#Philippe Graff

[joshiji-darlingyuyuno]

ㅤ 🪸͟ ָ֢ ’’ 𐙚˙⋆.˚ 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓴𝔀𝓸𝓷 𝓼𝓾𝓲𝓷 ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

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kwon suin masterlist

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ࣪. basics ୭ ˚. ᵎ

birth name: kwon suin 권수인

birth date: 1995..14..02

birthplace: goyang, gyeonggi province, south korea

residence: nonhyeon-dong, gangnam-gu, seoul

occupation: celebrity, artist, singer, dancer, producer, founder&director of Darling Entertainment

nationality: korean - greek (dual- nationality)

ethnicity: korean

languages: english, korean, french, greek, italian, japanese, chinese

height: 170cm

weight: 45kg

blood type: O+

partner: doh kyungsoo (exo's D.O)

status: married

mbti: infj

debut: 2007

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ࣪. career ୭ ˚. ᵎ

history:

2007 - duo group 'darling (달링)' with shin ryeonha (신련하)

2012 - debuts as a soloist

2015 - debuts with seventeen

2016 - debuts as an actress in descendants of the sun

position in seventeen: co-leader, main vocalist, producer, lead dancer, visual,

suin's/ 'darling's fandom: dearest (디어에스트)

her emojis: 🐋🪼🪸🪷🍡🌊🪐🎀🧸🫧🖇🩰

social media: @sususuinkw.n

weverse: @sususuinnova

brand ambassador: graff,, patek philippe,, dior,, alexandar mcqueen,, hermès,, van cleef& arpels,, brunello cucinelli,, bottega veneta

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ࣪. trivia ୭ ˚. ᵎ

she is seventeen's co-leader, meaning she shares the leader position with s.coups. this was because she was elected as leader by all the members and the company, but suin felt that s.coups would make a great leader, so they comprimised by having themn both leaders

she is the oldest member in seventeen and is their senior as she debuted in 'darling' in 2007

some of her nicknames include; original visual,, blueprint,, the trend,,original ace,, nation's center,, nation's daughter,, miss korea, korea's voice,,

she is a-list celebrity in hollywood, not just in korea

she was under a company called 'whipser' when she was active in 'darling' and for her solo career, then pledis was bought into her company. but in 2019, suin left whisper and started her own company named 'darling entertainment' after her group.

meaning she is the founder and director of the company

she is the creator of aespa

seventeen, ateez, aespa, btob, day6, and taemin are now under Darling Entertainment

she produces 80% of seventeen's songs alongside woozi, but she produces 100% of her own songs

she is the most credited artist, and the youngest artist to be awarded that title. she has credit for 600+ of her own songs, not included songs she produced for others.

she is the most known and recognized name in the korean industry

"if you don't know kwon suin in korea, you are a spy"

she is the hidden ace of going seventeen, she rivals jeonghan

she bought a multi-million penthouse in korea and she has another penthouse and vacation house in greece

she created the trends in kpop (not including her fashion influence); photocards, lightsticks, fansite, fansigns, fansign calls, fancams, idol content, tiktok challenges, singing osts, random dance, having lore, ending fairy, dance breaks, highlight medley, brand ambassador, dance practice, behind the scene videos, encore, personalised in-ears and mic, western collabs,

she popularized idols appearing in variety shows by appearing on "running man" and boosting their ratings

she was the first idol to have 'pre-releases' and an intro and outro track

she has an emotional support spoon

she was an ivf baby

she was the first idol to be a "new years couple" (when dispatch reveals couples on new years ykyk)

her ears go red when shes shy

she made the name 'carats' for the fandom

she concerts usually lasts for 4-6hrs, but once she had a 9hr concert and still didnt finish her entire discography

locals: "i don't know kpop, but i know suin and bts"

she is unfortunately the female idol that has been in the most danger

her newest nickname is "idol with the most aura"

and yes, suin and kyungsoo are married, they married in 2019, kyungsoo proposed in 2018, and they announced their relationship and engagement in the mv for "only" which even included their proposal video

ㅤㅤ kwon suin masterlist

comment for requests!

