestimate how far Ling's greed goes AND the lengths he'd go for what he wants. Enough of this "oh no Mustang has questionable means sometimes but he's still mostly good!" and "Ling would sacrifice everything for his people when he's emperor without thinking of himself". THEY ARE MORALLY GRAY. SAY IT WITH ME. GRAY. The grayest of grays.

[thenotsosecretdiaryofbiyu]

2024年7月27日-- Rice museum, cafe, one-eyed cat, aboriginal museum

Today we went to the rice museum! It was super cute and we got to play with different types of rice (damaged, rice hulls, and good rice)! Austin and I found a cool roof-top view and we got to see the pretty field art which were cute HUGE birds! There was also a cafe there, and Iris bought some rice wine! I only got a latte though, and even then I only drank part of it. On the way to and from the rice museum, we passed by tons of rice and sugar cane fields, there were also tons of fruit tree fields too!

For lunch, we went to this hot pot restaurant where there were individual pots for everyone! And then after lunch we went to the Taiwan Museum of Prehistoric Culture! I really enjoyed the museum! There were exhibits about earrings and fashion as well as an exhibit about the volcanoes and tectonic plate activity that happened to form the islands of Taiwan!

Later we went to a bakery and I got the FATTEST cinnamon roll I’ve ever seen in my life. And amazingly, it tasted amazing! It wasn’t too sweet and it had tons of cinnamon on it! I’m glad I started eating it immediately on the bus, because the day after, I ended up not being able to taste too much because I was so congested from my cold. While we were in the bakery, we also got to try some of the jams there and they were really tasty (blueberry, raspberry, and orange flavors!). What was super cute was that the shop next door to the bakery had a one-eyed cat! He didn’t like most of us, but he did like Brooke! He was a lil cutie <3

Academic Reflection

For me, the most important thing I learned on today’s trip was about rice farming and how changing Taiwanese consumption habits (towards eating more wheat-based foods) are threatening the security of it. I was happy to read that there is still a constant push for people to eat more rice and return to eating it as a main staple, and that there are movements to diversify the uses of rice and empower consumers to make decisions that best suit their personal tastes. Reading this article and understanding more about the situation made me feel better about me accidentally buying the two bags of rice lol. Supporting the rice farmers by accident! Yay!!! Definitely going to start eating a lot more rice in general though, although that won’t be hard because I don’t really like bread hehe.

The article we were assigned also introduced a lot of different things to me that I had never even thought of before. I had no idea that fragrance was an important aspect of rice in Taiwan, and that rice preferences differ between Taiwan and Japan. In actuality, I was surprised to read about there being “matchmakers” that help match the right rice to the right customer/occasion. Although, I guess that makes sense, because I’ve definitely run into those types of analyses for other foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, and cakes. It’s interesting to think about how many people are likely to become rice connoisseurs and that there’s probably going to be friend groups of rice foodies! I’d like to be part of one of those groups, that sounds fun and tasty!

#signmeupforaricetastingpartypleasepleaseplease

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pancake Day

A day so nice they made it twice — September 26 is the year’s second National Pancake Day! Get those hotcakes on the griddle, it’s time to prepare some pancakes! Pancakes are an old staple, dating back to Ancient Greece. Since then, many varieties have been created across the globe. In Britain, France, and other parts of Europe, their pancakes (or crepes) are thin and often served with a sweet or savory filling. In Indonesia they consume pancakes known as “serabi”, which are made with rice flour and coconut milk. In Uganda pancakes are made with bananas. These are just a few of the many different variations across the globe. All are delicious and worth celebrating on National Pancake Day! Whichever style of pancake you prefer, get ready to enjoy a stack of them on September 26!

WHEN IS NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY?

National Pancake Day occurs twice a year, and the National Pancake Day on September 26th is actually the second iteration of the holiday.

Of course, IHOP’s National Pancake Day is more than just an excuse to fill up on the floury treats—IHOP also partners with a number of charities that help children battling critical illness, with donations on the day going straight to the charity of your choice.

