I understand that. Could still check out which trade schools are available; look up the gender ratio for that trade to see how Dudes™ the vibe is likely to be, and avoid any trade that has a residential service aspect.

Assuming you’re in the US because I don’t know about elsewhere, you could check if there are any union trade schools in your area?

Sometimes they’ll pay for your schooling and you’ll have a paying job as an apprentice right off the bat. In my area, depending on the trade, they don’t care too much about resumes or work history.

As long as you’re able to do a short interview, perform the job, pass a drug test, and pass your classes, you’re set. It can be hard work, but definitely something to look into.

KGAZCH
IVAI ⭐

“Actually, Judas? Not so great when it comes to deals. Not so great. Thirty pieces, folks. Thirty pieces of silver! Not gold, not good. Gave 'em Jesus, didn’t get enough. I would’ve gotten gold. A lotta gold. Probably more.”

Love this film. I watch it with my friends every New Year’s Eve now.

Is there a Mrs. Fukuyama?

Heh, yum yum yum.

Awesome, I’m excited to hear how it goes!

That sounds like a great idea! Pickled beets will probably hold their shape a bit better, and the acidity would be a nice touch.

If you end up trying it, please post a photo and let me know how it is!

Ah, okay. Since you’re into using fruits in a savory way, I’ll share this idea I’ve had for a while (but haven’t tried yet):

Peel some grapes, saving the skins. Soak the peeled grapes in some sort of marinade (salt, vinegar, oil, herbs… could be anything you want, really; although simple is probably better?). Dry the grape skins completely, grind them into a powder along with some salt, msg, citric acid (or whatever seasonings sound good). To serve, wrap each grape in long, thin slices of… something that functions like prosciutto? Avocado could work, chilled roasted beets could be good… Then top with the powder (lots on half the plate or something) and maybe a tiny cheese crisp or some other crispy element for a garnish.

Edit: you could also slice the leftover peeled grapes really thin to use as a garnish in other courses.

You’re welcome!

I’ve used pectinase to dissolve the pith of citrus, and then just broken them up into pearls by hand. There might be a more involved method that breaks less of them, though.

Do you have any ideas for those high-concept appetizers yet?

It’s been about a decade since I used them last, but I had a good trip and didn’t experience any depression (on top of what I was already experiencing at the time; “it didn’t make my depression worse” would be more accurate, I guess). I purchased a couple Burpee bags from a gardening store, rinsed off the contents, and ate them.

Took hours to come up, peaked for an hour or so, then hours to come down. Longer trip than acid, but more mellow in my experience. The worst part was the nausea, but that may have been from a coating on the seeds instead of the seeds themselves? Oh, wait. The worst part was the taste, actually.

All good points to consider. Mostly the first and last ones; if possible, I’d prefer to minimize any conflict while still wearing the shirt I like. I definitely don’t think I’m gonna be converting anyone. Maybe I should just wear it at home and be happy with that.

It’s a pretty cute shirt, and I definitely look good in it. People usually stop me in the street to compliment my fashion, this look just happens to be Stalin-themed.

That’s a pretty good bit

All good points, thanks!