[byneddiedingo]

Delphine Seyrig in Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels (Chantal Akerman, 1975)

Cast: Delphine Seyrig, Jan Decorte, Henri Storck, Jacques Doniol-Valcroze, Yves Bical. Screenplay: Chantal Akerman. Cinematography: Babette Mangolte. Art direction: Philippe Graff. Film editing: Patricia Canino.

With Jeanne Dielman (to shorten its unwieldy title) Chantal Akerman tests the medium to see whether a story can be told without melodrama, without excess camera movement, without a music track, without all the usual cinematic techniques. She also tests the audience, to see if they will sit through a 201-minute film in which minutes go by without anything happening other than a woman taking a bath, washing the bathtub, preparing dinner, eating it with her son, washing dishes, and so on -- all in long takes with no apparent forward narrative drive. The answer is yes, a story can be told that way. As for the audience, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a high tolerance for cinematic riddles, or who can't sit raptly looking at a painting in a museum for minutes on end. Most of the scenes are filmed straight on, as if looking at them through a frame. In short, Akerman treats a kinetic medium, motion pictures, as if it were a static medium like painting. Is it the greatest film of all time, as has been claimed? I think it's at least a great film, but I don't have any urgent desire to see it again soon. What it did to me was make me aware of watching, of patiently waiting to see what image would be presented to me next, what piece of the puzzle that is Jeanne Dielman (Delphine Seyrig) would fall into place. It takes place over the course of three days, on the first of which Jeanne presents herself as a supremely capable and precise person, going through the motions of her daily existence (which include receiving a man into her bedroom, because she makes a living for herself and her son by discreet prostitution) with calm efficiency. On the first two days, we don't follow her into the bedroom with her client, but the camera lingers in the hall, looking at the bedroom door, until the light fades enough to indicate a passage of time, whereupon she and the man emerge from the bedroom and go to her apartment door, where he pays her and indicates that he will see her again in a week. She then goes to her dining room and puts the money in a blue-and-white tureen, whose lid makes a satisfying clink when she covers it. (In the absence of a music track, ambient sounds take on a greater role.) Later, her son, Sylvain (Jan Decorte), comes home from school and they have dinner, listen to the radio, go out for a walk, and come back home to rearrange the living room furniture so he can unfold the sofa for his bed. They go to sleep. But because many of these incidents are presented in real time, we are allowed to examine them in detail, to notice the furnishings of the apartment and the lack of affect of both mother and son, who have settled into a routine. We also notice the way a blue light, apparently from a sign outside their apartment, bounces off the surfaces of the furniture: It flashes and flickers in a way that suggests a rhythmic repetition but never quite resolves itself into a pattern. In that regard it's unlike Jeanne and Sylvain, who clearly have a pattern to their lives. And that's why it's a shock on the second day -- which begins about an hour into the film -- when Jeanne fails to do up a button on her housedress, something that Sylvain brings to her notice. Or later, when other elements of the pattern of her life don't fall in place: She burns the potatoes she is preparing for dinner; she forgets to switch off a light when she moves from room to room; she fails to put the cover on the tureen after putting the money from the second day's client into it. In any other context than the one established by the first day depicted in the film, these details would be insignificant. But Akerman makes them significant, even troubling, by having made us aware of the cold precision of Jeanne's routine. That this eventually builds to a remarkable climax (I use the word advisedly but not facetiously) is made possible by the mastery with which Akerman has set up her film. I kept wondering what Alfred Hitchcock, the master of voyeurism in cinema, might have made of Jeanne Dielman, a film that makes voyeurs of us all.

[stuartelden]

Gavin Barrett, Peter-Christian Müller-Graff, Jean-Philippe Rageade, Viktor Vadász (eds.), European Sovereignty: The Legal Dimension - Springer, 2024

Gavin Barrett, Peter-Christian Müller-Graff, Jean-Philippe Rageade, Viktor Vadász (eds.), European Sovereignty: The Legal Dimension – Springer, 2024 In October 2022, the Academy of European Law (ERA) in Trier celebrated its 30th anniversary with a congress devoted to the legal dimension of the European sovereignty. 1992 was not only the year in which the ERA was founded, but also a key moment in…

[nsfwhiphop]

Watch this French: 3 oct. 2024

Emmanuel Macron : la communication au comptoir - Le dessous des images - ARTE

La photo d'un président décontracté dans un café. Ce moment faussement improvisé s'inscrit dans un contexte politique français tendu, sur fond de crise agricole. Cette mise en scène de la normalité est un exercice classique de la communication politique.