National Pancake Day Activities

Get cookin’!

Pancakes for dinner!

Make pancake art

It may seem obvious but there's no better way to celebrate National Pancake Day than to whip up some pancakes (and lots of 'em). You can make fluffy pancakes, crepes, sweet or savory flapjacks, or try a new recipe. You can make them with your friends or your kids. No matter what pancakes you choose to make, have fun and enjoy a large stack of them!

If you’ve never had breakfast for dinner, specifically pancakes, you are missing out! Celebrate National Pancake day by whipping some up for your evening meal. Typical sweet pancakes are great for dinner when paired with bacon, sausage, and eggs, but savory pancakes are great for an evening meal too! Get creative and make the perfect pancake dinner!

Pancake art has become a trendy lately with creative minds like Nathan Shields posting their fun flapjacks on YouTube. It may take a few tries, but you can make cool pancake art too! There are tutorials online on how to get it just right, but it involves adding batter to the pan at different places and at different times (thus the color difference throughout). You can divide up your batter and add food coloring to each to make your pancake art colorful if you like! Oh, and don’t forget to make your pancake art in mirror image so when you flip it over it’s facing the correct way. It may sound a little tricky but it’s so much fun!

Why We Love National Pancake Day

There are many different types of pancakes

Pancakes are versatile

They make us happy

With so much variety in the pancake world, there are endless ways to enjoy these flavorful flapjacks. Some are thin and some are fluffy. Some are made with fruit and some are made with vegetables. Some are sweet and some are savory. Every country or region seems to have their own take on pancakes and they are loved in every culture. With so many varieties, there are endless options to keep breakfast (or any meal) new, delicious, and exciting!

While pancakes are generally seen as a breakfast food, they don’t have to be! Pancakes are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Breakfast for dinner is always a delicious idea, but you can have them any time of day! Indulge with pancakes for dessert with fruit, chocolate, whipped cream, and more! There’s no limit to when and how you can enjoy your pancakes and that’s one thing we love about them!

There’s no denying that pancakes are a comforting food that make us feel good. We enjoy them as children and adults and they are a beloved staple in many culture. The smell of them alone can make us feel content, reminding us of lazy Saturday mornings waking up to a pancake breakfast and a hug from mom. It’s a happy food, and happy food makes for happy tummies!

Source

[commiegoth]

Okay after marinating on it (no pun intended) for a few days my (perfectly subjective) opinion of The Menu (2022) is this:

Things I liked: The strongest element of the writing imo is that there is a proper story happening alongside the social themes. A lot of contemporary screenwriting seems to be under the impression that political/social commentary needs to be written as like a 1:1 allegory, which is totally cool when done well, but with less-than-stellar writing it tends to come across as kinda hokey. The Menu does a good job imo of putting together an interesting story without using the social allegory as a crutch to get from Point A to Point B. Like if you were kept on an island you couldn't leave to serve the extremely wealthy who don't appreciate what it does to you, you'd probably snap too. It's easy to understand why all the characters make the choices they do beyond the writing being "this character represents [X] and therefore they need to do this to make the allegory work". More contemporary screenwriters should try to approach allegory from this direction!

Things I did not like: It's sooo obvious that the writers have a background in writing for late night talkshows. While a lot of the humor is pretty strong, some of the jokes just don't land the way I would have liked. What is or isn't "funny" is a pretty subjective standard so I get that not everything will appeal to everyone, but there is a certain particular Flavor of neoliberal late night humor that just makes me roll my eyes. Like basically just boiling some shitty cultural thing down to "Isn't that annoying? That's just the way things are though". Sometimes the horrible things about living in America are more than just "annoying"!! This is turning into a tangent but the residual late night talkshow flavor of the writing was a little irritating and distracting.

There was also something about the overall Style of the film that felt a little more like trying to be like other movies than its own thing. Like there were only a couple moments that I felt were too much like this, so I'll chalk it up to tv writers/director still figuring out how they want their feature film work to differ, but I definitely felt like I wanted it to be More than it was in certain respects. Like as beautifully shot as it was, there's a difference between being a Yorgos Lanthimos Ari Aster-like, and having its own direction inspired by those kinds of movies.

