#St Andrew Square

[fotoflingscotland]

Chest Baring on St Andrew Square by FotoFling Scotland Via Flickr: One of six larger than life-size statues by A. Handyside Ritchie representing Navigation, Commerce, Manufacture, Science, Art and Agriculture on top of the former British Linen Bank (founded 1746) at 38 /39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh designed by David Bryce in 1846 and now a boutique hotel - The Gleneagles Townhouse. [In popular culture: Robert Louis Stevenson's classic historical adventure novel, Kidnapped (1886), ends at 2 PM on 25 August 1751, outside the British Linen Company in Edinburgh, Scotland, where its protagonist, David Balfour, plans to manage his inherited income. This is precisely where the book's sequel, Catriona (1893), begins.]

[pershing100]

East side of St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh

[photosbyjez]

Daffodils -- FOTD Apr 12

#Daffodils is my latest post for Cee's FOTD Apr 12 #photography #spring

Hi all 😃 My latest post for Cee’s FOTD. Daffodils in St Andrew Square Garden

[scotianostra]

August 1st 1834 saw the abolition of slavery, an abhorrent thing, and something Scotland can't just wash its hands of.

Many of you will have walked through St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh, and some, myself included will have taken the obligatory pics, most of which will be dominated by a sort miniature Nelson's Column, but atop is the statue of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, the 'Uncrowned King of Scotland'. You can just see him in the pic. Your eyes will fall also on several buildings that would have been homes or business premises of Scots who made their fortunes in the transatlantic slave trade. Many of the houses in the New Town were owned by people with investments in the slave trade.

Back to Mr Dundas, with his immense power he held at the end of the eighteenth century, he was able to use his influence to almost single handedly delay the abolition of slave trade a further 15 years to 1807 and the subsequent abolition of British slavery in 1834. He was impeached in 1806 (then acquitted) for the misappropriation of funds, and he never held office again. Who knows how much more suffering was inflicted on African people in the Middle Passage during those 15 years?

There has been much controversy recently about his statue. What words on his plaque would be appropriate to reflect this unsavoury side of his legacy and give necessary context to his role in Scottish society?

The magnificent Royal Bank of Scotland’s headquarters, Dundas House, was the original home of Lawrence Dundas, cousin to Henry Dundas. His brother George Heneage Lawrence Dundas owned plantations in Grenada and Dominica.

The 4th Earl of Hopetoun, the nephew of Henry Dundas’ second wife, and the vice governor of the bank, is immortalised in the bronze statue outside the bank. He was second in command to fellow Scot, Ralph Abercromby, commander-in-chief of the British forces in the West Indies. Together, the men helped to end the two year slave revolution led by French-African Julien Fedon in Grenada in 1795-6 in the fight against the French for islands in the West Indies. Fedon was a highly skilled strategist, and his men executed 40 British, including Scottish governor Ninian Home at his home in Paraclete.

After 15 months of fighting the rebels were captured and executed in the Market Square. Yet Fedon was never found. Legend says he escaped to a neighbouring island on a canoe, aided by either the Amerindians or ‘Black Caribs’ in St.Vincent.

The suppression of this revolution resulted in slavery continuing for almost another 40 years in Grenada.

And when the eventual abolition came it was Dundas and his cronies who profited further with compensation deals running into what today would be billions of pounds.

I'm turning of commenting on this as it can attract some comments that I would end up having to delete, you can vent your opinions through emoticons

Read more on this despicable man and the trade helped lengthen here. https://historycompany.co.uk/.../henry-dundas-lofty-hero.../

[jessybarnes]

Fandom: The Gray Man

Title: Bound

Pairing: Lloyd Hansen x F!Reader

Rating: 18+ Only! Minors DNI!!

Word Count: 782

Tags: Smut, slight angst, dirty talk, bondage, bound and gagged, Blindfolds, choking, make up sex, fingering (female receiving), orgasm denial, begging, implied oral (male receiving), drinking, explicit language, explicit sexual content, and I think that's it

Written For: @kinktober2023, @anyfandomgoesbingo, @anyfandomangstbingo, @anyfandomdarkbingo, @badthingshappenbingo, and @thebo3bingo

Squares Filled: Kinktober Day 1 - I4 Bondage // Any Fandom Mixed Bingo - G2 Dirty Talk // Any Fandom Angst Bingo - G5 Blindfolds // Any Fandom Kink Bingo - G2 "I can be good, so good! I swear!" // Any Fandom Dark Bingo - I2 Bound and Gagged // Bad Things Happen Bingo - I2 Choking // BO3 Bingo - B4 Make Up Sex

Beta: Just Grammarly

Title Card: Yours Truly

A/N: I apologize that this is posting a day late. I had to go to the doctor and couldn't get this edited in time to post it. Day 2's drabble will be posted later tonight. :)

"I told you to stay still, Sunshine."

Lloyd sits in a chair across from you nursing a glass of bourbon. His posture is calm, but the stern look in his eyes tells you he's anything but.

You've been mounted to the St. Andrew's cross for nearly a half hour now, and you're getting antsy.

The mission you two had gone on was a success in your eyes, but Lloyd isn't focused on the computer you two were able to recover. No. He's choosing to focus on the unnecessary details.

"Baby, I've been up here since we got home. Please, can I get down?"

He takes a sip of his drunk, swirling the ice around in the glass.

"I'm admiring the view."

You sigh. "I know why you're mad, and I'm telling you, I didn't mean it. We wouldn't have gotten the damn laptop if I hadn't flirted with that idiot."

Lloyd's jaw ticks. Just the memory of seeing you, his girl, dancing with some other asshole makes his blood boil. He downs the rest of his drink and relishes the feeling of warmth in his chest.

"Will you just punish me already? I really need a shower."

He slams the glass down on the table so hard that you're surprised it's not broken. His eyes are dark with possessiveness as he approaches you, his hand wrapping around your throat.

