#cain watchmaker

[for-the-greater-good]

something something kesone nang is such a good person at heart that his selflessness borders on self-sacrifice, except it’s not as noble as that, it’s more like self-destruction, and he doesn’t know the difference because no one stops him before cain comes along, who knows what drowning is like and knows the loops and hurdles you go through to justify your own meandering suicide.

[altairtalisman]

Random Info On Gracie

- Her MBTI is ENFJ-A

- She's left-handed

- She sleeps for exactly 6.5 hours

- She gets angry a fair amount, especially when her brother is exploited by others and towards injustice in general

- Her favourite season is winter

- Her parents are long dead

- Her first name is because I wanted her name to be a 'symmetry' to Tommy's in the sense that both the first letter in their names are equal to each other. Since there are six letters after 'T', I wanted for Tommy's identical twin to start with the letter that comes after six letters, which is 'G'. This is also observed in her dead name (Graham)

In general, her name is to showcase the English inspiration while also vaguely passing as nobility

- Her signature song is I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders

- She likes being exactly two minutes early

- Beings are surprised to learn that Gracie's genuinely unaware of the number of hearts she wins. This is because her father and/or Tommy tend to ensure that her potential suitors didn't have a chance with her even before she realises their interest, with Barry being the sole suitor they couldn't chase away

- In a Real World AU, she's from England

- In a Real World AU, she's 29 at death and worked as a watchmaker prior to being killed in an alleged robbery gone wrong that was really orchestrated by Cain

[teddybasmanov]

I've recently acquired a new exhibit in my collection, so I decided to share the whole thing with you. You're welcome, in advance.

Passwords and answers

(translation mine and quite frivolous at times :))

Password: Are you hiring a ticket attendant? Answer: We were, but we already got one. Password 2: Maybe I'll be useful too. Answer 2: Maybe you'll be.

- "New Adventures of the Elusive Avengers"

Password: Are you selling a Slavic wardrobe? Answer: The Slavic wardrobe has already been sold, there is a nickel-plated bed with a bedside table.

- "Secret Agent"

Password: You and I are equally careless today. Answer: The verdict is final and not subject to appeal.

- "Shield and Sword"

Password: Isn’t this where the Union-Castel-Cain ship is being repaired? Answer: By Gods, we've been long awaiting your ship ropes.

- "Intervention"

Password: Are you selling a used sofa, an old Persian rug and Scottish Shepherd puppies?

- "The Youth of Maxim"

Password: The winds are blowing in Baku and the worst of those winds is Khazri. Password: It's hot, hot like in the Sahara desert. Answer: *give a small toy pyramid to the first speaker*

- "The Winds are Blowing in Baku"

Password: I'm looking for a watchmaker, who repairs watches with an English chime.

- "Outcome"

Password: Gugo Spetel sends his regards. Answer: Gugo Spetel died of liver cirrhosis seven years ago. Password 2: Great news, I'm very glad.

Password: I'm from the north, arrived on Friday. Answer: Friday is my favourite day.

- "Fifty-fifty"

Password: Are you smoking local cigarettes? Answer: No, I prefer Chesterfield.

- "Secret Mission"

Question: Password? Password: Eighteen. Answer: What "Eighteen"? Password 2: What "Password"?

- Old anecdote, potentially about Chapaev.

Question: What is the colour of the night? Password: Sanguine, my brother.

- "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion"

Question: What is the music of life? Password: Silence, my brother. Question: What is life's greatest illusion? Password: Innocence, my brother.

- "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"

[thenighttrain]

books read in 2020

i’ve been keeping a list and decided i want it on my blog too! everything is on my goodreads too. follow my book blog @thesonofneptune​! bolded are my favourites 

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire ★★★★

Stardust by Neil Gaiman ★★★

Into The Drowning Deep by Mira Grant ★★★★

Heart of Flames (Crown of Feathers #2) by Nicki Pau Preto ★★★★

Reverie by Ryan La Sala ★★

Crown of Feathers (Crown of Feathers #1) by Nicki Pau Preto ★★★

Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins ★★★

The King’s Dragon (Fire and Valor #1) by W.M. Fawkes ★★★★

Blue on Blue by Dal Maclean ★★★★

The Calculating Stars (Lady Astronaut #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal ★★★★

The Watchmaker of Filligree Street (The Watchmaker of Filligree Street #1) by Natasha Pulley ★★★

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow (The Watchmaker of Filligree Street #2) by Natasha Pulley ★★★★

The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley ★★★

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Garcia-Moreno ★★★★

Girls of Paper and Fire (Girls of Paper and Fire #1) by Natasha Ngan ★★★

The Prince’s Dragon (Fire and Valor #2) by W.M. Fawkes ★★★★

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig ★

The House of Binding Thorns (Dominion of the Fallen #2) by Aliette de Bodard ★★★

The House of Sundering Flames (Dominion of the Fallen #3) by Alliette de Bodard ★★★

The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy #1) by S.A. Chakraborty ★★★

The Catch Trap by Marion Zimmer Bradley ★★★★

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins ★★★

Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders (Dominion of the Fallen, #3.5) by Aliette de Bodard ★★★★

The Last Smile in Sunder City (The Fetch Phillips Archives #1) by Luke Arnold ★★★★

Northern Wrath (The Hanged God Trilogy #1) by Thilde Kold Holdt ★★★

The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates #1) by A.K. Larkwood ★★★

Infernal by Mark de Jager ★★★

The City We Became (Great Cities #1) by N.K. Jemisin ★★★

Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #1) by Tamsyn Muir ★★★

Deathless (Leningrad Diptych #1) by Catherynne M. Valente ★★★

The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) by R.F. Kuang ★★★★★

The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2) by R.F. Kuang ★★★★

Foundryside (The Founders Trilogy #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett ★★★

Rivers of London (Rivers of London #1) by Ben Aaronovitch ★★★

The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi ★★★★

The Deep by Rivers Solomon ★★★

Ashes of the Sun (Burninngblade & Silvereye #1) by Django Wexller ★★★

The Century’s Scribe (A Fantastic Decade #1) by Brendan Walsh ★★★★

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonn ★★★

The Four Profound Weaves by R.B. Lembergg ★★★

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi ★★★

Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz ★★★★

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune ★★★★

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang ★★★★★

Jade City (The Green Bone Saga #1) by Fonda Lee ★★★★

Jade War (The Green Bone Saga #2) by Fonda Lee ★★★★

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo ★★★

The Rage of Dragons (The Burning #1) by Evan Winter ★★★

The Goblin Emperor (The Goblin Emperor #1) by Katherine Addison ★★★

The Conductors by Nicole Glover ★★★

The Wolf of Oren-Yaro (Chronicles of the Bitch Queen #1) by K.S. Villoso ★★★

When The Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi ★★★

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow ★★★

Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro ★★★★

White Silence (Elizabeth Cage #1) by Jodi Taylor ★★★

The Rook (The Checquy Files #1) by Daniel O’Malley ★★★★

The Vicar and the Rake (Society of Beasts #1) by Annabelle Greene ★★★

Lava Red Feather Blue by Molly Rinngle ★★★★

The Bone Shard Daughter (The Drowning Empire #1) by Andrea Stewart ★★★★

Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson ★★★

Carter & Lovecraft (Carter & Lovecraft #1) by Jonathan L. Howard ★★★

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (A Good Girls’ Guide to Murder #1) by Holly Jackson ★★★★

The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy #1) by Katherine Arden ★★★★

The Girl in the Tower (Winternight Trilogy #2) by Katherine Arden ★★★★★

The Winter of the Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3) by Katherine Arden ★★★★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab ★★★

Tower of Mud and Straw by Yaroslav Barsukov ★★★

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Garcia-Moreno ★★

Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children #1) by Seanan McGuire ★★★