I'm gonna wrap this up cuz I'm talking in circles but that's the gist I thought it was pretty good but I wish it was better check it out

[wri0thesley]

Ok, now I’m starting to think we’re following the same twitter circles because I saw that yesterday too! ✋😂 Definitely gave me pause to see Scara on there when he’s such a goddamn BRAT, which I admittedly do like but that doesn’t make for much of a daddy. Xiao didn’t belong on there either, you’re right, and at this point I’m genuinely convinced your average twitter user doesn’t understand the actual meaning of any word ever, because the gross misusage is legit out of control over there. I’ve long since given up the discourse lifestyle (or so I tell myself cmdkxmse) but some of the stuff I see truly tests my patience for fandom culture nonsense, as well as my self control to keep my mouth shut 😂

The bizarre obsession they have with “minor coded” characters is absolutely one of those things - for example, did you know that there were people trying to insist both Layla AND professor Faruzan are children? Truly, I wish you could’ve seen my face. 😭 Venti is easily the worst offense tho, I’m right there with you on that. It just doesn’t make sense from any perspective but honestly they probably deserve a medal for all the mental gymnastics they had to do to reach that asinine conclusion. He’s just as much of an old man as Zhongli is. His line at the end of the wine festival about feeling like some kind of grandpa should’ve been proof enough of that. lmao

((Zhongli IS my favorite Archon at least partially because he’s dad, daddy and grandpa all rolled into one 😂 but Venti fits the bill too, just in a different flavor. I’m low key convinced there’s some kind of correlation between that and the fact they’re the last remaining two of the original seven buuut I digress))

I like Nahida a lot too, she ended up being way more likable and charming than I originally thought she’d be but yeah, I’m SO ready to move on and delve deeper into the Deshret mystery instead. 👀 Somehow or another there are people who seem to have actually fallen for Al-Haitham’s bio insisting he’s the most normal, plain and unremarkable person to ever walk Teyvat and they’re starting to give up on the their theories but … if anything I think that just made him look all the more suspicious. lol Normal individuals don’t typically have to go out of their way to ensure they continue to appear normal. It’s very … Yoshikage Kira of him. 😂😂😂 Even if he’s not connected to Deshret (unlikely imo, given Cyno and the priest) I’d say he’s still got something going on behind the scenes and I can’t wait to find out what it is. Frankly tho I’m just so eager to go back to the desert again. It’s easily my favorite area in the game so far and also the Golden Slumber quest was just 10 out of fucking 10 imo. I need to know everything, see everything, experience everything. I also miss Dehya … a LOT. *sniffle* What do I have to do to have her top me? 😭

i follow almost nobody on twitter who posts like actual non-art things but the algorithm does like to show me discourse and lore posts (which . . . ok i won't complain about the second but the FIRST)....

GOD he was so . . . he was so grandpa in the whole of the wine event, i love him so much. he is so fun and lovely and also so melancholy at the same time. venti my beloved.

THE CONSTANT INSISTENCE THAT ALHAITHAM IS JUST A NORMAL NORMAL GUY DOING NORMAL NORMAL THINGS IS THE MOST SUSPECT THING ABOUT HIM. please. i don't like the desert very much (i hate the underground and i liked the first half of the desert quest but i am just avoiding doing the second because it's much less fun with less npcs to hang out with), but hopefully the apparently qol update we're getting that tells you the difference between underground and overground teleports will help there! mondstadt is my favourite region followed by inazuma (though the inazuma archon quest . . . oof). i am however extremely excited about SANDWORMS. i just think they will be cool!

[nikkicafeina]

Finally got around to my 2022 book recs list. I read 55 books last year, which is fantastic considering grad school and all that stalled my fun reading for a long time. Obviously I read The Locked Tomb series and I think you should too. Other than that, it's almost all manga and romances on this list. That was my escapism vibe last year, but it's also what the readers in my library enjoy so it's what I'm happy to keep up with.