"I don't care if you didn't mean it, Y/N! His fucking hands were all over you, touching what belongs to me!"

Lloyd loosens his grip on your neck allowing you to take in air again. He brings his thumb up and puts pressure on your bottom lip until it opens.

"You're mine. And I'm gonna keep you up here until it sinks in, you got that?"

You huff and roll your eyes making his narrow to thin slits.

"Better watch it, Sunshine, you're askin' for it."

"I am asking for it, Lloyd." The tone of your retort makes his cock twitch.

He grabs a ball gag and a blindfold off the dresser and fastens them in place.

"You oughta be using that smart mouth of yours for something more useful. Maybe I should stuff it full of my dick."

His voice is teasing, but you can't help but want him to do just that. Your panties are soaked from the feeling of the leather cuffs and the sensory deprivation, and you can't help the strangled moan that fills the room when his fingertips brush your clothed clit.

"Oh, but you'd like that, wouldn't you? Just like you liked dancing with that other man earlier, didn't you?"

You shake your head no and he chuckles.

"Yeah, somehow I don't believe that, Sunshine. You may not have liked the dancing with him part, but you knew it would piss me off and lead me to punish you. And you like being punished, don't you?"

You huff and give him a nod before rolling your eyes once more. He notices and growls deeply.

"Roll your eyes at me again and I'm the only one who gets to cum tonight. You got that?!"

You whine and nod as he pulls your panties to the side.

"Look at this fuckin' mess you've made. Soaking wet and I haven't even done anything. You're hungry for it, aren't you?"

He doesn't give you a chance to answer as he plunges two fingers inside you, pumping them fast and hard.

"Look at me, Y/N. You're mine. This pussy, these tits, this ass, this whole body belongs to me. I'm the only one who can make you cum like this."

Your strangled moans echo throughout the room as you feel yourself about to cum, but right before the dam breaks Lloyd pulls away making you whimper.

"No, not yet. You don't deserve it, but if you're a good little girl and ask very nicely, Daddy will let you suck his cock."

You try to talk around the ball gag and he chuckles.

"If I take that off are you gonna be polite?"

You nod eagerly and he removes it from your mouth. Your tongue comes out to wet your lips and Lloyd's eyes hone in on the movement.

"Go on, Sunshine. Tell me why you think you should get to cum."

He thrusts his fingers back inside you but keeps them still. A soft moan falls past your lips and he chuckles as your pussy clenches around them.

"I can be good, so good! I swear!"

Lloyd clicks his tongue and leans in close, his lips ghosting over yours.

"Oh, I'd be very good if I were you, Y/N. That's the only way you're getting what you want tonight."

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

@charles_vandervaart at the AIG Women's Open 🏌️

@charles_vandervaart at the AIG Women's Open, the international major in women's golf in St Andrews 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 August 21-25 2024.

Brooke Henderson was part of #TeamCanada 🇨🇦 at the Olympics this summer! #Paris2024

Nelly Korda is an American professional golfer 🇺🇸

The honoured host of The 2024 AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews. The Old Course is the most iconic venue in the world and hosting the tournament for the first time in over ten years.

Held every August, the AIG Women’s Open is one of five major championships in women’s golf and is a key event in the annual golfing calendar founded in 1976.

Each player takes on the challenge, each vying for the championship trophy, with the low amateur awarded the Smyth Salver 🏆

@charles_vandervaart’s Mum with Charley Hull - English professional golfer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

AIG Women's Open ⛳

Rainbow, in Glasgow - Church of Scotland Presbytery of Glasgow, or Renfield St Stephen's, is at 260 Bath Street, a few hundred yards northwest of George Square.

@charles_vandervaart - IGS

#AIG Women'sOpen #St Andrews 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Posted 24th August 2024

[ag-updates-and-archives]

STILL IN LOVE: Anthony Green on music, creativity, and identity

mhudelson on instagram

There is a sparkle in Anthony Green’s eyes as he enters one of the rooms located underneath Detroit’s iconic St. Andrew’s Hall. Green will be headlining tonight’s performance for the ten-year anniversary of his debut solo album, Avalon, later in the evening, but right now he’s hoping to stretch.

“When I’m out with Circa [Survive],” he begins,” I have a lot more time on my hands. I’m involved in every part of the day on this tour, so finding time for myself can be a bit tricky. You need to make the most of the moment when it presents itself.”

Green is no stranger to the concept of using one’s time wisely. During the few short weeks between Circa Survive’s last tour and the start of his current solo run, the thirty-six-year-old songwriter managed to finish and release another record, Would You Still Be In Love, which hit the internet without warning. He claims the surprise release was born out of a desire to try something different, but fans who’ve heard the album know it’s no significant departure from the sound Green has honed for his solo albums over the last decade. Over the course of nine tracks, Green sings of love, loss, sex, death, and his battles with mental illness. It is his most raw release to date, playing like a private concert for you and you alone with limited accompaniment and just enough reverb to get under your skin. He’s proud of the record, though he would never say it outright.

“I think it came out well,” Green says in response to a compliment, his eyes and mind already focused on exercise. That is as self-aggrandizing as he gets.

Would You Still Be In Love opens with “Vera Lynn,” a song that references and takes its name from a famous English vocalist who rose to popularity during the Second World War. The chorus pay homage to two of Lynn’s iconic hits, “We’ll Meet Again” and “The Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” Green claims listening to these songs helped him have a breakthrough in his understanding of himself, and ultimately lead to the realization that he is bipolar.

“I had been listening to those two songs a lot when that song came to me. Initially, I was in a writing session, and when I’m in those situations, I don’t force [my creativity] to come out. Instead, I said, “You know what? Let’s just put on some music and soak it up.” So I head to YouTube and discover a very low-quality recording of “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square In 1940″. I was like, fuck. I was looking at the lyrics of that and “We’ll Meet Again,” and I was like “I want a song that sounds like this thematically.” Like “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square [In 1940]” is about meeting someone for the first time, and I love how the same energy is in “We’ll Meet Again,” only now it’s about the last time you’ll ever see someone. Listening to those songs had me wrestling with all of this emotion. If it’s the last time, you’ll see me or the first, what’s better? What’s better? It’s the same thing! It’s the same visceral thing; it’s just pushed in different directions.”

