Yuri's Night April 12th, 2011

April 12, 2011 is Yuri's Night, a night of celebration and commemoration. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the first human launched into space, Yuri Gagarin. The launch on April 12, 1961 was a Soviet success and today universally recognized as a human achievement. When Yuri left Earth, he was a Soviet Cosmonaut, loyal son of the USSR during the Cold War. When he returned after seeing the world and all humanity as one fragile special exception in the emptiness of space, he was a citizen of the world.

Tonight, if you find the time, and feel moved to do so, please celebrate as you will, or if you find yourself in a more adventurous frame of mind, enjoy the occasion in the Russian manner:

1) There must be vodka, and your vodka must be of quality, and should be put in the freezer well in advance of enjoying. A quality Vodka will not freeze in standard freezers (be careful though).

2) Vodka is to be taken always as a shot, and never sipped.

3) Vodka should be enjoyed always in company, consisting of at least three people. This grouping is called a "Troika". Often, when only two join for drinks, a third may be invited to complete the troika.

4) Tradition holds that you must make a proper toast, an elaborate accounting of achievement and respect, and not merely a quick one word such as "slainte". Solemnity should be observed.

5) One has heard that you must also follow your drink with a bite of food. One suggests something rich - perhaps some traditional hor d'ourves and black rye bread.

6) Last and very important, when the toast is made, no one is allowed to refuse, for it dishonors the toast (You don't have to drink, but a taste must be taken).

To Yuri Gagarin, the noble Russian people, and the people of Earth, a toast then, for the bravery of man to challenge the great dangers and unknown peril of the boundaries of knowledge.

-Lord Malignance