La photo est prise en février 2024 dans un café du Doubs, en France. La présence d'Emmanuel Macron accoudé au comptoir tranche avec ce décor du quotidien. Alerté par la publication du cliché sur les réseaux sociaux, Willy Graff, journaliste de L'Est Républicain, décide de se rendre sur place. Il nous raconte les coulisses de cette visite organisée. Cette mise en scène de la normalité fait partie d'une stratégie politique, nous explique Philippe Moreau Chevrolet, consultant en communication. En pleine crise agricole, le chef de l'État tente de redorer son image en se montrant proche des gens.

[vivaanndsl]

The World's Most Expensive Watches: Icons of Luxury and Craftsmanship

In the world of haute horology, expensive watches represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity. These timepieces are not just instruments for telling time; they are masterpieces that reflect the highest standards of art and engineering. This article explores some of the most expensive watches in the world, highlighting their unique features, craftsmanship, and the prestige they carry.

The Allure of Expensive Watches

Expensive watches are often adorned with precious metals, gemstones, and intricate complications that showcase the watchmaker's skill and creativity. These timepieces are coveted by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their rarity, craftsmanship, and the status they confer. Here are some key elements that make these watches exceptionally valuable:

Materials: The use of premium materials like gold, platinum, diamonds, and other precious stones significantly contributes to the value of these watches.

Complications: Features like tourbillons, minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and moon phases add complexity and exclusivity.

Craftsmanship: The meticulous handcrafting and attention to detail by master watchmakers elevate these timepieces to the realm of art.

Rarity: Limited editions and unique pieces are highly sought after, often fetching astronomical prices at auctions.

The Most Expensive Watches in the World

Graff Diamonds Hallucination - $55 million The Graff Diamonds Hallucination is the epitome of opulence, featuring a kaleidoscope of 110 carats of rare colored diamonds set into a platinum bracelet. Each diamond is meticulously cut and set, making this watch a true masterpiece of jewelry and horology.

Graff Diamonds The Fascination - $40 million Another creation by Graff Diamonds, The Fascination features 152.96 carats of white diamonds and a removable 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond ring at its center. This multifunctional jewelry piece can be transformed into a ring, offering both versatility and extravagance.

Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette - $30 million Commissioned by an admirer of the French queen, this watch took over 40 years to complete and was finished long after Marie-Antoinette's death. It features every complication known at the time, housed in a stunning gold case. The watch is a marvel of 18th-century technology and craftsmanship.

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 - $31 million The most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction, this unique Patek Philippe model was created for the brand's 175th anniversary. It features 20 complications, including a grande and petite sonnerie, a minute repeater, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar with a four-digit year display.

Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $18 million Encrusted with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, the Billionaire Watch is a testament to Jacob & Co.'s craftsmanship and bold design. The skeleton face reveals the intricate tourbillon movement, making it as fascinating mechanically as it is visually.

Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona - $17.8 million This iconic Rolex Daytona, once owned by the famous actor Paul Newman, holds the record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold. Its association with Newman, combined with its rarity and pristine condition, contributes to its extraordinary value.

The Craftsmanship Behind These Masterpieces

Creating the world's most expensive watches involves unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation. Master watchmakers spend countless hours designing and assembling these intricate timepieces. Here are some key aspects of the craftsmanship involved:

Hand-Assembling: Each component, often numbering in the hundreds, is meticulously assembled by hand.

Gem Setting: Precious stones are precisely cut and set by expert gemologists, ensuring maximum brilliance and durability.

Finishing: The watch cases and movements undergo extensive finishing processes, including polishing, engraving, and painting, to achieve a flawless appearance.

Testing: These watches undergo rigorous testing for accuracy, durability, and water resistance, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance.