The Changeling by Victor LaValle ★★★

Ring Shout by Djeli P Clark ★★★★

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ★★★★

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson ★★★

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour ★★★

Dead Man in a Ditch (The Fetch Phillips Archives #2) by Luke Arnold ★★★

The Nightmare Thief (The Nightmare Thief #1) by Nicole Lesperance ★★★★

A Time of Dread (Of Blood and Bone #1) by John Gwynne ★★★★

Sleeping Giants (Themis Files #1) by Sylvain Neuvel ★★★

Dry by Neal Shusterman ★★★

Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse ★★★★

The Searcher by Tana French ★★★★

Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1) by Rachel Caine ★★★

The Burning God (The Poppy War #3) by R.F. Kuang ★★★★

The Drowning Faith (The Poppy War 2.5) by R.F. Kuang ★★★★

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar ★★★

Long Bright River by Liz Moore ★★

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton ★★★★

Smoke and Stone by Michael R. Fletcher ★★★

A Memory Called Empire (Teixcalaan #1) by Arkady Martine ★★★

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan ★★★★

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke ★★★★

The Familiars by Stacey Halls ★★

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman ★★★★

Kings of Paradise (Ash and Sand #1) by Richard Neil ★★★

Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor #1) by Mark Lawrence ★★★★

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig ★★★★

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu ★★★

Not Even Bones (Market of Monsters #1) by Rebecca Schaeffer ★★★

Real Life by Brandon Taylor ★★★

Godshot by Chelsea Bieker ★★★

The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale ★★★

The Humans by Matt Haig ★★★★

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell ★★★★

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa ★★★★

A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland ★★★

The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle #1) by Nghi Vo ★★

The Survivors by Jane Harper ★★★★

The Dry (Aaron Falk #1) by Jane Harper ★★★★

The Lost Man by Jane Harper ★★★

[starofgold]

Riquet Central Concerto Card Story: If Everyone Can Rely On Me More

[In the hallway]

Riquet: Your Highness, Cain, have a safe trip!

Akira: Please try not to get injured and get back safely.

Arthur: Thank you, Master Sage, Riquet. It is just a simple mission, so please rest assured that we will be safe.

Cain: Right. Anyway, if anything happens, I will protect His Highness with all my might.

Arthur: Reliable as always, Cain. I won’t sit idly and watch you take on everything though. I too will fight alongside you.

Akira: P- please don’t do anything reckless, you two!

Riquet: ………..

Cain: Oh, what’s the matter, Riquet?

Riquet: No, it’s nothing. When you two are gone, I will take care of everything at the Magic Manor. Just leave it to me!  

Akira: (Hmm, I don’t have any urgent business to take care of. What should I do next?)

Riquet: May I ask you something, Master Sage?

Akira: What’s the matter, Riquet?

Riquet: Do you have any task that I can help with?

Akira: You wish to help me?

Riquet: Yes, I’d like everyone to rely on me like His Highness relying on Cain. That’d make me happy. So, please let me help. I will do anything, whether it is cleaning the rooms or the laundry.

Akira: Riquet….

Riquet: If you go outside, I will be your bodyguard like Cain too!

Akira: Thank you, Riquet. I appreciate that.

Akira: (Riquet really wants to be of help…. Ah, I’ve an idea!)

Akira: If it isn’t too much trouble, could you teach me to read?

Riquet: Me teaching you?

Akira: That’s right. I’d like to be able to read this world’s letters better. Could you help me with that?

Riquet: Yes, of course!

When we went to the library, another patron was already there.

Heathcliff: Hello, Master Sage, Riquet.

Akira: Hello, Heath. Are you in the middle of your study?

Heathcliff: Ah, not really. I just love to read in a quiet place, whether it’s for my study or for leisure. From time to time, I come here to read my own books. What are you two here for?

Riquet: Master Sage would like to learn the letters of this world, so we are doing a group study! Ah, would you like to join us, Heathcliff? Oh, but we should not disturb you when you are reading.

Heathcliff: Thank you for your considerateness. It is no problem though, because I have finished the book already. If you don’t mind, may I join you?

Riquet: Of course! Please leave everything to me! With my special study technique, I will show you the way around the words!

Riquet: Sorry to keep you waiting.  

Akira: This is… a picture book?

Riquet: Yes, this is a picture book about a watchmaker. I borrowed it from Rutile!

Heathcliff: Oh, there is a watch on the cover. It looks a little like my magic focus.

Riquet: Ehehe, I thought so too. That’s why I picked this book. It seems to suit you, Heathcliff. Now, please listen to me as you two follow the text in the book.

Heathcliff: Listen and follow the text?

Riquet: Yes! When I newly came here, His Highness Prince Arthur taught me the letters as we read picture books. That was really nice. Therefore, I’d like to use the same method to instruct you.

Akira: That sounds fun! Let’s start then.

Riquet sat down on a chair and took a deep breath to concentrate then read the book to us, even if he faltered from time to time. While enjoying the story, I followed the simple vocabulary Riquet traced with his finger. It was a fun way to learn.

Riquet: Then the old gentleman spent the time and…. Huh? How should I read this word? Er, the s- stellar watch…

Heathcliff: Stellar watch. It’s a kind of watch that is not very well known.

Akira: Stellar watch. What kind of watch is it?

Heathcliff: That watch has a special kind of mineral stones inlaid in its face. When the stones absorb the sunlight, they will light up like stars at night. I have seen how a stellar watch shines. It really looks like a starry sky.

Heathcliff let out a sigh as if to express his sentiment. Then he looked at us and startled.

Heathcliff:  M- my apologies. I got excited and rambled by myself.

Akira: Please don’t apologize. We love hearing your talk too. Right, Riquet?

Riquet: Yes, you are so knowledgeable, Heathcliff. I’d like to know more about this kind of watches too!

Heathcliff: I am glad to hear that. I have in my room a book that has more details about stellar watches. Let me bring it here.

[After a while]

Heathcliff: My apologies.

Akira: W- what’s the matter? You’re looking so sad. Could it be that you lost the book?

Heathcliff: Partly that. It seems that when I read that illustrated guide here in the library, I did not bring it back to my room but put it on one of the shelves here.

Riquet: So the book is not in your room.

Heathcliff: Yeah. Still I think I’ll find it if I search. Do you mind waiting for a bit?

Riquet: Let me give you a hand! I will search the shelf over there.

Akira: I will help too!

Heathcliff: Thank you so much! The book has purple binding with golden letters, so I think we will find it quickly.

[A moment later]

Akira: Let’s see. A book with purple binding...

Riquet: Golden letters….

We parted with Heathcliff and went to search for the illustrated guide. Then….

[The room shakes]

Akira: What?!

Riquet: Whoa!

Suddenly there was the sound of explosion and the library shook furiously.

As we were searching for the book, suddenly there was the sound of explosion. The library shook from the impact, and heavy books began to fall down from the shelves.

Akira: ….!

Riquet: Sunrotea edif!

As Riquet chanted his spell, the books all fell to the sides as if to avoid us.

Riquet: Master Sage, are you injured?!

Akira: I’m alright thanks to you! Thank you.

Riquet: That’s good. But the explosion just now…

Heathcliff: Are you two alright?

Akira: Yes, Riquet protected me. How about you, Heath? Are you injured?

Heathcliff: No, I am safe and sound. Riquet, thank you for protecting Master Sage.

Riquet: Ehehe, that is just what I should do. I am a Sage’s Wizard too. Oh?

Akira: What’s the matter?

Riquet: The book that fell over there…

Akira: Ah! Heath, is this your book?

Heathcliff: Yes, that is the illustrated guide I am looking for! I am glad that it has been found. Let’s read if after we tidy up the books that fell all over the floor here.

Akira – Riquet: Sure!

[In the hallway]

Arthur: We are home!

Riquet: Welcome home!