In vaguely the order I read them, last year's faves are:

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories--I read the entire Folk of the Air series over December/January and it's all great but this novella was my favorite. Holly Black continues to be the best at fairies. I loved how the two characters in the central romance are desperately feral in their own way. This one will make little to no sense without the context of the whole series, and so I reccomend the whole series. It's about an angry human girl who grows up in Fairyland, the dilettante fairy prince who hates her, and all the amoral fairy intrigue and violence that being part of a high court entails.

In the Dream House--I don't normally read memoirs but this has such an intriguing cover. I didn't expect to be taken for a ride through deep feelings about queerness, gender, latinidad, trauma, historiography, relationships, and just like, being a person who occupies space. It's about the author's abusive relationship, yes, but also it's poetically and ruthlessly about her as an entire person.

Alexis Hall--not a book but a rather prolific romance author. Mostly mlm romances, but he runs the gamut in terms of genre and content. I particularly enjoyed Pansies, where a guy goes back to his small hometown after recently coming out and ends up falling for and trying to make amends to the kid he bullied a bit in high-school. How to Bang a Billionaire looks like it's meant to be a Fifty Shades ripoff but its actually really good BDSM with a sub who's knowledgeable and just having a fun time, but the dom has some heavy trauma that I don't know everyone would be down for so heads up. He also has a couple novels that have become very popular recently, so I expect we'll be seeing him a lot. Overall, I appreciate that all of his protags have way more going on than just the relationship, but also the relationships do have genuine chemistry.

Boys Run the Riot--a short manga series about a Trans high-schooler who wants to start a streetwear brand with his friends. It brings up different aspects of queerness and queer culture in Japan, which is really cool.

From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler--my husband gifted me a copy because it's one of my favorite childhood books and I'm so happy to say it still holds up even a good sixty years later. A girl convinces her brother to run away to the Met and they become caught up in a mystery surrounding a recent acquisition. The kids are smart as heck but still very much kids and E.L. Konigsburg's writing style has always felt very cozy to me.

Totsukuni no Shoujo/The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil a Rún-- we've established I enjoy fairytales where the fae get to be properly monstrous. This is another manga series, this time about a little girl in a cursed forest who is taken in by a creature she calls "Teacher". He tries to care for her and keep her from becoming cursed herself. Charming, a little spooky, a little sad, and very gorgeous.

Perfect World--a manga series where an able-bodied interior designer reconnects with an architect childhood friend who is now disabled and uses a wheelchair; they fall in love, work together to create accesibly designed buildings, and navigate both his specific disability and being disabled in Japanese society at large. A ton of research obviously went into this series, but more importantly a lot of heart.

Wherever is Your Heart-- novella. Anita Kelly writes some good-ass queer romance of all flavors but this one is particularly noteworthy in being butch4butch and having protagonists in their late forties. It's fairly short and sweet, but you don't need much more than that to enjoy it when June finally works up the courage to ask the bartender at her favorite bar on a date.

And the best book I read in 2022:

House of Leaves-- so this is a book about a guy transcribing an academic work written by different guy about a documentary filmed by another guy about moving into a house with his family. It's also about narratives within narratives, the relationship between reading and the reader, and the relationship between the storyteller and the story. It’s a love letter to academic analysis and a scathing critique of academic analysis. It's actual posmodernism. It's a damn good horror novel. It's an experience. It's a book that 100% could never work as anything other than a book. People will tell you it's a hard read but it's not! You just have to engage with it and think about it a little. Read it! It's great!

[blazehedgehog]

Going off a few of your earlier questions, what's your general take on localization? How do you think localization should be handled when a severe cultural difference comes up in the script? Also, do you think game localizers should opt for what River City Girls Zero did in offering a more literal translation of the script alongside a more localized version?

A "Literal vs. Casual" translation option is pretty smart. I didn't know River City Girls Zero did that. One of the leads of River City Girls had a weird interaction on twitter and then nuked their account over it, which looked suspicious as hell to me so I kind of shut off my interest for that game series.