He continues, “It was through trying to realize that similarity that I learned I was bipolar. And it was during the creation of that song when I was like, this song is about being okay with the fact that you’re paranoid. You know what I mean? Yeah, you’re paranoid, it’s okay, you have to fucking trust that it’s okay that you’re feeling this way because it all goes away. Even the good stuff. And so, it was intended to be a love song about a person and a romantic feeling, and it just ended up being almost a love song about being bipolar and that it’s okay. I wanted to call the record Bipolar Love Songs, but I’m thrilled I didn’t because it came out on the same day as that Kanye record where he makes a big deal out of it.”

Emotion, precisely that of love and loss, runs throughout Would You Still Be In Love. As Green continues to discuss the album, the conversation turns to the sexual tension at the heart of “Why Must We Wait,” one of the record’s later tracks.

“I love that feeling of being taken away from yourself when you’re in that moment,” he says, referring to intercourse. “And I do find myself writing about it a lot. I think that sex and lust is something that is so universal and is such a… People are always like, “where do you get your inspiration from?” And it’s sexuality. Sexuality and the confusion and the relationship with it it’s such a beautiful thing, and there’s vastness there. It doesn’t necessarily have to do singularly with some pornographic idea, but that feeling of surrendering yourself to the moment. I’ve always wanted to write a song that celebrated my feeling at that moment, and “Why Must We Wait” is the closest I ever got.

Green’s knack for capturing human emotion and translating to a song has rarely felt more realized than on his new album, but it’s certainly nothing new. His life, including things otherwise left unsaid, has been the source and motivation for his songwriting for nearly two decades. 2016’s Pixie Queen, Green’s previous solo album, was described in a 2018 Substream interview as having been written as a message to his wife. When asked if the new album follows suit, Green pauses his exercise just long enough to answer.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m trying to send her a message, necessarily, this time. I feel like I was trying to get her attention with Pixie Queen and then when I sort of didn’t, I was like, in that place where I’m the person who didn’t get the attention they wanted. So then I wrote that record. That’s what Would You Still Be In Love is. Would you still be in love if you spent ten years writing records for somebody it maybe doesn’t resonate with? That maybe doesn’t give a shit? On the flip side, are you still going to be in love with somebody who you spend over ten years with who all they do is write a bunch of records for you but don’t clean the fucking house the way you wanted them to or they don’t do the thing you wanted them to do? I think that overkill, trying to make this thing that was trying to save my marriage, ended up producing Would You Still Be In Love because I was maybe in a position where you go 50/50 with somebody, I maybe went 70 and then had some resentment about it.”

Not more than five seconds pass before Green confesses, “That is how I get through everything, though. I don’t answer to anything. Do we have a problem? I write some music.”

As his stretching resumes, so does conversation around the album. “A Little Death” was a song I almost didn’t put on the record. I recorded it once; then I changed some lyrics. Even after that, I was like, “is this too much?” I went to my producer, and he was like, “fuck no, dude. Go listen to Lil Uzi Vert sing about sex, and the way he likes to sing about it and tell me if your shit is too much.” He was right.”

One has to wonder how Green finds time to do as much as he does. He’s currently the frontman of both Circa Survive and Saosin, as well as a wildly successful solo artist who is known to moonlight in the mysterious rock group known as The Sound Of Animals Fighting. He tours more than half of any given year, and any time not spent on the road is lived at the home where he has a wife and four sons, none of whom have reached their teens years quite yet. He also writes and releases music with all the groups mentioned above, in addition to hopping on any offers to lend his vocals to friends’ records that may arise.

Speaking to his work ethic, Green claims to set aside time for himself while home from the road to focus on developing new material. At some point each day he leaves his house in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and visits a local park, or similarly quiet place, where he can write and seek inspiration. Sometimes he brings his guitar, but other days he chooses to listen to music and explore.

But musicians cannot create in a vacuum. Eventually, material needs to be played for an audience, and lately Green has found a perfect crowd right in his hometown.

Green says last summer he discovered an open mic at M.O.M.’s, a bar and restaurant located in downtown Doylestown, which provided the perfect opportunity for him to try out new material without worrying about fan reaction. “I can’t go there anymore,” he says with a laugh. “At least, not after this story comes out.”

“The first time I discovered it, I borrowed a guitar and went on under an alias. The next week, I used my name because nobody there knew who I was. Nobody listened to the shit I put out. Everyone at that open mic night was just there to play and listen to other people playing. I wrote “[You’re So] Dead Meat,” “Little Death,” “Why Must We Wait,” “When I Come Home,” all of those songs, working them out at that open mic night. I would go there, work it out, and then weeks later I would go later to L.A. or Colorado or whatever and play a little solo show where I would work it out more in front of people that I knew. It was the most fun I’ve had writing and a terrifying feeling while performing. It was great.”

In all his time attending M.O.M.’s open mic nights, Green claims his true identity has never been uncovered. “I see this woman in town, and she only knows me as the guy who does open mic nights.” He grins before adding, “She still has no clue.”

A sudden knock at the door informs us that Green will soon need to leave and meet with his VIP ticket holders, each of whom paid a premium for a time with him and early access to the venue, along with other perks. The conversation has focused so heavily on Green’s recent activities that the reason for the evening, the ten-year anniversary of his first solo album Avalon, has hardly been mentioned. Green laughs while acknowledging this fact and briefly switches gears to say that the tour is going well. Backed by members of Good Old War and a collection of golden balloons spelling out the album title, he has been serenading crowds across the country to rapturous response while revisiting his debut solo release. That album has always held a special place in Green’s heart, perhaps because its success was proof the world would accept him at his most unraveled and revealing, and he revels in the opportunity to play it once again.