Akira: Good work today. How was the mission?

Cain: It went without a hitch. We’ll report the details afterwards.

Riquet: Your Highness, Cain, please listen to me! Today…

Riquet recounted everything that had happened during the day with sparkly eyes to them.

Cain: Books fell because of an explosion? That’s dangerous. Are you okay?

Riquet: We are fine. The explosion happened because Oz and Mithra had a quarrel. I have reminded Oz that fighting is unacceptable. Still, thanks to that, we found what we were looking for, so I thanked him properly too.

Akira: It isn’t just that. When books fell down, Riquet protected me with magic too. He was very impressive!

Riquet: Master Sage…

Arthur: So such events happened. Thank you for protecting Master Sage, Riquet.

Cain: You’ll likely get even better with magic from now on. How reliable, Riquet. As a fellow Sage’s Wizard, I’d better not fall behind, right.

Riquet: Come on, Cain. Please don’t ruffle my hair like that!

Even if he protested, happiness shined on Riquet’s face as Cain petted his head. Then he straightened his back and smiled radiantly.

Riquet: Master Sage, I will always protect you!

[lady-of-the-spirit]

Brief introduction to some of my OCs:

Tora: Abandonment issues but with a sword!

Alexis: Space Lesbian willing to throw hands

Louisa: Murder is okay if it's for revenge or for money.

Marianne: am I a natural mother or is it just that I've never been allowed to put myself first

Ryoko: Deeply miserable but with a sword and some occasional really deep quotes to share

The Watchmaker: The Cain Instinct.

[lornaslibrary]

Found Family

Last week I asked you to recommend books on the subject of found family. Here are all of the books that were recommended!!

Bold = the books I’ve read * = the books I personally would recommend + = want to read/on my TBR

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi +

Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1), by Renee Ahdieh

Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1), by Leigh Bardugo *

Girls Made of Snow and Glass, by Melissa Bashardoust +

Open House, by Elizabeth Berg

Red Rising (Red Rising #1), by Pierce Brown *

Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1), by Rachel Caine *

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1), by Becky Chambers *

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1), by Cassandra Clare 

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1), by Cassandra Clare *

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1), by Cassandra Clare

Artemis Fowl Artemis Fowl #1), by Eoin Colfer

Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1), by James S.A. Corey

The Passage (The Passage #1), by Justin Cronin *

Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle #1), by Diana Wynne Jones

At Home in Mitford (Mitford Years #1), by Jan Karon

The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower #1), by Stephen King *

It, by Stephen King *

The Stand, by Stephen King *

Rosemary and Rue (October Daye #1), by Seanan McGuire +

Every Last Cuckoo, by Kate Maloy

Tomorrow, When The War Began (Tomorrow #1), by John Marsden

The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen #1), by Jodi Meadows

Time is a River, by Mary Alice Monroe

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern +

Radio Silence, by Alice Oseman *

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street (The Watchmaker of Filigree Street #1), by Natasha Pulley

Seven Ancient Wonders (Jack West Jr #1), by Matthew Reilly 

The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1), by Rick Riordan 

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1), by Rick Riordan 

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1), by Rick Riordan 

The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles #1), by Rick Riordan

Blue Dahlia (In the Garden #1), by Nora Roberts

Vicious (Villains #1), by V. E. Scwhab *

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Strange Practice (Dr. Greta Helsing #1), by Vivian Shaw

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1), by Maggie Stiefvater

Introductions (The Ghost Bird #1), by C.L. Stone

The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings #1), by J. R. R. Tolkien 

If you recommended books but don’t see your recommendations here, feel free to message me to let me know I missed your response

Other Chain Recs Masterposts

[poemsforpersephone]

Lauren’s updated ‘send help, too many books’ to be read list

Making a list seemed to help last time (or at least it did until i did the inevitable and... bought more books... and since we’re almost at the end of the year and into a new one here is my new and updated to-be-read list. I’ve removed all the books i’ve read since i made the first one and i’ve added the new ones. My goal is to have halved this list by the end of next year haha, thats 65 books (ignoring the fact that i’ll probably get a couple for christmas/buy more when audible have a good daily deal haha) 

AUDIBLE: (30)

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

Misbehaving: The Making of Behaviour Economics by Richard H. Thaler

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Ray Porter

Lost At Sea by Jon Ronson

Them by Jon Ronson

Welcome to the Universe by J. Richard Gott and Neil Degrasse Tyson

The Establishment by Owen Jones

What a Wonderful World by Marcus Chown

The Idiot Brain by Dean Burnett

Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley

The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan

The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer

Doctor Who Tales by ensemble

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

The Lie Tree by Francis Hardinge

Command and Control by Eric Schlosser

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan

Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Medical School for Everyone by The Great Courses

The Origin and Evolution of Earth by The Great Courses

The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman

The Hundred-Year Old Man by Jonas Jonasson

This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein

Lost Connections by Johann Hari

Circe by Madeline Miller

Life on Earth by David Attinborough

KINDLE: (20)

The Last Romeo by Justin Myers

Call me by your Name by Andre Aciman

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Mirror, Mirror by Cara Delevingne

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

All The Rage by Courtney Summers

We Have No Idea by Jorge Cham

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Happy by Derren Brown

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

The Winter Over by Matthew Iden

Lift and Separate by Marylin Simon Rothstein

The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan

No Place Left to Run by Zara Detand

Gives Light by Rose Christo

The Kangeroo Chronicles by Marc-Uwe Kling

Into That Silent Sea: Trailblazers of the Space Era by Francis French

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer

Burro Hills by Julia Lynn Rubin

Cheerleaders From Planet X by Lissa Chiavari

PHYSICAL COPIES: (27)

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Forces of Nature by Brian Cox

Why Does E=MC2? by Brian Cox

Mort by Terry Pratchett

The Posterchildren: Origins by Kitty Burroughs

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Barduco

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen

Fire by Elfgren and Strandberg

Question Everything by NewScientist

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

Bang! by Brian May

Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King

Percy Jackson 1-5 by Rick Riordan (0/5 read)

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

Living Dolls by Natasha Walter

The Equality Illusion by Kat Banyard

Yes Means Yes! by Jaclyn Friedman, Jessica Valenti

Privilege by Kimmel and Ferber

Ice Crypt by Tiana Warner

Ice Kingdom by Tiana Warner

(TOTAL: 77)

[personalmains]