Conclusion

Expensive watches represent the zenith of luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Whether it's the dazzling array of diamonds on the Graff Diamonds Hallucination or the intricate complications of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, these timepieces are more than just watches—they are symbols of status, artistry, and human ingenuity. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning one of these masterpieces is a testament to their appreciation of the finest things in life.

[aryanndspl]

Discovering Seiko and the World's Most Luxurious Timepieces

In the realm of horology, expensive watches are more than just instruments for telling time—they are symbols of status, craftsmanship, and heritage. For enthusiasts and collectors, owning an expensive watch is about appreciating the artistry and engineering that goes into each meticulously crafted piece.

Seiko, a name synonymous with precision and innovation, offers a range of high-end timepieces that cater to the luxury market. Seiko expensive watches are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, featuring intricate designs and advanced technology. Models such as the Seiko Grand Seiko and Seiko Astron showcase the brand's commitment to excellence, blending traditional watchmaking techniques with modern innovations. These watches are not only reliable and durable but also exude an elegance that appeals to connoisseurs around the world.

When discussing the most expensive watches globally, a few iconic names come to mind. Topping the list is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, which holds the title of the most expensive watch ever sold at auction, fetching an astounding $31 million. This masterpiece boasts 20 complications, including a grande and petite sonnerie, a minute repeater, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar, making it a marvel of horological engineering.

Other notable mentions in the category of the most expensive watches include the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, valued at $55 million, and the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, which sold for $17.8 million. These watches are not just timepieces but are considered works of art, often featuring rare gemstones, intricate engravings, and complex movements that require years of expertise to perfect.

While Seiko's offerings might not reach the stratospheric prices of Patek Philippe or Graff, they provide a compelling blend of luxury and value. Seiko expensive watches such as the Credor Eichi II and the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph are celebrated for their precision and elegance, making them coveted pieces among collectors.

For those exploring the world of luxury watches, purchasing online offers the convenience of browsing a vast selection of high-end timepieces from the comfort of home. Trusted retailers and authorized dealers provide detailed descriptions, high-resolution images, and authenticated certifications to ensure you make an informed purchase.

In conclusion, whether you are drawn to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Seiko's luxury range or the astronomical prices of the world's most expensive watches, the allure of these timepieces lies in their ability to transcend time, embodying a legacy of excellence and sophistication. Explore these exquisite creations and find a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story.

[mahashankh]

Top 10 Most Expensive Watch Beautiful Design Brands

Here are the top 10 most expensive watch design brands in 2024: - Patek Philippe: A Swiss watchmaker known for its intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Their timepieces are often passed down through generations as heirlooms. - A. Lange & Söhne: A German watchmaker renowned for their innovative complications and meticulous attention to detail. Their signature three-quarter plate design is a testament to their engineering prowess. - Audemars Piguet: A Swiss watchmaker credited with revolutionizing the luxury watch industry with the iconic Royal Oak. They are known for their bold designs and cutting-edge technology. - Vacheron Constantin: Another prestigious Swiss watchmaker with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Their watches are known for their elegance, functionality, and enduring quality. - Richard Mille: A young Swiss watchmaker that has taken the industry by storm with their avant-garde designs and use of high-tech materials. Their watches are not only works of art but engineering marvels as well. Patek Philippe: Where Time Becomes Legacy (Most Expensive Watch) A. Lange & Söhne: German Precision Meets Artistic Ingenuity (Most Expensive Watch) Audemars Piguet: The Rebel With a Cause - Revolutionizing Luxury Watches (Most Expensive Watch) Vacheron Constantin: Elegance and Enduring Legacy in Every Timepiece (Most Expensive Watch) Richard Mille: Where Haute Horlogerie Meets Avant-Garde Engineering (Most Expensive Watch) Roger Dubuis: Where Skeletonized Dials Meet Bold Personalities (Most Expensive Watch) Jaeger-LeCoultre: Masters of Innovation Where Precision Meets Beauty (Most Expensive Watch) Cartier: Where Time Becomes Art - A Legacy of Elegance and Design (Most Expensive Watch) Bulgari: Where Roman Grandeur Meets Exquisite Watchmaking (Most Expensive Watch) Graff Diamonds: Where Diamonds Tell Time - A Legacy of Brilliance on Your Wrist (Most Expensive Watch) WHAT MAKE WATCHES MOST EXPENSIVE ? FAQs Based On Most Expensive Watch - Roger Dubuis: A Swiss watchmaker known for their skeletonized dials and flamboyant designs. Their watches are a true statement piece, perfect for those who want to make a bold impression. - Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Swiss watchmaker with a long history of innovation. They are one of the few manufacturers to produce their own movements, dials, and hands. Their watches are renowned for their precision and beauty. - Cartier: A French luxury goods company that is also a major player in the watch industry. Their timepieces are known for their elegance and timeless design. - Bulgari: An Italian luxury goods company that is famous for its jewelry and watches. Their watches are often adorned with precious stones and feature bold, Italian designs. - Graff Diamonds: A British jeweler that has made a name for itself in the world of high-end watches. Their timepieces are often encrusted with diamonds and other precious stones, making them true works of art. It's important to note that price isn't everything when it comes to luxury watches. These brands have all earned their reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.