As he begins to discuss the teenage relationship that laid the foundation for what became the songs of Avalon, Green is struck by the notion of identity and how it relates to certain places. For him, Avalon is more than just a spot on the map. Avalon is a place where a few pivotal scenes in Green’s life played out before he knew how valuable they would be, and every time he finds himself there once more he’s reunited with the idea of who he was back then. Though thirty-six now, he can recall the way he felt more than half his life ago in vibrant detail, and he’s more aware than most of its deceptive power.

“It’s funny to think about how long you can hold on to that image of being that guy,” he says with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “It’s comforting to think of ourselves in this individuality, in this individual sense of the word. Like, okay, if you find yourself on this road, then that’s where you are. That’s not where you are. That’s where your sense of self that you have manifested is grounded. So it’s easier for you to find it there, but this thing that we think we are is an illusion. This thing that you think you are, this person that I think I am so that I can function in this society is not real. And it’s malleable; it’s paper thin. Everything I love and hate is a decision that I’ve made to live in the world, but if I needed to, I could deal with the nights cold even though I’m a summer guy.”

He continues, “If I needed to, I could get comfy with eating anything every day. I could adapt. We are so adaptable. Our personalities, our minds. If there was the most beautiful woman you’d ever met in your entire life and she seduced you and brought you away, I guarantee you she could start getting you to love science fiction, or she could get you to start loving the color purple and all you wear is purple now because Sophia got you to love it. And we allow that to happen all the time except for certain moments when we hold on so tight. If we learned how to always be like that, like a little kid going along with it, we would be happier. And in a true sense of the word, not in an unbalanced sense where someone else needs to be sad. We would see the yin and the yang of things and be okay with life going at its own pace.”

Another reminder from the doorway about his waiting fans is received with a nod from Green that says the conversation is about to end. He briefly mentions his excitement to visit South America with Circa Survive in September, as well as ambitions to create “something groundbreaking” with the group’s next release, which he has been writing for the past sixth months. “I have this vision for songs in my head that I’ve never had for a Circa record,” he says. “I have lyrics that are… I want to make this record important. Right now there’s no label; there’s no nothing. I don’t want to wait around until the band needs money and then be motivated by that. We just took this trip together that ended with all of us on a beach together in Hawaii. We were looking up at the stars, and we talked about the new album. We talked about making music together, and we talked about our purpose together on this planet, and it made me realize that the band is too important to me to keep pushing and pushing and pushing. I want to take a step back from what we… I want to take a little step out of, away, so we can solely focus on making this beautiful art piece of music. Something that is not just something to sell on tour. I don’t know whether it’s a song or if it’s an EP or an album, but I have this thing that needs to come out for Circa Survive that’s been brewing in me, and I know it’s been brewing in all of them because that night on the beach in Hawaii, I saw it. In everyone’s eyes, I saw this record. I heard the melodies. I felt the feeling that is coming from when it’s completed, and it’s the most important thing the band is going to do until whatever we do after that.”

A follow-up is asked, but the door is already closing and Green is off to greet the first fans at the venue. Hundreds more filed in soon after, and before long The Shelter is filled with individuals sharing memories and singing along to songs that changed everyone’s lives. Through it, all Green can be seen wearing a smile so wide it reflects the bright lights hanging over the stage. That probably wasn’t where he saw himself a decade ago, but you can tell there is no place he’d rather be.

[cloudtastrophie]

A little headcannon tidbit based off of chapter 2 of @canarydarity 's ranchers baseball au <3

-----

St. Louis felt infinitely like home. Or, as close to home as Jimmy could get. Coming into the city from the Illinois side of the river made him sick to smell the air of his childhood backyard. To taste the dirt in his mouth as he, once again, lost against Grian at the diamonds. St. Louis was 10 times smaller than grand old New York, New York, but it was 10 times more welcoming. The drivers were calmer, the streets less full, the culture more laid back. It was a lazy city, sticky and slow like molasses in the early summer midwestern heat. 

As the team bus rattled its way across the Eads Bridge, Jimmy felt Joel smack his arm, breaking his gaze away from the lazy flow of the Mississippi. “What in the bloody hell are they building?” Joel muttered, half standing to see over Tango’s shoulders across the isle. Tango looked as if he was about to burst out of the window, he was pressed so hard to the glass. He swiveled his head to look at Jimmy and Joel. 

“You two haven’t heard? It’s been in every paper for weeks!” He was practically vibrating with excitement. 

Jimmy shook his head and stood up taller to see what the fuss was about. By then, the whole team was ‘ooh and ahhing’ at the absolutely massive structure being built, right on the banks of the river. 

“It’s going to be called the Gateway Arch. It’s probably going to be the biggest feat of engineering since the Empire State. Probably better than the Needle out in Seattle is going to be.” Jimmy raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on his lips. Since when did Tango have a special interest in engineering?

“I did a few months in an engineering class. Got me hooked, but numbers are easier to understand.” Tango explained, as if he had read Jimmy’s mind. Then he turned back around and continued to peer at the stories-tall cranes slowly moving into place, and the two wide, square beginnings of what would apparently become a feat of engineering. Jimmy didn’t really see the draw, but he leaned across Joel and the isle to Tango anyways.

“We should come back to see it once it’s finished.” Jimmy said, watching the construction site fade behind them. The Cardnial’s stadium appeared behind the looming Old Courthouse. 

“I agree!” Tango replied, beaming. Jimmy didn’t care if he was 100 by the time the Arch was finished. He’d come back and see it with Tango when it was done.