Hamilton pocket watch

Hamilton’s most popular 18-size movement, however, was the 21-jewel Grade No. 936 from 1893 to 1915, upgrading its escapement around 1906. Lever-set watches became a railroad standard between 19, but Hamilton’s standards were more than a decade ahead of the curve. As opposed to “pendant-set” (push-pull crown) types, lever-set watches were somewhat inconvenient, but they were much more difficult to accidentally un-set. This required the user to disengage a lever (usually under the crystal) to set the hands via the crown. It was adjusted for accuracy in five positions and featured a lever-set system. Henry Cain had designed the 18-size (44.86mm-diameter) movement, equipped with 17 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a full-plate design. 936 from 1893 - courtesy of Collectors Weekly Hamilton wasted no time in establishing a legacy of tried-and-true timepieces with an American spirit. The group built a new wing onto the Keystone Standard watch factory to accommodate the machinery brought in from Aurora. The group chose the name Hamilton as a tribute to the original owner of the site of Lancaster, as well as its first planner - Andrew Hamilton and his son James. Cain had also been one of the main investors in the project, and he had plans to develop serious railroad-ready timepieces. Along with it came Henry Cain, the superintendent of the Aurora Watch Company, and former head of Keystone Standard just a few years prior. The group decided to merge the two watchmaking companies, transporting Aurora’s machinery all the way to Lancaster. So in October of 1892, the group purchased the Keystone Standard brand and facilities, as well as the struggling Aurora Watch Company of Aurora, Illinois. A group of Lancaster-based investors, however, would not settle for less than a high-quality watch manufacturer bringing life to their town. But a lack of capital and the effects of mismanagement saw their untimely demise, with Keystone Standard finally going bankrupt in 1891. The Adams & Perry Watch Company, the Lancaster Watch Company, and the Keystone Standard Watch Company had all strived for success, inhabiting the same manufacturing facility built in Lancaster in 1875. The brand rose like a phoenix from the ashes of several prior watch companies that had struggled to gain traction in the prior two decades. The Hamilton Watch Company was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. I hope you’ll find it as interesting as my grandfather and I have.Ĭourtesy of Lancaster Online The birth of Hamilton Today, we’ll take our first look at Hamilton’s rich history. The man lived and breathed the American railroad, and for so many years, Hamilton did as well. As I’ve been digging into the history of Hamilton watches, I can clearly see why my grandfather loved them so much. At 18 years old, I bought my own Hamilton Khaki X-Wind, and it was the crowning piece in my collection for nearly ten years.Ĭurrently, I’m studying more about watch brands than ever. But as silly as I was in not appreciating those treasures, my grandfather’s love of Hamilton watches greatly influenced my watch journey. They still live at my mother’s house half the world away, and, these days, I’m aching to go back and give them the attention they deserve. In my teens, I inherited several of my grandfather’s Hamilton pocket watches, which I foolishly neglected before moving to Japan. Even my grandmother, who knows and cares little about watches, can vouch for my grandfather’s love of the brand. Though he collected many brands of American timepieces, Hamilton watches were his favorites by far. His entire Cleveland basement was filled with locomotive memorabilia, including lanterns, bells, signals, and, yes, watches. He was an honorary member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and he had an unrelenting passion for trains and anything related to them. There’s no doubt in my mind that was thanks to my grandfather, who was a lifelong enthusiast of the American railroad. When I started my watch journey 16 years ago, Hamilton was a brand to which I instantly felt connected.

[soulsunforgiven]