To me, localization is about taking material from one culture and getting it to make sense for another culture. While you should preserve the original culture to some extent (since that's part of the source material's identity) you need to make sure it's not overwhelming or alienating to the target culture, too.

If you are localizing to maintain the language structure of the source material, you're doing it wrong. If you're localizing and have to put subtitle notes explaining jokes or references, you're doing it wrong. Maintain the flavor and maintain the identity but otherwise make the viewing experience as seamless as humanly possible. Translate the intent, not the exact words.

I think people who favor literal translations get all bent out of shape about the word "intent" because it's a fuzzy definition and can create a slippery slope. To that I say: most writers probably aren't as precious about their choice of words as literal translators are. I have written over 7500 posts for this blog, literally millions of words, probably even billions, and I would say that less than 1% of everything I've ever written was me slowly choosing my words with care. It usually doesn't matter that much. It can, sure, but only a very small percentage of the time. It's okay to exercise some wiggle room and use some artistic license. It won't be the end of the world.

How do you think bad anime dubs even happen? Because somebody licenses the show, rewrites the scripts, asks the original production studio "is this okay?" and the studio just shrugs and goes "yeah whatever." They don't care as much as you think they do.

And then you'd hit situations like Ghost Stories where the original scripts were damaged, lost, or otherwise deemed unusable, so the studio went "Eh, just make something up."

A lot of literal translators nowadays seem to be carrying a torch from the days of anime and game translations that don't really exist very much anymore. I grew up in that era, too. The DiC dub of Sailor Moon, the early days of Saban/Ocean's Dragon Ball Z, the time Fox Kids literally tried to turn Escaflowne in to a Saturday Morning Cartoon...

Or all those JRPGs that turned alcohol in to "juice" or "tea" or "rootbeer" at the bare minimum.

I get it. I was there. I know what an awful, stressful, stupid era it was. But people get weird and bent out of shape about censorship, because they're being told it's something they could have, but aren't allowed to have. Censorship ignites a jealousy about what's on the other side of the fence, even if censorship can be legitimately helpful at times.

So we get these militant people who only want everything that's pure, raw, uncut, uncompromised, and maintaining as much of its original shape as it can, even when that strips a thing of most of its mainstream appeal because it's barely comprehensible by most people.

And it starts to feel like elitism. A secret handshake between people who have taught themselves to understand things like "You are my nakama."

But it's all performative! The war is over! You can relax now! But some people never will, I guess. Some people will always think they're too cool for "mainstream appeal." Some people like the secret handshake, and want to protect it.

That's not who I am.

[regalstay]

FRIED CHICKEN

THEIR FRIED CHICKEN IS CRISPY ON THE OUTSIDE ANDJUICY ON THE INSIDE, EMBODYING CLASSIC COMFORT WITH A DELICIOUS TWIST

The Irresistible Allure of Fried Chicken: A Culinary Classic

Fried chicken is more than just a dish; it's a beloved comfort food that has secured its place in the hearts and kitchens of many around the world. Its perfect combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior embodies the essence of comfort food, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the nuances of what makes fried chicken so irresistible, its rich history, variations, and tips for achieving the perfect fried chicken at home.

The Anatomy of Perfect Fried Chicken

At its core, the magic of fried chicken lies in its contrast of textures. The crispy outer layer provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the tender, juicy meat inside offers a burst of flavor that is simply unmatched. Achieving this delicate balance requires careful preparation and a few key techniques.

1. The Marinade

The journey to extraordinary fried chicken begins with marination. Soaking the chicken in a seasoned buttermilk mixture not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor. The acidity of the buttermilk breaks down proteins, ensuring that every bite is moist and flavorful. Popular seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and even a touch of hot sauce for those who crave heat.

2. The Breading

The next step is the breading process, where the chicken is coated in a mixture of flour and seasonings. Some recipes call for a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, which can enhance the crispiness. The key to a crunchy coating lies in ensuring the chicken is properly dredged—first in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally once more into the flour. This double-dipping method creates a thicker crust that holds up beautifully during frying.