------

hi worm i know you're reading this,,,ok I haven't had the energy (or time) to do any art for the baseball au but the brainrot has been stuck with me for DAYS. so I decided to write a little tidbit of how I imagined the ride into St. Louis for that game against the Cardnials. I have a lot of love for the city I grew up around so I really wanted to do something for it for you :) And if you're interested, here's some of the history I incorparated to make it feel more historically accurate! (i'm a cloested history buff, can you tell)

the st louis gateway arch began construction in 1963 technically, but I'm like 90% sure that there was soo much prep work done on the site before the actual construction, as there is a basement underneath it, and a huge walkway/viewing platform area, as well as the whole thing with the levee right on the Mississippi. I wanted to sort of figure out what that would look like in 1961 when the plans were being laid out. Also, the Arch is a certified national park, it's professional name being "St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park"

The Old Courthouse. UGH its one of my favorite buildings I've ever seen actually. Its so beautiful, and you can, from the road I'm writing them on, see Busch staduim looming behind it. The Courthouse also actually held the first two trials of the Dred Scott case, if you're into that kind of stuff.

The Eads Bridge. Also one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. It is the oldest bridge on the Mississippi and was constructed under the care of Andrew Carnagie. That bad boy is made out of actual authentic Carnagie steel. Sooo history rich. Pretty sure they actually held a parade with elephants once it was done. so that's cool

Oh, and Busch stadium. It wasn't called that way back when! And it looked much, much different than it does now. I'm honestly not sure what it was called in the 60's, but I'm sure most people called it Cardnial's stadium. It was a beautiful and massive stadium back then, and it still is now.

the seattle neetle was being constructed around the same time as the arch as well, which is why i had Tango say something about it LOL

And for funsies, here's a scorecard that I'm sure Tango would've recieved in 1961 from the stadium.

hope you enjoyed my little rant!! And if you made it to the bottom of this and you're not worm, I hope you enjoyed learning a little about st. louis today. :)

[pwlanier]

A collection of nine brass-studded leather trunks and boxes

Various makers from Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA, early 19th century

Overall comprising eight leather boxes and one hide covered box, most retaining original block-printed and marbled paper or ticking fabric, and original labels, to interior: one box with studded monogram to lid, "RCB," with label, "By Thomas Moyer, No. 26, Market Street, Philadelphia," a box with label, "W.S. Hansell, No. 24, Southside of Market street, near Front street, Philadelphia," one box with label, "Andrew Riley, No. 19, Hanover Street, Boston," one box with label, "Robert Burr, Trunk Manufacturer, No. 9 Hanover Street (Nearly opposite the Shawmut House, Boston.)," one box with label, "E.A.G. Roulstone, Successor to Robert Burr...9 Hanover St...Boston.," one box with label, "Thomas Moyer, No. 38 Market Street, Philadelphia," one box with brass plaque to lid engraved, "Boston Copper Co." and with label, "George Domett...6 Dock Square, Boston.," and bearing inscription to underside, "Boston & Braintree Copper & Brass Manufactory, Boston," one box with no label but bearing pencil inscriptions to interior of lid, "Ebenezer C. Andrews/ Otisfield Maine/ July 10th 1847/ Bought of Moses D. Andrews/ Five years ago/ M.D. Andrews Esq/ Otisfield Maine/ Robert And [in ink] Robert Andrews," and one box with no label.

Freeman’s

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in September 2023

02/09 The King and Queen, Princess Anne and Sir Tim attended the Braemar Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

03/09 (not counted) The King, Queen, Princess Anne, Sir Tim, PM Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murphy attended the Divine Service at Crathie Kirk Church. ⛪️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

06/09 (unofficial) Princess Anne, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales recorded a special episode of the Good, the Bad and the Rugby, with Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne at Windsor Castle. 🏉

07/09 As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, visited Digswell Place Group, Digswell Place Stables, Welwyn Garden City, to mark its 50th Anniversary. 🐎

As President of UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited MAES London Womenswear Manufacturer. 👗

Sir Tim represented Princess Anne at a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Matthew Farrer (former Solicitor to the Late Queen) at St Magnus-The-Martyr Church in London. ⛪️

As Patron of the South Georgia Heritage Trust Princess Anne and Sir Tim, attended the Return of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Quest Crow’s Nest Service at All Hallows by the Tower, followed by a Dinner at Trinity House. 🗺️🍽️

08/09 Participated in a Meeting via video link in her role of Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Members Election Commission. 🎥💻

11/09 At Gatcombe Park;

Presented The Princess Royal Award and Royal Dairy Innovation Award. 🏆

Held a Management Team Meeting for the Chaffinch Trust. 💼

Held a Management Team Meeting for Give Them a Sporting Chance. 🏏

12/09 As Patron of the Boston Stump Restoration and Development Appeal, visited completed restoration work at St Botolph's Church in Boston, Lincolnshire. ⛪️

As Patron of Magpas Air Ambulance Capital Campaign, opened a new Air Base at Alconbury Weald. 🚁

As Patron of Maritime UK, attended the London International Shipping Week Tenth Anniversary Reception at Mansion House. 🚢

13/09 In Northern Ireland Princess Anne;

Attended the Department for Business and Trade’s Northern Ireland Business Summit at the International Conference Centre Belfast. 💼

As Patron of the International Sheep Dog Society, lattended the World Sheep Dog Trials at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore. 🐑🐶

Unveiled a Royal British Legion Community Bench in Dromore Square, Dromore. 🌹

Attended the Department for Business and Trade’s Northern Ireland Business Summit Reception at Hillsborough Castle. 👔🇮🇪

14/09 Attended the British Equine Veterinary Association 2023 Congress at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. 🩺🐴

As Patron of the Butler Trust visited Stonnall Road Approved Premises in Walsall. 🏠

Opened the Firefly Woods at Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley House. She unveiled a firefly dedicated to her late parents. 💡

15/09 As Patron of the Restorative Justice Council, opened the Restorative Justice Council Inaugural Northern Ireland Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 🇮🇪⚖️

As Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, attended the North, West and Hebrides Annual Graduation Ceremony and Celebration of Success and Achievement at St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church, Thurso. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎓

18/09 The Princess Royal, As Guardian of Give Them A Sporting Chance, visited the Rivertime Boat Trust at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley on Thames. 🦽🚣‍♀️

As Patron of the National Transport Trust, attended the Annual Awards Ceremony at Fawley Hill Transport Museum, Henley-on-Thames. 🚂🥇

19/09 Visited the Our Cow Molly icecream parlour and dairy farm at Cliffe House Farm, Dungworth, Sheffield. 🍦🐮

Launched the Ethel Trust Community Barge PEARL at Victoria Quays and attended a Reception at the Quays Hotel Sheffield. 🚤

As Patron of the Royal College of Midwives, visited Doncaster Royal Infirmary Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 👶🤰

20/09 As Patron of Police Treatment Centres, visited the St Andrews Centre in Harrogate. 👮‍♀️

Visited Claro Enterprises Community Workshop, Harrogate, to mark its 30th anniversary. 🎂

Visited Woods of Harrogate Limited Fine Linens Company in Harrogate. 🧖‍♀️

Visited Hollybank Trust Care Centre, in Mirfield, to mark its 70th Anniversary. 🩺

21/09 Visited Jaguar Land Rover Halewood Vehicle Plant to mark the 60th anniversary of its opening in Liverpool. 🚙

As President of the British Olympic Association, attended an Executive Board Meeting in London W1. 💼

22/09 With Sir Tim opened the Aberdeen South Harbour Expansion Project at the Port of Aberdeen. ⛴️

26/09 Held an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

Opened the renovated Old War Office Building, Whitehall in London. 🏢

Attended the Royal Warrant Holders Association’s President’s Reception at Westminster Abbey. 📑🍾

As Patron of Mercy Ships International, attended a 45th Anniversary Dinner onboard The Elizabethan, sailing on the River Thames. 🛥️🍽️

27/09 Held two Investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As President of World Horse Welfare, attended a Reception at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge, London. 🐎

As Patron of Opportunity International UK, attended a Dinner at Evercore in London. 🌍

28/09 As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, attended the Sustainability in UK Textiles Conference at Drapers’ Hall, London. 👗

As Founders’ Patron and President, of the Benenden School & Society, attended the Centenary Global Conference “Inspiring Future Female Leaders”, opened the Seniors’ Courtyard, launched “Benenden 100” Centenary Book and attended the Benenden Society Reception at Benenden School in Kent. 🏫

29/09 Attended the Rededication Service of Southport War Memorial. 🫡

Total official engagements for Anne in July: 47

2023 total so far: 353

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in July: 5

2023 total so far: 75

[thedreadvampy]

Yesterday's march was pretty packed out, we just about all fitted into St Andrews Square but we were packed pretty cheek to cheek, and we fully filled up Waverley Bridge while people were still coming in off Princes Street.

one lad (skinhead, poppies) came into the crowd and started shouting IT'S FUCKIN REMEMBRANCE DAY THIS IS FUCKIN SCOTLAND YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT SCOTLAND etc all that shit. but he was surrounded and shouted down until he slunk off, no violence, good job.

The chants were mostly being led by some of the kids from the Scottish-Palestinian groups which was really good. Idk how many people were there but it was a good few thousand. Queer blocs and Jewish blocs and queer Jewish blocs and old school trade unionists and old ladies with white poppies. Other than a couple of people who were like 'well why is it our problem' people outside the march seemed really receptive too, we had people on buses and on the street joining in the cheers. Scotland stands with Palestine against genocide. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

[justforbooks]

Towards the end of his life, the actor Adrian Schiller, who has died unexpectedly aged 60, found success and sudden fame in two blockbuster TV shows: The Last Kingdom (2018-22), on Netflix, in which he played the richest man in medieval Wessex, Aethelhelm; and ITV’s drama Victoria (2016-19), as Cornelius Penge, a footman in the royal household.

In both, a fleeting glance would suggest that here was a naturally authoritative actor, blessed with gravitas and style. This camouflaged the demonic comic spirit within, which had informed so many of his memorable stage performances since he first appeared in the German Expressionist Carl Sternheim’s 1911 play The Knickers at the Lyric, Hammersmith, in 1991. In a delicious comic performance, he played a weak-chested Wagner-loving barber thunderstruck by a flash of discarded lingerie as the Kaiser drove by, suggesting, said the Times critic, “a tousle-headed combination of Charlie Chaplin, Egon Schiele and Gollum, whose idea of romance is reading extracts from the Flying Dutchman”.

Schiller proceeded to leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1990s – his Porter in a disappointing 1996 Macbeth was the funniest I had ever seen, while his entertaining Touchstone in an awful 2000 designer knitwear production of As You Like It rescued another dud evening.

He was less prominent in some strange productions at the National – Peter Handke’s wordless The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other in 2008, as one of 27 actors playing 450 characters in a town square, coming and going with no interaction, and as a revolutionary tailor in a poor 2013 retread of Carl Zuckmayer’s 1931 Captain of Kopenick, in which Antony Sher did not eclipse memories of Paul Scofield in the NT’s 1971 production.

On the other hand, he was outstanding in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, superbly directed, and modernised, by Benedict Andrews at the Young Vic in 2012, playing Kulygin, a leather-jacketed schoolteacher tragically infatuated with his own disloyal wife; and he was a compelling, original, quietly spoken and sympathetic Shylock in The Merchant of Venice at the Wanamaker, the candle-lit indoor venue at Shakespeare’s Globe, in 2022. The Merchant rekindled the current noise around the play – is it antisemitic or about antisemitism?

In an interview with the Jewish Chronicle, Schiller tilted towards the second view. He averred that he was “a Jew, but not Jewish”.

Schiller was born in Oxford, the second of four children of Judith (nee Bennett), a teacher, and Klaus Schiller, a gastroenterologist whose family had emigrated from Austria to Britain in 1938. When Klaus was appointed a consultant at St Peter’s hospital, Chertsey, the Schillers moved to Surrey.