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF MY MUSES: SEXUALITY

ALEX MAHONE (Prison Break) - Bicurious. Secret agent. He is primarily into women and refuses to admit that he’s ever found men attractive - but it has happened before. Rare, but it has.  ANGELUS (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) - Pansexual. Vampire. He generally tries to stay away from romance and sex because of various reasons, but he can and does find everyone of all genders (and some different species; humanoid ones anyway) attractive. ASH HARVELLE (Supernatural) - Gay. Genius. Only really into men; he can find women attractive but has never really been properly romantically or sexually attracted to them. They’re pretty but he definitely bats for the other team. AUDREY JENSEN (Scream) - Bicurious. Aspiring filmmaker. Leans primarily toward women, but is down to play with both teams.  BALTHAZAR (Supernatural) - Pansexual. Archangel. He’s just out to have a good time and he doesn’t give a fuck who it’s with.  BILLY HARGROVE (Stranger Things) - Bicurious. Punk. Has only ever messed around with women and refuses to admit that he has an attraction toward men, having buried it deep, deep down. He may as well be straight since it’ll take someone extremely special to let him drag that other side of him out - and even then it’ll almost certainly be a hate-based anger-fueled energy-expelling one-sided relationship. BOAZ PRIESTLEY (Ten Inch Hero) - Mostly straight. Sub sandwich shop employee. Would be down to mess around with the right guy but up to this point has only ever been interested in women. BOB NEWBY (Stranger Things) - Straight. He’s only ever really had feelings for one man before and never really acted on them, if only because he was always so devoted to Joyce. He hasn’t had a crush on a man since then, and doesn’t really have an interest. There’s always the possibility but he, like Priestley, identifies as straight. BOBBY SINGER (Supernatural) - Straight through and through. Monster hunter. The only time he’s ever done something with a man, it wasn’t exactly of his own free will. Has no interest in men and probably never will. BUCK VU (The OA) - Gay primarily. Transmasculine high schooler. With the right girl, he might be attracted to them, but thus far he has only been attracted to men. He doesn’t really like a label though; if anyone asks him who he’s attracted to, his usual response is just a shrug. He goes where life takes him. CAIN (Supernatural) - Aromantic bicurious. Demon. Cain has been interested sexually in women primarily before as well as a few men, but as a rule tries to avoid any sort of romantic involvement, due to the fact that as a demon, it is simply too dangerous for them - his thoughts when he’s trying to reform - or he simply doesn’t want to fall in love due to how it is a weakness - his thoughts during his time as an active demon. CASTIEL (Supernatural) - Panromantic asexual. Angel. He can be attracted to any gender, but mostly just doesn’t care much either way. CECIL PALMER (Welcome To Night Vale) - Gay. Radio host. Has never really been attracted romantically to women, only men, and, well, once he met Carlos, that changed to only one man. (AUs do not count.) CHARLES “HAYWIRE” PATOSHIK (Prison Break) - Bisexual. Mathematician-turned-criminal. Has always fancied men and women; nothing fancy or iffy about it. He just did. CHARLES WESTMORELAND (Prison Break) - Straight. Con artist who got caught and spent thirty years in prison.  CHUCK SHURLEY (Supernatural) - Asexual panromantic. Writer/prophet. He has the capacity to fall for any gender - although to date it has only really been women - but is rarely interested in the sexual aspect.  CROWLEY (Supernatural) - Panromantic. Demon. Into everyone at all times for all of eternity. DALLAS “DALLY” WINSTON (The Outsiders) - Closeted bisexual. Punk. Is definitely into men but only really shows his interest in women.  DAMIAN LAVEY (Monster Prom) - Pansexual. Demon. Will get it on with anyone and anything, no questions asked. But ask him anything about love and he might lose it. He isn’t exactly a ‘romance’ type of guy without a l o t of work. DAVID “DAVY SCOTT (Dinotopia) - Asexual heteroromantic. Sky Rider. He’s more into knowledge and exploring than anything sexual, but he does fall in love pretty easily, mostly with women.  DAVID HENDRIX (Gridlocked) - Mostly straight. SWAT. He’s only ever really been with women, but he is willing to admit to himself at least that he might be into men somewhere down the road. He’s met some pretty damn attractive men on the force before, after all. DEAN WINCHESTER (Supernatural) - Straight. Monster hunter. This one is tricky - I see Dean as 110% straight and rarely refuse to waver on it in fandom due to how toxic certain shippers can be. THAT SAID. If you as a roleplayer see some sort of possible romantic future for your guy and Dean, I’m willing to talk through it and make it a possibility. Chemistry is key for me, but until I run into a roleplayer I can get chemistry with Dean for, I play him (and see him in fandom) as completely straight. DEATH (Supernatural) - Aromantic asexual. Death. There is no interest in anything but junk food and the law of death for this guy. DIPPER PINES (Gravity Falls) - Questioning. Aspiring writer and explorer of the mysterious. He’s 12. He doesn’t know what the hell his sexuality is right now and is more concerned with figuring out the mysteries of Gravity Falls. He could swing any which way.  DRAKE (Blade: Trinity) - Pansexual. Vampire. He’s all about pleasure. He doesn’t care much where he gets it from as long as he gets it. DUSTFINGER (Inkheart) - Pansexual. Fire dancer. He has the capacity to be interested in men and he was a few times back in the day, but he ended up marrying Roxanne, and he’s definitively monogamous. In AUs / before he was married, however, Dustfinger can swing any which way. He has a lot of love to give, once you crack through his shell. ELEVEN (Doctor Who) - Asexual panromantic. The Doctor. He can and will love anyone of any gender or consenting species, but has no interest in sex. Too much to do, too much to see, too many things that need to be fixed! No time to mess around in bed. He will if his partner can get him to calm down long enough, but it isn’t something he has any interest in. ELI (Xena: Warrior Princess) - Asexual panromantic. Prophet/angel. He loves so many people and has so much love to give, it would kill him not to show it. He’s not overly interested in the sexual aspect of things; if it makes his partner happy, he’ll indulge, but it’s not something he really cares about. Romantic love, however, he has so much of. Romantic, platonic, familial, if you can think of a type of love outside of sexual, he has so so much of it. FERNANDO SUCRE (Prison Break) - Bisexual. Criminal. He’s mostly into women but if the right men come along, he isn’t really picky. Sure, he has a lot of internalised homophobia but he generally buries it. Definitely the type to keep his attraction toward you a secret though so if you want a public relationship, it’s best not to hold your breath with him. GABRIEL (Supernatural) - Pansexual. Archangel. If you’re breathing and capable of consent, much like Jack Harkness, he’s into you. He’s a very simple man with simple pleasures and no discrimination. And unlike the previous muse, he can be VERY public about it. Very much into grandiose shows of affection. GABRIEL GRAY/SYLAR (Heroes) - Pansexual. Watchmaker. Honestly, he has never labeled himself and never will. If you’re pretty, he’s interested, easy as that. GARY KING (The World’s End) - Aromantic pansexual. Professional drunk. Really into having fun and getting pleasure but romance and love both scares him and is something he can’t really commit to. GEORGE SANDS (Being Human) - Bicurious. Hospital porter and werewolf. Mostly into women but also into men if he is willing to admit it to himself. He’s a soft bean who just wants to be loved. IANTO JONES (Torchwood) - Pansexual. Torchwood agent. Nothing special to say here, he’s into anyone regardless of who they are, so long as they have a good heart. He doesn’t lean one way or the other in particular, and he isn’t overly secretive about his sexuality. JACK HARKNESS (Doctor Who/Torchwood) - Pansexual. Torchwood agent and time traveler. Everyone knows Jack. He’s been around the block a few thousand times. All the times in the world, all the places... all the pretty people... JIM HOPPER (Stranger Things) - Straight. Sheriff. He has had feelings for one man before but it was a long time ago and he put it behind him long ago. Feelings for that person might very well rekindle someday, but outside of that person, he identifies as straight. JOHN ABRUZZI (Prison Break) - Straight. Mafia boss. Nothing much to say here, he has no interest in men, never has, probably never will. He’s not beneath pretending to be into men to get something he wants, but outside of that, he has no interest. JOHN BENDER (The Breakfast Club) - Bicurious. Punk. He’s a high schooler (with several young adult verses), and he’s got a pretty big sex drive. He’ll go for whoever shows interest. But like with several other muses, he will never admit to having feelings for men and if anyone dares suggest he does - even other guys he’s messing with - he’ll punch them. JOHN CONSTANTINE (Constantine) - Pansexual. Demonologist. Whoever you are, whatever you look like, whatever species you are, he’ll probably shag you. He’s a hedonist at heart. JOHN HART (Torchwood) - Pansexual. Rogue Time Agent. See above. Absolute hedonist and his pleasure comes first and foremost to anything else in his life. JOHN MITCHELL (Being Human) - Pansexual. Vampire. He doesn’t care much who’s who, beauty is beauty, regardless of what’s in the pants. JONAH CHUCHIP (Boys In The Trees) - Gay. High schooler. He’s into men and most of the other kids at his high school don’t let him hear the end of it/never let him hear the end of it. JOSH CRAYTON (Welcome To Night Vale) - Pansexual. Shapeshifter. He primarily leans toward men but that’s just a preference. Of course, as a shapeshifter, he isn’t necessarily limited to normal humans either. LJ BURROWS (Prison Break) - Mostly straight. High schooler. He has had interest in men before but is mostly interested in women - especially since two or so of the times he has been interested in men, it has been a toxic relationship meant as a means of self-destruction that became something more serious. Can be interested in men, but leans mostly toward females. LUCIFER (Lucifer) - Pansexual. The devil. Need I say more? LUCIFER (Supernatural) - Pansexual. The devil. Same as above. LUKE SEACORD (The Loft) - Bisexual. A professional disaster. Leans more toward women, but has the capacity to be into men. Keeps almost all of his sexual interests and escapades a secret, because he’s got a lot going on. A lot. MAD SWEENEY (American Gods) - Pansexual. Leprechaun. Much like so many of my other muses, he’s a hedonist, and he’ll take pleasure where he can find it.  MALCOLM MERLYN (Arrow) - Bisexual. Vigilante/businessman. He has a leaning toward women, but if a man has the proper amount of smarts, power, and skill, he might be willing to look past the similarities in his own gender and theirs to have some fun. MARK COHEN (RENT) - Asexual panromantic. Filmmaker. Mark isn’t really much into sex, but he does fall in love quite easily, and he doesn’t discriminate between genders. OWEN HARPER (Torchwood) - Pansexual. Torchwood agent. He leans more toward women, but he’s not going to turn down a good shag. Pretty people are pretty people. NINE (Doctor Who) - Asexual panromantic. The Doctor. Nine, much like his other incarnations, has too much on his mind to think about or worry about sex. He’ll take part if his partner is into it but otherwise ignores any aspects of a sexual relationship. Romantic, he’s all about. He’s a cheesy sap when it comes to love.  RICKY LINDERMAN (My Bodyguard) - Bisexual (more really pansexual but at the time, he only really knew the term ‘bisexual). Mechanic/high schooler (just graduated). Ricky has messed around with both men and women, anyone who would have him. Sometimes it was out of feelings, other times it was out of necessity. Either way, he doesn’t have much of a preference for genders. RUMPLESTILTSKIN/MR. GOLD (Once Upon A Time) - Pansexual. Trickster. He has a leaning toward women but really doesn’t give a fuck. He’s more interested in magick anyway. His family and his magick are all that matter for the most part. RUPERT GILES (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) - Bicurious. Watcher and librarian. Giles is mostly into women, but once or twice - mostly in his youth - he had a few flings with men. He never made a big deal out of them, and rarely brings them up, as it’s been so long. There’s a possibility that he’ll be involved with a man again but mostly he falls for women. SALIM (American Gods) - Gay. Taxi driver. He has been with women before, but more out of feeling he had to and not because he wanted to be. Definitely into men. Bonus points if they’re magickal beings from ancient mythos. SAM WINCHESTER (Supernatural) - Bicurious. Hunter. He’s mostly into women but if the right man came along, he would probably give them a try.  SAMUEL SULLIVAN (Heroes) - Aromantic pansexual. Carnie. He’s mostly indifferent to romance and love, but definitely into sexual relations. As far as who with, he’s a carnival leader. He doesn’t exactly have an affinity for being prudish or picky about... well, anything. SCOTT HOWL (Monster Prom) - Pansexual. Werewolf. He is usually too busy thinking about sports or food to consider sex, but he’s definitely not adverse to it. As for who with - it doesn’t matter much to him as long as they’re nice to him. SHADOW MOON (American Gods) - Pansexual. Jack of all trades. He leans more toward women but again, it doesn’t really matter in the long run. Of course, you have to get to him when he’s not head over heels for his wife.  SPIKE (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) - Pansexual. Vampire. Spike is an absolute hedonist and can’t and won’t be stopped from having fun with whoever he damn well pleases. STANFORD PINES (Gravity Falls) - Asexual heteroromantic. Author. Doesn’t really have much interest in sex whatsoever, but has occasionally fallen for women - but not many, considering how long he’s been alive. (With the right chemistry, I could play him against a man, but in general, I see him as asexual and borderline aromantic.) STEVE HARRINGTON (Stranger Things) - Bisexual. Babysitter. He’s primarily into women, but much like Billy Hargrove, he’s buried his attraction toward men for the most part and remains strictly closeted. SULLY (Supernatural) - Asexual panromantic. Zanna/imaginary friend. He can fall in love with almost anyone, but mostly, all of his love is familial or platonic. He has never had a romantic partner, and isn’t too desperate for one. (He isn’t aromantic; he just is indifferent to the idea of a partner unless it happens out of the blue.)  TEN (Doctor Who) - Asexual panromantic. The Doctor. Much like Nine and Eleven, he has no real interest in sex unless his partner does. Gender and species is not relevant to any of the Doctor’s incarnations, and Ten is no different. THEODORE “T-BAG” BAGWELL (Prison Break) - Pansexual. Criminal. He’s a downright horrible person and any ‘relationship’ he ever enters into is bound to be toxic, since he’s an abusive fuck. But he doesn’t discriminate between gender. TOM MCNAIR (Being Human) - Questioning. Werewolf. He just isn’t sure what his sexuality is and is at the moment just exploring it. TRUCKER (Ten Inch Hero) - Straight. Hippie/sandwich shop owner. He had a few flings with men back in the day, but that was a long time ago and since then he has only ever really been with women. And only ever really been in love with one woman.  VERONICA DONOVAN (Prison Break) - Pansexual. Lawyer. She’s mostly closeted to herself and has only been in relationships with men, but she has always found women attractive, and wishes she had enough guts to admit it to... well, anyone. Especially the women she likes.