3. The Frying Technique

Frying is where the magic truly happens. Whether using a deep fryer or a cast-iron skillet, maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. Too low, and the chicken absorbs excess oil, becoming greasy; too high, and the exterior may burn before the interior is cooked through. A temperature range of 325°F to 350°F is ideal for achieving that perfect golden-brown color while keeping the meat succulent.

The Cultural Significance of Fried Chicken

Fried chicken holds a special place in various cultures, particularly in the Southern United States, where it has become synonymous with comfort and hospitality. Its roots trace back to the traditions of African American cooking, where it was often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The dish symbolizes a sense of community and warmth, bringing people together around the dinner table.

Moreover, fried chicken has transcended its humble beginnings, appearing in upscale restaurants and gourmet variations. From Nashville hot chicken to Korean fried chicken, chefs around the world have put their unique spins on this classic dish, infusing it with local flavors and ingredients.

Regional Variations

The beauty of fried chicken lies in its adaptability. Different regions have developed their unique styles, each with distinct flavors and cooking methods.

1. Southern Fried Chicken

The quintessential Southern fried chicken is known for its seasoned flour coating, deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s often served with sides like collard greens, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese, making it a staple of Southern cuisine.

2. Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken takes the classic to a new level with a spicy oil sauce slathered over the fried chicken post-frying. This fiery dish is served on white bread, accompanied by pickles, providing a cooling contrast to the heat.

3. Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken has gained popularity globally, known for its ultra-crisp coating and double-frying technique. It's often glazed with sweet and spicy sauces, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold flavors. Typically served with pickled radishes and a side of beer, it has become a go-to dish for gatherings and celebrations.

4. Japanese Karaage

Karaage is a Japanese take on fried chicken, marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch before frying. The result is a crispy, flavorful bite that’s often served with a side of mayonnaise for dipping, highlighting its delightful umami flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Fried Chicken at Home

Creating perfect fried chicken at home is an art that can be mastered with practice. Here are some expert tips to ensure success:

1. Choose the Right Chicken

Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces, which provide the best flavor and juiciness. Thighs, drumsticks, and wings are often preferred for their higher fat content, contributing to tenderness.

2. Don’t Rush the Marinade

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This enhances flavor and ensures the meat remains juicy during cooking.

3. Keep It Dry

After marinating, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This helps the breading adhere better and results in a crispier coating.

4. Fry in Batches

To maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking, fry the chicken in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture.

5. Let It Rest

After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels. This prevents steam from making the coating soggy, allowing the crust to remain crisp.

Serving and Pairing

Fried chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it's delightful on its own, it pairs wonderfully with various sides, such as:

Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried chicken.

Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits complement the savory flavors and provide a satisfying addition to the meal.

Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta is a classic comfort food pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.

Pickles: The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the chicken, adding a refreshing bite.

Conclusion

fried chicken, with its crispy exterior and juicy interior, embodies the essence of classic comfort food. Its rich history, regional variations, and cultural significance make it a dish that resonates with many. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, a festive celebration, or a cozy night in, fried chicken continues to bring joy to the table.

By mastering the techniques and embracing the spirit of this culinary classic, anyone can create their own perfect version of fried chicken, ensuring that this timeless dish remains a cherished favorite for generations to come. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and savor the delightful experience that is homemade fried chicken.

[handwrittenwines12]

How Does Napa Valley's Terroir Influence Cabernet Sauvignon Wines?

A single story can be told in a million different ways. So too, can a single grape taste, smell, and feel differently from place to place. Napa Valley is a historical place for American wine; it was the first to show the world that terroir is not exclusive to France. The wines here express a sense of place unlike any other in the world. 

For winemakers here, growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley is a lifelong practice and each vintage is a new chapter.

Soil sets the scene

Winemaking requires the right kind of soil. The vineyards of Napa enjoy a combination of soils that all make a different impact on the overall expression of the wine. The volcanic soils found here provide good drainage and high mineral content. As a result, the wines are mineral-driven with racy acidity.