Adrian was educated at Kingston grammar school and Charterhouse, in Godalming, Surrey, where he pursued a busy life in stage productions. Instead of drama school, he took a good degree in philosophy (after switching from architecture) at University College London, although he always self-deprecatingly said that he majored in “plays and partying”.

His early television career encompassed series such as Prime Suspect, A Touch of Frost, Judge John Deed and much else, through to the first series of Endeavour in 2013. He also popped up in the Channel 4 series The Devil’s Whore (2008) set in the English civil war, and the Doctor Who story strand The Doctor’s Wife in 2011.

One of his most effective cameos on screen was as the barman in a striking government-sponsored advert in the anti-drink-driving campaign in 2007. He leaned deep into the camera with a series of non-equivocal questions to a bemused, unimpressed young glass-holding customer who may or may not have grasped the seriousness of the interrogation.

But he always returned to the theatre, seeking out the most demanding roles with companies who would accommodate him. He gave an almost ideal Cassius, wirily intellectual while bubbling passionately underneath, said Michael Billington, for David Farr’s 2005 RSC touring version of Julius Caesar. In the title role of Tartuffe at the Watermill, Newbury, in 2006, he was cool and venomous, as well as understated, and clearly the star of the show.

And for Stephen Unwin’s English Touring Theatre in 2007, he rebooted the remorseless villain, De Flores, in Middleton and Rowley’s Jacobean shocker, The Changeling. He was more than notable, too, opposite Sher’s Sigmund Freud, as a vividly hilarious Salvador Dalí, in their great encounter scene in Terry Johnson’s Hysteria at the Hampstead theatre, revived there in 2013, 20 years after its Royal Court premiere.

His feature film credits were not extensive, but in 2014 he was well cast as the sardonic high priest Caiaphas in Son of God, Christopher Spencer’s biblical epic. In Sarah Gavron’s Suffragette (2015), scripted by Abi Morgan, he was an imposing Lloyd George, coming round to the persuasion of the militant vote-seeking women led by Meryl Streep as Emmeline Pankhurst and Carey Mulligan as a fictional worker fuelled by the excitement of change and protest.

His last movie, yet to be released, is Red Sonja, in which he plays the king of Turan in a remake of the 1985 sword-and-sorcery Marvel Comics fantasy.

Back on stage in 2023, he returned to questions of Jewish identity and survival in three short new plays at the Soho theatre and a more substantial Holocaust drama, The White Factory by Dmitry Glukhovsky, at the sparky new Marylebone theatre (formerly the Steiner Hall), in which he was a powerful, wise presence in the story of a survivor of the Łódź ghetto in Poland, played by Mark Quartley, adapting to American life in the Brooklyn of the 60s.

At the time of his death, Schiller – who was also a skilled sculptor and guitarist – had just returned from Sydney and the triumphant international tour of The Lehman Trilogy, directed by Sam Mendes, and had been looking forward to the next leg of the tour in San Francisco.

He is survived by his partner, Milena Wlodkowska, a laboratory support technician, and their son, Gabriel, and by his sister, Ginny, and brothers, Nick and Ben.

🔔 Adrian Townsend Schiller, actor, born 21 February 1964; died 3 April 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[blairstales]

Scottish Historical Lúnasdal & Lammas

There are many theories of where the name Lammas comes from. Some I have come across are:

It could be warped from luna agustalis, which is latin for “August moon.”

It is from “loaf-mass,” which is an alternative name that some people do call it today.

It is an anglicization of Gŵyl Awst, Welsh for “feast of August”

It comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Hlâf-mæsse” which means “loaf mass.”

Lammas is mentioned as a Christian festival, but it does overlap with a pagan one. As like with other cross-quarter day festivals that coincided with church ones, the names and traditions blurred.

Lúnasdal (which has many alternative spellings), is thought to be named after the Irish god Lugh, and the day was once widely celebrated in Scotland and elsewhere. It commonly marked the end of the fishing season, and the start of the harvest season. The day would often see markets, feasts, dancing, and saining.

“This, being a quarter day, formed a great day with old women for saining cattle, and performing those ceremonies by which evil was to be kept away from them for the next three months. Tar was put on their tails and ears, charms (òradh) were said at their udders, red and blue threads were put on their tails, and various observances were gone through with balls of hair (rolag), plants, fire about the earthenware pipkins (crogain) in which milk or butter was to be put, etc. Curds and butter were specially prepared for a great feast held this day, at which it was highly important that everyone got as much as he cared for.” “Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland” by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)

One of the most unique traditions involved a mock-war. Hundreds or more communities of a district would build towers of sod or stone.

“It was for the most part square, about 4 feet in diameter at the bottom, and tapering to a point at the top, which was seldom above 7 feet or eight feet from the ground . In building it a hole was left in the centre for admitting a flagstaff, on which were displayed their colours on the great day of the festival. This tower was generally commenced about a month before Lammas, being seldom entirely completed till close that time.” “Old Scottish Customs, Local and General” by Ellen Emma Guthrie (1885)

As Lammas drew near, the groups would gradually build the tower, fend off any saboteurs, pick a captain, then find themselves a flag (colours) that would be put up in the tower.

For this purpose they borrowed a fine table – napkin of the largest size from one of the farmers ‘ wives within the district , and ornamented it with ribbons. “British Popular Customs, Present and Past; Illustrating the Social and Domestic” by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer (1911)

On Lammas itself, they would set out with cudgels(a bat-like weapon), and protect their tower by any means possible, even if it included bloodshed. Some would set out, with the goal of toppling enemy towers. If the attacked stopped by mid-day, flags would be removed, and the crowds would head back to their communities while blowing horns. From then, races and other fin would be held.

For a strange bit of folklore, Lammas was said to take an eye of gadflies(horseflies), making them less dangerous.