[johndengdeng]

Who Wear Rolex Day-Date?

The Day-Date was developed by Wilsdorf as the high-end Oyster Perpetual, an excellent stopwatch that offers a particularly necessary function for people called upon to take responsibility. It has established itself as a presidential watch, ”says one at the company's headquarters. In addition, the crown brand did not deprive itself - as it is not customary - to remember this, launching in 2013 an advertising campaign featuring the great people of the world in one of its models.

At the origins of Geneva's worldwide success is the Bavarian Hans Wilsdorf, who founded his company specializing in the sale of luxury replica ladies watches in 1905 in London. Three years later, he coined the name Rolex, short for exquisite watchmaking, spoken in all languages. Convinced of the imminent demise of a pocket watch, this pragmatic visionary in 1910 won the first ever Swiss chronometer certificate for a wristwatch. Their models are accurate, but Wildsorf wants them to be reliable too. Therefore, it is immune to any external intrusion. The company moved to Geneva and in 1926 released the first ever waterproof Oyster watch. "Oyster", which fame was established in 1927 when he crossed the English Channel on the wrist of the English swimmer Mercedes Gleitze.

Four years later, the brand refined its invention by developing and patenting the Rotor Perpetual, the first automatic rotary movement, the forerunner of today's automatic watches. The foundations of the myth have been dropped. It is built on the Datejust, the first watch of its kind with a date display (1945), the Submariner, the first watch with water resistance to 100 meters (1953), the Cosmograph Daytona chronograph (1963). And of course the replica Day-Date watches, the first wristwatch to display the full day of the week (1956). “With this model, Hans Wilsdorf is perfecting his calendar. He considered date and day as two of the most useful metrics, as they change daily.

Rolex Day-Date 36

On the other hand, the Day-Date 36 gets a new series of dials. Targeting a seemingly female audience, they also target men in countries where diamonds are not the exclusive property of women. In fact, they are all valuable insofar as they live up to the established benchmarks, and this also applies to the bezel. The cases are gold, which is not surprising since the Day-Date is always like this, unless it's crafted from platinum. Apart from these settings, the dials are unusual in that some of them are made of rare materials, turquoise or pink mother-of-pearl.

Caliber 3255

Last spring, at the Basel show, Rolex presented its famous Day-Date with a new face and new movement. The automatic caliber 3235, developed during its production, has 14 registered patents. “When 3235 watches are nested, they show a change of - 2 / + 2 seconds per day, which is a real feat if we know that the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute has certified movements that range from - 4 / + 6 seconds per day, ”says the engineer. As a bonus, this new caliber is surrounded by a very talented exhaust system offering 15% more efficiency than the classic Swiss lever exhaust. It is also resistant to shocks, magnetic fields and, apparently, to fluctuations in economic conditions. “The Day-Date is a versatile timeless watch that everyone dreams of wearing on the wrist,” says Parisian retailer Patrice Dubai, who has just opened a very elegant multi-brand store on the Champs Elysees in Paris. His realm of biblical simplicity only gives the most important information: time, date, day of the week. That is why it remains unapproachable. "

Michael Caine And Rolex Day-Date

In Brian de Palma's 1981 film Pulse, Michael Caine wears a Rolex Day-Date watch in yellow gold. There is no doubt that this is the actor's personal watch, as it can also be seen in the films The Romantic Englishwoman, The Most Rogue of Two, The Middle Law and The Snoop. Non-exhaustive list.

Kate Miller suffers from such vivid erotic fantasies that it is difficult for her to separate dream from reality. One morning she goes to her psychiatrist Robert Elliot to talk to him about her sexual frustrations with her husband.

On the way to the museum, Kate seduces a man who takes her to his apartment for the night. The next morning, as Kate exited the building in the elevator, she was killed by a blonde razor with thick sunglasses.

Liz Blake, a famous prostitute, witnessed a crime: she saw the killer as sharp as a razor. The next day at the police station, meet Dr. Elliot, Peter Miller, the son of Kate and Liz Blake. All suspicion falls on Liz.

In the following days, the prostitute is tracked down by a blonde killer, but Peter manages to save her in a pinch. Keith's son, an electronics specialist, develops a camera that allows him to discover that the killer is Dr. Elliot's patient. To find out the patient's name, Liz tries to seduce the psychiatrist to steal his plans.

[sublimegentlemanalpaca]

The joys, and feels of re reading (SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST DRAGON).

So, I had a bit of time, and I thought if I should continue reading the collection of Oscar Wilde that I have, or do some re-reading of the CotIG. I chose the latter. At first I only planned to read the scene of the Last Inn, but decided to read the last section of the book. Here are some things that stood out that I forgot. The Identity of the Watchmaker. He was Enoch! Not Caine’s son Enoch (I don’t think?. That would be a reunion), but the one known for dealing with Angels (where Enochian comes from) and walking into Heaven (so I guess he’s not a member of the Quorum). I guess it should be Professor Enoch for the Times at Tamerlane? The description of Dee’s true self. An aged man so old his skin resembled the most fragile parchment, and whose eyes radiated hatred. The death of John Dee. Burned alive by the light of a cherubim, bursting into a thousand shards of Shadow (makes me wonder how that works? Did Dee become an Echthros himself?) each trying to get away only to disappear in the light. The Death of Tummeler ( :( ). Not tear inducing but damn near close... The scene with Poe and Rose. Should he be called Chronos? I mean....I don’t know. Thoughts? That the frontier was destroyed. And Two other things. The new ICS (International Cartological Society). And Christopher Tolkien, being an Apprentice Caretaker...and other ‘Associate Caretakers. There will be a post about that.

[ishouldreadthat]

I would like to file a complaint. How is it already August? It’s completely baffling to me and I’d love to know when I time traveled because this is ridiculous.

The month of July was kind of crazy, as I feel like it always is. What is it about summer months and me going to tons of events and doing fun stuff? I swear I usually sit at home and read books — I’m not a particularly social person. Regardless, I had a ton of fun this month — especially at YALC!

  Books I read

The Calculating Stars by Marie Robinette Kowal

Age of Assassins by RJ Barker (review)

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang 

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

All the Bad Apples by Moira Fowley Doyle

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

It doesn’t feel like it has been my strongest month for reading, but I still managed to read seven books this month! The range of ratings for this month’s reading is pretty extreme, going from 1 star to 5 stars! My favourites of the month were The Dragon Republic (of course), All the Bad Apples, and To Be Taught, If Fortunate. My least favourite book was The Calculating Stars, a book I found absolutely infuriating (a very unpopular opinion).

I’m very behind on reviews, but you should be able to see reviews for all of these books soon.  Keep an eye out!