Patek Philippe: Where Time Becomes Legacy (Most Expensive Watch)

READ IN DETAILS FULL ARTICLE https://mahashankh.com/top-10-most-expensive-watch-beautiful-design-brands/ Read the full article

[the-matrix-network-news]

Exploring the World's Most Expensive Watches

Introduction: Watches are more than just time-telling devices; they are exquisite pieces of art, engineering marvels, and status symbols. For those with a penchant for luxury, owning one of the world's most expensive watches is the ultimate statement of affluence and sophistication. In this article, we'll delve into the mesmerizing realm of horology and explore some of the most jaw-dropping timepieces money can buy. - The Graff Pink Diamond Watch - $55 Million Subheadline: "A Dazzling Masterpiece of Gemology and Watchmaking" The Graff Pink Diamond Watch, created by British jeweler Laurence Graff, is a true marvel. This timepiece boasts a mesmerizing pink diamond, known as the Graff Pink, as its centerpiece. With over 60 diamonds and a rare 24.78-carat pink diamond, this watch is a dazzling testament to craftsmanship and opulence. - Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A - $31 Million Subheadline: "A Complicated Symphony of Precision and Elegance" Patek Philippe is renowned for its exquisite watches, and the Grandmaster Chime is no exception. The Ref. 6300A is a double-faced watch with 20 complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and moon phase indicator. Limited to just seven pieces, it is a masterpiece of horological complexity.

- Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette - $30 Million Subheadline: "A Historical Masterpiece Resurrected in Luxury" The Breguet Marie-Antoinette is not just a watch; it's a piece of history. Commissioned by a mysterious admirer of Queen Marie-Antoinette in the 18th century, it took over 40 years to complete. The modern version, priced at $30 million, is a faithful recreation with intricate complications and exceptional craftsmanship. - Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $18 Million Subheadline: "When Timekeeping Meets Extravagance" For those who appreciate bold and ostentatious design, the Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch is a showstopper. Encrusted with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, this timepiece is a dazzling spectacle of luxury and extravagance. - Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon - $2 Million Subheadline: "Transparency Redefined in Horology" The Richard Mille RM 56-02 is a testament to the art of watchmaking and material innovation. Crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, this transparent timepiece showcases its intricate tourbillon movement. Its unique design and limited production make it a coveted collector's item.

Conclusion

The world of luxury watches is a realm where craftsmanship, artistry, and engineering converge to create stunning timepieces that transcend mere functionality. The watches mentioned here are not just instruments for keeping time; they are symbols of status, wealth, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. For more fascinating articles on luxury, fashion, and lifestyle, be sure to visit The Matrix Network News. Stay updated with the latest trends by following us on Instagram. In a world driven by technology, these exquisite timepieces remind us that true luxury is timeless. Read the full article

[manganic-malaria]

Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels), 1975

[domleb]

Rennes // 2020

[celinesimon]

[gogmstuff]

Early 1800s Directoire fashion -

Top left:  ca. 1800 María Luisa de Borbón y Vallabriga by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (Galleria degli Uffizi - Firenze, Toscana, Italy). From Wikimedia; increased exposure 2030X3490 @72 833kj.