The alluvial soils of the valley, made of sand, gravel, and silt, are also rich in mineral deposits and make elegant, aromatic wines. Sedimentary soils also provide good drainage but crucially retain water in dry weather. These soils, often containing marine fossils, create complex wines with intense structure. 

Microclimates throughout the valley

Napa Valley is shaped like an hourglass, with the southerly regions enjoying the moderating effect of the nearby sea and cool breezes from the bay. The wines here are balanced and cool-headed. Moving inland, temperatures grow warmer, and fruit ripens to higher intensities. The valley’s hourglass shape creates diverse microclimates, from the cooler, coastal-influenced southern regions to the warmer, sun-soaked northern areas. This variance influences ripening patterns, where the grapes achieve different levels of sugar and acid, creating a spectrum of flavor profiles.

The valley's latitude positions it closer to the equator than Bordeaux, allowing it to benefit from a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights—ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Temperatures in the region can range from 50°F (10°C) to over 90°F (32°C) during the growing season, with Napa Valley enjoying an average temperature that is perfectly situated for Cabernet cultivation.

Along the valley, the varying topography offers different aspects of sun exposure to the grapevines. Throughout Napa, vineyards are planted along the valley floor, benchlands, hillsides, and mountaintops, and with each difference comes a unique Cabernet. Higher elevations, such as those found in the mountain vineyards, expose vines to more intense sunlight and cooler temperatures at night, fostering a balance of acidity and tannin that defines some of Napa's most celebrated wines.

The Many Clones of Cabernet: Choices by the Winemaker

Terroir extends beyond the land to the winemaker. That includes choosing which of the 60 Cabernet Sauvignon clones to plant. When it comes to clones, diversity is key, and each clone responds a little differently to each microclimate. Some clones are known for making tighter bunches, while others yield larger bunches and berries. Some clones emphasize fruit flavors, while others are known for their structure.

Through the valley, the varying winemaking styles are plenty. The choice to age Cabernet in oak is always considered. But the question becomes: to age in new oak, which will impart more pronounced oaky flavors, or to go with neutral oak, which is more subtle? To use French, American, or another type of oak? To ferment the wine in oak or to age it in an oak barrel after fermenting is done? Each of these choices creates a new wine.

Fermentation practices also vary, with some winemakers opting for wild yeast to add complexity, while others use cultured yeast for consistency. The fermentation temperature and duration, whether a few days or several weeks, influence the extraction of flavors and tannins, which ultimately defines the wine's structure and aging potential. Napa’s winemakers often pick grapes at a specific Brix level—a measure of sugar content that varies from region to region—to ensure the desired balance of alcohol, acidity, and flavor.

The Napa Valley Advantage

What sets Napa Valley apart in the world of Cabernet Sauvignon is not just the terroir but the dedication to excellence at every step. The region's winemakers are known for their meticulous approach, with dedicated vineyard and cellar teams that focus on every detail. This includes picking grapes at the perfect moment of ripeness, often at a Brix level unique to Napa, and employing winemaking techniques that emphasize the region’s strengths. Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons are celebrated for their aging potential, complexity, and the way they capture the essence of the valley's terroir.

Time is the secret ingredient to all of Napa’s Cabernet as it develops complexity as it sits in the barrel or bottle. It’s up to the winemaker to decide how long that should be. For those interested in a deeper dive into winemaking techniques, from fermentation to aging, and the impact these choices have on the final product, be sure to check out our dedicated blog on Napa winemaking.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Napa Valley: A Legendary Duo

Can you name a more legendary duo? We’re reminded of Dr. John Watson's devotion to his friend Sherlock Holmes. Napa is the Dr. Watson to Cabernet’s Sherlock—endlessly loyal, emphasizing its genius, and providing an anchor for expression. After all, the Napa Valley terroir is the storyteller we can count on, through which we happily delight in the tale of Cabernet Sauvignon.