"On Lammas day, the gad-fly “loses one of its eyes” (Latha Lùnasdal caillidh chreithleag an leth shùil). The creature is not so vicious after this date.’" “Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland” by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)

Lammas Market (for ‘St Andrews: its Character and Tradition’)

Note: if you want to do more research, there are more quotes and audio recordings on my website.

[scotianostra]

St Andrews CathedraL

The remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church, show how impressive it used to be.

St Rule’s Church, (the remains are seen in the pics, the square tower beside the tree) was likely built around 1130, as the first place of worship in Scotland for the newly arrived Augustinian canons. This Continental reformed order supplanted the existing clergy.

The 33m tall St Rule’s Tower may have been a beacon for pilgrims heading for the shrine of St Andrew.

The cathedral was begun in 1160–2 by Bishop Arnold. Work continued over the next 150 years, but was stalled by a storm in 1272, which blew down the west front, and by the first War of Independence against England.

When the cathedral was finally dedicated in 1318 – in the presence of Robert the Bruce, by then king – it was by far the largest church in Scotland. So it was fitting that St Rule’s became the headquarters of the Scottish Church.

In June 1559 during the Reformation, a Protestant mob incited by the preaching of John Knox ransacked the cathedral; the interior of the building was destroyed. The cathedral fell into decline following the attack and became a source of building material for the town.

[fandomfluffandfuck]

just posted my kinktober masterlist on @bvckyysarm and I'm literally so excited for the fills!!! 🤫🤫 I know you said you won't be taking requests because of school but I was thinking- if you were to do kinktober this year, what would be your prompts? I'm curious to what could have been lmao

Archie's Kinktober Masterlist Can Be Found Here

I'm excited too! I can't wait to read the fills you put out!

At some point, I made a kinktober list, toying with the idea of doing it, but I didn't end up having time 😅 the list I came up with was:

I put multiple kinks on each day with the intention of either choosing between them or including them all. I also had no idea if other people would want to use it, and if they did, I wanted to give them options, haha.

Lingerie/Feminization/Corset or Suit

Humiliation or Praise/Dirty Talk

Chastity Device/Orgasm Denial/Edging

Tummy Bulge/Size Difference/Size Queen

Monsterfucking/Tentacles/Oviposition

Mindfuck/Hypnosis Kink

Blasphemy/Sacrilegious: Priest, In A Church, etc.

Leather/Latex/Clothes Fetish

Double Penetration/Fuck Machine/Anal Training

Nipple Play/Nipple Clamps/Titfucking

Mirrors/Sex Tape/Body Worship

Sensory Deprivation: Blindfolds, Gags, Ear Plugs, etc.

Intoxication Kink: Drunk, Drugged, Sex-Pollen, etc.

Overstimulation/Begging/Dacryphilia

Restraint: Bondage, Shibari, Human Furniture, Honor Bondage, etc.

Piss Kink/Omorashi/Golden Showers/Urethral Sounding or Other Bodily Fluids

Public/Toys Under Clothes/Exhibitionism & Voyeurism

Mouth: Throatfucking, Rough Oral, Tongue, Teeth, etc.

Breath Play/Choking/Collars

Temperature Play: Hot Wax, Ice, Fire

Omegaverse/Pet Play/Other Roleplay

Miscellaneous Toys: Vibrators, Dildos, Fleshlights, Strap Ons, Floggers, Anal Hooks, etc.

Medical Kink: Examination, Injections, Enemas, Stirrups, etc.

Power Switch: Service Top, Service Bottom, Topping From The Bottom, etc.

Authority Kink/Competency Kink/Power Play

Torture/Sadomascohism/Impact Play/CBT

Sex Furniture: St. Andrew's Cross, Spanking Bench, Cages, etc.

Breeding Kink/Pregnancy Kink/Hyperspermia

Hands-Free Orgasm/Dry Humping/Thigh Grinding

Enthusiastic Consent or Consensual-Non-Consent/Dub-con/Non-con

Free Square (free use? 😏)

There's so many kinks out there, though, so who knows if I would've ended up actually using that list, lol.

[sshannonauthor]

Good evening, riders and slayers. I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be touring in person in 2023, to celebrate the publication of A Day of Fallen Night, the standalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree.   As well as making several UK stops, I’m really excited to be returning to the US and Canada for the first time in six years. The tour begins on Friday 24 February, with wonderful Saara El-Arifi chairing a launch event in London. Tickets go on sale on 11 November 2022 at 00:00 (GMT). Everyone who chooses the ticket + book option will receive an exclusive dragon pin.

UK

Friday 24 February – Waterstones Piccadilly, St James’ Church, with Saara El-Arifi – book here

Saturday 25 February – Waterstones Liverpool with Jennifer Saint – book here

Monday 27 February – Waterstones Norwich, Blackfriars Hall, with Tasha Suri – book here

Friday 10 March – Waterstones Bristol (Galleries), with Natasha Pulley – book here

Saturday 11 March – Falmouth Booksellers, Falmouth Methodist Church – book here

Tuesday 14 March – Waterstones Nottingham – book here

Wednesday 15 March – Waterstones Leeds – book here

Thursday 16 March – Topping St Andrews, St Andrews Episcopal Church – book here

Friday 17 March – Topping Edinburgh, Greenside Church – book here

Monday 20 March – Waterstones Birmingham, The Glee Club – book here

Wednesday 22 March – Topping Ely, Hayward Theatre – link to come

Friday 31 March – City Books, Ropetackle Arts Centre, Hove – link to come

US & CANADA 

Wednesday 1 March – Barnes & Noble, Union Square, New York City – link to come

Thursday 2 March – Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN – book here

Friday 3 March – The Novel Neighbor Bookstore, St. Louis, MO – book here 

Saturday 4 March – Tucson Festival of Books, AZ – link to come

Sunday 5 March – Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA – link to come

Monday 6 March – Indigo, Metrotown, Vancouver, Canada – link to come