Top right:  1800 Condesa de Chinchon by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (Museo Nacional del Prado - Madrid, Spain). Probably from Wikimedia 2015X3051 @310 1.6Mj.

Second row:  1801 Fru Elisabeth Sophie Chrystie, f. Krefting by Jens Juel (Nasjonalmuseet - Oslo, Norway). From their Web site; fixed spots & edges w Pshop 4928X6214 @150 6.7Mj.

Third row left:  1801 Sophie Crouzet by Louis Hersent (Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, USA). From their Web site 2206X2752 @144 5.8Mp.

Third row right:  1801 Marie Joséphine Charlotte du Val d'Ognes by Marie Denise Villers (Metropolitan Museum of Art). From their Web site 3020X3780 @300 3.2Mj.

Fourth row:  1802 Madame Philippe Panon Desbassayns de Richemont (Jeanne Eglé Mourgue, 1778–1855) and Her Son, Eugène (1800–1859) by Marie Guillelmine Benoist (Meropolitan Museum of Art). From their Web site 2934X3795 @300 5Mj.

Fifth row left:  1803 Friederike von Helldorf by Anton Graff (location ?). From twitter.com/Make_u2_happy/status/1327328578569179136/photo/1; fixed 3 spots and suppressed veiling reflection lower left w Pshop 1636X2048 @72 694kj.

Fifth row right:  1803 Lady Airey, née Catherine Talbot, femme de Sir George Airey, officier anglais by Richard Cosway (Musée du Louvre - Paris, France). From their Web site; fit to screen 804X1200 @72 342kj,

Sixth row:  ca. 1804 Louisa Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrook by Thomas Lawrence and studio (auctioned by Christie's). From Wikimedia 1951X3200 @33.81 817kj.

Bottom:  1804 (published) Lavinia (Bingham), Countess Spencer by Charles Turner after Sir Martin Arthur Shee (National Galleries of Scotland - Edinburgh, UK). From their Web site 1920X2552 @300 2.6Mj

[chubachus]

Daguerreotype self-portrait of German photographer Philipp Graff, 1844.

Source: National Gallery of Canada.

[ninja-muse]

Mid Year Book Freakout Tag

Stolen from @lettersfromthelighthouse.

How many books have you read so far?

99, only three of which have been rereads. (Though six of them have been picture books, which feels a little like cheating.)

What genres have you read?

Fantasy and historical fiction, mostly, but also mystery, science fiction, romance, literary fiction, YA and middle grade contemporaries, graphic novels, alternate history. For non-fiction, I’ve read true crime, a business/biography thing, history, science and nature writing, film criticism, sociology, and memoir.

Best books you’ve read so far in 2021:

Cloud Cuckoo Land - Anthony Doerr


Flyaway - Kathleen Jennings

The Liar’s Dictionary - Eley Williams

Empire of Pain - Patrick Radden Keefe

The Warmth of Other Suns - Isabel Wilkerson

We Had a Little Real Estate Problem - Kliph Nesteroff

Ace - Angela Chen

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021:

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner. I liked a lot about Unnatural Magic but I rarely hit “Ooh this is good and fun” the way I did with Ruthless Lady’s. The runner-up is obviously The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker, which was a very solid sequel but ultimately gave me exactly what I liked from The Golem and the Jinni.

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to:

Oh gosh. So many? Um. To start with…

Appleseed by Matt Bell

The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Emma Southon

The Lights of Prague by Nicole Jarvis

The Ratline by Philippe Sands

A Radical Act of Free Magic by H.G. Parry

What Abigail Did That Summer by Ben Aaronovitch

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year:

The Liar’s Knot by M.A. Carrick, A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske, and No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull.

Biggest disappointment:

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht. It sounded absolutely amazing, but the book I expected wasn’t close to the book I got, and the pacing was distinctly off-balance for me.

Biggest surprise:

The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams (an “oh sure why not” book turned into a best of the year)

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick (I knew it was my jam but didn’t expect it to be so much so)

Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown (did not expect the queer positivity at all)

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (another “sure why not” that I finished thinking, “yep, that was decently good” but it’s somehow in my top 5 novels.

