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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:48 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Wasteland Wyvern Topic: Butterfly Koi What's so interesting about that? Butterfly Koi or Dragon Carp are a stunning subspecies of the ornamental carp known as Koi. They are well known for their elongated fins that when in motion resemble butterfly wings. They were first bred by crossing the wild Indonesian Longfin River Carp with common Nishikigoi Koi. Sadly most distinguished breeders and keepers of the Koi species consider the Butterfly Koi to be 'inferior'. These fish are most common in America where they are much more readily available. This has earned them the nickname of 'American Koi'.
Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Silver Koi Otter, Gold Koi Otter, Orange Koi Otter, and Black and Red Koi Otter
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:51 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Cheyriddle4 Topic: Koi What's so interesting about that? Koi are believed to have originated in the Black, Caspian, Aral Seas and China. The earliest written records were written during the Western Chin dynasty around 265-316 A.D. At that time they were described as white, red, black and blue. Some carp fossils have been found in South China dating back 20 million years. Prize preferences: Seathi, Re-roll
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:57 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Cheyriddle4 Topic: Green tea What's so interesting about that?Green tea comes from the same plant as normal tea comes from. The difference is that green tea is processed differently. Normal black tea is made by fermenting the tea leaves. Green tea on the other hand, the leaves are dried, or lightly steamed and not fermented. Prize preferences: Seathie, Re-roll
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:17 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Twilight...Angel~ Topic: Green tea What's so interesting about that? Green tea is actually harmful to your health in exessive amounts. There is a book written in 1191 by the Zen priest Eisai called The Kissa Yojoki that decribes the effects green tea may have on vital organs, the shapes of tea plants, and how to process and grow tea leaves. When brewing green tea, the best ratio is about one teaspoon of green tea per five-ounce cup. Japanese green teas are steamed to give them more of a leafy taste, where as Chinese green tea is pan-fired. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Black & Red, Gold, Orange, Silver
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:25 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Wasteland Wyvern Topic: Longjing Green Tea What's so interesting about that? This interesting variety of Green Tea is pan roasted in a village near Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province of China. It is produced almost completely by hand and is considered a very high quality Green Tea. The tea leaves used in this tea are, like most, harvested early in their growth process to prevent the oxidization that which is how most Black and Oolong teas are made. This tea is very expensive and is graded on its superiority. The scale is 1 to 5 and five is considered the best tea but also the most expensive. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Silver Koi Otter, Gold Koi Otter, Orange Koi Otter, and Black and Red Koi Otter
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:26 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Divena Topic: Green tea What's so interesting about that? Green tea is widely considered to be very good for your health. Among the things that it can do is increase your metabolism, which aides in weight loss. It is also believed to be able to slow signs of aging. The calming effect of the amino acids in the leaves can also aide in reducing blood pressure and aiding in fighting depression. Prize preferences: 2, 5, 4, 3
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:30 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Divena Topic: Japanese tea ceremony What's so interesting about that? The Japanese tea ceremony is also called Chanoyu, Sado, or sometimes just Ocha. It is a traditional ritual of preparing serving green tea with sweets that balance the bitter taste of the tea. The ritual requires the entire focus of the pourer in order to perform the predefined movement. This is less about the tea and more about the overall performance of the act. Prize preferences: 2, 5, 4, 3
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:35 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Divena Topic: geisha What's so interesting about that? The tradition of the Geisha has been around for roughly five hundred years. While some things have become more modern, Geishas are still expected to master the traditional skills such as calligraphy. In the olden days, training would begin at age 4, but nowadays it doesn’t start until the teen years. Most Geishas won’t wear a kimono more than once, though it can take up to three years to make one. Prize preferences: 2, 5, 4, 3
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:36 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Twilight...Angel~ Topic: Japanese tea ceremony What's so interesting about that? The Japanese tea ceremony is also called the Way of Tea, which is a ceremony involving the preparation and presentation of Matcha tea. A Chakai is a simple course of hospitality that can includes confections, thin tea, and a light meal. A Chaji is formal including a full-course kaiseki meal, with confections, thick tea and thin tea which can last up to four hours. The procedures that are performed in a tea ceremony are called sadō and the collective techniques are called temae. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Black & Red, Gold, Orange, Silver
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:49 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Divena Topic: tea farming/production What's so interesting about that? A tea’s color and flavor is dependent on a number of different factors, some of which are the location of the plantation, seasonal changes, and even plucking methods. Green teas are often referred to as “unoxidised” because they are made from leaves that are left to dry before being heat treated. Oolong teas are known as “semi-oxidised” because the leaves are processed almost immediately after they are plucked. The leaves are never broken by rolling. Prize preferences: 2, 5, 4, 3
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:50 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Twilight...Angel~ Topic: geisha What's so interesting about that? Geisha are also referred to as Geiko and Geigi. The Geisha are traditionally female entertainers who can perform classical music, dance, games and even conversations to entertain male customers. A Maiko is an apprentice Geisha, the white makeup and elaborate kimono they wear is the usual appearance people associate with the Geisha themselves. A woman who is older than 21 is too old to be a Maiko and go straight to Geisha, but all are trained for an entire year before making their debut as either. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Black & Red, Gold, Orange, Silver
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:52 pm
Today I learned that... Username: Divena Topic: koi What's so interesting about that? The koi fish originates in Japan, where they are culturally representative of love and friendship. They come in multiple different colors, including orange, yellow, white, red, and black. They have a very long lifespan, often living over 200 years. In Japan, a koi fish can and often is passed down through the generations as a sort of family heirloom. A koi given as a gift can also be considered good luck. Prize preferences: 2, 5, 4, 3
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:10 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Twilight...Angel~ Topic: tea farming/production What's so interesting about that? There are actually four main types of tea: Green, Black, Oolong, and White. All tea begins from a plant called Camellia sinensis and the way the plant is processed is what gives each tea it's specific taste, color, and smell. Acidic soil and heavy rainfall are the best conditions for growing tea plants. The tea plants are harvested twice a year, once in early spring and then once in summer. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Black & Red, Gold, Orange, Silver
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:28 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Twilight...Angel~ Topic: koi What's so interesting about that? Koi are an ornamental variety of domesticated carp kept in koi ponds and water gardens for decorative purposes. Different Koi varieties are distinguished by their various coloration, patterns and scales. Some of the majors colors for Koi fish are white, black, yellow, red, blue, and cream. Koi are bred from carp and have maintained their durability. Prize preferences: Koi Seathi, Black & Red, Gold, Orange, Silver
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Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:47 pm
Today I learned that... Username: ~Latonia de la Courtel~ Topic: Tea Farming What's so interesting about that? A tea plant can actually grow into a 52 foot tree if left undisturbed, however most cultivated plants are kept about waist-high as they produce more shoots and are easier to pick. Tea plants can be grown from cuttings and seeds, though 4-12 years are needed for a plant to produce seeds and 3 years before a new plant can be harvested. Usually only the top 1-2 inches of a mature plant are picked, and leaves that are slower to develop are better in flavor. Tea plants prefer an acidic soil and heavy rainfall, and those plants grown higher above sea level may take longer to mature but taste better for it. Prize preferences: 4, 5, 2, 3, Reroll
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