[nature-s-trunk]

Health in Every Drop: The Promise of Pure and Natural Honey at Nature’s trunk 

What is Natural Honey

Honey is a wonderful natural product that comes from bees. It's pure and healthy, sourced from trusted beekeepers. Regularly eating honey can give you a boost of energy and make your immune system stronger.       This sweet treat is packed with good things like antioxidants, which help fight off bad stuff in your body, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial agents. That means it can help with things like coughs, colds, and allergies.                                   

Interesting Facts About Natural Honey

Eternal Goodness: Honey lasts forever! Archaeologists found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs over 3,000 years old, and it's still safe to eat today.

Nature's Vitamins: Honey is like a multivitamin from nature. It's full of good stuff like vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which are all important for your body.                                        

Busy Bees: It takes a lot of work for bees to make honey. They have to visit up to 1,500 flowers just to collect enough nectar for one tiny teaspoon of honey.

Healing Honey: Honey isn't just tasty—it's also a natural medicine. People have used it for centuries to help with sore throats, wounds, and even tummy troubles because it has special properties that fight bacteria.

Flavorful Variety:  pure natural Honey comes in lots of Flavors and colours. It all depends on the flowers the bees visit. Some honey is light and flowery, while others are dark and strong-tasting.

Bee Talk: Bees have their own special way of talking—they do a dance! It helps them tell their friends where to find yummy flowers full of nectar

Pollination Power: Bees aren't just making honey for us to enjoy—they're also super important for growing lots of the food we eat. Without bees, we wouldn't have many fruits, veggies, or nuts!

Natural Preserver: Honey keeps things fresh because it doesn't let bacteria grow. That's why people used to use it to preserve things, like bodies in ancient times!

Hexagonal Homes: Bees are amazing builders. They create these cool six-sided structures called honeycombs out of beeswax to store their honey and raise baby bees.

Sweet Significance: Best Honey is more than just food—it's a symbol of sweetness, prosperity, and even life after death in different cultures and stories around the world.

Health Benefits of Natural Honey

Energy Booster: Honey gives you a quick burst of energy because it's packed with carbohydrates, which are like fuel for your body. It's a great alternative to sugar when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Immune System Support: Honey is like a shield for your body because it's full of good stuff like antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. These help your immune system fight off sickness and keep you healthy.

Sore Throat Soother: If your throat is feeling scratchy, honey can help! It has special properties that can calm sore throats and coughs. Mix it with warm water or tea for some relief.

Heals Cuts and Burns: Honey isn't just for eating—it's great for your skin too! It has natural germ-fighting powers, so it can help heal minor cuts and burns faster and keep them from getting infected.

Digestive Aid: Honey is like a helper for your tummy. It can ease tummy troubles and make your digestion better by encouraging good bacteria to grow in your gut.

Allergy Fighter: Some people think that eating honey from local bees can help with allergies. Even though there's not much scientific proof, some believe that a little bit of pollen in honey might help your body get used to allergens over time.

Sleep Support: Feeling sleepy? A little bit of honey before bed might help! It helps your body make a sleepy hormone called melatonin, so you can get a better night's rest.

Heart Helper: Honey might be sweet, but it's good for your heart too! It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease because it has antioxidants that keep your heart healthy.

Weight Manager: Even though honey is sweet, it's better for you than sugar because it doesn't make your blood sugar spike as much. Eating honey in moderation can help you control your cravings and manage your weight better.

Inflammation Fighter: Honey can also help reduce inflammation in your body, which is linked to diseases like arthritis and heart disease. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties work together to keep your body healthy.

conclusion

Natural honey is more than just a tasty treat—it's a treasure trove of health benefits. It's like a superhero for your body! It can give you energy, boost your immune system, and even help you heal faster. Plus, it's full of antioxidants, which are like little warriors fighting off bad stuff in your body. You can use honey in all sorts of recipes, from sweet treats to soothing remedies for coughs and sore throats. Just remember, even though honey is good for you, it's still sugary, so enjoy it in moderation. In the end, natural bee honeys like a magical potion from nature, bringing joy to your taste buds and goodness to your health.