Favorite new author (debut or new to you):

M.A. Carrick, Angela Chen, and Eley Williams are all authors whose careers I’m going to be following. I’m also going to have to read more Christine de Pizan, and after loving two books from Patrick Radden Keefe, I’ve added his backlist to my TBR.

Underrated gems:

Most of the books I’ve liked, tbh. Narrowing it down to:

The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan (medieval women really don’t get a lot of play on booklr for some reason)

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner (if you like “love of reading” stories and historical fiction, this is for you)

The Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff (hope, boyhood, nature, changed lives)

We Had a Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff (history of Indigenous comedy)

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Wliliams (another “love of reading” historical”

The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams (funny, clever, perfect)

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick (nobody is talking about this fantasy why?)

The Cold Vanish by John Billman (wilderness disappearances, will appeal to true crime people)

Newest fictional crush:

I’m aroace, I don’t have crushes

Nadim from Accidentally Engaged (Farah Herron) would make a pretty decent boyfriend for a lot of people, I think. Mostly I just want to get pancakes with the One Last Stop crew, though.

Newest favorite characters:

…… the One Last Stop crew?

Book that made you cry:

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.

Book that made you happy:

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins is a delight.

Most beautiful book cover of a book you’ve read so far this year:

Flyaway by Kathleen Jennings.

How are you doing with your year’s goals?

99/150 books

31,161/50,000 pages

42% on my BIPOC authors challenge

62% on my queer fiction challenge

35% on my Canadian authors challenge

But the challenges I keep doubling up on the prompts for and they don’t have end dates.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

All of these ones

Not tagging anyone because I don’t know who’s done it. Nab if you want to but please tag me!

[perseyp]

D É L I N Q U A N T E

[edharrisdaily]

Luca Guadagnino, Margaret Atwood, Pedro Almodóvar, Ed Harris & More Sign Letter Of Solidarity For Polish LGBT+ Rights

A wide group of global entertainment figures have signed a letter supporting the Polish LGBT+ community in the face of growing controversy in the country.

On Tuesday, the government stepped in to support the Polish town of Tuchow, which recently lost financial support from the EU after it set up a ‘LGBT-free’ zone. The authorities said they were “supporting a municipality that has a pro-family agenda”; the decision has provoked angry responses around the world. On August 8, authorities detained 48 people at a reportedly peaceful pro-LGBT+ protest.

The responses now include an open letter signed by a cross-section of notable figures from film, literature and further afield, including the Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodóvar and Oscar-nominated Luca Guadagnino, the Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk, The Handmaid’s Tale writer Margaret Atwood, and Polish filmmakers Agnieszka Holland and Jan Komasa.

The letter, published on the website wyborcza.pl, states that homophobia in Poland is growing because of the incumbent socially conservative government, which it claims is using LGBT+ groups as a “scapegoat”. The letter is addressed to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and calls on the organization to step in and “defend core European values” of “equality, non-discrimination, respect for minorities” which it says are being “blatantly violated in Poland”.

You can read the full letter and see the signatories below.

Dear Dr. von der Leyen:

We, the undersigned, express our outrage at repressions directed against the LGBT+ community in Poland. We speak out in solidarity with activists and their allies, who are being detained, brutalized, and intimidated. We voice our grave concern about the future of democracy in Poland, a country with an admirable history of resistance to totalitarianism and struggle for freedom.

On Friday, 7 August 2020, 48 persons were arrested in Warsaw – in some cases quite brutally – and detained on the grounds that they had participated in a violent illegal gathering. In fact, they were engaged in a peaceful protest in solidarity with an LGBT+ activist named Margot, who had been arrested for damaging a homophobic campaigner’s van. Her group had also placed rainbow flags over statues, including a statue of Christ. These actions were neither “hooliganism” nor “provocations,” as Poland’s government-run media insist, but rather desperate acts of resistance against degrading homophobic hate speech. The van is one of many similar vehicles parading outrageous claims around the cities of Poland: equating homosexuality with pedophilia, and asserting that gays are the source of diseases and a threat to children. Efforts to stop this well-funded hate campaign by legal means had led to nothing.