  Books I bought

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

Rosewater by Tade Thompson

Sorcery of Thorns By Margaret Rogerson

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

The number of books I bought outside of YALC is pretty reasonable this month! If you pretend I never went to YALC, then it looks like I’m doing great for books this month, especially since I’ve already read one of the four books I bought!

  Book post

To be Taught, if Fortunate by Becky Chambers

Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslund

The Black Hawks by David Wragg

Turning Darkness into Light by Marie Brennan

Shadows of the Short Days by Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson

What She Found in the Woods by Josephine Angelini

All the Bad Apples by Moira Fowley-Doyle

I had initially thought that book post was slowing down, but no! I received some amazing book post this month, including one of my most anticipated books of the year (Becky Chambers, of course)! These are all going straight onto the TBR pile, and I’m hoping to get them all read soon.

  YALC book haul

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo

A Throne of Swans by Katherine and Elizabeth Corr

Midnight Beauties by Megan Shepherd

Wild Savage Stars by Kristina Perez

A Little Hatred By Joe Abercrombie

American Royals by Katherine McGee

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus

The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods by Emily Barr

The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

 A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Godsgave by Jay Kristoff

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre

Stranger of Tempest by Tom Lloyd

All Fall Down by Sally Nichols

Twelve Kings by Bradley Beaulieu

Heartstream by Tom Pollock

The Starlight Watchmaker by Lauren James

Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle

Daggerspell by Katherine Kerr

Darkspell by Katherine Kerr

Song of the Dead by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Fawkes bu Nadine Brandes

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

We Set the Dark on Fire Tehlor Mejia

An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley

Heeeey, YALC! I go overboard every year with book buying at YALC, but honestly this year wasn’t too bad. About 14 of these books were free and I picked up a couple I have already read. I did a reading vlog on my YouTube channel about YALC and have a YALC-specific haul video planned. You can see more there!

  Wow. This month really has been crazy! I hope you all had a fantastic month and that I can be back here with you a little more frequently. August even more full of fun events including a talk from George R. R. Martin and VoyagerCon!  Plus I’m going to go see Sasha Valour (!!) in London. AHH!

  What did you read this month? Have you heard of these books? Are they in your TBR? Let me know!

A month with a HUGE range of ratings and reads -- including two of my most anticipated books of the year! Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: July 2019 #bookblogger I would like to file a complaint. How is it already August? It's completely baffling to me and I'd love to know when I time traveled because this is ridiculous.

[watchilove]

Jaeger-LeCoultre and MR PORTER are pleased to announce the launch of the Master Ultra Thin KINGSMAN Knife watch, a limited edition of 100 timepieces, specially adapted for The King’s Man, the upcoming Kingsman origins film directed by Matthew Vaughn. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife watch will be offered exclusively on MR PORTER, as a key part of The King’s Man ‘costume to collection’, from July 20th to September 6th. After that date, the watch will also be available directly from Jaeger-LeCoultre online and in selected boutiques.

The newest film in the Kingsman series links past and present, going back 100 years to the origins of the Kingsman agency. So too has Jaeger-LeCoultre drawn upon its great historic mastery of ultra thin calibres to develop a new timepiece directly inspired by the celebrated 1907 ‘Couteau’ (couteau is French for knife) pocket watch. The Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife watch is a refined dress watch that blends tradition and modernity in a manner perfectly suited to both The King’s Man and to contemporary style.

Calibre 145 knife pocket watch

The aesthetic roots of the new watch are unmistakably those of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s traditional pocket watches: the very broad bezel slopes gently from the sapphire crystal to the edge of the case, creating a fine profile reminiscent of a knife blade and the winding crown, protected by its triangular bow, is placed at 12 o’clock. However, these timeless and traditional elements are brought right up to date with subtly modern details: simple index hour markers keep the dial refined and clean, while a finely drawn ring is repeated as a circular highlight on the bezel.

Presented in a classically elegant 40mm size, the pink gold case is just 4.25mm thick. The ultra thin case houses Jaeger-LeCoultre’s celebrated hand-wound calibre 849. At just 1.85 millimetres thick, the movement underlines La Grande Maison’s century-old mastery of this demanding form of Haute Horlogerie: ultra thin movements require a perfect ratio between thinness and solidity, to ensure that components retain sufficient strength to ensure reliable timekeeping.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s hand-wound calibre 849

In tribute to the film’s narrative, the case-back of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife watch has been engraved with the Kingsman logo, as well as the legend “One of 100”, and is presented in a specially designed Kingsman sleeve box.

In an eloquent expression of the Kingsman maxim ‘Manners Maketh Man’, the Master Ultra Thin Knife is the perfect gentleman’s timepiece; not only functional but supremely elegant.

‘Our Manufacture is proud of its heritage which drives the creativity of our master watchmaking since 1833. We are delighted to partner with Matthew Vaughn and Mr Porter to unveil a unique timepiece celebrating the elegance pioneering spirit. The thinness of this watch, inspired from a pocket-watch with a knife shape from 1907 is illustrating the skills and creativity of our fully integrated Manufacture. It represents the spirit of times with timepieces passed from generation to generation’ – Ms Catherine Renier, CEO, Jaeger-LeCoultre

‘We at MR PORTER are thrilled to be working with Matthew Vaughn and the Jaeger-LeCoultre team to exclusively launch the limited-edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife, in advance of the global release of The King’s Man later this year. The watch has a strong heritage styling coupled with being limited to only 100 pieces and will sure to be received extremely well with our growing global watch community’ – Mr Sam Kershaw, Buying Director, MR PORTER

About The KING’S MAN / 20th CENTURY STUDIOS

As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in “The King’s Man.”

“The King’s Man” is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, with Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.

Matthew Vaughn, David Reid and Adam Bohling are the producers, and Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons, Stephen Marks, Claudia Vaughn and Ralph Fiennes serve as executive producers. “The King’s Man” is based on the comic book “The Secret Service” by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, and the story is by Matthew Vaughn and the screenplay is by Matthew Vaughn & Karl Gajdusek. “The King’s Man” opens in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2020.

Image credits MR Porter

About MARV Studios & MATTHEW VAUGHN

MARV Studios is the production company of leading British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, who specialises in genre-redefining films. His films have garnered over $2.6 billion at the global box office, making him one of Britain’s most successful and critically acclaimed independent filmmakers.

Vaughn began his career as producer with Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, which starred Brad Pitt and received wide critical acclaim. Through his production company MARV, Vaughn debuted as a director with the crime thriller Layer Cake, which starred Daniel Craig and introduced his signature style to audiences.

Image credits MR Porter

Vaughn followed that up by directing, producing and co-writing with his writing partner Jane Goldman, Stardust, which starred Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer. In 2009, Vaughn produced action-thriller Harry Brown, which starred Michael Caine. 2010 saw Vaughn producing and co-writing The Debt, which starred Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington, and directing, producing and co-writing Kick-Ass, the first in the edgy franchise with a breakout performance from Chloë Grace Moretz. In 2011 Vaughn co-wrote and directed the 20th Century Fox prequel X-Men: First Class, a massive box office and critical hit which re-invigorated the popular series. He continued his involvement in the series by co-writing 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.

2014 also saw the debut of the global blockbuster Kingsman series, beginning with Kingsman: The Secret Service, written and directed by Vaughn, and its follow-up Kingsman: The Golden Circle in September 2017. The prequel to the franchise, The King’s Man, boasting an all-star cast, will be released in September 2020.

In 2019 MARV and Rocket Pictures released Rocketman, a critically-acclaimed musical fantasy based on the life of Elton John, directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton in a Golden Globe® winning and BAFTA nominated performance.

