To pickle fennel, start by slicing the fennel bulb thinly and placing it in a clean, sterilized jar. In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and vinegar, along with sugar, salt, and any desired spices such as peppercorns or coriander seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil and then pour it over the fennel in the jar. Let the pickled fennel cool to room temperature before sealing the jar and refrigerating it. The pickled fennel will be ready to eat after a day or two, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. **

To pickle cucumbers, start by washing and slicing the cucumbers into desired shapes. Then, prepare a brine solution by combining water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Place the cucumber slices, along with any desired spices or herbs, into sterilized jars and pour the hot brine over them, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars and let them cool before storing them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before enjoying the pickles. **

The correct phrase is "inspired by." This phrase is commonly used to indicate that something has influenced or sparked creativity in someone. "Inspired through" is not a standard phrase used in this context. **

Both "inspired by" and "inspired through" are commonly used phrases, but they have slightly different meanings. "Inspired by" is used to indicate the source or origin of inspiration, such as "This painting was inspired by nature." On the other hand, "inspired through" is used to indicate the means or channel of inspiration, such as "She was inspired through her travels." Both phrases are correct, but it's important to use the one that best conveys the intended meaning in a given context. **

A stirrup keeper is a small leather or rubber loop that is attached to the saddle of a horse. Its purpose is to help keep the stirrup in the correct position and prevent it from sliding off the saddle. The stirrup keeper is typically placed over the top of the stirrup bar and secured with a buckle or snap closure. It is an important safety feature that ensures the rider's foot stays securely in the stirrup while riding. **

Pickle Rick was a regular cucumber that was transformed into a pickle by Rick Sanchez, the main character in the animated TV show "Rick and Morty." The transformation was part of a plan by Rick to avoid attending a family therapy session. Once turned into a pickle, Rick used his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness to create a makeshift exoskeleton and weapons in order to survive and escape dangerous situations. **

It is unlikely that Russian President Putin has been directly inspired by the Bond film Octopussy. While the film features a Soviet general as the main antagonist, it is a work of fiction and not a source of inspiration for real-world political decisions. President Putin's actions and policies are more likely influenced by geopolitical considerations, historical events, and domestic political dynamics rather than a fictional movie. **

It is possible for an animal keeper at the zoo to be given a civil service appointment, depending on the specific policies and hiring practices of the zoo and the local government. In some cases, animal keepers may be considered civil service employees if they are hired through a government agency or if the zoo is a public institution. However, if the zoo is privately owned and operated, the animal keeper may not be considered a civil service employee. It ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and regulations governing the zoo and its employees. **