The broader context is the persistent use of anti-LGBT+ rhetoric by Polish politicians and media, attacks against “LGBT ideology” in the recent presidential campaign, preceded by the emergence in many municipalities and districts of “zones free of LGBT ideology,” allegedly defending the safety of families and children, and last year’s violent attacks against Equality March in Białystok. Homophobic aggression in Poland is growing because it is condoned by the ruling party, which has chosen sexual minorities as a scapegoat with no regard for the safety and well-being of citizens. Margot is, in fact, a political prisoner, held captive for her refusal to accept indignity.

We call on the Polish government to stop targeting sexual minorities, to stop supporting organizations that spread homophobia and to hold accountable those who are responsible for unlawful and violent arrests of August 7, 2020.

We call on the European Commission to take immediate steps to defend core European values – equality, non-discrimination, respect for minorities – which are being blatantly violated in Poland. LGBT+ rights are human rights and must be defended as such.

Naja Marie Aidt, writer, Danish language Pedro Almodóvar, film director, Spain Jakuta Alikavazovic, writer, France Margaret Atwood, writer, Canada Paul Auster, writer, USA John Banville, writer, Ireland Sebastian Barry, writer, Ireland Judith Butler, philosopher, USA Sophie Calle, writer and artist, France John Maxwell Coetzee, writer, South Africa Isabel Coixet, director, Spain Stephen Daldry, director, UK Jean-Baptiste Del Amo, writer, France Lucas Dhont, director, Belgium Marion Döring, director of European Film Academy Cynthia Enloe, political scientist, USA Anne Enright, writer, Ireland Ildiko Enyedi, director, Hungary Richard Flanagan, writer, Australia Barbara Frey, theatre and opera director, Switzerland/Austria Timothy Garton Ash, historian, UK Agnieszka Graff, americanist, Poland Luca Guadagnino, director, Italy Miron Hackenbeck, dramaturg, Germany Ed Harris, actor, director USA Aleksander Hemon, writer, Bosnia/USA Agnieszka Holland, director, Poland Siri Hustvedt, writer, USA Isabelle Huppert, actress, France Aki Kaurismäki, director, Finland Padraic Kenney, historian, USA Jan Komasa, director, Poland Ivan Krastev, political scientist, Bulgaria Jan Kubik, political scientist, UK Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, choreographer, Belgium Yorgos Lanthimos, director, Greece Andrzej Leder, philosopher, Poland Jacek Leociak, historian, Poland Jonathan Littell, writer, France Mike Leigh, director, UK Deborah Levi, writer, UK Edouard Louis, writer, France Sergei Loznitsa, director, Germany/Ukraine Valeria Luiselli, writer, USA Dorota Masłowska, writer, Poland Hisham Matar, writer, USA Ulrich Matthes, actor, Germany Ian McEwan, writer, UK Lina Meruane, writer, Chile Teona Mitevska, director, North Macedonia Chantal Mouffe, philosopher, Belgium James Norton, actor, UK Claus Offe, sociologist, Germany Paweł Pawlikowski, director, Poland Richard Powers, writer, USA Axel Ranisch, filmmaker and opera director, Germany Keith Ridgway, writer, Ireland Philippe Sands, lawyer and writer, UK Volker Schlöndorff, director, Germany Marci Shore, historian, USA Stellan Skarsgaard, actor, Sweden Leila Slimani, writer, France Timothy Snyder, historian, USA Johanna ter Steege, actress, the Netherlands Dariusz Stola, historian, Poland Małgorzata Szczęśniak, stage designer, Poland Małgorzata Szumowska, director, Poland Colm Toibin, writer, Ireland Olga Tokarczuk, writer, Poland Alia Trabucco Zerán, writer, Chile Fien Troch, director, Belgium Jan Vandenhouwe, artistic director and opera dramaturg, Belgium Krzysztof Warlikowski, theater director, Poland/France Beau Willimon, playwright, screenwriter, USA Adam Zagajewski, poet, Poland Slavoj Žižek, philosopher, Slovenia