Image credits MR Porter

About JAEGER-LECOULTRE: HOME OF FINE WATCHMAKING SINCE 1833

Located in the calm, serene setting in the Vallée de Joux, our Home offers a unique sense of belonging. It is here, inspired by the exceptional landscapes of the Jura Mountains, guided by an unquenchable inner fire, that La Grande Maison gets its soul. With all crafts under one roof within the Manufacture, watchmakers, engineers, designers, artisans work together to give birth to fine watchmaking creations. Driven by a compelling energy and a spirit of collective invention that daily inspires the commitment of each and every member of our family, we cultivate our understated sophistication and technical creativity. This same spirit has powered the creation of more than 1200 calibres since 1833 and made Jaeger-LeCoultre the Watchmaker’s Watchmaker.

Credits to MR Porter

About MR PORTER

Since launching in February 2011, MR PORTER has established itself as the world’s leading, award-winning online destination for men’s style, with an unparalleled product offering from the best menswear and luxury brands, including categories that range from fine watches and lifestyle through to own labels Mr P. and Kingsman.

MR PORTER produces unmatched digital and printed content across its shoppable online magazine, The Journal, and its bi-monthly newspaper, The MR PORTER Post. In 2019, MR PORTER founded MR PORTER Health In Mind, a content and fundraising initiative in partnership with Movember, developed to raise awareness around men’s mental and physical health.

MR PORTER offers express worldwide shipping to more than 180 countries, including same-day delivery to New York, London and Milan, while providing a seamless shopping experience across mobile, tablet and desktop, with easy returns and multi-lingual customer care and personal-shopping teams who are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Image credits MR Porter

MR PORTER is a part of the YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group – the world leader in online luxury and fashion that comprises a complete luxury retail ecosystem. The Group sells directly to customers globally through its own family of multi-brand online shops NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, YOOX and THE OUTNET. The Group’s Online Flagship Stores division partners with many leading luxury brands to power their own e-commerce destinations. The Group has more than 4.3 million high-spending active customers globally. As pioneers in bringing together the realms of technology and luxury, YOOX NET-A-PORTER satisfies the most discerning clientele with expertly curated products from the best luxury brands, personalised end-to-end service, the latest technology and inspiring content, all shaped by 20 years of insights into the modern luxury shopper.

For more information about MR PORTER and the YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group, visit www.mrporter.com and www.ynap.com.

Instagram: @mrporterlive / Facebook: mrporterlive / Twitter: @MRPORTERLIVE / YouTube: MRPORTER

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife watch Technical Specification

Movement

Swiss-made calibre 849

hand-wound movement

35-hour power reserve

19 jewels,

21,600 Vph

Functions

hour and minute hands

Dial

off-white dial

black numerals and indices,

blued hands

Case

18-karat rose gold case

diameter: 40mm

case thickness: 4.25mm

crown for time adjustments and manual winding

sapphire glass crystal

engraved case back

pin buckle-fastening brown alligator strap

Specifications

Water resistance: 3 bar

Comes in a presentation box

Alligator: USA

This piece has been certified in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973

MR PORTER is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council

Reference number: 3402393

Made in Switzerland

Calibre 145 knife pocket watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s hand-wound calibre 849

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Image credits MR Porter

Jaeger-LeCoultre and MR PORTER introduce the Master Ultra Thin Kingsman Knife Watch Jaeger-LeCoultre and MR PORTER are pleased to announce the launch of the Master Ultra Thin KINGSMAN Knife watch…

[excb]

So I was going to post about how I finally got shoe insoles but then this happened. #winning #artfestival #clevelandartist #neohio #216 #theexcb #shopsmall #smallbusiness #jeweler #watchmaker #metalsmith #riojeweler #maker #makersgonnamake #watchesofinstagram #mensfashion #womensfashion (at Cain Park)

[poemsforpersephone]

LAUREN’S ‘DEAR GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE’ BOOKLIST

I wanted to make a list of all the books currently in my house/on my phone waiting to be read as a ‘fun’ project to motivate myself to read them but all it made me want to do is curl up into a ball and cry lmao. Anyhow i’m posting it here a) in case anyone is curious about this list i keep talking about, and b) because i can then cross them off one by one as i go through. 

Quick note: this list is not complete. I know for a fact that i’ve accidentally missed off several books, but these are the ones i’ll be focusing on for this year.... or you know, decade. Also these are all books i own (some from years ago), the list of books i don’t own but want to read is... well, probably longer. Under a read more to save us all the scrolling lmao.

AUDIBLE: (33)

Pompeii - The Life of a Roman Town by Mary Beard

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

Misbehaving: The Making of Behaviour Economics by Richard H. Thaler

The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley

Sovereign by April Daniels

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Ray Porter

The Dark Tourist by Dom Joly

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Lost At Sea by Jon Ronson

Them by Jon Ronson

The Men Who Stare At Goats by Jon Ronson

Welcome to the Universe by J. Richard Gott and Neil Degrasse Tyson

The Establishment by Owen Jones

What a Wonderful World by Marcus Chown

The Idiot Brain by Dean Burnett

The Brain by David Eagleman

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

The Power by Naomi Alderman

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley

The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan

A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien

Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza by Shaun David Hutchinson

The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel

Sal by Mick Kitson

The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer

Doctor Who Tales by ensemble

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama

Ask an Astronaut by Tim Peake

Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

People Like Us by Dana Mele 

Juliet Takes a Breath by Juliet Rivera

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Around the World in 80 Days by Micheal Palin

The Lie Tree by Francis Hardinge

A Skinful of Shadows by Francis Hardinge

Command and Control by Eric Schlosser

Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama

Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Medical School for Everyone by The Great Courses

The Origin and Evolution of Earth by The Great Courses

KINDLE: (26)

The Last Romeo by Justin Myers

Call me by your Name by Andre Aciman

Girlhood by Cat Clarke

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Mirror, Mirror by Cara Delevingne

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

All The Rage by Courtney Summers

We Have No Idea by Jorge Cham

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Happy by Derren Brown

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

The Winter Over by Matthew Iden

To Stand in the Light by Kayla Bashe

My Lady King by Kayla Bashe

Midair by Kodi Scheer

Lift and Separate by Marylin Simon Rothstein

The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan 

No Place Left to Run by Zara Detand

Gives Light by Rose Christo

The Kangeroo Chronicles by Marc-Uwe Kling

Into That Silent Sea: Trailblazers of the Space Era by Francis French

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer

Hunter’s Moon by M.J. O’Shea

Cold Moon by M.J. O’Shea

Burro Hills by Julia Lynn Rubin

Cheerleaders From Planet X by Lissa Chiavari

PHYSICAL COPIES: (63)

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Forces of Nature by Brian Cox

Human Universe by Brian Cox

Wonders of the Solar System by Brian Cox

Why Does E=MC2? by Brian Cox

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

You Know Me Well by David Levithan

Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Mort by Terry Pratchett

The Posterchildren: Origins by Kitty Burroughs

Lies my Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Anne Peters

Marks: Rise of Heroes by Hayden Thorne

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas 

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Barduco

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen

Fire by Elfgren and Strandberg

Inheritence by Malindo Lo

Question Everything by NewScientist 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

What If? by Randall Munroe

The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins

Bang! by Brian May

Vampire Chronicles Collection by Anne Rice

Not Your Sidekick by C.B Lee

The Abyss Surrounds us by Emily Skrutskie 

Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King

Percy Jackson 1-5 by Rick Riordan (0/5 read)

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

Vanish by Sophie Jorden

Bi Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner

Living Dolls by Natasha Walter

The Equality Illusion by Kat Banyard

Yes Means Yes! by Jaclyn Friedman, Jessica Valenti

Horrible Histories 20 book collection (1/20 read)

Privilege by Kimmel and Ferber

Mythology for Dummies

Ice Crypt by Tiana Warner

Ice Kingdom by Tiana Warner

The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed

The Edge of the Abyss by Emily Strutskie

Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson

(TOTAL: 122)